Homework
Homework
5/29/25
Study Guide for Social Studies - Homework for tonight and this weekend.
Study Guide for 5th Social Studies
Latitude and longitude are systems for locating any place on Earth. Latitude measures distance north or south of the equator, while longitude measures east or west of the prime meridian. The Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn are specific lines of latitude, marking the boundaries of the tropics. These lines represent the furthest north and south that the sun can appear directly overhead at noon. This happens because of the tilt of Earth’s axis in relation to its orbit around the sun.
The "Land of the Midnight Sun" refers to locations where the sun remains visible above the horizon for 24 hours during the summer months, typically in the Arctic regions. This phenomenon occurs because of the Earth's tilt and its proximity to the poles, causing continuous daylight. Norway, Sweden, and Finland are known for their extensive regions experiencing the midnight sun.
Climates: The five main climate types are tropical, dry, temperate, continental, and polar. Tropical climates are hot and humid, while dry climates are characterized by very little precipitation. Temperate climates have mild summers and winters, continental climates experience warm summers and cold winters, and polar climates are the coldest
Climate Continued: An example of a temperate climate is Pennsylvania where temperatures are not extreme.
Tropical: This zone, located near the equator, is characterized by consistently high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. It's known for its warm and humid climate, with little variation in temperature.
2. Dry: This zone experiences very little precipitation, often resulting in arid and semi-arid conditions. It's characterized by hot temperatures and low precipitation, leading to desert or steppe-like environments.
3. Temperate: This zone is located between the tropics and polar regions, experiencing moderate temperatures and seasonal precipitation patterns. It has distinct seasons, with warm summers and mild winters.
4. Continental: This zone is located in the interior of continents, away from the influence of large bodies of water. It experiences a wide range of temperatures, with hot summers and very cold winters.
5. Polar: This zone, located near the poles, is characterized by extremely cold temperatures and limited precipitation. It experiences long periods of cold, with cool summers and very cold winters.
Key Vocabulary:
LLanos - a grassy plain in South America
Mesoamerica:A region encompassing parts of present-day Mexico and Central America, where the Maya and Aztec civilizations flourished.
Yucatán Peninsula:
A peninsula in Mesoamerica where the Maya civilization thrived, known for its tropical climate and diverse ecosystems.
Andes Mountains:
A mountain range in South America where the Inca civilization established its empire.
Miguel Hildago the father of Mexico
Sapa Inca:
The title of the Inca emperor.
Miguel Hildago the father of modern Mexico
Subsistence - just enough to survive
Mestizos Mexicans of mixed heritage
Quipu:
A complex system of knotted cords used by the Inca for recording information
Loess - yellow silt from South America
Where the Ancient Civilizations were located :The Maya civilization was located in Mesoamerica, primarily in the Yucatan Peninsula and surrounding areas of modern-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras. The Inca civilization, on the other hand, was centered in the Andes Mountains of South America, encompassing present-day Peru, Bolivia, and parts of Ecuador, Chile, and Argentina. The Aztec civilization was located in central Mexico, with their capital, Tenochtitlan, situated on a lake in the Valley of Mexico.
What students should know about ancient civilizations
• Students should be able to locate Mexico, Central America, South America, and the major countries, rivers, and mountain chain in South America on maps and globes.
• Mesoamerica is a cultural area that covers central and southern Mexico as well as northern Central America.
• • Both the Aztec and the Inca empires were conquered by Spanish conquistadors; the Aztec Empire was conquered by Cortés, and the Inca Empire was defeated by Pizarro.
• The Spanish had an advantage over native peoples because the former had guns, cannons, and horses. • European diseases killed thousands of native peoples, who had no natural immunity
Types of Maps and Definitions:
Reference Maps:
These maps show the basic location and geography of an area, including natural features like mountains and rivers, as well as human-made features like roads and cities.
Political Maps: Show state and national boundaries, including cities, states, provinces, and countries.
Physical Maps: Depict the physical features of an area, like landforms and bodies of water.
Population Maps - show an area’s population
Regions of the US
Northeast: Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland.
Southeast: Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and the Gulf Coast states.
Midwest: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. - This is where the Great Plains are
Southwest: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
West: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington.
Mid-Atlantic (United States) · New York · New Jersey · Maryland · Pennsylvania · Delaware · Virginia · West Virginia · Washington, D.C.. Metropolitan areas.
• Mesoamerica is a cultural area that covers central and southern Mexico as well as northern Central America.
• Both the Aztec and the Inca empires were conquered by Spanish conquistadors; the Aztec Empire was conquered by Cortés, and the Inca Empire was defeated by Pizarro.
• The Spanish had an advantage over native peoples because the former had guns, cannons, and horses.
• European diseases killed thousands of native peoples, who had no natural
Modern Canada
Canada, the world's second-largest country, is known for its vast landscapes, diverse culture, and high quality of life. It's a federal parliamentary state with a strong economy and a commitment to multilateralism and internationalism. Here are some interesting facts about modern Canada:
Being a part of the Commonwealth of Nations means a country is a member of a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries, most of which were once part of the British Empire. The Commonwealth is not a formal legal union; it's a network of countries that cooperate on various issues based on shared values and goals.
Modern US
Contemporary American History, often defined as starting in 1945 and continuing to the present, encompasses significant events like the Cold War, decolonization, and the rise of globalism. It also includes the impact of technological advancements and world events like the World Trade Center bombings and 9/11.
Capitals of US states - students should study our states and their capitals.
I like the Phoenix Suns, the LA Lakers, Boston Celtics to name a few.
Dover Delaware
5/19/25
Homework - All students will find a poem to read to the class. Some poets you can use include Robert Frost, Shel Silverstein, Emily Dickinson, or Longfelllow. Students may choose another poem. Each student should be able to read the poem aloud with the intended rhythm and know what kind of poem of it is and why. Many students were able to use class time to complete this assignment.
5/21 - 5/23 - I will be out of town celebrating the graduation of my daughter from college. Alll students will do a very important ELA and Social Studies review for finals. Students will also receive a grade for their presentation of their poems. They may read them. Any student who memorizes their poem will receive extra points.
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5/14/25
In addition to reading the novel, Frindle, all students completed their choice of book club book and completed a book review of it.
Students are learning about poetry. They created beautiful Haikus as an introduction into the poetry unit. We then learned about Lyrical Poems and Narrative Poems. The students did a wonderful job responding to the Lyrical Poem called The Tide Rises, The Tide Falls by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow which is considered to be on a grade or two up from 5th grade. The students listened to the lyrical qualities of the poem while we played ocean sounds in the background. It was relaxing and gave students a good idea of what poems are for - expressing strong emotions.
Students listened to parts of Green Eggs and Ham which can be considered a narrative poem because it has characters, settings and a beginning, middle and end plot structure and rhymes. Students will attempt to create a narrative poem this week.
Students have read and learned about 8 novels and one drama and numerous poems this year. Many of the selections were above grade level to enable students to stretch their skills and reading level. They learned strategies for reading difficult words and diction that were very different from what they were used to and how to stick with a book through the set up in the beginning of the story. I'm so proud of this group for rising to my hope that they would read, read, read this year. They do everyday and they have. They now spend the first part of everyday reading. My hope is that they read 4 - 6 novels this summer including their summer reading.
Please re-read the entry below for updated information on the Social Studies Test tomorrow and the Grammar Test on Friday. All students were informed to begin studying for homework as of Tuesday of this week. The assignment was written on the board and students were given time to record it in their planner.
5/12/2025
We completed an in-class project for lessons 23 and 24 in Social Studies. Students are learning advanced presentation skills including memorizing and adding information that they know about a topic to the slides they create. Rather than reading the slides, students attempted to make eye contact and tell the story of Lessons 23 and 24.
