What are we learning Week 5

In Language Arts and Social Studies, we have been discussing elements of fiction and voting.  We are also discussing how in reading you must always be thinking.  Good readers make meaningful connections, ask questions, make predictions, visualize, and self-monitor their comprehension.  This week we will be honoring the heroes of September 11, 2001. 

In writing, students are writing a personal narrative.   We are working on adding details and hooking the reader with an engaging lead.  We will publish this piece in the next few weeks.  I do not typically send home their published writing.  I save their writing in a portfolio that will be given to you to keep at the end of year conference in May.  However, if you would ever like to see their writing sooner, you can come up and view the portfolio or ask your kiddo to bring home their Writer’s Notebook.

Word Study - I will introduce the list of words every other week either Friday when I hand out the new homework packet or Monday.  I briefly introduce the pattern or spelling rule and reinforce the concept in class over the next two weeks.  Sometimes there will be words that don’t fit the categories.  As students complete spelling activities they should be looking for a pattern or spelling rules (like change the “y” at the end of a word to i and add es – party changes to parties).   There is not always one right answer or way to sort your words.  Students will not be assessed on how they sort, but how they spell the words at the end of the two weeks.  The sort is supposed to support the student's understanding of the pattern and spelling rule thus making it easier to memorize and generalize spelling to words not on the list.   On my website you will find a suggested spelling practice ideas. Some students might not need to work on the words that much.  Some might need more time or different practice.  Whatever works is fine by me.  If students are struggling on doing well on the spelling tests, I will help find a different way for them to study so they can be successful.

In math we are beginning a unit on place value to 9,999, rounding, and addition and subtraction with regrouping.   Students will be problem solving with their skills.   All students should make sure they know their addition and subtraction facts and fact families from 0+0 to 10 + 10.  This would be a great time for extra practice with flash cards and games at home.   I sent home login information for a program called XtraMath a few weeks ago.  Students work with this program at school as well.  Extra practice at home would benefit most students. I am giving weekly addition quizzes to test their understanding of the weeks spiral review of the concept. I will soon begin to test them on subtraction. 

In science, we are beginning a unit on Changes from Heat: Matter and Energy

If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.