Reading
We have enjoyed learning about the mystery genre this month in reading. While students are reading a mystery in their book groups they are learning about mystery elements, how to use schema (background knowledge) to make predictions, main idea (the mystery) and supporting details (clues), and character traits. Once students finish their books they will create a “Wanted” poster for a character in their book. They will pretend a character is missing and describe the character’s internal and external traits and how the book would be different without (their impact on story). In November we’ll be completing reading assessments for the end of the trimester before transitioning into our next genre study, historical fiction.
Writing
In writing we have been focusing on narrative writing. Students brainstormed story ideas for a special person in their life and for strong emotions. They then made sure their story idea was a focused “seed story” and not a general “watermelon story.” This week we have been rehearsing our stories aloud with partners, drafting our stories, and setting writing goals based on our narrative pre-assessments. We’re excited to share our finished products with you at November conferences!
Math
This month students completed two math units which covered addition and subtraction with numbers to 10,000. They are in the process of working through a mental math and estimation chapter. Last week students brought home a set of subtraction flash cards to have for studying at home.
Science
During our presentation with Peter from the Maine Energy Education Program (MEEP) students learned about solar and wind energy in addition to how a generator works. Students were able to use a mini windmill to generate electricity to light an LED bulb and a mini solar panel to make a mini fan work. We have continued to learn about energy using the MELTS acronym to help us identify forms of energy. (Mechanical, Electrical, Light, Thermal, and Sound). We will have some hands-on activities to help us identify these different forms of energy and then we’ll be completing a group project to learn about different sources of energy (solar, wind, fossil fuels, etc.)
Technology
Our class has used the Google Chromebooks a few times now and the students are pros at logging into their accounts! Raz Kids and IXL usernames and passwords were sent home a few weeks ago. Students can access both of these sites at home via the links found on the HBS homepage for extra reading and math practice. We also recently started to learn keyboarding using the site “Dance Mat Typing.” Students do not have individual logins for this site and are keeping track of what level they are on with a log at school. Students are welcome to practice keyboarding at home as well. The address is: https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/articles/z3c6tfr or you can simply search “Dance Mat Typing” in Google and the first link will bring you to the site. Over the next month we will continue to improve our keyboarding skills and start to learn how to use Google Classroom and other Google applications.
Conference Forms
Parent-Teacher Conference sign-up forms will be sent home next week. Please sign up for three times you would be available and return the form to school as soon as possible. I will then schedule you for one of the times you requested. I am excited to share your child’s progress with you in just a few weeks!
Glue Sticks
Our supply of glue sticks is already running low at HBS! In our classroom we use glue sticks several times a week to add things to our reading, writing, and math journals, and for special projects. We would welcome donations of glue sticks to our community supplies for all to use. Thank you for the support!
Electronic Newsletter
Starting in November, monthly newsletters will be sent electronically via email. If you would prefer to receive a paper copy, please send in a note and you will receive a paper copy in your child’s folder at the end of the month.
Important Dates
Tuesday, Nov. 6th: Election Day, No School
Monday, Nov. 12th: Veterans’ Day Observance, No School
Friday, Nov. 16th: End of Trimester 1
Tuesday, Nov. 20th: Early Release Day, Dismissal at 1:00
Nov. 21st-23rd: Thanksgiving Break
Wednesday, Dec. 5th: Early Release Day, Dismissal at 1:00