Monday P.E. | Tuesday Prep for COL in classrooms | Wednesday Art | Thursday Geek Out | Friday Art |
Calendar Highlights:
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Remember to order your FGCS 19-20 yearbooks! Here’s the link!
We are also selling FGCS hats, t-shirts, and hoodies on our school website right now, head over to that page to get some clothes to show off your school spirit!
Homework This Week
- Reading: Read the newsletter on Tuesday, and read your lit circle book and catch up in your packet if you are behind or read a book of choice Wednesday-Thursday! Don't forget to tie in your reading goals!
- Writing: Spelling. See the back of the spelling list to review each night's task. Due to the short week we will not sort our spelling words.
- Math: expect a 20 minute assignment each day. Reminder for 5th Graders: If math homework is taking longer than 20-30 minutes, feel free to write Bree a question or come chat about what might be challenging for you.
Project
Last week in project colonies continued settling in the New World. Many colonies faced challenges such as being attacked by Native Americans, not being able to farm due to severe weather, and losing food because of raccoons! Some colonies also received assistance from nearby Native American Tribes, as they led colonists on hunting trips or were willing to trade food or land for muskets and horses. Colonies ended the week by writing a diary entry that described what their life has been like in the New World. As we continue the simulation this week, colonies will continue trading with each other and nearby Native Americans, and they will also begin battling other colonies in order to further establish (Mystery Word) their colony and ensure its success.
Ask: Do your colonies value land and food more than muskets and horses? Why do you think Native Americans were willing to give up so much land and food for such a little amount of muskets or horses?
Extend the learning: Use this website to check out some of the popular trade items between colonists and Native Americans.
Literacy
Last week we continued to work on our historical fiction narratives by learning about different themes stories have, and deciding which messages or lessons we want to teach our readers. One strategy we use to find the theme of books we are reading is finishing the sentence “the author believes that ________.” Whatever that sentence ends with is the theme of the book. Students realized this week that the opposite is true when writing a narrative; the theme of their narratives will most likely be something they believe. They also learned about types of characters and practiced showing instead of telling when describing main characters in a story. In reading, we continued with our historical fiction lit circle books, and carried what we knew about theme back to reading. Focus 4 is all about the theme of our book, and by now, we have had lots of practice. We will wrap up lit circle books early this week, and finish our last meeting at the end of the week. Keep an eye out for reading packets coming home if they need a little extra time and TLC.
Ask: What have you decided the theme of your historical fiction narrative will be? Why did you choose this theme?
5th Grade Math
Last week in math, 5th graders focused on understanding the standard multiplication algorithm. We started the week by talking about what an algorithm is and why it is an effective tool to solve math problems. Then we began breaking down the standard multiplication algorithm by using the partial products to understand how and why the standard algorithm works. Students practiced using the invented algorithm, then they moved on to using the more efficient standard algorithm. Mathematicians ended the week by practicing the standard algorithm and getting more comfortable with the process. Moving into this week, 5th graders will begin transitions from multiplication to division. We will end the week with a test review for Unit 4.
Ask: When using the standard algorithm, have you noticed any patterns? Where can we always put a zero at?
6th Grade Math
Last week in 6th grade math, we reviewed block 5 and started our block 5 test. We also practiced some perspective taking by taking turns teaching each other concepts we felt solid about. This week, we will finish that block 5 test and jump into block 6 (the last block of this book) where we will refresh our memory on volume and which units go where. Keep an eye out for block 5 corrections and retakes later this week!
Ask: What was your favorite part of block 5? What was your least favorite part?