Students completed Day 2 of centers this morning.
After recess, students worked in pairs to identify the beginning, middle, and end of a variety of children's books.
After lunch we discussed yesterday's math assignment. We then worked together to develop a model of what one million would look like. Students created a visual of one million dots in the hallway. We also watched a short video, What Does One Million Look Like?, demonstrating the size of one million.
Students worked in groups to label the 7 continents and 4 oceans in Social Studies.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
October Newsletter
Grade 5 – Room 20
October Newsletter
www.mrsshieldsblog.blogspot.com
It looks like Fall is finally upon us! Room 20 has become comfortable in our daily routines and have done a wonderful job working hard in the classroom. I have to thank my lucky “pumpkins” for such a great group of students!!
Language Arts:
We are continuing with our Center activities. The students are learning organizational skills as they are growing into great independent learners and workers as well as group leaders. We continue focusing on “Together is Better” with a variety of short stories, poems, and activities. We will discuss a variety of reading strategies during our Guided Reading activities. Students are also working on their Independent Reading skills practicing how to choose a Just Right book for them and reflecting on genres.
We have began to focus on the second trait of the 6+1 Writing Traits: Organization. During this trait we will practice how to organize paragraphs, research (expository writing), writing leads, and writing strong conclusions. Students have improved tremendously in one short month of writing practice! I am excited to see where our next trait takes us!!
We will continue to practice Spelling with 7 new words every six day cycle. We are currently working on Lesson 4.
Math:
Students just completed unit 1: Patterns and Equations. We will continue with unit 2: Whole Numbers. Within this unit, we will look at place value, expanded and standard forms of numbers, estimation, and problem solving.
Students have been asked to practice their multiplication tables. Learning their multiplication is very important for the entire Grade 5 math curriculum. Students should be able to identify their facts quickly. This will, in turn, make the new concepts easier for them to grasp. Please encourage your son/daughter to practice. I will be posting a variety of websites on the blog that will provide a variety of strategies to practice the multiplication tables.
Social:
We will continue with our Location unit throughout the month of October. Students will be identifying the 4 hemispheres, as well the locations of the continents and oceans. Direction and map reading skills will also be a focus during October.
Science (Mrs. Gale):
We will continue focusing on plants. Students have been assigned a plant project that will be due on October 26 th. Students will have time in class to do most of the project, with a few items or areas that may have to be completed at home.
Arts Ed (Mrs. Schentag):
The students have been busy exploring Music Genres, Musical Families, and the various instruments of the orchestra. We will continue in the Music strand by exploring the brass instruments and researching quintet, Canadian Brass.
Towards the end of October, we will begin work in the Drama strand. The unit is entitled The World of Clowns, where students will explore the skills of circus clowns and role-play a clown performance. I look forward to this humorous drama unit and will enjoy observing the student’s creativity.
Physical Education (Mr. Leidl):
The Grade 5’s will shift from sending/receiving skills to work on striking and movement pattern. Fitness planning, strength training, and flexibility skills are ongoing.
Health (Mr. Leidl):
Students will continue to work on strategies to improve their fitness and wellness. Students will begin to examine how nutrition plays an important part in the maintenance, growth, and development of the human body.
French (Mrs. Orosz):
Students have reviewed and extended known vocabulary and gestures, and are learning some more. We are beginning a new play called: L’Arbre Ungali.
I have divided the class into groups so we can share responsibility of preparing for class parties. Following the traditional costume parade we will be having a Halloween party on the afternoon of October 30. Please feel free to trade with someone if it suits you better.
Please see emailed newsletter for a list of the groups as I could not get the format to work on the blog. Thanks!
Mrs. K. Shields
October Newsletter
www.mrsshieldsblog.blogspot.com
It looks like Fall is finally upon us! Room 20 has become comfortable in our daily routines and have done a wonderful job working hard in the classroom. I have to thank my lucky “pumpkins” for such a great group of students!!
Language Arts:
We are continuing with our Center activities. The students are learning organizational skills as they are growing into great independent learners and workers as well as group leaders. We continue focusing on “Together is Better” with a variety of short stories, poems, and activities. We will discuss a variety of reading strategies during our Guided Reading activities. Students are also working on their Independent Reading skills practicing how to choose a Just Right book for them and reflecting on genres.
We have began to focus on the second trait of the 6+1 Writing Traits: Organization. During this trait we will practice how to organize paragraphs, research (expository writing), writing leads, and writing strong conclusions. Students have improved tremendously in one short month of writing practice! I am excited to see where our next trait takes us!!
We will continue to practice Spelling with 7 new words every six day cycle. We are currently working on Lesson 4.
