During morning meeting we spent time sharing out what we are looking forward to during our December vacation week.
Kids spent time playing board games and card games in small groups in the afternoon.
I hope everyone has a nice holiday break and look forward to seeing the kids back at school in 2024.
Tomorrow, we are going to take our first assessment in unit four during math class. We spent one final day reviewing various methods to solve multiplication problems.
Our ELA time was spent having book groups working on their three part end of unit project. Each group is responsible for writing a summary, a recommendation and creating a book poster. Productive day today for the groups.
Homework
We reviewed the standard multiplication algorithm during math class and also had some time to work on some mixed number problems.
The kids continue to really enjoy the class read aloud book, Auggie & Me. This week they will be responding to a prompt concerning character traits.
Homework
During ELA time, the kids met with their book groups and continued work on their end of unit book poster and summary. The last two days have been productive ones and the groups have done a nice job of sharing ideas and suggestions with each other. This work will be ongoing over the next two weeks.
In the afternoon, the kids met with their second grade book buddies. The fifth graders were able to share their literary essays with their younger peers and the second graders shared a recent piece of writing as well. Next week we will meet with the second grade one final time in 2023.
We concluded our fraction unit this morning by taking our assessment. The fifth graders did wonderful work during this section and I am sure that will be reflected in their grades.
I hope everyone has a nice weekend.
We spent one final day reviewing important fraction concepts in preparation for tomorrow's assessment. When the students complete the test tomorrow, they will partner up to play a logic game.
Homework
The kids worked with line plots during math class this morning. Each of the fifth graders made a line plot to display a data set of measurements that involved fractions. This was an important lesson and the kids did a nice job with it.
In the afternoon, the kids were able to visit with author Jerry Pallotta.
Homework
Math - will be given later this week
The fifth graders spent time in the afternoon continuing to practice making inferences using two more Pixar shorts. This important skill will be one that the kids use throughout the school year.
Tomorrow, the author Jerry Pallotta will visit with the Thompson students. The fifth graders are looking forward to this a great deal.
Homework
Math - will be given later this week
We had a very productive week. Working on mixed number and fraction problems in math, making more progress with our essays and making inferences about Pixar short films.
I hope everyone has a nice weekend.
We wrapped up the month of November on a strong note today. The kids in room A303 began exploring addition and subtraction of mixed numbers during math class. This important lesson will carry over into tomorrow. Our ELA time was spent making inferences using a Pixar short film. The kids did a great job with this and enjoyed the screen time.
Homework
Our math lesson was an important one this morning. The fifth graders began working to subtract fractions. Using the same skill set that we developed over the last two weeks, they did a wonderful job.
We are also less than one week away from our visit with author Jerry Pallotta. The kids are very excited to meet him and listen to his stories about creating his books.
The fifth graders spent time touching up and refining portions of their literary essays during ELA time. We are approaching the final stages of the writing process and the writer's conferences have been going very well. A lot of time and effort have been put into these pieces and the fifth graders are excited to finish these.
The fifth graders took a fraction assessment during math class. The work that they have done these last few weeks has been quite good and I am confident that that will be reflected in the scores from this test.
After lunch we met with our book buddies and did some reading.
Tomorrow is a one o'clock dismissal.
We spent one final day working on fraction comparison and addition problems during math class. Tomorrow the fifth graders are going to take an assessment.
During read aloud time, we began our new book called Auggie & Me.
Due to the short week, there will be no homework this week.
During math class, the fifth graders learned a new fraction game called Roll Around the Clock. Using two set of die, the kids looked to add fractions and record their tallies on a recording sheet. This went very well. It has been an excellent week in math to this point.
Later in the day, room A303 completed their planet classification activity in small groups. The data that they compiled during this activity will be used next week during another lesson.
Homework
Reading - read for 30 minutes each night
Math - fraction worksheet (double sided) due on Friday 11/17
We began our work with adding fractions during math class this morning. Using clock faces, the kids worked to solve some problems and continued to explore equivalent fractions. After some fits and starts at the start of the lesson, the kids did a wonderful job. We are going to continue this work over the next two days.
