Highlights of Last Week and Glimpse of the Upcoming Week
Last week in math, we finished Chapter 21 in which students learned about tessellations and patterns. Additionally, we started our Geometry Map and reviewed for the Unit 3 math test. The students were also given some time to work on their Geometry Map Project. This week we will finish our Geometry Unit and begin Measurement.
In language arts last week, we enjoyed reading "Days of Digging". Students seemed really intrigued as to what the science of archaeology can uncover. It led to all sorts of discussions about other species of humans (Neanderthals) and conversations about Mt. Vesuvius and then the Iceman"Otzie".
This week we will be reading "Earthquake! The 1906 San Francisco Nightmare!". We will be discussing why scientists study earthquakes, the equipment they use, and how we could be prepared for emergency situations at school as well as at home.
In writing last week, we finished our first drafts of our fractured fairy tales and are now learning how to peer edit and revise. Our goal is to have these stories finished and published by Open House.
Last week the Community History Scrapbook project was introduced. We began reading and discussing the history behind California. This week we will spend time working on our section of the project (History of our Community) due Friday and read more about California's communities.
Language Arts
This Week’s Story:
Earthquake! The 1906 San Francisco Nightmare
“Earthquake! The 1906 San Francisco Nightmare” tells of the dire effects that earthquakes have on the earth. The selection shows in many photographs how the city of San Francisco changed because of the 1906 earthquake. Students will learn about San Andreas fault that caused the San Francisco earthquake and about seismographs that measure the power of an earthquake.
Spelling: Affixes
GUM: Sentence Tense
Word Analysis: Affixes as syllables and Affixes used to change word meaning
Comprehension: Fact/Opinion and Cause/Effect
Geometry Map Project
Due this Thursday, April 5th
This was assigned Thursday, March 29th. Students have done first drafts in class.
California Academy of Science
Thursday, April 12th
8:30am-approx. 3:20pm
Students received the permission slip today. It is due by Thursday, April 5th. Students will need to bring a snack, lunch and water bottle. If your child would like to purchase a bag lunch from school, please let me know by Thursday, April 5th.
The following parents have volunteered to drive:
Allen (5)
Tiemann (5)
Gregori (4)
We need 1-2 more drivers. If you are interested in driving on this trip, please let me know. Thank you in advance!
Community History Scrapbook
Project
Important Dates:
Thursday, April 5th: History of Your Community Friday, April 13th: Your Community Today
Friday, April 20th: “Family Field Trip” to a Point of Interest
Friday, April 27th: Community Timeline
Friday, May 4th: Map of Your Community
Friday, May 11th: Journal Entry “My Community: Now and Future”
Friday, May 18th: Scrapbook
Students will be given class time (Wednesday afternoons) to work on this project similar to the planet project. I do have a few books but the internet will probably be their main source for this project. During computer lab each week, they will be given time to research their community as well as print the information to read at a later time. It would be of great help to your child if they could do the same at home. This will ensure that they have what they need to work in class.
Book Talks
Please read the packet that your child brings home today about this project. We will do one for the month of April and one for the month of May. This will take the place of Reading Rewards and/or Reading Logs. Students will be giving a book talk about a fiction chapter book at the end of the month. This week students are required to choose a Just Right chapter book and begin reading. As they are reading, they can fill out the graphic organizer (back page of the packet). This will be the sheet from which they make their note cards. Please read over the assignment. I will be going over in detail the things that are required each week along with examples and practice time. You can help support your child by making sure he/she is keeping up with their assignments and pacing themselves so that the Book Talk does not sneak up on them at the last minute. Book Talk presentations will be on Monday, April 30th.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Mrs. H