Our class we be taking a field trip to see the Nutcracker Ballet at the Academy of Music in Northampton. The field trip is December 11th from approximately 9:00 to 12:00. The cost of the field trip is $8.00. We will be traveling to Northampton by bus. If you have not sent in your child's permssion slip and $8.00 please do so as soon as possible. Thank you for your help in this matter.
Just a reminder your child's historical fiction book review is due November 23rd. That date is quickly approaching, your child should be at least half way done reading their historical fiction book at this point. If you have any questions about this project please feel free to contact me. (There will not be a book review due in the month of December.)
In math we are finishing our module on place value and decimals. Students have learned how to compare decimals, round decimals, multiply decimals by powers of ten and by a single digit whole number, and divide decimals by powers of ten. Right now, we are working on dividing decimals by single digit whole numbers. In this part of the module students are using the standard long division algorithm and a place value to chart to pictorially show what happens when you do the standard algorithm. We will finish this module at the beginning of next week, review, and than take an end of module assessment. We will be starting module two by the end of next week. Module two is on multiplying and dividing whole numbers.
I have noticed that there are students in the classroom who do not know their basic multiplication and division facts. It is an expectation that all students enter fifth grade knowing their basic multiplication and division facts. If your child does not know these basic facts, please have them practice these facts for a few minutes every night. There are plenty of online games that involve basic multiplication/division facts. And of course, there are always flash cards.Thank you for your help in this very important matter. ( Not knowing these basic facts makes it harder for your child to do things such as long division and multi-digit multiplication.)
In writing we continue to improve our narrative writing. We have studied the mentor text Elevens by Sandra Cisneros. (A very well written small moment story. I find something new I love about it each time I read it!) We have also studied some exemplars written by other fifth grade students. Studying other people's writing helps us discover new tools we can use to help improve our own writing. Students are revising and editing a piece they will be sharing at an upcoming Writer's Celebration. (Look for more information to come home on our first Writer's Celebration in the next few days. It is scheduled for December 18th.)
In reader's workshop students are in their book clubs reading some great realistic fiction. In reader's workshop we are focusing on theme and character development. Students are reading their book club books looking for two possible themes for their book. They are also looking for evidence and quotes from the book that support their ideas of what the possible theme of the book is. Students have also been paying close attention to character, the problem the character faces in the book, and how the character changes. It is great to see the students really start to think deeper about the books they are reading.
In science we have started our invertebrates unit. Yesterday your child should have brought home a packet explaining an invasive invertebrate project they will be working on. Students will be given time to work on the project at school, but will need to devote some time on the project at home as well. Students will be doing the project using Google Drive so they will be able to access it from a computer at home. (Or a computer at the public library.) The first page of the project packet has a place for parents to sign to show that they have read the project expectations. Please sign and return the entire packet by tomorrow, Thursday, November 12th. Thank you!
It was great to meet with all the parents at parent conferences. Please know that you do not have to wait until parent conference time to meet with me. I am always available to schedule a conference with you at any time during the year to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
Happy Veteran's Day! See you tomorrow!
Pictures from our classroom! Enjoy!
Book Clubs
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