Updates Week of October 26-30, 2015

Here we are....the end of the first nine weeks already.  Very hard to believe.  We have completed studies in place value, rounding, comparing numbers, metric measurement and multiplication so far in Math and the practice of science and matter in Science.  We will continue with weekly math practice page and the science fair for the second nine weeks for homework.

Math
We will take the mid-module 3 test today and move on to division the rest of the week.  Students will begin with using place value and representational ways to understand division then move on to the algorithm.  Students really need to know their multiplication facts.  I am finding students still counting on fingers, skip counting or making errors when using algorithms to find answers.  The problem with this is everything from classroom practice to tests, especially the FSA, are timed.  Having to figure out multiplication facts take too much of that time.  Plus in order to be successful at division students must know multiplication.  Students need to still drill and practice these facts at home.

Science
We will be finishing up our chapter on Matter this week and test next week.  Students should be working on their Science Fair project by this point.  They were to turn in their hypothesis last week.  Very few turned it in and many that did, did not have it written correctly.  The hypothesis should be written as an "If....then....because..."statement.  I will be sending a note home in the planner to students who are behind in their science fair project.  There is still plenty of time.  It is not due until November 23.

Important dates to remember
Red Ribbon Week...................................October 26-29
End of nine weeks...................................October 26
Character Parade.....................................October 29
Planning day-No School.........................October 30
Veteran's Day Assembly..........................November 10
Veteran's Day-No School........................November 11
Thanksgiving Holiday.............................November 25-30

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates Week of October 19-23, 2015

We are rapidly coming up on the end of the first nine weeks...already!! It is hard to believe.  Students are doing a fine job in the classroom and I am very proud of them!!  Thank you to all who have participated in the new fundraiser.  If you haven't seen it yet, ask your child about the envelope they received last week.  It is a real simple one this time.  Everything is online :)

Math
We have completed Module 2 on metric measurements and conversions. Students did very well on the end of module test.  We have moved on to Module 3 which will cover area, perimeter, multiplication and division.  It is a much longer module.  Students will need to review and practice their multiplication facts.  Even if they knew them well last year, some have forgotten them.  Flashcards are great, however practicing in the form of division will help students when we work with area and word problems that require missing factors or division.  For example, practicing 7 X 8 = 56 is good but practicing 7 X ___ = 56 is better.  Look for a study guide this weekend coming up with a mid-module test on Monday, October 26.

Science
We have completed Chapter 1 on the Practice of Science.  Students did very well on the Chapter 1 test.  We have moved on to Chapter 2 on Matter.  You should see new vocabulary words and pages to complete coming home.  Students should also be working on their science project.  I have collected the journal now twice.  They will turn it in this week with their hypothesis for their project.  The complete project is due November 23.

Dates to Remember
Wednesday, October 21...........................Early dismissal
Friday, October 23...................................Science journal due
Monday, October 26................................Mid-module 2 test and End of 1st nine weeks
Monday, October 26................................Begins Red Ribbon Week-Crazy socks day
Tuesday, October 27................................Wear red to school
Wednesday, October 28...........................Team shirt day
Thursday, October 29...............................Character Day Parade
Friday, October 30....................................Planning Day, No School

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates Week of October 2-16, 2015

You can feel fall in the air! It is such a beautiful time of year.  It is hard to believe the first nine weeks will be over in only 2 weeks!!  We are moving right along with our math and science curriculum.  You should have seen a Science Fair folder at home and students should have already decided what they are going to do for their project.  If there are any questions please make notes in the folder and I will help the best I can :)

Math
   We have completed Module 1 on place value, rounding, and the addition and subtraction algorithm.  We have moved on to the second Module which covers the metric system.  Students have been converting metric units and then using the addition or subtraction algorithm to solve word problems.  We will have a test this Tuesday, October 13th.  The county has not provided any time in the curriculum guide to remediate this module so students will not have time to study a study guide.  I will be sending one home anyway Monday, October 12.  Beginning Wednesday, October 14 we will begin Module 3 which will cover multiplication and division.  Students will need to know their facts so they should be reviewing them daily for practice at home.

Science
    We have moved into chapter 2 on Matter.  Students have a new set of vocabulary cards to complete and study.  You will also see a new set of chapter review to complete and study coming home later in the week.  Please review the timeline in the Science Fair folder for the due dates.  Students who turn in their work late will have it returned late.  This may make is difficult to complete the journal data collection. 

Dates to Remember
End of the nine weeks......................Monday, October 26
Character parade..............................Thursday, October 29
Planning day-No school...................Friday, October 30

Until next time,
R. O'Steen