Well, here we go again. I really wanted to like the Scholastic Web Page Platform, but in the end it didn't work for me. So I am switching over to a blog on blogger.com, a format I am much more familiar with.
We have had another great week here in 5th grade.
In social studies we have "said goodnight" to the Vikings and delved into the amazing travels of Marco Polo in the 11th century. I am reading a book aloud to the class all about his life that is beautifully written and illustrated. I am always impressed by authors who can bring a potentially dry subject to life with great writing.
In science we began our study of matter by conducting an experiment. We mixed three liquids and ended up with a colloidal solution with properties of both a solid and a liquid. It was a lot of fun and I was impressed with the class' reserve and care around scientific experimentation.
In writing we have wrapped up our narrative pieces and placed them in the writing portfolios that will serve as a record of our writing for the year. Next we will be writing instructions for emergency survival inspired by the experiences of the main character in Hatchet. The focus of this writing will be the trait of organization and writing strong leads. I hope to complete this writing digitally with the help of Mrs. Phelps in the library. We will also print out a physical book of the collected essays on how to survive.
In math we continue our work with probability and problem solving. We are all really enjoying the hands-on nature of unit 2. It seems we are conducting some sort of fun experiment every day. I am pushing the kids, and they moan sometimes, but we are getting it done. I came to love math relatively late in life, but love it I do. I hope my enthusiasm is contagious!
In reading the students have begun writing letters to me each week about a book they are reading. I write back to each of them. It generates a lot of nice conversation and thinking around literature and how it connects to our lives. The book is also a beautiful keepsake of all the great work that we do around books in this fifth grade year.
We will be administering the NECAP standardized tests next week. Please make sure your kids are well rested and relaxed! This is the standardized test that serves primarily as a ranking tool for the government. We will receive the results during the school year (in January I believe), so we will be able to use the data to direct our instruction, but the DOE will also use the results to decide if PES is making Adequate Yearly Progress. The most important thing to do is to tell your kids to relax and to try and do their best. We'll have tests every day of the week.
Remember that Friday October 8th there is no school for students for a staff professional development day, and that Monday the 4th is Columbus Day.
Have a great weekend!
PS: If you would like a printed version of this newsletter just ask your child to let me know. Otherwise it will be posted on this blog weekly (most of the time).
