Can you believe it is March already? The year has been flying by. A big thank you to all of you who encouraged your student to get the big state report in on time. I was delighted with the quality of most of the reports!
We have a delightful student teacher in our room this month. She will be finishing up in April. Her name is Mrs. Hardy, and she is doing a great job!
The read aloud book I am sharing with the class right now is called Beetles, Lightly Toasted. It is a really funny book (with a certain "ewwww" factor) about a boy who follows the scientific method to find ways to conserve the food supply. I am hoping that it will inspire a lot of creativity as the students decide what to do for their science fair projects. Remember that the science fair is mandatory for my students. One of the Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO) is that each student by this point will be able to come up with a question, and then be able to come up with a way, using the scientific method, to answer it. Participation in the science fair is how I will be measuring the students' ability to do that. Science fair registration forms are due on March 12th. If you have lost yours, please stop by the office for another copy.
Math We have finished up our fraction unit, are working on ratios and percentages, and will be focusing a lot on graphing and measuring for the remainder of the month.
Reading The Last Treasure by Janet Anderson is the novel we are reading in class right now. It is full of mystery and adventure. This has been a book that my former students have absolutely loved, and this year's students are enjoying so far. Be sure to ask your child what is going on in the book!
Social Studies The Civil War is such an interesting subject to learn about! We are learning about the events leading up to the Civil War and about the Underground Railroad. Later this month, the students will do research on various people, battles, and topics relating to the Civil War, and will create posters to teach each other about what they have learned.
Science During the first half of March we will be focusing on current electricity. Then we will be moving onto our final unit of science: Heredity! Both of these units are fun and exciting for the kids. They have had a blast making electrical circuits and playing with static electricity.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Welcome to February!
Another month has come and gone, and here in Room 18 we are working hard and making a lot of progress! Last month I was able to go to two trainings and to observe a STEM school is Las Vegas. I can't wait to use some of the fun things I've learned!
Math
The students have done wonderfully with the basic fraction concepts. We will be working on adding and subtracting mixed numbers with regrouping, multiplying fractions, and ratios this month. The students have all of the skills they need to be successful, it's just a matter of learning the steps to use what they know.
Reading
Intervention groups have started again. The students are working on a weekly story out of the Harcourt Trophies book. They practice comprehension strategies and learn about different genres. In small groups, they are either working with a Title 1 aid or are in a guided reading group with me. Ask your child to tell you about the book he/she is reading!
Writing
Writing persuasive letters will be the focus of our writing lessons this month as we prepare to take to the Direct Writing Assessment. This is a writing test that all fifth graders will be participating in. Your child will be given a writing prompt and be expected to write a well-organized essay in the computer lab. The assessment will be graded by professionals at the state level. There will be several areas that will be graded. These include ideas, organization, word choice, voice, sentence structure, and spelling and punctuation.
Science
Give your child a high five! The entire class did an excellent job on their magnetism tests! Our average score was 19/20! Nowadays, there is electricity in the air! We will be focusing on both static and current electricity this month. Towards the end of the month we will begin our final unit on heredity.
Social Studies
Lewis and Clark, The War of 1812, The Texas Revolution, The Trail of Tears, and wagon trains were all covered in January. This month we will be learning about The War with Mexico, the California Gold Rush, the Homestead Act, the Pony Express, and the events leading up to the Civil War. We are covering a lot of information and the students are meeting the challenge with excitement and success! I love teaching US history!
SEP meetings
SEP meetings will be held the first week in March. Look for your appointment notice to come home during the second week of February. Also, if your child is on an IEP, your child's spring conference will be held at the middle school with the teacher that will be over him/her. If you still would like a regular SEP with me, just email me and let me know. Spring SEPs are very important for 5th graders!!! We will be filling out middle school registration as well as holding a progress conference. Your child will have to choose between band, orchestra, and an arts rotation. If your child is going to choose to play an instrument, we will need to put down which instrument he/she wants to play at that time.
State Reports
Hopefully you have heard by now that we are working on state reports in class. We will spend a large amount of time in the coming weeks on these reports. There will be ample time and instruction given on researching, how to put facts in your own words, how to organize a multi-page report, and to work on the maps and poetry that are required. The final draft will need to be completed at home, and it may be typed or neatly written. This will be the large project for 3rd quarter. It is due on Wednesday, February 29th.
*Please remind your child to read each night!
