Home-School Connection

Dear Family Member:

This week our class will be focusing on poems about nature. Your
child will learn that poetry is a good way to write about nature.

I’m a frog.
I live in a bog.
If you go for a jog,
Look for me on a log.

Word Workout (see page 99)

• Words to Know: similies
You will define the words with your
child. Then you will work together
to write a short story using each of
the words.
• Spelling/Phonics: r-controlled vowels: are, air, ear, ere You will
look at the words together and then cover the words. Your child will
spell each word you say and identify the letters that stand for the
vowel sound. This week’s words contain the phonic sound of the
r-controlled vowel spelled are, air, ear, and ere.

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Comprehension: theme (see page 100)
You will talk with your child about a book he or she has recently read.
Then your child will fill in a theme map about the book.

96 Unit 4 • Week 5
 Word Workout
Words to Know
Let’s define each word together. We will take turns using each word in a
sentence. Then we will work together to write a short story or a poem
using the vocabulary words. Remember that a poem doesn’t always
have to rhyme!

pale drops outdoors excite

Spelling Words
Let’s look at the words together. Then I’ll cover all the words and ask you
to spell them. Finally, I’ll ask you to tell me which letters stand for the
vowel sound you hear.

pear there fare hair

stare chair where dare

bear pair
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Review: dear cheers

Unit 4 • Week 5 99
 Comprehension: Theme

Map It Out!
A theme is the message the author wants the reader to understand.
Think of a book or a story that you know. Tell me something about the
story. Then fill in the Theme Map about that story.

Title of Story:

Clue Clue Clue

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Theme

100 Unit 4 • Week 5