12/21/18

I hope everyone has a nice holiday and enjoys the winter break. I look forward to seeing students back in class as we start 2019 together.

12/20/18

The fifth graders continued to work together to play fraction tracks during math class today. The students continued to come up with ways to add and subtract fractions.

During our ELA time, the fifth graders started to construct a timeline of events of one of our anchor texts. This will continue into tomorrow.

Tomorrow is board game day.


Homework

Math - workbook pages 165 and 166, due Friday December 21st

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

12/19/18

The focus of our social studies lesson today was on the Proclamation of 1763. The students put themselves in the shoes of King George and looked to craft a compromise that could have prevented the American Revolution from breaking out.

During our ELA time, we looked at an article and a news report pertaining to the treatment of animals in zoos. The children were engaged and this was a meaningful first lesson on the road to creating an opinion piece of writing.

As a reminder, tomorrow is show and tell and Friday the 21st is board game day.


Homework

Math - workbook pages 165 and 166, due Friday December 21st

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

12/18/18

Today's reading lesson focused on constructing a timeline of events. Using A River Ran Wild as a jumping off point, the students worked together to build a timeline of important moments of the Nashua River.

We also continued to read The Mighty Miss Malone during read aloud time. I think that the kids are really enjoying this book.

Homework

Math - workbook pages 165 and 166, due Friday December 21st

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

12/17/18

We began the final school week of 2018 by kicking off the second unit of writing. This opinion unit will see the students undertake the process of selecting an opinion topic and then compiling research to support their opinion.

During math class, the students continued to work on strategies to add fractions. They also had some time to work in pairs on a math activity.

Homework

Math - workbook pages 165 and 166, due Friday December 21st

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

12/14/18

We wrapped up another productive week together. The students kicked off the next writing unit during ELA time. We will be exploring a topic in great detail for our opinion writing unit. We looked at a warm up lesson today which helped students identify evidence to support both sides of an argument piece.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.

12/13/18

The students began using another strategy to find equivalent fractions during math class today. Using the face of a clock, the students came up with some equivalent fractions and then began adding fractions. I thought that this was a productive lesson.

We continued to focus on the French and Indian War during social studies. The kids are working on a booklet in which they respond to some focus questions and then create maps to track the progress of the war.

I look forward to seeing parents and guardians tonight


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night. Fill out log on a nightly basis, due Friday the 14th

Math - 149 and 150 due Friday the 14th

12/12/18

The fifth graders worked on their map skills during social studies. The class was tasked with tracking the course of the French and Indian War using two distinctive maps. They then answered some focus questions.

During math class, the members of A303 continued to progress through unit 3. Today, the kids continued to compare fractions using the myriad of strategies that they have learned the last two weeks.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night. Fill out log on a nightly basis, due Friday the 14th

Math - 149 and 150 due Friday the 14th

12/11/18

Reading groups spent time acting out their favorite scene from Bud, Not Buddy. This will continue into tomorrow and will be the last activity that we do with the novel.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night. Fill out log on a nightly basis, due Friday the 14th

Math - 149 and 150 due Friday the 14th

12/10/18

We began this week by looking at the first anchor text in our new reading unit. The book A River Ran Wild, will call students attention to a local river that was damaged by pollution and the efforts to revive it.

During social studies, the members of A303 spent time exploring the French and Indian War. A productive lesson that saw the students engaged and working well together.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night. Fill out log on a nightly basis, due Friday the 14th

Math - 149 and 150 due Friday the 14th

12/7/18

The students finished this week on a great note today. I was impressed with the level of attentiveness to the science projects that the kids were working on today. Many of them were able to complete their projects today. I look forward to seeing students present their projects to their peers next week.

The fifth graders also had another meaningful math lesson. We continued the theme of comparing fractions with a variety of methods during today's work. I would also like to compliment the students for coming to class prepared to look at their homework.

I hope everyone has a nice weekend. Next week, parent teacher conferences will continue on both Tuesday the 11th and Thursday the 13th.

12/6/18

Today, we had an introductory lesson pertaining to our next reading unit. We are going to start looking at clean drinking water and its scarcity in some parts of the world. The students looked at a short news article and answered some focus questions together.

Later in the day, the members of A303 continued to work on a science project. Each student has selected one of the planets in our solar system and they are now creating a slide presentation on their iPads that will eventually be shared with their peers. The kids are doing a nice job with this.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading

Math - workbook pages 136 and 137 due Friday December 7th

12/5/18

The fifth graders focused on stars and constellations during our science lesson today. After a short reading, the students worked together to answer some focus questions that tied in nicely with the content of out field trip earlier this week.

Our math time was spent looking at equivalent fractions. The fifth graders were tasked with showing equivalent fractions using different sized grid paper.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading

Math - workbook pages 136 and 137 due Friday December 7th

12/4/18

This early release day saw the fifth graders undertaking a lesson on making inferences. Students looked to draw conclusions about characters from a short video by using background information. The fifth graders did a nice job with this.

Tomorrow, the members of A303 will be given some math homework.

12/3/18

The fifth graders traveled to the Museum of Science to visit the planetarium. I want to commend the members of A303 for their listening skills and their attentiveness as we traveled through the museum. The kids seemed to have a great time and learned some interesting information about our solar system.

11/30/18

The month of November ended with the students finishing their final piece of writing concerning Budy, Not Buddy. Next week, the students will work in small groups to select a scene from the book that they will act out.

We also officially began our unit of study concerning fractions. Today was a nice early lesson to establish some key terms and to begin to lock in place the relationship between fractions and decimals.

I hope everyone has a nice weekend and I look forward to seeing students back at school on Monday as we begin the month of December.

As a reminder, the first day of parent teacher conferences will take place next Tuesday December 4th and the students will be taking a field trip on Monday December 3rd to the Museum of Science. 

11/29/18

The students began their final piece of writing concerning Bud, Not Buddy during ELA today. The task is to select an important turning point from the novel and to explain why this scene was important using specific evidence from the text to support their opinion. This assignment has many similarities to their just completed literary essays. I will be looking to see students apply lessons learned during that unit of study to this current task.

Students should return their signed permission slips by this Friday, the 30th so that they are able to come to the Museum of Science next Monday, December 3rd.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading. Reader's logs due Friday November 30th.

Math - two sided worksheet due Friday November 30th. Please show all work.

11/28/18

The students worked in groups to determine the volume of the classroom today. This led into a discussions in our math workshop about strategies to solve for volume. The data that was collected was then organized into a line plot. The fifth graders did a great job.

