Humanities
We’ve had a good week. We’ve continued to read Sign of the Beaver and check for understanding. In addition, we’ve also been working how to make a good framework for essays. Students have been looking at prompts for givens and variables and seeing if main ideas are distinct enough. They will be working over the long weekend to put together an essay based on one of the main idea frameworks they wrote this week.
Science
Students finished looking at all the systems of the body and were tested on it on Thursday. They should be asking you to sign their test this weekend.
Math
We’ve started working in earnest with decimals. Students have been adding and subtracting with them, comparing them and rounding them. We’ve done some group work to target weak areas, and they have been making good progress.
We also spent some time this week putting together large stained glass windows that will hang in the Sukkot at the JCC. They are nearly complete, and they are coming along fabulously.
Jewish Studies for English Speakers
from Mora Epstein
- worked on vowel sounds
- practiced vocabulary for Tishrei and had a review test
- used our Nilmad Dinim about Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur
- gave book reports
- Parashat Hashavua, Daf Hashavui.
- learned about Aseret Y'mai Teshuva prayers
Wishing you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year, Mora Epstein
Hebrew for English Speakers
from Arie Epstein
Subjects that we have learned this week:
- phonetic reading
- oral story telling and answering questions
- different greetings and salutations (related to the story sent home)
- review for the dictation
- grammar: changing verbs from present to past tense
Physical Education
During September the students have been working on spatial and group organization as well as team building activities; they participate in a variety of games increasing group cooperation to accomplish goals. During October the focus will be on fitness.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Week ending September 11, 2009
HUMANITIES:
This week, the students handed in their state brochures. I’m pleased to report that they looked great. Students worked really hard on the presentation and the content. This was their first taste of working independently on a fifth grade project, and they passed with flying colors. Brochures will be available for parents to see on Back to School Night.
Students also finished up looking at the geography of the United States this week. On Friday, we started to do the groundwork to introduce the first class book we’ll be reading, Sign of the Beaver. This is a great first book for us to read, and it will go hand-in-hand with our studies of Native Americans.
MATH
Estimating is an important skill. When applied to problems, it gives students a good idea of what their calculations should be and can help them self-correct. We began to reinforce this skill by first reviewing how to round numbers, then we moved on to estimating answers for addition and subtraction.
After a few days of multiplication warm-ups in class, it also became evident that students needed some good strategies to tackle multi-digit multiplication. While a few only needed a brush-up on their skills, others are learning alternative strategies, like the box method. Not sure what that looks like? Ask your fifth grader to show you.
SCIENCE
We’ve been looking at the fascinating (and somewhat yucky) process of digestion. Students looked at the different teeth in their mouth – the start of our digestion process – and then studied the various organ functions involved. The big idea was to learn how food gets broken down into nutrients the body can use, while the remainder gets passed out as waste. Next up, the respiratory system.
MUSIC
from Mrs. Forster
Grade 5 have been having fun in music lessons. We have now the space to move and dance and create music. We have been listening to music from around Asia and trying to define what makes a country’s style of music their own. They put together an aboriginal dance using music that was very primal, using just drums, didgeridoo and voices. I was very impressed with their creativity.
JEWISH STUDIES – ENGLISH SPEAKERS
from Mora Epstein
- began our study of Rosh Hashana
- Parashat Hashavua
- Vocabulary quiz
- Learned a song from the Machzor and performed it for the assembly
HEBREW FOR ENGLISH SPEAKERS
from Arie Epstein
- phonetic reading
- writing an essay to introduce themselves
- work on the reading booklet from last week
- spelling test
Next week: Tuesday – spelling test and returning their new booklet
JS FOR HS
from Morah Yoel
השבוע עסקנו בעיקר בהכנה לחגי תשרי.
סליחות. למדנו ושרנו את הפיוט אדון הסליחות. למדנו על מנהגים שונים.
י"ג מידות, המקור והמשמעות הכללית. למדנו לשיר את י"ג מידות.
