Can you think of the last time you lost track of time in your work? Your thoughts were clear, you were in the present moment, and then when you “snapped” out of it, you couldn’t believe what time it was and the amount of work you produced? FLOW! What we all hope for. Believe it or not, even our kids want it. How do they get it…PROJECTS!
I haven’t just been thinking about flow this week, but feeling it! I am knee-deep in projects right now! Between National Parks, Ted Talks, Rube Goldberg, and even tie-dye for community service, I look up at the clock and I am consistently perplexed how the time is up! It isn’t just me though! Your kiddos are in amazement when I tell them to leave! They refuse, quite honestly, asking why the time went so quickly. FLOW is why! During a project that instills inquiry and passion, our students set up for a flow state throughout the trimester. It can’t be all of the time, but when it happens, it feels like magic.
LD
Here’s a look at what is happening in each of the classes:
What’s going on in Science?
Fifth graders worked diligently on their National Parks project this week! We got so many ideas at Charlestowne Landing. After the trip, each group added new things to make their park more fun. They will begin to work on the map legend after they construct their model. They will also be working on a presentation that describes the climate, geography, and attractions found within their park. They will be presenting their work after conferences on November 8th!
What’s happening in Math?
This week, Students began exploring fraction division by creating diagrams for unit fractions divided by a whole number, and vice versa. Next week, they will be writing and solving division problems involving both fractions and whole numbers, solve problems involving both multiplication and division of fractions, and begin exploring decimal operations.
What’s happening in ELA?
5th graders began a new novel study on Roald Dahl’s The Witches this week. We examined and annotated his irreverent humor, worked on inference skills, identified shifts in author’s tone, and enjoyed some work on dialect. We got into some grammar mechanics this week, as well, picking apart prepositional phrases together.
Next week, 5th graders will continue their novel studies with a deep look at figurative language and vocabulary unique to The Witches. In grammar, they will begin ‘deleting’ prepositional phrases from sentences to see what that reveals about the subject and verbs.
What’s happening in Social Studies?
The fifth graders had an exciting week in social studies! The students started the week by finishing a jigsaw activity that focused on Central America today. This finished the unit, which led them to get started on their study guides in preparation for their assessment on this unit!
Next week, the students are going to dive into South America, starting with the early civilizations. Students will then venture into European colonization of this continent, before jumping into their quest for independence. Students will end the week by reading and analyzing a biography of Simon Bolívar before creating an interview for him asking about his life.
Important Dates:
October 31 – Halloween Carnival (½ Day)
November 1 – Teacher Work Day (No School)
