Reading: In reading, we finished up our unit on Poetry a few weeks ago. We examined several different forms of poetry, and students wrote their own poems, including Haikus, Lantern poems, Concrete Poems, and poems inspired by famous quotations. They are putting the finishing touches on their Poetry Anthologies. Wait until you see how beautiful they are! 

We began our genre study of Fantasy last week and continued looking at features of fantasy this week. We shared some amazing books together: The Wretched Stone. Beekle, and After the Fall. We also choose what books we wanted to read for our book club. Students choose between The One and Only Ivan , Wishtree, and Crenshaw, all by Katherine Applegate, City of Ember, by Jeanne DuPrau Savvy by Ingrid Law. We talked about what a book club looks like and sounds like, and ways to prepare for a good book discussion. We also used a fishbowl activity to watch and observe classmates participate in a book club so we could talk about the experience.  

Writing: In writing, we began our research based argument writing unit by thinking about topics that we feel strongly about. Students choose topics to research, such as should Lynnwood switch to all paper straws? Should students get homework? Should students have to wear uniforms? Students wrote an essay discussing these topics. Next week, we will being learning specific strategies to make argument writing strong and effective. We were then posed with a question: Should chocolate milk be served in schools? We have read several articles and have been gathering information about both sides of the argument. Next week, students will take a side and begin crafting a research based argument essay to respond. 

Math: We finished our unit on Graphing and Data. Starting next week, we will be reviewing 5th grade topics that are most important for 6th grade, and then will being looking at some 6th grade math concepts. 

S.S.: In Social Studies this week, we continued to talk about the marketplace project. All businesses have been approved and all bankers have been hired officially. The marketplace will take place on:

• Wednesday June 5th
• Tuesday June 11th

So all items must be completed and ready to go for those dates. 

We were lucky enough to have a guest speak this week. Jeremy from the local company MyTwill, came to discuss what it was like to have an idea and turn it into a business opportunity. He spoke about how he not only started a company with his brother, but through this company he is able to give back to people in the community who need it the most. 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me. 

​Have a great weekend! 

Some important dates to keep in mind: 

• Thursday: March 21: k-2 Early Dismissal: 3-5 FULL DAY
• Friday: March 22: NO SCHOOL: Superintendent's Conference Day
• Monday: March 25: Spring Concert 7:00 pm
• Wed. & Thurs. April 3 & April 4: NYS ELA Assessment*
• Thursday, April 18: 5th Grade Maturity Day
• NO SCHOOL: Friday 4/19-4/26: Spring Break
• Thurs. & Fri. 5/1-5/2: NYS Math Assessment*

*To avoid make up dates, please try to schedule doctors appointments around these days.  We are usually done with testing around 10:30 am. 

Reading: In reading, we began looking at difference test taking strategies. We look at reading for a test as a genre. It requires different reading skills and has different demands. We made a list of how reading for pleasure is different from reading for a test. The biggest idea that students came up with is that when we read for a test, we are reading to answer questions, vs. when we read for pleasure, we are reading for entertainment. We talked about the different times in life when we will need to take tests (in highschool, Regents, SATs, for jobs, licenses...etc). We also looked at the difference between reading tests on paper and reading them digitally. We read a passage and answered questions on paper. The next day, we read the same passage and answered the same questions on the computer. We compared and contrasted what that experience was like, and how the two differed. This year, students will be taking the NYS assessments on the computer. This will require a different set of skills. My hope is that with some practice and strategies, they can make this adjustment as comfortably as possible. I also hope the skills we are discussing in preparation for the test are skills that they will use for all test taking in their academic future, not just for this particular test. 

Writing: In writing, we continued our work on our information writing pieces. We worked on adding text features such as maps, charts, diagrams, table of contents, etc. We also worked on creating cohesion in our writing so that our work is organized for our readers. Next week we will work on crafting our introductions and conclusions, and will make final edits to our pieces. I can't wait for you to see the awesome writing your children have been working on. The books are very impressive. 

Math: In math, we wrapped up Chapter 7, Multiplying Fractions. We will review this chapter on Monday, and will take the Chapter 7 test on Tuesday. On Wednesday, we will begin Chapter 8: Dividing with Fractions. This will be our last chapter in the fractions unit, and then we will move into geometry!

