Secret Santa turned Kris Kringle

Several students voted to hold a gift exchange on Friday, December 19th.  I have set a spending limit of $10 or less and the gift should be age appropriate.  Due to allergies, no food items can be exchanged.  The game has been explained to students.  To play, you must contribute a wrapped gift.  Students are encouraged to make the gift look very appealing from the outside.  It can be chosen and then stolen!  Each student that plays the game will take home a gift.  It should be a lot of fun on Friday morning!

GOAT FUNDRAISING: $129.50 and counting!

Science Project Update

Students are working hard to create 3D models of their system of choice.  They have been given some class time to research and take notes on various aspects of their body system.  We have not set a firm deadline as we want to provide ample time for this project.  At this point, it appears that the model and write up will be completed by the end of next week but the oral presentations will occur after the holiday break.  I will update you if this timeline needs further altering.  Thank you!

***Most students are almost finished with both their 3D models and their write ups.  But several need a few more days to complete the project.

Unit 5 Data Management

Students in 5B are beginning a unit on data management on Monday.  They will be interpreting, collecting, and organizing data in tables and graphs.  Students will be conducting surveys and displaying results on appropriate graphs.  They will also examine data and results for possible bias.

In this unit, students will:

• interpret and evaluate data in tables and graphs.
• draw labelled graphs by hand.
• recognize accuracy or bias in the way data are presented.
• examine how data were collected and if they are reasonable.
• find the mean and the mode of a set of data.
• predict the results of a survey.
• design and conduct a survey.

To support your child's learning at home, you may consider:

• encouraging your child to discuss any surveys you hear mentioned in the news or media.
• asking your child to interpret data displayed in tables, charts, or graphs found in media.

~based on Math Makes Sense, Grade 5

Unit 4 Decimals Final Assessment

5B students  have a final assessment for Unit 4 scheduled for Wednesday, December 10.  

Students should review the following concepts:

• comparing and ordering decimals
• rounding decimals
• converting decimals into fractions and mixed numbers
• adding and subtracting decimals to the hundredth place
• multiplying decimals by 10 and 100
• dividing decimals by 10

A thorough in-class review will be assigned on Monday and taken up on Tuesday in preparation for the test.

All We Want for Christmas is a Goat!

Greetings Families:

Our school fundraising initiative is based on an idea from the charity Free the Children. All homeroom classes have pledged to purchase at least one goat for a needy family overseas.  Please click on the Free the Children website here: http://www.freethechildren.com/ and click on the Donate tab.
Often, some families at Bayview Hill enjoy sending a teacher gift to school around winter holiday time.  Instead of a teacher gift this season, my proposal is that students make an effort at home to do something to help their families or community in exchange for a small monetary donation from their parents.  I would love to accept this donation towards the goat on behalf of the needy family.  Bayview Hill has made a special exception so CASH and cheque will be accepted for this event.  We are hoping for more than one goat at $50 each.  
Students are aware of our Goat Deal.  Please support your child at home with this endeavour and discuss the sustainability of providing a goat as well as the benefits of giving to those that are in need.  'Tis the Season!

Thank you, in advance, for your support.

Ms. Armstrong
Current Tally: $93.25

Human Body Final Project

5B students have been introduced to the final project for Human Body Systems.  Based on their interest level, students have been assigned a human body system.  Some students will work with a partner on this project and some students will be supported by me. There are three components to the project: a 3D model of the system created by the students, a written explanation, and an oral presentation in front of the class.  Students will be given success criteria and will understand the expectations for each of the three components.

Parents can support students at home by:

• asking them to explain the organs within the system, how it works, and its connections to other systems in the body.
• helping them collect materials from the recycling box for the model.
• discussing illnesses and injuries that impact the system.

The exact timeline has yet to be determined as we wrap up class demonstrations and notes.  We hope to have students researching, building models, writing, and presenting through to December holidays.

Unit 4 Quiz - Decimals

5B will have a math quiz on Friday, November 28.  We have been working with decimals to the hundredth place.

The quiz will cover:

• converting decimals into fractions/ mixed numbers and the reverse
• comparing and ordering decimals
• rounding decimals

Students are encouraged to review work from the textbook (Lessons 1 - 4), study guide, and their red duotangs.

Unit 4 Decimals

Shopping trips, sports events, weather reports, and news stories are places we encounter decimals on a regular basis.  This unit includes many concepts your child will already be familiar with from daily life.

This unit covers:

• representing, reading, and writing decimals to hundredths.
• exploring equivalent decimals,
• comparing and ordering decimals.
• rounding decimals to the nearest whole number.
• estimating decimal sums and differences.
• adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing decimals.
• posing and solving problems involving decimals.

Unit 3 Geometry Final Assessment

Students have a Unit 3 Final Assessment on Tuesday, November 18th.

Use the study guide and the review worksheet.

Please review:

• naming polygons
• recognizing and explaining regular and irregular polygons
• measuring and creating angles
• naming triangles (equilateral, isoceles, scalene or right, acute, obtuse triangle)
• constructing triangles
• identifying 3D solids and properties of solids
• identifying nets from 3D solids

Up for Debate!

Can you argue?  Can you provide examples and evidence?  Put your skills to the test as we learn the mechanics of a basic debate!

Students have brainstormed controversial issues within the school and will be put into small groups.  Each group member will be responsible for an argument and examples to support his/her position.  An opening and closing statement as well as rebuttal preparation are strongly encouraged.  

Wish us luck as we try to persuade and convince our opponents and classmates!