Students should return their signed permission slips by this Friday, the 30th so that they are able to come to the Museum of Science next Monday, December 3rd.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading. Reader's logs due Friday November 30th.

Math - two sided worksheet due Friday November 30th. Please show all work.

11/27/18

The students were able to spend some time reading each other's literary essays today. The students worked tirelessly these last few weeks on their essays and the finished products were quite good.

Students should return their signed permission slips by this Friday, the 30th so that they are able to come to the Museum of Science next Monday, December 3rd.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading. Reader's logs due Friday November 30th.

Math - two sided worksheet due Friday November 30th. Please show all work.

11/26/18

The students began the last week of November by reading two of the final few chapters in Bud, Not Buddy. Later this week, the students will respond to a writing prompt that will have them examine an important scene in great detail. They will be tasked with using some of the close reading strategies that we have been practicing to respond to this question.

During math class, the members of A303 found the volume of rectangular prisms using cubic centimeters.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading. Reader's logs due Friday November 30th.

Math - two sided worksheet due Friday November 30th. Please show all work.

11/21/18

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving holiday and long weekend.

11/20/18

The students continued to make their way through a volume workshop in math class today. The dedication to the subject matter and level of discourse that has been on display these last few weeks in math class has been awesome to see. The fifth graders are hitting home run after home run in math.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

11/19/18

The fifth graders began this short week by continue to read deeper in Bud, Not Buddy. We are going to start thinking about our final piece of writing that will look to dive in-depth into a key scene in the novel.

Later in the day, the students continued to work on their 13 Colonies projects. This look like they are turning out great. I can't wait to see the finished results.

As a reminder, the school day ends at 12 o'clock on Wednesday.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

11/16/18

The fifth graders wrapped up a productive week. Students continued to work together on a planet project during science class, they worked to find the volume for rectangular prisms that were fused together and they continued to write during ELA. I was proud of the effort that the kids put into their work all week.

I hope everyone has a nice weekend and I look forward to running with the Boys In Motion tomorrow morning.

11/15/18

The students worked on finding the volume of rectangular prisms during math class. They continue to build nicely on prior lessons. Tomorrow, we will take a short quiz to gauge student's progress in this second investigation unit.

During reading time, the students read one of the final chapters in the novel.



Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading

Math - workbook pages 85 and 86, due Friday 11/16

11/14/18

The students are approaching the home stretch of their literary essay writing. Students are at different points in the writing process, but everyone is making nice progress. I was able to meet with many of the writers today to continue to progress in the editing process. Many others are putting the finishing touches on their final draft.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading

Math - workbook pages 85 and 86, due Friday 11/16

11/13/18

The fifth graders spent time reading and analyzing a key chapter in Bud, Not Buddy. The students keep returning to the idea of family and what Bud will feel when he finds his family. I thought that the discussion today was an important one and the readers in A303 were engaged throughout the lesson.

We also continued to work with volume problems in math class. This work will continue throughout this week.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading

Math - workbook pages 85 and 86, due Friday 11/16

11/9/18

I hope everyone has a great long weekend.

11/8/18

The fifth graders are reaching the final stages of Bud, Not Buddy. The students dealt with an important scene today and answered some focus questions pertaining to this key turning point.

We also continued deeper into unit 2 of our math work. The students constructed three dimensional boxes today that allowed them to answer some questions. A productive lesson.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Writing - Open response question about Wonder (book and movie) due Friday November 9th

11/7/18

It was nice to see students back at school today. The members of A303 made progress on a number of fronts today. During math class, we began unit 2. This unit will see the kids working with three dimensional solids to solve volume problems.

During writing time, the fifth graders continued to make nice progress to the ultimate goal of having each student complete a literary essay.

Finally, the fifth graders met with their book buddies to begin to plan for a mock campaign video that they will be making together tomorrow.



Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Writing - Open response question about Wonder (book and movie) due Friday November 9th

11/5/18

The students returned to their math workshop during math class. Today's lesson was the final one of unit one. I thought that the students in A303 made tremendous progress these last few weeks. The fifth graders completed a number of different tasks during today's work.

As a reminder, the students do not have school tomorrow. I will see kids back at school on Wednesday.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Writing - Open response question about Wonder (book and movie) due Friday November 9th

11/2/18

The students had one final Bud, Not Buddy lesson this week. We are approaching the later stages of the novel and the students are doing a fine job of analyzing some of the more interesting developments in the course of the story.

Later in the day, the fifth graders in A303 watched the movie Wonder. While watching, they were kept track of significant differences between the novel and the movie. This will lead into a piece of writing next week.

I hope everyone has a nice weekend.

11/1/18

November began with another literary essay writing session. Some time was spent with students partnering up to make peer edits. While that was going on, other students were conferencing with me. Back-to-back very productive writing days.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night, fill out log on nightly basis. Due Friday November 2nd

Math - workbook page 62, due Friday 11/2

10/31/18

Work continued with literary essay writing during ELA. Many students spent time today looking to critically edit their pieces. Others met with me to go over their writing before they moved onto the next stage of the drafting process.

During social studies time, the fifth graders used a graphic organizer to start collecting information about the three distinct regions of the British colonies in North America. This work will eventually lead to a group timeline project.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night, fill out log on nightly basis. Due Friday November 2nd

Math - workbook page 62, due Friday 11/2

10/30/18

The students finished working on division cluster problems during our math lesson. I applaud the perseverance of the fifth graders, as they made steady progress the last two days with those groups of problems. Tomorrow's math lesson will include a brief quiz to gauge students' understanding of recent lessons.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night, fill out log on nightly basis. Due Friday November 2nd

Math - workbook page 62, due Friday 11/2

10/29/18

The students matched the 2018 Boston Red Sox, with a championship performance today. The students continued to work with Bud, Not Buddy. Today's lesson ended with a written response to a focus question. This question lead to some interesting discussion points.

Later in the school day, the members of A303 worked on division cluster problems in math class.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night, fill out log on nightly basis. Due Friday November 2nd

There will also be some math homework at some point this week.

10/26/18

The fifth graders did a great job working through the various parts of the iReady assessments these last three days. Testing days are never the most enjoyable experiences, but the members of A303 rose to the occasion. The data gleaned from these tests will better inform our lessons going forward.

The students also had a productive writing sessions today. A few students have progressed to the point where they are starting to type their literary essays.

I hope everyone has a nice weekend and that when we return to school next week, we will have reason to celebrate another Red Sox World Series victory.

10/25/18

The students worked on the reading portion of their iReady assessment during the early stages of today's work. I compliment the fifth graders for putting their best foot forward with this important early assessment.

