Mrs. Schmidt's Classroom: December 2013

I can only imagine how busy everyone will be this week before Christmas. We will be busy at school too, but thank goodness we are finished with all tests other than the last spelling and have wrapped up the first semester writer's notebook. Some students like to switch to their second composition notebook at the beginning of semester 2. Some like to keep going in the one in which they have already written. Decorating a new notebook is optional. All that I require is a name on the cover that is easy for me to see.

Please continue to encourage your child to do his/her very best at school. Listening well makes such a difference in one's learning. Poor listening also affects the learning of other students in the classroom, so it is important that everyone is well behaved, respectful of one another, and a good listener!

Here is our schedule for this week:

Writing - Nonfiction stories are continuing. Some students have written an entire book with details, explanations, diagrams, definitions, comparing/contrast chart, pictures with captions, and so on. Others have written very little! Yet everyone has had the same opportunity to work on their stories. This is a concern. Please speak with your child about his/her progress!

Math - We are learning strategies for a multiplication through Think Math lessons. Did you know that you can calculate the answers to multiplication using arrays and intersecting lines? We have learned about horizontal, vertical, and intersecting lines through the process. This week students will also learn the 0's, 1's, 2's, and 5x's facts. They need to be memorized before returning from the holiday break. It can be done! Just set a little time aside each day between Christmas and New Years. There are even a few extra days after the New Year!

Reading - We will focus on reading for details. Students must learn to look back into the reading and read closely to find answers to questions they are being asked.

Science- We are beginning the final lesson in chapter 4. It is all about life cycles. We will not finish or test over that chapter until after the holidays.

S. Studies - On Monday we will make a government tree. For the remainder of the week students may bring their own devices to find information about U.S. symbols and monuments, writing down some of the facts they find and drawing a picture of the symbol/monument they chose.

Important Events:

Mon. - Library; Buddy Day;

Tues. - Spelling test for the Yellow Group;

Wed. - Spelling test for the Green Group;

Thurs. - Spelling test for the Blue Group; Counseling class;

Fri. - Assembly 9:00-10:00; Reindeer Relays 1:15-1:45; Holiday Party for 1:45-2:45;