Grade 5

Fifth-grade science students are becoming metric wizards. We have learned what the metric system (SI) is and the difference between meters, grams, and liters. Using metric rulers and tape measures, we measured the length of our desks, classroom, feet, hands, height, and friends’ heights to the nearest centimeter. We also practiced metric measurement by recording the length of each student’s standing broad jump. By the third attempt, almost all students had improved their distances.

Using beakers and graduated cylinders, we measured liquids in milliliters. We also used Fahrenheit and Celsius thermometers to compare the two temperature measurements. We were excited to see the temperature differences between hot and cold water, but the biggest surprise was the temperature of the snow outside our classroom!

With triple-beam balances, we were able to measure and record the mass of a wide variety of small objects. This activity was more challenging than it first appeared to be. Eventually, all groups were able to measure their objects to the nearest mg; thus, demonstrating the great advantage of students working together in teams.

Metric measurement is easier to understand when you can relate it to things around you. Our last assignment—creating a Metric Scrapbook—helped us to develop a "feel" for metric measurement. We had to decide which units of measure would make the most sense for measuring different kinds of items. Then we made picture scrapbooks showing the metric units we would use to measure the different objects.

Did you know that the Newbery Award is announced in January each year? Fifth grade students are learning about the Newbery Award and what it takes for a book to win. They are learning about plot and theme as they prepare to read, analyze, and evaluate a Newbery winner of their choice. Check out this year's winners.

Students have been practicing and learning comprehension strategies for reading nonfiction. They are able to locate conventions of print that are used to help the readers notice text and visualize what they are reading through pictures. They have also learned to notice and understand text structures such as cause and effect and comparison.

We continue to introduce fifth graders to vocabulary strategies through Word Play, including Latin and Greek roots. Ask your child what “astr” and “stell” mean, and they will tell you as they remember the glittery stelliform objects they created, which are on display in the hallway.

We have enjoyed the humor and messages in our read aloud, The Kid in the Red Jacket. Our new read aloud, A Year Down Yonder, is a wonderfully clever and well written novel by Richard Peck. As we enjoy this new read aloud, students are still encouraged to keep reading for Go for the Gold!

Our fifth graders are practicing becoming star spellers in creative ways such as using sign language to spell their words and playing Bananagrams to stretch their spelling brains. Many are enjoying the challenge vocabulary/spelling word lists after proving their mastery of the standard lists. 

All fifth graders participated in classroom spelling bees. Top finishers competed in a grade level bee. Congratulations to grade 5 champion Alex Killion, runner-up Jared Reynolds, third place finisher Gabi Brummett, and alternate Claire Mulvaney. Our representatives made a strong showing in the school-wide bee, with Gabi placing third overall, spelling her way through twenty-two rounds! Congratulations to Tim Bradley, grade 8, our 2010 Annual Ives Spelling Bee Champion!

After having completed the collecting stage of the writing process, each student has carefully selected a “seed” of a story from his/her writer’s notebook, created a storyboard, and has begun typing a rough draft on the computer. Students have learned how to make electronic folders and properly save their work. Also, students have worked hard to ensure that they write complete sentences and avoid troublesome fragments and run-ons. Finally, they are in the midst of learning how to use dialogue correctly to enhance their stories. Prepare to be “wowed” by the end results!

After completing the geography unit in social studies, students participated in the grade-level National Geography Bee. The top contenders in fifth grade were Davin Baal and Robbie Ciotti, and our alternate was Sara Anoli. Davin and Robbie competed in the school-wide BMS Geography Bee, where the number one geographer was determined to be eighth grader Tayza Tu! All participants did an excellent job and congratulations to Tayza!

In November, we worked in small groups to research how the harvest is celebrated in many countries around the world. Students prepared and performed skits to share with their classmates.

To better understand and appreciate celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, during the week of January 1, students learned about the Civil Rights Movement by focusing on Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Grade 5 mathematicians recently completed a unit on problem solving. We developed and utilized a plan for solving word problems, including the critical steps of reading the problem carefully, planning an approach with strategies, solving the problem with the necessary algorithms, and examining answers for accuracy and reasonability. In addition, we investigated a variety of strategies including creating logic grid boxes, working backwards, making organized lists, and using pictures, charts, diagrams, tables, and graphs. Now that we have a variety of problem solving “tools” in our “toolboxes,” Problem Solving Challenges have begun! These weekly assignments are given and collected on Fridays. Students need to be sure to complete the “Explain Your Thinking” or EYT portion of the assignment!

We are currently engaged in a unit on pre-algebra. Throughout this unit, students will explore powers and exponents, the order of operations, expressions, and equations. Students will engage in the critically acclaimed Hands-On Equations, a program that does an amazing job of developing a strong foundation for algebraic thinking.

Grade 5 mathematicians are encouraged to continue practicing their multiplication and division facts. The next testing round for Mrs. Girard’s Challenge has just begun! Strive to improve over your last performance!