S.S.: In S.S., we read Grandfather's Journey as a class. It told the story of one man's grandfather and his journey as an immigrant to out country. We also continued to work on our immigration section by talking about Ellis Island, and looking at data from this time period and what life was like. 

​Science: This week, in Science, we made water webs to look at the interaction of Earth's 4 major spheres. We made models on paper, and used our web to predict future outcomes of possible events that could impact our access to groundwater. The future events came directly from California's Water Plan section on Sources of Uncertainty. They are authentic scenarios that scientists and engineers in California and around the world are trying to understand as they plan for the future. In my opinion, our class is ready to work with the best of the engineers in our world--they had some amazing and thoughtful responses. 

Reading: In reading, we are wrapping up our discussion on historical fiction. We discussed themes and tone in historical fiction books, and continued to talk about how we can apply the author's message to our lives today, even though this event took place in the past. We read A Passage to Freedom by Ken Mochizuki, also the author of Baseball Saved Us.  We also finished our book talks, and recorded them on Flipgrid. Next week, we are beginning to make our Book Trailers on WeMovie. I can't wait to see the creativity students use to try and promote some of their favorite books. 

Writing: In writing, we finished our flash drafts, and began going back into our pieces to edit them. We started by discussing how writer's pay attention to geography, and make connections between historical events to elaborate on their research. We took time to looks for patterns and relationships in the events of Westward Expansion, and talked about how maps can enhance your reader's understanding . 

Math: In math, we wrapped up our chapter on adding and subtracting fractions. Next week will move into multiplying and dividing fractions. I will send home the chapter 6 test next week. Students are doing a fabulous job with fraction operations so far! I am SO impressed. 

Science: In Science, we continued out discussion on How humans have impacted the water we need. We took a look at the aquifers around the world, and talked about how many aquifers are compromised for different reasons. We made PSA posters to help raise awareness to this, and posted them around the school Students did an excellent job highlighting the things we want citizens of our world to know about water. Raising awareness might spark people to be more careful and thoughtful with water use. Every little bit every 1 person does, helps. I keep reminding students that this is not something they need to be scared or afraid of, that they will have enough water in their lifetime. This is something we want them to think about for their great grandkids and their great great grandkids. I want to raise awareness to this, without scaring their little 5th grade selves. The great thing about this group of students is that they have such compassion and want to make a difference for the future of our world!! 

Social Studies: In Social Studies, we finished up the Civil War section. Next, we will move into the Immigration period. 

Even thought it was a short week, we got a TON of learning done this week! I am so pleased with the work and growth I am seeing in room 504. This is the time of year where we look at growth from September and now, and I am amazed at how much learning has taken place. The students are working really hard. 

Another exciting part of this week is that we welcomed our student teacher, Ms. Victoria Burnham, to our classroom. Ms. Burnham is a senior at SUNY New Paltz, and is majoring in childhood/elementary education with a concentration in Math. Ms. Burnham is a Guilderland graduate, and is really excited to be back in her hometown for her student teaching assignment. She will need to videotape some of her lessons as part of her studies, so there is a permission slip that went home yesterday explaining that. If you have any questions after reading through the form, please don't hesitate to contact me. 

Friday, January 30: UAlbany Commitment to Education Day: Please pack a bagged lunch!
Friday: February 8: PTA Valentine Spaghetti Dinner at 5:30 pm
No School 2/18-2/22: President's Vacation 

Reading: In reader's workshop we are beginning our study of Historical Fiction genre. We read Faithful Elephants by Yukio Tsuchiya. Students also wrote book letters about their independent reading books, which are also historical fiction books, to highlights the features of the genre. 

Writing: In writing, we began flash drafting our information texts about Westward Expansion. Next week, we begin editing those writing pieces.

Math: In math, we began our fractions unit. We explored equivalent fractions,  and fractions in simplest form using fraction tiles. We also began finding least common denomimators. Next week, we will begin adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. 

