Happy March! It's hard to believe it, but it is also very evident that we're all getting a little bit of spring fever! ☀️ ⚾️ 😎
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK 💡
MATH:
Last week in math we began Chapter 6: Area. Students examined the formula for finding the area of a rectangle, and practiced using this formula to solve area problems involving fractional side lengths. Students also explored bases and heights of triangles.
READING WORKSHOP:
Our study of nonfiction signposts continued last week, as we examined Contrasts and Contradictions, Extreme or Absolute Language, and Number and Stats.
Contrasts and Contradictions:
When the author shows you how things/people/ideas contrast or contradict one another, or shows you something that contrasts or contradicts what you already know, you need to stop and ask yourself...What does this make me wonder about (or why does this matter)? We learned that the answer will help us see details that show the main idea, compare and contrast, understand author's purpose, infer, make a generalization, notice cause and effect. Students also learned that phrases such as on the other hand, by contrast, however, and another viewpoint provide direct signals of a contrast.
Extreme or Absolute Language:
Extreme or Absolute Language makes an exaggerated, overblown, and probably untrue claim. It admits of no exceptions, and it seems to forbid doubt or questions. When readers spot this language, they will be alerted either to the strength of the author's feelings or to the possibility that the writer is exaggerating and may even be deceiving or misleading the reader.
In class, students learned that when you're reading and you notice the author uses language that leaves no doubt, exaggerates, or pushes to the limit, we should stop and ask ourselves, "Why did the author say it like that?" We learned that the answers will tell us something about the author's point of view or purpose. The author might even be exaggerating to make us think a certain way.
Numbers & Stats:
Authors use numbers and statistics to provide precision-or to avoid it. This signpost helps students make comparisons, draw conclusions, make inferences or generalizations, differentiate fact and opinion, identify details, recognize evidence, and understand the author's purpose or bias.
Students learned that when you're reading and you notice specific numbers, number words, or amounts, you should stop and ask yourself, "Why did the author use these numbers or amounts?"
WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Our fiction unit continued last week during writing. Students selected a draft to take through the publication process, and began revisions to further develop characters and plot. Students also examined and implemented transitional words and phrases to clear up confusion from one event to the next.
SOCIAL STUDIES:
The American Revolution continued last week in fifth grade! Students compared and contrasted the British and Continental Armies, examined the Americans' push for independence and assistance from allies, and uncovered the details of the Treaty of Paris.
THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS 📌
MATH:
We will wrap up Chapter 6 this week. Students will practice finding the area of triangles, and we will take a modified final assessment on Thursday.
READING WORKSHOP:
This week we will begin an exploration of the nonfiction text, Freedom Walkers. Students will practice using various comprehension strategies and explore new vocabulary terms. This week we will focus on visualizing, comparing and contrasting, and understanding pictures and captions.
WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Students will continue to work on revisions for their fiction drafts this week.
SOCIAL STUDIES:
This week during social studies, students will examine the functions and structures of different forms of government.
UPCOMING EVENTS 📆
Monday, 3/1: Picture Day for our Zoomies!
Thursday, 3/4: Chapter 6 Math Assessment (Anderle)
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK 💡
MATH:
Last week in math we began Chapter 6: Area. Students examined the formula for finding the area of a rectangle, and practiced using this formula to solve area problems involving fractional side lengths. Students also explored bases and heights of triangles.
READING WORKSHOP:
Our study of nonfiction signposts continued last week, as we examined Contrasts and Contradictions, Extreme or Absolute Language, and Number and Stats.
Contrasts and Contradictions:
When the author shows you how things/people/ideas contrast or contradict one another, or shows you something that contrasts or contradicts what you already know, you need to stop and ask yourself...What does this make me wonder about (or why does this matter)? We learned that the answer will help us see details that show the main idea, compare and contrast, understand author's purpose, infer, make a generalization, notice cause and effect. Students also learned that phrases such as on the other hand, by contrast, however, and another viewpoint provide direct signals of a contrast.
Extreme or Absolute Language:
Extreme or Absolute Language makes an exaggerated, overblown, and probably untrue claim. It admits of no exceptions, and it seems to forbid doubt or questions. When readers spot this language, they will be alerted either to the strength of the author's feelings or to the possibility that the writer is exaggerating and may even be deceiving or misleading the reader.
In class, students learned that when you're reading and you notice the author uses language that leaves no doubt, exaggerates, or pushes to the limit, we should stop and ask ourselves, "Why did the author say it like that?" We learned that the answers will tell us something about the author's point of view or purpose. The author might even be exaggerating to make us think a certain way.
Numbers & Stats:
Authors use numbers and statistics to provide precision-or to avoid it. This signpost helps students make comparisons, draw conclusions, make inferences or generalizations, differentiate fact and opinion, identify details, recognize evidence, and understand the author's purpose or bias.
Students learned that when you're reading and you notice specific numbers, number words, or amounts, you should stop and ask yourself, "Why did the author use these numbers or amounts?"
WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Our fiction unit continued last week during writing. Students selected a draft to take through the publication process, and began revisions to further develop characters and plot. Students also examined and implemented transitional words and phrases to clear up confusion from one event to the next.
SOCIAL STUDIES:
The American Revolution continued last week in fifth grade! Students compared and contrasted the British and Continental Armies, examined the Americans' push for independence and assistance from allies, and uncovered the details of the Treaty of Paris.
THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS 📌
MATH:
We will wrap up Chapter 6 this week. Students will practice finding the area of triangles, and we will take a modified final assessment on Thursday.
READING WORKSHOP:
This week we will begin an exploration of the nonfiction text, Freedom Walkers. Students will practice using various comprehension strategies and explore new vocabulary terms. This week we will focus on visualizing, comparing and contrasting, and understanding pictures and captions.
WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Students will continue to work on revisions for their fiction drafts this week.
SOCIAL STUDIES:
This week during social studies, students will examine the functions and structures of different forms of government.
UPCOMING EVENTS 📆
Monday, 3/1: Picture Day for our Zoomies!
Thursday, 3/4: Chapter 6 Math Assessment (Anderle)
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