Hello Families,
With the Winter Break coming upon us, we will be working hard to learn as much as we can in this last week. Here's what's on the calendar:
Math - We are continuing our unit on fractions by reviewing division and multiplication word problems. There will be a test on the Wednesday after we return from the break. We will be sure to have a comprehensive review on that Monday and Tuesday.
Social Studies - We have completed our Explorers unit and are moving on to Settling a New World. This unit focuses on North American colonization laying the foundation for our future units about the Thirteen Colonies and our fight for freedom from British rule.
Writing - We are working on finishing the explorer articles this week as well as return to our journaling to spark creativity for our next published story. Our next unit is Realistic Fiction: Suspense. Students will have time for creative writing in class as well as for homework.
Reading - We will be starting our next read-aloud, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, after the break. This week we will be looking at some short stories from The Arabian Nights. These stories were told by Sherehezade to captivate King Shahryar. They are full of action and mystery.
Science - We are continuing to explore the Scientific Method with new experiments. Each experiment is followed by a lab report. This week the students are practicing their observation skills in order to have a better understanding of how scientists develop hypotheses and use data to draw conclusions.
Have a wonderful week and enjoy the break!
Debby
Monday, December 17, 2012
Monday, December 3, 2012
This Week in 5D
Hello Families,
Here's what we're working on in the coming week:
Math - Today we had a quick review of all the material we have covered since September. This is one way we can solidify information previously learned. The Singapore Math program allows for this review time as we work through each unit. For the rest of the week we are working on multiplying and dividing fractions.
Reading - We are focusing our reading on non-fiction at the moment. There is a lot of information to learn in our Exploration unit and we will be combining Reading with Social Studies content.
Writing - We are continuing to work on our exposes about the various explorers. In addition, the students are working on a final project to complete our read aloud, Sahara Special. This project involves creating a file (an actual file folder) that shows who we present to the world on the outside and then some more personal things that not everyone knows on the inside. A three-paragraph essay about why we share and hide certain things about ourselves, whom we choose to share ourselves with and what might we like to change about our "file" if we could. The essay will be done in class, but the rest of the assignment is to be done at home. It is due on Friday.
Social Studies - We are continuing our study about Exploration. We have already discussed the Spanish and Portuguese explorers and have touched on colonization. We will continue on with English, French and Dutch exploration as well as how these discoveries affected Native Americans.
Science - This week the students will learn how to write up a lab report. We designed an experiment about which paper towel was the most absorbent and carried that out last week. At the time, we took notes about our method, data, and materials. This week we will translate that into a report.
Other News - In the past two months or so, the middle school classes have invited the fifth graders to visit their classrooms. Our students have had some great opportunities to both interact with the middle school students as well take a peek at some of the exciting activities available to the students.
We have visited the Financial Literacy class (an activity period class) where the students had made bracelets and were "selling" them to our classes. We used their version of money called "Biz Bucks" to make the purchases and the we were allowed to keep them.
We have also visited the PinHead Cafe. This is a special activity that only happens a few times a year in Mr. Taylor's class. The classroom is set up as a small cafe with an "open mic" for students to share various creative works they have developed. The eighth graders get all dressed up and students take turns pouring drinks and handing out food to each other as the performances continue. The lights are dimmed and the ambiance feels very intimate and "safe" for students to freely express themselves. It was a wonderful experience.
In our visit to the Robotics class (another activity period), we were able to see how the students created various robots which they programmed to do certain "tricks." This was a great class for technology-minded students to expand upon their interests and skills.
This Friday we are visiting Mr. Lyon's 6th grade class to watch the students present various projects relating to their current Social Studies content (Ancient Civilizations). I'm sure it will be a great experience as well.
Have a great week!
Debby
Here's what we're working on in the coming week:
Math - Today we had a quick review of all the material we have covered since September. This is one way we can solidify information previously learned. The Singapore Math program allows for this review time as we work through each unit. For the rest of the week we are working on multiplying and dividing fractions.
Reading - We are focusing our reading on non-fiction at the moment. There is a lot of information to learn in our Exploration unit and we will be combining Reading with Social Studies content.
Writing - We are continuing to work on our exposes about the various explorers. In addition, the students are working on a final project to complete our read aloud, Sahara Special. This project involves creating a file (an actual file folder) that shows who we present to the world on the outside and then some more personal things that not everyone knows on the inside. A three-paragraph essay about why we share and hide certain things about ourselves, whom we choose to share ourselves with and what might we like to change about our "file" if we could. The essay will be done in class, but the rest of the assignment is to be done at home. It is due on Friday.
