5th Grade Blog Update for 2/3/23

Hi Families! 

We ended a busy January this week and have hit the ground running into February! On Wednesday we enjoyed celebrating the 100th day of school! It’s hard to believe, but Valentine parties are just around the corner and we are looking forward to many other engaging learning experiences throughout the month! 

Literacy 

There has been so much excitement for reading our current science fiction novel George’s Secret Key to the Universe! The enthusiasm on the part of students to read each chapter has been evident! Throughout the story we have been working on a variety of literacy targets, such as how the narrator’s point of view affects how the story is told. The story is a mix of unique character development and exciting plot twists, all infused with lots of learning about science and space! Because this story, written by Stephen and Lucy Hawking, is the first in a series of books, we strongly encourage students to read other books in this wonderful collection. Your local library and book store are sure to have copies available! 

Writing

Students are in the process of writing their science fiction narrative stories. They’ve been inspired by the “George” book we’ve been reading, and have put their creativity and vivid imaginations to work! We have a vast array of storylines—everything from time travel to space adventures!

Math

We are currently  in the middle of our unit on multiplying and dividing fractions with concrete models to represent numerical calculations.  Students are becoming quite proficient in identifying and constructing multiplication models. Soon we will begin working with division of fractions. The models that students have been learning are providing them with a deeper understanding of these concepts.

Social Studies

Currently, students are learning about the cultural, geographic and economic characteristics of the New England, Middle, and Southern colonies. They are engaging in a variety of activities in order to support their learning and gain a deeper understanding.

Important dates to remember in the days ahead:

Mon., February 13 —Valentine’s Day classroom parties @2:00

Tues., February 14 —Early Release @ 2:00

Wed., February 15 —Ivy Hall/Prairie Orchestra Concert at Stevenson High School

Thurs., February 16 —Ivy Hall, Prairie, Twin Groves Band Concert @ Twin Groves

Fri., February 16 —Half Day of school

Mon., February 20 —No School/Presidents’ Day

Wed., February 22 —6th grade placement test/Math