1st week back from vacation can always feels a little longer as we get back into our "normal" routines. We had started the Geometry Topic 15 before the break and finished it up this week. So after reviewing, I could tell the students were ready for the assessment which we took on Friday. Now, we will be going back to Topic 11 which is on Subtracting Within 1,000.
The different strategies will include counting back and adding up on an open number line, and subtracting mentally, using compensation. They will also learn to model three-digit subtraction using tools. This week we also took our year-end (because it really is just around the corner!) Math MAP online assessment. We will take the final Reading MAP assessment next Wednesday.
In Language Arts, our story of the week was Desert Giant. This book had facts and the importance of the saguaro cactus. This plant provides shelter and food for many different animals and humans. Even after it dies, animals use it for shelter. It was an interesting read! In writing, we heard about a dessert animal, the iguana. In the story, I want an Iguana, Alex writes letters to his mom in an attempt to persuade her to allow him to get a pet iguana. So I apologize in advance... Students are working on their own persuasive letter to get their own pets! I tried to keep the pets realistic like no hippos, elephants or wolves! The students sure do know what to say when it is something they want! There are a lot of promises about clean rooms and doing more chores!
We are still wrapping up our habitat reports and making sure to be prepared for our field trip on the 18th. That week we will also have a habitat presentation here at school. Our final habitat activity will be for the students to present their reports in the classroom to each other. In social studies, we have started a unit on maps. Students started with a map of their bedrooms. Others maps we will be making will be our homes, neighborhood, state and world!
There is a lot of events between now and the end-of the year. Here is what is happening next week-
Upcoming Events:
* Sunday, April 10th from 12 to 2: Redwood's Barnes & Noble Bookfair! Events include student artwork, scavenger hunt, choir concert and story time with Biscuit the Dog. Thanks Mrs. Schneider for all of your hard work!
* Monday, April 11 to Friday, April 15th: Pennies for Patients- K-Kids and Redwood are supporting Pennies (Or any coin, bill or check) for Patients, a national drive for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Students are bringing home a paper box piggy bank to collect money. We have a classroom container that they can empty theirs into throughout the week. Thanks in advance!
* Wednesday, April 13th from 4 to 8: Redwood's First Annual Arts Festival! Each of our students will have art displayed, along with 3 dimensional art from
different grade levels. The Choir Concert will be that evening starting at 7 pm in the gym!
Marissa Wilhelm
