Week of April 9

Dear Parents

Last week was a busy one for us!  We were busy starting our new units of study and settling back into our routines. 

Here’s a look at our week ahead:

Monday (Day 5) – Library and World Language

Tuesday (Day 6) – Music and P.E

Wednesday (Day 1) – Art and World Language

Thursday (Day 2) – Music and P.E.

Friday (Day 3) – World Language

Reader’s Workshop

Our Book Clubs are underway and students are enjoying reading and discussing their books with their group members.  This week our focus will be on learning more about the characters.  Students will focus on how the character responds to problems.  Students are learning how to record what they’ve learned about the character in their Book Club notebook and how to have a conversation about the book with their group.  As a class, we are reading and discussing Kevin Henke’s books and learning about the character Lily. 

Writer’s Workshop

This week we continue working on sharing our opinions.  We’ll focus on how to write about the characters from our Book Club books.  As students write their opinions, they are expected to support their opinions with at least two reasons and examples from the book.

Social Studies

As we continue learning about celebrations, our focus for the week will be on comparing two different celebrations.  We’ll start the week by looking at how the new year is celebrated around the world.  Students will compare and contrast how Chinese New Year is celebrated with the traditions associated with the new year celebrations on Dec. 31.  Throughout the week, students will be reading about different celebrations and comparing the purpose, traditions, symbols, colors, and music for each celebration. 

Math

We start our week focusing on how to identify odd and even numbers.  We’ll focus on numbers up to 20 and students will be asked to prove how they know if a number is odd or even.  We will also look at what happens when combinations of odd and even numbers are added together.  The week will end with lessons to review what we know about arrays.  Throughout the week, students will also continue to practice 3-digit subtraction and using place value strategies to show their thinking. 

Dinner Questions

Is 17 an odd or even number?  How do you know? 

What was the best part of your day? 

Tell me about the book you’re reading for Book Club.  How would you describe the character?  What evidence do you have from the book?