Advanced Intermediate
November 7, 2012
Language Arts Math In Math, the Fifth Grade started off learning about the number system. We covered place value of whole numbers and decimals. We learned how to compare and order extremely large numbers and decimals. We then turned our attention to the adding and subtracting of whole numbers and decimals. From there we moved to multiplying whole numbers using multi‐digit factors and then we moved into division. The students have become proficient at dividing using single digit divisions and are now working on becoming proficient with multi‐digit divisors. Along the way we have learned about estimation and when to use it, using order of operations to solve multi‐operation problems, prime and composite numbers, and some problem solving techniques for those tricky word problems. Next trimester will bring some basic algebra and geometry concepts and will involve becoming proficient with multiplying and dividing decimals. The Sixth Grade began the year becoming proficient using whole numbers and decimals. We then focused our attention on gathering, analyzing and displaying data. Students learned about finding the mean, median, mode and range of data sets. We looked at analyzing and creating bar graphs, line graphs, line plots and stem‐and‐leaf plots. From our statistics unit, we moved on to algebra. Students learned how to evaluate algebraic expressions using the order of operations to assist them. They also learned how to solve one‐step equations. We have also covered: divisibility rules, exponents, finding greatest common factors and least common multiples. Currently we are at the beginning of our fractions unit. We will be working toward knowing how to compute accurately using fractions and mixed numbers to start out the next trimester. Ms. Maas Time sure flies when you’re having fun. It’s hard to believe we are already in the second trimester now. Our first trimester was full of a variety of new interesting things —
new friends and teachers, new writing and reading skills, and an exciting approach to editing and revising. What do all the colors on my student’s writing mean? I am so excited about the color‐coding approach the students are learning to use with the Six Traits of Writing we have been working on this semester. These important and helpful six writing traits can seem ambiguous to some — especially children. To make the traits such as Voice, Sentence Fluency, and Organization more concrete, we are using a color‐coding system when editing and for grading. This system has the added advantage of engaging the students in the vital editing and revising process. Typically, a student’s idea of editing and revising includes reading a peer’s paper (but rarely their own) and declaring that it “sounds good.” But, now that we are underlining vivid and descriptive words in green, strong leads and conclusions in brown and elements of sentence fluency in blue, students are more cognizant of these elements and engaged in their writing. Yeah! As we continue to learn more about the Six Traits of Writing, I expect to see the students grow as writers and strong, effective communicators. In addition to a focus on revising, some of what we have also learned is: multiple writing traits, how to properly use semicolons and commas with coordinating conjunctions, combining independent clauses, proper verb tenses, and 6th graders have practiced additional ways to use commas and proper use of pronouns. Students have learned multiple reading strategies (such as monitoring comprehension and using text structure), five Latin prefixes, using context clues to clarify meaning of words, identifying character motives, determining the theme or main idea of a text and more. For more information, see the curriculum map on Renweb. Here’s to a great new trimester! Mrs. Goodman . Science Fifth graders have been busy learning the structure and function of the skeletal and muscular body systems. We have one more body system to study—the nervous system. Students have learned how bones, joints, muscles, nerves and the brain work together to help our body move and complete other functions. Students can name ten bones, three types of joints and five muscles found in our bodies. We have used cheers, web sites, dissecting owl pellets, smooth muscle, arm models and video clips to help us learn structures and functions. Students have learned how to take Cornell notes which consist of underlining important phrases in an article, writing notes, summarizing the article and writing questions. This method enables students to have a good understanding of the article. They have learned the importance of recording observations to use as evidence in writing a conclusion, a new skill. They are using a graphic organizer to organize their information and another organizer to help them write the conclusion. Students have practiced these skills in two investigations. Ask your child which is the most important phalange and what are “Phoenix sewer lice”? For the second trimester students will be learning about moon phases, how the Earth moves (rotation and revolution), planets, and other objects found in the solar system. Sixth graders have been learning about the layers and compositions of the atmosphere and ocean. Students can now explain how the atmosphere protects Earth. They can also describe in which atmospheric layer satellites, the Space station, air planes, aurora borealis and flying birds can be found. Each student chose a layer they wished to research and displayed their research in a poster format. Students capped off their study of ocean zones with our “Marine Discovery” field trip. Students researched plankton and two sea creatures of their choice. Students have also learned about the sun and its role in our lives, and each student conducted research and created a presentation for the class. Students have been using web quests to research information. They have an opportunity to apply the skills they have learned in computer class to a content area class, a valuable skill as computers become more available in the classroom. Many students have benefitted by using the weekly objectives sheet I distribute as a tool for completing assignments. Hopefully the rest will begin to understand its value as an aid as we progress in this trimester. Upcoming topics include cloud formations, cold and warm fronts, weather forecasting and extreme weather. Following that, students will learn about the planets and objects in the universe. Mrs. Arechederra Social Studies/Literature We are off to a fabulous start!! Fifth graders are completing their first novel of the year, The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare. This award winning book is a compelling survival story about a thirteen year old boy who forms a relationship with a Native American boy in the 1700’s. The students are writing summaries and discussion questions, as well as, working on vocabulary and illustrations for this intriguing historical fiction book. Fifth graders did a great job on their Who Discovered America Panel Show. It was wonderful seeing so many parents. You should have received a booklet of their work on this unit. Afterwards we read and analyzed a magazine on America in 1492 explaining the various Native American tribes inhabiting our country at that time. Our next 5th grade project will be working on an explorer booklet filled with comprehension questions, graphs, charts and a fun Want Ad activity that students will be completing at home. Sixth graders are completing Homeless Bird, another historical fiction, award winning novel, about present day India. The students are amazed at the strength of the main character as she struggles to survive her own culture’s traditions. Besides reading and analyzing ancient India, the students challenged each other on the Mesopotamian civilization by asking higher order thinking questions. Several one and two day activators had the students discovering the need for farming, architecture and government so that civilizations could develop. Our studies of the ancients are never dull. Both fifth and sixth graders completed a booklet on the elections and how our government processes help maintain our democracy. They continue with daily geography questions. It is my pleasure and delight to work with your children on such exciting topics. Smiles! Mrs. Hall