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.

March 27th Newsletter

In math class we have started working on fractions.  Ellen Dorsey, WCSU math consultant, has joined our class for three days this week.  Students have learned new vocabulary (numerator, denominator, and vinculum) as they have explored fractions using colored paper strips.   After creating a variety of fraction strips (from halves to thirds, quarters, etc.) we compared fractions, writing both true and false statements.  The children were asked to then use their strips to prove the statements created.  Another area studied this week includes divisibility rules.  Be sure to ask your child about these. We will continue our work with fractions and division next week.

            Children have now finished their pre assessments on opinion writing.  Topics for these pieces varied from why all children should have a set bedtime to why you should not smoke.  The class has also been hard at work writing about their accomplishments this year and creating goals for the remainder of fifth grade.  This has been in preparation for parent conferences that will take place in the next two weeks.  If you have not turned in the conference sheet, please send it in with times that work for you soon.

In Technology, students continue to learn about creating a slide presentation in Google.  I have been impressed with their work on this project.  Be sure to ask your child to share their slide show with you during conferences.    

Next week we will begin to learn about the SBAC assessments that we will complete in May.  The 5^th grade SBAC tests are scheduled for May 5, 6, 7, 12 and 13. It would be really helpful if you did not schedule appointments on these days.

Students will be dismissed at 12:30 on April 2^nd and 3^rd for conferences.  There will not be a newsletter next week.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Nature Journals - Sketching Owls

Last Friday, Karen joined us for our monthly Nature Journal session.  Although the weather did not permit us to go outside, we were able to borrow from Mrs. Gannon these stuffed owls - the Great Horned Owl and the Barred Owl.  Students spent the hour observing, sketching and taking notes on these beautiful creatures.  The session connected wonderfully with our recent study of owl pellets!

Guest Speaker, Susan Sawyer

Susan Sawyer, illustrator of the Hands on Nature book and Four Wind trainer visited our class. She shared slides of squirrels (including red, gray, flying and Eurasian) and helped us learn how to draw them. Below are some photos from that day.

More Owl Pellet Photos