We have had a really great week reviewing all of the skills we have learned so far this year. It is nice to take this mid-year refresher to make sure students have really learned that information and can apply it in different scenarios. We also got to celebrate great behavior with PAW ACHIEVEMENT THIS WEEK! See instagram for more pictures!! @msfourthandfifth

In reading, we have worked on reading different types of texts and using our strategies to find the right answers. We wrapped up our summative assessment this week and I am so proud of how well everyone in fourth and fifth grade did! We also spent some time talking about the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and what things we can make sure we are doing to honor him and his dream, not only on MLK Jr. Day, but every day throughout the year. We read “My Brother Martin” which was written by his sister. She pointed out that he was a totally normal kid who made mistakes and had fun, and he went on to make a huge difference. It was nice for students to be able to connect with him in this way and realize that they, too, can make a difference! 🙂

In VA studies we are reviewing EVERYTHING we have learned so far– which is no small feat! Next week look for some review homework to help keep things fresh and remind students of the tips and tricks we have learned for each topic (ie: MILK WITH KETCHUP TASTES NASTY, PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR JACKET). Next week we will continue reviewing Jamestown, Native American groups, the formation of the General Assembly, problems the settlers experienced, etc!! There is a great review for students on SOL PASS! Students can click on each standard and watch videos and play games to review. We have also been creating a review folder full of helpful information and test prep questions. Look for that folder to grow more next week! Study each night! 🙂

In SS with 5th grade we finally wrapped up the southeast!! We will move on to a new region next week after presenting our cumulative state projects. Each student selected a state to research and identify information we have learned about the five themes of geography (ex: how humans have modified the environment, adapted to the environment, and depend on the environment OR physical versus human characteristics of their state). This proved tricky for kids to think specifically about their state. For example, while students could tell me that trees and mountains were physical characteristics of their state, I pressed them to identify SPECIFIC MOUNTAINS or national parks in that state so that it was unique to their presentation. They really rose to the occasion and created some beautiful work. We will truly learn a lot about each of the states in the southeast!

Next week we will continue to review for BENCHMARKS!!
Please see schedule information below!
Enjoy your weekend!

IMPORTANT DATES:
January 28- No School for students
January 31 & February 1- 4th Grade Reading Benchmark/5th Grade Math Benchmark
February 5 & 6- Reading Benchmark 5th grade/Math benchmark 4th grade
February 7- Family Life lesson
February 8- VA Studies Benchmark for 4th grade/Science Benchmark 5th grade
*African American Achiever Project (4th grade)– more details this week- due mid-February!