Math:
Students just completed unit 1: Patterns and Equations. We will continue with unit 2: Whole Numbers. Within this unit, we will look at place value, expanded and standard forms of numbers, estimation, and problem solving.
Students have been asked to practice their multiplication tables. Learning their multiplication is very important for the entire Grade 5 math curriculum. Students should be able to identify their facts quickly. This will, in turn, make the new concepts easier for them to grasp. Please encourage your son/daughter to practice. I will be posting a variety of websites on the blog that will provide a variety of strategies to practice the multiplication tables.
Social:
We will continue with our Location unit throughout the month of October. Students will be identifying the 4 hemispheres, as well the locations of the continents and oceans. Direction and map reading skills will also be a focus during October.
Science (Mrs. Gale):
We will continue focusing on plants. Students have been assigned a plant project that will be due on October 26 th. Students will have time in class to do most of the project, with a few items or areas that may have to be completed at home.
Arts Ed (Mrs. Schentag):
The students have been busy exploring Music Genres, Musical Families, and the various instruments of the orchestra. We will continue in the Music strand by exploring the brass instruments and researching quintet, Canadian Brass.
Towards the end of October, we will begin work in the Drama strand. The unit is entitled The World of Clowns, where students will explore the skills of circus clowns and role-play a clown performance. I look forward to this humorous drama unit and will enjoy observing the student’s creativity.
Physical Education (Mr. Leidl):
The Grade 5’s will shift from sending/receiving skills to work on striking and movement pattern. Fitness planning, strength training, and flexibility skills are ongoing.
Health (Mr. Leidl):
Students will continue to work on strategies to improve their fitness and wellness. Students will begin to examine how nutrition plays an important part in the maintenance, growth, and development of the human body.
French (Mrs. Orosz):
Students have reviewed and extended known vocabulary and gestures, and are learning some more. We are beginning a new play called: L’Arbre Ungali.
I have divided the class into groups so we can share responsibility of preparing for class parties. Following the traditional costume parade we will be having a Halloween party on the afternoon of October 30. Please feel free to trade with someone if it suits you better.
Please see emailed newsletter for a list of the groups as I could not get the format to work on the blog. Thanks!
Mrs. K. Shields
Students completed Day 1 of a new set of centers this morning. Teacher table groups have been working on a poem titled "That Was Summer." Students are working on the final stages of writing their own poem that reflects the writing style of this particular poem. Students are adding their poems to their personal blogs. Check the Student Writing links to read the wonderful poems the students have written.
Students participated in the annual Terry Fox Run after recess.
We completed a Math Pod day after lunch. The computer station had students working playing Place Value to 100 000. At teacher table, students and I discussed using base ten blocks and the components of these different blocks. Students were assigned 1,5,6 from page 38. The third station had students working in partners or groups of 3 and playing a game called Aim for 100 000. The goal of this game is to get as close to 100 000 as possible.
Reminders:
Picture money due tomorrow
Parent meeting tomorrow evening @ 7:00
Students participated in the annual Terry Fox Run after recess.
We completed a Math Pod day after lunch. The computer station had students working playing Place Value to 100 000. At teacher table, students and I discussed using base ten blocks and the components of these different blocks. Students were assigned 1,5,6 from page 38. The third station had students working in partners or groups of 3 and playing a game called Aim for 100 000. The goal of this game is to get as close to 100 000 as possible.
Reminders:
Picture money due tomorrow
Parent meeting tomorrow evening @ 7:00
Monday, September 28, 2009
Students word processed Lesson 4 spelling words this morning.
We also worked on our Beginning, Middle, and End stories focusing on the Organization trait of 6+1 Traits of Writing. We will be posting these stories on our individual links for all to read!
After lunch, students worked on Math Pods. We have begun our second unit, Whole Numbers. We worked with base ten blocks and place value activities today.
Students got their Patterns and Equations unit tests back today. Please sign and return tomorrow.
For the last hour of the day students completed three stations in Social. One station focused on direction, the second station had students playing a quick game of Battleship (focusing on coordinates), and the final station had students on the computer playing coordinate games.
Reminders: Tomorrow is the Terry Fox Run
Pictures or payment are due by September 30.
We also worked on our Beginning, Middle, and End stories focusing on the Organization trait of 6+1 Traits of Writing. We will be posting these stories on our individual links for all to read!
After lunch, students worked on Math Pods. We have begun our second unit, Whole Numbers. We worked with base ten blocks and place value activities today.
Students got their Patterns and Equations unit tests back today. Please sign and return tomorrow.
For the last hour of the day students completed three stations in Social. One station focused on direction, the second station had students playing a quick game of Battleship (focusing on coordinates), and the final station had students on the computer playing coordinate games.
