5th Grade Curriculum Update
May/June 2016
What a sweet bunch of students we have! As we approach our final weeks together, we want to thank you for allowing us to learn and laugh right along with them!
Reading Workshop
This week, we will finish our historical fiction unit, sadly leaving behind the Watson Family. Students did a splendid job with book clubs, so will hold another round of clubs in the coming weeks. Each night, students will apply reading strategies in order to plan and engage in thoughtful, productive discussions.
As a class, we will also be enjoying Lois Lowry's, The Giver as our read-aloud. This Newbery Award winner has the kids on the edge of their seats! Jonas lives in a world of "Sameness," where most things are controlled and choice is limited. We will discuss the pros and cons of living in a controlled society like Jonas, and I can't wait to hear the passionate discussions as to why they agree or disagree with his world. Ask your child for their thoughts; I hope it leads to a great conversation!
Writing Workshop
May finds the students finishing their historical fiction pieces and moving on to Research-Based Argument Essays. This is their chance to consider different ideas for changes they’d like to see in the world. They will investigate and collect information about both sides of a topic. Students will then choose a side and strengthen their claims by including evidence supporting the opposing viewpoint and then offering a rebuttal. Evidence will be evaluated to ensure that their own arguments are solid and aren’t based on flawed reasoning. Quotes will be added to make their argument more potent.
I am looking forward to working with the students on these essays. This is a passionate group of kids!
Math
We will then move onto a challenging unit on volume and displacement. The hands-on, engaging, and challenging math continues, and I love seeing students amazed by the math problems they're solving! As always, we will continue to review previously learned concepts, such as operations with fractions, decimals, and percentages, in order to keep our skills fresh and our computation sharp!
Social Studies
Important Dates: (Whew! There are many!)
May 2nd - 6th: Spirit Week
- Monday: Seasons Day
- Tuesday: Formal Wear
- Wednesday: Look-a-Like Day
- Thursday: Pajama Day & Breakfast-for-Lunch will be served for everyone! :)
- Friday: Around the World Day
May 6th - 7th: Book Fair
May 7th: Family and Alumni Day
May 10th: Field Trip to UPenn
May 12th: Sneak Peek at NFS Upper School
May 27th: Field Day
May 30th: No SchoolJune 2nd: Greek Festival & Feast (more information to follow)
June 3rd: 7th & 8th grade Musical: Shrek