This Week...

October 30- November 3, 2017

Reading:  Students became word detectives using a book about animal tongues!  We discussed how many nonfiction texts have challenging, content-specific vocabulary.  Students learned three strategies to use when coming across an unknown word: using context clues, accessing prior knowledge, and using the glossary.  At the end of the week, students practiced summarizing the key points of a text. Reading Logs are due Monday, November 6.  (100 minutes)

Math:  We spent the week reviewing major concepts from unit 4.  Students solved various problems that involved multiple step regrouping.  Students took their unit 4 test on Thursday.  We will begin unit 5 on Monday.  A family letter outlining the areas of focus will be going home on Monday.

Science:  This week, students began researching different types of severe weather in the LMC!  They focused on finding important characteristics by using a variety of resources.  The weather unit test will be next Friday, November 10.  A review guide and flashcards will be going home to help students in the studying process.

Writing:  Personal narrative rough drafts were the focus this week.  Students made revisions to their pieces by adding more showing details.  They also met in pairs to give each other peer feedback.  In grammar, we reviewed major concepts from unit 1.

Word Study:  Students continued working on compound word and consonant digraphs.  They learned common consonant digraph endings, such as “hatch” and “push”.  Students played “Lotto” to practice identifying these common endings.  We also categorized various compound words.  We focused on compound words that have the same main word, such as: doorknob, doorbell, and doorstep.

Miscellaneous:  Students had a wonderful time celebrating Halloween at the beginning of the week!  Thank you to Matthew’s mom, Graham’s mom, Riley’s mom, Dylan’s mom, Zach’s mom, Julia’s mom, and Sophie’s mom for helping with our party!  On Thursday, students enjoyed the fourth grade musical.  As always, please let me know if you have any questions…have a fantastic weekend!