Week of 9.9.19

Highlights for the Week of 9/9/2019
in Mrs. Bell's Classroom!

Spelling -  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. We will also study at synonyms for many of the words on the list. The final TEST is scheduled for Friday, 9/13.

English - What is a Sentence?
The first lesson in this chapter looks at the difference between sentences and fragments. Students will recognize that a complete sentence contains a subject and an action. We will also review punctuation and capitalization as it relates to writing 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 (Thank you to our photographer, Gavin, for doing such a fabulous job! ). 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 9/16. 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. 

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

The first  CHECKPOINT is scheduled for 9/9. 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 playing a workplaces game that reinforces multiplication concepts. 

FYI...
9/10 - Picture Day
9/10 - Reading MAP test
9/11 - Math MAP test

We worked on collaboration and problem solving during one of our morning meetings this week. Students formed a "human knot" in small groups and had to work together to "untie" themselves. See how they accomplished this in the following photos...

Enjoy Your Weekend!

Mrs. Karen Bell