| Week of June 2:
The Latin American country projects are due this week. The students
will be wrapping them up and presenting them on Wednesday, June 4. These
include a poster of information about their assigned country, a cultural "tie-
in," and a prepared recipe from their country.
Week of May 27:
We are finishing our Latin America country projects. The students
should be putting the final parts of their projects together this week and
working within their groups to make sure all requirements are met. They will
present these next week.
Week of May 19:
The students are continuing to work together and individually on their
Latin American country group projects. They are combining research and
creativity to share information about their chosen countries. Each student
has been given particular responsibilities that they must accomplish for the
success of the project, so they need to be accountable. The projects will be
shared on June 4.
Week of May 12:
This week we are spending most of our social studies time working in our
groups on our Latin American country projects. The students are researching
information such as area, population, geographical features, language and
culture, government, and economy of their assigned country. They will share
this, along with a prepared native dish in class with a presentation on June
4.
Week of May 5:
The students are taking the Latin America CAAP test this week. They were
given a study guide last week to help prepare for it. Our classes will
combine later this week to begin working on some Latin American country
reports.
Week of April 28:
We have completed our study of the formation and early history of Latin
America. The District CAAP Test will be given next week. The students in
both classes have study guides to complete that will help them prepare for
this. Our classes will then work on Latin American country reports, which
they'll share in class.
Week of April 14:
We are reading about how European exploration of America led to the
decline of the Aztec and Incan civilizations. We're learning about the
motives behind the exploration and the impact the Europeans had on these
civilizations.
Week of April 7:
We have spent time looking at the civilizations of the Mayas, Aztecs,
and Incas. Now we're learning about the European impact on these groups as
explorers brought their own cultures and customs to America. We'll be
examining the end of each of these great civilizations.
Week of March 17:
This week we are examining the fascinating cultures of the Mayas,
Aztecs, and Incas. The students are making posters to spotlight these
interesting civilizations.
Week of March 10:
Our study of Latin America continues with a chapter examining some
ancient cultures. We'll explore the worlds of the Mayas, the Aztecs, and the
Incas. We'll learn about their history, as well as the contributions they
made in many areas.
Week of March 3:
We have examined the geography, climate, and people of Latin America.
This week, we'll be moving on to look at some of the earliest civilizations
in Latin America, including the Mayas, Aztecs, and Incas. Mr. Balcom's class
took the Western Hemisphere Map CAAP Test last week, and Mr. Walter will give
it to Mrs. Charland's class this week.
Week of February 18:
This week we started our "tour" of Latin America. We are learning about
the geography of the land, the climate, and the natural resources found
throughout Latin America. We'll also examine the culture groups found there
and how they are influenced by the land.
The students received practice maps for an upcoming CAAP test on the
Western Hemisphere (next week), so they should be reviewing these
periodically at home.
Week of February 11:
We are leaving Canada behind this week as we begin exploring our
southern neighbor, Latin America. We will start with the geography and
culture, before looking at the history. Be sure to ask your child how he/she
did on the Canada CAAP test (or contact us).
Week of February 4:
We will finish with Canada this week. The district CAAP test will be on
Thursday, so we've encouraged the students to take their books home every
night. Canada ABC books are DUE on Friday, February 8. We will explore
Latin America starting next week.
Week of January 21:
Both classes continue to work on their Canada ABC book projects this
week. We are pretty impressed with the work that each pair is producing.
The computer lab and the laptops have been very helpful in this process.
Finished books are due on February 8. We are also reading the final chapter
in the Canada unit. The district CAAP test will be in early February.
Week of January 14:
Canada ABC books have been assigned. Both classes are working on these
this week. The students are working with partners, and the finished books
will be due February 8th. Though much of the research is being done during
class time here at school, the students are encouraged to work at home as
well. If you have internet access or a Word Program, that would allow
students more time to complete the book.
Week of January 7:
Both classes are nearing the end of the Canada unit. We are learning
about the attempts at unification of the different groups, and how these
struggles will lead to Canada's independence. We will soon discuss the
project that will wrap up our study of our northern neighbor, a Canada ABC
Book.
Week of December 17:
This week, we are learning about the events that led to Canada's
independence from Great Britain. We are discussing WHY the French and
British Canadians eventually decided that they didn't want Great Britain to
be in charge anymore, and HOW they tried to make that happen.
Week of December 10:
Our students continue to learn about Canada's early history this week.
We have discussed the reason's behind European exploration of Canada, and the
explorers from various countries who represented either France or Great
Britain. We are learning about the competition between these two countries
and the effect it had on the colonization of Canada.
Week of December 4:
Mrs. Charland's class has begun learning about the explorers of Canada.
Students are learning how the Europeans interacted with the Native Americans
as they began to explore the large country of Canada. Totem Poles are due
December 14th.
Week of November 19:
We are continuing to explore Canada. Last week, Mr. Balcom's class
presented totem poles, similar to the ones created by the Northwest Coast
Indians. Many of these are on display in our library, so be sure to check
them out if you have a chance.
Week of October 29:
This week we are learning about the earliest inhabitants of Canada.
We're reading about where these groups settled, and how they adapted to their
very different surroundings. We will be assigning a Totem Pole project soon
to show one aspect of the culture of one of the groups.
Week of October 15:
We have begun our expedition to Canada! Our first chapter in this unit
examines the geography and climate of our northern neighbor. We'll also read
about the resources Canada has. The students each have their own textbooks,
so they are encouraged to take these home to complete worksheets and reading
assignments. Ask your child to name Canada's six physical regions and
explain where each is located.
Week of October 1:
We are continuing to explore our western hemisphere, examining the first
people groups to arrive in North America. Ask your child to tell you where
these people came from and how they got here. We'll be reading about their
culture and how they adapted to their environment. Then it's off to Canada!
Week of September 24:
We are wrapping up chapter one, which is a look at the geography of the
western hemisphere. We have examined landforms, water, climate and resources
found in the western hemisphere. Ask your child to tell you three factors
that affect the climate of a region.
Our next chapter will focus on the people of the western hemisphere.
We'll look at the earliest groups and where they came from, as well as how
they adapted to the regions they settled in.
Week of September 17:
We have spent a couple of weeks getting reacquainted with atlases, maps,
and globes. We've discussed the five themes of geography, and we're
reviewing basic geography concepts before moving ahead. We'll soon start our
exploration of Canada, from its geography and climate to its history and
people. If you have any Canadian memorabilia or resources, please feel free
to contact us about sharing it as we look at our neighbor to the north.
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