THOMPSON’S TRUSTY NEWS
November 9-13, 2009
REMINDERS:
*I am sending your child’s current STAR Math and STAR Reading
reports. The part you need to be most concerned with is the GE (grade
equivalency). I was extremely pleased with our math scores, however, reading
needs some work. PLEASE make sure that your child reads EVERY night and
takes time to read orally to you. This is the ONLY way they will become more
fluent readers.
*Also coming home, it a permission form for us to go see the movie “A
Christmas Carol” at the theater next Monday. The cost will be $12 per
child. This will cover the cost of the movie (it will be in 3D so it costs
more) and the buses. I will need the form & money by Friday. I apologize
for short notice, but Mrs. Raney just got it worked out with the manager at
the theater.
*There are several items being sent home today, so make sure and
check out not only the test papers but also, the papers in the left hand
pocket of the take-home folder.
PAPERS RETURNED
Social Studies: Wk 12 (O’Hare International Airport) Daily Geography
Math: Customary Test
Reading/Language: Week 9 DLR/DPE, Subject/Predicate Test
Science:
MATH
We are into fractions full swing. This concept still gives children this age
trouble. Please talk to your child each night and look at the work to see if
they are grasping the concept. If not, let him/her come in and talk to me or
encourage him/her to ask questions during class. DO NOT ACCEPT “I’m afraid
to ask”.
There will be a test Friday on pp. 214-234
SCIENCE
I think the children enjoyed the lab last week on how the Earth and
water are heated and cooled. As usual, we got behind so we will be
discussing the seasons, and what causes them this week. We will be talking
about the difference between the terms “rotation” and “revolution” in order
that the children understand what enables us to have day and night, and what
causes our seasons. I mentioned in last week’s letter that we would have the
Catastrophic Events this week – not so since we got behind. It will be
sometime next week. Thank you for your patience when we fall behind.
READING/ENGLISH
I took up Reading Logs from last week today, and distributed ones for
this week. They will be due next Monday.
We will begin listening to A Christmas Carol in preparation for our
viewing of it next week. Friday we will watch the old version and then
compare it to the newer movie. There will be a writing activity (compare and
contrast) when we return from the theater.
In English, we will begin reviewing Adverbs and the questions they
answer. As usual, I will give notes that the children NEED TO KNOW. I’ve
found that they ARE NOT studying the notes that I give them, therefore, they
end up doing poorly on tests. PLEASE HELP ME with this.
