Here is a quick peak at one of our multiplication strategies that students have been working with at a station during Centers. Working with arrays gives students a great opportunity to work hands on with multiplication!

We finished off our last day of Centers this morning. All activities are due tomorrow morning! Please make sure that everything is handed in before the holidays!

After recess, students had Science with Mrs. Gale. We then had Computers where students had free time!

After lunch, we worked in partners to complete Problem 85 involving the strategy of Using or Making a Table. Students then worked individually on Problem 108 to hand in.

Reminders:
- Class party and gift exchange tomorrow.
- Early dismissal tomorrow (2:10)

Thank you to all of the parents for the wonderful support the kids received at the Christmas concert last night! We had one of the biggest turnouts that we have ever had!!
Congratulations to the students for an excellent performance! You brought the Christmas cheer!

The next few days will be used to tie up some loose ends in the classroom. I sent out the latest Markbook for Math for term 2 this morning. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me. All of the students did an EXCELLENT job on the Multiplication test yesterday. I am very proud of each and every one of them!! The tests will be coming home with the students today. Please return them to school on Monday.

The school newsletter for January was also sent home today with each student.

We completed Day 3 of Centers this morning. We are a day behind with Centers as the dress rehearsal was held during our Center time yesterday. We will get the last day of Centers in before Christmas break on Friday.

We wrote our Lesson 11 Spelling Test this morning as well. Great job Grade 5!

In math, we reviewed the 6 different multiplication strategies that we have covered in the Multiplication Unit. Students were given a practice test to complete as well. We reviewed the practice test together. Students were also given time to study individually or with a partner for the Unit test tomorrow morning.

We spent the last hour of the day practicing for tomorrow's Christmas concert. You are all in for a real treat this year!!!

We had the dress rehearsal for the Christmas concert this morning. The students did a wonderful job and are excited to perform on Thursday!

After recess, we looked at our final strategy in our Multiplication unit. Students are working on pages 94/95 (4, 12). These questions are due for tomorrow. We will have a unit review tomorrow and students will write their unit test Thursday morning.

Reminders:
-Spelling Test Lesson 11 - Wednesday, December 16
-Math Test - Thursday, December 17

Students worked on word processing their Lesson 11 spelling words this morning.

After recess, we spent some time working together as a whole group to improve the Word Choice in the story we have continued to work on. The kids have done a wonderful job on improving this story throughout the Traits that we have focused on. We will continue to work on Word Choice in our individual work as well.

Enjoy Early Dismissal!!

Reminder:
Santa's Workshop is tomorrow!! There are many wonderful and fun items that have been donated. We are going to have a great time seeing the looks on the other students' faces as they pick a gift for someone special in their lives.

Students were given their Lesson 11 spelling words this morning. This week's words are: true, lesson, lessen, library, knowledge, beginning, believe.

Yesterday's math quiz was returned this morning as well. Everyone did a great job! We corrected an assignment from a previous day and began discussing yet another multiplication strategy. We will continue with this strategy tomorrow.

Students then had French and Phys. Ed.

Reminder:
Please return the report card envelopes as soon as possible.

We finished up our last day of Centers this morning. All Center activities are due tomorrow morning.

We took some time after recess to get ready for Friday's Santa's Workshop. Thank you to everyone who has donated items!

Students wrote Lesson 10 spelling test before recess. We did much better this week! Great job Grade 5!! We also read two chapters in our read aloud.

After lunch, we wrote our Mental Math quiz. We then broke into Pods where we worked with Base Ten Blocks to practice multiplying 2-digit numbers by 2-digit numbers. We also multiplied using arrays and drew a picture to represent 2 questions.. This portion of pods is due tomorrow. Students also worked with the computers to practice their multiplication table.

To finish off the day, we continued to work on our Christmas stories for the Minor Journal.

Welcome to a new week! We completed day 3 of Centers this morning.

After recess, students returned their libray books.

We completed a day of Math Pods as well. At seat work, students worked on a review of Compatible Numbers mulitplicaiton strategy. We worked at teacher table to use arrays to mulitply two 2-digit numbers. We will continue working on this strategy tomorrow. Students completed the pods on the computer reviewing their mulitplication tables with a variety of games. We are having a short quiz tomorrow reviewing the three mutliplication strategies we have focused on so far (Halving and Doubling, Breaking Down the Number, and Compatible Numbers).

Students have French and Phys Ed. to close out the day.

REMINDERS:
- Spelling Test tomorrow - Lesson 10 (separate, precious, notice, misspelled, harsh, challenge, tournament)
- Math Quiz - tomorrow
- Drama practice - tomorrow
- Santa's Workshop - Friday, December 11

Compatible Numbers

Thank you to all of the mom's who helped popped popcorn this morning!!

We completed Day 2 of Centers this morning. Some of the students have asked for the link for the Mystery station, Mahjong Tiles. We are just finishing "The Last Dragon" in guided reading, and the story refers to Mahjong.

After recess, students began working on their Christmas stories for the Miner Journal.

During Math Pods, students worked on page 90 (5,6,7). This assignment is due for Monday. Students practiced multiplying with Sum Sense. At teacher table, we used the small wipe boards and practiced using the three multiplcaiton strategies we have looked at so far.

* Students have asked to do a gift exchange. They would like to buy a $5 gift for a classmate. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me. Students picked names today and can bring their gifts on the last day of school.

Breaking The Number Down

We began our day with a new set of Centers. Students completed day 1 of centers.

Students were given some free time before lunch in the Computer lab.

After lunch, we completed another day of Math Pods. Today, students reviewed yesterday's strategy of Breaking the Number down. Today's video explains this strategy. We also worked on a new strategy using Compatible numbers. Stay tuned for tomorrow's video explaining this strategy. Students also used 20 minutes to play multiplication games on the computer.

Reminders:
Tomorrow is the popcorn sale!
Report cards will be handed out in the afternoon.

Halving and Doubling

We started off the day completing word processing for Lesson 10 spelling words.

After recess, students took some time to fix the dialogue within their picture stories. We then completed a class activity searching for the "WOW" words in a short story. Students then worked in pairs to hi-light the "WOW" words in a piece of their writing. We will continue to focus on Word Choice throughout December.

