 Math: We are still using division strategies to solve word problems and computational problems involving multi-digit and single digit numbers. Students are using several strategies to divide: partial quotients, (See sample problem below):  using known multiples, and combining both strategies with their knowledge of place value, expanded form, etc in order to make dividing multi-digit numbers much easier. Our Division Test (Chapter 5) was on Thursday, Dec. 8th. Students did fairly well on this test. we will continue reviewing division along with our study of divisibility rules and number patterns in Chapter 6. Prior to Winter Break, students will be able to take a re-assessment of division strategies since our study of division and divisibility rules will continue in Chapter 6. | |
Science: So far, in our study of Astronomy, students have learned the effects of Earth's rotation and revolution, the composition of eight planets, the effects of the moon on tides, and the different phases that occur depending on the location of the Earth, moon, and sun. Students are finishing their models to show the location of the Earth, moon, and Sun for a quarter moon, full moon, crescent moon, and new moon. This week, we will continue exploring and making models of space in order to explain the effects of Earth's rotation, revolution, as well as the moon's revolution around the Earth.
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 Reading: We will begin discussing elements of poetry including rhymes, repetition, figurative language, and identify stanzas. With our study of poetry, we will compare these elements to elements of elements of dramas and prose that we have previous discussed. Students textbook includes: "The Art of Poetry," which will aid us in our study of poetic elements. | |
 The war has almost begun. The war in reference is the American Revolution. Our study of history has led us to the American Revolution. We will begin discussing the causes of the American Revolution as well as key battles of the American Revolution: Bunker/Breed's Hill Saratoga Cowpens Blockade of Charleston Yorktown. Students will begin creating newspaper articles and pretending to be news anchors, who are reporting the events of the key battles. See student sample:  | |
| Writing: We are working on our Informational books. Our informational books have become ones in which students are "bringing history to life." Many students have chosen to write about colonial times and causes of the American Revolution. Students should have completed books with at least three chapters and various other text features such as charts, tables, illustrations, etc. by Friday, Dec. 16th. |