What’ New?

The 5th grade had a wonderful experience on our recent field trip. The weather was perfect and the views of the Bay from our sailboat was magnificent. The staff who ran the program were very knowledgeable and worked well with the 5th graders. Everyone was engaged in learning and experiencing an unforgettable time. The tour of the Bay Model was also so informative and impressive. Our docent was chock full of information about water systems and the various aspects of the SF Bay. We had a terrific day of learning in the real world and experiencing what the explorers may have felt when they first explored the SF Bay. This field trip enriched our study of the Age of Exploration and our reading of The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, as well as our ongoing study of the environment. Yesterday, we had a test covering our unit in history on the Age of Exploration. There were 3 pages of multiple choice and three essays to write. That’s a lot of papers for me to read but I will get them back to the class as soon as I can. It was a challenging test but the kids had two weeks of class time to review, write outlines for the essays, take notes and do practice problems.

This Friday, Oct. 30, Written, typed descriptions of each student’s proposed invention is due. I have given out a sample descriptions, illustrating how to write it up, what to include and how it should look. Every student should look at the sample and follow its form.

The latest creative writing story was due this past Monday (Oct 26). I have given them back with editing comments and corrections. Several students have had the chance to read their story out loud. Now it is time to type the story. I have told the class to do a page a night or even half a page a night until it is done. The more experience they have typing, the easier it will become. In class they have made beautiful illustrations to go with their stories.

There is a new spelling list assigned for this week. They need to be reviewed several times before Friday’s test.

This Wednesday (today) as well as next Wednesday, our class has art as a specialty. We rotate with computers every two weeks. We are working on the Million Dollar Project in the computer lab. Our class is almost finished making floor plans for their MDP. In two weeks we will begin making spreadsheets for our budgets.
In my math class we are working on setting up and solving word problems, multi-digit multiplication and division with 2-digit divisors.

Today we will begin a very special unit called: “Discovery.” It is a month long activity which has the children experiencing what it was like to colonize the New World by simulating it. For this unit, the class will be divided into 3 colony groups. They will have to choose jobs such as governor, recorder, trader and mapper. they will earn money (wealth units) by performing certain map skills. With their wealth unit they will be able to buy supplies for the long journey across the ocean to America. This will require planning and problem solving. They have to make sure they won’t starve on the long journey or run out of vital supplies. Once they have landed. they will have to use good thinking and knowledge of geography to choose a beneficial place to establish their colony. Land is worth different amounts of wealth units and reflects the reality of the early settlers’ needs and experiences. They will pick fate cards which will determine if they get to have a piece of land, if the Native Americans will trade with them or if a battle will take place. Fate cards mirror actual events that took place during the early English settlement of what is now the U.S. This simulation activity not only teaches early colonial American history, but involves the students in cooperative learning, keeping records, using math skills, problem solving, bartering, geographical knowledge and a hands on approach to learning history. Most students find it a highlight of their 5th grade year.

Field trip and some important assignment dates

Tomorrow is our field trip where we will be sailing on the Bay and learning about navigation, exploration, history and a little marine biology. All students must bring lunch and a water bottle and a day pack free of school supplies. We will be returning at 5:00 PM.

There are some important dates to note:  Please help your child put these dates on his/her home calendar or bulletin board.

The creative writing story we have been working on in class must be completed (1rst draft only) by Monday, October 26.

There is a challenging history test on the Age of Exploration Tuesday, October 27. Students should practice what they are going to write on the three essays and go over their notes, the study sheets and the chapter and lessons in the text.

A typed, written description of a proposed invention for the Invention Fair is due Wednesday, October 28. A sample of this assignment will go home with each student to follow.