This Week...

May 1-May 5, 2017

Reading:  We continued our study of poetry!  Students figured out how poets utilize white space and line breaks to help the reader understand the message.  We also discussed the importance of reading a poem “start to finish”.  Students determined the meaning of a poem after each stanza.  They learned that it is necessary to read a poem in its entirety to truly understand the meaning.  Finally, students analyzed a poet’s style by comparing and contrasting poems by the same author. Reading Logs are due Monday, May 8.  (100 minutes)

Math:  Students spent the week reviewing key concepts from unit 9.  Factors, the partial products algorithm, and lattice were practiced through various activities.  Students took the unit 9 test on Thursday.  **If applicable: for students still on addition and subtraction, fact tests and graphs are due Monday, May 8.

Social Studies:  Students played a landmark game to identify important locations around Chicago.  They also learned about how various types of transportation transformed the city.  Students took their Chicago test on Thursday.  In the LMC, we continued researching important landmarks using various note-taking strategies and websites.  Next week, we will begin our new science unit: weather!

Writing:  After planning out their short fiction piece, students began writing their introductions and problems.  They used showing details and strong verbs to help the reader create a clear picture in his/her mind.  In grammar, we reviewed pronouns and contractions.

Spelling:  We had our week 30 review test.

Miscellaneous:  On Thursday, our class read The Invisible Boy, which talks about the importance of kindness and friendship.  Students met in groups and completed a “chalk talk”, where they jotted down their thoughts, feelings, and ideas about the author’s message.  Then, they visited other group’s posters and recorded feedback.  This visible thinking routine helped students have a great discussion about what we can learn from this story.  Also, I wanted to thank everyone who made me feel so special during Teacher Appreciation week…I truly appreciate it!  Have a fabulous weekend!