After our exciting trip to Nature’s Classroom, we have dived right back into our busy academic lives in Fifth Grade!

In History, students have been working on developing their capital cities for their year-long-civilization project. In addition to creating a capital city map, they are writing paragraphs that describe the layout and population of their city. Next they will be creating a language!

This past week, the students took their first large history test. While the test focused on the major themes and concepts explored in our study of Mesopotamia, the preparation for the test allowed our group to practice essential study skills such as note-taking, creating flashcards, writing practice essays, and organization. Students were guided through a week-long process of assembling their binders, creating a study plan, and then finally studying a little bit each night. I was impressed with the group’s diligent attitude toward embracing this process. As you know, time management and organization are important executive functioning skills that are emphasized this year. On Friday, we happily purged our binders of all things Mesopotamian and made room for new notes and ideas. Our focus now shifts to ancient Egypt. This unit will carry us through to December break.

In Writer’s Workshop, our group of writers have brought their personal narratives through a detailed process of pre-writing, drafting, editing, peer editing and revision. It has been a challenging few weeks, as students have been trying to add detail and incorporate the five senses. Many found the peer editing step challenging as they had to give very specific feedback on another student’s work. Most of the writers have moved on to a shorter piece, entitled, “Show not Tell”, in which they are given an unusual picture and must craft the back story by showing the action rather than telling it. Both of these pieces are part of a larger unit concept on “Ideas” which is one of the 7 traits of good writing. The traits are the cornerstone of our WW program in Grade 5.

In English, we continue to read Where the Red Fern Grows and to annotate our book using highlighters and sticky notes. This week the students will have a spelling test that incorporates several vocabulary words we discussed in class.

Helpful Hints and Dates:

  • PTR projects are due November 24. Please be sure to check in with your student on his/her progress.
  • There will be a short map quiz this Wednesday on the Egypt map. Students will practice this map in class, but I will send home practice maps on Monday.
  • We will resume our spelling tests this week. Please be sure to have your child practice daily.
  • Prior to signing the planner, please check with your student to make sure he/she has done the homework. Many students are reporting that parents are signing the planner before homework is done and this defeats the point. 🙂
  • A huge thank you to the parents who helped make our Halloween party a success!!!
  • If you would like to send one or two small pieces of candy with your student’s lunch this week please make sure they are following the allergen protocol set up for our classroom. After this week, we will resume our classroom policy of no candy in lunch/snack. Thank you for adhering to this policy.

Have a great week!

 

Jilly