I hope everyone enjoyed our long weekend and a wonderful snow day yesterday!
THIS WEEK…
Math – We will be working to finish our division unit. My goal (as long as the weather cooperates) is to take the review test on Friday, have the weekend to analyze the results, and then reteach on Monday and Post-test Tuesday of next week. Students should be practicing their division all week, focusing heavily upon word problems.
***We have been lucky enough to receive funding for student access to Moby Max school-wide. We encourage students to use this site at home as well as at school. It adjusts to meet the needs of each individual student and covers all subject areas. If you haven’t already, have your child show you the site and you will quickly see the benefits this tool could have.
Reading – We are continuing to read non-fiction texts, but focusing on the federal, state, and local governments to incorporate our Social Studies standards.
***Please remember to have your child read EVERY night. The best way to improve reading skills is to read. No matter the age, students also benefit from read aloud, so think about sharing some of your favorite books with your child, or read a few chapters of their favorite book with them.
Writing – Students have been working hard to write opinion essays. This week, students will choose one more debate prompt as their focus for an opinion essay. They will be given much less guidance so that way I can determine where their strengths and weaknesses fall. I will then meet with students one-on-one or in small groups to assist in any area they may need help, before allowing them to take a stand on a U.S. policy issue for the final, graded, opinion essay.
***If your child needs extra help with opinion writing, consider having them write to you about something they really want. Perhaps they really want to go skiing. Have them write an opinion/persuasive essay trying to convince you to take them. The more opportunities they have the write, the better they will become.
Social Studies – Students will be studying the three branches of government: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. Students will be expected to complete a Government Mini-Project the week we return from break regarding the three branches. Expect to see information regarding this project coming home later this week. Students are allowed to begin working on it over break, however it is NOT required. I would like the holiday break to be about spending time with family and friends.
***Encourage your child to watch the news or read the newspaper to see their government in action.
IMPORTANT DATES:
- Friday, 12/16 – Popcorn Friday / Hudsonville Spirit Wear
- Tuesday, 12/20 – Multiplication Fact Masters Pizza Party 12:20 – 12:40
- Wednesday, 12/21 – Christmas Party and Holiday Sock Exchange
- Thursday, 12/22 – Monday 1/2 – Winter Break