In Math, we reviewed yesterday's Halving and Doubling strategy. I have included two short videos of students demonstrating this strategy. This is a new strategy for parents as well so I hope these short videos will help you to help your son/daughter with their homework. We completed Pod's today. Students worked individually to complete a Halving and Doubling review. At teacher table, we worked on a new strategy to break down numbers to multiply. At computers students played Meteor Multiplication

We finished off the day with stations in Social. Students worked on their individual coat of arms, the Canadian coat of arms, and played Canadian Geographic at the computer station.

December Newsletter

December Newsletter
Room 20

It always amazes me as to how fast the year flies by. We are already into the month of December! Time flies when you are having fun.

We are continuing to collect items for Santa’s Workshop. If you have any items to drop off, please bring them to room 18 or 20. Santa’s Workshop will take place December 11th. Thank you to all of the families who have donated items.

Our December popcorn sale will be held on Friday, December 3rd. The Grade 5’s will be selling popcorn for 50 cents a bag. This month’s flavour is cheese. The proceeds of all of our popcorn sales will be going towards the Grade 5 trip. We will be attending a play called the Whiz and the Science Center in February. We will continue to fundraise to keep student contribution to a minimum. This trip will be in place on a June trip.

Report cards will be handed out Friday, December 4. The copy that is being sent home is yours to keep. If possible, please send the envelope back to school for the next term. The report cards will consist of a single sheet of paper showing you the percentage grade in each subject area. Some teachers have chosen to add an additional Markbook sheet describing in more detail the composition of your child’s mark. Teachers are not required to attach this additional information. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to phone me at school or email me.

Our classroom Christmas party will take place on Tuesday, December 22nd at noon. Students responsible for snacks are:
Sweets – Ally
Veggies and Dip or Fruit – Dalton/Sydney
Crackers and Cheese – Hunter
Chips and Dip - Rebecca
Please remember to bring a small lunch this day. Students will be dismissed at 2:10 pm.

Language Arts
We are completing our anthology “Together is Better.” Students are continuing to work in their Guided Reading groups during Centers to focus on a variety of reading strategies.
We have also begun to focus on the Word Choice trait of 6+1 Writing. Students are doing a wonderful job pulling all of the components of writing together. The use of dialogue and details in their writing has been very impressive! Keep up the great work Grade 5!
Students are working on their Lesson 10 spelling words. Please remember that students write their spelling test every Day 6 of the cycle. Encourage your child to practice their spelling words.

Math
We are continuing with our Multiplication/Division unit in math. I am hoping to wrap up this unit before the Christmas break. Students are also working on Using or Making a Picture or Diagram and Using or Making a Table in the Problem Solver strategies.

Social
We have begun our Canadian Symbols unit. Students will continue to look at the individual provinces/territories of Canada, as well the variety of national symbols that represent our county (provincial/territorial flags, mottos, flowers, capital cities). Our national coat of arms, as well provincial/territorial coat of arms, will be discussed. Students will be designing a Coat of Arms to represent themselves.

Science – Mrs. Gale
The students have started their new unit entitled Matter and Its Changes. Students have completed an activity that dealt with describing examples of matter using their senses. We have turned our attention now to working on “Tool Shop” activities that will develop skills in identifying, describing, and measuring different types of matter.

Art – Mrs. Schentag
Students have been having fun “clowning” around while participating in drama games and other drama activities related to clowns. We will conclude this unit of work with a visual art activity on clown face painting and an internet study of the famous tour group – Cirque du Soleil.
The month of December will bring about a theme change where we will begin a visual art unit entitled, The World of Art. Students will prepare a Powerpoint presentation and a Time Capsule Box depicting their culture and values. The Elements of Art will also be emphasized in this unit of work. As Christmas quickly comes upon us, we will also practice for the upcoming Christmas concert!
IMPORTANT: I would like the students to bring a show box or other small box to use for their Time Capsule Box. Also begin gathering items to attach to your box. Items should depict students’ interest and values.

Health – Mr. Leidl
Students will continue to work on their fitness and wellness plans. Strategies for improved health will be discussed.

Physical Education – Mr. Leidl
The students will focus on team play, cooperative games and the promotion of positive physical activity and fitness strategies. Emphasis will be on participation, fun, and sportsmanship.

French – Mrs. Orosz
Students will learn to do a dance called “La Bastringue,” to the folksong of the same name. Along with our regular work, we may do some seasonal activities, and students may listen to some Christmas carols in French.

Have a great holiday!

Students handed in their Center activities this morning.

We then worked on our Lesson 10 spelling words (separate, precious, notice, misspelled, harsh, challenge, tournament).

In math, we worked in pods to work on two of the multiplication strategies we are focusing on. At the first station, students worked on muliplication questions using the doubling strategy. At teacher table, I introduced a new strategy known as Halving and Doubling. I will post a short video soon explaining this strategy as this may be new to some of the parents. Students worked at computers to review their multiplication tables with Space Racer.

Enjoy the snow everyone!! Countdown until Christmas has begun!

We completed Day 4 of Centers this morning. All Center activities are due tomorrow morning.

Students had Science after recess this morning. We then wrote our Lesson 9 Spelling Test. Just a reminder...students write their Spelling Test every Day 6 unless otherwise stated on the blog. Please encourage your child to review these words.

After lunch, we reviewed our partner Problem Solver involving Using or Making a Picture or Diagram. Students then completed an individual problem that I will mark. We also took some time to review Friday's assignments.

To end the day, we reviewed how to use dialogue in our writing. Students did an excellent job with their latest writing assignment and to make it even better, we edited the use of dialogue within our writing pieces. Students will be posting these on the blog now that the "bugs" of blogmeister have been zapped!

Reminders: Book orders are due Wednesday, December 2 to ensure we get them back before Christmas.

Popcorn sale is Friday, December 4.

Report cards will be handed out on Friday, December 4.

We completed Day 2 of Centers this morning.

After recess, students used the website Visuwords to compile a list of color words to all to our color charts. We are beginning to focus on the Word Choice component of 6+1 Writing. Students are being encouraged to use "exciting" words to describe colors in their writing. For example, pink eraser - salmon pink eraser.

