This Week...

December 3- December 7, 2018

Reading:  This week, we focused on being word detectives.  We revisited the nonfiction article “New Hope for Beauty”.  Students practiced using context clues and the topic of the article to figure out the meaning of unknown words.  They also reviewed how to compare and contrast two different topics using an article about chimpanzees and humans.  Reading Logs are due Monday, December 10.  (100 minutes)

Math:  Students took their unit 6 test on Monday.  We also started unit 7!  Students used their knowledge of basic multiplication facts to solve fact extensions.  They also solved two-digit x one-digit multiplication problems with and without regrouping.   A family letter went home this week, which details the important concepts from the unit.

Social Studies:  Students learned about the economy of the Midwest.  Henry Ford and his use of the assembly line was a main focus.  Students also began their state research projects!  Students applied various research skills with nonfiction books and online resources to find out key information about their Midwest state.

Writing:  Students read winter poetry.  Then, they created their own poems based on what they love or hate about winter.  They focused on using descriptive language and sensory details to help the reader visualize what was happening in their poems.  In grammar, students focused on irregular plural nouns.

Word Study:  Students learned that many words have similar meanings.  Students focused on finding pairs of synonyms.

Miscellaneous:  Students were so excited to begin the Cardboard Challenge this week!  Thank you to all the families who generously donated cardboard to our classroom…we greatly appreciate it!  Students met in small groups to brainstorm ways to use their cardboard.  After sketching out ideas and building their projects, the groups met with other groups to receive/give feedback.  They used this feedback to make changes to their creations!  On Monday, students will be sharing their projects with other classrooms in the gym.  December book orders went home this week and are due on Monday, December 10th.  Just a reminder, students will be taking their MAP tests next week.  We will be taking the reading MAP test on Thursday, December 13th and the math MAP test on Friday, December 14th.  Please let me know if you have any questions…have a great weekend!