|
November 6, 2009
Dear Parents,
We have had an excellent Second Quarter, thus far. If you have not
already, please take time to look at my website for recent
updates(http://www.teacherweb.com/NC/HighcroftDriveElementary/MrsBrownfield
or just search for me at www.teacherweb.com). A few important
upcoming events are the Book Fair (our Purchase Day: Thursday, Nov.
12) and the Wax Museum and Inaugural Ball (Friday, Nov. 20).
In Math, our class has been studying Geometry (Unit 4 of Math
Expressions). Students have learned to identify and understand
characteristics of polygons. Students have studied types of angles
and relationships among angles (supplementary and complementary). In
Fifth Grade, students learn about diagonals in polygons, as well as
symmetry (line and rotational). We have just started Unit 5, in which
students will study fractions and ratios.
In Reading and Writing students are studying nonfiction this
quarter. In Reading, students have been reading and studying
different types of nonfiction texts. During Guided Reading, students
are practicing skills such as identifying main idea, using key
vocabulary terms, drawing conclusions, and making inferences. In
Writing, your student has written a news article, full of important
facts and details. In preparation for the Wax Museum, students have
been reading biographies and writing reports on famous American
Political Figures. Your student should have completed this report in
class by today. At home, students are preparing their speeches and
visual aids (Trading Card, Mask, Model) for the Wax Museum. Students
should consult the rubric for specific guidelines for these projects.
As always, students should be reading at least 30 minutes per day at
home.
In Social Studies, we have been studying our country’s foundation.
Students will be participating in a unit called “Interact:
Independence.” Each student is given an identity (person’s name,
political faction, personal information). This program encourages
students to complete research of events leading to the Revolutionary
War. Through Congresses, students are challenged to debate and
discuss political actions. After each Congress, students will take a
test on the “Crisis Questions” that they have researched and studied
to prepare for Congress. Students are also learning about our
country’s early history in their Social Studies book (Unit 2).
Unfortunately, our class is nearly out of paper towels. If you
could send in roll of paper towels, our class would greatly appreciate
your donation. Thank you again for your help and support! If you have
any questions or concerns, please email me at ebrownfield@wcpss.net.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Bette Brownfield
|