Happy Friday Families!
It was wonderful to welcome back our in-person learners this week! I am still working out all of the "kinks" in making instruction seamless between in-person and remote students! It has definitely been a learning curve, but the kids have been exceedingly patient, for which I am extremely grateful!
Important Dates and Reminders
*February 15th - NO SCHOOL (President's Day)
*February 26th - Half Day
*Please continue to have your child practice their multiplication facts up to 12.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you and enjoy your weekend!
It was wonderful to welcome back our in-person learners this week! I am still working out all of the "kinks" in making instruction seamless between in-person and remote students! It has definitely been a learning curve, but the kids have been exceedingly patient, for which I am extremely grateful!
Although "snow days" are not what they used to be in the age of remote learning, many of the kids shared stories about enjoying the snow from earlier in the week. With the snow and chilly temperatures it seems as if Spring can't come soon enough!
Please read below to find out we're working on!
Reading
This week, during our shared reading, we continued our theme of “Exploring New Worlds” as we started to read a book titled "Pedro’s Journal". The story depicts the exploration of Christopher Columbus. However, it is told through the perspective of a young boy (Pedro) who traveled with him as a crew member. Much of our learning, as we continue to read, will focus on Pedro's perspective, as well as determining theme.
Writing
We are using the above-mentioned story, "Pedro’s Journal", as a springboard for our next analytical essay. Here, students will utilize multiple sources in order to research about Christopher Columbus and his explorations. Based on their findings, students will decide whether they feel that Columbus Day should continue to be celebrated as a holiday. Students will utilize the strategies we’ve learned throughout the year in order to compose a well-written paper, which will contain evidence and reasons to support their opinions.
Math
This week, we continued to work on multi-digit multiplication. By the end of our unit, students should feel comfortable in utilizing the traditional method, as well as other algorithms such as partial products, area model 5 is half of 10, etc. Ideally, students will show proficiency in being able to solve two and three digit multiplication problems with accuracy. Students who have already demonstrated mastery of such skills have been working on extending their skills with related challenges.
Social Studies
Students have been learning about probable causes and effects of events and developments in U.S. history, with a focus on Westward Expansion and on the California Gold Rush. Based on what we learned about Westward Expansion, students had to construct and defend the argument of whether or not they would have traveled West. In the coming weeks, our focus will shift on the exploration of the Arctic. Students will read articles and watch videos about arctic exploration in order to hone their research skills and their use of multiple sources to support their thinking.
Science
We continued our work on learning about the Earth, Moon and Stars. We recently completed a section of this unit on the perceived movement of stars in the night sky. Today, students chose a constellation to learn about, and will be sharing such information in groups with fellow classmates. Students learned that the stars in the sky seem to move because the Earth is moving. Next week, we will model this movement with students remotely. Based on the model, students will see that during different times of the year, different stars and constellations will visible due to the position of the Earth in relation to the sun. In the final section of this unit, students will be learning about the different tools scientists use to observe space.
Please read below to find out we're working on!
Reading
This week, during our shared reading, we continued our theme of “Exploring New Worlds” as we started to read a book titled "Pedro’s Journal". The story depicts the exploration of Christopher Columbus. However, it is told through the perspective of a young boy (Pedro) who traveled with him as a crew member. Much of our learning, as we continue to read, will focus on Pedro's perspective, as well as determining theme.
Writing
We are using the above-mentioned story, "Pedro’s Journal", as a springboard for our next analytical essay. Here, students will utilize multiple sources in order to research about Christopher Columbus and his explorations. Based on their findings, students will decide whether they feel that Columbus Day should continue to be celebrated as a holiday. Students will utilize the strategies we’ve learned throughout the year in order to compose a well-written paper, which will contain evidence and reasons to support their opinions.
Math
This week, we continued to work on multi-digit multiplication. By the end of our unit, students should feel comfortable in utilizing the traditional method, as well as other algorithms such as partial products, area model 5 is half of 10, etc. Ideally, students will show proficiency in being able to solve two and three digit multiplication problems with accuracy. Students who have already demonstrated mastery of such skills have been working on extending their skills with related challenges.
Social Studies
Students have been learning about probable causes and effects of events and developments in U.S. history, with a focus on Westward Expansion and on the California Gold Rush. Based on what we learned about Westward Expansion, students had to construct and defend the argument of whether or not they would have traveled West. In the coming weeks, our focus will shift on the exploration of the Arctic. Students will read articles and watch videos about arctic exploration in order to hone their research skills and their use of multiple sources to support their thinking.
Science
We continued our work on learning about the Earth, Moon and Stars. We recently completed a section of this unit on the perceived movement of stars in the night sky. Today, students chose a constellation to learn about, and will be sharing such information in groups with fellow classmates. Students learned that the stars in the sky seem to move because the Earth is moving. Next week, we will model this movement with students remotely. Based on the model, students will see that during different times of the year, different stars and constellations will visible due to the position of the Earth in relation to the sun. In the final section of this unit, students will be learning about the different tools scientists use to observe space.
Important Dates and Reminders
*February 15th - NO SCHOOL (President's Day)
*February 26th - Half Day
*Please continue to have your child practice their multiplication facts up to 12.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you and enjoy your weekend!
