January Curriculum Update

Reading- This month, we are doing an Author study unit. We are learning more about elements and patterns of fiction story with the feature author Andrew Clements. We are reading the novel Frindle for our whole class study, and in small groups we are reading, Jake Drake the Bully Buster, The Report Card, and The Map Trap. 

Writing-  Students are learning how to write literary essays. Students are selecting a text by Patricia Polacco to study. Students will determine a thesis about the book, and look for text evidence to include in their literary essays. 

Math- We are learning strategies for multi-digit multiplication- partitioning rectangles, partial products, traditional, and lattice. We are also sharpening our problem solving skills with measurement conversions, and money. 

 Science-  At the end of the month, we will begin our next module- Soils, Rocks, and Landforms. Students will investigate the question, What is soil? Students will observe how our landscape is formed by the changes made in soils and rocks.  

Social Studies- Students are learning all about the regions of the United States. This month we are learning about the Southwest and Western regions. Students will learn about important landmarks and the geography of these regions. They will work on a partner project for each region to showcase a landmark from each region.