Dear Parents,
We have been hard at work over the past couple of weeks, learning many new things and sharing new experiences. Please allow us to illustrate a quick summary of what we have been doing in each of the core subject areas.
What’s Coming Up:
September 05 Lower School Etiquette Assembly
September 12 Vacation Slideshow
Math
We have just completed our first test in math on place value of whole numbers. We will continue exploring Number Sense and Numeration (whole and decimal numbers) to complete our first unit in Math. Students will be tested at the end of each chapter as well as a final assessment after each unit. Our second unit will investigate Algebra, Data, and Graphing, which we will begin toward the end of the month. Starting from this new unit, students will be completing a “Problem of the Day” in order to practice and improve their problem-solving skills. Students who complete the problem correctly will receive a star on their reward chart. Students may also receive a star for completing daily Math homework consistently as well as for achieving improving test marks. At the end of each unit, a Math award will be given to the student(s) who received the most stars.
Social Studies
We have kicked off the year with a unit in Geography. We are currently exploring the world – its hemispheres, continents, major bodies of water, various geographical features as well as studying important geographical terms and vocabulary. Once students have gained a deeper knowledge of world geography, they will complete a final assessment which will include a map of an imaginary world, and a PowerPresentation on a student-chosen country. Students will also have great fun taking part and learning through a simulation unit entilted Caravans. This is an exciting unit which encourages students to learn more about the world around them as well as work positively in a group.
Science
Our first Science unit, Biomes, will begin after world geography. In this unit, students will learn how living things interact and how to protect fragile ecosystems. Our culminating activities will be a fun and challenging simulation called Rainbow Bay. Students will work in groups to build a network of roads in the fictitious community of Rainbow Bay. As mayor, I will evaluate each construction team’s plan based on cost and environmental responsibility. This unit is always very popular with students as they have the opportunity to show what they have learned in Science in a meaningful, hands-on way.
Novel Study
In novel study class, we will read several novels a trimester. To begin, we will be starting next week with Bridge to Terabithia, a story set in the fifth grade. When a new girl moves into Jess Aarons’ neighbourhood and his class, his life takes an interesting turn. Although, Leslie is a faster runner and comes from a more priviledged background than Jess, the two find strong common bonds and become very good friends. Together, they invent the fantasy kingdom of Terabithia. This novel is a heart-warming story of Jess’ maturation through friendship, tragedy and loss. For every novel study, students will be expected to complete vocabulary exercises, questions for discussion, and a novel test as well as various activities centred around the novel. To gain a deeper understanding of each novel, students should re-read chapters or important passages at home.
Reading
We have begun the year by working on various different reading strategies which include reading aloud, independent silent reading, partner reading, group reading and reading fluency tests. This week we are also spending our morning reading times visiting different Reading Centres (areas of the classroom) which aim to allow students to: read for enjoyment; read for research; read for discussion; play games to learn new vocabulary and definitions and read for fluency.
Students are also expected to do a minumum of 30 minutes of independent reading every school night. An at-home reading log will be sent home at the beginning of each month and should be returned at the end of each month signed by a parent.
Writing
Our writing program centers around 6 + 1 Traits of Writing which include: ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions and presentation. Our writing program also includes in-depth grammar instruction which will help students improve on the mechanics of English.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Kathryn Beck, Grade 5B
kbeck@njis.or.id
“Shoot for the moon! Even if you miss you will land among the stars!”-Les Brown
We have been hard at work over the past couple of weeks, learning many new things and sharing new experiences. Please allow us to illustrate a quick summary of what we have been doing in each of the core subject areas.
What’s Coming Up:
September 05 Lower School Etiquette Assembly
September 12 Vacation Slideshow
Math
We have just completed our first test in math on place value of whole numbers. We will continue exploring Number Sense and Numeration (whole and decimal numbers) to complete our first unit in Math. Students will be tested at the end of each chapter as well as a final assessment after each unit. Our second unit will investigate Algebra, Data, and Graphing, which we will begin toward the end of the month. Starting from this new unit, students will be completing a “Problem of the Day” in order to practice and improve their problem-solving skills. Students who complete the problem correctly will receive a star on their reward chart. Students may also receive a star for completing daily Math homework consistently as well as for achieving improving test marks. At the end of each unit, a Math award will be given to the student(s) who received the most stars.
Social Studies
We have kicked off the year with a unit in Geography. We are currently exploring the world – its hemispheres, continents, major bodies of water, various geographical features as well as studying important geographical terms and vocabulary. Once students have gained a deeper knowledge of world geography, they will complete a final assessment which will include a map of an imaginary world, and a PowerPresentation on a student-chosen country. Students will also have great fun taking part and learning through a simulation unit entilted Caravans. This is an exciting unit which encourages students to learn more about the world around them as well as work positively in a group.
Science
Our first Science unit, Biomes, will begin after world geography. In this unit, students will learn how living things interact and how to protect fragile ecosystems. Our culminating activities will be a fun and challenging simulation called Rainbow Bay. Students will work in groups to build a network of roads in the fictitious community of Rainbow Bay. As mayor, I will evaluate each construction team’s plan based on cost and environmental responsibility. This unit is always very popular with students as they have the opportunity to show what they have learned in Science in a meaningful, hands-on way.
Novel Study
In novel study class, we will read several novels a trimester. To begin, we will be starting next week with Bridge to Terabithia, a story set in the fifth grade. When a new girl moves into Jess Aarons’ neighbourhood and his class, his life takes an interesting turn. Although, Leslie is a faster runner and comes from a more priviledged background than Jess, the two find strong common bonds and become very good friends. Together, they invent the fantasy kingdom of Terabithia. This novel is a heart-warming story of Jess’ maturation through friendship, tragedy and loss. For every novel study, students will be expected to complete vocabulary exercises, questions for discussion, and a novel test as well as various activities centred around the novel. To gain a deeper understanding of each novel, students should re-read chapters or important passages at home.
Reading
We have begun the year by working on various different reading strategies which include reading aloud, independent silent reading, partner reading, group reading and reading fluency tests. This week we are also spending our morning reading times visiting different Reading Centres (areas of the classroom) which aim to allow students to: read for enjoyment; read for research; read for discussion; play games to learn new vocabulary and definitions and read for fluency.
Students are also expected to do a minumum of 30 minutes of independent reading every school night. An at-home reading log will be sent home at the beginning of each month and should be returned at the end of each month signed by a parent.
Writing
Our writing program centers around 6 + 1 Traits of Writing which include: ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions and presentation. Our writing program also includes in-depth grammar instruction which will help students improve on the mechanics of English.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Kathryn Beck, Grade 5B
kbeck@njis.or.id
“Shoot for the moon! Even if you miss you will land among the stars!”-Les Brown
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