That was then…
In the not-so-recent past students learned about angles, polygons, and symmetry in math. They read biographies about explorers and created explorer posters to share with their classmates. Students learned about North America’s early English colonies- including Plymouth (Hopefully students had a few Thanksgiving facts to share with their families during the holiday!).
This is now…
Currently, the class is learning about fractions. They are at the beginning of a long math unit in which students will learn to compare, add, and subtract fractions as well as mixed numbers. Also, the class is learning about levers and pulleys in science. This week students are experimenting with levers, diagramming levers, watching lever videos, reading about levers, writing about levers, eating and dreaming levers! (Well… maybe not the last two.)
This Friday is a furlough day, which means students will be dismissed at 12:55. Please plan accordingly. From 10:30-12:00 the kids will have time to snack on treats, create crafts, and maybe sing a carol or two. Parents are welcome to join us. Any nut-free snacks you can provide will be much appreciated.
Next year…
On the first day back after the break (1/3/12) our class is having a read-a-thon from 10:30-12:20. This is the class’ reward for their hard work on the food drive. Our class brought in 655 items! Way to go!!!! Students may bring pillows, blankets, sheets (for tent-making), magazines, and e-readers (at their own risk). They may also wear pajamas. FUN!
Upon returning in January, students will continue to learn about pulleys, the colonization of North America, and fractions. In language arts, students will complete activities related to a Chinese folk tale.
« October News
Here is a peek at what we have been up to in the classroom…
MATH: Students are gearing up to take the Unit Two test which primarily focuses on perimeter and area. Next week students will begin the next unit which deals with addition and subtraction of whole numbers and decimals.
Here is a sample problem from the next unit: This week Roberto ran 5.83 miles on Monday and 6.6 miles on Tuesday. Last week he ran a total of 12.09 miles on Monday and Tuesday. Did he run more or less last week? How much more or less?
LANGUAGE ARTS: Together the class read Morning Girl by Michael Dorris. Students recorded their thoughts (via the reading strategies) as they read and completed a related journal writing activity each day. Students also wrote a book review, recorded the similes found in the story, and more.
This week students have been reading about early cultures of the western hemisphere. Our big focus this week has been on understanding the main idea of a passage.
SOCIAL STUDIES: Last week students took a test to assess their understanding of the early peoples of China and Africa as well as Europe’s desire to trade with them.
This week students are learning about the Maya, Aztec, Anasazi, and Inca cultures. Students are completing station activities for more in-depth learning of the Mayans (similar to what they did when learning about China and Africa). A study guide, which will include the two essay questions on the test, will go home with students tomorrow (10/20) and the test will be on Friday.
OTHER: The fifth graders have been working hard to prepare for the musical. Look for an email regarding how you can help. A parent from Mr. Parry’s class will send it out soon.
Be sure to look at the other posts (below) about conferences, Halloween, and the fundraiser.
~Mrs. Van Horne
The Latest and Greatest »« Halloween
Below is the sign-up sheet that was out on Curriculum Night. Since nobody signed up for the sandwich supplies, I think we will bag that idea and stick with other snacks/treats instead. 
Please leave a message in the comments section if there is something you can bring.
I will also need volunteers to man the game/craft stations, so please let me know if you will be able to help with that as well. The party will run from 1:00-1:50, but it would be great if you could come at 12:30 to help set everything up for this fun event.
Thanks!!!
October News »« Conference Q & A
A NOTICE TO PARENTS ABOUT CONFERENCES
Conference Week = October 24-28
When will I get my conference time? Your child should have brought home a green paper on Thursday (10/13/11) with your time on it. It needs to be returned quickly.
What if I can’t make the scheduled time? Please contact the office ASAP at (360)804-35oo if the time does not work for you. If a different week is better, let me know and we can schedule something at either 8:25 or 3:30.
Should my child come? Your child is welcome to come with you to your conference, or stay home- the choice is entirely yours.
Can I have a phone conference instead? Yes. Just email me some times that work and a phone number. Phone conferences are slightly less informative because you will not have the benefit of looking at your child’s tests and other work I’ve saved as we talk… but they are better than nothing.
See you next week!
Halloween »« Walk-A-Thon
Exercise, music, juice, prizes- we had a great time!
I want let all parents know how much we teachers appreciate your efforts in making this a successful event for our school. It is a fantastic fundraiser. I love that all of the profits go directly to our PTO.
