Looking ahead...

1/16- MLK Holiday- No school!
1/20- Spelling test and science quiz over all sound vocabulary and concepts (see study guide!)
1/20- Multicultural Night
1/23- Kemp Night at Mellow Mushroom in Hiram
1/27- Spirit Wear Day

Math: We are beginning our study of fractions with Equivalent Fractions! After a brief review of fraction vocabulary, we will begin identifying equivalent fractions and making equivalent fractions using, models,  multiplication, and division. We will learn how to find equivalent factors and how to write fractions in "simplest form" (also known as reducing fractions) using Greatest Common Factor (GCF). We will be gluing strategies and writing examples in our math journals! It would benefit each student to take home their math journals when doing homework.  That way they can refer back to examples we did in class as a reference; therefore, parents can also see the strategies we are using in class. Please make sure journals return to school each day! Below are some helpful videos for this standard. 

Equivalent Fractions

Khan Academy: Intro. to Equivalent Fractions

StudyJams: Equivalent Fractions

LearnZillion Videos: Fractions

Math Playground: Fractions

Adaptedmind: Fractions

Reading: We are still reading our extended text, Wonder by R.J Palacio. This text is rather long, and we will be well into the 3^rd nine weeks before we finish the book. We will be doing a variety of reading strategies and projects daily with the text. We have been working with context clues strategies. We focused on different strategies to use when reading to figure out unknown word meanings. Next week we will begin our study on poetry, drama and prose. Students will get a homework packet to go along with this. 

Writing: We are moving into the Opinion Writing genre. Students will be using a variety of topics to express their opinions and formulating strong arguments to write an opinion piece. 

Grammar: Next week we will focus on figurative language. We will specifically be determining the difference and meanings of similes and metaphors. We will have SMART Board lessons each day, and well as plenty of practice activities. Students will receive a study guide on Tuesday with all of the figurative language in our unit. We will eventually take a test over figurative language, so studying will be important! 

Science: Our next unit is the study of Sound and Light. We will really delve into this next week, beginning with sound. We sent home a study guide this week and we would like for students to go ahead and start studying the vocabulary for light and sound. Take a look at the videos below so that you will be familiar with the standards and vocabulary your child will be learning! 

Sound and Light Videos

Study Jams: Sound and Light

A few reminders:

*Please review your child's homework with them each night. PLEASE feel free to email us with any questions about how to help your child with his/her homework. It can be very confusing for students to learn how to solve a problem one way at school, and then a totally different way at home. If you need clarification or examples of how to use one of our strategies please let us know! 

*Make sure to check Synergy often for updated weekly grades.

*Please remember that Moby Max and First in Math are valuable tools your child can use for extra practice in all subject areas. Students have login information in the front of their agendas.