Newsletter May 1st

In math this week we have continued to work on fractions.  Finding fraction equivalents, comparing fractions and adding/subtracting like fractions are some of the concepts we have worked on.  Some students have started to work on adding/subtracting factions with different denominators.  We have used a variety of materials for flexibility of fraction understanding.  Folded pieces of paper and fraction circles are what we have been currently working with.  Next week, we will look at pattern blocks, putting fractions on number lines, adding/subtracting unlike fractions and reducing fractions.

We will also begin SBAC testing on next Tuesday.     SBAC testing for fifth grade will be May 5, 6, 7 and 12, 13, 14.   Please try to have your child at school on time for these days.  The class has worked on learning about the literacy portion of this test on Wednesday and Thursday this week.

In writing, we continue our work on the research-based argument piece.   Students have learned that writers use evidence to form and build an opinion.  They collect evidence that allows them to think through various sides of an argument.  This week, the children were asked to select a thesis (which makes a better pet – a cat or a dog).  They have collected pros and cons for the pet of their choice.  We have revisited “the lead” of a paper, looking closely at some leads that work well for opinion writing.  Our focus next week will be on writing body paragraphs and transitions that work well in opinion pieces.

Please mark and save May 21st on your calendar.  There will be a writing celebration from 4:00-6:00. Students will be sharing some of their writing pieces from this year.  More information on this afternoon/evening will come later.

If weather permits, we will be going outside for Nature Journaling on Friday morning.  Our class will be looking for signs of Spring in nature.  We are also hoping to get together with our buddies from Mrs. Giammusso’s class in the afternoon.  It has been awhile since we have had the opportunity to work with these children.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Newsletter April 17th

On Tuesday the fifth grade classes had a guest speaker, Larry Clarfeld, from the North Branch Nature Center.  He taught us about Vernal pools and the amazing creatures that use these temporary pools to lay their eggs.  He showed us slides that covered the life cycle of the wood frog, the Amphibian Monitoring Program (AMP), and more.  We learned how to identify the Spotted salamander, a common creature found in Vermont.  These creatures are part of a group of mole salamanders and can live 20 or more years!  We also learned about the Blue-spotted salamander, the Jefferson salamander, the Blue-spotted - Jefferson Hybrid, the Eastern Newt and more.  Larry shared slides of Vermont's frogs and toads.  We listened to the sounds of some of these fascinating amphibians.

In writing workshop this week we have started our unit on Opinion writing.  This unit is designed to teach students to be more persuasive in their pieces, to weigh evidence, and to draw evidenced-based conclusions.  It will include the research and organizational skills of our last unit on informational writing.  We have also continued our work on narratives this week as we work to finish our “winter activity” watercolor illustrated narrative.

            In math this week we have started preparing for the SBAC tests that our class will be taking on May 5, 6, 7, 12, and 14.  It is important that students try to be here on those days. We will continue to work on preparing for these tests the week that we return.  Our focus then will be on the literacy portion of the SBACs.

            We have also started working on fractions.  Students have worked on equivalent fractions, comparing fractions, adding/subtracting like fractions and are starting to work on adding/subtracting unlike fractions.  On Thursday students reviewed skills from earlier this week including adding, subtracting, multiplying whole numbers and add/subtracting decimals.

            In Social Studies we continue to learn about Colonial America.  Through read aloud of nonfiction text we have recently covered school, work, food, farming, science and medicine.  Students were asked to create a poster for homework that was due on Thursday.  Friday afternoon students shared their posters with the class.

            Hope everyone has a wonderful Spring break.  I’m hoping for some warm, sunny weather!

Spirit Week - Favorite Book, TV or Movie Character Day

Several students participated in Wednesday's theme.  Can you guess what book character, TV or movie character these students dressed as?

Learning About Fractions

Last week, students explored equivalent fractions using fraction circles.  Through this hands-on activity, students discovered the way to find equivalent fractions (multiplying or dividing the numerator and the denominator by the same non-zero number).   Equivalent fractions are used to add, subtract, and compare fractions.

Student Lead Conferences

Thanks to all of the parents that were able to come to our student lead conferences last Thursday and Friday.  Below are pictures from just a few of these conferences.  It has been great to see the children sharing accomplishments, as well as goals set for the fourth quarter.  I look forward to seeing those that are planning to come this Wed. afternoon/evening for their conferences.  Please look for your child’s progress report in their Friday folder on the 10^th.