Homework
Reading - read for 30 minutes each night
Math - fraction worksheet (double sided) due on Friday 11/17
The fifth grade book groups shared updates on where they are in their novels with their peers this morning during ELA time. After having a brief discussion about key turning points, the kids then read further in their books. We are making good progress in our books the last two weeks.
Homework
Reading - read for 30 minutes each night
Math - fraction worksheet (double sided) due on Friday 11/17
The fifth graders had an opportunity to share their planet posters that they have worked on over the last two weeks. Each of the kids did a great job with these and they should be proud of their efforts. These will look good hung up in the classroom.
Homework
Reading - read for 30 minutes each night
Math - fraction worksheet (double sided) due on Friday 11/17
We ended the short week with more quality work being done in math class with fractions and book groups reading deeper into their novels.
Happy Veterans Day to those who have served. Have a nice long weekend.
Fifth graders worked to identify fraction equivalents through reasoning and visuals. We also worked to represent these fractions of various sized grids.
Tomorrow, those fifth graders who have volunteered for safety patrols, will meet together in the afternoon to go over expectations and responsibilities of their roles.
As a reminder, there is no school this Friday November 10th.
The fifth graders continued their early exploration of fractions during our math time. Using different sized grids, the kids looked to visually represent various unit fractions. This lead into completing some workbook pages in pairs. The first two lessons in unit three have gone well. Quality participation is evident throughout the classroom.
Our ELA time saw the members of A303 reconvene with their book groups. Many of the groups have passed the halfway point of their novels and are eager to see how the stories conclude.
As a reminder, there is no school this Friday November 10th.
This week is an important one for the fifth graders, as we begin our study of fractions in math class. We are going to be digging into this important subject matter over the next few weeks and today was a nice introduction for the kids.
We are also going to begin writer's conferences this week. I look forward to seeing the drafts of literary essays that the fifth graders have been working on over the past few weeks.
As a reminder, there is no school this Friday November 10th.
Another productive week in the book for the fifth graders in room A303. The kids returned to their book groups this morning. We began the period by having the fifth graders respond to a writing prompt about their books. This lead into more quality time reading within their groups.
After lunch, the kids helped the Green Team load pumpkins into the Black Earth truck. My compliments to the kids for being a help to this worthy effort.
I hope everyone has a nice weekend.
It was nice to hear the kids sharing about their Halloween candy hauls during morning meeting. Sounds like everyone made out well.
We returned to our literary essays during ELA time this morning. Many of the fifth graders are nearing completion on their first draft. Starting next week, writing conferences will begin in earnest.
Homework
Reading - read for 30 minutes each night and fill out reading log. Due in class on Friday November 3rd.
The month of October ended with another book group session during ELA time and continuing to work with volume problems during math time. Later this week, the kids are going to respond to a prompt concerning their reading books.
As a reminder, the kids do not have school tomorrow, Wednesday November 1st.
Homework
Reading - read for 30 minutes each night and fill out reading log. Due in class on Friday November 3rd.
The fifth graders began a group activity in math class this morning that saw them working to determine the volume of our classroom. Using twelve rulers and packing tape, the kids created a cubic foot long cube that they then used to solve for volume. This activity went well.
We also spent more time working on our body paragraphs for our literary essays.
Homework
Reading - read for 30 minutes each night and fill out reading log. Due in class on Friday November 3rd.
The fifth graders continued to make steady progress with their realistic fiction books during ELA time. I have know read with each of the reading groups twice and I have enjoyed getting to listen to discussions of themes and character traits. We are going to return to our novels twice next week.
Our field trip to the Planetarium at the Museum of Science is tomorrow.
Homework
Math - workbook pages 105 and 106 due Friday 10/27. Use graph paper provided in class to create pattern for question 3.
The focus of our ELA work this morning was getting a start on our body paragraphs for our literary essays. Fifth graders worked in pairs to identify key sections of the story to touch upon in their essays and then drafted. Productive session.
Our field trip to the Planetarium at the Museum of Science is this Friday.
