Rock Star Day!

Students had a blast celebrating "Rock Star Day" this week!

Outside Day!

Students loved celebrating "Outside Day" as part of our ABC Countdown.  It was a beautiful day to enjoy our books outside!

Kickball Game!

Students enjoyed a kickball game against Mrs. Applebaum's class for our ABC Countdown.  They showed excellent sportsmanship and had a lot of fun!

ABC Countdown

Students enjoyed "Dance Day" this week!

This Week...

May 6- May 10, 2019

Reading: This week, we read a variety of poems!  We used sensory details to determine the author’s big idea.  We also analyzed the poet’s techniques, such as: opening lines, repeating lines, and italicized words to figure out what the poet’s message.  Students also read a special TFK issue about the economy. Reading Logs are due Monday, May 13.  (100 minutes)

Math:  We spent the beginning of the week reviewing key ideas from unit 16.  We took our test on Wednesday.  We also started unit 18, which is all about polygons!  Students learned that the number of sides they contain names polygons.  They also differentiated between closed and open shapes.

Social Studies:  Jane Addams was a main focus this week!  We learned about her contributions to the city of Chicago through her work at Hull House.  We also discussed how she helped support women, children, and the poor.  Students also read about various Chicago landmarks!  We learned that our city has wonderful architecture.  The Chicago unit test will be next Wednesday, May 15.  A review guide will be going home on Monday.

Writing:  Students worked on their short stories.  They developed their turning points.  Students met with partners to get feedback about their stories so far.  In grammar, we focused on contractions.

Word Study:  This week, students used base words to develop different versions of the same word.  They added -er and -est to show comparisons.  (small-smaller-smallest)

Miscellaneous:  Thank you so much for a wonderful Teacher Appreciation week!  All the cards, projects, and gifts were so incredibly thoughtful.  I feel so lucky to be part of such an amazing classroom.  Students have been enjoying our ABC Countdown this week!  We had a dance party, gave each other compliments, and exercised!  Just a reminder that May book orders are due May 22.  These will be the last book orders of the year!  Please let me know if you have any questions.  Have a fabulous Mother’s Day weekend!

This Week...

April 29- May 3, 2019

Reading: We continued our study of poetry!  Students figured out how poets utilize white space and line breaks to help the reader understand the message.  We also discussed the importance of reading a poem “start to finish”.  Students determined the meaning of a poem after each stanza.  They learned that it is necessary to read a poem in its entirety to truly understand the meaning.  Finally, students analyzed a poet’s style by comparing and contrasting poems by the same author. Reading Logs are due Monday, May 6.  (100 minutes)

Math:  We dove into unit 16!  We practiced telling time in various ways.  Students used the words “past” and “to” to describe time.  Adding and subtracting times with regrouping was another area of focus.  At the end of the week, we worked on elapsed time concepts.

Social Studies:  We read a narrative account from a Great Chicago Fire survivor.  After reading and discussing the impact of the fire, students wrote letters from a survivor’s perspective.  They were able to include key information about how the tragedy changed the city of Chicago.  Chicago’s rich culture was also investigated by studying the various ethnic neighborhoods in the city.  We also discussed how transportation in Chicago has changed over time and how the world’s fairs impacted the city.

Writing:  Students continued working on their short fiction stories.  They developed their rising actions, which showed how the problem got worse.  In grammar, we focused on irregular verbs.

Word Study:  This week, students focused on syllables.  Students broke apart multi-syllabic words into various sections.

Miscellaneous:  Students did a great job participating in the Anthony Rizzo walk today!  It was great to see everyone supporting a great cause.  This week, the ABC countdown was sent home.  I can’t believe it’s almost the end of the year!  Students are excited to participate in these fun activities!  Please let me know if you have any questions…have a nice weekend!

Favorite Author Day!

It was the first day of our ABC countdown!  Students were excited to share books by their favorite authors.