This Week

Today in writing the students picked a picture book to use in their focus for their next literary essay. This essay will focus on the main character in their story and have a thesis based on trait, perspective, change, or a lesson learned by the character.

In reading we finished "The Great Trouble" and read our historical notes about the time period & some of the historical figures mentioned in the book. We have been focusing on identifying parts of a story (story elements: character, problem, solution, setting, theme) and how they relate to the whole story. The rest of this week will be focused primarily on universal themes that can be found within a story. 

In math we are wrapping up our Rational Numbers unit. Today we worked with decimals inside of word problems. This week will be used for review in class over topics 8-12. The end of unit test will be this week.

In social studies we are currently focusing on Dred Scott, his life, and his impact on our country. The students worked together in groups today to piece together a timeline with main events from his life. We also chose parts for the reenactment of the Dred Scott Trial, which we will perform in class tomorrow. (Dred Scott's great-great- granddaughter, Lynne Jackson, came last week and read a book to us! She will be back again after spring break to teach us more about Dred Scott).

Homework: Study for math test this week-- math homework from your specific math teacher.

Reminders: Skating forms for P.E. are due Friday. **Please turn in any field trip forms for music if you have not already.**