April 29-May 3

This week students will read an informational nonfiction selection called Animal Homes. (Unit 5, Week 5) They will learn about the text structure of “description”. Description is a nonfiction text structure in which the author introduces a topic and gives a list of characteristics or qualities that describe the topic.  In grammar, students will continue to learn about pronouns and verb contractions.  Examples are I’m, he’s, and we’ll.  The spelling words follow the V/CV and VC/V pattern. 

We are beginning to do a research project and writing a report on historical figures.  Students will research an important figure, identify 8-10 important events in the person’s life, and then write about their character traits.  On Friday, students chose their person to research and we will spend Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in the lab researching, reading and taking notes. 

In math, we are finishing up chapter 8 on fractions.  The chapter assessment will be on Thursday and we will spend Wednesday reviewing and practicing. 

In social studies, we are learning about the first people to live in the Great Lakes region and the French that came here on exploration missions.  These lessons will help students participate, understand, and appreciate the Voyageur Encampment on Tuesday, May 7. On this day, students will travel to Lake Lansing Park South for the day.  Dressed in period clothing , interpreters will introduce the way of life for Michigan's first inhabitants, People of the Three Fires.  They will also learn about  European explorers, traders and settlers who opened up the wilderness for exploration and commerce.   We'll eat "voyageur stew" and get a real feel for living in the early 1600s in Michigan.  There will be a short parent meeting this week, Wednesday, May 1, at 6:00 in the classroom.  If you can’t make it, but want to help, just let me know.

 

IMPORTANT DATES

Friday, May 3 PTA Walk-a-thon

Tuesday, May 7 Voyageur Encampment

Wednesday, May 15 Young Author’s Day (We will read our books at 3:10 in the Media Center)

May 27 NO SCHOOL Memorial Day