February 5, 2010
Holy cannolli !!!! We’ve made it to February! It’s exactly the mid-year point. I can’t believe how quickly fifth grade is moving along.
The state map and border projects are just about complete! I can’t wait for all of you to see them at the curriculum fair in May. If you want to see them earlier please feel free to stop by the hallway near our classroom after school and check them out. They look amazing! Students are still working on completing their index cards. Next week everyone will be writing a final draft of their research reports neatly in cursive. Please remember to send in a clear report cover for your child’s work (if you haven’t done so already). Thank you. Our next unit of study is Canada. =) Remember that the state suitcase is due on or before this Tuesday, February 9th.
We have finished our studies of the human body. Now we will be going on to study the scientific method as well as plants and photosynthesis. Next week we will be focusing on the scientific method. Students will do a variety of small science experiments in class to get the feel for the process.
In reading we have started a new author study. We are reading Bruce Coville’s books. He is an accomplished science-fiction and fantasy writer. Students are in groups reading four different titles: Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher, Juliet Dove, Queen of Love, The Monster’s Ring, and The Skull of Truth. As a whole class we will soon read Jennifer Murdley’s Toad. We still need to finish up The Watsons Go to Birmingham -1963.
The Fifth Grade Math, Science & Technology Expo will be held on Friday, March 5th. Your child should have brought home a library book for his/ her 5th grade science fair project. Students will not be working on these projects in class. The February book report, as well as spelling homework have been cancelled due to this assignment.
Please send in your Ashokan payment if you haven’t done so already. Thank you.
Report cards went home yesterday. Please be sure to review your child’s report card, empty, sign, and return the envelope right away. Thanks.
We continue to be in need of tissues, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer. The children also use red ballpoint pens a lot. If you could send in some inexpensive pens (or ones that you have lying around the house) that would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance for your generosity. A big thank you goes out to Shane and his family for donating a bag of these supplies as well as more tennis balls. Now I can finish replacing the old ones that keep falling off the chairs.
Our class is currently participating in a mindfulness training course with Mrs. Linda Cantor, a retired Arlington teacher who now is a professor at Vassar College. The mindfulness training helps students focus on being in the moment. It draws their attention inward so that each child develops a central focus. There are many breathing and relaxation exercises that the children are learning. It is kind of like Yoga, but without the poses! The children seem to be enjoying it. We have two 30 minute sessions per week for about eight weeks. I definitely feel it will be helpful for them as they enter middle school. Please ask you child about this program.
We will be having a small Valentine’s Day party next Friday afternoon at 2:00PM. Students may wish to exchange Valentines. Attached is a class list. The only rule that I have is that if your child wants to participate in the Valentine exchange he/ she must include a Valentine for EVERY child in our class. That way we avoid feelings being hurt. Please refrain from the extra candy on the cards, too. Thanks again!
Your cooperation and support is always much appreciated.
Have a wonderful weekend! Enjoy the snow and the Super Bowl!
Fondly,
Mrs. Moschetto