Classroom Update: Week of 3/27/15

In reading this week, we have been practicing for the English Language Arts MCAS, which will be held on Tuesday, March 31 and Wednesday, April 1. You can support your child by ensuring that they have a good rest the night before and eat a nutritious breakfast on the days of the exam. Please also try to make sure that students are arriving on time on Tuesday and Wednesday, as the exam will start first thing in the morning. Students are allowed to bring mints, tictacs, smarties, or other nonsticky hard candy for the test (Please no chocolate, gum, or chewy candies that could get on the test booklets). There will be no homework next week due to the exam, including weekly assignments such as the reading log and word study.

In writing, students practiced delivering their speeches with expression. During writing time, we also reviewed some vocabulary related to poetry and figurative language. Students can practice this vocabulary at home using this online flashcard website: quizlet.com/hughes3

In math, we have been working on comparing fractions. We have used strategies such as number lines and pictures to compare the sizes of fractions.

In science, students have been reading up on animal adaptations. Students chose an animal to research for an in-school project on animal adaptations. We also learned about the adaptation of camouflaging and camouflaged paper butterflies around the classroom. We challenged Mrs. Andaloro's class to find the butterflies. Can you spot one in the picture to the right?