This Week...

October 22- October 26, 2018

Reading:  Students focused on the various nonfiction text structures that authors use while writing nonfiction.  Description and chronological were the main structures that students looked for while reading a nonfiction book about wolf pups.  They searched for key signal words and phrases to help them determine the structure. Reading Logs are due Monday, October 29.  (100 minutes)

Math:  We spent the beginning of the week reviewing subtraction number stories and regrouping steps.  On Wednesday, students took their unit 4 test.  The unit 5 family letter will be going home today which gives information about bar modeling.

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.  They also chose an activity and researched a place that would have ideal weather conditions.  At the end of the week, we analyzed weather patterns from the last 9 days and created line plot graphs.

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 learned the importance of having subjects at the beginning of sentences.

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:  Just a reminder, on Wednesday, 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!

Donations Needed!

Hi, Families!

We will be collecting some donations to help us with a culminating activity to go along with our Weather and Climate unit.  We will be collecting the specific items below.  If you are willing to donate any of the following items, it would be greatly appreciated.  Please do not send in items that were packaging for food- we want to protect everyone who has food allergies.

cardboard- cut down to 8 1/2 by 11 pieces (please do not send in whole boxes- please break them down to pieces at home)

drinking straws

twist ties

yarn

bubble wrap

packing peanuts

dixie cups
paper towel rolls
toilet paper roll
tape

Thank you for your help!

Halloween Information!

Please click on the link below for important information regarding Halloween.  Thanks!

Halloween Information

Word Study Fun!

This week, students learned about consonant clusters at the end of words.  They played "Lotto" in small groups to practice identifying these patterns across various words.

This Week...

October 9- October 12, 2018

Reading:  We were so excited to start our nonfiction unit!  Students learned how nonfiction books can be categorized into biographies, literary nonfiction books, and reference nonfiction texts.  They also spent time comparing and contrasting two nonfiction articles.  After reading about the history of pizza and sushi becoming popular in America, students completed Venn diagrams. Reading Logs are due Monday, October 15.  (100 minutes)

Math:  On Tuesday, students took their unit 3 test.  We also began unit 4, which focuses on multi-digit subtraction.  A family letter went home that outlines the key topics.  We learned the reasoning behind regrouping by using base-10 blocks and practiced solving various subtraction problems.

Science:  Students were excited to start our weather unit!  We had a science talk about what weather is, how it affects us, and why it’s important.  We learned that weather is how the sky looks and how the air feels.  Students recorded their observations about various weather situations.

Writing:  We continued working on the skill of showing!  Students wrote about a time when they saw someone open a gift.  They practiced writing details to show how that person was feeling instead of just telling us.  In grammar, students differentiated between commands and exclamations.  They learned that commands ask you to do something and require a period at the end of the sentence.  Exclamations show strong emotion and require an exclamation at the end of the sentence.

Word Study:  Students focused on consonant clusters at the end of words.  They identified various endings and found words that followed the same pattern while playing “Lotto” in small groups.

Miscellaneous:  It has been a great week getting back into the classroom and getting to know the students!  Thank you to Mrs. Riccardo for all her help in getting our year started on a wonderful note!  Also, thank you for taking the time to fill out conference goal setting forms.  These forms will help guide our discussions during conferences…I am looking forward to meeting with you next week!  In class, we spent time discussing bullying to honor October being Bully Prevention Month!  Students learned about “Stop, Walk, Talk” and what to do if he/she is a bystander.  As always, please let me know if you have any questions.  Have a fabulous weekend!

Fall Goal Setting Parent Form

On Tuesday, a fall goal setting form will be going home for parents to fill out.  Please complete the form and return it to school by Friday, October 12.  This form contains helpful information that will be used during our upcoming conferences.  Please let me know if you have any questions.  Thank you for your support!

CogAT Testing Information

Your child will be taking the CogAT this year.  There will be three test sessions.  Below are the dates and times for these test sessions.

Tuesday, October 9th- 9:10 am

Tuesday, October 16th- 10:15 am

Monday, October 22nd- 9:10 am

You can help your child by making sure they get plenty of rest and send a healthy breakfast.  If your child is not at school one of the dates of testing, there will be make-up sessions.  Please let me know if you have any questions.  

Here is a link if you would like more information about the test.

CogAT information