This Week in Room 33! May 14-18

Thank you so much for all of the LOVE last week for Teacher Appreciation! I am the luckiest to have your kids in my life and will miss them tremendously!  

We have an exciting week ahead! Please join us for our DARE Graduation and 5th Grade Recognition Ceremony on Thursday at 10:30 in the gym! We also have Fun Day on Friday (wear clothes you wouldn't mind getting wet and maybe bring an extra set of clothes for after!)

With all of our activities, we will try our best to squeeze in as much learning AND fun as possible! Here's what else is happening this week---

Social Studies- We will continue learning about the Roaring 20s and the Great Depression.

Reading-  We will finish up our book clubs and recommend our favorites for summer reading! Check out our slides here- Our Book Clubs.

Writing- This week we will complete our poetry collections- check out our progress here- https://padlet.com/nschaefer1/q641genwq93z. We will also create "block-out" poetry (see example below) if we have extra time!

Math- We will present our end of year projects! Check it out here!

This Week in Room 33! May 7-11

It's hard to believe that we are already in the last 3 weeks of the school year! We are busy in 5th grade and will be enjoying our time together!!!

This week...

Science- We are participating in the Global Day of Design. Check out what we are working on HERE!

Writing- Students will continue to write different types of poem and compile their best work in a Google site or Padlet.

Math- Students are engaged in completing an end-of-the-year project within small groups. Check it out here! 

Reading- Our Book Clubs will continue this week as we read and discuss our thinking and ideas. As always, we will continue reading and recommending choice books to our classmates.

Social Studies- We will be discussing and learning about the Roaring 20s and the Great Depression.

Reminders/Upcoming Dates-

5/17- Please join us in the gym for our DARE & 5th Grade Graduation Ceremony at 10:30 AM!

5/18- Fun Day

5/21- 5th Grade Party!

5/23- Last Day of School (1/2 day)!

This Week in Room 33! April 23-27

MAP testing is here! I am SO EXCITED for our class to SHOW OFF everything we know! Please help your child get plenty of rest each night and have a good, healthy breakfast in the mornings! Thank you for all your encouragement and support at home! Thank you also for sending in extra snacks, mints, etc. for your student. 

Our MAP Testing Schedule: Students will need earbuds or headphones!

Monday, April 23 (ELA)

Tuesday, April 24  (ELA)

Wednesday, April 25 (MATH)

Thursday, April 26 (MATH)

Friday, April 27 (MATH)

NO TESTING MONDAY, APRIL 30/ LEAP students will attend LEAP

Tuesday, May 1 (SCI)

Wednesday, May 2 (SCI)

This Week (and Next Week) in Room 33! April 9-20

***Parents- please check your email for some special reminders/requests about MAP testing- thank you SO much! 

Here's what to expect this week AND next- 

Science- Students are working in groups to create their own poem/rap/song about the body systems. They are then recording on Seesaw- be on the lookout! All submissions on Seesaw are due Friday. We will also enjoy some live performances!

Math- We are completing our study of geometry (chapter 12) this week! We are classifying quadrilaterals, 3-dimensional figures, finding the volume of composite figures and problem-solving. We will not have a test this chapter.

Writing/Reading- We are discussing, interpreting, and writing poems with a focus on poetic devices such as figurative language, repetition, and imagery. We are also continuing to analyze, discuss, and answer higher level questions relating to complex passages and texts as we prepare for the MAP test.

***NEXT week in 5th grade...

We will be participating in our 5th grade "MAP Prep. Intense Week"! Students will be spending about 30 minutes in each 5th grade classroom to review for the MAP test. We are covering math, ELA (reading/writing), and science! Students will be learning from different teachers and having FUN while working HARD!

The rest of our time will be busy as well as we continue to review all previously taught concepts in science, math and reading/writing as we explore the online tools and practice items on the computer. I couldn't be prouder of the amazing THINKING and LEARNING we are doing as we prepare! 