נביא – תחילת פרק ראשון מספר יהושע. קריאה ועבודה בתוך חוברת העבודה (מי היה יהושע ומה ידוע עליו מהתורה).
כתבנו כרטיסי ברכה לחברים בשיתוף עם דוברי האנגלית.
Hebrew FOR HS
from Moreh Yoel
אשכולית –סיימנו את החוברת זה הזמן. למדנו להשתמש במילים כבר, עדיין, התחיל, סיים, הפסיק וסיים. התחלנו את החוברת פעיל וסביל.
הבנתי – המשכנו לעסוק בעיקר וטפל בפסקה וההבחנה בניהם. ראשי תיבות וסלנג כדרכי קיצור.
אוריינות – קריאה דמומה מספרי ספריה.
This week, the students handed in their state brochures. I’m pleased to report that they looked great. Students worked really hard on the presentation and the content. This was their first taste of working independently on a fifth grade project, and they passed with flying colors. Brochures will be available for parents to see on Back to School Night.
Students also finished up looking at the geography of the United States this week. On Friday, we started to do the groundwork to introduce the first class book we’ll be reading, Sign of the Beaver. This is a great first book for us to read, and it will go hand-in-hand with our studies of Native Americans.
MATH
Estimating is an important skill. When applied to problems, it gives students a good idea of what their calculations should be and can help them self-correct. We began to reinforce this skill by first reviewing how to round numbers, then we moved on to estimating answers for addition and subtraction.
After a few days of multiplication warm-ups in class, it also became evident that students needed some good strategies to tackle multi-digit multiplication. While a few only needed a brush-up on their skills, others are learning alternative strategies, like the box method. Not sure what that looks like? Ask your fifth grader to show you.
SCIENCE
We’ve been looking at the fascinating (and somewhat yucky) process of digestion. Students looked at the different teeth in their mouth – the start of our digestion process – and then studied the various organ functions involved. The big idea was to learn how food gets broken down into nutrients the body can use, while the remainder gets passed out as waste. Next up, the respiratory system.
MUSIC
from Mrs. Forster
Grade 5 have been having fun in music lessons. We have now the space to move and dance and create music. We have been listening to music from around Asia and trying to define what makes a country’s style of music their own. They put together an aboriginal dance using music that was very primal, using just drums, didgeridoo and voices. I was very impressed with their creativity.
JEWISH STUDIES – ENGLISH SPEAKERS
from Mora Epstein
- began our study of Rosh Hashana
- Parashat Hashavua
- Vocabulary quiz
- Learned a song from the Machzor and performed it for the assembly
HEBREW FOR ENGLISH SPEAKERS
from Arie Epstein
- phonetic reading
- writing an essay to introduce themselves
- work on the reading booklet from last week
- spelling test
Next week: Tuesday – spelling test and returning their new booklet
JS FOR HS
from Morah Yoel
השבוע עסקנו בעיקר בהכנה לחגי תשרי.
סליחות. למדנו ושרנו את הפיוט אדון הסליחות. למדנו על מנהגים שונים.
י"ג מידות, המקור והמשמעות הכללית. למדנו לשיר את י"ג מידות.
נביא – תחילת פרק ראשון מספר יהושע. קריאה ועבודה בתוך חוברת העבודה (מי היה יהושע ומה ידוע עליו מהתורה).
כתבנו כרטיסי ברכה לחברים בשיתוף עם דוברי האנגלית.
Hebrew FOR HS
from Moreh Yoel
אשכולית –סיימנו את החוברת זה הזמן. למדנו להשתמש במילים כבר, עדיין, התחיל, סיים, הפסיק וסיים. התחלנו את החוברת פעיל וסביל.
הבנתי – המשכנו לעסוק בעיקר וטפל בפסקה וההבחנה בניהם. ראשי תיבות וסלנג כדרכי קיצור.
