Friday, March 28, 2014

March 31-April 4

Reading
This week in reading we will be going over some important skills and concepts to help prepare us for our research unit starting next week. We will be reviewing topic vs. main idea, supporting details, and text features. At the end of the week, students will have the opportunity to use their very own tool kits to help organize their thoughts while reading a nonfiction article.

Writing
Our friendly letters are on the way to their destination. This week we are going to create our own versions of Mr./Ms. Potato head! We will focus on writing using descriptive language and correct transition words. This is a fun way to dig deeper into our vocabulary.

Spelling
Our words have “bossy r” again this week. We will practice throughout the week and check for understanding on Friday.

Math
This week is going to be long as we dive into measurement. We are beginning with length this week. We will learn that an inch is about the length of a paperclip and a yard is close to a baseball bat. We will go to great lengths to measure monsters and measure how far a buddy can jump.

Science:
This week we are moving into a new unit in science. Students will observe, record, and compare how the physical characteristics and behaviors of animals help them meet their basic needs such as fins help fish move and balance in water. We’ll sing a fun science rock song called “Plants and Animals.” Students will have an engaging lab where they will identify how physical characteristics are used to help animals survive in their environment. We’ll discuss how noses, eyes and limbs are useful.
Can a beetle walk on a raised tightrope? We’ll find out in a very exciting experiment that students are going to do with live beetles and yarn!
As a class, students will research a habitat and one animal that lives in that habitat. We’ll discuss all the adaptations for their animal to survive in that habitat. Students will then create their own animal and identify its characteristics, behavior and adaptations to their environment.


Reminders
**Please No Parent Volunteers- Tuesday and Wednesday due to STAAR testing
Family Fun Night is Friday, April 4th at 6:30
Life Journals due Friday
Spelling check on Friday
Library day is Wednesday (if the library is open at our time after STAAR testing)