February 3, 2013
Fifth Grade Parents,
Here is a review of our week . . .
LITERACY
In reading, our work still focused on non-fiction texts and reading strategies.
Additionally students are participating in fiction book groups. Students are
working on their discussion skills and learning to learn from one another with their
reading. In writing, students have selected topics for their persuasive letters and
have begun the work of drafting.
Also, students are working on a book talk to present to the class, and a reading
ladder on a topic of their choice. This literacy work will be linked on our webpage
soon. Continue to visit and support our class blog – a place to highlight all the
learning and fun in 5B, all created by the students.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Colonies have traveled to the New World this week, after decision-making on what
to bring on their journey. This part of the simulation is exciting, especially as they
land, selection colony locations and work cooperatively to survive and expand.
Students have finished learning about each colonial region, their similarities and
differences. We will spend this week reviewing the info for Thursday’s quiz.
In addition, I will still be surprising a few with a colony spelling and location quizzes
until the information is mastered. Please help your child review!
MATH
My math class is working on a chapter of ratios. Ms McMillion’s class has begun a
unit on measuring area of various polygons. Just a reminder of the Fast Math
options at home – students can do the daily lesson at home, if not done at school.
Our grade level goal for students is to complete the multiplication and division
sections before the end of May. Get going!
MY LEARNING
This year I am participating in a small cadre of teachers, focusing on improving our
literacy instruction. We have done some book studies, held great discussions and
learned a lot from one another. This week I will be out for two days working with
these teachers by observing one another, and evaluating how our instruction is
making an impact on students’ literacy learning. Julie Knoke will be subbing for me.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CHILD:
Have you reached the climax of our book group book? Tell me about it. If not,
what do you predict it to be?
What are some facts or reflections you made about your partner non-fiction book?
What is your colony name? flag design? status in the journey to set up a colony?
How are the Southern colonies unique to the others?
Where are you in the process of drafting your persuasive letter? Why?
Have you been published on the class blog yet? Will you show it to me?
Have you been on Edmodo lately? What have you been posting or commenting on?
Have you uploaded your reading ladder yet? Planned your book talk?
My math class: What is a ratio? How can they be equivalent?
UPCOMING DATES
2/5 Strings concert at CHS
2/6 Late start day
2/7 Colonial Region quiz, Wydown Evening for parents
2/7-8 Mrs. Barnes out, Julie Knoke subbing
2/9 Clayton Trivia Night
2/11 Math Open House
2/14 Valentine’s Day parties
2/15 No school, professional development day for teachers
2/18 No school, Presidents’ Day
2/27 Late Start Day
2/28 Merging of Culture celebration
Cara Barnes
[email protected]
Fifth Grade
Glenridge School
314-854-6232