September 14-17

There is no school on Monday!
THe Jogathon is Friday the 17th at 11:15-12. Make sure your child comes prepared with proper clothing and shoes. Donation packets are due Wednesday the 15th.

Math: This week we are rounding whole and decimal numbers, estimating sums and differences, problem solving with an emphasis on drawing a picture or writing an equation and adding and subtracting big. There will be homework Tuesday-Thursday every night.

Writing: We are learning the format of persuasive and information papers. Students will begin writing persuasive papers in a couple of weeks. All of the writing will be done in class unless they do not finish their work in time. I will give sufficient time for them to finish.

Spelling: We will have spelling. Packets are due Friday. I will give time in class for students to complete the Spelling Dictionary and Write to the Point sections. Spelling words are: else, century, extra, remember, pledge, selfish, petal, exercise, elephant, energy, desert, length, expert, metal, excellent, vegetable, metric, wreck, gentle, and special.

Ideas to help your child study for the spelling test:
1. Use magnet letters,
2. Spell with shaving cream
3. Quiz them in the car
4. Have them spell aloud to you
5. Ask them questions about how the word is spelled and why
6. Clap on the consonants and snap on each vowel while spelling aloud
7. Have them look for their spelling words throughout the week in their home or around town. Each time they find one they get a point. If they earn so many points they get a reward.
8. Have them take a practice test the night before.

Reading: I am testing each child to find their current reading level. Students are reading Science fiction books this month and have a book report due on September 30th. We are also reading Maniac Magee together.

Social Studies: We are studying Early Explorers this month. We will be talking about Columbus, Spain's American Empire, and the Search for the Northwest Passage this week.

Biz Town: This week we will talk about financial institutions, how to make a deposit, write a check, and open a savings account.

If you would like to volunteer in the classroom but did not have the opportunity to sign up please contact me by writing in your child's planner.

Also, make sure to check their planners every night to see what their behavior was like and what homework they have.