Reading/ELA Overview:

We will wrap up U1.2 (Unit 1 Text Set 2) this week. Our genre has been Realistic Fiction. Our focus skills for reading included author's perspective/point of view, problem/solution, elements of plot, and idioms. Then we will circle back to U1.1 (Unit 1 Text Set 1), which is Expository Text, and more difficult than the Realistic Fiction.

Spelling Week 1 word list will be introduced and tested this week. Homework is due on Thursday, the test will be Friday.

Spelling will always follow the same routine. We will typically only have Spelling on full five-day school weeks. The Pre-Test will be on Monday, with homework assigned based on errors. We will do some work in school. Thursday homework will be due, and Friday will be the test. If 100% is scored on the Pre-Test, they do not need to take the test on Friday.

Vocabulary and Grammar Assessments will always fall around the same time as the Reading Assessment. Reading Assessments (Progress Monitoring Assessments or PMAs) are "cold reads," passages the students have not seen before; they test the students on their ability to apply the skills that they have learned throughout the unit. **Students are permitted to use their reading/ELA notebooks as a resource for all assessments, with the exception of vocabulary.**

Math Overview:

We will begin Topic 2 in Math this week. Topic 2 skills include fluently adding and subtracting multi-digit numbers. We will learn different strategies for adding and subtracting whole numbers, and how estimating sums and differences can help us determine whether answers are reasonable.

We will always have a practice test (red bordered pages titled "Assessment Practice" at the end of the Topic in the math book). This will done in school or for homework, and we will review it very carefully the day before the topic assessment. This can also be used as a study guide to help prepare for the actual assessment. Students will be permitted (and strongly encouraged) to use their math notebooks as a resource when taking assessments.

Knowing multiplication facts is very important now, as multiplication facts will be used for all upcoming math skills. Please practice multiplication facts at home, or upcoming math skills will become very difficult as they all rely on knowing multiplication facts.

IXLs and Practice Buddies must be at a certain percentage to be considered "completed" as classwork or homework; however, the students should take those scores as high as they can as they become more comfortable with the content. These scores are averaged and entered as grades, and can help boost the students' overall math scores.

Math grades are compiled from formative assignments such as assigned IXLs and Practice Buddies, and summative assignments including fact tests, basic concept quizzes, and the final topic assessment. Homework completion will also play a part in the final grade for the marking period.

Science Overview:

During the First Marking Period students will learn about natural resources, ecosystems, plant and animal adaptations, and the kingdoms of life-with specific focus on vertebrates and invertebrates in the animal kingdom.