Social Studies - We are continuing our study about Exploration. We have already discussed the Spanish and Portuguese explorers and have touched on colonization. We will continue on with English, French and Dutch exploration as well as how these discoveries affected Native Americans.
Science - This week the students will learn how to write up a lab report. We designed an experiment about which paper towel was the most absorbent and carried that out last week. At the time, we took notes about our method, data, and materials. This week we will translate that into a report.
Other News - In the past two months or so, the middle school classes have invited the fifth graders to visit their classrooms. Our students have had some great opportunities to both interact with the middle school students as well take a peek at some of the exciting activities available to the students.
We have visited the Financial Literacy class (an activity period class) where the students had made bracelets and were "selling" them to our classes. We used their version of money called "Biz Bucks" to make the purchases and the we were allowed to keep them.
We have also visited the PinHead Cafe. This is a special activity that only happens a few times a year in Mr. Taylor's class. The classroom is set up as a small cafe with an "open mic" for students to share various creative works they have developed. The eighth graders get all dressed up and students take turns pouring drinks and handing out food to each other as the performances continue. The lights are dimmed and the ambiance feels very intimate and "safe" for students to freely express themselves. It was a wonderful experience.
In our visit to the Robotics class (another activity period), we were able to see how the students created various robots which they programmed to do certain "tricks." This was a great class for technology-minded students to expand upon their interests and skills.
This Friday we are visiting Mr. Lyon's 6th grade class to watch the students present various projects relating to their current Social Studies content (Ancient Civilizations). I'm sure it will be a great experience as well.
Have a great week!
Debby
Monday, November 26, 2012
Week of November 26th
Hello Families,
I hope you all enjoyed the Thanksgiving break. This week we will be working on the following:
Math - We are continuing to work on fractions. Our focus this week is on multiplying fractions by whole numbers. The students have learned that the word "of" can be used to replace the "x" in these types of problems. For example: 1/2 x 6 is really 1/2 of 6, which is 3.
Social Studies and Writing- This week we will begin researching various explorers in small groups. The class will learn how to use the internet for research, identifying reliable sources and cross-checking the facts. We will be using this information to write an expose' about five different explorers.
Science - Tomorrow we will be revisiting the steps of the Scientific Method in order to begin designing experiments. Our experiments will help us to understand how this method helps scientists answer questions. We will also practice writing lab reports.
Reading - Today we finished our read aloud book, "Sahara Special." In the next few days, the class will begin a culminating project for this wonderful book.
Have a great week!!!
Debby
I hope you all enjoyed the Thanksgiving break. This week we will be working on the following:
Math - We are continuing to work on fractions. Our focus this week is on multiplying fractions by whole numbers. The students have learned that the word "of" can be used to replace the "x" in these types of problems. For example: 1/2 x 6 is really 1/2 of 6, which is 3.
Social Studies and Writing- This week we will begin researching various explorers in small groups. The class will learn how to use the internet for research, identifying reliable sources and cross-checking the facts. We will be using this information to write an expose' about five different explorers.
Science - Tomorrow we will be revisiting the steps of the Scientific Method in order to begin designing experiments. Our experiments will help us to understand how this method helps scientists answer questions. We will also practice writing lab reports.
Reading - Today we finished our read aloud book, "Sahara Special." In the next few days, the class will begin a culminating project for this wonderful book.
Have a great week!!!
Debby
Sunday, November 18, 2012
What's Happening in 5D???
Hello Families,
I truly enjoyed meeting with all of you last week to discuss your children's progress in fifth grade. It's always a pleasure to share wonderful news.
In the past week we worked on the following:
Math - We are still working with fractions. We have learned how to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators as well as with mixed numbers (whole numbers with fractions). On Tuesday, we will have a math test that covers the above as well as comparing fractions and making fractions from division problems. After the Thanksgiving break, we will work on multiplying and dividing fractions.
Reading - We are just about finished with our read aloud, Sahara Special. This week we focused on how characters change throughout a story and why authors present certain information, but leave other parts to inference. We also looked at how readers have complete knowledge of the main character's thoughts and feelings and how that relates to ourselves and to people we know in our everyday lives.
