Weekly Update :)

Hello! I hope everyone is enjoying the three day weekend.  I am using my extra day off to get some work done, both for school and around my house. So far, it has been a productive morning for me.

It was another busy week in 5F. In math we continued with our unit on adding and subtracting fractions. This week we focused on subtracting mixed numbers. The students learned three strategies for subtracting mixed numbers. First, students learned that they could change the mixed number back into an improper fraction, find the least common denominator and then subtract. (This way was by far most students favorite way to solve this type of problem.) The second strategy students learned was to borrow from the whole. The third strategy students learned was to use a number line. On Friday, students took an assessment on adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers. Students did very well with this assessment, I am very proud of how hard they worked to learn this skill. (This skill will be reviewed throughout the year at skill review in Math Workshop.) This week we will start a new module on decimals.

In Writer's Workshop we continued with argumentative writing unit. Students learned that to make their writing stronger they should anticipate the counterclaims that will be made by the other side of the argument, and rebut those counterclaims in their writing. Students finished up their first piece of argumentative writing this week. The letters the students wrote about whether or not chocolate milk should continued to be served in our cafeteria will be given to Mr. B this week. This week students will begin a new piece of argumentative writing.

In Reader's Workshop students continued with their research. Students learned to by attention to who is writing the article they are reading, looking for bias in their sources. The research they students have been doing in Reader's Workshop will be the foundation for their next piece of writing

In science we researched the question, could a mountain last forever. Students learned about the processes of weathering, erosion, and deposition. Students did a sugar shake experiment to see what happens to a rock when it tumbles down the side of a mountain. After the sugar shake experiment students worked with a partner to make a poster to show weathering, erosion, and deposition. This week in science we will be learning about the three types of rocks.

Thank you to everyone for returning their Khan Academy permission slips. I have everyone's permission slip. This Friday in computers students will log onto Khan Academy for the first time. I am excited to be able to use this resource in our classroom. It will be a great resource to differentiate instruction during Math Workshop.