Lafayette Update
December 2nd
In the Know: First Trimester Happenings
4th Grade
English Language Arts
The students have been concentrating on reading comprehension strategies (metacognition, schema, inferring, visualizing, building interpretations, making connections, etc.) and applying them to realistic fiction. Our writing process has also focused on realistic fiction, with a concentration on craft, as well as mechanics. Supporting our ideas and written responses with text based evidence is an ongoing goal, as well.
Math:
We have covered whole-number place value concepts and have learned several different strategies for multi-digit multiplication and division. Students have had opportunities to utilize these strategies in order to solve word problems. We will begin a unit on factors, multiples, and prime numbers, before transitioning into fractions.
Science:
The students investigated the effect of forces on moving and stationary objects. First, to gather data, the students conducted a hands-on, marble collision experiment. They also gathered evidence from various nonfiction texts and videos and conducted an online experiment. Finally, the students used this data to create scientific models and then wrote an evidence-based scientific explanation to explain why a stationary object moves after a moving object collides into it. Next, the students explored how energy is transferred and transformed to turn mechanical energy into light energy in a hand-crank flashlight. Similar to the first investigation, students gathered evidence from online simulations and nonfiction texts and videos before creating a scientific model and an explanation to explain how a crank flashlight works.
Social Studies:
We began the year learning how social studies works through the lenses of social scientists (historian, geographer, economist, and political scientist). Map skills are a central focus in the first unit, as well. We have analyzed several primary and secondary sources. Learning how people live, what they do and where they live is discovered through exploring the regions of the United States. We began at home with the Northeast region! We will continue to study the regions of the United States throughout the next marking period.
5th grade
English Language Arts:
The primary focus for this marking period has been reading and writing realistic fiction. In reading, we developed a deeper understanding of fictional elements such as characters and themes and supported our thinking with text evidence. We also focused on determining and comparing themes across texts. Students have been learning to support their ideas with evidence from the text. Additionally, students have been working on developing good reading habits such as being able to read for longer periods of time and consistently finding “just right” books in a variety of genres. In writing this marking period we worked on fictional narratives with a focus on elaboration and author's craft.
Math:
We have explored place value concepts and how to express numbers in a variety of forms. We have also utilized the standard algorithm for addition, subtraction, and multiplication of whole numbers and decimals. There have been changes made to the mathematics program over the past two years. We no longer have classes dedicated to Honors math in grade 6. Instead, we make honors level work accessible to all grade 6 students. Information will be shared regarding how this works in the beginning of grade 6. If you have questions prior, you can reach out to the Mathematics Supervisor, Stacy Winters. Her email is swinters@chatham-nj.org.
Science:
The students began the year investigating the pattern of star brightness in the night's sky. First, to gather data, the students conducted a hands-on flashlight experiment. They also gathered evidence from various nonfiction texts and videos and conducted an online experiment. Finally, the students used this data to create scientific models and then wrote an evidence-based scientific explanation to explain why some stars in the night's sky are bright and others are dim. In the next investigation, the students explored how the Earth's rotation causes shadows to change in length and direction throughout the day. Similar to the first investigation, students gathered evidence from online simulations and nonfiction texts and videos before creating a scientific model and an explanation to explain how and why shadows change throughout the day.
Social Studies:
To start off the year, we discuss how history is a discipline of inquiry and analysis of the evidence of the past to create useful understandings of the human experience. In 5th grade, we begin the study of Native Americans before European exploration and continue into the exploration of the Americas. Then we compare regional cultures developed in the colonies because of the climate, geography, natural resources, as well as the education and religion of colonists. Now we have begun to study the systems of slavery and triangular trade between Europe, West Africa and the Americas. Students analyze how slavery affected the economy and the culture of all of the colonies and how African slaves reacted to their lives as slaves in various ways. Throughout each unit, students analyze primary and secondary sources to think critically about how people live their lives as individuals and in groups.
Did you know?????
According to graphic novel expert, Eric Hand (staff developer for the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project at Columbia University), children are more likely to read for pleasure, be lifelong readers and go for “harder reading” if they actively read graphic novels! Graphic novels are made for rereading, leading to more analytical, deeper thinking with 2nd and 3rd reads. The “quick read” nature of graphic novels leads to high volume. They are also highly engaging, very accessible and are wonderful for all kinds of readers, not just the reluctant ones!
According to Northwestern School of Education and Social Policy, “with graphic novels, students use text and images to make inferences and synthesize information, both of which are abstract and challenging skills for readers.”
Brittany Rosenberg, Bank Street College of Education, writes in her argument, A Case for the Inclusion of Graphic Novels in the Classroom, that “graphic novels offer 20 percent more rare vocabulary than traditional chapter books. Students reading graphic novels are more likely to not only engage in word work while reading, but also be exposed to more complex and rare vocabulary while they read. Beyond vocabulary, graphic novels provide concrete means to teach and explore literary elements and figurative language. Through graphic novels fourth grade students were able to identify and understand a variety of literary techniques, which in turn influence and contribute to an overall comprehension.”
Second Lunches
Backwards Day (12/7)
Last Chance to Donate (Firehouse Thanks)
Lafayette School will be collecting high-energy snacks to be put together into grab-and-go snack packs for the firefighters to take on a call. Bins will be set up in the Lafayette School lobby to collect donations. Suggested items include:
Candy Bars;
Granola Bars;
Energy Bars;
Crackers;
Jerky;
Sausage Sticks;
Packs of Nuts;
Trail Mix; and
Other similar items.
Chatham Performing Arts will be taking over downtown for an evening of free holiday music on Wednesday, December 15th. Explore Chatham's festive holiday lights, celebrate the sights and sounds of the season, and support local shops and restaurants at the Chatham Performing Arts Boosters' Night of Music. We hope to see you there!
DATES TO KNOW
December
6 - 10: Early Dismissal 12:45 Conferences (No Lunch)
10 - Dare to Draw Assembly - Sponsored by the LAF PTO
17: Report Cards Posted Parent Portal
23 - Early Dismissal 12:45 (No Lunch)
24 - No School
27 - 31: No School
January
3 - Happy New Year (Return to School)