Fall has definitely come in like a lion this year! I know . . . wrong season, but it seemed appropriate given the fact that we were nearing the 80's last weekend and are now donning our winter gear! It's been a while since the last update, so here's what's been happening in Room 222.
Math - We are currently working through a unit on fractions. This was our first week and we will continue to focus on concepts such as equivalent fractions, converting fractions to decimals and percents, and comparing and ordering fractions.
Science - Prior to break, students wrapped up their final studies on the life sciences. They are now working on a short unit focusing on personal health. They have been reading about drug and alcohol abuse and ways to avoid/prevent it. This unit will continue for a couple more weeks.
Social Studies - The study of Native Americans was culminated in some very interesting and creative projects modeling Native American shelters and artifacts. This week, we began a study of early explorers and the exploration of the eastern hemisphere. We'll "explore" the western hemisphere next week, beginning with the infamous Christopher Columbus!
Reading - We are about to embark upon our fifth story in Unit 2, focusing on the them of "doing the right thing." Some of the skills we have worked on throughout this unit are sequencing, comparing and contrasting, and determining author's purpose. After this week, we will delve into our second novel of the year, Shiloh, to reteach and enrich those skills and strategies that we've worked on throughout Unit 2, as well as discuss why this novel fits into the theme of "doing the right thing."
English/Writing - We have spent the past week reviewing the characteristics of persuasive writing and practicing with a few different prompts. We also worked on the grammar skill of identify helping and linking verbs. Next week, we move on to poetry and subject-verb agreement.
With the season of giving upon us, Cardinal Elementary students will be participating in some healthy competition that will benefit those in need. Next week (Nov 3-7), students can bring in loose change for a Boys vs. Girls coin drive competition! The money raised will go to purchasing food, gifts, and household gifts for families in need in Brownsburg. The group that raises the most money will win an extra gym session! Let's dig into those couch cushions and in between the seats in the car and see what we can do to help those in need!
Along with the coin drive, we will also be collecting gently used or new sports equipment and apparel. This collection will go towards students who struggle with purchasing equipment in order to play sports and participate in those extra curricular activities in our community.
Don't miss out on two GREAT opportunities that will happen this month! First, the Everyday Math Family Night at Eagle Elementary on Wednesday, November 5, and second is our Family Engineering Night on Thursday, November 13. If your family is interested in participating in the Engineering Night, it is a free night of fun, but you must be sure to register so that there will be enough materials available for the experiments and projects. Please look for the registration flyer in your child's Friday Folder.
