The "Buzz" from Mrs. Bell's Class: Week of 9/5/16

Highlights for the Week of 9/5/2016
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, 9/9.

English - What is a Sentence?
Our study of the sentence continues with a look at commands and exclamations. Ask you child if he/she can describe the difference between statements, questions, commands and exclamations. Those skills will be put to the test when students complete a GRADED REVIEW in class on Thursday, 9/8.

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 and author's perspective.

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 would be 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 have created their own maps of the region in preparation for the map QUIZ on 9/6. The quiz will be identical to the map sheet in their binder. Students will be given a word bank with the names of states and water areas and will have to label the map correctly. We will also take a look at the geography of the NE this week. Here are some pictures of students working together to complete a textbook scavenger hunt of text features in Social Studies...

Mrs. Bell's Math Class - Unit 1 - Expressions, Equations & Volume
Numerical expressions and investigating volume will be our focus this week. Students will take their first CHECKPOINT on Wednesday, 9/7. The checkpoint will review lessons 1-5 of Unit 1.

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

Collaboration is KEY while discovering mathematical concepts in our classroom. Below are pictures of students investigating volume using models to simulate shipping containers. Be sure to ask your child about the formula for finding volume!