October Newsletter- Grade 5 Express

     Grade 5 Express

(October Edition)

Congratulations! You have survived the first month of school. We’ve had our first field trip, our first test, and finished the DRA. Way to go! As the weather gets colder and wetter, please remember to dress appropriately.

Math

In math the class has been working on Patterns and Algebra. In this unit students have been learning about identifying and creating patterns, stating the pattern rule, describing the pattern rule for the input/output machine, describing the pattern rule for the input, describing the pattern rule for the output, and creating t-charts (tables) to solve problems. They have been excellent math detectivesJ.

When students are stating the pattern rule they need to say: “Start at ___, and include the operation +,-, X or divide by ____ each time.

When they are solving problems they are strongly encouraged to make a t-chart so they can see the pattern and add to the t-chart to answer further questions without having to redo their work again.

Please review your child’s math duotange with them to help them to solidify the concepts that we have been learning in class. There will be a unit test on Thursday, October 6^th. 

Language Arts

In language arts the class has been reading Body Works in the Literacy in Action textbook. This unit aligns perfectly with our Science unit, “Body Systems”. They have completed skits about how to prevent the spread of germs. They have also completed the “Developmental Reading Assessment” (DRA). The DRA helps identify students’ strengths and areas of need. We have begun a spelling unit. Students may have some spelling activities to do in class/at home. Their red spelling duotange includes a parent letter that explains the spelling program. Beginning in October, students will have weekly spelling words to study each week and spelling dictations will occur on Fridays.

Students are also working on paragraph writing. We are writing paragraphs about our trip to the Plowing Match. Students are including a topic sentence, 4-5 sentences about the topic, and using descriptive words, otherwise known as “razzle dazzle” words. Eventually the paragraph writing will expand to include report writing. This will crossover into research reports in Science and Social Studies later in the term.

Science/Technology

In Science we are learning about Body Systems. Students are learning how their body works and have created a t-chart on what they know about their body, questions they have about body systems, and where they can find these answers. They will be identifying organs and 5 different body systems: digestive, respiratory, circulatory, nervous, and musculoskeletal. Our nutrition unit will tie in perfectly when we discuss the need for a healthy balanced diet to help our bodies to grow and our brains to learn.

We will also be getting the “germ kit” from the Health Unit

. Students will be able to see how effectively they wash their hand. In class we are also discussing how to help stop the spread of germs in our classroom by washing our hands, using hand sanitizer, and using our “germ catchers” when we cough or sneeze. Ask your child to identify the ”hot” germ spots in your house.

Phys. Ed./Health

As mentioned above, we are learning about nutrition in health. Students will be going on a field trip to Zehrs to explore healthy eating options, what healthy foods are, and they will learn about reading nutrition labels. The field trip is on Tuesday, October 25^th.

In phys. ed. We have discussed safety rules such as proper foot attire, having shoes that are tied and have enough ankle support to play, and about conducting ourselves in a safe manner. We have begun our soccer unit. Students are learning how to do throw-ins, kick-ins, dribble, trap, pass/intercept the ball, and scrimmage. We have many talented soccer players in our class!

Religion/Fully Alive

In Religion we are continuing our “Kindness Matters” unit. Students are performing, identifying and showing random acts of kindness on a daily basis. I am so proud of the kind hearts that are in our classroom. It is wonderful to teach such a thoughtful group of studentsJ.

Upcoming Dates

October 1st- Luke’s birthday

October 3^rd- Aidan’s birthday

October 6^th- Unit 1 Math test

October 7^th- school mass, spelling test(s) (7^th, 14^th, 21^st, 28^th)

October 10^th- Thanksgiving, Michael O.’s birthday

October 21^st- Picture Day

October 24^th- Emma’s birthday

October 25^th- Zehrs field trip

October 26^th- Focus on Nature Digital Learning all day in-class workshop

October 28^th- PD Day

October 31^st- Hallowe’en Party

Plowing Match

We had a beautiful day at the Plowing Match. The class had many awesome things that they saw, did, and learned. They are creating posters and paragraphs about their trip. When they are finished they will bring them home to show to their family. Thanks to the parent supervisors that joined us: Mrs. Boyd, Mrs. Eidt, Mr. Fry, Mrs. Long, and Ms. Mc Glone. What a great day we had:)

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact at the school (519) 843-3810, or to write me a note in your child’s agenda.

Your partner in education,

Mrs. S. Small

Please detach and return to Mrs. Small to be entered into the prize box contest by Wednesday, October 5^th.

Yes, I have read the October newsletter.

Student Name: __________________ and parent signature ____________________