There is a lot going on. The school year is really moving now. I am really proud of all my students, math and reading as well! They are working very hard. Fifth grade curriculum is very challenging. And, it is a lot! We are working just about every moment of the day. No rest. But, the group is living up to the challenge. Awesome.
For my class, we have begun some music instruction (mostly clapping out beats to 4/4 time). They like it a lot. I am giving them each a set of rhythm cards that they can keep at their desk to use to compose short rhythmical phrases. It's a nice break from the curriculum.
This week we will spend some time in class meetings. As I have told the kids, this is one of the nicest groups I have ever had. These students are caring and helpful with each other. Often, however, some poor choices are being made during transitions (moving around the room or from class to class). We will spend some time discussing the various things that happen throughout the day and create posters of behavior for each one. Good decisions for emergency drills, walking in line, moving about the room etc., will be clarified.
For writing, (my class), we are writing narratives. We have been singing the Narrative Song, and have sadly lost some verbs that we feel are inactive. This week and next week the students will write a Narrative Essay eliminating these verbs, keeping track of story elements (character, setting, problem, rising action, climax and resolution), and using compound and complex sentences. They will receive grades for the organizational chart (Tuesday) and the rough draft, due Friday. Also, the final draft and presentation will be graded and are due next Friday. Nothing needs to be memorized, just shared.
My class has a middle states test on Monday the 22, first thing in the morning. They have a study sheet and have had class time to complete it.
The end of the grading period for this trimester is November 2. So, keep track of the Jupiter Grades, I will do my best to keep up as quickly as possible. I am happy to answer any questions you have, email is the best way to go. Every day, the students are allowed to stay in at recess and review their grades with me so they know exactly what, if anything, they are missing. This generally doesn't take more than 5 minutes.
Math Students - are taking a test on Monday morning, on Chapter 6. This has been rough for us all. After the test we will move on to Chapter 4, fractions and decimals. A lot of converting in this chapter. Not generally too tricky. Yea! At the moment, I plan to test that chapter on the 26th.
And reading students are currently reading and studying "Satchel Page". My reading group, at this point in the year has three grades per story. One: the traditional reading test, all multiple choice. Two: a trifold (brochure type thing) with the specific standards and skills, completed with direct instruction. And, three: a differentiated project. This project requires them to design their own objective, create a pathway for success, and complete the project while managing the time necessary to do it. The projects are individualized per child, and most are shared on Friday. We won't always stick with the book, I hope to get into novels later, but it seems to work well for now.
For my class, we have begun some music instruction (mostly clapping out beats to 4/4 time). They like it a lot. I am giving them each a set of rhythm cards that they can keep at their desk to use to compose short rhythmical phrases. It's a nice break from the curriculum.
This week we will spend some time in class meetings. As I have told the kids, this is one of the nicest groups I have ever had. These students are caring and helpful with each other. Often, however, some poor choices are being made during transitions (moving around the room or from class to class). We will spend some time discussing the various things that happen throughout the day and create posters of behavior for each one. Good decisions for emergency drills, walking in line, moving about the room etc., will be clarified.
For writing, (my class), we are writing narratives. We have been singing the Narrative Song, and have sadly lost some verbs that we feel are inactive. This week and next week the students will write a Narrative Essay eliminating these verbs, keeping track of story elements (character, setting, problem, rising action, climax and resolution), and using compound and complex sentences. They will receive grades for the organizational chart (Tuesday) and the rough draft, due Friday. Also, the final draft and presentation will be graded and are due next Friday. Nothing needs to be memorized, just shared.
My class has a middle states test on Monday the 22, first thing in the morning. They have a study sheet and have had class time to complete it.
The end of the grading period for this trimester is November 2. So, keep track of the Jupiter Grades, I will do my best to keep up as quickly as possible. I am happy to answer any questions you have, email is the best way to go. Every day, the students are allowed to stay in at recess and review their grades with me so they know exactly what, if anything, they are missing. This generally doesn't take more than 5 minutes.
Math Students - are taking a test on Monday morning, on Chapter 6. This has been rough for us all. After the test we will move on to Chapter 4, fractions and decimals. A lot of converting in this chapter. Not generally too tricky. Yea! At the moment, I plan to test that chapter on the 26th.
And reading students are currently reading and studying "Satchel Page". My reading group, at this point in the year has three grades per story. One: the traditional reading test, all multiple choice. Two: a trifold (brochure type thing) with the specific standards and skills, completed with direct instruction. And, three: a differentiated project. This project requires them to design their own objective, create a pathway for success, and complete the project while managing the time necessary to do it. The projects are individualized per child, and most are shared on Friday. We won't always stick with the book, I hope to get into novels later, but it seems to work well for now.
Ha