Class News: Week of Nov. 7th

                                      

Using the area model to help us multiply multi-digit numbers has evidently been effective.  Students are definitely exceeded expectations when it comes to multiplying using the area model. 

Our Chapter 4 Test (multiplying double-digit numbers) will be Friday, Nov. 11th.  Essentially, this area model will be used still to help us determine partial quotients and ultimately how to divide multi-digit numbers.  Know that this model and other strategies used in class to help students divide and/or multiply are standards-based and essentially help students continuously develop their number sense (identifying place values, adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, determining the area of a shape, etc).

Astronomy. Currently, students are learning about the composition of planets in our Solar System. Students are creating virtual Solar Systems to show the order and composition of each of the eight planets. We will also study the composition of Earth's moon as well as the effects of Earth's orbit and revolution.

We are currently learning about the colonial practices such as the leadership, lifestyle, and economy of the English Colonies.  Students are working on 3-D and virtual colony models using notes from their Social Studies interactive journals and Google Classroom. 

In ELA, we are beginning to dive deeper into the "why" of reading and writing! Why authors choose a particular writing structure (problem/solution, cause/effect, descriptions, compare/contrast, and sequence), style, etc. is the topic of discussion this week. We will combine this study of text structure with a study of dramas, prose, and poetry as well while reading the drama: Perseus and the Fall of Medusa. We will review the structures of poetry, prose, dramas and explore how each add meaning to these particular types of text.

Our writing focus for this week will be developing topics for informational texts (our very own informational text).