MAP Testing
We will be taking the Winter Reading and Math MAP tests this week on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Try to avoid early dismissals on these days so that the tests are not interrupted.
Social Studies
Last week we finished up our Science Unit with a pancake breakfast and testing our hypotheses of "What is happening to the thermal energy in a griddle when pancake batter is added?" The science experiments in the Energy Unit were fun...but it's time to move on.
This week we dive back into the regions of the United States with The Midwest! A state map was given to the students last week to cut out and fill in the capitals. I will be practicing the geography of this region with the class daily, but at-home practice always helps. The test over all the Midwest states and capitals will be next Friday, February 5th. Here is a reference map to use to study from if needed.
Along with the Midwest Region unit, each student had the opportunity to choose a state for a report we will be working on in both Social Studies and Writing. The report will be done mostly independently reference books (provided by me) and safe, reliable online resources. The end product will be a Power Point-like presentation using Google Slides (online presentation program). More information about this program will be sent home as we progress through the project.
In addition to the Midwest and the State Reports, I am infusing some videos, articles, and projects based around the Civil Rights Movement, as well as many other influential African-Americans throughout the next few months during our Social Studies and Writing times. Today (Monday) we watched and discussed a video called "The Children's March", documenting a historic march and protest in Montgomery, Alabama in 1963. Look forward to some great conversations at home about new historical events and people we discuss and read about.
Math
We are continuing with our division unit for (probably) another two weeks! This week we will cover a few more strategies that include:
- The Repeated Subtraction Method - Monday/Tuesday
- The Partial Quotient Method - Wednesday/Thursday
- The Regrouping Method (the way most of "us" were taught) - Friday (if time permits).
Keep in mind that we will be MAP testing both Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, so I will try to fit in short Math reviews in the morning, but full lessons will not be taught on these days.
Language Arts
Reading
This week we continue our Nonfiction Unit. Along with incorporating our informational texts for our state reports, we will be focusing on using context clues, as well as Author's Purpose (to entertain, persuade, or inform).
Writing
Our persuasive topic of discussion this week is focused around an article titled "Are Screens Ruining Friendships?". The students will be writing argumentative essays based on their personal opinions around this topic.
Word Study
Our words for the week all involve the spelling pattern "-ge". Along with the definitions, synonyms, antonyms, and parts of speech, the students will be required to include context clues within the sentences they write for each word. Students are given time each day to complete the required Word Study, but there may be times when they need to complete the daily assignment at home. This week I will be checking DAILY to make sure this is complete the next day. This week's test will be held on Friday, and all 4 Word Study assignments are due the same day. Here are the words for the week.
Thank you for your continued support at home. Make sure your student's assignment notebook is signed daily to ensure at-home reading and homework is being completed. Report cards come home Wednesday as well! Have a great week!