Reminders: Tomorrow is the Terry Fox Run
Pictures or payment are due by September 30.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Students began the day by compiling 7 sentences for their new spelling words. Lesson 4 spelling words include: guessed, guest, excellent, mean, tomorrow, learned, disappear.
We will be starting our next unit in math: Whole Numbers. Students watched a short Place Value video clip today that introduced them to place value and comparing numbers. Students then worked in pairs to explore the number chart on page 34 and 35.
After recess, students began to work on the Organization trait of 6+1 Writing. We began an activity that focuses on the beginning, middle, and end of narrative writing. Each student has drawn a picture of each of these components on individual sticky notes. We will use these for a writing activity next week.
We will be starting our next unit in math: Whole Numbers. Students watched a short Place Value video clip today that introduced them to place value and comparing numbers. Students then worked in pairs to explore the number chart on page 34 and 35.
After recess, students began to work on the Organization trait of 6+1 Writing. We began an activity that focuses on the beginning, middle, and end of narrative writing. Each student has drawn a picture of each of these components on individual sticky notes. We will use these for a writing activity next week.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Students completed Day 4 of centers today. All center activites from this set are due tomorrow morning. Guided reading groups are working on their poems. The students are doing a wonderful job focusing on the details from the brainstorming webs.
After recess students completed Lesson 3 spelling test. We also read a chapter and a half of our read aloud, Dive.
After lunch, students wrote their Patterns and Equations unit test.
In writing, we worked on an individual assignment asking Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How questions to stretch and add details to a simple version of Jack and the Bean Stalk. Students have done a great job in working on adding details and stretching their writing. Next week we will begin to tackle the next trait of writing, Organization.
After recess students completed Lesson 3 spelling test. We also read a chapter and a half of our read aloud, Dive.
After lunch, students wrote their Patterns and Equations unit test.
In writing, we worked on an individual assignment asking Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How questions to stretch and add details to a simple version of Jack and the Bean Stalk. Students have done a great job in working on adding details and stretching their writing. Next week we will begin to tackle the next trait of writing, Organization.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Students completed Day 3 of Centers this morning. The guided reading groups have started to work on writing their seasonal "That Was..." poem following the same structure of the poem "That Was Summer." Students are also continuing to work extremely hard to read at independent reading and fill up our bubble gum machine in the hallway!
After recess students spent a half hour with Mrs. Schentag in the library exchanging books.
We discussed the math review assignment page 30/31 for tomorrow's unit test. Study hard grade 5!! I have put a list of helpful math links onto the blog for students to play to help them review for tomorrow's test.
Reminder: Patterns and Equations unit test tomorrow, Spelling Test tomorrow, Cross Country run Friday.
After recess students spent a half hour with Mrs. Schentag in the library exchanging books.
We discussed the math review assignment page 30/31 for tomorrow's unit test. Study hard grade 5!! I have put a list of helpful math links onto the blog for students to play to help them review for tomorrow's test.
Reminder: Patterns and Equations unit test tomorrow, Spelling Test tomorrow, Cross Country run Friday.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Students completed Day 2 of centers this morning.
After recess, we talked about asking ourselves, Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How questions to help improve the details in our writing. Together we asked ourselves these questions to improve a "boring" version of The Three Little Bears. Students then worked in partners to help brighten up a version of "Cinderella" using these 6 types of questions.
Students worked in Pods during Math this afternoon. The Computer station had students playing math games that reviewed equations and patterning. Seat work had students working on page 30/31 (1,3,4,5,6,8,9,10a). This assignment is not homework as we will continue with it tomorrow. At Teacher tables students worked with individual dry-erase boards to work through equations.
In Social, we discussed the globe brainstorming that we completed last class. Students labelled the 4 flat maps that we will be working with over the next few classes. They worked in small groups to complete a list of characteristics for each of these maps.
REMINDER: Picture money or pictures are due by September 30.
After recess, we talked about asking ourselves, Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How questions to help improve the details in our writing. Together we asked ourselves these questions to improve a "boring" version of The Three Little Bears. Students then worked in partners to help brighten up a version of "Cinderella" using these 6 types of questions.
Students worked in Pods during Math this afternoon. The Computer station had students playing math games that reviewed equations and patterning. Seat work had students working on page 30/31 (1,3,4,5,6,8,9,10a). This assignment is not homework as we will continue with it tomorrow. At Teacher tables students worked with individual dry-erase boards to work through equations.
In Social, we discussed the globe brainstorming that we completed last class. Students labelled the 4 flat maps that we will be working with over the next few classes. They worked in small groups to complete a list of characteristics for each of these maps.