Students will have a test on Thursday, May 15 on Lesson 25. Students should know what the terms in Activity One mean in addition to the dates. Students should know about the people in Activity 2 and students should be able to write a 5 sentence response to the Activity 3 in Lesson 25.
Added 5/14 - Students should be able to explain why the Second Continental Congress Occurred. They took notes on it.
Added 5/14 All students were encouraged to take home their book starting with this Tuesday because while the concepts are not difficult, the formal grammar language can be tricky.
Students will have a grammar test on Chapter 7 - 7.10 on Friday, May 16. Students can bring home their workbook which should be sufficient for studying for the test.
4/23/2025. Study for Grammar Test, chapter 6 tomorrow - yesterday and today for a period of 1 hour is recommended.
4/22/2025
All students should study Chapter 6, Prepositions, conjunctions and interjections tonight and tomorrow night for the unit test on Thursday. I individually encouraged each student to take their grammar book home tonight because there is a lot of information to review and I believe it will take two nights of a 1/2 hour to an 1 hr each night to master the information.
All students will complete a group 10 slide - slide show on lessons 23 and 24 in their Social Studies text in place of a test this week. It is due Friday with small corrections that can be made in class on Monday of next week. The directions are located in Classroom on the assignment tab. This slide show should be a detailed presentation with students able to tell the story to our class rather than read the slides. This slide show will represent a social studies test grade and oral presentation grade.
4/14/25
Social Studies Homework - Read Pages 63, 64, 65 and be ready to answer questions at the beginning of class. The questions are located in the activity on page 65.
Students are continuing to write their first draft of the Tall Tale.
We will have a quiz on Wednesday for Chapter 24 Social Studies as far as we get in class by tomorrow.
4/9/2025 update - Test Prep improved today. - If you use this info - you will do very well.
Holes Test Information:
Thursday 8:15 am 4/10/2025 is the test.
Test Prep
Essay Questions
1.For example when comparing Zero and Stanely, both characters are caring and try to better themselves during their time at Camp Green Lake. When contrasting the characters, Zero had more trouble with understanding the value of right and wrong because he grew up homeless and his family taught him that taking things was ok and thus he did not know that stealing the sneakers was wrong. Zero did not understand the value of being supportive in a friendship because he had a more transactional experience in his relationships. Stanely, on the other hand, even though he had a more understanding family before being wrongly accused of stealing the sneakers, he had a transactional relationship with Zero because he made Zero dig his holes in exchange for teaching Zero how to read. Both characters learned the value of being supportive in a relationship.
Theme of friendship expanded
Overcoming Adversity: Both Stanley and Zero face hardships and challenges in their lives. Stanley is sent to a juvenile camp for a crime he didn't commit, while Zero comes from a homeless background and struggles to survive. Friendship: Their bond grows stronger as they support each other.
2 For the setting, we will concentrate on the desert and how it was an intimidating barrier to escaping until Zero could not take the bullying from Mr. Pendanski so he overcame his fear of running away and ran away into the dessert. In this scene, when Zero hits Mr. Pendansky with the shovel, his fear of getting into trouble motivates him to run into the dessert and toward God's thumb (a part of the surrounding mountains). The author puts lifesaving peaches in the desert setting and another lifesaving part of the setting - an overturned wooden boat that provides shelter for Zero from the intense heat of
Setting - Camp Green Lake, Now challenged Stanley and he grew stronger and more resilient while digging holes. He gained the strength to overcome challenges and carry Zero up God's Thumb.
Louis Sachar has said that, while all his other books began with a character, Holes "has always been about a place – Camp Green Lake" (source). Besides the final chapter, which is really just a wrap-up to bring us up to date, the action of the book begins and ends with the landscape. "There is no lake at Camp Green Lake," is the very first thing we are told (1.1) and Camp Green Lake plays a vital role all the way through to that first drop of rain that falls as we bid it farewell.
So yeah, we'd say setting is pretty important here.
Unbearably hot and dry, full of dangerous animals and cracked, difficult terrain, Camp Green Lake is most definitely not a nice place to be. But it's important to note that it's also a place that transforms Stanley, a place where he finds happiness for the first time in his life. So it can't be all that bad, right? And think about it: if it weren't for Stanley's interaction with the landscape, all the holes he digs, the weight he loses, and the muscles he develops, he would never have been able to survive the climb up to God's Thumb, much less carry Zero there.
At every step, Camp Green Lake gives Stanley what he needs (whether it be clues to where the treasure lies, or onions and muddy water), keeping him alive and spurring him onward. So be careful before you judge a book by its cover.
3 We also talked about the power dynamics in the novel. The adults at Camp Green Lake have the power and dominate the young characters, often cruelly.
How did Stanley and Zero change the power dynamic? Zero ran away rather than face more bullying by Mr. Pendansky. He also ironically hits him with a shovel to silence him - the irony is this: they made him use the shovel to dig holes for their benefit and then he frees himself from their tyranny by hitting Mr. Pendansky with a shovel.
Vocabulary for Holes Test - Multiple choice
We will review these tomorrow. I reduced the number of words because these are the ones to study for the test.
Scurry. Stark
Frantic
Strenuous. interrogate
imperative
indefinitely subtle.
tedious initiate
Hello Parents and Students,
Writing Directions and Rubric for Tall Tale
Directions for Writing a Tall Tale Directions and Rubric
All students will experiment with handwriting this story. In the 19th century, storytellers took what happened in their lives or with someone they were familiar with (in this case it can be a fictional character) and exaggerated them to make them funny and memorable. If there was snow, it was so deep that people had to dig down to find the top of the trees. This is an example of the hyperbole that was a feature of these tales.
No story will be accepted without the document I prepared for each student where they will outline character traits, plot development, setting, theme and figurative language. This document is a tool to practice lessons we have learned in each of the areas listed above.
The story should be amusing and tell a lesson (theme). Some students chose their mom. For example a student could exaggerate the challenges of being a mom (not they need to ) and show how being strong and fearless using hyperbole shows a characteric of being a mom.
First students will select a theme and outline it in their packet.
Students should think about time and place details that create a setting.
All students have chosen a hero for their story. Students need to complete an outline of character traits in their organizational packet for this assignment.
Students need to include 2 - 3 examples of simile - indicated with a pink dot, 2 - 3 examples of metaphor, indicated with a green dot and 4 or more examples of hyperbole, indicated with a blue dot. Hyperbole is a main literary device used in this assignment so there will be lots of this literary device.
All papers will be handwritten. Word counts can be estimated by counting the number of words on a few lines of the story and getting the approximate number of words per line and multiplying that number by the number of lines per page. Students should write on every other line to allow for changes.
Word Count
5. Stories should be 450 or more words. A range 90 - 100
4 - Story is 425 - 449 words B range 82 - 89
3 - story is 400 - 424 words C range 76 - 81
2 - story is 399 words 70 - 75
1 - story is less than 399 words 60 - 70
Examples Grammar Text Book, pg 405 Paul Bunyon
Rubric for Tall Tale - Spring Fifth Grade
Content
5 - Topic is clearly stated in the introductory paragraph.
