Math Update

This week brings the end of Unit 7:  Exponents and Negative Numbers.  While we covered many skills in this unit, the two we focused heavily on were to write and interpret numerical expressions and use and evaluate parentheses in expressions.  There was also an introduction to adding and subtracting with positive and negative numbers, which to be honest, is always a little sketchy in 5th grade!  The kiddos had a positive attitude and worked hard! We begin Unit 8 on Monday of next week as we return to fractions.

Reading Update

This week in reading we have been practicing the strategy compare and contrast.  Thus far, we have used short informational texts to compare planets, German and Irish immigrants, and the city-states of Athens and Sparta.  In small reading groups we also used a Time for Kids this week to compare an article about vultures to a shorter article about bats.  We also were introduced to the myth genre today and learned and listed features of myths.  We then read "Thor's Magic Hammer" and identified the myth features in that text. 

We finished our historical fiction read aloud book, Blood on the River by Elisa Carbone.  It was about the Jamestown settlement and the kids loved it!  Yesterday, we started an autobiography read aloud, Boy:  Tales of Childhood, by Roald Dahl.

 Just a reminder that reading goals are due March 22nd--it will be here before we know it!

Crochet Club

We have started Crochet Club at Wellman Elementary!  Jamie Clark and Carrie Geno are volunteering their time on Tuesday mornings from about 7:45-8:20 to help teach our kiddos how to crochet.  We started with 5th graders, but plan to incorporate 4th and 3rd grades in time.  I allow the kids to crochet during read aloud times and Makerspace time if they wish. 

Makerspace

We continue to make all sorts of things during our morning Makerspace time!  Attached are a few pictures of some of our recent challenges. 

 Working on a water piano

 Creating an obstacle for Sphero

 Water piano

 Using Dash's launcher

She looks innocent enough, but she's hiding a prank handshake buzzer under that sleeve!

Science--Saturation and Solubility

This week in science we researched and experimented with saturation.  We are learning that a solution is saturated when as much solid material as possible has dissolved in the liquid.  We used both Epsom and Kosher salts to carry out this investigation and are learning that solubility can vary from substance to substance.  As we were shaking the bottles that contained our salt solutions we listened to some "shake" music and had a great time!

Last week, we explored the concept of density.  We learned that less dense solutions form layers on more dense solutions.  We used colored liquids to help us understand and demonstrate this concept.

PBIS Reward

Yesterday, we enjoyed indoor gym due to lack of snow outside.  However, we brought the fun inside and had "snow" much fun!  The whole school earned enough tickets and had a snow celebration.  Since there has not been any snow we had to go to Plan B.  Our class played Hungry Human Hippo (see video link) and then Snowball Fight Dodgeball (I don't have any pictures or video as I was playing!).  We also enjoyed powdered sugar donut holes.  Yum!  I really do feel BLESSED to have these kiddos in our classroom each day.  I had a sub this morning as I was doing some testing here at school and she left a note that said, "This group is so respectful and responsible."  And they really are.  Just today a couple of kiddos were talking about our 5B "family" and it just made me smile.  Thank you for sharing them with me!

https://youtu.be/hS4cOe9KSuY

Winter Survival at Foster Woods

We had a beautiful day at Foster Woods last week!  Most of our groups "survived" but we did have a couple of groups that didn't make it!  However, a good time was had by all.  Thank you to Justin Rediger and Nicole Harmsen who went along to help chaperone for our class.

Writing--Persuasive Letters

With the start of the new quarter, we have a new purpose for writing. .  .to persuade!  Thus far, we have taken a strong look at mentor texts to identify the characteristics of persuasive writing.  These include:  identify a specific audience, state a strong position, use powerful words and phrases to influence the reader, use facts and evidence to make a case, and suggest solutions and action.  We brainstormed several topics we could write about and evaluated each of them to determine which topic to move forward with.  Excited to see these develop! 

Math Update

With the end of the second quarter, we brought our current study of fractions to a halt.  On Tuesday of this week, we started Unit 7:  Exponents and Negative Numbers.  This unit includes exponential notation, order of operations, and addition and subtraction of positive and negative numbers.  I have not been sending homework to go along with these lessons.  We make the most of our practice time at school and use WIN time to hone these skills as well. 

Science--Mixtures and Solutions

The past couple of lessons centered around concentration.  Students observed and compared soft-drink solutions that differed in the amount of powder (water held constant) and in the amount of water (powder held constant) in order to develop the concept of concentration. They made salt solutions of different concentrations and compared them, using a balance to measure weight in grams and a graduated cylinder to measure volume in milliliters.

5th Grade Fitness Mixer

For the past few years, all 5th graders have met at the Wellman Y for a "Fitness Mixer" as we call it.  We not only get a little exercise, but students are mixed with students from other schools and have a chance to meet new faces and friends.  You are welcome to join us if you'd like!  Just remember that you must be on the approved volunteer list.  We will gather from 9:00-11:00 on the morning of February 14th.  Please let me know if you plan to join us!!

Makerspace Challenges

Our Makerspace challenges continue!  Most recently, students chose their own groups and are all working on different challenges.  Some of these are requiring "tech" such as Dash or the Sphero, and some are building challenges that use the Legos or K'nex.  My hope is that we can move the students through all of the challenges so that they can experience them all.  Our Wellman Elementary PTO purchased several new materials for our Makerspace.  Some of these things include Squishy Circuits, Chibi Circuits, copper wire, LED lights, batteries, etc.  We are so grateful for this generous gift and our many little hands are putting these things to great use!