Happy October! We're looking forward to our second month of school together!
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
In math last week we finished up Unit 2. Students learned how to make magnitude estimates, and practiced multiplying whole and decimal numbers. We also compared millions, billions, and trillions, and began reviewing for this week's test.
READING WORKSHOP:
We were super busy last week during our workshop! Students learned that readers of fiction pay attention to story elements to monitor understanding and help build the world of the story. We also examined and analyzed characters, and compared and contrasted characters to develop a deeper understanding of the text. Finally, students reflected on their notes and reading logs to gain insight into their habits and behaviors as readers. We reflected on our reading logs to better understand our stamina and pacing, and examined the circumstances that best support our reading.
WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
During WEX last week we focused on using showing details. Students replaced telling sentences with showing sentences, and practiced showing the subject and the setting.
SOCIAL SCIENCE:
Our American Revolution research projects came to a close last week (almost) with the last of the students sharing their amazing presentations!
The remaining social science time last week focused on the rising tension in the colonies and the causes of the American Revolution. As a class, we spent time further examining the French & Indian War, The Proclamation of 1763, various acts (Stamp, Sugar, Tea, etc.), and of course the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party. Colonists worked with their taverns to compose letters to King George III voicing their opinions, and discovered what "The Shot Heard Round the World" refers to as we examined the Battles of Lexington and Concord. On Thursday our class participated in a fun-filled simulation where they could see the colonists’ perspective of No Taxation Without Representation first hand. Students earned Shillings and were then “taxed” for use of various everyday school items. Seeing King Clare take 40% of their candy, along with Parliament’s 50% just outraged our class! Of course everyone received equal amounts after the activity. Finally, on Friday, our class worked together in six teams to solve a BreakoutEdu activity based on the causes of the American Revolution. We haven't quite "broken in" yet, but we're hoping to this morning! Stay tuned...
THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will review the major concepts from the unit and take our final test on Wednesday.
READING WORKSHOP:
Our next Schoolwide unit, Nonfiction, will begin this week with our Interactive Read Aloud lessons.
WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Our WEX time for the week will focus on using strong verbs.
SOCIAL SCIENCE:
Our study of the American Revolution will continue this week as we examine the fight for freedom and the Declaration of Independence.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Wednesday, 10/5................................................................................................Unit 2 Math Test (Anderle)
Thursday, 10/6......................................................................................................Historical Re-Enactment Field Trip (pm)
Friday, 10/7...............................................................................................................No School (SIP DAY)
Monday, 10/10...........................................................................................................No School (Columbus Day)