Newsletter 2/15-2/19

Here's What's Happening...

English/Language Arts: Students will finish up their exploration of natural vs. disaster and then move to our next activity, which is a group project.  Students will be asked which natural disaster they feel most knowledgeable about, and then will be grouped with others who feel the same.  They will then work together to create a newscast, highlighting the following information for their natural disaster:  causes of the natural disaster, effects of the disaster on land, effects of the disaster on people, and preparation or safety tips for the disaster.  I am looking forward to seeing their collaboration with each other!

Science: We will start Chapter 2 of our Ecosystem Restoration unit.  Now that students have answered the question of why the jaguars and sloths are not growing and thriving, we will look at answering a new question:  Why aren't the cecropia trees growing and thriving?  To do this, students will begin by reading a book called "Energy Makes It All Go."  As usual, they will complete an anticipation guide and find evidence from the book to agree or disagree with given statements.  They will also begin to do some work with the on-line simulation to continue gathering evidence for why the cecropia trees are not growing and thriving.

Social Studies: Social Studies this week will focus on preparing for our virtual trade fair.  Students will complete a planning sheet, create a paper advertisement for their product, and record a FlipGrid video advertisement.  Then, they will create a slide to put in our Trade Fair slide show!

Advanced Math: This week, we move to dividing fractions.  Students will once again learn how to model this skill, and then apply the standard algorithm.  In addition, we will discuss how to write accurate real world situation problems for these types of mathematical expressions.  Students will complete a Homework Review for Topic 6, L. 1-3 on Friday!

Important Info:

Valentine's Day Slides

Our class enjoyed making digital Valentines for each other.  If you'd like to see our finished product, click HERE!

Parent Teacher Conferences

It was nice to connect with you this past week to discuss your child's progress in fifth grade.  I truly appreciate your partnership and support as we navigate this unique school year!  Please remember I am always an email or phone call away!

Schedule of Events

• Friday, February 12th: No School, P/T Conference Trade Day
• Monday, February 15th: No School, President's Day