Weekly Update: 11/20

Happy Friday, everyone!  I can't believe we only have two more days of school left until Thanksgiving break!  


Writing:  In writing this week we have been publishing our persuasive essays.  The kids have been working on making sure they are including all parts of their essays: a thesis, an introduction, three reasons, three pieces of evidence for each reason, and a conclusion.  We will be celebrating all of our hard work on Monday!

Reading: In reading this week we discussed how to choose reliable books and websites to use when we are researching.  We discussed finding information about the author(s) and the publication date. Yesterday we began a new unit-- an author study!  The kids have been grouped based on which author they wanted to learn more about and have been given books that they will be using as we study the author's craft.

Math: In math this week we are working on long division.  We started off the week using models but I have been encouraging all students to use the algorithm the past few days.  Multiplication facts are going to become even more important as we dig deeper into this chapter so please continue practicing those at home! 

Social Studies: This week in social studies we have had the opportunity to have a special guest come to our classroom to talk to us about the Lewis and Clark expedition.  The kids have been able to participate in activities and discussions about the topic and have really been enjoying it!


Reminders:

11/25 - 11/26: Helping Hands-- Personal Care Items 
11/25 - 11/27 : No School


Have a great weekend!! 

Sincerely,

Miss DiFranco

Weekly Update: 11/13

Happy Friday!!  


Writing:   In writing this week we have been working on our persuasive essays.  We talked about similarities and differences between these essays and the previous essays we wrote (personal essays). Today the kiddos worked on finishing their first draft using transitions to connect their evidence to their thesis, strategies for introductions and conclusions, and even incorporating new types of evidence (interviews, quotes, surveys, etc.) 

Reading:  In  reading this week we have been practicing looking across multiple texts and topics to gather evidence for a broader topic.  We learned how to compare and contrast information and also learned how to recognize nonfiction author's purpose in using specific strategies and techniques.  We are going to be finishing up our nonfiction unit at the beginning of next week and will be starting an author study!

Math:  In math this week we wrapped up our unit on two-digit by two-digit multiplication.  The kids also learned how to use a table to organize information when solving a problem.  They took their test on Wednesday and the tests were given back yesterday.  We started our next chapter on division today!

Social Studies:  In social studies this week we finished up our chapter and gave the test today.  Next week we are going to be having a special guest teacher come in during our social studies time to talk about Lewis and Clark.  The kids are very excited!

Reminders: 

11/ 16 - 11/ 20: 
Cleaning products for helping hands (We have 65 items!)

11/ 17: Party Planning (6:15)  and PTG Meeting (7)

11/18: Early Release 


I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!

Sincerely,

Miss DiFranco

Sharing our writing with our buddies this morning was so much fun!

Weekly Update: 11/6

Happy Friday!!  I hope it has been a great week!!

Writing: This week we revised and edited our essays in preparation for our writing celebration today.  We celebrated our writing by having donuts and orange juice around the "fireplace" (thank you, youtube!).  The kids shared with their first grade buddies and with the members of our class.  They did an amazing job!

Reading:  In reading, the kids put finishing touches on their research projects and presented them on Wednesday.  They worked so hard throughout this unit and they should be very proud of their presentations.  Today, the groups switched topics and began making a plan for their next research project.  The kids are looking forward to using their new knowledge to help this project be even better than the last!

Social Studies:  We wrapped up our chapter on the first Missourians and had a test on Wednesday.  We are beginning our next chapter on the arrival of the Europeans!  The graded social studies tests will be coming home today.

Math:  In math we started a new chapter on multiplying two digit numbers by two digit numbers.  We have learned a variety of strategies and are seeing how our previous learning ties into this chapter.  This is a short chapter so we will be having a test next Wednesday, November 11th.  Please continue to encourage your child to practice their multiplication facts by using flashcards, multiplication.com, or quicktables on the ALEKS program!

Reminders:

11/9 - 11/ 13: Collecting paper products for Helping Hands 
11/11 : Veteran's Day Assesmbly
11/11 : Math test
11/13: Picture Retake Day

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

Sincerely,

Miss DiFranco

Working on Veteran's Day decorations with our buddies!

Today we presented our research projects!