States of Matter Presenter + Lake Sturgeon License Plate!

Kids measuring volume density of solids

We really enjoyed the presenter for States of Matter!  The kids did a great job answering questions and being good listeners. 

We are also ready to send a packet of our persuasive letters to the State of Michigan requesting a special purpose license plate for Great Lakes Sturgeon!  We hope to hear back soon!

It’s good to be back in the routine.  I could definitely see the affects of 17 days off from school.  The kids struggled a bit on our most recent assessments.  Keep reminding them to do their best and double check their answers. 

I can….

Describe States of Matter- Matter exists in several different states: solids, liquids, and gases. Each state of matter has unique physical properties.

Write a literary essay after reading and determining the theme of a short story.

Demonstrate an understanding of properties and algebraic notation.

Complete our basic 5 finger retelling strategy for fiction and non-fiction.

Units of Study

Language Arts:

We started to learn about writing literary essays where we identify  theme and support that theme with details for the text.  We continue our Daily 5 reading tasks learning about how Michigan became a state. 

Math:

Unit  4 Equations and properties of Algebraic Notation.

Science:

States of Matter

Social Studies:

How Michigan became a State

Lumber Jack Day (logging era)

Upcoming Important Events:

Jan. 20th NO SCHOOL (Martin Luther King Day)

Jan. 24th Michigan’s Birthday Fun

                 Ice Skating Party (The Edge Ice Arena)

Jan. 29th Lumberjack Day

Jan. 31 Pajama Day

                

States of Matter + Division Test

 

Students research the sinking of the Christmas Tree Ship

Christmas Tree decorating fun!

Welcome back to the routine everyone.  I hope you all enjoyed your break and time spent with family and friends.  This week we will begin learning about States of Matter.  The kids will be reading, writing, and doing some experiments using our Battle Creek Science Kits. 

We will also have a special speaker coming on Jan. 17th to show us some really amazing experiments.  The kids should be excited!

We are just finishing with our math unit on division.   We will review this first week back and the test will be near the end of the week.

I can….

P.PM.E.2 States of Matter- Matter exists in several different states: solids, liquids, and gases. Each state of matter has unique physical properties.

Divide using whole numbers and remainders.

 Write persuasively by stating my point directly, and using facts to support my opinion.

  

Upcoming Important Events:

 Jan. 17th States of Matter Presentation

Jan. 20th NO SCHOOL (Martin Luther King Day)

Jan. 24th Michigan’s Birthday Fun

Jan. 29th Lumberjack Day

 Units of Study

 Language Arts:

We will finish up our persuasive writing and begin working on writing literary essays.  We will also get back into our Daily 5 routine reading from our Reading Series or Science text.

Math:

Unit  3 Division with Whole Numbers.

Science:

States of Matter

Social Studies:

West Region (coming next)

Lumberjack  Day

Sturgeon Finally! + Northeast Region

It has been a long wait, but finally our little fish arrived on Friday!  Seeing the kids so excited was worth the wait.  We want to thank Sturgeon For Tomorrow, MSU, parent / community donors to our project, and volunteers for making this a reality.  I will get a video up soon so those of you that haven’t had a chance to see our fish can catch a glimpse.  Please feel free to stop by anytime and take a look.  We will be doing weekly water testing to ensure the tank is a healthy environment for our little sturgeon. 

In the past few weeks the kids have been learning about the Northeast Region.  One of their favorite stops on the tour is Hershey’s Chocolate Factory in Hershey Pennsylvanian! 

SWIMMING ONE MORE WEEK!

This is the last week of swimming so please make sure the kids come with suit and towel each morning.

Concepts to reinforce with your student

I can….

· Describe why the Northeast is called the birthplace of our nation.

· Divide whole numbers with remainders using at least one of the following methods  (Digit by Digit / Short-cut, Expanded Notation, Place Value)

Units of Study:

Language Arts:

We will continue to work on Persuasive writing.  Our writing time has been cut short due to swimming lessons.  We will continue reading about the Northeast Region.

Math:

Unit  3 Division with Whole Numbers.

Science:

A View From Earth

Social Studies:

Northeast Region 

Upcoming Important Events:

SWIMMING LESSONS DEC. 2—13th

Christmas Tree Ship Learning (Dec. 16-20th)

Christmas Party Dec. 20th

(hats and gloves donation for His Harvest Stand)

NO SCHOOL Christmas Vacation Dec.  23rd – Jan. 6th