Math: Excellent discussion on the similarities and differences between intersecting and perpendicular lines today - definitely cleared up some subtle misconceptions! Tomorrow's quiz is a "dandy" so expect to see the kitchen sink (place value, data analysis - no line plot this time, and lines/rays/angles/circles/quadrilaterals...)

Language Arts: We explored the power of questioning before and during reading using a book about deserts. What we discussed is that questions beginning with "are, do, can, is...) always end with a a yes or no answer... The short of it - the purpose of questions is to learn more and yes/no answers tend to kill the momentum so our new mission is to use how and why when inquiring about particular subjects.

JGB: Began a new story today so be on the look-out for our last story's graded packet!

Wednesday's Surprise - To follow-up in last night's homework, we shared some information that was deemed important or interesting to helping better understand the text. In addition, to carry our questioning lesson further, we delved into what grandma could do now that she has learned to read based on what we know about her as a person...

Let's Compare: Besides previewing the text for unfamiliar words and exploring what they could mean based on the context, we read the book aloud in preparation for tomorrow's lesson on comparing and contrasting.

Social Studies: We record observations of Damascus by looking for geographic characteristics we've been discussing in class...stay tuned!

Spelling is due tomorrow! Book reports are around the bend...send in your questions!

Thank you to those who were not only able to visit our class today but for being a willing participant, too!

Math: We are closing in on the end of Unit One in the next couple of weeks. With that in mind, we are solidifying our understanding of some data analysis concepts while exploring lines, rays, and angles using symbolic representation and real life applications. Wordy enough for you?

Tonight's homework is a line graph activity.

Language Arts: We began distinguishing important information from interesting information. In essence, determining your purpose for reading lays the groundwork for distinguishing important from interesting.

Science and Social Studies: We have finished our science unit and will be moving ahead to the next phase of our social studies curriculum: geography in our community. Stay tuned!