HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
In math last week we finished up Unit 3. Students explored angles of polygons and solved geometry template problems. We reviewed the major concepts from the unit on Wednesday, and students took their final test on Thursday. Students did exceptionally well on this unit, and I'm so proud of the everyone's hard work on these tough concepts!
READING WORKSHOP:
Our study of Nonfiction began last week! Students examined the significance of nonfiction and how the genre is different from fiction. We learned about 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:
Students continued to move through the writing process last week, revising, editing, and publishing their personal narrative essays. We experimented with lead sentences and formulated paragraphs, in addition to meeting with our writing partners to peer edit our work. As well, our class designed their own scoring rubric for our personal narrative essays! Working in both small groups, and as a whole class, we established categories to be critiqued, descriptors for each "cell" of the rubric, along with the number value in each corresponding category. We went on to use this class-created rubric to self-assess our work! Finally, our class celebrated all of this hard work on Friday at our Authors' Party!
SOCIAL SCIENCE:
Our exciting exploration of self-selected American Revolution topics continued last week! Once again we spent our time researching topics, asking questions and documenting findings via note-taking, reflecting on progress, and eliciting peer feedback. Many students are already creating their final presentations to be shared with the class near the end of the week! I can't stress enough how amazed I have been with the excitement for learning during our social science time! We are all eagerly awaiting final presentations this week!
THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
Fifth grade math will make a switch for this upcoming unit...instead of moving on to Unit 4 (Division) this week, we will begin Unit 5: Fractions, Decimals, and Percents. We will come back to Unit 4 after our Thanksgiving break. This week, students will examine parts and wholes, as well as mixed numbers. We will compare and order fractions, and examine equivalent fractions.
READING WORKSHOP:
Our study of nonfiction will continue this week! Students will determine author's purpose, identify main ideas, and check for understanding.
WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
We will take a short hiatus from WEX this week as we use our time to finish our American Revolution research.
SOCIAL SCIENCE:
Our American Revolution exploration will continue this week as we finalize our research and notes. Students will prepare and present final presentations!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Friday, October 30..................................................Halloween Celebration (PM)