Hello!

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend! May is upon us and this is only a 4 day week.

Here is what is happening in Grade 5 this week...

Writing: We will be having a writing celebration to wrap up Persuasive and we will be moving onto Informational.

Math: We working on 2 digit by 2 digit multiplication. There are several strategies for this... we have looked at base ten and are now using the box method. I'm doing a lot of "Check In's" on previous outcomes to ensure the students are showing mastery.

Reading: Final projects are in full swing and we continue to read aloud Restart.

Health: We have begun a puberty and hygiene unit - I used a "hygiene basket" provided by Ms. Heather to explore some products ex. deodorant, mouthwash, body wash etc.

Science: Continuing with Weather.

Social Studies: We are talking about social structures in Inuit and First Nation Societies prior to what is now know as Atlantic Canada - We will be making some talking sticks this week.

Word Work: We are dialing in on Commas, complete sentences and capitalization.

Important Dates:

May 3rd - No School

Hello!

I hope everyone enjoyed the solar eclipse. I cannot believe it's the middle of April already.

What this week looks like... 4 day week (no school Friday, April 19th PD)

Math: PR2: We are working on single variable equations ( 5x=25 and solving for x).

Writing: Wrapping up Persuasive. The students recently compared their on demand writing piece vs what they have created after teaching. The growth is incredible! So impressed.

Reading: Reading groups continue, most of us are on final projects.

Social Studies: We will be looking closely at First Nations and Inuit decision making

Science: Weather with a focus on clouds

Important dates ahead....

April 19th - No School

April 22 -Hawaii Day

April 23 - Bake Sale - Hat Day

April 24 - Neon Day

April 25 - Anything but a backpack

April 26 - School Spirit Day - Wear school colors.

Hello!

I hope everyone enjoyed their March break and the transition back to regular routines. 

As most of us know the biggest topic at hand is the Solar Eclipse happening tomorrow, April 8th - A gentle reminder that students will be dismissing at 12:45 - I will assume that each student is to resume regular scheduling for transportation unless I hear from you.

In terms of eye protection. I have a set of protective eye wear for each student. I chose to hold off on handing them out until tomorrow, April 8th - as they are quite flimsy and I don't want them to break or be misplaced.

We've had some discussion regarding the severity of the eclipse and the long term damage that it may have on their eyes if they choose to look at the eclipse without the proper eye protection. I've attached a video.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9IlrWA-z64 

EYE PROTECTION 

Regular Curriculum:

Math: We have moved onto PR2 - single variable equations.

Writing: Finishing up our Persuasive

Reading: Book Clubs and Read Aloud : Restart - Gordon Kormon

Social Studies: We have been looking deeply into social structure which lead to a side bar of Government. I've leaned into the students curiosity regarding our government(s).

Science: We have moved onto Weather.

Reminders:  Thursday is Ice Cream day. Homework 1 math sheet due: Friday and reading 20 minutes nightly. Please practice multiplication facts as much as possible. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I hope you had a great weekend... We have a short week ahead with only 4 days (No School Friday) and many of us hitting the road for vacation. 

⭐IMPORTANT: On the Thursday, we will be holding a school Futsal tournament to raise funds for World Water day. Each class has been left with the task of coming up with a fundraising idea.  As a class, we discussed a few options and the winner was a class "Yard Sale." Students would bring in items that they no longer want/need OR items they have created and would like to sell. All of the funds raised will go towards World Water Day.

In terms of curriculum, we will be plugging away as usual. 

🎉NO HOMEWORK THIS WEEK🎉

I will be away Wednesday & Thursday. My daughter has a Dance Competition in Halifax. 

Enjoy your break everyone. I the break offers everyone an opportunity to relax or do something for themselves. 

Ashley

Spring Forward!

I can't believe we are here. I love the idea that spring is right around the corner, but majorly dislike losing an hour (I need that hour).

Thank you to all of you for being so flexible with Parent teacher conferences. It was certainly appreciate on my end.

What's happening in grade 5...

Math: Wrapping up our unit on estimating and moving towards adding and subtracting decimals - I feel this will be a welcomed move, as it is one of our more lighter outcomes. We will continue to reach back to fractions and division with the goal of mastery.

