Supplies needed:  notebook, ELA folder, highlighters, pen and silent reading book.

Current topic that we are focusing on: Elements of a Story. 

Writing assignment for December:  After listening to the story titled Oh, Christmas Tree, students will write about their family’s a Christmas tree decorating memories. 

Week of 12/9:  Unit 4 new spelling/vocabulary words:
ambush, calculate, contribute, dead, employ, extend, frantic, initial, routine, stun, sturdy, yield. 

Spelling test will be on Friday, 12/13. 
Vocabulary test is scheduled for 12/18.  A study guide will be sent home. 

Spelling homework is as followed- 
Mondays- write all words 3 times each in ELA notebook. 

Tuesdays- pick 6 words and write a detailed sentence for each in ELA notebook. 

Wednesdays- get Pretest signed and make corrections if needed.  This is a great way for the students to study and see what they know. 

Thursdays- Study.

Fridays -Spelling test. 
*** When the students have a vocabulary test, there are no new spelling words given for that week. 

Topic of studies this year: Author’s Purpose, Inferencing, Cause and Effect, Reading for detail, Main Idea, Understanding Vocabulary, Sequencing of events, theme (message) of a story, Fact vs. Opinion and Understanding characters (how they look and the feelings they show.)

The stragety of “Close Reading” and highlighting important information is done daily in our classroom in all areas of studies. 

Students will take a “Star” reading test four times this year.  This test is completed on an IPad and each student will take this test individually so no distractions will occur.  This result will guide the students in choosing the appropriate reading level of their silent reading book and see their improvements or areas they need to continue to work on.  New reading levels with be sent home with report cards. 

Students receive reading homework every night except Fridays and weekends. The daily homework is a reading worksheet or Spelling and reading log. 

Students must follow the dates on their monthly reading log.  Reading for 20 minutes a day will help improve and strengthen reading skills. December reading log is due 1/7. 

An open line of communication between the teacher and parent/guardian is extremely important and welcomed.  The best way for communication is to view your child's GREEN homework folder and homework book every night.  Please feel free to email me (NCongro5569@sscmweb.org) if you have any concerns and I will contact you within 24 hours.