Math: We have begun the first chapter of our GO Math series. Chapter 1 focuses on place value, multiplication, and expressions. We will complete lessons 1.4-1.7. There will be one page of homework assigned nightly in addition to any work not completed during class.
Reading: We will be reading the novel Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. (See home page for a synopsis.) We will be working on determining the theme of the story from details in the text, summarizing the text, determining the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, and comprehending literature. We will begin by reading chapters 1-4. We will then start a project in which students will research heart health. Students will be working in pairs to complete this assignment. Due date to follow. Students will also take a quiz on chapters 1-4 this week.
Reading groups: I have assigned students to reading groups. Each group will be reading a novel and working on various common core reading skills. We will be reading the following books: Because of Winn-Dixie, Old Yeller, Titanic: Book 1: Unsinkable, Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger.
Reading homework: There will be one page of reading homework assigned nightly. This week we will be focusing on determining the main idea and explaining how it is supported by key details, and summarizing the text.
Grammar: We will be working in class on demonstrating command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing. We will start by focusing on capitalization.
Spelling: We will be working to spell grade-appropriate words correctly. Students will complete a packet practicing the week's skill in class. They may take it home to study as well. A spelling list was sent home last week covering the first three weeks of spelling. Students will take a test on Friday over the week's spelling words as well as the spelling skill itself. This week we will be working on plurals. The words are: inches, oxen, chiefs, radios, potatoes, women, geese, feet, antennae, taxes, teeth, deer, pennies, wives, keys, countries, leaves, pianos, dishes, Chinese.
Social Studies: We have started a unit on the American Revolution. We will start by focusing on the what life was like in colonial America before the Revolutionary War. We will also be learning about the causes of the Revolution. Students will also begin a research project in which they will be assigned a trade from colonial times. They will have to research what that person's job was and what skills were needed to perform the job. Due date to follow.
Science: We are going to work on a life science unit on classifying living things. Students will be categorizing organisms into the five kingdoms. They will also have to collect specimens from outside and classify them Students will be asked to complete science investigations both at school and at home.
Writing: Each day students will be completing a daily writing warm-up which focuses on many writing skills. They will also complete a quick write on a given prompt. We will also be working on the steps of writer's workshop in which students will have the opportunity to revise and edit their writing. Our first set of writing prompts will be working on writing narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequence.