We had a fantastic first full week of school! π Our students are continuing to learn and practice fifth-grade routines and expectations while working together to create our classroom norms. I have been so impressed with how thoughtfully they have expressed their needs and ideas for creating a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment. π
Thursday folders went home yesterday. π¬ Please review the information inside and remind your student to return their folder on Monday if they have not already done so today. Thank you for helping us establish these important routines!
This week in Math, we focused on reviewing fourth-grade skills and preparing for the year ahead. Students completed their first FastBridge assessment on Thursday. We also explored some fun mathematical ideas, including:
π’ βIshβ numbers
π Creating a MΓΆbius strip
π‘ Discussing why making mistakes and experiencing productive struggle are important parts of learning
Next week, we will begin Module 1: Place Value & Decimals. π
I highly recommend checking out Eureka Math Help with Mrs. Setness on YouTube if your student would benefit from additional support with homework. She provides helpful explanations and examples that can make challenging concepts easier to understand. π
Students continued to practice and strengthen their ELA routines and procedures this week. They began writing daily journal entries, which they will continue each morning. π
We also reviewed:
π€ Parts of speech
βοΈ Capitalization and punctuation
π― Authorβs Purpose
π Active listening
π¬ Having respectful and constructive conversations
Students explored Authorβs Purpose by reading several books, including Emmanuelβs Dream and The Day the Crayons Quit. π They also practiced listening carefully to their classmates and responding thoughtfully during discussions.
Next week, we will begin learning about the inquiry process. Students will start developing the skills they need to ask meaningful questions, investigate topics, and make connections as young historians and researchers. ππ
Our science notebooks are ready to go! πβ¨ Next week, we will begin our first area of study: Living Systems. Students will have opportunities to explore how living things interact with one another and with their environments. π±πΎ
Fifth graders have nightly homework to help prepare them for the increased responsibility and independence expected in middle school. π
Your student should bring home a homework folder and planner each evening, with their assignments recorded in the planner.
I ask that families:
π Sign your studentβs planner each night
π¬ Talk with your student about what they are learning and working on
π Make sure homework and necessary materials come home
β Encourage your student to complete and/or check their assignments
Students are typically given some time to work on homework in class when our schedule allows. However, they should still bring their assignments home so they can finish or review their work in the evening.
Having a strong foundation in math facts is especially important for fifth-grade students. π’πͺ There are many free online resources and multiplication games available, and students can also practice with flashcards.
I recommend that students spend at least 10 minutes each day practicing multiplication facts. Even a little practice each day can make a big difference!Β
Multiplication Blocks β Math Playground
K5 Learning β Multiplication Worksheets
π»There are also additional resources available on our classroom website.
Please take a few minutes to read this weekβs Farnham Flash for additional school updates and information. π£
Thank you so much for your continued support of your student and our classroom! π I am looking forward to meeting all of you next week at Back to School Night.
π
Thursday
β° 6:00 PM
π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Parents/guardians only
I canβt wait to connect with you, share more about our classroom, and tell you all about the exciting year ahead! π
Have a wonderful and relaxing weekend! ππ
Warmly,
Ms. Carpenter