This week is a short week, but an important week. Rather than push the tests in before the holidays, we will use our time to try to improve our skills in reading and math and do some fun things in science and social studies. It is my sad news, however, to inform you that I will be absent from school on Monday afternoon. My husband's mother had been sick and passed away last Thursday. My family and I will celebrate her heavenly homecoming at a private service in her memory. Your children were very sweet and loving when I told them at the end of the day on Friday. I appreciated their concern.
Now here is what is happening in class this week:
Writing - Our nonfiction writing is off and running! Topics of expertise have been chosen and the big ideas about the topic have been identified. Students are talking like experts about their topic by filling in the details while teaching to their peers. On Monday we will plan the foundation for our books by building a a selection of one or two ideas for a table of contents. This foundation will determine the structure of the book the students will be writing.
Math - We studied calendars on Friday and will learn about time lines on Monday. Tuesday will be reserved for some fun center activities that review time and money skills. The study guide for Ch. 7 will come home on the Monday after the holidays. Our test over telling time to the nearest minute, AM and PM, calendars, and times lines will be on Tuesday the 3rd.
Reading - Through read-a-louds, students are learning to answer questions based on inferences. Paying attention to the clues that lead to the answers require higher thinking, and most of the class enjoy lots of thinking!
Science - We have started chapter 4, which is all about animals/living things. Amna brought shells for us to classify so that we could relate that to animal classification. Thanks, Amna! We are also going to make a model of our vertebrae using pinwheel pasta and jelly rings. The kids seem to think gummy jelly rings are sold at Walgreens. Hope I can find them!
Spelling - All groups will have their next spelling test after the holidays!
S. Studies - Chapter 8 continues our study of government. The class googled and searched to find out the mayor of St. Louis, the governor of Missouri, and the correct spelling of President Obama's first name!
Important events:
Wed. to Fri. - Thanksgiving Holidays! No school!
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