1/29/16

Students composed an essay during ELA today concerning a favorite scene from Bud Not Buddy. We are past the half way point in the novel and I want to compliment my class for their continued zeal when reading and discussing the finer points in the novel. These essays will be displayed in the classroom over the course of the next few weeks.

Next week, we will continue to investigate multiplying fractions further and we will have more students publish their literary essays. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

1/28/16

Today, the fifth grade officially started to work with multiplying fractions. The students used fraction bars to represent various amounts and worked to visually represent their work. A nice start to an important section of work.

Later in the day the students continued to read Bud Not Buddy. Fifth graders have been looking at turning points and the effect that they are having on different characters. The members of room 312 are showing their comprehension skills with both their writing and their discussions.


Homework

Math - workbook page 73 (representing fractions of a distance using fraction bars)

Reader's Blog - Select a TURNING POINT from Bud Not Buddy. Describe what happens in this scene and why it is important. This is due on Friday January 19th. Must be a least 2 paragraphs in length.

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading

Trivia

What is the highest natural peak in New England?

1/27/16

After having to reschedule last week, room 312 was lucky to have Pamela Powell, a published author and a member of the Thompson community, come into the room and work with the students on some narrative writing. Both the students and myself were excited for this unique opportunity. 

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Arlington Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Earlier in the day, the fifth grade turned a discerning eye on the New England colonies. Students looked at the positives and negatives of the land and the reason for these colonies' creation. 

Homework


Reader's Blog - Select a TURNING POINT from Bud Not Buddy. Describe what happens in this scene and why it is important. This is due on Friday January 19th. Must be a least 2 paragraphs in length.

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading

Trivia

What is the tallest natural point in Massachusetts?

1/26/16

I have really enjoyed getting to read the literary essays that my students have been composing that last few weeks. The fifth graders have been working diligently on these papers and the results are quite good. Students are meaningfully analyzing the content of short stories and using evidence from the pieces to back up their point of views. I can't wait to see all of the final published pieces.

Earlier in the day, we continued to progress deeper into our read aloud book, Auggie and Me. Members of room 312 continue to look to make meaningful connections between this book and others that they have read in the past.


Homework


Reader's Blog - Select a TURNING POINT from Bud Not Buddy. Describe what happens in this scene and why it is important. This is due on Friday January 19th. Must be a least 2 paragraphs in length.

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading

Trivia

Which large city in Oregon was named after a city in New England based on a coin flip?

1/25/16

The fifth graders returned to school for the last week of January today. During math class, we began our exploration of multiplying fractions. Students were presented with a number of problems that were put into a bike race context. I thought this was a nice start to the next few weeks of work.

Earlier in the day, the fifth grade turned their attention to the 13 British colonies in North America. Students appear to be bringing a lot of valuable background knowledge to the subject matter. I look forward to investigating this important time period with my students.

Homework

Math - Some students have a fraction worksheet to complete, which is due tomorrow

Reader's Blog - Select a TURNING POINT from Bud Not Buddy. Describe what happens in this scene and why it is important. This is due on Friday January 19th. Must be a least 2 paragraphs in length.

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading

Trivia

Where was the first Super Bowl played?

1/22/16

I hope everyone has a great weekend. Go Patriots.

1/21/16

Today, the fifth grade was a captive audience during a presentation from the Museum of Science. Students were actively engaged in a session that dealt with the states of matter. This was an informational and fun way to end the day.

Earlier in the school day, the fifth grades once again joined together to finish working on a challenging math word problem. Students were able to share their solutions with one another and engage in a conversation that fostered new ways of thinking. I was happy with the way this turned out.

I also wanted to apologize to Pamela Powell, as we had to reschedule her writing lesson. Next week, she will be visiting room 312 to work with the students on narrative writing.

Homework

Reading - 30 Minutes of quiet reading. Fill out reading log throughout the week

Math - fraction assessment on Friday the 22nd



Trivia

Where was the first Super Bowl played?