Don't forget the test!

Today in math we practiced for the math test on Wed. Here are some pictures from writing class today! 

This Week in Room 33! Sept. 9-13

What to expect this week in 5th grade:

Math- We will be reviewing in class on Mon. and Tue. this week for our Unit 1 test on Wed. Students have the homework sheets from the entire unit in their binder. These sheets are FANTASTIC resources when it comes time to study! Because our homework is normally the odds, students can choose a couple problems from each sheet (evens!) to use as practice for the test. The textbook that students brought home is also a great resource. We do not cover every single lesson in Unit 1- the best way to determine what we've covered in class (and what will ultimately be on the test) is to check the homework sheets in the binder (top right will tell you what lesson it is). One more study tip is to use the online textbook! The link is on the Math page of this blog. You can go to each lesson and click on some of the interactive links on the left for more practice! I hope these tips are helpful- happy studying!

Science- We are putting the scientific method back into use again this week with the paper towel investigation!

Reading- We are working SO hard in reading by being independent readers during Read to Self and Work on Writing time! We are responsible for keeping track of our reading in our reading log (in our reader's notebooks) as well as our notecard display. I've challenged our class to read up to 30 books this school year! I have a feeling we will be able to accomplish this goal and maybe even surpass it! Students are also responsible for tracking their thinking with at least 1 post-it note each time we have Read to Self. These post-its are then transferred into our reader's notebooks to use as a reminder of our thoughts when it's time to write about our reading during Work on Writing time. Students are also responsible for writing letters to their teachers about their reading. I am so proud of our readers!!!!

Word Study- We are ready this week to start the 3rd daily independent activity-- Word Work!  Students will receive their first word lists this week and will be responsible for completing a words contract that will be due the day of their test-- Friday, Sept. 20. Students will have time during Word Work to complete this contract but if necessary may need to finish it at home. Spelling City is a FANTASTIC website to use for practicing their words- we will use this in class and students may use it at home- link is in the Word Study page of this blog.

Writing- We are busy working on writing personal narratives and learning how our writing workshop looks and feels like. This week we are revising endings, starting a 2nd draft, using timelines as a writer's tool, and writing from inside a memory. Here is a glimpse into our writing objectives:

* We will have our first counseling lesson with Mrs. Critchlow on Tuesday!
* We have library this week on Wednesday from 1:20-1:45!
* Our 1st Early Release day is Wed., Sept. 18th 

Happy Birthday to Ani on Friday! She shares a birthday with one my favorite authors, Roald Dahl! :)

Planner

We write down our homework so we don't forget about reading a book  and write bout poems and stuff in our writers notebook.

Non-Fiction And Fiction

Today we learned the difference between Fiction and Non-fiction and different Genres.

Non-Fiction And Fiction

Today we learned the difference between Fiction and Non-fiction and different Genres.

Thiis Week in Room 33! Sept. 4-6

What to expect this week in 5th grade:

Math- This week we are continuing our math workshop and focusing on adding/subtracting decimals, expressions and variables, writing and solving equations, and properties of addition/subtraction. Our unit 1 test will be next Wed., Sept 11. We will be reviewing in class next Mon./Tue. in preparation for the test on Wed.

Science- We are busy in science preparing for our first investigation! This week we will be completing our evaporation investigation to find out which liquid evaporates the fastest- water or rubbing alcohol.

Reading- In reading we are distinguishing between fiction/nonfiction and more specific genres such as realistic fiction, poetry, mysteries, etc. Ask your student what genre he/she is currently reading during read to self time. Please check with your child to make sure he/she is reading at home as well as in school. We are learning that reading to self is one of the most important activities of the day to help us become better readers, writers, and learners! We are also writing our thinking on post-it notes and writing about our reading in our reader's notebooks.

Writing- This week we will discuss how we choose a seed idea from our notebooks to take through the writing process, how to write an effective lead, and how to write a draft using our seed idea. We are also continuing our writer's notebook training and writing each night for at least 10 minutes. Mrs. Smith and I are LOVING the writer's notebooks and have been learning a lot about each student by reading their FANTASTIC writing! Keep up the AWESOME work!!!

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Have a wonderful 1st week of September!!!

Caterpillars in cocoons

Joe is in his cocoon finally it's time to see what they turn into.