The calendar tells me that Spring is arriving tomorrow but it certainly doesn't feel like it. It does feel good to know that it is only a matter of time before all of the snow melts and we are able to get back outside on a regular basis! Spring brings lots of exciting learning and events in our classroom and some challenges. Let's begin with our upcoming challenge.
MCAS
The MCAS dates are listed below. Please make sure that your child gets a good night's rest, eats a good breakfast, and comes to school ready to do his or her best. We have been practicing as though it is an upcoming sporting event and have done a lot to instill confidence in our abilities and strategies. I have taken on the role of coach and have been coaching students on strategies that will help them to be successful on the test. Students know what it looks like and what is expected and we have talked a lot about how since we are so prepared, it will not be a big deal for them so there is no need to worry. I hope that these discussions and keeping our MCAS reviews "sportingly" fun will help all children feel good about the test.
3/31 - ELA
4/2 - Long Composition
4/7 - ELA
Research
Students have been learning how to read nonfiction and determine which ideas are important and which ones are less so. To practice these reading strategies we have begun researching different regions of the United States. The first region we researched was the Northeast. Students created posters to present the information they learned. They read books and used the computer lab to do their research and it was quite a learning experience! The second region we moved onto was the Southeast. We are using what we learned from the first project and are refining our research skills by creating iMovies with iPads in the computer lab. Stay tuned for a United States Region Fair coming up sometime in June. We will share all of our research about the different regions during that time!
Fractions
We have been surrounded by everything fractions lately! We have learned how to decompose (break up) fractions in many different ways, add, subtract, create mixed numbers, convert mixed numbers to improper fractions, multiply fractions, and find equivalent fractions. Fractions are never easy and yet this class has impressed me with their unwillingness to give up. We are making great progress and students should be proud of themselves.
Conferences
Please don't forget to sign up for conferences. I can't wait to meet with everyone! Here are the dates below:
April 8th
April 9th (Evening conferences too)
You can begin signing up for conferences April 1st
