Weekly Update August 12-16

This week in math:

We will continue our work with place value. We will start the week with ordering, then move to rounding, then hopefully start working on addition and subtraction by the end of this week. With each objective we will look at related math vocabulary in word problems (for example: if a word problem asks you to order items from least expensive to cheapest, that means the same as greatest to least). We will continue to revisit exponents since they are a new concept for 5^th graders.

This week In Reading:

Our reader’s statements for the week will be focused on habits/instincts that readers use to keep themselves engaged and actively thinking while reading. We will start the week talking about how to “read yourself awake” when bored with a book, and how to catch yourself when you are “reading on autopilot”.

This week in Writing:

Students will begin planning and drafting the piece they chose last week. They will start by meeting with me to decide which genre of writing best fits their chosen topic. I will create small groups of students based on genre and work with them on the elements of that kind of writing.

We will continue with word study this week. Our weekly schedule is:

Mon- sort words based on pattern or sound

Tues- sort words by part of speech

Wed- write a sentence correctly using each word

Thurs- “making words” stations (using pipe cleansers, clay, magnetic letters, etc to form words)

Fri- tests *these will be graded and in their binders for you to see*

This week in SS:

We will continue talking about Colonial America. We will focus on the theme of freedom. We will evaluate who/what groups have freedom and which ones don’t. We will also begin talking about relations between colonists and Native Americans.

*Read-a-thon News*

We are currently in the pledge gathering part of the Read-a-thon. One new activity this year is the book swap scheduled for next Monday. This is a great way to clean out some space in your house and get a few ‘new-to-you’ books. You may begin sending in books any day this week. We will swap them on Monday 8/19.

**SCIENCE DAY**

On Monday August 26 we will have our first in-school science field trip through SCIENCE FUN FOR EVERYONE. The students will rotate through 3 different sessions. The cost for this is $21.00., please send in money by 8/26.

           

Important Dates:

Aug  15     1^st PTA meeting, 6:30
         16     Interim Reports go home
        21     early release, 11:20

        26    Science Fun day ($21)

Sept  2      Labor Day- no school
         13    end of 1^st 9 weeks