Wow, it’s hard to believe that our final week of September is here! We’re busy as ever in fifth grade, moving through our units and of course having lots of fun doing so!
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
In math last week, we continued our work with estimation and computation. Students reviewed addition and subtraction of whole and decimal numbers, examined the components of open number sentences, and solved addition and subtraction number stories. We also conducted two experiments to collect and analyze data. Our first experiment focused on our reaction times and finding the landmarks for our data set. Our second experiment focused on probability and chance events. Students recorded results for the number of times pushpins landed face down.
READING WORKSHOP:
Literacy last week focused on our first five mini-lessons from the Schoolwide program: studying ourselves as readers. Students learned that readers need to have an understanding of their pace and stamina when reading in order to develop a clearer sense of themselves as readers, and began a reading log to track the time and amount read each day. Students also learned that readers have both short-term and long-term plans for their reading lives. We created "bookshelves" to help keep a running list of books to develop our reading identities, and build independence as readers. Students also learned the importance of book recommendations, and examined "Book Talk Criteria" to use in determining whether or not a book is "worthy" of a book talk. We planned our first book talk presentations and many students even got a chance to give their book talks to the class! Finally, we learned that readers talk with partners about their thinking in order to support comprehension. Students practiced jotting down ideas and sharing with a partner while using our conversation protocol.
WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Our WEX focus for the week was on focus. Students focused on setting and sound, and also completed their first revision assignment.
SOCIAL SCIENCE:
Once again, I found myself completely amazed by the students' passion for this project! Our time was spent wrapping up research and final projects, giving peer feedback, and completing research summaries. As students began to share their presentations with the class, the level of engagement only increased! Final projects were designed creatively and effectively to truly capture the attention of the audience while teaching classmates about his or her topic... Prezis, Posters, and slideshows......I can't wait to see what this week will bring!
THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will continue moving through Unit 2 this week. Students will practice multiplication of whole and decimal numbers.
READING WORKSHOP:
Our mini-lessons will continue this week. The topics include: elements of a story, examining characters, and reviewing reading data.
WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Our WEX time for the week will focus on using showing details.
SOCIAL SCIENCE:
The remaining American Revolution research presentations will be shared this week! We will also spend some time continuing our examination of the rising tensions in the colonies, along with the "Shot Heard 'Round the World." In addition, our beloved read aloud of My Brother Sam is Dead will begin. Please look for a parent letter that will be sent home this week.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Wednesday, October 5............................................Unit 2 Math Test (Anderle)
Thursday, October 6..................................................Historical Re-Enactment Field Trip (12:15pm)
Friday, October 7...........................................................No School (SIP DAY)
Monday, October 10.......................................................No School (Columbus Day)
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
In math last week, we continued our work with estimation and computation. Students reviewed addition and subtraction of whole and decimal numbers, examined the components of open number sentences, and solved addition and subtraction number stories. We also conducted two experiments to collect and analyze data. Our first experiment focused on our reaction times and finding the landmarks for our data set. Our second experiment focused on probability and chance events. Students recorded results for the number of times pushpins landed face down.
READING WORKSHOP:
Literacy last week focused on our first five mini-lessons from the Schoolwide program: studying ourselves as readers. Students learned that readers need to have an understanding of their pace and stamina when reading in order to develop a clearer sense of themselves as readers, and began a reading log to track the time and amount read each day. Students also learned that readers have both short-term and long-term plans for their reading lives. We created "bookshelves" to help keep a running list of books to develop our reading identities, and build independence as readers. Students also learned the importance of book recommendations, and examined "Book Talk Criteria" to use in determining whether or not a book is "worthy" of a book talk. We planned our first book talk presentations and many students even got a chance to give their book talks to the class! Finally, we learned that readers talk with partners about their thinking in order to support comprehension. Students practiced jotting down ideas and sharing with a partner while using our conversation protocol.
WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Our WEX focus for the week was on focus. Students focused on setting and sound, and also completed their first revision assignment.
SOCIAL SCIENCE:
Once again, I found myself completely amazed by the students' passion for this project! Our time was spent wrapping up research and final projects, giving peer feedback, and completing research summaries. As students began to share their presentations with the class, the level of engagement only increased! Final projects were designed creatively and effectively to truly capture the attention of the audience while teaching classmates about his or her topic... Prezis, Posters, and slideshows......I can't wait to see what this week will bring!
THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will continue moving through Unit 2 this week. Students will practice multiplication of whole and decimal numbers.
READING WORKSHOP:
Our mini-lessons will continue this week. The topics include: elements of a story, examining characters, and reviewing reading data.
WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Our WEX time for the week will focus on using showing details.
SOCIAL SCIENCE:
The remaining American Revolution research presentations will be shared this week! We will also spend some time continuing our examination of the rising tensions in the colonies, along with the "Shot Heard 'Round the World." In addition, our beloved read aloud of My Brother Sam is Dead will begin. Please look for a parent letter that will be sent home this week.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Wednesday, October 5............................................Unit 2 Math Test (Anderle)
Thursday, October 6..................................................Historical Re-Enactment Field Trip (12:15pm)
Friday, October 7...........................................................No School (SIP DAY)
Monday, October 10.......................................................No School (Columbus Day)