States, Capitals, and a Math Test!

This week marks the third week of the new marking period, and we are working hard in Room 25! Don't forget that we have Wednesday off for Veterans Day.  Here is a breakdown of this weeks news:

Math

Monday and Tuesday we will be focusing on the last lesson in Chapter 2 - Using Algebra to Solve Word Problems.  Most of this lesson targets the Order of Operations; where the students need to know how to solve a problem with multiple operations (addition, subtraction, and multiplication).

This will call on a many of the skills they have focused on during this chapter, as well as give them the opportunity to solve multi-step word problems.  The test for Chapter 2 will be on Friday, and we will have a thorough review on Thursday for preparation.  Look for homework on Tuesday and Thursday targeting all the skills from Chapter 2.  Take advantage of Think Central, especially the Student Edition for the Chapter 2 review problems.

In addition to the test on Friday, we will continue to focus on our Math Facts as a class.  We have used Sheppard Software to practice in class.  This can be used at home as well.

Language Arts

Word Study

We took the List 9 Word Study quiz on Monday.  This weeks words are focusing on r-controlled vowel sounds.  I am also introducing the students to antonyms (a word that has an opposite meaning) this week to further their understanding of some new words.  Due to the Wednesday holiday, we will have our Word Study quiz next Tuesday.  Here are the words for the week.

Reading

The past few weeks we have really targeted making inferences through character analysis and using text evidence as support.  Last week we finished a constructed response using a short story and the class did an amazing job!  These will be posted in the classroom for you to see at conferences.  This week we will continue studying character traits within the context of Greek myths.  Another book report will come home next week to work on over the Thanksgiving break.

Writing

Most of our writing this month will be constructed responses.  Along with filing-out graphic organizers and taking Cornell Notes during reading, the students will be expected to write a 4-5 paragraph essay each week; answering questions from a common passage, using evidence from the text to support the ideas presented.  I hope to make sure their hands hurt by the end of each week!

Additionally, we have been reading the play Pandora's Box this week and last and are preparing for two performances this week on Friday.  Some of your kids may ask you for some props or costumes to make their performances more professional.  I will video tape the performances on Friday and post them to the blog for your viewing pleasure!

Social Studies

Last week we started our next Social Studies chapter, which focuses on the Southeast region of the United States.  This chapter consists of two sections:

1. The States and Capitals:  The students created puzzle-maps last week as a preview of the region.  I have dedicated a little bit of time each day for the kids to review the states and capitals.  The quiz for this map will be Friday (for the states and locations only) and next Wednesday (the 18th) for the states and capitals all together.  The students have been having fun competing with each other using the quizzes on Sheppard Software.  A copy of the region with blanks for the capitals is here for your reference as well (they don't need to know Texas or Oklahoma).
2. The history of the region:  This includes the Native American tribes, the European settlements, the Civil War, and Reconstruction following the war.  We will be watching many videos to build background knowledge, as well as reading some additional informative articles about slavery and important abolitionists.

I will be sending home reminders this week for your scheduled conference times.  Please let me know if you are still able to attend during your slot, or if you need to reschedule for any reason.  For those parents and family members that are veterans, I want to thank all of you for your service and sacrifice.  Have a great week!