Remember when?

Remember November and December?  It really flew by!

Remember when I was more consistent with posting our classroom antics?  It seems that Halloween happened and someone hit the hyper-drive switch and now we're on the verge of winter break.

Pesky hyper-drive.

We have been up to so much more than could possibly fit in one update, but I wanted to share some highlights.

Our literacy has been largely focused on non-fiction reading and how people argue and advocate for a variety of debatable issues.  Students have written history research reports on topics ranging from the Harlem Renaissance to the history of donuts.  In the process, I have learned a lot and I know they have, too.  When we return from break we will delve into persuasive essay writing.

We have been studying physics in the science lab with Mrs. Hwande, and it has been great fun.  Students have designed controlled experiments to test their hypotheses and learned about force and motion.  Upon our return from break, we will continue in the science lab studying mixtures and solutions.  I cannot emphasize enough how much fun science is in fifth grade.

Fifth graders just completed their first official algebra chapter of their educational careers in math.  Although they've been exposed to algebraic reasoning since kindergarten, this was the first time they've used variables in mathematic expressions to describe number patterns or solve for unknowns.  This chapter was largely for exposure (not mastery) in order to prepare them for their more formal study in middle school.  We will skip chapter 6 for now and return to it later in the school year, which means we will start ratios in January.  This is perfect because we will also be using ratios in our science unit.  I love when everything comes together!

We had our annual "day of choirs" and Captain's Chorus sang with the middle schoolers and high schoolers in an amazing moment.  Check it out:

We celebrated raising $9,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society in honor of Simeon.  We have also celebrated Simeon's return to school!

As a part of our argument and advocacy unit, we learned about bias and "busted" some stereotypes.

Last Friday, our school celebrated our annual Holiday Sing.  Fifth graders really represented by taking on leadership roles helping kindergarten, ringing bells, playing strings, and singing in the chorus.  A special treat was the recognition of two students from our class to light the candle for Candlelight Canon.  Although we have tremendous examples all around us everyday in all of our students, we are happy for Simeon and Maria who lit the candle together for all of us.

Thank you for sharing your joyful, empathetic, growing children with me everyday.  I hope you all enjoy a safe and memorable winter break.  I look forward to hearing all about it next year!  ;)