אוריינות – קריאה דמומה מספרי ספריה.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Thursday, September 10
MATH
Do the first twenty multi-digit multiplication questions.
Try the first five using the traditional method
Try the next five using the split method
Try the next five using the box method
Use any method you prefer on the last five.
SCIENCE
Finish up the respiration lab we did in class today.
HUMANITIES
Have you been studying your state capitals? Quiz on the Mideast region is tomorrow!
Do the first twenty multi-digit multiplication questions.
Try the first five using the traditional method
Try the next five using the split method
Try the next five using the box method
Use any method you prefer on the last five.
SCIENCE
Finish up the respiration lab we did in class today.
HUMANITIES
Have you been studying your state capitals? Quiz on the Mideast region is tomorrow!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Wednesday, September 9
MATH
Estimating is an important skill. When applied to problems, it gives you a good idea of what your calculations should be and can help you self-correct.
Be aware of the last place values, and round to there for the answers. Finish the worksheet handed out in class.
HUMANITIES
Our quiz was delayed. Study for tomorrow. Remember: a completed study guide will add 3 points to your score.
Estimating is an important skill. When applied to problems, it gives you a good idea of what your calculations should be and can help you self-correct.
Be aware of the last place values, and round to there for the answers. Finish the worksheet handed out in class.
HUMANITIES
Our quiz was delayed. Study for tomorrow. Remember: a completed study guide will add 3 points to your score.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Monday, September 7
MATH
Front and back of the worksheet on Drawing Conclusions
HUMANITIES
We started to work in our spelling books. Finish the lesson pages for Wednesday.
Also, your vocab and state capital test was handed back. Please have it signed.
SCIENCE
Finish the story on digestion by putting the correct words into the blanks.
Have a great day!
Front and back of the worksheet on Drawing Conclusions
HUMANITIES
We started to work in our spelling books. Finish the lesson pages for Wednesday.
Also, your vocab and state capital test was handed back. Please have it signed.
SCIENCE
Finish the story on digestion by putting the correct words into the blanks.
Have a great day!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Grade 5 Update Week of September 4th
Tests, quizzes, projects – we’re really starting to get used to working hard – and the students have been coping well with the workload. Motivation is up and enthusiasm is high. Here’s a run down of what we’ve been doing over the past week.
Humanities
Students are continuing their study of US Geography. We’ve covered the various landforms, the lakes, rivers, climate and even the resources of the United States. This week, students were tasked with looking closer at one individual state. Each student is working on a brochure which will have various facts about their chosen state. They have researched both in the library and the IT lab. Over the weekend, students will be putting the information together to make a tri-fold brochure.
In addition, we’ve continued to look at good organization in writing. By next week, we should be starting to practice writing good sentences and paragraphs individually.
Students have really done well in their reading, too. Quite a few students have reported that they have finished one book independently. On Friday, students began writing about the reading, too. Throughout the year, they will share letters back and forth with me about their reading. This will help me guide students individually through their reading. I’m looking forward to starting this one-on-one process with them.
Math
In Math, we’re still working with decimals. We’re comparing them, ordering them and learning how to say them properly. We played a few reinforcement games in the class like Decimal War and pinning decimals in order on a clothes line. Students also had additional practice writing long numbers by writing cheques out for high-ticket items after a $10,000,000 windfall. After they spent most of the money on themselves, they wrote their last check out to charity.
Science
We finished our first chapter in Science on Tuesday and took our first Science test on Thursday. Students had fun preparing for the test by playing Science Jeopardy. The different teams worked hard beating out the competition. In the end, there was a tie, but everyone won by getting extra practice.
Charity Committee and Student Action Committee
This week the Charity Committee and Student Action Committee had their first meetings. Both of these groups will foster leadership among our fifth grade class. The Student Action group is already planning a bulletin board with a monthly message for the school corridor, and figuring out how to get the school involved in a paper recycling program. There should be some good deeds to report out of these committees. We’re looking forward to their work.
Have a great weekend.
