Happy Friday Families!
I hope everyone has been enjoying the unseasonably warm temperatures! As midwesterners, we know these mild conditions are not likely to last! The kids have loved their time at recess with these Spring-like conditions!
Kindly read below to find out about what we are learning!
Literacy
We are currently reading a shared text titled Washed Up, a story about three families who encounter various challenges while trying to win a survival reality show. Within the text, students are working hard to use close reading skills to analyze important events, character responses and theme. This text is rich with figurative language and vocabulary, which will also continue to be a focus of our learning.
Please try to monitor your child's at-home reading. During our weekly check-ins I am finding that a number of students are not reading enough at home. I know lives are busy with lots of activities, however, self-selected reading is crucial to your child's success as a reader. The homework students get on a weekly basis is minimal, and most should be able to carve out twenty minutes a day to read for pleasure. I am always available to share and recommend books!
Our students recently finished their first analytical paper, discussing the most important reasons that cellphones can actually enhance learning in schools—if used effectively. Their focus was to write engaging introductory and concluding paragraphs, as well as working to add evidence to support their key ideas. Be sure to ask your child to share it with you! They made quite the compelling arguments!
Math
Our students are continuing their work with decimals. They are currently refining their skills in the area of using expanded decimal notation, comparing decimals, adding and subtracting decimals, and rounding decimals. Earlier in the week we took a checkpoint in order to gauge how ell students are understanding these concepts. Next week, learning about metric conversions will also be a focus of instruction. Students are also learning about the metric system during our November number corner collection. Be sure to ask your student about our “meter a day” activity!
Social Studies
Students have continued their inquiry based activities focused on exploring the rich history of the Indigenous people of America. We’ve been looking closely at the cultural traditions, such as storytelling, which was an important part of their way of life. Students have been working cooperatively in groups, researching and presenting information they’ve been discovering.
Upcoming Events
**Monday, November 14th Band concert @ 7:00
**Wednesday, November 16th Orchestra Concert @ 7:00
**Thursday, November 18th Family Reading Night
**Friday, November 19th Report Cards available online to view
**Wednesday, November 23rd - Friday, November 25th: No School (Thanksgiving Break)
Tuesday, November 29th Early Release @ 2:05
