Language Arts: This
week, we will complete chapter 16 of Growing
Your Vocabulary titled, “Things Change”.
Latin / Greek
Word
|
Root
|
English Derivatives
|
Latin mutare, mutatum
(to change)
|
mut
|
mutate, mutant, commute
|
Latin migrare, migratum
(to change)
|
migr
|
migrate, immigrate, emigrate
|
Greek morphe
(shape)
|
morph
|
morphology, amorphous, metamorphic
|
Latin forma
(shape)
|
Form
|
uniform, transform, formal
|
In writing, the students will learn about helping verbs
(also known as auxiliary verbs). We will identify these types of words in
context by classifying them by part of speech, as well as writing rich sentences
of our own! The students will learn about natural and inverted word order, as
well as coordinate conjunctions, connective adverbs, and compound sentences.
You will see a few assignments coming home that practice these skills. The
students should always be bringing their notebooks home to review their notes
from class and also use as a resource for assignments.
We will begin our poetry unit this week! The students will
listen to and read a great deal of classic poetry. We will also identify poetic
devices in these various classical pieces from The Harp and Laurel Wreath
(consumable provided by students) and Listen My Children (Core Knowledge
book provided by ACA). On Monday, the students will get information on a poetry
recitation they’ll be responsible for completing. We will also spend time
writing our own poetry throughout this unit, which will be a wonderful
opportunity for the students’ creativity to flourish! I look forward to
reflecting upon the beauty in all of these profound literary pieces alongside
your children. We will be discussing deep questions such as “What is poetry?”
and “What is not poetry?” so please continue
these discussions at home!
As always, we will pick up our study of Latin and Greek
words, beginning with word #51. The students will learn the meaning of the
idiom “steal his/her thunder” and how to use it correctly. Listen for this
common saying and other idiomatic phrases at home!
History/Geography: Our
next history unit is Westward Expansion Before the Civil War (yes, you’ve
probably guessed correctly; we will be learning about Westward Expansion After the Civil War, too!). We will
begin the unit by identifying the geography of the United States during the 18th
century. The students will learn about various states and territories during
this early time in our nation’s history. On Tuesday, the students will learn
who Daniel Boone was and the explorations that he is well known for. As we move
forth throughout the week, the kids will gain an understanding for the Louisiana Territory and what
Lewis and Clark encountered throughout their journey. The students will be able
to identify who Sacagawea was and why she was important to the explorers. We
will also learn about the infamous historical figure, Tecumseh, and what
he did for Native Americans in the early 1800’s. We will end the week covering
the uses and functions of stagecoaches, turnpikes and steamboats. Throughout
this unit we will also be completing an Oregon Trail simulation! The kids have
a lot of fun with this unit-long activity as it requires that they make
life-changing decisions with their wagon train groups that will decide their
fate. Please be sure to ask your child about their experiences in this exciting
activity, as well as about all of the interesting information we are learning about
our nation’s expansion pre-Civil War!
Science: This
week, we are picking up right where we left off in in Miss Scheuch’s Plants
unit. On Monday, the students will review what they learned about before break
regarding plant physiology and photosynthesis. This will guide us into
exploring more thoroughly the process of photosynthesis and the chemical
changes occurring within the leaves. On Thursday, we will investigate plant
reproduction and discuss the benefits and detriments of both sexual and asexual
reproduction. The students will end the week learning about and comparing plant
life cycles in ferns and mosses. It is important that the students are begin diligent
with their notes; I encourage them to bring their notebooks home and spend 5-10
minutes reviewing what they’ve learned each day. Please stay tuned and talk to
your kids about all they’re learning in science!
