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