Writing: We are plugging away on Persuasive and I am loving the process. I love this unit because I really get to see what the students are passionate about.

Reading: We will be finishing up our read aloud and we are well underway in our new book clubs.

Homework: Please continue to encourage reading 20 mins at home and practicing those multiplication facts. 

Have a great week!

Hello,

I hope everyone is well and enjoyed the beautiful weather this weekend.

Coming up in this week in grade 5...

Math: We will be finishing up N2: Estimation.

Writing: We are working on Persuasive. We are working really hard on solid introductions, and building strong paragraphs to support our opinions. Paragraph building is really difficult, so we are using the acronym (PEEL) Point - Example - Explanation - Link.

Reading: We are coming close to finishing Fish In A Tree. We have been working hard on Comprehension. We are beginning new book clubs and we will be focusing on inferring and predicting. 

Social Studies: We will be moving onto our unit of People.

Science: We are almost finished of our unit on the Human Body.

Important Dates:

Thursday/Friday: Parent Teacher Interviews. I saw in the weather that Thursday/Friday may be challenging in terms of weather. If you would like to book a phone call or alternate date during this week. Please let me know. I will accomodate if I can.

Hello Families,

We had a great first day in grade 5! I was completely blown away by the students. We were lucky enough to welcome a new student to our classroom, Kynlee. We are all equally excited to welcome her to our classroom family!

Tomorrow is supposed to be extremely warm. Please assure that your child dresses accordingly, and assure that your child has a water bottle packed!

Your child brought home their homework bag with a pile of papers for you to read, sign and return. Please send those back at your earliest convenience. 

Looking forward to another awesome day tomorrow.

Warmly,

Ashley 

My name is Ashley Paquet and I live in Stratford with my husband, Travis, and our two amazing kids, Ciaran & Olivia. I can't forget our fury baby, Freddy. This is my 5th year teaching at VRCS. Prior to teaching at Vernon River, I taught kindergarten in Cardigan.

I have worked  with children for as long as I can remember and I love teaching and connecting with my students and their families. I am delighted to be teaching your child this year and I look forward to helping them to learn and grow.

What a beautiful weekend! Having such beautiful weather will make it hard to come back to a full week.

Last week we focused on routines & expectations and we will continue to do this in the week to come. We will also begin picking away at our curriculum this week, as we transition back into the swing of things.

In Math we will begin with a "check in" from grade 4. This will give me an understanding of where everyone is. Our first outcome in grade 5 is N1: Representing & Describing numbers to 1 000 000. I'm a big believer in practicing multiplication facts as often as possible (in the car on the way to the rink) having a 3 second recall of our facts will provide students with a solid foundation for their academic career.

In Language Arts I will begin doing reading records with the students to gain an understanding of where each child is and I will form "book clubs" according to everyone's levels. I like to have a balance of guided reading/book clubs. In my experience, having book clubs fosters independence and responsibility (which are on their report cards). Furthermore, we will launch our writers workshop this week as well. We will start with some free writes and setting up expectations around Writers Workshop.

In Health we will do a lot of work around goals/mindfulness/gratitude/affirmations etc. I love setting goals at the beginning of the year, big or small. I believe it's important to always be working towards something.

Homework will come home this week. Again, I'm a big believer in reading 20 minutes a day. I understand life is busy, kids are busy, but 20 minutes before bed is a nice way to end the day and to foster a love of reading. Please sign your child's calendar to confirm they have read. I will also send home one math sheet for the week which can be passed in at any point throughout the week, but is due on Friday.

I assure you, I'm typically not this long winded! As always, please reach out to me with any questions or concerns. The more we communicate, the better!

Warmly,

Ashley

Hello! I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend.

Here is a peek into our week in grade 5 - (I will be out Monday, due to a death in the family). I have a wonderful Sub coming in - and left a detailed plan for her. My only request is that your child knows their after school plans.

Math: We continue to work on N1: Numbers to 1 000 000 - the children are doing wonderfully on this outcome.

Writing: We continue to build routines and expectations around writers workshop. We are working on the story of "our name."

