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January Monthly Report

1/30/2022

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Dear 5th-grade families,
Here is a recap of the things we did in January and a look ahead to what we will be doing in February:

Math: Students have been studying multiplication with multi-digit whole numbers and numbers with decimals. We have been focusing on estimating products and understanding strategies such as using partial products and area models to represent our thinking. In February, we will be finishing our unit on dividing whole numbers, taking our unit 7 test and begin dividing decimals. Homework will be assigned 2-3 times per week as they progress through the unit. Please continue to encourage your child to practice their multiplication and division facts and to make estimates to check whether their answers are reasonable. These skills are essential in order to do more difficult calculations as your child advances through Grade 5 and into middle school.

Literacy: Students are continuing to use their reading journals to track their reading in various ways while in the classroom and at home by finding interesting words and identifying character trait synonyms. Our reading focus has been determining themes and describing how a narrator's point of view influences the story. Students have been writing short yet descriptive accounts of the books that they have been reading (called a Book Blurb). Included in this monthly write-up is a summary of the book, a bio of the author, a creative cover design, and reviews from other readers. In November, we will be continuing to discuss the themes in our individual books and our class read-aloud, 'Hatchet' by Gary Paulsen. Our reading focus will be on the setting of the story and looking at it as the backdrop to everything that happens in a story.

Science: Students have been experiencing a variety of ways to represent models to explain objects, events, or systems that cannot be observed directly. Recently we have been taking a detailed look at our Solar System and have created our own pixelated models of it. Students continue to keep detailed notes in their science journals to use as an aid for unit tests and performance assessments. Students are expected to finish Focus Questions after every investigation either within the class time provided or for homework during the week. In November, we will investigate the phenomenon that air surrounds us — the Earth's atmosphere. They will connect the phenomenon of local weather to the activities in the atmosphere.
Social Studies: With Mr. D, students have completed a poster for their historical person biography project. In February, students will finish writing the bio for their projects and present to the class. At the end of the month, students will get into groups and begin working on their Culture Faire projects.

Bible: Students are continuing to discover the ways in which God shows Himself through Creation, design in nature, and in people’s consciences through worksheets, discussions, and small group activities. In morning devotions, we have been learning about the meaning of trust in the Bible (Proverbs 3:5-6). In February, students will discuss the concept of wisdom and learn about the blessings that God is capable of providing from several stories in the Old Testament including the divided kingdom of Israel and the life of King Solomon.
SEL: Students have been focusing on talking about teamwork in our unit entitled "Teamwork Makes the Dream Work." We reflected on what an incredible gift it is when we learn to work as a team and serve one another with our gifts. In February, students will continue our 5th unit entitled "Watch My Words". In class we have been talking about friendship, community and caring. We are practicing active listening, teamwork and building social skills.
Writing: Students have been practicing the techniques for editing and raising the level of narrative writing and have completed several pieces in their writing journals. Most recently, students have finished their Point-of-view short stories and have had the opportunity to share their writing and submit them for participation in a writing competition. They have begin to work on writing biographies and have practiced using hyperbole in their inanimate object narratives. In February, Students will be finishing up their historical person biographies and will practice describing setting in more detail.
Makerspace: Students have been focusing on developing their idea for their hands-on Makerspace project. They have been making specific, measurable and attainable goals which they can meet every week. Please encourage your child to work on the project at home and to be ready every Friday to bring in supplies for the completion of the project. In February, students will be assigned a staff mentor for their project and will be responsible to plan a short meeting to discuss their objectives and goals.
UPCOMING
January 31st - 2nd Quarter Report Cards emailed out
February 11th - Kite Day and Parent Observation Rescheduled
February 21st - NO school!
March 11th - 3-5th grade Culture Fair
March 19th - Walkathon
March 21st - Student Led Conference day
March 26th-April 3rd - Spring Break

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