Later in the school day, we spent math time looking at different strategies for solving division problems.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Math - page 53 and 54 due Friday October 26th

10/24/18

The fifth graders undertook the first session of their iReady assessment today. This portion, which saw the students answering math questions, will give teachers valuable feedback to drive instruction as we move deeper into the curriculum. Tomorrow, the students will work on the reading portion of the exam.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Math - page 53 and 54 due Friday October 26th

10/22/18

The fifth graders returned to the classroom after their week down at science camp. During morning meeting, the students spent some time sharing their favorite memories from their time down in Rhode Island.

Later in the school day, we returned to our literary essay writing. I was able to hold writer's conferences with a number of students today.

Finally, we continued to work with division during math class.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Math - page 53 and 54 due Friday October 26th

10/12/18

The students wrapped up the final week before science camp by continuing their work with Bud, Not Buddy. They also began to create division posters that served as a nice springboard for our initial dive into the subject matter.

As a reminder, the students are leaving for science camp next Tuesday the 16th.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. Go Red Sox and Patriots.

10/11/18

The students devoted a mini-writing lesson to focusing on odd or interesting details from their literary essays that would better inform them to author's intent. The students were engaged in the task and continued to make enviable progress in their writing.

In math class, the students officially kicked off their work in division. Today we focused on the relationship between division and multiplication. This segued into creating a story with a visual component that tied into the solution of a division problem.



Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Writing - Students should select a character from Wonder to write about. Students should compose at least a 3 paragraph essay in which they select two character traits that this character exhibits. They should use evidence from the text to support their view point. This is due Friday October 12th and it should be done on the paper provided.

10/10/18

Today's reading of Bud, Not Buddy focused on character traits that the author is revealing to us about the main character. This mini lesson tied in nicely with the writing homework assignment due at the conclusion of the week.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Writing - Students should select a character from Wonder to write about. Students should compose at least a 3 paragraph essay in which they select two character traits that this character exhibits. They should use evidence from the text to support their view point. This is due Friday October 12th and it should be done on the paper provided.

10/9/18

The students returned to school after the long weekend and also returned to their work with literary essay. The fifth graders are hard at work on their early drafts of their literary essays. I was able to check in with many of the writers today.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Writing - Students should select a character from Wonder to write about. Students should compose at least a 3 paragraph essay in which they select two character traits that this character exhibits. They should use evidence from the text to support their view point. This is due Friday October 12th and it should be done on the paper provided.

10/5/18

The students wrapped up a great week on many different fronts. They continued to progress deeper into Bud, Not Buddy. Today's lesson was spent focused on an excerpt from chapter 5. This close reading mini lesson segued into a piece of writing.

Later in the day. The students broke down the steps in solving a multiplication problem.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and let's go Red Sox.

10/4/18

Today was a significant writing day for the students in A303. Each fifth grader selected their literary essay that they will be working with over the next few weeks as we craft essays about the deeper meaning of each text.


Homework

Math - workbook pages 37 and 38. Due Friday October 5th

Read - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

10/3/18

The students continued their work with cluster problems in math class. It was encouraging to see the progress students made in this area just from yesterday.

We also concluded our look at the similarities and differences between Jamestown and Plymouth during social studies class.

Today the fifth graders found out their patrol jobs for the first half of the year. Patrols will start tomorrow morning.


Homework

Math - workbook pages 37 and 38. Due Friday October 5th

Read - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

10/2/18

The students were fortunate to have a guest teacher for social studies today. Bill Hayner led a lesson that concerned the three branches of government. The students were engaged and learned a lot. Thank you to Mr. Hayner.

Later in the school day, the fifth graders returned to the world of Flint, Michigan while reading Bud, Not Buddy.



Homework

Math - workbook pages 37 and 38. Due Friday October 5th

Read - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

10/1/18

The month of October began with a positive day for the members of A303. The students continued to move deeper into our literary essay writing unit. The goal today, was for the students to expose themselves to a number of short stories that they will eventually select one to write about.

During math class, the fifth graders continued to work on different strategies to compare the products of different multiplication problems.

Fifth grade patrols will start on Wednesday October 3rd.

Also, picture day will be Wednesday October 24th.

Homework

Math - workbook pages 37 and 38. Due Friday October 5th

Read - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

9/28/18

The fifth graders wrapped up a very productive week together by returning to Bud, Not Buddy. The students took the actions modeled during chapter 1 and applied them to chapter 2 during today's lesson. It was a nice to get to hear students both reading and discussing the novel.

Later in the school day, the members of A303 were introduced to a multiplication comparing game in math class. The students used different strategies to compare the products that would result from selected number cards.

I hope everyone has a nice weekend. Next Monday, Boys in Motion starts and on Tuesday the fifth grade patrols will also begin.

9/27/18

The students looked at another short story today as part of our literary essay unit. The fifth graders used the annotation strategies that we modeled in our last session to analyze this text. After completing that task, they worked in pairs to formulate a thesis statement that would allow them to build a full essay.

During science class, the students built shadow trackers using a few different materials. Good teamwork was in evidence throughout this session.

As a reminder, tomorrow is Thompson Spirit Day. Students may wear clothes that remind them of the Thompson School.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night, reader's log due on Friday September 28th

9/26/18

Time was spent during social studies looking at the early English settlements in North America, prior to the formation of the 13 Colonies. The students acted as detectives as they attempted to discern what may have happened to the residents of Roanoke Colony in the 1590s.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night, reader's log due on Friday September 28th

9/25/18

Today's ELA lesson was focused on practicing the skill of annotating. The students have kicked off their literary essay unit and they will be presented with a number of short stories over the next few days with which they will be working with. This work will continue on Thursday.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night, reader's log due on Friday September 28th

9/24/18

This week began with work being done on many different fronts. The students received their copies of Bud, Not Buddy during ELA. This work of historical fiction will be the basis of reading lessons throughout the next two months. Today, the fifth graders undertook an introductory lesson in which they used sticky notes and their three-step journals to analyze the first chapter of the book.

During math class, the kids continued to work on their posters which display different methods to solve a multiplication problem, a visual representation of the problem and a word problem to accompany the solution. The students did a great job with this.

We are still in need of chaperones for the upcoming trip to science camp. Please reach out to me through my email address if you are able to help out.

Homeowork

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night, reader's log due on Friday September 28th

9/21/18

The students conducted their first science experiment today. Pairs of fifth graders were tasked with tracking the sun's light by tracing their shadows at two different parts of the school day. This lead into a discussion of the position of the earth in relationship to the sun.

The fifth graders had a great week of school. I hope everyone has a nice weekend.