Homework
Math - workbook pages 105 and 106 due Friday 10/27. Use graph paper provided in class to create pattern for question 3.
We continued to explore volume during math class this morning. Along with that came some valuable division review. The kids continue to impress with their willingness to solve problems in a variety of ways.
Our field trip to the Planetarium at the Museum of Science is this Friday.
Homework
Math - workbook pages 105 and 106 due Friday 10/27. Use graph paper provided in class to create pattern for question 3.
Each of the fifth graders completed their first draft of their opening paragraphs for their literary essays during ELA. Over the next two weeks we are going to continue drafting and move into our body paragraphs.
On Friday we are taking our first field trip to the Museum of Science.
Homework
Math - workbook pages 105 and 106 due Friday 10/27. Use graph paper provided in class to create pattern for question 3.
The fifth graders had the opportunity to share out some interesting details from the early stages of their reading group books during ELA time. This segued into the groups reading deeper into their novels. I have enjoyed getting to read with each of the groups. Next week, the kids will respond to a writing prompt about their books.
Permission slips for the field trip on Friday 10/27 should be returned as soon as possible.
Homework
Reading - read for 30 minutes each night and fill out reading log on a nightly basis. Due in class on 10/20
Math class saw the fifth graders finding the volume of various rectangular prisms using connecting cubes and graph paper.
During ELA time, each of the kids selected a short story to begin crafting their literary essay.
Permission slips for the field trip on Friday 10/27 should be returned as soon as possible.
Homework
Reading - read for 30 minutes each night and fill out reading log on a nightly basis. Due in class on 10/20
The fifth graders once again worked with their book groups and read further into their realistic fiction novels. The kids are doing a great job tracking their thinking in their 3-step journals. I was also impressed with the discussions that were taking place concerning turning points in the early stages of their books.
After lunch, the fifth graders did some reading with their second grade book buddies.
Permission slips for the field trip on Friday 10/27 should be returned as soon as possible.
Homework
Reading - read for 30 minutes each night and fill out reading log on a nightly basis. Due in class on 10/20
We are going to begin unit 2 in math class this week. This section will see the fifth graders working with volume problems and concepts. After the quality work done in our first unit, I can't wait to see how the kids do with our new chapter.
The fifth graders also finished their work with the short story Fly Away Home this morning. Later this week, they are going to select a short story to begin crafting their literary essays.
Homework
Reading - read for 30 minutes each night and fill out reading log on a nightly basis. Due in class on 10/20
We spent one final one preparing for our end of unit one exam during math class. The work the fifth graders have done concerning division, multiplication and order of operation problems has been top notch. The kids appear to be ready for the test tomorrow.
The fifth graders also continue to thoroughly enjoy Wonder, our class read aloud book. We continue to notice the changing perspectives of various characters and tomorrow the students will respond to a written prompt about our current section of the book.
Homework
We began the month of October by using multiple towers to help us solve division problems in math class. The kids are quickly realizing that using different multiplication strategies is going to help us solve division problems. Today was a productive class that we will look to continue into tomorrow's lesson.
Our ELA time was spent responding to a prompt concerning the various short stories that we have read to this point. The kids focused on a problem that the protagonist has faced in one story.
Tomorrow is picture day at the Thompson School.
Big day in math this morning as the fifth graders pushed into the last section of unit one. This portion of the chapter will see the kids working with division word problems. Today was a nice way to reintroduce the kids to the operation and work through some problems together.
Fifth graders also read their next short story as part of our literary essay writing unit.
I hope everyone has a nice weekend.
Picture day is October 3rd.
The fifth graders continued to work with multiplication problems in math class. We explored cluster problems and used these to help us estimate and then solve a series of workbook pages. With time left, the kids partnered up and played multiplication compare.
Pictures will be on October 3rd.
The fifth graders began work on a piece of writing that will serve as a pre-assessment for our realistic fiction book groups. We are going to look to have the kids finish this important task tomorrow afternoon.
Room A303 students also launched their first science unit this afternoon. We are going to be exploring the solar system and the kids seem excited to dig into this material.
