Reading: I introduced the Biography Project this week and most of you saw the packet and signed the sheet stating that your child chose a person to research. If you didn't review the biography packet with your child and sign the last page, please do so this weekend. We are so excited about the project!
The kids should be reading their biography and taking notes for the next two weeks. We will discuss note-taking strategies next week in class. At the end of this reading window, I will go over the assignment requirements again and we will begin learning how to write a biography, starting with graphic organizers. We'll look at student work from past years and discuss the requirements of the creative projects again. All of this information, plus templates, sample work, and the timeline can be found on our blog by clicking the top link titled "Biography Project" or by clicking here. Check in with your child about what book they've chosen for their project. Encourage them to start reading this weekend. Ask them what they've learned so far, what is interesting about their person, and how their person's childhood helped shape who they will eventually become. Ask to see their notes. Encourage them to be specific and remind them to write page numbers/ chapter numbers as they go.
Math: We are halfway through our geometry unit. The second half of the unit calls for the kids to use their computational skills to solve unknown angles by using other angles. We'll continue to review and practice these skills during math workshop, but will also start to cycle back to multiplication and division as a review. If your child still doesn't know their math facts, practice them. Use flash cards, skip count (count by 4's, 6's, 7's, etc), quiz each other on facts (what's 8x4?). Your child should accurately know his/ her facts by heart, and with relative speed.
Social Studies: We are studying regions. The class learned about the northeast region together. We'll divide into groups and study the rest of the regions separately, then teach one another. We'll learn about landforms, culture, climate, landmarks, and natural resources/ products manufactured. If you've traveled anywhere in the US and have pictures to lend us (especially if your child is in them), please send them in or email them to me! We'll display them as we learn.
Miscellaneous:
- Be sure to sign up for Mystery Reader!
- Ask your child if they still have a protractor; if they lost it, please get them a new one. We need them every day in math right now.
