State Reports, Capitals, and Division...oh my!

I know...the title is a little corny, but here is what's going on in Room 25 this week:

Social Studies
State Reports
Last week we began the research phase of our state reports.  Each student has been given a packet with specific information to be researched about their chosen (or assigned) state.  The research needs to be complete by Monday, February 8th so that we can move to the presentation phase of the project. Students are being taught how to present their projects through Google Slides and will have them ready to show at Open House on February 25th! This research is being done primarily at school, but a little at-home support would definitely help.

The Midwest Region
Maps of the 13 Midwest states were created two weeks ago in preparation for the states and capitals test this Friday, February 5th.  We are reviewing every day in class, but studying at home would help in the memorization of the states locations and the capital cities.  A map of the region, as well as a fun matching game are attached for at-home support.

Blank Maps for quiz practice can be found here as well:

• States with blank capitals
• Capitals with blank states

Language Arts
Word Study
This week we will start our new list of words on Tuesday (due to a PBIS celebration on Monday).  Dependent on the flow of the class, we will probably still have our quiz on Friday.  If anything changes, I will make sure the students update the quiz date in their assignment notebooks.  Word work this week will revolve around the prefixes dis-, re-, and un-.  Here are the words for your convenience.

Writing
As an extension of our nonfiction unit, we will be writing descriptive essays this week.  The twist will be that a certain word (chocolate) cannot be used to describe a popular object (a Hershey's Kiss). These projects will be added to our bulletin board for your enjoyment at Open House as well.

Reading
Continuing with our nonfiction unit for another week, we will be reviewing the different text structures that are used in nonfiction writing (cause/effect, compare/contrast, description, sequence, and problem/solution).

Math
This week we will be concluding our Division of 1-Digit Numbers unit (the test will be tentatively scheduled for Friday).  All week will be filled with review lesson and practice regarding division.  Please keep in mind that some of your students prefer to divide using a strategy that is different from what you were taught, and that is fine (as long as they get the answer correct!).  As a review, two of the strategies I have taught them are:

• Repeated Subtraction (video) - this usually takes a little longer than the other method, but if done correctly, it still works!
• Regrouping (video) - Divide, Multiply, Subtract, and Bring Down...what WE were taught!  I am showing how this method works quicker than other methods, especially when faced with problems with higher dividends.

Have a great week!  Happy dividing, map studying, and researching!