4-21-11

NOTE: Tomorrow, students need to come dressed in clothes that can get dirty. We're working on a (secret) art project, and it will be messy.

COUGAR WALK: Registration has begun. Fill out the bright green registration sheet that was sent home yesterday and send a check for $5/child or $25/family to help our class win prizes. Also, help your child get sponsors for the walk-a-thon (aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc.). You can even sign up people from where parents work! Let's make this a BIG success!

MATH: Today's lesson was on proportions and equal ratios (1/2 is the same proportion and ratio as 2/4, which is the same as 3/6, etc.). I reviewed how to reduce fractions to lowest terms and how to create equal ratios by multiplying by the equivalent of 1 (for example multiplying a fraction by 2/2 or 3/3 or 256/256). The fractions are equal and in proportion.

Assignment: p.647 #1-9, 11-16 and p.649-650 #1-20.

LANGUAGE ARTS: I read several examples of introductory paragraphs from famous people (Helen Keller, Martin Luther King, Jr., etc.) and talked about the strategies for writing introductory paragraphs. Introductions are not detailed, just general in nature. Students were given time to write the introductory paragraphs for their autobiographies. I'd say 90% of students were successful in writing one or more introductory paragraphs, They will eventually choose one. This is tonight's homework if your child didn't write an intro paragraph.

Spelling Packets were turned in and we played "Spelling Snake." They love this short spelling game!

SOCIAL STUDIES: What a fun day! Students were assigned to study a section of the U.S. History textbook and create a poster of 10 facts and a picture. Posters were taped all over the room and students did a "Silent Gallery Walk." This is where students take clipboards around and write down interesting facts about the topics they didn't study. Tomorrow we will talk about the different topics: Transcontinental Railroad, "Home on the Range," Homesteaders, and the Plains Wars.