This Week...

October 23- October 27, 2017

Reading:  Students focused on the various nonfiction text structures that authors use while writing nonfiction.  Description, chronological, comparison, problem/solution, and cause/effect were the main structures that students looked for while reading different texts.  They searched for key signal words and phrases to help them determine the structure.  We also had a great discussion about A Nest for Celeste.  Students created character sketches for Celeste and Joseph. Reading Logs are due Monday, October 30.  (100 minutes)

Math:  We spent the week focusing on subtraction and regrouping.  We learned the reasoning behind regrouping by using base-10 blocks.  Students practiced solving problems with zeros as well.  Our unit 4 test will be on Thursday, November 2.  A chapter review will be going home on Wednesday.

Science:  This week, students learned how meteorologists collect important weather data for forecasts.  We focused on learning the tools that gather key weather information.  Some of these tools included barometers, anemometers, thermometers, rain gauges, cloud cover charts, and wind vanes.

Writing:  In writing, we began our personal narratives!  Students learned the characteristics of this writing genre and wrote about an important moment in their lives.  In grammar, students worked on combining similar sentences with a comma and a connecting word.

Word Study:  Students focused on compound words!  They learned that a compound word is made up of two separate words.  We also discovered that there are some words that are found in many compound words, such as “any” and “bath”.  Students manipulated word cards to form their own compound words.  We discussed how knowing one of the words can help you determine the meaning of the compound word.

Miscellaneous:  On Tuesday, we enjoyed an important presentation from Lt. Aleckson of the Arlington Heights Fire Department.  He taught us many safety tips and spoke about what it’s like to be a firefighter.   Just a reminder, on Tuesday, students should wear their costumes for the afternoon only.  The Halloween parade will begin around 1:30.   Our party will take place when we get back to the classroom.  Thank you to everyone who donated supplies, organized games, and volunteered to help us!  Have a great weekend and please let me know if you have any questions!