The "Buzz" from Mrs. Bell's Class: Weekof9.3.18

Highlights for the Week of 9/3/2018
in Mrs. Bell's Classroom!

elling - Words that End in Suffixes "-ible" and "-able"
This week's spelling/vocabulary list will include words with the suffixes -ible & -able. We will study the word pattern and how the suffix impacts the meaning of the base word. Most word work will be done in class. The final TEST is scheduled for Friday, 9/7.

English - What is a Sentence?
Our study of the sentence continues with a look at statements, questions, commands, and exclamations. Ask your child if he/she can describe the difference between these types of sentences.

Reading - Close Reading- "Casey at the Bat"

Our close read of Casey at the Bat continues with a look at using context clues to determine the meaning of unknown words, author's perspective and text to text comparison.

Students' first exposure to close reading in fourth grade involved "close reading" an Oreo cookie. For their "first read" they were given a cookie and were told to eat it quickly. This simulated reading text for the "gist". Then we shared words to describe the cookie. For their "second read" they took their time eating another cookie. They ate it with their eyes closed, thinking about the texture, ingredients, taste, uniqueness and other attributes of the yummy treat. This simulated what a close read of text is like. Students then listed words to describe their second read. Below is a picture of the poster we created during the activity. Please note the difference between what was observed in the first and second "read". Also included are some pictures of students close reading their Oreos...I think they enjoyed the activity!

Social Studies - The Beautiful Northeast

We have begun our journey across the United States...first stop is the Northeast! Students will label and color their own maps of the region in preparation for a map quiz scheduled for the week of 9/10. The Northeast region is tricky with a lot of small states. I highly encourage students to be well prepared for the quiz. They will each receive a blank copy of the map that they should use to practice with. We will also take a look at the geography of the Northeast.

Below are some photos from when students collaborated to complete a scavenger hunt of their Social Studies textbooks. They used their detective skills to search the text to answer questions regarding different sections of the book.

Mrs. Bell's Math Class - Unit 1 - Expressions, Equations & Volume

The first CHECKPOINT is scheduled for 9/5. The checkpoint will review lessons 1-5 of Unit 1. Students should review their "textbooks" to review for the quiz.

PDF copies of the Bridges workbooks are always available via Google Classroom. Copies of the pages may be printed using a desktop or laptop computer.

Collaboration is key in math class and below are some photos with partners using manipulatives to problem solve a volume question and playing a workplaces game that reinforces multiplication concepts.