Our MAP testing schedule is as follows:

Monday, April 23 ELA)

Tuesday, April 24  (ELA)

Wednesday, April 25 (MATH)

Thursday, April 26 (MATH)

Friday, April 27 (MATH)

NO TESTING MONDAY, APRIL 30/ LEAP students will attend LEAP

Tuesday, May 1 (SCI)

Wednesday, May 2 (SCI)

This Week in Room 33! April 2-6

Check out the above video we are discussing this week during our morning meetings. We will be discussing determination and grit. Ask your student how they can apply the message of the video to their own lives.

***Please see the MAP email sent last week. There is a request at the bottom of the email, please read. Thank you!

This week in 5th grade...

Science-  We are wrapping up our study on our body's systems with the nervous and digestive system. We will begin an end-of-unit project to display our learning.

Math- After our measurement test today, we will begin working on geometry (chapter 12)! We are classifying polygons, triangles, quadrilaterals, and three-dimensional figures. Students should also be working on ALEKS at home (at least 20 min. each week). Ask your student what our new 4th quarter ALEKS goal is!

Writing- DARE essays will be turned in by Wed. Officer Ryan will choose a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner to be announced at our DARE graduation at the end of the year. This week, we will begin our new unit on poetry!

Reading- We are continuing to analyze, discuss, and answer higher level questions relating to complex passages and texts as we prepare for the MAP test.

Continue to show students that reading is FUN! With all our test-prep, we are continuing to remind ourselves that reading is enjoyable especially when you have a good book to read just for fun! Students should be reading a good-fit book at home for 20 minutes each night as a way to relax and unwind!

This Week in Room 33! March 26-29

I hope everyone had a wonderful Spring Break! Welcome back! Check out the above video and ask your student what it means to them. Here's what to expect this week-

Science- We are continuing our study on body systems- their structures and functions.

Math- Our chapter 11 test on measurement will be next Tuesday, April 3. We will be working on converting metric measurements this week and will begin reviewing on Thursday. Students should also be working on ALEKS at home (at least 20 min. each week). Ask your student what our new 4th quarter ALEKS goal is!

Writing- Students will be working on their DARE essays this week. Ask your child to show you their progress on the Google Classroom.

Reading- We will continue to analyze, discuss, and answer higher level questions relating to complex passages and texts as we prepare for the MAP test.

Here's what's happening this last week before Spring Break...

***Reminders--- 

• Spring musical is Tuesday- Meet in LHS auditorium lobby at 6:45, show begins at 7!
• Spring conferences are this Thursday
• Half day on Friday!

Science- We are continuing our new unit on body systems- structure and function.

Math- We will be converting metric units of length and mass. Ask your student about the metric song! 

Writing- We are beginning to apply all that we have learned about opinion writing to our DARE essay, arguing for kids to be drug free.

Reading- We are continuing to analyze, discuss, and answer higher level questions relating to complex passages and texts as we prepare for the MAP test. Students are also continuing to focus on their independent reading goals for this year- how many books has your 5th grader read so far in 5th grade??

Social Studies- We are starting to study the causes of WWI, with a focus on the United States becoming a world power.

This Week in Room 33! March 5-9

***REMINDER-- Friday is a half day! Dismissal is at 11:40. No lunch will be served.

This week...

Science- We are beginning a new unit on body systems.

Math- We are continuing our new study of converting units of measurement. We are problem solving usnig logical reasoning, converting customary units of weight and capacity, displaying measurement data on a line plot, and beginning to convert metric measurements. Students should be completing their Google classroom homework each night.

Writing- Our goal this week is to raise more awareness to our issues as we publish our essays to our very own Google sites. We will share these at the end of the week!

***Portfolios will go home at the end of this week. Students have so much to share with you! Literary essays, fantasy narratives, AND their argument essays will be included. Portfolios are due with parent signatures on Wednesday of next week. Thank you so much for taking the time to sit with your student, celebrate their work so far and discuss goals for their next piece! 

Reading- This week we are beginning a test-preparation unit in reading. The BEST way to become better readers is by simply reading, thinking, and discussing- I love doing all these things with your 5th graders every day!

