We began a 3D physical relief map of Oregon this week. Students make a physical map out of a corn starch blend. We will label the map and color it relating to the elevation changes. We finish our fractions and decimals unit this week with creating and recording in a running log. We have been supplementing math with problem solving assignments. We will continue doing problem solving (multiple step solutions) throughout next week.
Homework January 24th – January 28th
1. Math: 3 sheets comparing and ordering decimals. We will have an assessment on Thursday. Homework due Friday.
2. Reading Log due Friday.
3. We will take a break from Spelling this week for homework. We will still do word work/spelling patterns in class.
4. Writing. We are finishing up our informational writing pieces. I am asking the students to work at home on them. FYI, we have worked on these for two weeks now, on and off, so there should be plenty to work with at this point. Students may submit their final copy to me in paper form or typed up using googledocs. Please have your child read it to you. As a form of loving criticism, if something doesn’t sound right, please ask them. “Does that sound right? How could you change it to sound better?” Due Friday.
Informational Writing Essay Criteria
~Essay must be on a topic the student is an expert on and three details about the topic.
~Essay must be five paragraphs including: an introductory paragraph, a body of three paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph wrapping up the essay. A paragraph is group of sentences about one topic.
-First paragraph is an introduction paragraph having: 1. A lead sentence (can start with a question, set the scene for your reader, or start with an interesting or unusual fact). 2. Three detail sentences (what you will be informing us on). 3. A closing sentence.
-Second Paragraph is a body paragraph having: 1. A lead lead (topic) sentence. 2. Three detail sentences about this topic. 3. A conclusion sentence wrapping up the paragraph.
-Third Paragraph is a body paragraph having: 1. A lead lead (topic) sentence. 2. Three detail sentences about this topic. 3. A conclusion sentence wrapping up the paragraph.
-Fourth Paragraph is a body paragraph having: 1. A lead lead (topic) sentence. 2. Three detail sentences about this topic. 3. A conclusion sentence wrapping up the paragraph.
-Fifth Paragraph is the conclusion having: 1. A lead (topic sentence) that wraps up (In conclusion… Clearly…. Finally…) 2. Three detail sentences stating what you have informed us on. 3. A final conclusion sentence, often a zinger or catchy ending.
Also, I want students to make sure they have capitalized proper nouns and beginning sentences, have used proper punctuation, and have looked up any words that may be misspelled (during their rough drafts, I encourage the students to circle any words that seem misspelled and go back to check later).
Please contact me with any questions: mmarchyok@pps.k12.or.us
Finally, we have a class celebration on Friday for amassing 20 or more classroom points. These points are given throughout the week when our class is working hard as a group in making good choices (transitions, work sessions, specials). Congratulations, Room 20!

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