Writing - Since we had our publishing party, this week was a little light on the writing side. After the break, the students will be journaling more as well as working on some Social Studies writing.
Social Studies - We are continuing to study exploration and it's impact on world history. In the coming weeks we will study various explorers up close. Students will work in groups to write expose articles about the explorers' lives as they uncover new information.
Science - We have completed our study of the Moon and have started to learn about the Scientific Method. In the coming weeks we will be trying various experiments and documenting them using the Scientific Method to organize our data.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and thank you for allowing me to work with your children.
Sincerely,
Debby
I truly enjoyed meeting with all of you last week to discuss your children's progress in fifth grade. It's always a pleasure to share wonderful news.
In the past week we worked on the following:
Math - We are still working with fractions. We have learned how to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators as well as with mixed numbers (whole numbers with fractions). On Tuesday, we will have a math test that covers the above as well as comparing fractions and making fractions from division problems. After the Thanksgiving break, we will work on multiplying and dividing fractions.
Reading - We are just about finished with our read aloud, Sahara Special. This week we focused on how characters change throughout a story and why authors present certain information, but leave other parts to inference. We also looked at how readers have complete knowledge of the main character's thoughts and feelings and how that relates to ourselves and to people we know in our everyday lives.
Writing - Since we had our publishing party, this week was a little light on the writing side. After the break, the students will be journaling more as well as working on some Social Studies writing.
Social Studies - We are continuing to study exploration and it's impact on world history. In the coming weeks we will study various explorers up close. Students will work in groups to write expose articles about the explorers' lives as they uncover new information.
Science - We have completed our study of the Moon and have started to learn about the Scientific Method. In the coming weeks we will be trying various experiments and documenting them using the Scientific Method to organize our data.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and thank you for allowing me to work with your children.
Sincerely,
Debby
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Election Day
Hello Families,
It's an exciting day today. We have been talking about the election in the past weeks, but today we learned the "nitty gritty" of how our voting process works. We learned about the electoral votes and what they mean in an election. We also talked about the popular vote and what happened in the 2000 election between Al Gore and George W. Bush. We even voted on vanilla and chocolate using this system. We found out that the electoral votes were 7 to 3 for chocolate, but the popular vote was only 8 to 7! It was a great example of the difference between the two counts. Finally, we discussed the swing states and their impact on elections. For homework, I have asked the students to keep up with how the election turns out in the swing states. They have the states in their Scholastic News magazine, along with an electoral map. Please allow them to state up late enough to get the outcome for most of them. I estimate that the majority will be in by 8pm, since most are in the eastern region.
Thank you,
Debby
It's an exciting day today. We have been talking about the election in the past weeks, but today we learned the "nitty gritty" of how our voting process works. We learned about the electoral votes and what they mean in an election. We also talked about the popular vote and what happened in the 2000 election between Al Gore and George W. Bush. We even voted on vanilla and chocolate using this system. We found out that the electoral votes were 7 to 3 for chocolate, but the popular vote was only 8 to 7! It was a great example of the difference between the two counts. Finally, we discussed the swing states and their impact on elections. For homework, I have asked the students to keep up with how the election turns out in the swing states. They have the states in their Scholastic News magazine, along with an electoral map. Please allow them to state up late enough to get the outcome for most of them. I estimate that the majority will be in by 8pm, since most are in the eastern region.
Thank you,
Debby
Friday, October 26, 2012
It's been a great week!
Hello Families,
As we approach the end of another full week, I'm happy to say we are back on track and making great strides. This week's lessons included the following:
Math - We continued our long division work this week. Each lesson took the students one step farther in the long division process. After today, I am confident that every student is comfortable with the process. Next Tuesday there will be a Unit Test. Each unit test is a cumulative test that includes all information from the current unit as well as a few questions from any previous units. I will be reviewing with the class on Monday, but I have told the students they can bring home their math textbooks to look at the review on pages 49-50 in advance.
Spelling/Vocabulary/ELA - The first word list for our spelling and vocabulary work was handed out on Monday. We reviewed the words together in class and played some great games to study them together. Your children were also supposed to have made index cards for use at home. It appears they did because everyone scored really high on the crossword puzzle "test." Next week we will focus on punctuation and apply what we learn to our writing. We are also working on editing our stories in hopes to have them published within the next two weeks.
