This Week...

November 2- November 6, 2015

Reading:  We spent some time reviewing all the key topics and skills we have learned in our nonfiction unit so far…some of these included author’s purpose, types of nonfiction, vocabulary strategies, features, and structures.  Then, we talked about the importance of summarizing what we read.  We learned that a summary should be about the most important parts of the text and that it can help the reader with his/her comprehension.  Students practiced using the “Sum It Up” strategy with A Butterfly is Patient.  They also applied this strategy while reading a National Geographic article about raptors raising their young.  They used a graphic organizer to make sure they included all the key parts of the article in their summary. Reading Logs are due Monday, November 9.  (100 minutes)

Math:  Students reviewed major concepts from unit 3, which included: measuring to the nearest ¼ inch, finding the perimeter/area, and measuring the diameter/circumference of a circle.  They also started using IXL, an online resource to review key measurement concepts.  Student log-in information and passwords are taped in the front of their assignment notebooks.  Students are encouraged to use this resource at home to practice any additional skills.  Students took their unit 3 test on Wednesday.  We will begin unit 4 next week!

Science:  In the LMC, students continued their biome research.  They used the boxes and bullets organizer to take notes about various animals that live in their biome.  They determined if the adaptations were physical or behavioral.  At the end of the week, we reviewed key ideas from our habitat unit.  Two review guides went home.  One guide focused on the oak tree and survival needs, while the other focused on the cactus.  The habitats unit test will be on Tuesday, November 10.  Please encourage your child to start studying now since there is a lot of material.

Writing:  In writing, we continued working on our personal narratives!  Students chose two sections that needed improvement.  Then, they wrote two revisions that included additional showing details.  After creating their revisions, students worked on their rough drafts.  In grammar, students learned irregular plural noun forms, such as “feet” and “geese”.  The November writing words list also went home at the beginning of the week.  The November writing words test will be on Thursday, November 19 and will include the October words.

Spelling:  Students took their week 9 spelling test.

Miscellaneous:  November book orders went home this week and are due on Friday, November 20.  Also, congrats to Nani and Mary for winning the raffle for our hermit crabs!  We appreciate all the offers to take one home, but unfortunately, we only had 2. We will miss Herman and Mr. Massive, but know that they will be well taken care of!  Please let me know if you have any questions.  I hope you have a terrific weekend!