Time flies! We can't believe that it is already time for Winter Break! Thank you for taking the time to stop by our blog and read about what's going on in 5th Grade.
First, we want to say a huge thank you to our PTO and our room moms who put on an amazing Holiday Party for our 5th graders yesterday. It was a blast! Also, thank you to all of the parents who were able to come and celebrate the season with us. We are looking forward to an amazing 2018 with your learners. We also wanted to thank everyone for the wonderful gifts and treats we got this holiday season. We are so fortune to have such amazing support from you and your families. We hope everyone has a restful holiday break, and we will see you in the new year! Happy holidays!
*Please note that school will resume January 3rd, 2018.
Friday, December 15, 2017
Friday, December 8, 2017
Week of December 4th-8th
Thank you for taking the time to stop by our blog and read about what's going on in 5th Grade. Please be sure to check the Google Calendar that is linked at the top of the blog for important updates.
What we are learning...
This week in reading we continued our unit in poetry and drama. Learners explored how poets use poetic devices to communicate messages. Moreover, we learned the importance of evaluating structure and elements of specific genres to better understand the text.
This week in writing we revisited figurative language using our mentor sentence. We wrote sentences that included similes and alliteration.
This week in social studies we continued learning about the causes of the revolution. We will begin to explore the effects of the war on America.
In science this week, we continued our investigation on the different forms of energy, force, and motion. The learners completed an engineering design project where they answered the question "How can I re-design the sole of a shoe to increase its grip?" Learners tested their sole designs on ramps to see how they did.
In math this week, we continued our fractions unit. We looked at finding the least common denominator to help us add and subtract fractions. We also used pattern blocks to create mixed numbers. Moreover, we were able to design our own picture using pattern blocks and found the simplified form of the fractional parts.
This week in social studies we continued learning about the causes of the revolution. We will begin to explore the effects of the war on America.
In science this week, we continued our investigation on the different forms of energy, force, and motion. The learners completed an engineering design project where they answered the question "How can I re-design the sole of a shoe to increase its grip?" Learners tested their sole designs on ramps to see how they did.
In math this week, we continued our fractions unit. We looked at finding the least common denominator to help us add and subtract fractions. We also used pattern blocks to create mixed numbers. Moreover, we were able to design our own picture using pattern blocks and found the simplified form of the fractional parts.
Announcements
5th Grade Program
Our 5th grade program will be on Tuesday, December 12th. The morning performance will be at 8:15 AM, and the evening performance will be at 6:00 PM. They will both be held in the cafeteria.
***Please make sure that learners wear their grade-level shirts, jeans, and a holiday hat or headband if they have one to school on Tuesday.***
Spelling Bee
The school spelling bee will be on December 12th from 1:00-3:00 PM. Learners have been given lists to study, and they will need to do this on their own time. They should be practicing the words orally as this is not something that they are used to. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Schaaf or Ms. Lim.
*Please note that lunch will be at noon on this day.
Holiday Toy Drive: November 27-December 14
Holiday Parties: December 14th
Our 5th grade holiday party will be from 2:00-3:00. Our theme is the Polar Express. Learners are allowed to wear pajamas on this day. The party will be held in the cafeteria for the whole 5th grade. Everyone is invited!
Early Dismissal: December 15th
We will have early dismissal at 12:15 PM on Friday, December 15th. You can find the district Early Release Information here.
Sky Ranch Payment: Friday, January 26th
Please make sure that you have submitted your third payment for Sky Ranch.
We really appreciate you taking time to read our blog post.
Friday, December 1, 2017
Week of November 27th-December 1st
Thank you for taking the time to stop by our blog and read about what's going on in 5th Grade. Please be sure to check the Google Calendar that is linked at the top of the blog for important updates.
What we are learning...
This week in reading we started the week off making personal connections to the characters in Wonder. We continued to talk about poetry and the importance of inferring information based on pictures.
This week in writing learners wrote different types of poems. Learners used the forms of concrete poems and Haikus to write poems that are related to their interests.
This week in math we began talking about fractions and how we can find equivalent fractions and the common denominator of fractions to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators.
In science this week, we finished up our investigation on the different types of energy. We will start our next unit on force and motion. Please check your learner's digital portfolio and Seesaw account for the amazing learning happening in the classroom.
This week in social studies, learners continued exploring the causes of the American Revolution including the French and Indian War, The Boston Tea Party, and The Boston Massacre.
This week in writing learners wrote different types of poems. Learners used the forms of concrete poems and Haikus to write poems that are related to their interests.
This week in math we began talking about fractions and how we can find equivalent fractions and the common denominator of fractions to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators.
In science this week, we finished up our investigation on the different types of energy. We will start our next unit on force and motion. Please check your learner's digital portfolio and Seesaw account for the amazing learning happening in the classroom.
This week in social studies, learners continued exploring the causes of the American Revolution including the French and Indian War, The Boston Tea Party, and The Boston Massacre.
