Week of December 18, 2017

5th Grader Chorus after their performance at All School Meeting.

Highlights from Last Week

• We had some fun in Science this week. Students learned about absorption and runoff using two different models, one with a crumpled brown paper bag and one with scrunched up felt. We then learned about the amounts of water on earth: what percentage of water is in the ocean, in glaciers, in the ground, in lakes, and in rivers. Students were shocked to learn that only 3% of water on earth is fresh, but then, of that 3%, the vast majority is frozen in glaciers or deep underground --basically inaccessible! Using graduated cylinders, I demonstrated the scarcity of available fresh water on our planet, and then students created graphs to show each amount.
• Students are enjoying our Poetry unit, eager to write poems based on the mentors I show them in class. This past week, they wrote small poems about simple objects and actions, as well as haikus. 
• In Math, we are now wrapping up our unit on Fraction Sense, Addition, and Subtraction. Students developed fraction number sense and a skill for representing a variety of fraction problems using clear visual models. We'll see how those skills translate on our Unit 3 Math Assessment this week.
• The Winter Chorus and Band Concert was a delight! Great performing everyone, and congrats to Mrs. Hodge and Mr. Davis for the fabulous musical work they did with students.
• We visited our first grade Buddies on Wednesday. Fifth graders helped their first grade friends color in books about beavers. Super cute!

What We Didn't Get To
Here is what didn't get covered:

• In Math, many students need to complete the Unit 3 Math Assessment.
• In Writing, we didn't get to developing a mood in our poetry.

Upcoming Special Events

Friday, December 22nd:

• School-wide Pajama Day
• Beatnik Cafe Poetry Recitation, 1:30pm
• Last day before Winter Break! Goodbye to Ms. K, until the end of March.

Please see the Pine Hill Calendar for more.


This Week's Plan

Wow! It's our last week before the Winter Break! Let's earn our vacation by working hard and being active learners for just 5 more days.

Reading
Unit: Poetry
Focus Areas:​

• Metaphors --analyze metaphors in poetry and how the poet uses them for a particular purpose.
• Symbolism --learn how poets use symbols to represent something greater.
• Reciting Poetry --recite poetry using a strong voice, fluency, and passion.

Writing
Unit: Poetry
Focus Areas:​​​​

• Developing a Mood --using word choice and other poetic techniques.
• Haikus, Cinquains, and other Structures --write poems using a variety of structures.
• Tone --develop the tone of a poem using special word choices and comparisons.
• Peer Conferencing and Publishing --revise and publish your favorite poems.

Math
Unit 3: Fraction Concepts; Addition and Subtraction
Focus Areas:​​​​​

• Unit 3 Math Assessment --on fraction number sense, using models to add and subtract fractions, relating fractions to division, and more.
• Open Response on Fraction Number Sense --practice using number models and language to show and explain your reasoning regarding a fraction word problem.
• Correct the Assessment as a Class --to give students immediate feedback, we'll correct the assessment together.
• Review Through Games --review fraction and division concepts using some Ms. Kimball original games!

Social Studies
We take a break from Social Studies to focus on Science.


Science
Unit: Water on Earth​

• Exploring Water Filters --investigate a variety of materials to filter dirty water. Collect data and analyze.
• Design Your Own Water Filter --using knowledge from the previous investigation, choose materials that will best filter dirty water.
• Water Reclamation --learn how dirty water and sewage is treated in local facilities.
• Water Conservation --research and plan for how individuals and communities can conserve our precious fresh water.

Homework
Please see the Homework Page for more details. Students will need to do the following at home this week:

1. Homework Project: Students turn in their Poetry Inquiry projects on Wednesday. We'll share and recite our poems this week.
2. Reading Response Blog: Students will receive a partner and must read that partner's response on Blog #4. They must write a short response stating at least one thing they thought their partner did well, and provide a specific example. Due by Friday.
3. Independent Reading: Students do not need to log this week, but I encourage them to continue reading 20 minutes per day.
4. Math: There will be a couple of days for math homework early in the week.

Thanks for Reading!
So that's the plan for the week! Please feel free to email me with any questions, comments, or feedback. ​