REMINDER: Picture money or pictures are due by September 30.
Monday, September 21, 2009
We started the day by completing Day 1 of a new set of Centers. During Guided Reading, students are looking at the structure of a poem titled "That Was Summer." We are focusing on the details within the poem and will be writing a poem with similar structure about one of our favorite seasons.
Students spent a half hour in computers playing patterns and equation games in review for their unit test on Thursday, September 24.
Students are working on creating equations using mulitplication and division. They have been assigned page 28 [5,6,7,8,9,10(a,b)]. Our Patterns and Equations unit test will be on Thursday, September 24.
Students spent a half hour in computers playing patterns and equation games in review for their unit test on Thursday, September 24.
Students are working on creating equations using mulitplication and division. They have been assigned page 28 [5,6,7,8,9,10(a,b)]. Our Patterns and Equations unit test will be on Thursday, September 24.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Detail Cube paragraphs
Room 20 has been practicing adding details to our writing. Students did a wonderful job using our Detail Cubes to write about an object that they have chosen from the classroom. They are very excited to share their pieces of writing with you!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Students word processed Lesson 3 spelling words today. Lesson 2 spelling tests were returned and placed in the Spelling duotang.
Students worked with their partner to add detail and stretch the sentences of their Detail Cube paragraphs from yesterday. I am in the process of uploading short video clips of the students reading these awesome pieces of writing!
After lunch, students then worked on a Detail Cube paragraph of their own. They streteched with details and are working on a good copy to put on the bulletin board in the hallway.
We finished the day with Social Studies. We reviewed the Map Skills booklet together as a class. Students then worked in small groups to brainstorm what we can find on a globe. We will share these webs next class.
Have a great weekend and enjoy the beautiful weather!!
Note: Students have brought home a letter explaining a parent informational meeting for all grade 5 students. Please return your response as soon as possible and contact me if you have any questions.
Students worked with their partner to add detail and stretch the sentences of their Detail Cube paragraphs from yesterday. I am in the process of uploading short video clips of the students reading these awesome pieces of writing!
After lunch, students then worked on a Detail Cube paragraph of their own. They streteched with details and are working on a good copy to put on the bulletin board in the hallway.
We finished the day with Social Studies. We reviewed the Map Skills booklet together as a class. Students then worked in small groups to brainstorm what we can find on a globe. We will share these webs next class.
Have a great weekend and enjoy the beautiful weather!!
Note: Students have brought home a letter explaining a parent informational meeting for all grade 5 students. Please return your response as soon as possible and contact me if you have any questions.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Students began the day by practicing and writing sentences for Lesson 3 spelling words (patients, patience, principle, principal, great, ready, breathe).
We then completed Math Pods with a computer station, seat work (handout), and teacher table where we worked on solving equations using multiplication and division. Students were assigned page 27 (1,2,3). The handout and the text book assignment are due for tomorrow.
We then completed Math Pods with a computer station, seat work (handout), and teacher table where we worked on solving equations using multiplication and division. Students were assigned page 27 (1,2,3). The handout and the text book assignment are due for tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
We started the day with our September school assembly.
Students then completed the first two stations of Centers before recess. We completed the last two stations after recess. All Center activities are due tomorrow morning.
After lunch, students wrote the Lesson 2 spelling test.
We discussed two of our past problem solvers and students worked on the last individual problem solver for our Patterns and Equations unit. We will have a unit test for Patterns and Equations next week.
Students worked in partners to use their Detail Cubes to write descriptive paragraphs about an object of their choice. We continue to work on adding detail and stretching our sentences.
Students then completed the first two stations of Centers before recess. We completed the last two stations after recess. All Center activities are due tomorrow morning.
After lunch, students wrote the Lesson 2 spelling test.
We discussed two of our past problem solvers and students worked on the last individual problem solver for our Patterns and Equations unit. We will have a unit test for Patterns and Equations next week.
Students worked in partners to use their Detail Cubes to write descriptive paragraphs about an object of their choice. We continue to work on adding detail and stretching our sentences.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
We completed Day 3 of Centers this morning. The students are doing a wonderful job staying on track and completing their individual stations. Remember, all center activities are due in the morning of Day 1 in the cycle (Thursday, Sept 17).
After recess, students went to library to exchange their books.
In math, we completed Math Pods. Station 1 worked on a reflection handout that is due for tomorrow. Station 2 played a Basketball Equation game. At teacher table, we corrected yesterday's assignment and discussed the two strategies for solving equations (guess and check, by inspection).
Reminder: Assembly tomorrow 9:00
After recess, students went to library to exchange their books.
