It was nice getting to chat with so many of you at conferences. I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend. Here are a few things to know this month:
Genius Hour on Fridays: 5th grade students from all three classes have the opportunity to earn some time with a fun, creative thinking activity on Fridays. In order to participate, students must complete and turn in all class work for the week on time.
Our first Genius Hour project is a cardboard arcade. The idea is based on a short documentary film about Caine’s arcade in East LA. You can check out the heartwarming video here:
Genius Hour on Fridays: 5th grade students from all three classes have the opportunity to earn some time with a fun, creative thinking activity on Fridays. In order to participate, students must complete and turn in all class work for the week on time.
Our first Genius Hour project is a cardboard arcade. The idea is based on a short documentary film about Caine’s arcade in East LA. You can check out the heartwarming video here:
This Friday, students can start bringing supplies that they need to create the game they planned with their team. No need to make big purchases. Games that students were shown as an example are made of cardboard boxes, paper, rubber bands, toys that were lying around the house, etc. We will work on building for 3-4 weeks and then have a celebration where students get to try out the games we create.
Halloween Party: For their last elementary Halloween, we want to give our 5th graders a very special celebration. We will be having a combined party for all three 5th grade classes in the cafeteria. The idea is to have some music playing so students can dance and chat, a few simple game/craft stations that students can rotate through at their leisure, and snacks. The traditional costume parade will occur just before the party. We are looking for at least one parent from each class to help coordinate the party that will be held on the afternoon of Halloween from about 2:00-2:45. Let me know if you’re interested and we’ll get you in touch with fellow coordinators.
Here’s what we’re learning about right now:
Math: We are learning to apply the area formulas for various polygons to find the area of composite figures.
Literacy: We are learning about using evidence to support claims about texts around character traits, influences on character development, character point of view, and theme as it relates to character.
Writing: As students develop narratives we are focusing on using sensory details, sentence variety, dialogue, plot development, revising and editing strategies.
Science: Students are learning how to observe physical and chemical properties of matter to investigate solutions and mixtures
Social Studies: Students are using primary and secondary sources as they learn about the first permanent European settlement of Roanoke and are investigating the reason behind the mysterious disappearance of the settlers of the island.
Halloween Party: For their last elementary Halloween, we want to give our 5th graders a very special celebration. We will be having a combined party for all three 5th grade classes in the cafeteria. The idea is to have some music playing so students can dance and chat, a few simple game/craft stations that students can rotate through at their leisure, and snacks. The traditional costume parade will occur just before the party. We are looking for at least one parent from each class to help coordinate the party that will be held on the afternoon of Halloween from about 2:00-2:45. Let me know if you’re interested and we’ll get you in touch with fellow coordinators.
Here’s what we’re learning about right now:
Math: We are learning to apply the area formulas for various polygons to find the area of composite figures.
Literacy: We are learning about using evidence to support claims about texts around character traits, influences on character development, character point of view, and theme as it relates to character.
Writing: As students develop narratives we are focusing on using sensory details, sentence variety, dialogue, plot development, revising and editing strategies.
Science: Students are learning how to observe physical and chemical properties of matter to investigate solutions and mixtures
Social Studies: Students are using primary and secondary sources as they learn about the first permanent European settlement of Roanoke and are investigating the reason behind the mysterious disappearance of the settlers of the island.