This Week...

October 13- October 16, 2015

Reading:  At the beginning of the week, students reflected on all the important foundational skills and routines from our launch unit.  We reviewed protocols for choosing a just right book and how to monitor our engagement.  We also talked about author’s purpose and the elements of a story map.  At the end of the week, we dove right into our nonfiction unit!  Students learned that there are three types of nonfiction: literary nonfiction, biography, and reference.  They analyzed different nonfiction books during a scavenger hunt and differentiated between the three types.  Reading Logs are due Monday, October 19.  (100 minutes)

Math:  We spent time reviewing key concepts from unit 2 and students took their test on Wednesday.  We also began unit 3!  We read the story How Big Is A Foot? to understand the importance of standard units of measure.  Students did a hands-on activity where we found our average class shoe size.

Science:  Students read about how animals have certain physical and behavioral characteristics that help them meet their basic survival needs.  While reading, students created open and closed questions to show what they were wondering about the topic.  Students learned that closed questions typically have one right answer or can be answered with a yes/no.  Open questions require more research and they typically start with “how” or “why”.  We also read Home is an Oak Tree.  Students learned how various organisms use the oak tree to meet their needs.

Writing:  Students learned how to incorporate “strong verbs” in their writing.  They continued to work on “showing” instead of “telling”.  In grammar, we reviewed key concepts from unit 1.

Spelling:  Students took their unit 1 review spelling test.  Next week, normal spelling lists and homework will resume.

Miscellaneous:  October book orders went home this week and are due on October 26.  Thank you to everyone who already brought in a one-inch binder for reading.  These binders are due October 20.  This week in the LMC, students worked on the skill of documenting by learning how to fill in a boxes and bullets organizer for habitat research.  We also had a bus evacuation drill this week where students learned important bus safety rules.  Have a great weekend and please let me know if you have any questions!