Week in Review...A little Late

Happy Sunday! I meant to get this post out on Friday, but went home mid-morning with a stomach bug. I am feeling better and even got to enjoy a bit of this weekend's glorious weather. Thank you for your patience and understanding with my late weekly review!

SCIENCE.....Limb Models and Chicken Wing Dissection
Students created working models of joints: first a simple model from straws and rubber bands, and then significantly more complex models out of our "science junk box." The students then launched the idea of using the various limb and joint models they created and joining then together to make a class skeleton. This was completely their idea and have taken charge of the planning. We have roped off a special area of our classroom to build. I am eager to see the finish product and impressed with their collaboration, brainstorming and creativity.

Chicken Wing dissection day was a hit. We found some truly excellent examples of ligaments, marrow, joint movement, muscle, blood vessels, and connective tissue.  

MATH
Chapter Four will conclude with a final test this Wednesday. The growth students have made in understanding in solving complex word problems is impressive. Sure, it's not easy and there is plenty of room for continued growth but their hard work is notable. We played Fraction Bingo this week, and students were able to move between adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions. 

BOOK CLUBS
This week students will have their final book club meetings. Over the last few weeks students have been deeply involved in their books, preparing for their meetings by not only reading the assigned pages, but preparing discussion questions or pondering to share with their group members. They are also working to write clear and concise summaries of the most recent reading assignment. In addition to sharing their thoughts and insights during discussions, they have been given the opportunity to share their understandings through writing reflections, in which they answer specific questions about the plot, conflict and characters.

THIS AND THAT
Our one-day-only choir tour extravaganza will occur next Friday! (See the link in last week's blog post for your invitation and details). 

Here is the first of what is sure to be many special communications from Cynthia Hechter regarding our fifth grade play. You'll be getting emails and hard copies of "The Play Times," and you will also find links in our weekly blogs. 

Jan 15- "Play Times"- Turn the World Around

On Thursday, February 5th, the Lower School Joint Parent Association Meeting/Curriculum Night at Highcroft, offers a “Fifth Grade Play Information Meeting.”  Theatre faculty, Cynthia Hechter and Lori Opsal, will address all aspects of the production process: auditions and casting, rehearsing, costumes and makeup, and performances.