Our classroom newsletter is updated here every Friday afternoon. You will receive a reminder email to read our newsletter every Friday. We encourage you to read every week to learn about the following week's lessons and upcoming events.
Embedded Files
Friday, June 4, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 37
Friday, June 4, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 37
Important Dates
Wednesday, June 9: Final Materials Pick-Up from 12:00-12:30pm for Zoomers only
Thursday, June 10: Last Day of School; Roomers return devices
Friday, June 11: Device return for Zoomers only
Final Materials Pick-Up for Zoomers on 6/9 from 12:00-12:30pm
Please drive by Matsumoto with your child on Wednesday, June 9 from 12:00-12:30pm, so we may give them their finished Father’s Day project (No peeking, Dads!) and a gift for the summer. PLEASE RETURN the yellow/blue/red Judy clock.
Roomers Device Return on 6/10
If your child checked out any devices from school (laptop, charger, wifi hotspot, Mirror Me, etc), please have your child return everything on the last day of school 6/10.
Zoomers Device Return on 6/11
If your child checked out any devices from school (laptop, charger, wifi hotspot, etc), please return everything on Friday, June 11 in the main parking lot according to this schedule by last name:
8-8:30 A-D
8:30-9 E-J
9-9:30 K-M
9:30-10 N-P
10:30-11 Q-S
11-11:30 T-Z
Language Arts
Upcoming Focus: Memory Books
Next week, students will reflect on the past year as they complete their second grade memory books.
Writing
We will continue poetry next week. Students will use their creativity to craft a variety of poems throughout this unit. Next week, we'll work on a haiku poem and an "I Wish" poem.
Math
Next week, we will complete Module 8—Time, Shapes, and Fractions as Equal Parts of Shapes with lessons on
Telling time to the nearest five minutes; relate a.m. and p.m. to time of day
Solving elapsed time problems involving whole hours and a half hour
Theme Days
We will end the year with some fun Theme Days. Next week, we will celebrate the beach, bubbles, popcorn, and ice cream!
Friday, May 28, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 36
Friday, May 28, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 36
Important Dates
Friday, May 28: Grammar Test
Monday, May 31: No School--Memorial Day
Tuesday, June 1: Roomers stay home for virtual school with Ms. Lo
Wednesday, June 2: Math Quizzes
Friday, June 3: Field Day for Room 14 at 9:50-11
Wednesday, June 9: Final Materials Pick-Up from 12:00-12:30pm for Zoomers only
Thursday, June 10: Last Day of School
Friday, June 11: Zoomers device return
Field Day: June 3, 9:50-11am
Zoomers are encouraged to attend Field Day with the Roomers on Thursday, June 3 from 9:50-11am. We will start our day with class as usual from 8:30-9:20am. Participating Zoomers will then need to fill out the Daily Health Self-Screening Form, and then get dropped off at the bus loop (smaller parking lot) on Cortona Drive before 9:50am. Zoomers will need to be promptly picked up at 11am. Both Zoomers and Roomers will log in to Zoom at 12:45pm for class as usual.
Zoomers who are not participating in Field Day will have an assignment in Google Classroom to complete.
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Focus: Stink, the Incredible Shrinking Kid
Next week, our class will continue our focus on the chapter book Stink, the Incredible Shrinking Kid. We will read the book together in class and analyze story structure, characters, plot, and other story elements.
Comprehension: point of view, inference, figurative language, cause and effect
We will no longer have language arts highlights.
Writing
We will continue poetry next week. Students will use their creativity to craft a variety of poems throughout this unit. Next week, we'll work on an -ing poem, an "I Like" poem, and an important poem.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
We will no longer have language arts tests.
Math
Next week, we will continue Module 8—Time, Shapes, and Fractions as Equal Parts of Shapes with lessons on
recognizing that equal parts of an identical rectangle can have different shapes
constructing a paper clock by partitioning a circle into halves and quarters, and telling time to the half hour or quarter hour
telling time to the nearest five minutes
There will be quizzes on Lessons 10-12 on Wednesday, June 2.
Theme Days
We will end the year with some fun Theme Days. We will begin on Thursday with Camp Day and end our week with Circus Day. Students will be using many of the supplies and materials that were picked up at our last Materials Pick-Up. Please be sure your child has easy access to these materials.
Friday, May 21, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 35
Friday, May 21, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 35
Important Dates
Friday, May 21: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Tuesday, May 25: Properties of Matter Unit Test
Wednesday, May 26: Math Quizzes and Science Quizzes
Thursday, May 27: Dairy Farm Virtual Field Trip @ 1:00pm
Friday, May 28: Grammar Test
Monday, May 31: No School--Memorial Day
Wednesday, June 2: Math Quizzes
Thursday, June 10: Last Day of School
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Focus: Stink, the Incredible Shrinking Kid
Next week, our class will focus on the chapter book Stink, the Incredible Shrinking Kid. We will read the book together in class and analyze story structure, characters, plot, and other story elements.
Comprehension: point of view, inference, figurative language, cause and effect
Grammar/Mechanics: adjectives and adverbs
We will no longer have language arts highlights.
Writing
We will begin a new writing unit focused on poetry next week. Students will use their creativity to craft a variety of poems throughout this unit. Next week, we'll work on a heart map, an acrostic poem, a shape poem, and a color poem.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Grammar
Math
Next week, we will continue Module 8—Time, Shapes, and Fractions as Equal Parts of Shapes with lessons on
interpreting equal shares to create composite shapes as halves, thirds, and fourths
partitioning circles and rectangles into equal parts, and describing those parts as halves, thirds, or fourths
describing a whole by the number of equal parts including 2 halves, 3 thirds, and 4 fourths
There will be quizzes on Lessons 4, 6, 7, and 9 on Wednesday, May 26.
Science
We will finish our Properties of Matter unit next week. Students will learn about matter within objects and take the unit test on Tuesday, May 25. We will also have quizzes on Lessons 7 and 8 on Wednesday, May 26.
Friday, May 14, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 34
Friday, May 14, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 34
Important Dates
Friday, May 14: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; End of Module 7 Assessment
Wednesday, May 19: Math Quizzes and Science Quizzes
Thursday, May 20: Materials Pick-up AND Textbook Return for Zoomers from 2:30-3:00
Friday, May 21: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Wednesday, May 26: Math Quizzes and Science Quizzes
Thursday, May 27: Dairy Farm Virtual Field Trip @ 1:00pm
Friday, May 28: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Monday, May 31: No School--Memorial Day
Thursday, June 10: Last Day of School
Materials Pick-Up AND Textbook Return 5/20 @ 2:30-3 PM for Zoomers Only
Zoomers! We have a materials pick-up next week on Thursday, May 20 from 2:30-3:00pm. We are also collecting textbooks and materials at this time. Please bring the following items to the pick-up:
Wonders Literature Anthology Textbook
Wonders Reading Writing Workshop Textbook
Science Textbook
any Matsumoto library books
Laptop Mirror (little black device with a mirror that slips over the laptop camera)
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Focus: Money Madness
Next week, our class will focus on money. We’ll learn about money and how we use it.
Comprehension: problem and solution; summarize
Phonics/Spelling: vowel team syllables
Grammar/Mechanics: adverbs and prepositional phrases; comparative endings –er and –est; capitalization-proper nouns
See language arts highlights below.
Writing
We will continue our personal narrative unit next week. Students will choose another small moment to expand using the skills we have learned: an interesting beginning; temporal words; sensory details; showing, not telling; and adding dialogue.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Reading Comprehension (Money Madness)
Vocabulary
Grammar
Math
Next week, we will begin Module 8—Time, Shapes, and Fractions as Equal Parts of Shapes with lessons on
describing two-dimensional shapes based on attributes
identifying and analyzing two-dimensional shapes with specified attributes
using attributes to identify and draw different quadrilaterals including rectangles, rhombuses, parallelograms, and trapezoids
combining shapes to create a composite shape
There will be quizzes on Lessons 1 and 2 on Wednesday, May 19.
Science
We will continue our Properties of Matter unit next week. Students will learn about how matter changes. We will have quizzes on Lessons 5 and 6 on Wednesday, May 19.
Unit 6 Week 4.pdfFriday, May 7, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 33
Friday, May 7, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 33
Important Dates
Friday, May 7: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Wednesday, May 12: Math Quizzes and Science Quizzes
Friday, May 14: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; End of Module 7 Assessment
Wednesday, May 19: Math Quizzes and Science Quizzes
Friday, May 21: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Focus: Astronaut Handbook
Next week, our class will focus on the importance of teamwork. How does a team help us do things more effectively?
Comprehension: main idea and key details; summarize
Phonics/Spelling: consonant and –le syllables
Grammar/Mechanics: adjectives that compare: –er and –est (big, bigger, biggest)
See language arts highlights below.
Writing
This week, we learned about sensory details and how to use them to make our writing more descriptive. For example, instead of writing 'The cookies smelled good,' a student can write 'The sweet, chocolatey smell from the oven made my mouth water.' We also learned about showing and not telling. For example, instead of writing 'It was cold' (a telling sentence), a student can write 'I shivered as I rubbed my hands together for warmth' (a showing sentence.) We also learned how to write dialogue to show someone speaking in our personal narratives. Here are some samples: "Please wait for me!" begged my little sister. "We're going to be late," I warned.
Next week, we will practice these new skills by writing another personal narrative rough draft.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Reading Comprehension (Astronaut Handbook)
Vocabulary
Grammar
Math
Next week, we will finish Module 7--Problem Solving with Length, Money, and Data with lessons on
identifying unknown numbers on a number line diagram by using the distance between numbers and reference points
representing two-digit sums and differences involving length by using the ruler as a number line
drawing a line plot to represent the measurement data; relating the measurement scale to the number line
We will have quizzes on Lessons 19-22 on Wednesday, May 12. We will also have an end-of-module 7 math assessment on Friday. Here are Module 7's tip sheets.
Science
We will continue our Properties of Matter unit. Students will learn about liquids and gases next week and will explore carbonation on Thursday. We will have quizzes on Lessons 3 and 4 on Wednesday, May 12.
Unit 6 Week 3.pdfFriday, April 30, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 32
Friday, April 30, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 32
Important Dates
Friday, April 30: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; iReady Progress Reports go home
Saturday, May 1: final Reading is Cool log due
Wednesday, May 5: Math Quizzes and Science Quizzes
Friday, May 7: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Wednesday, May 12: Math Quizzes and Science Quizzes
Friday, May 14: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Focus: Pedal Power
Next week, we will read about how people produce and use energy. We will be flipping our textbook usage this week. We will use our Literature Anthology on Monday and Tuesday and our Reading/Writing Workshop book on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Comprehension: theme; context clues
Phonics/Spelling: open and closed syllables
Grammar/Mechanics: adjectives; compound words; commas in a series
See language arts highlights below.
