JOHNSONS JOURNAL

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Dear Parents and Guardians,

Just a reminder, our classroom gift exchange will be
on Friday, December 16th. The gift exchange will
be a wrapped chapter book. (Please keep the cost
under $5.00.) Gift exchange information can be found
here.
Our classroom Christmas party will be on
Wednesday, December 21st from 2:15-3:15 PM.
Thank you to our head room parent, Mrs.
Whittington, for planning the event and to the
volunteers who will donate their food and time. Party
sign-up information can be found here.

Reading

Students have been continuing to practice their testtaking strategies, such as eliminating choices on
multiple-choice questions, using words from the
questions in their responses, thoroughly answering all
parts of questions, looking into the text for support for
their answers, and double-checking to make sure
everything has been answered prior to submitting
work.
A new fluency practice page continues to come home
each week. The goal is 136+ correct words per minute
on the first try. The goal is not just speed, but also
reading with understanding, intonation, and pausing
at punctuation. Students are encouraged to discuss the
comprehension questions with an adult.

Writing

Students recently utilized the Chromebooks (laptops)

to compose five-paragraph persuasive letters. Each
student chose an issue, directed it toward an audience,
stated a point of view, and wrote supporting reasons.

December 14, 2016

Mathematics

We have been multiplying large numbers. Weve

learned to multiply 2, 3, and 4 digits by 1 digit. Next,
well learn how to multiply 2 digits x 2 digits. We are
learning to multiply by using a variety of strategies:
area model, partial products, and short-cut. You may want to
ask your child to show you all three methods.
The weekly 100-problem multiplication tests
have begun! We have started with five minutes. After
Christmas break, well begin to shave off a little time
every few weeks as we inch toward our goal of 100
problems in three and a half minutes. Copies of the
practice tests were distributed at parent-teacher
conferences. Please contact me if you need more
copies.

Math Lab

Our fractions studies continue. The children are

working on partitioning, comparing fractions, and
finding equivalent fractions using fraction circles,
fraction strips, and number lines.

Science

Our studies have been about heat transfer. Ask your

child to explain these vocabulary words: heat transfer,
conduction, radiation, convection current, conductors, and
insulators.

Social Studies

You may wish to ask your child about these terms

that we have covered either in relation to the book fair
or the founding of the U.S. government: the economy,
goods and services, opportunity cost, constitutional government,
dictatorship, basic rights, the Constitution and checks and
balances.

JOHNSONS JOURNAL

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Recess Policy
Our schools recess policy is that the children will go outside
for recess daily unless its raining, the temperature is under
15 degrees, or the wind chill is below zero. Please contact our
schools counselor, Mr. Long, or me if you need assistance
providing outdoor clothing.
**Please label your childs winter gear (snow pants,
boots, etc.) as many items often look alike.**

Lunch & Recess Schedule

Lunch 12:10 - 12:35

Recess 12:35 - 1:04

Important Dates
December 16
Christmas Gift Exchange
December 21
Christmas Party @ 2:15 PM
Our Classroom Family
2016 - 2017

December 22 - January 3
No School (Christmas Break)
January 4
School Resumes
January 23
No School (Mid-Year Teacher Work Day)
February 14
Valentines Day Party (2:15-3:15 PM)
February 17
No School (Prof. Development Day for Teachers)
February 23
Lansing Field Trip (Plan to arrive at school by 7:15 AM.)

An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.

Benjamin Franklin