End of January

Can you believe that we are already almost finished with the month of January? It is amazing how time flies. I have noticed that the overall level of maturity of the classroom has risen. The class is able to work for longer periods of sustained focused time. I am impressed with how students are independently taking on their learning. Students are even approaching me asking if they can stay after school to work on their writing. Students are peer editing each others' work right now and teaching each other to excel in their writing. Our writers' workshop due date will be on Feb 4th.
In our math this week we are going to be changing mixed numbers back into improper fractions. I am also pulling students aside who need additional practice with their basic multiplication facts(1-9). Fifth grade level math assumes that these basic facts are memorized so if your child is still struggling with these I recommend drilling with flash cards. They can be purchased inexpensively at many stores. I also am tutoring students on Thursday afternoon.
In science we are continuing to work on our "What's the matter?" projects. We are also beginning our preparations for Junior Achievement Biz Town. This will most likely push our matter project due date back to sometime in March. I am finding that there just aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done all at once.
Also, be looking for report cards that will be handed out this Friday after school.

January Update

This week has been a very exciting week for our class. We started working on our math instructional videos. I am going to upload them to the blog so be looking for them in the near future. In addition to reviewing basic math skills, we are continuing to work on simplifying fractions and changing improper fractions to mixed numbers.

Our personal narratives are in the peer editing phase and we will start working on the second drafts. New writing "norms" have been established in the classroom. Ask your child explain to you what they are.

In science today, we did an experiment testing electrical conductivity. The picture to the right is an experiment with density that we did last week. Next week we will choose our element to research for our what's the matter. Students are expressing interest in creating their own experiments. If you can think of any experiments that are low cost and fun let me know.