4 - Topic is clear but not stated in the introduction
3 - Topic exists but be identified by inference
2 - Topic is vague 1 - Topic is limited and confusing
Organization
5 - Progression of ideas is logical and transitions are smooth
4 - Progression of ideas is logical - shows beginning middle and end
3 - Progression is stronger in the beginning and is less organized at the end
2 - Progression of ideas is not organized 1 - Progression of ideas has no apparent order
Development
5 - Ideas are fully developed with appropriate ideas and details
throughout
4 Most ideas are are developed
3 - Some ideas are developed and have details
2 - Many ideas lack development and important details 1 - Few details or development Structure:
5Paragraphs are very organized and have an introductory sentence, at least two detailed sentences and a sentence that concludes the paragraph and transitions to the next paragraph
4 Paragraphs are organized and have an introductory sentence, at least two detailed sentences and a sentence that concludes the paragraph and transitions to the next paragraph
3 Most Paragraphs are organized and have an introductory sentence, at least two detailed sentences and a sentence that concludes the paragraph and transitions to the next paragraph
2 - Story shows some organization 1 - Story shows little effort or organization
Language
5.Demonstrates skillful use of vocabulary and command of language and uses varying sentence structures. Casual language such as begging sentences with And, Because or But is not used. The word like is not used in a casual manner.
4. Demonstrates good command of language and evidence of using expanded vocabulary.
3. Demonstrates basic command of language. Uses simple vocabulary and sentence structure. 2. Show some knowledge of language 1 Shows little understanding
Grammar:
5 - Demonstrates a skillful command of grammar, punctuation, capitalization, sentence structure and conventions.
4 - Demonstrates the ability to vary sentence structure and command of grammar and conventions.
3 - Has 5 or more grammatical errors, errors in punctuation or capitalization.
2 - Shows some knowledge of grammar 1. Shows little knowledge of basic gammar
Page 405 Paul Bunyon - Paul Page 408 in Student’s Grammar book - Pecos Bill
Holes Test Information:
Thursday 8:15 am 4/10/2025
Today we had a Holes spot check to make sure that all students had completed up through chapter 45. Today the students had the opportunity to complete or almost complete the novel Holes. All students should complete the novel by Wednesday 4/9/2025. The students learned so much during this novel study. We learned about comparing and contrasting character traits, settings, themes and vocabulary and figurative language. Students will have to anwer essay questions with a 1 paragraph response and write a sentence for some vocabulary words anjd identify a few figurative language references.
Essay Questions
1.For example when comparing Zero and Stanely, both characters are caring and try to better themselves during their time at Camp Green Lake. When contrasting the characters, Zero had more trouble with understanding the value of right and wrong because he grew up homeless and his family taught him that taking things was ok and thus he did not know that stealing the sneakers was wrong. Zero did not understand the value of being supportive in a friendship because he had a more transactional experience in his relationships. Stanely, on the other hand, even though he had a more understanding family before being wrongly accused of stealing the sneakers, he had a transactional relationship with Zero because he made Zero dig his holes in exchange for teaching Zero how to read. Both characters learned the value of being supportive in a relationship.
Theme of friendship expanded
Overcoming Adversity: Both Stanley and Zero face hardships and challenges in their lives. Stanley is sent to a juvenile camp for a crime he didn't commit, while Zero comes from a homeless background and struggles to survive. Friendship: Their bond grows stronger as they support each other.
2 For the setting, we will concentrate on the desert and how it was an intimidating barrier to escaping until Zero could not take the bullying from Mr. Pendanski so he overcame his fear of running away and ran away into the dessert. In this scene, when Zero hits Mr. Pendansky with the shovel, his fear of getting into trouble motivates him to run into the dessert and toward God's thumb (a part of the surrounding mountains). The author puts lifesaving peaches in the desert setting and another lifesaving part of the setting - an overturned wooden boat that provides shelter for Zero from the intense heat of
Setting - Camp Green Lake, Now challenged Stanley and he grew stronger and more resilient while digging holes. He gained the strength to overcome challenges and carry Zero up God's Thumb.
Louis Sachar has said that, while all his other books began with a character, Holes "has always been about a place – Camp Green Lake" (source). Besides the final chapter, which is really just a wrap-up to bring us up to date, the action of the book begins and ends with the landscape. "There is no lake at Camp Green Lake," is the very first thing we are told (1.1) and Camp Green Lake plays a vital role all the way through to that first drop of rain that falls as we bid it farewell.
So yeah, we'd say setting is pretty important here.
Unbearably hot and dry, full of dangerous animals and cracked, difficult terrain, Camp Green Lake is most definitely not a nice place to be. But it's important to note that it's also a place that transforms Stanley, a place where he finds happiness for the first time in his life. So it can't be all that bad, right? And think about it: if it weren't for Stanley's interaction with the landscape, all the holes he digs, the weight he loses, and the muscles he develops, he would never have been able to survive the climb up to God's Thumb, much less carry Zero there.
At every step, Camp Green Lake gives Stanley what he needs (whether it be clues to where the treasure lies, or onions and muddy water), keeping him alive and spurring him onward. So be careful before you judge a book by its cover.
3 We also talked about the power dynamics in the novel. The adults at Camp Green Lake have the power and dominate the young characters, often cruelly.
How did Stanley and Zero change the power dynamic? Zewro ran away rather than face bullying by Mr. Pendansky. He also ironically hits him with a shovel to silence him meaning they made him use the shovel to dig holes and then he frees himself from their tyranny by hitting Mr. Pedansky with a shovel.
Vocabulary for Holes Test - Multiple choice
We will review these tomorrow.
Scurry. Stark
Frantic rigid
Strenuous. interrogate
imperative incarcerate
indefinitely subtle.
tedious initiate
Grammar
Prepositions, Conjunctions and Interjections and Commas - Test Friday 4/11/2025
Homophones
Social Studies
We are continuing to use the Western Hemisphere but adding some more fun supplemental activities to round out our learning of early settlements of the Americas to Independence.
4/2/2025 4/3/25 Update
Study Guide for Grammar
Spiral Review
Types of sentences: Spiral review from third and fourth grades.
Declarative:Makes a statement I see the ball.
Interrogative:Asks a question. What do you think?
Imperative: Tells or asks someone to do something. Please do not get too close.
Exclamatory: Shows a Strong feeling. I’m getting out of here! Usually has an exclamation mark.
1.It’s a cloudy day at the beach. - declarative
2.Always look both ways before crossing the street. Imperative
3.What a lovely bouquet of flowers! Exclamatory
4 Did you see the black cat?Interrogative
Understanding Perfect Tenses -
Which sentence contains the progressive tense form of the verb?
My brother has parked his bike behind the store.
Present perfect tense - In the example below - The scientist created the monster at some unspecified time before the present.
Example: The scientist has created a monster.
Past Perfect Tense -
In the example below, the tinkering occurred before the awakening.
Example: When the scientist had tinkered with the monster, the monster awakened.
Future Progressive Tense
The future progressive tense tells about something that will be happening in the future.
Mom will be serving pasta for dinner tomorrow.
She is going to be preparing several vegetables also.
The questions on the grammar test will be:
What is the verb phrase in each sentence?
What is the tense? Present Progressive?, Past Progressive? or Future Progressive?
The trick is to look for clue words in the verb phrase which most students were able to correctly identify. There will be 5 spiral review questions questions on this.
Students should also review adjectives, Adjectives that compare:
Positive Comparative Superlative
Smart smarter smartest
(irregular)
Good better best
Little less least
Bad worse worst
(More,Most and Less Least)
Adjectives of three or more syllables generally take these.
Positive Comparative Superlative
Mysterious More Mysterious Most Mysterious
Titles
Which book title is capitalized correctly?
The Giver, The Call of the Wild
Articles and Poems
“The Bat”, “Ode to an Apple”
Poems
If the article such as The is at the beginning of the Title, it is capitalized. I an article such af it is in the middle of the Title it is lower case.
Social Studies Homework on Middle America - Handout - Due Tomorrow (Thursday)- change in due date.
