February 23-February 27

Time is flying as we start our last week in February! It looks like we have more snow in the forecast so the schedule this week is subject to change. 

In math this week, we will continue our unit on fractions. We will start looking at mixed numbers and multiplying fractions. We will continue reviewing on Fridays using hands on activities to help them really understand the concept. Our test for this unit is tentatively scheduled for March 5th (depending on snow days)

We are still not doing spelling this week.

In science this week, we will finish up the unit by doing different investigations in small groups. Today and tomorrow's science time will be dedicated to doing these investigations independently in their groups as well as a vocabulary crossword. The investigation charts and questions (in their packet) and the crossword will be due first thing Wednesday. 

We will begin a new Social Studies unit on Thursday. In this unit this week, we will learn about the western expansion and Missouri's part in the civil war. While we are reading in this unit, we will be noting the famous Missourians we learn about. This will help them to prepare for a research paper they will be writing on a famous Missourian soon. 

In reading this week, we will continue reading non-fiction passages about our presidents and discuss how to best answer test questions. This Friday is Read the Most day. We will have the students save their AR tests this week for Friday. We are competing to see who can take the most AR tests on that day. The afternoon will be dedicated to just reading and taking AR tests. 

In writing this week, we will begin learning about how to write research papers. We will discuss research and note taking strategies that can aid them when they do this kind of writing. 

The character awards assembly will be Tuesday (March 3rd) at 2:00. This month's character trait has been "Honesty." 

The quarter ends March 12, 10 AR points will be due that day. 

February 16-20

In math this week we are starting a new unit on fractions. This week focuses mostly on adding and subtracting fractions and comparing them. We will do several hands on activities in our classrooms to help them learn this skill.

We are still not doing spelling this week.

In science this week, we are continuing to learn about electricity. We are discussing electric currents and magnets. We will be reading, answering questions in our packets, and watching Bill Nye the Science Guy videos. There will not be a test after this unit. Instead, the students will be given 2 class periods to complete hands on investigations independently. These investigations directly relate back to what we have studied this unit.

In reading, we will continue to work on drawing conclusions. We are now moving into doing this with non-fiction text. We will be reading several articles on our presidents and drawing conclusions over those articles and other non-fiction books.

In writing, we will be reviewing different parts of grammar. They will be practicing these skills daily in other subject areas as well as during our journal writing time.

February 9-February 13

This week in Reading we are working on Drawing conclusions. They will learn to use the information they get from books, paintings, or others' body  language to draw a conclusion.

In writing, they will be drafting a persuasive writing piece. Miss Ussary's class will be writing about their favorite food while Mrs. Kountz's class writes movie reviews. We will integrate what we know about persuasive writing with our knowledge of paragraph writing. Final drafts will be finished on Thursday.

In spelling this week, we will review today and take a test tomorrow over the unit 11 word list. After that, we will take a break from spelling until further notice. This will allow us to get caught up in other subject areas.

In math this week we will finish up our unit on measurement. We have discussed the metric system, customary system and time. Our last few lessons will focus on measuring rectangles with area and perimeter. Our math test will be on Friday. That is all we will be doing on Friday, since it is a half day and we have our Friendship parties starting at 9:30. 

In Social Studies, we are wrapping up this unit today with a review and some games. Tomorrow we will take an OPEN BOOK test. They will be required to write down where they found each answer. They will be able to use their books as well as their packets.

On Wednesday we will start a new science unit on Electricity. We will study Static electricity and Electic Currents this week.

Reminders:
5 AR points are due Friday
Progress Reports go home today, please sign and return them as soon as possible

Have a great week!

Spelling

Due to all of the snow days, we are starting to feel the grind of getting certain things accomplished before our MAP testing. We have moved the spelling test back to next Tuesday. After that, we are going to take a step back from spelling to allow for more time to hit other subject areas.

February 2- February 6

We hope your students enjoyed the snow day!

This week in math we will begin unit 5. This unit focuses a lot on measurement. We will discuss the US measuring system as well as the metric system. This is a short unit (only 8 lessons). We will be sending home a letter today to parents that explains this unit a little more.

In spelling this week we will work on the "er" suffix, review contractions, and have a test. Our test is scheduled for Thursday, depending on if we have anymore snow days.

In Social Studies this week, we had initially planned on having an open book test Friday. Because of the snow day, that will be pushed back to Monday. They will be able to use their books AND packets on this test. We are discussing the development of Missouri and Lewis and Clark.

In reading this week will will focus on the skill of following directions. We will discuss the importance, relevance, and practice this skill all week. In writing, we will develop their paragraph writing skills.

Progress reports will go home next Monday! Please sign them and return them.

Also, the character trait assembly is TODAY at 2;00.

Have a great week!