Classroom Update - Learning Targets

Math:  In math we are testing on our Number and ID pathway.
Students have been working on these targets:

• rounding to the nearest 10
• rounding to the nearest 100
• rounding to the nearest 1,000
• ordering numbers (numbers up to 5 digits) least to greatest
• estimating sums and differences
• introduction of fractions

We are also starting the screening process for our Real World Problem Solving pathway (multi-digit addition and subtraction, and word problems).  Students will be placed in groups that meet their personal math needs, based on the screeners they take.  

Literacy:  In literacy we are discussing "Questioning" while reading our literature books.  We are specifically working on asking "thick" questions (rather than "thin" questions) while reading text. Students are learning that asking questions while they read helps them to better understand their reading.

Spelling:  We took a spelling break over the Thanksgiving week.  The kids will be taking a spelling screening test this week.  The kids will be placed in spelling groups that meet their personalized spelling learning goals.  I will let your student know on Thursday this week what spelling list they will be working on.

Science:  We finished our unit on Life Science. The students loved working with the mealworms. We have the mealworms in our room happily wiggling around in their plastic bin with oats and bran flakes.  The kids are keeping an eye on the mealworms as they progress through their life-cycles right before their eyes.  Many worms are in their pupa stage; however, several have already progressed to their beetle form.

Social Studies:  We started a social studies unit on Government and Economics.  We started by talking about Veterans' Day, and the four branches of government.  Now we are learning a little about goods, services, supply and demand.  We are having a special speaker come to talk with our students on Friday.  Joey Novak a past Lakeville graduate, and a recent graduate of Harvard University, will come and talk about government with the kids.  He works directly with the state legislators and sees first hand how the 3 branches of government work together at the state level.  I cannot wait to hear what he has to say.  I am sure the students will have some thoughtful questions for him too.