ECLIPSE AND THEN SCHOOL REALLY STARTS

We had a great time during the eclipse.  The kids were all so excited and when totality hit there was cheering all around.  I included pics below of our Solar System obstacle course, some student eclipse myths, and from the eclipse as well.  Below is a snapshot of current focus in each subject.  We are still getting used to some routines but overall things are going very well.

READING:  We discussed genres and book shares this week.  All students have checked out reading material to start with for book shares.  We are practicing writing our reading thoughts.  Also, we completed the STAR reading assessment which will give me a place to start knowing each reader. Next week, I will listen to readers using the DRA materials and begin conferencing.

WRITING:  Our beginning writing focus is on poetry using the I AM bio poem format.  These projects turn out great each year.  We will also take a writing and spelling beginning of the year assessment.  Then our writing focus will be on the Where in the World theme work.

MATH: After playing a few math games early in the year, we started the first few lessons of our new math curriculum.  5th graders have a more challenging curriculum than in the past but kids are doing well so far.  Mostly, we are getting used to the structure of the new curriculum.  The first unit is focused on area and volume.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Look for the Where in the World theme packet in the Friday Folder.  This awesome theme focused on geography is a hit with the kids.  Right now they are working on their world maps and next they will create an island of their own design.  This unit culminates with a Travel Show celebration on October 3.

SCIENCE: With the eclipse behind us, we are now focusing on our science observation and experimental design skills.  We will use these skills on our various field trips throughout the fall. Today we worked at Stewart Park after learning about different scientists and their methods. We especially focused on  Jane Goodall's field work.

 

 

WELCOME 2017-2018 5TH GRADE ALL STARS!!!

All-Star Families, I love this class!  Our beginning of the year has been so smooth.  Our class list is up to 20 students now and I will send home a new class list for reference.  18 of our 20 are returning All-Stars and we are welcoming 2 new All-Stars who are fitting in nicely.

Most of our time this week has been spent on routines, community activities, and of course the ECLIPSE!!!  We have spent time each day preparing for TOTALITY on Monday.  We have shared knowledge of eclipses, created eclipse myths, and enjoyed looking at eclipse videos and pictures. During media time, student made eclipse "viewrs" too to display unique images during the eclipse. Buses will be leaving Grant School at 12:15 to head over to 1818 West Worley for our eclipse viewing experience.  We are preparing plenty of things for kids to do but much of our time will be spent just relaxing and viewing this unique phenomenon.  Please know, you are welcome to join us if you would like to enjoy this experience with your child.  If you let me know ahead of time, I can try to provide extra eclipse viewing glasses for a few parents.

This is our first newsletter of the year and it will always come in the Friday Folder.  I also post all information, homework, important events, and quality student work on the class blog.  The blog will be an important resource for students and families too.  Please take time to view it if you have a chance.  You will see past 5th grade work and current updates too.  It is updated every day and students will use the blog daily as well.

The class blog address is:  classcchronicles.blogspot.com

I am also available to communicate with families in a variety of ways.  Email is the easiest way to communicate with me and will result in the quickest reply.  I also have a few minutes each day after school if anyone needs a quick meeting.  I also enjoy catching up with families by phone too and we can always arrange a phone conference.  Finally, if the need arises, we can always set up a personal conference at school.  Just let me know if you have any questions.  I am happy to serve your children and 5th grade has a lot going on!

Next week, we will introduce more academic experiences in the classroom. Here is a snapshot of each subject:

MATH: We will be jumping in to our new math curriculum. This is a change for me and the students so we are charging on with patience and curiosity. Students have already taken a math pretest so I have an idea of each math learner's ability.

SCIENCE: We will be using our BEECLIPSE experiment to began modeling experimental design. We will be focusing on observations, descriptions, and hypothesis. Soon we will be collecting data in the field as well.

WRITING: Our first writing project is I AM poetry. We have already started this creative project designed to help students represent their passions in a creative way.

READING: We will be choosing books, taking beginning of the year assessments, and starting work on book shares.

SOCIAL STUDIES: After the eclipse, we will introduce the WHERE IN THE WORLD PROJECT. This integrated art/writing. social studies project is grounded in geography and lays the groundwork for our social studies work throughout the year. There will be information coming home next week about this popular project.

MEET MR. NIES:
I look forward to meeting you at Back to School Night on Aug. 31. For now, I will give you a short background. I have been teaching in CPS for 17 years and this is my 12th year at Grant. I have 3 children: Nola, age 3, Joshua, 16, and Kaya, 19. My wife, Kristin, is also a 5th grade teacher at West Boulevard. We met at Grant School and got married on the playground! I am passionate about kids about public school and I look forward to another fantastic year at Grant.