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Dear Treehouse Families,

Here is what we have been up to in school:

Reading – We have continued to explore expository text features, and how they help us better comprehend the text.  Students have been exposed to a variety of features, such as graphs and comparison charts, and have also used text features to “skim” or preview a text.  Here are the vocabulary words we are practicing this week:

  • 5th grade – guarantee, devastate, lifeless, paradise, preserve, plight
  • 4th grade – rowdy, rowdier, impressive, analyze, trend, boost

Math – The fifth graders have been working on solving multiplication cluster problems (such as 23 x 56), and were recently introduced to the order of operations.  We are also working on number relationships, such as factors and multiples, and using these relationships to help us find factors of bigger numbers. For example, if you know all the factors of 100, you can use those numbers to help you find the factors of 300.  To view a video on how students have been taught to solve multiplication cluster problems, click on this link:

The fourth graders are just wrapping up Unit 1, which explored factors, multiples and arrays.  Unit 2 features describing the shape of data – creating and interpreting survey questions, graphing the data, and determining its benchmarks (minimum, maximum, outliers, etc.).

Writing – Both the fourth and the fifth graders have been exploring different genres of writing, and have practiced different prewriting techniques which help them generate ideas and topics to write about.  Last week, they began pair conferences, sharing their stories and providing feedback to their peers. As Unit 2 approaches, students will select a piece to revise, edit, publish and share.

Science – Last week, students were introduced to the concept of electricity and where it comes from.  This week’s lesson – How Can You Light a Bulb? – helps the students demonstrate the concept of an electric circuit and current.  In a Lab Activity, they will use a battery, a light bulb and a wire to discover how to make a bulb light.

Water Bottles – We strongly encourage children to bring a water bottle to school that can be sealed. Preferably one that if it tips over won’t cause too much trouble. A water bottle that doesn’t require the lid to come completely off while they are drinking is best. Having a water bottle handy allows children to stay hydrated without having to leave the class multiple times during instruction. Thank you for your help with this!

Homework – Students received 2 homework packets (Math and Language Arts) in their mailbox on Friday, Sept. 12th.  This Friday, Sept. 19th, they should turn their packets, and will receive new ones to complete.  Please also keep in mind that your child should be reading a book at home for about 30 minutes every day.  We ask for your support in establishing this expectation as a norm in your household.

why read poster

Homework Time – Our 4-5 Learning Community is now offering Homework Time upstairs in the Treehouse on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, from 2:30-3pm. This provides students with an opportunity to complete any homework assignments, or to have a quiet place to read.  Teachers will dismiss students at 3pm to the After-School program or to parent pick-up on the front circle (no later than 3:05pm, please).

Thank you for your continued support,

Ms. Geiger and Mrs. Montgomery