#13 This Week in 5th Grade

WHAT WE'RE LEARNING IN CLASS

Math: We are working on multiplying and dividing decimals. By the end of the unit they will be able to multiply and divide decimals using the standard algorithm, powers of 10, and 10 x 10 grids. Below are some examples of what they will be solving:

• 0.5 x 4 = 2
• 6.5 / 2 = 3.25
• 7.89 x 100 = 789

Literacy (Reading & Comprehension): We finished up our unit on theme, and this next week we will be focusing on text evidence again. In 5th grade, we focus heavily on text evidence to answer comprehension questions, as well as to include in our writing. We are using the "formula" ICE a Quote to answer literal and inferential questions. I stands for Introduce (credit the author/text), C stands for Copy (copy a sentence from the text using quotation marks), and E stands for Explain (explain the evidence).

Here is an example of a question and answer using ICE a Quote.

• Question: What does Thomas Paine believe about independence?
• Answer: Thomas Paine states, "I consider independence as America's natural right and interest." He feels that America should be granted freedom because it is morally wrong to not have it.

Writing: This paper integrates what we have been learning about the American Revolution. The prompt we are answering is, "Do you think that America should or should not have seceded from Great Britain?" A 5th grade opinion essay includes the following:

• Introduction Paragraph
  • Hook (1-3 sentences that engage or "hook" the reader)
  • Background knowledge/description on the issue (2-4 sentences)
  • Thesis (Claim/opinion and 3 reasons)
• 3 Body Paragraphs - Each body paragraph must include:
  • Topic sentence stating reason
  • Evidence
  • Explanation
  • Example
• Conclusion
  • Restate Thesis
  • Call to Action (leave the reader feeling strongly about topic, or with a task to do)

Social Studies: This unit of the American Revolution has been so much fun. We are LOVING learning about the events leading up to the Revolution, key players, and major events during the Revolution. This week we have been doing a simulation where each student is either a spy, an officer, or a soldier. While we are learning about events during the war, they are collaborating with their groups to make decisions. Based on their decisions, they either earn or lose morale points. They then learn what soldiers, spies, and officers chose to do during the Revolution.