November 11- 15

An "Informative" Week

November is here!  And with that comes cold weather!  Please make sure to send your child to school dressed for the weather.  We go out to recess unless it is raining or snowing, or if the windchill is 25 degrees or below.  Some days the wind makes it feel pretty cool out there.  My rule is that if you send your child to school in it (coat, hat gloves, etc.), they must wear it outside.  Thank you in advance!

Now down to business.  In Math this week, students will begin to look at patterns and properties in multiplication and division.  On Wednesday students will begin multiplying two-digit by one-digit numbers.  Since this is a half day, we will practice this concept as a whole class, and then send home the assignment on Thursday.  On Friday, students will estimate products in multiplication.  This was a struggle for some with addition.  Hopefully they will get the hang of estimating this time around. Multiplication fact recognition seems to be going well.  Therefore, division is looking good!  Hopefully we can keep this up!

In Science, we will begin looking at thermal energy, and have our last investigation about moving water.  On Thursday, we will complete a study guide in class.  We will review again on Friday.  Our test will be on Monday.  I know this isn't an ideal testing day, but we hope with a two-day review in school and having the resources to study for four days, the tests will turn out okay.  These tests will look different for our students than our previous conservation unit tests.  Knowing the material well is the best preparation!

In Spelling, we will review today, Monday, and test on Tuesday.  That means that on Thursday, students will receive a new list.  I will update the sidebar list then so the words to study are available throughout the test on Tuesday.  This unit we are looking at compound words, words with a long a spelling pattern, and words with more than one meaning.  

In Reading, we will continue with our literature circles.  As a whole group, we will begin studying the nonfiction text, What Was the First Thanksgiving.  We will use this text to understand d\features of a nonfiction (informational) text, and how to apply the strategies they use daily in nonfiction.  This week, we will use the book to look closer at cause and effect and fact or opinion.  

In English Language Arts, students will begin thinking about creating an expository paper.  This paper is informing their class about a procedure.  I will be sending home a note today to tell you more about this.  We will work on possible topic ideas in class today.  Hopefully, you can help them narrow down the possibilities with a discussion at home.  Students will begin drafting on Wednesday.  We hope to begin their presentation on November 21.  More details on who is to present when as the dates get closer.  Let me know if you have any question about this after you have read the note.  It is always a lot of fun!