Week of 8/31/09 - 9/4/09

Highlights for the Week of 8/31/09 - 9/4/09 in Mrs. Bell's Classroom

Spelling - Lesson 1 - Silent "e" & Suffixes

The final TEST for this lesson will be on Friday, 9/4. Words to Know are again - always. Workbook pages will be due on 9/3 & contract work is due on 9/4.

Reading - Predicting Outcomes

The first reading strategy that we will study this year is predicting. This week we will discuss how to make a prediction, and what makes a prediction valid. We will review how to make predictions using illustrations and details from a story.

"Bite into a Good Book" - Independent Reading Program

Students have set their independent reading goals for the first trimester. The deadline for reaching the goal is November 13. Please be sure that your child has a silent reading book at school every day!

English - The Sentence

Unit 1 in English focuses on sentences. This week we will discuss the four types of sentences and subjects & predicates. Students will complete a project called "Sentences Don't Bug Us" that will reinforce the concept of the different types of sentences.

Social Studies - The Voyages of Columbus

Our focus this week will be on Christopher Columbus' journeys to the new world. We will be taking notes, and students have a creative writing assignment to write a letter from the point of view of a member of Columbus' crew.

Science - Getting Ready for Science

Our introductory unit in science will include a look at the tools used by scientists, inquiry skills, and the scientific method. This week students will have a chance to use a variety of scientific tools to complete a science lab.

Math - Mrs. Bell's Math Class

Our first unit in math is "Number Toolbox". We will cover a variety of topics, including place value, order of operations and estimation. The first three lessons will be comparing and ordering with whole numbers, estimating with whole numbers, and exponents. Students will have their first midchapter QUIZ on Friday, 9/4. CURRICULUM NIGHT for Mrs. Bell's math students will be on Tuesday, 9/1. I will email & send home a notice with the exact time.

FYI...

CURRICULUM NIGHT for my students will be on Tuesday, 9/1. I will email and send home a notice with the exact time.

4th and 5th grade intramural games will be starting the week of September 14th. Permission slips will be handed out next week. Forms are due to Ms. Stainman by Friday, September 4th.

Have a Relaxing Weekend!

Mrs. Karen Bell