Reading: I've met with all students and have and know where each child is - and we will begin our Book Clubs. We are also doing a class read aloud "The One and Only Ivan" one of my favourites.

Health: We are setting goals for the year and working on mindset.

Social Studies: We are addressing the idea of why the past is important

Science: Never a fan favorite, but the digestive system. 

Homework: Math worksheet due Thursday and 20 minutes reading nightly (signed calendar)

Dates to remember:

Thursday, September 28th - ORANGE SHIRT DAY - ICE CREAM DAY ($1.50) - STUDENT OF THE MONTH ASSEMBLY

Friday, September 29th - NO CLASSES - PD

Hello Families!

I hope everyone enjoyed their beautiful weekend. There isn't much to update you on in Grade 5 as we are still plugging away at the outcomes mentioned previously.

There are some Important dates to Remember:

Thursday, October 5th - Ice Cream Day ($1.50)

Friday, October 6th - Picture Day

Monday, October 9th - No School - THANKSGIVING

Friday, October 27th - PD - No School

Hello Families,

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving weekend. I wanted to send a quick update for you.

Math: We are moving onto N8: Decimals - this will be a little more challenging than our first unit. On the back of the homework sheet this week I've attached a little "cheat sheet" to help with understanding.

Writers Workshop: We have begun the launch of our Personal Narrative - and we are beginning to brainstorm ideas through: lists, pictures, drawings, etc. I'm excited to see where this writing unit takes us.

Readers Workshop: We are into our "Book Clubs" and we will be selecting a novel for each group. 

Social Studies: I've sent home an interview form. Your child should pick someone 60+ to interview. This will help with the students understanding of Oral History & Story Telling.

Science: We are currently working through the Digestive System - We have begun group projects; where each group will become an expert on a particaular part of the Digestive System (ex. Small Intestine) and they will teach the class. I'm looking forward to these final projects.

Important Dates:

Thursday,  October 12th - Cross Country Zone Meet @ SKC & Grades 3-6 Meet the Teacher @4:00-5:00 & Ice Cream Day ($1.50)

Hello Families!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! I don't have much to update you on so this weeks update will be short.

Math: N8: Decimals - I'm consistently impressed with how quickly these kids adapt to new concepts in math. We are progressing nicely and hopefully we stay on pace.

Writing: We are into the drafting stages of our Recount. I have enjoyed conferencing with the students and we will continue to do so this week. Writer's Workshop is quite easily the quietest part of our day.

Readers Workshop: Students have been assigned to Book Clubs and have had two meetings since receiving their books. I'm super eager to see how this unfolds.

Social Studies: We are collecting our interview information and will put that information into a presentation.

Science: We are continuing to work on our Digestive System which is totally gross when you are in grade 5!

Congratulations to Jaynie & Maeve for representing VRCS in Cross Country. I'm incredibly proud of their grit and consistency to practice each recess! 

Dates to Remember:

October 16th - Library Day (any books at home should make their way back)

October 17th - Bake Sale

October 19th - Ice Cream Day

October 27th - Professional Development - No Classes

The Rain!

I hope everyone had a good weekend despite the rain, especially those attending the Cross country Provincials in Mill River.

Here is a brief look in the week...

Math: We will be completing N8 and moving onto N10: comparing and ordering decimals.

Writer's Workshop: We are plugging away at our Recount. We are working on: zooming in, show don't tell, paragraphing and organization.

Readers Workshop: We will be having our 4th Book Club meeting tomorrow. We are working on: responsibility (coming prepared), speaking and listening, collaboration, and sharing our thoughts and feelings in a meaningful way. I am loving what I am seeing.

Science: The students will be presenting their final project this week.

Social Studies: We are comparting and discussing our interviews. So many interesting pieces of history being shared. I love the dialogue I am hearing.

Important Dates:

October 26th: Ice Cream day

October 27th: NO CLASSES 

*Next week will be a theme based week* I will share that tomorrow.

Hello Families!

I hope everyone is doing well. Here is what's happening in grade 5...

Math: N10 - ordering & comparing decimals - we had to spend a little extra time on N8 but we are well on our way!

