We made it to Thanksgiving break! Woo-hoo! 

While some of you travel, host family and friends, or even have sushi; this holiday is one that imposes reflection and gratitude. These past couple of years have been…wait for it…unprecedented, and in the midst of loss and change we are reminded of all that we have in which to be thankful. 

Throughout this week, we have been engaging with gratitude lists and discussions focused around what it means and looks like to live grateful lives. We have also had many informal conversations around our own families’ Thanksgiving traditions. It has been super interesting to hear how all of us celebrate. With that being said, HAPPY THANKSGIVING BREAK – LET THE CELEBRATIONS COMMENCE! 

Here’s a look at what is happening in each of the classes: 

What’s happening in Social Studies:

This week, historians learned about the impact religion had on the daily life of people during the middle ages. Historians researched and discussed the impact of the church having control over the people both for spiritual guidance and for government guidance. We also brainstormed ways to disagree agreeably, in an agreeable manner of course. It was an important discussion on how to have academic Harkness discussions for the rest of the year.

For a brain break, we explored our compound microscopes. I always love opening up the microscopic world we can’t see with the naked eye. My favorite quote is…”WOW! Dirt is soooooo cool!”

What’s up in Math?

Mathematicians have flown through our second fraction unit. On Thursday, we finished the last lesson in Unit 3. We will review and take the Unit 3 Assessment the week after Thanksgiving. We will review for several days in order to refresh their thinking and problem solving skills after a week off! I am impressed with their engagement and discussion around the mathematical concepts. I know fractions are always a tough concept to grasp and I am hopeful they are building a great foundation that will take them through the rest of middle school and into high school! 

What’s happening in ELA:

We are having some beautiful weather this week! It hasn’t been too cold or too hot! Your Fifth Graders have been working on “which clauses” in grammar. We have also been reviewing the following: homophones, nouns, pronouns, articles, punctuations, dialogue, and capitalization. Your Fifth Graders have been reading a science fiction novel titled, The Green Book. They seem to be enjoying the story. We will work on a book project on completion of the novel after the Thanksgiving break. Your student will need an empty cereal box for their final project.Important 

Dates:

November 22-26: Thanksgiving Break- No school