Spelling

Students receive a spelling list and packet each Monday. If a student is absent, they are responsible to get the packet when they return. Students are responsible for completing the packet and turning it in before the test on Friday. The packet is worth 15 points - 5 points per page completed. Incomplete or poorly completed pages will not receive a full 5 points.  Failure to turn in the packet before the test results in a loss of 3 points.

List of words for test on Thursday, February 24th:

mustang                     avocado

patio                             rodeo

caboose                      waffle

sleigh                           yacht

ski                                 skull

gong                             paddy

umbrella                      ravioli

opera                            trampoline

judo                               futon

depot                            corduroy

All of these words are words used in the English language which came directly from other langues. Students will not only have to spell the words correctly, they will also need to match the correct word to its definition. Definitions are in the spelling packet.

New for 3rd quarter: Students receiving 100% on their Friday spelling test are not required to complete the weekly spelling packet the following week. However, this puts the responsibility for studying completely on the student. Students may choose to use the packet to study, or they may use other methods. However, if the student does not get 100% the next week, they will be back to being required to do the packet. I have let students know that parents may choose to require them to do the packet regardless of their grade. Contact me if you have questions.

Science Happenings

Our new unit of study: Earth Materials!

We continue to use the steps of the scientific method. The steps are: question, prediction, materials, procedure, outcome, conclusion. Look for opportunities to help your child solve problems with these steps in everyday life. Lots of fighting with a sibling? Encourage them to use the "scientific method" - define the problem (for example, we only fight over the video games), think about possible ways to solve it (we have assigned times to play the games), try the solution, think about the results and decide if it worked! If it didn't work, try again with another solution!

Math

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of students having a mastery of basic skills in adition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Students who do not have a strong grasp of multiplication facts are encouraged to regularly practice at home. If you do not allow internet use at home, make some basic flash cards. Just a few minutes of regular practice daily brings big rewards! 

Math grading is based on the following: Homework is due at the start of each math class. 5 points are given for having the homework completed (regardless of correctness). Then, the assignment is corrected in class with each student correcting their own paper. Students have opportunity to ask questions on any problems they had trouble with. Anywhere from 1-5 problems which I have chosen ahead of time are not corrected by the student. I collect all papers and correct those. If the student did not understand the paper for homework, and then comes to class and asks questions and then understands, they may complete those 1-5 problems before turning the paper in. Those 1-5 problems are worth 5 points, based on degree of understanding and correctness. Thus, each homework assignment is worth 10 points total. You can see that having the homework done at the start of each math class is very important. This may be a different point system than you are accustomed to. Please contact me if you have any questions.

We are currently studying algebra (pemdas), averaging, ratios, and measurements (both English and metric). I encourage students to use the IXL math practice program at home if they have a computer available. The current IXL areas which would be beneficial for practice are: Y 1 and 2 sections.

Previous IXL areas to review: A1, A2, A3, A4, A6, A7. Also D2, D3, D4, D9, D10, D11. J3. F1, F2, F4, F5, F10, F11, F13, K1-5, H1-5, H7-10,C, L1-3, 5-7, and all of M 

Practice is key to reinforcing long term learning of what students learn in school.

Nightly Reading:

Students are required to read for 30 minutes each evening. Most students will choose to read their library book to help reach their Accelerated Reader point goals. However, if your student does not bring their book home to read, feel free to choose any appropriate reading material within your house to practice those reading skills! Regular daily reading is a great life habit to start now!

Social Studies:

5th grade social studies spans from the explorers to the American Revolution and Founding Documents.

Currently studying the nature of the 13 colonies, and the causes leading to the Revolutionary War.