Gratitude Projects 2014

The end of the year is a time to look back and think about what we are grateful for. In 5R we have discussed a lot about gratitude and showing appreciation not only for people and deeds, but also for the life we have around us.

The last week of school, the students had an open ended homework assignment to create a project showing their gratitude on a variety of topics, such as, "something you are grateful for that smells nice" or "something you are grateful for that has a vibrant color." The student projects were really thoughtful and well done. They also had to share their projects to work on their public speaking goals. We spent a lovely morning listening to the students as they spoke about their gratitude.

All in all, it was a wonderful project and just perfect for the last day of school before a long winter holiday. I think I will make it a holiday tradition!

Please enjoy looking at some of the projects and photos presented to the class this morning.

Viktor's Prezi

 

Holiday Party 2014

Happy Holidays to everyone! We had a wonderful holiday party filled with pizza, juice, veggies, edible crafts, fun games and small gifts. It not only fun, but educational too thanks to our wonderful room parents. The kids had a great time and it was a nice way to celebrate all of the hard work we have done already this year. Thank you again to everyone who made this possible. Have a nice winter break!

 

ISL Snow Show 2014

Congratulations on a well performed show. I am proud of all of you! The song and movements really showed what we are all working towards achieving this year. Nice work ISL Grade 5!

 

Spelling Homework for Tonight

Assignment: Take 5 of your words and write 5 Question Poems.

A question poem is where you choose one topic as your title and then write questions about it. It can be rhyming or free verse.

Examples:

Mother
Oh, mother
Why are you so far away?
Why do I think of you every day?
What are you doing and what do you see?
Are you sitting and thinking of me?

Bunny
Bunny, bunny
Why are your hops so bouncy?
Is your fur made of clouds?
Where are your little rabbit friends?
Do you like juicy carrots or dry carrots better?
Will you come home with me and wiggle your nose at my cat?


 

Season of Giving Thanks

In the spirit of American Thanksgiving last Thursday I showed this video and then we participated in a sharing circle with all of grade 5. Each student and teacher got to take time to tell the group what they were thankful for.

The spirit of giving thanks has continued in my class with notes and poems of thanks. Many of my students have found or written me poems to show their appreciation for the work I do as a teacher. They have brought me to tears. I wanted to show some of what I have been receiving.

I fully believe that for as much as we do for children, they do so much for us too. I truly love my job and my students and am thankful for both every day!

 

Poetry Internet Resources

Our new unit has just begun and I wanted to share some fun internet resources for creating poetry online. The students will be working at school and home on poetry so if you have some down time to be creative, check out these resources (or use them for spelling practice this week!)

Create Acrostic Poems: ReadWriteThink
Create Dimante Poems: ReadWriteThink
Create Haiku Poems: ReadWriteThink
More Haiku Poems: PBS Kids
 

IXL Practice November 27th

H.6

H.7

H.8

H.1

H.10

H.16

 

Geology Gallery Walk

Last Friday we invited students, teacher and parents to come view the Grade 5 end of unit projects. The students had a chance to share their projects and show the knowledge they gained over the past 6 weeks. It was a wonderful morning and I was proud of all of the hard work. Here are three of the computer projects. Enjoy!

Multiplying Decimals: Three Ways

Here is a video for the lattice method:

Here is a video for the estimation method with the traditional method:

Here is one more video for the more traditional method:

 

The Grade 5 "Great Shake Off"

Last Friday the kids participated in the first annual Great Shake Off. After working all week with their partners to build their structures, the students got a chance to test them on the earthquake table. It was great fun not only watching the buildings shake, shimmy and unfortunately crash on the floor. Check out the photos. It was so much fun!!!


 

Geometry Video Collection 1

This unit in Everyday Math is focusing on geometry and while some of the concepts are pretty basic, boy are the words challenging! I would like to share some resources and videos to help you with the vocabulary.

First, there is Study Jams. This is a free site that gives you so many lessons for kids to learn math and science. Today we learned about congruency. Use it because Study Jams is awesome, awesome, awesome!!!

Also, here are the IXL topics you can use to practice on your own. The starred ones are the ones I would like you to work on first!

*B.10
  B.12
*B.13
  B.30
  B.31
  B.32 (challenge)
*B.33

Vertical and Adjacent Angles

Singapore Math Triangle Angles = 180 Degrees

Classification of Triangles

How To Use A Geometric Compass

 

Earthquake Structure Challenge

This week the class has been exploring the earth forces that influence the structural strength of buildings. The students were given a challenge to create a 4 walled building with a roof that would withstand a significant earthquake. They were partnered up and given freedom to choose their materials. Here are photos of the process and finished products. Tomorrow is the Grade 5 Great Shake Off, so be sure to look for post quake pictures soon.


 

Spelling Homework Week of November 3

 

Homework Ice Cream Party Photos!

I just completed an elaborate blogpost on homework and rewards here, but without boring you too much, here are the photos from our "Homework Party!" Way to go kids! 100% participation is all a teacher can hope for and you did it!

 

Geology Videos to Check Out

Krakatowa Erupts Up Close

Forces That Have Changed Our Earth

National Geographic: Lava

 

Check It Out! BBC In Your Lifetime

I saw this and thought of my natural inquirers. Kids, you will really like this so take a look. You put in your birthday and some other information and it gives you facts about how the Earth has changed since you were born. There is even some information about plate tectonics and natural disasters.

Your Life On Earth

 

Alex's Disaster News

Last night Alex took action and made a Natural Disaster Newspaper. Take a look. It is informative and his voice shines through!