Physical Features Friday

Hi Team201 Families,

Today was a busy one. Students worked hard to complete their Map/Study Guides.  Kids worked with partners, so I made a copies of the students' work so that each child could go home with a copy. Students used the resource section of their Social Studies text to help them locate 15 physical landmarks. The next step was to plot each on a map and label.  Yesterday, we took a pop quiz so that kids would know where to concentrate their efforts.  Don't worry! This "quiz" counts as classwork! On Monday, I will use the questions to describe a specific physical landmark. Students should be able to name the feature and plot it on the U.S. map.  You can find a copy of the questions on Edmodo. Filter the posts by "Assignments" to reach is quickly.

Today we also....

• watched a BrainPop on States of Matter. We will dive into this topic more deeply on Monday.
• took our weekly reading test. The tests are scored and will be entered and returned on Monday or Tuesday.
• worked on Esparks Math and St Math.
• worked one on one for a few minutes with Mrs. Ginn to help refine the Pumpkin Writing "Opening Statements."
• finished our Physical Features Maps and discussed the expectations for Monday's Test.

This weekend...

• study for Monday's Social Studies test. We have dedicated a great deal of class time to this topic. Students have identified the areas that they need to study the most.
• decorate that pumpkin! It is due on Thursday, so it is time to set the wheels in motion.
• read and record on your log.
• don't worry about the Pumpkin Writing. We will devote class time to this project on Monday. Some of the writing will be done at home next week, but I promise that the amount sent home will be balanced.  Kids will do a bit each night, and they will receive specific instructions in class.   We are learning how to build strong paragraphs one step at a time. Kids who rush ahead will end up doing extra work and may become frustrated. 
• hang on to the math homework that was due today.  All students' homework was checked in by me. We will have our homework Q and A session on Monday.
• check your child's folder/bottom of book bag for the Halloween letter. It went home today.  

Next week....

• We will not begin a new story in Journeys.   It is time for our first Benchmark Test. This test is not based on the Journeys stories, but on the concepts covered. We will take it a bit at a time. I plan on giving the grammar portion at the end of the week. We will prepare in class during our regular reading time.   
• We will celebrate Halloween on Friday afternoon.  It will be short, but sweet, and I mean that literally!  Students may bring candy to share with their classmates.  Students may also bring a costume to put on over their regular clothes at the end of the day.  Please leave these items at home: full face masks, pseudo weaponry, wands, face paint, and, if you are the forgetful type,  any item that is crucial to your Friday Night Trick or Treating Fun.  I am not mentioning any names!  I can't wait to see you all in your costumes for 20 minutes! It will be fun!
• Parents, we will need some help organizing candy Friday morning. Please let me know if you'd like to help.

Enjoy the videos about your favorite topic..........grammar!  Did I hear a Whootwhoot?  Guess not.  Watch and learn, smart people.