Writing
This week, we finished a personal narrative rough draft about an animal. We also learned about writing strong introductions and using temporal words. Next week, we will practice these new skills by writing another personal narrative rough draft. We will also learn about adding sensory details to spice up our writing.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Reading Comprehension (Pedal Power)
Vocabulary
Grammar
Math
Next week, we will continue Module 7--Problem Solving with Length, Money, and Data with lessons on
Measuring various objects using inch rulers and yardsticks
Measuring an item twice using different length units and compare; relating measurement to unit size
Measuring to compare the differences in length using inches, feet, and yards
Solving two-digit addition and subtraction word problems involving length by using tape diagrams and writing equations to represent the problem
We will have quizzes on Lessons 13, 15, 16, and 18 on Wednesday, May 5.
Science
We will continue our Properties of Matter unit next week. Students will have a lab to explore flexibility on Monday. We will then delve deeper into solids next week. Students will take a quiz on Lesson 2 on Wednesday, May 5.
Unit 6 Week 2.pdfFriday, April 23, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 31
Friday, April 23, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 31
Important Dates
Friday, April 23: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Wednesday, April 28: Math Quizzes and Science Quizzes
Friday, April 30: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; final Reading is Cool log due
Wednesday, May 5: Math Quizzes and Science Quizzes
Friday, May 7: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Internet Outages
We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we navigate teaching both Roomers and Zoomers simultaneously. As you may have noticed, we have had internet outages at school since we have reopened. The outages will probably increase next week, as grades 3-6 join us in person. We ask for your continued patience!
Zoomers, during an outage, please complete the following:
Any assignments in Google Classroom
Read the story of the week in your Wonders textbook and study vocabulary words
20 minutes each of iReady math and reading
After #1-3 are complete, you have optional activities (reading books of your choice, Typing Club in Clever, drawing, etc.)
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Focus: The Golden Flower
Next week, our class will focus on plant myths and facts. We’ll learn how plants keep our world working.
Comprehension: theme; context clues
Phonics/Spelling: open and closed syllables
Grammar/Mechanics: adjectives; compound words; commas in a series
See language arts highlights below.
Writing
This week, we wrote a sample personal narrative rough draft in Little Miss Muffet's point of view. We then used our personal narrative skeleton outline from Tuesday to write our own small moment rough draft. Next week, we will plan a new personal narrative topic using a paper outline.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Reading Comprehension (The Golden Flower)
Vocabulary
Grammar
Math
Next week, we will continue Module 7--Problem Solving with Length, Money, and Data with lessons on
Using different strategies to make $1 or make change from $1
Solving word problems involving different ways to make change from $1
Solving two-step word problems involving dollars or cents with totals within $100 or $1
Measuring length using inch rulers
We will have quizzes on Lessons 9-12 on Wednesday, April 28.
Science
We will begin our Properties of Matter unit next week. Students learn what matter is and how to describe it in Lessons 1 and 2. We will be doing various hands-on explorations and experiments in this unit. Students will take a quiz on Lesson 1 on Wednesday, April 28.
Unit 6 Week 1.pdfFriday, April 16, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 30
Friday, April 16, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 30
Important Dates
Friday, April 16: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Monday, April 19: First Day of In-Person Learning for Roomers
Tuesday, April 20: Materials Pick-Up for Distance Learners (Zoomers) from 2:30-3:00pm
Wednesday, April 21: Economics Quiz; Math Quizzes
Friday, April 23: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Wednesday, April 28: Math Quizzes and Science Quizzes
Friday, April 30: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
First Day of In-Person Learning for Roomers
We are looking forward to welcoming our Roomers to Room 14 next week on Monday, April 19. Please refer to our Resources page for the two slideshows from this morning's orientation. These slideshows were also shared with the Roomers' parents via email. Contact us if you have any questions.
Materials Pick-Up for Zoomers Only
Our next materials pick-up will be on Tuesday, April 20 from 2:30-3:00PM for our at-home learners (Zoomers). We will be passing out our last math module of the year, science kits, holiday projects, and other miscellaneous materials. Please remember that students should not work on or use any of the items until they are asked to use them during class.
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Focus: Setting the Rules
Next week, our class will focus on why rules are important. Which rules do we follow in our everyday life?
Comprehension: make predictions; cause and effect
Phonics/Spelling: short vowel digraphs—ea, ou, y
Grammar/Mechanics: pronoun-verb agreement; punctuation of book titles
See language arts highlights below.
Writing
We will continue exploring our small moments and learn to focus in on these moments instead of writing about an entire event. For example, instead of writing about an entire day at Disneyland, the writer can focus on a part of a ride, like the exciting drop at the end of Splash Mountain.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Reading Comprehension (Setting the Rules)
Vocabulary
Grammar
Math
Next week, we will continue Module 7--Problem Solving with Length, Money, and Data with lessons on
Solving word problems involving the total value of a group of coins.
Solving word problems involving the total value of a group of bills.
Solving word problems involving different combinations of coins with the same total value.
Using the fewest number of coins to make a given value.
We will have quizzes on Lessons 3, 6, 7, and 8 on Wednesday, April 21.
Social Studies
We will complete our economics unit next week with a review of wants and needs, goods and services, and producers and consumers. There will be an economics test on Tuesday, April 20.
Unit 5 Week 5.pdfThursday, April 1, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 29
Thursday, April 1, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 29
Important Dates
April 2-9: Spring Break--No School
Wednesday, April 14: Math Quizzes
Friday, April 16: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Wednesday, April 21: Economics Quiz; Math Quizzes
Friday, April 23: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Let's Look at Art
On Monday, we had a "Let's Look at Art" presentation given by a former Matsumoto teacher, Mrs. Earl. Students were able to view a picture of the museum and learn a little about the history of the building. They were able to see one of the sculptures and how it was created. Finally, students were guided to observe 3 different art pieces in terms of line, color, shapes, and other perspectives.
Here are a few additional resources, including fun art projects:
· Teacher and Family Resources on the museum website: https://sjmusart.org/education/teacher-and-family-resources
· Join the San Jose Museum of Art Education Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SJMAEducation
· Follow the museum on You Tube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/sanjosemuseumofart
There are lots of cool videos about art and exhibits (past and present) at the museum. Since we can’t go in person, it’s fun to see what’s there online.
· Images from the museum’s art collection (you can search).
Not everything is kid-friendly, so please preview first to determine what is appropriate for your child.
Last Day of Intervention
Today was the last day of Intervention with Ms. Perla. Thank you to the parents who helped remind their students to attend every Tuesday and Thursday!
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Focus: Woodcutter’s Gift
After the break, our class will focus on how we can protect the Earth. We will discuss some things we can do to help preserve the Earth’s resources.
Comprehension: make predictions, plot: problem and solution
Phonics/Spelling: variant vowels: a, aw, au, augh, al, ough
Grammar/Mechanics: contractions, homophones, possessive pronouns
See language arts highlights below.
Writing
We will continue exploring our small moments and learn to focus in on these moments instead of writing about an entire event. For example, instead of writing about an entire day at Disneyland, the writer can focus on a part of a ride, like the exciting drop at the end of Splash Mountain.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Reading Comprehension (Woodcutter's Gift)
Vocabulary
Grammar
Math
After the break, we will begin Module 7--Problem Solving with Length, Money, and Data with lessons on
Drawing and labeling a bar graphs to represent data
Recognizing the value of coins and counting up to find their total value
We will have quizzes on Lessons 1 and 2 on Wednesday, April 14.
Social Studies
After the break, we will begin our economics unit. Students will learn about wants and needs, goods and services, and producers and consumers. There will be no social studies quizzes that week.
Unit 5 Week 4.pdfFriday, March 26, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 28
Friday, March 26, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 28
Important Dates
Friday, March 26: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Wednesday, March 31: End-of-Module 6 Assessment
April 2-9: Spring Break--No School
Wednesday, April 14: Math Quizzes
Friday, April 16: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Focus: Dragons Love Tacos
Next week, our class will focus on a story called Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin. This story is about the love dragons have for tacos and the dangers of salsa. Students will do many language arts activities related to the story. This story is not in our textbooks, so there are no language arts highlights for next week.
Comprehension: summary; plot; cause and effect; sequencing
Writing
We had a brief introduction to personal narratives this week. We will start diving deeper into personal narratives next week with lessons on small moments, which are also called seed ideas.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
We have no language arts tests next week! Yay!
Math
We will complete Module 6--Foundations of Multiplication and Division with lessons on:
using math drawings to partition a rectangle with square tiles, and relate to repeated addition
relating doubles to even numbers, and writing number sentences to express the sums
pairing objects and skip-counting to relate to even numbers
There will be an End-of-Module 6 Assessment on Wednesday, March 31. You can find tip sheets for Module 6 here.
Social Studies
Next week, we will continue our focus on women's history. Students will learn about important female figures from history and today. We will learn about politicians, humanitarians, scientists, and judges, as well as many other influential women.
Friday, March 19, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 27
Friday, March 19, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 27
Important Dates
Friday, March 19: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Tuesday, March 23: Landforms and Earth's Changes Unit Test
Wednesday, March 24: Math Quizzes
Friday, March 26: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Wednesday, March 31: End-of-Module 6 Assessment
April 2-9: Spring Break--No School
Wednesday, April 14: Math Quizzes
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Focus: Brave Bessie
Next week, our class will focus on what heroes do. What makes a hero or a heroine?
Comprehension: summarize; connections within text; sequence
Phonics/Spelling: variant vowels: oo, u, u_e, ew, ue, ui, ou
Grammar/Mechanics: possessive pronouns; contractions with not; capitalizing proper nouns (special products)
See language arts highlights below.
Writing
We will introduce students to personal narratives next week.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Reading Comprehension (Brave Bessie)
Vocabulary
Grammar
Math
We will continue Module 6--Foundations of Multiplication and Division with lessons on:
creating arrays using square tiles with gaps
solving word problems involving addition of equal groups in rows and columns
using square tiles to compose a rectangle, and relate to the array model
using math drawings to compose a rectangle with square tiles
There will be quizzes on lessons 6, 7, 8, and 9 on Wednesday, March 24.
Science and Social Studies
We will complete our science unit on Landforms and Earth's Changes next week with a review of Lessons 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 on Monday and a unit test on Tuesday. Students can prepare for the test by looking over the science assignments and textbook in Google Classroom. Look for the magnifying glass! 🔍
For social studies next week, we will focus on women's history. Students will learn about important female figures from history and today. We will learn about politicians, humanitarians, scientists, and judges, as well as many other influential women.
