Wow, we are through with another week of wonderful learning!  We have been taking a piece of writing through the writing process.  Today's step was editing.  The students learned that they can use a process called colored pencil editing to help them make sure their papers are looking good and sounding good.  Next week they will publish their first piece of writing!  How exciting!  Look for them hanging up in our hallways. 
     Science was filled with warm and coldblooded vertebrates.  We learned the difference between them and made a really nice brochure explaining the different classes of vertebrates.  There are lots of animals that share the same features!
     Multiplication was on our mind during math.  We have discussed how to break down multiplication facts into smaller, easier facts.  For example, 12 X 8 is challenging.  We know that 12 is just a 10 + 2.  We also know that 10 X 8 = 80 and 2 X 8 = 16 so now we can add 80 + 16 to get our answer of 96.  These short cuts are amazing!  The kids have a set of multiplication flashcards that they will be bringing home.  Please keep them in their backpack as we may use them during class time for different activities.
     Our reading has been filled with DRA testing and learning how to find and enjoy a good book.  The testing is over and groups will start next week!  I am looking forward to meeting with small groups of students to focus on individual skills.  This week we focused on the story elements of charachter and setting.   The setting can help define the mood of a book or help explain how a character is acting.  Good readers are good thinkers! 
     We had our first Fine Dining Friday today.  It was a fun, sticky lunch!  The whole class was invited today.  Next week, I will be inviting those students who have shown good choices, hard work, turned in all assignements and completed all homework.  I am hoping to have another full house!
     Book orders were submitted today.  It usually takes 5-7 days for the books to be shipped to the school.  I will pass them out as soon as possible.
     Congratulations to Nelson!  He won the poster competition for our class.  He made a wonderfully detailed poster of how to help stop bullying. 
     I also forgot to congratulation our wonderful student council representatives for getting elected.  We had 5 brave students prepare and read a speech in front of the class.  We were able to vote 2 of our classmates as the representatives of our class.  It was a VERY close race but our winners were Riley and Kathy.  Congratualtions, I am so proud of you!