I labored as I do each year over the explanation of ‘perfect tense’ with most grade levels this week. I’ve always believed an important part of teaching this concept is pointing out how, in this case, perfect does not refer to something “flawless.” Rather, this leans on the less popular definition of perfect where perfect simply means “complete.” Therefore ‘perfect tense’ deals with completed actions. My point incoming …
I delight in emphasizing this version of perfection. It is a ‘perfect’ that does not emphasize the shiny or polished or pretty. It simply acknowledges the need for all parts to be present, a pursuit of wholeness. This is the perfection I want our Cooper Kids to be hungry for – it’s one that doesn’t look to the mirror but looks out into the world. This ‘perfect’ is another lesson, a new friend, another attempt at a skill. This ‘perfect’ is not just grades, it’s also experiences and the process itself. This ‘perfect’ asks not, “How can I be less flawed?” but, “How can I be more complete?” This perfect is not just the glossy pumpkin pie with a centered flourish of whipped cream, it’s the table of recipes executed to varying levels of success surrounded by people who care for each other. Messy but whole, scattered but complete. Middle school is a bunch of kids in the thick of pursuing perfection, and it’s our job as teachers and families to point out where true perfection lies. I hope you get a chance to demonstrate the pursuit of “the good perfection” with your families over the break and revel in it. Even in the times where there are “things missing,” may we seek to complete ourselves in fresh new ways. I certainly feel “more perfect” when I am here teaching your brilliant kiddos.
With thanks,
MK
Math:
This week, we practiced and applied multiplication of multi-digit numbers to real-life scenarios and took our quiz over multi-digit multiplication. We ended the week by reviewing and remembering long division. After Thanksgiving, we’ll begin wrapping up this unit by applying both skills to applicable life scenarios.
ELA:
5th grade writers flash drafted interesting personal stories this week, using all the tools they added to their writer’s toolbox last week to add length and visceral details to their narratives! We explored the art of revising our stories to show more and meet our personal writing goals! 5th graders also took a grammar test on 11/20, so be sure to ask for their grades!
After Thanksgiving break, writers will carefully edit their stories and take part in peer review. They will also start another 2 week vocabulary unit with a test planned for 12/11.
Social Studies:
I hope that everyone will enjoy their time off, however they may be spending it. This was a great week of review and learning about the geographic features of North America and how we humans use them to our advantage. We also had a great time playing a fun Thanksgiving themed game called the Unfair Game (ask them all about it, they love it). When we return we will finish geographic features and begin our next project which will deal with these parts of North America.
Science:
Fifth graders presented their projects from the Fifty Animals that Changed History. We learned about llamas, chickens, reindeer, and more! They were well done, entertaining, and interesting!!!! When we return from Thanksgiving Break, we will continue our Living Systems study, learning about the tree of life, adaptations, and characteristics of living things.
Important Dates:
November 22: Harvest Feast @ 10:30 ( 11:30 dismissal)
November 25-29: Thanksgiving Break
