In science, we are continuing our earth science unit. We launched the unit by learning about the four layers of the earth, focusing on the earth’s crust. First, we studied the rocks and fossils found within Earth’s crust. We went fossil digging at Poricy Park in Middletown, NJ. Students dug in a shallow stream that was once covered by an ocean during the Mesozoic Era. Next, we learned that the crust is made up of huge tectonic plates. Next week, we will investigate the activity that happens along plate boundaries, including: earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain and trench formation. This science unit is inquiry-based and hands-on. Students develop their knowledge and skills by engaging in investigations, creating models and conducting experiments.
In reading workshop, we are continuing our work in the character unit. Students are learning a variety of reading strategies to think more deeply about the characters in their fiction books such as envisioning, inferring and interpretation. These reading strategies help strengthen students’ inferential comprehension and higher-order thinking skills. During reading workshop, students apply these strategies as they read their books and jot their ideas on post-it notes. Once or twice a week, students meet with their reading partner(s) to discuss their book. Students learn different ways to thoughtfully discuss their books with their partner, including using post-it notes as a springboard for conversation.
In addition, we have been learning how to write a well-developed, longer response to our reading. Beginning this week, students will also complete a weekly reading response for homework. This weekly reading response is due each Friday, so students can complete this assignment any day of the week. I will assign the weekly reading response the Friday before, so students have a full week to complete their response. To complete the reading response, please have your child read the story or article placed in his/her homework folder. Then, students can write their reading response on Google Classroom. To access their account, students go to my website and go to the tab “For Students.” Then click “Google Classroom.” Students log in with their username and password attached to this letter. Students will have additional time to complete this week’s reading response, which is due Wednesday, November 26th before our Thanksgiving break. Please let me know if you have any trouble accessing the assignment.
In math, we are focusing on multiplication and algebra in unit three. In this unit, we will deepen our knowledge of multiplication at hands-on learning stations, by playing games, and completing in-class math projects. One important aspect of this unit is developing students’ multiplication fact fluency. I would like to ask for your help in accomplishing this goal. Please have your child practice his/her multiplication and division facts (using games on my website or using flash cards) few times a week at home.
In writing workshop, we have begun to draft our fiction pieces. Before drafting, we learned strategies to generate story ideas, choose an idea, develop a vivid setting and create believable characters. Students learned how to plan a strong plot by mapping out story scenes on a storyboard and plot diagram (“story mountain”). As we draft, we will continue to focus on “showing” instead of “telling” in our writing, which includes using dialogue, describing the character’s actions, thoughts and feelings, and using detail that brings the story to life.
In reading workshop, we are continuing our work in the character unit. Students are learning a variety of reading strategies to think more deeply about the characters in their fiction books such as envisioning, inferring and interpretation. These reading strategies help strengthen students’ inferential comprehension and higher-order thinking skills. During reading workshop, students apply these strategies as they read their books and jot their ideas on post-it notes. Once or twice a week, students meet with their reading partner(s) to discuss their book. Students learn different ways to thoughtfully discuss their books with their partner, including using post-it notes as a springboard for conversation.
In addition, we have been learning how to write a well-developed, longer response to our reading. Beginning this week, students will also complete a weekly reading response for homework. This weekly reading response is due each Friday, so students can complete this assignment any day of the week. I will assign the weekly reading response the Friday before, so students have a full week to complete their response. To complete the reading response, please have your child read the story or article placed in his/her homework folder. Then, students can write their reading response on Google Classroom. To access their account, students go to my website and go to the tab “For Students.” Then click “Google Classroom.” Students log in with their username and password attached to this letter. Students will have additional time to complete this week’s reading response, which is due Wednesday, November 26th before our Thanksgiving break. Please let me know if you have any trouble accessing the assignment.
In math, we are focusing on multiplication and algebra in unit three. In this unit, we will deepen our knowledge of multiplication at hands-on learning stations, by playing games, and completing in-class math projects. One important aspect of this unit is developing students’ multiplication fact fluency. I would like to ask for your help in accomplishing this goal. Please have your child practice his/her multiplication and division facts (using games on my website or using flash cards) few times a week at home.
In writing workshop, we have begun to draft our fiction pieces. Before drafting, we learned strategies to generate story ideas, choose an idea, develop a vivid setting and create believable characters. Students learned how to plan a strong plot by mapping out story scenes on a storyboard and plot diagram (“story mountain”). As we draft, we will continue to focus on “showing” instead of “telling” in our writing, which includes using dialogue, describing the character’s actions, thoughts and feelings, and using detail that brings the story to life.