9/20/18

The fifth graders completed a writing assignment on Kidblog today. Students wrote about a character from the book Wonder. Each student was tasked with writing about a character that has made an impression on them. The writing prompt came from our list that ties into the 9 core writing competency questions that will frame our reading this year.

Later in the school day, the members of A303 were able to once again work with their small math groups to continue to work on their selection of number puzzles.

As a reminder, the students' first homework assignment of the school year is due tomorrow.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of reading per night, fill out reader's log on a nightly basis. Due Friday the 21st

9/18/18

The fifth graders continued to work with order of operation problems during math class today. The students had a productive lesson today. I was impressed by the level of recall that was on display throughout the classroom.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of reading per night, fill out reader's log on a nightly basis. Due Friday the 21st

9/17/18

This week began with a few different items on the agenda for class A303.

The fifth graders undertook their first official writing piece of the school year. The class was given an opinion writing prompt, which asked them to construct an opinion piece in a 60 minute block of time. This pre-unit assessment serves to give me an understanding as to where each student's strengths lie in their writing.

Later in the school day, the students learned about longitude and latitude.

I look forward to seeing parents and guardians during curriculum night.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of reading per night, fill out reader's log on a nightly basis. Due Friday the 21st

9/13/18

Today, the members of A303 continue to work on their group number puzzles in math class. The level of discourse stood out to me this morning. It was great to hear the students justify their thinking to their peers.

Tomorrow, the fifth graders will meet with their book buddies in second grade for the first time this year.

Homework

Students are encouraged to decorate their writing notebooks at home this week.

9/12/18

This Wednesday saw the members of A303 begin to look closely at the literary reading competencies that will serve as guides during our study of different pieces of literature. This lesson was productive and gave the students the opportunity to do some writing about a simple text.

During social studies, the students learned about longitude and latitude and their current day applications.

Homework

Students are encouraged to decorate their writing notebooks at home this week.

9/11/18

The fifth graders returned from the long weekend and began to look at the ins and outs of their reader's notebooks. The students practiced having a running dialogue with themselves in their notebooks, using an anchor text. It was a productive lesson.

Later in the school day, the fifth graders looked at some number puzzles in math class. This work will continue into tomorrow.

Homework

Students are encouraged to decorate their writing notebooks at home this week.

9/7/18

It is hard to believe that the first week of the new school year is over. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the new members of A303 this week. The students engaged in many different activities to begin to foster a sense of community in our classroom this week. I was impressed by the level of respect and sharing that was evident during these four days.

Today, the students undertook their first official math lesson. We dealt with arrays and multiplication factors. It was a productive first session.

Also, the students received a packet containing important information about science camp. The Thompson fifth graders will be traveling to science camp in Rhode Island from October 16th - 19th. Three forms that are a part of the packet need to be filled out and returned to me.

I will also be sending out an email to all families next week looking for volunteers to help at science camp.

I hope everyone has a nice long weekend and I will see students back at school next Tuesday the 11th.

6/25/18

I hope everyone has a great summer vacation.

6/22/18

The students spent time cleaning up their desks and bins today in preparation for the last day of school next Monday.

They also worked on a project that saw them decorating stones with images and words. These rocks will be left behind at the Thompson School.

6/21/18

The fifth graders had their last get together with their second grade book buddies today.

Later in the day, the students spent some time in the spray park outside.

6/19/18

Congratulations to all of the fifth graders who did a great job during their moving on ceremony today.

As a reminder, tomorrow we are taking a field trip to Georges Island.

6/18/18

The students spent the working time completing a number of items across the different subjects. All students have now officially completed their informational writing pieces. The fifth graders did a great job throughout this lengthy process and I look forward to reading these this week.

Tomorrow, the fifth graders will have their moving on ceremony. This is scheduled to start at 9 o'clock.

6/15/18

The fifth graders had a walk through practice for next week's graduation ceremony. The students appear to be ready for the big day.

Later in the school day, the students worked together on an appreciation poster for some of the staff in the building. This was followed by a catch up session, in which the fifth graders were able to work on any number of work pieces.

I hope everyone has a nice weekend. As a reminder, next Tuesday the 19th is the graduation ceremony and the 20th will see the fifth graders going to Georges Island.

6/14/18

The students had a great time at field day. The early part of the day was spent helping the younger students during their part of the day. After lunch, the fifth graders worked with teams through 12 different activities. They did a nice job.

6/13/18

The fifth graders had two enrichment opportunities today. The first, called Wingmasters, saw Jim Parks bring different birds of prey into the building. The students learned about this birds, about some of the challenges they face, and the great work that the organization is doing for these birds of prey. The kids had a great time.

Here is a link to the groups' website: http://www.wingmasters.net/

Later in the school day, the fifth graders had a second enrichment program that saw them learning about hip-hop.

As a reminder, please return permission slips for the Georges Island field trip.

6/12/18

The fifth graders spent time working on a few different tasks during our catch up time. Some students continued to put the finishing touches on their informational writing pieces. Others were working deeper into their fantasy books while a few more are working on their blueprints for their version of geometry town.

I also wanted to thank Joe DeVeau who came into the classroom to speak with the kids about scuba diving and the equipment needed.

As a reminder, please return permission slips for the Georges Island field trip.

6/11/18

The fifth graders began their second to last full week of school by reconvening with their fantasy groups. Some of the groups have transitioned from their novels into the final piece of writing that wraps up their work with the novel. It time allows, some groups will begin reading the next book in the series.

During math class, the members of A303 worked on constructing the blue prints for geometry town. Using the many geometry terms that we have been working with recently, the fifth graders are tasked will constructing the outline of a town that incorporates these terms. The students are being very creative.

As a reminder, please return permission slips for the Georges Island field trip.

6/8/18

Yesterday, the fifth graders received a permission slip for our upcoming field trip to Georges Island. Out trip is scheduled for Wednesday the 20th. Please have slips signed and returned by Friday the 15th.

I hope everyone has a nice weekend.

6/7/18

The fifth graders continued to make progress with both their fantasy novels and their Revolutionary War trading cards during the day.

Tomorrow, the students will take the second and final session of their math iReady test.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night and fill out reader's blog on a nightly basis (this will be the final one of the year)

6/6/18

The students took the first of two parts of their iReady math assessment today. Part two will take place on Friday.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night and fill out reader's blog on a nightly basis (this will be the final one of the year)

6/5/18

The fifth graders are currently working on one final project in social studies that started yesterday. They are creating packs of Revolutionary War trading cards. The students appear to be enthusiastic about this project and it will continue into next week.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night and fill out reader's blog on a nightly basis (this will be the final one of the year)

6/4/18

This week, the goal is to finish all writing conferences and have the students all progress into the final stage of their informational writing process. The early drafts that I have been reading have been quite good and it has been great seeing the students edit their pieces to make them stronger.

