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2
Big idea: Where can an idea
begin?
Essential question: What are the
positive and negative effects of new
technology?
Dear Family Member:
Reading skill: author’s point of view
This week we will be focusing on the benefits and
drawbacks—the positive and negative aspects—of new
technology. We will be exploring our ideas about
technology and how we can support our opinions with
facts and observations.
Genre: persuasive articles
Vocabulary
(Define, Give an example, Ask a question)
1. Access- to get something from a source,
such as the internet
2. Advance- to move forward or make progress
3. Analysis- a careful examination or study of
something
4. Cite- when you mention something as proof
or evidence
5. Counterpoint- an opposing, or disagreeing,
point of view
6. Data- facts, figures, and other kinds of
information
7. Drawbacks- problems or disadvantages
8. Reasoning- having the ability to think in a
logical way
Reading strategy: reread
Vocabulary strategy: Greek & Latin
prefixes
Writing trait: sentence fluency
Grammar: run-on sentences
Spelling
Spelling skill: Words with r-controlled
vowels
List: word, spur, nerve, learning, squirt, shirt,
verb, midterm, surf, return, curl, squirm, work,
swerve, stern, yearns, curve, burn, blurt, thirst
Review & challenge words: aboard, barge,
scarce, merging, rehearse
Here are some extension and enrichment activities that you can do with your child to help reinforce the skills we’ll
be practicing.
Word Workout
•
•
Words to Know: prefixes Help your child choose a vocabulary word around which he or she can build a
story. Then he or she makes up sentences using the rest of the words.
Spelling/Phonics: r-controlled vowels Have your child name the words that have the same vowel sound as
the word you say aloud. Then help your child identify the letters that stand for the vowel sound in each
word.
Comprehension: author’s point of view
•
Your child will read two passages and then determine the author’s point of view. Have your child explain
his or her answer.
Word Workout
Words to Know
Let’s choose one word from the list that we can use as the base for a
story. Then we will make up the story using all of the other words. As you
tell your story, I will write the sentences. Then you will circle the
vocabulary words to make sure we used them all.
access
advance
cite
reasoning
drawbacks
data
analysis
counterpoint
Spelling Words
The letter r changes the sound of the vowel it follows, as in her, dear,
curb, and girl. I will say a word and you name all the spelling words on
the list that have the same vowel sound. Then we will review the spelling
words and identify the letters that stand for the vowel sound.
lurk
blurt
midterm
nerve
work
thirst
return
squirt
stern
spur
squirm
verse
spurts
learning
swerve
surf
lurch
shirt
yearns
Challenge:
merging
rehearse
Review:
aboard
barge
Unit 1 • Week 5
scarce
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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word
Comprehension: Author’s Point of View
Guess My Viewpoint
Let’s read each passage and think about how the author feels about the
subject. Then answer the question after the passages.
My cat Biffy loves getting the better of my
dog, Chuck. Her favorite game is to wait
until his back is turned and then steal his
favorite toy—a squeaky bone. When he
sees her, he tries to catch her, but she is
much too fast for him. As soon as she is out
of his reach, she takes the toy in her mouth
and makes it squeak. You can imagine how
that makes Chuck react! My neighbor, Mrs. Williams, always says dogs
are even smarter than people. She doesn’t like cats. “What can a cat do
that a dog can’t?” she says. I don’t want to argue with her, so I don’t say
anything. But I think about Biffy and Chuck, and I smile.
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
How does the author feel about cats?
You may think recycling isn’t worth the
trouble. Why bother separating out paper
and cans when you throw your garbage
away? But here are some amazing facts
that may make you think differently. For
example, did you know that to produce
each Sunday’s newspapers across the
U.S., we must cut down 500,000 trees? Do
you know how many aluminum soda cans we use every year? The answer
is 80 billion! If we don’t recycle, we might run out of trees or aluminum, but
with recycling, we can use the same resources over and over again.
Recycling works, and it is efficient. When I did some research, I learned
that recycling a single issue of The New York Times Sunday paper can
save 75,000 trees. I also discovered that if a used aluminum can is
recycled, it will back on the grocery shelf as a new can in as little as 60
days. These are just a couple of reasons why it makes sense to recycle.
What does the author think about recycling?
Unit 1 • Week 5
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