September 14, 2018
Happy Friday!
It’s hard to believe that we’ve been back in school for several weeks! We've been really getting back into the groove of things. Within these past several weeks, I have been learning so much about the students as individuals and learners. They are such a quirky and silly bunch, but I wouldn't have it any other way! I am thankful that many of them are able to be comfortable and show more of their personalities within our community. As the year progresses, I truly hope that our classroom can be a place of comfort and a home away from home.
Please read below to find out about all of the wonderful learning that is going on in 5th grade at Ivy Hall.
Please read below to find out about all of the wonderful learning that is going on in 5th grade at Ivy Hall.
Literacy
* We are finishing up our first shared reading book of the year—Night of the Spadefoot Toads by Bill Harley. We’ve used this text as a springboard for many reading and writing learning targets thus far. This book has also connected nicely to our study of ecosystems in science. Be sure to ask your student about what he/she has learned about vernal pools and spadefoot toads!
Writing
* Students are in the process of finishing their first narrative stories of the year! After utilizing graphic organizers to plan, students developed their stories through the use of a detailed sequence of events and effective character development. Encouraging students to infuse dialogue into their writing was also an emphasis. Make sure to ask your student all about their original masterpiece!
September Book Project
* Students are to create a word collage about the independent reading book they are currently reading. The title of their book will go in the middle of their project. Then, they can look through magazines for words and phrases that illustrates or tells information about their books. They may create the collage on the computer and/or with a website such as Wordle, Wordcloud, Wordart, etc. and print it out. They may also draw their collage on paper and get creative with writing words in different fonts (I think this is most fun option!). As they are completing their word collage, students should be thinking about the theme, setting, plot line, and characters. The goal is get at least 50 words, phrases, or sentences. Their word collage should tell a potential reader more information about the book. This project is due Friday, October 12.
Math
* Our students are continuing their work with writing and evaluating numerical expressions with parentheses as well as demonstrating their understanding of how find the volume of rectangular prisms. We also began our Number Corner routine which takes place each day for about 20 minutes outside of our regular math block. Here, students practice and apply skills in such areas as computational fluency and problem solving (in addition to several others) on a daily basis.
Social Studies
* We plan on starting indentured servitude and its effect on the colonial economy in the coming days.
* Below is the calendar for September current events. Please help your child be accountable for presenting and completing their current events. This is also posted onto Schoology in the Homeroom course, which your child should know how to access.
* Below is the calendar for September current events. Please help your child be accountable for presenting and completing their current events. This is also posted onto Schoology in the Homeroom course, which your child should know how to access.
Science
* We are continuing our focus on understanding the characteristics of various ecosystems around the world. Our first science investigation involved “traveling” to virtual ecosystems and studying the interactions between living and nonliving organisms. We also examined the necessary resources that a living thing absolutely needs to survive and grow. Stay tuned for our owl pellets investigation!
* We are currently in need of a Room Parent. If you are willing and available, we would love to have you be our Room Parent! We promise that we are a really fun bunch! You can sign up here: https://ivyhallpto.membershiptoolkit.com/.
Upcoming Events
September 19 (Wednesday); No School (District Holiday)
*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.
- Ms. Nguyen