December 2-6

Hi Parents,

Reading

We are starting our first research project this week! We will be working as a class to pick a topic, set learning goals, find research from a variety of sources, and end up with a product to showcase our learning. For the first research project we will be growing familiar with the process as a group before completing individual projects in the spring!  

Writing

This week we will be looking at nonfiction writing and then writing a book of our own!  Our “All About Books” are an opportunity for students to make a short book sharing something that they are an expert about.  They will pick a topic that they know a lot about, create chapters and set them up in a table of contents.  They will draw a picture or diagram of their topic and get to share what they know.  The kids always have a great time with these books because they are all about something that they really care about.  They are also a lot of fun to read, so be sure to stop by at the end of the week and check them out in the hallway!

Spelling

Spelling is back this week and we are working on words with long i patterns. Words will go home Monday and we will check our learning on Friday.  

Math

This is our last week with adding and subtracting large numbers.  We’ll review strategies for both two-digit addition/subtraction and use manipulatives to help us solve the problems.  Muffin Tin Math will make doing large number subtracting fun!  We will need 5 muffin tins and 5 ping pong balls.  If anyone is able to let us borrow, please let me know.  Our brains and bodies will get a great workout when we play 2 digit Subtraction Locomotion.  Students will write and solve a subtraction problem, then do a task before moving to the next problem. We’ll be hopping, jumping and skipping our way through math!  Problem solving with all of the various strategies we’ve learned will help us with solving word problems.  At the end of the week, we’ll review and check for understanding with an assessment.

Social Studies:

We will become familiar with historical figures and their contributions to America and our community.  Research will be incorporated into this unit and we will do a fun “living” presentation about the person to share our knowledge with others.  Audience members will be working on listening skills and note-taking during the presentations.

Reminders:

• Life journals are due on Friday.
• Library day is Wednesday.
• Family Art Night: December 3rd from 6:30-7:30
• Early Release Day: December 4th
• Book Fair: December 9-13