Last Week of 2014! Dec. 15-19

How can you not read that and break into song? :) I am so excited for our 5th graders to go caroling this Wednesday! I also cannot believe we have made it to our last week of 2014! I am so very grateful for the time I have had with your students and am looking forward to seeing everyone in 2015! Happy Holidays to YOU and your families!

Here's what to expect this week in 5th grade-

Science- We have completed chapter 3 on classifying living things. We will review in class on Tuesday and our test will be on Thursday. Students should use their textbook to study.

Writing- Students have been working so hard on their research reports! I cannot wait to celebrate their finished products on Wednesday! Their completed research report is due Wed. Students should use their Informational Writing Checklist (see below) to help evaluate their work. Writing portfolios will go home on Wednesday so they can share their writing with you! These portfolios will be due on Friday (please sign the green sheet and check over their self-evaluation checklist- same as below).



Math- Our chapter 6 test on multiplying and dividing decimals will be tomorrow (Tuesday). Students can study using their textbook (there are MANY practice problems in the book throughout each lesson) or online textbook. Check out the video below on dividing decimals by decimals (decimals in the dividend AND divisor). SWOOP, THERE IT IS! :)


Reading- We will spend time this week with our read aloud- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and continue to focus on how reader's can have deep discussions about fiction. We will also discuss our reading goals for winter break- what will your student be reading over break? Share this article with family over break (I shared this with you on last week's update!)
Science Shows Something Surprising About People Who Still Read Fiction

Social Studies- We have a very busy week ahead and will try our very best to squeeze in some social studies! We are studying the Renaissance and new inventions that helped find sea routes to Asia. This will lead us to discussions about famous sailors/explorers such as Bartolomeu Dias, Vasco de Gama, and Christopher Columbus.

Reminders:
Wed. 12/17- Caroling Field Trip- Please wear Leader in Me shirts and holiday hats.  We will leave school at 9:15 and go to Delmar Gardens at Meramec Valley at 9:30 a.m.  We'll perform and visit with their residents.  Board busses at 10:30 and head to Friendship Village.  We will perform there at 11:00 and visit with their residents and return to school by noon.
Fri. 12/19 Half Day and Winter Party!