Grammar Test Friday - Adverbs and Perfect Tenses
Spelling Test Postponed
New Writing Assignment Assigned. - Homework - Students need to select a hero for their story that will exaggerate strengths and events (hyperbole), use 4 similies, 4 metaphors, 4 examples of onomatopoeia and 4 examples of personification. The fictional story can be about someone who exists or can be fictional. It cannot be a dark character from Marvel or other franchise. It must feature a hero rather than a villain. The new story must bee 500 - 600 words. The student must include a theme which is a lesson that the story teaches. Students who would like to, must get permission to create a longer story. The rubric for the story will be posted tomorrow. This assignment must be handwritten and completed in school except for choosing the main character, theme and setting.
Students in general scored well on the social studies test.
4/1/2025
The Social Studies Test tomorrow will be on Lessons 19 and 20. The test will center on the Activities and Word banks in the lessons.
Did Columbus discover a new world? Explain your answer
Prince Henry the Navigator
How did the expansion of the Muslim religion effect the decision to explore
What part of the navigation and exploration were most interesting to the kings and queens?
Pizzaro - How did he defeat the Inca?
What fraction of South American Countries were discovered in the 15th and 16th century. Put the part (the number of countries colonized in the time period over the whole (all of the countries colonized. )
Word Bank
Vinland Suppress Middle Ages Johannes Gutenberg renaissance Leif Erikson
Artifact confiscate printing press Amerigo Vespucci Marco Polo indigenous The Silk Road Prince Henry the Navigator 400 - 1400 5th Century to 15th Century 15th Century to the 17th Century
Homework :Students will also be responsible for completing a homework about the geography of Middle America. Will be sent home Wednesday. That will be due on Friday, 4/4/2025
Grammar Test on Friday on Adverbs Know
Adverbs of Manner (descriptive) such as quickly or happily Time frequently, sometimes Place above or below
Spelling Test on Friday Lesson 19 Horton Mifflin 5th Grade Spelling (postponed)
Suffixes ful, ly, ness and ment
lately. settlement
watchful. countless
steadily. closeness
calmly government
agreement cloudiness
delightful. noisily
tardiness plentiful
forgetful forgiveness
harmless - enjoyment
appointment. effortless
3/26/2025
There will be a Social Studies test next Wednesday April 2 on Lesson 19 through 21 and notes.
The vocabulary includes but is not limited to Renaissance, Mercantilism, tranquilize, suppress, confiscate and indigenous, radiocarbon dating, maritime, scurvy, envious, navigator, encountered, conquistadors, hibernation, isthmus, Central America, and colonialism. Any other vocabulary would be in bold in the lessons 19,20,21,.
Students have a book report on their Book Club book due April 25.
Students have been learning about literary devices in the novel, Holes, such as how the setting influences the plot of a story. Students have read more than half of the book. We will resume grammar, spelling and our vocabulary will come from our Social Studies text. An example of the words are listed above.
3/12/2025
Grammar Test Thursday, March 13, I have written this on the Board every day this week and we have been learning and reviewing every day for two weeks.
Social Studies Test on the INCAs March 14th. Students will have to identify the countries and capitals on The Map of South America. I will have the acronym VP CUP CABBAGES on the board plus the first letter of the capital and a hint about where the country is located.
Students will also have to know the Social hierarchy which is described in their book.
5th Grade Grammar Study Guide: Verbs
I. Types of Verbs
Action Verbs – Verbs that show an action.
Example: run, jump, write, sing, dance
Sentence: She runs to the park every morning.
I jump over the log.
Being Verbs – Verbs that show a state of being instead of an action.
Example: is, am, are, was, were, be, been
Sentence: He was happy about his test score.
I am happy when students study for the grammar test.
Verb Phrases - a group of words that does the work of a single verb. A verb phrase contains a main verb and one or more helping verbs. – Verbs that connect the subject to more information about it. The linking Verb joins the subject with the subject complement.
Verb Phrases - Helping Verbs
Examples: such as: am, is, are, was were, be, being, been
has have, had
do does did
may, can, might, could, must,should, would, will
Chocolate chips were used in cookies by early Americans.
You can see pine trees at the Christmas Tree farm.
III. Irregular Verbs
Verbs that do not follow the regular “-ed” pattern in the past tense.
Base Form. Past Tense Past Participle
bring brought brought
come came come
have had had
know knew known
teach taught taught
Present Present Participle (ING) Past Past Participle
break breaking broke. broken
choose choosing chose chosen
go going went gone
see seeing saw seen
take taking took taken
Sentence: I ate breakfast early this morning.
Simple Verb Tenses
Simple Present describes something that is always true.
Example: We eat pizza.
Simple Past Tense - tells about something that happened in the past
Example: We ate pizza.
Future Tense - tells about something that will happen in the future.
Examples: We will eat pizza.
We are going to eat pizza.
B. Progressive Tenses (Ongoing action)
Present Progressive – Action happening now.
Example: am running, is eating, are playing
Sentence: She is reading a book.
Past Progressive – Action that was happening in the past.
Example: was running, were eating
Sentence: They were watching TV when the phone rang.
Future Progressive – Action that will be happening in the future.
Example: will be running, will be eating
Sentence: I will be studying at 8 PM.
C. Perfect Tenses (Completed action in relation to another time)
Present Perfect – Action that started in the past and is still happening or has just ended. has or have
Example: has eaten, have finished
Sentence: She has visited that museum three times.
Past Perfect – Action that happened before another past event. - had
close
Example: had eaten, had finished
Sentence: By the time we arrived, they had already left.
Future Perfect – Action that will be completed before a future event.
Example: will have eaten, will have finished
Sentence: By next summer, she will have graduated.
Examples include: am, is, are, was, were, have been, has been, had been, will be, become, feel, grow, remain, seem, smell, sound, taste
These bananas seem ripe.
The peach tastes sweet.
The Spanish teacher has been absent.
3/10/2025
1. Introduction to the Inca Civilization
When the Civilization Began
The Inca civilization began in the early 15th century (around 1400 AD) in the Andean region of South America, primarily modern-day Peru.
The Inca Empire expanded rapidly, becoming the largest empire in pre-Columbian America.
2. The Ruler of the Inca Civilization
Who Was the Leader?
The Inca civilization was ruled by the Sapa Inca, the emperor, who was considered a direct descendant of the Sun God, Inti.
Famous rulers include Pachacuti (who expanded the empire) and Atahualpa (who was the last emperor before the Spanish conquest).
Key Achievements of the Rulers
Pachacuti transformed the Inca state into a powerful empire and expanded its territory.
The rulers were also seen as religious figures, linking the political and religious power of the empire.
3. The Government of the Inca Civilization
Type of Government
The Inca Empire had a centralized, theocratic government with the Sapa Inca at the top.
Ayllu was the traditional social organization, where extended families or clans shared land and resources.
Laws and Order
The Inca followed a strict legal system that emphasized order and fairness.
They used the quipu (knotted strings) to record laws, taxes, and census data, as the Inca had no written language.
4. Religion of the Inca Civilization
Beliefs and Practices
The Inca worshipped many gods, with the most important being Inti, the Sun God, whom the Sapa Inca was believed to be descended from.
Other important gods included Pachamama (Mother Earth), and Viracocha, the creator god.
They performed religious ceremonies, including sacrifices, to please the gods and ensure prosperity.
Role of Religion in Society
Religion was deeply intertwined with politics; the Sapa Inca was both a political leader and a religious figure.
Major religious centers included Cusco, the capital, and Machu Picchu, a sacred site.
5. Major Achievements of the Inca Civilization
Technological Innovations
The Incas were skilled engineers, creating impressive agricultural terraces, advanced road systems, and bridges.
They developed a form of freeze-drying food known as ch’arki (dried meat) and chuño (dried potatoes), essential for survival in the high Andes.
Architectural Marvels
The Incas built grand stone structures without mortar, using a technique called ashlar masonry (perfectly cut stones).