After lunch, students completed a problem using the Use or Make a Picture or Diagram problem solver with a partner. We then took some time to review dividing by halving and doubling.

We finished the day with three stations in Social. In the first station, students are working to create a Coat of Arms to represent themselves. Secondly, students are working to color the Canadian Coat of Arms. The last station, had students review the map of Canada and the capital cities worksheets completed last class. Students then worked on a wordsearch if they finished early.

Have a great day....and GO RIDERS!!

Crayons!

Grade 5, for a writing activity that you will be doing on Monday you are going to need crayons. If you could bring some old crayons that you might have at home, that would be great. The box of 64 colors would be perfect. If you don't have any crayons at home, please don't worry about it. We will work with what we have.

Have a great weekend!! GO RIDERS!!

We worked on creating our Lesson 9 spelling sentences this morning. Lesson 9 spelling words are: success, schedule, capture, permission, neighbor, usually, demonstrate.

We then worked in Math Pods to review yesterday's doubling strategy in muliplication. At teacher table, we looked at how to use the doubling and repeated doubling strategy to help with division. Students also played a muliplication game at the computer station to continue to work on our muliplication skills.

After lunch, students had French and Phys Ed.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Multiplication Practice

Students completed Day 4 of Centers this morning. All Center activities are due tomorrow.

After recess, students had Science with Mrs. Gale.

We took the last half hour of the day to Word Process our Creative Writing stories. Students will be placing these on the blog.

Enjoy the early dismissal!

Students completed Day 3 of Centers after our morning assembly.

After recess, students handed in yesterday's math assignment. We then started to discuss Lesson 2 - Using Doubling to Solve Muliplication. Students began working with arrays to help solve muliplication questions. We will continue with this concept tomorrow.

After lunch, students had French and Phys Ed.

December newsletters went home today. Report cards have been pushed back until December 5. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me through phone or email.

Students completed Day 2 of Centers this morning.

After recess, students worked on adding detail to the Creative Writing story in which they were given a title and had to complete a graphic organizer. Students will be posting these stories onto the blog very soon!

We completed Math Pods today after lunch. Students worked in pairs to play a multiplication game. Students also worked on Times Table Practice at the Computer station. At teacher table, we reviewed yesterday's assignment. Students are working on Lesson 1 review that is due tomorrow.

We started our next unit in Social Studies. We worked together to brainstorm Canadian Symbols. Students began working on their title pages for our new unit. The title page is due Monday, November 23. We also watched a short video titled "Canadian Symbols."

Students completed Day 1 of a new set of Centers this morning.

After recess, students had Science with Mrs. Gale. We also used some time to get ourselves organized as report cards are coming up very quickly and some students are missing assignments.

After lunch, we talked about using skip counting to solve multiplication questions, and using related multiplicaiton facts to solve division. Students were assigned pages 74/75 (1,2,3,5,6,8,9). This assignment is due for tomorrow.

Students worked on their Picture Stories this morning. Most students are word processing their final draft.

After recess, we completed Day 4 of Centers. All Center activities are due Monday morning.
The Guided Reading groups are continuing to move along at a great pace. Group 1 has just completed a Venn Diagram comparing two pieces of their choice. Group 2 is working to paraphrase a short story that we read titled "Hot Wheels." Groups 3 and 4 are working on writing a paragraph describing how "The Hockey Song" makes them feel and events the song makes them think of.

Welcome back after a relaxing break. With the craziness of last week and being out with the flu I have a lot of catching up to do! We are trying to get ourselves organized again and back into the swing of things. We will not be having a spelling test this week as we will use that time to get back into things.

This morning, students completed Day 3 of centers.

I have rescheduled the Social Studies unit test for tomorrow afternoon. Study hard!

With report cards quickly approaching, I will be going through my markbook to catch any missing assignments. I will let the students know if they are missing anything.

Sorry Grade 5. I am at a Threat Assessment workshop in Yorkton today and tomorrow. I will be back online Thursday to update where we are at in the classroom.

I have sent out the Language Arts markbook for you to review. Please contact me with any questions or concerns. The Social markbook will be sent after students have completed their unit test.

Students word processed Lesson 8 spelling this morning. Spelling test for Lesson 8 will be on Friday, November 6.

After recess, we worked on stretching and adding details to the classroom story that we wrote together. Students then took the rest of the class to add details to their stories. Students were asked to add a detail and/or stretch at least once in every sentence.

After lunch, we completed Math pods. We have focused on our 1,2,3,5,and 10 times tables. Continue to practice these at home as we want to be able to identify our tables very quickly. At seat work, students worked in pairs to play a rectangle multiplication game. Computers had students playing multiplication games for repitition.

To finish off the day, students had one last class to work on the Survival Island assignment. This is due Wednesday, November 4. A unit test will be on Friday, November 6. Students will get a review in class on Wednesday.

Reminder: Book Order due Friday, November 6

November Newsletter

November Newsletter
Grade 5
http://mrsshieldsblog.blogspot.com/
Another month has come and gone as we continue to work very hard in the classroom.
Report cards are fastly approaching us. As you know, the structure of our report cards has changed this year. Your child will be receiving a percentage this year as compared to a number scale (1-5). The mark breakdown for all classes from Grades 3-5, with exception of French and Phys. Ed, will be as follows:

Attitude (homework checks, agendas, complete assignments, late assignments) – 15%
Skills/Processes (daily work) – 50%
Content (tests, quizzes, comprehension) – 35%

Working with Markbook also gives me the opportunity to send email updates of your child’s progress. At the completion of each unit, I will send your child’s latest Markbook via email. Once you receive the update please send me a quick response to ensure that you received the update. If you have any questions or concerns once you have received the update please contact me at school (745-3521) or email (kshields@mail.gssd.ca).

Santa’s Workshop
The Grade 5’s are gearing up for another Santa’s Workshop. Santa’s workshop provides students with the opportunity to buy a gift for $1-$5 to give to someone special in their lives. The Grade 5’s will help students to pick a gift and wrap the gift. After every student has had an opportunity to shop, students will have the chance to purchase additional gifts if they so wish.
We are asking for donations of items that can be a part of the workshop. These items need to be clean and intact. Some items we have collected in the past include: candles, coffee mugs, stuffed animals, puzzles, and figurines. Please bring the items as soon as possible to Rooms 18 or 20. We will host the Workshop on Friday, December 11.