Unit 5 Week 3.pdfFriday, March 12, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 26
Friday, March 12, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 26
Important Dates
Friday, March 12: Lucky Family Project Due; Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; Report Cards go home
Wednesday, March 17: Math Quizzes; Science Quiz
Friday, March 19: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Wednesday, March 24: Math Quizzes
Friday, March 26: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Wednesday, March 31: End-of-Module 6 Assessment
April 2-9: Spring Break--No School
Report Cards
Your child's second trimester report card will be emailed to you today (Friday, March 12) by Mrs. Frankina. Please review the report card and let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Lucky Family Project
This project is due today--Friday, March 12. Please make sure your child has decorated their shamrock and recorded themselves presenting their shamrock on Flipgrid. The assignment can be found in Google Classroom.
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Focus: Once Upon a Baby Brother
Next week, our class will focus on how people get along. Which is better, cooperation or competition?
Comprehension: summarize; point of view
Phonics/Spelling: oi, oy
Grammar/Mechanics: pronouns—I, me, we, us; capitalizing the pronoun I; idioms
See language arts highlights below.
Writing
We will continue opinion writing next week. Students will continue working on their rough drafts next week.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Reading Comprehension (Once Upon a Baby Brother)
Vocabulary
Grammar
Math
We will continue Module 6--Foundations of Multiplication and Division with lessons on:
representing equal groups with tape diagrams, and relating to repeated addition
composing arrays from rows and columns, and counting to find the total using objects
decomposing arrays into rows and columns, and relating to repeated addition
representing arrays and distinguishing rows and columns using math diagrams.
There will be quizzes on lessons 1, 2, 4, and 5 on Wednesday, March 17.
Science
We will continue our science unit on Landforms and Earth's Changes next week. Our next lesson will focus on how people change the earth. There will be a quiz on Lessons 5 and 6 on Wednesday, March 17.
Unit 5 Week 2.pdfFriday, March 5, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 25
Friday, March 5, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 25
Important Dates
Friday, March 5: Final Draft of Opinion Paragraph due; Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; Materials Pick-Up at 2:30-3:30
Wednesday, March 10: End-of-Module 5 Math Assessment, Science Quiz
Friday, March 12: Lucky Family Project Due; Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; Report Cards go home
Wednesday, March 17: Math Quizzes; Science Quiz
Friday, March 19: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Lucky Family Project
Students were introduced to this project on Tuesday, February 23. Each student should have a large shamrock. They must cut the shamrock out and decorate it to show why their family is lucky. Pictures, drawings, decorations, and writing can be used. Projects are due next week on March 12. Students will present their shamrocks on Flipgrid. Please have your child practice going over their shamrock before recording themselves on Flipgrid.
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Focus: Grace For President
Next week, our class will focus on what good citizens do. How do people display good citizenship in their lives?
Comprehension: summarize; point of view
Phonics/Spelling: ou, ow
Grammar/Mechanics: suffixes (-ly, -ful, -less); pronouns; irregular plurals; quotation marks showing dialogue
See language arts highlights below.
Writing
We will continue opinion writing next week. Students will choose another opinion topic next week. We will start planning the paragraph and start on our rough drafts.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Reading Comprehension (Grace For President)
Vocabulary
Grammar
Math
Next week, we will finish Module 5: Addition and Subtraction Within 1,000 with Word Problems to 100 with a lesson on choosing and explaining solution strategies and recording with a written addition or subtraction method.
There will be an End-of-Module 5 Math Assessment on Wednesday, March 10. Please see Module 5's tip sheets here.
We will also begin Module 6--Foundations of Multiplication and Division with lessons on:
using manipulatives to make equal groups
using math drawings to represent equal groups, and relating to repeated addition
Science
We will continue our science unit on Landforms and Earth's Changes next week. Our next two lessons will focus on fast and slow changes on Earth. There will be a quiz on Lesson 3 on Wednesday, March 10.
Unit 5 Week 1.pdfFriday, February 26, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 24
Friday, February 26, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 24
Important Dates
Friday, February 26: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Monday, March 1: February Reading is Cool log due
Wednesday, March 3: Mid-Module 5 Math Assessment; Science Quiz; Final Draft of Opinion Paragraph due
Friday, March 5: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; Materials Pick-Up at 2:30-3:30
Wednesday, March 10: End-of-Module 5 Math Assessment, Science Quiz
Friday, March 12: Lucky Family Project Due; Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; Report Cards go home
Materials Pick-Up 3/5 @ 2:30-3:30
Please join us for our next Materials Pick-Up on Friday, March 5 from 2:30-3:30pm. We will be passing out packets of work and our next math module in the main parking lot. We look forward to seeing you!
Lucky Family Project
Students were introduced to this project on Tuesday. Each student should have a large shamrock. They must cut the shamrock out and decorate it to show why their family is lucky. Pictures, drawings, decorations, and writing can be used. Projects are due March 12. Students will present their shamrocks on Flipgrid. Please have your child practice going over their shamrock before recording themselves on Flipgrid.
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Focus: Poetry
Next week, our class will focus on poems about nature. Your child will learn that poetry is a good way to write about nature.
Comprehension: visualize; theme
Phonics/Spelling: r-controlled vowels: are, air, ear, ere
Grammar/Mechanics: similes; contractions with not, is, had, would, have; apostrophes with contractions
See language arts highlights below.
Writing
We will continue opinion writing next week. Students have chosen their own opinion topic and have started writing their rough drafts using their planning outline. The final drafts are due on Wednesday, March 3.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Reading Comprehension (Poetry)
Vocabulary
Grammar
Math
We will continue Module 5: Addition and Subtraction Within 1,000 with Word Problems to 100 with lessons on:
Relating manipulative representations to the subtraction algorithm and using addition to explain why the subtraction method works
Using math drawings to represent subtraction with up to two decomposition and relating drawings to the algorithm
Subtracting from multiples of 100 and from numbers with zero in the tens place
Applying and explaining methods for subtracting from multiples of 100 and from numbers with zeros in the tens place
There will be a Mid-Module 5 Math Assessment on Wednesday, March 3.
Science
We will continue our science unit on Landforms and Earth's Changes next week. Our next lesson will be on the different bodies of water on Earth. There will be a quiz on Lesson 2 on Wednesday, March 3.
Unit 4 Week 5.pdfFriday, February 12, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 23
Friday, February 12, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 23
Important Dates
Friday, February 12: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; Mini Materials Pick-Up from 12:30-3:00pm; Valentine's Day and Lunar New Year Celebration gift distribution from 12:30-3:00 (see below for schedule)
February 15-19: No School--President's Break
Wednesday, February 24: Math Quizzes; Science Quiz
Friday, February 26: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Monday, March 1: February Reading is Cool log due
Wednesday, March 3: Math Quizzes, Science Quiz
Friday, March 5: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Story: How the Beetle Got Her Colors
After the break, our class will focus on the natural world. Your child will learn about ways that help him or her understand nature.
Comprehension: visualize; theme
Phonics/Spelling: r-controlled vowels: eer, ere, ear
Grammar/Mechanics: irregular verbs – come, run, hide, give, sing, sit; abbreviations – Dr., Mr., Mrs., St., Ave.; letter punctuation—greeting, closing
See language arts highlights below.
Writing
We will continue opinion writing after the break. Students have chosen their own opinion topic and have started planning their writing using the opinion writing outline.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Reading Comprehension (How the Beetle Got Her Colors)
Vocabulary
Grammar
Math
We will continue Module 5: Addition and Subtraction Within 1,000 with Word Problems to 100 with lessons on:
Relating manipulative representations to the addition algorithm.
Use math drawings to represent additions with up to two compositions and relate drawings to the addition algorithm.
There will be quizzes on lessons 7-9 on Wednesday, February 24.
Science
We will start a new science unit on Landforms and Earth's Changes after the break. We will begin the unit by learning about the many different landforms on Earth. There will be a quiz on Lesson 1 on Wednesday, February 24.
Unit 4 Week 4.pdfFriday, February 5, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 22
Friday, February 5, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 22
Important Dates
Friday, February 5: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; Map Skills Test; Virtual Valentine Card due
February 8-12: Virtual Valentine Exchange
Wednesday, February 10: Math Quizzes
Thursday, February 11: Penguins, Will You Be My Valentine?--Virtual Field Trip to the California Academy of Sciences 10:00-10:30am (Please see the question assignment in Google Classroom to submit any questions you may have about penguins.)
Friday, February 12: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; Mini Materials Pick-Up from 12:30-3:00pm; Valentine's Day and Lunar New Year Celebration gift distribution from 12:30-3:00 (see below for schedule)
February 15-19: No School--President's Break
Wednesday, February 24: Math Quizzes
Friday, February 26: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Mini Materials Pick-Up--February 12, 12:30-3:00PM
We have a packet of worksheets and a large shamrock that need to be picked up from school on Friday, February 12 from 12:30-3:00pm. The items will be in boxes on a table outside near the entrance of the main parking lot for easy pick up. If it is raining, the items will be outside of the office. Please only take ONE packet and ONE shamrock per child. These items will be used immediately after the week-long break. You can come to school at the same time as the Valentine/New Year gift distribution to save yourself a trip (see below).
Valentine's Day and Lunar New Year Celebration Gift Distribution--February 12, 12:30-3:00
PTA and the Matsumoto Staff will be distributing small gifts to all students and their siblings from 12:30-3:00pm on Friday, February 12. Please arrive at these times according to the first letter of your last name:
A-D 12:30-1:00
E-K 1:00-1:30
L-N 1:30-2:00 (Ms. Lo will be there)
O-R 2:00-2:30 (Ms. Lo will be there)
S-Z 2:30-3:00
If you would like to see Ms. Lo, but your last name is at an earlier or later time, please feel free to come when Ms. Lo will be there (1:30-2:30).
Virtual Valentine Exchange
We will be "exchanging" virtual valentine cards next week. Most students have finished decorating their ONE virtual card in Google Classroom. We are still waiting on 6 more students to complete theirs. They are due today.
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Story: Dear Primo: A Letter to my Cousin
Next week, our class will focus on how kids around the world are different. What kinds of cultures and school experiences do children have in different parts of the world?
Comprehension: visualize; plot: compare and contrast
Phonics/Spelling: r-controlled vowels: or, ore, oar, ar
Grammar/Mechanics: irregular verbs – go, do, say, tell, see; irregular plurals; book titles (capitalize and underline)
See language arts highlights below.
