December 11-15

Writing:
Go! Jump! Shout! We're studying verbs this week. We will look at how verbs make our sentences complete and how to use verbs in different tenses. We will also look at some irregular verbs that don't add the typical -ed to make a verb past tense. Students will practice adding interesting verbs into their sentences and using the correct tense in different situations. Later in the week, we will read How the Grinch Stole Christmas and think about how we can give the Grinch some holiday spirit. We will write a letter to him about some ideas we have about cheering him up!

Reading:
We have a few more Leo Lionni books to read before our author study is complete. We have enjoyed looking at the complex problems that are typical in Leo Lionni books and we have loved the different illustrations.

Math:
We are finishing up subtraction with regrouping with some word problems and an assessment. Then we will put addition and subtraction together. We will play a few games, solve lots of word problems, and maybe even complete a holiday hidden picture!

Social Studies:
Students have been studying landforms and maps and this week we are putting it all together with a hidden treasure map project. Students will design their own island complete with landforms, and then bury their treasure somewhere on the island. Then they will need to write instructions on how to get to the treasure using landforms and cardinal directions.

Question of the week:
What is your favorite holiday tradition? Write me a story explaining it and why you like it.

Reminders:
Book Fair: All this week
Family Art Night and Book Fair open late: December 13th at 5:30.
Holiday party: December 21st at 1:00
Winter Break: December 22nd- January 8th.

December 4th-8th

Writing:
We are continuing to practice our storytelling this week. Students are focusing on coming up with a character, a problem, and a solution and then adding lots of details in between to make it interesting. We are also working on editing with a partner and not relying on Mrs. Alden to fix our mistakes! Students will look for capital letters, punctuation, and complete sentences before publishing.

Published final copies are being kept in a portfolio for each child in case you're wondering why hardly any writing ever comes home. :-)

Reading:
This week we are focusing on one of my favorite authors, Leo Lionni! We will read many of his books and compare and contrast them to look for similar themes and problems.

Math:
We are finishing up addition with regrouping. After a quick review, students will take a quick assessment. Then we will move into subtraction with regrouping. We will practice with base-ten blocks first before moving into the traditional algorithm. Students will play games, solve word problems, complete an I-Spy before being assessed at the end of the week.

Social Studies:
We are continuing our study of maps by making a map of the world's continents and oceans. Then we will practice locating places on a map and using cardinal directions to lead someone there. At the end of the week, we will take everything we've learned and use it to create a pirate island with buried treasure and a treasure map to lead us to it. Ahoy maties!

Question of the week:
How did pine trees become associated with Christmas?

Reminders:
TAG referral deadline: December 8th.
Last day of the semester: December 21st.
Holiday party: December 21st from 1-2 pm.