Upcoming Week

This week we'll starting looking at the Neolithic Period in social studies.  We'll talk about Otzi the Iceman found in the Alps in 1991 by hikers.  Check out the great video clip that the kids have enjoyed watching.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA3AiNup7fY 
 
In language arts, our esssential question is 

"What is Truth?"

We've spent the week talking about what truth is and if it can be different for different people.  This question will follow us through unit one of our Reader's Journey work this quarter. We have just begun reading "Racing the Past' by Sis Deans.  This is a deep story about an eleven year old boy struggling with a difficult past and bullies at school.  We will read it as a group so that we can discuss the social issues as the students study the growth of the character and the conflicts and resolutions of the story.

Spelling this week will work with vowels that follow "r".  We will practice our words using definitions, synonyms and antonyms as well as analogies.  I will also introduce surprise challenge words for the spelling test on Friday.  After spelling the regular words, students will have the opportunity to earn up to 5 extra credit points by spelling "surprise" words that I add to the list correctly. 

As always, students will continue their independent reading for 15 minutes per day as we near the first book share day of September 28th.  Many students have already finished their books and are preparing their projects to share with the class.  I can't wait to see all of the finished products!

That's the upcoming week in a nutshell.  ENJOY a beautiful weekend!!