October 2008

Dear Families,

Here’s a quick update on curriculum.

Math: The current unit is building up an understanding of multiplication and division with an emphasis on factoring numbers. Multiplication should be understood as __ groups of ___ so 3x4 is 4 groups of 3. Kids can see this by drawing an array on grid paper or by showing a picture of groups of 4. The array method can then be used to find factors of a number. For example when finding all the factors of 20, students can draw arrays of 1x20, 2x10, and 4x5. The class is also learning to use number properties to identify factors.  

Please continue to work on math facts at home. About ½ the class has now passed through addition with 27 facts in a minute. Because multiplication facts are so essential starting next week students will be doing multiplication along with addition or subtraction.

Writing: Thursday we took the leap from writing one paragraph to beginning a multi-paragraph expository essay. So far the students started an outline. From now until winter break this will be our focus. As the organization strengthens students will improve writing by focusing on word choice and ensuring they have variety in sentence structure.

Social Studies: With the science unit on the Human Body almost complete, my class began going to Mr. Crumb’s class on Monday for a unit on the branches of government. In the past, after learning about the concepts students set up a simulation to pass a bill, I assume they will do the same this year.

Other Events:

*Walk-A-Thon envelopes are due on Monday.

*Several students in our class are participating in writing for a class newspaper. The rough draft for the article was due today. On Monday the 27^th the final copy is due.

*Continue to record reading minutes for homework. The weekly minimum is 80 minutes.

I think that’s it for now, have a nice weekend,

Deva