Dear Parents, 

     Last week in math we developed strategies for solving 2-digit addition in our heads and we explored measuring with inches and centimeters.  We started using a “paper and pencil” strategy to solve 2- digit addition by using the “partial sums method.”  I am REALLY impressed with how quickly the students were able to use this new skill! This week we will be finishing Unit 4. We will spend Monday and Tuesday reviewing the Unit and practicing partial sums.  <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">The students will take the Unit 4 test on Wednesday.</span></strong>  On Thursday, we will learn how to “tile” a surface and sort blocks according to their attributes; size, shape and color.  On Friday, the students will take their weekly timed tests and we will work together to solve the Unit 4 Open Response question.<strong></strong>

     Last week in Writing Workshop the students worked with partners to “fix up” and publish their favorite stories.  We had an amazing Author’s Celebration on Thursday and got to listen to all of the students’ great writing.  This week we will start our next writing unit “Writing for Readers.”  We will discuss what makes our writing easy and difficult for others to read.  We will talk about spacing our words, checking our spelling, and checking our content to make sure that it always stays focused.

     In science we balanced triangles and arches, using clothespins as counterweights and craft sticks as our balance points.  This week we do an exciting experiment.  The students will balance a pencil on a craft stick, using only a piece of wire and two clothespins!!!

     In phonics we will play a Concentration game with synonyms; like yummy and delicious. 

On Thursday, we will practice reading and writing possessives, which show ownership.  For example- “Mrs. LeVine<strong>’s</strong> cat run around the house” means the cat belongs to Mrs. LeVine.

<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Notes and Reminders: </span></strong>
<ul>
	<li>Now that it is cold we are having a problem with students coming up to the classroom.  The students should be lining up outside in the morning on the North playground.  During inclement weather days, the students are to report directly to the student lunchroom.  They may not come up to the classroom before 9 AM.   Thank you!<strong></strong></li>
	<li>We are excited for our Guest Readers this week- Mr. and Mrs. Pickens.</li>
	<li>The Ray Holiday Assembly is next Tuesday, December 15<sup>th</sup>.</li>
</ul>
<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Questions to ask at home:</span></strong>
<ul>
	<li>Continue to practice solving double digit addition problems using our new partial sums method.</li>
	<li>What could you do to make your writing more ‘readable’?</li>
	<li>What are synonyms?  What are examples of synonyms? (example: shut and close)</li>
	<li>When do we ask questions while we read?  (before, after and during the story)  Be sure to stop and ask questions while you read at home this week.  (I wonder why… I wonder if…)</li>
</ul>
<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Homework</span></strong><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">: </span></strong>
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="80" valign="top"> </td>
<td width="109">
<p align="center"><strong>Monday</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="109">
<p align="center"><strong>Tuesday</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="109">
<p align="center"><strong>Wednesday</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="109">
<p align="center"><strong>Thursday</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="109">
<p align="center"><strong>Friday</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">
<p align="center"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Math</span></strong></p>
</td>
<td width="109">
<p align="center">Unit 4 Review- Due Wednesday</p>
</td>
<td width="109">
<p align="center">Home Link 4.9</p>
</td>
<td width="109">
<p align="center">worksheet</p>
</td>
<td width="109">
<p align="center">worksheet</p>
</td>
<td width="109">
<p align="center">Unit 5 Family Letter</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">
<p align="center"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Reading</span></strong><strong></strong></p>
</td>
<td width="109" valign="top">
<p align="center">Read at least 15 minutes</p>
</td>
<td width="109" valign="top">
<p align="center">Read at least 15 minutes</p>
</td>
<td width="109" valign="top">
<p align="center">Read at least 15 minutes</p>
</td>
<td width="109" valign="top">
<p align="center">Read at least 15 minutes</p>
</td>
<td width="109" valign="top">
<p align="center">Read at least 15 minutes</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<span><span> </span></span>