Reading: This week in reading, we will finish the story Sees Behind Trees and read articles from Time for Kids. On Monday, we will work on vocabulary and open ended responses from Sees Behind Trees. With the TFK issue that focuses on Hurricane Irene, we will be making connections to our science unit. Our focus skills for this week are making connections to real world situations before and during reading, making inferences while reading nonfiction texts, and using a combination of word analysis skills when attacking new words. With another TFK, which focuses on monarch butterflies, we will focus on the author's purpose for writing this article, and the students will have to find evidence to support their answer.
Book Report:
Book Report:
Math: In math we are working on unit 2. The first lesson for unit 2 looked at developing strategies for estimating. The second and third lessons focused on addition and subtraction. We learned about open number sentences, and the students worked on interpreting data. Last week the students learned about probability and estimating products. They also worked on multiplying using partial product, lattice, and the traditional method. This week we will finish this unit working on place value and reviewing multiplication. The test is on Wednesday.
Writing: This week in writing, we will continue learning about memoirs. The students will finish looking at different author's memoirs and analyzing the components that make up a memoir. After looking at these components, we will define what a memoir is and look at the structure of a memoir. The memoir will be introduced to the students by making a special memory map and placing a X on the map marking an important image. From there the students will give an oral telling of their special place to different students in the class. After the oral telling, we will start planning out our memoir, and the students will start writing a rough draft. There will also be a short lesson on using transitions in our writing. On Friday, we will do another debate on using social-network sites. One of our issues of Time for Kids poses the following question: Should kids use social-networking sites?
Science: We will go back to science after finishing our social studies chapters for this quarter.
Social Studies: We started social studies last Thursday. Chapter 4 will be our first chapter in social studies, and this chapter focuses on the Spanish building an empire in the Western hemisphere. The first lesson will focus on Columbus's expeditions. The second lesson will focus on longitude and latitude. The next lesson will focus on the Spanish meeting the Aztec. This lesson will also discuss on the Spanish defeated the Aztec empire. The last lesson for this chapter will focus on how the Spanish built their new life in the Western hemisphere.
Spelling Unit 5:
percent absence years refused ancient pressure machine notice scene
station social special parachute specialty detention constitution
advertisement advise cities chalet sincere tissue resident magician medicine
appreciate atrocious innocence intercept asymmetrical symmetry cemetery
ceremony scenic permission Sachem tentative servant cash crop multiplication
HEALTHY SNACK LIST:
Due to life-threatening peanut/nuts/sesame allergies at every grade level and the fact that we change classes for math and flex groups, we are asking that no peanut/nut/sesame products be sent in for a nutritional snack. Also a list was sent home that stated the food items that will be allowed for snacks. The following items can be brought in: fruit, vegetable sticks, pretzels, cheese slices or cubes, raisins, cereal mix (i.e. Chex Mix), rice cakes, and crackers.
FAMILY READING NIGHT FOR GRADES 2-5:
Family Reading Night will take place on Tuesday, October 11 from 6:15 - 7:45 with the theme of Readingis for Meaning. The purpose of this evening is to be introduced to the different stages of reading and to understand that reading goes beyond word recognition. The primary focus will be on Newly Fluent and Truly Fluent readers through exploring text complexity in the various genres of literature. Matching readers to text that supports interactive and engaged reading is an important part of building student comprehension. Plan to come and attend 3 different breakout sessions. The registration form is due on Friday, October 7. You must register to attend.
NEW READING INCENTIVE PROGRAM:
There is a new reading incentive program that Mrs. May is doing. To earn the prize, the fifth graders will need to read 400 minutes in a month. That is 20 minutes a night. To learn more about the program go to Mrs. May's blog at mwlmc.blogspot.com.
FAMILY SELF DEFENSE NIGHT (from Mrs. Andrews):
The safety of our children is of great importance to all of us. We can do our best to keep them safe at home and school, but situations may arise that we cannot control. These incidents can happen anywhere, at any time, and with anyone. It is not just an issue in the big cities or always a "stranger danger" attack. Parents are often unsure of what to say to their young children and how much information they should provide to them. Mrs. Andrews will provide an age appropriate, hands om self-defense workshop in which you may participate with your family. When parents are in attendance, they can see first hand what she plans to cover. Your child can practice these techniques on their parents or adult family members. Competence and confidence in self-defense techniques can relieve anxiety and is a good resource for your child. The majority of self-defense is avoidance of dangerous situations and good information. That will be her focus. They will be practicing physical defense, so please wear comfortable clothing and gym shoes. Older siblings and all family members are encouraged to participate. Permission slips were sent home, but Mrs. Keene has them in the office. Mrs. Andrews also has extra permission slips. The number of participates will be limited due to safety and space needs, so be sure to return the permission slip. This event will be held on Wednesday, October 5 from 6:30 - 8:30 for K-5 students and parents. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mrs. Andrews at terri_andrews@ipsd.org or 428-6709.
PTA REFLECTIONS: The Project turn in deadline for May Watts' students is October 7. For more information, please go to http://www.wattspta.org/. Also, information, rules, and entry forms can be downloaded at www.ptareflections.org/cs/rules and documents or contact the Reflections Chair, Amy Toepper, at amytoepper@hotmail.com
This years theme is "Diversity Means..."
Important Dates:
Track & Field Monday, October 3
Math Test Wednesday, October 5
Spelling Test Wednesday, October 5
Self-Defense Night Wednesday, October 5 from 6:30 - 8:30
Picture Day Thursday, October 6
Paw Print Redemption Day Thursday, October 6
No School Monday, October 10
Family Reading Night Tuesday, October 11 from 6:00 - 8:00
Early Dismissal 12:00 on Wednesday, October 12
