We have been learning about fractions in math. This topic will continue for several units, as we work on understanding fractions and then move on to adding, subtracting and multiplying with fractions. Students have made/folded fraction strips and used pattern blocks to identify fractions this week. Moving forward we will begin to compare and order fractions. We have our first fractions quiz on Friday.
Our focus on reading and writing nonfiction continues during ELA. We reviewed different text structures and rewrote texts using a new structure. After that, we reviewed/researched concepts about Canada and students are working to write persuasive sentences in writing (and social studies) as we create travel brochures encouraging people to visit Canada. We have been reading and determining main idea with supporting evidence while reading about dogs. Students will be determining which dog would be right for their individual family based on research. We will use the information gathered to write essays later this month.
We finished writing our fiction stories and we were able to share these with our classmates. We enjoyed listening to these stories!
During science we learned about fossils. Some students even brought fossils in to share with our class. Thank you for encouraging your children to do this! We will begin learning about Animal Structures and Adaptations next week, beginning through a Skype visit from educators located at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Wyoming. Your child should have a lot to share about this on Wednesday!
From the Teacher's Desk
Returning to school after vacations can be difficult for some students. Prior to vacation,students were doing a fine job completing homework and returning it to school Since returning, some students are struggling with the organization of this; completing the homework at home but leaving it there, or leaving materials at school. At the end of each day we have a dedicated time to write in our assignment notebooks, get our mail and pack up our materials. Many students have created a checklist for themselves to use at school during this time. Please check in with your child to see how he/she feels homework is going. If you have been returning to school regularly after hours to collect materials for homework, please let me know. Different checklists, or an added teacher check could be something to help with this. Below are some general homework tips that may help with this.
GENERAL HOMEWORK TIPS FOR PARENTS
(Reposted from the Department of Education. You can see the full article here.)
✪ Make sure your child has a quiet, well-lit place to do homework.
Avoid having your child do homework with the television on or in places with other distractions, such as people coming and going.
✪ Make sure the materials your child needs, such as paper, pencils and a dictionary, are available. Ask your child if special materials will be needed for some projects and get them in advance.
✪ Help your child with time management. Establish a set time each day for doing homework. Don‘t let your child leave homework until just
before bedtime. Think about using a weekend morning or afternoon for working on big projects, especially if the project involves getting together with classmates.
✪ Be positive about homework. Tell your child how important school is. The attitude you express about homework will be the attitude your child acquires.
✪ When your child does homework, you do homework. Show your child that the skills they are learning are related to things you do as an adult. If your child
is reading, you read too. If your child is doing math, balance your checkbook.
✪ When your child asks for help, provide guidance, not answers. Giving answers means your child will not learn the material. Too much help teaches your child that when the going gets rough, someone will do the work for him or her.
✪ When the teacher asks that you play a role in homework, do it. Cooperate with the teacher. It shows your child that the school and home are a team. Follow the directions given by the teacher.
✪ If homework is meant to be done by your child alone, stay away.
Too much parent involvement can prevent homework from having some positive effects. Homework is a great way for kids to develop independent, lifelong learning skills.
✪ Stay informed. Talk with your child‘s teacher. Make sure you know the purpose of homework and what your child‘s class rules are.
✪ Help your child figure out what is hard homework and what is easy homework. Have your child do the hard work first. This will mean he will be most alert when facing the biggest challenges. Easy material will seem to go fast when fatigue begins to set in.
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