Social Studies - We had a great time learning more about the Crusades and the spices that were discovered as a result. This week we even had a chance to smell several of them as we learned about how they were used and why there were so valuable. Next week, we will study the many inventions that made navigation possible. We already know the Astrolabe because we made one together for Science.
Science - This week we spent some time talking about how the angle of Earth in relation to the sun causes variations in the length of day and night and how that relates to the seasons. We also learned why the sun and stars appear to rise and fall because of the earth's counter-clockwise rotation. Next week we will take a closer look at the moon after having observed it for two weeks.
Have a wonderful weekend and Shabbat Shalom!
Debby
As we approach the end of another full week, I'm happy to say we are back on track and making great strides. This week's lessons included the following:
Math - We continued our long division work this week. Each lesson took the students one step farther in the long division process. After today, I am confident that every student is comfortable with the process. Next Tuesday there will be a Unit Test. Each unit test is a cumulative test that includes all information from the current unit as well as a few questions from any previous units. I will be reviewing with the class on Monday, but I have told the students they can bring home their math textbooks to look at the review on pages 49-50 in advance.
Spelling/Vocabulary/ELA - The first word list for our spelling and vocabulary work was handed out on Monday. We reviewed the words together in class and played some great games to study them together. Your children were also supposed to have made index cards for use at home. It appears they did because everyone scored really high on the crossword puzzle "test." Next week we will focus on punctuation and apply what we learn to our writing. We are also working on editing our stories in hopes to have them published within the next two weeks.
Social Studies - We had a great time learning more about the Crusades and the spices that were discovered as a result. This week we even had a chance to smell several of them as we learned about how they were used and why there were so valuable. Next week, we will study the many inventions that made navigation possible. We already know the Astrolabe because we made one together for Science.
Science - This week we spent some time talking about how the angle of Earth in relation to the sun causes variations in the length of day and night and how that relates to the seasons. We also learned why the sun and stars appear to rise and fall because of the earth's counter-clockwise rotation. Next week we will take a closer look at the moon after having observed it for two weeks.
Have a wonderful weekend and Shabbat Shalom!
Debby
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Weekly Blog 10/15/12
Hello Families,
We finally have a five-day week! This week includes the following curriculum:
Reading - This week we are focusing on perspective in our read aloud, Sahara Special. Students will look at the various characters in the book and explore how their "experience" would differ from that of the main character's. We will also use this skill as we begin our new Social Studies unit, Early Explorers.
Social Studies - Now that we have finished our Cartographer's Challenge project, we are moving on to start our unit about early exploration. This unit begins with a look at how the Crusades influenced exploration as more and more people desired the spices and other riches that were coming back from Asia. We will be looking at some short video clips together to enhance the learning experience. Here's one you can check out: http://www.history.com/topics/crusades/videos#roots-of-the-crusades
Science - We are continuing our Moon observations and will begin our lessons and activities next week, once the results are in.
Writing - As we work to revise our first drafts, we are learning new skills as writers, such as using smooth transition words and sensory details to bring our stories to life. We are also continuing to use our capitalization packets to sharpen our editing skills.
Math - We are continuing Unit 2, More Calculations with Whole Numbers. This week we're focusing on word problems and multiplying and dividing with two-digit whole numbers. Some of your children will struggle with the division at first. The only way they can improve is to practice. Homework is a great way for them to take the time to work out their difficulties. Additionally, it helps me to tailor my lessons to fit their needs.
Have a terrific week!
Debby
We finally have a five-day week! This week includes the following curriculum:
Reading - This week we are focusing on perspective in our read aloud, Sahara Special. Students will look at the various characters in the book and explore how their "experience" would differ from that of the main character's. We will also use this skill as we begin our new Social Studies unit, Early Explorers.
Social Studies - Now that we have finished our Cartographer's Challenge project, we are moving on to start our unit about early exploration. This unit begins with a look at how the Crusades influenced exploration as more and more people desired the spices and other riches that were coming back from Asia. We will be looking at some short video clips together to enhance the learning experience. Here's one you can check out: http://www.history.com/topics/crusades/videos#roots-of-the-crusades
Science - We are continuing our Moon observations and will begin our lessons and activities next week, once the results are in.
Writing - As we work to revise our first drafts, we are learning new skills as writers, such as using smooth transition words and sensory details to bring our stories to life. We are also continuing to use our capitalization packets to sharpen our editing skills.
