Looking ahead to this week…

Math

We continue our study of multi-digit multiplication this week.

Monday – Estimating Products

Tuesday – Using Place Value to Multiply

Wednesday – Algebraic Notation Method

Thursday – Comparing Methods of One-Digit by Two-Digit Multiplication

Friday – Discussing Different Methods

• Students have been doing a great job on their basic facts quizzes and are quickly earning their “pizza toppings.”  Please continue to encourage your child to study their facts every night.  Having these facts committed to memory will not only benefit them as we study multi-digit multiplication, but also as we move into long division.

Reading

We are continuing our read aloud of The Tiger Rising while discussing important reading skills related to realistic fiction.

Monday – Using Our Empathy for Characters to Make Predicitions

Tuesday – Predicting HOW Events Will Happen

Wednesday – Stepping Outside the Story to Develop Ideas About Characters

Thursday – How Actions Reveal Information About Characters

Friday – How Surprising Actions Influence Our Opinion of Characters

• Students should continue to read texts on their level as well as take the Reading Counts quizzes once they finish a book.  Ask your student how they’re doing on their quizzes.  These quizzes help reveal whether or not the student is understanding what they are reading.
• Reminder – if you’re interested in making a book purchase for your child through our Scholastic Book Club, please do so my October 31st.  I will be submitting all classroom orders on Monday, 10/31/16.  Please visit our classroom site, or use our classroom code (QHP2K).

Writing

We are working on writing our first realistic fiction piece.

Monday – Creating a Conflict that is Believable

Tuesday – Planning and Organizing a Story with a Story Mountain

Wednesday – Creating Strong Leads with Details About the Setting

Thursday – Developing Characters Using Description and Action

Friday – Developing Characters Through Dialogue and Thoughts

Science

We will continue our study of Ecosystems.  This week students will be asked to explore the Ecosystems in their backyards.  We will also continue to observe and chart the plants we are growing in the classroom.

Announcements / Upcoming Events

• Students will begin formally participating in a Super Switch this week.  For 30 minutes a day, students will be regrouped according to their individual needs and be provided with small group instruction to help bridge any gaps they might have.  These groups are fluid and will be changed multiple time throughout the school year, but they are designed to help your child maximize their growth.
• Our school will participate in a Lockdown Drill on Tuesday at 12:35.  This drill is designed to ensure the safety of all students and staff in the event that a lockdown would become necessary.  I just wanted to give you a heads up in case your child comes home discussing a school lockdown.  This is only a drill!
• Jets Pizza Night will be this Tuesday, 10/18.
• Picture Retakes will be on Wednesday, 10/19.
• The Walk-a-thon will be this Friday, 10/21.  Please be sure if you have been collecting donations that they get turned in to school by Friday.  4th Grade will be walking with 5th grade from 1 – 1:45.
• Our Halloween party will be next Monday, 10/31/16.  The parade will begin at 1:00 as it has in years past, and then students will return to the classroom for their party until recess at 2:10.
• Conference slips will be sent home today.  If for some reason the time you were assigned does not fit your needs, please contact me as soon as possible so that I may make any necessary changes.  I still have some open time slots from 4:00 – 5:15 on Wednesday, and from 5:00 – 5:45 on Thursday.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.