This Week in Room 33! April 3-7

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.

This week in 5th grade...

Science- We will continue to review past concepts for our upcoming MAP test. We are working within science stations this week to review our knowledge about Earth's surface. 

Math- We are completing our study of geometry (chapter 12) this week! We will be finding the volume of composite figures and problem-solving. Our chapter 12 test will be on Friday. 

Writing- We will continue working on our DARE essays. We will complete our outlines, and begin drafting/publishing. DARE essays are due on Friday!

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! Has your 5th grader told you about our read-aloud, Locomotion? 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!


MAP Testing!

We will be testing April 17-21 and then 24-27th. In anticipation of the tests, we would like each student to receive a letter of encouragement from you on their first day of testing.  Please return your letter to me in a sealed envelope with your child’s name, or via email by Thursday April 13th.

With the schedule changes, students will not have a typical snack time each day which can be hard on them. We have found that a special treat each day really helps boost the morale of the students. If you are able to and would like to help, please send in some trail mix type snacks or individually wrapped snacks (we have 2​6​ students) for our class. This may include pretzels, marshmallows, Chex mix, Cheez-its, goldfish crackers, etc. PLEASE NOTE, MUST be PEANUT FREE.  Each day before or after we take the test we will be able to enjoy a snack together to celebrate!

MAP Testing Schedule: 

Mon. 4/17 ELA 1

Tues. 4/18 ELA 2+3

Wed. 4/19 ELA 4

Thurs. 4/20 Math 1

Fri. 4/21 Math 2

Mon. 4/24 Math 3

Tues. 4/25 Science 1

Wed. 4/26 Science 2

Thurs. 4/27 Science 3

It is that time of the year when I like to do random  activities to keep school fun and inviting. Can you please send me a baby picture of your child, either by mail or in a sealed envelope. Each morning, I wish showcase a new baby picture and allow the class to guess who it is, a time to reflect on how far they have come.

April 5th: Early Release-- Wear flyer family shirts!

April 7th: Growth and Development videos 2:30-3:00

This Week in Room 33! March 27-31

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 beginning to review past concepts for our upcoming MAP test. We will discuss and revisit the scientific method.

Math- We are 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- Portfolios went home the Friday before Spring break and are due back Thursday.  Please celebrate your student's hard work on their 2nd argument essay! This week, students will begin to work on their DARE essay. Click HERE for more information on the DARE essay!

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.

This Week in Room 33! March 13-17

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

***Reminders--- 

• Please turn in permission slip for our walk to Sperreng on Wednesday for a presentation by the choir!
• Spring musical is Tuesday- Meet in LHS auditorium lobby at 6:45, show begins at 7!
• Spring conferences are this Thursday--- Spring Conferences Sign Up Genius
• Half day on Friday!

Science- We will begin to review past concepts for our upcoming MAP test!

Math- Our chapter 11 test on measurement is on Thurs. We will be working on our study guides in class on Tuesday and Wednesday. Students can use the following to study/practice measurement conversions:

• study guide 
• textbook (pgs. 883-886 has review problems)
• old homework forms (Google Classroom)
• Online Textbook (see Math tab)

I am SO proud of students who are continually working on their independent ALEKS goals- to celebrate ALEKS goals from 3rd quarter, those who reached their goal will be invited to Tuesday's pizza pie party. As a reminder, students are working on ALEKS in class (about an hour+ a week) and also at home for at least 20 min. a week.

Writing- We are publishing our argument essays this week. 5-paragraph argument essays based on our Opinion Writing Checklist (see writing tab) will be due on Friday for our celebration. Portfolios will go home to celebrate pieces with families and will be due back Thursday after Spring Break! 

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. We are becoming alert test takers by predicting the answers and locating them in the text before looking at the answer choices, being aware that often times all the answers SEEM correct, and paying attention to and inferring about the characters by reading between the lines. 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 wrapping up our colony presentations!

This Week in Room 33! March 6-10

***REMINDER-- Friday is the last day of our 3rd quarter and a half day!

This week...

Science- We will be reviewing Monday and Tuesday with our ch. 11 test on Wednesday. We will participate in a simple machines day this Friday with hands on activities in each 5th grade classroom!

Math- We are continuing our study of converting units of measurement. We are converting customary units of capacity, displaying measurement data on a line plot, and converting metric units of length, mass, and capacity. Our chapter 11 test on measurement will be next Thurs., March 16th.

Writing- We are taking our arguments up a notch with more extensive research, including counterclaims and rebuttals, and evaluating our evidence. Our goal is to raise more awareness to our issues. Be sure to check out all of our debatable issue text sets in the Reading tab of this blog!

