Weekly News & Learning

Art

Eid Mubarak Card Making

Kids will make a colorful and festive Eid Mubarak greeting card to share with family or friends.

Reading Comprehension

Knowledge 9 – Columbus and the Pilgrims

• Explore early exploration and trade through read-alouds, discussions, and hands-on activities.

• Listen to and retell stories about explorers with key details.

• Identify story elements (characters, setting, events) in historical texts.

• Make text-to-self connections by imagining what it would be like to travel in the past.

Language & Phonics

Small Groups:

Group 1: Suffixes (-ly, -less, -ful)

• Recognize and read words with the suffixes -ly, -less, and -ful.

• Understand how suffixes change word meanings.

Group 2: R-Controlled Vowels (er, ir, ur)

• Identify and read words with er, ir, and ur making the /er/ sound.

• Apply these patterns in reading and spelling.

Group 3: Soft C and G Patterns

• Recognize and read words where c makes the /s/ sound and g makes the /j/ sound.

• Apply these phonics patterns in reading and spelling.

Whole Group Instruction (Amplify Skill 9)

• Recognize uppercase letters and their differences from lowercase letters.

• Learn 15 new Tricky Words (e.g., when, why, where, once, said).

• Read Zack and Ann and answer story questions with phonetic spelling.

• Focus on punctuation, including apostrophes in contractions.

• Practice writing uppercase letters.

Islamic Studies

• Duaa and Good Deeds – Learn how prayers and kindness bring extra rewards in Ramadan.
• Laylatul Qadr – Discover why the last 10 nights are special and how to worship on Laylatul Qadr.
• Eid al-Fitr – Explore how Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan with prayer and sharing.
• Ramadan & Eid Around the World – Learn about different traditions and foods in other cultures.
• Thanking Allah – Reflect on Ramadan’s blessings and show gratitude.

Whole Group Instruction: Numbers & Shapes

Explore odd and even numbers while integrating 2D and 3D shapes into their learning.

Objectives:

🔹 Identify and classify odd and even numbers up to 20.
🔹 Understand that even numbers can be paired, while odd numbers have one left over.
🔹 Practice skip counting by twos to reinforce even numbers.
🔹 Recognize and describe 2D shapes (circle, square, triangle, rectangle) and 3D shapes (cube, sphere, cone, cylinder).
🔹 Compare and sort shapes based on attributes like sides, corners, and edges.
🔹 Apply number concepts by counting sides and corners of shapes to determine if they are odd or even.

Small Groups: Improving Fluency

• Group 1: Addition and subtraction within 100, identifying odd and even 3-digit numbers.

• Group 2: Addition and subtraction within 20, identifying odd and even numbers within 100.

• Group 3: Addition and subtraction within 10, identifying odd and even numbers within 20.

Science Connection

• Navigation and Exploration: Understanding how sailors navigated the ocean using the stars, compasses, and early maps.

• Food and Preservation: Examining how spices were used to preserve food and improve taste before refrigeration.

• Weather and Sailing: Discussing how wind and ocean currents affected voyages.

Social Studies Connection

TOPIC: Lesson 10: Sukoon on the letters (وْ) (يْ) and (ءْ)DUA LAYLATU aL QADR

• Recognize the shape of a Sukoon in the Quran.

• Identify the place of the Sukoon on the letters (و), (ي), and (ء).

• Pronounce each letter of the alphabet with Sukoon correctly including Al-Waw Al-Layyinah, Al-Yaa’ Al-Layyinah, and Al-Hamza.

• Be able to differentiate between the shape of a Sukoon in the Quran and the shape of a Sukoon in non-Quranic script.

• Write the Sukoon on a Hamza in both cases of Waw (و) and Yaa’ (ي).

HOMEWORK: WORKSHEET

YOU WILL HAVE A READING TEST ON FRIDAY, 3/21 ON LESSON 10

📢 Reminders

• ✅ Encourage daily reading on Raz-Kids 📚

• ✅ Always check Parents' WhatsApp for updates 📱

• ✅ No homework or spelling tests during Ramadan. We will resume after Ramadan.

Light and Sound

• Learn the basic concepts of light and sound, including their properties, how they are produced, and how they help us in our daily lives.

TOPIC: Lesson 14: Waw & Yaa’a Al-Mamdudah; Dua Laylatul Qadr

• Recognize the shape of Al-Waw Al-Mamdudah and Al-Yaa’a Al-Mamdudah in the Quran.

