September 2008
Mrs. Thompson Miss Sholder
athompson@mtlsd.net jsholder@mtlsd.net
Language Arts
We will wrap up our first theme this week and students will complete the Holistic Reading and Language Skills tests the week of October 6th. The next theme is called “Side By Side.” Throughout this theme, students will be exploring situations that highlight the benefits of teamwork. The stories discuss how cooperation strengthens relationships and students are encouraged to apply this concept to their own lives. Please look for the theme 2 overview that will be sent home when we begin this theme.
Mathematics
As we continue working in our first Investigations Unit: Landmarks and Large Numbers, we are exploring the values of greater numbers up through the millions and will begin studying subtraction strategies this month. We’ve just recently completed our 10,000 chart, which students worked together as a class to put together. We are now using this chart to explore numbers up to 10,000. We will also begin using our math textbook this month. This will be used in conjunction with the investigations unit as we work on place value, standard and expanded forms of numbers, rounding, and problem solving strategies. Please remember that the textbook can be accessed online at www.pearsonsuccessnet.com.
Finally, students should continue practicing their addition and subtraction facts. The pretest is taken and sent home on Mondays for students to study and prepare for the Friday test. The math facts game, found on the Pearson website, is also a great way for students to practice these skills.
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” - Eleanor Roosevelt
Science
We have created our Terrariums and plants are growing rapidly. Students are making daily observations and recording them in their science notebooks. We will be creating our aquariums and adding live animals over the next few weeks.
Social Studies
After completing our in depth study of the different types of maps and using various map skills to locate places and find information, we will begin our study of the United States by learning about how the Native Americans, Latinos, African Americans, European Americans, and Asian Americans came to America and contributed to its growth and development. As we near the end of the month, we will officially begin our study of the five regions of the United States. Students will first take a “train tour” of the Northeast, followed by a hands-on experience demonstrating the population density of this region. If your family has any artifacts (pictures, replicas, souvenirs) from the Northeast that may enhance our study of this region, your child is welcome to bring them in to share.
Writer’s Workshop
Students will continue writing in the Narrative genre. They will be using the skills and strategies we’ve been practicing to being working on a final writing piece. During this time, students will also focus on peer and teacher conferencing, and editing and revising their work. We will also be visiting the genre of Response to Literature through the use of the Heartwood (character education) series. Students will write summaries and create judgments or evaluations as well as opinions of literature they have read or listened to.
Important Dates to Remember
*No School on October 9th and 10th
*Trip to the Mt. Lebanon HS Planetarium on October 28th
Respect is regard for all life on earth. It calls us to value all people
and their contributions, viewpoints, and differences such as
culture, religion, age, race, and ability.
