This Week...

December 12- December 16, 2016

Reading:  We talked about how good readers make inferences while they read.  Students learned how to access their background knowledge and utilize text details to develop a deeper understanding about the text.  We also read a collection of Zen shorts and found common themes throughout the stories.  Some of these themes included kindness and generosity.   Reading Logs are due Tuesday, January 3.  (300 minutes)

Math:  Students continued working with large numbers!  They calculated their ages in terms of days and minutes.   Reading aloud large numbers was also a focus.  At the end of the week, students surveyed the class with a question about a winter topic.  Then, they collected data, analyzed it, and graphed it.  Students displayed their information using bar graphs, pictographs, and pie charts.  Please remind your child to be practicing his/her basic facts over winter break…thank you!

Social Studies:  We reviewed key ideas from the Midwest unit.  Students took their unit test on Wednesday.  When we come back from break, we will start our new social studies unit: Illinois!

Writing:  In writing, students worked on finding text evidence in My Name is Maria Isabel to support various character traits.  They also created sensory details to describe different experiences.  In grammar, students identified the correct form of present tense verbs.

Spelling:  Today, we had our week 14 test.

Miscellaneous:  Students enjoyed the SOLARS award ceremony which concluded our solar system research projects.  Today, we exchanged beautiful secret snowpal cards!  Students really enjoyed sharing their cards with classmates.  They worked very hard on creating these special gifts.  I wish you all a restful and enjoyable winter break!  See you back in 2017!