In reading, we spent some time reading and analyzing short passages, including both fiction and nonfiction, to locate story elements, fact and opinion, inferences, and main idea/supporting details. We also spent time reviewing literary vocabulary for the PSSAs. The students enjoyed practicing the words and definitions while playing Vocabulary Bingo and Around the World to aid in the application of the words when reading. The students worked extremely hard throughout the year and had a very positive attitude during PSSA testing! Way to go fifth graders!

In writing, we continued to work on writing narratives. The students finished up their personal narratives with dialogue and feelings to share with the class. We then began writing descriptive narratives about a special place. Some special places included the beach, a relative’s house, a family farm, a favorite restaurant, and so much more! The students spent a lot of time applying their five senses to help the reader feel like they were actually there.

In mathematics, the fifth graders worked on Unit 7. This chapter will investigate pre-algebra concepts including; notational conventions of exponents, scientific notation, and number/word notation.  The students will also develop rules for addition and subtraction of positive and negative numbers and apply them to their computation practices.

In social studies, the students completed a research project on the ancient explorers.  Using non-fiction text, encyclopedias, and articles given to them by their teacher, the students concluded their research.  Next the students had to plan, write and perform a video diary about their Explorer’s life using video cameras.  Finally these videos were presented to the class on our Smart Board.

In science, the students were challenged to design a go-cart that would travel down a very small ramp (10 inches in length) out of limited supplies. Following an engineering model of; design, construct, test, evaluate, and redesign, the students work in groups attempting to create a model that traveled the longest distance using the force of gravity.  The winner traveled over four meters.

In reading, we spent more time locating main idea and details to summarize and paraphrase texts. The students worked hard to only pull out the most important parts in both fiction and nonfiction texts.  We also performed reader’s theater, where the students worked in small groups to make a background, props, and practice performing a book through acting.  They all did a nice job with adding inflection into their voices and really acting out their parts as if they were on a real stage!

In writing, we began writing fractured fairy tales. Before starting the stories, we spent a lot of time practicing quotation rules in dialogue, listening to examples of fractured fairy tales while comparing and contrasting them to the original, and brainstorming ideas to add elements of surprise for the reader. The students typed up their good copies, made pictures to compliment their writing, and mounted them on construction paper to hang in the hallway to share with others.

In mathematics, the fifth graders are working on Unit 8. This chapter has four main areas of focus: renaming fractions as equivalent fractions, using equivalent names for fractions/ mixed numbers to perform operations, introducing algorithms for the multiplication of fractions and mixed numbers, and practicing estimating and calculating the percent of a number.

In science, the students are studying terms such as matter, velocity, inertia, motion, gravity, and friction. They are applying these terms to a new challenge given to them from their teacher. They now have to create a go-cart that will travel the greatest distance using rubber bands as their source of energy.

In social studies, the fifth graders are learning about the colonization of North America, the 100 Years War, the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, and how all these events shaped the making of the United States of America.