Thank you to everyone who came out to see Wonder with us! We had such a good time, and we are so glad that we were able to spend this special time with our learners!
Announcements
5th Grade Program
Our 5th grade program will be on Tuesday, December 12th. The morning performance will be at 8:15 AM, and the evening performance will be at 6:00 PM. They will both be held in the cafeteria.
Spelling Bee
The school spelling bee will be on December 12th from 1:00-3:00 PM. Learners have been given lists to study, and they will need to do this on their own time. They should be practicing the words orally as this is not something that they are used to. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Schaaf or Ms. Lim.
*Please note that lunch will be at noon on this day.
Holiday Toy Drive: November 27-December 14
Holiday Parties: December 14th
Our 5th grade holiday party will be from 2:00-3:00. Our theme is the Polar Express. Learners are allowed to wear pajamas on this day. The party will be held in the cafeteria for the whole 5th grade. Everyone is invited!
Early Dismissal: December 15th
We will have early dismissal at 12:15 PM on Friday, December 15th. You can find the district Early Release Information here.
Raz Kids
Parents, we are working on getting our Raz Kids subscription renewed for this year. At this time there will be a delay in accessing it online. Our hope is to have it up and running for K-5 by the first week of December. We will send an email when it is ready to go. Thank you so much.
We really appreciate you taking time to read our blog post.
Friday, November 17, 2017
Week of 13th-17th
Thank you for taking the time to stop by our blog and read about what's going on in 5th Grade. Please be sure to check the Google Calendar that is linked at the top of the blog for important updates.
What we are learning...
This week in reading, learners explored the structural elements of poetry. Learners were exposed to rhyming and free verse poems to apply what they learned to writing their own poems.
This week in writing, we talked about prepositions using our mentor sentence. Learners also wrote their own poems to express their thoughts and/or entertain their readers. In light of the season, learners reflected on the various things they were thankful for.
In Science, learners explored the different forms of energy through an energy scavenger hunt and ports. Ask your learner to show them some of the activities they have been creating in ports. Pictures are below!
This week in math, the learners completed financial literacy by showing mastery of their vocabulary words for this unit. We also began practicing and review fractions through Gizmos activities to prepare for our upcoming fractions unit after the break.
Announcements
Practice Over the Breaks
Please make sure to remind your learners to be reading, playing Reflex math, and Moby Max over the holiday break.
Please make sure to remind your learners to be reading, playing Reflex math, and Moby Max over the holiday break.
5th Grade Program
Our 5th grade program will be on Monday, December 11th. We do not have the time yet, but there will be more information to come soon. There will be a morning performance and an evening performance that day.
Our 5th grade program will be on Monday, December 11th. We do not have the time yet, but there will be more information to come soon. There will be a morning performance and an evening performance that day.
STAAR Practice Dates
We will be taking a practice STAAR exam for reading and math the Tuesday and Wednesday after the holiday break. This is not anything your learners will be graded on or need to study for. We want to use this assessment to determine our next steps for each learners individual instruction in small groups.
We will be taking a practice STAAR exam for reading and math the Tuesday and Wednesday after the holiday break. This is not anything your learners will be graded on or need to study for. We want to use this assessment to determine our next steps for each learners individual instruction in small groups.
Spelling Bee
The learners will participate in a class spelling bee on November 30th. We will take the top 8 performers from each class where they will participate in the school spelling bee on December 12th from 1:00-3:00. Learners have been given lists to study, and they will need to do this on their own time. They should be practicing spelling orally as this is not something that they are used to. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Schaaf or Ms. Lim!
*Please note that lunch will be at noon on this day.
Razz Kids
Parents, we are working on getting our Razz Kids subscription renewed for this year. At this time there will be a delay in accessing it online. Our hope is to have it up and running for K-5 by the first week of December. We will send an email when it is ready to go. Thank you so much.
Movie Outing
The movie Wonder is coming out, and most of the kids have read the book. We would love to have a movie outing where we could watch this movie with our kids. If you would like your child to attend, we recommend buying movie tickets in advance! We will let you know a time and movie theater as soon as possible!
Canned Food Drive
Second grade is holding their annual canned food drive this week! Please send in canned goods like green beans, dried beans, canned corn, packaged stuffing, instant potatoes, and more to help out families in need!
The learners will participate in a class spelling bee on November 30th. We will take the top 8 performers from each class where they will participate in the school spelling bee on December 12th from 1:00-3:00. Learners have been given lists to study, and they will need to do this on their own time. They should be practicing spelling orally as this is not something that they are used to. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Schaaf or Ms. Lim!
*Please note that lunch will be at noon on this day.
Razz Kids
Parents, we are working on getting our Razz Kids subscription renewed for this year. At this time there will be a delay in accessing it online. Our hope is to have it up and running for K-5 by the first week of December. We will send an email when it is ready to go. Thank you so much.