As a reminder, on Wednesday and Friday of this week the students will be taking the two session of their math iReady tests.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night and fill out reader's blog on a nightly basis (this will be the final one of the year)

6/1/18

The students began the final month of school by completing the second portion of their ELA iReady assessment. Later in the school day, the students looked at the motivations of certain characters in their fantasy books.

I hope everyone has a nice weekend.

5/31/18

The students completed the month of May by taking the first of two sessions of their iReady ELA assessment. This assessment is meant to track the progress that students made throughout the course of the school year.

Tomorrow, the students will take the second and final session.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Blog Post - Due Friday June 1st. Students should respond to the following prompt with at least three paragraphs of 6-8 sentence length. 

Did you enjoy the ending of the Thief of Always? If you did, what did you enjoy about it? If not, what would you have changed? Be specific and use evidence from the text.

5/30/18

The students progressed deeper into their fantasy books today. I was able to circulate and check in with all groups. It was great to hear the conversations that were occurring while students were reading.



Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Blog Post - Due Friday June 1st. Students should respond to the following prompt with at least three paragraphs of 6-8 sentence length. 

Did you enjoy the ending of the Thief of Always? If you did, what did you enjoy about it? If not, what would you have changed? Be specific and use evidence from the text.

5/29/18

The fifth graders spent time continuing the writing process for their informational writing pieces. A few students have begun to turn their pieces into books using the Book Creator App on their iPads.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Blog Post - Due Friday June 1st. Students should respond to the following prompt with at least three paragraphs of 6-8 sentence length. 

Did you enjoy the ending of the Thief of Always? If you did, what did you enjoy about it? If not, what would you have changed? Be specific and use evidence from the text.

5/25/18

The fifth graders finished up the final Friday in the month of May by having one more day of informational writing. It is  great to see many students making serious progress. Next week, we should see some of the fifth graders getting very close to the finish line.

I hope everyone has a nice weekend.

5/24/18

The students had some time today to work on potential covers for the fifth grade yearbook. Each student is going to submit a single 8.5 by 11 paper that incorporates the theme of Viva La Vida. They will have some time to work on these tomorrow and also this weekend. They will be collected on Tuesday the 29th.

5/23/18

These next few days, the members of A303 are going to look to complete some work in their informational writing as well as their fantasy book groups during ELA time. I was able to conference with a few writers today to check their early drafts. The students are doing a nice job of highlighting some of the key points that I am looking for. This work will continue into next week.

5/22/18

The fifth graders officially finished their last MCAS test today. I want to once again congratulate the students for accomplishing this and thank you to all families for getting students to school on time these last two days.

Tomorrow we will resume a normal schedule.

5/21/18

The fifth graders took the first of two science MCAS session this morning. One final day of testing tomorrow and then the students are done for the school year. I once again ask all parents to help ensure that students arrive at school tomorrow on time so that testing can begin on time.

5/18/18

We wrapped up another week by taking an online practice science practice test. We have talked this week about reasoning through questions posed on next week's test and working to zone in on the most logical answer for questions.

I hope everyone has a nice weekend. As a reminder, the two sessions for science MCAS testing are next Monday and Tuesday. We ask that all students arrive at school on time, so that testing may begin promptly.

5/17/18

After yesterday's field trip into Boston, the members of A303 returned to the classroom today. During our ELA time, students regrouped with their fantasy book groups to read deeper into their novels.

Science class, saw students doing one final piece of preparation for next week's science MCAS test.

5/15/18

The students had another day to work on informational writing during our ELA session. Many students have begun their first draft of their pieces. Attention was paid today to properly attribute sources in our papers.

Tomorrow, the fifth graders will be taking a field trip into Boston to visit some sites that tie into the Revolutionary War.

5/14/18

It was nice to see the students back at school today. This week will be a busy week for us. We will continue to make progress in our informational writing and we will also look to do some more preparatory work for next week's science MCAS exam.

As a reminder, this Wednesday the 16th, the fifth graders will be taking a field trip into Boston for a Revolutionary War themed day. Students are advised to bring a draw string backpack that contains a snack and water bottle. Students who bring a lunch from home should also bring that as usual because when we return to school around 130, the students will have lunch before dismissal.

5/9/18

Today was a productive writing day for the members of A303. The fifth graders have begun to transition from research to crafting an early draft of their informational pieces. It was nice to get to meet with some students one-to-one to begin to hear their lead paragraphs.

5/8/18

The fifth graders wrapped up the second and last day of their math MCAS today. I was proud of the effort the students put into their work. It will be nice to get back to a regular schedule tomorrow.

5/7/18

The students took the first session of their math MCAS today. Tomorrow, they will take session two. I once again ask for the help of all parents to ensure that their children get to school on time tomorrow. That way the testing can begin at the correct time.

5/4/18

I hope everyone has a nice weekend. As a reminder, the fifth graders are taking the first session of their math MCAS test on Monday. We ask all students to arrive at school on time that day to ensure that the test begins on time.

5/3/18

The students spent some time in math class reviewing core geometry concepts and applying them to some challenging problems. The students appear to be in a good frame of mind heading into the two math MCAS testing days next week. As a reminder, the testing days next week are Monday and Wednesday.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading

Math - Volume worksheet due Friday May 4th

5/2/18

Today was the first day that the fantasy book club groups were able to meet. The groups read chapter one in their books while looking to discover any information that the main characters learn in the early stages of the stories.

This Thursday, May 3rd, the students will have another yoga session.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading

Math - Volume worksheet due Friday May 4th

5/1/18

The students began the month of May by having a learning block dedicated to preparing for next week's MCAS math exam. The fifth graders spent some time looking at last year's math test. Special attention was paid to some problems that related to geometry. I feel like the fifth graders are well prepared for next week's testing.

This Thursday, May 3rd, the students will have another yoga session.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading

Math - Volume worksheet due Friday May 4th

4/30/18

The students spent time today learning about the Second Continental Congress and the role of John Adams in enlisting the help of George Washington for the war effort.

During ELA time, we read the first chapter in our second anchor test for the fantasy unit. Tomorrow, the fifth graders will start meeting with their book groups to begin reading their text of choice.

