What is Important?

Social Studies
Today we continued to figure out what is important for us to remember in history.  It is impossible to remember EVERY FACT in history, but we can remember more if we adjust our reading rate (and reread) when reading SO many facts.  It is also easier to understand if we think about putting ourselves in the middle of history.  Can you imagine being one of the Aztecs and seeing a horse for the very first time?  Imagine what you would feel inside!  Also, think of which leader had an easier time conquering new land for Spain, Cortes or Pizzaro.  Why did Pizzaro have an easier time (not that it was and easy thing to do!)? 

What is also important is that we find little tricks and ways to help us remember the things we deem important!  Slowing our reading down, acting out a scene in our mind, putting ourselves in history, rereading and accenting specific words....these are all good strategies to help comprehension.   For example, we talked about ways to remember how Cortes conquered the Aztecs and Pizzaro conquered the Incan Empire.  One of those empires was in what is now Mexico City and one was in what is now Lima, Peru.   One was in Central America and one was in South America.  How do you keep it all straight?  That is what we will figure out! 

HELP!?!
Today we also filled out a yellow calendar in order to keep track of the weekly assignments and long term projects.  This is optional.  Some kids may find it helpful and some may find it a hindrance to have ONE MORE THING to look at.  I told the kids to use it as they wish.  Also this week, I will implement an Study Period on Wednesday afternoons.  This will be about 30-40 minutes for students to work on activities in class where I am available for help.  This will be time I conference with individuals as needed.  I hope this alleviates some of the Thursday/Friday assignment stress.

Here's what is due this week:

Social Studies - page 36 and 38 in your packet.  Kids had time to work on page 36 this morning, some may have been finished.   No book should be used.  You are to fill in what you remember from both readings in class.  This will not be graded, but will show you if you need to think in a smarter way during social studies.  The more you remember, the more effective your thinking and listening was today in class.  We will complete an outline for lesson 2 tomorrow and will read lesson 3.  We will test on Chapter 4 on Thursday.

Word Work - 15 sentences due on Thursday and word work due on Friday (Test Friday too)

Math - link 2.7 for my class and the evens on the study guide (time in class was given to start 2.7

Reading - Time was given to read Roberto Clemente in class today (the great majority used time wisely and finished with time to spare) using the reading strategy of adjusting the reading rate (speed).  There are lots of facts in this story, since it is a biography!  Be prepared for some comprehension questions (books can be used, but time will be limited).

Also, finish up your October books and begin your project for our FIRST Book Talk on October 31.  See me with any questions!