Notable examples include Sacsayhuamán and Machu Picchu.
Contributions to Science and Culture
The Incas excelled in agriculture, developing irrigation techniques and creating staple crops such as maize, potatoes, and quinoa.
6. Aqueducts and Infrastructure
What Are Aqueducts?
Aqueducts are channels or pipes used to transport water from one place to another. In ancient civilizations like the Inca, aqueducts were essential for supplying water to agricultural fields, urban areas, and other infrastructure.
Inca Aqueducts
The Inca constructed sophisticated aqueduct systems to bring water from mountain springs to their cities and agricultural terraces.
These aqueducts were built using stone and mortar, and they were often placed above ground in channels that were carefully designed to maintain a consistent flow of water.
How Aqueducts Changed Life in the Inca Civilization
Aqueducts helped the Incas manage water efficiently, especially in the dry highland regions, allowing them to irrigate crops and support large populations.
They were also crucial for ceremonial purposes, as many Inca religious sites required water for rituals.
Other Infrastructure Developments
The Incas built an extensive road system (over 25,000 miles) that connected distant regions of the empire, allowing for quick communication and trade.
The Inca bridges and terraces also helped in preventing erosion and improving farming.
7. How the Inca Civilization Ended
Reasons for Decline
The Inca Empire fell to Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro in 1533, despite the empire's vast size and wealth.
Internal conflict, such as the civil war between the brothers Atahualpa and Huáscar, weakened the empire.
Disease (especially smallpox, brought by the Spanish) decimated the Inca population.
What Happened to the People?
After the conquest, many Incas were forced into labor or killed by the Spanish. However, aspects of their culture, such as language (Quechua) and agricultural techniques, survive to this day.
8. Conclusion
Legacy of the Inca Civilization
The Inca left behind a lasting legacy in architecture, agriculture, and engineering.
Many of their inventions and practices influenced the development of modern South America, especially in countries like Peru and Bolivia.
Machu Picchu remains a symbol of Inca ingenuity and a popular archaeological site.
Memorizing the Countries and Capitals of South American
ACRONYM
VP CUP CABBAGES
V - Venezuela (top)- Caracas
P - Paraguay (middle bottom)- Asuncion
C Chile (left coast)- Santiago
U Uruguay (right near bottom of the map)- Montevideo
P Peru (above Chile)- Lima
C - Columbia (left of Venezuela)- Bogata
A - none
B Bolivia (Middle top)- La Paz and Sucre
B Brazil - (biggest)Brasilia
A Argentina -(Second biggest) Buenos Aires
G Guyana - (To the right of Venezuela )Georgetown
E Ecuador - (above Peru most to the left) Quito
S Suriname (smallest) Paramaribo
French Guiana - Cayenne is not a country - its a territory of France.
3/3/2025
Hello Fifth Grade, I announced that the vocabulary test will be tomorrow, Tuesday since we had our review today. I also assigned studying for the test. The test will be multiple choice. https://drive.google.com/file/d/175yzDpDdXTXEbvQr17XcZGJA_d8SWrIL/view
This is the link that has the vocabulary words on it. The test is only on words associated with chapters 1 - 17, We have reviewed these over multiple days so I believe they are ready.
2/28/25
To do in ELA 5th GradeAll Students need to write a complete sentence that demonstrates an understanding of the meaning of each of the words below. There should be one sentence for each word. Many students completed this assignment during class. All students must be able to spell the words as well. The test is on Tuesday, March 4.. All students need the sentences completed as an entry ticket for the test.
Stifling etched
Desolate excess
Grimaced scowled
Scarcity paranoid
Perseverance
Preposterous
Radiated
Presumably
Intensity
Deftly
For Grammar, students should be able identify the past participle of an irregular verb. Here’s the Past Participles List with example sentences:
Go → Gone – She has gone to the store.
Come → Came – They have come early today.
Teach → Taught – He has taught English for five years.
See → Seen – I have seen that movie before.
Have → Had – We have had a busy week.
Do → Done – She has done her homework.
Take → Taken – He has taken his medicine.
Say → Said – You have said that already.
Please study all irregular verbs on pages 56 to 57 of your grammar workbook.
Test on Chapter 4 Grammar on Thursday,March 6 or 7th.
Vocabulary Test on Wednesday, March 5.
Social Studies Test on March 7. Explorers and Inca
Grammar:
Chapter 5 and 6 March 7th - 13th
Chapter 7 and 8 March 18th - 21st
We will review diagramming sentences, writing a personal narrative, book reports, formal letters, and research reports and begin writing a How to Article over the next few weeks.
Update 2/24/2025
This is the link for the Vocabulary Words from Holes. Students will be able to use the vocabulary words in a sentence and identify different parts of the entry in a dictionary. An assessment will be given on Friday, February 28.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/175yzDpDdXTXEbvQr17XcZGJA_d8SWrIL/view
stationery [ stey-shuh-ner-ee ] Phonetic (Standard) noun
writing materials, as pens, pencils, paper, and envelopes.
Students are now on Chapter 4 of their Voyages book for Grammar. This chapter is on verbs. So far we have learned action verbs which for our 5th graders was a review and we learned about the verbs which are forms of being verbs. The eight “be” verbs: Is, Am, Are, Was, Were, Be, Being, Been. Since these words indicate a state of being, we call them “be” verbs.
Update 2/18/25
Social Studies Test Lessons 16 and 17 tomorrow for all students, even those who were previously absent. Hints for all. After studying the terms and activities, make sure to read the chapters at least once through with the objective of understanding the sequence of the Aztec civilizations development from its beginning to its fall.
Study skills for Middle School:
I know this is a lot of Information - if you would like your student to learn some study skills, then reading this for 10 minutes might help! Even if they are a top student, understanding how we interact with information most effectively will improve their skills significantly and will improve their ability to process information.
A fifth grader can rise to the academic challenges of 5th grade by developing key habits and strategies. Here are some tips that could help
1: Most students who struggle don’t spend enough time appreciating the value of taking a few minutes at the beginning, end, and in between classes to take care of organizing their papers and books. They are more interested in connecting with peers than taking care of their materials. Organize first, then socialize. There is plenty of time for both. When a student understands the value of organization and caring enough about themselves to care about their learning materials, they will benefit and see results.
Stay Organized: Keeping track of assignments, tests, and projects in a planner or digital calendar helps avoid last-minute stress. Staying organized can also help prioritize tasks.
Manage Time: Learning how to break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks is important. Setting aside specific time each day for homework and studying can prevent procrastination. Studying in advance by 2-3 three days is much better than cramming, see research below.
Ask Questions: If something is unclear, it’s important to ask the teacher or a classmate for help. This shows curiosity and a willingness to learn. Even it’s clear, force yourself to think of a question to stay engaged. Questions that are personally interesting to the student will help them connect to the lesson so much better.
Stay Positive and Resilient: Every student will face challenges, but staying positive and not giving up when things are tough helps build confidence. Encouragement from parents or teachers also plays a key role.
Develop Daily Study Skills: Practice note-taking, reviewing notes regularly, and using resources like study guides or educational videos to reinforce learning. Finding what study methods work best (like flashcards or drawing diagrams) can be a game-changer.
Read Regularly: Reading is a powerful way to expand vocabulary, improve comprehension, and prepare for more complex texts. It’s important to enjoy reading both for fun and for schoolwork.
Participate in Class!!!!: Actively engaging in discussions, answering questions, and sharing ideas helps improve understanding and retention of the material.
Work on Problem-Solving: In subjects like math, practice makes perfect. Working through problems step-by-step and practicing regularly will build confidence in solving different types of problems. Work your way to success!
Take Care of Yourself: Sleep, healthy eating, and regular exercise contribute to a better focus in school. It’s easier to do well academically when a student feels physically and mentally good.
