Monday, October 31, 2011

Halloween Week Newsletter

Oct 31 - Nov 4
Reminders:
11/ 8 – Picture retake day
11/11 – No School Veterans Day
11/24 & 11/25 – No School Thanksgiving

ELA - This week we’ll focus on a folk-tale called The Emperor and the Kite. Djeow Seow is so tiny that her father, the Emperor, hardly knows she exists. His attitude changes when she saves his life!
                This week’s topics:
·         Writing – Finishing a personal narrative and creating satisfying paragraphs.
·         Comprehension – monitor reading and fix up when needed
·         Vocabulary – insignificant, steely, unyielding, twined, neglected, loyal, plotting, encircling
·         Spelling – /or/ as in pour and orbit

Math -  This week we’ll finish up chapter 4 and skip ahead to chapter 6 multiply by one-digit numbers.  It has become clear to most students they must memorize their facts.  Using strategies like arrays and fingers can help but students should know their multiplication facts to 9 within 3 seconds.  Here is a link to print out flashcards http://www.mathfactcafe.com/view/view.aspx?t=F&g=4 . There are many great ways to study facts online such as http://cte.jhu.edu/techacademy/web/2000/heal/mathsites.htm .
                This week’s topics:
·         Review multiplication and division properties, factors, multiples and three digit multiplication
·         Chapter 4 test (Wednesday)
·         Begin chapter 6 multiples of 10, 100, and 1,000
·         Problem solving:  Is that a reasonable answer


Social Studies - This week we’ll have our first quiz on Native Americans, specifically the Iroquois (Friday).  Watch out for homework and review sheets aimed at helping studying become easier.  I’ve encouraged students to re-read for understanding as well as search for alternate sources for material.  This is a great way to use the database on Shatekon’s library website.