update 4-25

Only one more month of school left...

Our last day of testing went smoothly today!  We are officially done with the AIR testing. (other than make-ups).  To end our week last week, we did readers' theater plays that were based on Greek myths.  See the pictures below.  The kids did great!

This week we started reading Lawn Boy in class since the kids will be learning about Economics in other classes.  Here's a link to the book:  https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/lawn-boy


Reading Counts points are due by May 19 and there is no reading log this week.

Planet Projects

Our Planet Projects were a success....enjoy!  As a reminder, Reading Counts is due May 19.  Each child received a report and update on their progress today.

update 4-13

This week our focus has been on the Solar System and the planets.  We started with a video on the Solar System and each child chose a planet to research more.  In class, we have been reading about that planet and taking notes on it.  Today, we started writing our reports on the planets.

Next Wednesday, a planet project is due in class.  Each student will present his or hers to the class.  Students have the option to use paper or a computer to create the project.  The requirement sheet is attached.  I have been showing samples each day of projects and asking students to give feedback so they should understand what is expected.  I showed them a variety of projects- some were posters and others on the computer.  Click here to view the project.

We have also been reading our fictional books each day in class too.  This week we drew character sketches related to our books in our reading notebooks.

I sent home a colored half sheet of cardstock with each child that has the books he/she has read the first 3 quarters.  In fourth quarter, we started gluing small sheets into planners so that serves the same purpose as the half-sheets.  Feel free to check those out to see what your child is reading each day.

A Chipotle Reading Rewards Calendar went home at the beginning of April for any child interested.  Those are due by May 3.


Reading Counts is due by May 19.

update 4-3

Here's hoping Spring Break was great!  In class today, the kids had a chance to share about it with their peers.  I heard about some fun things that took place.

Today, we finished up our Arbor Day posters for the Arbor Day poster contest sent out by Mrs. Will.  We will use those as a springboard to writing a story related to the theme.  Either:  Captain Planet saves our forests!

or

Sarah Rainmaker saves our forests!

We will type those in class tomorrow and into Wednesday. Before writing, we will review good leads for narratives and making sure to include a problem, rising action, and resolution. The kids already designed their main characters, settings, and problem/solutions. Some were so excited and going to start it tonight!

Independent reading this week is informational in class and relates to the topic of Space. Today, kids were able to shop for a space related book and had to record 2 questions with 2 answers based from their books. Ask your child about it! Next week, we will start our planet projects (this involves researching and making something at home).

The rest of the week will involve more reading and some researching, which will keep us busy. In your child's planner, we started a goal setting paper for number of pages read daily. The average goal for a fifth grader should be 20-30 pages a week. Students are setting a goal and keeping track daily in school which allows them to reflect on their goals. Please check that if you haven't seen it yet.

Reading Counts goals are due by the end of the year- May 19th.