Mrs. Anderle's Class - Class News 2019-2020

Mrs. Anderle's Class

Monday, February 24, 2020

2/23/2020

Last week of February....how is this even possible??? We had a great week back after the extra long weekend! I do have 2 important items to bring to your attention:

1. On Friday, the entire 5th grade will be taking their class picture. Please have your child wear his or her shirt (if possible!) for this picture.

2. Next week, fifth graders will be taking 3 Illinois Science Assessments. For these tests, along with the upcoming IAR tests, STUDENTS WILL NEED HEADPHONES. While most of our class does have working headphones, there are a few who need replacements. Please check with your child to make sure he or she is prepared. THANK YOU!!!

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
Last week in math we began Chapter 9, Multiplying and Dividing Decimals. Students practiced dividing decimals by whole numbers, tens, hundreds, and thousands.

READING WORKSHOP:
Our literacy time last week focused on the nonfiction text, Freedom Walkers. Students examined new vocabulary terms and practiced using various comprehension strategies to better understand this complex text. As we began to explore this story behind the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott, students learned about the life of Jo Ann Robinson and the impact segregation had on her.

WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
We wrapped up our fiction writing unit last week with final writing conferences and the publication of our stories. Students are excited for our Fiction Gallery Walk this week!

SOCIAL STUDIES:
Our classroom study of the Bill of Rights and Constitution came to an end last week. Students put their knowledge of the first ten amendments to the test as they played the popular, and super fun game, Do I Have a Right? Later this week we will extend our knowledge of the Bill of Rights/Constitution when we begin a special "amendment" project in the LMC.

THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will continue moving through Chapter 9. Students will practice dividing decimals.

READING WORKSHOP:
Our study of Freedom Walkers will continue this week!

WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
This week we will begin our Expository Nonfiction writing unit.

SOCIAL STUDIES:
We will begin our next social studies unit, Westward Expansion.. Students will examine manifest destiny and the many land acquisitions acquired by the United States.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Friday, 2/28: 5th GRADE CLASS PIC (and Club Pics)....WEAR 5th GRADE SHIRTS
Tuesday, 3/3: Illinois Science Assessment Test #1 (am)
Wednesday, 3/4: Illinois Science Assessment Test #2 (am)
Thursday, 3/5: Illinois Science Assessment Test #3 (am)

Monday, February 3, 2020

2/2/2020

Happy February! Frozen auditions are in full swing and we had an amazing turnout last week! Thanks to all of you for shuffling around your schedules to make this happen, I know it isn't easy and we appreciate your support! Looking forward to continuing this week!

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
Last week in math we wrapped up Chapter 6 with our posttest on Tuesday. We also began Chapter 8 (skipping Chapter 7 for now, per the District 25 pacing schedule), Decimals. Students examined the relationship between thousandths and hundredths.

READING WORKSHOP:
Our literacy time last week continued to focus on The Liberation of Gabriel King. Students examined the vocabulary terms perseverance and oppression, and used text support to predict whether Mr. Evans said something kind or hurtful to Frita.

WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Being a Writer last week focused on revising our fiction drafts! Students learned how to revise closing sentences, and how to revise to develop their setting. We also began creating a second draft to include all of our revisions.

SOCIAL S|CIENCE:
Last week during social studies we examined the Bill of Rights. Students explored the purpose in creating the Bill of Rights and learned about the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th Amendments.

THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
Math:
We will continue moving through Chapter 8, Decimals.

READING WORKSHOP:
This week we will wrap up our Liberation of Gabriel King novel study.

WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Students will continue editing and revising their fiction stories this week.

SOCIAL STUDIES:
Our study of the Bill of Rights will continue this week.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Monday, 2/3: AUDITIONS...Olaf
Tuesday, 2/4: INDIVIDUAL MATH CONTEST #2 (Lunch)
Wednesday, 2/5: AUDITIONS...Princess Anna
Thursday, 2/6: AUDITIONS...Elsa
TEAM MATH CONTEST #2 (Lunch)
Friday, 2/7: Rolling Meadows Courthouse Field Trip
Wednesday, 2/12: VALENTINE'S DAY CELEBRATION (PM)
FROZEN Cast Reveal (PM)
Thursday, 2/13 & Friday, 2/14: No School (Conferences)
Monday, 2/17: No School (Presidents' Day)

Monday, January 27, 2020

1/26/2020

It's hard to believe that tomorrow is the day for our Frozen auditions to begin!!! This year is going by so quickly...hold on tight!

Thanks again to everyone who was able to come out on Saturday to FMSC! Spending time with students and families outside of school is truly a gift...and not one I get to enjoy nearly often enough, so thank you!

