Week of December 5th

Happenings in

Our Learning
Writing & Reading: This week we introduced expository
writingthe type of writing tested on STAAR. Students
contemplated what defined expository as we created
a mind map and read sample prompts. They did their
best to reorganize mixed up paragraphs to categorize
the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
We then used the Smore graphic organizer to plan
our writing to two prompts: Why is it important to learn
how to read? and What skills are valuable for
coding? Students are ready to start planning and
drafting on their own next week!
Math: This week we introduced fractions with a Chalk
Talk to get a sense of current knowledge. Students
worked to depict and compare fractions using area
models and number lines. We used benchmark
fractions to sort a variety of proper and improper
fractions. Next week we will further explore improper
fractions and how to convert them to mixed numbers.
Social Studies: Students read about La Salle from
France and The Spanish Empire in their Texas Studies
Weekly, working to compare and contrast the two and
their influence on Texas. Students have a stronger
understanding of why explorers ventured to the New
World and their motives for claiming land.
Science: Students learned in greater detail about the
water cycle (and its major source of energy) as they
read in their STEMscopedia and responded to 3 big
idea questions. They then connected their learning
from the water cycle simulation as they filled out a
water cycle map.

Spice World
Additional Notes
We had a great time participating
in Hour of Code every day this
week! Students better grasp the
concept of spatial reasoning, the
creativity that goes into computer
science, and codings problemsolving nature.
Congratulations to the following
students on Principals Pride!
Arjun caring
Payton open-minded
Lanier caring
Tina open-minded
Cookies for Courage are being
collected Tuesday morning before
school! Please bring cookies in a
disposable container if you choose
to contribute!

Practice at Home
Use TenMarks and XtraMath to
keep up with fact fluency and
learned content.
Encourage your child to
practice responding to
expository prompts using the
Smore graphic organizer to
plan. The more quality
practice, the better skilled!

Upcoming Events
Tuesday, December 13 3rd-5th Grade Principals' Pride @ 8:00AM
Wednesday, December 14- Thursday, December 15 No Parking at Hope Church
Thursday, December 15 Last Day of Winter Semester for Students
Friday, December 16- Monday, January 2 Winter Break- No School
Tuesday, January 3 Class Begins for Spring Semester