Thank goodness the weather has cooled off for the fifth graders. We began our first week together with a busy day. Continued to work with arrays during math class. The kids also launched our first reading lesson by talking about genres. We are going to lay the groundwork for important work to come this week in ELA. Lastly, the kids had their first art class of the new school year.
It was an unpleasant week weather wise, but not for the 18 members of A303 in the classroom. We concluded our first week together with another exciting energizer during morning meeting. During math class we continued our early exploration of multiplication using arrays. We also began our introduction to some key reading concepts during our ELA time. It was great getting to meet and learn about the kids this week and I look forward to starting our first full week together on Monday. Have a nice weekend.
Great to see all of the fifth graders return for day 2 this morning. Despite the heat and humidity, the kids had another quality day. Starting today and continuing into tomorrow, the members of A303 are going to be crafting a "Special Me" poem that will tell their peers a little about their interests and hobbies. Parents will also get to see these during Back to School night later this month.
Tomorrow we are officially going to launch unit one in math class.
The fifth graders enjoyed themselves a great deal at Launch this morning. They wished they could have spent the whole weekend there.
Next week is our final week of school and the graduation ceremony will be at 9 a.m. on Wednesday the 21st. Parents and families are invited to begin entering the Thompson building fifteen minutes before the ceremony commences.
I hope everyone has a nice weekend.
Each of the fifth graders took some time today to share a response of two from their fantasy book club packet. The groups worked well together during this unit and the students seemed to enjoy the novels that they read.
Tomorrow morning we are taking a field trip to Launch in Woburn.
A few more students crossed the finish line with their informational writing pieces this morning. The goal is to have the final few kids published tomorrow.
The fifth graders have a movie day coming up this Thursday followed by a field trip to Launch in Woburn on Friday.
The fifth graders have a movie day coming up this Thursday followed by a field trip to Launch in Woburn on Friday. Exciting times for the kids.
The early part of the week will see all fifth graders look to put the finishing touches on their informational writing pieces.
Field Day was a success. The weather cooperated and the kids had a great time. Thank you to the fifth graders for also helping the younger kids during their portion of the day.
Tomorrow we are going to walk to the Gibbs and tour the building. As a reminder, we are asking all students to be dropped off at the Thompson at 7:50 so that we are able to walk to the Gibbs and arrive on time.
The fifth graders continued to work with converting units of measurement during class. Our focus today was on exploring the U.S. standard measurements. We have had two productive lessons in a row.
Tomorrow is field day and on Friday we are going to the Gibbs in the morning. As a reminder, we are asking all students to be dropped off at the Thompson at 7:50 so that we are able to walk to the Gibbs and arrive on time for our tours.
We dug into the details of the Battle of Bunker Hill this afternoon. The students looked at some paintings and maps of the battle and then also looked at some data tables about the number of soldiers on the battlefield. This was an interesting and productive lesson.
Please have permission slips and waivers for Gibbs visit and Launch returned as soon as possible.
The members of A303 were able to watch a performance of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. this morning. All of the kids who took part in the play did a great job and the students in the audience enjoyed the performances.
Next week has two notable items. On Thursday the eighth, the Thompson School is having field day. Finally, on Friday we are going to walk to the Gibbs School to tour the building.
I hope everyone has a nice weekend.
The kids had a blast during the Parkour enrichment program yesterday. After seeing an instructor model a Parkour movement, the kids then modeled the same movement.
The month of June will begin with a fantasy book group lesson. On Friday we are going to be in the audience during one of the school plays.
Fantasy book group reading and informational writing are going to be our focus these next two weeks. We want all fifth graders in A303 to be done with their novels and final drafts by next Friday. Today, the kids continued to work hard on these two important items.
Tomorrow, the fifth grades will take part in the parkour enrichment activity.
The fifth graders have a well deserved long weekend in front of them. Between their work on the recent science and math MCAS tests and their continued perseverance on their informational writing pieces, they had a heavy workload these past two weeks. My compliments to their continued dedication.
Next weekend, the fifth graders will take part in the parkour enrichment program.
I hope everyone has a nice Memorial Day weekend.
