This Week...

January 14- January 18, 2019

Reading:  At the beginning of the week, we read various fables.  We analyzed the characters’ actions to determine appropriate character traits.  We also talked about how authors use sensory details to evoke a certain mood from the reader.  We practiced identifying positive and negative moods conveyed by the author.  At the end of the week, students read a mystery about a ship, the Mary Celeste.  Students made inferences by using their background knowledge and clues from the text.  This information, along with their questions, helped them form theories to explain what happened to the abandoned ship over a hundred years ago.   Reading Logs are due Tuesday, January 22.  (100 minutes)

Math:  We spent the week reviewing long division and other division concepts.  Students took their unit 8 test on Thursday.  We will begin unit 9 next week, which focuses on bar modeling.  Please make sure your child is practicing his/her basic multiplication and division facts.

Social Studies:  We had a great discussion about the impact Lincoln had on our country and our state.  Students also learned how Illinois became a state.  We discussed how Native Americans and Europeans played a role in the history of Illinois.  Later in the week, students learned about different historical moments in Illinois history, including the Great Chicago Fire and the Great Depression.  They learned that Chicago used the fire to rebuild their city with stronger materials, such as steel.

Writing:  After reading the next two chapters in My Name is Maria Isabel, students learned that Maria Isabel was shy and helpful.  The found details from the text to support their thinking.  They also worked on putting text evidence in their own words when describing a moment from the book.

Word Study:  This week, students worked on adding –er to words to show a certain type of person.  For example, students added –er to “paint” to show that a “painter” is someone who likes to paint.

Miscellaneous:  On Monday, we enjoyed an important presentation from Officer Veenstra.  He taught us about bullying, internet safety, and stranger danger.  Just a reminder, there is no school on Monday.  As we get more snow and have colder temperatures, please make sure your child is prepared to go outside with the appropriate gear.  Finally, there will not be February book orders due to the upcoming book fair.  Please let me know if you have any questions.  Have a great 3-day weekend!