This Week in Room 33! Feb. 26- March 2

This week in 5th grade...

Science: We are wrapping up matter and chemistry unit with an investigation and MAP prep style questions. 

Writing/Reading: We are working on researching as we draft our argument essay with a focus on adding powerful quotations, acknowledging counterclaims & adding responses/rebuttals, and appealing to our audience. We are drafting on Google docs through the Google classroom- ask your child to show you their work so far!

Math: We are beginning our unit on measurement this week! We are measuring length to the nearest 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch, converting customary units of length, problem solving using logical reasoning, and estimating and converting customary units of weight.

Social Studies: We are continuing our study on the Industrial Revolution.

This Week in Room 33! Feb. 20-23

Thank you, thank you for all the WONDERFUL treats and gifts from Valentine's Day- I really am the luckiest teacher! I hope everyone enjoyed their 4-day weekend!

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

Science- We will be wrapping up our study on matter with a focus on differentiating between physical and chemical changes.

Math- This week we will be dividing unit fractions and whole numbers, problem solving by drawing diagrams and reviewing. Our multiplying and dividing fractions ch. 10 test will be next Tuesday.

Writing/Reading- We are beginning our writing unit on research-based argument essays! We have already begun the work of investigating to understand an argument within our reading lessons in the past 2 weeks. This week we will continue to research both sides of an issue, take a stance and flash draft our own argument text, and use evidence and quotes to build our arguments further.

Social Studies- We are studying the Industrial Revolution, focusing on the benefits and costs of industrialization.

This Week in Room 33! Feb. 12-15

We will be having a small Valentine's party in our room to celebrate on Wednesday! Students can bring in their own special snack/drink for our celebration.

Students are more than welcome to bring in valentines for all classmates, however, they cannot contain any food/candy product. Please see the class list below- we have 24 students! 
Thank you so much!

Lilly A., Adam B., Ivan C., Addy C., Brianna D., Luke D., Lauren H., Gavin H., Brendin K., Sarah P., Morgan R., Maya R., Cordi R., Adam S., Avery S., Cole C., Alana S., Jack S., Ben S., Mandy T., Jacob V., Anna W., Elizabeth W., Cameron S.

***Sperreng's counselors will be presenting on Thursday morning. Be on the lookout for a 6th grade course form coming home Thursday.

***There is no school Friday or Monday- enjoy your 4-day weekend!

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

Science- We are continuing Chrome Camp! Students are discovering how to best utilize our new Chromebooks. Students are leading mini-sessions in our "Unconference" format- check it out HERE!. Thursday we will engage in an Unconference with all of 5th grade!

 Check out our Chromebook Wonder & Discovery Wall on Padlet! 

Reading-  We are researching debatable issues as we study arguments and advocacy! This week we will organize an ethical research life to investigate an issue within research teams. Have your student show you their debatable issue's text set on padlet (link in their Google classroom). 

Writing-  We are wrapping up our mini-unit on writing a fantasy narrative. Students are busy drafting, revising, and editing with a focus on fantasy elements such as setting, characters with internal/external quests or problems, and resolutions. Stories are due Tuesday, 2/20.

Math- We are busy working on multiplying and dividing fractions this week! Students are not just learning the steps, they are learning how to show visually with models in order to truly understand the algorithm. I couldn't be prouder of the math discussions we have each day! See the below video we will watch in class to really understand fraction multiplication!

This Week in Room 33! Feb. 5-9

***Early Release is this Wednesday.

***Jump Rope for Heart is this Friday!

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

Science- Chrome Camp! We officially have our Chromebooks and already they are a HUGE HIT! During science time for the next two weeks we will be exploring our new devices, asking questions from others, and teaching others our new discoveries on how to best to utilize the technology in our classroom setting. 

Check out our Chromebook Wonder & Discovery Wall on Padlet!

Reading- We are beginning a new unit- Argument and Advocacy. We are evaluating claims, reasons, and evidence that are presented in argument texts.

Writing- We are exploring a fantasy writing unit. This is a quick 2-week unit in which students will draft, revise, edit, and publish a short fantasy story. 