• Recognize the Harakah that comes before Al-Waw Al-Mamdudah and Al-Yaa’a Al-Mamdudah.

• Recognize that Al-Waw Al-Mamdudah and Al-Yaa’a Al-Mamdudah are stretched for two Harakat.

• Pronounce Al-Waw Al-Mamdudah and Al-Yaa’a Al-Mamdudah.

• Know the difference between Al-Waw Al-Layyinah and Al-Waw Al-Mamdudah.

This Ramadan, let’s help feed the poor and teach our children the value of generosity by bringing food to school for those in need. Allah says, ‘You will never achieve righteousness until you spend [in charity] from that which you love.’ (Qur’an 3:92). The Prophet ﷺ said, ‘The best charity is that given in Ramadan.’ (Tirmidhi). So let us give with open hearts, spreading mercy and blessings to those who need it most. A list of food items for the drive has already been shared on WhatsApp. Jazakum Allahu khayran!

"في هذا الشهر المبارك، لنسعَ لإطعام الفقراء وتعليم أطفالنا قيمة الكرم بإحضار الطعام إلى المدرسة لمن يحتاجه. قال الله تعالى: «لَن تَنالُوا البِرَّ حَتَّى تُنفِقوا مِمَّا تُحِبّونَ» (آل عمران: 92). وقال النبي ﷺ: «أفضل الصدقة صدقة في رمضان» (الترمذي). فلنعطِ بقلوب مفتوحة، ناشرين الرحمة والبركة لمن هم في أمسّ الحاجة إليها.

لقد تم بالفعل مشاركة قائمة المواد الغذائية المطلوبة على الواتساب. جزاكم الله خيرًا!

Lesson 19: Add Several Two-Digit Numbers

• Session 1: Explore

• Session 2: Develop

• Session 3: Refine

Test Lesson 18: Use Addition and Subtraction Strategies with Three-Digit Numbers: Monday, 3/17

Science

Chapter 4: Our Culture and Traditions

• Lesson 1: Culture is Our Way of Life

• Lesson 2: Cultures in Our Country

• Lesson 3: What We Celebrate

Lessons about Ramadan

• Students will be assigned ahadith about Ramadan and will be asked to list down the learnings from it.

• Students will keep a track of Quran recitation on a daily basis.

Unit D, Chapter-1 "It Is Eid! Allahu Akbar"

• Identify the two types of Eid and their significance.

• Describe what happens on Eid (prayer, celebration, charity, etc.).

• Recall after which months Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha occur.

• Explain who we remember when we sacrifice an animal on Eid al-Adha.

• Learn about the significance of Laylatul Qadr.

• Create a planner for last ten days of Ramadan.

Unit D - Chapter 2: "Eid Around the World"

• Understand the significance of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.

• Learn how different cultures celebrate Eid worldwide.

• Compare and contrast Eid traditions in various countries.

• Appreciate the unity of Muslims despite cultural differences.

• Share their own Eid experiences and traditions.

PE

• Understanding Passing Techniques:

• Students will learn and demonstrate various passing techniques, including chest passes, bounce passes, and overhead passes.

• Students will identify the appropriate situations to use each type of pass during a game.

• Improving Shooting Mechanics:

• Students will learn the fundamentals of shooting form, including stance, grip, and follow-through.

• Students will practice shooting from different spots on the court to develop accuracy and consistency.

SEL

• Understand the Power of Choice – Recognize that every action is a choice and has consequences.
• Differentiate Between Positive and Negative Actions – Identify actions that lead to growth, success, and well-being versus those that hinder progress.
• Recognize the Impact of Choices – Understand how choices influence personal development, relationships, and future opportunities.
• Develop Critical Thinking Skills – Learn to evaluate situations and make informed decisions by considering consequences.

Lessons about Ramadan

• Students will be assigned ahadith about Ramadan and will be asked to list down the learnings from it.

• Students will keep a track of Quran recitation on a daily basis.

Unit D - Chapter 3: "Early Muslims suffer"

• Understand the meaning and importance of patience (Sabr).

• Learn how Abu Lahab and his wife opposed Islam.

• Understand how the Quraysh tried to make compromises with Islam.

• Learn how the Quraysh plotted to kill the Prophet (PBUH) and how Allah protected him.

Group 1

Juz 29: Surah Al Qalam

They can understand by reading.

