Mrs. Anderle's Class
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Monday, February 29, 2016

2/29/2016

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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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Monday, February 22, 2016

2/22/2016

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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


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Tuesday, February 16, 2016

2/16/2016

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Welcome back after the long weekend! We had another busy and exciting week in fifth grade, and a wonderful Valentine's Day celebration on Friday. Thank you to our Room Moms, Mary Salm and Susie Zitella, and all of our parent volunteers for a super successful and fun afternoon! 

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
Last week in math we continued moving through Unit 6, Organizing Data and Adding/Subtracting Fractions. Students solved mystery plot problems and used sample sizes to make sound conclusions. We also reviewed equivalent fractions and least common multiples. In addition, students learned how to find lowest common denominators to add fractions with unlike denominators.

READING WORKSHOP:

We completed the last of our Fiction mini-lessons last week! Students learned that readers of ficiton understand that there are different types of conflict present in fiction. Students analyzed fiction stories and identified the type of conflict present in order to understand how it affects the plot and characters. Next, we learned that readers of fiction need to understand plot structure in order to comprehend the text. We created a visual representation (plot diagram) to understand plot development and deepen our overall understanding of plot. Students also learned that readers encounter a variety of types of fiction, including plays. We examined the elements of drama and the elements of a story portrayed in the play, "Coming to America." Finally, students spent the remainder of the week dealing with difficulty in vocabulary comprehension and uncovering the themes across multiple texts.

WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
WEX for the week focused on identifying textual evidence that shows character traits, and making connections between two moments based on traits. 

SCIENCE:
Energy explorations continued last week! Students conducted several experiments to examine the transfer of heat energy. Our first experiment demonstrated the transfer of heat energy between hot water and cold water. Students learned what happens when a container of warm water is placed into a container of cold water by collecting temperature data from each container over time. We graphed and analyzed these results, and learned that heat energy moves from the warm water to the cold water until the water in each container reaches the same temperature. In our second experiment, students continued to explore heat energy transfers, this time focusing on the concept of conduction. We compared how heat energy transfers from a warmer substance (water in this case) to some cooler objects (butter cubes placed on rods made from various materials). Students recognized that heat energy is conducted at different rates through different materials. In our final experiment, students attempted to slow the transfer of heat energy. We tested a variety of materials to see which ones act as the best insulator for a water bottle. Next, students designed and assembled insulation for their own water bottles, using materials they believed would effectively slow heat energy transfer. Finally, we tested our insulated water bottles to determine which bottle was insulated most effectively.

THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will finish up Unit 6 this week. Students will practice subtracting fractions with different denominators, and review the major concepts from the unit. Our final test will be on Friday.

READING WORKSHOP:
​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:
WEX this week will focus on the rules for verb tense and quoting directly from the text. 

SCIENCE:
Our final week of Energy will take place this week! Students will be researching Energy Sources, organizing information, and formulating arguments to participate in a class energy debate! 


UPCOMING EVENTS:
Wednesday, 2/17...........................................................LION KING Auditions Begin                                                                                                Monday Schedule
Friday, 2/19....................................................................Unit 6 Math Test (Anderle)




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Monday, February 8, 2016

2/8/2016

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​We had a great week last week, and fifth grade is as busy as ever! It’s hard to believe that Valentine’s Day is already upon us! Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone! <3 

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
Our Hands-On Equations unit came to an end after 4 exciting weeks of algebra! Students reviewed the major concepts/moves and took their final test on Tuesday. Next, we began Unit 6: Using Data and Adding/Subtracting Fractions. Students collected data and created line plots and stem and leaf plots. We also practiced finding the landmarks for various data sets.

READING WORKSHOP:
Our Schoolwide Fiction mini-lessons continued last! Students learned that readers of fiction understand that there are a variety of ways that writers show the passage of time. We identified several time passing signals in the stories, "Seeking a Hidden Hive," "Hattie's Birthday Box," and "Don't be an Uncle Max." Students used these signal words, along with temporal words, phrases, and sentences to build their understanding of fiction stories. We also learned that readers understand that there are different types of characters that play different roles in stories. Students identified these different types of characters and examined the changes that happened to round, dynamic characters in the story Peppe the Lamplighter.​

Sadly, our novel study on The Liberation of Gabriel King ​came to an end last week.  Students analyzed Terrance and Gabe’s characters and evaluated Frita’s fear list. We ranked Gabe’s adventures in order of most dangerous to least dangerous, and explored the theme of the novel. In addition, students examined the conflicts and resolutions within the story.

WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
During writers' workshop last week students wrote about what sensory details, dialogue, and narration show. We also practiced telling and showing with direct quotes.

