Curriculum Update for 8/29-9-2

Hi 5V Families! Great first week of school. I really like my class. So, here is what we are up to this second week of school:

Reading:

1. Students will continue to study pre-reading strategies and select books based on studying the preview, the title, making predictions, and setting a purpose. The kids are also making books lists in the computer lab-ask them about it.
2. I will meet with students to have reading conferences to obtain information about their interest and abilities in reading.
3. The kids are learning the essential parts to a story-there are four-ask them if they remember-we just started this so give them some time ;)
4. The kids will also continue to respond in the form of writing to journal topics after they read their own self selected books. This will help them think as they read.
5. We continue study vocabulary from our read aloud story as well as important challenging vocabulary in every day life. We are going to put on skits to take more ownership of the words.

Writing:

1. We're studying how writers come up with ideas for creating stories. This will help us transition our learning of the four essential parts to a story.
2. The kids are reacting and writing to different journal topics I'm giving them to write for. Some argumentative, some reflective, some thought provoking.
3. We have two cool mini projects we are continuing: Me in a Bag AND What I've Learned So Far in Life...We'll wrap those up this week so stay tuned!
4. The kids write every day in their daily reflection journal-they LOVE it! They just share their thoughts on the day and feelings.

Math:

1. Students in regular 5th grade math have just begun unit 1. Their pre-test scores will determine what they study.
2. Our 5th grade regular unit covers arrays, factors, divisibility of numbers, prime numbers, composite numbers, square numbers, square roots, and prime factorization.
3. For 6th grade accel math we begin with landmarks, data collection, and a variety of graphs.
4. Please expect a study link and a math box for HW each night. But...the kids will have time to complete the work in class.

Science:

1. The kids will learn that weather is constantly changing and they will learn about our Earth's protective atmosphere and how it's broken into 7 layers.
2. Also, the kids will study and learn that there are different weather instruments to measure different facets of weather such as wind speed, wind direction, temperature, humidity, and air pressure.
3. We are also writing in science class and learning how to express our feelings through journaling about weather memories.

Citizenship:

1. Last week, the class earned 55 gold tickets for great behavior in the class and around the school. Our goal was 35...we really did well!
2. We'll set a new goal this week.
3. On Monday, the kids will get a one hour tour of the building and expectations for behavior in those areas of the building. This is conducted by Mr. Raczak, Mrs. Boldt, and other May Watts staff.

Hello!

Hi 5v Families,

It was very nice to meet you today at the annual May Watts Meet and Greet. I am in the process of creating an email list so that I can contact all of you at once. You should receive your first class email by the weekend. Please continue to check out the class blog.

The information and updates I post are usually relevant to:

* What the 5th graders are studying in class

* Important dates and reminders

* Student debate/poll results

* Family poll question that you can answer

For your reference, my email is: Amit_Vaid@ipsd.org

Thanks and talk to you soon!

Mr. Vaid

HELLO! Welcome to 5V

Good day Families of 5V. The school year does not begin until Monday, August 22nd but after receiving your class list you may have wandered over to Mr. Vaid's blog.

Welcome to 5V. I am excited to begin the 2011-12 school year with you. I love 5th grade. This is my 8th year teaching (all at May Watts in 5th grade) and I hope that you are excited to start the school year. Not only will we learn a lot and become producers of information but we will also have an engaging, unique, and creative way of accomplishing our goals as well.

Meet and Greet: Please know that the May Watts Meet 'n Greet will be on Wednesday August 17th from 1:15-2:00pm. Please stop by the classroom so I can meet you and you can put your supplies away. Seating for the first several weeks of school is established @ Meet 'n Greet on a first come first serve basis, so come and grab your seat! I will also ask families to sign up on the 5V email list.