This Thursday, May 3rd, the students will have another yoga session.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading

Math - Volume worksheet due Friday May 4th

4/27/18

It would be great if all students could visit the library at some point this weekend. We are looking to have all students have their fantasy book of choice for next week as well as a book or two about their Revolutionary War related topic for information writing.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.

4/26/18

The students spent time during ELA talking about common themes and events that occur in works of fantasy. This segued into using one of our anchor texts to look for some of these recurring pieces of fantasy books.

Tomorrow, the fifth graders will once again meet with their book buddies to finish an Earth Day poster that they began working on the week before April vacation.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading and fill out reader's log on nightly basis. Due Friday April 27th

4/25/18

The students took part in an Earth Day assembly today. During this time, the fifth graders

Later in the school day, the members of A303 went in depth with Paul Revere's famous ride. We spent some time looking at Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem.

Tomorrow, the fifth graders will have another yoga session. Anyone who has a yoga mat of their own is welcome to bring it.



Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading and fill out reader's log on nightly basis. Due Friday April 27th

4/24/18

The fifth graders began to look at the events preceding the First Continental Congress and its immediate aftermath.

Math class was spent continuing to work with volume problems.



Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading and fill out reader's log on nightly basis. Due Friday April 27th

4/23/18

The fifth graders had a busy day on their first day back from vacation. During ELA time, we had a meaningful lesson looking a creating a sequential essay as part of our informational unit of writing.

Later in the school day, time was spent looking at the volume of rectangular prisms during math class.

Finally, during social studies we investigated the Boston Tea Party.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading and fill out reader's log on nightly basis. Due Friday April 27th

4/13/18

I hope everyone has a great April vacation.

4/12/18

The students completed the second and final portion of their ELA MCAS testing today. I was proud of the way that the students came into work today. I am sure they acquitted themselves well in this round of testing.

This Friday, the 13th, the members of A303 will be having a show and tell. Students may bring in one item (1) that has special significance to them. This item must be appropriate for school and students are responsible for their possession. I would advise students to bring something in that is not too fragile. 

4/11/18

The fifth graders returned to their normal routine today. During social studies, the kids worked to create a timeline of events pertaining to the Boston Massacre. We had a great lesson today.

Tomorrow will be the second and last session of ELA MCAS testing. We ask that all students arrive at school on time to begin testing promptly.

This Friday, the 13th, the members of A303 will be having a show and tell. Students may bring in one item (1) that has special significance to them. This item must be appropriate for school and students are responsible for their possession. I would advise students to bring something in that is not too fragile. 

4/10/18

The fifth graders took the first part of their ELA MCAS exam today. Part two will take place this Thursday the 12th.

This Friday, the 13th, the members of A303 will be having a show and tell. Students may bring in one item (1) that has special significance to them. This item must be appropriate for school and students are responsible for their possession. I would advise students to bring something in that is not too fragile. 

4/9/18

The fifth graders began the final week before April vacation by progressing deeper into our decimal unit and our road to the Revolutionary War unit. The students continue to be heavily invested in our lessons leading up to the war. It has been great to see eager participation and the wealth of background knowledge is most welcome.

Tomorrow, the students will take the first session of the MCAS ELA exam. It would be great if all students get a good night's sleep, eat a nice breakfast and arrive at school on time to ensure everyone is in the right frame of mind for the test.

This Friday, the 13th, the members of A303 will be having a show and tell. Students may bring in one item (1) that has special significance to them. This item must be appropriate for school and students are responsible for their possession. I would advise students to bring something in that is not too fragile. 

4/5/18

Today, the students began to work in earnest on multiplying decimals using grid paper. The work throughout the first half of the decimal unit was very good and I enjoyed getting to see the effort students put into their work today.

Later in the school day, the students looked closely at the Stamp, Sugar and Quartering Acts and their impact on the mood of the colonies.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Blog Post - The students should write a three paragraph essay explaining what their favorite fantasy book is and why they enjoy it. Due Friday April 6th

4/4/18

The fifth graders took their mid unit math assessment today. There work the last few weeks has been commendable and I look forward in going over these. We will shortly be moving into multiplication of decimals.

Later in the day, the students made the connection between the French and Indian War and the taxes that were soon placed on the colonies.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Blog Post - The students should write a three paragraph essay explaining what their favorite fantasy book is and why they enjoy it. Due Friday April 6th

4/3/18

Time was spent investigating the Proclamation of 1763 and its impact on the British colonists in the aftermath of the French and Indian War. The students talked about what a compromise is and how at this early stage, if a compromise had been struck the narrative of the Revolutionary War may have changed.

We also spent some time continuing to prepare for our ELA MCAS next week.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Blog Post - The students should write a three paragraph essay explaining what their favorite fantasy book is and why they enjoy it. Due Friday April 6th

4/2/18

The fifth graders began the month of April by continuing to prepare for their ELA MCAS exam. Today the students looked at an excerpt from a poem and answered some multiple choice questions that dealt with the text.

We also saw students continue to work with the events of the French and Indian War during social studies.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Blog Post - The students should write a three paragraph essay explaining what their favorite fantasy book is and why they enjoy it. Due Friday April 6th

3/29/18

The fifth graders wrapped up this week by learning about the French and Indian War and using maps to plot the changing face of the North American continent during that conflict.

We were also lucky enough to have Professor Anthony Fernandez come into the classroom and lead the students through an experiment that saw them working with the DNA of strawberries.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. 

3/28/18

Today was the final day of study for our 13 colonies unit. The students delved into one specific colony and the day-to-day life of the residents of that region. I thought that the last few weeks were very productive. We will be transitioning to the Revolutionary War in the next few days. I can't wait.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading.

3/27/18

The members of A303 had their first lesson in our informational writing unit today. The students looked at comparing and contrasting characters from fictional literature. This lesson served to expose the students to one potential template with which to write their essays in a few weeks.

Time was also spent with one final lesson exploring the three distinct regions of the 13 British colonies in North America.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading.

3/23/18

Today the the spring concert at the Thompson School. The fifth graders did a nice job with the two songs that they sang.

I hope everyone has a nice weekend.

3/22/18

The students took a math MCAS infrastructure test using Chromebooks today. This exercise was to give the students the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the testing equipment as we get ready for the real deal starting in April.

Time was spent in math class starting to working with multiplying decimals.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night.

3/21/18

The students were introduced to a new card game involving decimals during math class today. We also spent time in our last three sessions working on some practice multi-step word problems. The students are doing a very nice job with these.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night.

3/20/18

Progress was made on two fronts today, the students had another session of practice for their upcoming ELA MCAS exam. They also continued to work with decimals.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night.