By following these steps, a fifth grader can feel more prepared and confident in taking on the academic challenges of 5th grade.
Study Guide that will improve your student's success quickly.
Make a connection to the information before the lesson begins, during the lesson and when studying. Here’s how: “Students know that simply rereading a text ahead of a history exam is an easy, comfortable way to study, for example, but they are likely unaware that small tweaks to the way they reread—like pausing between sessions and jotting down notes and questions in between—can result in big comprehension gains.
These tweaks serve another purpose, too. While students may not be inclined to try evidence-based study strategies like self-testing, persuading them to slip the practice into their rereading routine serves as a “vehicle” to introduce them to “more effective but rarely practiced strategies.” Study to be able to answer questions about the text. Be a detective- what did the teacher emphasize and make sure you know that material very well. This is how top learners outsmart the test.
Here are some more ways to optimize the most common study strategies students use—and expose them to higher-order strategies in the process.
Many students assume that reading passages a couple of times is enough to process the content, but this approach is “passive in nature,” the researchers say, and often gives students the “false sense” that they’re gleaning insights.
To improve the practice, teach students to space out their rereading. Spaced readings of a text—just like spaced practice—“produces superior memory performance” compared with rereading that happens immediately after the first read, according to the researchers.
In a 1987 study cited in the review, students who took just a 30-minute break after their first reading of a short passage and before their second reading displayed greater recall than those who reread the passage without pausing in between.
Students can further improve the effectiveness of rereading by adding retrieval practice into the mix. After their first read, challenge students to retrieve the content by writing out summaries in their own words, self-quizzing by asking themselves questions like “How would I explain this to someone else?” or by sketching quick concept maps. These activities can expose gaps in their knowledge and clarify what they should focus on during the next read.
Marking up text comes naturally to students, the researchers write, with students believing that by highlighting a sentence, it’s more likely that they’ll remember the information later. They aren’t wrong.
Highlighting can be an effective method of storing information, and there is strong evidence that “students can recall marked information better than unmarked information,” the authors of the review said. But the evidence also suggests that marking up text is often ineffective because students either “mark too little or mark noncritical information.”
Students can correct this—to great effect—with some coaching.
Students often have difficulty identifying key ideas to mark up, fail to consider the larger structure of a text, and may struggle at first to distinguish main ideas from supporting details. But a 2022 study found that spending as little as a couple of hours tutoring them on proper highlighting techniques can yield a whopping 325 percent improvement in effectiveness.
Simple tips include asking students to resist marking up a text on the first read, which can help them slow down and “identify the key points to be marked, thus eliciting active, elaborative processing of the text,” the Washington University researchers note.
UCLA graduate school of education instructor Rebecca Alber also recommends teaching students to take note of key textual features before diving into a reading: Is it a fictional story or a nonfiction text? If it’s nonfiction, is it meant to be consumed by a specific audience, like a textbook, or a general audience, like a newspaper article? Each medium has different aims worth paying attention to. What is the teacher trying to teach us? What is the goal? Now your brain is engaged and it’s processing at a higher level. Be anything except passive!
As students read the text, Alber suggests asking them to read with an active goal in mind, such as identifying the author’s purpose, arguments, and use of literary devices like foreshadowing and imagery. It’s also helpful to remind students that the margins are their friend and can be used to leave questions, synthesize information into short summaries, or even draw representations of the idea or detail that has been marked up, which can make the act of highlighting less passive, says high school English teacher Lauren Gehr.
Similar to highlighting, note-taking is typical in most classrooms, and reading over notes is often students’ default study method. But how students take notes—and what they do with those notes—can make a big difference in terms of the strategy’s effectiveness.
When students simply aim to copy lectures down verbatim, taking notes becomes a “relatively ineffective learning strategy,” the Washington University researchers concluded. In fact, this “shallow processing” of information can actually “hinder learning by preventing the learners from engaging with the material more meaningfully.”
But when students use an interactive process to take notes and make sense of newly learned information—by summarizing, paraphrasing, and organizing new ideas in their own words—it can be an extremely effective method for encoding and retaining knowledge. Find a connection to the material to win the testing game. Slow the teacher down if you are having trouble with this and ask about their motivation if it is not clear to you.
Daniel Willingham, an author and psychology professor at the University of Virginia, told Edutopiathat instead of trying to write down exactly what a teacher is saying, students should aim to write down what they are thinking about the information they’re hearing. Not down questions to ask after class.
This results in fewer notes and more work on students’ part to revise what they take down and make it clearer—but it helps “ensure that the notes are actually serving the purpose,” Willingham said. “You’re actually going to be listening, processing, and understanding, and that’s going to help you remember better.” Adding a “turn-and-talk” step to this process can help, too, research shows. According to a 2016 study, students who revised their notes with a partner, rather than alone, recorded more notes and scored higher on exams.
This deeper processing of notes also works when students are reading texts. A 2021 study found that when students write a short summary—in their own words—about a challenging text and are given a follow-up comprehension test, they vastly outperform students who read a summary of the reading provided by a teacher. To make this more engaging for students, ask them to practice by attempting to summarize their reading in a tweet, a text exchange, or a brief television script.
Teaching them to exercise this economy of words isn’t just for fun: The Washington University researchers found that students who used fewer words to express critical ideas in their notes were more likely to recall important material than students who used more words.
Of all the study methods that students favor, using flash cards can be the most effective because it’s a retrieval practice that—when done correctly—helps students learn and retain information and gauge how well they understand material.
One of the shortcomings of flash cards, however, is that students often lack the “metacognitive accuracy” to effectively determine if they’ve mastered the information on a flash card before moving on, the Washington University researchers found. Discarding cards prematurely can diminish the effectiveness of spacing and prevents students from storing new information in long-term memory.
In a 2011 study from Kent State University, participants learned pairs of Lithuanian and English words using flash cards. The researchers found that after a two-day delay, participants who kept reviewing cards until they could accurately recall the words four or five times remembered 40 percent more words than those who moved on more quickly after correctly recalling words.
Speaking of delays, coaching students to pause for a day or two after they first successfully run through a set of flash cards is another way to increase information recall. Cramming the night before a test, it’s worth reminding students, not only will make them groggy the next day but also just isn’t that effective.
I cited all of these ideas as they are not original and the result of research over time with a few of my own comments added. I know these strategies work. I’ve seen the results and if you incorporate these ideas, you will see improvements. I added the underlining for emphasis and to highlight important ideas.
There is one more article I’ll send next week.
Update 2/11/2025 and Update 2/12/25
We will meet on google meet promptly at 8:30 am if we are notified that we will be virtual. All students must be in their uniforms and all students must be seated in a chair at a desk or table when they join the meeting. They will need to stay on and visible until they are dismissed. There is no eating policy so no food - they should not be on the meet for very long.
All students were instructed to bring home:
Voyages Text Book
Voyages WB
Western Civ Book
Chromebook and
Holes
All students should submit their final draft of their Compare and Contrast Essay - I returned many and almost all students need to submit it. Due 2/12 or late
All students are expected to know Chapter 3 Grammar and the names of the different types of adjectives such as : Test Thursday 2/13.
More detailed outline of chapter 3 Grammar
Descriptive adjectives refer to the five senses such as blue, loud, soft, sweet
Proper Adjectives example: Swiss watch, Italian pastries
Articles such as a, the, an
Repetition of articles, the raptor and the T-Rex
Demonstrative adjectives: this, that, these and those
points out a specific place or person or thing and is more specific than the articles: an, the or a
Adjectives that tell how many or count adjectives, a number word that tells number order or tells how many. Fifth grade, We are first.