Math
The students have done wonderfully with the basic fraction concepts. We will be working on adding and subtracting mixed numbers with regrouping, multiplying fractions, and ratios this month. The students have all of the skills they need to be successful, it's just a matter of learning the steps to use what they know.
Reading
Intervention groups have started again. The students are working on a weekly story out of the Harcourt Trophies book. They practice comprehension strategies and learn about different genres. In small groups, they are either working with a Title 1 aid or are in a guided reading group with me. Ask your child to tell you about the book he/she is reading!
Writing
Writing persuasive letters will be the focus of our writing lessons this month as we prepare to take to the Direct Writing Assessment. This is a writing test that all fifth graders will be participating in. Your child will be given a writing prompt and be expected to write a well-organized essay in the computer lab. The assessment will be graded by professionals at the state level. There will be several areas that will be graded. These include ideas, organization, word choice, voice, sentence structure, and spelling and punctuation.
Science
Give your child a high five! The entire class did an excellent job on their magnetism tests! Our average score was 19/20! Nowadays, there is electricity in the air! We will be focusing on both static and current electricity this month. Towards the end of the month we will begin our final unit on heredity.
Social Studies
Lewis and Clark, The War of 1812, The Texas Revolution, The Trail of Tears, and wagon trains were all covered in January. This month we will be learning about The War with Mexico, the California Gold Rush, the Homestead Act, the Pony Express, and the events leading up to the Civil War. We are covering a lot of information and the students are meeting the challenge with excitement and success! I love teaching US history!
SEP meetings
SEP meetings will be held the first week in March. Look for your appointment notice to come home during the second week of February. Also, if your child is on an IEP, your child's spring conference will be held at the middle school with the teacher that will be over him/her. If you still would like a regular SEP with me, just email me and let me know. Spring SEPs are very important for 5th graders!!! We will be filling out middle school registration as well as holding a progress conference. Your child will have to choose between band, orchestra, and an arts rotation. If your child is going to choose to play an instrument, we will need to put down which instrument he/she wants to play at that time.
State Reports
Hopefully you have heard by now that we are working on state reports in class. We will spend a large amount of time in the coming weeks on these reports. There will be ample time and instruction given on researching, how to put facts in your own words, how to organize a multi-page report, and to work on the maps and poetry that are required. The final draft will need to be completed at home, and it may be typed or neatly written. This will be the large project for 3rd quarter. It is due on Wednesday, February 29th.
*Please remind your child to read each night!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Welcome to 2012!
Happy New Year!
I hope everyone had a refreshing break and is ready to come back full steam ahead! The next few months are critical as we really push into new academic territory.
Math --We will be spending a couple of days reviewing and refreshing material we have covered. Then we will begin our unit study on fractions. We will be learning about equivalent fractions, reducing/simplifying fractions, and comparing and ordering fractions. We will also be learning how fractions, decimals, and percents are connected.
Reading --We will be working out of the Harcourt text books for the first two weeks back. After the assessments given during the first two weeks, we will then be breaking up into guided reading groups again, and delving into some really exciting novels.
Spelling--Our lists for the coming month are going to be as follows:
Week 1-repeat of I before E list. The scores in December on this list were mediocre. It is an important rule to learn. The complete rule is: I before E, except after C and in words that say "ay" or "I"
Week 2--working on suffixes again ful, ness, ly
Week 3-- Working on science words
Week 4-- Compound words
Writing--The kids will be writing the summary for their Matter chapter in their science book, as well as be turning in their chapter on the American Revolution in their time travel book. We will also be learning more about how to use the 4-square organizer to help with our writing. This is a really useful tool. My son is a senior in college, and still uses the basic organizer for his writing. We will be using it to help us do our best in our Direct Writing Assessment. This is a test every 5th grader in the district will take in February. *Last month's focus was on descriptive writing. Hopefully your child brought home his/her Christmas Is poem so that you could see how descriptive your young author is. Several of the poems were published in Iron County Today just before Christmas. Let me know if you did not see it, and I will make copy of my issue.
Science--We are finishing up our Matter unit and will begin our study of magnetism and static electricity.
Social Studies--We are beginning our longest unit of the year. It covers Westward Expansion and is very fun. We will begin with Lewis and Clark and finish up with the Pony Express. We will be covering The War of 1812, the Texas Revolution, the Trail of Tears, wagon trains, and the War with Mexico. 5th graders usually love this unit, so ask your child what he/she is learning about!
