Novel Study � We have started our first novel study, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg. This book tells the story of a brother and sister who run away from home and hide out in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. As we read the novel, we will complete a packet of questions, journal entries, and activities. We will learn more about Renaissance art and even get the chance to paint like Michelangelo � lying on our backs! (We�ll need smocks or messy shirts for this one. I�ll announce the date in class.) Finally, we�ll try an interesting webquest and do a bit of cooking. Aren�t novel studies fun?
Writing � This week, we will begin our classmate biographies. Students will conduct interviews and write rough drafts of biographical essays. In addition, we are reviewing lowercase cursive letters, taking time to perfect the skills we learned in earlier grades.
Spelling/Vocabulary � During these early weeks of school, we have been practicing good work and study habits with our spelling and vocabulary. In particular, we have focussed on spreading our work over several days, rather than leaving it until the final night before it is due. Also, we have been working carefully on the narratives in each Wordly Wise lesson. We have learned to read the questions first, then to stop as we are reading to note which questions are answered in each paragraph. This makes it much easier to write our answers later! With our Wordly Wise and spelling routines established, we are now in a two-week pattern for our tests. Students will have either a Wordly Wise or Spelling test every Wednesday. Specific dates are listed on the class website.
Math - In Math, we have experimented with various algorithms for addition and subtraction, striving to understand why each one works and discussing its pros and cons. In addition to the traditional methods that most parents learned in school, we are learning partial-sums addition, column-addition, partial-differences subtraction, and trade-first subtraction. (You can learn more about these algorithms on pg. 13-17 in your child�s Student Reference Book. Ask your student to show you the partial differences algorithm. It�s fascinating!) In most situations, students are free to choose whatever method they wish, so long as they can use it accurately. Later this week, we will learn to write open number sentences and review multiplication algorithms. I expect that we will complete our unit during the week of October 13; a test date will be announced closer to that point.
Science � In our weather unit, we are learning about the properties of air and how they create weather. During Science Lab, the students built a weather station, and we are beginning to collect data. Soon, we will conduct an experiment to determine how the uneven heating of land and water creates wind.
Social Studies � We have nearly finished our GFGA research. Today we learned about organizing notes and writing clear, connected sentences. Then, we started the rough drafts of our persuasive essays, which are due this Friday (10/10). Later this week, I will show the students how to map their activities, restaurants, and hotels. Once