Weekly Update

Writing/Spelling

This past week in writing we read, discussed and studied real news articles that we found on Scholastic News and Time for Kids.  We read some very interesting news!  We also brainstormed topics for our next newsletter issue.  Our first newsletter issue is being published.  I can't wait to share it with you!  In Spelling, students will get their new word sorts on Tuesday.  

Reading

In reading, we worked on some spring testing review in reading groups and continued in book clubs.  Some groups began working on their end-of--book project, book trailers on iMovie!  

Math

In Chapter 11, we continued learning about customary measurement.  This week we added capacity and weight to our studies.  Students will need to memorize all of the measurement conversions in their foldable (ex. 3 feet are in a yard, 4 quarts are in a gallon,16 ounces are in a pound).  We will review customary measurement this coming week and a study guide will come home.  Our Chapter 11 Test is Monday, April 13th.  

Social Studies

This past week we learned more about the Underground Railroad.  We read, "The Patchwork Path: A Quilt Map to Freedom" to find out more about the codes that slaves read as they headed North.  Then, we all picked our favorite quilt pattern containing one of those special codes that helped the slaves run away to freedom.  Below are some of the quilt pieces. 

The Star pattern reminded slaves to follow the North star

Crossroads told slaves to meet in Cleveland, Ohio, which had
many different routes for freedom

The Log Cabin symbol told slaves that a safe house was nearby

The Drunkard's Path symbol reminded slaves to run in a
zig-zag fashion to elude slave hunters and their dogs

Other Important Info.  

• Tomorrow, April 6th, we go to the Missouri History Museum to visit the Louisiana Purchase exhibit!  Please do not forget to bring a sack lunch with a drink and dress for the weather!  Also, our buses will leave at 8:45am, so don't be late to school!  It is a full day trip, so we won't return until about 2:30.