Math - We are continuing Unit 2, More Calculations with Whole Numbers. This week we're focusing on word problems and multiplying and dividing with two-digit whole numbers. Some of your children will struggle with the division at first. The only way they can improve is to practice. Homework is a great way for them to take the time to work out their difficulties. Additionally, it helps me to tailor my lessons to fit their needs.
Have a terrific week!
Debby
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Hello Families,
Here are a few pictures from our trip to Chabot. Unfortunately, my MS Duo card is not working in my card reader, so I can only share the photos from my iphone.
Below these pictures are the travel brochures I mentioned last week.
Thanks,
Debby
 |
| Dana got to check out a simulated cockpit on a space shuttle!!! |
 |
| Ari communicated with the astronauts in outer space! |
 |
| Students were able to look directly at the sun to see some cool markings. |
 |
| Liam K. checked out a HUGE telescope. |
Here are the Planet Travel Brochures!!!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Blog Update
Hello Families,
I apologize for not keeping the blog as updated as usual. The holidays have made things a little hectic, as I'm sure many of you know.
In the past two weeks, we have been working on our Cartographer's Challenge in Social Studies. Students handed in their rough drafts and I gave them notes for corrections. They are now in the process of making their final copies. Some of your children opted to take their maps home for the long weekend, while others have kept theirs in school. We will be completing this project next week in class. Our gallery walk will take place on Friday, either during 2nd period or 4th. I will send a formal notice as to the time next week.
Our Science curriculum has been very exciting. We created wonderful travel brochures for the planets in the Solar System. They are also hanging in the classroom and can be viewed during the gallery walk as well. I will post some pictures of both projects onto the blog next week.
We have now transitioned to studying the moon. Next week we will take a look at some of the history of our country's endeavors to outer space. Specifically, we will look at the original video from the first moon landing as well as John F. Kennedy's famous speech declaring the need for advancements in U.S. space exploration.
In Math, we are continuing to study calculations with whole numbers. Your children have been focused on multiplying and dividing by 10s, up to billions and the order of operations. We are now working on the distributive property as well as compensation for mental math. Next week we will begin studying word problems and using model drawings to solve them.
Our Writing curriculum has focused on collecting journal entries to prepare for our narratives and practicing correct capitalization. Other units will include punctuation and grammar and usage. We expect to begin our narratives once the holidays have ended.
Reading continues to focus on our read aloud, Sahara Special. We are studying the author's use of various language and descriptive words. We call this, "Show, Don't Tell." This study connects with our writing as the main character in our book keeps a journal.
I'm looking forward to a terrific day at Chabot!
Chag Sameach,
Debby
I apologize for not keeping the blog as updated as usual. The holidays have made things a little hectic, as I'm sure many of you know.
In the past two weeks, we have been working on our Cartographer's Challenge in Social Studies. Students handed in their rough drafts and I gave them notes for corrections. They are now in the process of making their final copies. Some of your children opted to take their maps home for the long weekend, while others have kept theirs in school. We will be completing this project next week in class. Our gallery walk will take place on Friday, either during 2nd period or 4th. I will send a formal notice as to the time next week.
Our Science curriculum has been very exciting. We created wonderful travel brochures for the planets in the Solar System. They are also hanging in the classroom and can be viewed during the gallery walk as well. I will post some pictures of both projects onto the blog next week.
We have now transitioned to studying the moon. Next week we will take a look at some of the history of our country's endeavors to outer space. Specifically, we will look at the original video from the first moon landing as well as John F. Kennedy's famous speech declaring the need for advancements in U.S. space exploration.
In Math, we are continuing to study calculations with whole numbers. Your children have been focused on multiplying and dividing by 10s, up to billions and the order of operations. We are now working on the distributive property as well as compensation for mental math. Next week we will begin studying word problems and using model drawings to solve them.
Our Writing curriculum has focused on collecting journal entries to prepare for our narratives and practicing correct capitalization. Other units will include punctuation and grammar and usage. We expect to begin our narratives once the holidays have ended.
Reading continues to focus on our read aloud, Sahara Special. We are studying the author's use of various language and descriptive words. We call this, "Show, Don't Tell." This study connects with our writing as the main character in our book keeps a journal.
I'm looking forward to a terrific day at Chabot!
Chag Sameach,
Debby
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
What's going on in 5D???
