Room 5 News
January 29, 2020
Important Classroom Information
- Monday, February 17 - Friday, February 21, 2020: No school, February break
Classroom Updates
Please remember to return the permission slip for our Tour of Historical Lexington field trip by Friday, January 31, 2020. As this is a quick turn around, please let me know if you need any assistance. I have attached a copy of the form below if needed.
A Word From the Students
- Bella W.
- Shubham G.
Curriculum Updates
During our SEL time, students continue to focus on positivity. This week students learned the phrase, every cloud has a silver lining. Students created silver lining clouds showing a more positive outlook to tricky situations. See a few examples below.
Math:
Last week, we started our sixth math unit focusing on fractions. This unit is broken into three parts. During the first part, students will use fractions strips to show that a fraction is an equal part of a whole. Last week, we created halves, fourths, eighths, sixteenths, thirds, sixths, twelfths, and sixteenths using paper strips. Students will use these fractions strips to compare fractions to the nearest whole. As the unit progresses, students will learn to model fractions using a fraction model and a number line (see the examples below).
Fraction bars (strips)
Fraction Model
Fractions on a number line
Writing:
In writing, we continue to work on our nonfiction books. Students have created a table of contents and are writing the chapters in their text. Last week, we learned to write paragraphs using key vocabulary and interesting facts and details. Students are now learning new techniques nonfiction writers use to make their books more exciting. Ask your child about their expert topic!
Reading:
We continue to work through our nonfiction reading unit. Students are exploring various nonfiction topics which include legos, extinct animals, gorillas, and more. As students read, they have been working to find the main idea of the text with supporting details. We will continue to practice this skill over the next few weeks. Below are a few resources we've used in class for main idea.
Word Study:
Over the past few weeks, students are learning how to read and write multisyllable words. Students are learning where to break the word into "chunks" and find the patterns within each syllable.
Social Studies:
In social studies, we are learning about the Pilgrims. So far, we've discussed the why the Pilgrims left England, their journey to the New World, and what happened once they reached land. In the coming weeks, we will discuss how the Pilgrims adapted to their environment and began to build a life for themselves.
Ask your child
- How do nonfiction writers add detail to their books?
- Who were the Pilgrims? - Tell me more about their journey to the new world.
- What is a fraction?
- Can you show me how to break words into syllables? (sample words to use: snowman, chunky, singer, sinkhole, handbag, baseball, etc).
Let me know!
Feel free to email me at: marthur@lexingtonma.org