We are very excited to have a new piece of technology at our fingertips. A Smartboard has been installed in our classroom! This interactive whiteboard will become a centerpiece of my teaching and the students' learning. The Smartboard is a wall-sized computer screen, which is operated by finger-touch as well as colored Smart pens. Markings on the board can be saved and printed. Imagine how wonderful it will be to revisit math problems we've solved together as a group, the effectiveness of printing out sample problems we've solved to be used as homework support, and the ease with which we can revisit brainstorming sessions. The list of applications goes on and on...
Technology becomes an integral part of our fifth grade year as we move forward. Students now use software tools independently and communicate information with them. Below is an example of what they put together for a Social Studies project on events of the American Revolution. Students completed these projects one week. They took one event from the Revolution, researched it, identified key information and chose a software application to communicate what they learned. We pulled the projects together in a PowerPoint presentation and they will use this to study. With the Smartboard we'll be able to use these projects as teaching and learning components in the classroom.
In terms of curricula, we have completed our multiplication unit, begun a unit of division, continue to work on our fiction pieces, and continue our study of the American Revolution. Next week we will explore voices of the American Revolution including women's roles and contributions to the Revolution (of which there were many!), African American voices, Native American voices, Patriots, Loyalists, and Great Britain's voice. Soon students will explore historical figures from this time period and select and individual whose voice they believe needs to be heard because of their contributions to history. They will embark on an extensive research project that includes an expository paper written about their figure. From this research and paper, our Wax Museum is born. Students will create a speech from their paper, dress in costume, choreograph movements and literally become their person for a Wax Museum presentation, which we will open to families and certain classes in the school. Stay tuned forward to more information about our Wax Museum, which will be scheduled in March. It is an amazing compilation of work and learning.
There are a few new math games listed on the blog. They pertain to division facts. In class, students seemed to have a good understanding of how to use their multiplication facts to work backwards and get division facts. I will emphasize the importance of commiting as many division facts to memory as possible. Multiplication and division fact fluency continues to be important as students will form a solid foundation for fraction number sense. I appreciate your continued support in practicing them at home. Students can use their multiplication fact triangles to practice their division facts. I will be checking with students to make sure they still have their triangles. If you notice your child needs another set please send me a note and I'll make sure they get home.
I continue to see an infectious enthusiasm for independent reading in our class. It is an immensely rewarding feeling to see reluctant readers become confident, capable and invested in reading. I thank you, thank you, thank you for your hard work and consistency at home with our commitment to reading. it continues to pay off huge dividends.
Lastly, some students are requesting permission to bring in treats for the class. We love to take part in each other's baking, so please feel free to send in healthy treats if you child wishes to bring them. We've chatted about ways to cut down on sugar such as substituting applesauce, halving sugar called for in recipes and choosing alternate recipes that are not high in sugar. We have a few wonderful bakers in our class who seem to enjoy sharing their culinary talents with their classmates. Such good fortune we have!
Speaking of culinary talents, I write to you on the Tuesday evening before the snow storm. Emilio, my six year old, has promised to make pancakes and serve breakfast in bed if we have a snow day! As you can see, I believe in early training where the kitchen is concerned!
I wish you the happiest of New Years everyone!
Laura
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