Important Reminder:

• We will send home graded/completed work on Wednesdays. There will be a sheet for you to sign weekly showing that you have seen (and removed) all of their work. Forms from the office will also be included. Students have labeled the front pocket in their binder "Take Home".

Language Arts- Mrs. Phelps

Welcome back to Language Arts! I am SO EXCITED to have my former 4th graders back for 5th grade! We are beginning our week with some activities centered on our summer reading book, When You Reach Me. This book was a big hit with the 5th grade the last couple years and I can't wait to hear what they thought! 

We will also jump right into our first unit of Amplify, Early American Civilizations. The big idea of this unit is that large complex civilizations, including those of the Maya, Aztec, and Inca, developed in the Americas before the arrival of Europeans. Specifically, students will be describing, comparing, and contrasting geographical features of the regions in which the 3 civilizations developed. A writing project at the end of the unit will compare farming methods, architecture, or social structures of all 3 civilizations.

Skills we will be working on this week are:

Core Connections:

• describe key components of a civilization and identify present-day regions in the Americas as the location of three ancient civilizations

Reading: 

• describe, compare, and contrast the key geographical features of the regions in which Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations developed

• describe organizational structures of the Maya civilization and explain ways the Maya adapted to the diverse region in which their city-states thrived

Grammar: 

• identify subjects and predicates in sentences and differentiate between action verbs and linking verbs.

Morphology: 

• distinguish between root words and words with the prefixes il– and ir– (meaning 'not') and apply these skills in sentence composition 

Writing: 

• Students will learn how to paraphrase information. Meaning, they will read information and then write it in their own words! This is good preparation for a future explanatory writing piece they will do.

• compose sentences from notes and construct a logical paragraph describing the geographical features of Maya civilization

Homework: No homework this week!

Math: Mrs. Bennett

In the coming week, our focus will be on building a positive math mindset, helping students understand that math is not solely about being fast but rather about making sense of problems and persevering through challenges. Students will engage in activities that encourage them to model problems and reason through solutions, thinking both abstractly and quantitatively. Through whole group discussions, small group math tasks, and reflective journal prompts, they will practice these essential skills as we prepare to embark on our first chapter. By fostering a mindset that values persistence and understanding over speed, I aim to set students on the right path for a successful and enjoyable math journey ahead!

No homework this week - we will start our Simple Solutions book next week! Students are welcome to work ahead as needed.

Social Studies: Mrs. Crush

This year in fifth grade Social Studies, we will embark on an exciting journey studying the development of civilizations. Our focus will be on:

• Emergence and Development: Exploring River Valley Civilizations and Classical Empires from 3500 BCE to 600 CE.

• Government Structures: Understanding the origins, functions, and structures of various governments.

• Market Dynamics: Learning how markets operate through the exchange of goods and services.

• Cultural Influences: Comparing human and environmental characteristics that affect the movement of people, goods, and ideas.

• Religious Origins: Investigating early world religions and their connection to civilizations.

• Transition to Empires: Describing how River Valley Civilizations evolved into empires.

Through these studies, students will develop essential thinking and decision-making skills that prepare them for responsible citizenship in a democratic society.

This Week

This week, we will kick off our Civics Standards Unit, where students will:

• Explain the political structures of various governments in ancient civilizations.

• Analyze the relationship between governance and religion in River Valley Civilizations and Classical Empires.

• Describe key political institutions such as monarchy, democracy, republic, empire, and theocracy.

• Evaluate the rights, roles, responsibilities, and limitations of citizenship in classical Greece and Rome.

• Assess how historical, economic, geographic, and cultural factors influence social and government structures.

I'm excited to see our students engage with this rich content and develop a deeper understanding of our world’s history!

Religion: Mrs. Crush

This Week:

This week in Religion, we are excited to explore Chapter 3: Mary Lives with Justice and Obedience. Our students will learn about:

• The work of the Blessed Trinity.

• The Annunciation to Mary.

• How Mary is recognized as the new Eve through her obedience of faith and participation in God's work of salvation.

• The model of virtue that Mary represents in our lives.

• The significance of the liturgical season of Advent and how it calls us to imitate Mary's obedience of faith.

These lessons are enriching our students’ understanding of faith and virtue, and we celebrate their growth in knowledge and character.

Important Announcements:

• Student-Led Prayers: Our students have begun writing their student-led prayers, which are due by Tuesday, August 19. Please encourage them to share their thoughts and creativity!

• Chapter 3 Test: The Chapter 3 test on Mary Lives with Justice and Obedience will take place on Friday, August 29. We appreciate your support in helping your child prepare.

• 1st Trimester Service Hours and Reflections: Each student is asked to complete two service hours per trimester. Their 1st Trimester Service Hours and Reflections are due Wednesday, October 29. This will be complete on Google Classroom. 

Science: Mrs. Jackel

https://sites.google.com/ascension-parish.com/k-5science/5