February News
LAL: This month we are working on inferring what an author means and drawing conclusions about characters, setting, and the meaning of a story. Please make sure to visit the "Links" page for continued on-line practice. Along with the above skill, students are studying character traits in depth to draw conclusions about characters while citing evidence from text that supports a particular trait, for example: Tom is greedy because he took seven cookies from the pile, while the rest of the students only took two. We have also been focusing on comparing and contrasting information from various genres using graphic organizers and then applying this learned knowledge into a written format. The students continue to practice all new skills through Reader's Workshop, Book Clubs, Guided Reading, and our class novel. In addition, we have begun to apply learned reading strategies in NJ ASK test format so that the students are comfortable come May.
We are on our second round of Book Clubs and have been practicing developing literal and open-ended questions based on the chapters for other members of the group. This strategy helps students understand what they are reading and gives the group a chance to discuss the chapter together.
We have just about finished reading Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. The students will view the movie this month, as there will be a home assignment to compare and contrast the book and movie. Look for information to come home Wednesday, February 15th. We will then begin our next novel, which is our Holocaust study, Jacob's Rescue.
In writing, we have been working working on speculative and expository pieces. We will continue to practice the 30 minute time limit to ensure students are comfortable creating an entire writing piece in the amount of time given. At times, the time limit will be broken down over a whole week. For example: On Monday, I will give everyone 5 minutes to brainstorm, on Tuesday, 7 minutes to compose an another entire paragraph, Wednesday 7 minutes to compose another paragraph, Thursday, 7 minutes to compose last paragraphs(s) and Friday, 4 minutes for re-reading, revising and editing. This method will help a student better understand what is expected in the time given. Currently, we are working on a speculative writing and working on one paragraph at a time using ALL of our resources. Students are also learning to peer edit with each other, telling each other what they liked or what may have been confusing, before meeting with me. We then share our stories with the entire class.
Math: We are just about finished with fractions and will have a test on Friday, February 10th. Please make sure to check out my "Math" link for class notes, especially since they are color-coded and may help with understanding a topic that may still seem confusing. Ask your child why we "Karate Chop" fractions! Next up will be Perimeter and Area.
Social Studies: Do you know when East and West Jersey became one unified royal colony known as New Jersey? Your child does! We are learning all about colonial New Jersey and how it all began, including early industry that began in New Jersey, what life was like for a colonial child and comparing and contrasting that with a Lenape child. Our next chapter will focus on the New Jersey's role during the American Revolution, along with the significance of July 4th! We will also learn how George Washington became known during this time, not as President, but as a general, and how his decisions led him to be elected as the first president of the United States of America.
Science: Check out Mrs. Heller's site to see what is happening in the world of science!
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