Friday, November 18, 2011

November 18, 2011

Science:  We have started our new unit in science which covers landforms and Earth's water sources.  Students are working in pairs to research either a landform or water source.  Students have learned how to read a book and find facts about their topic and write it in their own words.  Students have several books on their topic to read and write down information.  We will then take the information and learn how to write it in a summary.  The summaries will be put into a Power Point presentation and a picture will be added .  We will then have a presentation created by the whole class.   We are also learning about the water cycle using the words evaporation, condensation and precipitation.  Students will need to label a diagram using these words and showing which direction the water is moving.  If you happen to see condensation on your windows or mirrors after a shower/bath point it out to your child.  We will try to create condensation on a glass in class as well.  Below are some pictures of students working on their research together.
 

Friday, November 11, 2011

November 11, 2011

We have been very busy in class with many exciting things.  Your kids are doing great with adding 2 & 3 digit numbers with regrouping.  We started with using base 10 blocks then moved to paper pencil.  I love how this math program offers plenty of practice.  We use whiteboards with the Smartboard to begin lessons and when most students have concept, we move on to workbook pages.  I will start sending home the workbook pages home on Friday so you can see the work they have been doing.  The pictures that are posted are of our partner work.  A majority of the class is very good about working with different partners.

We began Analogies and Compare/Contrast charts this week as well.  These are both two skills that research has shown to boost student success.  We are working on word analogies that are either antonyms (opposites) or synonyms (words with the same meaning).  The kids did great today for the first time.  Look for this work to come home every 2 days.  An example of an analogy would be:  hot is to cold as up is to____.  Students have to recognize if it is an antonym or synonym in the first pair.  In a compare contrast chart students must organize how 2 items are alike and different.  We started by comparing a cat to a bird.  Students will then learn to take the information in the chart and organize it into a written summary. 

Please watch for a math review to come home next week.  The review will be completed and checked in class.  Students can take it home and study it to prepare for the test.   Students will be prepared for the test if they are completing their daily classwork, homeowork and participating in class. 



I am currently working on a document that will be sent via email or a link on the website where you can access your child's grades.  I will not be using student names for privacy purposes.  You will be given your child's student ID number and you can view grades using the ID number.  I hope to have this soon, we do not have a program like the middle and high school, but I'm trying to help keep you informed.