Math- Tuesday is our Ch. 8 and 9 test. On Wednesday, we will start chapter 10 on multiplying and dividing fractions! 

Social Studies- We are beginning to study the Industrial Revolution.

This Week in Room 33! Jan. 29- Feb. 2

***Looking Ahead--- We will be having a small Valentine's party in our room. Students are more than welcome to bring in valentines for all students, however they can not contain any food/candy product.

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

Science- We are working within stations to explore matter, mixtures, and solutions.

Writing- We will be busy this week drafting, editing, revising, and publishing our literary essays. We will celebrate our hard work on Friday! 

Math- We are estimating mixed numbers, adding/subtracting mixed numbers, and subtracting mixed numbers with renaming.  We will review Friday and Monday, and our test over chapter 8 AND 9 will be Tuesday, February 6th.

Reading- We are continuing our unit on fantasy. This week will focus on studying how complex fantasy characters truly can be, and investigating symbolism, allegories, and archetypes.

Social Studies- We will be reenacting the  Battle of Gettysburg. 

This Week in Room 33! Jan. 22-26

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

***Early Release is this Wed! We will meet with our Buddies- students should wear their t-shirts!

Science- We are beginning a new unit on the properties of matter and chemistry!

Math- This week we are rounding fractions and adding/subtracting fractions with like and unlike denominators. 

Writing- In our literary essay unit, students will work to make a strong thesis statement about their chosen excerpt from their fantasy book club book and begin collecting evidence such as quotes and an analysis of author's craft. We will also work on our introductions and conclusions before we edit and publish next week!

Reading- As we continue our fantasy book club unit, we will focus on learning real-life lessons from our characters, noticing how their quests can be internal as well as external, and compare themes in fantasy and history. Students can always find their book club assignments in the "Daily Homework" page.

Social Studies- We are continuing to discuss and experience the Civil War.

This Week in Room 33! Jan. 16-19

I hope everyone enjoyed their long weekend! Here's what to expect this week in 5th grade-

***Last week we began our DARE program! Once a week, Officer Ryan will visit and teach students about drug and alcohol awareness. For more information, read below or visit http://www.dare.org.

D.A.R.E. envisions a world in which students everywhere are empowered to respect others and choose to lead lives free from violence, substance abuse, and other dangerous behaviors.

Launched in 1983, D.A.R.E. is a comprehensive K-12 education program taught in thousands of schools in America and 52 other countries. D.A.R.E. curricula address drugs, violence, bullying, internet safety, and other high risk circumstances that today are too often a part of students’ lives.

Writing- We are continuing our study of literary essays by growing ideas based on a text, crafting possible thesis statements, and supporting our claims with mini-stories, balancing storytelling with summarizing. Last week we studied "Panyee Football Club" for our first essay. We will complete our flash-drafts this week. Check out the video HERE! 

Math- We are working on chapter 8 with lessons on using the ladder method to help find the GCF, LCM, and simplest form. We will also be comparing fractions and writing fractions as decimals and percents. Students are encouraged to bring home their math textbook for extra practice at home when necessary, or they can utilize the online textbook!

Reading- We are studying fantasy within our book club books with lessons on learning alongside the main character, keeping track of problems that multiply, and suspending judgement because characters and places are not always what they seem.  

Students should be reading their assigned book club book in school and at home. When they reach their stopping point, they can continue reading their choice books. I am SO impressed by the amount of reading, deep thinking and conversing that is happening in our classroom!

Social Studies- We are continuing to discuss and experience the Civil War. 

This (and next) Week in Room 33! Jan. 4-12

Welcome back and Happy New Year! Thank you SO much for a fantastic winter party and for all the sweet and thoughtful gifts. I felt so spoiled and appreciated! I hope everyone enjoyed their winter break and that you are all relaxed and ready for the 2nd half of 5th grade!

Here's what is going on this week AND next-

Science-  We will kickoff the year with a STEAM activity on snowflakes. 