Science: In Science we explored the different amounts of water it takes to produce everyday items we use. Students were surprised that between 1 lb of chicken, 1 gallon of milk, 1 lb of meat, 1 loaf of bread and 1 lb of potatoes, the food that required the most water to produce it was 1 lb of almonds. We engineered a system to move 100 mL of water from 1 beaker to another with only certain supplies, and we examined the difference between the amount of water on earth and the amount of water that is freshwater. We also looked at out of the freshwater available, how much of it is actually available to us for use. In C~Cubed, we wrapped up our force and motion unit with our Egg Cars. Students send their cars down a ramp, and (unfortunately) our cars crashed into a cement cinder block. Students were given the task to create a car that would allow the egg to survive the crash. We had a LOT of successful designs. 

Social Studies: In Social Studies, we wrapped up our study of Westward Expansion. We will continue to discuss westward expansion in writing, but in Social Studies, our next topic for our US History book is The Civil War. 

Monday 1/21: NO SCHOOL : MLK Day
Thursday 2/14: PTA Carnation Sale during Lunch
NO SCHOOL 2/18-2/22: President's Holiday

Reader's workshop: In reader's workshop, we finished up our nonfiction unit by reviewing the different text structures we covered over the past few weeks and reading articles that had different structures. We examined how identifying the structure helps us as a reader when gathering information. We also read a power read aloud: Baseball Saved Us by Ken Motchizuki. This is our first read aloud for the historical fiction genre study that we are starting next week. The students were extremely moved by this story. It was based on events that happened in the United States during World War II and focused on a young boy in the Japanese internment camp. 

Writing: In writing, we started our informational writing unit. We immersed ourselves in the topic of Westward Expansion by looking at different books, and watching different movie clips. Students were so interested in researching topics like the Gold Rush, Mexican American war, the Texas Revolution. They are already making great connections, and are eager to share what they have learned. We brainstormed a list of all of the topics that fall under the Westward Expansion time period, and students spent some time deciding exactly why topics they want to include in their informational book, and how they can organize those ideas. We are using a lot of what we covered in reader's workshop, regarding nonfiction text, and are beginning to think about how we can apply that to our own writing.  

Math: In math, we are working on dividing decimals. We estimated quotients, and drew pictures to represent division. We also learned how to use the regular long division method to divide decimals by whole number, and decimals by decimals. Students did a great job on the mid chapter check (which is coming home today). 

S.S.: In S.S., we began exploring Westward Expansion by researching this time period as a class and individually. We will be working with this time period in both writing and S.S. 

Science: In Science, we finished up our engineering unit with the Egg drop--which was one of my most favorite activities that I've ever done! Out of 22 drops (it was both our class and Mrs. Romano's) 19 eggs survived, and two cracked with only MILD cracks. The students' apparatuses and designs were amazing. Be sure to check out Seesaw for videos and pictures. Next week, we begin our Water Works unit. 

Monday, 12/17: Hoffman's Car Wash fundraiser closes

FRIDAY, 12/21: 

• Pajama Day
• Please send your child in with a reusable coffee mug that has a lid. If you don't have one, DON'T WORRY! I will be bringing in a few extras. We are going to be having hot chocolate, and in an effort to "go green" I am asking that people bring reusable containers. 

No School: Monday 12/24-Tuesday 1/1. School resumes Tuesday, 1/2
Friday, January 18: PTA Family Bingo Night
Monday, January 21: NO SCHOOL: Martin Luther King Day

Reading: In reader's workshop, we began discussing different text nonfiction text structures. We talked about how authors organize information, and how as readers it is important to notice how information is organized so that we can approach the information more efficiently. We looked at examples of categorical text, description, and chronological. We also talked about how text can be a hybrid, and sometimes have characteristics of both. We also continued reading nonfiction text in guided groups, some in print, and some in digital form. 

Writing: In writing, we finally wrapped up our Personal Narrative writing. I am so proud of the work that the students did on this assignment. They grew so much as writer's. When I look at their writing in September and then look at their published narrative pieces, it is hard to believe they are the same writers! We posted these pieces on Seesaw and also got to celebrate one another's work through Seesaw. We talked about Quality Commenting: Etiquette behind leaving posts and comments on other people's work. We got to put that into practice today-and reading the thoughtful comments left to each other made my teacher heart so happy! 

Math: In math, we are halfway through the Multiplying Decimals unit. We will continue to examine this skill over the next few lessons. We will finish the chapter on Monday or Tuesday, and will take the chapter test before we go home for the break. When we return from the Holiday break, we will begin examining decimal division. 