Adjectives as Subject Complements: an adjective that follows the linking verb and completes the sentence. Example: The snake's scales are smooth. Tells about the subject.
Adjectives that compare,
Positive: Light
Comparative - Lighter
Superlative: Lightest
Some longer words cannot take an "er" or "est" ending. For those words the comparative and superlative can be formed by using more or less before the positive form
comparative :more mysterious
superlative: most mysterious
Use Fewer, Fewest with concrete nouns that can be counted such as a gaggle of geese or three trees. Use less and least with abstract nouns such as happiness,.
Interrogative Adjectives: what, which and whose and comes before the noun.
Homework 2/11 - If we have a snow day - students had Voyages workbook pages 40 and 41 for homework.
Snow day work Voyages practice book- 42,43,44,45 do half of each section - every other, start with the first one.
Snow day work Complete lessons 16 and 17 in Western Hemisphere Social Studies book, Class review today Test Friday 2/14.
Read Holes chapters 8 - 10.
What Does a yellow spotted lizard look like? Provide 3 details. Why do you think (infer - make an educated guess using the text) - why the author spends an entire chapter on describing the yellow spotted lizard - write 3 sentences at a minimum.
Chapter 9 Please respond in full sentences.
Q1: Explain why the rec room is called the Wreck room.
Q2: What are the reasons X-Ray gives when he says the second hole is the hardest?
Q3: What kind of letter does Stanley write to his mother? Why do you think he does this?
Q4. How does Stanley get his nickname and why does Stanley not realize it until the end of the chapter?
Chapter 10 Questions - Due Thursday - will have time to do these
Q1: How is digging the second hole harder for Stanley? How is it easier?
Q2: Why is Stanley excited about the fossilized rock?
Q3:What is Mr. Pendanski’s & the boy’s reaction to the rock? Why do you think they react this way?
Q4: Predict the kind of item you think the Warden would think was interesting to dig up. Explain your answer
Have a great day!
More Most Less Least, Fewer, fewest, Less and Least Interrogative
Update 2/6/2025
Grammar Quiz Friday
Grammar Study packet
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lL8qTwDG2Wu4_LepWFqvHCNH75ojjeYxSDu_dn-NLbI/edit?tab=t.0
Nearly or final draft of Compare and Contrast essay due Monday - students may only make a few corrections at that point.
If any student did not hand in vocab sentences, they should do so tomorrow.
Vocabulary Quiz on Holes Vocabulary - Vocabulary list link is below.
Update 2/5/2025
Homework for evening of 2/5/25
Vocab sentences - Students will choose 10 vocabulary words from the list below that they don't know and write a sentence including that word to show they understand the meaning. Sentences should be 6 or more words long, legible and students will also have to be able to spell the words correctly. We reviewed the words today and will review them again tomorrow. Rather than responding to student questions about vocabulary words, I suggest that they look them up in the dictionary first because they will learn more about the target words that way. This assignment is Due Wednesday. 2/6/2025
Vocab List in the link below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/175yzDpDdXTXEbvQr17XcZGJA_d8SWrIL/view
Grammar:
All students were directed to put their grammar workbooks in their backpack before lunch and again at the end of the day. Grammar homework do pages 37 and 38 tonight in your Voyages Workbook. We reviewed the concepts on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. I also provided students with a hard copy of an outline of adjectives we have learned about - There are 11 different types they need to know.
Shout out to the fifth grade for doing a wonderful job yesterday on their Holes assignment for chapters 1 - 4. They were able to answer in depth questions and showed a high ability to make inferences about the story. When we began our ELA lessons in September, the students did not know what inferencing was and now they are using it like pros. Also I am happy to report that all students who took the Social Studies Exam yesterday scored an 85 or better and most students scored in the 90 percent range. Way to go. The group portion of the exam will be today.
Grammar Quiz on Friday - Adjectives Chapter 3 and Spiral review of our previous grammar lessons.
Spelling/Vocabulary Quiz on Friday - words can be found below in a link.
Update 2/3/2025
Social Studies Test from late last week will be tomorrow.
We had a good start to the novel study on Holes by Louis Sachar. We read about the author, and reviewed some interesting facts about the novel setting and the main characters. I posted the vocabulary words for chapters 1 - 7 here. Students will choose 10 vocabulary words from the list below that they don't know and write a sentence including that word to show they understand the meaning. Sentences should be 6 or more words long, legible and students will also have to be able to spell the words correctly. We reviewed the words today and will review them again tomorrow. Rather than responding to student questions about vocabulary words, I suggest that they look them up in the dictionary first because they will learn more about the target words that way. This assignment is Due Wednesday. 2/6/2025
Vocab List in the link below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/175yzDpDdXTXEbvQr17XcZGJA_d8SWrIL/view
There will be a grammar quiz on Thursday on articles and adjectives. This will include the following:
Adjective Quiz Study Guide
Descriptive adjectives
Proper adjectives such a Swedish Meatballs
Articles an, the, a
Repetition of articles
The scientist and the writer worked together to publish the article. Here the sentence is referring to a specific scientist and writer so the we repeat the article.
Demonstrative Adjectives points out a specific person, place or thing and is more specific than a, an or the.
This fossile belonged the a raptor.
(that, these, those are also used in this way.)
Adjectives that tell how many
One photograph, 12 eggs - One through ten we write out and after that you can use the number except at the beginning of a sentence.
all each few much some
any. either many neither
both every most several
Adjectives as Subject Complements
An adjective that follows a linking verb and completes the sentence is called a subject complement.
The T-Rex was powerful.
Adjectives that compare
smart smarter smartest
More, Most, Less, Least
Adjectives that have three syllables and some with two do not take er or est. Instead we use
Examples:
More mysterious
most famous
least interesting
Fewer Fewest Less and Least
Concrete nouns name things you can see and touch and count and abstract nouns name things that you cannot count such as happiness, joy, sadness, sleep, patience.
Less, least, are used with concrete nouns and fewer fewest are used with abstract nouns.
Interorrogative Adjectives are used when asking a question. Interoggative adjectives used are: what, which, whose and they come before a noun.
Examples:
What prey did the T-Rex eat?
Which dinosaurs had sharp teeth?
Whose dinosaur sketches are on the table?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/175yzDpDdXTXEbvQr17XcZGJA_d8SWrIL/view
Just to clarify the social studies tips sheet is in place of a packet. The vocabulary and concepts are clearly labeled in bold or located in the activities in the book. There will also be an essay on the Mayan civilization. If you have any questions, please send a email, I'm happy to help.
🙂
Update 1/31/2025
Below is the grading rubric for writing our Compare and Contrast essay on the novel The Whipping Boy and the drama, The Prince and the Pauper, final submission 2/7/2025.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TBRKKyacUKTK3Efeapc6BsBf-W7BGYumraZRngg_uVk/edit?usp=sharing
Update: 1/30/2025
The Social Studies Test will be on chapters 14 and 15 to make it less challenging during this fun week. Study the vocabulary words in bold, study the activities in the chapters and there will be one essay on the Mayans and a few questions from the video we watched in class.
For the essay there are specific rules that I reviewed numerous times in class. The essay must be color coded to show organization. The hook or first sentence is pink. The first main idea comparing and contrasting the characters is presented in the introduction and corresponds to the first paragraph. The first idea and paragraph will be highlighted green. The second idea (comparing and contrasting how the plot arc led to the development of the story) and corresponding paragraph is yellow. The third idea presented in the introductory paragraph compares and contrasts the devices of a novel to the devices of a drama and is red. The conclusion is blue and restates and tells about how you proved your thesis. The essay must be written in the third person and only include formal written language - with no casual spoken phrases. Students may not begin sentences with "and" or "because". All students must include the idiom, "Walk a mile in another's shoes before judging them". All essays must be at least 5 paragraphs of 4 - 8 sentences each and the essay must be a minimum of 350 words. Rough draft of 200 words due Friday.
