Today was a great day!
In Adventures, we worked on our focus of multiplying three digit numbers by two digit numbers using the traditional method.
In Math, we were learning about all the different kids of polygons.  The students knew the basics - triangles, squares, rectangles, rhombuses, and trapezoids. I began pushing them a little further to learn the difference between equilateral, isosceles, and scalene triangles.  (Ask your child if they know the difference.)  We then studied quadrilaterals (4 sides), pentagons (5 sides), hexagons (6 sides), heptagons (7 sides), octagons (8 sides), nonagons (9 sides) and decagons (10 sides).  A regular polygon is a polygon where all sides are equal. 
In WWW, we studied the new words of the week - hoist, jubilee, unremitting, scruples, nudge, tranquil, rejuvenate, and eccentric.
In Social Studies, we focused on the Colonial time period.  Students learned that the southern colonies really depended on slave labor for their agriculture.
Finally, in Writing, we worked on peer conferencing, where a classmate had to help find a place in their partners writing that should be blown up with more details, a place where the partner should add feelings, and a place where the partner could add in the five senses.  They ended their conference with a compliment.
HW:
1.  Math 3.6
2.  Finish vocab assignment
3.  Bonus:  Make the coolest polygons you can and label them!
4.  Read 30 minutes

I will be interested to see who does the bonus!

Today we did centers in math.  One center played a game which works on decimal subtraction, one center worked on math boxes, and the other center worked with me on how to determine angle measures without using a protractor.  Tomorrow we will introduce full-circle and half-circle protractors. 
We brainstormed another personal narrative idea and wrote about it.  Tomorrow we will be choosing the story we'd like to publish for our first finished piece of the year.
HW:
1.  Vocab HW
2.  POW due (rough and final draft)
3.  Finish GR HW
4.  Read 30 minutes

Today the students worked very hard on two tests - their vocabulary test and their Unit 2 math test.  They have earned their three day weekend! 
This weekend they are expected to read once (and should also read on Monday) and log it on their Reading Log.  Also, Paragraphs of the Weeks are due on Wednesday.  The topic is Favorite Holiday.
The new vocabulary words with their definitions went home today.  Your child should share this list with you so you can practice their meanings.  Make a game out of who can work in the most words over the dinner conversation!
Have a fabulous weekend!

Today we traveled back in time to visit the time of the 13 colonies.  Students learned that they were broken into three groups: New England Colonies, Middle Colonies, and Southern Colonies.  Tomorrow we will do a little more reading about this time period in our history. 
We continued on with our fantasy book groups.  Be sure to ask your son or daughter about the elements of fantasy. 
We also reviewed Unit 2 in math, as we will be taking the Unit 2 test tomorrow.  They should have brought home a study guide that we worked on in class.  If it's already complete, you can ask your child to do some similar problems like those at home.  We will have a review time again tomorrow morning, so if your child has any questions still, please ask them to ask me before the test.
Tomorrow also brings about another test - the Vocabulary test.  We have been practicing a lot in class, so I feel like they're very secure.  Feel free to quiz them at home!
HW:
1.  Study vocab for test tomorrow
2.  Finish math study guide
3.  Read 30 minutes
4.  Signed reading log due
5.  Some have Guided Reading assignments and some have to finish their Electoral College map (optional if no use of a computer)
6.  Work on POW - due Wednesday, November 14th

We had a great Wednesday in class!
The class was all abuzz this morning about the news of the election!  The plans I had for Social Studies got pushed to the side as it was more timely to talk about the results.  We looked at the Electoral College map and at which states were colored blue and red.  Then we watched part of Obama's victory speech on the Promethean board.  We talked about how a candidate must have both a victory and a concession speech ready to give on Election Night and how speech writers help them compose those important speeches.
In Adventures, students continued their work on place value.  My group was able to see what is beyond trillions.  In math, we began wrapping up Unit 2 with a math study guide that focused on expanded notation, adding and subtracting multi-digit whole numbers and decimals, and data landmarks.  In Guided Reading, we kicked off the reading groups.  Everyone is delving into the fantasy genre and we discussed the elements of fantasy.  Students are looking for those elements as we read.  It was a learning-filled day!
HW:
1.  Start Paragraph of the Week - due Wednesday (Students are also bringing home their corrected ones for a signature.  They should come back to school so I can keep them for their portfolios.)
2.  Finish Math Study Guide (many finished in class)

3.  Finish Vocab Sentences (many finished in class)
4.  Electoral College map due Friday
5.  Read 30 minutes

More beautiful weather this weekend!  I hope that everyone is spending some time outside!

The following homework was assigned on Friday:

Students need to read for at least once over the weekend and record their reading on their reading log.
Reading logs will be checked on Monday.

There will be an oceans and continents map quiz on Tuesday.  A practice sheet went home.  Students do not need to pass in the practice sheet.

A reading "Parent Share" went home on Friday.  Students should read out loud the excerpt from Because of Winn-Dixie to an adult at home.  They should then discuss the questions with an adult that refer to the excerpt.  They need to jot down some notes based on their discussion.  This is due on Tuesday.  I am hoping to involve parents with some of the discussions that we are having in class.  In addition we know that if students talk about what they read, it improves their ability to write about what they read as well.

