These March weeks seem to be flying by!

We were very busy in writing workshop this week putting together all the pieces of our thesis statement, reasons, and evidence.  The students completed their first draft of their literary essay on the topic that they chose.  Most of this week was spent drafting, however some had time to do peer revisions and look over each others work deciding if what the author says really proves their thesis!

In reading workshop we have been focusing on finding meaningful parts in our book to share with our partners.  We know that post-its can make us smarter as readers by making note of the setting, the characters, the problems and issues, as well as our opinions, questions, predictions, and feelings. When we stop and jot about these topics, it helps us to start a conversation with our partners.

In math this week we have been growing our understanding of fractions.  We learned how to use a number line to show how to add and subtract fractions.  We learned about improper fractions and mixed numbers and how to convert one into the other.  In addition, we learned how to add and subtract mixed numbers using two different strategies!  We have a few more lessons in this topic before we take the test at the end of next week!

In Social Studies we learned about many of the contributions and Dutch and English have given to New York State, specifically to the area in which they claimed as New Netherland, present day Manhattan.  I'm learning quite a bit myself!

We got together with our buddies this week on St. Patrick's Day to help administer their spelling tests.  We also got to help them out with a fun making word activity with special St. Patty's Day words.  Thank you to all of you who sent in items for our celebration.  The kids loved all the green foods, and I even got some of them to try something new, despite their uncertainty!

We had a school-wide Innovation Day today which was a big success! The students loved getting to travel to different parts of the school and be in a group with kids of all ages!  There was so much energy throughout Glenmont.  It was really exciting to see the children being given the opportunity to use their creativity in these small groups!

Just a friendly reminder that your child's planner should be signed each night.  I reminded the students that it is not their parent's homework, but that they should be bringing it to you each night to have you sign.  Because of our short week next week we will not be doing word study.

Thanks for all your support,  have a wonderful weekend!