Writing Workshop: Our debates were incredibly fun and energized on Friday. Next week we go back to expository essays with a focus on writing strong conclusions and using the pillar to plan correctly.
Grammar: Our grammar focus is commas in appositives and commas to set off interruptions.
Daily 5/Reading: We are beginning a unit on poetry. Students will learn about the structural elements in poetry- rhyme, meter, stanzas, line breaks, etc. as well as language used in poetry (similes, metaphors, imagery, et). Students will have a reading benchmark test on Wednesday, February 3rd to get an overall picture of how well they have mastered concepts taught. *We are beginning a new class read aloud called Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key.
Social Studies/IB: The students are really enjoying learning about the systems our government has in place to help our country run smoothly- Constitution, how a bill becomes a law, role of the three branches, etc. Next week we will study our responsibilities as U.S. citizens and the importance of voting. We’ll conduct a voter simulation activity that will be eye opening and informative in more ways than one. We’ll also look at the current potential candidates for the upcoming election and gather information.
Science: In science next week we will be studying mixtures and solutions. We will conduct investigations to identify what happens to physical properties in both a mixture and a solution and will also justify why some objects float and some sink.
Upcoming Dates:
February 2- Math benchmark
February 3- Reading benchmark
February 10- Writing benchmark
February 11- Austin Field trip
February 12- Valentine exchange