Recap Term 1/Term 2 Introduction

Hello Everyone!  I've been very busy preparing for the second term, so I'm running late with my Term 1 recap.  Here is a short recap of Tern 1!

Term 1 Recap
Reading:  In Reading, we spent a lot of time discussing the different types of reading, and specific elements of non-fiction text.   We also started working on vocabulary development, and built reading stamina.

Science:  In Science, we spent the entire term working on classification of plants and animals.  Students will finish and submit their presentations from our field trip tomorrow!

S.S.:  In Social Studies, we had a great term learning about the process of laws and the procedures our government has in place to protect citizen rights.  Students need to review the AMENDMENT process.  We struggled on the assessment because many students have a misconception that the President can veto an amendment.  The amendment process does not include vetoes (that is the process of creating a law).  We will have some more time to develop this knowledge later in this term as we discuss the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments.

Math:  Math was an investigation of our number system.  We studied rounding, comparing, ordering,  powers of ten, and operations with decimals.

Writing:  We worked on personal narratives, and developing compound sentences.  Students also learned the writing process, and are showing great improvement in the editing and revising of their work.

Term 2 Introduction
Welcome to Term 2!  This week we will be launching our new Unit of Inquiry - Who We Are with a series of different activities.  I will also begin our new class read aloud - Wonder by P.J. Palacio.  Our Reading unit will begin by focusing on implied and explicit main ideas, vocabulary development, and research.  Students will receive a copy of the weekly kids publication - Time for Kids to use during reading workshop.  We will also begin evaluating the causes of the American Civil War.  In Science, we will begin an inquiry into microorganisms (students LOVE this unit because we will be creating bacteria cultures this week).  Our writing focus this term will be the research process.  As promised, word studies will begin this week.  Students will be working on prefixes, suffixes, Greek and Latin roots.  This should help with both vocabulary development and spelling!  In Mathematics, students will begin this term by working on the vocabulary terms for the operations.  Many students do not know the mathematical definitions for product, quotient, difference, and sum.  Please review these words with your student this week (they will have notes!).  We will also be working on developing our mental math skills this week.

Parents - I also did not get the login information completed for the math practice website (www.scootpad.com).  I will have that information for you in the Thursday email.

We also need to ensure that ALL students have their binders at school on Wednesday (9/24).  We will be creating our portfolios for first term on that day.  All students will bring home their binders next Monday (9/29) with their red folders.  This will include all their graded assignments from the first term.  We will store these binders at school once they are returned.

Rubrics for biography projects will be posted in the handouts section of this blog Monday afternoon (9/22).  

As usual, let me know if you have any concerns, comments, or questions.

See you soon!
Mrs. Prophet