Second Week of School

We have started to settle in this week and students have been very responsible for returning their completed homework on time. A great way to start the school year!
In math we are practicing multiplication facts and writing number models for rectangular arrays. If your child is a little "fuzzy" with some facts please practice with him/her a few minutes each night. Memorizaton of basic facts is the foundation for many skills we will be working on this year.
This week students I have for reading have been reviewing types of genres and their individual characteristics. Next week students will be working in literature groups with the common theme of outdoor survival using  different realistic fiction novels. Every Thursday my reading/writing students need to pass in a friendly letter written in their Reading Response Journal. The topic of the letter should be about a book he/she is reading for self selection. The Reading Response Journal has a specials section for letters and includes the friendly letter format as well as  prompts.
This week students reviewed the parts of maps and types of maps in social studies. Students were assigned a current event to read and a paper to complete. We practiced this assignment with a current event about solar panels so students are familiar with what is expected. I am bringing my newpapers into the classroom so if you do not purchase newspaers your child may take one from the classroom to use for hi/her assignment. This assignment is due on Friday, Sept. 17th.
The fifth and sixth grade had a presentation today from MEEP(Maine Energy Education program) to kick off their first unit of study, Energy. Students participated in three hands on activities: apple battery, wind turbines and solar fans.  MEEP will return next Friday for one more hands on presentation.
As you can see we have had a very busy and productive week.  I know I am going home at the end of the day tired so I am sure your child is tired as well. Please make sure he/she is getting plenty of sleep as being well rested helps keep one focused and performing to his/her maximum best.
Have a great weekend!