Hello Families,
Here is a summary of what we are working on this week:
Social Studies - We are continuing to work on our map skills this week. We have practiced working with latitude and longitude, map scales, and the compass rose. Today we began looking at various landforms and will continue with that until Friday.
Math - Today we reviewed our first unit on Whole Numbers. There is a test on Thursday. We will review again tomorrow for students who need more support. There will not be math on Friday, so we will begin our next unit on More Calculations with Whole Numbers next Wednesday.
Science - We had so much fun learning about what our astrolabes could tell us! This week we will begin our work with the Solar System. Children will learn about each of the planets (including Pluto, even though it is a "dwarf" planet). Check out these websites to see some of the tools we will be using.
http://www.planetsforkids.org/
http://www.nineplanets.org/tour
Reading - We are continuing to read Sahara Special and we have had some interesting conversations about why authors choose the words they do and finding text to self connections in order to understand the main character.
Writing - We have recently started journaling in our Writer's Notebooks. Journaling is a great way for writers to gather ideas. We will continue to journal for a bit until we have gathered enough entries to select one to write for our personal narratives.
Grammar - Tomorrow we wil begin our Daily Language Review lessons. Each week we will review various lessons that include editing sentences, homophones, contractions, etc.
Have a great week!
Debby
Here is a summary of what we are working on this week:
Social Studies - We are continuing to work on our map skills this week. We have practiced working with latitude and longitude, map scales, and the compass rose. Today we began looking at various landforms and will continue with that until Friday.
Math - Today we reviewed our first unit on Whole Numbers. There is a test on Thursday. We will review again tomorrow for students who need more support. There will not be math on Friday, so we will begin our next unit on More Calculations with Whole Numbers next Wednesday.
Science - We had so much fun learning about what our astrolabes could tell us! This week we will begin our work with the Solar System. Children will learn about each of the planets (including Pluto, even though it is a "dwarf" planet). Check out these websites to see some of the tools we will be using.
http://www.planetsforkids.org/
http://www.nineplanets.org/tour
Reading - We are continuing to read Sahara Special and we have had some interesting conversations about why authors choose the words they do and finding text to self connections in order to understand the main character.
Writing - We have recently started journaling in our Writer's Notebooks. Journaling is a great way for writers to gather ideas. We will continue to journal for a bit until we have gathered enough entries to select one to write for our personal narratives.
Grammar - Tomorrow we wil begin our Daily Language Review lessons. Each week we will review various lessons that include editing sentences, homophones, contractions, etc.
Have a great week!
Debby
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Week of 9/4/12
Hello Families,
Although it is a shorter week, we will still be covering a lot of material in class. Below is a summary of what we're working on.
Math
Today we started with place value to trillions using science facts to guide us. We will also cover estimation, factors and multiples, and prime factorization this week. Your children will have homework in their math workbooks. However, they have been asked not to write directly in the books so we can continue to use them in future years. Please help to remind them to use looseleaf paper. This is also an easier way for me to check their homework.
Science
We started our unit on Astronomy today. This week we will focus on the night sky, creating star charts (drawing of what they observe) and an astrolabe. For tonight and tomorrow night their homework will include viewing the night sky and writing and drawing what they see. Please allow them to stay up a little later than usual in order for them to have at least 15 minutes of viewing time.
Social Studies
We began our Map Skills unit on Friday and will continue to study maps as they relate to astronomy and exploration. This week we will focus on latitude, longitude, the equator, the prime meridian, a compass rose, a map scale, a map key/legend.
Reading and Writing
We began our read aloud, "Sahara Special" last week and will continue to read this book along with our writing curriculum. Students will learn methods to help them gain a deeper understanding of the text as well as story-telling methods. By Thursday, we will begin using writing journals to capture small moments in our lives and describe them in detail.
Have a wonderful week!
Debby
Although it is a shorter week, we will still be covering a lot of material in class. Below is a summary of what we're working on.
Math
Today we started with place value to trillions using science facts to guide us. We will also cover estimation, factors and multiples, and prime factorization this week. Your children will have homework in their math workbooks. However, they have been asked not to write directly in the books so we can continue to use them in future years. Please help to remind them to use looseleaf paper. This is also an easier way for me to check their homework.
