Nov. 30, 2015 Newsletter

Is anyone feeling the excitement of the busy season that is upon us? I hope you all enjoyed some time off with your families. The next few weeks will be busy indeed with lots of excitement in the air!

Reading:

Students will begin using informational text and focusing on text features (subheadings, captions, maps, bolded words etc.) to help support comprehension and research. We will be learning to identify main idea of informational text and identifying supporting details within the text.

Language/Writing:

We will be learning to research and write informational pieces on planets.

Math: Students will solve two-step word problems using the four operations. Students are encouraged to assess the reasonableness of their answers using mental computation and estimation strategies including rounding. Students will also write equations using a variable to represent the unknown quantity.

Our multiplication sundae celebration will be December 11. We will also be having a winter craft activity to go along with the celebration. Mrs. Sanburn sent out a sign-up on the Shutterfly parent communication website. There’s still time to volunteer to help:)

Social Studies: Students will begin learning about the major components and patterns with the earth, moon and sun systems. We will begin explaining the causes of day and night and the phases of the moon.

Important Dates:

Dec. 1 - Read to Achieve Informational Session and Success with Reading Session 8:15-9:15 AM  and 4:30-5:30 PM session

Dec. 2-3- IOWA testing for previously notified students 9:30

Dec. 7-11 - Scholastic Book Fair

Dec. 11- Ice Cream Multiplication/Winter Celebration 2:30

Social Studies Test Tuesday

Notes and a study guide are assigned for homework and will be brought home this afternoon. Please take time to review for test tomorrow. Students have been working on these concepts with Mrs. Croy for several weeks.

Nov.11, 2015 Newsletter

I hope you all were able to enjoy a beautiful day with your children! As I type this newsletter, I am sitting outside watching my son shoot baskets in the beautiful sunshine:) Life is good!

Reading:

We have enjoyed learning about idioms and how non-literal language is used in writing and speaking. Don’t be surprised if your students start pointing out idioms in your everyday conversations! Ask them about some of the idioms we’ve learned.

Students will be looking at stories and comparing theme, plot, characters and setting. We’ve been reading the Clementine series and discussing these differences. We will do this with other stories. Students are continuing to read their books for book club and taking notes.

Language/Writing:

Students are beginning to write opinion pieces based on a review of a topic. They have selected their topics and are beginning to put together an outline. We will then elaborate on the reasons to support their opinion using good vocabulary. Students will be learning about verb tenses. We will play a new program involving technology called Plicker. I’m excited to try it out for the first time with the class.

Math: We will continue our multiplication and division unit. Students will continue learning the properties; commutative, associative and distributive. Distributive seems to be difficult for some. I found this video that really does a great job explaining it: Distributive Property/Decomposing Numbers We will also be learning mixed two-step problem solving.

We have been taking our timed multiplication quizzes. Please have your student practice their facts at home using the websites provided on my blog or flashcards. Please check with your student about which fact they are on. They can bring home the quizzes to practice. I always hand them back. In December we will have an ice cream party to celebrate their hard work. For quizzes passed, they earn tickets that can be used for their bowl, napkin, spoon, scoops and toppings.

Social Studies: After completing a mini project about personal finances, students will learn about trade by discussing imports, exports, specialization, and interdependence.

Important Dates:

Nov. 17 - Lifetouch Picture Make Up Day (please let me know via email)

Nov. 25 - Teacher Workday

Nov. 25-27 - Thanksgiving Holiday Break NO SCHOOL

Dec. 7-11 - Scholastic Book Fair

Picture Make Ups

There are some good-looking pictures coming home in their Tuesday folders today. However, if you would like to have your child retake their picture, the retake day is Nov. 17. Please let me know on that day so I won't forget to send them:)

Nov. 2, 2015 Newsletter

Thank you for supporting ACES Fall Fun Run! We had a great time on Friday.  

Reading:

Students will be working in book clubs and taking on various roles in their book clubs. They will be using sticky notes to stop and jot down notes or questions that they have as they read. We will be learning about idioms and understand the difference between literal and nonliteral language.

Carolina Hurricanes- Pick Up A Book And Read Program

Today in their homework folder you will find a scorecard to keep track of minutes read. This is an optional program to encourage students to read. If your child chooses to participate, parents will need to help their student fill out a scorecard and return it to me after six weeks. I will send a reminder when six weeks are up. I have already registered our class, but if you would like to look at the program information here is the link: Pick Up A Book And Read. There is an essay contest if anyone would like to enter. Information concerning the contest is included with the link. Happy Reading!

Language/Writing:

In writing students are learning about types of reviews. We have examined types of reviews and they will be picking a topic to review as their next writing piece. In language we are learning about the function of adverbs and will be identifying subjects and predicates in sentences. 

Math:

This week students will be using multiplication and division strategies to solve various word problems. I sent a document last week attached to an email that I hope will give provide you with an overview of our math units along with videos showing strategies and methods taught. It is also on the blog to the right under “Helpful Documents”.

We have been taking our timed multiplication quizzes. Please have your student practice their facts at home using the websites provided on my blog or flashcards. In December we will have an ice cream party to celebrate their hard work. For tests passed, they earn tickets that can be used for their bowl, napkin, spoon, scoops and toppings. 

Social Studies:Students have started their economics unit with Mrs. Croy. They will be learning about the importance of using a budget and even making decisions about spending money. 
Information From Ms. Brinchek:

November At Home Engineering Challenge

What can you do with...... an empty plastic bag?!?!?!?!

To participate in this home challenge, you will need to create something (anything) using an empty plastic bag (any size or brand)! You can use any additional materials in your creation! The only rule is to BE CREATIVE!

Important Dates:

Nov. 11 - Veteran’s Day Holiday - NO SCHOOL

Nov. 25 - Teacher Workday

Nov. 25-27 - Thanksgiving Holiday Break NO SCHOOL

Dec. 7-11 - Scholastic Book Fair