Students have been working diligently on their Wax Museum projects! Their projects consist of a research report, backdrop, and speech presentation. The project has been a cross-curricular experience that has been engaging for all students. Presentations will take place on February 7, 2018 from 10AM-12:30PM. Come join us to learn valuable information from our fifth grade researchers!
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This week students got an opportunity to take part in the “Hour of Code” initiative that is occurring in schools across the country. Coding is an activity that allows students to work with the ideas that relate to computer science and programming, expanding fields in the modern economy. Students had a great time working together during their hour of code! In our class, students have an hour of their school week to explore personal interests. This time is called genius hour. Genius hour works as a series of steps for each student. First, students choose a topic they are wondering about. Next, they develop a question they can research based on their topic. Then, students research their topic. After they find an answer to their question, they create a project that teaches the rest of their classmates about their topic. Several projects have already been presented, and many students are currently working on finalizing their first genius hour projects! Students have been busy the last few weeks! In writing, students worked on a writing prompt in which they described a self-made flag that represented themselves. They also researched a topic of interest and created a presentation which showcased their knowledge to the class. Additionally, Students got the opportunity to take part in six hands-on stations during Colonial Day! We look forward to many more creative projects throughout the third trimester. In room 206, students often collaborate to create meaningful artifacts based on what they learn in class. These artifacts are then used to decorate the interior and exterior of the classroom. When students are surrounded by an atmosphere of authentic work, they are more likely to respect their environment and the learning process. Check out some of the authentic work below! Students had the opportunity to celebrate the fall season twice today. In the morning, students took part in Fall Festivus activities with specials teachers. Activities included face painting, computer games, outdoor games, and singing and dancing. In the afternoon, fifth grade celebrated the fall season with a fall party. During the party, students enjoyed food, crafts, and games. Thank you to all the parents that helped make today possible! Fifth grade had a blast!
In our classroom, students spend a large amount of the school day in guided formats. Guided Reading and Math are times during the school day when students break into small groups to work with their teacher. This allows the classroom teacher to focus on student needs in a small group setting which can be much more effective than whole group instruction. When students are not working with their teacher, they are working on extension activities that strengthen their understanding of the current topic being taught. Extension activities often include the use of classroom technology, group work, and project work.
Fifth grade has been off to a great start! Over the past three weeks, students have built meaningful relationships with each other that will promote group success in our classroom throughout the school year. They have also adjusted to our daily schedules and the pace of the fifth grade curriculum. We look forward to the rest of what the 2016-2017 school year has to offer! Students enjoyed many fun activities at the end of the school year! These included creating and presenting book club projects, attending six informative and fun stations during our environmental education days, the fifth grade picnic, and graduation. It was a wonderful year. Each student made unique and measurable progress towards their academic and personal goals. I wish each student from the class of 2023 the best of luck as they move on to middle school. Have a safe and relaxing summer!
Students have been reading a chapter book of choice with peers in book clubs. Each club reads together, and then responds to their readings by discussing together as a group. It has been a rewarding experience and has fueled motivation to read in the classroom. Starting next week, students will be responding to the maker prompt: " What can we create to describe the plot, characters and events of our story?" I look forward to seeing what they decide to create! |
Brian A. Valentine
This blog will serve as a visual representation for the exciting events that occur in fifth grade throughout the 2016-2017 school year. Archives
December 2017
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