Transcript 5th Grade Class News

5th Grade Newsletter!
March/April 2016
English Language Arts
In reading, we will continue working
on our unit, “Can a Hero Be a Villain?.” This unit is
centered on determining whether individuals,
specifically
the
European
explorers
who
“discovered” Latin America, can be perceived as
both heroes and villains depending on a person’s
point of view. We have been reading a variety of
grade level texts and primary source documents
focused on European explorers and Native
Americans--their goals, their lifestyles, how they
came to the Americas, and how they interacted once
there. While reading each text, students have been
annotating and using close reading strategies to help
make the texts, some of which are very complex,
make sense. Specifically, students will be circling
unknown words to figure out their meaning,
underlining important information, and writing notes
in the margins to help them understand the text. As
we come to the close of our unit of study, the
students will complete two culminating tasks: an
essay answering the question, “Can a hero be a
villain?” and a creative project that illustrates their
understandings from the unit. Using their notes from
the articles, students can create a poem, song,
performance, artistic representation, or another
project of their choosing to show their
understandings.
To support your child at home, make sure
that he/she reads for at least 60 minutes every night.
Students should be able to explain what they have
read in their own words Additionally, encourage
your child to stop and think after reading small
chunks of text to make sure that he/she is
understanding what he/she is reading.
Please be advised that the Common
Core ELA State Test will take place on April 5
through April 7. For the first time this year, the test
will be untimed. Our students will need to build
their stamina to read, comprehend and respond for
over 90 minutes each day.
Mathematics
This month in math, we will learn to
add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions and
mixed numbers. We will learn various strategies,
including representing the operations visually and
numerically.
We will soon be learning how to
find the volume of rectangular prisms by either
counting unit cubes or using the formula A= l x w x
h.
Please be advised that the Common Core Math
State Test will take place on April 13 through April
15. It is imperative that students practice their
multiplication tables up to 12 on a daily basis so
they can recall them automatically.
Science (Thursdays and fridays)
Ms. Sass
During the months of March and April, the fifth graders are
learning about how land is constantly changing form due to
weathering, erosion and deposition. Students will be learning
about the layers of the earth and how the tectonic plates were
formed. They will investigate different types of
rocks:sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic. In addition, we
will be making a volcano in class. When you are outside with
your child, pick up a rock and try to identify whether it is an
igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary rock , and ask your
child to explain why.
MyOn (Wednesdays) Ms. Simpson
Students in grades 3-5 have set goals for spending time
reading on MyOn, and for achieving better scores on the
MyOn online reading assessments. The goals can be found in
the students' reading folders that are kept in the classroom. In
whole class discussions, the focus has been on exploring
genres that students do not normally read widely, such as
historical fiction (Storm of the Century), science fiction (Mary
Shelley's Frankenstein), and Medieval literature (King Arthur
and the Black Knight).
Library (tuesdays) Ms. King
During your child’s library period, students learn about
important historical events, holidays, current events, and
authors through various read alouds and video presentations.
The use of video brings “alive” the topic the children are
reading & learning about. During March, students will listen
to stories that celebrate & honor women that made important
contributions to the world we live in; good nutrition;
welcome Spring & Easter; and lastly, READ, READ, READ
from the MARVELOUS collection of books written by Dr.
Seuss. Read Across America begins on Dr. Seuss’ birthday,
March 2. Dr. Seuss used events from his childhood to write
ENTERTAINING, SILLY, and IMAGINATIVE books to
encourage
children
to
read.
READING
IS
FUNDAMENTAL!!!!!! In April, students will be exposed to
literature & videos that teach them about Passover, Earth DayKeep America Beautiful month, Poetry-National Poetry
month, and Autism awareness. Please keep in mind, students
& parents have access to Destiny from the PS204.org website.
At home, you are able to search for just right books based on
your child’s independent reading level or interest in a
topic/subject. “YOU have brains in your head..YOU have
feet in your shoes..YOU can steer yourself any direction YOU
choose..”--Dr. Seuss
PEACE, LOVE, BOOKS ❤❤ Ms. King
Music (Mondays) Ms. Brigida
Students in Grades 4 and 5 are learning how to play the
piano. We continue to learn techniques to build our
knowledge on the instrument. We are also learning how to
read music, play along with a metronome, and perform for
others.
Ms. Brigida
[email protected]
(718) 960-9520
Gym (Mondays) Mr. Reynolds
During the month of March, students will be learning about
basketball. Students in grades 4-5 will form team games and
use the skills they have learned in previous classes. Fourth
and fifth grade classes will also work on shooting skills and
fun activities that involve students using the baskets. Please
remind your child about having sneakers on the days that he
or she has physical education. Students can easily get hurt if
they are running around in flats, dress shoes, or boots.
Depending on what game is being played in the gym, your
child might have to sit out if he or she is not wearing
sneakers.
HEALTHY TIP OF THE MONTH
Try in incorporate a green vegetable in your daily eating
routine. Either for lunch or dinner, make one that the whole
family can enjoy together!
Important Dates!
March 25: Good Friday (Schools are closed)
NY State English Language Arts (ELA) grades 3-8: April 5 April 7, 2016
NY State Mathematics grades 3-8: April 13 - April 15, 2016
April 25-29: Spring Recess (Schools are closed)
Reminder: Uniforms are mandatory every day. School begins
at 8:00, and breakfast is served from 7:30 -7:50 am.