Writing: We are in the editing and revising stages of our Recount - we've worked on:

-zooming in, show don't tell, paragraphing, transition words, personal connections/feelings.

Reading: We did a class vote, and our next read aloud is "Holes" - The kids loved the One and Only Ivan. Book Club is going very well - some clubs are in the final stages and planning their "Book Talk."

Homework: I really encourage you to chat with your child at home about the importance of Homework. I understand life is busy - but a little practice at home goes a long way.

Important dates:

Thursday, Nov.9th - Ice Cream

Friday, Nov. 10th -  Remembrance Day Ceremony 11:00am 

Monday, Nov. 13th - No classes (in lieu of Remembrance Day)

Thursday, Nov. 16th-17th - PEITF/CUPE conferences - No classes

Monday, Nov. 20th - Learning Reports go home

Thursday, Nov. 23rd - Parent Teacher Interviews(pm)

Friday, Nov. 24th - Parent Teacher Interviews(am)

Hello!

This is a rather short week - only two instructional days. Here is a quick update.

In Math: we will be finishing comparing and ordering decimals and moving along to our first FL. 5.N7 (FL) Demonstrate an understanding of fractions by using concrete and pictorial representations to create sets of equivalent fractions and compare fractions with like and unlike denominators.

Writing: we will be finishing our recounts on Monday - they were due Friday, but some students needed a little extra time.

Reading: book clubs are on their final assignments "Book Talk" - where they get some creative freedom. I continue to watch for collaboration, and responsibility and if the students are showing up prepared and working well with their peers.

Important dates to remember:

November 16/17 - No School for students

November 23/24 - Parent Teacher Interviews (Mr. Wood will be sending out a link to sign up genius - but if you require a phone interview or alternate date, please let me know and hopefully we can accommodate).

Hello!

I hope everyone had a nice weekend. We have another short week on the horizon. There is no school Friday, November 24th due to parent/teacher conference. There is a sign up genius - but if you require an alternate time, let me know.

Math: we are moving onto N7: Demonstrate an understanding of Fractions.

Writing: we have finished our Recount and will be moving along to informational unit.

Reading: we are working on our final assignments for book club -reading aloud HOLES

Science: we will be presenting our final projects

Important dates:

November 21 - Report cards go home (please sign the envelope and return - the report card is yours to keep)

November 23/24: Parent Teacher interviews.

Hello!

It was really nice to see/meet you this past weekend. I really appreciate you taking the time to come and meet with me.

Here is a quick update about what our week will look like...

Math: N7: Demonstrate an understanding of equivalent fractions. 

Writing: We have begun a Christmas/Winter Narrative and some of the ideas are so fun and entertaining.

Reading: Our book clubs are finishing their final assignment and will be presenting this week. Each club will also begin a new book. Our class is reading aloud Holes.

Social Studies: We are focusing on environment and ancient societies. Understanding why societies choose their geographical location. 

Homework: One math sheet which focuses on equivalent fractions (Due Friday) - reading 20 minutes nightly. Please sign folder.

Important Dates:

November 30 - Student of the Month Assembly @2:15  (Ice cream sales)

Hello Everyone!

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. I can't believe we are in the month of December.

Heres what is happening in grade 5....

Math: We are continuing with fractions. Equivalent fractions are proving to be a challenge, but continued practice will get us there!

Writing: Winter/Christmas Narrative continues with a heavy focus on dialogue, setting and understanding conflict (character vs character, character vs self, character vs environment etc).

Reading: We will begin new book clubs! Yay! (please make sure your child is reading 20 minutes nightly).

Homework: Please make sure your child is completing the math homework and reading 20 minutes nightly. I may also implement some spelling homework as I'm seeing a real need for it.

Important dates:

December 12 - Christmas Concert (afternoon and evening performance)

Hello!

If there is one thing you can count on - it's me sending a very late sunday evening update.

Here's what you need to know this week...

Math: We continue to work on Fractions, as well as mental math strategies for our multiplication facts.

Writing: Christmas/Winter Narrative continues with a focus on

• setting

• characters

• dialogue/commas/quotations

• conflict/resolution

• theme

Reading: New book clubs have begun - I LOVE this so much!