SCIENCE:
Our Energy unit continued to be super exciting! First, students learned how people use machines to harness energy transfers in order to perform useful tasks. Next, we worked in small groups to build one of three different boat “machines,” each utilizing a different type of energy transfer to propel it. Finally, groups shared their boats as we participated in a class boat-launching event!

THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will continue moving through Unit 6. Students will examine mystery plots and sample size data, and learn how to add fractions with different denominators. 

READING WORKSHOP:
Our Fiction mini-lessons will continue this week. Students will examine conflict, plot structure, and theme. We will also navigate a play and practice dealing with difficulty.

WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
This week students will practice telling and showing with direct quotes, and identify textual evidence that shows character traits.

SCIENCE:
Energy will continue this week! Students will conduct several experiments to examine the transfer of heat energy!


UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tuesday, 2/9..........................................................Team Math Contest (lunch)
Thursday, 2/12.......................................................Valentine's Day Party @2:30pm
Monday, 2/15.........................................................No School (Presidents' Day)
Friday, 2/19............................................................Unit 6 Math Test (Anderle)
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Monday, February 1, 2016

2/1/2016

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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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Monday, January 25, 2016

1/25/2016

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Wow...I cannot believe the last week of January is here already! This year is flying by! We had another exciting week together, and I'm really starting to feel the cohesiveness of our class. There is nothing better than being part of a successful classroom community...I am one lucky teacher! <3

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
We're moving right along in our Hands-On Equations algebra unit. Students were introduced to the white pawn last week, otherwise known as "star." We examined the relationship between "X" and "star" (they're opposites), and learned how to remove a "zero pair" from the same side of the balance. 

READING WORKSHOP:
Our Schoolwide Fiction unit continued last week with an examination of point of view. Students learned that readers pay attention to who is narrating the story and consider how the narrator influences how the story is told. We read a wonderful story, "Hattie's Birthday Box," and considered how the person who is telling the story affects what story is told. Next, students learned that readers of historical fiction pay attention to story elements with particular attention to the writing. We noticed the effect the historical setting has on the characters and conflict as we read, "Peppe the Lamplighter." Finally, students explored the features of a modern-day fairy tale, including the message or lesson learned. 
Obviously we are super busy readers, but we did manage to squeeze in a tiny bit more exciting work with The Liberation of Gabriel King.  Much of our focus this week was on making inferences and finding evidence from the text to support our opinions. Students also spent time investigating the importance of "integrity" through an in depth look at the relationship between Jimmy Carter and the White Citizens Council. 

PERSONALIZED LEARNING:
Last week we shared most our final personalized learning projects! I have to say, I was blown away by the results!!! Watching our class confidently share their research and results was truly amazing. Equally impressive was the creativity and thoughtfulness that went into final presentations! I am so proud of their hard work, and I know they are as well. Each student also received peer feedback from the class, and again, this component of the personalized learning process was so well received. Thoughtful comments were given to one another, along with genuine questions being asked! Our final activity for Personalized Learning, completing a self-evaluation of the entire process, will take place this week.

SCIENCE:
Our Energy research projects continued last week as students made final preparations for their energy presentations. Once again, I'm truly impressed with the creativity and effort that has gone into these projects. The level of interest shown in our groups' chosen energy topics and excitement to share their expertise with the class is powerful! Everyone is excited for "Energy" this week!

THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:

Algebra will continue this week as we learn several legal moves involving zero pairs, "Xs," and "stars."

READING WORKSHOP:
Our final interactive read aloud lesson for our Fiction unit will take place this week as we identify theme. We will also begin our Fiction mini-lessons as well. In addition, our exploration of Gabriel King will continue as students analyze characters, review comprehension strategies, and explore the meaning of the word “oppression.” 

WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
We will begin our second WEX book this week, Response to Fiction. S
tudents will identify showing details and write about characters.​

SCIENCE:
Types of Energy presentations will be given this week!

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tuesday, 1/26.............................................Orbit Skate Night
Tuesday, 2/2...............................................Individual Math Contest (lunch)
Wednesday, 2/3.........................................Hands-On Equations Test (Anderle)
Thursday, 2/4.............................................Team Math Contest (lunch)

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Wednesday, January 20, 2016

1/20/2016

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Happy Wednesday! I hope you all enjoyed the long weekend! Things are moving right along in fifth grade as we progress through our Algebra, Energy, and Fiction/Liberation of Gabriel King units. We’re busy, and we’re having lots of fun!

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
In math last week we continued moving through our Hands-On Equations algebra unit. Students learned how to subtract X values in their equation set up. They also solved parentheses problems and used the pictorial system for solving algebraic equations. 

