Weekly Update: 2/23

Happy, happy Friday!! 

Here is what we were up to this week...

Science: We learned about chemical and physical changes through a variety of activities! 

Reading and Writing: We began our unit on research-based argument essays.  Each kiddo chose their own topic to research based on their interests and passions. We will learn the importance of researching both sides of the topic and taking notes to develop a paper.  We are focusing on looking at texts for relevant information as they read.  It has been going wonderfully!

Math:  We are dividing unit fractions by whole numbers, and problem-solving by drawing a diagram. We reviewed for our chapter 10 test today and will continue reviewing on Monday.  The test will be on Tuesday, February 27th.

Social Studies: We continued to study the Industrial Revolution.

***Reminder:  Please reminder to send in your Sperreng Middle School forms.  The white copy needs to be returned by Wednesday, February 28th.

Upcoming Events:

2/27: Mother/ Son Dance

2/28: Spring Pictures

3/7: Father/ Daughter Dance

3/9: Half Day

Sincerely,

Meredith Holtmann

Weekly Update 2/16

***There is no school Friday or Monday- enjoy your 4-day weekend!

Science: We used our science time to continue Chrome Camp this week.  Today we had a 5th grade unconference where kiddos got to share what they have learned about their Chrome Books during the last two weeks.  They did an excellent job!

Reading-  We are researching debatable issues as we study argument and advocacy!  We used articles, videos, and websites to do research and come up with claims and evidence. We are going to be having some debates on these topics in the coming week!

Writing-  We are wrapping up our mini-unit on writing a fantasy narrative. Students are busy drafting, revising, and editing with a focus on fantasy elements such as setting, characters with internal/external quests or problems, and resolutions. Stories are due Wednesday, 2/21.

Math-  We are busy working on multiplying and dividing fractions! Students are not just learning the steps, they are learning how to show their work visually with models in order to truly understand the algorithm. I couldn't be more proud of the math discussions we have each day! 

Upcoming Events: 

2/16: No School

2/19: No School

2/27: Mother/Son Dance

2/28: Spring Pictures

Sincerely, 

Meredith Holtmann

Weekly Update: 2/3

Happy Weekend and Happy February!

Here is what we were up to this week in room 35 ...

Science: We learned about the properties of matter, mixtures, solutions, and compounds by doing science stations!  The class favorite seemed to be making SeeSaw videos to show their learning! 

Reading:  We wrapped up our fantasy unit by discussing how characters often have complex personalities, symbolism, and allegories.   We are looking forward to starting our argument unit next week.

Writing:  We finished up our literary essays by editing and revising this week.  We enjoyed having a chance to read peer's essays on Friday.  We are going to start a fantasy writing unit next week.

Math:  This week we added and subtracted mixed numbers.  We had to use strategies we learned in our last chapter to help us do this.  We will have a review day on Monday and our Chapter 8/9 Test will be on Tuesday!

Social Studies:  We started our next chapter focused on the industrial revolutions.  We even got to participate in a real assembly line activity!

**BIG NEWS**

Our 1-1 Chromebooks are arriving this week!  We are so excited to take this step and feel privileged to have this opportunity.  We have outlined a constitution for these new pieces of technology and look forward to all of the awesome experiences to come!  

Upcoming Events:

2/7: Early Release (1:40 dismissal)

2/9: Jump Rope for Heart & Counselor's Day

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Meredith Holtmann

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