Weekly Update

Writing

This past week we started our first writing unit, Realistic Fiction!  So far, we gathered many "seed story" ideas by prewriting and drafting in our writer's notebooks.  We learned that we can use our memories and stories from our own lives in creating realistic fiction stories.  This week we will continue prewriting and drafting, focusing on creating believable characters in our stories.  

Reading

This past week we started our read aloud book, "TheTiger Rising!"  Students seem to really like the book so far, as they beg for me to read more chapters!  I am amazed at the "intense" thoughts they are having while reading.  As we read, students are writing their thoughts and ideas on sticky notes and keeping those in their reader's notebooks.  Instead of writing an important event, naming a new character, or making a connection, students are digging deep!  They are asking questions and wondering why the author would include certain details in the text.  They are giving character traits to our characters and using evidence and clues from the text to support their ideas.  And this is week one!  While we familiarized ourselves with the classroom library and discussed ways to read intensely this past week, we will really study characters this week.  

Math

This week we started our first chapter on place value- identifying place value, writing numbers in expanded and word form, and comparing numbers.  

Earlier this week, students brought home a "Math At Home" letter that describes what they will learn in the current chapter and details extra activities for further practice.  Students also bring home their practice pages done in class on a daily basis.  A check mark means the student got the entire worksheet correct the first time.  If it says "Fix #" and those numbers are checked, the student worked on these problems with me.  If there are no checks on the "Fix #," then the student needs to correct them at home.  

                                      

 

Also this past week, we practiced all of our math rotations.  We took a pre-assessment on ALEKS, a program that tailors math topics to your child's needs.  Students can work on ALEKS at home!  We also completed two place value activities and one is shown below.  

Students made their own place value charts!

We do move quickly in Math. This coming Friday, September 1st, we will have our first math test over Chapter 1.   Students will be working on a study guide in class.  

Social Studies

This past week we reviewed cardinal directions.  Those will help us this week as we begin our study of the US regions!  

Eclipse

WOW!  What an amazing experience!  A big thank you to parents who came and enjoyed totality with us!  We enjoyed having you a part of our exciting day. 

Other Important Info.

• Thank you to all parents who made Curriculum Night!  An electronic copy of our class handbook can be found  here. 
• LEAP begins this Tuesday, 8/29.
• Students did well in filling out their Reading Logs in the Assignment Book and getting it signed every night this past week! 
• All notes and graded work going home can be found in the very front pocket of your child's accordion file!