This Week...

October 3- October 6, 2016

Reading:  Students learned that good readers use the words in a story to create visualizations in their mind.  Creating these visualizations helps readers better understand the story.  We reread portions of Patricia Polacco’s The Bee Tree to practice this useful strategy.  Students also reviewed the key elements of fiction.  They used a story map to outline the main characters, setting, problem/conflict, plot, resolution, and theme.  They learned that thinking through a story map can help them monitor their understanding of a fiction story by focusing on the most important parts. Reading Logs are due Tuesday, October 11.  (100 minutes)

Math:  The partial sums addition method was practiced, in addition to the trade-first and counting up method.  We also worked on number stories with multiple addends.  Today, students completed a review guide.  The unit 2 test will be Thursday, October 13.

Social Studies:  Students reviewed important concepts from our map skills unit.  They took the unit test on Wednesday.  Next week, we will begin our first science unit: the solar system!

Writing:  In WEX, students wrote about objects by focusing on tiny details.  They also made careful observations to describe various settings.  We also started monthly writing words!  An informational letter went home on Wednesday, along with a copy of the words.  The October writing words test will be at the end of the month.  A specific date will be shared as it approaches.  In grammar, we worked on combining sentences to form compound sentences, which included a connecting word and a comma.

Spelling:  We took our week 5 spelling test.  Next week will be a review week for spelling.  We will not have spelling homework and the test will be multiple-choice.

Miscellaneous:  Thank you to everyone who participated in Walk to School Day…it was great to enjoy the beautiful weather while walking with our friends and families!  This week, in the LMC, students learned the importance of digital citizenship.  Students created superhero comics to highlight ways they can be a responsible digital citizen while using the Internet.   Also, an informational letter about Student Council went home this week…applications are due Tuesday, October 11.  Just a reminder, there will be no school for students on Friday (School Improvement Day) or Monday (Columbus Day).  Enjoy the long weekend!  As always, please let me know if you have any questions!