• Hamzat Al-Wasul and Hamzat Al-Qata’a
• The Lunar (Qamaria) and Silent (Shamsia) Laams
• Words Specific to Quranic Font
• Stopping at the End of a Word
• Punctuation in Quranic Recitation
• Similar Sounds Among Letters

Group 2

Bidaya Book

PE

• Students will learn and demonstrate various passing techniques, including chest passes, bounce passes, and overhead passes.

• Students will identify the appropriate situations to use each type of pass during a game.

• Students will learn the fundamentals of shooting form, including stance, grip, and follow-through.

• Students will practice shooting from different spots on the court to develop accuracy and consistency.

SEL

• Understand the Value of Time – Recognize time as a valuable and limited resource that should be used wisely.
• Identify Time Wasters – Learn to identify activities that waste time and reduce productivity.
• Set Priorities – Develop skills to prioritize tasks using strategies like the Eisenhower Matrix (urgent vs. important).
• Create a Daily Schedule – Practice making a structured daily plan to balance responsibilities and leisure.

Lesson 22: Add and Subtract Fractions in Line Plots

Lesson 1.3 Investigating Animal Senses

Unit D - Chapter 3 "Fasting, the Prophet's Way"

• Understand what a Muslim should do before starting their fast.

• Learn about Niyyah (intention) and Suhoor (pre-dawn meal).

• Understand that Muslims should not delay breaking their fast.

• Learn what to eat at Iftar according to the Sunnah.

• Learn about the importance of making Du’a at Iftar.

• Reinforce why the Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged eating Suhoor.

• Students will keep a track of Quran recitation on a daily basis.

• Class Test on Monday (3/10)

Group 1

Juz 29: Surah Al Qalam

• Words Specific to Quranic Font
• Stopping at the End of a Word
• Punctuation in Quranic Recitation
• Similar Sounds Among Letters

Group 2

Bidaya Book

PE

• Students will engage in drills that enhance their passing accuracy, including target passing and passing under pressure from defenders.

• Students will measure their passing accuracy through specific drills and aim for improvement.

• Students will practice passing and shooting in small groups to foster teamwork and effective communication on the court.

• Students will learn to anticipate teammates' movements and make quick decisions based on game scenarios.

SEL

• Understand the Power of Choice – Recognize that every action is a choice and has positive or negative consequences.
• Differentiate Between Positive and Negative Actions – Identify behaviors that support emotional well-being and healthy relationships versus those that cause harm.
• Recognize Personal Responsibility – Learn that you are in control of your actions and are responsible for their outcomes.
• Explore the Impact of Choices – Understand how choosing positive actions leads to success, happiness, and stronger relationships.
• Develop Self-Awareness – Identify emotions and thoughts that influence decision-making.

Technology

Unit 6 - Lesson 6: Educational Games

Explore various educational games that reinforce literacy and numeracy skills.

Art

Arabic Calligraphy of Allah's Name

Materials: Canvas with paint

• Arabic calligraphy is a beautiful and expressive art form that has been used for centuries to write verses from the Quran, poetry, and important names, including the name of Allah (الله).
• Creating this artwork is not just about writing; it is about expressing spirituality, patience, and artistic skill.
• Each stroke should be made with care, showing respect for the beauty of Arabic script

Unit 7: William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream

• Lesson 13: Dramatic Indignation and Slapstick Comedy
• Lesson 14: Bottom’s Dream
• Lesson 15: Celebrating the Work

Unit 8: Native Americans

• Lesson 1: A Changing World
• Lesson 2: Conflicting Beliefs

Reading: Respond to interview questions from the perspective of the character Bottom.

Speaking & Listening: Recite Puck’s speech from Act 5, Scene 1 with speed and accuracy.

Lesson 25 - Convert Measurement Units

• Explore the idea that equivalent measurements can be represented in different units in the same system.
• Understand that you will need more of a smaller unit than a larger unit to measure the same object.

Science

Chapter 1: Why aren’t the jaguars and sloths growing and thriving?

• Lesson 1.1: Pre-Unit Assessment
• Lesson 1.2: Introducing Ecosystems

Key Understandings

1. An ecosystem is a community of organisms in an environment.
2. There are many different kinds of ecosystems.

Social Studies

Chapter 8: Moving West

• Lesson 3 - Trails to the West: Identify the economic and social reasons that led settlers to risk moving West.
• Lesson 4 - The California Gold Rush: Analyze the causes and effects of the gold rush.