READING:
Our Schoolwide Fiction unit continued last week as we examined elements of a story and analyzed characters. Students learned that readers pay attention to the elements of a story to build their understanding. As we read and discussed "Don't Be an Uncle Max," students identified the elements and developed their thinking about them. We also learned that readers analyze characters by paying attention to their actions, thoughts, and dialogue. Through heavy discussion and analysis of the characters in "Promises," students identified details that revealed the characters' traits, and responded critically in either letter, diary, or essay form.

PERSONALIZED LEARNING:
Our final week of preparing presentations was completed last week! Students spent time reflecting on their work, giving peer feedback, and adding final touches to their projects. We're all looking forward to sharing our presentations this week!

SCIENCE:
Our energy explorations continued last week! Students worked in groups to research and answer questions about their type of energy. They also began making preparations for energy demonstrations and lessons to teach the class. 

THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
Algebra will continue this week as we learn all about zero pairs.

READING:
Our Schoolwide Fiction unit will continue as we examine point of view, historical fiction, and a modern day fairytale. Our Liberation of Gabriel King unit will also continue as we explore "integrity" and "justification."

PERSONALIZED LEARNING:
Final presentations will take place this week! Upon completion of presentations, students will update their sites and complete a final reflection regarding their project.

ENERGY:
Energy research will continue this week as students make final preparations for their energy lessons.


UPCOMING EVENTS:
Thursday, 1/21...................................................STEAM Night (6:30-8pm)
Tuesday, 1/26.....................................................Orbit Skate Night


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Monday, January 11, 2016

1/11/2016

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Happy Monday! I am amazed that we are already into the second week of January! We had a great week back and are ready for a busy second half of the school year!

HERES'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
In math last week we began our Hands-On Equations algebra program. Students were super excited about learning “legal” moves each day. So far we have been introduced to our blue pawn (x) and number cubes. Students learned how to keep our scale balanced, and remove equal amounts of pawns from both sides of an equation.    

READING:
We began our next Schoolwide unit, Fiction, last week. Students examined the many types of fiction that share similar characteristics, and analyzed characters in our current read aloud, Journey. We also learned that fiction is often structured chronologically. Students explored "scenes" of a story to better understand how the plot unfolded over a period of time.
Our whole class novel study/response to literature unit on The Liberation of Gabriel King​ also began last week. Students are extremely enthusiastic about the story of Gabriel King and his best friend Frita Wilson. Already we’ve had many mature and higher-level discussions as we’ve explored the ideas of liberation, integration, and justification. Students examined point of view, idioms, and character perspectives. We even researched the Bicentennial to provide background knowledge on the setting of the story.

PERSONALIZED LEARNING:
​Busy...busy...busy....we were last week as we finalized our notes, documented progress, reflected, gave peer feedback, and worked on completing our final projects! 

SCIENCE:
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Our Energy unit is off to a great start, and we are all enjoying it so far! Last week students participated in a variety of activities to develop their awareness of the various forms of energy. We discussed what energy is, where it can be found, what it does, and how it can be used. Students created "Energy is All Around Us" Pic Collages (iPad app) depicting "energy in action" and "stored energy." We also played a card/sorting game to categorize forms of energy. In addition, students explored energy transfers and how energy makes things work. We worked in small groups, rotating through energy stations as we operated a variety of toys and tried to determine the type of energy transfers that occurred in each toy.


THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will continue moving along in our Hands-On Equations algebra unit. Students will learn several new "legal moves" this week.

​READING:
Our Fiction unit, along with "Gabriel King," will continue this week. We will focus on elements of a story, character analysis, literary elements, and point of view.

PERSONALIZED LEARNING:
Our final week of project work is upon us! Students will make final preparations for their presentations, reflect on their experience, and meet with peers for critical feedback.

SCIENCE:
Energy explorations will take place this week in science. Students will begin researching energy types and answer questions that drive their learning. After their research is complete, students will prepare teaching presentations to inform classmates about their energy topic.


UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tuesday, 1/12..............................................Robert Crown (am)
Monday, 1/18..............................................No School (MLK, Jr)
Tuesday, 1/19..............................................No School (Institute Day)



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Monday, January 4, 2016

1/4/2016

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Happy New Year!!! I hope you had a wonderful winter break with your families, and enjoyed a restful vacation. Due to our two week absence, this week’s ANDERLE ADVENTURES will only contain our highlights for the week. Look for a regular edition of the ANDERLE ADVENTURES next week! 


THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will begin our Hands-On Equations algebra unit. Hands-On Equations uses a visual and kinesthetic instructional approach to clarify abstract algebraic concepts. It will look very different to you than the algebra you and I learned in school! It is an amazing program that naturally lends success to all students, so don't be worried!

