In writing, we have been drafting literary essays together. The latest essay was on the story, The Giving Tree. Students are getting more practice with the 5-paragraph essay, stating a claim/thesis, and generating reasons and evidence. They are doing a great job! This week they will write their own essay.

In math, we are about to finish our 2nd unit on fractions. We will be taking the test on Tuesday of this week. When we return from break, we will begin a unit on measurement.

In reading workshop, we finished Because of Winn Dixie. This week, we will continue book clubs as we study a new character in the book: Make Way for Diamonde Daniel. We will be learning to compare characters, determine why authors use specific story elements, and what themes are found in these stories.

In our grammar, we have been learning about compound sentences and the coordinating conjunctions of and, but, and or. In our word sorts, we have focused on different prefixes, their meanings, and how they change the meaning of a root word.

The class also filled the marble jar to the next goal line. This was done through good behaviors, working well together, and being on task. As a reward, the kids voted to play several rounds of Knockout–a multiplication game played in teams. I also taught them a game called SKUNK, where math and chance are involved. We had a great time!