Popcorn Sale
Grade 5’s will also be selling popcorn on Friday, November 13. We will be selling popcorn for .50¢ per bag. The flavor for this month will be Butter.
If you are interested in helping to pop popcorn please get in touch with me ASAP. We will start popping at 9:00am. The sale will take place at noon.

Social Studies
We are wrapping up our Location unit with a Survival Island project that is due Tuesday, November 3. Students will have a unit test on Friday, November 6.
Our next unit, Candadian Symbols, will provide students with an opportunity to explore national symbols, provincial/territorial flags, mottos, capital cities, flowers, and Canadian heros. We will also concentrate on the map of Canada to identify locations of the provinces and territories.

Language Arts
Students are continuing to focus on the anthology Together is Better during Guided Reading. The reading groups are doing very well and keeping on a very steady pace! Students also continue working hard to read and complete their Independent Reading activities.
We have just completed Lesson 7 of our spelling words. Continue to practice the spelling lessons at home with your child as the lesson spelling tests are always given on Day 6.
We will continue to focus on the trait of Organization in Creative Writing. Students are practicing their writing skills to take their ideas and make a story flow. We are doing a wonderful job with our creative abilities and hope to share some of our masterpieces very soon!

Math
We have just completed our Whole Numbers unit and will continue into our Multiplication and Division unit. This unit will take us up until Christmas time as it is packed full of outcomes that we must cover in Grade 5. The importance of your child being at school to participate in this unit is crucial. Many of the topics we cover will be new to you, as well your child. If your child misses school please be sure to check the blog as I will try to provide as much information as possible in order to help clarify the concepts.
Within the upcoming unit students will:
• Recall basic multiplication and division facts
• Use different strategies to estimate products and quotients
• Multiply and divide numbers mentally
• Multiply a 2-digit number by a 2-digit number
• Divide a 3-digit number by a 1-digit number
• Pose and solve problems

Science – Mrs. Gale
What a fantastic job the students did on their plant projects! I hope you have an opportunity to drop by the school to see them! There were many compliments! I will be sending home a plant project evaluation sheet and would like them signed and returned. Thank you.
We will continue to work on plant related activities with a specific focus on field crops of Saskatchewan .
Towards the end of the month we will begin, Matter and Its Changes . This is a great unit that examines atoms, molecules, compounds, and mixtures! Let the chemistry begin!!!!
If you have any questions or concerns, please remember my door is always open!

Art – Mrs. Schentag
We have now completed our Music Unit with an internet study of the musical group, Canadian Brass. Presently, we have just begun a Drama Unit entitled Clowns Around the World where students will learn about the characteristics of humour and apply it to their drama experiences as they role-play and play improvisation games related to clowns. Students will plan clown performances for their classmates and will study clown movements and how to use props in these performances. They will also study clown faces and complete a clown mask as well as a wire sculpture of a clown movement. To conclude this unit of work, students will study street performers and plan a street performance for their tour of Saskatchewan communities. A study of the popular circus group, Cirque du Soleil will wrap up this unit of work.

Phys Ed. – Mr. Leidl
Students will review the areas of physical literacy they have participated in so far this year (sending, receiving, striking, and evading). They will also be introduced to the dominant movement patterns in gymnastics.

Health – Mr. Leidl
Students will review the elements of personal safety and how they can create a safe checklist that applies to their daily lives.

French – Mrs. Orosz
Students are working orally with the play called: L’ Arbre Ungali. They recognize gestures well. They have seen the play being acted out on DVD by student actors. They have also learned to sing the song: “L’Arbre Ungali,” and have done the dance. Students are beginning to participate in guided reading and writing activities based on the play.
Some seasonal highlights include the song: “C’est l’Hallowe’en,” which the students enjoy singing as they view a supporting Powerpoint slideshow, and upcoming in December, we will learn to sing a folksong with accompanying dance called “La Bastringue.”

Halloween!!

Happy Halloween

Students were given Lesson 8 spelling words (restaurant, admire, though, whether, certain, height, opposite) this morning. We worked to compile sentences using these words.
The Whole Numbers unit test was returned to students today. Please sign and return the test to school on Monday. I will be sending a Math markbook to your email that will include a detailed breakdown of your child's Math mark up until this point in the term.
We started the next unit in Math, Multiplication and Division, today as well. We are focusing some time on the Multiplication table as it is very important for your child's success in this unit to be fluent with their multiplication facts.

Thank you to those parents who brought items for our classroom lunch. It is greatly appreciated.
Have a safe Halloween!

Students completed Day 4 of centers this morning. All center activities are due tomorrow morning.

Students wrote their Lesson 7 spelling test today as well.

After lunch, students wrote the Whole Numbers unit test. Great job Grade 5!!

To close off the day, we continued to work on our draft for our picture stories. This first draft is due for Tuesday.

Reminders: Halloween Party tomorrow

This morning, students completed Day 3 of Centers.

After the first recess, students were given the hour math period to prepare for tomorrow's unit test.

After lunch, students had French and Phys Ed.

Reminders:
Math test tomorrow
Spelling test tomorrow
Science project dur tomorrow

My apologies for posting so late!

Students completed Day 2 of Centers to start of the morning.

We then used our 6+1 Writing time to use our already prepared graphic organizers to begin writing a short story. Students prepared these organizers last week by using a detailed picture to guide their organization.

In math, we corrected yesterday's review assignment. Students also completed their individual problem solver, the last for Making an Organized List.

The last hour of the day was spent working on the Survival Island project in Social Studies.

Reminder: Picture retakes tomorrow

Welcome to another week!!
We started our day by starting a new set of Centers. Students are working at a variety of stations.
Spelling: Students are working on a fill in the blanks worksheet using all of our Word Wall Words.

Newspaper: Students are looking through the newspaper for two articles that are written about or include 2 different provinces/territories.

