January 23, 2016

Happy Friday!

Reading- This week we wrapped up our novel studies. Students were given a comprehension quiz over their novel. Students also practiced writing a constructed response where they had to answer a reading comprehension question with text evidence and their own interpretation of the text. Next week, we will begin our new science content area reading unit which discusses the roles of plants and animals in the ecosystem.  Students' cereal box reports are due on Wednesday, January 28th.  If your child has misplaced the directions he/she can find it in the "handout" section of our website.  We can't wait to hear their fabulous presentations!  Ask your child what the conflict of their novel was? Who was the protagonist and the antagonist?

Writing- Students have begun generating ideas for our upcoming fiction narrative. Students brainstormed important events in their lives and how they could incorporate those into their fiction narrative.

Math- Students took their unit 8 assessment this week. We will begin unit 9 on Monday, which deepens their understanding of fractions, percents, and decimals. Ask your child how to find the area of a parallelogram and a triangle.

Social studies- Students created a Southeast travel brochure including the many different concepts learned about the Southeast thus far. Next week, students will begin learning about the Northeast region. At the end of this unit, students will be assessed on each state and capital of the Northeast region. If you are able, your child should begin practicing this a little each night. Our NE quizlet link is attached below!

http://quizlet.com/56096229/northeast-region-states-and-capitals-flash-cards/

Science- Students began looking at igneous rocks this week and learned that they come from "fire" or magma.  We looked at different rock samples and noted their crystal size and color to determine whether they were intrusive or extrusive.  Ask your child the difference between plutonic and volcanic rock types.


*Don't forget to have your child continue working on his/her cereal box book report!


Coming home in your child's Friday folder...
-Unit 8 math test
-Nonfiction writing assessment

-new reading log

Important Dates:
January 26-30: SELAS Week- Students will learn about a SELAS topic each day.
             Monday- Words are Magic: students will participate in an inspirational assembly.
            Tuesday- Hero Day: students will learn about everyone's heroes and how he/she is motivating (they may dress like their hero if they would like)
            Wednesday- What I Am: students will share something unique about themselves
             Thursday- Anything is Possible: students will work together to understand the importance of teamwork
             Friday- Spirit Day: students will be meeting with their 1st grade buddies (wear blue and white or Oak apparel!)
Friday, February 6th- Science Fair all day & 6:30-7:30pm
Friday, February 20th- BLAH Buster from 6-8pm