Week of 9/14/09 - 9/18/09

Highlights for the Week of 9/14/09 - 9/18/09 in Mrs. Bell's Classroom!

Spelling - Lesson 3 - The Suffix "er" - Singular & PossessiveThe final test for this lesson will be on Friday, 9/18. The "Words to Know" are beautiful-brought. Workbook pages and Master 3B will be due on 9/17, and contract work will be due on 9/18.

Reading - Preview & Predict / Summarizing

We will be finishing our study of predicting and moving on to a new strategy..."Summarizing". Students will begin by learning the essential components of an effective summary by using a story map, and we will practice writing summaries together.

"Bite into a Good Book" - Independent Reading Program

The deadline for reaching your goal this trimester is 11/13. Please do not wait until the last minute to write your "Getting to the Core of the Book" sheets!

English - The Sentence

We will be wrapping up this unit with a focus on conjunctions and run-on sentences. We will begin reviewing for the TEST at the end of the week. The chapter 1 TEST is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, 9/22.

Social Studies - Life in New Spain

We will be completing chapter 4 with a look at how the Spanish established the colony of New Spain. The chapter 4 TEST is tentatively planned for Thursday, 9/17. I recommend that students focus on reviewing notes when preparing for the test. We will also review in class on Wednesday.

Science - Inquiry Skills used by Scientists

We have shifted our focus from scientific tools to inquiry skills. Students will become acquainted with the skill of classification during a sorting activity on Monday. We will also shift our attention from the textbook to a TFK which highlights the plight of pythons who are losing their habitat.

Math - Mrs. Bell's Math Class

We have completed our first chapter and are ready to assess our skills. The chapter 1 TEST is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, 9/15. We will review on Monday. Our next unit is "Introduction to Algebraic Variables & Expressions".

FYI...

Students have received information about how to access the online science textbook. This sheet should be kept in the science folder of his/her binder until the end of the year.

Packets for the Magazine drive were sent home on Friday, 9/11. This is a very important fundraiser for District 66. Please take some time to look at the information with your child.

Have a Fabulous Weekend!

Mrs. Karen Bell