This Week...

January 11- January 15, 2016

Reading:  At the beginning of the week, we talked about the difference between literal and figurative language.  Students discovered that authors use literal language when they mean exactly what they write on the page.  Figurative language, on the other hand, is when the words on the page do not mean exactly what they say.  We discussed examples of similes, metaphors, and idioms.  We also read a short fiction piece entitled “The Claw”.  Students were able to identify examples of personification, where the author gives human like qualities to something that is not human.  At the end of the week, we revisited Zen Shorts to talk about tone and mood.  Students learned that the tone is the author and illustrator’s attitude toward the subject.  The mood is what feelings the reader has as he or she reads.  We also determined how the illustrations contribute to the overall mood and tone of a story. Reading Logs are due Wednesday, January 20.  (100 minutes)

Math:  We began unit 6!  A family letter went home this week outlining the major concepts.  Rays, lines, and line segments were a main focus.  Students practiced labeling them, as well as finding examples in the real world.  Intersecting lines and parallel line segments were also discovered.  Students practiced drawing and manipulating various angles with straws!  They learned that a square corner is also called a right angle. **If applicable: for students still on addition and subtraction, fact tests and graphs are due Wednesday, January 20.

Science:  We learned that the sun is the center of our solar system.  Students discovered that the earth rotates while orbiting the sun.  When the earth moves, it appears that the sun is moving.  Students also created models to explain why we have daytime and nighttime.  Next week, we will have a short quiz over the key aspects of the sun.  A review guide will be going home on Wednesday.

Writing:  We continued our work with My Name is Maria Isabel.  We developed a verb continuum, starting with slow moving verbs and ending with quick moving verbs.  Students incorporated these verbs when writing about a moment when Maria Isabel demonstrated a particular character trait.  In grammar, students identified the future tense of various verbs and applied quotation marks.

Spelling:  Today, we had our week 16 test.

Miscellaneous:  This week, we enjoyed a wonderful art appreciation session by Eli’s mom!  Students learned about Georges Seurat and pointillism.   Just a reminder, January book orders are due January 27.  Also, there will be no school on Monday or Tuesday.  Please let me know if you have any questions.  Enjoy the 4-day weekend!