Thursday, April 30, 2015

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!

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