Writing
We will continue opinion writing next week. Students chose their own opinion topic and started planning their writing using the opinion writing outline.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Reading Comprehension (Dear Primo)
Vocabulary
Grammar
Math
We will begin Module 5: Addition and Subtraction Within 1,000 with Word Problems to 100 with lessons on:
Using the associative property to make 100
Using the associative property to subtract from 3 digit numbers
Sharing and critiquing solution strategies for varied addition and subtraction problems
There will be quizzes on lessons 3-6 on Wednesday, February 10.
ART and STEM
We will take a break from our usual Social Studies and Science curriculum next week. We will have a Lunar New Year art project at the beginning of the week and a Valentine's Day STEM project at the end of the week.
Unit 4 Week 3.pdfFriday, January 29, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 21
Friday, January 29, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 21
Important Dates
Friday, January 29: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; End-of-Module 4 Assessment
Monday, February 1: January Reading is Cool log is due
Tuesday, February 2: 100th Day of School Lego STEM Project (details will be provided in class)
Wednesday, February 3: Math Quizzes; Compass Rose Quiz
Friday, February 5: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; Map Skills Test; Virtual Valentine Card due
February 8-12: Virtual Valentine Exchange
Virtual Valentine Exchange
We will have a virtual valentine card exchange this year. Using the Valentine deck in Google Classroom, each student needs to design ONE virtual card to share with classmates. Cards need to be completed by Friday, February 5. During the week of February 8, students will be separated into breakout rooms to share their card designs with one another.
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Story: Volcanoes
Next week our class will be focusing on how the Earth changes. We’ll explore what causes the different ways the Earth looks on its surface.
Comprehension: cause and effect, context clues, reread
Phonics/Spelling: r-controlled vowels: er, ir, ur, or
Grammar/Mechanics: helping verbs--have, has, had, am, are, is, was, were
Writing
We will continue opinion writing next week. We will plan and write a class opinion paragraph.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Reading Comprehension (Volcanoes)
Vocabulary
Grammar
Math
We will begin Module 5: Addition and Subtraction Within 1,000 with Word Problems to 100 with lessons on:
Relating 10 more or less and 100 more or less to addition and subtraction
Adding and subtracting multiples of 100, including counting on to subtract
Adding multiples of 10 using arrow way
Subtracting multiples of 10 using arrow way
There will be quizzes on lessons 1-2 on Wednesday, February 3.
Social Studies
We will continue our social studies unit on geography and map skills next week. Students will learn how to read maps and use grids to find locations. We will have a compass rose quiz on Wednesday, February 3. We will also have a general map skills test on Friday, February 5. To study for these tests, students should look back at their corrected assignments.
Unit 4 Week 2.pdfFriday, January 22, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 20
Friday, January 22, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 20
Important Dates
Friday, January 22: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Tuesday, January 26: Continents and Oceans Quiz
Wednesday, January 27: Math Quizzes, Materials Pick-Up 1-2 PM
Friday, January 29: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; End-of-Module 4 Assessment
Monday, February 1: January Reading is Cool log is due
Wednesday, February 3: Math Quizzes; Compass Rose Quiz
Friday, February 5: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; Map Skills Test
Materials Pick-Up on 1/27 from 1-2PM
We will have our next materials pick-up on Wednesday, January 27 from 1-2 PM. Please note the time change! As always, please make sure students do not use items before they are asked to in class. We thank you for your help and support!
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Story: Rain Forests
Next week, our class will focus on what makes parts of the world different from one another. Why are there mountains in some places and deserts in other places?
Comprehension: compare and contrast
Vocabulary: compound words
Phonics/Spelling: silent letters (wr-, kn-, gn-, -mb, sc-)
Grammar/Mechanics: linking verbs (is, are, am, was, were); capitalization of proper nouns (special places)
See language arts highlights attached below.
Writing
We reviewed fact and opinion and practiced stating our opinions this week. Next week, students will begin to generate topics for opinion writing and learn how to use OREO (Opinion, Reason, Example/Explanations, Opinion) planning sheets.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Reading Comprehension (Rain Forests)
Vocabulary
Grammar
Math
Next week, we will complete Module 4—Addition and Subtraction Within 200 with Word Problems to 100 with lessons on:
Using and explaining the totals below written method
Comparing totals below to new groups as a written method
Solving two-step word problems within 100
There will be quizzes on lessons 27-30 on Wednesday, January 27th. We will also have an End-of-Module 4 Assessment on Friday, January 29th. Click here for Module 4's tip sheets.
Social Studies
We will continue our social studies unit on geography and map skills next week. We will have a continents and oceans quiz on Tuesday, January 26. We will then explore maps and learn about parts of a map, types of maps, cardinal directions, the compass rose, and how to read and use grids.
Unit 4 Week 1.pdfFriday, January 15, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 19
Friday, January 15, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 19
Important Dates
Friday, January 15: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; Unit Test on Exploring Ecosystems and Habitats; Progress Reports will be sent home
Monday, January 18: No School--Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Wednesday, January 20: Math Quizzes
Friday, January 22: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Wednesday, January 27: Materials Pick-Up 1-2 PM
Friday, January 29: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Monday, February 1: January Reading is Cool log is due
Materials Pick-Up on 1/27 from 1-2PM
We will have our next materials pick-up on Wednesday, January 27 from 1-2 PM. Please note the time change! As always, please make sure students do not use items before they are asked to in class. We thank you for your help and support!
Progress Reports
Mrs. Frankina will send your child's progress report to you via email today (January 15). The progress report will focus on your child's most recent iReady math and reading diagnostics.
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Story: Many Ways to Enjoy Music
Next week, our class will focus on how people express themselves. We will be talking about how we communicate through music and sound.
Comprehension: ask and answer questions; main idea and key details
Vocabulary: prefixes re- and dis-
Phonics/Spelling: long u (u_e, ew, ue, u)
Grammar/Mechanics: combining and rearranging sentences; comparative endings -er, -est; sentence punctuation including commas
See language arts highlights attached below.
Writing
We learned about opinion writing this week and will continue exploring opinion writing next week.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Reading Comprehension (Many Ways to Enjoy Music)
Vocabulary
Grammar
Math
Next week, we will continue Module 4—Addition and Subtraction Within 200 with Word Problems to 100 with lessons on:
Using math drawings to represent subtraction
Subtracting from 200 and from numbers with zeros in the tens place
Subtracting from 200
There will be quizzes on lessons 24-26 on Wednesday, January 20th.
Social Studies
We will start a new social studies unit on geography and map skills next week. First, we will learn about the continents and oceans. We will then explore maps and learn about parts of a map, types of maps, cardinal directions, the compass rose, and how to read and use grids.
Unit 3 Week 5.pdfFriday, January 8, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 18
Friday, January 8, 2021 Weekly Newsletter, Week 18
Important Dates
Friday, January 8: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Wednesday, January 13: Math Quizzes, Science Quizzes on Chapters 6 and 7
Friday, January 15: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; Unit Test on Exploring Ecosystems and Habitats
Monday, January 18: No School--Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Wednesday, January 20: Math Quizzes
Friday, January 22: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Wednesday, January 27: Materials Pick-Up 1-2 PM
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Story: Wild Weather
Next week, our class will focus on weather and how it affects us. We will talk about the different kinds of weather and how we keep ourselves safe.
Comprehension: ask and answer questions; main idea and key details
Vocabulary: antonyms
Phonics/Spelling: long e (e, ee, ea, ie, y, ey)
Grammar/Mechanics: verbs – have, has, had; plurals –s, -es, -ies
See language arts highlights attached below.
Writing
We will learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. next week. Students will write about the dreams they have for their families, communities, country and world.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Reading Comprehension (Wild Weather)
Vocabulary
Grammar
Math
Next week, we will continue Module 4—Addition and Subtraction Within 200 with Word Problems to 100 with lessons on:
Solving additions with up to 4 addends with totals within 200
Using number bonds to break apart 3-digit minuends and subtract from the hundred
Using manipulatives to represent subtraction with decompositions of 1 hundred as 10 tens and 1 ten as 10 ones
Relating manipulative representations to a written method
There will be quizzes on lessons 20-23 on Wednesday, January 13th.
Science
We will complete our Exploring Ecosystems and Habitats unit next week with a lesson on protecting habitats. There will be quizzes on Chapters 6 and 7 on Wednesday, January 13 and a Unit Test on Friday, January 15. We will review the unit before the test on Friday. The textbook (🔍 Textbook: Exploring Habitats and Ecosystems) is available for review in Google Classroom under 🌟Today.
Unit 3 Week 4.pdfFriday, December 18, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 17
Friday, December 18, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 17
Important Dates
Friday, December 18: Virtual Winter Field Trip at 10:45AM; Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary Tests
December 21 - January 1: Winter Break - No School
Friday, January 1: December Reading is Cool log due
Wednesday, January 6: Math Quizzes, Science Quizzes
Friday, January 8: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Wednesday, January 13: Math Quizzes, Science Quizzes
Friday, January 15: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Christmas Around the World and African Savanna Field Trips
We have two Google Slide virtual field trips ready for you and your child to explore over the break. You can find them in Google Classroom labeled: 🌎Optional: Christmas Around the World Virtual Field Trip! and 🌎Optional: African Savanna Virtual Field Trip! In the first one, you will learn about how Christmas is celebrated around the world. In the second field trip, students can learn about the African savanna, which pairs nicely with our habitats and ecosystems unit. We hope you enjoy these two field trips!
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Story: Biblioburro
After the break, our class will focus on the ways people can help their community. We will also talk about how people solve common problems in their communities.
Comprehension: ask and answer questions; author’s purpose
Vocabulary: synonyms
Phonics/Spelling: long 0 (o, oa, ow, oe)
Grammar/Mechanics: past and future-tense verbs; letter punctuation
See language arts highlights attached below.
Writing
Students will write about their winter breaks and brainstorm resolutions for the New Year.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Reading Comprehension (Biblioburro)
Vocabulary
Grammar
Math
We will continue Module 4—Addition and Subtraction Within 200 with Word Problems to 100 with lessons on:
Using manipulatives to represent the composition of 10 ones as 1 ten with two-digit addends
Relating addition using manipulatives to a written vertical method
Using math drawings to represent the composition and relate drawings to a written method
There will be quizzes on lessons 18-19 on Wednesday, January 6th.
Science
We will continue the unit Exploring Ecosystems and Habitats with lessons on how animals and plants adapt to water habitats and the diversity and interdependence of species in habitats. We will take a quiz on Lesson 5 on Wednesday, January 6th.
