Looks like summer temperatures will be holding on a little longer! I don't know about you, but I'm ready to see those leaves changing colors :) Maybe it's because I'm a teacher, but fall is definitely my favorite time of year!
We jumped into curriculum with both feet this week in all content areas...you may have noticed the increase in homework expectations. If you are noticing more than an hour of homework, your child is probably not using their classroom time wisely. This is a learned skill, and something we talk about often. If they're struggling at home with the amount of homework, you may want to reinforce using their independent time in the classroom to complete homework. If they seem overwhelmed, please include me in the conversation as your child may need some additional support with organization and making choices during work times.
Important Dates and Information:
Picture Day ~ Monday, 09/19 ~ Smile! Please remember to send in your picture form on Monday! I've only received a few order forms so far - I don't want anyone to miss the opportunity to order school pictures!
Morning Announcements - If you sent in a permission slip for Morning Announcements, your children were placed on the schedule, but please be aware that there are many children who are interested in participating. This means you may not see your child on the schedule until well into the school year. I will attach the schedule to the email this weekend. You will receive an email from Mrs. Watanuki the Friday before the week your child has duty. Your child is expected to be here at 8:45 every morning they serve on Morning Announcements. Some of our 5-2 friends are working on Morning Announcements this week - please check your email!
Maps Testing ~
You should have received a letter from AHSD this fall about the change in our Assessment calendar. If you did not, please let me know and I will forward it to you - there are a number of tests specific to 5th grade, and I want you to be aware of how your child will be assessed this year. Here is the portion about MAPS test for the fall:
The NWEA Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) will be administered to all new students or those in need of progress monitoring in the fall, winter, and spring. In the winter, students in grade 3 will take the math assessment and students in grade 5 will take the reading assessment. Students in other grade levels may take the MAP test for placement into advanced classes. In the spring, all students grades 2 - 8 will take both the reading and math assessments. The computerized format of MAP, aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards, assesses students in both reading and mathematics and is an adaptive test. The toal time for testing in both areas is about two hours. You
may find additional information about MAP testing at the Northwest Evaluation Association’s website - http://www.nwea.org/.
MAP Administration Dates:
September 12 - September 30
January 3 - January 20
April 17 - May 5
What's Happening in the Classroom
Math
We will be wrapping up Unit 1 this week. Our last lesson (1.9) is on Monday, then we will spend 2 days reviewing for the assessment. They will work on a review of concepts in class on Tuesday, then take a Unit 1 Quiz on Wednesday. We will discuss using the quiz results and a self-assessment to determine if they are ready to take the assessment. We spend a great deal of time in class discussing the importance of evaluating and reflecting on their own understanding of concepts to determine readiness for assessments, and independently seeking clarification if they are struggling with a concept as a way to promote ownership of their learning. We find when students evaluate their own learning process, they not only increase responsibility for their learning, but they also increase their assessment scores. You may want to spend some time this week assisting your child with self-evaluation of math concepts. Unit 1 Assessment is Thursday, 9/22.
Social Studies
We spent the week diving deeper into the events that led up to the Revolutionary War, and grew in our understanding of the opposing perspectives of the colonists and the British. Your children debated who was at fault, and arrived at the decision that they were both right and both wrong. I was impressed with their connections to conflicts in their own lives - there are two perspectives to every disagreement.
We spent the week diving deeper into the events that led up to the Revolutionary War, and grew in our understanding of the opposing perspectives of the colonists and the British. Your children debated who was at fault, and arrived at the decision that they were both right and both wrong. I was impressed with their connections to conflicts in their own lives - there are two perspectives to every disagreement.
Your child worked this week creating a poster about one specific event that led to the Revolutionary War, and reviewing for the Unit 10 Assessment on Monday, 09/19. We discussed several study strategies, including re-reading the chapter, reviewing the organizers posted on Edmodo, and creating flashcards for the vocabulary words.
Reading
We began our new Schoolwide Literacy Program this week by learning about the Reading Workshop Model, and establishing routines and expectations. One of the focuses of our Launch unit is how to share our thinking as we're reading in a discussion format. I've been so impressed with the depth with which your children are thinking during our read alouds, and how respectful and thoughtful they have been while sharing their thoughts. They have been encouraged to share without raising their hands, but to offer their thoughts more naturally in a discussion as a whole group. This requires they pay close attention to one another in the discussion, waiting for an appropriate time to speak and respond to each other. The students absolutely loved this new format - ask them about the challenges of having a class discussion, and about why they like it so much!
Reading
We began our new Schoolwide Literacy Program this week by learning about the Reading Workshop Model, and establishing routines and expectations. One of the focuses of our Launch unit is how to share our thinking as we're reading in a discussion format. I've been so impressed with the depth with which your children are thinking during our read alouds, and how respectful and thoughtful they have been while sharing their thoughts. They have been encouraged to share without raising their hands, but to offer their thoughts more naturally in a discussion as a whole group. This requires they pay close attention to one another in the discussion, waiting for an appropriate time to speak and respond to each other. The students absolutely loved this new format - ask them about the challenges of having a class discussion, and about why they like it so much!
We set up our Reading Baskets and our Reading Notebooks this week. Our Reading Baskets are where they keep their Reading Notebooks, Reading Folders, several texts, and a few other supplies while at school. They are encouraged to keep both fiction and non-fiction books in their baskets, and to include both books they are currently reading and books they would like to read. Their Reading Notebooks are where they will record notes and information about what they are reading. The Reading Notebook is divided into 4 sections: Whole Group, Small Group/Partner, Independent Reading, and Reading Log. They will be expected to complete a response in their notebook every night, but they do not need to bring the binder home. They simply need to complete the response and put it in their notebook when the return to school. Please be sure they are reading every night for at least 20 minutes!
Have a fantastic weekend!
“The child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn't been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him.” – Pablo Casals
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