After our week-long adventure to Nature’s Classroom, Fifth Grade is diving back into our academics. Here’s a peek into our studies this week:

In Math students are exploring patterns with decimals, including multiplying with decimals, estimating high and low estimates when finding the product, and multiplying money. We have been reviewing multiplying two and three-digit numbers as well. Next week, we will begin a unit on division.

In History, our focus has been on study skills. In preparation for their test next Wednesday on Mesopotamia, we have been creating flashcards focusing on the big ideas we’ve explored this trimester. Students are also synthesizing details from the texts and their homework assignments in order to practice composing detailed one paragraph answers. We’ve also been creating some components for our year-long ancient civilizations. To date, the students have researched their geography, created a capital city and corresponding map, and several students have begun to creating their language.

In English, we continue to do our close read of Where the Red Fern Grows, using sticky notes to mark certain passages, and highlighting others. This week, we resumed our spelling tests which focus on history vocabulary, as well as a list of commonly misspelled words in English. We are also beginning to prepare for the Middle School Poetry Assembly. Mark your calendar for Wednesday November 16 at 2 pm!

In Writer’s Workshop, we are wrapping up our study of the Ideas trait. Students used a rubric today to evaluate each others work, and provide meaningful feedback on their personal narrative stories. After, we gathered to debrief on the process and share how the feedback made the writers feel. It was also an opportunity for students to recognize their peers for helping and supporting them in the writing process.

After several weeks off, we have resumed Wednesday advisory. We have been role playing how to call a teacher with a question or for help. Students will be assigned a teacher and a night to call in order to practice this essential life skill.

Helpful Hints:

  • If you are providing treats or supplies for our Halloween party, please be sure to send them in. (We like treats, not tricks!0
  • PTR is due Wednesday November 9.
  • Scholastic book forms are coming home this week. Please turn in with your check by Tuesday. There are lots of inexpensive and great books for PTR, and we get free books for our classroom as well!

Thanks again for all your support this year!

Cheers,

Jilly