Unit 3 Week 3.pdfFriday, December 11, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 16
Friday, December 11, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 16
Important Dates
Friday, December 11: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Monday, December 14: Science Quiz on Lesson 4
Wednesday, December 16: Mid-Module 4 Math Assessment
Friday, December 18: Virtual Winter Field Trip at 10:45AM (details below); Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary Tests
December 21 - January 1: Winter Break - No School
Friday, January 1: December Reading is Cool log due
Wednesday, January 6: Math Quizzes, Science Quiz
Friday, January 8: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Spirit Week 12/14-12/18
Matsumoto's Student Council is holding a Spirit Week next week. Here are themes for each day:
Monday 12/14: Holiday Winter Wear Day (students wear wintery clothing including winter holiday gear)
Tuesday 12/15: Winter White Day (wear as much white as possible)
Thursday 12/17: Toy Day (students are allowed to bring one toy to class and show it off in the morning)
Friday 12/18: Pajama Day (students can wear their pajamas to class)
Virtual Winter Field Trip on 12/18 @10:45AM
We have a fun virtual winter field trip planned on Friday, December 18 @ 10:45AM. Please have your child's warm winter clothes ready at that time so we can bundle up before we go! A helmet is also recommended if one is available. We will end our field trip with a cup of hot cocoa right before lunch around 11:10AM. You will find a packet of cocoa in the large Ziploc bag that we distributed on Wednesday. Included in the bag is a mini candy cane students can enjoy on that day, too. Thank you for helping your child get these items ready for our field trip!
Hanukkah Field Trip
We have another Google Slide virtual field trip ready for you and your child to explore. You can find it in Google Classroom labeled: 🌎Optional: Hanukkah Virtual Field Trip! Learn about this special holiday that will be celebrated from December 10 until December 18.
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Story: Snowmen at Night
Next week, our class will do several fun activities related to the book Snowmen at Night, which is not in our reading textbook. We will not have language arts highlights this week, however, a vocabulary list will be posted in Google Classroom.
Comprehension: understanding story structure (beginning, middle, end)
Phonics/Spelling: rhyming words
Grammar/Mechanics: verbs
Writing
Students will continue to use the writing process to craft a paragraph on a chosen topic.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Reading Comprehension (Snowmen at Night)
Vocabulary
Math
We will continue Module 4—Addition and Subtraction Within 200 with Word Problems to 100 with lessons on:
Solving one and two step word problems within 100
Using mental strategies to relate compositions of 10 tens as 100
There will be a Mid-Module 4 Assessment on Wednesday, December 16. The assessment will cover lessons 1-16.
Science
We explored land adaptations and different water habitats this week. Next week, we will take a quiz on Lesson 4 on Monday, December 14 and then take a break from our science unit to do art and a snowman STEM project.
Friday, December 4, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 15
Friday, December 4, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 15
Important Dates
Friday, December 4: YWCA Presentation 12:45-1:30pm; Museum of Ice Cream Visit; Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Wednesday, December 9: Materials Pick-up at 2-3PM; Math Quizzes; Science Quiz
Friday, December 11: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Wednesday, December 16: Mid-Module 4 Math Assessment
Friday, December 18: Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary Tests
December 21 - January 1: Winter Break - No School
Materials Pick-Up
We will have another materials pick-up next week on Wednesday, December 9 from 2-3PM. Please have a sign taped to the passenger window with your child's name so we can easily identify you. Please remind your child that they should not work on any of the items until they are instructed to in class. Thank you for your help! We look forward to seeing you soon!
Reading is Cool Sharkie Visit!
The class had a fun time celebrating our Reading is Cool Top Classroom achievement with Sharkie on Thursday. We hope to earn this special reward again. Keep encouraging your child to list the books and pages they have read on their monthly log in Google Classroom.
Ice Cream Field Trip
Our class had a blast making ice cream today! Thank you to Ms. Lo for setting up this fun experience for us! Please check your emails for a forwarded message from the Museum of Ice Cream that contains a photo, a certificate, and a recipe card for future ice cream making at home!
Join the PTA!
Please consider joining the PTA. We are at 8% participation with the membership drive. Thank you to the parents who have already joined. Joining the PTA will keep our fun family programs running (movie night, STEAM nights, etc.) The PTA also supports the school through tech purchases and supplies for our classrooms. It would be wonderful if you could help support our school by joining the PTA with this link: bit.ly/tmpta2020
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Story: Mr. Putter and Tabby See the Stars
Next week, our class will focus on what we can see when we look in the sky. We will discuss the Earth, the sun, the moon, and the stars.
Comprehension: reread; plot: sequence
Vocabulary: compound words
Phonics/Spelling: long i
Grammar/Mechanics: present-tense verbs; commas in a series
See language arts highlights attached below.
Writing
Students will continue to use the writing process to craft a paragraph on a topic of their choosing.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Reading Comprehension (Mr. Putter and Tabby See the Stars)
Vocabulary
Grammar
Math
We will continue Module 4—Addition and Subtraction Within 200 with Word Problems to 100 with lessons on:
Relating manipulative representations to a written method
Using math drawings to represent subtraction with and without decomposition and relating drawings to a written method
Representing subtraction with and without the decomposition when there is a three-digit minuend
There will be quizzes on lessons 10-13 on Wednesday, December 9.
Science
We skipped the mini unit about scientists and dived right into habitats and ecosystems this week. We explored land habitats and will delve into how plants and animals have adapted to different land habitats next week. We will also learn about various water habitats. There will be a science quiz on the covered lessons on Wednesday, December 9.
Unit 3 Week 2.pdfFriday, November 20, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 14
Friday, November 20, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 14
Important Dates
Friday, November 20: Reading Comprehension Test; Math Quizzes
Sunday, November 22: November Scholastic Book Orders due (visit clubs.scholastic.com and use activation code: GQCLD to order)
November 23-27: No School--Thanksgiving Break
Tuesday, December 1: November Reading is Cool logs due
Wednesday, December 2: Math Quizzes
Thursday, December 3: Reading is Cool Sharkie Webinar at 1:10pm (details below)
Friday, December 4: YWCA Presentation 12:45-1:30pm (see Mrs. Frankina's email from Wednesday, November 18 if you want to opt out); Museum of Ice Cream Visit (details below); Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; Science Test
Wednesday, December 9: Math Quizzes
Friday, December 11: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Reading is Cool Sharkie Visit!
Our class earned Reading is Cool's Top Classroom for the month of October! Yay!! As a reward, we will be treated to another meeting with Sharkie on Thursday, December 3 at 1:10pm! This time we will be part of a large webinar. A Zoom webinar link will be posted on our Stream in Google Classroom on Wednesday, December 2. Students will need to click on the link at 1:10 on Thursday, December 3 and join Sharkie for some fun! Congratulations to Room 14!
Get Ready for Sundae School!
On Friday, December 4, the Museum of Ice Cream will be visiting us for a virtual hands-on field trip! If your child would like to make ice cream, please have a few items ready on December 4. A flier listing ingredients and materials was attached to today's weekly newsletter reminder email. (The flier is too large to be posted here.) Please read the flier to see what ingredients are necessary and which are optional. A Zoom link for the field trip will be posted on our Stream in Google Classroom on Thursday, December 3. Though making the ice cream is optional, participation in the Zoom field trip is mandatory.
Join the PTA!
Please consider joining the PTA. We are at 8% participation with the membership drive. Thank you to the parents who have already joined. Joining the PTA will keep our fun family programs running (movie night, STEAM nights, etc.) The PTA also supports the school through tech purchases and supplies for our classrooms. It would be wonderful if you could help support our school by joining the PTA with this link: bit.ly/tmpta2020
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Thank you for taking the time to meet with us for conferences this week. Please don’t hesitate to email us if you have any further questions or concerns.
Field Trip
Our fourth virtual field trip is ready for you and your child to explore. You can find it in Google Classroom labeled: 🌎Optional: Thanksgiving Day Parade Field Trip! Learn all about this fun Thanksgiving tradition!
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Story: I Fall Down
After Thanksgiving break, our class will focus on how the Earth’s forces affect us. We will be talking about forces that we can observe.
Comprehension: reread; author’s purpose
Vocabulary: similes
Phonics/Spelling: long a
Grammar/Mechanics: action verbs; contractions ‘s, ‘re, ‘ll, ‘ve; abbreviations
See language arts highlights attached below.
Writing
We will continue to explore expository writing. This week, we finished our thankful paragraphs. After break, we will give students the opportunity to choose their own paragraph topic from their list of topics they can write about.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Reading Comprehension (I Fall Down)
Vocabulary
Grammar
Math
After the break, we will continue Module 4—Addition and Subtraction Within 200 with Word Problems to 100 with lessons on:
Using math drawings to represent the composition and relate drawings to a written method
Using math drawings to represent the composition when adding a two-digit to three-digit addend
Representing subtraction with and without the decomposition of 1 ten as 10 ones with manipulatives
There will be quizzes on lessons 6-9 on Wednesday, December 2.
Science
We are going to have a mini unit after Thanksgiving break to ease us back into science. Students will be learning about what scientists do. We will have a short test on this unit on Friday, December 4. After this mini unit, we will delve into habitats and ecosystems.
Unit 3 Week 1.pdfFriday, November 13, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 13
Friday, November 13, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 13
Important Dates
Friday, November 13: Math Quizzes; Social Studies test on then and now and timelines
Tuesday, November 17: Grandparent Interview and Family Tree due; Minimum Day (school ends at 11:15); Report Cards are sent home via email
Wednesday, November 18: No School--Conference Day
Thursday, November 19: Minimum Day (school ends at 11:15)
Friday, November 20: Reading Comprehension Test; Math Quizzes
Sunday, November 22: November Scholastic Book Orders due (visit clubs.scholastic.com and use activation code: GQCLD to order)
November 23-27: No School--Thanksgiving Break
Report Cards
Report cards will be sent home no later than Tuesday, November 17 from Mrs. Frankina. Please look for an email from her next week.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Conferences are scheduled for Wednesday, November 18. Sign Up Genius will be sending out reminders soon. Please contact us if you do not receive a reminder and need to know when your conference is. We will be sending an email with the Zoom link to attend your conference next week.
Field Trip
Our third virtual field trip is ready for you and your child to explore. You can find it in Google Classroom labeled: 🌎Optional: Diwali Virtual Field Trip! Learn about this special holiday that will be celebrated on Saturday, November 14. Enjoy!
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Story: Turk and Runt
Next week, our class will focus on a story that is NOT in our reading textbook. Students will listen to an entertaining story about two turkey brothers who save each other from being someone's Thanksgiving dinner.
Comprehension: compare and contrast; adjectives
There are no language highlights for this story.