MCAS is officially complete for the fifth graders. They worked through the second session of their science test this morning. Well done fifth graders.
Tomorrow and for the remaining school days, we will be back to a normal routine.
Today and tomorrow will see the kids take their third and final MCAS assessment, the science portion of the test. The fifth graders should once again be commended for their effort level these past few weeks. It will be nice to be done with these testing days.
We also managed to fit in some work in our fantasy book groups later in the school day.
The fifth graders were fortunate to take part in the Wingmasters program this morning. Jim Parks brought a number of rescued birds of prey to school and spoke with the kids about the animals and the challenges that they are facing. The kids had a great time.
Here is more information about the program:
http://www.wingmasters.net/aboutus.htm
The fifth grade classes are going to take the math MCAS on Tuesday and Thursday. We ask that all students arrive at school on time those days so that we can begin promptly.
We ended the week by having a unique social studies lesson. The fifth graders explored the contents of a Traveling Trunk, which contained artifacts and information about various Revolutionary War events. Working in small groups, the fifth graders traveled from station to station around the classroom to explore. This is both informative and fun. I also want to thank the kids for helping to pack up the items at the conclusion of the session.
Next week, the fifth grade classes are going to take the math MCAS on Tuesday and Thursday. We ask that all students arrive at school on time those days so that we can begin promptly.
Have a nice weekend.
We are going to look to have the kids read deeper into their fantasy books this week and next. The fifth graders had a productive session today and they also finished their latest prompt concerning their novels.
Later this week, we are going to look at a practice MCAS math test in preparation for next week's assessment on Tuesday and Thursday.
The fifth graders had the opportunity to meet with some of the sixth grade teachers from the Gibbs this morning. After hearing the teachers speak about the school, the members of A303 were able to spend some time asking questions. I think this was a positive experience for the future sixth graders.
We also returned to our informational writing during the school day. Each of the kids has an intro paragraph and many are putting the finishing touches on their background paragraph. This work will continue next week.
On Monday of next week, we will be taking part in an author visit. The book fair also begins on Wednesday.
I also wanted to thank all of the parents who contributed and organized the thoughtful gift that I received today, it is greatly appreciated and means a lot.
Have a nice weekend.
The fantasy book groups are doing a nice job of progressing through their novels. Many of the groups were able to read a few chapters as well as responding to a new writing prompt.
Teachers from the Gibbs will be stopping by the Thompson tomorrow to speak with the kids about sixth grade. There will also be time for the fifth graders to ask questions about next year.
The kids began the month by taking part in an art enrichment program with a local artist outside at the spray park. We were grateful that local artist Aimee Ledwell took the time to work with the fifth graders.
We are also approaching the closing stages of unit seven in out math class. We are going to spend this week getting ready for our next assessment.
This Friday some teachers from the Gibbs School will be coming to the Thompson to speak with the fifth graders about next year.
There is no homework this week.
The fifth graders began to think about potential topics for their informational writing pieces today. They had an opportunity to peruse dozens of books pertaining to people, battles and events from the Revolutionary War era. Each student will get to choose a topic and over the next few weeks research and write about said topic. A few of the fifth graders made their choice today and we will look to have everyone else make a choice tomorrow.
Although we have many books in the classroom, it would also be beneficial for students to supplement their choices with books from the town library if possible.
Homework
Reading - 30 minutes of reading per night and fill out log on daily basis. Due in class Friday 4/28
In math class, we began to use arrays to help us visualize how to multiply fractions by fractions. This was another productive day as we get ready for an assessment later this week. Quality participation was evident throughout the lesson.
Homework
Reading - 30 minutes of reading per night and fill out log on daily basis. Due in class Friday 4/28
We continued our study of the French and Indian war during our social studies time this afternoon. The kids will wrap up this lesson tomorrow. Quality map making skills were evident throughout the classroom.
Homework
Reading - 30 minutes of reading per night and fill out log on daily basis. Due in class Friday 4/28
Nice to see everyone back at school this morning. We began the day taking some time during our morning meeting in sharing out highlights of the vacation week. The class also talked about our goals for these next few weeks in ELA and math. Along those lines, we returned to unit seven work during math class. Many of the kids picked up where they left off before the break, but it was nice to spend some time reviewing key concepts.
