This Week...

February 22- February 26, 2016

Reading:  We read a variety of poems and worked on finding the “big idea”.  As we read each stanza, we annotated our thoughts in the margins.  Students learned that the reader must read through the poem in its entirety to truly understand the poet’s message.  They also determined the mood of the poem by looking for clues.  Many of these clues included sensory details.  On Wednesday, we celebrated World Read Aloud Day!  Mrs. Sessler was able to visit our classroom and read us one of her favorite books! Reading Logs are due Monday, February 29.  (100 minutes)

Math:  Students reviewed key concepts from unit 7.  Fact extensions, in and out boxes, and puzzles were some of the main topics.  We took our unit 7 test on Thursday.  Next week, we will begin unit 8.  A family letter will be going home to explain the details of the upcoming fraction unit. **If applicable: for students still on addition and subtraction, fact tests and graphs are due Monday, February 29.

Social Studies:  Students watched a video on Abraham Lincoln and discussed his importance in our state.  They created Lincoln collages based on significant events in his life.  We had a great discussion about the impact Lincoln had on our country and our state.

Writing:  In writing, we began our poetry unit!  Students used strong verbs and interesting adjectives to write “I Am” poems.  In grammar, we focused on identifying and applying helping verbs.  The February writing words test was on Thursday.  March words will be going home next week.

Spelling:  We had our week 21 test.

Miscellaneous:  Students were excited to attend the Band of Steel assembly, which was sponsored by the PTA!  They loved watching the performance.  On Thursday, the class surprised me with a sweet baby shower!  It was so generous of everyone to give us the adorable baby gear and I absolutely loved reading the baby book written by our class.  Baby Morizzo is one lucky baby!  Since this is my last newsletter before I go on maternity leave, I just wanted to thank each one of you for a wonderful school year!  I have truly enjoyed working with each of your children.  I know they will continue learning and growing during this last trimester of the school year.  Thank you for all your support…I really appreciate it!  Have a wonderful weekend!