5th Grade Update!
An inside look into what we're working on in 5th grade!
Writing Workshop
During the past week, we began our next unit of study focused on informative/explanatory writing. Within this unit, students will be learning how to conduct research, find credible sources, and write compelling research essays. Ask your child to explain our "Women of Influence" project!
Besides the work of crafting strong writing, your child will also continue to learn important information about the mechanics of writing. We’ll continue our work on paragraphing, punctuation, power vocabulary, and as always, spelling.
Reading Workshop
We discussed how authors use different text structures to write informational texts. We also discussed how readers use text structure to help understand what they are reading. We read a variety of nonfiction articles and analyzed their text structure. We discussed how nonfiction texts are organized by the following structures: compare/contrast, problem/solution, cause/effect, and chronological order. Finally, students read two nonfiction articles and wrote a short essay that required them to analyze the text structure of both articles.
In celebration of Read Across America, we counted the number of books we have read (in both 5R and 5M) so far this school year. As a 5th grade community, we have read 574 books this year! As you can see, we are extremely passionate about reading in 5th grade!
Book Clubs
Today, we discussed how readers "REV UP" their minds when reading historical fiction. We discussed how reader's notice the setting, look for signs of "trouble brewing" in the plot, and pay close attention to the characters and the problems or pressures they are facing.
Students met with their book club members and practiced "noticing" together. Check out the pictures below!
Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine
The Butterfly by Patricia Polacco
Grandfather's Journey by Allen Say
Social Studies
THANK YOU!
I thank you for continued support and cooperation. As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
~Mr. Rosenheim