3/19/18

The fifth graders began to learn about the 13 British North American colonies today. We began out study of the New England region and will progress into the Middle and South over the next few lessons.

During math class, the members of A303 looked at decimals in the context of number lines. Today was a productive lesson

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night.

3/16/18

The fifth graders spent time presenting their character trait posters during ELA today. I thought these turned out great. The students put a lot of time and effort into these and it was clearly evident that they selected books and characters that they cared about. Well done.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.

3/15/18

It was nice to see students back in class after the snow days. The fifth graders continued deeper into our decimal unit. We continued a new batch of warm up problems that are asking fifth graders to write decimals in both numerical and word form. As well as percents and fractions.

During the course of today, the students also put on their all school concert. It turned out great.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading

Character Trait project due tomorrow 3/16

3/12/18

The fifth graders returned to school and put the finishing touches on their explorer projects today. These posters turned out great and the information that was compiled was comprehensive.

Time was spent during math class representing decimals using grid paper.

Homework

Character Trait project due Friday March 16th

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading 

3/9/18

After yesterday's snow day, the fifth graders returned to school and continued to work with food chains and food webs during science class. They put the finishing touches on their food web for specific regions today. This work will continue into next week.

I hope everyone has a nice weekend.

3/7/18

The students progressed further into their decimal unit during math class. We are stressing the relationship between fractions and decimals and the students are doing a nice job of relying on prior information to solve these new problems. Another very encouraging lesson.

Students also worked to create food chains and food webs during science class using organism cards.

Homework

Character Trait project due Friday March 16th

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night, reading log due Friday March 9th

3/6/18

The fifth graders continued with another lesson in their decimal unit during math class. This introductory lessons are helping everyone develop a baseline of information to build upon in the coming weeks.


Homework

Character Trait project due Friday March 16th

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night, reading log due Friday March 9th

3/5/18

The students are at the mid way point of their social studies projects. Today was a productive day with many fifth graders approaching the end of the research phase of the project,


Students were also presented with a reading project that they will have three weeks to work on. This project is largely going to be done at home. Students received directions for this project today. If there are any questions please let me know. 

Homework

Character Trait project due Friday March 16th

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night, reading log due Friday March 9th

3/2/18

I hope everyone has a nice weekend.


Students were also presented with a reading project that they will have three weeks to work on. This project is largely going to be done at home. Students received directions for this project today. If there are any questions please let me know. 


Homework

Character Trait project due Friday March 16th

3/1/18

The fifth graders wrapped up their fractions unit by completing their end of unit assessment today during math class. I look forward to sitting with these and seeing the progress that the students made throughout the last two months.

Students were also presented with a reading project that they will have three weeks to work on. This project is largely going to be done at home. Students received directions for this project today. If there are any questions please let me know. 


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Math - division of fractions worksheet, due Friday 3/2

Character Trait project due Friday March 16th.

2/28/18

The fifth graders concluded the month of February by making commendable progress in two important areas. We continue to be hard at work on literary essays. The fifth graders are progressing closer and closer to completing their final drafts. I have truly been impressed with the essays that I have been reading. Today, special attention was paid to the conclusions of the pieces. Members of A303 looked to wrap their writing up on a strong note.

During social studies, the students began to kick off their final project in our European explorer unit. The students selected the explorer that they will be doing some research about into next week.

Students were also presented with a reading project that they will have three weeks to work on. This project is largely going to be done at home. Students received directions for this project today. If there are any questions please let me know. 


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Math - division of fractions worksheet, due Friday 3/2

Character Trait project due Friday March 16th.

2/27/18

Today was another writing day for the fifth graders. I was able to hold one-to-one writing conferences with a number of students while others continued to work on different stages of the writing process. Special attention was paid today to looking for grammar mistakes.

Students were also presented with a reading project that they will have three weeks to work on. This project is largely going to be done at home. Students received directions for this project today. If there are any questions please let me know. 


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Math - division of fractions worksheet, due Friday 3/2

Character Trait project due Friday March 16th.

2/26/18

The students returned to their literary writing on this first day back from vacation. We are approaching the home stretch of our second writing unit and the students were able to accomplish much today.

During social studies later in the school day, the members of A303 continued to compile information pertaining to a select group of European explorers.

Students were also presented with a reading project that they will have three weeks to work on. This project is largely going to be done at home. Students received directions for this project today. If there are any questions please let me know. 


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Math - division of fractions worksheet, due Friday 3/2

Character Trait project due Friday March 16th.

2/16/18

I hope everyone enjoys their February vacation.

2/15/18

The two made nice progress on two different fronts today. The first say the fifth graders continue to craft their early drafts on their final literary essay. I was able to meet with a few students today and touch base. I enjoyed getting to read some drafts this morning.

The second area of progress was social studies. Members of A303 began to study some of the other European explorers who crossed the Atlantic Ocean.



Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading and fill out the reading log on a nightly basis. Dur Friday Feb. 16

2/14/18

The fifth graders spent time writing about character traits during reading time. They specifically looked at the young man, William, from the Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.

Math class was spent dividing whole numbers by fractions and showing this work with both a visual and an equation.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading and fill out the reading log on a nightly basis. Dur Friday Feb. 16

2/13/18

The students returned to their writing during ELA time. Each student is slowly, but surely, developing their final literary essay. The drafting process will continue over the next few weeks.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading and fill out the reading log on a nightly basis. Dur Friday Feb. 16

2/12/18

The fifth graders turned their attention to one final book in our clean water unit today. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a great way to conclude our leaning in this unit and I look forward to working with the students with this text the next two weeks.

At the end of the school day, the fifth graders were lucky to have an enrichment opportunity from the Museum of Science. Members of the museum visited the fifth graders to conduct some experiments with the students.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading and fill out the reading log on a nightly basis. Dur Friday Feb. 16

2/9/18

The fifth graders officially selected the literary essay or video that they will be writing about during the drafting process.

During math class, the students began to look at division of fraction strategies.

2/7/18

The fifth graders did some reading comprehension work concerning the rainforests of South America. The students were tasked with answering some short response questions followed by a longer piece of writing.

During math class, the members of A303 used some visual representations to complete word problems.

Homework

Math - worksheet due on Friday February 9

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

2/6/18

Today was a productive writing day for the fifth graders. The students used yesterday's lesson that concerned some animated shorts from Pixar to further their search for themes of substance in their collection of literary essays.


Homework

Math - worksheet due on Friday February 9

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

2/5/18

The fifth graders spent one last day working on two different fronts. Groups finished and then presented their marathon word problem posters during math class. There was some nice communication during the explanations.

