Mrs. McCree's and Mrs. Torch's 5th Grade Blog

November 17, 2011

McCree/Torch Times

Doing Outstanding Work to Ensure the Love of Learning

 

A LOOK AT THE PAST 2 WEEKS

Math: We our diving into our Fractions Unit!  There are so many standards/concepts that your child will be learning in regards to fractions.  We realize that this can be very overwhelming to some children and work with small groups each day to ensure that your child is getting his/her needs met.   It is also so important that you help your child in any way possible at home and make sure that your child is using his/her Math Journal to assist them on their homework.   Your child has learned the following fraction concepts:  1. How to use fractions and decimals interchangeably.  2. Using improper fractions and mixed numbers. 3.  How to find equivalent fractions.  4. Simplifying fractions.  5. Comparing fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators.

Multiplication Facts: It is so important in fifth grade for children to know their multiplication facts.  Every Wednesday we will take a timed multiplication test.  This is not for a grade; however it is important for success in fifth grade math.  Please help your child study his/her multiplication facts through 12 each night if he/she is still having difficulty.  Thank you!!

Reading/Language Arts: We have been revisiting main idea and supporting details in non-fiction text this week.  We have also reviewed simple and compound sentences.  Today’s language arts lesson was on using apostrophes in contractions and to show possession.

Writing:  The children have begun drafting their “How To” essays.  Please ask your child what he/she is writing his/her “How To” on.

Social Studies:  The children have been reviewing World War I and will have a quiz on Friday.

 

Messy Friday!  Please have your child wear something on Friday that they don’t mind getting a little dirty.  We will be doing an Art project.

Thanksgiving Break Challenge!  Students were given the opportunity to accept a Thanksgiving Break Challenge.  We are pleased to say that the majority of the kids welcomed our challenge.  The Thanksgiving Challenge consists of Reading, Language Arts and Math CRCT review.  Children who complete the work to the best of their ability will be rewarded with a celebration on the Friday we get back from break.  We are so proud to have so many dedicated learners!

Ways to help at home

1.     Please make sure that your child reads for at least 30 minutes a night.

 

2.    Study multiplication facts.

 

 

3.    Please check your child’s reading log and behavior log nightly.

 

4.    Please check your child’s homework for quality work!

 

Important Dates

November 21^st-25^th: Thanksgiving Break

 

December 1^st: Barnes and Noble Night

 

December 8^th: Dinner Theater

 

December 21^st: Holiday Party

I'm Back!!

Dear Parents,

    I am officially back from maternity leave and am very eager to get back to teaching and learning!  I just wanted to take this time to tell you a little about myself and my classroom expectations.  I am originally from Michigan and attended Michigan State University. GO SPARTANS! This is my sixth year teaching fifth grade at Dowell.  I taught first grade for two years in the Atlanta Public School System before coming to Dowell. I am very excited for the remainder of the school year and want to make your child’s last year in elementary school a very special one. There are so many fun things to do and learn in fifth grade, and I can't wait to get started!

Stay-Tuned:  Ask your child what he or she is studying, and look in his/her homework folder and agenda every night.  It is my goal that your child can tell you something each night that they learned and something that they would like to learn more about.  Also, please keep an eye out for the bi-weekly newsletter. This will help you keep up with important happenings in our classroom.   I will also send home progress reports/academic alerts or make phone calls if I feel that your child is not progressing as expected.

 

Ask Questions:  If you have any concerns or are wondering why something is happening, please feel free to call or email me at any time.  I welcome all concerns, ideas, and feedback that affect your child or our classroom.   If something is not working, I am more than willing to talk.   My email address is joanna.mccree@cobbk12.org The school phone number is (678)594-8059

 

Homework:  Students will have homework every night except for Friday.  They will also have a reading log that will need to be completed daily, including the weekends.  I expect students to read his/her chapter book over the weekend.  Students will be expected to write assignments down in their agenda.  Please sign the bottom of the behavior log each night.  A signature lets me know that you saw the homework that your child has  and any behavior issues or concerns.  I encourage you to set a scheduled time for your child to complete his/her  homework each day.   Students should be able to do most assignments independently, but do help if it is completely necessary.  If you notice that your child is not able to do an assignment on his or her own, please send a note or write a note to Mrs. Torch or to myself on the assignment.  We will contact you if your child is falling behind or turning in poor work. 

 

Reading at home: It is so important that your child reads for at least thirty minutes each night and completes his/her reading log.  They will be expected to record the title of the book that they read and the amount of time spent reading at home.  They will also be expected to complete the various activities for that specific week.   Your signature will verify the time your child spent reading.  Also, please make sure that your child has complete QUALITY work! 

Once again, I am so excited for this year! I became a teacher not only to teach children the essential skills that they need to be successful in school and life, but also because I want to make a positive impact in every child’s life.  I look forward to a wonderful and productive year with both you and your child.

Sincerely,

Joanna McCree

 

Below you will find the standards/concepts that we have worked on this week:

Math: We have been continuing to review how to find the mean, median, mode and range of a set of data.  Please encourage your child to use his/her math journal for any assistance that he/she may need with the homework.  We have also begun our units on Fractions.  Today the students learned about improper fractions and mixed numbers.  They have also learned how to use fractions and decimals interchangeably.  We will continue to review these fraction concepts next week.

Reading/Language Arts: The students have been learning about the difference between fiction and non-fiction text characteristics.  We have also been studying homophone.  Ask your child to sing you the song that we learned on Tuesday and Wednesday!

Social Studies: The Transcontinental Railroad has been the area of study this week.

Writing:  We have been continuing to work on our Fictional Narratives this week.  Informational Writing will begin next week.

Important Dates

November 8th: No School (Election Day)

November 10th: All Pro Dads

November 15th: 5th grade VIP Lunch

Nomber 21st-25th