Week 28 - March 29, 2018

Curriculum

Reading

Students are learning to read books an analyze the characters.  This week, we discussed the character in the books they read.  After the break, the students will be learning what non-fiction text features are and how they can be helpful to the reader.

Book Baggies:
Students have 6 books in their bag (two below their reading level to help them work on fluency, two at their level to focus on good reading skills, and two above level to continue to push and grow as readers).  These bags will stay at home all week for students to practice reading.  It is good to encourage reading and rereading of these books!  We will exchange books on Fridays, so please have students return these books next Friday.  (Just FYI, Library books are sent in on Thursday.)  If a student forgets or is absent one week, they will need to return them the following Friday. 

Writing
This week the students began writing their Ordinary People opinion writing.  We picked our favorite person and began planning and drafting our writing.  When we return from the break, we will finish drafting our writing, revise and edit and publish the writing.  Then, on Friday, April 13th, the students will have an opportunity to share their writing out loud.  The students are also invited to dress up like their person if they choose to do so.

Math
This week we wrapped up Unit 7 by learning about defining and non-defining attributes of 2D shapes.  After spring break, we will begin unit 8.  Below are the skills for this unit.

Unit 8 Skills
o I can tell time to the half hour.
o I can use place value knowledge to solve number grid puzzles.
o I can mentally add 10 more and 10 less.
o I can represent and answer questions about data in bar graphs.
o I can name defining attributes of 2D and 3D shapes.
o I can partition shapes into two and four equal shares and name the shares.

Unit 8 Study Guide - You may use this to guide you in helping your child study for this Unit 8 Assessment.

Unit 8 IXL Skills - If you would like to, students may use IXL to help them practice these skills.

Social Studies/Science
This week, we have been wrapping up our weather and maps units.  We uploaded our weather reports to Seesaw.  When we return, we will soon begin our life cycle unit.

Purposeful Play
Students are really enjoying the opportunity to be creative and use their imagination.  I enjoy seeing the problem solving and collaboration that happens. Ask your child what he or she created!

Please see the Purposeful Play tab on the blog to learn more about our weekly Play Time and donation items we could use for it!

Homework

• Read every night
• Work on a math skill (i.e. adding and subtracting to 20 - play a board game for this, telling time, counting coins, measuring - length and volume -  have your child cook with you to practice this, talk about shapes - 2D and 3D - find items around your house, etc.) 

Important Dates

March 30 - Good Friday - No School
April 2-6 - Spring Break - No School
April 13 - End of the 3rd Marking Period
April 17 - Muffins with Moms (8:00am-8:45am)
April 27 - Family Fun Night
May 18 - PBL Presentation - more information to come, Celebration of Learning (PM)
May 28 - Memorial Day - No School
June 15 - Last Day of School - 1/2 Day (12:30 dismissal)