October 5, 2014

Reading
In reading, the students focused on the comprehension skills: making predictions, making reactions, and determining importance.  Flexible guided reading groups are being organized and will begin this week.  The students will also be introduced to reading response prompts during their Readers' Workshop this week.

Math
This week in math, the students reviewed the ways in which basic addition/subtraction facts are used to solve problems with bigger numbers.  They also reviewed "What's My Rule" problems and learned about various types of number stories.  Finally, students were introduced to our Math Workshop where, after our whole group lesson, the students break up into flexible small groups and work on the following:  
Math Facts Practice: Computer-based activities using Dreambox, Everyday Math Online, etc.
At Your Seat: Math Boxes page from the previous lesson, other review work
Teacher Choice: Math journal work with the teacher, other differentiated activities
Hands-On: Differentiated games to review skills taught in previous lessons
A letter about using Dreambox at home went home on Friday.  Please encourage the use of this at home when appropriate and if possible.

Science
The class collected the sunrise/sunset data over the period of a week and recorded the elapsed daylight time.  They then studied the information and learned that the sun is rising later and later, and setting earlier and earlier.  They also noticed that the daylight hours are decreasing.   The class talked about why this might be happening.   We will be studying the moon/phases next.  Be aware that there will be a total lunar eclipse on Wednesday, Oct. 8, but I think it will be visible in the early morning hours.

http://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2014-october-8

Language Arts
In WEX, the class reviewed common/proper nouns, and the students chose an object (common noun) in the room to write about.  They wrote from the perspective of the object, and the goal was to include showing in their writing.  The class will soon be working on revision assignments and creating a final copy for display at Open House.  

In grammar we are finishing up subjects and predicates, and there will be a quiz on Wednesday.

Important Information
MAP/ISAT data will be sent home on Thursday.

There is no school October 10th and 13th due to an Institute Day and Columbus Day.

The biography genre project is due Thursday, October 30th.

The Halloween parade and party will be on October 31.  More details will follow soon.

The October reading calendar/log is due Monday, November 3.