Please be aware I will be out of the classroom twice this month for training. The first will be for a first-responder class. Since we only have a nurse in the building once a week, we try to have several staff members certified as first-responders for student safety. The second training I will be attending is an arts conference that also focuses on recycling and engineering. In light of North's transition to a STEM school, and my belief that the arts are important to a well rounded student, I volunteered to attend the conference.
Best wishes for a fantastic new year!
I hope everyone had a refreshing break and is ready to come back full steam ahead! The next few months are critical as we really push into new academic territory.
Math --We will be spending a couple of days reviewing and refreshing material we have covered. Then we will begin our unit study on fractions. We will be learning about equivalent fractions, reducing/simplifying fractions, and comparing and ordering fractions. We will also be learning how fractions, decimals, and percents are connected.
Reading --We will be working out of the Harcourt text books for the first two weeks back. After the assessments given during the first two weeks, we will then be breaking up into guided reading groups again, and delving into some really exciting novels.
Spelling--Our lists for the coming month are going to be as follows:
Week 1-repeat of I before E list. The scores in December on this list were mediocre. It is an important rule to learn. The complete rule is: I before E, except after C and in words that say "ay" or "I"
Week 2--working on suffixes again ful, ness, ly
Week 3-- Working on science words
Week 4-- Compound words
Writing--The kids will be writing the summary for their Matter chapter in their science book, as well as be turning in their chapter on the American Revolution in their time travel book. We will also be learning more about how to use the 4-square organizer to help with our writing. This is a really useful tool. My son is a senior in college, and still uses the basic organizer for his writing. We will be using it to help us do our best in our Direct Writing Assessment. This is a test every 5th grader in the district will take in February. *Last month's focus was on descriptive writing. Hopefully your child brought home his/her Christmas Is poem so that you could see how descriptive your young author is. Several of the poems were published in Iron County Today just before Christmas. Let me know if you did not see it, and I will make copy of my issue.
Science--We are finishing up our Matter unit and will begin our study of magnetism and static electricity.
Social Studies--We are beginning our longest unit of the year. It covers Westward Expansion and is very fun. We will begin with Lewis and Clark and finish up with the Pony Express. We will be covering The War of 1812, the Texas Revolution, the Trail of Tears, wagon trains, and the War with Mexico. 5th graders usually love this unit, so ask your child what he/she is learning about!
Please be aware I will be out of the classroom twice this month for training. The first will be for a first-responder class. Since we only have a nurse in the building once a week, we try to have several staff members certified as first-responders for student safety. The second training I will be attending is an arts conference that also focuses on recycling and engineering. In light of North's transition to a STEM school, and my belief that the arts are important to a well rounded student, I volunteered to attend the conference.
Best wishes for a fantastic new year!
Monday, November 28, 2011
It's the Best Time of the Year!
I love this time of year! The excitement, the traditions, the sound of little ones singing Christmas carols in music filling the halls. Of course, there is also a huge amount of stress and scheduling overload, as well.
Thanks to all of the parents and grandparents who helped make our Legacy Fair a success. I know that this project is one that took some assistance on your parts, but I think it is such a worthwhile one I keep doing it each year. I am hopeful that you and your child had a good time discussing what makes your family unique and special.
There are a few things going on during this month you will want to be aware of. First, is that our class is working hard with Mrs. Mel putting together a few scenes from The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. As soon as I get the date and time of the school performance, I will let you know. You won't want to miss it. Our class has some amazing actors and actresses in it! Also, the last day of school before Christmas Vacation is December 16th. Please enjoy your holiday and have safe travels and many wonderful memories.
Math: We have finished our basic Geometry unit and will spend the next three weeks working on area, perimeter, volume, and surface area. Your child will need to design a "gingerbread" house to bring in on the 16th. Please don't feel the need to make a homemade one. In fact, cardboard ones work wonderfully! We will be decorating these on the 16th. After the decorating has had a chance to set, we will be finding the area, perimeter, and volume of the houses. I will be asking that each child bring in frosting and something to decorate with (cereal works great and is relatively inexpensive). We'll share everything that is brought in. It's such a fun day. I will also welcome any and all volunteers that are willing to come in and help supervising our decorating. I will send home a flyer as it gets closer with the time.
Reading: Many of our groups are finishing up their novels. I hesitate to begin a new novel that will be not be finished before the holiday break, so we will be working on some non-fiction as well as short stories in the Harcourt set. Please encourage your child to read over the holidays!