READING:
We will begin our next Schoolwide reading unit which focuses on the fiction genre. Students will explore the structure of fiction, elements of a story, and point of view. Our whole class novel study/response to literature unit on The Liberation of Gabriel King (which coincides with our next WEX unit) will begin this week as well!

PERSONALIZED LEARNING:
​Students will finish up their research and prepare their final projects!

SOCIAL SCIENCE:
Students will finish up their Amendment presentations for Mr. Larson. Our class will be presenting to him next Thursday, January 14th!

SCIENCE:
Our exploration of ENERGY will begin this week as we examine different types of energy in our world.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Thursday, 1/7..............................MATH MAP TEST @ 9:10am
Monday, 1/11..............................READING MAP TEST @ 1:15pm
Tuesday, 1/12..............................Robert Crown, The Science Behind Drugs @10:10am


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Monday, December 14, 2015

12/14/2015

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Wishing each of you and your families a wonderful holiday season. Have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderfully Happy New Year!!!! See you all in 2016!!!!!

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH: 
In math last week we finished up Unit 4, Division. Students solved place value puzzles, and reviewed division, magnitude estimates, and triangles. In addition, students played an exciting game of First to 100 using the Algebra Election gameboard!

READING WORKSHOP:
Our study of nonfiction signposts continued last week, as we examined Extreme or Absolute Language, Numbers & Stats, Quoted Words, and Word Gaps.

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?"

​Quoted Words:
Asking students to be alert for Quoted Words really means asking them to think about what was quoted and who was quoted. This helps students recognize the author's purpose, make inferences, draw conclusions, and identify point of view. Noticing who is quoted and what is quoted might also help students think about facts and opinions, see cause and effect relationships, make comparisons or contrasts, draw conclusions, infer, and think about the author's point of view, purpose, or bias.
In class we learned that when you're reading and you notice the author quoted a voice of authority, a personal perspective, or cited others' words, you should stop and ask yourself, "Why did the author quote or cite this person.

Word Gaps:

Our final signpost turns attention to the gap between the words authors use and what students know about those words. For many this gap is the critical problem in understanding nonfiction texts. 
Students learned that when you're reading and the author uses a word or phrase you don't know, you should stop and ask yourself, "Do I know this word from someplace else?" or "Does this seem like technical talk for experts of this topic?" or "Can I find clues in the sentence to help me understand the word?"
The answers will help readers decide if they need to look the word up, or keep reading for more information.

PERSONALIZED LEARNING:
​We continued using our WEX time last week to work on our Personalized Learning projects. Students continued to move through the research process and document their findings. We also began reflecting on individual progress and gave feedback to peers as well!

SOCIAL SCIENCE:

Last week our Constitution unit came alive! To begin, students shared their Branches of Government projects with the class! Once again I was thoroughly impressed by the creativity and effort that went into each presentation. Next, our field trip to the courthouse was absolutely amazing! I can't think of a better way to see the branches (well at least two of them...) of government in action! Students loved speaking with attorneys, sheriffs/deputies, judges, probation officers, etc. first hand. They learned so much from the conversations and question/answer sessions with these professionals! Finally, our examination of the Bill of Rights began, first with an exploration and understanding of why the writers of the Constitution felt it was necessary to create these amendments to protect our rights. We split up into groups of three(ish) to research specific amendments and reach an understanding of what freedoms the amendment protects. Next week we will share this understanding with the class. In addition, Mr. Larson announced his proposed rules for Patton on Thursday. Beginning next week (or soon after) each group will find the proposed Patton Rule that violates the amendment they studied. Students will then be responsible for arguing against that rule.
THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
We will finish up Unit 4, Division. Students will take their final test on Tuesday. We'll spend the rest of the week completing logic puzzles and reviewing multiplication, fractions, and graphing!

READING WORKSHOP:
Our nonfiction signpost study will come to an end this week. Students will examine the following strategies:
Possible Sentences, Somebody Wanted But So, Syntax Surgery, Genre Reformulation, and Poster.

PERSONALIZED LEARNING:
We will continue working on our Personalized Learning Projects. Hopefully our research will be completed by the end of the week!

SOCIAL SCIENCE:
Our examination of the Bill Rights will continue this week as we learn more about specific amendments and prepare presentations for Mr. Larson.


UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tuesday, 12/15.............................................Unit 4 Math Test (Anderle)
Wednesday, 12/16........................................Branches of Government Quiz
Thursday, 12/17............................................Choir Performance @ 7pm
Friday, 12/18.................................................Winter Break Begins @ 3:35pm
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