Weekly Update for week of 4/14/14

Hi Families!  I hope everyone was able to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather this past weekend!  My daughter and I spent lots of time outside…riding scooters, playground, and play time with cousins.  I love Spring and hope it continues!  I apologize for no blog last week!  My computer was having some password issues which needed to be taken care of.  Now that it's back, I thought I'd just update you quickly on last week and this week.
Important information:
* We have no school this Friday 4/18/14 and none next week for school vacation.
* If you have any tissues or cleaning wipes you'd like to donate…we'd love them!
* Hopefully we'll be getting out more and more for snack/recess so if your child needs bug spray or sunscreen, please apply that at home.  Thanks!
* When we return from break, that Thursday, May 1st is an early release day with dismissal at 12:30.
* I sent an email last week regarding book orders…if you'd like to order books, please do so by end of day Thursday.  I will send it over the weekend so hopefully it will be in the week we return.
* In light of the Jewish holiday and a shortened week, we will not be having homework.  Please still encourage your child to read and practice their facts this week and over the break to keep them fresh and on target!

What's been happening in room 235?
In literacy, we've been focusing on biographies and learning how to determine what's important, date of birth and death, why that person is famous, and how to write a summary.  The students have picked wonderful people!  This week, we're working on our illustrations to be sure they match the time period and then we'll add our writing to the poster.  I can't wait to see how they turn out!  In writing workshop, we've been completing our book reviews and they are fabulous!  You'll have to read these books when they're done!
**Ask you child which person they are learning about!
In math, we finished up unit 9 and are now onto unit 10, focusing on place value.  We are also focusing on money again and working with dollar signs, cent signs, and decimals.
In social studies, we have been talking about the Yellow and Yangtze rivers as well as the Great Wall.  Today we watched a video showing us how children in different areas of China live.  Our field trip to the Chinese Cultural Center was wonderful!  The students learned so much and the had many ideas to write about when we returned.  Thank you again to the chaperones for helping!  I hope you enjoyed it as well!

I hope everyone has a wonderful April break…get out and play, have some family time, see old friends…and most importantly…have fun!