***Portfolios went home last Thursday. Students should be sharing their 1st argument essay (chocolate milk debate) with families, completing the self-evaluation checklist and making new goals for their next piece. Portfolios are due with parent signatures on Tuesday. 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. We will begin to discuss strategies that will help us with test-taking such as determining if a question is about the whole text or just a detail from the text, predicting answers before finding them, and being aware that test takers try to trick us by making all the answers SEEM correct! 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. 27- March 3

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

Science- This week students will be able to describe the 6 different types of simple machines and understand how they work.

Writing- Our chocolate milk argument letters are due Thursday. We will share and participate in debates, stating our claims and backing them up with our reasons and evidence. We will start our 2nd argument essay as we take our arguments up a notch and bring a critical perspective to our writing. Students may choose to write about the argument topic they are researching in reading.

***Portfolios will go home Thursday. Students will share their 1st argument essay with families, complete the self-evaluation checklist and make new goals for their next piece. Portfolios are due with parent signatures next Tuesday. 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! 

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.

Reading- As we are focusing on argument and advocacy, students are researching debatable issues within teams. Within these research teams, students are analyzing texts (see Reading tab for text sets!) and finding evidence for BOTH sides of the argument. We are focusing on looking at texts for relevant information and being able to think and wonder as they read. 

Social Studies- We can't wait to share our colony presentations this week!

This Week in Room 33! Feb. 21-25

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 3-day weekend thanks to President's Day! 

Concord Kindness Week:

We will be celebrating empathy and kindness this week for our first ever Kindness Week.

Tuesday’s Theme: “Dreaming of Kindness”-Wear your pajamas.

Wednesday’s Theme: “Peace, Love, and Kindness Day”-Wear tie dye clothing.

Thursday’s Theme: “Ride the Kindness Wave”-Wear Hawaiian clothing.

Friday’s Theme: “Flyer Family Team Day”-Wear Concord t-shirts.

We will meet in our family teams and have a “2017 Concord Kindness Walk.”

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

Science- We will be learning about Newton's laws of motion this week.

Math- Our multiplying and dividing fractions ch. 10 test will be on Friday. We will be dividing unit fractions by whole numbers, problem solving by drawing diagrams and reviewing. Students will receive a study guide this week to help and can also use their textbook for extra practice at home.

Writing- We are working within our unit on research-based argument essays! We will investigate to understand an argument (ask your student about our chocolate milk debate!), research both sides of an issue, flash draft, and use evidence and quotes to build our arguments further.

Reading- In reading, we will also be studying arguments and advocacy! This week we will organize an ethical research life to investigate an issue within research teams. Check out the reading tab for our debatable issue text sets!

Social Studies- Students are working in teams to create a presentation on the Southern, Middle, or New England colonies. We are looking forward to sharing our creations soon!

This Week in Room 33! Feb. 13-17

We will be having a small Valentine's party in our room to celebrate on Tuesday! 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 25 students! 
Thank you so much!

Quinn D., Thomas, Benjamin, Emma, Brian, Ayla, Kendall, Jack K., Carrie, Cora, Hung, Zaiden, Anthony, Luke, Roniel, Adin R., Gabby, Mila, Aidin S., Jack S., Quinn S., Sabina, Audrey, Chloe, Lydia

***Wed. will be Early Release in addition to Jump Rope for Heart! 5th grade will be jumping from 9-10:15.

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

Science- This week we are starting our study of chapter 11 on Forces and Motion. We will begin with lesson 1 and 2, exploring forces and Newton's laws of motion.

Writing- We are finishing up our literary essay unit this week and will be celebrating our 3rd piece (an opinion writing task utilizing all they have learned from this unit!) on Tuesday. 

***Writing portfolios will go home on Tue. and will be due back on Friday. Students will be sharing a Google reflection form with you via their email accounts. Please celebrate all 3 essays with your student at home! I am so proud of their hard work! Next up, persuasive argument essays!

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!

Reading- This week we are wrapping up our fantasy book club unit by celebrating all of the lessons we have learned through our characters and their adventures. Be on the lookout for fantasy book talks on Seesaw! We are excited to continue our "quest" to be stronger readers as we start our next unit on argument and advocacy as we research debatable issues.

This Week in Room 33! Feb. 6-10

Don't forget- our field trip to the Sheldon Theater for a performance on the history of jazz is tomorrow (Tuesday!) We will leave school around 9:15, return at 11:30, and have lunch at school.

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

Science- We will be taking a short break this week in order to spend some extra time in Social Studies. Our next unit of study will be on force and motion (ch. 11)!

Math- We will have our ch. 8/9 fractions test on Tuesday. Students received a study guide last Thursday. They can also use their math textbook for extra practice. Later this week, we will start chapter 10 on multiplying and dividing fractions!

