What is Matter?

In Math Workshop, students worked with partners to discover and use patterns to help them solve complex problems.  Specifically, students used 1 sticky note to find the area of their desk.  Students discovered that they can use length times width rather than tracing and tracing and tracing a sticky note to solve for area.  Students have homework coming home today, due tomorrow.

In Writers' Workshop, we continued reading like writers, noticing how strong authors write in the opinion genre.  Ask your child if they think there should be zoos.  Have them explain their thinking with what they've learned from our text, Should There Be Zoos?

In Word Study, students notice letter-sound relationships to help them discover a third strategy to create the long a sound: ay.

In Readers' Workshop, we payed special attention to "Again and Agains" to help us identify symbolism and infer ideas about themes.  When your child is reading tonight, encourage them to "be on the look out" for AA's.  If they find an AA, have them ask and answer, "Why does this keep coming up again and again?"  These answers help us think about characters, symbolism and theme.

In Science, students explored characteristics of the 3 states of matter.  I will post pictures of our experiment tomorrow!

Students visited Math Beaver Block today.

Homework:

• Math homework due tomorrow
• Read 20 minutes 

Reminders:

• Early Dismissal tomorrow
• Bank Day tomorrow: Please make sure you've signed your child's planner.

Classroom Supplies:  

• Sticky Notes

Thank you,

Ms. Smith