This week in literacy we are continuing to learn more about non-fiction books and how to do non-fiction research. 
In math we are looking at subtraction and addition number stories to determine importance in the vocabulary used.  We are also looking at part-and-total boxes, quantity change diagrams, and multiplication diagrams for number stories. 
For social studies we are continuing our map skills.  The main take away from this section is that students understand what a compass rose, key, scale and icons are on a map and what their uses are. 
Reminders:  We have our Holiday Program this Tuesday at 7:30.  Both classes will be meeting in Mrs. Umberger's classroom at 7:10!
Also, don't forget about our holiday giving celebration on Friday from 11:30-1:00!  If you have signed up to bring in a donation, please make sure to have it by Thursday so that we can make sure we are ready!  If you haven't signed up and would still like to contribute please visit the following link to see which items we still need! 
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E044AADA78-december
Thanks and have a wonderful Winter Break!

Dear Families, On December 16th, our class will be participating in the annual holiday outreach program.   We will be assembling meals for Aurora Warms the Night and wrapping gifts for children at West Elementary and CASA.  Our goal is for each of our children to have the opportunity to wrap a gift and assemble at least one meal.  Please see the following sign up for requested items.  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E044AADA78-december
This will be a wonderful event and parents are welcome to attend!  We will send out more details on time closer to the event.

Hopefully you all enjoyed a relaxing holiday.
This week in literacy we are finishing our 'How-To' writing and moving into non-fiction research.  We will also be focusing on geography.  In math we will be continuing with our geometry study and learning about 3-D shapes and lines of symmetry.  During science we will be finishing our look at the oceans and water so that we can get ready for our next unit!  Don't forget to check the photo page for a look at some fun things we have been doing in our classrooms!
Reminders:  Our field trip to see Flat Stanley the Musical is on Thursday.  Please make sure your child has turned in their permission slip!

This week we will continue learning strategies to help with our thinking strategy 'Determining Importance'.  In math we will be doing activities to help us with making change.  We will be looking through grocery store advertisements and 'purchasing' items.
In literacy students are continuing to work on their 'How-To' writing.  They have also been learning how to find information on the computer about their topics and are busy learning fun ways to share and show information through technology.
Reminders:  We only have school Monday and Tuesday.  Also, please turn in your field trip (Flat Stanley) permission slips as soon as possible.

This week we are continuing to focus on our thinking strategy 'Determining Importance'.  In literacy students are learning all about "How To" writing.  In Math we have been working on double digit subtraction and addition with borrowing and regrouping.  This week we will start focusing on telling time with analog clocks.  In science we will be looking at our wonderings about oceans and see what answers we can find!
Reminders:  Thursday, November 10th and Friday, November 11th we do not have school due to an Assessment Day and Veteran's Day. 
Also, November 17th is class photo day and re-takes.

It was so great to see all of you during conferences!  It's a great opportunity to talk about all the great things your children are doing in school both academically and socially so we really value the time you take to come in!
This month the thinking strategy we will be focusing on is determining importance.  In math this is a great opportunity to look at word problems and taking the important parts to help you figure out what the problem is asking you to do.  In literacy it helps with prioritizing information and identify themes the author is writing about.  In science it helps us decide what information we need to write down in our science notebooks during investigations. 
This week there are no events, but on November 18th we will be having our Thanksgiving Celebration.  For more details please check out the calendar events section on the 'Schedule' tab!

Conferences this week!  We can't wait to meet with you to discuss your children.  You will begin with Mrs. Umberger to discuss math, science and social studies, and then move to Mrs. Beckler to discuss literacy.  You will have 15 minutes with each teacher.  Check out your time at http://signupgenius.com/go/october1083
Then there is no school on Friday or Monday for fall break.

Our Fall Publishing party on Tuesday, October 18th at 2:00 will allow students to share their wonderful personal narratives they have been working on the past few weeks.  We really want to encourage parents to come share in this event and listen to some wonderful stories while enjoying a cup of apple cider!
In math we have been connecting our learning to standards and finishing up Unit 3.  We will also be doing some activities to explain our thinking related to making change.
In Science we are continuing our investigation around rocks.  We just started an experiment that demonstrates the weathering effect of water in rivers on rocks.
Please don't forget to sign up for October conferences.  If you haven't, make sure to go to:  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/october1083

This week we are continuing our focus on personal narratives.  Students have been working on making sure that their stories have a beginning, middle and end.  They are also adding adjectives to help add to the descriptiveness and depth of their stories.  We are also introducing rubrics to help them self evaluate and become aware of components in quality writing. 
For math this week we are connecting our learning to the standards and evaluating where our strengths and weaknesses within those standards are.  Students will be supported in creating their own learning goals so that they can continue to challenge their thinking and learning.  This week you will be receiving information on Unit One and Two Assessments.  If you have any questions, please feel free to send an e-mail to: [email protected].
Reminder:  Picture Day is Tuesday, October 11th! 
**There are pictures and videos in the 'Photos' tab from our field trip last week.  Don't forget to check them out!**