Writing- This week we are looking at how literary essays compare to other opinion texts in order to help tackle any challenges that may come our way. We will study different opinion writing scenarios, and then apply all of our knowledge to a new situation such as giving advice to a character about how to become a better leader, or craft a petition letter to the principal to offer a course on leadership skills.

Reading- Students will continue to read fantasy books in their clubs and compare across texts as they discuss and write in their notebooks about interpreting allegories, paying attention to how cultures are portrayed in stories, and identifying archetypes. 

Social Studies- We will be working on our 13 colony region projects!

This Week in Room 33! 1/30-2/3

***REMINDER- Please turn in Jump Rope for Heart and Sheldon permission slips!

*** Our January Healthy Habit Home Run party will be on Wednesday- students may bring in a snack and drink.

***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 completing lesson 5 and reviewing in class this week. Our ch. 9 test on Earth and Space will be on Friday! To prepare and study at home, please use the following resources:

• Science Book pages 363- 393
• Ch. 9 Vocabulary Cards
• Ch. 9 Study Guide pg. 401
• Ch. 9 Review Test pages 402-404
• Online Textbook
• Science notebook

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

Math- We are looking at solving word problems by determining reasonable answers, 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.

Reading- We are continuing our unit on fantasy. This week will focus on using information to better understand our stories, use vocabulary strategies to figure out unfamiliar words, study how complex fantasy characters truly can be, and investigate symbolism. 

Social Studies- We are completing our stations on the 13 colonies and will soon be given a region (New England, Middle, or Southern) to focus on and create a presentation using technology!

This Week in Room 33! Jan. 23-27

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

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

***Don't forget to turn in Sheldon field trip permission slips!

Science- We will work within stations to explore asteroids, meteors, comets, and moons. If you have Netflix, check out the show recommended by a student last year called Cosmos- very cool! 

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 short narrative text 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.

Social Studies- We are continuing our 13 colony stations!

This Week in Room 33! Jan. 17-20

I hope everyone enjoyed their 4-day, icy/rainy weekend! Looking forward to seeing everyone! Here's what to expect this week in 5th grade-

***Permission slips for our Sheldon Theater Jazz Story field trip on Feb. 7th is coming home today! Please return ASAP- Thank you!!!

***This week we are beginning 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.

Science- We will be studying the inner and outer planets this week. 

Math- We will learn how to utilize the ladder method to find the GCF, LCM, and lowest terms of 2 numbers, compare fractions, and write fractions as decimals and percents.

Writing- We are working hard in our literary essay unit as we reflect on our flash drafts from last week, set goals and work towards them as we begin our next bend in the unit. We will be working in small groups to study a short text, write to grow ideas, analyze how characters respond to troubles, and develop stronger thesis statements!

Reading- In our fantasy unit, we will be thinking metaphorically and learning real life lessons through our fantastical characters. Students can always find their book club assignments in the "Daily Homework" page OR the "Reading" page of this blog!

Social Studies- We will continue to dive into the 13 colonies with a focus on the New England, Middle and Southern colony regions.

This Week in Room 33! Jan. 9-13

I hope everyone is adjusting well to the new year! We are full steam ahead in 5th grade! Here's what to expect this week-

Science- We are moving ahead with our study on Earth and Space. We are learning that the reason for the seasons isn't about the Earth's distance from the sun, but rather Earth's tilt on its axis! This week we will also learn about stars.

Writing- We are continuing our study of literary essays by growing ideas based on a shared text, craft possible thesis statements, and begin supporting our claims with mini-stories, balancing storytelling with summarizing. We will be studying a powerful short documentary called "Panyee Football Club" to use in our lessons and will write our first literary essay on it later this week! Check out the video HERE!

Math- We are working on chapter 8 with lessons on finding the greatest common factor, simplest form, problem solving, least common multiple, and using the ladder method. 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 will begin our study of the 13 colonies.

This Week in Room 33! 1/4-6

Welcome back! I hope everyone enjoyed their winter break and that you are all relaxed and ready for the 2nd half of 5th grade!

A BIG THANK YOU again for all the sweet and generous holiday gifts! :)


Here's what is going on this week-

Science- We are starting a new unit on Earth and Space (chapter 9)! Our first lesson focuses on how Earth moves.

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 on Friday.

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 up, we will be studying the original 13 colonies.

This Week (and 2 Days) in Room 33! Dec. 12-20

How can you not read that and break into song? :) I am so excited for our 5th graders to go caroling this Wednesday! Please make sure field trip permission slips are turned in and students wear their Flyer Family t-shirts and holiday hats- thank you!!

I also cannot believe we have made it to our last week (plus 2 days) of 2016! I am so very grateful for the time I have had with your students and am looking forward to seeing everyone in 2017! Happy Holidays to YOU and your families!

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

Science & Social Studies- We will spend this time working on our Helping Hands Genius Hour projects! Check out THIS POST to learn more!