Writing
We will continue to explore expository writing. This week, we finished our If I Were President paragraph and finished planning our thankful paragraph. We will draft our paragraph next week and hope to have our final draft done in time for Thanksgiving!
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Reading Comprehension (Turk and Runt)
Math
We will continue Module 4—Addition and Subtraction Within 200 with Word Problems to 100 with lessons on:
Adding and subtracting multiples of 10
Solving one- and two-step word problems within 100
Using manipulatives to represent the composition of 10 ones as 1 ten with two-digit addends
Relating addition using manipulatives to a written vertical method
There will be quizzes on lessons 4 and 5 on Friday, November 20.
Art
Due to the two minimum days next week on Tuesday and Thursday, we will have art instead of social studies or science. We will resume science after Thanksgiving break.
Friday, November 6, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 12
Friday, November 6, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 12
Important Dates
Friday, November 6: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; End of Module 3 Math Assessment
Wednesday, November 11: No School--Veteran's Day
Friday, November 13: Math Quizzes; Social Studies on then and now and timelines
Tuesday, November 17: Grandparent Interview and Family Tree due; Minimum Day (school ends at 11:15)
Wednesday, November 18: No School--Conference Day
Thursday, November 19: Minimum Day (school ends at 11:15)
Friday, November 20: Reading Comprehension Test
Sunday, November 22: November Scholastic Book Orders due (visit clubs.scholastic.com and use activation code: GQCLD to order)
November 23-27: No School--Thanksgiving Break
Language Arts
Reading
We are taking a break from our reading textbook to focus on Then and Now in Social Studies.
We will not have language arts highlights for next week.
Writing
We will continue to explore expository writing. This week, we finished our paragraph on our favorite foods. We started planning our next paragraph "If I Were President." We learned about transitions and how to write an occasion/position topic sentence. We will continue planning our paragraph next week.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
There will not be any language arts tests on Friday.
Math
We will begin Module 4—Addition and Subtraction Within 200 with Word Problems to 100 on Wednesday. We will have lessons on:
relating 1 more or less and 10 more or less to addition and subtraction of 1 and 10
adding and subtracting multiples of 10 including counting on to subtract
adding and subtracting multiples of 10 and some ones within 100
There will be quizzes on Lessons 1 and 2 on Friday, November 13.
Social Studies
Next week, we will continue Social Studies with a focus on the past and how it compares to the present time. Students will learn about transportation, cooking, and clothing. We will also learn about timelines and have students create their own timelines at the end of the week. On Friday, November 13, we will have a quick test on then and now and timelines.
To go along with our lessons about the past, we are going to have each student interview a grandparent (or older relative) and complete a family tree. The interview and family tree are due Tuesday, November 17. Please check your child's Google Classroom for more information.
Friday, October 30, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 11
Friday, October 30, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 11
Important Dates
Friday, October 30: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; wear costumes to class (optional); Halloween Teacher Car Parade from 12:50-2:20
Sunday, November 1: October Reading is Cool logs due
Wednesday, November 4: Materials Pick-Up from 2-3pm; Math Quizzes; Social Studies Test
Friday, November 6: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; End of Module 3 Math Assessment
Wednesday, November 11: No School--Veteran's Day
Friday, November 13: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Tuesday, November 17: Grandparent Interview and Family Tree due
Materials Pick-Up
We will have another materials pick-up on Wednesday, November 4 from 2-3 PM. We will be using the items the following day, so please make every effort to come on Wednesday between 2-3 PM. If you miss the pick-up, you can grab your child's items from the office from 8:00am to 3:30pm. We hope to see you soon!
Pumpkin Book Reports
We really enjoyed seeing all the decorated pumpkins and hearing the fantastic reports on Flipgrid! Be sure to go back and view everyone's videos!
Field Trip
Our second virtual field trip is ready for you and your child to explore. You can find it in Google Classroom labeled: 🌎Optional: Day of the Dead Mexico City Field Trip! Learn about this special holiday that lasts from October 31-November 2. Enjoy!
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Focus: Animal Poetry (“Beetles,” “The Little Turtle,” and “Gray Goose”)
Next week, our class will focus on the things we love about animals. Your child will read poetry about animals.
Comprehension: reread; key details
Vocabulary: multiple meaning words; compound words
Phonics/Spelling: scr, spr, str, thr, spl, shr
Grammar/Mechanics: possessive nouns; apostrophes with possessive nouns
See language arts highlights attached below.
Writing
We will continue to explore expository writing. This week, we finished planning our paragraph on our favorite foods. We learned how to write an alliterative title and a strong conclusion. Next week, we will start on our rough draft.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Grammar
Vocabulary
Reading Comprehension (Poetry)
Math
We will complete Module 3 Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000 with lessons on:
Modeling and using language to tell about 1 more or less, 10 more or less, and 100 more or less
Modeling 1 more or less, 10 more or less, and 100 more or less when changing the hundreds place
Completing a pattern counting up and down
There will be quizzes on Lessons 18-20 on Wednesday, November 4. There will be an End-of-Module 3 Assessment on Friday, November 6. You can look here for some Module 3 tips.
Social Studies
Next week, we will continue Social Studies with a focus on the past and how it compares to the present time. Students will learn about how people communicated, played, and cooked in the past. To go along with our lessons about the past, we are going to have each student interview a grandparent (or older relative) and complete a family tree. The interview and family tree are due Tuesday, November 17. Please check your child's Google Classroom for more information.
Please note that we forgot to assign our test on rights, responsibilities and the three branches of government this week, so it will be assigned on Wednesday, November 4 instead. Students can study for the test by going over all the materials from the previous week. We apologize for the delay!
Unit 2 Week 5.pdfFriday, October 23, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 10
Friday, October 23, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 10
Important Dates
Friday, October 23: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Wednesday, October 28: Math Quizzes; Social Studies test on rights, responsibilities, and the 3 branches of government
Thursday, October 29: Pumpkin Book Report Flipgrid video due
Friday, October 30:
*Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
*wear costumes to class (optional)
*Halloween Teacher Car Parade from 12:50-2:20 (Please see Mrs. Frankina's message on our Google Classroom Stream for more information and a map to gauge when we will be coming by your neighborhood)
Sunday, November 1: October Reading is Cool logs due
Wednesday, November 4: Materials Pick-Up from 2-3pm (Please make every effort to come on Wednesday because the items will be used the following day.)
Attendance and Participation
It is important that all students log in to class on time every morning and after all breaks. We have students who are coming in 5 to 15 minutes late in the morning or after lunch. Thank you for making sure your child is not missing any class time. We also ask that students leave their cameras on so that we can see that they are participating. If there are circumstances that require your child to have the camera off, please let us know ahead of time.
Pumpkin Book Reports
Pumpkin Book Reports are due next week on Thursday. Please help your child to complete this project on time. We look forward to seeing all the videos and pumpkins!
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Story: Baby Bears
Next week, our class will focus on the ways that animal babies are like their parents. Your child will compare how babies and parents are the same and how they are different.
Comprehension: reread; main topic and key details
Vocabulary: multiple meaning words; suffixes –ful, -less
Phonics/Spelling: ch-, -tch, sh-, -sh, ph-, th-, wh-, -ng
Grammar/Mechanics: plural nouns –s, -es, irregular plurals; abbreviations
See language arts highlights attached below.
Writing
We will continue to explore expository writing. This week, we learned how to write topic sentences that are power statements by using number words. Next week, we will continue to plan and write another paragraph together.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Grammar
Vocabulary
Reading Comprehension (Baby Bears)
Math
We will continue Module 3 Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000 with lessons on:
Comparing two 3-digit numbers using less than (<), greater than (>), and an equal sign (=).
Comparing two three-digit numbers using less than, greater than, and the equal sign when there are more than 9 ones or tens
Ordering numbers in different forms
There will be quizzes on Lessons 14-17 on Wednesday, October 28.
Social Studies
Next week, we will continue Social Studies with a focus on elections. Students will learn about elections and why people vote. Please note that our test on rights, responsibilities and the three branches of government will be on Wednesday, October 28. Students can study for the test by going over all the materials we worked on this week.
Unit 2 Week 4.pdfFriday, October 16, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 9
Friday, October 16, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 9
Important Dates
Friday, October 16: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Sunday, October 18: October Book Orders due
Wednesday, October 21: Mid-Module 3 Math Assessment; Chapter 2 Science Test
Friday, October 23: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Wednesday, October 28: Math Quizzes
Thursday, October 29: Pumpkin Book Report Flipgrid video due
Friday, October 30: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; wear costumes to class (optional)
Attendance and Participation
It is important that all students log in to class on time every morning and after all breaks. We have students who are coming in 5 to 15 minutes late in the morning or after lunch. Thank you for making sure your child is not missing any class time. We also ask that students leave their cameras on so that we can see that they are participating. If there are circumstances that require your child to have the camera off, please let us know ahead of time.
October Book Orders
This Sunday is the deadline to order books from Scholastic for October. Scholastic will now ship directly to your house! Click on this link and enter our class code: GQCLD to order.
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Story: Turtle, Turtle
Next week, our class will be focusing on animals and their homes. Your child will learn about the different features of animal habitats.
Comprehension: make predictions; main topic and key details
Vocabulary: suffixes -ly and –ful; review of prefixes re-, un-, and dis-
Phonics/Spelling: soft c and soft g
Grammar/Mechanics: common and proper nouns; capital letters of proper nouns
See language arts highlights attached below.
Writing
We will continue to explore expository writing. This week, we wrote our first paragraph together and worked in groups to unscramble paragraph outlines. Next week, we will plan and write another paragraph together.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Grammar
Vocabulary
Reading Comprehension (Turtle, Turtle)
Math
We will continue Module 3 Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000 with lessons on:
Changing 10 ones for 1 ten, 10 tens for 1 hundred, and 10 hundreds for 1 thousand
Reading and writing numbers within 1,000 after modeling with place value disks
Modeling numbers with more than 9 ones or tens; writing in expanded, unit, standard, and word form
Exploring a situation with more than 9 groups of ten
There will be a Mid-Module 3 Assessment on Wednesday, October 21. Students will be tested on Lessons 1-10 from Module 3. Please check out these tip sheets for more information.
Science
We have finished Chapter 2 Animal Life Cycles and will have a test on Wednesday, October 21. Students can study for the test by reviewing the Animal Life Cycles worksheet packet and reading the chapter in their science textbook.
Social Studies
Next week, we will begin our first social studies unit. Students will be learning about the three branches of government and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Students will be tested on these concepts on Wednesday, October 28.