Creative Writing: Students are continuing to work on a Beginning, Middle, End assignment that they received last week. Students were asked to choose a picture from the newspaper and create a story that would pertain to that picture.

Computers: Students are practicing their multiplication skills using the website Multiplication.com

Mystery: Students are using the SMARTboard to play Car Wash Multiplication

Math:Students are choosing 4 multiplication sentences and are representing them using anything in the classroom.

Social Studies:Students are working on their Survival Island assignment.

Guided Reading:Group 1 and Group 2 are working to complete Using Dialogue practice. Group 3 and Group 4 have started to read and discuss our next short story, Shelter Folks.

Independent Reading:Students are continuing to read their "Just Right" books and complete the short activities to follow.

After recess, students had Science and Computers.

After lunch, we reviewed the partner problem that students completed on Friday. Students were also assigned pages 66/67 (3,4,5,7,8,10,11). Our math unit test is on Thursday, October 29.

Students finished the day in Phys Ed.

Reminders: Picture retakes - Wednesday, October 28. We are also having classroom picture retakes as the pictures did not turn out.

Math Unit test - Thursday, October 29

Spelling test - Thursday, October 29

Science Plant Project - Thursday, October 29

Halloween party - Friday, October 30.

October's month end assembly was held this morning. Congratualations to Jana for winning the 4-H coloring contest! Congratulations to all of the cross country runners who received their certificates today and to all of the bookfair award winners!

After assembly students completed the last day of this cycle's set of centers. All center activities are due tomorrow.

After lunch, both grade 5 classes combined for a guided writing activity. A few days ago we completed a graphic organizer based on a picture. Today, we took that graphic organizer and compiled a story as a whole group. The students did a wonderful job keeping their ideas organized. Our next step, will be to stretch our sentences and add details. We will publish our final story once we have completed these steps! I'm excited to see how our story is going to grow.

To finish off our day, we corrected yesterday's math assignment. We also discussed how to use estimation to check your answer. Students will be working with this concept in Math tomorrow.
MATH UNIT TEST: Thursday, October 29.

* We will not be popping popcorn tomorrow. We don't have enough "hands" to get the job done. We will save the popcorn for another day.
** I will not be in school for the next two days as I am at a workshop in Yorkton. If the blog is not updated, this is why. Please feel free to contact me through email if you have any questions.

Students completed day 3 of centers this morning. Please see the Magnetic Writing examples posted today!

After recess, we completed Math Pods. Students worked at the computer playing estimation games that involved subtraction. When students were with me, we reviewed yesterday's strategies for subtraction using estimation. Students were assigned pages 58/59 (1,3,4,5). Students also had an opportunity to work with a partner to play a subtraction game that had students compiling numbers to subtract from 1000 to reach 0 first.

Students had French and Phys Ed after lunch.

* I am looking for a few parent volunteers to help with popping popcorn Thursday morning for Family Fun night. I am away at a workshop in Yorkton that day and am looking for a few extra hands!

Students completed Day 2 of centers this morning.

After recess, students randomly picked a picture that they will be using as part of a writing activity. Students worked to complete their graphic organizers focusing on the sequence of events in their stories. We will continue to practice organizing our writing and adding details.

We completed a set of Math Pods after lunch. One group of students worked with Mrs. Gale to practice estimation with subtraction. Another group of students worked with me to review Friday's assignment and continue to work on using benchmarks for estimation. The third group of students played Estimation Golf.

Students completed station in Social Studies as well. One group worked to complete a landforms activity that had students matching landform definitions to the correct picture. Students worked to complete a map reading activity and began working on their final unit assingment, Survivor Island. At the computer station students surfed the Landforms website.

Reminders: Bowling tomorrow

Students began the day with Day 1 of a new set of Centers. Check out the Scrambled Word activity attached to today's posting!

In computers, students had some free time to play a math game reviewing forms of numbers and estimation.

After lunch, we completed a Math Pod. The computer station had students practicing estimating numbers with Rounding Off. Students also worked with a partner to complete a folder activity that had students estimating numbers closest to 10 000. At teacher table, students worked on using benchmarks for estimation and were assigned pages 55/56 (3,4,5,6,7). Please see the Smartboard image for further explanation of this concept.

Scramble Word Writing!!

One of the centers for this set has students working with a scrambled word activity to create a poem or short story in 20 minutes using the SMARTboard. Here are the stories from today...
Click on a story for a larger view.

Students worked on word processing of their Lesson 6 spelling words this morning.

After recess, students worked on a writing activity we have been working on during Centers. Students picked a picture from the newspaper and used that picture to inspire a narrative story. We are focusing on having a beginning, middle, and end to our stories and this activity stresses this concept.

After lunch, students worked on reviewing addition, as well a reflect question referring to Estimation. We also discussed yesterday's assignment and began to talk about using benchmarks in estimation. The computer station had students playing Estimator Four with a partner.

We worked at stations during Social Studies as well. Students worked with Mrs. Lippai to discuss a variety of landforms that can be found in Canada. We will continue with this discussion next class. Students working with me, began a landform search using a map of Canada. The computer station had students exploring Landforms.

If you were absent today please take some time to have a look at these websites as they provide a greater understanding of the topics we are covering.

Students were given Lesson 6 spelling words (humorous, famished, remember, especially, however, special, who). Students created sentences for these spelling words and are working on word processing.

We reviewed the three strategies for Estimation (front-end rounding, compensation, and compatible numbers). Students were assigned pages 51/52 (4,5,6,7,12).

Students started the day off by finishing day 4 of Centers. Center activities are due for tomorrow, with exception of Creative Writing and Spelling. We will complete these stations at school.

Students wrote Lesson 5 spelling test before lunch. We then read the next chapter in our classroom read aloud.

After lunch, we started on our second problem solving strategy, Making an Organized List. We worked as a whole group to complete one example. Students then broke off into groups of 4 to complete the second example. We will review this problem tomorrow.

To finish off the day, the topic of Leads was introduced to the students. We are focusing on using good beginnings in our writing with a varying number of strategies. We will continue to work on this writing skill as students will have the opportunity to add excitement to their writing.

Reminder: Hot lunch tomorrow (perogies and sausage)

Students completed Day 3 of Centers this morning.