Lessons about Ramadan

• Students will learn about the significance of Laylatul Qadr.

• Students will create a planner for last ten days of Ramadan.

Unit D - Chapter 2: "The Voluntary Prayers"

• Define Salat ul-Nawafil and explain its types.

• Understand the meaning and importance of Salat ut-Tatawwo (voluntary prayers).

• Identify Sunnah Ratibah and its significance.

• Explain the rewards of praying Sunnah regularly.

• List three Salat ut-Tatawwo that have fixed times.

• Recognize the times when Salat ut-Tatawwo should not be performed.

Group 1

17 b Full mouth letters and 17 c Alif

The seven letters of خُصَّ ضَغَطٍ قِط

will always be read (خ،ص،ض،غ،ط،ق،ظ)

full-mouth.

Alif Full-mouth letters" in this rule include Ra and "Lam of Alläh" when they are full-mouth, as well as the letters of خُصَّ ضَغَطٍ قِط

Group 2

Bidaya book

PE

• Students will engage in drills that enhance their passing accuracy, including target passing and passing under pressure from defenders.

• Students will measure their passing accuracy through specific drills and aim for improvement.

• Students will practice passing and shooting in small groups to foster teamwork and effective communication on the court.

• Students will learn to anticipate teammates' movements and make quick decisions based on game scenarios.

SEL:

• Recognize Worry and Anger – Identify what worry and anger feel like in the body and mind.
• Understand the Impact of These Emotions – Learn how worry and anger affect decision-making, relationships, and well-being.
• Explore Positive Ways to Manage Worry and Anger – Introduce techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and positive self-talk.
• Practice Self-Regulation – Use strategies like the "Stop, Think, and Choose" method to respond calmly to stressful situations.
• Encourage Healthy Expression – Teach students how to express emotions constructively rather than through outbursts or avoidance.
• Build Coping Skills – Learn techniques such as journaling, exercise, and talking to a trusted person for emotional support.

Sub-unit 2: Write an Essay

• Lesson 1: Gathering Evidence and Making a Claim
• Lesson 2: Writing Body Paragraphs
• Lesson 3: Essay Flex Day
• Lesson 4: Revising and Writing Introduction
• Lesson 5: Concluding and Polishing the Essay

Writing: Continue to work on their essays with teacher support based on students’ individual needs.

• Learn the evil effects of envy and Backbiting.
• List the mubah and mustahab types of envy.
• Study the hadeeth and ayahs related to these evils of the tongue and heart.

Ramadhan fiqh review Q&A from the book Talimul Islam.

The unit 5 assessment will take place on Monday, 03/17.

Lesson 23: Understand Positive and Negative Numbers

• Session 1 homework is due on Wednesday, 03/19.
• Session 2 homework is due on Thursday, 03/20.

Ramadan activities, focusing on Allah’s names, Tajweed, and Quran recitation (continued).
📖 Ramadan Planner: Students have completed 1-10 Names of Allah, exploring their meanings, related ayahs/hadiths, and writing personal duas.

📌 Ramadan Tracker: Tracking their Juz progress to maintain consistency in Quran reading.

Global movements of water and its changes in form are propelled by sunlight and gravity. (MS-ESS2- 4)

Amplify-Lessons 2.1-2.3

• Energy is transferred from the sun to the surface to the air.
• If an air parcel is warmer than the surrounding air it will rise.
• When an air parcel starts with a higher temperature, it will rise higher and lose more energy, causing more rainfall.

Chapter 5, Section 2: History of Caribbean South America, focusing on the impact of European colonization and long-standing political conflicts in the region.

Key Topics:

• How colonization changed human and physical geography.

• Political struggles that shaped the region.

• Economic development over time.

SEL

• Students will define what intellectual needs are and explore how they relate to personal growth, curiosity, and lifelong learning.

• Students will identify examples of intellectual needs, such as the desire for knowledge, understanding, and critical thinking.

• Students will discuss and articulate how fulfilling intellectual needs can enhance their self-esteem and sense of identity.

• Students will reflect on personal experiences where a pursuit of knowledge or intellectual engagement led to feelings of accomplishment and self-worth.

1. Edit their essay for coherence and depth

2. Research to answer a question

3. Analyze conflicting ideas

4. Present their research findings.

Students will have a vocabulary quiz on the 27th! See Google classroom for the list of words!

