Week of September 23, 2013

Math: This week we will be working on 2.5-2.8 in Everyday Math. We will be estimating, learning about probability, multiply decimals, and begin formal problem solving instruction. Continue to refer to last week's video tutorials. 
**Xtramath reports will be sent home occasionally for you to see your child's understanding of math facts (this includes accuracy/speed). You have access to check their progress through the parent login.

Probability Videos/Exercises

Probability practice
   Use videos 1 -8 depending on your understanding of probability thus far.

Writing: Using strong verbs and varying sentence structure are the main focus of this week. Grammar will go over how to correct run-on sentences. 

Words Their Way:  Students meet with me 1x a week and practice independently/with a partner the remaining 4 days. When we reconvene, students are testing on 10 of the words that follow the pattern they studied.

 

Treasures/Novels:  This week we will be using the book "Freedom Riders" to do Close Reading lessons (which connects to the CommonCore standards of Language Arts). Students will gain more experience with highlighting key ideas and revisiting the text multiple times to aid their comprehension. 

Students will continue to work in their reading groups, respond to what they read in the notebooks, and work in literature circles. The independent reading project for their realistic fiction book was introduced last week & is due SEPTEMBER 30th. Ask your students to show you the purple plan sheet. We will begin recording this week! 

**Students wrote their 1st "Reader Response Letter" during reading time. This is to show me their understanding and thinking of the novels they are reading in class. It follows a specific format and an example we did as a class. I am conferencing with students to provide them not only written feedback, but also personal feedback and a time to ask questions. You will be asked to sign the rubric this week. The notebooks are not to go home, but will be shown to you at conference times. 

Science: This week we will be doing an experiment to illustrate how the respiratory system works. We will also do another experiment to show how digestion occurs. We are nearing the end of the science unit on the human body, and will have a test early next week. 

DAILY GEOGRAPHY:  Students are encouraged to review their Daily Geography over the weekend before they turn it in on Mondays. 

Special Events this week!

** Thinking Skills with Mrs. Albrecht on Thursday 11:15-12:15!