Newsletter: November 13-29

Literacy

Reading Workshop: Nonfiction Unit of Study
We will wrap up these last few days before break with continued practice of summarizing big ideas, identifying cause and effect relationships, and using evidence from the text to support our thinking in written responses.

Writing Workshop: Personal Narrative
We are in the process of publishing our personal narratives with a series of mini-lessons on revising and editing our stories. We will be looking at examples of strong openings, sensory details, transitional phrases, and closing statements as we complete the various revision assignments. All work will be published before break and we will hold our next Writing Celebration on Friday, November 22. During the celebration, students have the opportunity to read and enjoy each other's work and provide peer feedback to one another.

November Genre of the Month: Biography
In November, students will be expected to read and summarize at least one biography as part of our Forty Book Challenge. During the month of November, they are asked to read their selected book and complete a brief summary/reader's response in their Reader's Notebook. All entries should be completed in their Reader's Notebook and turned in to Mrs. Cioni no later than Friday, November 22. 

Math

Unit 6: Adding and Subtracting Fractions
In this next unit, students will learn to add and subtract fractions, and to rename whole numbers when adding and subtracting fractions. They will also learn how to rename improper fractions and mixed numbers. Students are asked to continue to practice their basic facts every night for 5-10 minutes. There will be a quiz on lessons 6.1 and 6.2 on Wednesday, November 20.

Advanced Math

Unit 4: Multiplying and Dividing Fractions and Mixed Numbers
Students will learn to multiply and divide proper fractions, improper fractions, and mixed numbers. They will be asked to apply these computational skills as they practice solving real world, multi-step problems. There will be a test on Unit 4 on Friday, November 22.

Social Studies: A Tour of the Northeast and Southeast

Over the last few weeks we have traveled throughout the Northeast and Southeast to learn how geography, climate, and resources help to shape the cultures of a region. No matter where we are or where we go, we've learned that people will adapt their way of life to their surroundings. They will use the land and its resources to create goods and provide services in order to make a living.  We will conclude this unit next week by looking at threats to the natural resources here in Illinois, and take action to protect those very resources we rely on to live.

Upcoming Events...

November 14 ICTM Team Contest practice during lunch recess
November 15 Report cards emailed home
November 15 Author visit: Laurie Wallmark
November 15 Class Reward: Pajama Day for 4-3!
November 19 VIP/Book Talk: Lauren
November 20 Math Club during lunch recess
November 25-29 No School: Fall Break/Thanksgiving