READING          

In reading students have started studying a new theme: Traditions. So far we have read and discussed the Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco. Each student has had the opportunity to discuss their family traditions with their classmates and write a poem about a special item. We have also discussed new strategies to help us with our reading: UNRAAVEL. Students will continue to use this strategy as we progress through the school year.

Underline the title

Now predict the passage

Run through and number the paragraphs

Are you reading the questions?

Are the important words circled in the questions?

Venture (read) through the passage

Eliminate the obviously wrong answers

Let the questions be answered and write the paragraph number where you found the answer next to the question

                 MATH 

In math students have been studying three and four digit addition and subtraction. Students have continued to work with word problems as well. Students recently learned a new strategy to help them work through and "unpack" a word problem to help them solve their problems. The new strategy they learned was UNRAAVEL:

Underline the question

Now predict what you think you need to do to solve the problem

Read the word problem

Are the important words circled?

Apply the steps you chose to solve the problem

Verify your answer (Is it reasonable?)

Eliminate wrong answers

Let the answer stand or rework the problem

       SCIENCE                                       

In science students just started their Bulb project. On October 23 students planted their tulip bulbs in front of the school. As time passes we will continue to monitor and observe their growth. SOON students will also plant a few more bulbs in flower pots using different types of soil. Students will observe and monitor their growth and compare/contrast the growth of the bulbs in the various types of soil.