In math, we completed Math Pods. Station 1 worked on a reflection handout that is due for tomorrow. Station 2 played a Basketball Equation game. At teacher table, we corrected yesterday's assignment and discussed the two strategies for solving equations (guess and check, by inspection).
Reminder: Assembly tomorrow 9:00
Monday, September 14, 2009
We began our day with day 2 of Centers. The guided reading groups are focusing on how to determine meaning of words that we are unsure of when we read. Just a reminder to students...if you are not complete your center stations for that day they are homework. All center stations are due in the morning of Day 1 in the cycle.
After recess, students took their favorite foods paragraph's that we wrote last week and "stretched" them with more detail to improve the piece.
We corrected Friday's math assignment together. We then began Lesson 6 - Solving Addition and Subtraction Equations. Students worked on pages 24-25 (1,2.3,4,5,6,7,8a). This is homework for those who did not get it completed today.
Students then continued to work on their Map Skills booklets in Social Studies.
Note: I have added a classroom calendar to the bottom of the blog. If you scroll down, you will find an updated calendar of school/classroom events.
After recess, students took their favorite foods paragraph's that we wrote last week and "stretched" them with more detail to improve the piece.
We corrected Friday's math assignment together. We then began Lesson 6 - Solving Addition and Subtraction Equations. Students worked on pages 24-25 (1,2.3,4,5,6,7,8a). This is homework for those who did not get it completed today.
Students then continued to work on their Map Skills booklets in Social Studies.
Note: I have added a classroom calendar to the bottom of the blog. If you scroll down, you will find an updated calendar of school/classroom events.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Students word processed their spelling words this morning. Lesson 2 spelling test will be on Wednesday, September 16.
After recess, we talked about adding detail to our writing. We "stretched" a few sentences together as a class before breaking into groups to stretch I watched TV. Students did a great job to make this sentence more exciting.
We corrected yesterday's math assignment as a class. We have expanded on the use of expressions and variables and are looking at using expressions in math problems. Students worked on a handout today (due tomorrow).
Students handed in their Social Studies title pages and started on their Map Skills booklets. We will continue on this booklet next class.
Reminders:
Students have a Highlights form to return tomorrow. Please send back to school with a yes or no response. Our classroom receives free items for every form returned, yes or no.
After recess, we talked about adding detail to our writing. We "stretched" a few sentences together as a class before breaking into groups to stretch I watched TV. Students did a great job to make this sentence more exciting.
We corrected yesterday's math assignment as a class. We have expanded on the use of expressions and variables and are looking at using expressions in math problems. Students worked on a handout today (due tomorrow).
Students handed in their Social Studies title pages and started on their Map Skills booklets. We will continue on this booklet next class.
Reminders:
Students have a Highlights form to return tomorrow. Please send back to school with a yes or no response. Our classroom receives free items for every form returned, yes or no.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Students began the day by practicing Lesson 2 spelling words (accident, because, nervous, granddaughter, turned, friendly, kept). Students created a sentence for each of the 7 words.
Students then completed an hour of Math Pods. At teacher table, students worked on page 16 (4,5,7). If not completed, these questions are homework for tomorrow. Students also practiced using variables and expressions at the computer station by playing Equation Match. The third station had students working in partners to try and solve 3 folder games that relate to patterns and variables.
Students finished the day with French and Phys Ed.
Students then completed an hour of Math Pods. At teacher table, students worked on page 16 (4,5,7). If not completed, these questions are homework for tomorrow. Students also practiced using variables and expressions at the computer station by playing Equation Match. The third station had students working in partners to try and solve 3 folder games that relate to patterns and variables.
Students finished the day with French and Phys Ed.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
I hope everyone enjoyed the relaxing long weekend!!
Students began the day by completing their spelling tests. The tests have been marked and returned to students.
We then talked about the structure of a paragraph. Topic sentences, details, and concluding sentences. Students filled in a graphic organizer addressing the topic "My Favorite Food is..." Students then used this organizer to write a short paragraph.
Students spent one period Independent Reading.
We spent the last part of the day working with Math. Students were introduced to variables and number expressions. We worked through examples together on the smartboard. Students then worked on page 15 (1,2). We will continue working on this concept tomorrow.
Students then spent some time creating patterns using a variety of objects from the classroom. Each pair of students took pictures of their pattern and will use these pictures to make posters displaying the many unique patterns created. Great job Grade 5!
Reminders:
Students received an Owl subscription form. Please fill out and return to school tomorrow. If you are not interested in ordering, please check off the no box and return to school. Our classroom receives free items with all returned slips (yes or no).
Book orders are due tomorrow.
Students began the day by completing their spelling tests. The tests have been marked and returned to students.
