Ms. Hahn’s Newsletter
January 31, 2016
Math
The students are continuing to learn about fractions. This past week the students worked on decomposing and composing fractions. Examples – ⅓ + ⅓ + ⅓ = 1 and ⅓ + ⅔ = 1. At the end of the week the students learned how to make an improper fraction a mixed number and a mixed number into an improper fractions. The goal is not to learn formulas to find the answer, but use their understandings of fractions to find the answer. Next week we will continue learning about mixed numbers and improper fractions by playing math games. Then the students will begin to add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers.
There will be no math packet this week. I would like to have the students play math games at home. Please check out the links on my class webpage. I will also post some other games you can play with cards and dice.
Reading
This week the students learned more about compare and contrast during reading. We are using two books about pilgrim life. The students are doing well finding how the books are the same and different. During reading groups the students have begun reading short informational pieces. They will be answering comprehension and vocabulary questions about these passages next week.
Writing
The students are editing and revising their compare and contrast essay about the 13 colonies. We focused on having a good “hook” to get the reader’s attention. Next week we will begin an essay on how the colonist changed the land.
Social Studies
The students are now working on mapping out their pretend homestead. They are learning about natural resources and map skills. The students mapped out a 100 acre homestead. Next week they will map out one acre of their homestead. They will map the one acre before settlement of colonist and after the colonist settled the area.
On Wednesday Naomi came to teach our class about William Bartram, an early American naturalist. Naomi read the class The Flower Hunter about William Bartram’s life. Then the students learned how to use cross hatching to draw nature items because that is the drawing technique Bartram used in his drawings. Naomi brought in different items from nature for the students to draw.
Bedtime Math
Research has shown that reading Bedtime Math Stories can improve math performance. Here is a link to the article and the Bedtime Math website.
http://news.sciencemag.org/brain-behavior/2015/10/bedtime-problems-boost-kids-math-performance
Mrs. Steinbeck Absent
Mrs. Steinbeck will be absent this coming week. Last week I let the students know Mrs. Steinbeck would not be in school for awhile due to a sadness in her family.
Valentine’s Day Party
Please remember to bring a reusable plate and silverware for the party. If your child brings in Valentines for the class, please send one for each child. I will email a list of names for the Valentine’s Day cards. Please bring a decorated box to hold the cards. You can reuse a shoe box or a small box you have at home.
Partners with Waukegan Students
We have the opportunity to be partnered with students from Waukegan. Students will be writing to their partner this coming week. On February 19 we will be meeting our partners at the Waukegan library. The students will participate in a few different activities and helping their 2nd grade partners. We will be leaving at 9:15 and returning to school about 1:30. The students will need to bring a lunch to eat at the library. There is no cost for this field trip. .
Upcoming Dates
February 2- Green Challenge Assembly 8:15
February 3- Early Release
February 8- Six Flags Reading Due
February 11- PBIS celebration, Valentine’s Day Parties
February 19- Field Trip to Waukegan Library 9:15-1:30