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
We wrapped up our new lessons for Chapter 6, Area. Students learned strategies for determining the bast and height of triangles, and practiced using the formula for finding the area of a triangle.

READING WORKSHOP:
Most of our week was spent reading, analyzing, and discussing The Liberation of Gabriel King. Students examined new vocabulary terms and researched many of the historical facts mentioned in the story. We also selected character traits that define Frita Wilson, and used specific evidence from the text to support these claims.

WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Our fiction unit continued last week during writing. Students selected a draft to take through the publication process, and we began revisions to further develop characters and plot. Students also examined transitional words and phrasing to ensure their stories make sense from one event to the next.

SOCIAL SCIENCE:
Our Constitution/Branches of Government unit continued last week. Students completed their research project and gave presentations on each branch of government. We will be having a test over this information on Friday.

THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will review Chapter 6 and take our final test on Tuesday. Our next unit will be Chapter 8, Decimals.

READING WORKSHOP:
We will continue our whole class novel study on The Liberation of Gabriel King.

WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Students will continue to work on revisions for their fiction drafts this week.

SOCIAL STUDIES:
This week we will begin learning about the Bill of Rights. Students will take a test on the Branches of Government this Friday!

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Monday, 1/27: AUDITIONS...King Agnarr & Queen Iduna
Wednesday, 1/29: AUDITIONS....Hans/Kristoff
Thursday, 1/30: AUDITIONS...Olaf
Friday, 1/31: Branches of Government Test!
Monday, 2/3: AUDITIONS...Olaf (Callbacks if needed)
Tuesday, 2/4: INDIVIDUAL MATH CONTEST #2 (Lunch)
Wednesday, 2/5: AUDITIONS...Princess Anna
Thursday, 2/6: AUDITIONS...Elsa
TEAM MATH CONTEST #2 (Lunch)
Friday, 2/7: Rolling Meadows Courthouse Field Trip

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

1/20/2020

Welcome back after the long weekend! Fifth grade's in full speed as we continue to navigate through our units and prepare for our upcoming Frozen auditions. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the audition packet that was sent home last week.

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
We finished up our Algebra unit with a final test on Tuesday. We spent the remainder of the week working on the opening lessons for Chapter 6, Area. Students practiced finding the area of rectangles with fractional side lengths.

READING WORKSHOP:
Our Liberation of Gabriel King unit continued last week!. Much of our focus was on making inferences and finding evidence from the text to support our opinions. Students also spent time investigating the importance of "integrity" through an in depth look at the relationship between Jimmy Carter and the White Citizens Council.

WRITERS; WORKSHOP:
We continued to explore Fiction writing last week. Students wrote about a single object and practiced adding details about character, plot, and setting to their drafts.

SOCIAL SCIENCE:
We moved back into Social Science last week as we began our unit on The Constitution and Government. We kicked off the week with an examination of the Articles of Confederation and the Constitutional Convention. Later we formed groups to research the people, responsibilities, and powers of the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branches of Government.

THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will continue moving through Chapter 6. Students will practice finding the area of triangles.

READING WORKSHOP:
Our Liberation of Gabriel King novel study will continue this week!

WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Students will begin moving through the writing process with their self-selected fiction drafts.

SOCIAL SCIENCE:
Students will share their branches of government presentations this week!

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Thursday, 1/23: MONDAY SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, 1/25: FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN 11:30-1:30
Monday, 1/27: AUDITIONS...King Agnarr & Queen Iduna
Wednesday, 1/29: AUDITIONS....Hans/Kristoff
Thursday, 1/30: AUDITIONS...Olaf
Monday, 2/3: AUDITIONS...Olaf (Callbacks if needed)
Tuesday, 2/4: INDIVIDUAL MATH CONTEST #2 (Lunch)
Wednesday, 2/5: AUDITIONS...Princess Anna
Thursday, 2/6: AUDITIONS...Elsa
TEAM MATH CONTEST #2 (Lunch)
Friday, 2/7: Rolling Meadows Courthouse Field Trip

Monday, January 13, 2020

1/13/2020

Happy New Year! We had a great week back and are ready for a busy second half of the school year!

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
In math last week we began Chapter 5: Algebra. Students examined number patterns and identified the rule used to determine the next several terms. We also practiced using variables and solving equations. This was a super quick chapter, so we'll be taking our test tomorrow!

READING:
Our whole class novel study/response to literature unit on The Liberation of Gabriel King began last week! Students are extremely enthusiastic about the story of Gabriel King and his best friend Frita Wilson. Already we’ve had many mature and higher-level discussions as we’ve explored the ideas of liberation, integration, and justification.

WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Our Fiction writing unit continued last week! Students reviewed character, setting, and plot and practiced incorporating these components into their fiction drafts.

SCIENCE:
Our Matter unit came to an end last week with a few final exciting lessons! On Thursday, students examined the changing properties of matter as they created Oobleck mixtures! On Friday, all fifth grade students rotated through 3 science lessons (taught by each fifth grade teacher) focusing on mixtures.

THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will wrap up Chapter 5 tomorrow and begin Chapter 6, Area, on Wednesday.

READING:
Our whole class novel study of The Liberation of Gabriel King will continue this week!

WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Our Fiction unit will continue this week as students focus on revising their drafts.

SOCIAL SCIENCE:
We will begin our next social studies unit this week: The Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Branches of Government.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tuesday, 1/14: Chapter 5 Math Test (Anderle)
Monday, 1/20: No School, MLK,JR. Day
Thursday, 1/23: MONDAY SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, 1/25: FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN 11:30-1:30
Monday, 1/27: AUDITIONS...King Agnarr & Queen Iduna
Wednesday, 1/29: AUDITIONS....Hans/Kristoff
Thursday, 1/30: AUDITIONS...Olaf
Monday, 2/3: AUDITIONS...Olaf (Callbacks if needed)
Tuesday, 2/4: INDIVIDUAL MATH CONTEST #2 (Lunch)
Wednesday, 2/5: AUDITIONS...Princess Anna
Thursday, 2/6: AUDITIONS...Elsa
TEAM MATH CONTEST #2 (Lunch)
Friday, 2/7: Rolling Meadows Courthouse Field Trip (Slips coming home today!)

Monday, December 9, 2019

12/8/2019

Another busy and exciting week passed us by, and we're gearing up for the final weeks of 2019! Thank you to everyone who came out to our Frozen meeting on Thursday. Your support means the world to us!

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
Last week in math we continued moving through Chapter 4. Students learned how to divide fractions by whole numbers. We also continued to practice solving real world multiplication and division of fractions problems. As the lessons progress, these problems will increase in difficulty. We've been working daily on using many different problem solving strategies to tackle these challenges.

READING WORKSHOP:
Our study of nonfiction continued last week. We examined and compared nonfiction text structures, and also began exploring the Notice & Note nonfiction signposts. This study began 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."

WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Writers last week made their final edits on their personal narratives. We proofread for spelling, grammar/punctuation, and proper paragraph usage. Students met with partners for final feedback before publishing, and we held our second Gallery Walk on Friday to share our work!

SCIENCE:
Our Earth in Space unit concluded last week with presentations of constellation data. We were lucky enough to also begin our second science unit of the year, Matter. Students identified and categorized types of matter within our classroom. We used this information to further define matter based on our findings.

THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will finish up Chapter 4 this week with a final assessment on Friday.

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

WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
We will begin our Fiction writing unit this week!

SCIENCE:
Our study of Matter will continue this week with a focus on properties of matter.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Monday, 12/9: Math MAP Test (AM)
Tuesday, 12/10: Band Concert 7pm
Friday, 12/13: Chapter 4 Math Test (Anderle)

Monday, December 2, 2019

12/2/2019

Welcome back and Happy December! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families. Due to last week's absence, this week's Anderle Adventures post will only contain highlights for the week ahead. Look for a regular edition of the Anderle Adventures next week! :

THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will continue moving through Chapter 4. Students will practice solving real world multiplication of mixed numbers problems and review dividing fractions.

READING WORKSHOP:
Our nonfiction unit will continue! This week's workshop topics include: nonfiction text structures. We will hopefully also begin looking at the Notice & Note nonfiction signposts at the end of the week!

WRITERS' WORKSHOP::
This week we will finish up our Personal Narrative unit. Students will spend time proofreading, conferring, and publishing. We will also hold our second Gallery Walk on Friday!

SCIENCE:
Our next science unit, Matter, will begin this week!

UPCOMING EVENTS
Tuesday, 12/3: Individual Math Contest #1 (Lunch)
Thursday, 12/5: READING MAP TEST
Team Math Contest #1 (Lunch)
5th Grade Musical Meeting @7pm!
Monday, 12/9: MATH MAP TEST

Monday, November 18, 2019

11/17/2019

It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is next week! I hope you all enjoy a wonderful holiday with your families! See you in December!
PS: Just a reminder, please let me know by Friday if you are interested in attending Feed My Starving Children on January 25th. We'll be working together with Mr. Morkert's class on this service project!

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
Last week in math we began Chapter 4, Multiplying and Dividing Fractions and Mixed Numbers. Students practiced multiplying proper fractions and simplifying products. We also got started with solving real world multiplication of fractions problems.