Science/C~Cubed: In c-cubed, we began our Egg Drop project. For this project, students need to design an apparatus that will protect an egg when we drop it from the crane in the gym. Students are working in groups and are so excited about this project. They are even using their lunch time to get work done. More to come on that next week! 

Social Studies: We are finishing up our section in the US History Books on the American Revolution. We read a few great picture books, and examined what happened to the Loyalists, Patriots and Native Americans after the Revolutionary War. Life looked very different for all of these people. The conversation around historical events and the impact it had on our world today is excellent. 

Overall, I could not be more pleased with the work happening in this classroom. If I don't get to see you before the break, have a safe and wonderful holiday with your families. Thank you for all you do to make my job such a pleasure!!

Reading: In reader's workshop, we discussed digital reading, and digital reading strategies. We talked about how it is different reading some digitally, rather than the print copy. We went through ways to use web features,  how to evaluate internet sources to decide if they are credible or not. Students also completed some digital reading assignments. We also continued reading nonfiction books in print during guided reading groups. 

Writing: In writing, we finished up our narrative unit by examining ways to incorporate figurative language into their writing pieces, as well as writing endings to our stories. We are finishing this unit by publishing our stories using google drawings. We will be sharing these writing pieces on Seesaw next week! 

Math: In math, we finished chapter 3, and began looking at chapter 4, which has to do with multiplying decimals. Students did a great job on the adding/subtracting decimals unit. We also spent some time reviewing multiplication and division this week, so that our skills don't get rusty. 

S.S.: In Social studies, we finished Colonization, and moved into our discussion on The American Revolution. We read two books, Let It Begin Here,By Dennis Fraden and The Revolutionary War by John Malam. We also watched part of the Funeral of former President George H.W. Bush. We read about his life and time as president. It was really cool to watch the funeral and see all of our most recent former presidents and current president sitting together.  It was also cool to discuss the customs and formality of the service. 

Science: Next week in Science, we are working on an engineering project. Students will be working on engineering a device that will keep an egg from breaking when we drop it from certain heights. 

Here are some important dates to keep in mind when we get back from the Thanksgiving Break:
Tuesday, December 4: Winter Concert at 7:00 pm
Friday, December 6: Picture re-take day
Monday, December 17: Hoffman's Car Wash Fundraiser window CLOSED. 
Friday, December 21: Sing A Long and Pajama Day

No School: Monday 12/24- 1/1, School resumes on Tuesday 1/2/19

Reading: In reading, we finished up out discussion about realistic fiction text. We talked about theme and author's message. A lot of this discussion tied into what we are working on when thinking about our personal narrative writing. We can use what we know as readers when we are writing. When we return from break, we will begin examining nonfiction text structures. 

Writing: In writing, we worked on adding the heart to our story, and adding dialogue to make our writing more interesting. 

Math: In math, we continued examining place value in decimals through the thousandths. We also began adding and subtracting fractions, using the operations of addition and subtraction, and using pictures to depict the process. 

Science: In Science, we had a special guest and expert, Alyssa Sarossa's mom, come in and help us use the microscopes. We looked at all different kinds of cells under the microscopes. We also talked about the different types of blood cells, and labeled and identified the functions of  the parts of a cell. 

S.S.: In S.S., we wrapped up our section on Explorers. Next week we will begin a quick examination of the colonial period. 

I hope everyone had a great week. Here are a few dates to keep in mind as we move through the next few weeks: 

Thursday, 11/1: 11:30 Dismissal: Parent Conferences
Tuesday, 11/6: NO SCHOOL: Parent Conferences

Reading: In reader's workshop, we continued our discussion on the genre of realistic fiction. We also continued working in our guided groups. Students are doing a great job coming to group with things to talk about, and sharing their ideas with their classmates. Next week we will discuss setting and plot, how it plays a role in stories, and specifically look at ways it influences realistic fiction stories. 

Writing: In writing this week, we flash drafted our first version of our personal narrative writing. We also worked with our 2nd grade buddies and created word art poems about Halloween. Next week, we will being working on editing and adding to our drafts by thinking about how to elaborate, add dialogue, and literary devices such as figurative language. 

