Hello!
It's been a while since I've added to the blog.  The time in fifth grade is flying by like crazy!

In math, we just finished up Topic 5 on dividing large numbers.  The kids have done very well with the standard algorithm.  Be on the lookout for the Topic 5 tests to come home.  Please review with your child, sign them and send them back in.  I keep them for their portfolios, which you will get at the end of the year.  We have now begun combining Topics 6 and 7 on multiplying and dividing with decimals.  They are learning the skill of estimating the answer first, then ignoring the decimal and multiplying, and then putting the decimal back in.  This teaches better number sense than simply counting the number of places the decimal point is moved and then plopping the decimal point in the final answer.  They will learn that trick too, but only after they've practiced good number sense.

In writing, we are adding all our final touches onto our Personal Narratives before publishing.  The kids have added some fun elements to their stories like a Dedication page or an About the Author page.  We will soon be having some sort of a Writer's Celebration to show off our stories to our parents.  We'll keep you posted on the date of that celebration.

In other news, our maple project will be picking up steam soon here.  The students have met with Randy Whisler, a parent in Mr. Fleischer's class, a couple times now.  They have learned how to identify a maple tree and how to tell if a maple tree is large enough in diameter to tap.  The tapping of the trees is somewhat based on the weather.  Since this has been such a cold winter, we may be looking at the end of February or beginning of March to actually tap the trees with Mr. Whisler's help.  Students will be coming up with a company name and logo for our maple syrup project soon.  Please continue saving and sending in your (rinsed out) gallon jugs for us.  We will need 300 milk gallon jugs (approximately 3 per tree at 100 trees).  Thanks for your continued help in this fun and exciting project!