This week in Fifth Grade, we transitioned to an exploration of Word Choice. This is the third of 6 traits of good writers which are the cornerstone of our Writer’s Workshop in Grade Five. Each unit of study is comprised of myriad activities and mini-lessons that are grouped around one of the 6 traits: organization, ideas, word choice. sentences fluency, voice and conventions.

Using Vicky Cobb’s picture book, Blood and Gore Like You’ve Never Seen, students took a closer look at the scientific definitions and vivid lexical choices that the author uses to bring her story of the human body come alive. Students worked in pairs to create a flyer highlighting a specific body system or part, extracting passages from the book that they felt were especially descriptive, and adding in artistic flourishes and humor.

Next, in order to demonstrate the importance of selecting words carefully, student participated in a block challenge. Two students were placed with a border between them (we used an easel stand) so that they could not see each other, but could hear teach other. Students were given an identical set of wooden building blocks of various shapes and colors. One student was instructed to build a sculpture or tower out of his blocks, and as he constructed it, to instruct the other student. Upon completion of the second student’s tower, we removed the barrier so that the class could view the results of the “good communication”—two radically distinctly composed towers. This led to a lively discussion about how important it is to say what you mean and mean what you say! Students noted the importance of precise descriptions in order to carry out the task successfully. Next week, we will use these two mini-lessons as scaffolding for some writing exercises that focus on word choice!

Math

We are more than halfway through Chapter 7, and are working with concepts relating to mixed numbers and fractions. Students have been practicing converting from one form to the other, noting the use of inverse operations. At the end of the week, we began to take a closer look at the way percent relates to fractions and decimals. We will be finishing up Chapter 7 this week.

History

We used our history classes this week to review for the test on India, Hinduism and Buddhism. Students worked in groups to generate notes for the essay that compares these two religions, and many wrote practice essays to show me. Some students have offered their suggestions for making flashcards and review guides.

Our class has decided to put on a play, based on the ancient Buddhist stories called the Jataka Tales. They have begun to learn their lines, and will be preparing for a performance in early March. Stay tuned for the date and time! We plan to invite you, as well as some of the other grades. This week, students will begin to create their religions for their year-long civilization project.

On Wednesday, students tried their hand at a 2,000 year old Indian art called batiking.. This process uses a layer of hot wax on fabric which is then covered with dye, creating a resist. The wax in then removed (by me with an iron!). Each student created a small square that will be part of a prayer flag for our class to hang at the end of the year, as well as a tapestry to hang at home.

English:

Many students were surprised by the ending of our book, Bridge to Terabithia, and had the opportunity to respond in their reading journals. Next week, they will be taking a short assessment on the book, as well as beginning to write an essay. We will also begin a short unit on Creation Myths from various cultures.

Thanks for your all your support!

Jilly

 

Helpful hints:

  • PTR is due March 1.
  • Trip to Kripalu is March 16. Please send in $20 cash when you can.
  • Don’t forget snowpants, hats, gloves and boots!
  • Valentines Day is Tuesday!
  • Please have your student review his/her 12s if necessary. A few kids are still rusty on these!