Movie Outing
The movie Wonder is coming out, and most of the kids have read the book. We would love to have a movie outing where we could watch this movie with our kids. If you would like your child to attend, we recommend buying movie tickets in advance! We will let you know a time and movie theater as soon as possible!
Canned Food Drive
Second grade is holding their annual canned food drive this week! Please send in canned goods like green beans, dried beans, canned corn, packaged stuffing, instant potatoes, and more to help out families in need!
Science Ports!
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Week of 6-10th
Thank you for taking the time to stop by our blog and read about what's going on in 5th Grade. Please be sure to check the Google Calendar that is linked at the top of the blog for important updates.
In Socials Studies, learners began exploring the causes of the American Revolution. We learned about taxation without representation and the Stamp Act.
In Science, learners explored the different forms of energy through an energy scavenger hunt and ports.
What we are learning...
This week in reading, we continued to explore the elements and different types of poetry. Learners reviewed and learned about the various examples of figurative language in poetry.
This week in writing, we wrote an acrostic poem as a class. Our mentor sentence this week focused on relative adverbs. Learners imitated the mentor sentence while also applying what they knew about relative adverbs. We also learned and practiced final syllable sounds.
In Science, learners explored the different forms of energy through an energy scavenger hunt and ports.
This week in math, the learners continued to work on their financial literacy unit. We got into teams and decided how to spend our monthly income with enough money left to be able to have some money in our savings for the "unexpected moments" that life could bring our way. Learners have been looking at the differences between a gross and net income as well as the different types of taxes. We also began the discussion on the best method of payment to use when making purchases.
Announcements
Spelling Bee
The learners will participate in a class spelling bee on November 30th. We will take the top 8 performers from each class where they will participate in the school spelling bee on December 12th from 1:00-3:00. Learners have been given lists to study, and they will need to do this on their own time. They should be practicing spelling orally as this is not something that they are used to. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Schaaf or Ms. Lim!
*Please note that lunch will be at noon on this day.
Movie Outing
The movie Wonder is coming out, and most of the kids have read the book. We would love to have a movie outing where we could watch this movie with our kids. If you would like your child to attend, we recommend buying movie tickets in advance! We will let you know a time and movie theater as soon as possible!
Canned Food Drive
Second grade is holding their annual canned food drive this week! Please send in canned goods like green beans, dried beans, canned corn, packaged stuffing, instant potatoes, and more to help out families in need!
Spring Creek BBQ Spirit Night is Monday, November 13th!
The learners will participate in a class spelling bee on November 30th. We will take the top 8 performers from each class where they will participate in the school spelling bee on December 12th from 1:00-3:00. Learners have been given lists to study, and they will need to do this on their own time. They should be practicing spelling orally as this is not something that they are used to. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Schaaf or Ms. Lim!
*Please note that lunch will be at noon on this day.
Movie Outing
The movie Wonder is coming out, and most of the kids have read the book. We would love to have a movie outing where we could watch this movie with our kids. If you would like your child to attend, we recommend buying movie tickets in advance! We will let you know a time and movie theater as soon as possible!
Canned Food Drive
Second grade is holding their annual canned food drive this week! Please send in canned goods like green beans, dried beans, canned corn, packaged stuffing, instant potatoes, and more to help out families in need!
Spring Creek BBQ Spirit Night is Monday, November 13th!
Monday, October 30, 2017
Week of October 23rd-27th
It's been a great week in 5th grade reflecting upon making healthy choices and celebrating Red Ribbon Week! Please read the blog for important updates!
Classroom Updates:
In reading, we read a Junior Great Book, took part in a shared inquiry discussion, and continued on the stations.
In writing, we worked on finishing up our imaginative stories and published them.
In social studies, learners went back into Colonial times and participated in stations that taught them about education, religion, recreational time, craftsmanship, slave life, and the government back then.
This week in math we finished up our multiplication and division of decimals unit. The learners practiced strategies for dividing decimals. They also worked on their pre-test corrections and used digital tools to become the teacher and teach others how to divide decimals.
5th Grade Announcements:
Spelling Homework
We will resume our spelling homework on October 30th. You will notice that the spelling lists that learners will be receiving are shorter than normal. We will continue with these shorter lists the rest of the year. Our main goal for our learners is for them to understand and learn the spelling pattern. We feel that having less words will really put an emphasis on learning the pattern instead of just memorizing words. Please contact Meredith Schaaf or Rachel Lim if you have any questions.
Mentor Sentences
We will not have a mentor sentence or grammar homework the week of October 30th-November 3rd. We will resume with mentor sentences and homework on November 6th. We will be integrating the American Revolution into our mentor sentences for the next five weeks!
Health Expo
We are very excited to have our very first Health Expo organized by Nurse Kane on Friday, November 3rd. We are so excited for this opportunity! Please look for the light purple handout that your child is bringing home for more information! Also, please only sign and return the form if you do not want your child to attend the growth and development program.
