Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Thursday, April 14, 2016
MORE GREAT WORK!!!
Below are pics of one of my favorite 5th grade reading projects - the Ecodiorama. The posters are displayed in the front hall, the 3D dioramas (pics coming soon) will be placed in the library next week. I have also posted the focus for next week below and more important dates, including MAP testing to the right. Please remember to send in Memory Book photos and Hannibal donations.
Next week's focus:
Reading/Writing: Our literacy time will be highly connected to our CPBL integrated science project on Outdoor Education. We will be reading and analyzing articles about Outdoor Education research as we design our Outdoor Education presentation. A portion of this time will be spent for MAP preparation.
Math: Our math focus will remain on geometry, also integrated to our community science project. After covering geometry concepts, the integration will come from an area/perimeter/volume approach as students design a 3D model of out Outdoor Education ideas for Grant School.
Science: The large portion of our science time will be spent on gathering more data about our Outdoor Education project. Next week, our students will be teaching indoor and outdoor weather lessons to 3rd grade classes. These lessons and the 3rd grade work students produce will serve as our data for our research question "How does Outdoor Education affect learners' knowledge and attitudes?". We are also collecting information from interviews with experts, survey results from learners around CPS, and tours of Outdoor Classrooms at other schools.
Social Studies: We have completed our American Revolution unit and I was very impressed with students' work on the challenging test, which will go home next week. Our next focus will be on the Constitution before covering Westward Expansion through the 19th Century. This will being us to May, when we will focus on the Civil War.
Next week's focus:
Reading/Writing: Our literacy time will be highly connected to our CPBL integrated science project on Outdoor Education. We will be reading and analyzing articles about Outdoor Education research as we design our Outdoor Education presentation. A portion of this time will be spent for MAP preparation.
Math: Our math focus will remain on geometry, also integrated to our community science project. After covering geometry concepts, the integration will come from an area/perimeter/volume approach as students design a 3D model of out Outdoor Education ideas for Grant School.
Science: The large portion of our science time will be spent on gathering more data about our Outdoor Education project. Next week, our students will be teaching indoor and outdoor weather lessons to 3rd grade classes. These lessons and the 3rd grade work students produce will serve as our data for our research question "How does Outdoor Education affect learners' knowledge and attitudes?". We are also collecting information from interviews with experts, survey results from learners around CPS, and tours of Outdoor Classrooms at other schools.
Social Studies: We have completed our American Revolution unit and I was very impressed with students' work on the challenging test, which will go home next week. Our next focus will be on the Constitution before covering Westward Expansion through the 19th Century. This will being us to May, when we will focus on the Civil War.
American Revolution presentation from members of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution:
Eco Diorama Posters:
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
GREAT WORK!
Thanks to all the parents who have volunteered for end of the year activities for 5th grade. We will send out a summary of dates and needs and sign up sheet after Spring Break.
I have been eagerly awaiting to share this really great work that was turned in recently. Below are pics of a great math investigation about neighborhood parks and playground space. Also, you can see Declarations of Independence from Homework, social media age restrictions, nightmares, and Unfortunate Things! Great job, kids! Enjoy!
I have been eagerly awaiting to share this really great work that was turned in recently. Below are pics of a great math investigation about neighborhood parks and playground space. Also, you can see Declarations of Independence from Homework, social media age restrictions, nightmares, and Unfortunate Things! Great job, kids! Enjoy!
Sunday, March 13, 2016
CELEBRATION OF CULTURES - ANOTHER GREAT GRANT EVENT
Our annual Celebration of Cultures was last Friday and it was a hit! Students learned about 12 different countries from presentations in the gym. Many 5th graders in our class did a wonderful job putting together information about countries their families are from. And all 5th graders enjoyed learning about different countries' culture, landmarks, language, geography, dress, food and more! Enjoy the pics below.
Following is an outline of our upcoming learning for the next two weeks. This will lead us into a well deserved spring break!
READING: We will finish our Eco literature journal cycle and students will begin to plan their Eco Dioramas.
WRITING: We will continue our word study work and students have also been writing letters to get some community partners involved in our research about Outdoor Education.
MATH: Our math focus will primarily be fractions with a test next Tuesday the 29th. Then we will spend a few days enjoying an introduction to geometry.
SCIENCE: Our science will continue to be on properties of water leading into weather. This will include planning the methods for our community science project on Outdoor Education.
SS: We will continue and hopefully finish the steps leading to the American Revolution and the war itself. There will be a test on this content the Friday before Spring Break.
Following is an outline of our upcoming learning for the next two weeks. This will lead us into a well deserved spring break!
READING: We will finish our Eco literature journal cycle and students will begin to plan their Eco Dioramas.
WRITING: We will continue our word study work and students have also been writing letters to get some community partners involved in our research about Outdoor Education.
MATH: Our math focus will primarily be fractions with a test next Tuesday the 29th. Then we will spend a few days enjoying an introduction to geometry.
SCIENCE: Our science will continue to be on properties of water leading into weather. This will include planning the methods for our community science project on Outdoor Education.
SS: We will continue and hopefully finish the steps leading to the American Revolution and the war itself. There will be a test on this content the Friday before Spring Break.
Friday, March 4, 2016
HAPPY READ A THON! Thank you to all the folks who contributed time and donations to our reading fundraiser! I will be posting pics of our celebration throughout the day. Enjoy!
UPDATE: 2nd is the best!! 2nd is the best!!! Thank you so much to families who helped our class raise enough money for Grant School to get the 2nd prize!! The kids certainly did their reading part. Today was a great day and we are so appreciative of the support our families show at Grant. Below is a book array of some of the great titles kids read today.
