Wk 6 Math Minutes

This week in Math, we will continue estimating and rounding numbers. Previously, we were rounding numbers to the nearest ten and now the numbers will progress into rounding to the hundreds and tens using 3-digit numbers. Students are using number lines to see the relationship between the benchmark numbers and the mid point to plot a given number. Please remind your child to label their math homework with page and problems that are assigned. Also, please encourage them to use their best handwriting and skip lines between each problem, instead of cramming it altogether.

Here's a peek at our "human" number lines from this past week. 

Wk 6 Reading & Social Studies Notes

Wk 6 Reading & Social Studies Notes

We are continuing to add to our repertoire of reading strategies. This past week, we used the visualization strategy to help us better understand our texts. Students were challenged to make "mental pictures or movies" to help them understand what's happening. I read Scarecrow by Cynthia Rylant to students without showing the illustrations in the book. Students were challenged to listen closely to the clues the author gave and jot down a few notes. Next, students created a 4-frame movie clip of what they visualized. Students exceeded my expectations for this assignment. They were awesome!

The Reading Plus program continues to be giving us problems. At this point, I'm not assigning See Readers or Read Arounds. It's too difficult to get everyone online and maintain a connection without it stalling out or freezing. 

A couple of notes about our reading journals:

Students should bring the reading journal to class daily. We frequently add interactive activities and record our thoughts about reading inside. 

The reading log is the big focus of our reading journals. Students seem to have a difficult time understanding that they are not required to write about every single book they read at home. The first five pages (front and back) are dedicated as our reading log. It is a list of the books each child has read. They should record the title of the book, the date it was read, and the book's genre (fiction, nonfiction, biography, etc.). There is a model in the classroom for students to refer. I'm including an example below.

8-12     First Day Jitters                                                    F

8-13     No David!                                                            F

8-14     David Goes to School                                          F 

9-14     Scarecrow                                                            F

9-15     Cactus Hotel                                                        NF

9-16     Witches Chapter 3                                               F

9-17     Witches Chapter 4                                               F

We just wrapped up our geography unit with a hands-on project. Students had a lot of fun and showed their creative sides in being cartographers (map makers). Each student created a "Barefoot Island" of his or her own. Our maps are on display in the hall. If you get a chance, feel free to stop by to see them. They are most awesome! I will try to post some photos on Monday.

On Monday, we will begin our study of the Ancient Greeks. We will take a look at this important society and see how they still influence us today!