A Sneak Peek into Our Week

Literacy:  We began our Perspectives unit last week.  Students learned about different points of view and how the point of view can affect the story.  This week, we will begin our shared novel study using  Sign of the Beaver.  Throughout the novel, students will practice analyzing the different perspectives within the story.  Students will also receive a vocabulary packet with the novel. Each night, students will be responsible for completing one vocabulary page.  During the writing block, we will wrap up our social studies inquiry project and work on a perspectives writing assignment, as well.

Math:  I will teach lessons 7.9-7.12.  Most of the lessons focus on solving multi-step number stories, except for 7.9, which focuses on identifying and generating patterns.  Please make sure your child is completing the nightly Home Links and practicing on Freckle (formerly Front Row) or IXL at home. 

Science:  Students will continue using the National Geographic Theme set texts to study the life cycle process.   After becoming experts on a particular animal, students will share their learning with a small group and work on a mini-project to showcase their learning. Tomorrow, we will begin our FOSS Environments module. We will investigate several different plants and animals (including meal worms, sow bugs and pill bugs) to discover the structures and functions that serve in growth and survival. We will also learn more about the environments that support their well being, and attempt to determine the optimum environments for some of the organisms. 

Important Reminders
5/3 - 40 BC Check-in (26 entries due)
5/4 -  Field Trip to Symphony
5/11 - QP Part 2 due

Weekly Updates

Welcome to 4th Quarter! It was wonderful to meet with you all at conferences yesterday!

Literacy: Students will continue to read Folklore Literature Circle books and participate in literature circles to discuss the theme, setting, and characters with other students reading the same text. 

Writing:  Students prepared for conferences early in the week, We will use some of the writing time to research for our social studies project. Next week,  students will write a short response in conclusion of their literature circle books. 

Social Studies:  Students will continue to gather research to answer the inquiry questions they came up with last week. Students will decide on a final presentation style and begin to work on their final social studies neighborhood project. 

Math:  We began Unit 7 on Monday, and we will continue to move through the unit over the week.  The unit focuses on multiplying fractions and measurement.  You can expect corresponding Home Links to be assigned as homework each night. 

4th Quarter Projects went home on Tuesday - please check in with your child. 

Important Dates:
Wednesday, 4/25 - Quarter Project Top-Three Choices sheet is due

Sneak Peek into Our Week

This week is the last week of the third quarter.  This means that all missing assignments need to be turned in before this Thursday.  Students were given a sticky note today that listed all missing assignments, so please be sure to ask your child about this in addition to checking Gradebook. 

Reading and Writing:  We will wrap up our Folklore Unit with an assessment and then, begin Folklore Literature Circles.   Students will read a text full of folktales, myths, and legends from a variety of cultures.  They will study the different tales and determine the theme, setting, and other story elements to discuss in small groups.  During the literacy block, we will write short paragraphs comparing and contrasting folktales.

Social Studies:  Students will be assigned neighborhood groups tomorrow.  They will begin researching and working on an inquiry project this week.  If you and your family are able to visit the neighborhood your child is studying, it would be a fantastic enrichment opportunity.  Students will study the culture, resources, government, landmarks, history, and location of the neighborhood.  Any additional resources would be especially helpful. 

Math:  I will administer the math test tomorrow, 4/10.  The study guide, SMJ pages, and Home Link packet are due tomorrow. We will begin Unit 7 next week.  Students will take the Unit 7 Pre-Test and work on a small math project for the duration of the week.

Important Reminders
Friday, 4/13 - No School for Students and the last day to purchase the yearbook
Wednesday, 4/18 - Parent-Teacher Conferences (no school for students)

Spring-into-Literacy Door Decorating Contest Winners!

I'm very excited to announce that Team 210 won the Spring-into-Literacy door decorating contest! As a prize, our team will receive an additional 30-minute recess!

THANK YOU to our stellar door decorating volunteers, including: Tom Chen, Shannon Pokornik, and Chaz Davis! We couldn't have pulled this off without your help. :)

A Sneak Peek into Our Week

Welcome back!  I hope you all had a fantastic (and relaxing!) Spring Break. :)

Literacy:  This week students will continue reading stories from The Cow-Tail Switch, and they will continue to use the stories to compare and contrast story elements. We will also work on identifying setting details. During the writing block, students will put the final touches on their realistic fiction stories.

Math:  We will finish up Unit 6 this week.  Study guides will go home on Thursday and we will take our unit test on Tuesday, 4/10. 

Social Studies: We'll begin the week studying Chicago's government. Students will then begin their inquiry project with a small group. Students will learn planning and research skills as they study Chicago's many unique neighborhoods. Once your child learns his/her neighborhood of study, if you have time, please plan a weekend field trip to visit the neighborhood.  Take photos and send them to school as we will be creating a large bulletin board. 

Parent Conferences:  Parent Teacher Conference forms will go home tomorrow.  I will do my best to accommodate your request. 

Important Reminders:
4/5 Quarter Project Part 3 due
4/5 40 BC and Book Talk due
4/13  No School for Students
4/18 Parent Teacher Conferences