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!
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