JOHNSONS JOURNAL

MRS
Issue No.
P I N Seventeen
.J
E

OH
NS
ELE ON
MEN
TAR
JOH
Y
NSO EMAI
ND@ L:
BCR
EEK
.OR
JOH
W
G
NSO EBSIT
ND.
E:
WE
EBL
Y.C
OM
RIV

ER

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Looking ahead to our Christmas festivities, the gift
exchange will be on Friday, December 16th. The
gift exchange will be a wrapped chapter book. (Please
keep the cost under $5.00.) Gift exchange information
can be found here.
Our classroom Christmas party will be on
Wednesday, December 21st from 2:15-3:15.
Thank you to our head room parent, Mrs.
Whittington, for planning the event and to the
volunteers who will donate their food and time. Party
sign-up information can be found here.

Reading

Students have been learning to look deeply at main

characters in the books that they read. Weve talked
about noticing how the other characters act and how
those actions reveal what the characters are like on the
inside. As we read, were trying to notice what makes
characters special, look for patterns in their behaviors,
predict how they will act in certain circumstances, and
take note when they act in surprising ways.
A new fluency practice page went home with your
child today. The goal is 136+ correct words per minute
on the first try. The goal is not just speed, but also
reading with intonation and pausing at punctuation.
Students are encouraged to discuss the comprehension
questions with an adult.

Writing

Students are composing five-paragraph persuasive

letters. Each student has chosen an idea, directed it
toward an audience in which to persuade, stated a

November 28, 2016

point of view on the issue, and has begun to write the

reasons to support the case.

Mathematics

We have begun work on multiplying large numbers.

We will work toward the goal of multiplying 2 and 3
digits x 1 digit and 2 digits x 2 digits. We are learning
to multiply by using a variety of strategies: area model,
partial products, and short-cut.
We have finished the 36-problem multiplication tests
through x10. The weekly 100-problem
multiplication tests will begin on Tuesday,
December 6th. We will begin with five minutes.
Then, well gradually work our way over time to a goal
of three and a half minutes! Copies of the practice
tests were distributed at parent-teacher conferences.
Please let me know if you need more copies.

Math Lab

Math Lab instruction is intended to fill gaps from

previous years of teaching as well as support current
instruction. Were currently working on fractions.
More specifically, equivalent fractions, comparing
fractions, and fractions on a number line.

Science

Upcoming lessons will focus on these concepts: heat is

a form of energy; temperature can be increased by
adding energy; heat is produced when substances burn
and when certain kids of materials rub against each
other; and some objects are good conductors of heat.

Social Studies

Were learning about how the government of the

United States was formed in the 1700s.

JOHNSONS JOURNAL

PAGE

Recess Policy
Our schools recess policy is that the children will go outside
for recess daily unless its raining, the temperature is under
15 degrees, or the wind chill is below zero. Please contact our
schools counselor, Mr. Long, or me if you need assistance
providing outdoor clothing.
**Please label your childs winter gear (snow pants,
boots, etc.) as many items often look alike.**

Lunch & Recess Schedule

Lunch 12:10 - 12:35

Recess 12:35 - 1:04

Important Dates
December 1
Book Order Due
December 6
Early Release Day (Students will dismiss at 12:05.)
December 7
Book Fair @ 2:30 (Families are welcome to shop with us.)

Our Classroom Family

2016 - 2017

December 9
Report Cards Go Home
December 12
Money Due for Lansing Trip Candy Bar Fundraising
December 16
Christmas Gift Exchange
December 21
Christmas Party @ 2:15
December 22 - January 3
No School (Christmas Break)
January 4 School Resumes

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Maya Angelou