January 14, 2010
Dear Fifth Grade Parents,
Here is a curriculum update for the following week:
Math
Friday- Lesson 50-Finding an Average
Tuesday-Test #9
Wednesday-Mass
No Math
Religion – We will continue to learn about Chapter 16, Gathering for the Mass. We have been working on the study guide during class. It will be due next Tuesday 1/19. The test will be on Friday 1/22.
Social Studies
The fifth graders will take the Chapter 7 test as well as 13 colony map test on Friday 1/15. Next week we will be moving on to Chapter 8, Facing Slavery. Students will learn about slavery from the perspective of the West Africans facing difficult dilemmas as European slave traders take them farther and farther from their homeland. Also, if the students need the entire period to finish the Ch.7 test then 13 Colonies Map quiz will be given during the next class time we meet.
Science
Inventions are due Friday, January29th. They will be displayed in the hallway for Catholic Schools Week.
Students have been examining small microbes (volvox, blepharisma and vinegar eels) under their microscopes. Students have been learning the characteristics of each organism. Students have taken notes about each organism in their 5-subs. They will take a quiz on the characteristics of these microbes next Friday (1/22).
Language Arts
The students did a wonderful job finishing their Dr. King poems and illustrations this week. They will be on display in the hallways. Due to Monday’s holiday, there is no spelling assignment or test this week. We continue to review singular, plural and possessive nouns. Students will be taking a test covering this material on Tuesday, January 26th. A study guide will be sent home next week.
Reading
The 5th graders have enjoyed reading about how a girl their age made a difference in her community by organizing an effort to feed the homeless. This led to some excellent discussions about ways that we can help the less fortunate. Thank you for sending in a non-perishable food item for our culminating activity this week. Last check, the Rectory supply of ‘Lunches of Love’ was running low, so they were happy to hear that 5th graders will be helping to re-stock the shelves.
Next week, we will build upon what we learned this week about distinguishing between Fact and Opinion, to learn how we use facts to form our own opinions. Also, look for the guidelines for the 2nd Trimester Book Report.
Have a great week!
Ms. Semandiris