Weekly Update-September 20, 2019

It is hard to believe that the first trimester will be over shortly. We have enjoyed getting to meet you and your child. In the next few weeks, there will be summative assessments given in all subject areas. Please read below to find our more.

We are almost finished our first math unit on Place Value. Our second assessment will be taking place within the next two weeks in all classes and it will cover Lessons 11-19. In these lessons your child has learned how to use place value to fluently add and subtract multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm, and then apply the algorithm to solve word problems using tape diagrams. Each lesson includes several word problems which is part of the assessment as well. The tape diagram is a useful tool to help break down what the question is asking. As your child prepares for this assessment, it is important that the tape diagram is shown in their final answer.

We are continuing to read A Tiger Rising by Kate De Camillo in class. Through the book we are understanding what motivates the different characters. Students have also learned to compare different characters and to look carefully at the patterns that take place in these characters. In addition, students are building their reading stamina and starting to independently ground ideas in evidence.

Many writing strategies are being taught as we continue to work hard on our writing. Most stories are finished and now students are starting the process of revision and focusing on many of the strategies that all good writers use. These include adding dialogue, excellent word choice and a strong voice. Students are also having writing conferences with their teachers and actively listening to feedback. We are confident that your child is prepared for their summative assessments in writing and reading which will take place in about two weeks. They will be given the opportunity to show what that have learned in the final writing on demand. In reading student will answer several questions after reading a short story.

We are coming to the end of our Unique Brazil Social Studies. In this unit your child learned about the five themes of geography using Brazil as a model. Our cumulative final project includes a thinking routine where students are asked to look at a picture from a specific region in Brazil and to write a word, phrase and sentences using the knowledge they have acquired. They will be working with a partner and will have time in class to complete this assessment.

 Reminders No School this Friday, September 27th