We also explored the French and Indian War as part of our larger Revolutionary War unit this afternoon in social studies. The kids looked to create maps that tracked the changing control of North America from before the war to after.
Homework
Reading - 30 minutes of reading per night and fill out log on daily basis. Due in class Friday 4/28
We finished the month of March by taking our unit six assessment. This test will show the level of understanding of decimals for the fifth graders. The kids have been working hard throughout the unit and I am sure that will be reflected in the results.
Room A303 also finished our read aloud book Auggie & Me and we are going to be moving into another read aloud book next week. This book will be a work of fantasy to tie into our final unit of study.
I hope everyone has a nice weekend. As a reminder, we do not have school next Friday 4/7 because of Good Friday.
Adding and subtracting decimals continued to be the order of the day during math class. The students are doing a great job of applying their estimation and comparison skills to help them solve word problems. We are going to have an assessment later this week.
Also, tonight is a significant planetary event:
https://www.wcvb.com/article/5-planets-in-night-sky-at-once/43409499
Homework
Math - finish pages 405 and 406, if not done in class
We wrapped up an exciting and engaging week by taking part in the States of Matter program offered by the Museum of Science. The fifth graders watched and in some cases volunteered in performing experiments pertaining to solids, liquids and gases. This was an awesome program.
I hope everyone has a nice weekend.
The fifth graders put a lot of time and effort into their animal research projects and the posters turned out very well. This afternoon they were able to share their posters with their second grade book buddies. The fifth graders were also a receptive audience as the second graders shared their country projects.
Tomorrow is going to be an exciting day, as we are going to take part in a states of matter enrichment program. This is be both exciting and informative.
Homework
Reading - read and complete Bulldogs packet, due Friday 3/24
The fifth graders took part in one more decimal game called fill 2 this morning. This game saw pairs of students drawing decimal cards and then using hundredths grids to shade in the portions that corresponded to their cards. This is a glimpse into the adding and subtracting work we will be starting tomorrow. Nice lesson this morning.
Tomorrow we are going to meet with our book buddies. The fifth graders are going to share their animal research posters with the second graders and Mrs. Dichter's class is going to share their world country projects with the fifth graders.
Homework
Reading - read and complete Bulldogs packet, due Friday 3/24
We took part in an introductory fantasy book club lesson during our ELA time. The focus of our time was talking about common plot details in works of fantasy. The kids were actively involved and appear to be excited to kick this unit off and start working with their book groups.
Homework
Reading - read and complete Bulldogs packet, due Friday 3/24
The fifth graders took part in an enrichment program this morning in the gym. The presentation, Traditions of Chinese Acrobatics, was an engaging one that the kids seemed to enjoy.
We also returned to our study of decimals. Both learning a new way to compare values and completing a few workbook pages.
Later this week, we will look to have all groups complete their 13 colonies project and make presentations to their classmates.
Homework
Reading - read and complete Bulldogs packet, due Friday 3/24
Next week the fifth graders are going to took some preparatory work for the upcoming ELA portion of the MCAS. We will also be taking part in an enrichment program on Monday that will see the kids watching a program entitled Traditions of Chinese Acrobatics. I hope everyone has a nice weekend.
More time was spent on our non-fiction magazine project during ELA time. Many of the fifth graders are in the process of inserting timelines or charts into their digital magazines. From walking around during the period, I was impressed with the enthusiasm that the kids continues to show while working on this.
Homework
Reading - read for 30 minutes each night and fill out reader's log. Due Friday March 7th.
The fifth graders took part in the Understanding Our Differences presentation this morning. This valuable enrichment opportunity was a positive experience for the kids. We thank the presenters who took the time to speak with the kids.
We continued our work with decimals after the presentation. Using tenths and hundredths grids, the kids compared the values of decimals.
Homework
Reading - read for 30 minutes each night and fill out reader's log. Due Friday March 7th.
