Readers Workshop
Our class read aloud is Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate. This book about Kek, a 10 year old refugee, learning to live in the United States is prompting rich discussions about the relationships between the characters in story. We are also examining Kek's experience learning to live in a culture very different than his own. Additionally, we've been discussing the author's use of figurative language-- especially simile and metaphor-- throughout the book. Each student has been participating in a Book Club with at least three other students. In these clubs, students have been meeting regularly to discuss elements of their story together. Our emphasis is on determining themes with evidence to support our claims. |
Math
We are continuing to look for patterns in 2 digit by 2 digit multiplication (Ex. 36 x 28)
I sent home information about an excellent online resource for families that is created by the publisher of our math curriculum. Click here for instructions on how to access your student's online "Investigations 3, Grade 5" account where you will find videos that correspond with lessons that we are completing in class--- along with other resources.
One model we've been looking at frequently is the 'area model' method. This method breaks the problem into smaller multiplication problems that students can do in their heads if they know their math facts. It's also a good visual representation of what happens when you multiply using the traditional standard algorithm strategy (which still works, by the way!) The advantage of an area model is that it is very concrete and avoids/explains the parts of standard multiplication that tend to confuse students--- such as "then, we bring down a zero on the second line...."
We are continuing to look for patterns in 2 digit by 2 digit multiplication (Ex. 36 x 28)
I sent home information about an excellent online resource for families that is created by the publisher of our math curriculum. Click here for instructions on how to access your student's online "Investigations 3, Grade 5" account where you will find videos that correspond with lessons that we are completing in class--- along with other resources.
One model we've been looking at frequently is the 'area model' method. This method breaks the problem into smaller multiplication problems that students can do in their heads if they know their math facts. It's also a good visual representation of what happens when you multiply using the traditional standard algorithm strategy (which still works, by the way!) The advantage of an area model is that it is very concrete and avoids/explains the parts of standard multiplication that tend to confuse students--- such as "then, we bring down a zero on the second line...."
Homework
Each Monday, I am checking homework agendas. I am looking for:
1) Assignments written for each day--- most days this is only "Read and Jot"
2) Monday through Friday entries on a reading log
3) An adult's initials on (at least) Friday's agenda entry.
You will know that I saw the agenda if I have stamped it.
Each Monday, I am checking homework agendas. I am looking for:
1) Assignments written for each day--- most days this is only "Read and Jot"
2) Monday through Friday entries on a reading log
3) An adult's initials on (at least) Friday's agenda entry.
You will know that I saw the agenda if I have stamped it.
Play 60- Record daily physical activity during October
Ellicott Elementary has teamed up with the Buffalo Bills and the NFL to promote healthy habits. For the month of October, the kids will be asked to be active for an hour a day; 30 minutes in school and 30 minutes at home. To be eligible for some really cool prizes, the kids are asked to log their activity and time on a calendar- this calendar will be sent home with the homework agenda. Each week, they will log this into a class-wide calendar and will get some incentives to stay active! Please encourage your child to participate. They get recess on most days and have Phys. Ed. three days a week. All physical activity counts!
Box Tops Contest
Send in those Box Tops for Education by 10/25! I'm sending home a Box Tops Collection sheet. Attach your Box Tops and send it back to school. By helping out our school, our class could also win passes to Bounce Magic if we collect the most!
Send in those Box Tops for Education by 10/25! I'm sending home a Box Tops Collection sheet. Attach your Box Tops and send it back to school. By helping out our school, our class could also win passes to Bounce Magic if we collect the most!
Walk For Ellicott
Thank you for the turnout at Walk to Ellicott! It was great to see so many parents attend.