LANGUAGE ARTS Our reading series encompasses reading, language, and spelling throughout the course of six themes. We will be using the Houghton-Mifflin reading series for the entire class with flexible grouping within as needed. Projects, language arts activities, and other content area activities may be taken from the reading curriculum so that there is a correlation among the many skills. A vocabulary quiz, selection test, and skills test are normally given as we progress through each story in the reader. An integrated test will be given at the conclusion of each theme. These tests evaluate the students' knowledge in comprehension, grammar, and other skills taught thoughout the theme. Spelling words are mostly from the story and the rest are from other content areas such as math, science, and social studies. There are 20 list words and 5 bonus words. The students will be given a spelling test which is a list test where they will be expected to spell the word correctly. They will also be given a Daily Language Practice test where they will have to find any grammatical errors to include punctuation and capital letters. Tests will be announced a few days in advance so please check your child's planner. MATH This year we are pleased to announce the introduction of a wonderful new math series. There are many components which will help us individualize instruction and maximize understanding for our students. Multiplication will begin before the second semester and practice work and memorization will be necessary. In order to assist in the educational process, we will learn multiplication songs and will make animals times table wheels.