5^th grade Newsletter

Week of 11/27/2017

 

Math:  How do I write equivalent fractions?

We’ll be making equivalent fractions with number lines, area models, and numbers.  This will allow us to transition to finding sums of fractions with like denominators.

 

Social Studies: Why was slavery brought to America?

We’ll be exploring our History Alive text to discover why the southern colonies depended on the labor of slaves.  Students will also learn about the route and dilemmas faced by enslaved Africans as they traveled through the Middle Passage.

 

Science:  What are physical and chemical properties?

There are two properties that we use to identify and describe all matter: physical and chemical properties. Physical properties are what you can see or feel, like the color or texture of an object. Chemical properties describe how a substance behaves during a chemical reaction.  Students will make observations of several items this week and decide if they are experiencing a chemical or physical change.

 

English/ Language Arts: How do I begin my memoir?

Students have now had experience seeing a variety of memoirs and all the different ways to write one, now it’s time they begin their own memoir.  We’ll be exploring multiple ways to structure a memoir and how the students can take charge of their own writing.

 

A look ahead…

_{We are seeking input from parents in an effort to design the night so that it is most meaningful.  The Admin Team will lead the parent night.  It will be an informational session only.  We will have a K-2 session from 6-6:45 and a 3-5 session from 7-7:45.}

_{In an effort to help design the Math} Night we are asking that parents complete a quick survey to help drive the direction of this event.  _{https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7S8MPF9}

 

Also the 5^th grade will be hosting a Lock-In for 5^th graders on Dec. 8^th  from 2:30-4:30.  Permission request were sent home and will cost $20 to attend.  There will be outside activities, crafts, movies, and pizza.  Let your teacher know if you need an additional form to be sent home.

 

 

 

 

Fifth Grade Weekly News 

11/13 – 11/17 

Announcements: 

Module 2 Assessment in Math is this Friday. Students will bring home a study guide earlier in the week to help them prepare for the assessment. 

Progress Reports will be sent home Monday, November 20.   

Thanksgiving break: November 22-26 

Mrs. Clark will begin meeting with individual fifth grade classes to introduce BOB Books. 

  

ELA Workshop: How do I participate in a literature circle? How do I use figurative language? 

· Students are continuing their literature circles (book club) with their classmates. Each student reads a portion of their chapter book, answers questions about the text, writes a summary, and then meets as a group to discuss the book. Students are enjoying completing their “jobs” and getting ready for their first book discussion. 

 

  

Math Workshop: 

How do I divide a decimal by a whole number? 

· This week they will be using their previous division knowledge & experience to divide decimals and whole numbers. Students will still be using the standard algorithm for long division but will be using estimation and reasonableness to determine the placement of a decimal in their answer. We will also introduce dividing multi-digit numbers in measurement word problems.  Thursday, we will review for the assessment, and we will assess for Module 2 on Friday. 

  

Science: 

How do I apply the scientific method? 

Students began building their mystery item last week to engage in engineering practices.  This week, they will finalize their projects, then we will engage in the scientific method by working through a real-world scientific problem: how is an oil spill clean-up conducted? 

  

Social Studies: 

What happened at Plymouth? What are the similarities and differences of the three colonies? 

· Students have previously learned about the first settlements, Roanoke and Jamestown. This week, we will learn about Plymouth and compare it to Roanoke and Jamestown, 

 

Fifth Grade Weekly News

11/06 – 11/10

Announcements:

·         We had a great day of student-led conferences today! It was a perfect time for your student and myself to share their learning with each of you. Thank you again for coming!

·         Thursday, 11/09 Field Trip to Farnsley-Moremen. Bring a packed lunch if you have not signed up for a school lunch. Wear tennis shoes and jackets.

·         Related Arts – Gym: Wear tennis shoes!

·         Progress Reports will be sent home Monday, November 20.

 

ELA Workshop: How do I participate in a literature circle? How do I use figurative language?

· Students are in literature circles (book club) with their classmates. Each student reads a portion of their chapter book, answers questions about the text, writes a summary, and then meets as a group to discuss the book. Students are enjoying completing their “jobs” and getting ready for their first book discussion.

· Students are learning about the different types of figurative language. We are focusing on hyperbole and personification this week. Students are identifying the types while reading and use the figurative language in their own writing.

 

Math Workshop:

How do I divide a decimal by a whole number?

· This week they will be using their previous division knowledge & experience to divide decimals and whole numbers. Students will still be using the standard algorithm for long division but will be using estimation and reasonableness to determine the placement of a decimal in their answer.

 

Science:

How do I apply the engineering practices?

-Students will be learning about the eight engineering practices. Then they will form teams to build a structure according to certain specifications. Students will be using the engineering practices to design, test, redesign, and reflect on their building process.

 

Social Studies:

What happened at Roanoke? Why was Jamestown successful?

· Students have previously learned about the motives for exploration, now they will learn about the first settlements. We will study the settlement of Roanoke and theories behind its disappearance. Students will also study the colony of Jamestown and determine how Jamestown became successful.