Many more fifth graders have crossed the finish line with their opinion writing pieces. These students have turned their attention to a poster project which will accompany their writing. More writer's conferences took place this morning. These papers are turning out fantastic. The kids should feel proud of their work.
Tomorrow we are going to take part in the Understanding Our Differences presentation.
Homework
Reading - read for 30 minutes each night and fill out reader's log. Due Friday March 7th.
Today we kicked off our next unit of study in math class. This is an important one that will see the fifth graders working with decimals. We used grids to help us compare values of different decimals during today's lesson.
Homework
Reading - read for 30 minutes each night and fill out reader's log. Due Friday March 7th.
A lot of work was put towards our 13 colonies poster project during social studies time. The groups are working well together and I was impressed by the delegation of work amongst the groups. Solid teamwork evident throughout the classroom.
Homework
The month of March began with the kids analyzing and comparing numerical patterns during math class. Using colored tiles, the kids continued to compile data into tables and graphed their findings.
We also used out ELA time to return to various parts of the writing process.
Homework
The month of February ended with the fifth graders taking a unit five assessment in math class. This assessment offers a glimpse into the kid's understanding of ordered pair graphing and organizing data into tables. I look forward to going over the results.
Homework
I hope everyone has a nice vacation week. Look forward to seeing everyone back on Monday the 27th.
The fifth graders learned who they were working with for their colonial region project. Using graphic organizers, the kids started gathering information concerning their region, using a short video and article. this work will be ongoing over the next three weeks.
We spent time later in the day celebrating Valentine's Day. Many of the kids brought in cards so we were able to exchange those. It was a nice way to conclude the day.
The fifth graders continued to work on drafting of their opinion pieces during ELA time. Work also continued on our biosphere designs during science class. Both of these items are progressing well.
Homework
The kids continued to work with growth stories during math class. They organized heights into data tables then plotted the data on graphs. Quality work across the board.
Homework
A fair amount of work was accomplished during our writing time this morning. Each of the fifth graders has crafted a lead paragraph for their opinion pieces. Today's time was spent writing our first body paragraphs, with special attention given to including quality factual evidence. We will return to this important work on Thursday.
We also began an incredibly interesting activity during our science time. After finishing our food web posters last week the kids turned their attention to designing a biosphere for a potential research mission. This will be an ongoing project over the next two weeks. The kids were heavily invested in this today.
Homework
We kicked off unit five during math class. This unit will see the kids exploring tables and graphs and parsing the information contained in each to help them solve problems. A nice start to the work this morning. Next week, the kids will have a piece of math homework.
Fifth graders in room A303 were also able to work with their book buddies to create Valentine's Day cards which are going to be delivered to a local senior center. My compliments to the kids for the creativity. These turned out great.
Homework
Complete "Nature's Little Helpers". Due Friday February 3
The new month saw the kids take their unit four assessment. Although this unit focused on reviewing concepts from earlier in the year, the rigor was increased a great deal. I was impressed throughout the last few weeks with the effort on display in room A303. I am sure the results of this assessment will be strong ones. We are launching the next important unit tomorrow.
Homework
Complete "Nature's Little Helpers". Due Friday February 3
Hard to believe that the month of January concluded today. We wrapped it up with an interesting writing lesson that saw the kids learning about a group of elephants from the small Africans country of Eswatini. After reading about these creatures, the kids then practiced taking notes pertaining to the main idea of the piece.
During math class, we worked on a final batch of workbook pages from unit 4. Tomorrow, the kids are going to take the unit four math test.
Homework
Complete "Nature's Little Helpers". Due Friday February 3
We are going to spend time this week having the kids read deeper into their non-fiction books while looking for main ideas and context clues for certain sections. The kids are also going to work on the final two tasks for their opinion writing unit. By Friday, we are going to start gathering information for our opinion pieces.
Homework
Complete "Nature's Little Helpers". Due Friday February 3
We spent time this morning looking at the Ring of Fire homework. Kids were able to share their answers and smaller groups discussed two questions in particular. Productive block of time.
