Fifth Grade Newsletter
February 2019
Elementary Curriculum Feedback
The Elementary Team would like your input. Please take a moment to provide feedback on ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies curriculum resources. We strive to enhance our resources and appreciate your feedback.
Click here to take the survey and provide feedback.
ELA
The task asks for students to conduct short research projects that use several sources to build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of their topics. Students will use this research to create a scientific journal article on new and exciting information on the universe. Students can use the texts Our Solar System, Our Mysterious Universe, The Man Who Went to the Far Side of the Moon, and any of the leveled text library titles.
If you want another read aloud for the unit, check out Jess and Layla's Astronomical Assignment.
Generative Vocabulary
Through the generative vocabulary approach, words are taught as networks of ideas rather than as single words. By teaching words in clusters of ideas, students are learning many more words. If we know one word, we know 10. Click here to learn more about the generative vocabulary approach. You can also find benchmark word charts with morphological and semantic connections in your ReadyGEN Teacher's Guide on pgs. 2-5 and 202-205.
Tier 2 and Tier 3 Resources
Building Knowledge Through a Text Set
Reading ability and knowledge about the world are tightly connected. Classroom time should be centered on texts—both comprehension of grade-level text and the opportunity for volume of reading on conceptually coherent topics and free choice selection. Click here to hear what Pam Allyn has to say about Volume of Reading. The text set will help to build background knowledge, expand vocabulary, and provide students with the opportunity to research any unanswered question about the topic.
Math
Over the next few weeks students extend their understanding of multiplication to include scaling. Students begin the work of division with both fractions and decimal fractions. Students then move into working with numerical interpreting and evaluating expressions involving fraction-by-fraction multiplication. Click here to access the Module 4 Study. The Module 5 Study will be available 2/12/19 on the ELN under the blue bar titled Virtual Learning Opportunities.
New to Eureka Math? Be sure to join us for our Introduction to Eureka Math session on 2/27/19 from 4:30-6:30 PM. This training will be held at the District Office in Building 2 Magnolia Room. Registration for this session can be found through My PGS under Course #2119 Section #13241.
Science
SC.5.P.13.1- Materials Explore and Design Squad Zip line
SC.5.P.13.2- PHeT simulations to Investigate Force & Motion
SC.5.P.13.3- Building a Pendulum
SC.5.P.13.4- Fun with Flinkers and Friction Ramps
Post pictures of your fun with forces to #PascoDoingScience.
This unit is also a great time to continue to build peer to peer conversation around science topics. The SOS Strategies in DE are an excellent resource. The links below highlights the Top 10 SOS Strategies for Science as well as the top 10 Critical Thinking Strategies for those ready to take the next step in SOS.
https://teachers.discoveryeducation.com/resource/sos-top-10-for-science-classrooms/
Join us at the next 5th grade Science Academy on February 13th Academy at CCMHS 5PM-7PM.
Social Studies
Starting February 1st, we celebrate Black History Month. Teaching children about the historical accomplishments and struggles of African Americans benefits everyone by connecting our students with a rich history and allowing them to hear about individuals and events that forged a nation. In the spirit of honoring African American pioneers and landmark events in black history, engage your students in activities and texts that develop compassion and a better understanding of cultural diversity. You may find suggested instructional ideas using this link.
Art, Music, PE
March is "NATIONAL MUSIC IN OUR SCHOOLS MONTH."
https://nafme.org/programs/miosm/celebrate-music-schools-months/
All County Chorus and Orff students will be working hard preparing for the concert at River Ridge Center for the Arts on February 23rd at 4:00pm. Come support our students, the concert is free.
There will be several opportunities for students to have their ART displayed in February and March. Thank you art teachers for your support with these events.
February 18th-24th, Pasco Fair
February 20th, District Display (artwork will be displayed for one year)
March 6-30th, Kids-N-Art Display
March 12th, Dade City Judicial Center (artwork will be displayed for one year)
March 13th, New Port Richey Judicial Center (artwork will be displayed for one year)