Room 5 News
October 23, 2019
Important Classroom Information
- Thursday, October 17 - Wednesday, October 30, 2019 - fall conferences
- Wednesday, October 23 - half day, 12:15 dismissal
- Wednesday, October 30 - half day, 12:15 dismissal
- Thursday, October 31 - fall celebration @ 9:00
Updates:
IXL/Xtramath
During math workshop, we use IXL and Xtramath to help students build their fact fluency and practice important math skills. Both programs are computer-based and can be easily used at home. With that said, it is not mandatory that your child use these programs at home. It is simply an option for extra practice. I will send home your child's login information during our conference. Links to each website are listed below.
Curriculum Updates
Social Emotional Learning:
This week during our SEL block, we talked about the size of a problem. Students learned that we all face challenges in our lives; some bigger than others. Students learned to differentiate between a small problem, a medium problem, and a big problem. After, students analyzed various problems they may face in their lives and created for solutions for how to solve each problem.
Math:
In math we have been working addition and subtraction with whole numbers. Most recently, we have been practicing, extension facts, looking for clues in word problems, and rounding. We have also used a new addition strategy called partial sums. Click the link below for more details.
Writing:
This week, we will wrap up our narrative writing unit. After collecting ideas for stories in their writer’s notebook, students have been sharing their personal stories with their classmates. Students have learned how to elaborate and make their writing stronger by using feeling, action, sound, thought, and dialogue (FASTD) to make readers feel like they are reliving their special moment. Now students are editing and publishing their final pieces. We look forward to sharing them with you soon!
Reading:
In reading, we continue to revisit essential reading strategies like: checking for comprehension, retelling our stories, and using thought prompts to discuss books with our friends.
Word Study:
In word study we continue to explore closed syllable patterns. Over the past few weeks, we learned about closed syllables, glued sounds, and when to use -ch or -tch to end a word. See the pictures below for the word study rules we follow in class.
Social Studies:
In social studies, we are learning about Massachusetts geography. Throughout this week, students are labeling a big map of Massachusetts. Students will use their knowledge of cardinal directions to identify states that border Massachusetts, label major bodies of water, and locate important cities within the state.
Ask your child
- How can you tell the difference between a small problem, a medium problem, and a big problem? What are some strategies you can use to solve each type of problem?
- How do you know when to use -ch or -tch to end a word? (option: ask your child to spell the following words: itch, bench, ranch, match, each, and fetch for practice)
- What is partial sums? How can it help you solve larger math problems? Can you show me an example of how this strategy works?
Let me know!
Feel free to email me at: marthur@lexingtonma.org