Room 25: What's new this week?

I hope everyone had an enjoyable long weekend.  Here is what's new and happening in Room 25 for this week:

Spelling/Word Study
Spelling is going to get a reboot in my classroom this year.  After last week's trial of the spelling homework, I've decided to change things up for the rest of the school year.  Starting this week, "Spelling" as you know it will now be referred to as "Word Study".  The emphasis will be more on using the words correctly in context, rather than simply spelling them accurately.  My philosophy is that simply spelling a list of words at the end of the week does not build a better reader and thinker; but if those words are used throughout the week in different contexts, the words will eventually become a part of the students' own everyday vocabulary.  With this being said, the pretest at the beginning of the week will be a fill-in the blank format; challenging the students to use new words correctly in context.  The test on Fridays will consist of the same format. Homework will still be expected Monday-Thursday (click here for this week's homework).  This week's theme is short and long e words.

Math
Last week we took our first Friday quiz over place value and comparing numbers through the hundred thousands place.  Those will come home on Tuesday.  For the rest of the week, we will be covering:  rounding, renaming numbers, and adding and subtracting whole numbers.  You can expect a short homework sheet daily for at-home practice (Monday-Thursday).

Social Studies
The focus in Social Studies this year is Our Nation: States and Regions.  The first region we are focusing on is the Northeast.  More flashcards will be created as we get through the chapter for upcoming quizzes.  Along with vocabulary, the geography of each region will be studied and tested upon.  On Friday, the states and capitals of each of the Northeast states will be tested.  Make sure to study with your students throughout the week in preparation for the test.  Click here for a map you can study from!

Reading
During our whole group instruction the past two weeks, we have been practicing strategies to help us during class discussions, read alouds, and independent reading.  A big focus for my 4th graders this year is the use of Cornell Notes.  This note-taking tool was introduced this week and will be a staple in the reading process for my students to keep track of what is being read, as a class and independently.  This week we will continue to practice these skills, along with beginning the rotation process for centers and guided reading groups.

Feel free to comment below about what a great job I'm doing!  Also, send me an email at pholmes@d45.org if you would like to get a hold of me personally.  Have a great week!