A Time For Kids packet went home on Friday.  Students should read the Time For Kids and complete the multiple choice reading quiz.  In addition there is a writing assignment requiring them to fill in a planning sheet and write at least a paragraph in response to a question about one of the articles.
This is due on Thursday.  I would like the TFK, reading quiz, planning sheet and paragraph stapled or paper clipped together.

Today we closed out the math portion of the NECAPs.  Hooray!  Tomorrow, we will tackle Session 1 of the Writing.  In writing class today we learned capitalization rules and had time for students to share the wonderful writing they are doing in their Writing Journals.  Some students have already brought in pictures to decorate their journals.  If you can, please send some in.  The pictures usually help spur on writing ideas.  Thanks!

HW:
1.  Read 30 minutes
2.  Sleep well
3.  Eat a healthy breakfast

Happy Weekend!

I hope that everyone is enjoying the beautiful fall weather today!

Don't forget to vote in our poll.  We are wondering what the favorite genre is
in 5MC.  So far realistic fiction is in the lead.

For homework this weekend students need to read and use their reading logs at least once.
Also, please note that a permission slip went home for parents to sign.  Please check backpacks!

To offset  NECAP testing we have tried to plan lessens that are more interactive in nature.  On Friday students worked on a map challenge with a partner.  Perhaps parents could ask their son or daughter if they can remember any of the questions.  (Hint:  Where can you be in 4 states at once?)  We ended the day on Friday with our buddies in Mrs. Bates' second grade class.  We listened to a Halloween story and then the students worked with their buddies to create their own spooky stories.  Our fifth grade students did a nice job helping their second grade buddies to stretch their vocabulary with good descriptive words.

Today we started Session 1 on the Math NECAPs.  Many students are using the full hour and a half to really carefully answer every part of the question.  In math class yesterday, we learned the technique of ESP (Estimate, Solve, and Prove), which teaches the students to make an intelligent guess, then solve the problem and prove their answer by either performing the operation again, performing the opposite operation (ie: subtracting to check an addition problem), or comparing their answer to their estimate. 
Their brains have been working overtime to focus on the Math NECAP, and we have been impressed with their stamina!  For fun this afternoon, we performed some more Problem Solving skits on a variety of topics from bullying to what to do if someone wants to cheat off your test.

HW:
1.  Math 2.2 is due Friday
2.  Get a good night's sleep
3.  Eat a healthy breakfast
4.  Read 30 minutes

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Homework
Read at least 30 minutes and use your reading log.
Bring in pictures to decorate your writing journal.
Math letter and 2.2 went home today.  Because we have testing tomorrow, math 2.2
is due on Thurs.
Please get plenty of rest tonight!

HW:
1.  Complete Paragraph of the Week - bring in final draft, rough draft, and grading rubric (signed by a parent)
2.  Read 30 minutes
3.  Signed Reading Log due

Homework:
Read at least 30 minutes and use your reading log.
Work on your POW
Math 1.8

Today we worked on getting ready for the NECAP.  We worked in partners on the Math Released Items from 2011.  Then we started correcting the problems and discussing the strategies they used.  Emphasis was placed on compiling those strategies, rather than getting the problems correct.  Next, we worked on the Writing Released Items. 
This week they are starting their first Paragraph of the Week (POW).  Their topic is "What would you like to be when you grow up?"  Tonight they will begin brainstorming and their rough draft.  The rough and final drafts are due on Friday, along with the scoring rubric.  There is a letter for parents to read describing all of this coming home tonight.  Please sign the bottom of the letter to show that you saw it.
HW:
1.  Math 1.6
2.  Start POW
3.  Read 30 minutes

This week the class will be focusing on preparing for the NECAP tests, which start next week.  We will look at released items from last year's test so they are familiar with the format.  We will teach them some great test-taking strategies so they feel ready to tackle the NECAP!  Also, they will begin with a new assignment called "Paragraph of the Week".  You will receive a description of this assignment on Monday, and it'll be due on Friday.

Homework:
Math 1.4
Read at least 30 minutes and use your reading log.

Students are working on writing summaries during our literacy block.  I have been very impressed with their efforts!  They are writing their summaries in their reading journal, and it is always rewarding to see their entries improve!

You could ask your student to tell you what he/she wrote for a goal for improvement today. :)

Today we worked on Problem Solving skits, where students were given a scenario of a common social issue, and they had to work cooperatively in groups to help solve this problem.  Problems ranged from what to do if someone was being bullied to what to do if you needed help in math, but were too embarrassed to ask for help.  Students did an incredible job coming up with solutions and acting out a skit of what to do and what not to do.  Tonight they will share with you what they learned from the experience.

Their homework tonight is:
1.  Math 1.3
2.  Share letter and get signature
3.  Read 30 minutes (record on reading log)

We hope that everyone enjoyed the fabulous weather this weekend.  The only homework for over the weekend was for students to read and use their reading log at least once over the weekend.  Please be sure to pack your reading log and book in your backpack each night so that you will be certain to have what you need in the morning.

We are looking forward to another great week with fifth graders in 5MC!!

Open House Tonight    6:00-7:30

We look forward to welcoming parents!!