Current topics:

Science - We have been studying adaptations of plants and animals, starting with a lab that experiemented with "bird beaks."  In this lab, the students had to test different tools, representing beaks, to see which one was the easiest to pick up various foods.  Overall in this chapter we are learning how plants and animals have had to change in body part or in behavior to best get their basic needs for survival.  Our Chapter 3 Test is on Thursday December 1st.  As a follow-up to this chapter and to continue learning about plants and animals, we will be going on a field trip on January 5th to Tift Nature Preserve in Buffalo.  There we will be on a guided tour learning about plant and animal adaptations in winter conditions.  It is an outside trip!  IF there is measureable snow, we will have snowshoes to wear!  Mrs. Sortino and I are very excited! 

There is one more chapter (Chapter 4 - Looking at Ecosystems) before we prepare for mid-terms.  The Science mid-term will test the students' knowledge from Chapters 1-4. 

ELA - Nov/Dec Book Reports are due Thursday December 15th!  Every A-Day there are new spelling words given, along with the new Vocabulary for the new story.  Spelling words will be posted under the Homework section.  The test for the story comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar skills is given on that following F-Day.  Spelling Pre-tests are given on E-Day, followed by the Test on F-Day.  If a student receives a 100% on the Pre-test, he/she does NOT have to take the final test! 

The students will be tested on previous spelling, reading, vocabulary, and grammar skills on their mid-term in January.

Math - Currently we are working on our basic facts for division in Chapter 3.  Students need to keep practicing their multiplication facts at home to help them with their division facts.  The Chapter 3 test will be on Monday December 12th.  The mid-term will consist of math from Chapters 1-3, and some of Chapter 4.  See the links page for games and extra math help.

Religion - It's the season of Advent!  Please try to attend weekend masses during this season.  It is the beginning of the Church year!  Students will be learning about each season and the importance of each.  We will also be doing many lessons and activities in class that pertain to Advent and the Christmas season.  It is important for the students to pay attention to what the seasons are all about, and what they can do during the seasons.  During Advent, we are having the students pay attention to their actions and to do a good deed each day.  They will record their good deed in an Advent journal.  Remember, we are not only preparing our homes for Christmas, but also our souls for the coming of the Lord.  God Bless!

Spelling List 6 - vowel sounds /u/, /yoo/, and /oo/

bunch, refuse, rude, fruit, truth, trust, argue, young, dew, crumb,

clue, stuck, crew, trunk, rescue, tune, amuse, brush, juice, suit

Science - Continue to study this week for the Chap 3 test!  Review your Vocabulary cards, your guided reading notes in your packet, and of course your review sheet.

Math - Study your multiplication and division facts!

As a member of this classroom I will:

1. respect myself and others at all times.
2. follow directions the first time they are given
3. raise my hand to speak or leave my seat.
4. keep my hands, feet, objects, and comments to myself.
5. be prepared with all books and materials before a lesson begins.
6. work on all tasks quietly.
7. do my best at all times.

Steps to making good choices:

1. Get all the information.
2. Look at your options.
3. Look into the future.

In order to work together, we must be able to:

1. Listen to each other by asking questions, keeping good eye contact, and having positive body language. 
2. Respect each other.
3. Be responsible - do your job!
4. Brainstorm together - don't rain on someone else's parade!
5. Stay focused!