5th Grade Fun!

We've had a busy couple of week in 5th grade.  Last week, we visited Makerspace for the first time and were able to explore with Keva Planks.  We also visited our Kindergarten Buddies on Dot Day to help them with an art project.  I love watching the 5th graders help their little pals.  They have all risen to the challenge and they have been very mature and helpful with Mrs. Godier's students.

We've been working really hard in Math on our first topic, Area and Volume.  Your child's graded test should be in this week's Friday Folder.  Please take a moment to look through it, sign the pink slip, and return the packet in the folder on Monday.  Next week we will begin our next Unit, Place Value.

In Writing, we have started work on our Narratives.  Students wrote two different leads to their story and tried out some new and interesting ways to begin a story.  Today, students shared what they had written with their peers to help them decide which lead works best for their story.  Next week we will work on writing an effective ending and begin to edit our work for transitions and descriptive words.

In Reading, we have finished (finally!) our beginning of the year assessments.  The information from these tests help us determine how we can help your child become a better reader.  This past week in Reading we have been focusing on how to summarize a story by choosing and writing about only the most important plot details.

This week we also introduced our first Social Studies Project where students will be researching and presenting to the class about a group of Native Americans.  Their project will be to research, create a google slides presentation, and make a model of a Native American artifact.  Students will be creating most of this project at school, so be on the look out in the coming weeks for pictures of what they create.

Have a GREAT weekend!

News from Trailer E

We have had a busy week!  I wanted to share a few pictures I've taken of the kids.  In science we have been learning about the scientific method, and we've done a couple of experiments to practice.

In our Gummy Bear experiment, we observed how gummy bears changed after soaking in different solutions.

We also completed the "Drops on a Penny" lab, where students make observations, make a hypothesis, and then test to see which side of a penny will hold more water. 

Today we got to meet our Kindergarten Buddies!  Our class has partnered with Mrs. Godier's Kindergarten class.  We meet with our buddies occasionally throughout the year to be positive mentors and role models for our school's youngest students.  I was really impressed with how mature and helpful our class was during their time with their buddies.

Have a GREAT weekend!

A Few Quick Reminders

• Please help your child remember to pack a snack and bring a water bottle everyday.
• Don't forget 5th Grade's Curriculum Chat is Tuesday, September 5th at 7:45-8:15 in the media center.  You will learn about homework expectations, field trips, Ipads, and more.  I hope to see you there.
• Next Wednesday, September 6th is Picture Day!!

Also, if your child owns a Fidget Spinner, could you please ask them to leave them at home, or talk with them at home about keeping it their backpacks or desk until there is an appropriate time to use it.  I've confiscated many a fidget spinner this week, and it is becoming a distraction. One kid with a fidget spinner may not seem like big deal, but multiply that by 24, and it can get a little out of hand for this 5th grade teacher! lol

Stay tuned next week for pictures of what we've up to. Thank you, and have a great holiday weekend!