5th Grade News - What's Happening - October 2008
Testing is over!!!!!!! Well until April at least. Thank you all for making sure your students were here on time and prepared. You will be notified when scores come in. Thank you also to everyone who volunteered to provide snacks for the children during testing time. It’s amazing what nutrition can do to focus the mind and calm the nerves.
In Math...we are now moving into multiples and have completed factors. These are basic skills that the students needs in order to soon move into calculating with fractions. We will also have a special visit from the Cobb County Math Coach next week. She will be training the students in a revolutionary new strategy called Singapore Math. This is a problem solving strategy that has proven itself time and time again when applied to word problems and standardized tests.
http://picasso.cobbk12.org/CobbCurriculum/Curriculum/MathELEM0506/gr5plenglishQ2.doc
In Reading...we are continuing to UNRAAVEL everything we read in every subject area. The students are really improving their comprehension when they use this strategy. Since we are reading Informational Texts, students have recently been assigned a non-fiction book to read in class. Many if these are biographies. Watch for a project sheet to come home very soon detailing our time capsule assignment. This will be based on the in class reading currently being done. Be sure that your child is reading something each night.
In Science we are starting our Life Science Unit. We will be exploring cells, organisms and microbes. Please review the County Science Newsletter that is coming home with your student. Retain this county letter for your reference.
http://picasso.cobbk12.org/cobbcurriculum/curriculum/ScienceElem/MicroorganismsCellsnewsletter.doc
In Language Arts we have been working diligently to learn the various parts of speech and how they are used in writing. We have recently taken a close look at the Cobb County Writing Rubric and discussed our goals as writers. We are now moving into persuasive writing. Our students will be focused here for quite some time, but we will also be practicing WOD—Writing on Demand—a tactic that helps to prepare them for a variety of writing prompts at a moment’s notice. What better way to prepare them for the March Writing Assessment?!
In Social Studies we have delved deeply into the Civil War era. Ask your child about what he or she has learned.
UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS
· Early Release Day—Oct 15th
· Report Cards Issued—Oct 17th
· International Day—Nov. 1st
***INTERNATIONAL DAY IS COMING*** The 5th grade is putting together a themed basket for this event. Please contribute a new board game/sports item with an international flare (ie. Chinese Checkers, etc.)
***WE NEED EMPTY SHOE BOXES, OATMEAL CONTAINERS and /or CEREAL BOXES for some upcoming projects. Please send what you can.
