A Sneak Peek at the Past Two Weeks
Math: Last week, we reviewed place value and value of whole numbers and decimals as well as how to express and model decimals. This week, we learned how to create equivalent decimals, compare and order decimals, and we learned the importance of divisibility rules and how to use them. We will have a math quiz on Friday over these concepts.Your child should be able to identify where digits are located on a place value chart, he/she should be able to write whole numbers and decimals in standard form, word form, and expanded form, he/she should be able to tell you how much a digit is worth (value) , he/she should be able to model what a decimal looks like, he/she should be able to create equivalent decimals, compare/order decimals, and should be able to use divisibility rules for 2, 3, 5, and 10.
Reading: My students have been learning routines and procedures concerning our Reader's Workshop, they learned how to use my classroom library, when to abandon a book, and they learned how to choose "just right" books. We have been learning about the following elements of a story: setting, characters, character development or how a character changes, the plot of a story, and conflict in plot. Please ask your child to discuss these story elements with you by choosing one of the books below. He/she should be able to tell you about the setting of any of the books, he/she should be able to describe the characters,and he/she should be able to describe the plot as well as describe the conflict in the plot.
Books: Thank You, Mr. Falker, The Ugly Duckling, and The Summer My Father Was Ten
Language Arts: My students reviewed the writing process by watching a three minute video that compared the writing process to digging for gems.Please ask your child to tell you the five steps of the writing process and to explain how each step can compare to digging for gems. I read The Summer My Father Was Ten in order to introduce personal narratives to my students. We have begun the" Prewriting" step of the Writing Process. I taught my students the writing strategy: "Writing from a list." We will finish up the graphic organizer for our narrative writing this week and will begin the "Drafting" step of the Writing Process next week. As for our grammar component, we reviewed nouns, verbs, verb phrases, and verb tenses.
Social Studies: During Social Studies, we learned how to distinguish between rights and responsibilities, due process, and The Bill of Rights. Please ask your child to tell you about these three skills. They have really enjoyed learning about these this week.
Looking Ahead
August 26th- Movie Night (7:00-10:00)
September 5th- Labor Day (No School)
School Wide Reminders
1. Parents and students are not allowed to return to the classrooms after dismissal. My students have ample time to pack up and write in their agendas.
Reminders to Parents
1. Please send a note if you change the way your child will be going home. In order to ensure your child is safe, I need a note.
2. If you have not sent in all papers that needed to be signed and returned, please do so as soon as possible.
3. Please sign your child's agenda daily in order to monitor his/her homework assignments and any notes I may write in the agenda.
4. I usually update this blog weekly; however, there will be times when I update it bi-weekly. I will try to remind my students to write in their agendas when it has been updated.
5. Please send in school supplies for your child as soon as possible. We have begun to use many of the supplies. The supplies we will use daily are: 6 composition notebooks, glue sticks, paper, pencils, 7 colored folders, and black dry erase markers. If you are able to donate any of the above supplies, our crew would greatly appreciate it! Thanks in advance for your donation!
Ways to Help at Home
1. Please begin reviewing multiplication facts with your child. Mastering multiplication facts is necessary for your child to have success with 5th grade math skills. Your child would benefit from reviewing these facts (0-12) every night for at least 20 minutes.
2. Please ensure your child reads at least thirty minutes each night. This will help your child maintain or improve his/her reading level. You can read to your child or with your child. I have read many books aloud already this year, and my students enjoy being read to in class!
3. Please review your child's homework every night to ensure your child understands the specific skills. If your child is having difficulty with his/her homework, please send me a quick note or tell your child to ask for help as soon as he/she arrives at school. I am able to give individual attention to students from 7:15 a.m. until 7:50 a.m. because my students do not have morning work. This time is reserved for any students who may need extra help with homework.
The following website is fabulous for practicing multiplication facts:
http://www.multiplication.com/
If you ever need to contact me by email, please contact me at lisa.bower@cobbk12.org. Please do not send any time sensitive emails. Please notify the office of any last minutes transportation changes.
I am looking forward to working with each one of you to ensure your child has a successful 5th grade year!
Thank you!
Lisa Bower
Recent Comments