Week of 10.15.12 - 10.19.12

Thanks for joining me at family conferences this week.  It was nice to connect!  Please remember to help your student complete the Nicor Questionnaire at the back of the booklet.  Enjoy the free materials.

 
4th Grade Math:We started Unit 3:  "Multiplication and Division, Number Sentences and Algebra" by reviewing multiplication and division facts.  Most students need a lot of practice in building up their skills to where they can quickly and accurately recall the facts. 

 

You can help them boost their math fluency by:

• skip counting (2, 4, 6, 8.... or 6, 12, 18, 24)
• using flash cards
• playing Multiplication Top It:  each player draws 2 cards.  Multiply the two cards.  The player with the higher number 'wins' the round.  Player with the most cards at the end wins.  Can be played with addition or subtraction as well.
• verbally running through the facts by number.  Ex:  "Do 2's" (2 x 1=2, 2x2=4, 2x3=6).  Breeze through the solid numbers and focus on the trickier ones (6's, 7's..)...
• encouraging them to do Xtramath.org every night! 

5th Grade Math: Check out Ms. Wennerberg's website and newsletter for updates: http://www.op97.org/swennerberg/

Social Studies: Check out Ms. Wennerberg's website and newsletter for updates: http://www.op97.org/swennerberg/

Science: (Class 303)  The meal worm articles turned out very well!  I was pleased to see the application of so many concepts we covered throughout the unit combined into one project.  Many of our students pushed themselves to write sophisticated articles and design creative layouts.  Monday will mark the end of our unit with the unit test.  If you'd like to help your student, click here for the Jeopardy review game.

(Class 302)  We proofed rough drafts and started final copies this week.  302 scientists will have one more opportunity to work on their project in class on Tuesday.  Their final copies are due Tuesday, 10.23. Their test unit test will be Friday, 10.26.  We will review in class on Wednesday, and you can help your student review using this Jeopardy review game.

Reading:   We are still working with the theme "Growing Up." Each of the stories we've read relate to this theme in some way: through the characters gaining new experiences, making tough decisions, or learning about sophisticated world events. Soon we'll begin to discuss the Growing Up project that relates to this unit. More to come!

Writing:  About half the class has published their final drafts, and the other half will be done next week.  I'm blown away by the creativity and variety in the kids' writing.  Be sure to check out your student's writing on our wall space on the first floor, across from the EC rooms on the way to the auditorium.  They love comments!

Miscellaneous:

• CAMP EDWARDS: 5th grade families should hand in Camp Edwards permission slips and fees. They are due at the beginning of November. If you are in need of a scholarship, please let me or Debbie Dietz know.
• Please join us for the next SIT FAMILY NIGHT on Thursday, October 25th for "Reading Information Night." Pizza will be served in the mini gym at 5:30. At 6pm, parents are invited to the library for an introduction to the Treasures reading curriculum your children work with daily. Whittier faculty will be on hand to highlight various reading comprehension strategies; they'll have question/ activities that you can use with your child at home. Children will remain in the mini-gym with supervision, listening to stories and participating in related activities. Preschool activities will also be provided. The evening will end at 7pm. Please RSVP by paper (orange- sent home today!) or here. Please RSVP on-line here.