Spelling: This week's list is a Christmas themed list. There are many longer words on it, but they should be fairly easy for the students to break apart by this point in the year as they use spelling rules we've already covered. Next week's list is one that focuses on the "I before E, except after C" rule. There will be no spelling list the week before Christmas. The annual spelling bee is approaching. Please let me know if your child is interested in participating! I will get a list of the words and rules to the parents who respond.
Social Studies: We are wrapping up our unit on the American Revolution, and will be working on understand how the federal government works next.
Science: The kids have been having a fun time with our Matter unit. We will be finishing this unit up during the next three weeks, as well. After the holiday we will begin our study of magnetism and electricity.
Writing: We have been doing a lot of writing! Not only have we been working on narrative writing (writing that tells a story), we have been doing a lot of poetry writing as well. Some of the poetry written by these students is absolutely amazing. We will continue to do at least one big poetry piece each month, in addition to the weekly poetry assignments they have. We are also beginning to focus on persuasive writing. Later this year, your child will be required to take a writing assessment that focuses on persuasive writing.
As the holiday season gets into full swing, I want to let you know how grateful I am to be a part of your students' lives. They are a remarkable batch of young people who continue to teach me. I also want to thank you for the kind thoughts and concern shown to me while my father was in the hospital, and then when I became so ill the following week. I appreciate it more than words can express. May your holidays be merry and bright!
Mrs. Bunker
Thanks to all of the parents and grandparents who helped make our Legacy Fair a success. I know that this project is one that took some assistance on your parts, but I think it is such a worthwhile one I keep doing it each year. I am hopeful that you and your child had a good time discussing what makes your family unique and special.
There are a few things going on during this month you will want to be aware of. First, is that our class is working hard with Mrs. Mel putting together a few scenes from The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. As soon as I get the date and time of the school performance, I will let you know. You won't want to miss it. Our class has some amazing actors and actresses in it! Also, the last day of school before Christmas Vacation is December 16th. Please enjoy your holiday and have safe travels and many wonderful memories.
Math: We have finished our basic Geometry unit and will spend the next three weeks working on area, perimeter, volume, and surface area. Your child will need to design a "gingerbread" house to bring in on the 16th. Please don't feel the need to make a homemade one. In fact, cardboard ones work wonderfully! We will be decorating these on the 16th. After the decorating has had a chance to set, we will be finding the area, perimeter, and volume of the houses. I will be asking that each child bring in frosting and something to decorate with (cereal works great and is relatively inexpensive). We'll share everything that is brought in. It's such a fun day. I will also welcome any and all volunteers that are willing to come in and help supervising our decorating. I will send home a flyer as it gets closer with the time.
Reading: Many of our groups are finishing up their novels. I hesitate to begin a new novel that will be not be finished before the holiday break, so we will be working on some non-fiction as well as short stories in the Harcourt set. Please encourage your child to read over the holidays!
Spelling: This week's list is a Christmas themed list. There are many longer words on it, but they should be fairly easy for the students to break apart by this point in the year as they use spelling rules we've already covered. Next week's list is one that focuses on the "I before E, except after C" rule. There will be no spelling list the week before Christmas. The annual spelling bee is approaching. Please let me know if your child is interested in participating! I will get a list of the words and rules to the parents who respond.
Social Studies: We are wrapping up our unit on the American Revolution, and will be working on understand how the federal government works next.
Science: The kids have been having a fun time with our Matter unit. We will be finishing this unit up during the next three weeks, as well. After the holiday we will begin our study of magnetism and electricity.
Writing: We have been doing a lot of writing! Not only have we been working on narrative writing (writing that tells a story), we have been doing a lot of poetry writing as well. Some of the poetry written by these students is absolutely amazing. We will continue to do at least one big poetry piece each month, in addition to the weekly poetry assignments they have. We are also beginning to focus on persuasive writing. Later this year, your child will be required to take a writing assessment that focuses on persuasive writing.
As the holiday season gets into full swing, I want to let you know how grateful I am to be a part of your students' lives. They are a remarkable batch of young people who continue to teach me. I also want to thank you for the kind thoughts and concern shown to me while my father was in the hospital, and then when I became so ill the following week. I appreciate it more than words can express. May your holidays be merry and bright!
Mrs. Bunker
Thursday, October 6, 2011
October
The year is just flying by! A big thank you to all of the parents who came to SEP conferences! It makes such a difference when your student knows you care about education.