UPDATE: 2nd is the best!! 2nd is the best!!! Thank you so much to families who helped our class raise enough money for Grant School to get the 2nd prize!! The kids certainly did their reading part. Today was a great day and we are so appreciative of the support our families show at Grant. Below is a book array of some of the great titles kids read today.
Sunday, February 28, 2016
LAST TRIMESTER OF GRANT SCHOOL!
Family conferences went very well and I appreciated everyone's attendance and feedback. We had 100% family attendance again! While I won't be scheduling another get together, I do encourage kids to join us on one of our March, April, or May Eco Club hikes (March 19, April 16, May 7). All of our kiddos are making great progress. This has been a great year and a great community and we look forward to these last few months together.
The end of 5th grade at Grant School is a special time with a lot of celebration and sharing of knowledge and good times. Please join us for our annual End of the Year planning meeting on March 22 at 3:45 to help plan for end of the year field trips, graduation, and field day. We can't do it without your help! This year's planning will take some extra effort with the increased size of our grade level.
I was treated to a couple special student events this weekend. I viewed incredible art work from Pearl, Maggie, Harper, Oliver and other Grant All Stars at Harold's Doughnuts. Also, I listened to a smashing piano concert including Oscar and other former All Stars too. I enjoy seeing the kids showcase their talents. It reminds me of what great background and diversity we have at Grant.
Below is a snapshot of this week's learning:
Reading: We will start our Eco Literature reading cycle this week. Look for new chapter books and literature journal assignments. This 4 week cycle will culminate in an Eco Diorama of our books. And of course we will celebrate READ A THON all day Friday!
Writing: This week we will have another word study worksheet and kids may have a chance to shape up some free writing.
Math: Fraction work continues with fraction multiplication and division. Mathematicians will have daily practice and we are also working on fractions within the context of Exploring Parks and Playgrounds designs.
Social Studies: Between now and Spring Break, we will finalize our American Revolution learning.
Science: Scientists will take part in some weather experiments as they start to design their activities for our community project.
The end of 5th grade at Grant School is a special time with a lot of celebration and sharing of knowledge and good times. Please join us for our annual End of the Year planning meeting on March 22 at 3:45 to help plan for end of the year field trips, graduation, and field day. We can't do it without your help! This year's planning will take some extra effort with the increased size of our grade level.
I was treated to a couple special student events this weekend. I viewed incredible art work from Pearl, Maggie, Harper, Oliver and other Grant All Stars at Harold's Doughnuts. Also, I listened to a smashing piano concert including Oscar and other former All Stars too. I enjoy seeing the kids showcase their talents. It reminds me of what great background and diversity we have at Grant.
Below is a snapshot of this week's learning:
Reading: We will start our Eco Literature reading cycle this week. Look for new chapter books and literature journal assignments. This 4 week cycle will culminate in an Eco Diorama of our books. And of course we will celebrate READ A THON all day Friday!
Writing: This week we will have another word study worksheet and kids may have a chance to shape up some free writing.
Math: Fraction work continues with fraction multiplication and division. Mathematicians will have daily practice and we are also working on fractions within the context of Exploring Parks and Playgrounds designs.
Social Studies: Between now and Spring Break, we will finalize our American Revolution learning.
Science: Scientists will take part in some weather experiments as they start to design their activities for our community project.
Monday, February 22, 2016
READ A THON KICKOFF!!
Families, we are in the midst of our traditional Read a Thon fundraiser. Readers are rising to reading challenges for the next 2 weeks. We will celebrate our efforts on March with an all day celebration.
I look forward to meeting with families later this week. This week we will be focusing on reflecting on our 2nd trimester progress and goals. Students will be adding work to their website portfolio in preparation for conferences. We will spend most of our week developing our portfolios. We will continue our American Colonies and science learning in spurts this week. After conferences, we will begin a new reading unit and focus on the American Revolution throughout March. Math will continue with multiplication and division of fractions before transitioning into geometry.
Look at how much fun we had helping our buddies with their body diagrams:
This year’s theme, CAMPING: The S’more You Read, The S’more You Know! celebrates the outdoors and all of our favorite places to read books. All students received a white envelope to collect donations from family and friends (NO DOOR TO DOOR SOLICITING). To be eligible for prizes, donation envelopes must be returned by Friday March 4th, the last day of our Read-a-thon celebration. On this day we will welcome guest readers into the classrooms, count money and award fun prizes to classrooms that raise the most money. Also, for each challenge completed, students will be entered into drawings for even more prizes. Each completed challenge = one chance to win! Classroom prizes include: a shoot-around and Tiger Stripe ice cream with the MIZZOU women’s basketball team, a trip to MIZZOU football training facilities and player visit, a Columbia College campus tour and visit with the Cougar soccer team, lunch at the downtown Shakespeare’s pizza, and a trip to Tiger BOUNCE. Please remember that this is our biggest PTA fundraiser and helps us to continue all our special Grant events and field trips. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
I look forward to meeting with families later this week. This week we will be focusing on reflecting on our 2nd trimester progress and goals. Students will be adding work to their website portfolio in preparation for conferences. We will spend most of our week developing our portfolios. We will continue our American Colonies and science learning in spurts this week. After conferences, we will begin a new reading unit and focus on the American Revolution throughout March. Math will continue with multiplication and division of fractions before transitioning into geometry.
Look at how much fun we had helping our buddies with their body diagrams:
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