Happy Fall with a quick dip into winter! I don’t know about your family but mine has been on the go since school started- just when I think things will settle down something else begins! Be sure to take some moments to enjoy the beauty of Fall before that white stuff in the sky actually sticks to the ground. Here’s what’s been happening in Room 102!
In math we have been reviewing addition and subtraction of 3 digit numbers with and without regrouping (that’s borrowing for us old-school learners). The students have been using the chip method to show the process as well as using the traditional algorithm (the traditional way to add/subtract). The chip method allows students to actually see and understand what happens when you regroup or borrow. Although the students are adding and subtracting larger numbers, it is crucial that they continue to practice fact fluency. If your child still uses their fingers to add and subtract, they need to practice their facts! It could be fact practice on the computer, flashcards or even just seeing how fast he/she can answer facts in the car while traveling somewhere. As a parent I truly understand how tedious and virtually impossible it may seem to get your child to practice math facts but as a parent of 2 high school students and a teacher, I also know this is an invaluable life skill you can help provide your child. Next up in math will be multiplication and division!
In social studies/science we have just finished a combined unit on land forms and map skills. We will revisit some of the landforms later in the year when we explore how environments and people influence each other. We will spend the next few weeks learning about our body’s skeletal system in science. Students will learn about the importance of bones, the names of bones and joints and their function, and how to take care of their bones. Later in the year we will also learn about the circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems.
In reading we have been reading narrative stories, historical fiction and currently biographies. Our biographies center on some famous baseball players such as Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays and Roberto Clemente. Be sure to ask your child which athlete was in their reading group book. We have also discussed the importance of story elements, especially characters in stories.
In writing our focus has been primarily on paragraph writing. A paragraph should contain a topic sentence, at least 3 detail sentences and a closing sentence. We have also been practicing using transition words to make our writing sound professional. Some of these words are; first, next, in conclusion, in addition, finally, etc. Students have recently completed a person narrative paragraph that will be published on this website soon. Next we will be writing in response to something we have read and then writing opinion paragraphs.
On Wednesday we will wish our good friend Evelyn and her family good luck as they embark on a new family adventure in the state of Georgia. We will miss Evelyn but look forward to being email pen pals with her.
Finally, I have been able to speak to a few parents about their thoughts on the weekly homework folder. If you have opinions that you’d like to share with me, email or respond to this blog post. I would appreciate any feedback on doing homework this way.
As always- thanks for all you do at home to help your child be the best learner they can be!
In math we have been reviewing addition and subtraction of 3 digit numbers with and without regrouping (that’s borrowing for us old-school learners). The students have been using the chip method to show the process as well as using the traditional algorithm (the traditional way to add/subtract). The chip method allows students to actually see and understand what happens when you regroup or borrow. Although the students are adding and subtracting larger numbers, it is crucial that they continue to practice fact fluency. If your child still uses their fingers to add and subtract, they need to practice their facts! It could be fact practice on the computer, flashcards or even just seeing how fast he/she can answer facts in the car while traveling somewhere. As a parent I truly understand how tedious and virtually impossible it may seem to get your child to practice math facts but as a parent of 2 high school students and a teacher, I also know this is an invaluable life skill you can help provide your child. Next up in math will be multiplication and division!
In social studies/science we have just finished a combined unit on land forms and map skills. We will revisit some of the landforms later in the year when we explore how environments and people influence each other. We will spend the next few weeks learning about our body’s skeletal system in science. Students will learn about the importance of bones, the names of bones and joints and their function, and how to take care of their bones. Later in the year we will also learn about the circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems.
In reading we have been reading narrative stories, historical fiction and currently biographies. Our biographies center on some famous baseball players such as Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays and Roberto Clemente. Be sure to ask your child which athlete was in their reading group book. We have also discussed the importance of story elements, especially characters in stories.
In writing our focus has been primarily on paragraph writing. A paragraph should contain a topic sentence, at least 3 detail sentences and a closing sentence. We have also been practicing using transition words to make our writing sound professional. Some of these words are; first, next, in conclusion, in addition, finally, etc. Students have recently completed a person narrative paragraph that will be published on this website soon. Next we will be writing in response to something we have read and then writing opinion paragraphs.
On Wednesday we will wish our good friend Evelyn and her family good luck as they embark on a new family adventure in the state of Georgia. We will miss Evelyn but look forward to being email pen pals with her.
Finally, I have been able to speak to a few parents about their thoughts on the weekly homework folder. If you have opinions that you’d like to share with me, email or respond to this blog post. I would appreciate any feedback on doing homework this way.
As always- thanks for all you do at home to help your child be the best learner they can be!