The new year has brought a myriad new endeavors in Grade Five.

In History, we have started to explore the Indus River Valley. In order to put the origins of Hinduism into context, we have looked at the geography of the region and how the Harappans may have come in contact with the Aryan invaders from Central Asia. This week we will be taking a closer look at the basic principles and practices of Hinduism. Students will be reflecting on Hindu life cycle customs by comparing them with their own family’s traditions in a writing assignment. We will also consider versions of The Ramayana‘s depiction of Rama and Sita, and enjoy an India-inspired lunch bunch.

In English, we concluded our unit on Linda Sue Park’s  A Single Shard. This novels focuses on the quest of an apprentice potter in 12th century Korea. In their reading journals, students responded to a variety of questions to practice inference from a text, close reading and supporting an opinion. Students began to learn about how to support a quote from a book by placing it in context, explaining the quote and then relating it to their lives. We will continue to develop this essential skill as we move to our next novel, The Bridge to Terabithia. 

In Writer’s Workshop we have moved on to our study of the Word Choice trait. We began by discussing what elements of language help to make text really stand out and convey maximal meaning. Students completed their first project by working in pairs with non-fiction texts. They practiced distinguishing between technical terms and evocative language to create posters for their texts. Currently, we are developing a short creative piece in which limitations are placed certain words they can use in an attempt to have them stretch and reach beyond the expected and mundane. Students are guided through the writing process of drafting, self-editing, peer-editing, revision and publishing.

Helpful Hints:

  • please remember to send a snack even when we have Pizza Friday.
  • Make-up ERB’s for our class will be on Tuesday during 6-7th period.
  • Lunch bunch this Tuesday.
  • Field Trip this Wednesday with Ms. Sicurella – bring a bagged lunch.
  • PTR projects are due Monday, February 9. Please remind your child to use the rubrics provided in the PTR packet.

Fondly,

Jilly