Math
We have finished Topics 1,2, and 3, and are now working on division. Many of the students have a high anxiety level about division. I am working hard to make it non-threatening and fun. Please make sure your student is feeling comfortable with the homework assignment. If your child is having a lot of anxiety or difficulty, please write a note on the homework paper, so that I am aware!
Reading
Workshop time is going really well! Several students are getting ready to begin their second novels. Reading progress is being made by each and every one of the 5th graders in room 18. Give your child a pat on the back.
Please remember to ask to see your child's planner each night!!!!
Spelling
The first week of October will be our Halloween Themed spelling list. We will be doing a lot of writing in October, so it will be especially useful to know how to spell these! The second week in October will be a regular list. The general list will focus on when able/ible words. (You use able at the end of a word when there is a base word that can stand alone). There will be no spelling list the week of the 19th since it is a three day week. When we return from vacation, we will have a week of reviewing all of the spelling patterns we have covered so far.
Writing
Chapter 2 in our Time Travel chapter books is underway! We will be spending time in class working on the rough draft, editing, and revising. Please feel free to help your child with the typing, if he or she would prefer to have it typed. My goal is to have this be a fun way to integrate social studies and writing, for the kids to use their imaginations, and share what they have learned.
Quotation marks and dialogue will be one of our main topics this month, as will word choice. We will be doing some fun activities to help the kids learn these good author's skills and encourage their use in their writing.
Poetry is often intimidating for 5th graders, but we are starting to spend some time writing poetry, as well. After our amazing field trip, we brainstormed about autumn on the mountain, and wrote three different kinds of poetry. The kids then picked their favorite, and created some landscape art, and glued their poem onto it. They are looking amazing! I will be laminating these and putting them up in the hall. You should stop by and check out these projects. I've got a batch of really gifted students this year!
Science
Our field trip was a huge success! As we end our unit on geology, we will move on to Matter. It is a really fun unit. We will be learning about the three phases of matter, chemical changes, physical changes, elements, atoms, and all kinds of fun things.
Social Studies
We have finished with our first major unit in Social Studies, as well. Most of the kids loved learning about the different explorers and did very well on the end of unit test. We will be learning about the events leading up to the American Revolution and the Revolution itself in our next unit. I am thrilled that most of the students are really enjoying learning about US history this year. It is such fun to teach them!
Reminders of Important Events
* Maturation Program will be held November 11th at 2:00. Please make sure there is a responsible adult with your child if at all possible!
*No school October 20th-24th. The last day of class will be Wed. the 19th. We will return to class on Tuesday, the 25th. Have a great vacation with your family, and be safe!
Thanks so much for all of your support!
Mrs. Bunker
Math
We have finished Topics 1,2, and 3, and are now working on division. Many of the students have a high anxiety level about division. I am working hard to make it non-threatening and fun. Please make sure your student is feeling comfortable with the homework assignment. If your child is having a lot of anxiety or difficulty, please write a note on the homework paper, so that I am aware!
Reading
Workshop time is going really well! Several students are getting ready to begin their second novels. Reading progress is being made by each and every one of the 5th graders in room 18. Give your child a pat on the back.
Please remember to ask to see your child's planner each night!!!!
Spelling
The first week of October will be our Halloween Themed spelling list. We will be doing a lot of writing in October, so it will be especially useful to know how to spell these! The second week in October will be a regular list. The general list will focus on when able/ible words. (You use able at the end of a word when there is a base word that can stand alone). There will be no spelling list the week of the 19th since it is a three day week. When we return from vacation, we will have a week of reviewing all of the spelling patterns we have covered so far.
Writing
Chapter 2 in our Time Travel chapter books is underway! We will be spending time in class working on the rough draft, editing, and revising. Please feel free to help your child with the typing, if he or she would prefer to have it typed. My goal is to have this be a fun way to integrate social studies and writing, for the kids to use their imaginations, and share what they have learned.
Quotation marks and dialogue will be one of our main topics this month, as will word choice. We will be doing some fun activities to help the kids learn these good author's skills and encourage their use in their writing.
Poetry is often intimidating for 5th graders, but we are starting to spend some time writing poetry, as well. After our amazing field trip, we brainstormed about autumn on the mountain, and wrote three different kinds of poetry. The kids then picked their favorite, and created some landscape art, and glued their poem onto it. They are looking amazing! I will be laminating these and putting them up in the hall. You should stop by and check out these projects. I've got a batch of really gifted students this year!
