This Week...

January 25- January 29, 2016

Reading:  Students enjoyed reading the fable, The Bad Kangaroo.  They used the characters’ actions and dialogue to determine their point of view on the story’s events.  We also talked about the difference between first person, second person, and third person.  The way an author chooses to write a story can impact our perspective of what occurs.  Making text-to-text connections was another main topic this week.  We read two different mysteries by the same author and compared them using the key story elements.  We had a great discussion about book series and how you can make connections between the same characters.  When you make these connections, they deepen your understanding of the story.  At the end of the week, we learned the important terminology used in dramatic plays. Reading Logs are due Monday, February 1.  (100 minutes)

Math:  At the beginning of the week, students focused on symmetry.  Students learned how to draw the mirror image of an object from the line of symmetry.  Congruent and similar shapes were discussed and investigated.  Students also studied various characteristics of 3-D shapes.  Vertices, faces, bases, and edges were identified on the shapes.  The unit 6 test will be on Wednesday, February 3.  A review guide will be going home on Monday. **If applicable: for students still on addition and subtraction, fact tests and graphs are due Monday, February 1.

Science:  The moon was our main focus for the week!  We were able to engage in rich discussions about the moon’s movement, its composition, and its phases.  Students wrote down their prior knowledge and questions using a KWL chart.  They also created physical models of how the sun, moon, and Earth interact with each other.  Next week, we will spend time in the LMC researching the planets!

Writing:  Students chose a character trait and moment for their response to literature essay!  They also developed interesting leads to hook the reader.  Some of these leads included questions or interesting details.  They learned that leads need to include the title of the book and the author.  On Thursday, students took their January writing words test.  Next week, students will receive the list for February.  In grammar, we combined sentences that had the same subject or predicate.

Spelling:  We had our week 17 test.

Miscellaneous:  The Northeast states and capitals test will be on Wednesday, February 3.  Please let me know if your child needs additional practice sheets.  Our class will be visiting the book fair on Tuesday, February 2!  Flyers will be going home today along with a wish list.  Please have your child fill out the wish list and bring it back to school on Tuesday…thank you!  I hope you have a great weekend and please let me know if you have any questions!