A Sneak Peek at the Past Two Weeks
Math: Last week, my students learned how to find factors and multiples of numbers, they learned how to classify numbers as prime or composite as well as odd or even. In order to be successful at these skills, my students must learn their multiplication facts in order to be able to classify numbers into groups based on their characteristics. Please continue to practice multiplication facts at home. This week, my students have begun learning how to model the multiplication of a decimal by a whole number as well as how to model the multiplication of a decimal by a decimal. They have learned how to model the multiplication as well as how to explain the process of multiplying decimals.
Reading: We have been learning how making inferences when we read help us understand the story better. Your child should be able to explain how to make an inference. Please ask your child to share how I introduced the lesson to our class. They really understood the skill after I demonstrated it for them! They need to be able to make inferences while reading because authors cannot write down every detail about the story elements in a book. Making inferences help children comprehend what is happening in a story. We use the following three column chart to help us make inferences:
What I Read in the Text + What I Already Know = What I Infer
My students have been actively participating in our Reader's Workshop which consists of guided reading groups as well as independent reading time and independent workstations. I hope your child has told you about their guided reading groups and the books that we have been finishing up this week.
Language Arts: My students have been learning how to "hook" someone into reading their writing pieces. So far, my students have picked their topics for their personal narratives they will be writing this nine week period, and they have begun completing their graphic organizers. Next, my students will write "hooks" or "grabbers" in order to persuade the reader to keep reading their papers. Next week, we will begin the "drafting" stage of the writing process. This week, my students learned a chant to help them remember the four types of sentences. Please ask your child to share the chant with you and to tell you the four types of sentences.
Science: During Science, we have learned how our Earth can be changed by constructive and destructive forces. Your child should be able to show you the difference between constructive and destructive forces. Last week, we learned how earthquakes, faults, deposition, and volcanoes can be constructive forces. Your child should be able to complete the following:
Deltas and Sand Dunes are formed as a result of ______________________.
Earthquakes can form ________________________.
A crack in the Earth's surface is called a ___________________.
The Hawaiian Islands were formed as a result of ______________________.
Looking Ahead
September 15th- Open House
5:30-6:15 Session 1 (All Grades)
6:25-6:55 PTA Meeting/Title 1 Info.
7:00-7:45 Session 2 (All Grades)
School Wide Reminders
1. Be sure to become a PTA member for only $5.00 to help our school.
2. 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 continue 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 websites are good resources to help your child:
multiplication facts:
http://www.multiplication.com/
http://www.mathplayground.com/balloon_invaders.html
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
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