Spelling Lists for the Entire Year LINK

Ways to Practice Spelling Words LINK

Students receive a new spelling word list for every new week in each literacy module (there are three weeks in each module). Each spelling list follows a specific spelling pattern and students are expected to spend time at home practicing their spelling words. The "Ways to Practice Spelling Words" are simply suggestions, but students can practice the in any way that works best for them. Students will occasionally have a different spelling assignment to work on and might be asked to complete different kinds of spelling homework, such as spelling sorts based on patterns. 

• Unit 2 Family Support Video

Section A: Size and Location of Fractions

In this section, students revisit the meaning of fractions. They use fraction strips, tape diagrams, and number lines to represent fractions. Students compare fractions with the same numerators or the same denominators, and recall that equivalent fractions have the same size.

Students consider the size of fractions whose denominators are related, such as 1/5 and 1/10, or 1/6 and 1/12.  They also compare fractions to benchmarks such as 1/2 and 1. (For instance, they see that 3/10 is less than 1/2 and 3/5 is more than 1/2.)

Section B: Equivalent Fractions

Here, students take a closer look at equivalent fractions and reason using number lines. They show that fractions that are at the same point on the number line are equivalent.

Students then learn to tell if two fractions are equivalent without using number lines.

For example, they can explain that the fraction 2/3 is equivalent to 8/12 because the numerator and the denominator of 2/3 are each multiplied by the same number, 4, to get 8/12. Students use such observations to identify and write equivalent fractions.

Section C: Fraction Comparison

In this section, students compare fractions with different numerators and denominators using various strategies. For example, they may think about how far each fraction is from 0 on a number line, how each fraction compares to 1/2 or 1, or think of the fractions in terms of the same denominator.

Students record the results of comparisons with symbols >, =, or <. They then solve problems that involve comparing fractional measurements, such as lengths in fractions of an inch.

Try it at home!

Near the end of the unit, ask your student to compare 3/5 and 3/7. 

Questions that may be helpful as they work:

• How are the two fractions alike? How are they different?

• What strategy did you use to compare?

• Is there a different strategy that you could use to compare?

We are beginning our second science unit, Earth's Systems- Processes that Shape the Earth, which will take us through November. Students will learn about how the Earth changes over time in different ways- creating the features we see today and exposing rocks by different processes. 

UNIT 1- Before the Borders of Colorado

In this unit, we learn what Colorado was like before it was Colorado the state. We spend time learning about the different land regions of the area that is now within our state boundaries. We also spend time learning about the first peoples of Colorado- Ancient Native Americans. Students take time to research, discuss, answer questions, and share their learning about the different Ancient Native American groups of Colorado. 

At Maple Grove we use a program called Second Step to move through Social Emotional Learning units and lessons. We are excited to work with Ms. Pullen every other week for our Second Step lessons! The work we do with Ms. Pullen is connected to our morning meetings, group work, and more. 

In unit one, we focus on Growth Mindset and Goal Setting. Students learn about how having a growth mindset can help us face challenges, persevere through hard obstacles, and help us reflect on our actions. Students practice setting goals that are small, specific, and doable.