Week of January 23rd

Happenings in

Our Learning
Writing: After receiving feedback on their expository essay
on what makes a good student, classmates started
brainstorming and planning for an expository about their
favorite place. We also discussed what constitutes a 1, 2,
3, and 4 point rating on STAAR Writing. I have begun to
conference with each student about their compositions
(as well as the objective portion) on STAAR Ready so they
know exactly how they can improve next time. You can
expect results and action steps to be sent home next
week.
Reading: Students studied line breaks in both lyrical and
free verse poetry and inferred why the poet broke lines
where she/he did. They worked in partnerships to arrange
words from the poem Bubbles and then compared
their arrangement with others to recognize the
significance of line breaks. Groups generated posters
with examples of the types of figurative language weve
been learning about (based on off a single picture).
Individuals also created their own comics/scenes using
figurative language.
Math: After reviewing fractions at the beginning of the
week, students showed what they know on two separate
fraction tests. Continual support at home is highly
encouraged! We will be connecting our understanding of
fractions to help support our understanding of decimals
next week.
Social Studies: Students read about Stephen F. Austin and
the establishment of their own city. Mrs. Hougham joined
our class Monday and helped students explore future
career opportunities using Career Cruising's ccSpark, a
site where students log-in and access career exploration
activities. Students can also access this site from home!
Science: Students presented their Science Fair
Experiments in front of the class and impressed us all with
their hard work and effort! They did a great job
interviewing in front of the judges. It was a positive
experience overall. Weve begun to study types and
sources of energy, and we will have some hands-on
investigations next week.

Spice World
Additional Notes
Follow us on the Spicewood
Teaching Garden Facebook page
to see how the teachers use the
garden, how you can help out, and
how the garden grows throughout
the year! 4th grade will be out there
soon!
International Mother Tongue Day is
Tuesday, February 21st. Spicewood
would love to feature students who
speak multiple languages. Forms
are due Friday, Jan. 27th.

Practice at Home
One session of XtraMath per
night is required to be completed
Monday-Thursday. Students may
complete Jam Sessions on
TenMarks as well.
Please continue to practice
multiplication and division facts
with your child. Their knowledge
of basic facts supports what
were learning about in so many
other facets of math.
Students can record their minutes
on their Six Flags Reading Record
Log. Logs are due February 10th.
Encourage your child to read as
much as they write at home!

Upcoming Events
Thursday, February 2 Spring Individual & Group Picture Day
Friday, February 3 WatchDOGS Friday
Tuesday, February 21 "One World, One Night" Celebration from 5:30pm-7:30pm