NOTE:  Does anyone read these?  I have been wondering lately...if so, would you let me know.  I would like to post additional information on these posts, but if no one reads them, I guess there is no point!

Dear Parents,

This week in Room 304, we will be concentrating on writing expository essays as part of our ISAT practice.  In 5<sup>th</sup> grade, students are required to write an expository essay during ISATs.  My job is to prepare students well which will help alleviate some of the worry that testing can bring.           Student groups have completed their descriptive writing project, “Make A Menu”.  The menus will be on display in the hallway by the end of the week.  Feel free to stop by and see the great work each group has done.  If you have any questions, please contact me via email:  agkrecik@cps.edu.

<strong>Reading</strong><strong>: </strong>In addition to students’ daily responsibilities in Reader’s Workshop, we will focus on identifying the elements of a fairy tale.  Students will work in guided reading groups to compare/contrast two versions of the same fairy tale.    Students will have ISAT prep work over the weekend that is related to story elements.  <strong>Students should be reading books to accomplish their AR goal for the quarter.  In addition, students should have one completed Alternative AR project completed by Thursday.</strong>

<strong>Writing: </strong>Students will present group writing projects:   “Make A Menu”.  <strong>Students will continue to improve writing practice for expository essays.  We will focus on writing Good Grabbers, transitions, and Knockout Endings.</strong>

<strong>Math:</strong> This week, we will begin Unit 5:  Fractions.  Expect students to have math homework every day this week.  In addition, we will continue practicing division and developing our short and extended responses in class.  On Thursday, students will take a short quiz to check progress.  Students will have Fraction-related ISAT prep work over the weekend.

<strong>Science: </strong>This week we will make observations on ordinary objects and practice communicating our observations in writing.  We will make our own magnifiers and develop hypotheses on what makes a good magnifier.

<strong>Social Studies: </strong><strong>Students will complete their Treasure Box presentations this week.  These projects turned out so wonderful!  On Wednesday, students will take a Chapter 5 test.  I will send a study packet home on Monday. </strong>

<strong>Spelling: </strong>Students should study weekly spelling words for the week.  <strong>Our test will be Friday.</strong>

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<strong>****Remember that there is no school this </strong><strong>Friday,  January 29, 2010</strong><strong>****</strong>