Weekly Update 2/23

Wow, there’s only a week left in February.  Where does all that time go??

Math

I was very pleased with how well everyone performed on their post-test for Unit 5.  Geometry is so much, I’m a little sad we have to move on.  We’re going back to multiplication and division and go over, in both deep and robust ways, the many connections between them.  We already took the pre-test to see what our baseline is.  On Friday, we will reflect on this.

This week we will be reviewing some of the division strategies we developed earlier in the year.  As a class we will then solve and discuss a set of division problems that move beyond the basic facts.  Towards the end of the week we will be doing the same with multiplication strategies.  On Thursday there will be a work sample collected on the multiplication strategies.

Science
This week we start our second investigation into water, the focus being hot and cold water.  Students will build a thermometer and conduct investigations to find out what happens when the thermometer is place first in hot water and the in cold water.  Later we will observe objects placed in water.  Some sink and some float.  Students next will observe what happens when they lower first a small vial of hot water and later a vial of cold water into cups of room temperature water. 

ReadingPlease see the "Reading" tab for more information

Other Notes
Just a reminder that spelling is now an at home enrichment activity.  You will be able to find the lessons posted at www.spellingcity.com/tbraford. 

Tuesday morning we will be having a special assembly with Rick Hartman.  He is a master toymaker, storyteller and author of “The Making of Superpin: Wonder and Joy in a Homemade Toy”.  Packed with scientific surprises, visual comedy, playful poetry and a motivational message, The Steps to Imagine is a celebration of science, creativity and the writing process.  He will also be in the Hansen cafeteria for a Family Night presentation from 6:30 – 7:45 pm.  For more information, you can visit Rick’s website at www.schooloftoy.com.

Excelsior!
~Ms. B

Weekly Update 2/2

Happy Groundhog’s Day!  Sadly Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning, meaning another six weeks of winter.  Course if the past couple months have been any indication, I’m perfectly okay with it.  We’ve past our halfway mark; it’s all downhill from this point!

Math
This week, we will be introduced to lines of symmetry and working to define and create examples of polygons with one or more lines of symmetry.  We will review different types of triangles, quadrilaterals, and other polygons as we create a set of polygon cards.  These cards will help your child solve a collection of riddles and polygon bingo.  We’ll round out the week by reviewing how we measure area. 

Social Studies

This week we will be wrapping up our discussions about Washington State and start transitioning into our Science units.

ReadingPlease see the reading tab for details.

There is a spelling test on Wednesday.

Other Notes
Please remember to turn in the Jumba Gram forms by Tuesday, February 10^th, so your child can enjoy a smoothie on Friday, February 13^th.  We’re also having a class party that afternoon, if you would like to donate treats, please let me know by Wednesday, February 11^th.

On Thursday, February 5^th, there is an orchestra concert.  

Excelsior!
~Ms. B