Happy November (how is it November already???) Thank you so much to our amazing Room Moms, Samantha Koller and Ewa Sacharko, for their hard work in planning our outstanding Halloween party on Monday! Thank you, also, to all of our wonderful parent volunteers who helped out in the afternoon as well! We are grateful for each of you!
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
In math last week we began Unit 4, Division. Students reviewed division vocabulary and practiced dividing with one and two-digit divisors. We also examined map scales and practiced finding distances on maps.
READING WORKSHOP:
We wrapped up the last of our Nonfiction mini lessons last week. Students learned that when reading literary nonfiction, readers enjoy a well-crafted story and learn about the topic and subject. With this in mind, we practiced extracting factual information from stories. Next, we learned that readers of nonfiction need to build their academic and content-specific vocabulary. Students used a variety of strategies to determine the meanings of unknown words. Finally, we learned that readers of nonfiction monitor for understanding and use fix-up strategies to clear up confusion. Students focused on identifying their own confusion and practiced using fix-up strategies to repair comprehension.
WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
WEX last week was filled with busy writers! We began the week by designing our very own rubric to use in scoring our personal narratives. Students also met with writing partners to elicit feedback on their work. We spent the remainder of the week editing, revising, and publishing our narratives. Students used our rubric to self-assess their essays, and we shared our personal narratives with the class!
SOCIAL SCIENCE:
Last week during social studies we continued to discuss the election process. Students learned about the issues facing the Republican and Democratic candidates, and researched a little about the vice-presidential nominees. We also explored the purpose of election polls, and practiced taking our own poll on the top quality necessary for our next president. Finally, students learned about what Election Day will look like across the country, along with what voters should expect at their polling places.
THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will continue moving through Unit 4. Students will practice dividing whole and decimal numbers, and learn how to interpret remainders.
READING WORKSHOP:
Alas we are ready to begin (finally) our Notice & Note study! This week students will be introduced to two reading signposts: Contrasts and Contradictions and Aha Moments.
WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
We will be taking a short hiatus from WEX, now that our personal narratives have been completed. This week we will use this time to focus on Word Study and Grammar!
SOCIAL SCIENCE:
Our study of the Bill of Rights will begin this week!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tuesday, 11/8.........................................................................................................NO SCHOOL (Institute Day)
Thursday, 11/10....................................................................................................Ninja Warrior Day
(This day has been designed and carried out by our
class as a reward for meeting their first "ribbon" goal!)
Friday, 11/11..................................................................................................................Veterans' Day
Tuesday, 11/16..................................................................................................Individual Math Contest Practice (12:10)
Wednesday, 11/17........................................................................................Team Math Contest Practice (12:10)
**This is a change...original date was 11/18.**