January 29, 2010
Dear Parents,
The students have completed the math chapter on multi-digit multiplication. They really know the process quite well. As I have mentioned to you before, their errors are made in the basic computation steps in the problem – multiplying or adding incorrectly. I continue to reinforce the importance of looking at the final answer and checking to see if it is reasonable. For example, the answer to 319 X 42 (300 X 40 = 12,000) - would definitely be much greater than 1000. And yet, some students will turn in an answer that is close to 1000 because they failed to add correctly. We have really been spending time in class looking at the final answers and making sure they are sensible.
Another area of concern is reading and accurately interpreting word problems. I remind the students to read the problems out loud or in a soft whisper. The words often make more sense to them when they hear their own voice saying them.
In religion the class learned about the four kinds of prayer: petition, sorrow, thanks, and praise. They read psalms that included each type of prayer. On Thursday, the students chose one type of prayer. They worked together to write and illustrate one of their own. They completed them today. These are hanging in the hallway. Please ask your child about his/her prayer.
In social studies the class is reading and learning
about the lifestyles of the interior, coastal, and plateau peoples of
Please work with your child to help him/her choose a reading for the interpretive speech. The entire reading must be four to eight minutes in length. The selection can either be a short story or an excerpt from a novel. Your child needs to read the piece aloud to make sure it fits within the time limit. The choice must be approved by me prior to February 3 which is the due date for the selection and the form that requires your signature. After that, your child can begin gathering ideas for the written introduction. We will write the introduction together in language arts class beginning on February 3. It is very important to plan ahead and be prepared for the expected due dates. All due dates are listed on Homework Hero.
Thank you to Mrs. Furlong, Mrs. Van Hollebeke, Mrs. Keck, and Mrs. Hemmen for driving on the field trip on Monday. Everyone enjoyed the play and learned some good information about the White House, too!
Catholic Schools’ Week begins on Sunday, January 31. An open house will take place after all morning Masses. Please take time to walk through the school and see all the students’ accomplishments. The Book Fair will also be taking place in the school library. Make a stop there and help support the library. A schedule of events for the entire week was sent home in last Wednesday’s family folder to help you.
The class will be working on a Valentine project. Every child needs a tissue box for the project. If your family empties a box, please send it to school with your child. We will save the ones from our classroom, too. Together we should be able to gather 17 boxes. Thank you very much.
Reminders: February 1 – Book Review is due
February 3 – Speech Selection and form are due
February 5 – Mass, 10:00
Have a wonderful weekend,
Pauline Storino