Unit 2 Week 3.pdfFriday, October 9, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 8
Friday, October 9, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 8
Important Dates
Friday, October 9: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; Materials Pick-up 3-4PM
Monday, October 12: Last day to choose a fiction book for Pumpkin Book Report
Wednesday, October 14: Math Quizzes
Friday, October 16: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Sunday, October 18: October Book Orders due
Wednesday, October 21: Mid-Module 3 Math Assessment; Chapter 2 Science Test
Friday, October 23: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Wednesday, October 28: Math Quizzes
Thursday, October 29: Pumpkin Book Report Flipgrid video due
Materials Pick-Up
Thank you for coming by to pick up materials and supplies for your child today. Please remember that your child should not work on any of the materials or eat the M&Ms that are in the Ziploc bag until we use them during class.
If you were unable to pick up the materials, please stop by the office and head to the forum. Your child's supplies are labeled and clipped together on a lunch table. The office is open from 8am-3:30pm every weekday.
Pumpkin Book Report
Students were introduced to this project this week. If you have not already done so, please have your child choose a fiction book they have not read and submit the title and author in Google Classroom for approval by Monday, October 12. After approval, students should read their books and start on their project. Projects are due Thursday, October 29. More details can be found in Google Classroom.
Field Trip
Our first virtual field trip is ready for you and your child to explore. You can find it in Google Classroom labeled: 🌎Optional: Dog Sled Field Trip! You can learn more about the sport behind the story Sled Dogs Run. Enjoy!
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Story: Wolf! Wolf!
Next week, our class will be focusing on what animals in stories can tell us. Your child will meet animal characters in many types of stories.
Comprehension: make predictions; plot (problems and solutions)
Vocabulary: suffixes -ly and -ful
Phonics/Spelling: short u and long u
Grammar/Mechanics: singular and plural nouns; commas in a series
See language arts highlights attached below.
Writing
We will continue to explore expository writing next week. We added reds to our outlines and are now writing our first paragraph together.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Grammar
Vocabulary
Reading Comprehension (Wolf!Wolf!)
Math
We will continue Module 3 Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000 with lessons on:
Counting the total value of $1, $10, and $100 bills up to $1,000
Counting from $10 to $1,000 on the place value chart
Exploring $1,000
Counting the total value of ones, tens, and hundreds with place value disks
There will be quizzes on Lessons 6-9 on Wednesday, October 14.
Science
We will continue Chapter 2 Animal Life Cycles next week. Students will learn about different kinds of animals and their traits. The test for this chapter is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21.
Unit 2 Week 2.pdfFriday, October 2, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 7
Friday, October 2, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 7
Important Dates
Friday: October 2: Science Test on Chapter 1 Plant Life Cycles; Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; Progress Reports go home
Tuesday, October 6: Pumpkin Book Report Introduction
Wednesday, October 7: Math Quizzes on Lessons 2-5 from Module 3
Friday, October 9: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; Materials Pick-up 3-4PM
Monday, October 12: Last day to choose a fiction book for Pumpkin Book Report
Friday, October 16: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Sunday, October 18: October Book Orders due
Wednesday, October 21: Mid-Module 3 Math Assessment; Chapter 2 Science Test
Friday, October 23: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Thursday, October 29: Pumpkin Book Report Flipgrid video due
Materials Pick-Up
We will have another materials pick-up on Friday, October 9 from 3-4PM. We will be passing out another math module as well as copies for the near future. Please tape a sign on your passenger side window stating your child's name in large letters and "Leung/Lo" below it. We look forward to seeing you then!
Pumpkin Book Report
On Tuesday, October 6, students will be introduced to the Pumpkin Book Report. Official instructions for the report can be found in Google Classroom on October 6. Students will need to find a fiction book they have not read and have it approved by the teacher by Monday, October 12. After approval, students should read their books and start on their project. Students will be writing a book report describing the following elements: setting, characters, beginning, middle, end, and favorite part. They will also decorate a pumpkin to look like the main character of the book. Students will record themselves presenting their reports and pumpkins on Flipgrid for the final project. Projects are due Thursday, October 29.
Progress Reports
Mrs. Frankina will send your child's progress report to you via email today (October 2). The progress report will be based on the iReady diagnostics that your child completed a few weeks ago.
Reading is Cool
Reading is Cool has officially begun! Students have access to their reading logs in Google Classroom. Students can log books read during class or at home, including stories that are read to them. At the end of each month, students who participate will have a chance to win a virtual prize provided by the San Jose Sharks. Participation is optional, but we highly encourage every student to participate. The program runs from October to April. Happy Reading!
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Story: Sled Dogs Run
Next week, our class will be focusing on the ways in which animals survive. Some animals live in hot places; others live in cold places. Wherever they live, animals need to adapt to their environment.
Comprehension: make predictions
Vocabulary: prefixes - re, un, dis
Phonics/Spelling: short o and long o
Grammar/Mechanics: nouns; commas in a series
See language arts highlights attached below.
Writing
We will continue to explore expository writing next week. We started adding reds (examples and explanations) to our yellows this week. Next week, we will continue adding reds to our outlines.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Grammar
Vocabulary
Reading Comprehension (Sled Dogs Run)
Math
We will continue Module 3 Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000 with lessons on:
counting up to 1,000 on a place value chart
writing base ten three-digit numbers in unit form and showing the value of each
writing base ten numbers in expanded form
writing, reading, and relating base ten numbers in all forms
There will be quizzes on Lessons 2-5 on Wednesday, October 7.
Science
We will begin Chapter 2 Animal Life Cycles next week. Students will learn about different kinds of animals and their traits. The test for this chapter is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, October 21.
Unit 2 Week 1.pdfFriday, September 25, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 6
Friday, September 25, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 6
Important Dates
Friday, September 25: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Wednesday, September 30: End-of-Module 2 Math Assessment
Thursday, October 1: Reading is Cool begins
Friday: October 2: Science Test on Chapter 1 Plant Life Cycles; Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; Progress Reports go home
Wednesday, October 7: Math Quizzes
Friday, October 9: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; Materials Pick-up 3-4PM (tentative)
Missing Assignments on Google Classroom (repeat post from last week)
Please help your child check for missing assignments daily on Google Classroom. Watch this video to learn how to check for missing assignments. You can also learn how to check grades and read private comments. Thank you for helping your child stay on top of his or her schoolwork.
Progress Reports
Mrs. Frankina will be sending your child's progress report to you via email on October 2. The progress report will be based on the iReady diagnostics that your child completed a few weeks ago.
Reading is Cool
Reading is Cool begins October 1st! Students will be introduced to this program next week on Thursday. Each student will be assigned a reading log in Google Classroom. Students can log books read during class or at home, including stories that are read to them. At the end of each month, students who participate will have a chance to win a virtual prize provided by the San Jose Sharks. Participation is optional, but we highly encourage every student to participate. The program runs from October to April. Happy Reading!
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Story: Families Working Together
Next week, our class will focus on how families work together. We will discuss the jobs different family members may have and how these jobs help the family.
Comprehension: key details
Vocabulary: inflectional endings: s, es, ed, ing
Phonics/Spelling: short i and long i
Grammar: expanding and combining sentences; possessives; quotation marks
See language arts highlights attached below.
Writing
We will continue to explore expository writing. We worked on outlines this week to plan for future paragraphs. Students started with greens (topic sentence and conclusion) and yellows (details). We will be adding reds (examples and explanations) to our outlines next week.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Grammar
Vocabulary
Reading Comprehension (Families Working Together)
Math
We will complete Module 2 next week with a lesson on:
solving 2 step problems with measurement
We will begin Module 3 Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000 with lessons on:
bundling and counting ones, tens, and hundreds to 1,000
counting up and down between 100 and 220 using ones and tens
counting up and down between 90 and 1,000 using ones, tens, and hundreds
There will be an End-of-Module 2 Assessment on Wednesday, September 30. Please check this page for Module 2 resources.
Science
We will complete Chapter 1 Plant Life Cycles next week. Students will have a Chapter Test on Friday, October 2. They may study for the test with their textbook, worksheet packet, and assignments on Google Classroom.
Unit 1 Week 5.pdfFriday, September 18, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 5
Friday, September 18, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 5
Important Dates
Friday, September 18: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Sunday, September 20: September Scholastic Book Orders due (Please check your email or our general information page for the class code.)
Wednesday, September 23: Math Quizzes
Thursday, September 24: No School for students--Staff Inservice Day
Friday, September 25: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Wednesday, September 30: Math Quizzes
Friday: October 2: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; Progress Reports go home
Missing Assignments on Google Classroom (repeat post from last week)
Please help your child check for missing assignments daily on Google Classroom. There is a video in our Troubleshooting section that will explain how to access your child's assignment list. You can also learn how to check grades and read private comments. Thank you for helping your child stay on top of his or her schoolwork.
Wednesdays
Though we only meet together as a class for an hour every Wednesday morning, students are still expected to complete assignments in Google Classroom independently. We usually have math exit ticket quizzes, a practice book assignment, reading the story of the week, and one or two more required assignments. There are also several extracurricular activities to choose from provided by Evergreen School District or Matsumoto School. See the list below:
Arts Enrichment Program (ends 12/16): 10:00-10:45 and 11:50-12:35 The links will bring you to a webinar registration page. Sign up and you will be registered for all sessions at that time for the remainder of the program. There are no classes on 11/11 and 11/25.
Sports for Learning : 9:40-10:10 Please see our Google Classroom Stream for the Google Meet link to this program.
STEM--Coding Class: 10:40-11:30 This class begins next week and will meet every Wednesday through 10/21. Please check our Google Classroom Stream for the Zoom link to this class.
In addition to these extracurricular activities, students can also work on iReady, Epic, Raz-Kids, or optional activities in Google Classroom .
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Story: Lola and Tiva by Craig Hatkoff
Next week, our class will focus on the ways in which people care for animals. We will discuss the many ways that we care for all kinds of animals.
Comprehension: key details: use photos
Vocabulary: root words
Phonics/Spelling: short a and long a
Grammar: predicates; commas with sequence words
Writing
We will learn about expository paragraphs next week. We use the Step Up to Writing program which teaches students to color code their paragraphs. Please visit our Writing page for more information. We will be starting with greens (topic sentence and conclusion) and yellows (details) next week.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Grammar
Vocabulary
Reading Comprehension (Lola and Tiva)
Please see language arts highlights attached below.
Math
We will continue Module 2 with lessons on:
measuring and comparing lengths using centimeters and meters
solving addition and subtraction word problems using the ruler as a number line
There will be quizzes on Lessons 4-7 on Wednesday, September 23.
Science
We will continue our focus on Plant Life Cycles in Chapter 1. Students will learn about plants and their parts, flowers and fruits, how plants grow and change, and plants and their environments. We are recalibrating our science lessons and have pushed back the date of our first science test. We will update you as soon as we settle on a date.