We then enjoyed a Junior Concert presentation from a mime.

After lunch students had French and Phys Ed.

Have a great Thanksgiving! Safe travels to everyone!

* Early dismissal

Students completed Day 2 of Centers this morning.

After recess, we corrected yesterday's math assignment together. We then started to discuss Estimation. As a whole group, we reviewed Front-end Rounding, Compensation, and Compatible Numbers using addition. Tomorrow, students will work in stations to practice these estimation strategies.

Students will be bowling Friday October 16 (2:15-3:15) and Tuesday October 20 (2:15-3:15). Please send $5.00 to subsidize the cost of bowling.

We started our day by enjoying the wonderful entertainment from the Grade 2's and Grade 3's at our morning assembly.

We began a new set of Centers this morning. Students are continuing to work very hard at their stations! We are also working extremely hard with Independent Reading and Guided Reading. Great job Grade 5!

Students spent a half hour today in the computer lab. Students were given some free time to play math games.

Students worked to complete word processing Lesson 5 spelling words. We then took some time to practice our words in partners using the wipe-boards.

After recess, students completed their Beginning, Middle, and End stories and stretched them with details. We then shared our stories as a class and identified the different parts of each other's stories.

Students worked through Math Pods this afternoon. At the computer station students played an Expanded Notation game called Place Value Playoff. At teacher table students handed in yesterday's assignment. Some of the students did not complete their homework therefore lost attitude marks. Please check to see that your son/daughter has completed their homework. Students also worked to add numbers to their place value charts by searching the newspaper for numbers.

In Social, students began to work on hemispheres. Students are working on coloring a world map and identifying Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Hemispheres. These are due for Thursday.

Reminder: Book orders due tomorrow, Assembly tomorrow

Students worked on creating their sentences for Lesson 5 spelling words (difference, hilarious, fountain, probably, weight, morning, voice). Lesson 5 spelling test will be on Tuesday, October 13.

We worked in partners to practice writing numbers in expanded form. Students then worked on pages45/46 (1,2,3,6,8,10,13).

Thank you to all of the parents who were able to make it to last night's meeting. Mrs. Gale and I appreciate all of the support from the wonderful families involved in our classrooms. We hope the meeting was informative and helped to answer some of the questions you may have had.

Students completed Day 3 of Centers this morning.

Students then worked through an hour of Math Pods. At teacher table, we continued to discuss place value to the millions. Students were assigned page 42 (5,6,7,8). At the computer station, students worked on Naming Numbers, and at the last station students worked in partners or groups of three to play a game that had students trying to get as close to 1 million as possible using 9-sided dice.

Reminders:
Spelling test tomorrow - Lesson 4
Please check your email for a copy of the October newsletter

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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!!

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 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!!

WELCOME BACK!!

Welcome back to school and welcome to my blog!!

The classroom blog is intended to be a form of communication for myself, students, and parents. Please feel free to check the blog on a daily basis and utilize my email if you have any questions. I use the blog to update daily work, share examples of student work, pictures, and videos of events that are occuring in the classroom.

I am very excited to begin yet another school year! Grade 5 is full of exciting and new things!

The weather is finally making it feel like summer is near!!
Students worked on "Sticker Stories" this morning. Each student was given a sticker and had to incoportate it into their creative writing story as either a character or an item in their story. These short stories are posted in the hallway for all to enjoy!

We then continued to discuss Reflections in Math. We reviewed Friday's assignment. Students were assigned numbers 4,5,and 7 (pages 304-305). These questions are due tomorrow.

Students swam from 2-3 today. What a wonderful way to finish off our day!!

Happy Friday!!
Yesterday students were given a "bonus" for working so hard on this year's AFL's. Students enjoyed a movie and a popsicle! We ran out of time yesterday so use some time this morning to finish the movie.

Students then worked on the Creative Writing stories (today is the last day) and posted to the blog. Some students were able to post their stories that they wrote as small groups. Please take some time to read these wonderful stories!

Students completed a short activity to wrap up our graphing unit. We then began our discussion on our next unit: Transformations. We worked on discovering what a translation is. Students were assigned number 1 on page 298. This is due for Monday.

Students then spent the last hour of the day typing out their Social Studies Expository reports.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Students completed Day 2 of the AFL's this morning. Great job!!

We spent some time this morning working on our creative writing stories.

Students had art, french, and phys ed for the rest of the day.

Reminders:
Please send in your RSVP's for the Grade 5 Farewell asap.
Our field trip is on Thursday, June 11. Please make note of the time students must be at school in the morning, and the time they will be picked up.

Students completed Day 1 of the AFL assessment this morning. Great job Grade 5!

We then spent some time working on our Creative Writing stories. Keep checking the blog to read these wonderful, creative stories!

Students participated in DARE after recess.

After lunch, students worked in pairs to design a probability experiment. Groups then switched their experiments and conducted each other's. We have come to the end of our Probability and Data Collection unit. We will be beginning our Transformations unit to conclude the year.

To end the day, students worked on their Social Studies expository writing.

June Newsletter

June Newsletter
Room 20 – Mrs. Shields
http://www.mrsshieldsblog.blogspot.com/

I can hardly believe that we are into the month of June. I am excited for the summer but sad that the day is quickly approaching that I will have to say good-bye and good luck to a wonderful group of students.

Students will be swimming:
Monday June 15
Wednesday June 17
Friday June 19
Tuesday June 23
Wednesday June 24

Grade 5 Farewell will take place on Thursday, June 25 at 9:30 am. Please send in the numbers of people attending as soon as possible so we have a rough idea as to how many people to prepare for.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the students for a wonderful year. I have enjoyed this year tremendously. The students have taught me a great deal, as I hope I have done for them. The year has flown by, partly because every day has been a joy for me. I wish you all the best next year as you enter another chapter of your lives.

Good luck next year!!



Language Arts
We will continue to work through our Guided Reading groups during Centers. Students have done a wonderful job this year working independently and responsibly.

We will also continue to work on pulling together the 6 traits of writing (ideas and content, organization, voice, word choice, conventions, and presentation). I am very proud of the writing the students have been able to present. They have grown tremendously as writers from the beginning of the year to now. Great job Grade 5.

