Classroom Update: December 19, 2014

In reading, we are continuing to study the Pilgrims. This week, we learned about why the Pilgrims chose to leave Holland and how they paid for their journey. We are creating informational books to describe the Pilgrims’ story. We participated in readers’ theater this week to learn more about this subject.

In math, we are working on solving multiplication and division word problems. Now that we have had more practice with division, we are exploring how it is related to multiplication.

In writing this week, students continued to gather research for informational books. They used this research to begin drafting their pieces on their Google Drive accounts.

Optional Math Challenge: Due 12/22

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8-gXqit3js-aTR1Tl9oU05jaWVGbUMwODRqdUJEblYtc2pN/view?usp=sharing

Classroom Update: 12/13/14

In math, we have begun learning about division. We are spending time learning how to identify division word problems. 

In reading, we have started an integrated reading and social studies unit on the Pilgrims. We have begun learning about the Pilgrims’ lives before the Mayflower. We are also reviewing nonfiction text features, such as headings, subheadings, table of contents, index, and glossary.

In writing, we are continuing to plan our informational writing. Students are gathering more information related to their topics through guided research.

Classroom Update: December 5, 2014

In reading, we have been working on writing reading responses to our independent reading books. One strategy we have used is slowing down to understand what a prompt is asking. We have done this by underlining key phrases in prompts before responding to them.

In math, we have practiced creating rectangular arrays to represent multiplication expressions. Arrays are visual displays composed of rows of equal columns. To the right is an example of a 3x4 array. 

In writing, we have been practicing different structures for informational writing. Some of the structures we have tried are compare/contrast, cause-and-effect, problem-solution, and pros-cons. Practicing these structures will help us to become better nonfiction writers and readers.

In science, we have enjoyed listening to instrument presentations. Students did a fabulous job on their creative designs!

Optional Math Challenge Due 12/8

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8-gXqit3js-bVc2RjNWU1VNWmhoTWUyZkhLR2ZiQzJLOVJ3/view?usp=sharing

Classroom Update: November 21, 2014

We had a blast at our pajama party and read-a-thon today! Students enjoyed introducing their stuffed animal friends and, most importantly, reading lots of books! 

  

We also were privileged to participate in a wonderful presentation on the Diwali festival by Joey's mother, Bonie Williamson. Students were able to interact with many artifacts from this region of the world. Thank you to Bonie for making this possible! 

In Reading this week, students delivered book talks in which they recommended some great realistic fiction literature! We also began reading an informational book about the Pilgrims. Students used nonfiction text features such as the table of contents and headings to answer questions about the text.

In Math, students practiced their multiplication facts. We used many strategies to become more familiar with the facts, including playing games, writing raps, and making flashcards. Starting next week, students will be asked to study their multiplication facts each night for homework. There will be a sign-off at the bottom of students' nightly homework worksheets for parents/guardians to verify that they have practiced their facts. Some ideas for studying include writing lists of facts, being quizzed by a family member, writing poems/songs related to the facts, or using flashcards. I will also be introducing students to some websites to help them practice their facts next week. Fact mastery is crucial for students' success with math in the fourth and fifth grades.

In Writing, students enjoyed presenting their personal narrative stories to peers and visitors during our writers' celebration! We have begun a new unit on informational writing. Students began the initial stages of brainstorming and planning for an informational piece.

In Science, students continued investigations with sound. We explored a model eardrum to learn about how the human body perceives sound in the environment. We also completed explorations with string and soundboards, investigating how length and tension affect pitch.

Optional Math Challenge: Due December 1

Here's a Thanksgiving-themed challenge!