Happy Friday, the 13th!!
Wow, already two weeks down! We really got into the “nitty-gritty” of the fifth grade curriculum this week. I will begin to meet with each student individually to complete Fountas and Pinnel reading assessments this week. These informal assessments allow me to develop a better understanding of each student’s reading comprehension and fluency skills.
Are you and your child reviewing the blog each week? I will be looking for the first winners of the Blog Trivia Contest on Monday! Who will the winners be?
I look forward to seeing everyone at Back to School Night this Thursday, September 19th, at 6:30 where you will hear all about the 5th grade curriculum! See you in room 19!
9/18 Science quiz (layers of the earth, plate tectonics, weathering/erosion)
9/19 Reading MAPS testing; Back to School Night 6:30
9/20 Vocabulary and Spelling Tests – List #2
9/24 Math quiz (prime, composite, odd, even, word problems)
9/25 Reading open book test – “Sees Behind Trees”
9/26 Math MAPS testing
9/30 Student half day/5th Grade Technology Day
10/5 Glen Allen Day
Wheel Resource Schedule:
9/16 Art
9/23 Library
10/7 PE
Academics:
We know that the rigor of material increases in 5th grade, and to help with this adjustment, we encourage the students to review their notebooks nightly in preparation for classwork. Please have your child bring their notebooks home so you can use them to help with homework and review the notes from that day.
Math
We did a good job this week as we focused on identifying numbers as either prime or composite! Next week, we will be practicing single-step, and multi-step word problems. A special emphasis will continue to be placed on spotting key words in word problems to know which computation skills are needed to find the solution. **Some students had trouble on identifying prime & composite numbers. Determining if a number is prime or composite can be tricky if they forget the divisibility rules or are struggling with their multiplication facts- thank you so much for encouraging them to review these as they will appear on most math check ups throughout the year!
Math 5-6
For my math 5-6 students, we’ll start learning about exponents and discuss perfect squares. The students will receive notes for their math notebooks in addition to completing practice sheets. The portaportal has some terrific links for our accelerated math curriculum.
Science
In science we will continue our unit on the Earth. As we review the layers of the earth, plate tectonics, weathering and erosion, we will move on to the rock cycle! The quiz this Wednesday will NOT include the rock cycle.
Reading
In addition to Fountas and Pinnell individual reading assessments in reading this week we will also be working on comprehension strategies, with specific focus on making good responses to text that is read. Students will also be covering various comprehension skills during stations utilizing an inspirational, historical fiction story, “Sees Behind Trees.” Please click the link below if you would like your child to review the story at home. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUwsRXP5LhI There will be an open book test on this story on September 25th.
Weekly Vocabulary Reminder
We will be having vocabulary homework on a daily basis and each Friday there will be a spelling portion and a vocabulary portion to the test. Please be sure that your child is completing the entire page in their vocabulary packet each day for their homework completion quiz grade. The weekly vocabulary packets should stay in the students’ binders throughout the year as a means of reference and for periodic review tests.
Social Studies
Students will be learning about the history of Henrico with emphasis on the Civil War Battles fought in the county. Students will collaborate and complete a fun media project demonstrating their knowledge of this information this week.
Henrico Explorers Passport Program
Are you and your child interested in exploring some great sights around Henrico County? Then be sure to sign up for the Henrico Explorers Passport! This is an optional program that you and your family can participate in. The Henrico Explorers passport forms (Henrico County Passport) will go home next week. If you are interested in taking part in this optional activity with your child, please complete and return the form to school by October 16th.
Have an astonishing weekend!