October 13, 2017
We are already halfway through October, and the year feels as if it's flying by! Please continue to read below to learn all about the exciting happenings in 5th grade!
Literacy
*We are reading our second shared reading book of the year - Washed Up by Paval Kapadia. Also, we are continuing to work on our reading learning targets - finding theme, summarizing, and comparing/contrasting characters and settings (LIT.5.1-3)
Writing
*Students are in the process of planning and drafting their informative/expository essays. Connecting to ecosystems, students picked an environment to focus on. After utilizing graphic organizers to plan and researching information, they are writing and editing their rough drafts. Be sure to ask your student what he/she learned about while researching their chosen environment!
Math
*We are continuing to focus on fractions during our second unit in math. The students have been learning how to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators by finding common denominators and equivalent fractions (5.NF.1). Also, they've been applying and stretching their knowledge to solve fractions story problems (5.NF.2). There is a Unit 2 Post-Assessment on Monday (10/16). Please, review the learning targets at home with your child in preparation.
Social Studies
*We have started Social Studies this week, and our first unit includes indentured servitude and slavery. Students will be learning about the differences between the two and how indentured servitude eventually lead up to slavery during the colonial era.
Science
*We are continuing our focus on understanding the characteristics of various ecosystems around the world.
*Last week, we officially started the implementation of our word study program, Words Their Way. Students are placed within groups that target their specific needs regarding vocabulary and spelling. Every Monday, students are given a sort and a spelling menu. They are assigned to complete 3 activities on their spelling menus by Friday. Every day during literacy, the students have time to work on WTW. Technically, they don't have homework for WTW unless they do not finish their 3 activities within class by Thursday. If we have a shortened school week, I will not switch the students' sorts because we typically start a new sort on Mondays.
Upcoming Events
Oct. 16 (Monday): Math Unit 2 Post-Assessment
Oct. 16 (Monday): Picture Re-Take (If your child is taking a re-take, please bring the photo package)
Oct. 16 (Monday): Picture Re-Take (If your child is taking a re-take, please bring the photo package)
Oct. 24 (Tuesday): EARLY RELEASE DAY (Dismissal @ 2PM)
Oct. 31 (Tuesday): Halloween Parties (Refer to Mr. Hanrahan's blog about details)
**We have 24 students in our classroom. When sending students with treats/candy/snacks, please make sure that there is enough for everyone and everything is approved through our Safe Snack List.
**We have 24 students in our classroom. When sending students with treats/candy/snacks, please make sure that there is enough for everyone and everything is approved through our Safe Snack List.
Friendly Reminders
** Please remember to send your child with a healthy snack. Nothing feeds the brain like a healthy snack!
** Please continue to have your child practice their multiplication facts up to 12.
** The weather is starting to get cooler. Please send your child to school with layers, jackets, sweaters, etc. to stay warm.