This Week In Our Classroom: Week of 11/27

Literacy: We started our next unit about Character Study this week!  It is our major unit for the 2nd quarter in the reading block.  I read aloud Thank You, Mr. Falker, by Patricia Pollaco, earlier in the week.  This text serves as the mentor text throughout the unit.  Students will be practicing the skills that we learn using Every Living Thing, an anthology of short stories.  Tasks are differentiated throughout the text to meet the needs of all of the students.  Students will work in partners, small groups, and independently throughout this portion of the unit.  Most of the work will be completed in school; however, unfinished work may be sent home as homework.

During the writing block, we'll use our social studies text, Just Add Water, and other short texts to continue to practice writing constructed responses. 

Math:  We're reviewing fractions and equivalencies in math.  Lessons 3.3-3.5 were instructed earlier in the week and corresponding Home Links were assigned for homework.  Students should continue to work on IXL lessons and Front Row at home. 

Social Studies:  This week, we began our second social studies unit: How Chicago Came to Be.  This unit is driven by our shared text, Just Add Water.  We use the text very frequently throughout the unit.  You may want to rent or purchase a copy to keep at home if you think it would be helpful.  It is available on Amazon (click the link above) for a very inexpensive price!  On Wednesday, students were introduced to a unit-long project that involves using the text.  

Important Dates:
12/5 Quarter Project Part 1 due
12/7 40 BC check-in (10 entries total)