I hope everyone had a
wonderful Thanksgiving, and is preparing for the Holiday season. We are working very hard in all of our
subjects and expect to end 2014 with gusto!
Math: We have spent
the last week discussing how to divide fractions and ended the week with bar models. For most students the algorithms were easy to
understand, but we spend quite a bit of time looking at models to help learn
the concept of the arithmetic. We will
test over Unit 4 on Wednesday or Thursday of this week and will be working on a
study guide to take home. Tutoring will
be after school on Tuesday from 2:45-3:20.
Literature: We only have a
few more chapters to finish in The Hobbit.
The class is doing an excellent job of story mapping and using context
clues to find meaning of new vocabulary.
We will he having a Literature Celebration on the 19th and a
sign-up genius will be sent out in the next few days.
Writing: We reviewed sentence diagramming last week and also began discussing adverbs. Even though this can be a difficult skill to
master, the kids are really starting to catch on. We will look at prepositions next week.
Spalding: Our
words are becoming more difficult and we are beginning to see how important it
is to know how the rules help us spell. Students
who receive a 100% on their pre-test do not have to take the Friday test!
Science: I hope everyone enjoyed their lessons in Mitosis, I saw some very
creative work that was done! We will be
completing the study guide and reviewing in class tomorrow and will take the
test on Tuesday. We move on to Human
Body Systems next, starting with the skeleton.
History: This week we
spent quite a bit of time looking at Galileo as well as the counter-reformation
in Europe. Next week we will learn about
Copernicus and will complete the study guide over the unit. Our test will be Wednesday or Thursday. The next unit will be over the states.
Announcements:
Thank you so much for all of your generous donations
for our service project. Our class had a
total of 88 donations!
The results of the homework survey have been reported
and I thank you all for your feedback.
The majority of you stated that you spend an average of 60-75 minutes on
homework each night and that you are available to help when needed. The subjects that require the most attention
are history, language arts, and math.
Most of you said that you felt you had the resources needed to complete
work, however a few of you said that you would like to have more textbooks.
This is such useful information for us as teachers and
administrators in guiding our planning.
Homework should not take more than 60-75 minutes, and I do not want it
to be a time of stress for your family.
If it is taking longer than that, please feel free to stop and drop me a
note. I can help during recess and
before or after school.
Important
Dates:
Tuesday, 12/9:
Science Test
Thursday 12/18, Friday 12/19: Half Days, 11:45 am Release
Friday 12/19: Greek and Latin Roots Test
Friday 12/19: Greek and Latin Roots Test
12/22-1/5:
No School, Winter Break
A few pictures from our Oreo Mitosis
Activity!
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