Daily Update 5/2

Hi Parents,

This week in math, we're learning to compare decimal values and place them accurately on a number line.  Tonight, students should complete a worksheet with two word problems that require them to compare given decimal values.  Students should also write a sentence or two explaining their thinking.  We've worked on this for a few days now, so hopefully your child is developing a pretty solid understanding of the concept.

In Language Arts, we are reviewing the writing process and the elements of a well-developed paragraph.  Later this week, students will begin working to plan, draft, and write a 5 paragraph report. The assignment will require students to research a career of their choice.  More info to come!  In preparation for this assignment, this week's blog prompt is:

**After working with Ms. Kaminski and participating in STEAM week, what type of career appeals to you? Why?  Write a paragraph with a good topic sentence, 3-5 supporting details, and a conclusion sentence.

Also in ELA, students will continue working on their editing skills--we've moved from sentences to paragraphs--and will begin a study of poetry analysis.  This is always a fun unit, and many students find that they really do love poetry!

We've wrapped up Social Studies for the moment, and students will be focusing on space science for the next few weeks.  Specifically, students will study the lunar phases, affects of the moon on the tides, and the reason for seasonal changes.

Finally, we've decided to devote the last 20 minutes of ELA each day to "Genius Hour,"which gives students a daily time to investigate topics that they are interested in.  While this will not be graded, students will be given the opportunity to present what they've learned during the last two weeks of school.  Our goal is for this to be a fun, engaging activity that makes students exciting about learning.  We can't wait to see what our students come up with!

As you can see, we have a lot going on for the last 6 weeks of school!  We appreciate your support and we welcome your questions.  Have a wonderful evening!