Science: Respiratory System

Social Studies:  Ancient Civilizations

Important Dates to Remember (as if we don't have enough mental tabs open in our brains)

• Tuesday, December 12 - Christmas Concert (1pm & 6pm) - no special outfits required - dress fancy OR not.

Theme Days in December: The following theme days are scheduled for the week of December 18th to 22nd. Participation in these days is optional and no donations are being collected: 

• Monday, December 18th – Crazy Christmas Hat/Hair Day 

• Tuesday, December 19th – Ugly Christmas Sweater/Sock Day 

• Wednesday, December 20th – Red and Green Day 

• Thursday, December 21st – Winter Wonderland Day (White and Blue) 

• Friday, December 22nd - Christmas PJ Day/PJ Day

Last, but not least, students have been inquiring about a "secret santa" within the class - I wanted to put the feelers out to you as parents/guardians. I am unsure of where I land on this particular topic. I know the holidays can be stressful and I don't want to add to any stress. Please let me know if you would be for or against this.

I've attached a form below - please make a vote.

Hello Everyone!

Happy New Year. I hope everyone enjoyed their winter break and feels somewhat rested and restored. 

This week in grade 5 we will work on rebuilding routines and expectations....

Math: We are having a "check in" first thing. We will be moving on to 5N2:  Use estimation strategies including: Front end rounding, compensation, and compatible numbers. This is our second FL of the year.

Writing: We will finish up our Winter Narratives  and hopefully have our writing celebration.

Reading: Book Clubs will continue & we will begin our new read aloud (TBD Monday).

Science: Respiratory system continues..

Social Studies: Ancient Civilizations continues...

HOMEWORK: Each student was given a math worksheet (DUE: Friday) Reading calendars went home - Please make sure your child is reading 20 minutes nightly.

Hello Everyone!

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. I wanted to thank everyone for the messages/cards/gifts leading up to the holidays. The week prior to break was truly a hard one. A lot of families grieving and affected by so much. I appreciate your kindness and grace.

Last week was an ease back - a lot of review and tying up loose ends. It truly is nice to get back into routine. 

Here is a look into the week ahead...

Math: Fractions!! The dreaded word - this has been a truly hard outcome for so many. We are going to keep moving forward - but i've decided that we will have "Forget me not" or "Fraction Friday's" so that we can continue to work on mastery. Some of us don't have this skill mastered just yet (key word YET), but we will get there. I'm going to move forward with a dual focus: our next outcome: which is estimation and I'm going to reach back to grade four and work on division. The reach back to division will help with the understanding of fractions. If your child is struggling - please know that grade 5 is a truly challenging year for math! We will get there. I do ask for one thing from your end -practice those multiplication facts. They are the foundation of their math career. 

Writing: We are tying up our Narrative unit - and moving on to Persuasive. This is always a fan favourite. I find the students always have lots of topics or people whom they would like to persuade. You may get a letter headed your way in the near future.

Reading: We began one of my favourite read alouds Fish in a Tree  - it is a book which is the junior high classroom library - but I just love it so much. We will be doing a lot of writing about our reading - and really buckling down on answering our work with complete sentences. The students can likely tell you that I've been sending a lot of their work back to them - One word answers just aren't acceptable anymore. So, if you hear I'm being hard on them. I am. We continue with book club - some groups are onto another book. I love seeing the colloboration and accountability that book club provides. Thank you to the parents who are really holding your kids accountable and helping them met their goals - listening to someone read still counts as reading.

Health: We have spent a lot of time on GOALS this week. I'm a huge believer in goals (as I've mentioned earlier) small/big - it doesn't matter - we need something to strive for. Whether it's reading 5 pages a night, or mastering the 6 times tables, we have to have something to move us forward. I was so deeply impressed with some of the goals your children shared with me. I'm an open book with my class, and shared my goals. I even heard some of the goals that you guys have too. We are also incorporating daily affirmation cards - to bring us a little joy and motivation.

