This Week...

December 17- December 21, 2018

Reading:  Students were excited to start our new fiction unit!  At the beginning of the week, we explored various types of fiction.  Some of these included fables, folktales, and historical fiction.  We also read Mirette on the High Wire, which was a story based in France over 100 years ago.  Students identified important story elements using an organizer.  We also read an Ashanti tale about Anansi the Spider.  We had a discussion about how folktales often use literary and cultural language to convey a story that has been passed down from generation to generation.  Reading Logs are due Monday, January 7th.  (300 minutes)

Math:  Students took their unit 7 test on Monday.  Then, they surveyed the class with a question about a winter topic.  Students collected data, analyzed it, and graphed it.  They displayed their information using bar graphs, pictographs, and pie charts.  We will begin unit 8 (division) when we return from break.  Please remind your child to continue practicing his/her basic facts.

Social Studies:  Students reviewed major concepts from our Midwest unit by playing Kahoot!  They took their unit test on Thursday.  When we return from break, we will start our next social studies unit: Illinois!  In the LMC, students continued learning about primary and secondary sources.

Writing:  Students continued working on winter poetry.  They created their own poems about winter using juicy adjectives and strong verbs.  In grammar, students reviewed possessive nouns.

Word Study:  We focused on high frequency words and their patterns.  Students learned that it’s important to spell these words correctly in order to communicate clear writing to the reader.  We also worked on differentiating between synonyms and antonyms.

Miscellaneous:  Today, we exchanged beautiful secret snowpal cards!  Students really enjoyed sharing their cards with classmates.  We also had fun celebrating Mr. Bob’s retirement with a special presentation during Winter Wonderland.  Last, but not least, thank you for the thoughtful class gift…it was very kind and I truly appreciate you thinking of me.     I wish you all a restful and enjoyable winter break!  Enjoy this special time with family and friends…see you back in 2019!