February 2nd, 2012
Class activities for Thursday, February 2
Spelling: We learned that some sounds are spelled different. For example, the words yes and ready both have a short e sound, but different letters make that sound in each word.
Cursive: Ten cursive sentences, seven or more words each, are due on Fridays.
Reading: Students previewed new Literature Circles books today
Writing: Students worked on their next writing piece, a Choose Your Own Adventure fiction gamebook. The project is due Monday, February 6. Students are publishing their adventure as a website at sites.mrhowd.com. Students should be nearing the completion of their project at this time. See here for a complete list of resources.
Math: We reviewed multiplying with mental math using a trick called “compensation.” Here’s an example:
- To multiply 27 x 4, first round the largest number to an easier number:
- 27 rounds to 30
- The new problem is 30 x 4
- This is now an easier problem that can be solved mentally. The answer is 120.
- Now to compensate. Since we rounded up to 30, we need to move back down to the actual answer:
- Since we rounded 27 up to 30, we went 3 over our answer.
- We are multiplying by 4, so we went up 3 x 4 too much. We are 3 x 4 = 12 over our answer.
- Remove 12 from the answer of 120.
- The answer is 120 – 12 = 108.
Homework is to complete Journal R5-4 to continue practicing this skill.
Science: Students completed a science experiment about measuring liquid volume and mixing colored water to create a spectrum. Homework is to finish the Color Spectrum experiment if not done in class.
Social Studies: We reviewed the continents and features of the globe today. Homework is to finish the Label the Continents review if not done in class.
- Yellow magnets: 0
- Orange magnets: 0
- Red magnets: 0
- STAR Awards: 0
- Magnets moved this week (goal: 10): 3
Check your student’s Personal and Social Growth grade at JupiterGrades to see if your student moved their magnet. Need help with JupiterGrades?
Notes:
- Want to grab your favorite time for the Spring Parent Teacher Conferences in March? Do that here.
- Check out our class calendar to stay up-to-date.
- View grades, assignments, and attendance at JupiterGrades.
Our Mission:
All students in Room 130 will do their best and get ready for 5th grade.