Math
We are completing our Statistics and Probability unit during the first week of June. Students have had the opportunity to conduct experiments and discuss probability. We will complete our last unit, Transformations, throughout the last three weeks of school.

Students will write the Ministry of Education’s Assessment for Learning Monday, June 1 to Wednesday, June 3. I am confident that the students will do well on this assessment as they have had a wonderful year in math this year. Great job Grade 5 and thank you for working so hard to prepare for this assessment!

Social
We will continue to work on our Native American unit. Students have begun to work on an expository report in which they have chosen a group to focus on.

Science – Mrs. Gale
We will continue to work on our Resource Unit; students will work on an activity (of their choice) that is related to water, air, and soil pollution, or waste disposal practices. The topics of conservation and recycling will be a focus. Students will also be completing a ‘Something From Nothing’ project.

It has been a pleasure to teach this Grade 5 class science. They have exhibited a keen interest in science and learning! I wish them much success as they move to the High School next year.

French – Mrs. Orosz
Students will take home a portfolio of their work based on the play L’Arbre Ungali during the second week of June. At that time, they are to present the play to you with their paper puppets, and show you their “cahiers” or exercise booklets.

Please fill out and return the brief parent feedback form which they will give you then, about your child’s French presentation to you. Thank you for returning them by June 15 th (Monday).

The class will begin a class “written story re-telling” of L’Arbre Ungali . It is exciting for students to realize that they can tell the same story with different words.We may have time to perform selections from the play to each other in the class, in the final weeks of June. Each student has been making his or her own short slideshow of L’Arbre Ungali during our time in the computer lab. We look forward to adding details to, and sharing, this work with each other in our remaining classes.

Students have shown significant growth in their ability to understand, speak, read and write in French this year. It has been a pleasure to guide your child in these achievements.

Phys. Ed. – Mr. Leidl
Students will complete preparations for the school track and field meet during the first week of June. The year will end with school swimming, tennis skills, softball, and an introduction to the new Golf in Schools Program.

Health – Mr. Leidl
Students will complete the DARE program as instructed by Constable Jesse Nkwama. The year will end with students reviewing their personal wellness plans that they established at the beginning of the school year.

Arts Ed. – Mrs. Schentag
We are completing our Dance Unit with group presentations to both grade 5 classrooms. The students created wonderful dances that were well thought-out and entertaining.

We will conclude the year with a small Music unit focusing on music genres, instruments of the orchestra, and musical games and activities. Students will also practice the sign language song for their Grade 5 Farewell.

I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching Arts Ed. To all of the Grade 5 students and wish them the very best as they enter the High School.

Students worked on their Narrative creative writing story this morning. We will be posting these stories on their student blogs once completed.

Students worked in pairs to complete an experiment in math. The experiment focused on probability. Students then worked on a textbook assignment from pages 282-283 (1,4,5,6,7).

We completed Day 4 of Centers this morning. All Center activities are due tomorrow.

We spent some time reviewing for AFL's. We are writing this assessment Monday - Wednesday of next week.

Students then spent some time working on their Creative Writing drafts that were a part of this week's Center activities.

We revied yesterday's assignment in math, discussing the vocaulary of probability. We then conducted a small experiment using a 4 colored spinner and determining the likelihood of a certain color being spun. Students were assigned page 278-279 (2,3,6,and 7).

I will be collecting for the Esterhazy and Community Daycare hotdog sale tomorrow. Remember, it is $3.00 for a hot day and a drink.

Students worked on their Social Studies expository reports this morning. Most students are working on their first drafts. Some students have began the revision and editing process.
Students then completed a problem solver in practice for the AFL's. Please make sure that your son or daughter is at school for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. We are writing the Math AFL on these days.
After lunch, we discuess last week's graphing assignment. Students completed a graph and handed it in. We then discussed how events can be likely, unlikely, certain, impossible, probable, and improbable. Students are working on pages 274-275 (1,2,5,6). This assignment is due for tomorrow.
To end the day, students returned library books.

Students completed Day 3 of centers. Group 1 is working on the vocabulary for The Noblest Knight (due Monday). Group 2 and 3 worked on their collages from yesterday. These collages are due on Monday. Group 4 worked on their final drafts of their insturctional writing piece (due Monday).
At folder table, students worked in small groups to complete math pages 263-265 (1,3,4,5). We will be working with bar graphs and double bar graphs over the next few days. Everything from interpreting the imforation to constructing the graphs.
Students worked in pairs today to complete a variety of double bar-graph activities. These graphs are due on Monday.
We spent the last hour of the day working on our expository pieces of writing for Social Studies.
Have a great weekend everyone! Don't forget the permission forms and money for our field trip on Monday!!

Students began the day completing Day 2 of centers. Group 1 read a short article pertaining to Knights and the process of becoming a knight. Group 2 and 3 began a new reader titled Exploring Heritage. Both groups began working on a picture collage that represents the poem we read today, "All The Colors of the Earth." Group 4 continued to work on their writing activity where they choose an event and have to provide the instructions for that event. Students worked on math page 260 (1-4) at folder table.

After recess, students wrote their Measurement unit test. We will be starting our Data Management unit next. Students will be conducting surveys and experimenting with probability throughout our next unit.

Students were given their permission form for our year end class trip. Please sign this form and return it to school by Monday, May 25. Students must also bring $10 to cover some of the costs of the trip.

We have also scheduled our swimming days for June. We will be going to the pool Mon. June 15 (2-3), Wed. June 17 (2-3), Fri. June 19 (2-3), Tues. June 23 (2-3), and Wed. June 24 (11-12). If weather does not permit, the date of swimming will not be rescheduled. Admission for swimming is $5.00. Please send this to school asap. If you have a family pass, this fee will be waved.

Great job to all Grade 5's for doing a wonderful job on the AFL Writing field test that they completed yesterday. Thank you!!

Students completed Day 1 of a new set of centers this morning. Group 1 will continue to work on Little Kay questions on Wednesday. Groups 2 and 3 will write their open book test on Wednesday to wrap up this unit. Group 4 is reading an instruction story called Cat's Craddle. They are working to follow the instructions and demonstrate the string art described.

