Connections

It is getting to be that time of year when all our learning is really building momentum. 

We have learned multiplication, division, and applied both skills while solving fraction problems. This next unit will focus on area and perimeter. Please have students work on multiplication and division facts as they will continue to play a role in Unit 8. It is critical for students to complete their math boxes each night. These boxes review past skills, practice current skills and preview upcoming skills every night. Students who complete their homework and consistently have an adult check work at home, have a better understanding and ultimately perform better on the final assessment. We review the math boxes as well as essential skills, like multiplication and division, everyday in the classroom. Being able to identify student needs also helps us provide extra support for students through small group differentiation. We are currently providing focused differentiation for 25 minutes on Wednesday and Friday. Each group works on identified skills specific to their group. This is the very best practice for students. 

We are finishing up our persuasive writing unit. Students have been working hard to develop all of the building materials for our drafts. This week students will begin to assemble their drafts. By the end of the unit students will have a completed essay. Be on the look out for due dates. In a few weeks students will be asked to apply what they have learned and write about an impromptu topic. 

Last week students finished their projects on the colonies. Students read and gathered information on each region of colonies. Students then created posters presenting their understanding. Students also created and played games for each region. This week we have begun to learn about the events that led to the American Revolutionary War. We have many activities planned to bring this part of our history to life so stay tuned. 

We are finishing up our Science unit on space. Last week students learned about constellations. If you haven't turned in the lunar chart please be sure to get it into me ASAP. Our next unit of science with be on rocks and minerals. 

The kids loved the amazing character counts assembly last week. All the tricks really got them excited about good character. 

Please remember that ISATs begin next week. This can be a very stressful for our students. It is so important for students to get a good nights rest and an awesome breakfast. Additional information about the test can be found on the ISBE website.