December/January Newsletter 2017-18

Math

We have been working through Module 3 in our Eureka math program: Multiplication and Division with Units of 0, 1, 6-9, and Multiples of 10. Some of the main objectives are to explain patterns using units of 1 and 0, identify patterns in the multiplication table, and solve two-step word problems using all four operations.

Students continue to use arrays and tape diagrams to visually represent word problems. Students are also learning to use a letter to represent the unknown in equations.

Students can continue to access Zearn at home to gain further practice in the math skills we are working on at school.

Wondering how to support your student in math at home?

Go to our Sunset Elementary website (link below) and click on the Eureka math link. There you will find parent tip sheets for each of the modules, parent tips for each of the major topics within the modules, and information for how to access online resources such as short tutorial videos for help with homework.

Writing

Students have spent considerable time writing an informational book about a topic in which they feel they are experts.They have studied various structures used by published authors of nonfiction books and thought about ways to incorporate these ideas into their writing.Students elaborated on their topics by including short bits of narrative writing (vignettes), using descriptive language, and including sensory details to help a reader form mental pictures in their minds. Students will use peer editing to help polish their drafts before moving on to their final copies.

Reading

We are continuing to identify theme in literature. Students have practiced ways to identify the theme by examining major topics in the story and then writing an “The author believes...” statement. Students then provide evidence from the text and include an explanation of how the evidence supports the theme. Our most recent book is City Green, by DyAnne DiSalvo Ryan.

Science/Social Studies

Students enjoyed learning about the different types of storms and how they compare to each other. Our next unit of study will be our social studies unit on the Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest.

Second Step (socio-emotional curriculum)

We have been learning that when the feeling part of our brain starts to take over, it is sometimes difficult to make good decisions. One way to tell if this is happening is by paying attention to our bodies. For example, sometimes we experience racing heart, sweaty palms, or a red face, to name a few.

Odds and Ends

Thanks for helping your students collect box tops! Our class collected the most during our first school contest. We got to enjoy a delicious ice cream party as a result. Yum! Keep those Box Tops coming in!

Erin Keen

1-425-837-5636