Sky Ranch Money
Please make sure that you have submitted your second payment for Sky Ranch!
Classroom Updates:
In reading, we read a Junior Great Book, took part in a shared inquiry discussion, and continued on the stations.
In writing, we worked on finishing up our imaginative stories and published them.
In social studies, learners went back into Colonial times and participated in stations that taught them about education, religion, recreational time, craftsmanship, slave life, and the government back then.
This week in math we finished up our multiplication and division of decimals unit. The learners practiced strategies for dividing decimals. They also worked on their pre-test corrections and used digital tools to become the teacher and teach others how to divide decimals.
In Science this week, we conclude our unit on mixtures and solutions. The next unit we will focus on is energy. We will explore the uses of energy, including mechanical, light, thermal, electrical, and sound energy.
5th Grade Announcements:
Spelling Homework
We will resume our spelling homework on October 30th. You will notice that the spelling lists that learners will be receiving are shorter than normal. We will continue with these shorter lists the rest of the year. Our main goal for our learners is for them to understand and learn the spelling pattern. We feel that having less words will really put an emphasis on learning the pattern instead of just memorizing words. Please contact Meredith Schaaf or Rachel Lim if you have any questions.
Mentor Sentences
We will not have a mentor sentence or grammar homework the week of October 30th-November 3rd. We will resume with mentor sentences and homework on November 6th. We will be integrating the American Revolution into our mentor sentences for the next five weeks!
Health Expo
We are very excited to have our very first Health Expo organized by Nurse Kane on Friday, November 3rd. We are so excited for this opportunity! Please look for the light purple handout that your child is bringing home for more information! Also, please only sign and return the form if you do not want your child to attend the growth and development program.
Sky Ranch Money
Please make sure that you have submitted your second payment for Sky Ranch!
Colonial Williamsburg Stations
5th Grade is putting a cap on drugs!!
Friday, October 20, 2017
Week of October 16th-20th
Classroom Updates
In Reading, we started to read our first Junior Great Book. Learners made predictions, asked questions, and made connections throughout our story. Learners were also engaged in stations reinforcing vocabulary and writing skills.
In Writing, learners focused on dialogue in both their mentor sentence and their imaginative writing piece. Learners are revising scenes from their story and making their characters more relatable.
In Social Studies, learners went on a 13 colonies webquest where they discovered more about the origins of the 13 colonies. Learners began to discuss the causes of the American Revolution.
In Math, we began learning strategies for multiplying decimals. Learners were able to recognize why multiplying a decimal by a decimal can give you a smaller product. We also practiced multiplying a decimal by a whole number. You can check out the Decimal Operations Presentation on our Google Sites to see the different strategies we are practicing in class.
In Science, we have been continuing our explorations on mixtures and solutions. This week the learners designed their own experiments to separate salt from water. Please see some of the pictures below!
TCE Updates
Report Cards
Report cards are being sent home today. Please check over your child's report card, sign it, and send it back in the envelope as soon as possible!
Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week will be October 23rd-27th! Please click the link to check out how we are celebrating Red Ribbon Week!Reflex Math Homework
Please remember that your learner needs to be playing Reflex Math each week. The week begins on Friday and your learners teacher will be checking the next Thursday to make sure they are playing at least 4 times a week until they have reached their green light.
Health Expo
We are very excited to have our very first Health Expo organized by Nurse Kane on Friday, November 3rd. We are so excited for this opportunity! Please look for the light purple handout that your child is bringing home for more information! Also, please only sign and return the form if you do not want your child to attend the growth and development program.
Monday, October 16, 2017
Week of October 9th-13th
Thank you for taking the time to stop by our blog and read about what's going on in 5th Grade. Please be sure to check the Google Calendar that is linked at the top of the blog for important updates.
In science this week, we have been delving into mixtures and solutions by doing different explorations. We have tested separating mixtures through screens and funnels. Check Twitter for some fun pictures of the explorations!
This week in math we began multiplying and dividing decimals. We also looked at the average rainfalls in Coppell and other cities. Then, we took that data and put it into graphs.
In reading, we explored multiple meaning words. Learners identified words that can be tricky. Then, they used their schema and the context clues to make meaning of the words. If you would like to see how learners have grown this month, please log onto iStation using the parent portal.
In writing, we focused on possessive pronouns. Learners are still working on their imaginative writing pieces and going through to edit and revise their papers using the skills we covered in class.
In social studies, learners continued to work on comparing the thirteen colonies. We began creating a billboard to persuade colonists to come to their colony.
In science this week, we have been delving into mixtures and solutions by doing different explorations. We have tested separating mixtures through screens and funnels. Check Twitter for some fun pictures of the explorations!
