Today was a great day!
In Adventures, we worked on our focus of multiplying three digit numbers by two digit numbers using the traditional method.
In Math, we were learning about all the different kids of polygons.  The students knew the basics - triangles, squares, rectangles, rhombuses, and trapezoids. I began pushing them a little further to learn the difference between equilateral, isosceles, and scalene triangles.  (Ask your child if they know the difference.)  We then studied quadrilaterals (4 sides), pentagons (5 sides), hexagons (6 sides), heptagons (7 sides), octagons (8 sides), nonagons (9 sides) and decagons (10 sides).  A regular polygon is a polygon where all sides are equal. 
In WWW, we studied the new words of the week - hoist, jubilee, unremitting, scruples, nudge, tranquil, rejuvenate, and eccentric.
In Social Studies, we focused on the Colonial time period.  Students learned that the southern colonies really depended on slave labor for their agriculture.
Finally, in Writing, we worked on peer conferencing, where a classmate had to help find a place in their partners writing that should be blown up with more details, a place where the partner should add feelings, and a place where the partner could add in the five senses.  They ended their conference with a compliment.
HW:
1.  Math 3.6
2.  Finish vocab assignment
3.  Bonus:  Make the coolest polygons you can and label them!
4.  Read 30 minutes

I will be interested to see who does the bonus!

Today we did centers in math.  One center played a game which works on decimal subtraction, one center worked on math boxes, and the other center worked with me on how to determine angle measures without using a protractor.  Tomorrow we will introduce full-circle and half-circle protractors. 
We brainstormed another personal narrative idea and wrote about it.  Tomorrow we will be choosing the story we'd like to publish for our first finished piece of the year.
HW:
1.  Vocab HW
2.  POW due (rough and final draft)
3.  Finish GR HW
4.  Read 30 minutes

Today the students worked very hard on two tests - their vocabulary test and their Unit 2 math test.  They have earned their three day weekend! 
This weekend they are expected to read once (and should also read on Monday) and log it on their Reading Log.  Also, Paragraphs of the Weeks are due on Wednesday.  The topic is Favorite Holiday.
The new vocabulary words with their definitions went home today.  Your child should share this list with you so you can practice their meanings.  Make a game out of who can work in the most words over the dinner conversation!
Have a fabulous weekend!

Today we traveled back in time to visit the time of the 13 colonies.  Students learned that they were broken into three groups: New England Colonies, Middle Colonies, and Southern Colonies.  Tomorrow we will do a little more reading about this time period in our history. 
We continued on with our fantasy book groups.  Be sure to ask your son or daughter about the elements of fantasy. 
We also reviewed Unit 2 in math, as we will be taking the Unit 2 test tomorrow.  They should have brought home a study guide that we worked on in class.  If it's already complete, you can ask your child to do some similar problems like those at home.  We will have a review time again tomorrow morning, so if your child has any questions still, please ask them to ask me before the test.
Tomorrow also brings about another test - the Vocabulary test.  We have been practicing a lot in class, so I feel like they're very secure.  Feel free to quiz them at home!
HW:
1.  Study vocab for test tomorrow
2.  Finish math study guide
3.  Read 30 minutes
4.  Signed reading log due
5.  Some have Guided Reading assignments and some have to finish their Electoral College map (optional if no use of a computer)
6.  Work on POW - due Wednesday, November 14th

We had a great Wednesday in class!
The class was all abuzz this morning about the news of the election!  The plans I had for Social Studies got pushed to the side as it was more timely to talk about the results.  We looked at the Electoral College map and at which states were colored blue and red.  Then we watched part of Obama's victory speech on the Promethean board.  We talked about how a candidate must have both a victory and a concession speech ready to give on Election Night and how speech writers help them compose those important speeches.
In Adventures, students continued their work on place value.  My group was able to see what is beyond trillions.  In math, we began wrapping up Unit 2 with a math study guide that focused on expanded notation, adding and subtracting multi-digit whole numbers and decimals, and data landmarks.  In Guided Reading, we kicked off the reading groups.  Everyone is delving into the fantasy genre and we discussed the elements of fantasy.  Students are looking for those elements as we read.  It was a learning-filled day!
HW:
1.  Start Paragraph of the Week - due Wednesday (Students are also bringing home their corrected ones for a signature.  They should come back to school so I can keep them for their portfolios.)
2.  Finish Math Study Guide (many finished in class)

3.  Finish Vocab Sentences (many finished in class)
4.  Electoral College map due Friday
5.  Read 30 minutes