This Week...

February 1- February 5, 2016

Reading:  Students were excited to start our next unit: poetry!  We learned that poetry can come in a variety of shapes and sizes.  Students analyzed various poems and noticed different types of elements.  Some of these included the shape, font, amount of stanzas, colors, print size, etc.  We also talked about the following poetic techniques: alliteration, repetition, and onomatopoeia.  Students learned how to identify these techniques within different poems, while also inferring why the poets used them.  Reading Logs are due Monday, February 8.  (100 minutes)

Math:  At the beginning of the week, we reviewed key concepts from unit 6.  Students took their unit 6 test on Wednesday.  At the end of the week, students took a “pop” test over units 4-6.  This test will be shared with you during spring conferences.  On Monday, we will begin unit 7! **If applicable: for students still on addition and subtraction, fact tests and graphs are due Monday, February 8.

Science:  Students used physical models to demonstrate how the earth, moon, and sun interact with each other.  We also reviewed key ideas about the moon.  The moon quiz will be on Tuesday, February 9.  A review guide went home this week.  In the LMC, students learned which planets the will be researching!  They learned about a valuable resource, TrueFlix, which has important information they can use for note-taking.

Writing:  Students worked hard on their literature essay rough drafts.  Students also learned the importance of peer feedback.  They participated in an activity where they discovered that feedback can be a helpful part of the revision process.  Students utilized this feedback to make changes to their pieces.  In grammar, we reviewed major concepts from the unit.  Students practiced writing verbs in the present, past, and future tenses.  February writing words also went home this week.

Spelling:  We had our week 18 review test.

Miscellaneous:  Students enjoyed the book fair this week!  It was great to see everyone picking out some wonderful books.  Just a reminder, if your child is planning on bringing valentines, please be sure there is one for each student and that they do not contain food/candy.  Valentine boxes are due on Thursday, February 11.  Students took their Northeast states and capitals test this week.  Our next region will be the West!  Finally, field trip forms and conference forms went home...please return these when you get a chance.  Please let me know if you have any questions.  Have a fabulous weekend!