Alright, I'm extremely long winded this week and I'm early with my update. Have a wonderful week. Monday is "BLUE Monday" so I hope you all have the opportunity to do something that makes it less Blue and brings you Joy.

Hello!

Turned out to be a rather snowy weekend!

Everything remains the same this week despite a few changes...

Writing: We are conferencing with me on our Winter Narratives. I want my feedback to be put into practice to develop a really solid writing piece. We also did a persuasive prompt (with no teaching). I did this to really guide my teaching and let me understand what students need to focus on.

Health: We continue to talk about goals and responsible decision making - we are also beginning a "Portfolio" - this is sort of like a mini resume. It's a really fun process and I look forward to doing this.

Homework: I'm getting a really low number of Math sheets returned and maybe 5 reading calendars filled out - I did talk to students about this and I think moving forward, if I don't get a homework sheet or attempt at reading during the week - than friday we will be in from recess to complete the unfinished work. I do apologize if you don't agree with me on this one. I'm seeing a lot of students unprepared for book-club - and that added math practice at home helps.

I hope you have a wonderful week.

Hello

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend. 

Here is a look at the week ahead...

Math: I'm doing a cumulative assessment of the outcomes we've covered thus far - I want to make sure we continue to show mastery. We will work away at Division and Fractions. Kids are doing really well with division... We have shown 3 methods

(1) Standard aka dinosaur 

(2) Base Ten 

(3) Box Method

Each student has their preferred method.

Writing: We are editing our Narratives - which has proven to be a lovely process (from the teachers perspective). We will hopefully have our writing celebration this week - to display our hard work.

Health: Goals/Portfolio

Reading: Final projects in book club. We are working really hard on our comprehension skills with our Read Aloud "Fish In A Tree" - and they are showing growth.

If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.

Have great week.

Hello!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend - today was beautiful. Here is a look at the week ahead...

Math: we are wrapping up division and diving into estimation.

Writing: we are fully into Persuasive - and developing topics and understanding who are audience is.

Reading: I'm doing assessments in reading - and will be finishing these up this week. Our book clubs are into final projects. I will be making adjustments to our book clubs based on assessments.

Health: Plugging away at our portfolio & goals

Social studies: we are pausing regular curriculum to focus on black history as well as our seven sacred teaching "courage."

Dates to remember:

Theme Week: 

• Monday, Feb 12 - Hat Day

• Tuesday, Feb 13 - Jersey Day

• Wednesday, Feb 14 - Red & Pink Day

• Thursday, Feb 15th - Twin Day

• Friday, Feb 16th - PJ Day

• Monday, Feb 19th - Islander Day (no school)

Reminder: We will be celebrating Valentine's Day, February 14th aka "Friendship Day" - please ensure that no one is left out. If you need a class list, please let me know.

Hello,

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend & Islander day.

This week in grade 5...

Math: We are stepping back from Division and diving head first into estimation (which will feel much lighter to most students). Division and Fractions are a lot, but I've noticed a lot of growth, so our hard work is paying off.

Writing: We are into our Persuasive Unit. My plan is to take our persuasive unit a bit further than usual - and I want us to create a "writing to change the world" unit. Diving into some topics to create change, and the concept that 1 person can infact make a change.

Reading: Our class continues with Fish in a Tree. We've been working very hard on our comprehension and digging deeper. We are working on comparing and contrasting characters, uncovering the theme/lesson, and looking at many other features. I hate to see this story end, as it's one of my favourites. Book Clubs are presenting final projects and about to get new books. I'm wrapping up final assessments for report cards.

Health: We are working on goals/portfolio.

Social Studies: We continue to combine Black History Month with our 7 sacred teaching, Courage. A lot of meaningful conversation being had - We discuss black history each morning and learn about an important person of color who helped changed the world.

Science: We will be moving onto the Nervous System.

Homework: Math sheet due Friday - Reading 20 minutes nightly.

Important Dates:

Wednesday, February 28th - Pink Shirt Day

Friday, March 1st - Student of the Month Assembly 2:15

Monday, March 4th - Learning Reports go home

Thursday, March 7th - P/T interviews (pm)

Friday, March 8th - P/T interviews (am)

Have a great week!