During science class, the fifth graders continued to work on their food web ecosystem posters. These are shaping up nicely. We will look to put the finishing touches on these next week.
Have a nice weekend.
The kids continued their work with data tables during math class. Today's lesson, which was part two of a three part series, will see the kids continue to use different operations to solve problems. These answers will let be used to solve additional problems. Exciting lessons and quality work in the fifth grade.
Homework
Reading - read Ring of Fire packet and respond to questions. Due in class on Friday 1/27
We once again visited our non-fiction books during ELA time. Prior to that, the kids looked at two speeches and explored the main idea of each. One was the famous "Luckiest Man" speech by Hall of Fame baseball player Lou Gehrig. The other was a more recent speech given by Malala Yousafsai. Nice participation throughout this session.
Homework
Reading - read Ring of Fire packet and respond to questions. Due in class on Friday 1/27
We are into the final section of unit 4 in math. This unit will see the fifth graders working on multi step word problems. Today was an important day to lay foundation for the rest of this week.
Homework
Reading - read Ring of Fire packet and respond to questions. Due in class on Friday 1/27
The fifth graders began the week by taking an assessment in math class. This test concludes our division review. Starting tomorrow, we are going to move into multi-step word problems using data tables.
During ELA, the class worked on an example of comprehension homework together. This was valuable time and the kids seemed to grasp the time of responses that were needed to fully answer these questions.
Later this week, the fifth graders will look to complete the iReady testing.
Homework
Reading - 30 minutes of reading per night
The kids are going to get a comprehension packet tomorrow. This will be due in class on Thursday 1/26
This week is going to be an eventful one for the fifth graders in ELA. They are going to start reading their chosen non-fiction text. Later this week, they will start collecting some information about their topic that they can share with their peers.
We are also going to undertake two more tasks relating to our opinion writing topic. Beginning next week, the kids are going to start building their argument using the various resources that they have been exposed to over the last two weeks.
Homework
Math - workbook page 241, due tomorrow 1/18
We wrapped up the week by diving into another zoo task during our writing time. The kids are beginning to weight the pros and cons of zoos and to help them collect evidence they watched a short video and used a graphic organizer to collect ideas.
During science class, groups worked to create a model of a forest ecosystem food web using animal cards. This lesson was a quality one and I was impressed with the teamwork.
Have a nice weekend.
It was nice to return to a normal schedule this Thursday. We were able to accomplish much in math, where the kids worked on some division word problems. During ELA time we explored a number of non-fiction texts. By tomorrow, the hope is that all of the fifth graders will have selected a topic and a book to begin working with next week. Finally, the fifth graders did some reading with their second grade book buddies.
Homework
Reading - 30 minutes of reading per night. Logs due on Friday 1/13
Math - workbook page 228, due Friday 1/13
We had a quality writing lesson tying into our overall theme of opinion writing this morning.
Tomorrow we are going to meet with our second grade book buddies again.
Homework
Reading - 30 minutes of reading per night. Logs due on Friday 1/13
Anyone who did not finish their Zoochosis article and organizer, must finish this tonight
This early release day saw the kids explore another aspect of the lives of animals that are being kept in zoos. They read an article and responded to some questions. Compliments to the kids for remaining invested in the subject matter throughout.
Tomorrow will also be an 1130 dismissal time.
Homework
Reading - 30 minutes of reading per night. Logs due on Friday 1/13
This week will see the kids continue to explore food chains and food webs during science time. We are also going to start learning about the 13 original English North American colonies.
As a reminder, tomorrow and Wednesday are early dismissal days. The kids are going to be dismissed at 12 o'clock to accommodate parent teacher conference time.
Homework
Reading - 30 minutes of reading per night. Logs due on Friday 1/13
Math - finish workbook pages 222 and 223 if not done in class
Our math lesson saw the fifth graders working to solve multiplication problems using the US standard algorithm. There were a few bumps in the road, but the kids persevered through and made some positive strides.
I look forward to meeting with parents and family members tonight from 6 to 8.
Homework
Math - complete workbook page 216, if not done in class. Due tomorrow 1/6.
