This week in Communication Arts we have been looking at the different figures of speech.  So far we have covered similes, metaphors, and idioms.  Next week we will cover alliteration and onomatopoeia.  We are still doing our Daily Language  Review (DLR) and spelling.
In Math the subjects have been fractions, multiplication tables, and making change.
Science is looking at fossils.  Social Studies is beginning the study of Mesopotamia.
We are utilizing technology with figurative language Brainpops on the Smartboard, online Spelling City with the netbooks, and math games on the Ipad.
We only have three more weeks until the winter break. 

Grade cards are coming home today.  We are half way through the second quarter.  After our return on 11/26 we will only have four weeks left in the first Semester.  It's hard to believe that the school year is nearly half completed.

Everyone have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Second quarter progress ends today.  Grades will be going home next Tuesday.
We continue to work in Communication Arts and Math with online exercises Raz-Kids, Spelling City, and Education City.
We continue to use our Daily Language Review and Journal in Communication Arts.
In Math we have been working with both fractions and money.
Science has been focused on plate tectonics.
As a reminder, we will only be in school next Monday and Tuesday.
We are all looking forward to being with family and friends for Thanksgiving.

With the fall party behind us, and daylight savings time ending this Sunday, we are quickly approaching the 2nd half of the 2nd quarter, and the holiday season.
In Math, we working with fractions, LCM, and number patterns.
In Communication Arts, we continue to work on spelling, DLR, and journal writing.  This past week we have been looking at analogies.
We continue to work online with Raz-Kids, along with educational Ipad apps.
This week the students did their spelling test online with Spelling City.
Be sure to check my links to both Spelling City and Education City.
A look at next week includes a 1/2 day for students on Friday, November 9.  On the morning of the 9th Willard Intermediate will once again have an assembly to honor our Veterans. 
Please plan to join us!

Parent/Teacher Conferences are next week.  Please double check your schedule to see when you are scheduled to meet with your teachers.
Next Friday, 10/26, there will be no school.
Until that time we continue to work with algebraic expressions and fractions for Math.
In Communication Arts we are finishing up or final narrative draft 'scary story' for display at the conferences.
I look forward to seeing some familiar and new faces next week.  See you at the conferences!

Today marks the end of the 1st quarter.  We are now halfway through the semester. 
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be the week of October 22.  If you have not responded to the request to confirm a conference with your student's teacher, please do so at once.
Grade cards will be distributed and discussed at the Parent/Teacher Conference.
Next Monday, 10/15 is the beginning of the 2nd quarter, and the second half of first semester.

As we look toward next week.
Friday, October 12 will be a half day for students.  Dismissal will be at 12:30 P.M.  Friday is also the end of the first quarter.  Grade cards will be handed out during the week of October 22, which is parent/teacher conference week.

Math for next week will consist of prime and composite numbers, basic algebra tables, three variable algebra, and Hands on Equations.

In Communication Arts, we will continue with our daily language review, vocabulary, and spelling.  We are still working on personal narratives.