Welcome to our weekly newsletter update!Below you will find five sections (math updates, reading/writing updates, science/social studies updates, friendly reminders, and upcoming dates). If you have any questions or concerns, please send us an email.
Math Updates This week in math we continued our first unit on fractions. We learned about the relationship between fractions, decimal numbers, and division. Students worked to make the connection that the fraction 3/4 can be expressed with a decimal number by dividing 3 by 4 to get 0.75. We looked at many different visual representations of fractions including the number line with decimal numbers on one side and fractions on the other. We worked to remind ourselves of equivalent fractions, mixed numbers, and improper fractions. Students took a quiz today that will be returned on Monday. Grades have all been put into Gradebook if you would like to look at their score before Monday. Next week, we will begin our next fraction unit of addition and subtraction of fractions with unlike denominators. This builds on knowledge students gained in fourth grade. We will also review equivalent fractions and simplifying fractions. Reading/Writing Updates This week in writing, we learned about the Dewey Decimal System. The students then used it to find books on their research topic in the school’s library. Most groups were able to find at least one book on their subject. Students were given another two days to continue citing and taking notes from various print and online resources. We began the work of preparing to write informational reports by organizing our notes. Students created subtopics for their report based on their initial research questions. They sorted their notes into these subcategories in order to see which areas needed additional research and what other possible subtopics they might add. The work they have done to cite, take notes on, and organize their research will be their final summative grade for 3rd quarter. In reading we continued to explore the various structures used in expository nonfiction. We read the article “The Debate on Banning Junkfood Ads” which is organized into pros and cons and practiced finding the best piece of text evidence for both sides of the debate. We also read “All-boys and All-girls Schools: Better for Kids” which is focused on one opinion about gender segregated schools and classrooms. We worked to identify the author’s opinion and then find the evidence the author used to support their opinion. Science/Social Studies Updates Science: Students have continued their investigations in evolution. We have completed labs that involve species adaptations and variations. We looked at variations within humans, peppered moths, and sunflower or other seeds. We collected data, created frequency charts, and graphed our information in order to draw conclusions. Social Studies: The groups for exhibition have been formed. Students will be notified of their group topic and mentor on Monday. Students have also been working on their cultural autobiography presentations. Friendly Reminders
April 2 - 4: Field Trips (see above) April 4 - End of Quarter 3 April 5 - School Improvement Day (Non attendance day for students) April 10 - Report Card Pick Up April 12 - 5th Grade Musical (9:30 and 1:30 student performances for parents/community members) April 15 - 19: Spring Break
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