Wow, where has the month of February gone???!!! The days and weeks are flying by! Pitchers and catchers reported, our Lion King auditions began, and we even got a break from our typical winter temps! Only a few more week until spring! :)
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
In math last week we finished up Unit 6. Students learned how to subtract fractions and mixed numbers, and reviewed the major concepts from the unit. Our final test was on Friday! Way to go, 5-1!
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 explored this story behind the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott, students learned about the lives of Jo Ann Robinson and Claudette Colvin. We practiced visualizing as we compared life in the 1950s to life today. Students also examined photographs and captions to further understand how the author retells this story throughout the book. In addition, students compared and contrasted the lives of Jo Ann Robinson, Claudette Colvin, and Rosa Parks, and practiced determining important details from the text. Finally, we took an in depth look at Martin Luther King, Jr.’s involvement with the boycott, and evaluated his important decisions and influence in Montgomery.
WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
WEX last week focused on adding evidence by quoting directly from the text. Students also practiced using the verb tense rule for response to fiction.
SCIENCE:
Our final week of Energy was exciting! First, students broke into 6 different Energy Source groups:
Nuclear
Hydropower
Wind
Solar
Geothermal
Biomass
Next, each group read, discussed, and analyzed the research on their energy source. Together, students completed an extensive organizer to interpret the learned information from their reading. Groups then created a visual representation to teach the class about their energy source. Each group evaluated the effectiveness of their energy source and developed arguments and responses in preparation for our energy debate. Finally, students presented their findings to the class! This morning, our first round of debates were complete. The following our the winning teams after Round 1:
Biomass
Hydropower
Wind
THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will begin Unit 7, Exponents and Negative Numbers, this week! Students will examine exponential notation, powers of 10, and scientific notation.
READING WORKSHOP:
Our exploration of the nonfiction text, Freedom Walkers will continue. We will practice using various comprehension strategies and explore new vocabulary terms. This week we will focus on questioning, making connections, using context clues, and summarizing.
WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
This week students will begin their formal writing piece of Book 2, a Response to Fiction Essay. Students will write about a character trait in two moments of time.
SOCIAL SCIENCE:
Our Westward Expansion unit will begin this week as students examine Manifest Destiny and how the West was settled!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tuesday, 2/23..........................................Representative Shakowsky visits 5th Grade
Energy Test
Tuesday, 3/8............................................Band Concert @ TMS (7pm)
Friday, 3/11..............................................Report Cards Sent Home
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
In math last week we finished up Unit 6. Students learned how to subtract fractions and mixed numbers, and reviewed the major concepts from the unit. Our final test was on Friday! Way to go, 5-1!
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 explored this story behind the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott, students learned about the lives of Jo Ann Robinson and Claudette Colvin. We practiced visualizing as we compared life in the 1950s to life today. Students also examined photographs and captions to further understand how the author retells this story throughout the book. In addition, students compared and contrasted the lives of Jo Ann Robinson, Claudette Colvin, and Rosa Parks, and practiced determining important details from the text. Finally, we took an in depth look at Martin Luther King, Jr.’s involvement with the boycott, and evaluated his important decisions and influence in Montgomery.
WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
WEX last week focused on adding evidence by quoting directly from the text. Students also practiced using the verb tense rule for response to fiction.
SCIENCE:
Our final week of Energy was exciting! First, students broke into 6 different Energy Source groups:
Nuclear
Hydropower
Wind
Solar
Geothermal
Biomass
Next, each group read, discussed, and analyzed the research on their energy source. Together, students completed an extensive organizer to interpret the learned information from their reading. Groups then created a visual representation to teach the class about their energy source. Each group evaluated the effectiveness of their energy source and developed arguments and responses in preparation for our energy debate. Finally, students presented their findings to the class! This morning, our first round of debates were complete. The following our the winning teams after Round 1:
Biomass
Hydropower
Wind
THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will begin Unit 7, Exponents and Negative Numbers, this week! Students will examine exponential notation, powers of 10, and scientific notation.
READING WORKSHOP:
Our exploration of the nonfiction text, Freedom Walkers will continue. We will practice using various comprehension strategies and explore new vocabulary terms. This week we will focus on questioning, making connections, using context clues, and summarizing.
WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
This week students will begin their formal writing piece of Book 2, a Response to Fiction Essay. Students will write about a character trait in two moments of time.
SOCIAL SCIENCE:
Our Westward Expansion unit will begin this week as students examine Manifest Destiny and how the West was settled!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tuesday, 2/23..........................................Representative Shakowsky visits 5th Grade
Energy Test
Tuesday, 3/8............................................Band Concert @ TMS (7pm)
Friday, 3/11..............................................Report Cards Sent Home