Writing- Be on the lookout--- students will bring home their portfolios to share their memoirs with families! They are expected to self-evaluate their work using the checklist and complete the yellow sheet (parent signature). Thank you for taking the time to look over this with your child and having meaningful conversations about your child's "glows and grows" (your student should know what this means!) Portfolios will be due next Fri., Jan. 12.

We are excited to begin a new opinion writing unit on literary essays!

Math- We are now in Volume 2 of our math series and starting chapter 8 on fractions and decimals. This week our focus is on relating fractions and division. Please practice those basic multiplication and division facts with your student- it is SO important to know them quickly in order to efficiently perform these new skills. Thank you for all your hard work at home! Check out Math Magician for extra practice.

Reading- We will be launching a new unit on fantasy book clubs!

Social Studies- We will spend this time this week reflecting and discussing new year resolutions and 3rd quarter goals! Next week we will continue discussing and experiencing what it was like during the Civil War.

This Week (and next) in Room 33! Dec. 11-20

I cannot believe we have made it to our last week and a half of 2017! I am so very grateful for the time I have had with your students and am looking forward to seeing everyone in 2018! Happy Holidays to YOU and your families!

Here's what to expect this week (and next) in 5th grade-

Science & Social Studies- We will be completing our mini-Google slides project on plants/decomposers. We will then use this time to complete our study on the Bill of Rights and begin to discuss/learn more about the Civil War.

Math- We are working within chapter 7 on expressions and patterns. Instead of a test, we will have an informal "quiz" at the end of the week.

Writing- We are completing our mini-unit on memoirs by drafting, revising, editing, and celebrating (due Tuesday, Dec. 20th) We are adding depth to our writing by asking ourselves "What is the deeper theme or message we want to convey?" We are also studying a variety of structures and using figurative language to create depth.

Reading- We will be completing our social issues book clubs! We will also discuss our reading goals for winter break- what will your student be reading? Share this article with family over break--
Science Shows Something Surprising About People Who Still Read Fiction

This Week in Room 33! Nov. 27- Dec. 1

***We are so excited for our field trip to see the movie Wonder on Thursday! Please make sure to return permission slips no later than Tuesday!

This week in 5th grade...

Science: We will spend time this week asking the question, why do the stars change with the seasons? Students will create a model to help them visualize these concepts.

Math: This week in math, we are working on estimating quotients, dividing decimals with whole numbers, dividing decimals, and dividing decimals by powers of 10. Our chapter 6 tests on multiplying and dividing decimals will be on Tuesday, Dec. 5th.

Writing: This week students are continuing to revise, edit, and publish their 2nd research report. We will be celebrating our finished work on Friday! Portfolios will go home Friday. and will be due next Wednesday!

Reading: We are excited to start a new unit on social issues within book clubs! We will be reading through the lens of identifying and interpreting the author's and our own view on social issues. We will learn that reading for social issues can help you better understand and empathize with people in books, movies, and the world!

Social Studies: Lawyer teams will begin to debate on different law cases. We will use the Bill of Rights to help us determine what is wrong and what is right. Lawyers must use legal reasons to back up their decisions, rather than just their opinions.

This Short Week in Room 33- Nov. 20-21

I hope everyone enjoys their time off with family and friends! I am so very thankful for my job and getting to spend every day teaching and learning from your children! Thank YOU for all your time and support at home!

Here's what to expect this SHORT 2-day week in 5th grade:

Science- We are completing our food web collages.

Writing- We are continuing to draft our historical research reports with a focus on adding meaningful text features. We will continue drafting/publishing after Thanksgiving break. Completed research reports are due for our celebration on Friday, Dec. 1st!

Math- We are multiplying decimals with a focus on multiplication properties and will begin dividing decimals by estimating quotients.

Reading- We are working on comparing nonfiction texts by using newsela.com. Ask your child to show you this awesome website filled with nonfiction articles!

Social Studies- Students completing the Constitutional Law exam and graduated last Friday! We will learn that as lawyers, we must be well versed in the Bill of Rights in order to help decide what is right and what is wrong!