Monday, March 2, 2015

Reminder

Reminder: Character Trait Award Assembly is tomorrow, March 3rd, at 2:00 in the MPR!

March 2nd-6

This week we will be finishing up our math unit on Fractions. Our test is scheduled for this Thursday. We will use Wednesday's class time to review and prepare for the test together. The test focuses on adding/subtracting fractions as well as converting fractions into mixed numbers or mixed numbers to fractions.

In social studies this week, we will begin discussing plantation life/slavery as well as Missouri's part in the Civil War. We will complete a study guide together for Chapter 5, read and discuss chapter 6, as well as watch a couple videos about these chapters. This open book test is tentatively planned for Thursday, March 12.

We are returning to spelling this week. We will hand out our word list today and begin studying those words. In this unit, we will also review homophones, "c" spelling patterns, and create mnemonics for tricky words. This test is tentatively scheduled for next Tuesday, March 10th.

In reading this week we will begin studying sequencing. We will use our knowledge of sequencing to place events in order, follow recipes, and other sequencing activities. Also, Friday is Read in Day. They can bring blankets/sleeping bag, pillows and wear comfy clothes. AR points for this quarter are due next Thursday, March 12th. 

In writing this week we will continue learning how to do research. We will practice this by beginning to research famous Missourians in preparation for writing a paper on one.

Have a great week!

Monday, February 23, 2015

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. 

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

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.

Monday, February 9, 2015

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!

Thursday, February 5, 2015

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.

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

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!