Sunday, September 8, 2013

Week of September 9


MATH 

Fourth Grade Math
We wrap up Chapter 1 this week with Lessons 6, 7, and 8: Adding & Subtracting multi-digit whole numbers through the hundred thousands place value; and, Problem Solving using the draw a diagram strategy.  Thursday is a review day and the Chapter 1 Test is Friday. Students will bring home their quizzes from 9/6 on Tuesday so they can be used to study for the test. Quiz scores were very good!  Fourth graders will be timed for 3 minutes on multiplication facts 0 - 4 on Monday. The expectation is 30 problems per minute. We will also practice basic computation skills throughout the week. 

Fifth Grade Math 
We continue with Chapter 1 Lessons 6,7,8, and 9:  Multiplication of numbers by one and two digits; discovering inverse operations by using multiplication to solve Division problems, and; Problem Solving using the solve a simpler problem strategy.  A Quiz on Friday will cover these topics. I anticipate a Chapter 1 Test the week of September 16th. Fifth graders will practice 0-10 multiplication facts on Monday. The expectation is 90 out of 100 for a three minute period. If student don't meet 90 out of 100, they are given single digit practice sheets (i.e. just the 6's) the following Monday.  If they meet or exceed, they go on to the 11's and 12's.    

Math Help - Office Hours 
Beginning This Week 
Tuesday and Thursday:  7:15am - 7:45
4th Grade Monday:  2:25 - 3:15 
5th Grade Wednesday: 2:25 - 3:15

SCIENCE

Fourth Grade 

We are continuing to learn about physical properties of matter and mixtures and solutions.  We should be ready for our first Lesson 1 Quiz on Wednesday (9/11). Then, we start Lesson 2 and learn to measure length and volume, in metric. A little Math with Science!!

Fifth Grade 

Students are presenting their dioramas and reading their papers.  I am SO pleased how creative everyone was! The dioramas are very well done. We have begun making our puzzles of the super continent.  We will be learning about plates and plate tectonics. 

Reading, Spelling & Vocab Highlights
Reading:  Storytown Lesson 3: Historical Fiction, Chang and the Bamboo Flute
           Comprehension strategies: Monitor Comprehension by rereading,
                  Story Structure; Setting, Characters, Plot & Resolution
           Focus on skills:  character motives, summarizing, 
           Writing:  summarize two informational articles on Wooly Mammoths
           Comprehension Test: Friday
           We continue learning the characteristics of each genre we read.    
           
Spelling: Lesson 3 
           Mrs. Hall's students correct workbooks on Thursdays. 
           Mrs. Stillo's students correct workbooks on Fridays.
           The workbooks should be written in cursive. 
           Spelling Test Friday
           Each Friday, students hand in a 5x each assignment written in cursive 
           Reminders:  
               - bonus words are treated as extra points on the test,
               - Pretests signed by parents worth 3 quarterly extra credit points, 
               - "Spelling Expectations" card is taped inside student workbooks 

Vocabulary:  Unit 2 Test will be Monday, September 16. 
           Unit 2 - Blue Sadlier Workbook due on Friday, Sep. 13th

 Religion

We continue with Chapter 1 discussing our longing for God, our need to communicate, and God's gifts of Faith and Grace.  We will continue to pray for peace in Syria.  

Other Fifth Grade News
Remember to Read ---> 4 book reports due October 25th

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to email Mrs. Hall at dhall@stjosephdg.org, or, Mrs. Stillo at dstillo@stjosephdg.org.