This Week...

January 4- January 8, 2016

 

Reading:  At the beginning of the week, we talked about how authors use sensory details to evoke a certain mood from the reader.  We practiced identifying positive and negative moods conveyed by the author of various fables.  Students also read a Chinese folktale about two different characters.  They analyzed the characters’ actions, words, feelings, and thoughts to determine appropriate character traits.  Another major focus was developing theories for mystery stories.  We talked about the importance of citing text evidence and our background knowledge to support our theories.  Students were very engaged and interested in our main mystery about the Mary Celeste, a mysterious ship from the 1800s whose crew went missing.  They did a wonderful job sharing their ideas and thoughts! Reading Logs are due Monday, January 11.  (100 minutes)

Math:  We spent the week reviewing major concepts from unit 5.  Students practiced reading aloud large numbers and decimals.  They also worked on comparing numbers and putting them in correct number sequences.  Place value was also reviewed up to the millions and down to the thousandths place.  Students took their unit 5 test on Friday.  The test consisted of a written portion, as well as an oral test where students read numbers.  Next week, we will begin unit 6!

Science:  We started our new science unit: the solar system!  Students explored their own ideas about what causes daytime and nighttime.  They also tracked the shadow of a basketball hoop throughout the day.  They learned that the sun plays a part in creating shadows.  When the sun “appears” to move over time, it affects where the shadow moves on the pavement.

Writing:  Students worked on a New Year’s Resolution writing project!  They developed various resolutions based on four aspects of their lives: home, school, personal, and character.  Students received their January writing words list.  In WEX, students worked on using sensory details to describe moments.  In grammar, students identified the past tense of various verbs and applied commas to sentences that included a series of things.

Spelling:  Today, we had our week 15 test.

Miscellaneous:  Happy New Year and welcome back!  I hope you all enjoyed a relaxing break with family and friends.  Just a reminder, January book orders went home this week.    During our LMC time, students reviewed important information about Destiny Quest.  They practiced how to search for books and reserve them with their account information.  Three “I Wonder” questions are due on Monday, January 11.  Please let me know if you have any questions…have a great weekend!