Despite the wintery weather, we have been back in full force with instruction. In literacy, we continue to build our comprehension skills. Currently, the students are learning about the differences in determining the main idea, subject, and theme in literature. We have been using movie clips and short stories to help us differentiate between main idea, subject, and theme. Once students can identify the main idea and subject of a piece of literature, then they will be able to use what they know to identify the theme. 
During our Cadet Time, students continue to build their reading stamina and work on their reading skills. Starting this week, reading response journals will once again be assigned and due on Friday(s). Also during Cadet Time, students have started using the Read Theory website. Read Theory is a site that focuses on reading comprehension. Students have taken a pretest that has leveled his/her results. Once the pre-test is taken, students read various passages and take quizzes on those passages. Students can view his/her progress and review past reading passages and quizzes. I began conferencing with students about his/her results and progress thus far. With this program being new to all us, it has been an interesting learning experience for us all!
In writing, we have started discussing the four types of sentences. Students are defining and finding examples of declarative, imperative, interrogative, and exclamatory sentences. The students have also been exposed to a new site called No Red Ink. Last week, the students completed the Diagnostic Test, which assessed the students' skills in capitalization, parts of speech, and commonly confused words. This week, the students will focus on skills in capitalization and complete the Unit Diagnostic test. After the unit test is complete, they will be assigned practice lessons to complete. Students will be given time in class but are encouraged to work on this site during study hall and at home. Please ask your child about this site and ask him/her to show you a lesson and practice a skill.
Report cards will be going home on Monday. Inside your child's report card envelope will be three papers: his/her regular report card, specials report card, and winter MAPS results. Once you have seen those papers and have discussed them with your child, please sign the envelope and return it as soon as possible. If you have any questions or concerns on your child's report cards, please feel free to contact me. Thanks!
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at any time. Have a great week!
Mrs. McCarville
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