This week in math we began multiplying and dividing decimals. We also looked at the average rainfalls in Coppell and other cities. Then, we took that data and put it into graphs.
In reading, we explored multiple meaning words. Learners identified words that can be tricky. Then, they used their schema and the context clues to make meaning of the words. If you would like to see how learners have grown this month, please log onto iStation using the parent portal.
In writing, we focused on possessive pronouns. Learners are still working on their imaginative writing pieces and going through to edit and revise their papers using the skills we covered in class.
In social studies, learners continued to work on comparing the thirteen colonies. We began creating a billboard to persuade colonists to come to their colony.
Announcements:
Story Book Pumpkin Design Challenge
Please click the link below for more details.
The next Sky Ranch payment of $50 will be due the end of the month.
Reflex Math is now up and running. Learners need to be playing until they reach the green light.
Friday, October 6, 2017
Week of October 2nd-October 6th
Please don't forget that there is no school Friday or Monday for the kids! We hope that they enjoy their break, and we thank everyone who made time to come see us for Parent/Teacher conferences!
What's Happening in the Classroom?
In Reading, we have been continuing to work on how to summarize the stories that we have read through the character's problem and resolution.
In Social Studies, we focused on the Southern Colonies, and we started comparing and contrasting the differences between the three colonial regions.
In Math, we have been completing decimal activities to practice place value to the thousandths. Ask your learner to show you their Google site to see more of their completed work and activities!
In Science, we have been discussing similarities and differences between conductors and insulators. We have also begun our unit on solubility.
In Language Arts, our mentor sentence focused on simple, compound, and complex sentences. The learners are also continuing to write and revise their imaginative stories using rich adjectives and adverbs.
What's Happening at TCE?
What's Happening in the Classroom?
In Reading, we have been continuing to work on how to summarize the stories that we have read through the character's problem and resolution.
In Social Studies, we focused on the Southern Colonies, and we started comparing and contrasting the differences between the three colonial regions.
In Math, we have been completing decimal activities to practice place value to the thousandths. Ask your learner to show you their Google site to see more of their completed work and activities!
In Science, we have been discussing similarities and differences between conductors and insulators. We have also begun our unit on solubility.
In Language Arts, our mentor sentence focused on simple, compound, and complex sentences. The learners are also continuing to write and revise their imaginative stories using rich adjectives and adverbs.
5B was SO thrilled to start reading the sequel, The War I Finally Won.
Airianna and Hannah presenting a passion project to the class!
What's Happening at TCE?
No School:
Just another reminder that there will be no school Monday, October 9th.
Sky Ranch payments:
REMINDER: The second payment for our Sky Ranch trip in April will be due Friday, October 27th. You can send the full payment of $200 at this time, or you can send your second payment of $50. Please make checks payable to Town Center Elementary. If your son/daughter has a different last name than the name on the check, please include your son/daughter's name in the subject line. Thank you to all who have already paid. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact your learner's homeroom teacher.
Writing Competitions:
CGA Writing Competition: The fourth graders have an opportunity to participate in this annual event. Here is a little information about the competition.
- FREE for CISD students to enter.
- Open for any student in grades 4-12.
- Deadline of December 8, 2017.
- Categories: STORY and POETRY
- Rules are available at coppellgifted.org.
- Categories: STORY and POETRY
- Rules are available at coppellgifted.org.
Friday, September 29, 2017
Week of September 25th-29th
Thank you for taking the time to stop by our blog and read about what's going on in 5th Grade. Please be sure to check the Google Calendar that is linked at the top of the blog for important updates.
In Reading, we explored and discussed what makes a solid summary. Learners practiced writing summaries using their Books Club books. We will continue exploring the elements of fictional texts.
In Writing, our mentor sentence focused primarily on similes. We were able to practice the various parts of speech while also revising and imitating our mentor sentence to add more 'meat' to our writing. Learners also continued writing and revising their imaginative pieces. Please refer to the Google slide for extra help on Mentor Sentence HW.
In Math, we have been exploring decimal place value. Learners drew on their desks with chalk markers in order to compare and order decimals. They also participated in many other decimal explorations and activities.
In Science, learners explored density, mass, and volume to see how they are related and different. Learners have been completing explorations with water and salt to see how to manipulate the density of water.
In Social Studies, we continued to learn about the 13 colonies. We focused on the Middle colonies and learning about the different industries, resources, and geography in this colonial region.
Finally, thank you again for taking the time to read our blog. We know how important it is for our TCE families to know what is happening at school! If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to ask.
What we are learning...
In Reading, we explored and discussed what makes a solid summary. Learners practiced writing summaries using their Books Club books. We will continue exploring the elements of fictional texts.
In Writing, our mentor sentence focused primarily on similes. We were able to practice the various parts of speech while also revising and imitating our mentor sentence to add more 'meat' to our writing. Learners also continued writing and revising their imaginative pieces. Please refer to the Google slide for extra help on Mentor Sentence HW.
