Jake's Winter
Warm sun beating on my face,
Warm sand like a giant bean bag.
Waves crashing on the beach.
This is my winter in California.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Guest Blogger: Jake
The view is gorgeous from our classroom windows today. On this snowy, winter's day we bring you a lovely poem from one of our own, Jake. I don't know about you, but I think I prefer his winter. :)
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Science!
So, I am going to be honest with you. I totally goofed! I suppose I got so excited about teaching history again that I had in my head we were starting the American Revolution unit this week...only to realize that no, we are, in fact, doing our final science unit for fifth grade upstairs in our classroom.
But it's all good, because I love teaching (and learning) science! Our final unit is a blast: Motion, Force, and Models. Today, the students took the pre-test and we jump-started our excitement by watching this epic music video that connects perfectly with our unit:
I encouraged the class to consider all the pieces that were planned and practiced in order to make this video possible....and it's all about Motion, Force, and Models! Maybe they could even work on making one of their own? We will be studying this up until Spring Break and, depending on how we are progressing, perhaps a few days afterwards.
Have a great day!
But it's all good, because I love teaching (and learning) science! Our final unit is a blast: Motion, Force, and Models. Today, the students took the pre-test and we jump-started our excitement by watching this epic music video that connects perfectly with our unit:
I encouraged the class to consider all the pieces that were planned and practiced in order to make this video possible....and it's all about Motion, Force, and Models! Maybe they could even work on making one of their own? We will be studying this up until Spring Break and, depending on how we are progressing, perhaps a few days afterwards.
Have a great day!
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Science Fun
We are in the final stages of our science unit studying Mixtures and Solutions. Today, students worked in their groups to create and observe chemical reactions. The final chemical reaction was particularly thrilling, and, at the request of a student, I have included a slow motion video for your enjoyment.
I am looking forward to see you tonight at the high school for Black History Night at 7pm!
I am looking forward to see you tonight at the high school for Black History Night at 7pm!
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Busy, busy, busy!
Long time no see! We have been so very busy in fifth grade! Here's a rundown of the latest:
We have been hard at work in the science lab. Currently we are studying Mixtures and Solutions - safety goggles and all! What fun it is to see the intersection of math, science, and logic as the students problem-solve together.
Math is all about decimals these days. Our last unit focused on expanding understanding to the thousandths place, and this unit focuses on multiplying and dividing decimals with the goal of applying these skills to real world problems. Don't forget you can access the webpage for signing into the textbook, interactivities, and parent help videos via our classroom website here.
In reading, we are studying non-fiction texts of all kinds. Much of what we are gravitating towards involves reading articles on topics of individual interest. Our hope is that this reading will provide input to our research-based argument essays.
Speaking of research-based argument essays, you may have heard of the latest on an essay we are writing on the chocolate milk debate. The growth I have seen has been amazing! First of all, the students are conducting their own research outside of writing time to support their work in class (without having it assigned as homework!). Their organization has improved so much, and they are using their learning styles to find systems of keeping their piece organized. Some are using the computer, some are using index cards, others post-its, others file folders, etc. They have reached out to teachers and students in the school seeking their opinions and feedback, documenting it, and incorporating it into their essays. The maturity they are showing is really beautiful to see. We will be finalizing this essay at the end of next week. From there, the students will choose their own topics to write on. I have already begun conferring with them on their ideas. Topics range from factory farming to child/slave labor to homelessness. They are putting a great deal of thought and passion into their writing and using their time well. I even stumbled across this scene this morning...working on data collection in the library before school. So awesome! :)
On The Horizon:
2/6 - Wear red for heart day at school.
Be on the lookout for an email from me with a link for the spring conference sign-up.
2/9 - Band Fittings Night at Wydown from 3:30-6:30
2/12 - Valentine's Day Party at 2:30
Curriculum Night at Wydown from 7:00-9:00
2/13 - No School for Students (Teacher Professional Learning Day)
2/16 - No School for Presidents' Day
2/19 - Black History Night at Clayton High School at 7:00
PS - Hercules, our five-month-old African Pygmy Hedgehog, is coming to school now! We have begun allowing individuals to read with him in the afternoon.
We have been hard at work in the science lab. Currently we are studying Mixtures and Solutions - safety goggles and all! What fun it is to see the intersection of math, science, and logic as the students problem-solve together.
Math is all about decimals these days. Our last unit focused on expanding understanding to the thousandths place, and this unit focuses on multiplying and dividing decimals with the goal of applying these skills to real world problems. Don't forget you can access the webpage for signing into the textbook, interactivities, and parent help videos via our classroom website here.
In reading, we are studying non-fiction texts of all kinds. Much of what we are gravitating towards involves reading articles on topics of individual interest. Our hope is that this reading will provide input to our research-based argument essays.
Speaking of research-based argument essays, you may have heard of the latest on an essay we are writing on the chocolate milk debate. The growth I have seen has been amazing! First of all, the students are conducting their own research outside of writing time to support their work in class (without having it assigned as homework!). Their organization has improved so much, and they are using their learning styles to find systems of keeping their piece organized. Some are using the computer, some are using index cards, others post-its, others file folders, etc. They have reached out to teachers and students in the school seeking their opinions and feedback, documenting it, and incorporating it into their essays. The maturity they are showing is really beautiful to see. We will be finalizing this essay at the end of next week. From there, the students will choose their own topics to write on. I have already begun conferring with them on their ideas. Topics range from factory farming to child/slave labor to homelessness. They are putting a great deal of thought and passion into their writing and using their time well. I even stumbled across this scene this morning...working on data collection in the library before school. So awesome! :)
On The Horizon:
2/6 - Wear red for heart day at school.
Be on the lookout for an email from me with a link for the spring conference sign-up.
2/9 - Band Fittings Night at Wydown from 3:30-6:30
2/12 - Valentine's Day Party at 2:30
Curriculum Night at Wydown from 7:00-9:00
2/13 - No School for Students (Teacher Professional Learning Day)
2/16 - No School for Presidents' Day
2/19 - Black History Night at Clayton High School at 7:00
PS - Hercules, our five-month-old African Pygmy Hedgehog, is coming to school now! We have begun allowing individuals to read with him in the afternoon.
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