Mrs. DePlaunty's Classroom
October 9, 2015
Math: This week in math we began chapter 2 about using estimates to check to see that the sums, differences, products and quotients we find as answers are reasonable. We reviewed rounding to the nearest 10 and 100 before learning about rounding using front-end estimation. Your child received a family newsletter this week explaining the concepts and skills your child will develop throughout the unit. Our multiplication fact review next week will focus on 5's, 10's and 3's. Please encourage your child to practice facts to be able to recall them "snap" fast.
Questions you can ask your child: What is the difference between traditional rounding and front-end estimation? Show me how you round a number to the nearest 10 or 100.
What is Frontrow.com?
Reading: This week we continued to learn strategies strong readers use to read intensely. Students began to practice synthesizing as a form of retelling. We have currently increased our class independent reading time stamina to 35 minutes. After reading, students are responding about the books they read in their reading notebooks and sharing their thoughts about the books they read with partners. Our new book order was delivered and the class is enjoying all the great books we were able to purchase. We received over 40 books for our own classroom library. Some of the books were the entire series of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson's mythology collection, the I Funny series, Fourth Grade Angels and many more. The kids have immersed themselves in these great books! It is so exciting to see them sharing their opinions and recommendations with each other.
Questions you can ask your child: What is the difference in a chronological retelling and a synthesis? Which is easier for you to do after reading? What book are you currently reading? What are some strategies you are using as reader to read intensely? Have you been recording your reading time at home in your new reading log? What are some ideas you can think of to help you get more reading time in at home?
Social Studies and Science:
This week we have begun our study of the regions of the United States of America. Students are learning mapping skills that are needed to locate important information on various types of specialty maps. We will begin our new science unit next week about heat, electricity and magnetism.
Questions you can ask your child:
What are cardinal and intermediate directions? What is a compass rose? What geographical features make Traverse City special?
Spelling word list: doubt, enough, county, country, brought, thorough, dough, tough, through, fought, bought, trouble, ought, thought, double, though, drought, cough, rough, throughout
Important Upcoming Events and Happenings
Thursday, October 15th - spelling packet due and spelling assessment
Friday, October 16th - Popcorn Day
October 21, 27 and 29th (4:00 - 8:00 p.m.) - Parent/Teacher Conferences
October 30th - classroom Halloween celebration 8:50 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.
Classroom Halloween celebration will be held on October 30th at 8:50 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. Children may wear their costumes to school. Students may not wear masks, violent costumes of any sort or carry pretend weapons to accompany their outfit. We will begin our day with a spooky breakfast. We are looking for parent volunteers who will help cook pancakes and serve breakfast. If you are willing to volunteer, please email me or send me a note in your child's planner.
We are still in need of a PTO representative for our classroom. If you would be willing to help our class by being our representative, please email or call me.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Mrs. DePlaunty
deplauntsh@tcaps.net