In Math, we have been exploring decimal place value. Learners drew on their desks with chalk markers in order to compare and order decimals. They also participated in many other decimal explorations and activities.
In Science, learners explored density, mass, and volume to see how they are related and different. Learners have been completing explorations with water and salt to see how to manipulate the density of water.
In Social Studies, we continued to learn about the 13 colonies. We focused on the Middle colonies and learning about the different industries, resources, and geography in this colonial region.
Announcements
There is no school October 9th.
REMINDER: The second payment for our Sky Ranch trip in April will be due Friday, October 27th. You can send the full payment of $200 at this time, or you can send your second payment of $50. Please make checks payable to Town Center Elementary. If your son/daughter has a different last name than the name on the check, please include your son/daughter's name in the subject line. Thank you to all who have already paid. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact your learner's homeroom teacher.
Fall Parent Conferences: If you have not done so already, please make sure to sign up for conferences using the links below.
Friday, September 22, 2017
Week of September 18th-22nd
As the year goes on our 5th graders continue to grow and shine at Town Center. It was yet another great week down C-Hall.
In Math this week, students finished up our whole number operations unit of multiplying and dividing whole numbers, and we moved into our place value of decimals unit. We looked at place value to the thousandths place and compared that to the tenths and hundredths place.
In Reading, learners continued exploring their book club books. We began talking about the elements of fiction texts. Learners have practiced reading out loud and asking/creating questions relevant to their text.
In Writing, learners continued to work on their imaginative pieces. They also focused on adverbs and adjectives for mentor sentences. Learners also practiced words that followed the long vowel digraph spelling rule.
In science, we have been continuing our density activities. We found the volume of items and learned about displacement. We also found the density of film canisters filled with different items by getting them to float, sink, or suspend. We also looked at the similarities and differences of weight and mass.
In social studies, we began learning about the 13 colonies. We will continue focusing on the New England colonies first and learning about the different industries, resources, and geography in this colonial region.
Thank you to all of the parents, families, and special friends who were able to come to our Special Friends Day. It was so great to see everyone. Here is the link to a Google Folder that has all of our pictures from the photo booth and our special day!
REMINDER: The first payment for our Sky Ranch trip in April will be due next Friday, September 29th. You can send the full payment of $200 at this time, or you can send your first payment of $50. Thank you to all who have already paid. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact your learner's homeroom teacher.
Math Homework: Please remind your learners to be getting on Reflex Math 4 times a week until they have reached their green light. Once they are 100% fluent in their Reflex Math facts they can switch from playing 4 times a week to using an online program called Moby Max. The learners know how to get on this website and it can also be found on your learners' math teacher's Google Site. This is a great opportunity for extra practice at home. As a parent you can sign up for parent accounts on both of these sites and track your learners progress as well.
Also, we will be sending home Go Math books in the next week. This is another resource for you to use at home to practice with your learner. They can do any of the pages that cover whole number operations as well as decimal place value. All of these are great resources for your learner to practice their math skills at home.
ELAR Homework: Please remind learners that they need to be reading at least 20 minutes per day. We encourage learners to read out loud to you to help with text fluency. Please refer to your ELAR teacher's Google Site for Mentor Sentence and spelling resources.
Fall Parent Conferences: Please be looking for a sheet to come home to sign up for your fall parent conferences this year. You will send back this sheet to your learner's homeroom teacher letting us know which method of a parent conference you prefer. You can also sign up using the links below.
Friday, September 15, 2017
Week of Sept. 11-15
It has been another great week in 5th grade. We are really getting into the groove of things down C-Hall! Please remember to check the Google Calendar linked on this blog for important dates and events coming up!
Evidence of Our Learning:
This week in Math, we continued practicing our multiplication and division strategies. Learners practiced the strategies using real world problems such as buying popsicles for a school popsicle party or having to calculate rent for an apartment.
This week in Writing, we worked on creating imaginative stories. We focused on the characteristics of an imaginative story, and we started putting our ideas into story maps for organization.
This week in Reading, we discussed how characters change over the course of a book. Characters go through problems and conflict, they may face challenges, and they may change because of these things. We also emphasized plot since we are integrating it with writing.
This week in Social Studies, we are finishing up learning about the early settlements. The learners explored the oldest city in America through a webquest.
This week in Science, we began learning about volume, mass, and density, and how they are related. We did lots of fun demonstrations to show density as well!
Some "tweets" from this week:
This week in Reading, we discussed how characters change over the course of a book. Characters go through problems and conflict, they may face challenges, and they may change because of these things. We also emphasized plot since we are integrating it with writing.
This week in Social Studies, we are finishing up learning about the early settlements. The learners explored the oldest city in America through a webquest.
This week in Science, we began learning about volume, mass, and density, and how they are related. We did lots of fun demonstrations to show density as well!
