Monday, January 8, 2018

Our week in learning 1/08

Welcome back! I hope everyone's winter vacation was relaxing and refreshing.

In math this week, we will begin with a review of semester one, then move on to a very 
brief unit on ratio. There will be no math groups this week.

This week in history, students will start to learn about the age of exploration. We will 
cover the importance of the Spice Islands, ways explorers were able to navigate, and the 
Portuguese explorers. Please note that we will be covering slavery and the middle passage 
later in the unit. I encourage discussion at home on this sensitive topic.

This week in grammar, students will review their knowledge of classifying and diagramming 
skills, and add a new skill to their toolbox: identifying and diagramming indirect objects! They will 
have a homework packet sent home on Monday from which they should select two whole problems 
to complete each night, turning it in each day to show completion, and due Thursday for a full grade.

Additionally, the beginning of the third quarter also marks the beginning of our next project! Our fifth graders 
will embark on their first research paper at the end of this week! Students will randomly select an explorer to 
research and write about. We will be researching on computers over the next few weeks, but students will also 
be required to use at least one book as a source, and they will need to bring that research to class daily 
throughout the duration of this project. They should have their assignments by this weekend. Please look 
out for a project packet and signature page coming home this weekend.


In science this week, students will begin their quarter-long unit on plants. We will begin by 
reviewing parts of the cell that students are familiar with, and taking notes on organelles unique
to plant cells. Students will make flashcards for homework this week and will be allowed to use 
their flashcards on their plant cell quiz on Thursday.

In literature, we will begin reading The Secret Garden. Please make sure your child brings his or 
her copy of the book to school by Tuesday. 

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