In ELA, the members of A303 wrapped up their timelines for the Nashua River. We began to turn our attention to the next book in our water unit, One Well.

Homework

Math - worksheet due on Friday February 9

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night 

2/2/18

Let's go Patriots.

2/1/18

The first day of February saw the fifth graders continue their work across multiple subjects. Math class saw groups continue to work on their long form word problem posters. During ELA time, the students had one more day to complete work on their letters to the EPA. Lastly during social studies we explored the various reasons for European exploration of the new world.

Homework

Math - worksheet due Friday February 2

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

1/31/18

The last day of January saw the students continue to work on their literary essays. We continue to make solid progress in this area. I have enjoyed getting to read the impressions of the fifth graders.

Math class saw the fifth graders kickoff a multi-day world problem that will require teamwork and the ability to use the skills that we have been working on for the last two weeks.


Homework

Math - worksheet due Friday February 2

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

1/30/18

The students continued to work on their two projects concerning River Ran Wild. Many students have either finished typing or are in the process of typing their letters. Groups also returned to their timeline posters today.

Homework

Math - worksheet due Friday February 2

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

1/29/18

The fifth graders continue to work on letters that they will be sending to the Boston office of the Environmental Protection Agency. These letters speak to the importance of the group's efforts and the subject matter that we have been learning about in class these last few weeks.

During social studies, the members of A303 look at the book Encounters by Jane Yolen. This gave the students a look at events from a different perspective.

Homework

Math - worksheet due Friday February 2

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

1/25/18

Today was an important reading lesson for the fifth graders. The students worked on two items that tie into out clean water unit. The first was a continuation of the letters they are crafting speaking to the importance of people having access to clean water and ways for regular people to contribute to helping in this area. The second saw groups look to create a timeline of events pertaining to the key components of the recently read story.

During social studies today, the members of A303 looked at some newspaper accounts of the War of the Worlds broadcast from the 1950s.



Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

1/24/18

The students had another literary essay writing day today. The productivity from Monday's work carried over into our lesson this morning. The fifth graders are almost all complete with their rough draft concerning a story that we read last week. We are preparing to move into the next phase of the writing process.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

1/23/18

Today the students looked to address any lingering questions from the book, A River Ran Wild. We spent some time look at the author's note that was attached to the end of the story. In the coming days, we will be turning our attention to other books that deal with a similar issue.

During math class, the fifth graders looked to continue using visual models to represent multiplying fractions.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

1/22/18

The fifth graders continued to work with multiplying fractions be whole numbers today. The progress that is being made on a daily basis is encouraging to see. This work will continue throughout the week.

Later in the school day, as part of your social studies unit on European exploration, the students listened to the original radio broadcast of War of the Worlds. This lesson will tie into Christopher Columbus' famous voyage later this week.




Homework

Math - finish multiplying fractions worksheet if not done in class

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

1/19/18

The students wrapped up the second portion of their math assessment using iReady today. I appreciated how well students worked the last two weeks in completing this round of testing.

I hope everyone has a nice weekend and I will see people back at school on Monday.

1/18/18

During science class, the fifth graders began to look at the water cycle. Today's lesson kicked off with an energizer that used a large inflatable globe to ascertain how much of the face of the planet is covered in water. This segued into some early observations about the water cycle.

Earlier in the school day, the fifth graders took the first part of their iReady winter math assessment.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

1/17/18

The members of A303 kicked off their next unit of study in social studies today. We have turned our attention to European exploration of the American continent. Today was a nice way to get things rolling and it seems as if the students are enthusiastic to learn.

Earlier in the school day, the fifth graders undertook their second lesson in their multiplication of fractions unit.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

1/16/18

With more winter weather on its way, the members of A303 returned to the Nashua River during reading class. The students reconvened in their reading groups to finish answering some focus questions. At this point, the students were tasked with coming up with definitions for some of the keywords that we encountered in the story. A productive lesson.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

1/12/18

The students finished the week by taking part two of their reading iReady assessment on chromebooks.

The fifth graders were also able to meet with their book buddies for a Martin Luther King Jr. activity.

I hope everyone has a nice long weekend.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night. Fill our reading log on a nightly basis. Due Friday January 12th.

1/11/18

During today's work, the members of A303 took their mid-unit fraction assessment. The work leading up to this point has been quite good. I have seen students make positive strides on a daily basis. The fifth graders appeared to take their time and be diligent about checking over their work when completed. I look forward to going through these results.

Today also saw the fifth graders take the first part of their ELA iReady assessment using Chromebooks. Tomorrow will see the students complete part two

 Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night. Fill our reading log on a nightly basis. Due Friday January 12th.

1/10/18

The fifth graders continued to work deeper into their literary essays today. The students are looking at a particular short story called Spaghetti. Today, the members of A303 used their literary essay templates to begin the process of building an essay concerning this story.

Later in the school day, we spent one last day reviewing for tomorrow's mid-unit fraction assessment.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night. Fill our reading log on a nightly basis. Due Friday January 12th.

1/9/18

The students began to look closely at the first anchor text within our clean water current events unit. This book, A River Ran Wild, was written by Lynne Cherry. The students are going to learn about the history of the Nashua River in Massachusetts. Today, time was spent working into small groups to answer some focus questions.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night. Fill our reading log on a nightly basis. Due Friday January 12th.

1/8/18

It was nice to see the fifth graders back at school after the weather induced long weekend. The members of A303 continued their work with literary essays during ELA. We finished our exploration of the video concerning the soccer team from the Philippines. We then transitioned into looking at another one of our core literary essays and annotating it.

Later in the school day, many of the students were able to put the finishing touches on their Native American cultural region projects. I have been happy with how these are turning out.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night. Fill our reading log on a nightly basis. Due Friday January 12th.

1/3/18

Today was an exciting writing day for the fifth graders. We continued into out next lesson in our study of literary essays. The focus of today's work was a short video about a soccer team in Thailand that had success even though they faced great obstacles. The students keyed in on the main details from this remarkable story and began to sketch a rough outline of a potential literary essay concerning these young soccer players.

During math class, the fifth graders continued to work some word problems that involved both fractions and mixed numbers.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night.

1/2/18

As we began our first week of school in the new year, the members of A303 turned their attention to a new unit of study in reading. This time we will be focusing on current events, more specifically clean water and the population's ability to access it. During the course of the next few weeks, the fifth graders will be exposed to a number of different anchor texts and articles that explore the clean water crisis that parts of the world experience. I look forward to wading into this issue with the students.

Time was also spent today returning to the Native American cultural region projects. This work will continue throughout the course of this week.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night.