Unit 6 Math Test

The Unit 6 math test will be given on Friday. The following skills will be assessed:

• Multiply and divide decimals by powers of 10
• Convert between measurement units in the metric system
• Represent fractional data on line plots
• Answer questions about data on line plots
• Estimate answers to decimal multiplication and division problems
• Multiply dicimals
• Divide decimals.

Clear Plastic Two-Liter Bottles Needed

We are beginning our Ecosystem unit in science next week. We are in need of many plastic two liter bottles for this unit. They must be clear (as opposed to green), and the straight sided ones are preferred over the style that curve in the middle. Please send in as many as you can as soon as you can. Thanks so much!!

Also, with all the colds that have been going around, we have gone through all our boxes of tissues. Please consider donating some more boxes to the classroom! Thank you!

New Format for Reading Log

We are changing the format for how we do our weekly reading log. The students will now complete their weekly entries digitally, on their blog, instead of in their blue composition reading log books. The requirements are much the same as before.

• Read for a minimum of half an hour each evening.
• Complete two reading log entries each week.
• Your entry should include the title and author of the book.
• Write a paragraph including a brief summary, and some of your thoughts about what you have read.

Thoughts may include:

• Why you like or dislike this book.
• Text to self, text to text, or text to world connections.
• Questions you may have, or anything that confuses you.
• Predictions
• What kinds of feelings does this book bring out in you?
• What you wold do if you were one of the characters...why?
• Any advice you would give to one of the characters.
• What you would change if you were the author.
• Something you learned.
• Your favorite or least favorite part of the book...why?
• What is the theme of the book?
• Why or why wouldn't you recommend this book to a friend.

Here is an example of Aiden's reading log from today:

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid - The Long Haul

The Heffley Family is going on a road trip. None of the family was expecting it when there mom said “we're going on a road trip”. None of them want to go except there mom. I think that its unfair because shes the only one who wants to go. And she only lets them go were she wants to go. AND she doesn’t let anyone bring anything to entertain themselves on the multiple hour car ride. It feels like she doesn’t let anyone do anything. its like she has control over everyone.

Hero Project Open House

A Peak Into the Classroom

                                                          Fraction fun.

                                                         Lego Challenge!

                                                        Math games.

                                  Professional development for the teachers.

                                             Hindenburg Reader's Theater.

Unit 5 Math Test

The Unit 5 math assessment will be given on Wednesday. The following skills will be assessed:

• finding common denominators
• adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators
• multiplying fractions by whole numbers
• multiplying fractions using paper folding, are models, or an algorithm
• explaining why multiplying a fraction by a fraction equal to 1 gives an equivalent fraction
• dividing a unit fraction by a whole number
• dividing a whole number  by a unit fraction

Hero Project

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we began a hero project.  We first read a Reader’s Theater called  ”Writing on the Wall”.  It is about a group of students who were inspired to turn an abandoned, graffiti-filled wall on their school property, into a mural honoring their heroes.  We then talked a lot about what it means to be a hero.  After much discussion, the students each chose someone who they think is a  hero.  Some students chose a family member, some chose national figures, and some chose local community members.  The students wrote about why their chosen person is a hero to them, and created a project of their choice telling us about their hero.  As part of their project they drew a picture of their hero and we combined them all into a mural. 

We would like to invite family members in on Friday afternoon, February 17, at 2:15 to check out the projects and the mural.  I am very proud of their thoughtfulness and hard work. We hope to see you on Friday.