This Week...

November 30- December 4, 2015

Reading:  This week, we reviewed key skills from our nonfiction unit.  Students looked for key phrases to identify similarities and differences in various articles.  While reading a National Geographic article about seahorses, students determined the main idea from the topic sentence of a paragraph.  They also found details that supported the headings.  At the end of the week, students took their nonfiction unit assessment.  We will be starting our fiction unit next week! Reading Logs are due Monday, December 7.  (100 minutes)

Math:  Students practiced reviewing major concepts from unit 4.  Using arrays and pictures, they represented various multiplication/division number stories.  Students took their unit 4 test on Thursday!  We will begin unit 5 on Monday.  Please remind your child to be practicing his/her basic facts…thank you!

Social Studies:  Transportation in the Midwest was a main focus this week.  We learned how flatboats, steamboats, bulk freighters, and trains helped people travel and transport goods.  We discussed how kids grew up in the Midwest during the late 1800s.  Students wrote pioneer letters written from the perspective of a child living at that time.  Students also worked on their state research projects!  Students applied various research skills with nonfiction books and articles to find out key information about their Midwest state.

Writing:  In writing, we began unit 2 in our WEX writing program!  Unit 2 focuses on a response to literature.  We started the book My Name is Maria Isabel and students identified showing details that helped develop the main character.  They also wrote an expository piece on building a snowman.  In grammar, students reviewed key topics from unit 2.  Some of these topics included common & proper nouns, possessive nouns, and combining sentences.

Spelling:  Today, we had our unit 2 review test.  Next week, we will resume regular spelling and homework.

Miscellaneous:  I had a wonderful time meeting with each of you at conferences!  Thank you again for the commitment to your child’s learning experience!  I also hope you had a relaxing Thanksgiving break.  December book orders are due December 17.  I hope you have a fabulous weekend.  Please let me know if you have any questions.