Happy Leap Day! Last week was filled with excitement as we finished up our Lion King auditions, met with Representative Schakowsky, and concluded our Energy Debates! Congratulations to our winners...Hydropower Energy!

Just a reminder...If you haven't already done so, please use this link to sign up for spring conferences:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a45a8af2ca4f94-mrs14
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HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
Last week in math we began Unit 7, Exponents and Negative Numbers. Students examined exponential notation, standard notation, and expanded notation. We also practiced using the powers of 10, along with scientific notation.

​READING WORKSHOP:
Our literacy time last week focused on the nonfiction text, Freedom Walkers. Throughout the week, students examined new vocabulary terms and practiced using various comprehension strategies to better understand this complex text. As we continued to explore this story behind the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott, students practiced questioning as they learned about the many boycott heroes. We also made text-to-self, text-to-text, and text-to-world connections as we examined the reasons why so many boycott supporters we "proud to be arrested." In addition, students used context clues to understand complex vocabulary and practiced summarizing the main idea using supporting details.

WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
We began our Response to Fiction essays last week during WEX. Students chose a character and character trait to focus on, and then wrote about two moments in which this character demonstrates the chosen trait. 

SOCIAL STUDIES:
Our Westward Expansion unit began as we explored Manifest Destiny and the many land acquisitions of the United States. Students worked in groups to examine (and are continuing to examine this week) the Louisiana Purchase, the expedition of Lewis and Clark, the Florida Acquisition, Texas Annexation, the Acquisition of Oregon Country, the Mexican Cessions and the Gadsden Purchase. Later this week, groups will present their findings to the class!

THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
This week in math we will continue moving through Unit 7. Students will practice using parentheses and the order of operations. We will also compare and order numbers, and add positive and negative numbers.

READING WORKSHOP:
We will begin our next nonfiction text, The Children of the Wild West. Students will examine frontier photographers, heading west in wagon trains, and the American Indians.

WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
We will finish up our Response to Fiction essays this week and publish our final drafts.

SOCIAL SCIENCE:
Our Westward Expansion unit will continue this week as we explore the diverse people of the West.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Wednesday, 3/2...................................................Club Photos (for yearbook)
                                          ********WEAR 5TH GRADE SHIRTS*********
Tuesday, 3/8.........................................................Band Concert @7pm TMS
Friday, 3/11...........................................................Report Cards Sent Home
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Happy February! We're ready to kick off another big week in fifth grade!

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
In math last week we finished up our Hands-On Equations algebra unit. Students learned how to add pawns to each side of the equation to solve problems. We also practiced adding zero pairs when setting up problems to subtract values that aren’t present in the original equation. In addition, students learned how to solve (-x) problems.

READING WORKSHOP:
Our Schoolwide Fiction unit continued last week as we wrapped-up our read aloud lessons and began mini-lessons. Students learned that readers of fiction recognize that stories address particular themes. We used the realistic fiction text, "The Can Man," to determine themes and support our claims with direct evidence from the text. Students also learned that readers of fiction actively construct understanding at the beginning of a story. We payed particular attention to the elements of a story and asked questions to check for understanding as we began the story, "Seeking a Hidden Hive."

Additionally, we 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:
We enthusiastically began our second WEX book of the year, Writing in Response to Fiction. Students wrote about people and characters they've observed. We also identified details that show character.

SCIENCE:
Students actively shared their Types of Energy presentations last week! Each presentation was unique, creative, and engaging, and we all enjoyed watching these lessons come alive through many exciting demonstrations! 

THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will review algebra this week and take our final test on Tuesday. Students will also begin Unit 6: Using Data and Addition/Subtraction of Fractions.

READING WORKSHOP:
Fiction mini-lessons will continue and we'll wrap-up our Liberation of Gabriel King unit as well.

WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Students will continue moving through our Writing in Response to Fiction unit this week.

SCIENCE:
We have a fun-filled week of energy science experiments to participate in this week!

UPCOMING EVENTS:
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