Science
We started our unit on Astronomy today. This week we will focus on the night sky, creating star charts (drawing of what they observe) and an astrolabe. For tonight and tomorrow night their homework will include viewing the night sky and writing and drawing what they see. Please allow them to stay up a little later than usual in order for them to have at least 15 minutes of viewing time.
Social Studies
We began our Map Skills unit on Friday and will continue to study maps as they relate to astronomy and exploration. This week we will focus on latitude, longitude, the equator, the prime meridian, a compass rose, a map scale, a map key/legend.
Reading and Writing
We began our read aloud, "Sahara Special" last week and will continue to read this book along with our writing curriculum. Students will learn methods to help them gain a deeper understanding of the text as well as story-telling methods. By Thursday, we will begin using writing journals to capture small moments in our lives and describe them in detail.
Have a wonderful week!
Debby
Friday, August 31, 2012
Great First Week!!!
Hello Families,
What a great first week it's been!!! Your children are such a delight to work with. We are having a lot of fun together and I see a wonderful, challenging and productive year ahead for all. This week we focused on adjusting to the classroom community, learning new routines and procedures and getting to know each other better. It's hard to believe I have only known your children for a week. It already feels like months. I guess time flies when you're having fun!
I look forward to seeing everyone next week. Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend.
Shabbat Shalom,
Debby
What a great first week it's been!!! Your children are such a delight to work with. We are having a lot of fun together and I see a wonderful, challenging and productive year ahead for all. This week we focused on adjusting to the classroom community, learning new routines and procedures and getting to know each other better. It's hard to believe I have only known your children for a week. It already feels like months. I guess time flies when you're having fun!
I look forward to seeing everyone next week. Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend.
Shabbat Shalom,
Debby
Thursday, August 30, 2012
TEST POST
Hello Everyone,
I am sending this out as a test since many of you have said you already signed up for my blog, but I don't see any of you as followers on my end.
Please email me at debbyattehiyah@gmail.com if you receive a notice about this post.
Thanks,
Debby
I am sending this out as a test since many of you have said you already signed up for my blog, but I don't see any of you as followers on my end.
Please email me at debbyattehiyah@gmail.com if you receive a notice about this post.
Thanks,
Debby
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
PE Tomorrow
Hi Everyone,
Just a reminder that we have PE tomorrow and Thursday. Please make sure your children are dressed appropriately.
Thanks!
Debby
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Welcome to Fifth Grade!!!
Hello Fifth Grade Parents and Students!
I'm so excited to begin another great year at Tehiyah Day School. I already know that you are a fantastic group and I am looking forward to working with all of you.
This blog will be updated weekly with a summary of what we are working on in class and any other information that I need to share. I also upload documents to this site, such as spelling and vocabulary lists, calendars for projects, etc. I find that it is a great way to keep parents informed and connected to our classroom community.
While comments on my blog posts are activated, please contact me directly via email if you would like to share a private question or concern. This will ensure my timely response. My email address is: dmuskar@tehiyah.org OR debbyattehiyah@gmail.com.
Below is a list of the supplies your child will need for our class.
I am looking forward to a wonderful and productive year together!
Sincerely,
Debby
I'm so excited to begin another great year at Tehiyah Day School. I already know that you are a fantastic group and I am looking forward to working with all of you.
This blog will be updated weekly with a summary of what we are working on in class and any other information that I need to share. I also upload documents to this site, such as spelling and vocabulary lists, calendars for projects, etc. I find that it is a great way to keep parents informed and connected to our classroom community.
While comments on my blog posts are activated, please contact me directly via email if you would like to share a private question or concern. This will ensure my timely response. My email address is: dmuskar@tehiyah.org OR debbyattehiyah@gmail.com.
Below is a list of the supplies your child will need for our class.
5th Grade Supply List – Debby’s class
Composition notebooks (2)
1 ½” - 2” binder (1)
Composition notebooks (2)
1 ½” - 2” binder (1)
Wide Ruled Filler Paper 100/pack, 8x10 ½” (1)
Big tab dividers (1 package with 5)
Pencil Case (1)
#2 Pencils (1 dozen)
Yellow legal pad (1)
Yellow legal pad (1)
3x3 size Post-it notes (3)
highlighters (2)
pocket folders (2)
3x5 line ruled white index cards-(2 packs of 100)
highlighters (2)
pocket folders (2)
3x5 line ruled white index cards-(2 packs of 100)
I am looking forward to a wonderful and productive year together!
Sincerely,
Debby
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)