We then talked about the structure of a paragraph. Topic sentences, details, and concluding sentences. Students filled in a graphic organizer addressing the topic "My Favorite Food is..." Students then used this organizer to write a short paragraph.
Students spent one period Independent Reading.
We spent the last part of the day working with Math. Students were introduced to variables and number expressions. We worked through examples together on the smartboard. Students then worked on page 15 (1,2). We will continue working on this concept tomorrow.
Students then spent some time creating patterns using a variety of objects from the classroom. Each pair of students took pictures of their pattern and will use these pictures to make posters displaying the many unique patterns created. Great job Grade 5!
Reminders:
Students received an Owl subscription form. Please fill out and return to school tomorrow. If you are not interested in ordering, please check off the no box and return to school. Our classroom receives free items with all returned slips (yes or no).
Book orders are due tomorrow.
Friday, September 4, 2009
We began the day with a short read aloud then jumped into a Writing activity. Students picked a topic from their Seed Idea Lists and narrowed down their idea to a more detailed topic. We then wrote short paragraph(s) describing our ideas.
We completed a day of Math pods after recess. In one group, students worked in pairs to complete a problem from the Problem Solvers. In another group, students watched a short Pattern video, and the last group worked on page 11 (1,2). Page 11 is due for Tuesday.
Reminders
Spelling test Tuesday, September 8
Book orders due Wednesday, September 9
We completed a day of Math pods after recess. In one group, students worked in pairs to complete a problem from the Problem Solvers. In another group, students watched a short Pattern video, and the last group worked on page 11 (1,2). Page 11 is due for Tuesday.
Reminders
Spelling test Tuesday, September 8
Book orders due Wednesday, September 9
Thursday, September 3, 2009
September Newsletter
Room 20 – Grade 5
September Newsletter
Welcome to Grade 5! I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself…
My name is Mrs. Shields. This is my third year of teaching at PJ Gillen School. Prior to my time at Gillen I taught two years in Yorkton (Grade 1 and Grade 7), one year in Springside (Kindergarten), and one year in Oklahoma City (Grade 1). I completed my teacher training in Philadelphia where I completed my teaching degree thanks to a volleyball scholarship. Last year, I completed my Master’s Degree from the University of Phoenix.
Things to Know About Grade 5
Agenda – Using a day planner is an important tool that students will use throughout the year to help stay organized. Students are expected to use their day planner daily. Students are responsible for entering information into their planners, taking it home, and returning it back to school with a parent signature or initial for that day. Your support with this is greatly appreciated.
Classroom Blog - http://www.mrsshieldsblog.blogspot.com/
Our classroom blog is a great form of communication for parents, students, and school. Feel free to leave comments and check the blog daily for what we did at school. I will post examples of work, pictures, daily activities, and a classroom calendar.
During the month of September we will be working on…
Math
We will begin the school year with our Patterns and Equations unit. Within this unit, students will be describing number patterns, expressing problems as equations, and creating and solving equations.
Students will be reviewing one specific problem solving strategy within each unit of math, with an exception of our Fractions unit and Multiplication/Division unit when we will cover two strategies because of the increased length of the unit. We will be starting with our first strategy, Use or Look for a Pattern.
Language Arts
Spelling words will be given to the students every Day 1. We will word process our 7 words on Day 2 of each cycle and the spelling test will take place every Day 6. The spelling words used throughout the school year will make up our classroom word wall.
In Writing, we will be focusing on the 6+1 Traits of Writing. To begin the process, we will look at the Ideas trait. Within this trait we will discuss how to come up with ideas for writing and how to make those ideas full of detail and interesting.
Center time will give us an opportunity for Independent Reading and Guided Reading. Students have picked a book from the classroom library that they are interested in reading independently. We have discussed how to pick a Just Right book. Throughout the year, we will review strategies that will help to improve upon our reading skills and creating independent learners. Guided reading will be in small groups and teacher directed. We will read from the Collection series, which is a collection of short stories centered around a variety of themes. Together is Better will be the theme of our first collection.
Social
Grade 5 Social Studies follows a Canadian theme. Our first unit is Location. We will use this unit to look at a variety of maps, globes, symbols, and practice our map reading skills.
Phys Ed – Mr. Leidl
The Grade 5’s will begin their Phys. Ed. classes focusing on sending and receiving skills. Students will also work on fitness planning, strength training, and flexibility skills. Participation, fun and enthusiasm is required.
Health – Mr. Leidl
Students will get an overview of the Grade 5 Health Curriculum which will begin with a unit on Personal, Social, and Emotional Wellness. Students will learn strategies to improve their fitness and wellness initiatives.