Al Barzakh: An intermediate realm between this life and the hereafter.

• Learn that people aren’t simply “gone” but continue to exist in a lifelike state, waiting for the Day of Judgment.
• How does reflecting on the Barzakh affect the choices you make every day?

Ramadhan fiqh review Q&A from the book Talimul Islam

Lesson 21: Solve Problems Involving Percent Change and Percent Error

• Session 1 homework is due on Wednesday, 03/18.
• Session 2 homework is due on Thursday, 03/19.
• Session 3 homework is due on Friday, 03/21.

Ramadan activities, focusing on Allah’s names, Tajweed, and Quran recitation (continued).
📖 Ramadan Planner: Students have completed 1-10 Names of Allah, exploring their meanings, related Ayahs/Hadiths, and writing personal Duas.

📌 Ramadan Tracker: Tracking their Juz progress to maintain consistency in Quran reading.

Key Understanding

Light shines on an object, it is reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through the object, depending on the object's material and the frequency (color) of the light. (MS-PS4-2)

Amplify

Light Waves: Lessons: 2.1-2.5

• Light from the sun includes gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet light, visible light, infrared light, microwaves, and radio waves.
• Ultraviolet light causes damage to genetic material in skin cells that can lead to skin cancer.

Chapter 8, Ancient China

Focus: How the Huang River shaped civilization and the achievements of the Shang Dynasty.

Key Topics:

• How geography isolated China.

• The Huang River’s role in early settlements.

• Shang Dynasty advancements in writing, bronze work, and society.

• Students will define what harmful substances are, including drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and other addictive or toxic substances.

• Students will categorize various harmful substances and identify their common sources and forms.

• Students will research and present the short-term and long-term effects of harmful substances on physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.

• Students will discuss how these substances can affect bodily functions, such as the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and brain health.

• Students will explore the relationship between substance use and physical self-concept, discussing how harmful substances can negatively impact body image and self-esteem.

• Students will reflect on how a healthy body and positive self-concept contribute to overall well-being and life satisfaction.

1. Edit their essay for coherence and depth

2. Research to answer a question

3. Analyze conflicting ideas

4. Present their research findings.

Students will have a vocabulary quiz on the 27th! See Google Classroom for the list of words!

Lesson 20: Apply Exponent Properties for All Integer Exponents

• Session 1 homework is due on Tuesday, 03/18.
• Session 2 homework is due on Wednesday, 03/19.
• Session 3 homework is due on Thursday, 03/19.

Ramadan activities, deepening their connection to Allah’s names, Quran recitation, and Surah Al-Baqarah (continued).

📖 Ramadan Planner: Exploring the 99 Names of Allah, their meanings, related Ayahs/Hadiths, and writing personal Duas. Students have completed 1-10 names so far.

📌 Ramadan Tracker: Tracking Juz progress to build consistency in Quran reading.

🕌 Surah Al-Baqarah – Lesson 5d: Continuing recitation while reviewing the meaning of the first five pages.

The test on the first five pages of Surah Al-Baqarah will be on Thursday, 3/20.

All cells contain genetic information in the form of DNA molecules. Genes are regions in the DNA that contain the instructions that code for the formation of proteins, which carry out most of the work of cells. (HS-LS1-1) (secondary to HS-LS3-1)

• Review of cell organelles and their function in mitosis and meiosis.
• Traits vary between parents and offspring and among siblings.

Chapter 9, Section 1 – Forming a Union

Focus: Articles of Confederation and the challenges of creating a new government.

Key Topics:

• How the Articles of Confederation gave more power to states.

• Strengths and weaknesses of the first national government.

• The role of state constitutions in shaping the U.S. government.

SEL

• Students will define self-improvement and discuss its importance in personal growth, self-awareness, and emotional well-being.

• Students will explore the connection between self-improvement and developing a positive identity.

• Students will learn how to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals that align with their aspirations for personal development.

• Students will reflect on their strengths and areas for improvement to identify meaningful goals in various aspects of their lives (academic, social, emotional, physical).

• Students will outline the steps involved in the goal-setting process, including planning, execution, and evaluation.

• Students will engage in activities to practice breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks and timelines.

• Students will discuss how achieving goals contributes to a sense of accomplishment, boosts self-esteem, and reinforces a positive self-identity.

• Students will share personal experiences where setting and achieving goals has positively impacted their lives and self-perception.