Lyons' Class Update
News from P76
Week ending 2/7/14
We are now halfway through quarter 3. I have included some important dates, listed below.
In Language Arts, we have completed two DBQs (Document Based Questioning). Ask your child about using features of non-fiction text to clarify meaning and increase comprehension. We are learning document analysis, primary vs. secondary sources, and the writing process from thesis to essay. Our next DBQ will start next week, and is on the American Revolution. The title is, "Valley Forge: Would You Have Quit?" Our next novel study is My Brother Sam is Dead, by Collier & Collier. We are almost finished with the Wordly Wise book, which is full of great vocabulary lessons. We will continue to work with this book on parts of speech for the remainder of the year. Additionally, we will be working on persuasive writing in preparation for Tropicana Speech contest next month.
In Math we are working on a unit on Measurement. This unit covers standard and metric units; conversion between units; and perimeter, area and surface area.
We will be having a review of the Constitution in Social Studies, to conclude with a test on Chapter 6 next Tuesday. We have previously covered the Constitution during Constitution Week, in the Fall. Next quarter's Social Studies focuses on Westward Expansion.
Finally, we will be focused on Science in preparation for FCAT, in addition to our Science Experiment/Expo. Our Science studies for the remainder of the quarter will focus on a unit on Earth, to include planets, formations, and weather.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Friday, February 7: Interim reports issued; Yearbook Memories due.
Tuesday, February 11: Yearbook group photos (Chorus, Band, Tech, etc.) Please bring
class shirts and patrol shirts for photos.
February 14: Jump Rope for Heart - wear class shirts; Valentine Celebration lunch.
February 20: Due date for 5th grade Latitude 30 event (scheduled for May 22) permission
slips and payment ($25).
March 5: IMAX field trip (We The People, Lewis & Clarke).
DFA testing: March 10-March 13. Teacher Planning March 14.
Report cards are issued March 27.
Spring Break: March 17-21. Good Friday April 18.
Class speeches: March 26; Grade level speeches April 4.
FCAT Testing Dates: April 22, 23 Reading; April 24, 25 Science; April 28*, 29* Math
*Will be confirmed soon