Class Dojo

Our new individual behaviour programme is called Class Dojo.  Students earn points when they display positive learning habits and behaviours.  Students collect these points for the week.  We will be recognizing the individual with the most points on Fridays (or the last day of the week).  

Some target behaviours are being on-task, showing respect, helping others, completing homework.  Students may in turn lose points if they are off-task, bullying, and talking during lesson time.  I intend to use as much positive reinforcement as I can.

Over the next day or two, I will be giving students a personal secret code.  If they wish, students may access either the website or download the app in order to change their Dojo avatar.  

They may use an Apple device to download Class Dojo for Students (for free) or they may plug in the following website: www.classdojo.com/student.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Science: Human Organ Systems

At long last, we are wrapping up social studies and moving into science with great enthusiasm!  Our new science unit Understanding Life Systems: Human Organ Systems will begin later this week.  Here are the big ideas:

• organ systems are components of a larger system (the body) and, as such, work together and affect one another.
• organ structures are linked to their functions.
• systems in the human body work together to meet our basic needs.
• choices we make affect our organ systems and, in turn, our overall health.

We will be using a hands-on approach at times, as students construct a human body and make a model of an organ system.

Unit 3 Geometry

We are starting a new math unit on geometry.  Through daily activities, we will explore different two-dimensional figures.  We will investigate the characteristics of different figures, and explore relationships between vertices (corners), side length, and angle measurement of these figures.

Learning Goals:

• sort and name polygons by sides and angles.
• measure, name, and construct angles.
• construct triangles, given side and angle measures.
• identify and construct nets of solids.

Ideas for Home Extension:

• look for boxes in the recycling box and carefully take them apart to see how they are constructed.
• explore your home for angles that are greater and less than a right angle.

Based on Math Makes Sense, Grade 5

Unit 1 Number Patterns Final Assessment

On Friday, October 24, (or later depending on Musical Theatre interruptions) 5B students will show what they have learned in Unit 1 Number Patterns.

Students should review and practice:

• extending number and modelled patterns
• using an input/output box to organize number patterns 
• indicating the pattern rule for number and modelled patterns
• determining the missing term in a number pattern
• identifying growing, shrinking, alternating and increasing pattern rules
• solving word problems using number patterns

Students will be reminded to bring home the textbook, study guide, and red math duo-tang to review and practice.  I will be supporting students during math time and at recess as required in preparation for the test.

Spelling in Grade 5

Ever wonder if spelling is explicitly taught in Grade 5?  It most certainly is.  We use a developmental program called "Words Their Way".  I really believe in this programme because it is designed to zero in and target word patterns at the child's exact level.  The programme is multi-levelled and the patterns become more complex as the year goes on. I run several different spelling groups and students are required to work on their word lists three times a week.  Students have a word work menu with practice activities.  They sort and re-sort the words and learn that the English language is made up of many rules and patterns.  The programme highlights words that follow patterns and words that do not follow patterns.  I will attach some photos of our word work from last week in the next day or two for you to see.  Students enjoy this time as they work at their own pace and at their own level.  I will be reassessing their spelling mid-year to see growth.

New Math Unit: Number Patterns

Unit 2 tests were returned to all students today and sent home.  Parents, please look at the assessment, sign it, and return it to me for my files.  

Today, we started a new unit titled "Number Patterns".  Patterns surround us - they are on walls, in art, on clothes, and in nature.  Patterns help us make sense of the world we live in and allow us to pose and solve problems.

Patterns occur regularly in mathematics and can be represented by numbers, words, pictures, and models.  As we learn to identify, extend, and create patterns, we develop powerful skills that will help us make sense of mathematics.

The following expectations will be covered:

• find a pattern rule for number patterns.
• identify, extend, and create patterns.
• describe and model patterns.
• use patterns to pose and solve problems.
• use patterns in a table to make predictions.

Unit 2 Whole Numbers Final Assessment

On Friday, October 10th, 5B students will show what they have learned in Unit 2 Whole Numbers.

Students are required to practice and review the following concepts:

• standard, word, and expanded form to the hundred thousands place (example: 356 783)
• addition and subtraction of 4-digit numbers with regrouping and using mental math strategies
• multiplication of 2-digit numbers in standard form and using mental math strategies
• division of 3-digit numbers (dividend) by 1-digit numbers (divisor)
• word problems involving multiplication and division

Students will be reminded to bring home the textbook, study guide, and red math duo-tang to review and practice.  I will be supporting students during math time and at recess as required in preparation for the test.

Beginning of October

Happy weekend families!  

I am excited to share my brand new class blog with you today.  I will be using this blog to communicate with you throughout the year.  Please check it regularly.
Last night, we welcomed parents to our Grade 5 Curriculum Night.  Thank you to those parents that took the time to join us for a session.  I have sent home the Curriculum Night Package for those of you that could not make it.

Here is a snapshot of 5B's on-going learning.

In Literacy, we are:

• identifying goals as readers and increasing our reading stamina
• learning to pre-write using a colour coded web
• utilizing our web to compose a well-organized paragraph
• examining the rights of a child and discussing the qualities of a good life orally as a whole group
• differentiating between a developing country and a developed country

In Mathematics, we are:

• reviewing and obtaining strategies for our multiplication tables to 12 x 12
• reviewing the many steps to successful long division
• using mental math to find products and quotients
• learning short division next week

***Unit Test: October 8 or later

In Government and Citizenship, we are:

• analyzing current events in Canada and the world
• determining significance for Canadian citizens and the responsibilities of our government

Ms. Armstrong