This Week...

January 9- January 13, 2017

Reading:  Students read a Chinese folktale, Gu Dong is Coming, which was about two different characters.  They analyzed the characters’ actions, words, feelings, and thoughts to determine appropriate character traits.  We also talked about the difference between literal and figurative language.  Students discovered that authors use literal language when they mean exactly what they write on the page.  Figurative language, on the other hand, is when the words on the page do not mean exactly what they say.  We discussed examples of similes, metaphors, and idioms.  We also read a short fiction piece entitled “The Claw”.  Students were able to identify examples of personification, where the author gives human like qualities to something that is not human.     Reading Logs are due Tuesday, January 17.  (100 minutes)

Math:  We spent the week reviewing major concepts from unit 5.  Students practiced reading aloud large numbers and decimals.  They also worked on comparing numbers and putting them in correct number sequences.  Place value was also reviewed up to the millions and down to the thousandths place.  Students took their unit 5 test on Friday.  The test consisted of a written portion, as well as an oral test where students read numbers.  Next week, we will begin unit 6!

Social Studies:  At the beginning of the week, students had the opportunity to study the climate of certain cities across the state: Springfield, Rockford, and Cairo.  After graphing the average monthly temperatures for each city, students discovered that the colder cities are in the northern part of the state, while the warmer cities are in southern Illinois.  Students also read about the Illini Native Americans.  They created note taking webs that focused on their homes, jobs, resources, and traditions.

Writing:  Students learned more about Maria Isabel as we read a couple more chapters in our books.  Students worked on writing about a moment when Maria Isabel demonstrated a particular character trait.  In grammar, students identified the future tense of various verbs and applied quotation marks.

Spelling:  Today, we had our week 16 test.

Miscellaneous:  Mrs. Frantz, our technology facilitator, came to our classroom to teach us about the important topic of Digital Citizenship!  Students learned that we leave digital footprints when we go online.  We brainstormed ways to making positive marks on the internet.  Just a reminder, January book orders are due February 3.  Also, there will be no school on Monday.  Please let me know if you have any questions.  Enjoy the 3-day weekend!