Hello, Families!
We had fantastic weather for a fun-filled Oktoberfest on Friday! Thank you to all who volunteered and supported our event. We’ve also been busy academically. Look at what we have done and will do in the next two weeks.
Weekly Homework
Homework is due every Monday
Read the passage and complete daily activities.
IXL Homework for the week:
4th: J.J. 6. (70% +)
5th: C.1 & C.2 (70% +)
Read daily for 20 minutes (Honor system)
Review multiplication and division facts a few times a week.
Our Academic Week
ELA
Our read-aloud continues to be Wonder by R.J. Palacio. We dive into vocabulary, character traits, and comprehension questions.
Word Sorts has begun. Take a peek in their planner. This is a reminder that we do not administer spelling tests weekly, but we administer an assessment every 4-6 weeks to check for mastery.
Our reading for the next few weeks will be the following:
5th: Our 5th graders are about halfway through the book Hatchet. We’ve had lots of discussions throughout each chapter. We still have so many questions, and we hope we get some answers in the next two weeks. Along with our reading, we have many short answers to discuss and write about as we read.
4th: Our 4th graders are on chapter 19 of Island of the Blue Dolphins. Ask your child what their favorite part has been so far and why they liked it.
We will learn about Figurative Language and Themes in the next two weeks.
Math
Math fluency daily (add/sub/multiplication/division).
4th: We will continue learning to measure angles using a protractor. The upcoming unit will be all about finding missing numbers & figuring out what the pattern may be (Ex: 1,800; _____; 1,850;_____;1,900). Students must be able to fill in the missing number and identify that is a +25 pattern. This unit will also include: place value to the ten thousands, collecting, organizing and describing data, and addition and subtraction of multidigit numbers.
5th: In the next few weeks, we will work on estimation, addition & subtraction of whole numbers and decimals, and multiplication of whole numbers and decimals. At the end of the unit, we will also practice the lattice method of multiplication.
Religion
We continue to read Venture. This week, we will recognize the greatness Jesus expects from his followers and locate Bible passages to trace how James and John grow.
Social Studies
4th: During this week in our Social Studies Weekly, students will learn the importance of asking good questions when studying history. The important concept to consider is perspective. By asking well-thought-out questions, you can begin to study an event or concept from multiple perspectives. Another concept to consider is using credible evidence.
5th: Our 5th graders are still learning to navigate Google Classroom. We’ve started our state of California slide but need to learn a few more skills before completing it. We can’t wait to show our peers our results.
Students will also learn how to use primary and secondary sources to evaluate events from multiple perspectives through our Social Studies Weekly.
Science
We have completed our Life Science unit on Exploring Traits. Over the past two weeks, we have learned vocabulary, note-taking, comparing and contrasting inherited and learned traits, and we are now ready to be assessed on Thursday. Students are allowed to take their notes home to study the vocabulary and understand the concept of traits. Last week, we began our labs and students completed labs as a group independently. They did an amazing job doing their research and practicing what they have learned.
Art
Our fall art has been done in stages. We have applied some of our art skills using pastels, zentangle designs, and watercolors. This art will be completed midweek. Dia de los Muertos will be the next theme for our art piece this Friday during Intermediate centers.
Music
The recorders are still the focus, along with learning the notes!
Reminders
Monday & Wednesday: Music
Tuesday & Thursday: P.E. Warm weather this week; please send plenty of water. I will encourage them to drink their water as well. 🙂
Friday: Noon Dismissal and Intermediate Centers! Mass at 8:30 a.m. If time allows, please join us for mass.