Monday PE -Studyhall before school | Tuesday Fernhill Wetlands O&A -Studyhall before school | Wednesday ART -NO Studyhall before school | Thursday ELC -Studyhall before school | Friday ART -Studyhall before school |
3/14--Final draft of Elder Story due
3/15--Volunteers needed for Fernhill Wetlands data collection
3/18 Yearbook orders due
3/29--1:00 Presentation at Jennings McCall (Parents welcome to attend)
Literacy
- Elder stories are due! If your child needs more time, the final presentation isn't until the Tuesday after spring break, BUT there will not be anymore classtime to work on the story.
Last week, Kerry helped the Merlins put the finishing touches on their elder story. There were engaging lessons on dialogue, paragraphing, varying sentence length and making sure characterization was coming through! Merlins should be turning this paper in this week—we are not providing any more class time to work on it. Much of reading time was devoted to reading content for the last debate. Now, we’ll be switching gears and starting literature circles.
Ask, are you ready to turn in your elder story? If not, what will you be working on to improve it.
Listen to your child explain how Nearpod has worked—a tool Kerry has used for our writing lessons.
Extend the learning by reading or writing a small moment story as a family. Check out When I Was Your Age Volumes 1 &2 (not all stories were school appropriate.)
Project
On Thursday, the classroom transformed into the 2nd Continental Congress where students debated to Sauvie Island Academy 5th graders as to whether or not delegates should sign the Declaration of Independence. Both sides did great and it was so fantastic to see kids show their courage and present this challenging information! The SIA teacher was impressed and thankful for having our students serve as experts.
Ask, what was at stake in terms of signing the Declaration of Independence?
Listen to your child explain how the debate went and what they were proud of.
Extend the learning by researching what happened after the Declaration was signed.
6th Grade Math
Mathematicians worked hard to understand the mathematical reasoning behind the fundamental fact about equivalent fractions (FFEF,) the cancellation law (simplifying fractions) and adding and subtracting fractions with different denominators. FFEF states that if you multiply the numerator and denominator by the same whole number, then although the fraction looks different it is the same number. The cancellation law is basically the same thing—if you remove the same factor in the numerator and denominator the fraction is the same even if it looks different. If you are interested, Gowri (the woman who has been helping us) has videos posted at http://mathprecisely.com/math-topics/fractions/ and I would encourage you to watch them!
On Friday I was finally able to get tests sent home. If your child did NOT bring a test home on Friday, that means they have not finished turning in their corrections and retake. I am glad to provide assistance during a studyhall before or after school if your child isn’t finished or needs more help—just get in touch with me.
Ask, how do you add 15/14 + 2/7.
Listen to your child explain the Cancellation Law.
Extend the learning by looking at how fractions are a part of our everyday life.
5th Grade Math
Last week, 5th grade mathematicians completed a unit test on decimal concepts. On Friday, we reviewed problems from the test, and students had the rest of the time to make corrections. This week, students will be bringing home the test and reflection to give you an opportunity to see it. Both the test and the reflection should come back to me by the end of the week. Mathematicians that did not meet proficiency (80 % or higher) will need to retake the test. Retakes may start as early as Tuesday this coming week. Any mathematician may retake the test. At the end of last week, we started to look at perimeter and area with fractions. This week we will spend some more time on area with fractions, and then move into division with fractions.
ASK your mathematician to explain multiplication of decimals.
LISTEN to your mathematician explain how he or she feels about the decimal test and review the test.
EXTEND the learning by first constructing a rectangle whose side lengths are 14 2/3 and 23 1/4 , and then find the area.