Updates from 5F

I just want to update you on what is happening in our classroom this week. Today was our first all school sing of this school year. Miss Sue did a great job leading the kids in  song and it was a great way to start a busy Tuesday. :)

In math we continue writing and evaluating algebraic expressions using the order of operations. Students are doing a good job learning the "recipe" you use to follow the correct order of operations. I am very proud of how hard they are working.
One thing I have noticed is that not all students know their multiplication facts. It is very important in fifth grade to have your basic multiplication facts mastered. Many of the skills we learn this year require students to know their basic multiplication facts. For example, to add and subtract fractions that have unlike denominators you must first use your knowledge of multiples to find the least common denominator. Not knowing your multiplication facts makes it harder. I am giving students time in class as part of our math workshop to study their basic multiplication facts. I am asking that parents help out by having their child study their basic facts at home. Thank you for help in this very important matter.

In writer's workshop we are continuing to review the steps of the writing process. Today in class students took a revision vow, stating that they understand that once a draft is done, the hard work has just begun, the essence of writing is rewriting. We learned that when authors revise, they revise in four main ways. Authors revise by adding text, subtracting text, moving text, and by changing text. We used copies of the first five drafts of the first page of Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo to find examples of each of these ways she revised in her many drafts.

In reader's workshop we are continuing to learn the procedures and routines that we will use throughout the school year. This week the students are learning how to respond to what they are reading in independent reading. Each week, students will be required to write a letter to me about the book they are reading in the independent reading portion of reader's workshop. This week students will be learning and practicing the required format for this letter. The information required in the letter is represented by the acronym TAGS(E). T stands for title of the book. A stands for author of the book. G means tell me the genre of the book and how you know it is that genre. S stands for summary. Students have not learned what E stands, but it mean something extra that is required by the teacher that week. For example I may ask students to tell me a character trait of the main character in their book and use evidence from the text to support their opinion.

We also continue to learn about the rules, routines, and procedures of our classroom. This week we created and signed our classroom constitution. We also learned about logical consequences.

Have a great night! Be sure to come back soon! :)