Fifth grade is ready to take a little bit of a breather this week, heading up to the March break. With the upper school students away on trips, our class will be enjoying a field trip to Kripalu this week, along with a few surprises. Last Thursday, our class presented three of the Jataka Tales, Buddhist stories that date from 300-400 BC. Thank you to the parents who joined us for this special performance. It was so much fun to see this group showcase their creativity and sense of humor in their interpretations of the stories.

Here’s a brief update on our academic endeavors:

History: Our study of the early peoples of the Mediterranean region took us to Phoenicia, Crete (to the capital of the Minoan civilization) and to mainland Greece (to visit the Mycenaeans). We explored the development of these groups, their legacy, as well as the theories to their demise. Students tried their hand at painting on wet plaster in the style of the Minoans. Another highlight was doing an in-class (non-traditional) reading of the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. Currently, we are exploring creation myths from various cultures in order to be inspired in our writing of our own creation myths for the year-long civilization project.

Math: We are still investigating how fractions can be used with the four basic operations. This week, we also began to review the use of fractions in linear measurement. Students will be learning how to multiply and divide fractions this week, as well as using fractions in practical every-day  applications.

English/Writer’s Workshop:Our reading of Linda Sue Park’s novel, A Single Shard, has taken us to 10th century Korea. This novel centers on the life of a potter and the process of creating ceramics, which students have begun to participate in now that they are taking ceramics with Ben Evans. In order to connect with this creative process, in Writer’s Workshop we have been considering how to break down a complex task into written manageable steps. Students brainstormed ideas, and are now in the process of crafting their process essays. Topics range from how to use scissors, how cross a city street safely…and (don’t be surprised) how to give a hedgehog a bath.

Helpful hints:

  • PTR projects are due April 1st. Please encourage your child to complete his book over break.
  • Field trip to Kripalu is Thursday. If you did not fill out a permission slip already, please find one in your child’s planner.
  • Please be sure to let me know if your child is leaving early for the break.
  • A huge thank you to all the parents who are sending in fruit! A big shout out to Kristen who has been sending in strawberries, bananas and clementines each Thursday for a few weeks now.

Thank you for all your support,

Jilly