Unit 1 Week 4.pdfFriday, September 11, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 4
Friday, September 11, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 4
Important Dates
Friday, September 11: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; End-of-Module 1 Assessment
Wednesday, September 16: Math Quiz
Thursday, September 17: Science starts
Friday, September 18: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Wednesday, September 23: Math Quiz; Science Test
Thursday, September 24: No School for students--Staff Inservice Day
Friday, September 25: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests
Missing Assignments on Google Classroom
Please help your child check for missing assignments daily on Google Classroom. There is a video in our Troubleshooting section that will explain how to access your child's assignment list. You can also learn how to check grades and read private comments. Thank you for helping your child stay on top of his or her schoolwork.
Asynchronous Block Clarification
We have received clarification for our Asynchronous/Small Group block that runs from 1:25-2:10 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Students do not need to stay logged on at that time unless they are working in small groups with the teacher. Students are still required to complete their work during that time slot if they are logged off Zoom. Students should be working on the following activities in this order:
iReady Diagnostic (students need to stay on Zoom for this; it is only available 8:30-3:00 M,T,TH,F)
Any unfinished assignments from class or in Google Classroom
Read the story of the week (Wednesday and Thursday only)
After the list above is done, then students have a choice of activities:
iReady math or reading learning path (available anytime)
Raz-Kids (read Level Up! books and answer questions to level up)
Epic (read or listen to books)
Optional activities for the week in Google Classroom
read books from home
Recap of the Week
The class has been working hard to complete the iReady math diagnostic. We will have time in class to finish this assessment on Monday and Tuesday next week. For students who still need time after that, we will have them stay during our Asynchronous/Small Group block to complete it. In other news, we finished our Mindfulness lessons on Class Dojo. Be sure to ask your child about the three mindful movements we learned today.
Star of the Week
Today, students learned what they will be doing for the Star of the Week. Every week, each student will be writing a letter on a collaborative Google Slide deck for the Star. The Star will receive this slide deck on Friday as a way to remember their special week. Our first Star will be announced on Monday, September 14. In case your child is chosen, be sure to take a clear picture of your child's Robot poster and attach it to the Google Classroom assignment "🤖All-About-Me Robot Poster." A clear picture will help students read the poster as your child presents it.
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Story: Not Norman by Kelly Bennett
Next week, our class will be discussing the pets in our lives. We will learn about pets and how they can be important friends.
Comprehension: character, setting, and events
Vocabulary: context clues
Phonics/Spelling: two letter blends
Grammar: subjects of a sentence
Writing
We will continue working on writing complete sentences and eliminating fragments and run-on sentences. We will also review the parts of a friendly letter and practice revising and editing a letter for our Star of the Week.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Grammar
Vocabulary
Reading Comprehension (Not Norman)
Please see language arts highlights attached below.
Math
We will continue Module 2 with lessons on:
using iteration with one physical unit to measure
applying concepts to create unit rulers and measure lengths using unit rulers
measuring various objects using centimeter rulers and meter sticks
developing estimation strategies by applying prior knowledge of length and using mental benchmarks
There will be quizzes on Lessons 1-3 on Wednesday, September 16.
Science
We will begin our first science unit next week on Thursday. We will focus on Plant Life Cycles in Chapter 1. Students will be learning about plants and their parts, flowers and fruits, how plants grow and change, and plants and their environments. There is a test on this chapter on Wednesday, September 23.
Unit 1 Week 3.pdfFriday, September 4, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 3
Friday, September 4, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 3
Important Dates
Friday, September 4: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; Materials Pick-up @ Matsumoto main parking lot from 3-4 PM
Monday, September 7: No School – Labor Day
Wednesday, September 9: All-About-Me Robot Poster due; Math Quiz
Friday, September 11: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; End-of-Module 1 Assessment
Recap of the Week
We started Wonders, our language arts curriculum, this week. Students also took their first language arts tests today and their first exit ticket math quizzes on Wednesday. We completed our iReady reading diagnostic this week and will start the math diagnostic next week. Students can now work on iReady's learning path in reading at anytime.
Back to School Night
Thank you for attending our curriculum presentation Wednesday evening. It was great to see all of you! Please check your email for answers to your questions and a link to a recording of our presentation. You can find our slides here.
Materials
Thank you for coming by this afternoon to pick up your child's materials. This is just a reminder to make sure your child does not work ahead. We will be going over the materials in the coming weeks. Thanks for your patience!
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Story: Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana Khan
Next week our class will be focusing on families around the world. We will look at how families in different places have many things in common.
Comprehension: character, setting, event
Vocabulary: root words and inflectional endings (-s, -ed, -ing)
Phonics/Spelling: short e, o, u
Grammar: commands and exclamations
Writing
Students will practice writing four types of sentences next week.
Statement: I am a student at Matsumoto School.
Question: Are you a student at Matsumoto School?
Command: Raise your hand if you’re a student at Matsumoto School.
Exclamation: I love Matsumoto School!
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Grammar
Vocabulary
Reading Comprehension (Big Red Lollipop)
Please see language arts highlights attached below.
Math
We will complete Module 1 next week with the following lessons:
• Take from 10 within 20
• Take from 10 within 100
On Friday, we will begin Module 2: Addition and Subtraction of Length Units. Students will use multiple copies of a unit to measure.
There will be an exit ticket quiz on Wednesday, September 9 and an End-of-Module 1 assessment on Friday, September 11.
Unit 1 Week 2.pdfFriday, August 28, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 2
Friday, August 28, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 2
Important Dates
Wednesday, September 2: Math Quiz (exit tickets), Back to School Night (whole school Zoom at 5:45; Room 14 Zoom 6:00-6:25 PM) more details below
Friday, September 4: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar Tests; Materials Pick-up @ Matsumoto main parking lot from 3-4 PM
Monday, September 7: No School – Labor Day
Recap of the Week
Our first full week of Second Grade is now in the books! We continued building classroom community, social-emotional learning, and practicing tech tools this week. The students are getting the hang of Google Classroom and we are now ready to move forward with our academic program. We will continue to weave in opportunities for social-emotional learning and community building throughout the year. Thank you for all your support at home.
Back to School Night
Join us for our Back to School Night on Wednesday, September 2. We will have a school-wide Zoom meeting at 5:45pm with Mrs. Frankina and the staff. We will then break into classroom Zoom meetings from 6:00-6:25pm for grades K, 2, 4, and 6. Grades 1, 3, and 5 will be from 6:30-6:55pm. We will be sending an email with the Back to School Night Zoom links soon. Please plan to join us. We will be discussing our curriculum, classroom management, and expectations for the year.
Google Classroom Tips (reprint from last week)
Please always check Google Classroom for announcements or for your child's missing or incomplete work (click "View All" under "Upcoming" on the Stream page.) If your child has a returned assignment without a grade, it usually means an attachment of the assignment is needed. Many students click "Mark as Done" when a scan or photo should be attached. After an assignment is graded, students can view any comments from the teacher. Students should not resubmit the assignment after it has been graded. Just close the tab after reading the teacher comments. We have a troubleshooting section located in Classwork in Google Classroom. Please visit that section for tips on how to scan documents and use certain apps and features.
Language Arts
Reading
Upcoming Story: Help! A Story of Friendship by Holly Keller
Next week we’ll read about a mouse who hides from his friend Snake because he is told that snakes are dangerous. Students will learn how talking about others can affect a friendship. We will summarize the story together in class.
Every week, students will be reading the week’s story at home for homework on Wednesday and Thursday. Students will build their fluency skills with repeated readings of the week’s selection.
Please do not read ahead in our reading book. Oftentimes we practice prediction as a reading strategy, and your child cannot practice this strategy if the story is read in advance.
Writing
Our focus will be writing complete sentences. We will learn the names for the parts of a sentence and practice writing complete sentences. We will also practice writing “super sentences”—sentences with well-chosen details.
Simple sentence: I went to the park.
Super sentence: I jumped around in the fountains at Fowler Park last Sunday.
We will also try a staircase strategy when writing sentences. Students will continue adding details to sentences to include who, what, when, where, how, or why.
Staircase strategy example:
A monkey
A monkey climbed.
A monkey climbed a tree.
A monkey climbed a tree to reach a banana.
A monkey climbed a tree to reach a banana yesterday.
Grammar
Students will learn about sentences, statements, and questions.
Language Arts Tests on Friday
Grammar
Vocabulary
Reading Comprehension (Help! A Story of Friendship)
Please see language arts highlights attached below.
Math
We are continuing Module 1 of Eureka Math with the following lessons:
• Make a 10 to add within 20
• Make a 10 to add and subtract within 20
• Make a 10 to add within 100
• Subtract single digits within 100
There will be a quiz on lessons 1-4 on Wednesday, September 2.
Unit 1 Week 1.pdfFriday, August 21, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 1
Friday, August 21, 2020 Weekly Newsletter, Week 1
Important Dates
Monday, September 7: No School – Labor Day
Recap of the Week
Congratulations! We made it through our first three days of virtual Second Grade! Students are learning routines and procedures for the year. We are working on building classroom community, fostering social-emotional learning, and familiarizing ourselves with all the tech tools we will be using this year. Parents, we thank you for your support through this journey. We really can't do this without you!
Next Week
We will continue one more week of building classroom community, social-emotional learning, and practicing tech tools. We feel it is important to build these foundations before we begin our academic program. Thank you for your patience!
Google Classroom Tips
Please always check Google Classroom for announcements or for your child's missing or incomplete work (click "View All" under "Upcoming" on the Stream page.) If your child has a returned assignment without a grade, it usually means an attachment of the assignment is needed. Many students click "Mark as Done" when a scan or photo should be attached. After an assignment is graded, students can view any comments from the teacher. Students should not resubmit the assignment after it has been graded. Just close the tab after reading the teacher comments. We have a troubleshooting section located in Classwork in Google Classroom. Please visit that section for tips on how to scan documents and use certain apps and features.
Math
We are starting the Common Core Math series called Eureka Math next week on Thursday. The first module will focus on sums and differences to 100. Students will be learning the following terms:
• Make ten and subtract from ten
(e.g., 8 + 3 = 8+ 2 + 1 and 15 – 7 = 10 – 7 + 5 = 3 + 5)
• Ten plus
(e.g., 10 + 3 = 13, 30 + 5 = 35, 70 + 8 = 78)
• Number bond
(e.g., 5 + 1 = 6, 1 + 5 = 6, 6 – 1 = 5, 6 – 5 = 1)
We will have lessons on:
· Making ten and adding to ten
· Making the next ten and adding to a multiple of ten
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