Monday P.E. | Tuesday Geek Out | Wednesday Art | Thursday Outdoor Activity | Friday Art |
Can you believe it's already March!? I have noticed with the warming weather (and parched students) that not everyone is bringing water bottles. I am planning to buy some to have on hand (and sanitize weekly) for folks who don't already have one. Please send one with your student if you do not want them to have their own school water bottle. Thanks! -H Calendar Highlights
| Announcement
|
- Reading: read the newsletter on Monday, and a book of choice Tuesday - 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.
- Math: expect a 20 - 30 minute assignment each day.
Project
Last week in project, we did a lot of reading to build up some background knowledge of the thirteen colonies. We learned what set each group of colonies apart from the others (New England, Middle Colonies, Southern Colonies) and what distinguished them from their physical neighbors. We also did some reading and completed timelines that show the events that led up to the American Revolution and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This week, we will begin our second simulation, set a century later, with new identities and loyalties!
Ask your student which colonies they think have the most interesting story for how they were founded. Which colony would they have preferred to live in? Why?
Extend the learning (and have a laugh) at this song that reminds us of a few of each colony’s details.
Literacy
Last week, we continued to work on our historical fiction narrative by playing around with different types of leads: talking, flashback, action, question, and snapshot. We then put one of these to use in writing the beginning of our historical fiction short story. We are beginning to write the exposition of our short stories, showing our audiences important details about the lives of our main characters. This week, we will continue to add scenes (*secret word*) to these short stories, and use workshops to build skills in conventions and transition words.
Ask your student what their story will be about, and why they chose the elements that they did.
5th Grade Math
Last week, 5th graders completed their Unit 4 tests. Unit 4 test corrections are due on Monday. Once students turn in their test corrections, they will get their retake test. This will be their math homework for Monday. It will be due on Wednesday 3/3, and will need a parent signature on the test reflection page. This week, 5th graders will continue learning strategies for multiplying fractions by whole numbers. Students have used repeated addition, converting fractions into decimals, halving, and finding unit fractions to solve fraction multiplication problems. As we move further into the week we will use these strategies as we begin thinking about multiplying fractions by fractions.
Ask: What multiplication strategies do you like to use when multiplying fractions by whole numbers? Why?
Extend the learning: Watch this video that includes a song about how we might think about multiplying fractions by whole numbers.
6th Grade Math
Parents: Please sign your student’s reflection and send it back to school with them so that I know you have seen their recent test and retake! Last week, we worked hard to continue to build recall of multiplication, and finished up block 5. This week, we will move on to block 6 where we will practice finding areas of shapes when the measurements are fractions or mixed numbers.
Refresh your understanding of division with this fun cartoon rap and check out some online games that help you practice multiplication facts so that we can try to get some math bonuses!