READING WORKSHOP:
Our study of Nonfiction began last week! Students examined the significance of nonfiction and how the genre is different from fiction. We reviewed the different types of nonfiction and the unique elements within various texts. Students also examined the textual features of reference nonfiction, and used them to locate and sort information. We explored different text structures to comprehend multiple nonfiction texts, and practiced asking ourselves questions before, during, and after reading. Students asked these questions to activate prior knowledge, build understanding, and monitor comprehension.

WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Last week our writers continued revising their personal narrative drafts. Students revised for sensory details along with thoughts/feelings and lessons learned. We also analyzed opening and closing sentences.

SCIENCE:
Earth In Space continued last week as we examined Earth's rotation around the sun. Students explored theories and created models to observe patterns of day and night, and Earth's revolution around the sun.

THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will continue moving through Chapter 4. Students will learn how to multiply mixed numbers and continue solving real world multiplication of fractions problems.

READING WORKSHOP:
Our nonfiction study will continue this week. Topics of focus include: determining the main idea in nonfiction, problem and solution text structure, and cause and effect text structure.

WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Writers will continue to work on publishing their drafts this week. Students will self-assess, peer confer, and proofread!

SCIENCE:
Earth in Space will continue this week with a focus on seasons and constellations.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Monday, 11/25-Friday, 11/29: FALL BREAK!
Monday, 12/2: Classes Resume!

Monday, November 11, 2019H

11/10/2019

Happy Veterans' Day to all who have served (and continue to serve) and protect our country! We are looking forward to honoring our Veterans later this morning at our assembly!

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
Last week in math we finished up Chapter 3. Students practiced solving real world fraction problems and reviewed the major concepts from the unit. We took our final assessment on Thursday and Friday.

READING WORKSHOP:
We wrapped up our Fiction unit of study last week! Students practiced finding signposts, examined the meanings of unfamiliar words, wrote questions to discuss at their Book Club meetings, and continued to determine evidence to use when finding themes.

WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Our writers last week continued to explore personal narratives. They examined examples of narratives that focused on valuable lessons learned in life, and practiced incorporating sensory details into their own narratives to engage readers. Students also selected their personal narrative draft to take through the publication stages of the writing process.

SCIENCE:
Earth in Space continued last week with a focus on Earth's gravitational force. Students created 2 and 3 dimensional models to prove their theories, and worked with partners to showcase their evidence through short video clips.

THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will begin Chapter 4, Multiplying and Dividing Fractions and Mixed Numbers. This week we will focus on multiplying proper and improper fractions.

READING WORKSHOP:
We will begin our Nonfiction unit this week!

WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Students will revise and edit their personal narrative drafts.

SCIENCE:
Earth in Space will continue this week with a focus on collecting and analyzing star data.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Monday, 11/11: Happy Veterans' Day
Tuesday, 11/12: Individual Math Contest Practice (Lunch)
Thursday, 11/14: Team Math Contest Practice (Lunch)
Monday, 11/25-Friday, 11/29: FALL BREAK!
Monday, 12/2: Classes Resume

Monday, November 4, 2019

11/4/2019

Happy November (how is it November already???) Thank you so much to our amazing Room Moms, Mrs. Klehr and Mrs. Kayse, for their hard work in planning our outstanding Halloween party on Thursday! Thank you, also, to all of our wonderful parent volunteers who helped out in the afternoon as well! We are grateful for each of you!

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
In math last week we continued to practice adding and subtracting mixed numbers. Students also began solving real world fraction problems.

READING WORKSHOP:
Our reading workshop was busy last week as we continued to examine story elements, character and plot development, and theme. Additionally, we were able to get our Book Clubs up and running, and it was fun to see such enthusiasm for the book selections: Freak the Mighty, Because of Mr. Terupt, Holes, and Save Me A Seat.

WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Last week in writing we learned that authors often write about what they've heard or learned from others. We used this information to shape our own personal narrative drafts.

SCIENCE:
Our study of Earth in Space began last week! Working in partnerships, students explored evidence to support the claim that the shape of the Earth is round. Next, students created models of Earth's shape, answered reflective questions about the use and purpose of models, and used researched evidence of Earth's shape to create a video explanation.

THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will finish up Chapter 3 this week! Our final assessment will be on Thursday.

READING WORKSHOP:
Our Fiction unit of study will come to an end this week. We will be wrapping this unit up with some final practice of determining plot structure and comparing themes across texts.

WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
As writers this week, students will continue to focus on Personal Narratives.

SCIENCE:
This week we will examine gravity.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Thursday, 11/7: Chapter 3 Math Test (Anderle)
Monday, 11/11: Veterans' Day!