Happy December! Fifth grade continues to be super busy! It's hard to believe that our final weeks of the calendar year are already upon us!!!
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
In math last week we began Unit 5: Fractions, Decimals, and Percents. Students examined parts and wholes, and practiced finding fractions of fractions. We also explored mixed numbers and equivalent fractions. In addition, students ordered and compared fractions, and learned how to convert fractions into decimals.
READING WORKSHOP:
Our study of nonfiction continued last week with Notice & Note Stances, Signposts, and Strategies. We began the week by creating the questioning stance. Students were asked to read with the following questions in mind:
What surprised me?
What did the author think I already knew?
What changed, challenged, or confirmed what I already knew?
"Reading with these Big Questions in mind encourages a critical, attentive stance and develops habits of mind that-if we can instill them in our students-may help them deal more attentively and intelligently with the nonfiction texts they will encounter throughout their lives."
15 DAY CHALLENGE:
Students enthusiastically began our 15 Day Challenge, personlalized learning project! Our first step was examining the idea of what we would like to learn or master in 15 days. Next, students brainstormed topics and ideas, and formulated questions to drive their learning. We spent the rest of the week researching/learning, documenting, and reflecting on our findings each day. Students also worked with partners to provide peer feedback before setting goals for this week's research.
SCIENCE:
Our study of The Human Body in Motion continued last week. Students examined where our bones move, and discovered many of our body's major joints. Our class learned that muscles and bones work together to move our limbs. Students incorporated this understanding as they built model limbs that can bend and straighten! In addition, we also learned how the nervous system supports movement. Students conducted an experiment that used different senses to catch a ruler between their fingers.
THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will continue moving through Unit 5. Students will practice converting fractions into decimals and percents. We will also examine bar and circle graphs.
READING WORKSHOP:
Our study of nonfiction will continue with an exploration of the following signposts:
Contrasts and Contradictions
Extreme & Absolute Language
Numbers & Stats
Quoted Words
15 DAY CHALLENGE:
We will continue to explore our topics this week during our Personalized Learning time.
SCIENCE:
Our study of the Human Body in Motion will continue this week. Students will examine reflexes and working muscles.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tuesday, 12/6...........................................................................................Robert Crown: The Science Behind Drugs
Thursday, 12/8........................................................................................Band Concert @7pm
Wednesday, 12/14.................................................................................Unit 5 Math Test
Friday, 12/16.................................................................................................Winter Break begins @ 3:35pm!!!!
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
In math last week we began Unit 5: Fractions, Decimals, and Percents. Students examined parts and wholes, and practiced finding fractions of fractions. We also explored mixed numbers and equivalent fractions. In addition, students ordered and compared fractions, and learned how to convert fractions into decimals.
READING WORKSHOP:
Our study of nonfiction continued last week with Notice & Note Stances, Signposts, and Strategies. We began the week by creating the questioning stance. Students were asked to read with the following questions in mind:
What surprised me?
What did the author think I already knew?
What changed, challenged, or confirmed what I already knew?
"Reading with these Big Questions in mind encourages a critical, attentive stance and develops habits of mind that-if we can instill them in our students-may help them deal more attentively and intelligently with the nonfiction texts they will encounter throughout their lives."
15 DAY CHALLENGE:
Students enthusiastically began our 15 Day Challenge, personlalized learning project! Our first step was examining the idea of what we would like to learn or master in 15 days. Next, students brainstormed topics and ideas, and formulated questions to drive their learning. We spent the rest of the week researching/learning, documenting, and reflecting on our findings each day. Students also worked with partners to provide peer feedback before setting goals for this week's research.
SCIENCE:
Our study of The Human Body in Motion continued last week. Students examined where our bones move, and discovered many of our body's major joints. Our class learned that muscles and bones work together to move our limbs. Students incorporated this understanding as they built model limbs that can bend and straighten! In addition, we also learned how the nervous system supports movement. Students conducted an experiment that used different senses to catch a ruler between their fingers.
THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will continue moving through Unit 5. Students will practice converting fractions into decimals and percents. We will also examine bar and circle graphs.
READING WORKSHOP:
Our study of nonfiction will continue with an exploration of the following signposts:
Contrasts and Contradictions
Extreme & Absolute Language
Numbers & Stats
Quoted Words
15 DAY CHALLENGE:
We will continue to explore our topics this week during our Personalized Learning time.
SCIENCE:
Our study of the Human Body in Motion will continue this week. Students will examine reflexes and working muscles.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tuesday, 12/6...........................................................................................Robert Crown: The Science Behind Drugs
Thursday, 12/8........................................................................................Band Concert @7pm
Wednesday, 12/14.................................................................................Unit 5 Math Test
Friday, 12/16.................................................................................................Winter Break begins @ 3:35pm!!!!