Are you a good listener?  Do you notice tiny details in things around you?  We are learning how the brain gets information to the prefrontal cortex where it is analyzed.  We have begun to talk about sharpening our senses.  We practiced being a mindful listener and being able to tune out unwanted sounds around us.  We have also discussed mindful seeing and being able to better observe our surroundings and learn from them.

We began a new unit in reading last week – Reading History.  History texts present a unique type of nonfiction that students will be required to read in the upcoming years, and we are learning different skills by reading about the American Revolution.  Right now we are gaining some background knowledge on the topic by watching short PBS videos called “Liberty Kids” that give some basic information through historical fiction. We are reading a lot of different levels of text on the topic as well.  Next week we will choose a subtopic on which to focus our reading from the causes of the Revolutionary War.  Ask your child what he or she knows about the Boston Massacre or the Boston Tea Party.

In writing we just finished our essay “on demand.”  We had three days to write a persuasive essay on a topic of our choosing.  I am grading how well they follow the format, support their argument, and use the conventions of language.  Ask your child about their thesis and the intended audience.  It may be you! 🙂

In math we began a new unit as well.  We learned all about factors, multiples, prime numbers, and composite numbers.  The practice test was today, and the final test will be on Tuesday.

In science this week we are wrapping up our study of the properties and phases of matter.  Today we learned of a fourth phase – plasma.  We talked about the movement of molecules and how adding energy can change the state of the matter.

We finished our tri-annual computerized testing of math, reading, and language skills.  We use this data, along with the data I receive from the Fountas and Pinnell reading testing beginning next week, to help guide instruction for the rest of the year.

Important Dates

Friday, January 19 – World’s Finest Chocolate Sales begin

Friday, January 19 – 1/2 day – noon dismissal

Friday, January 26 – Chicago chaperone requests due and BINGO Night from 5:30-8:00 PM

Monday and Tuesday, February 5 and 6 – Winter Break – No School

Friday, February 9 – Chaperone lottery results sent home