Science
Our field trip was a huge success! As we end our unit on geology, we will move on to Matter. It is a really fun unit. We will be learning about the three phases of matter, chemical changes, physical changes, elements, atoms, and all kinds of fun things.
Social Studies
We have finished with our first major unit in Social Studies, as well. Most of the kids loved learning about the different explorers and did very well on the end of unit test. We will be learning about the events leading up to the American Revolution and the Revolution itself in our next unit. I am thrilled that most of the students are really enjoying learning about US history this year. It is such fun to teach them!
Reminders of Important Events
* Maturation Program will be held November 11th at 2:00. Please make sure there is a responsible adult with your child if at all possible!
*No school October 20th-24th. The last day of class will be Wed. the 19th. We will return to class on Tuesday, the 25th. Have a great vacation with your family, and be safe!
Thanks so much for all of your support!
Mrs. Bunker
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Happy September!
The Labor Day holiday is over, and that means that school is in full swing now. We have been working hard and have accomplished a lot already! Thank you for having your students here on time and ready to go! This year's class has the best attendance and punctuality that I have seen in quite a few years. Kudos to my students and their parents!
Math
We have finished Topic 1 with great results! We started Topic 2 this week, and it will continue next week. Topic 2 focuses on rounding, adding, and subtracting whole numbers and decimals. Each day as part of the lesson the students write steps used to solve the problems in their math notes, so they should have access to step by step instructions at home if they need them.
Reading
Finishing the class novel The Homework Machine was bittersweet for most of the students. They enjoyed the novel and writing style of the author, Dan Gutman. We will be starting literature circles and guided reading groups later this week. I truly believe that my students need to not just know how to read, but to develop a love for it, as well. As a result, I immerse them in as many good books as possible throughout the year. Your child will be reading a wide variety of books during our literacy time. Be sure to ask about what's going on in the group reading!
Writing
Writer's Workshop is getting underway as well in Room 18. Writer's Workshop is a time devoted to practice and improvement of our writing. Each of the students has met with me and set a specific writing goal to work on. There will be mini-lessons, but mostly lots of time to practice writing. I will continue to have mini-conferences with each student to check on individual progress, as well as instruct the students on how to effectively run an Author's Support Circle, in order to get feedback from each other.
We will be writing a chapter book in 5th grade. Your child is the main character, and has started the introduction this week. As we learn about US history this year, your child will be writing chapters about traveling through time in order to be a participant, or meet a historical figure who was a participant in some of the important events we learn about. It is a lot of fun. If your child wishes to have his/her stories typed, and then glue the pages into the book, I am fine with that. My goal in this activity is to have your child blend writing with social studies and use his/her imagination. Your child will need to have a rough draft, and go through the editing process, but you can help with the typing.
Spelling
We are working on Week 3. Hopefully you are seeing a copy of the list brought home on the first day of each week. Last week, the kids did amazingly well. Keep up the good work!
Science
Plate tectonics are cool! The kids have been having a lot of fun learning about how mountains and volcanoes are created, what causes earthquakes, and mapping recent eruptions and earthquakes on our map. Next week we will learn about erosion and weathering, and how they effect the surface of our planet. We are tentatively planning a field trip for Tuesday, September 27. We will be heading up to Cedar Mountain where we will venture into Mammoth Caves (which are old lava tubes) and go to Cedar Breaks in order to observe weathering and erosion up close. More information will be included on the permission slip which will go home as soon as we've gotten the bus arrangements confirmed.
Math
We have finished Topic 1 with great results! We started Topic 2 this week, and it will continue next week. Topic 2 focuses on rounding, adding, and subtracting whole numbers and decimals. Each day as part of the lesson the students write steps used to solve the problems in their math notes, so they should have access to step by step instructions at home if they need them.
Reading
Finishing the class novel The Homework Machine was bittersweet for most of the students. They enjoyed the novel and writing style of the author, Dan Gutman. We will be starting literature circles and guided reading groups later this week. I truly believe that my students need to not just know how to read, but to develop a love for it, as well. As a result, I immerse them in as many good books as possible throughout the year. Your child will be reading a wide variety of books during our literacy time. Be sure to ask about what's going on in the group reading!
Writing
Writer's Workshop is getting underway as well in Room 18. Writer's Workshop is a time devoted to practice and improvement of our writing. Each of the students has met with me and set a specific writing goal to work on. There will be mini-lessons, but mostly lots of time to practice writing. I will continue to have mini-conferences with each student to check on individual progress, as well as instruct the students on how to effectively run an Author's Support Circle, in order to get feedback from each other.
