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Happy February Families!

This weather sure is confusing!  At least the kids are able to enjoy some "snow time" before it warms up: )

Here is a snapshot of the work we did in class this week:

Math: Most students were able to finish the District Math Assessment by Wednesday.  On Thursday we resumed Unit 6 which had us talking about obtuse, acute, and right angles.  The first two were briefly mentioned, as our focus was right angles.  We talked about right angles have a vertex, one side that goes straight up/down, and a second side that goes left/right.  The kids went on a right angle hunt in the classroom with a partner and had to find 8 examples.  This exercise got them some practice for what they were expected to do at home with the home link!  Next week, we'll be talking about clockwise vs. counterclockwise, triangles (naming, constructing and measuring them), quadrangles, and polygons.  Feel free to share with your child all that you know about these topics.  When kids see what they are learning out in the "real world", it definitely makes learning about it more meaningful!

Writing: We have finished our introduction paragraphs and have moved on to the two evidence paragraphs, or the "body" of our essays.  I introduced these to your child as two "mini-stories".  They are encouraged to use stories (personal narratives) that reflect their big idea and opinion statement.  For example, if they are writing about how they believe people should not litter, they may share a story about a time when they chose not to  litter or a time when they saw the negative effects of littering.
After working on the body of their essays, we will work on the conclusion paragraph, self edit, peer edit, and finally...publish our pieces!!  It is a process, but it sure is fun!

Social Studies: We have begun our unit on the History of Michigan.  We have talked about what "history" means, what that word makes us think about, and how we can learn about it.  We focused on the words historian, artifacts, primary and secondary sources, and timeline.  We also just began talking about the many Native American groups that lived here for thousands of years, before it became Michigan!  A few of these groups include the Ottawa, the Potawatomi, and the Ojibway.  These three groups were known at the "People of the Three Fires."  Your child will be learning more about each individual groups and what exactly it means to be a part of the "Three Fires"!

**Today a Scholastic Book Order came home attached to an introduction letter.  The letter lets you know that aside from ordering the old-fashioned way, you also have the option of ordering online.  The "Lucky" magazine came home (grades 2-3) with the letter.  Online, you also have the option of looking through the "Arrow" magazine which offers book levels from 4th-6th grade!  Ordering online also earns you AND the classroom free books!

Have a great weekend!!