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.

May Watts Citizenship Celebration 1:45-3:00pm

Tuesday afternoon May Watts students will be participating in the Field Day Citizenship Celebration between 1:45pm and 3:00pm. Because of the weather students should prepare with the following:

* Bring a water bottle

* Wear a hat if possible

* Apply sun screen prior to school

5th Grade Farewell Party

Hi 5V Families! The Fifth Grade Farewell Party is this Tuesday, May 17th. Students should bring the following items because they will be outside and because of the potential for heat. Right now, the forecast for Tuesday is 61 and sunny.

If you have, please wear/bring:

• Comfortable tennis or gym shoes.
• water bottle
• hat
• beach towel to sit on during lunch
• apply sun screen prior to arriving at school.
• Anything else? Let me know if you think something should be listed!

Curriculum Update

Hi 5V Families! Here is what we are studying this week:

Reading:

• We will be acting out a play "Name that American" this week and next week.
• Students will do solo or partnership skits/presentations with new vocabulary words (including two recently new ones: kerfuffle and acclimate)
• We will read our Time for Kids magazines to practice non-fiction reading skills.
• We'll continue our read for purpose book conferences.

Writing:

• Students have just finished their 6 word memoirs-WOW! So awesome-you should really read their 6 word memoirs...AND submit your own for a chance to be in the raffle for a prize.
• The kids will continue practicing their research and presentation skills and will write their outlines for their presentations by this Friday.
• We'll also continue to write our workshop stories and writing (SO MANY this year) and continue our share time on Friday.
• I also have some interesting topic writes for the kids this week and next week.

Math:

• Students in 5V will take the 5V math test this Tuesday.
• Pre-test for 5V math for unit 11 is Wednesday.
• We will begin unit 11 with a focus on a variety of studies such as: polygons, measuring polygons, and work with formulas to measure.
• Our small group work continues as does our computation practice.

Social Studies:

• During reading class we are taking some time to finish up our Civil War chapter. The kids are so engaged and into the lessons and discussions.
• We are taking a lot of quizzes to monitor comprehension and practicing study skills.

Science:

• We have begun investigating the parts and functions of the microscope.
• This week we will study the idea of magnification and learn how to magnify a specimen under the scope.
• We will also study our first couple of specimens this Thursday and Friday.

Citizenship:

• We will refresh our bullying lesson and unit.
• Students will also study the cool tool of the week which is "keeping hands and feet to yourself."

Important Dates and Reminders

Hi 5V Fams! Here are some important dates and reminders for this upcoming week:

Monday, May 9th

• Jump Rope for Heart (9:45am-11am) please bring p.e shoes and water bottles.
• Spelling test
• Math test review day

Tuesday, May 10th

• 5V Math Test
• Students continue research and practice presentations (coming up in 2 weeks)

Wednesday, May 11th

• Tentatively scheduled after school work day for researchers/presenters for the presentation.

Thursday, May 12th

• Continue practicing our presentations.
• Paw-print redemption

Friday, May 13th

• Citizenship Popsicle Party (courtesy of Sania's winning raffle ticket!)