Math: We spent all of class today strengthen our understanding of mean using manipulatives. Some of the key language I've been using has been "fair shares" and "equal groups" - this seems to help across the board. It's important to keep in mind that the "concept of mean" is best developed through concrete manipulatives first...the temptation is to launch into algorithms but too many times the actual conceptual knowledge is lost in the mix. Remember, it's more important to understand the "how" and "why" in math...the process is what we're after.

With that said, tonight's homework is in their journals. They are to take our data set and analyze it using mean/median/mode. We decided to push line plots until tomorrow...

Language Arts: You will see specific reading group materials coming home frequently going forward. This will usually include a Reading Response Journal entry at least once a week and their group's book/story. Spelling begins this week, too, so stay tuned for specifics - we should be in the swing of things tomorrow with the new spelling program.

Science: We completed a WebQuest about fingerprinting in the computer lab yesterday. I have stapled a rubric to it and it's placed in your child's binder.

Social Studies: We finalized our classification of economic resources and geographic characteristics today so be listening for more specific conceptual details in the coming days.

IF YOUR CHILD HAS NOT RETURNED HIS/HER BRAGGIN' DRAGON POSTER WE NEED TO GET THEM IN BY FRIDAY.