5/10/17

Another very productive writing day for the fifth graders in M102. There are many students who have begun their first draft on their informational pieces. I was able to touch base with two groups of writers today and I look forward to checking in with the other groups later this week.

During math class today, the students worked on converting units of measurement. This was a meaningful lesson and I thought that the students were involved in a positive manner throughout.

As a reminder, Thursday and Friday the fifth grade are taking the two portions of the math MCAS exam. Students should get a good's nights sleep, eat a healthy breakfast and come to school on time. Thank you in advance for your consideration in this matter.

5/8/17

The fifth graders continued to work on compiling information for their Revolutionary War papers. Many of the students have moved on to their first draft of the piece. I have enjoyed getting to see the early stages of progress being made by the fifth graders. We will return to the writing on Wednesday afternoon.

Time was also spent today looking at some geometry concepts in preparation for the MCAS exam on Thursday and Friday of this week. Members of M102 were engaged and showed that they were understanding the key concepts of today's work.,

As a reminder, Thursday and Friday the fifth grade are taking the two portions of the math MCAS exam. Students should get a good's nights sleep, eat a healthy breakfast and come to school on time. Thank you in advance for your consideration in this matter.

5/5/17

I felt that this week was, on the whole, one of the best that we have had, across the board. The students in M102 were invested in their learning and put their best effort into their work. Today, the fifth graders were able to read deeper into their fantasy novels. Using certain focus questions, the groups continue to have interesting conversations with one another. I look forward to seeing the students move deeper into the stories.

Earlier in the school day, the students voted on the design and message that they wanted to have put onto their t-shirts that they will receive at the end of the school year. Here is the winner:


I hope everyone has a great weekend.

As a reminder, next Thursday and Friday the fifth grade are taking the two portions of the math MCAS exam.

5/4/17

The members of M102 spent their math time looking at some practice word problems for next week's MCAS sessions. The students are revisiting concepts from earlier in the school year. I thought today's work was beneficial and I am confidant that the fifth graders will do very well next week.

Later in the school day, the students were once again lucky enough to have another session of yoga in the school library.


Homework

Science - Practice MCAS question due on Friday May 5th

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Blog - Write about a problem that the main character in your fantasy book has faced in the early stages of the novel. Make a prediction as to how the character will overcome the problem. This post should be at least four paragraphs in length and is due Friday May 5th.

5/3/17

The fifth graders had some time to share their lead paragraphs for their informational essays with their peers today. The passion and energy that the students infused in these leads was awesome to hear. The later stages of the writing session were directed towards continuing their research. The progress being made on a daily basis in encouraging.

Time was also spent today in examining in great detail the Boston Massacre. The students were presented with an engraving done by Paul Revere, watched a short video and completed a time line of events activity.

Homework

Science - Practice MCAS question due on Friday May 5th

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Blog - Write about a problem that the main character in your fantasy book has faced in the early stages of the novel. Make a prediction as to how the character will overcome the problem. This post should be at least four paragraphs in length and is due Friday May 5th.

5/2/17

The members of M102 work to craft introductory paragraphs for their Revolutionary War informational essays. The students are looking to hook their readers from the start of the piece by catching their attention. I thought that the students were heavily invested in their writing today and it was reflected in those students who shared their intros.


Homework

Science - Practice MCAS question due on Friday May 5th

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Blog - Write about a problem that the main character in your fantasy book has faced in the early stages of the novel. Make a prediction as to how the character will overcome the problem. This post should be at least four paragraphs in length and is due Friday May 5th.

5/1/17

The ELA time was spent once again meeting with reading groups. The fifth graders are making solid progress into their novels and I am eager to read their blog posts this week. The discussions that I have been hearing amongst the groups have been positive ones.

Time was spent in math class looking at some practice MCAS questions. Next week, the fifth graders will have their math MCAS exam sessions.



Homework

Science - Practice MCAS question due on Friday May 5th

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Blog - Write about a problem that the main character in your fantasy book has faced in the early stages of the novel. Make a prediction as to how the character will overcome the problem. This post should be at least four paragraphs in length and is due Friday May 5th.