This Week...

November 13- November 17, 2017

Reading:  Students determined the “big idea” of an article about chimpanzees.  They figured out that the first sentence of a paragraph will usually help them find the topic.  Nonfiction text features, like captions and photographs, can also help readers figure out the big idea.  Students also learned that good readers access their prior knowledge, ask questions, and document their thinking.  While reading various nonfiction books, students recorded their thinking on KWL charts. Reading Logs are due Monday, November 27.  (200 minutes)

Math:  We spent the week reviewing how to use bar models to solve multi-step word problems.  On Thursday, students took their chapter 5 test.  When we return from break, we will begin chapter 6, which focuses on multiplication.

Social Studies:  At the beginning of the week, we started the Midwest unit!  Students learned where the states and capitals are located.  A letter went home this week detailing the expectations for learning this information.  We also read about the landscape of the Midwest.  We discovered that the land was once covered with glaciers, which later formed many of our lakes.  We also focused on Native American life in the early 1800s and how the buffalo was vital to their survival.  Lewis and Clark’s expedition in the Louisiana territory was discussed.

Writing:  Students practiced writing special letters about the Thanksgiving season.  They also had the opportunity to share their personal narratives with students in Mrs. Lo’s class.  In grammar, students focused on turning singular nouns into plural nouns.

Word Study:  Students worked with words that had similar spelling patterns.  They focused on certain vowel sounds by dividing the words into onsets and rimes.  Then, they did a word making activity that asked them to follow the patterns.

Miscellaneous:  Progress reports were sent home today.  Please sign the front of the envelope and return the empty envelope to school.  I am looking forward to meeting with you at conferences next week!  Thank you for taking the time to discuss your child’s progress.  Students will return to school on Monday, November 27.  I hope you all have an enjoyable and relaxing Thanksgiving break!  As always, please contact me if you have any questions…enjoy!