Ask your child about the fun hands on project of building ancient dwellings and adding details about everyday ancient civilization life to their creations. The students did an amazing job. I'm also very proud of the Religion Bee and Spelling Bee Contestants, they represented our class very well! Congratulations! We also had a Jimmy the Bulldog School Spirit Contest. That was a lot of fun.
Week of January 27 to 31.
Anything distracting to students during instruction will not be allowed to be out of their cubby in the closet. Any child playing a game on their chromebook during class will lose the use of their chromebook for the first half of the following day. Please talk to your students about this.
I let the students sit in seats near friends for the projects during this fun week. Starting next week, I will try all students in a very similar desk arrangement as math. I noticed that they are learning to work with various classmates and they always seem very engaged. This will take the pressure off of worrying about the seating arrangement. Whenever I changed the seating to help students feel comfortable, another student invariably complained so I am unable to do that.
They did have the opportunity to choose their book clubs, where a couple or a few friends will be reading the same choice book during reading and sharing book club time.
Holes, the novel, will start Monday because it has been a busy but productive week.
Week of January 27 to 31.
Monday - No Homework
Social Studies Test on Friday 1/31/2025 - Chapters 14 - 15 I will send home a parent guide. above.
Compare and Contrast Essay rough drafts are due Friday - the rubric is in Google Classroom and a printed copy will be available for parents.
Grammar Quiz on Chapters 1 - 4 will be on 2/6/2025. I will print a guideline for parents and send it home Monday. This is mostly review and prior knowledge and a knowledge check before we move onto new material - the use of adjectives and predicates - next week.
We are almost finished Ancient Civilizations - which has been packed with information, and we will be moving on to the development of North America (USA and Canada) in two weeks and then turn our attention to the development of North and South America. There is a very broad list of objectives to cover this year.
Homework 1 / 21 / 2025
All students should complete the contest essay What America the Beautiful Means to Me, with regard to the military and veterans. Most students completed this assignment during the three class periods where they had time to write it and make corrections. It is due tomorrow and students need a printed copy as well fo submission to the contest. Please remember the Cover page.
Homework for week of 1/13/25 - 1/17/25
Students will be responsible for a Social Studies test on Friday. Moved to 1/31. This information has been provided to the students since last week and on the board each day. We had a thorough in class review so I'm looking forward to good results tomorrow.
All students had approximately 2 hours of class time to research, organize and write an essay on the topic, America the Beautiful, what it means to me with respect to the military and veterans. 250 - 300 words. Most students have completed or nearly completed their essay. The essay must be turned in on google docs on my classroom by Jan 21st and one final printed copy should be printed at home if submitting the essay to the contest. This essay also counts as an ELA writing assignment for 5th grade so all students must submit this assignment on my 5th Grade Google Classroom.
A compare and contrast essay is due Jan 31. The rubric is on classroom.
Accessing Google Classroom at home
All students should be able to access Google Classroom. Students should make sure that they switch the Google account to their school account and then login using their full St James Regional email and the same password used for their chromebook.
The new behavior plan is working well and I am very proud of the work, pride, and spirit of the Fifth Grade Class!
Warm regards,
Lisa O'Hara
Homework updated through 10/1/2024 - please scroll down. Homework Assignments for ELA and and Social Studies 9/16/2024
Take home Social Studies book, notebook and folder to study for quiz 9/16
Quiz 9/17/2024 on Maps, Continents, Oceans, Latitude, Longitude, Compass Rose, Cardinal Directions, Prime Meridian and Equator. See folder and Western Civilizations Social Studies Text Book and notebook for guidance. The quiz will in large part be based on a map we have been working on extensively since the beginning of school.
Quiz on Unit 2 Vocabulary Wednesday, 9/18/24. Students have a copy of the Unit 2 vocabulary packet in their ELA folder.
Homework assigned on 9/17/24
ELA - Read first 10 pages of the book Eleven, be prepared to answer questions for a class participation grade. Or read for a solid 20 - 25 minutes and complete as much as possible. Allow a few minutes for settling down.
Study for Vocabulary Quiz - Bring home ELA folder and review Unit vocabulary packet. Be able to define words, identify words using context clues and use the words in a sentence that shows a comprehension and logical use of the word.
Social Studies - you may look up your assigned landform or water form if you would like to research it. Details on the project will be provided tomorrow.
The fifth graders did a great job on their social quizzes today. We're off to a great start. Make sure to test your student's knowledge after they study for quizzes or tests to check in and see how they are doing.
Feel free to read along with them for our literature choices. Eleven is a thoughtful story and it might spark some interesting discussions.
9/24/2024
Read the book Eleven Chapters 1 - 4 - Review for Quiz. This is a student's opportunity to earn some credit points towards the first quiz that was given today. If your child scored below an 80. There were a few in the class who did score a bit low because they did not know that I expected them to read the story quite carefully. It's a great story so it should be fun.
Vocabulary: Do Unit 3, pages 31 and 32, We will have a quiz on Unit 3 Vocabulary next week
I will be out on Sept 26th and 27th. Students will have a lot of work to do during those days. Please remind students that a large part of their grade is assigned to class participation. Being cooperative and productive in class everyday is important and will be especially expected when I need to be out - which should not be often.
They are working hard on their Landform Presentations and Research Writing on landfroms or water forms. This work is all completed in class so I can demonstrate to students how to do a project like this. The next big project will be on an ancient civilizations of the Western Hemisphere. These projects will be completed at home and in class.
Students are working each week on
Looking ahead: Spelling and Grammar quiz next Tuesday. The spelling words are in their ELA noteboook. The grammar is in their notebook also. We will have a quiz on proper nouns and common nouns, sentence subjects and subject pronouns and sentence objects and object pronouns.
These are the topics covered in ELA each week:
Vocabulary
Handwriting
Grammar
Reading
Writing
Presentations (I crossover with Social Studies so many presentations are on Social Studies topics).
Literature Analysis
The children did view an age appropriate video about 9/11 today. Although the video avoided graphic scenes of the event, there were moments of live footage from ground zero. Please speak with your child about how they felt about it. Please check your email today. Have a nice evening!
Lisa
They are a great class! Honestly, thank you. You must be great parents because you have truly great children.
ELA
Spelling Quiz tomorrow - Bring home ELA notebook
Vocab Unit 3 quiz on Wednesday - Brin g home vocab book
Eleven - Read through the end of chapter 8 by Wednesday
All children must select an extra book to read in class and at home. They will let me know their book name by tomorrow. We will read one "Drop Everything and Read" book per month.
Homework for the evening of Oct. 1, 2024
Red Kayak Essay ELA Homework due Oct 2, 2024
Two Paragraphs with an introductory sentence for each paragraph and at least 3 supporting sentences for each paragraph. Students must provide a prewriting page where they show their efforts to organize the essay before writing a draft. This can look like:
Prewriting Page: 25 points
Introductory Sentence ideas on What are Brady’s Character traits
1 Supporting detail from the text about trait one such as responsible
2 Second supporting detail from the text on
3 Third supporting detail from the text
Second paragraph - Introductory Sentence idea on How does the main character display courage?
1 supporting detail such as kept looking despite setbacks
2.supporting detail
3 supporting detail
2 Paragraph essay on Red Kayak
Essay should refer to the text for support of the introductory sentences. All paragraphs should show the proper use of capitalization, punctuation, spelling and grammar. 75 points
Any assignment turned in after Oct. 2 without an excused absence will have points deducted - 10 points per day. All assignments are due at 8:10 am.
Vocabulary Quiz tomorrow Unit 3 - Oct 2.