Ms. Larson
Humanities
Students are continuing their study of US Geography. We’ve covered the various landforms, the lakes, rivers, climate and even the resources of the United States. This week, students were tasked with looking closer at one individual state. Each student is working on a brochure which will have various facts about their chosen state. They have researched both in the library and the IT lab. Over the weekend, students will be putting the information together to make a tri-fold brochure.
In addition, we’ve continued to look at good organization in writing. By next week, we should be starting to practice writing good sentences and paragraphs individually.
Students have really done well in their reading, too. Quite a few students have reported that they have finished one book independently. On Friday, students began writing about the reading, too. Throughout the year, they will share letters back and forth with me about their reading. This will help me guide students individually through their reading. I’m looking forward to starting this one-on-one process with them.
Math
In Math, we’re still working with decimals. We’re comparing them, ordering them and learning how to say them properly. We played a few reinforcement games in the class like Decimal War and pinning decimals in order on a clothes line. Students also had additional practice writing long numbers by writing cheques out for high-ticket items after a $10,000,000 windfall. After they spent most of the money on themselves, they wrote their last check out to charity.
Science
We finished our first chapter in Science on Tuesday and took our first Science test on Thursday. Students had fun preparing for the test by playing Science Jeopardy. The different teams worked hard beating out the competition. In the end, there was a tie, but everyone won by getting extra practice.
Charity Committee and Student Action Committee
This week the Charity Committee and Student Action Committee had their first meetings. Both of these groups will foster leadership among our fifth grade class. The Student Action group is already planning a bulletin board with a monthly message for the school corridor, and figuring out how to get the school involved in a paper recycling program. There should be some good deeds to report out of these committees. We’re looking forward to their work.
Have a great weekend.
Ms. Larson
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Thursday, September 3
MATH
Comparing decimals is easy when you pay attention to place value. First, make sure that there are the same amount of digits BEFORE the decimal. Compare those digits first. Then start to compare from the tenths place. Are they the same? If they are, move on to the hundredths.
Practice tonight on worksheet 2.4
HUMANITIES
We have quite a few things in Humanities tonight.
1. Study your vocabulary.
2. Study the state capitals for the Southeast
3. Work on your State brochure
Cheers!
Comparing decimals is easy when you pay attention to place value. First, make sure that there are the same amount of digits BEFORE the decimal. Compare those digits first. Then start to compare from the tenths place. Are they the same? If they are, move on to the hundredths.
Practice tonight on worksheet 2.4
HUMANITIES
We have quite a few things in Humanities tonight.
1. Study your vocabulary.
2. Study the state capitals for the Southeast
3. Work on your State brochure
Cheers!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Same, Same ... but Different.
MATH
In Math we talked about equivalent decimals. 0.5 is the same as 0.50
Can you write a decmial equal to 7.025?
Do tonight's homework -- Worksheet 2.3 -- and practice tonight.
HUMANITIES
There is quite a bit of work that you are doing independently in Humanities.
1. Studying vocab words and readying your definitions and sentences for today.
2. Studying the states and their capitals in the Southeast
3. Getting signatures from your parents for the State Brochure mini-project.
Are you looking to get a head start on research? Look at Answers.com. It's an easy site to use and has tons of information about each of the states.
SCIENCE
Start looking over your notes. Quiz on chapter one on Thursday
In Math we talked about equivalent decimals. 0.5 is the same as 0.50
Can you write a decmial equal to 7.025?
Do tonight's homework -- Worksheet 2.3 -- and practice tonight.
HUMANITIES
There is quite a bit of work that you are doing independently in Humanities.
1. Studying vocab words and readying your definitions and sentences for today.
2. Studying the states and their capitals in the Southeast
3. Getting signatures from your parents for the State Brochure mini-project.
Are you looking to get a head start on research? Look at Answers.com. It's an easy site to use and has tons of information about each of the states.
SCIENCE
Start looking over your notes. Quiz on chapter one on Thursday
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