Week of February 7-11

Well, literature circles are complete and the kids did a fantastic job on their presentations.  Stay tuned for videos to be posted later this week so long as the technology cooperates!  This week in reading we will begin an integrated science and reading unit over the human body.  Our class will begin learning about the different systems that work together to make the human body function.  Our new word study list will also be a study of these systems and their parts to further the kids’ understanding. 

            Also coming up this week is Volunteer Appreciation!  We’ve had several volunteers in our classroom this year that have been such a huge help.  If you’ve volunteered this year and have not yet RSVP’d to our Volunteer Appreciation this Thursday at 10:00am, please do so at your earliest convenience.  We appreciate all you do and you deserve to be recognized.  The volunteers in this classroom have truly made a world of difference this year!

            As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding what’s happening in our class, please do not hesitate to contact me.  We can help students best when we work as a team.  :o)

Upcoming Tests:

Word Study Quiz over Math Terms:  Tuesday, 2/8/11

Social Studies Test over chapter 14, The Constitution:  Thursday, 2/10/11

Here are this week’s guiding questions…

Math:  How do I multiply fractions, whole numbers, and mixed numbers?

Reading/Science:  What are the structures and functions of the muscular system and the skeletal system?

Social Studies:  What are the responsibilities of the branches and levels of government?  What is the purpose of the United States Constitution?

Word Study:  How do I learn the structures of the human body’s systems?

Writing:  How do I prepare my feature article for publication?

*Look below for a great video to help you review the structure of our nation's government!

Are you confused about the difference between branches of government and levels of government?  Watch this video to help you review!

A Human Tree Representing the Branches and Levels of Government