DOL Quiz Friday

Please note that there will be a D.O.L. quiz this Friday, on weeks 9-12.  Students should study 10 minutes/night.

You say you want a revolution?

We began our American Revolution unit in Social Studies today.  One of our big ideas in this unit is that there are many events that lead to war, not just one.  Fifth graders learned a little bit about the French and Indian War today.  We talked about how proud we all are of our country being founded on important ideas, like everyone being equal!

Potential & Kinetic Energy

Fifth graders took a quiz yesterday to assess their understanding of potential and kinetic energy.  Quizzes were returned this morning.

From Eliana

In Torah Project, I introduced the long term project that will help us learn the Summer Parshiyot. Each student will be responsible for learning about one or two parshiyot and then teaching it to their peers. We are working on writing clear, concise, complete and correct summaries of the parshiyot. This will be a fantastic learning experience for the students and I look forward to seeing them all as teachers.
We are starting to prepare for the Zimriyah- make sure to mark your calendars for February 17!!

Fractions and Mixed Numbers Math Test

Fifth graders took a math test today, on fractions and mixed numbers.  I have already looked them over, and I plan to return them tomorrow, Wednesday.  If you see an "S" written next to your child's work, that means "simplify."  A "P" means the student was given "partial credit" because some of the work was correct.

"Story of Stuff" Assignment Returned

I loved reading these!  These were returned to students today, so please be sure to check in with your child to see how well he or she did on this assignment.

Snow and Recess

Please remember to send you child with a hat, gloves, boots, and warm jacket.  Natalie and Sonya had a blast playing outside during recess today.  Hopefully we can enjoy the snow as a whole class!

Math Test Tuesday

Our math test was pushed back due to the snow day and the newspaper project.  It will be on Tuesday.

Colonial Newspapers

Fifth graders handed in their newspapers today!  They should feel so good about all that they've accomplished with this project.  This morning they did as self-assessment, and then each group read the other group's paper.
Kol Hakavod!

Math with Miss Weiss

Eliana and I met with the other DeLeT mentors yesterday, at JCDS- Boston.  We are always trying to learn how to be better mentors!

Miss Weiss taught classes in the AM.  The following is from Miss Weiss:

Yesterday in class fifth graders used their knowledge of fractions and
mixed numbers to solve real-world problems. First, they helped me
figure out my portion of a meal in which I split five appetizers
evenly among myself and two other people. Then students worked in
pairs to solve a slew of other challenging real-world word problems on
a variety of topics. In fact, the fifth graders were such math
superstars yesterday, they plowed through the assigned problems and
the problems I had intended to give them for homework all before the
end of the class period. Kol HaKavod, fifth graders! Keep up the good
work!

New Science Unit

We began our new science unit today: Energy.
This unit will have three parts: an energy overview, wind energy, and solar energy.
Students wrote and shared what they think they know about energy and what they want to learn.  They took a pre-assessment and they worked on creating their own definitions for energy.  Then we read a bit about different forms of energy, highlighting main points along the way.  I think they were surprised to learn that there is the same amount of energy in the world today as there always has been.  I think it's fascinating!

Making Stuff

This might be a great series for parents and fifth graders to watch together!
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/making-stuff.html

Writing about God

Fifth graders began a new writing project today: expressing their thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and ideas about God.
This assignment does not have a rubric.  At this time there is also no fixed due date.
Putting a topic that is difficult to express in words on paper is a real challenge.
I can't wait to see what they write!

Lashon

We have been listening to the song "Orchim Lakayitz" in Lashon this week as we make a connection to our Jewish value of the month, Hachnasat Orchim, Welcoming Guests. In the song, the kids are excited about welcoming guests to their homes and learning about their different cultures. We have been writing about how to be welcoming in our classroom, our school and our home.
Enjoy the you tube links below, and sing along with the songs!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHbCC8CH6VY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9trM_dxqR4&feature=related

Colonial Newspaper- 5th graders using google docs

Fifth graders are busy working on their newspapers.  By using google docs, they are able to all work on one document in real time.  They are very excited about it!

"It's so awesome! You can see other people type while you are typing on the same document!" wrote Sonya.