We are moving right along in fifth grade! Our class continues to work hard, and enjoys learning new concepts together! These last few weeks have truly been a pleasure!
Here's What Happened Last Week:
MATH:
In math last week we finished up Unit 1, Number Concepts. Students examined squares and square roots, and learned how to find the prime factorization of numbers. We also began reviewing the major concepts from the unit in preparation for tomorrow's test.
READING WORKSHOP:
Literacy last week focused on the power of conversation. Students learned that readers come together to have conversations in order to both share thinking and grow ideas together. We developed and implemented a protocol to follow during our conversations, and learned how to use a repertoire of strategies to begin conversations. In addition, students used different conversational moves, like asking questions and using textual evidence, to develop, support, and defend an idea about a text.
This week's texts:
My Life in Dog Years (A class favorite!)
A Day's Work
Students also learned the first literary signpost from Notice & Note Strategies for Close Reading. We used the text "Thank You, Ma'm" to examine Contrasts and Contradictions; when you're reading and a character says or does something that contradicts what he has been saying or doing all along. We learned to ask ourselves the question, "Why is the character doing that?" to help make a prediction or inference about the plot and conflict.
WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Our WEX focus for the week was on focus! Students practiced adding details and focused on writing about one moment in time.
SCIENCE:
We enthusiastically continued our Human Body in Motion unit last week! Students shared their limb models and demonstrated muscle, bone, and joint movement. We also learned how the nervous system supports movement. Students conducted an experiment that used different senses to catch a ruler between their fingers.
We also discovered that our bodies have a built-in protective mechanism (reflexes), and examined two reflexes involving the eyes-how the pupils change to limit the amount of light that enters them, and how to blink to protect them from harmful substances. We then compared these involuntary responses to the voluntary movements from our earlier experiment to discover that the nervous system is responsible for both kinds of motion in the body!
THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will review Unit 1 again today, and document/reflect on our study habits. Our Unit 1 test will take place tomorrow, and we will also begin Unit 2, Estimation and Computation, this week.
READING WORKSHOP:
We will continue examining the Notice & Note reading signposts this week, with a focus on Aha Moments and Tough Questions. Students will also use the nonfiction text, National Geographic's Bones and Muscles, to explore domain specific vocabulary and synthesize the interdependent relationship between the skeletal and muscular systems in helping our bodies move.
WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
This week in WEX we will focus on perspective.
SCIENCE:
Our Human Body in Motion unit will continue this week!
We will conduct an experiment to work our muscles and determine what our muscles need to thrive.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tuesday, 9/15...................................Unit 1 Math Test (Anderle)
Advanced Math MAP Test
Friday, 9/18.......................................Reading MAP Test
Monday, 9/21....................................Math MAP Test (Anderle)
Here's What Happened Last Week:
MATH:
In math last week we finished up Unit 1, Number Concepts. Students examined squares and square roots, and learned how to find the prime factorization of numbers. We also began reviewing the major concepts from the unit in preparation for tomorrow's test.
READING WORKSHOP:
Literacy last week focused on the power of conversation. Students learned that readers come together to have conversations in order to both share thinking and grow ideas together. We developed and implemented a protocol to follow during our conversations, and learned how to use a repertoire of strategies to begin conversations. In addition, students used different conversational moves, like asking questions and using textual evidence, to develop, support, and defend an idea about a text.
This week's texts:
My Life in Dog Years (A class favorite!)
A Day's Work
Students also learned the first literary signpost from Notice & Note Strategies for Close Reading. We used the text "Thank You, Ma'm" to examine Contrasts and Contradictions; when you're reading and a character says or does something that contradicts what he has been saying or doing all along. We learned to ask ourselves the question, "Why is the character doing that?" to help make a prediction or inference about the plot and conflict.
WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
Our WEX focus for the week was on focus! Students practiced adding details and focused on writing about one moment in time.
SCIENCE:
We enthusiastically continued our Human Body in Motion unit last week! Students shared their limb models and demonstrated muscle, bone, and joint movement. We also learned how the nervous system supports movement. Students conducted an experiment that used different senses to catch a ruler between their fingers.
We also discovered that our bodies have a built-in protective mechanism (reflexes), and examined two reflexes involving the eyes-how the pupils change to limit the amount of light that enters them, and how to blink to protect them from harmful substances. We then compared these involuntary responses to the voluntary movements from our earlier experiment to discover that the nervous system is responsible for both kinds of motion in the body!
THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will review Unit 1 again today, and document/reflect on our study habits. Our Unit 1 test will take place tomorrow, and we will also begin Unit 2, Estimation and Computation, this week.
READING WORKSHOP:
We will continue examining the Notice & Note reading signposts this week, with a focus on Aha Moments and Tough Questions. Students will also use the nonfiction text, National Geographic's Bones and Muscles, to explore domain specific vocabulary and synthesize the interdependent relationship between the skeletal and muscular systems in helping our bodies move.
WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
This week in WEX we will focus on perspective.
SCIENCE:
Our Human Body in Motion unit will continue this week!
We will conduct an experiment to work our muscles and determine what our muscles need to thrive.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tuesday, 9/15...................................Unit 1 Math Test (Anderle)
Advanced Math MAP Test
Friday, 9/18.......................................Reading MAP Test
Monday, 9/21....................................Math MAP Test (Anderle)
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