Quick Update

Though it may not be necessary, I did want to apologize for my frequent absences and lack of communication lately. Just as I would be understanding of you I’m sure you are understanding of my situation. Please know that I am in the midst of playing catch up and sifting through a lot of paperwork to prepare for report cards. The end of the trimester is Friday and report cards will be coming home sometime after December 8^th. This week I am focusing on checking in on several skills to see where some holes may be and will attempt to fill them before assessment time.

Reading:

This week I will do a quick assessment to see if students have jumped a level. If it appears they have moved I will try my best to do a full assessment prior to report cards. These assessments are very time consuming but I will do my best.

Writing:

I am hoping to do a final essay this week to score on Friday. I will be looking for paragraph development, strong opinions supported by reasons and evidence, as well as good structure, punctuation, and capitalization.

Math:

We are reviewing everything this week. I will be developing a review for students to use prior to a check-in assessment. We have taken three quizzes this trimester. Those scores along with fluency checks for multiplication and the review assessment will all determine the final grades on the report card. I will send the review home by Friday and we will have the review assessment early next week to give us plenty of time.

Social Studies:

Students took their unit one test today. We will begin our new unit sometime next week.

Spelling:

Students have had two spelling tests as well as multiple check-ins during writing conferences to give me a good reference for spelling progress. We did not get a new list in November so students will receive a short list of 6-8 words in December to be tested before the winter break.

WHEW! We Are BUSY!

The kids and I had a fantastic week! Halloween was a super success and they really did an amazing job even with all the distraction of candy, costumes, and craziness.

Snack Helpers Next Week:

M-Owen (Happy Birthday)

T-Maddie

W-Celina

Th-Drew

F-Jordan

Writing

We are in the throes of our persuasive essay unit! The class worked on some flash drafts, brainstorming topics, leads, and intros this week! We also worked on using a "boxes and bullets" strategy for planning and discussed the difference between statements and opinion statements.

Reading

The class finished up Winn Dixie and we watched the film on Monday. Through the beginning of the week, we used favorite characters and connected it to our essay unit. Students also wrote some reflections about the book and we discussed themes and characters. We began a new chapter book on Tuesday! 

Math

We are working hard to become fluent multipliers! We continue to work on seeing the relationship between multiplication and division. This week we worked on strategies for multiplying by 3's and 4's. Students also worked to create equations with two operations!

Twitter INFO

I have a classroom Twitter account but have found it difficult to get to my computer during the day to capture moments. It's a little easier on my phone, which is connected to my personal account. So, that said, if you want to check out my personal Twitter page @Betsy_writes you will see occasional tweets. I also tag @FPE_Olivet and #EagleNationPride.