In math, we are in the middle of our unit on decimals. Students have been working on ordering
and comparing decimals. This week we will continue our study of decimals by rounding decimals to
the nearest one, tenth, or hundredth. Using number lines and grids as models students are building
their understanding of rounding decimals. This week we will also be finding fraction and decimal
equivalents which will lead us into adding and subtracting decimals. Next we will be adding and
subtracting decimals. I suspect, based on pretests and class observations, that this unit will go by
quickly for most students.
In reading, we are diving into building our reading comprehension using complex nonfiction texts.
Students are developing an array of strategies to help grow their comprehension in reading. These
strategies include summarizing, adding in headings by annotating, rereading, previewing text
structures, and building knowledge of academic vocabulary. You can help your child at home by
asking them to summarize what they have read. Summarizing helps students better understand
what they are reading, notice when meaning breaks down, and remember the important parts of
what they are reading. Students should determine multiple main ideas and supporting details while
considering the author’s main ideas and how ideas connect to one another. Later students will be
delving into an inquiry based study on a weather phenomenon (hurricanes, tornados, etc.). This not
only ties to our science standards, but will also allow students to synthesize information across multiple
text sources, and compare how different authors present information in a variety of ways.
In writing, we are still working on our argument unit. Students are using research groups to develop
new thinking. We are recognizing that a good argument is supported by reasons that are backed by
evidence. Students are analyzing a variety of texts and studying arguments identifying what makes a
strong argument while researching both sides of an issue. This will lead to several Research Based
Argumentative Essays. The volume of writing will increase as well as attention to structure, craft, and
conventions.
In science, we have been conducting a variety of experiments learning more about what happens
when water evaporates and understanding more about water vapor. We have carried out our
experiments using our knowledge of the scientific method. We will also take the information we've l
earned about water, solar energy, and transfer of energy to make some insights about weather patterns
around the world. Mike Nelson form Channel 7 will also be coming in to give a presentation for the kids!