We will be writing a chapter book in 5th grade. Your child is the main character, and has started the introduction this week. As we learn about US history this year, your child will be writing chapters about traveling through time in order to be a participant, or meet a historical figure who was a participant in some of the important events we learn about. It is a lot of fun. If your child wishes to have his/her stories typed, and then glue the pages into the book, I am fine with that. My goal in this activity is to have your child blend writing with social studies and use his/her imagination. Your child will need to have a rough draft, and go through the editing process, but you can help with the typing.
Spelling
We are working on Week 3. Hopefully you are seeing a copy of the list brought home on the first day of each week. Last week, the kids did amazingly well. Keep up the good work!
Science
Plate tectonics are cool! The kids have been having a lot of fun learning about how mountains and volcanoes are created, what causes earthquakes, and mapping recent eruptions and earthquakes on our map. Next week we will learn about erosion and weathering, and how they effect the surface of our planet. We are tentatively planning a field trip for Tuesday, September 27. We will be heading up to Cedar Mountain where we will venture into Mammoth Caves (which are old lava tubes) and go to Cedar Breaks in order to observe weathering and erosion up close. More information will be included on the permission slip which will go home as soon as we've gotten the bus arrangements confirmed.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
August 25, 2011
The school year is off to a great start in Room 18. I hope your child is feeling excited about fifth grade and is looking forward to coming to school each day!
I will be sending home book orders on Friday, the 26th. Book orders are a great way to support a love of reading at a low cost. I will be sending home multiple book orders, but you can write just one check for all of them. You may also order online and pay with a credit/debit card. If you order online you will need to enter the code GYLY7. This will let you into my account. I do send home a "little kids" book order for those of you who may have small children or grandchildren. At anytime throughout the year if you would like to order something for a surprise or gift for your child, just send me a note. I will be happy to keep your secret and will let you know when you can pick it up in the office.
Math
We are reviewing place value and how to compare, order, and round numbers this week. The kids are doing a great job! We are also doing multiplication fact timings in order to get the kids ready for more advanced math. Your child has 5 minutes to complete 110 facts. Many of them are well on their way to becoming Math Fact Masters! If your child is still struggling with his/her basic facts, please spend some time practicing them. It will make a world of difference as we get into our units on multiplication, division, fractions, and geometry.
Reading
First, let me start by saying that that I do not only want children to learn strategies on how to read, but I want them to develop a love of reading. In my opinion, that is difficult to achieve by simply following a basal textbook where they read a short selection and answer the questions at the end. We will be reading a variety of books, some in a whole class setting, many in small groups, often in a variety of subjects, and each child will be provided 20 minutes several times a week in order to read a book of personal choice. Your child will also complete different activities and projects designed to improve comprehension and critical thinking. This year your child will be expected to read several different genres of books. Many times a child who claims to not like reading takes off and soars when exposed to different genres.
This week your child was given a quick word recognition screening in the classroom, and took a reading level assessment with one of our Title One aides. This gives us a good benchmark on where the students are at. We will use this information to put together intervention groups for any students who need a little extra support, as well as determining appropriate books for each child in our guided reading groups.
In the classroom we have begun reading a class novel called The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman. As we read the students will be doing journal writing, comparisons and contrasts, predicting, and using critical thinking skills.
Our read aloud book is Weasel by Cynthia DeFelice. It is set in 1839 and is action packed with some very intense scenes. It offers the kids a great springboard for discussions on prejudice, attitudes, optimism vs. pessimism, and the effect of one person on a community. Ask your child to tell you about it!
Spelling
This week's list is a school themed list, meaning all of the words have to do with school. I have also given the students a spelling assessment that will let me know where each child is at with spelling. Depending on the results, I will probably be offering a minimum of two different spelling lists. I am observing a wide range of spelling abilities in this group of students, and want to assure that each child has access to a list that will be both challenging and within their capabilities. In order for multiple lists to be used effectively, though, the students will need to take a greater responsibility in their spelling activities and studying at home.
Language Arts/Writing
We have been reviewing parts of a letter, as well as writing in our journals during class. Many of the students have said that punctuation, spelling, and coming up with ideas are very difficult for them. I will continue assessing during these early weeks in order to provide lessons that are tailored to this particular group.
Be prepared this year for A LOT of writing, across the curriculum. We are using the new common core curriculum this year, and it calls for a major increase in the amount and quality of writing done by fifth graders across the nation. I am excited. Your child will receive specific writing strategy lessons about three times a week during our Writer's Workshop, and will have uninterrupted writing time each day to practice those strategies.
