Let it snow...

In addition to the homework I have already assigned (reading Chapter 3-4 Watsons Go to Birmingham; Math 9.1-9.3; and Nutrition Challenge Project) I would like everyone to do the following for tomorrow's assignments (January 19):

1.  Create an image that captures the theme or main event of chapter 3 and 4.  Draw your sketch on an index card. You will turn in two index cards- one for chapter 3 and one for chapter 4.

2.  Write down five vocabulary words that you found challenging for chapters 3 and 4.  Define each word and use it in a sentence.  You will turn in a total of 10 words- five for chapter 3 and five words for chapter 4.

3.  Log onto Mathletics and practice for the upcoming World Maths Day Event in March.

4.  Log onto xtramath.org to sharpen your multiplication skills for the fifth grade Math Off!

5.  Remember you are welcome to contribute baked goods to the Bake Sale set for this Friday, January 20.  

Stay safe and warm!  See you soon!

Blessings,

Mrs. Ocampo

Your child will have 50 to 60 minutes of homework each night. Students can expect homework each night in the areas of reading, math, and spelling.  All assignments (daily as well as long term) are recorded in student assignment notebooks each afternoon. Please refer to the student assignment book for assignments, announcements, and deadlines.

Homework typically consists of the following:

• Math practice sheet *
• 30 minutes silent reading and log
• Five minutes math fact practice on xtramath.org (NEW)
• Log onto Mathletics.com for math enrichment (at least three times a week)
• A weekly spelling assignment **
• Work that was not completed in class***. 

**Students may choose three items from the spelling menu this week.  On Thursday, students will complete a page in their spelling books.  Please check planners on Thursday for  spelling page assignment and expectations. 

***Each night, please have your child check the homework section (the first tab) of their accordion file for incomplete work.  Assignments that are not completed in class are homework and are due the following day. 

All graded and recorded classroom and homework assignments will be returned on Mondays.  Please keep the returned work and have your child return the red folder on Tuesday. Review all assignments in the folder.  Missing assignments or assignments that may need to be redone will be noted in the folder.  Return the improved or missing assignments by Wednesday.  Late assignments will be lowered one full letter grade. Assignments that are redone will receive full credit. 

Units of Study

Math-

First Trimester

• Place value 
• Addition and Subtraction Decimals (EALR 5.2B)
• Long Division (EALR 5.1 A-F)

Second Trimester

Reinforce the skills above and:

• Long division with a two digit divisor (EALR 5.1 A-F)
• Algebra  (EALR 5.4 B-C)
• Graphing
• Measurement
• Fractions
• Geometry

SLEs:  Meets/exceeds curriculum standards; thinks critically, creatively, and independently; applies organizational and study skills; engages in a variety of learning modalities

A list of interactive math websites that will enhance your child's math skills: 

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (Math Standards): http://www.k12.wa.us/mathematics/Standards.aspx

STEP BY STEP MATH REVIEW:   http://studyjams.scholastic.com/ (TEACHER FAVORITE)

MATH AND LOGIC SITE:  http://www.fi.edu/sln/school/tfi/spring96/puzzles/index.html 

www.mathletics.com (requirement at least three times a week)

www.multiplication.com  

Reading and Writing-

First Trimester

• Reading Comprehension Strategies: Questioning, Summarizing, Clarifying, and Predicting (AKA- the BIG FOUR)
• Making Inferences
• Main Ideas and Details
• Summarizing and Paraphrasing
• Conflict and Resolution
• Character Motivation
• Nouns
• Pronouns
• Adjectives
• Verbs
• Six Trait Writing
• Writing Process 

Second Trimester

Reinforce the skills above and :

• Compare and Contrast
• Imagery 
• Literary Devices
• Author's Purpose
• Cause and Effect

SLEs:  Meets/exceeds curriculum standards; applies organizational/study skills; speaks, read, and writes proficiently; works cooperatively.

Students are reading our class novel- The Watson Go to Birmingham-1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis.  This novel presents many topics for discussion such as race, history, and family dynamics.  Throughout the book, students will analyze dialogue, identify imagery, and document historical events. Please encourage your child to read and reread chapters to prepare for  weekly quizzes.  

Are you wondering if your book earns Accelerated Points?  Look below for the link for this helpful information.

Take online AR Quizzes from home at:  https://hosted138.renlearn.com/295117/

AR book finder  http://www.arbookfind.com

 

Social Studies and Science

First Trimester

• Exploration and Encounter in America
• Galleon and Building our Nation
• Astrolabe
• Potential vs. Kinetic Energy
• Forms of Energy

Second Trimester

• Nutrition
• Scientific Methodology
• Colonial America

SLE:  Meets/exceeds curriculum standards; recognizes and appreciates diversity; works cooperatively; thinks critically,  creatively, and independently; listens actively and critically; uses technology to construct knowledge

Students are in the middle of a Nutrition Unit.  We have examined comparative amounts of sugar, acid, and fats in foods.  Through hands-on experimentation using FOSS science kits, students are working in cooperative groups identifying specific indicators for evaluation.  The end of the unit will concluded with St. John Cafe- Nutrition Challenge.  Your child will design a healthy and attractive meal along with a report and presentation.  I have attached a PowerPoint and Nutrition Guide to  help the process of completing the project successfully.  The Project is due Friday, January 27.

Resources for the Nutrition Challenge Project:

PowerPoint Presentation

Nutrition Guide

WEBSITES FOR REFERENCE:

www.superkidsnutrition.com/

www.personal-nutrition-guide.com/nutrition-websites-for-kids.html

www.bcm.edu/cnrc/resources/kids.html

www.mypyramid.gov/

www.surfnetkids.com/nutrition.htm

www.kidnetic.com/

http://www.calories-in-foods.com

Special Announcements

Did you know? 

** Two students are leading a Bake Sale to benefit those who are sick in Kenya. Money that is raised will pay for greatly needed medications.  Please bring home baked items (without nuts) on Friday, January 20.  Children may also bring money to purchase yummy baked goods as well.  Way to go, Fifth Grade!

**In order to encourage continued efforts to increase speed and accuracy in math computation, the fifth grade teachers are sponsoring a Math Off!  Students compete with one another reciting multiplication facts.  Mrs. Roach's math class are currently the Math Off Champions!  Please encourage your child to practice math facts using the websites mentioned above, especially Mathletics and xtramath.org.

**Congratulations to Benjamin and Margaret!  They are our Spelling Bee Class Champions!

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q:  When will my child have Music and Physical Education days?

A: Students will have Music and Physical Education days on Tuesdays and Thursday.

 

Q:  When will my child go to the library?

A:  Students will go to the library on Wednesdays from 1:00-1:30.  Mrs. Grandorf is looking for parent volunteers during library time.  Please help your child remember to return his/her book every Wednesday.

 

Q:  When will my child have Spanish?

A:  Senora Blanca will teach Spanish on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:25-12:55.

 

Q:  What is the best way to contact you (Mrs. Ocampo)?

A:  I prefer email as the best mode of contact.  Please feel free to email me anytime.  I respond to your email within the day.  I am always eager to speak with you as well in person.  Please feel free to schedule an appointment.