After recess, we reviewed for our Math AFL that is quickly approaching.

Students have worked hard to earn a scamo goal of extra computer time. Students had an hour of free-time on the computers today to fullfil this goal.

After lunch, students completed one last activity for the Measurement unit in regard to displacement and volume. Students worked in pairs to complete questions 1,3,and 5 from page 157. Students also worked on the unit review on page 158-159 (2,3,4,8,9,11,13,14,15). The Measurement unit test will be given on Thursday, May 21.

Students completed the Draft portion of the Writing AFL this morning. We will complete our final piece of writing tomorrow concentrating on revisions and editing, and publishing.

Students then completed Day 4 of Centers after recess. All Center activities are due for tomorrow!!

Students worked through Math Pods today. Teacher Table had students estimating the mL capacity of a number of different containers. They then measured the actual capacity to check their accuracy. At the computers station, students completed a short, timed game and quizzes pertaining to capacity (L and mL). Finally, desk work included pages 153-154 (1-8). The textbook assignment is due for tomorrow.

To end our day, we corrected the Woodland Indian questions assigned last class. Students then watched a video, "People of the Longhouse," and began working on the Iroquois questions. These are due for next Social class, Thursday.

Both Grade 5 classrooms have been chosen by the Ministry of Education to participate in a field study for the 2010 Writing AFL. Students began this process this morning by completing the planning stages of either a narrative or an expository writing prompt. We will continue with this process for the next two days.

After recess, we reviewed Friday's math assignment about volume and cubic meters. Students then worked on page 149/150 (1,2,3,5,6,7) to complete the topic of using referents for 1 L.
Students then took some time to prepare for the math AFL that is quickly approaching in the beginning of June.

Day 3 of Centers was completed this morning.
After recess, students completed a Mosaic shapes activity with a partner. This activity was started a few weeks ago.
After lunch, students completed math pods. The computer station allowed for students to choose from a variety of math game options reviewing previous topics. Teacher Table had students exploring capacity and making estimations regarding volume of 3 different sized containers. Students will be working with using 1L referents on Monday. The third station had students working on questions 1-5 from page 147.
Students finished off the day by discussing our Barren Ground Indian questions. We then watched a short video on the Woodland Indians. Students began working on 5 short questions pertaining to this group. This assignment is due on Tuesday.

Have a great weekend!!

Students completed Day 2 of centers this morning. Group 1 is working to complete Little Kay vocabulary for tomorrow. Group 2 read Noblest Knight today and will continue to work on the questions tomorrow. Group 3 is working to complete Noblest Knight vocabulary for tomorrow. Group 4 is working to complete a collage for the poem Colors of Earth.

Students enjoyed an art presentation from the MacKenzie Art Gallery that was hosted by the high school this morning.

After lunch, we corrected page 143 together as a class. We also built a cube with a volume of 1m cubed. We will be using this structure for tomorrows math class.

"The Climb"

Click on the following link to listen to and watch the music video of this year's Grade 5 Farewell.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG2zyeVRcbs

May Newsletter – Room 20
http://www.mrsshieldsblog.blogspot.com/


Hopefully Spring has come to stay!! We are edging so quickly towards the end of our journey in grade 5. These last two months will be action packed and very busy for Room 20!

Mrs. Gale and I will be in touch with those parents who signed up for the Grade 5 Farewell committee. If you are still interested in volunteering some of your time to help us out with the Farewell you can get in touch with either of us. We are always looking for an extra hand.

Math
Students have been working extremely hard in Math class. We are currently working on a Measurement unit that focuses on Area and Perimeter, Volume, and Capacity. Students have had the opportunity to work a variety of hands on activities. Some of these assignments can be seen on my blog. Students worked extremely hard to design a house and calculate the area and perimeter of each room in the house.

We have also been working on the Data and Probability unit to ensure this unit is covered by the time of the AFL.

We will continue to prepare ourselves for the Saskatchewan Assessment for Learning (AFL) that is coming up in late May, early June. We have been working on practice questions and will continue to work on these until the AFL is completed.

Language Arts
Students are continuing to work on their short stories reader: Tales Clever, Foolish, and Brave. Group 4 has come to the end of this book and will be moving on into the next reader in the series. We continue to focus on using part of the question in our answers as well the comprehension skills involved in reading these short stories.

We have begun to focus on editing skills in our writing class. Students have taken some past pieces of writing and began to use their editing skills.

Students have also posted some writing pieces online. Check out our blog to read some of the wonderful short stories that students are sharing.

Social
Students will continue to study the various Canadian Native groups from our past. We will focus on the Inuit, Plains, Eastern Woodland, Barren Ground, Pacific Coast, and Huron-Iroquios Natives.
Science – Mrs. Gale
During the month of May, students will continue to learn about the renewable and non-renewable resources of Saskatchewan.
Students have planted their tomato seeds and are observing them to determine whether space flown seeds will germinate as well or better than regular seeds. They have already sprouted!

French - Mrs. Orosz
Students are compiling a portfolio of their work based on the play L ’ Arbre Ungali. Good time management in class will mean more good work to show you.

We will practice the play with puppets to get ready for a solo presentation by your child to you at home, near the end of May. Since there are six scenes, they may present the play to you in several smaller sessions instead of one long session, and also spend some time showing you selections from their written work.

At that time, please fill out and return the parent feedback form which your child will give you, about your child’s play performance to you. Thank you.

It is great to have so many students trying their best to speak only in French in class! Thank you for encouraging your child to continue to comply with this goal.

Health – Mr. Leidl
Students will begin the DARE program as instructed by Constable Jesse Nkwama of the RCMP. Units on internet and cell phone safety will also be part of the curriculum as well.

Physical Education – Mr. Leidl
For the first week in May the students will participate in the WeMuv Pedometer School Challenge to increase physical activity and fitness levels. Physical education classes will focus on track and field, softball, tennis, and playground games.

Arts Ed. – Mrs. Schentag
We will continue on our Dance unit during the month of May. Students will create a story using a storyboard format and then will tell the story through dance and movement. At the end of May, we will move into our final unit of the year, which will be music. Students will become familiar with the instruments of the orchestra and learn about various music genres.