Greetings

We have had a wonderful week together. I have gone home this week feeling incredibly proud of these insightful, brave, inquisitive and ABLE fifth graders. As a matter of fact, in some ways they are beginning to look more and more like sixth graders. They are balancing academic transitions, as we move from fractions to triangles, Book Clubs to a unit on Identity, from unit tests ( math) to personal reflections, answering the question, "Who Am"? 

I have been especially impressed with the rich and personal conversations we have been having about identity. As we launched the unit, we read a few stories, in which we carefully teased out the features of the the main characters identity. We discussed the importance of having a sense of ones own identity. We defined the word and pondered important questions about the difference between ethnicity and race, between bias and stereotypes. This learning coincides perfectly with the media studies unit Mrs. Huddy is in the midst of during library.  This week students created their own identity wheels, thinking about what makes them who they are. These illustrate the students deep reflection and desire to share the parts of themselves they feel shape who they are. These will be up in our room ( unless a students requested for it not the be posted) and I hope you will enjoying looking at them at conferences.

We had a great start to our unit on Area of Triangles.  We drew, we traced, we turned, we flipped TRIANGLES to better understand their properties. We started the week with a review of area and perimeter of four sided figures, concepts that were taught in fourth grade. This review helped students recall prior geometry vocabulary and important spatial concepts. Students have been enjoying the change of pace from fractions to triangles!

We are busy looking at spelling patterns for similar words (pinning, pining, hopping, hoping) during word study/Mega Words. Students are learning about open and closed syllables, that these syllable patterns either require the vowel to make a long or short sound. Understanding these spelling rules are an important part of understanding whether you are Hopping for a sunny day or pinning for your broken heart! 

This week in science we took a closer look at bones and muscles. We carefully read chapters five and six and worked to take thoughtful notes. Students were informed that the bones and muscle unit test will be an "open note test" so making sure their notes are carefully written and thorough will be imperative for their success.

VALENTINES DAY- We will be exchanging Valentines on Thursday February 12th. Students who would like to make or buy Valentines to share with their classmates are welcome to do so. If students decide to do this, they MUST make a Valentine for everyone in the class. If they decide to make Valentines for students in Mrs. Robie's class, the same rules applies. They need to include everyone!

Class List- Here is a class list for Valentine making!

CONFERENCES- As of last night at 6pm, everyone should now have received an email from PTC wizard with a password for signing up for conferences. If you are having trouble with the website or did not get a password, please contact Heather Olson in the front office ASAP. Some of you are checking in with me about what kind of conference you prefer (of the three options presented). That's great! (See options in previous posts). 

Click on the links below for IMPORTANT information from Ms. Hechter
Volunteer Information
Play Times- Feb. 6th