5V News

We are learning about:

• Writing memoir
• Character study in reading workshop
• Estimating and multiplying whole numbers and decimals
• European exploration 

Some activities we did this week:

• Participated in our first Mystery Skype with a class from Illinois 
• Began reading Wonder during read aloud 
• Developed theories about the main characters in our books
• Continued drafting our memoirs
• Practiced estimating products
• Multiplied whole numbers and decimals using the traditional method
• Rehearsed our "R-word" presentations using a skit from http://www.r-word.org/
• Visited other 3rd, 4th and 5th grade classrooms to share our "R-word" presentations 
• Took notes after reading The Age of Discovery about what motivated European explorers 
• Read about current events on http://www.newsela.com/

Notes and reminders:

• SMS book fair is December 2nd-5th
• The school lunch menu is now online and can be found here

Have a great weekend!

5V News

Parent Conferences:
It was so great to meet with all of you to discuss your children!  We have an awesome group of thoughtful and hardworking students with wonderful, supportive families.  As always, please feel free to touch base with me at any time- not just at parent conferences!

Out of My Mind:
We finished our read aloud by Sharon Draper and the students felt moved to take some action.  We brainstormed as a class and decided that next week we will be visiting other 3rd, 4th and 5th grade classrooms to teach other students about acceptance and not using the "R" word.  We have started using the site Spread the Word to End the Word as a resource and we are excited to spread this message.

Mystery Skype:
Our class is preparing for our first Mystery Skype on Monday.  This is when we Skype with another 5th grade classroom somewhere in the world and try to guess their location by asking yes or no questions.  At the same time the other class is trying to guess our location.  Students are excited about this activity and have their jobs ready to go for Monday.  In the past, it's been a really fun way to connect with other students and learn and practice geography skills.

Genius Hour:
We have started our weekly Genius Hour!  This is when students are using an inquiry model to learn about a topic of their choice.  Last week we discussed expectations, good questions and possible presentation choices.  Ask your child to show you their planning sheet for their first Genius Hour topic.

Thank you and have a great weekend!

5V News

Parent conferences:

Parent conferences begin next week.  Please check out the "Parent Conference" tab to view your time or to find a new one.  Please email me with a time you'd like to meet.  Thanks!  

We are learning about:

• Order of operations
• The respiratory system
• Memoir writing
• Character development in reading workshop

Some activities we did this week:

• Practiced using the order of operations in math
• Enjoyed a visit from Mr. Sullivan who showed us what it's like to assist in heart surgeries 
• Created a model of the respiratory system using cups, balloons, straws and clay
• Crafted three different leads for our memoirs
• Noticed how authors show movement through time in stories 
• Continued drafting our memoirs
• Discussed character traits
• Used evidence from our books to support our reasoning for character traits 
• Enjoyed a Halloween celebration thanks to our room parents!

Notes and reminders:

• Early release- Thursday, November 7th
• No School- November 8th and 11th 

Have a great weekend!