SCIENCE

First day of Fall

We will be discussing the autumnal equinox and how the first day of fall has an equal amount of day and night.  This week we will start to write an acrostic poem titled Fall Leaves.  Why Do Leaves Change Color?  Is a book we will listen to which discussed how chlorophyl makes leaves green. We discussed different types of trees, deciduous vs. evergreen and learned the deciduous trees are the ones that lose their leaves.

Reader’s Workshop

As we are reading, we practiced jotting down our thinking and also discussed striking sentences this  week.  Now, they will try finding these at home when doing their home reading.  Starting next Wednesday, they are responsible for a reading log and one response per week.  I attached an example on the inside cover of their journal and will attach an example of the striking sentence response next week. THIS WILL START NEXT WEEK.

Home Reading Journal

Wednesday through Tuesday you must read for at least 30 minutes and complete a reading log and a response.  Each week you need a reading log on the top of one page and the bottom half is where you write your response. 

Reading Log-a list containing book or books you have read

Example: 

1/07/08                 Stone Fox             p.1-17

1/08/08                Stone Fox               p.18-35

1/09/08                Stone Fox               p.35-45

1/10/08                 Stone Fox              p.45-61

                        Parent Signature                                       X_____________

Response

You must include at least one STRIKING SENTENCE, which is a sentence that the author uses to create a vivid picture in your mind.  It must follow with a written explanation why you think the sentence, phrase, or passage is striking.

1.     Write the STRIKING SENTENCE as a quotation.  Use quotation marks.

2.     Write why you chose the sentence, phrase, or passage.  Really think about why the author wrote it and explain.

Example

Stone Fox is about ten year old Willy. I found a striking sentence in the third chapter that brought the book to life. The author states “Wind yells while blowing” “Wind yells while blowing” is an example of personification because wind cannot yell. Only a living thing can yell.  I could picture this in my mind and got a good sense of how strong the wind was blowing. 

Ideas to help you find a STRIKING SENTENCE OR PHRASE

·      The author zooms in on an important, sensory detail (a sight, sound, smell, taste, feeling or texture)

·      The author uses words that are true, exact details from the author’s mind.

·      The author uses words to create action(Vivid verbs)

·      The author uses words to create a mood(Adjectives help create moods)

·      The author uses words to create crystal clear pictures that you visualize

·      The author uses words to create a setting where you feel like you are there

·      The author uses words to create a good lead(hook) or a good ending

·      The author uses descriptive language or personification to bring something to life

In math, we are working on various strategies to use when adding large numbers.  Please assist your child with their homework if they need further reinforcement.   Also, make sure your child is practicing their math facts. 

Thanks to all of you who are doing carline!

Ms. Lackey