Happy February!!

I know the calendar says today is Friday, February 7th but it feels like a Monday to me!!  Could be the 3 snow days in the middle of the week, right? 

Reading:

We have begun our biography unit.  In this unit we will learn that biographies are a type of nonfiction that take on a different structure.  Often when reading biographies we use the same thinking skills we've developed for fictional stories.  When readers study biography, we read to learn about the adversity these people faced and how they overcame those adversities.  Not only can reading biographies help us learn about specific individuals, but also we learn about the history of their time and the world in which we live. 

How you can help: 

Ask your child about the significant person they are reading about.  Specifically, ask them to describe the subject's traits and provide examples of what they say and do.  Also, ask them what kind of hardships the subject faced and in what way they overcame those hardships. 

Writing:

We continue to focus on writing persuasively. At this time we are organizing our ideas and making sure we have considered our audiences view point.

Science:

Students were very excited to begin our study of Matter.  I think they missed science the past weeks!  So, the past week we've acted as particles of matter and moved around the room based on which state we existed in and we observed and recorded the properties of a strange "mystery matter".  Looking ahead we will begin talking about ways scientists measure matter (mass, volume) and changes that may or may not occur when matter changes states. 

Math:

Next week we will wrap up our work learning strategies for solving multiplication problems.  Students need to continue to practice their multiplication fluency at home.  The following unit focuses on understanding the concept of division. 

Up Coming Events and Info:

Field Trip: 

Next Thursday is our Symphony Field Trip.  A permission form with information was sent home Monday.  Please sign and return the form with your child.  We ask that students dress nicely for this field trip.  Picture day clothes would be appropriate. 

Valentine's Day:

Friday is Valentine's Day!!  Class celebrations will begin at 2:15 and last until 3:00.  Students will be handing out valentines during this time.  A treat and drink will be provided by Hawthorn and the PTA.  If your child has a valentine mailbox the have created in years past, they are welcome to bring it.  A list of class names will be sent home today. 

Book Orders: 

I have sent home a book order along with a coupon for a free book.  Book orders will be due by February 21st.  Our online access code is:  1EENK

Other Events:

Feb. 15th: Mercury Night 6:30-8:00

Feb. 17th: No School

Feb. 18th:  Midterms will be sent

Feb. 27th : McTeacher Night