Well, winter has decided to once again interrupt the school week. Snow day...2 hour delay...and the future of Thursday is still unknown! However, even with the interruptions, we are determined to stay focused and motivated until vacation! ( At least, I am anyway!)
This week ( and last week), we continued learning strategies for multiplying decimal fractions by whole numbers ( e.g 5.42 x 7). Students have learned to represent the multiplication using place value disks as well as the area model. We have also learned how to use the standard algorithm and reason about the placement of the decimal. Up next, we will learn how to divide decimal fractions by whole numbers. Students will discover how we can actually keep dividing a remainder!
In reading, we have split up into groups once again and are reading historical fiction books that take place during the American Revolution. Some of the books students are reading are:
-George Washington's Socks
-The Fighting Ground
-The Keeping Room
-A True Patriot: The Diary of William Thomas Emerson
Students are learning about characteristics of historical fiction texts as well as practicing the skill of inferring.
In writing, students are finishing their second argument essay. We have worked on these essays for about 4 weeks, and students are finally publishing them on the chromebooks!
In social studies, students have begun putting their projects together for the American Revolution Unit. Students chose a topic 3 weeks ago, and have been researching during our reading block. Now that the research phase is complete, students will present their knowledge to the class. Some groups have chosen slideshows, while other groups have chosen skits and posters. These will hopefully be ready to present before vacation ( as long as mother nature doesn't interfere to much!!).
Below, I have included some pictures of our science lessons from last week. We studied the concept of light through some cool, hands on centers!
Have a great week!
Ms. Phillips
