You may need to buy some more pencils for your Fifth Grader; Fifth Graders are making their (pencil) marks across the curriculum!

Writer’s Workshop, which takes place 3 times per week, continues to be a highlight for this class. Currently, students are at various stages in the writing and editing process of their short personal narratives on the theme, “It happened to me!”.  The focus this week in workshop was on using written words to show rather than tell the reader what has occurred. Many of the students chose to share encounters involving a mix of stress and humor. These pieces, along with future published works, will be showcased in our Spring Writer’s Tea, where students will read their works aloud.

One key element in our writing curriculum is the use of rubrics. Rubrics are not only set expectations for a written piece, but also guide a more reluctant writer to a finished product. Students use the rubric as a way to self-monitor their work and invest in the writing process. In History this week, students were introduced to the rubric that will guide them in their creation of their year-long civilization project. Using this rubric, they are currently developing the physical geography of their ancient civilization and considering concepts such as irrigation and harvesting of natural resources.

The writing process in Fifth Grade not only occurs with a pencil in hand. Students have Integrated Studies with Geoff Perkins twice per week. In this course, they will not only continue to develop their essential keyboarding skills, but they will have the opportunity to use those skills to explore topics in math, computer science and history.

Thank you to all the parents who attended Back-to-School night. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Please note the following:

  • Medical Forms (in the packet from Nature’s Classroom) are due back next Friday. Please fill out completely and send back.
  • School pictures are October 8. Please fill out the form that was given out at Back-to-School night.
  • PTR projects will be due on October 20. If your student can present early, please let me know.

Thanks!

Jilly