Many of the things that I have in my classroom (document camera, projector, calculators…) and experiences offered to students (field trips, assemblies, presentations…) would not be possible without PTO funding.
Thanks again!!!
Conference Q & A »« What’s Happening??? (9/19/11)
Here is a look at what is happening right now in the classroom…
Math: Students finished up a quick unit focusing on math fact fluency. As a whole, the group seems to have a solid grasp on their basic multiplication and division facts. Students that need extra support in that area will soon become part of a group that will work with an educational assistant to improve their speed and accuracy.
For the next three weeks students will continue the first unit in the math curriculum which primarily focuses on multiplication and division work problems. This unit encourages students to analyze the structure and language of different types of work problems and to discuss different models that can be used to solve word problems. They will use algebraic notation to examine more complex problems including functions.
Language Arts: Students have been reading short stories in small groups, working on specific literacy skills in centers, and participating in whole group lessons using the reading textbook. (This week’s story was a tall tale about Thunder Rose.) Through the activities students have learned about the reading strategies good readers employ while reading. Students have also had opportunities to write short stories in their composition books.
Last week the class took their first spelling test. I was shocked to see that about 1/2 the class scored 100%. Wow! Each week students will get their assignment and words on Monday. The homework is due on Friday, the same day as the test. Students also practice their spelling words in a center activity during class. On the right side of your screen there is a spelling list link. Use it to get a list of the words, play games using the list, or even take a test. It is a fabulous tool to use if spelling is a challenge and extra practice is needed.
Science: We recently learned about what actual scientists write in their notebooks and began notebooks of our own. Learning how to create scientific illustrations and thoughtful observations will be our primary focus this week.
Other: Students completed a project/report titled All About Me in which they told about themselves through an acrostic poem, illustrations, a timeline, a map, and more. These reports will be up and on display for Curriculum Night (October 6th).
Walk-A-Thon »« Two Great Days
I’ve had two great days with my students and am looking forward to the next 178. The class has been working hard and striving to do their best academically and behaviorally. I love it!
The first homework assignments are due tomorrow (9-9-11). When a student does not turn in an assignment on time they are given an “Oops!” slip to be signed by a parent. The slip is to be stapled to the late assignment and returned to school ASAP. The purpose of the slip is to let parents know when their child has not done his or her work, and to let students see the importance of turning work in on time. As students enter middle school late assignments will drop their grades. Getting in the habit of completing their work on-time now, will help students when they face the academic rigors of middle school.
Parents have a little bit of homework this week too! I’ve sent home a sheet for parents to fill out with information for me, as well as a volunteer form. I will contact all families interested in volunteering by the end of next week. Now is the time to fill out the multi-page volunteer packet provided by the office so you can get cleared and in the classroom ASAP.
Every day students are to record the day’s events on their Weekly Planner. Work that is circled is homework. This is a good communication tool for parents to see what happens each day and what the homework is. We fill it in as a group and while sometimes it may appear a bit cryptic to others, students should be able to explain it. I strongly recomend parents ask to see the weekly planner each evening. Students keep it in the front of their red folders, which should also come home each night.
Thank you for sending healthy snacks to school with your child. I do not allow junk food as a snack. Students are also asked not to trade or share snacks. Please, NO NUTS!!! We have one or more students with a life-threatening peanut allergy. That means no peanut butter as well as actual nuts. A letter titled, Peanut/Tree Nut Allergy Alert will come home with students on Friday. Please read it to get all the facts.
Thanks for taking the time to read this blog post. Be sure to check out the Maltby Messenger too. Next week’s blog post will focus on the specifics of what we are doing in the classroom.
~Mrs. Van Horne
What’s Happening??? (9/19/11) »« Welcome Back!!!
Maltby's "Big Rock"
I can hardly wait to meet you all! Can you believe school is about to be back in session? Here are a few things I hope you are doing in preparation of the first day:
- Adjusting your bedtime
- Reading daily
- Purchasing your school supplies
- Having fun (You will need adventures to write about, right?)
Future posts will have information about what we are doing in the classroom, photos of students and their projects, and a calendar of upcoming events. I will email parents to inform them of particularly important updates.
Do you have any questions for me? Please feel free to leave a comment in the section below. The blog will ask for your email address, but your address will not be posted for others to see. Your comments and questions will not appear immediately, because they first get sent to me to approve. I can’t wait to hear from you.
~ Mrs. Van Horne
Two Great Days »
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