Some "tweets" from this week:
Share your talents and join us in creating memories for our learners! Our TCE Book Fair is right around the corner and we're looking for volunteers to help make it a huge success. Please sign up at: tinyurl.com/TCEBF17
5th Grade is so excited for the Book Fair!!
Also, a HUGE congratulations to our 5th Grade Student Council Officers for the year!
Friday, September 8, 2017
Week of Sept. 4-8
It has been another great week in 5th grade. We hope everyone enjoyed the Labor Day holiday on Monday! Even with our short week, we have been doing some exciting things down C-Hall! Please remember to check the Google Calendar linked on this blog for important dates and events coming up!
Evidence of Our Learning:
This week in Math, we continued to practice our multiplication and division strategies. We also explored a new learning tool called Performing Math, which utilizes open-middle word problems to allow learners choice in coming to an answer of a problem.
This week in Writing, we started Mentor Sentences. Learners were able to break down and then revise a model sentence from a book. Moreover, we discussed the VCCV/VCV rules that connects to the words we had on our Friday spelling test. Also, learners brainstormed and explained a place they would like to visit.
This week in Reading, we continued reading and discussing our book club books. We talked about the importance of asking relevant and in depth questions and also began discussing the elements of plot.
This week in Social Studies, we learned about the early settlements of America. The learners explored St. Augustine, which is the oldest city in America.
This week in Science, we continued our discussion on matter by taking an in-depth look into the phases of water. We also visited the garden and participated in some explorations while out there!
Some "tweets" from this week:
This week in Reading, we continued reading and discussing our book club books. We talked about the importance of asking relevant and in depth questions and also began discussing the elements of plot.
This week in Social Studies, we learned about the early settlements of America. The learners explored St. Augustine, which is the oldest city in America.
This week in Science, we continued our discussion on matter by taking an in-depth look into the phases of water. We also visited the garden and participated in some explorations while out there!
Some "tweets" from this week:
Share your talents and join us in creating memories for our learners! Our TCE Book Fair is right around the corner and we're looking for volunteers to help make it a huge success. Please sign up at: tinyurl.com/TCEBF17
Friday, September 1, 2017
Back into the Swing of Things!
It has been another great week in 5th grade. We are starting to get back into our routines! Below you will find the presentation with the information from Curriculum Night. If you have any questions please email your learner's homeroom teacher and we will answer them for you as soon as possible.
Important Information:
Please ask your learners about the safety patrol application. They were given the QR code for these yesterday and the application to join this team will be due on Tuesday, September 5th.
We also are sending home information on Sky Ranch. Please be looking for that note to come home and if you have any questions or concerns you can contact your learners homeroom teacher.
Evidence of Our Learning:
This week in Math we began to talk about our multiplication strategies for solving multiplication word problems. We looked at the area model, partial products, and the standard algorithm. We also got started on Reflex Math again to help start building our multiplication fact fluency.
This week in Writing the learners continued to work on their compositions about what makes them happy. They spent time deciding what brings them joy and were able to use details to describe why. We also started to type up the compositions using Google Docs and began the revising and editing process.
This week in Reading, we started establishing our book club norms. Learners received their books for book club and created realistic schedules to follow by as they read.
This week in Social Studies, the learners learned about the early settlements of North America. We learned about Jamestown and Plymouth and how both colonies had hardships, but they both prospered.
This week in Science we began our first unit on matter and energy. We began to explore the properties of matter such as magnetism and practiced finding the mass of items using a triple beam balance.
Some "tweets" from this week:
This week in Reading, we started establishing our book club norms. Learners received their books for book club and created realistic schedules to follow by as they read.
This week in Social Studies, the learners learned about the early settlements of North America. We learned about Jamestown and Plymouth and how both colonies had hardships, but they both prospered.
This week in Science we began our first unit on matter and energy. We began to explore the properties of matter such as magnetism and practiced finding the mass of items using a triple beam balance.
Some "tweets" from this week:
Friday, August 25, 2017
First Week of School!
WELCOME BACK 5th GRADE FAMILIES
It has been such an amazing first week back. We are so excited for 5th grade and cannot wait to see what the year has in store. We spent the first few days of school finding our "why" behind the learning that is happening each and everyday.
Below you will find information for our 5th grade team this year and a link to our Google sites. Be sure to check our blog weekly as we will continue to update you on what's going on in the classroom as well as important information.
5A Meredith Schaaf
Language Arts/Writing/Social Studies
5B Renee Foroodi
Math/Science
5C Kasey Kemp
Math/Writing
5D Casey Wagner
Science/Writing/Social Studies
Mrs. Wagner's Google Site
5E Rachel Lim
Language Arts/Writing
Miss Lim's Google Site
This week in math we established our classroom norms and began our first Must Do/May Do board on vocabulary for our first unit.
In writing, we worked on discovering what makes us happy and finding the reasons why it does.