Math: In math, we began exploring dividing with 2 digit divisors. Students are doing a fabulous job with this! I am so proud of their hard work and perseverance! Long division can be really time consuming and requires a lot of steps. Students are working through this and doing an excellent job! We also looked at interpreting out remainders, and knowing when to keep the remainder, include it in our answer, or when to use it as a fraction. Next week, we will review the chapter and take the chapter 2 test. The chapter 2 test is long, so will likely take two days to complete. 

Social Studies: In Social Studies, we began our first section of our US History book: The First Americans. We specifically talked about other Native American nations that were present in the US before explorers began arriving in the Americas. We talked about the Maya, Inca, the Aztec, and other Native American nations in North America lie the Hopi, Cherokee, Shoshone, Shawnee, and others. 

Science: In Science this week, we continued our reading of "A Long Walk to Water". We will be finishing that next week. Everytime I stop reading the kids yell a collective "NOOO!" because they don't want me to stop reading. 

It's hard to believe we just finished our 6th week of school. It's true what they say, "Time flies when you're having fun!" 

A couple of important dates to keep in mind in the coming weeks:

PTA Book Fair: Monday 10/22-Friday 10/26
Wednesday, 10/24: 11:30 Dismissal: Parent Conferences
Friday, 10/26: LES Picture Day
Thursday, 11/1: 11:30 Dismissal: Parent Conferences
Tuesday, 11/6: NO SCHOOL: Parent Conferences
Friday: 11/9: Veterans Day Share and Celebrate at 1:15 (Save the date! Our class is hosting!)
Monday 11/12: NO SCHOOL: Veterans Day
Tuesday 11/20: Grade 5 Language Selection opens up (more information to come on that!)
Wednesday, 11/21-Friday 11/23: NO SCHOOL: Thanksgiving Recess

Reading: In reader's workshop we began working in our guided reading groups. Students are working in realistic fiction books and working on all kinds of reading strategies. They are already doing a fabulous job talking about their reading, and responding to their reading in conversation or written responses. Over the next few weeks, we will be examining specific features of realistic fiction, and will also be making connections to features that it shares with other fictional genres. 

Writing: In writing, we continued to generate ideas for narrative writing. Next week, we will flash draft on one of these ideas, and will begin looking at ways to improve and elaborate our narrative writing. Students have great ideas, and are excellent participants in writer's workshop. 

Math: In math, we began chapter 2 and our examination of division. We reviewed basic division skills, and learned a few (not as efficient) ways to divide using pictures and partial quotients. While they wouldn't be students "go-to" way of dividing, they did find it cool that it was another way to pull apart numbers and show division. Next week, we will be using the "regular old way" to divide. New from last year, we will be working with 2 digit divisors. Just a reminder as the math concepts start to pick up in complexity: mastery of math facts is essential for students to be able to solve these types of problems. Reflex math is an excellent resource to help with this. We use reflex at least twice a week in school, but students should also be logging in at home to get their practice in. If you have any questions about that, don't hesitate to contact me!

Science: This week in Science and C~cubed, we continued our examination fo water, and looked at how water moves. We were given a task that required students to come up with efficient ways to move water under different types of constraints. Some groups had access to tap water right where they were set up. Some had to use the outside water fountain, some had to actually go outside and get water from a hose. All of the groups were given limited supplies to transport the water. The goal was to fill up their bucket in the classroom to a certain point. The purpose of this exercise was to show students what it can be like for certain countries and people in this world who don't have access to running water. It was also a great lesson on working together and collaborating to solve a problem. The students were awesome, and their reflection was so powerful. They also worked to build water towers for gummy bears. Again, a focus on collaborating and the realization that in order to solve a problem, they have to work together. One student said that the reason they were able to complete the project was because "it wasn't just one person in charge, it was all of us working together and bringing different ideas that added to our finished product. If only one person was in charge of making the plan or running the project, our tower probably wouldn't have come out so good". I think all of the teacher hearst in that room left happy that day!! 

Social Studies: We took a break from Social Studies this week as we focused on Science lessons. Next week we begin our study of US history. We will be creating an informational text that will highlight some of the important events in US history. For the first few sections, we will move quickly as they have covered them a lot in 4th grade (Native Americans, Explorers, Colonial America). I hope the kids enjoy this project as much as I do!
​
​Word Study: This week in word study we focused on wods that make the long /o/ sound using vowel teams of /ou/, /oa/, /oe/.