Science – Mrs. Gale
Welcome to the wonderful world of science! I hope your child will enjoy the opportunities to learn, explore and discover in science this year.
To start off the year we will be studying a unit entitled, Plant Structures and Functions . In this unit, students will be introduced to the amazing world of plants! They will view the stems, roots, leaves and flowers of various plants, learn how to identify various plant species and take a look at the field and forage crops of Saskatchewan . Students will conclude their study of plants with a plant project. I will be sending information about this home, shortly.
I f you ever have questions or concerns, during the school year, please feel free to contact me at the school (745-2171) or by e-mail at cgale@mail.gssd.ca .
Art – Mrs. Schentag
Welcome back to school! I hope that everyone had a relaxing summer and has come back to school filled with excitement. I am very happy to be teaching your child Arts Ed. this year and look forward to watching them create in the areas of Music, Visual Arts, Drama and Dance.
We will begin the school year in the Music Strand working on the unit entitled The World of Music. Students will be learning about various musicians and the different genres of music, the musical instruments used to create their work and the elements of music. They will also explore rhythm activities, participate in musical games and musical listening activities.
I hope to challenge the students in the areas of technology and research so that they explore all aspects of the art world – creatively, culturally, and historically. I look forward to a productive and fun year in Arts. Ed. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at the school – 745-2171. Also, if you have any artistic talents that you would like to share with the students we would be happy to welcome you to our classroom – just let me know!
September Newsletter
Welcome to Grade 5! I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself…
My name is Mrs. Shields. This is my third year of teaching at PJ Gillen School. Prior to my time at Gillen I taught two years in Yorkton (Grade 1 and Grade 7), one year in Springside (Kindergarten), and one year in Oklahoma City (Grade 1). I completed my teacher training in Philadelphia where I completed my teaching degree thanks to a volleyball scholarship. Last year, I completed my Master’s Degree from the University of Phoenix.
Things to Know About Grade 5
Agenda – Using a day planner is an important tool that students will use throughout the year to help stay organized. Students are expected to use their day planner daily. Students are responsible for entering information into their planners, taking it home, and returning it back to school with a parent signature or initial for that day. Your support with this is greatly appreciated.
Classroom Blog - http://www.mrsshieldsblog.blogspot.com/
Our classroom blog is a great form of communication for parents, students, and school. Feel free to leave comments and check the blog daily for what we did at school. I will post examples of work, pictures, daily activities, and a classroom calendar.
During the month of September we will be working on…
Math
We will begin the school year with our Patterns and Equations unit. Within this unit, students will be describing number patterns, expressing problems as equations, and creating and solving equations.
Students will be reviewing one specific problem solving strategy within each unit of math, with an exception of our Fractions unit and Multiplication/Division unit when we will cover two strategies because of the increased length of the unit. We will be starting with our first strategy, Use or Look for a Pattern.
Language Arts
Spelling words will be given to the students every Day 1. We will word process our 7 words on Day 2 of each cycle and the spelling test will take place every Day 6. The spelling words used throughout the school year will make up our classroom word wall.
In Writing, we will be focusing on the 6+1 Traits of Writing. To begin the process, we will look at the Ideas trait. Within this trait we will discuss how to come up with ideas for writing and how to make those ideas full of detail and interesting.
Center time will give us an opportunity for Independent Reading and Guided Reading. Students have picked a book from the classroom library that they are interested in reading independently. We have discussed how to pick a Just Right book. Throughout the year, we will review strategies that will help to improve upon our reading skills and creating independent learners. Guided reading will be in small groups and teacher directed. We will read from the Collection series, which is a collection of short stories centered around a variety of themes. Together is Better will be the theme of our first collection.
Social
Grade 5 Social Studies follows a Canadian theme. Our first unit is Location. We will use this unit to look at a variety of maps, globes, symbols, and practice our map reading skills.
Phys Ed – Mr. Leidl
The Grade 5’s will begin their Phys. Ed. classes focusing on sending and receiving skills. Students will also work on fitness planning, strength training, and flexibility skills. Participation, fun and enthusiasm is required.
Health – Mr. Leidl
Students will get an overview of the Grade 5 Health Curriculum which will begin with a unit on Personal, Social, and Emotional Wellness. Students will learn strategies to improve their fitness and wellness initiatives.
Science – Mrs. Gale
Welcome to the wonderful world of science! I hope your child will enjoy the opportunities to learn, explore and discover in science this year.
To start off the year we will be studying a unit entitled, Plant Structures and Functions . In this unit, students will be introduced to the amazing world of plants! They will view the stems, roots, leaves and flowers of various plants, learn how to identify various plant species and take a look at the field and forage crops of Saskatchewan . Students will conclude their study of plants with a plant project. I will be sending information about this home, shortly.