Social Studies
Maps are magnificent! We are learning about maps and the different regions, waterways, and mountain ranges located in the United States. Your child will navigate around the globe using latitude and longitude lines to find specific locations.
Science
I just love it when I can show real-life applications to science, and boy, has this week cooperated! We are learning about the layers of the earth and plate tectonics. As earthquakes occur and volcanoes erupt, we will be mapping them on our wall map this year (We've already got three earthquakes up!). If you happen to catch news of an eruption or earthquake on the news, discuss it with your child. It's fun to see the ring of fire appear on our map.
I will be sending home book orders on Friday, the 26th. Book orders are a great way to support a love of reading at a low cost. I will be sending home multiple book orders, but you can write just one check for all of them. You may also order online and pay with a credit/debit card. If you order online you will need to enter the code GYLY7. This will let you into my account. I do send home a "little kids" book order for those of you who may have small children or grandchildren. At anytime throughout the year if you would like to order something for a surprise or gift for your child, just send me a note. I will be happy to keep your secret and will let you know when you can pick it up in the office.
Math
We are reviewing place value and how to compare, order, and round numbers this week. The kids are doing a great job! We are also doing multiplication fact timings in order to get the kids ready for more advanced math. Your child has 5 minutes to complete 110 facts. Many of them are well on their way to becoming Math Fact Masters! If your child is still struggling with his/her basic facts, please spend some time practicing them. It will make a world of difference as we get into our units on multiplication, division, fractions, and geometry.
Reading
First, let me start by saying that that I do not only want children to learn strategies on how to read, but I want them to develop a love of reading. In my opinion, that is difficult to achieve by simply following a basal textbook where they read a short selection and answer the questions at the end. We will be reading a variety of books, some in a whole class setting, many in small groups, often in a variety of subjects, and each child will be provided 20 minutes several times a week in order to read a book of personal choice. Your child will also complete different activities and projects designed to improve comprehension and critical thinking. This year your child will be expected to read several different genres of books. Many times a child who claims to not like reading takes off and soars when exposed to different genres.
This week your child was given a quick word recognition screening in the classroom, and took a reading level assessment with one of our Title One aides. This gives us a good benchmark on where the students are at. We will use this information to put together intervention groups for any students who need a little extra support, as well as determining appropriate books for each child in our guided reading groups.
In the classroom we have begun reading a class novel called The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman. As we read the students will be doing journal writing, comparisons and contrasts, predicting, and using critical thinking skills.
Our read aloud book is Weasel by Cynthia DeFelice. It is set in 1839 and is action packed with some very intense scenes. It offers the kids a great springboard for discussions on prejudice, attitudes, optimism vs. pessimism, and the effect of one person on a community. Ask your child to tell you about it!
Spelling
This week's list is a school themed list, meaning all of the words have to do with school. I have also given the students a spelling assessment that will let me know where each child is at with spelling. Depending on the results, I will probably be offering a minimum of two different spelling lists. I am observing a wide range of spelling abilities in this group of students, and want to assure that each child has access to a list that will be both challenging and within their capabilities. In order for multiple lists to be used effectively, though, the students will need to take a greater responsibility in their spelling activities and studying at home.
Language Arts/Writing
We have been reviewing parts of a letter, as well as writing in our journals during class. Many of the students have said that punctuation, spelling, and coming up with ideas are very difficult for them. I will continue assessing during these early weeks in order to provide lessons that are tailored to this particular group.
Be prepared this year for A LOT of writing, across the curriculum. We are using the new common core curriculum this year, and it calls for a major increase in the amount and quality of writing done by fifth graders across the nation. I am excited. Your child will receive specific writing strategy lessons about three times a week during our Writer's Workshop, and will have uninterrupted writing time each day to practice those strategies.
Social Studies
Maps are magnificent! We are learning about maps and the different regions, waterways, and mountain ranges located in the United States. Your child will navigate around the globe using latitude and longitude lines to find specific locations.
Science
I just love it when I can show real-life applications to science, and boy, has this week cooperated! We are learning about the layers of the earth and plate tectonics. As earthquakes occur and volcanoes erupt, we will be mapping them on our wall map this year (We've already got three earthquakes up!). If you happen to catch news of an eruption or earthquake on the news, discuss it with your child. It's fun to see the ring of fire appear on our map.
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