Dear E4 Families,
This week marks the beginning of the second trimester, and while some learning experiences continue (novel writing, fractions exploration), we are starting fresh with a few others (Sign of the Beaver, science unit).
Social Studies
For social studies, we have begun reading The Sign of the Beaver. This novel takes place in the late 1700s and follows a 12-year old boy who is struggling to survive on his own. He runs into a young Native American boy and his grandfather who he then becomes friends with. Through this rich story we will explore several of the 5th-grade social studies standards. Each student has a copy of the book and we read it together.
This week marks the beginning of the second trimester, and while some learning experiences continue (novel writing, fractions exploration), we are starting fresh with a few others (Sign of the Beaver, science unit).
Social Studies
For social studies, we have begun reading The Sign of the Beaver. This novel takes place in the late 1700s and follows a 12-year old boy who is struggling to survive on his own. He runs into a young Native American boy and his grandfather who he then becomes friends with. Through this rich story we will explore several of the 5th-grade social studies standards. Each student has a copy of the book and we read it together.
Science
In science, students will be learning under Mrs. O'Leary for the next two months. The 5th-grade team rotates teachers for our science units to increase community across the 5th-grade and to improve mastery teaching of each unit. They began their study of chemistry by observing properties of three different substances and then mixing those substances with water to make mixtures. In the coming weeks they will study mixtures and solutions.
In science, students will be learning under Mrs. O'Leary for the next two months. The 5th-grade team rotates teachers for our science units to increase community across the 5th-grade and to improve mastery teaching of each unit. They began their study of chemistry by observing properties of three different substances and then mixing those substances with water to make mixtures. In the coming weeks they will study mixtures and solutions.
Math Weekly Challenges
Dr. Gold is helping to administer a monthly math challenge by the Continental Math League. He has provided hundreds of practice problems (involved problems that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills) for us to use. I am offering up to interested students a sheet of practice problems each Monday. On Fridays, we will meet together as a club and share out the various strategies we used to solve the problems. This will be a great opportunity for all students to push themselves and their mathematical reasoning. Below is this week's practice problems.
Dr. Gold is helping to administer a monthly math challenge by the Continental Math League. He has provided hundreds of practice problems (involved problems that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills) for us to use. I am offering up to interested students a sheet of practice problems each Monday. On Fridays, we will meet together as a club and share out the various strategies we used to solve the problems. This will be a great opportunity for all students to push themselves and their mathematical reasoning. Below is this week's practice problems.
Spanish Ofrendas
To celebrate the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos, students created ofrendas. Take a look at some of the great work below!
To celebrate the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos, students created ofrendas. Take a look at some of the great work below!
Outdoor Education at Walker Creek Ranch
1. Yesterday your child will came home with a Student Behavior Contract for Outdoor Ed at Walker Creek Ranch. If you have not reviewed and signed it yet, please do so by Tuesday.
2. We are in dire need of male cabin leaders. At the moment we have two women assigned to boy cabins which leaves us with no alternate cabin leader for boys' or girls' cabins. Our experience has shown us that we always use our alternate cabin leaders as people have last minute changes to their work or home situations which prevent them from attending. Please let me know if you are available to attend Outdoor Ed as a cabin leader for the week of 11/22-25. It is hard work but very rewarding!
As a reminder, next week is a short week. Wednesday-Friday there is no school for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Enjoy your weekend!
Mr. D
1. Yesterday your child will came home with a Student Behavior Contract for Outdoor Ed at Walker Creek Ranch. If you have not reviewed and signed it yet, please do so by Tuesday.
2. We are in dire need of male cabin leaders. At the moment we have two women assigned to boy cabins which leaves us with no alternate cabin leader for boys' or girls' cabins. Our experience has shown us that we always use our alternate cabin leaders as people have last minute changes to their work or home situations which prevent them from attending. Please let me know if you are available to attend Outdoor Ed as a cabin leader for the week of 11/22-25. It is hard work but very rewarding!
As a reminder, next week is a short week. Wednesday-Friday there is no school for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Enjoy your weekend!
Mr. D