Newsletter for January 2014

 Happy 2014 and welcome back!   I hope you and your family enjoyed a relaxing break and a fun holiday.

     Here are a few topics we’ll be exploring in the weeks to come.  In December fifth graders were given a DRA2, which helps us to see what specific aspects of reading fluency and comprehension to focus on. In my guided reading groups we will pick up where we left off looking at how nonfiction text is organized, but I will form groups based on the data collected from those DRA tests to better meet the needs of my readers. Students will be expected to continue their weekly letters to me about their independent reading. We are also looking at creating video book reviews of the MCBA books so many students have been selecting. We will also begin reading Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. This core fifth grade novel is about a boy who is stranded in the Canadian wilderness and discovers his capacity for survival.

    Vocabulary, grammar and spelling practice continues as usual.  We will begin “auctions” next week to practice and assess the Greek root words we have been studying.  Students bid a certain number of words they think they can define, and must recall definitions and derivatives. This is a fun and exciting way to increase our vocabulary. Many students from last year told me it was one of their favorite activities.  The record for “Champions” last year was 48 words recalled. I bet we can top that score by June!

    In math we will be finishing up Topic 4, division, and after a review this week we will have the topic test next week. We continue to emphasize strong problem solving strategies. Students need to read word problems several times, isolate the question, plan their solution, and calculate accurately.  Perseverance and clear, logical thinking are essential as is clear and concise notation.  The problem solving template we use is online and students should have a paper copy in their HW folders. Please encourage them to use this valuable resource. Also I will resume Thursday morning (at 8:00 in room 13) math help for any fifth grader who wants help.  

    In Social Studies this week we will finish viewing excerpts of a PBS series called "We Shall Remain".  This depicts the beginnings of the Pilgrim/ Wampanoag relationship, how it evolved, and how it eventually deteriorated into King Philip's War.  Students will write a journal entry from the perspective of a Wampanoag child living in a prayer town.  

   Please check the other teachers’ blogs for their news and homework.  

Best Regards,

Mrs. Lee

      I hope you and your family had a lovely Thanksgiving.  As we enjoy the last of the leftovers it's full speed ahead into another holiday season.  The much anticipated Winter Concert will be on Thursday, December 12 at 9:30 am.  I hope to see you there!
     Our learning continues in ELA.  Before the break we began looking at how nonfiction text is organized.  This is an important strategy for understanding, note-taking and ultimately summarizing.  As we do close reading of more complex text,  students need to demonstrate their ability to identify structures such as sequence, cause/effect, problem/solution, description, and compare/contrast.  This will also help students organize their informational writing, which will be a focus throughout the second term.  Students will not only be writing in ELA classes, but in Science and Social Studies as well. Writing across curriculum gives our students plenty of opportunity to practice the traits of writing we have always stressed: ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions.
     We have begun our fourth topic in math this week: division.  It is imperative that students have automatic recall of multiplication facts in order to be successful in this area.  The Reflex Math program is a great way to ensure this.  Good old-fashioned flash cards also work.  Please support your child in this fundamental skill!
     The Pilgrims have landed!  In Social Studies this term we explore how colonization began in North America and what effects that had on the Native peoples.  We will be viewing excerpts of a PBS series called "We Shall Remain".  This depicts the beginnings of the Pilgrim/ Wampanoag relationship, how it evolved, and how it eventually deteriorated into King Philip's War.  Another big part of our curriculum is the establishment of English colonies and how they developed and eventually fought for their independence from Great Britain.
     On a personal note, my knee surgery went very well.  Though I am walking a bit slowly, I am back, and the kids have been wonderful.  Their cards were a delightful distraction as I recuperated last week.
     I look forward to seeing many of you at parent/teacher conferences this week.
Best Regards,
Mrs. Lee

Parent Conferences Dec. 5

If you haven't signed up for a conference with your child's ELA teacher, please do so soon.  We are able to accommodate you if you need to meet on another day, but please contact us soon.