October 19, 2018
Hello families,
October has been a very busy month for our classroom. We have been trying to be intentional with incorporating more technology within the classroom such as using applications (Clips, Keynote, iMovie, etc.). It has been a great learning experience for all of us! We love being creative and innovative with technology to make learning more fun. Be on the look out for some exciting technology projects heading your way by the end of the month!
October has been a very busy month for our classroom. We have been trying to be intentional with incorporating more technology within the classroom such as using applications (Clips, Keynote, iMovie, etc.). It has been a great learning experience for all of us! We love being creative and innovative with technology to make learning more fun. Be on the look out for some exciting technology projects heading your way by the end of the month!
Literacy
*In the past week, we have made the transition in our reading from primarily fiction texts to nonfiction texts. We are working on quoting accurately and comparing/contrasting characters and events within these nonfiction texts. We have begun practicing these skills by using shared reading text, Rainforest Food Chains. The students have begun looking at various text features in this text and using them to help them locate evidence to support their thinking within question responses.
Writing
Writing
*Students have completed their narratives and have now moved to expository writing. Students have been researching an ecosystem and using graphic organizers to classify their information. Students are then taking those plans and developing their essays focusing on organized, detailed information with transition words to help the flow of their writing. Ask your student to share information they have learned about the ecosystem they are researching and writing about!
Math
Math
*We are nearing the end of our second unit in math which focuses on fractions. The unit 2 targets includes addition and subtraction of fractions with unlike denominators and solving fraction story problems. Students have completed two checkpoints on these targets and are receiving instruction based on needs identified in those assessments. The end of unit assessment for these targets will be given next week on Tuesday, October 23.
Science
Science
*We are continuing our focus on understanding the characteristics of various ecosystems around the world. We have been creating our own food chains and food webs and learning about the flow of matter in an ecosystem. Ask your student about how carbon dioxide, carbon, and oxygen flow through an ecosystem.
Social Studies
Social Studies
*We have started learning about indentured servitude and its effect on the colonial economy. We began by discussing colonization and the reasons people would choose to leave their homes in Europe to come to the “New World”. This lead to discussing the system of indentured servitude as a means of coming to the “New World” for those who could not afford passage on a ship. Students learned the effects of this system on the colonial economy and will begin to learn how this system lead to slavery in the colonies.
Word Their Way
Word Their Way
*We have begun our work with our spelling/word study program called Words Their Way. District 96 utilizes this curriculum to implement spelling/word study.
Family Educator Conference
Family Educator Conference
Please remember to SIGN UP for a family educator conference. Conferences will be held November 19th and 20th.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
October 23 (Tuesday): EARLY RELEASE DAY (Dismissal @ 2PM)
October 26 (Friday): PTO Movie Night, Grades 3-5 (6:30PM-8:00PM)
October 31 (Wednesday): Halloween - Parade @1:30PM/Party @2-2:45PM (Please see the principal’s message for more details)
November 1 (Thursday): Orchestra Demonstration Concert 7PM @ Twin Groves
November 6 (Tuesday): No School
November 9 (Friday): HALF DAY (Dismissal @ 11:45AM)
November 15 (Thursday): Family Reading Night (6:30PM-7:45PM)
Friendly Reminders
**Please remember to send your child with a healthy snack. Nothing feeds the brain like a healthy snack!
**Please continue to have your child practice their multiplication facts up to 12.**As the months get chilly, it may be a good idea to have your child bring a sweater/light jacket to keep within the room.
**Please remember that students should be reading nightly and filling out their reading logs.