DECEMBER 22, 2022

As the calendar year comes to a close, I can't help but look back on all the wonderful things our students have done so far this school year! As we reflect on the hard work that they have done so far and the progress they have made, I am looking forward to what 2023 has waiting for Room 211! Greater things are ahead!

Here are the concepts we are focusing on as we continue to work after Winter Break:

Literacy

Our students just wrapped up reading our shared text, "Angel Island". The text told about the history and hardships surrounding immigrating through Angel Island in the early 20th century. As we worked through the text, we practiced identifying while comparing and contrasting the author's point of view and the evidence used to support their points.

Writing

Our students are working to wrap up their current analytical essays. The prompt given was "Which classroom pet would be best for the classroom?". As we work towards their end product, we will continue to focus on students' organization, explaining how the evidence supports the big ideas, and writing effective and engaging lasting impressions within their conclusions.

Math

Students have worked hard to master the standard algorithm of multiplication for 2-digit by 2-digit and 3-digit by 2-digit problems. Along with the standard algorithm, we've been practicing other multiplication strategies, such as partial products and area model. The variety of multiplication strategies help students become flexible mathematicians and expand their "toolbox" when solving problems. We will spend the week when we return from Winter Break working on multi-digit division. This skill will not be formally assessed for mastery until closer to the end of the year. After multiplying and dividing whole numbers, our next unit will focus on multiplying and dividing fractions.

Science

We are starting to wrap up our studies about the Earth's systems. Recently, we analyzed how farming and industries negatively impact Earth's four systems (biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere). We also discussed ways people could protect the Earth, which involved the conservation of resources, such as fossil fuels. In our investigation yesterday, we took on the role of engineers and used various materials to design a water filter that could remove dirt and produce clean water. Through this investigation, we explored the consequences of pollution and ways to protect the Earth's systems.

Social Studies

When we return from break, we will shift our focus to the Colonial Era. Through reading various texts, discussions, and activities, our students will work to answer how facing the complexities of America's past could help us to meet the challenges of the present?

Upcoming Events

• Friday, December 23-Sunday, January 8 - No School (Winter Break)

• Monday, January 16 - No School (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

• Tuesday, January 24 - Early Release (Dismissal @ 2:05 PM)

Friendly Reminders

• As winter weather approaches, please make sure your student is properly dressed for recess.

• Please remind your student to charge his/her iPad and Logitech Crayon every night

• Please remember to send your student with a healthy snack - nothing feeds the brain like a healthy snack!

• Please continue to have your student practice their multiplication facts up to 12

• If your child participates in orchestra or band, please remind him/her to bring their instrument on their lesson day