November 14, 2011

Math: Students discovered the many uses of multiplication and division in unit 3 as they solved open sentences, "What's My Rule?", and problems involving parentheses. Students should continue their basic fact practice at home until they are confident and automatic with it.

In unit 4 we will get into decimals and metric measurement. Students will understand how decimals are used, how to order them, and how to add and subtract them. We discuss decimals as parts of a whole, and money is often a way that students can develop that understanding. Point out decimals when you see them. Practice measuring items using the metric system.

Literacy: We have been doing some detective work, of sorts, in reading! Students are using clues to help them make reasonable predictions. Predictions are like estimates in math and hypotheses in science in that they all require evidence to make an educational guess. When we read, evidence can come from pictures, the words the author uses, and our background knowledge. We will be comparing and contrasting predictions and inferences.

We are wrapping up our personal narrative unit in writing. We have been working on showing our emotions, versus telling them. Students have been examining how authors use quotation marks to show that a person is speaking. The kids will be sharing their personal narratives, and giving feedback to one another on writing and oral communication skills.

Social Studies: Just as readers use clues to make predictions and inferences, we are learning that historians use clues to infer what the past was like. We have been moving through time learning about Wisconsin's Paleo, Archaic, and Woodland people. Ask your child about the differences between these groups.

We will continue moving through time, but in slower motion, as we learn about the French-Canadian Fur Trade in our state. Students will understand how important natural resources were to the Fur Traders and Wisconsin Native Americans. Students will see how these two groups worked together and how the Native people changed their lifestyle when the Fur Trade was going on.