Reading

Students have been diving into their social issue books clubs and texts. They first started by examining the relationships between characters and how the issues being developed affect the characters. Using different graphic organizers, students have been experimenting with different note taking strategies to best develop their thinking. In their book club meetings, students have been working to push each other's thinking further through the use of questioning and listening. 

Writing

Currently, students are working on their new Writing about Reading unit. Students started off the unit these past couple of weeks by reading a mentor short story text "Everything Will Be Okay." After reading the text, students were tasked with analyzing the main character, and the different character traits he showed throughout the story. Students then turned this evidence into an official theory, and had to write 2 paragraphs that proved their theory to be true. 

This week, students have been working on summarizing Non-Fiction texts. They learned different strategies & techniques that can help them sum up what a story is all about. Students read a very interesting short text entitled "Edible Bugs," and had to draft a summary that explained why some countries like to eat bugs for their nutritional value. Students were very intrigued by this text, so if they come home telling you that you should try eating bugs, just know it came from Writing class. 😅

Math

We have been busy in math! Many assessments have been done virtually so to check out your child's progress, ask them to see their iReady MyPath account or EdPuzzle scores. 

We have been working on developing our math discourse and thinking more to prepare for middle school. Students have been given challenging problems and working together to develop strategies to tackle these problems. 

Students are expected to continue practicing these skills at home. Any time classwork is assigned and left unfinished, it is to be completed for homework. Students are expected to use formulas and show all work for all math problems.  

Science & SEL

Science

In health, students are learning about the female and male reproductive system, reproduction, and fetal development.  I have been very impressed with the students’ level of questions during our health unit. If you have any questions about the topics that are covered during this unit, please don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Boothroyd. The handouts that your child receives will provide more information about what they are learning and also some talking points. Students will have a test on May 2 about all the topics that were covered during our health unit and will receive a study guide. 

SEL

Students learned strategies for advocating for their right to be treated fairly. They worked with a partner or group to create a skit about advocating for themselves and being treated fairly, using strategies learned in the lesson. Finally, students discussed and answered questions about advocating for themselves in various situations.