Math- Our chapter 6 test will be on Wednesday! Students are working on a study guide in class Monday and Tuesday. Students can study using the following resources:

• Ch. 6 Multiply & Divide Decimals
• Pages 373- 466
• Review Test pg. 467-469
• Ch. 6 Reflection pg. 470
• Old homework assignments
• ***Use Online Text (which includes videos and games!) to Review Too!***
• 
  

  • Directions on how to get into our online math book:
  • Go to Connect Ed
  • Username: 24firstnamelastname
  • Password: flyers2016

  
  

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 and planning a variety of structures.

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! Dec. 5-9

*Last week to bring in items for Helping Hands! Our goal is 250 items- if everyone brings in 5 items, we will celebrate!!

*Please wear Flyer Family T-shirts on Wednesday (Early Release)! 

*Check out Concord's Holiday Door Decorating Contest on Facebook--- Click HERE!

*Check your email about our Caroling Field Trip coming up on Wed. Dec. 14th! PERMISSION SLIPS ARE GOING HOME TODAY- PLEASE RETURN BY FRIDAY! Thank you!

What to expect this week...

Science- Our chapter 3 test on classifying living things is on Wed. A study guide was posted last week on the blog- you can also view it HERE!

Math- This week we are estimating quotients, dividing decimals by whole numbers and decimals, and dividing by powers of 10 (ask your student about the song "Swoop, there it is!" and also the decimal dance!) Our ch. 6 test will be next Wed. Dec. 14th. 

Writing- Just a reminder- portfolios (went home last Wed.) are due with a signature by Tuesday- students should share their historical research report and complete the self-evaluation checklist. 

We are beginning an exciting and challenging unit on memoirs! A memoir is a hybrid kind of writing, including elements of both personal narrative and personal essay. We are raising the level of our craft by adding in more reflection, opinions, and thoughts. We will then be supporting our thoughts with evidence in the form of personal stories!

Reading- We are continuing to study social issues within our book club books.  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 wrapping up our lesson on Roanoke and Jamestown. Students are being asked to explain their theory for what happened to the Roanoke colonists and backing up their theory with evidence.

This Week in Room 33! Nov. 28- Dec. 2

This week...

Science: In our science workshop, students will be able to explain how plants are classified based on their characteristics. Our chapter 3 test will be next Wed. Dec. 7th!

Math: This week in math, we are working on multiplying decimals with and without visual models, multiplying decimals by powers of 10, problem solving by looking at patterns, and multiplication properties.

Writing: This week students are continuing to publish their 2nd research report. We will be celebrating our finished work on Thurs. Dec. 1st! Portfolios will go home Thurs. and will be due Tuesday!

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: We are learning about the first settlements of Roanoke and Jamestown.

    

This Week in Room 33! Nov. 21-22

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 wrapping up lesson 2 on classifying animals!

Writing- We are beginning to publish our historical research reports. We will continue publishing after Thanksgiving break. Completed research reports are due for our celebration on Thursday, Dec. 1st!

Math- We are multiplying decimals by whole numbers with and without hands-on models (base-ten blocks). 

Reading- We are beginning our new unit on social issue book clubs! Book club assignments will begin after Thanksgiving break!

Social Studies- Students are working with partners to compare and contrast explorers. We are looking forward to sharing our new learning within mini-presentations Tuesday afternoon!

This Week in Room 33! Nov. 14-18

Chain of Thankfulness

Dear Families,

It is a great time of year to reflect on how lucky we are and think about what we are thankful for. Today, your child has brought home strips of construction paper for members of your family to fill out. We are creating a chain of thankfulness for our classroom and we would love for you to join us!

Please write one thing you are thankful for on the strip of paper with your name on the back. This is not a required assignment, but more so a fun way to involve you in our classroom.

Thank you for your time and hope to see some links come back soon!

Mrs. Schaefer & Miss Hake

This week in 5th grade...

Science: In our science workshop, students will be able to explain how animals are classified based on their characteristics. 

Math: Our chapter 5 test on adding and subtracting decimals will be on Wednesday. Next up, multiplying and dividing decimals!

Writing: We are finishing up our drafts for our research report on historical events. Our goal is for our readers to to think "Whoa!" We are elaborating by blending facts with our thoughts and teaching about our event like it's a story to make it more powerful to our readers. We will also focus on text features and our introductions/conclusions in addition to revising and editing.

Reading:  We are continuing to look at reading complex nonfiction texts by comparing and contrasting what authors say and how they say it by looking at a variety of texts on the same topic. We will focus on how readers don't just think about information in a text, they also try and figure out the perspective of the author of the text and how they may be swaying you to think a certain way.

Social Studies: This week we will focus on European explorers!