I f you ever have questions or concerns, during the school year, please feel free to contact me at the school (745-2171) or by e-mail at cgale@mail.gssd.ca .
Art – Mrs. Schentag
Welcome back to school! I hope that everyone had a relaxing summer and has come back to school filled with excitement. I am very happy to be teaching your child Arts Ed. this year and look forward to watching them create in the areas of Music, Visual Arts, Drama and Dance.
We will begin the school year in the Music Strand working on the unit entitled The World of Music. Students will be learning about various musicians and the different genres of music, the musical instruments used to create their work and the elements of music. They will also explore rhythm activities, participate in musical games and musical listening activities.
I hope to challenge the students in the areas of technology and research so that they explore all aspects of the art world – creatively, culturally, and historically. I look forward to a productive and fun year in Arts. Ed. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at the school – 745-2171. Also, if you have any artistic talents that you would like to share with the students we would be happy to welcome you to our classroom – just let me know!
Picture Day!
We began our day by completing our Spelling word processing. Lesson 1 spelling test will be on Tuesday, September 8.
After recess we focused on our first Problem Solver in math. We will be looking at the strategy of "Use or Look for a Pattern" in our first unit. We completed our first problem as an entire class, then completed the second problem in small groups. Great job Grade 5! You did a wonderful job in working together and completing the problems with ease!!
After recess we focused on our first Problem Solver in math. We will be looking at the strategy of "Use or Look for a Pattern" in our first unit. We completed our first problem as an entire class, then completed the second problem in small groups. Great job Grade 5! You did a wonderful job in working together and completing the problems with ease!!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
To start off our day, students were given their Center folders. We discussed the different stations and how we rotate from the stations. We will do Centers in the mornings of day 3, 4, 5, and 6.
We reviewed our Independent Reading folders and discussed how to pick the Just Right book. Students picked a book for the Book Nook. Students enjoyed 20 minutes of digging into their new book!
After recess, students went to Mrs. Gale's room for Science. They have been asked to bring a small garden shovel to school on Tuesday, September 8.
Their Science title pages are due on Tuesday as well.
In Computers, students played 2 pattern games to get their Math Brains ready!!
We started our first unit in math today, Patterns and Equations. Students were assigned page 8 (1,3,4,5,6). If students did not complete this in class, it is homework for tomorrow.
We reviewed our Independent Reading folders and discussed how to pick the Just Right book. Students picked a book for the Book Nook. Students enjoyed 20 minutes of digging into their new book!
After recess, students went to Mrs. Gale's room for Science. They have been asked to bring a small garden shovel to school on Tuesday, September 8.
Their Science title pages are due on Tuesday as well.
In Computers, students played 2 pattern games to get their Math Brains ready!!
We started our first unit in math today, Patterns and Equations. Students were assigned page 8 (1,3,4,5,6). If students did not complete this in class, it is homework for tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
We started the day with a wonderful pancake breakfast! Thank you to the SCC for treating us!
Students practiced their first set of spelling words today. Each Day 1 (we didn't get time yesterday) students will receive 7 spelling words for the week. Today, we practiced the 7 words in our Spelling Duotangs and created 7 sentences including each of the 7 words. We will have our first spelling test on Tuesday, September 8.
We will be focusing on the first of the six traits of writing, ideas. We discussed the importance of choosing topics to write about that are relevant to the themselves. We practiced how to narrow topics down so we aren't overwhelmed with ideas. We will continue with a partner activity during our next writing class that will help to incorporate this.
In math, we watched a short video titled, "The Born Numeracy."
Students were then split into 3 small groups and were asked to take pictures of as many examples of math as they could find in 10 minutes. We will be putting these slideshows together within the next few days! Stay tuned!!
Students started to work on the title pages for our first Social unit: Location.
Great job today!!
Students practiced their first set of spelling words today. Each Day 1 (we didn't get time yesterday) students will receive 7 spelling words for the week. Today, we practiced the 7 words in our Spelling Duotangs and created 7 sentences including each of the 7 words. We will have our first spelling test on Tuesday, September 8.
We will be focusing on the first of the six traits of writing, ideas. We discussed the importance of choosing topics to write about that are relevant to the themselves. We practiced how to narrow topics down so we aren't overwhelmed with ideas. We will continue with a partner activity during our next writing class that will help to incorporate this.
In math, we watched a short video titled, "The Born Numeracy."
Students were then split into 3 small groups and were asked to take pictures of as many examples of math as they could find in 10 minutes. We will be putting these slideshows together within the next few days! Stay tuned!!
Students started to work on the title pages for our first Social unit: Location.
Great job today!!
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