Hi Families! 

We ended a busy January last week and have hit the ground running into February! Valentine parties are just around the corner and we are looking forward to many other engaging learning experiences throughout the month! 

Literacy 

The excitement for reading our current science fiction novel George’s Secret Key to the Universe has continued! The enthusiasm on the part of students to read each chapter has been evident! Throughout the story we have been working on a variety of literacy targets, such as how the narrator’s point of view affects how the story is told. Because this story, written by Stephen and Lucy Hawking, is the first in a series of books, we strongly encourage students to read other books in this wonderful collection. Your local library and book store are sure to have copies available! 

We've also taken advantage of the excitement on the part of the kids surrounding the Olympics! Students have been reading and sharing a wealth of information concerning the 2020 winter games! Additionally, with the Super Bowl happening on Sunday, the kids enjoyed several word work activities with this theme! They especially enjoyed the Super Bowl Mad Libs!

Writing
Students are in the final stages of writing their science fiction narrative stories. They’ve been inspired by the “George” book we’ve been reading, and have put their creativity and vivid imaginations to work! We have a vast array of storylines—everything from time travel to space adventures!

Math

We are currently  in the middle of our unit on multiplying and dividing fractions with models. Students are becoming quite proficient in identifying and constructing multiplication models. Next week we will begin working with division of fractions. The models that students have been learning have given them a deeper understanding of these concepts.

Social Studies
We have  spent the last few weeks learning about some important events in history and identifying the causes and effects of these events. We learned about Westward expansion and what motivated pioneers to head West. We also examined the effects of this migration West. In addition, we looked at the causes and effects of exploration in the South Pole. In preparation for a research project next week where students will choose an event in American history to independently research, students have been learning how to conduct a safe and effective internet search.

Upcoming Events 

*Monday 2/14- Valentine’s Day Parties in afternoon

*Monday 2/21- No School
*Tuesday 2/22- Early Release @ 2:00

*Tuesday 2/22-Orchestra Concert @ 7:30

Friendly Reminders 

**Please continue to have your child practice their multiplication facts up to 12. 

**Please remind your child to charge his/her iPad every night. We use the iPad throughout the day.
**Please remember to send your child with a healthy snack. Nothing feeds the brain like a healthy snack! 

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.