In science this week, we discussed science safety procedures, what a scientist looks like, and participated in a science tools scavenger hunt.
In reading this week we discussed what happiness means to us and our 'why' in life. Learners reflected and participated in activities to work towards another meaningful and purposeful year.
This week in math we established our classroom norms and began our first Must Do/May Do board on vocabulary for our first unit.
In writing, we worked on discovering what makes us happy and finding the reasons why it does.
In science this week, we discussed science safety procedures, what a scientist looks like, and participated in a science tools scavenger hunt.
In reading this week we discussed what happiness means to us and our 'why' in life. Learners reflected and participated in activities to work towards another meaningful and purposeful year.
Mark Your Calendars!
Our 5th grade Curriculum night will be on Thursday, August 31st from 6:30pm-7:30pm in the cafeteria. We hope to see you there as we will be going over important information for this school year!
Sunday, May 21, 2017
Updates - Last Two Weeks of School!
Thank you for taking the time to stop by our blog and read about what's going on in 5th Grade. Please be sure to check the Google Calendar that is linked at the top of the blog for important updates.
We only have two weeks left of the year! Time has really flown by. The next two weeks will be very busy and full of fun!
Also, thank you very much to all of the parents that volunteered at Field Day and helped make it such a great day for our kids!
Field Trip to the Biodiversity Center
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We only have two weeks left of the year! Time has really flown by. The next two weeks will be very busy and full of fun!
Also, thank you very much to all of the parents that volunteered at Field Day and helped make it such a great day for our kids!
- This Tuesday, May 23, we will be taking another field trip to the Coppell Biodiversity Center.
- Learners will need to wear their blue grade level t-shirts and pack a lunch. We would also recommend that they bring a water bottle and a light weight backpack (much like they brought for Sky Ranch). For more information, please see the letter that we sent home.
- The learners will have Specials at the end of the day after we return from our field trip.
Talent Show
Graduation
Thursday, June 1 - Last Day of School & Final Walk
- The dress rehearsal for the Talent Show will be Thursday, May 25th at 8:15 am. The final performance of the Talent Show will be Friday, May 26th at 8:15 am. We will be filming the show and uploading that video for any families that are unable to make it to the live performance. If you have any questions regarding the Talent Show, you may review this letter or email your son/daughter's teacher.
- You are invited to attend the 5th Grade Graduation Ceremony on Tuesday, May 30th at 1:00 PM in the Town Center Gym.
- Learners should wear nice clothes such as dress slacks, dresses, or skirts. We have asked that learners not wear jeans or shorts. Learners may change clothes at school or wear their graduation clothes in the morning.
- There will be early dismissal at 12:50 pm.
- 5th Graders will take their final walk around the building at 12:40 pm.
- Learners should wear their Sky Ranch t-shirt.
Coppell Middle School North Updates
- CMS North will be having Cheerleading Tryouts on May 16th. There will be additional practice days before tryouts. For more information, please see this flyer.
Other Announcements & Important Dates
- All library books were be due Wednesday, May 17th. Please help your son/daughter get those books turned in ASAP.
- We will not have school on Monday, May 29th due to the Memorial Day holiday.
Curriculum Tidbits
*We hope that you will periodically check our Twitter accounts as we tweet glimpses of what we're learning in class. You can find our tweets by searching the hashtag #tce5th or by going to our individual pages.
Math
Science
This week in Science we will be creating Solar Cars. The learners will be given the materials and will come up with a car design on their own. We will test the cars to see if their solar powered cars work!
Language Arts & Reading
In reading, we will finish our Book Clubs this week. We have really enjoyed seeing the way that the learners have been excited to share their reading with their friends!
In writing, the learners are working on their final essay of the year. Each learner will write and explain his/her most treasured Town Center memories!
*We hope that you will periodically check our Twitter accounts as we tweet glimpses of what we're learning in class. You can find our tweets by searching the hashtag #tce5th or by going to our individual pages.
Math
This week in Math the learners will be working on finishing their Dream Vacation Project. The learners have been doing an amazing job budgeting for their trip and creating an itinerary!
Science
This week in Science we will be creating Solar Cars. The learners will be given the materials and will come up with a car design on their own. We will test the cars to see if their solar powered cars work!
Language Arts & Reading
In reading, we will finish our Book Clubs this week. We have really enjoyed seeing the way that the learners have been excited to share their reading with their friends!
In writing, the learners are working on their final essay of the year. Each learner will write and explain his/her most treasured Town Center memories!
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Finally, thank you again for taking the time to read our blog. We know how important it is for our TCE families to know what is happening at school! If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to ask. Our contact information is linked below for your convenience.
5A Morgan Peccarelli - mpeccarelli@coppellisd.com
5B Kate Seifert - kseifert@coppellisd.com
5C Marly Natherson - mnatherson@coppellisd.com
5D Jenna Taylor - jltaylor@coppellisd.com
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