News From Mrs. Stevenson

March 26, 2013

Language Arts

Reading

Students are reading realistic fiction books in book clubs. We are learning how this genre creates settings and characters that draw you into the time period. We are working to create book timelines to push our thinking over time. Students have set reading goals each day with their group and if they don’t complete their reading they must bring home their book to keep up.

Writing

We are writing persuasive essays during writing. Your child has made a list of topics that they feel passions about that they will try to persuade people to agree with them. Ask them what they are writing about.  Each child will write 3 or more essays.

Spelling/Vocabulary

We will not have words the next few weeks.  We are taking a break due to shortened weeks and we are now doing our keyboarding lessons in its place.

Math

We are working on more fractions and applications to real life. Students are working on putting fractions, decimals, and percentages on number lines. They continue to work on adding, subtracting and will also learn to multiply and divide fractions. In addition, they will learn to simplify.

Science

We have begun to learn about the solar system.  We are starting by learning about why we have seasons and the Earth’s movement. We will are also looking at misconceptions about the true facts and are looking at legends about these misconceptions. Students will be working in teams to act out some of these legends.

Social Studies

Students are learning about Williamsburg, chapter 9. Students will be having a “tea party” this week to support their learning.

Miscellaneous

-Our field trip to Greenfield Village is scheduled for Thursday, May 23. Information about this will be sent home soon. We will take four parents per class as chaperones on our buses and to guide groups. Other parents will have the option to meet us at the trip and to join their child’s group.

-Students will visit SMS on May 15th, during the school day, for an overview of their new school. Information will come later about this but I know that some of you were asking. Parents are not invited to this, you will have an opportunity at a later date.

-Please check with your child if they are need of any additional supplies. Many are running out of room in some of their journals or are out of glue sticks.

-I have received a mini-grant from our PTO to add some technology for our classroom. I have also gone online with a donors programs to supplement this grant.  I will be sending you the donor program information over the next week in case you would like to review it and/or contribute. A great opportunity for a tax write off.

-Fifth grade singing concert is April 11th at 7 pm.