In the flow!
The second full week of school meant stepping into the thick of grade-level learning. With routines, procedures, and culture thoroughly workshopped and introduced, our middle schoolers tread confidently into the content they’ve been anticipating all summer. Though some of the ‘rust’ of summer may still be there, we’ve watched each grade gain confidence, drive, openness, and excitement for what this school year really holds for each of them. I’m encouraged by the sight of upper grade students embracing leadership roles in class and 5th graders who are finding their middle school groove. It’s still early in the year, but these Cooper School Kids adapt and grow so quickly.
Of course, Hurricane Season found us midweek, but we were glad to see diligent students enthusiastically complete e-learning to keep their minds engaged through the storm. We’re always grateful for the support from home when Charleston weather does its thing. Looking forward to yet another week of bravery and growth!
–Maggie Keim
What’s going on in Science?
Fifth graders explored soil this week! They looked at different soil compositions carefully and how the different soil types react when suspended in water. Using their samples, they were able to hypothesize what type of landscape the soils came from. The fifth graders also learned about Pangea, the supercontinent. They will put the continents together themselves next week using puzzles, to see the relevance in the fossil record and tectonic landscapes. Lastly, they worked on finishing their neighborhood map. They want to be finished before Curriculum Night, so that they can share them with all of you!
What’s happening in Math?
This week in math, 5th graders expanded their understanding of volume in rectangular prisms by decomposing compound prisms, and even making their own! They built blueprints of houses and found the volume of their house.
Next week, 5th graders will review for the Unit 1 test, and take their test on Volume on Thursday, September 7. They’ll begin their fraction unit next Friday. I look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday for curriculum night!
What’s happening in ELA?
This week in ELA, 5th grade continued to push for deeper thinking through analysis. We used concepts of dividing into parts, comparing, and ranking to write more analytically about our novels. This process helped us revise old writing into far more detailed and expansive ideas. Such analysis gets us one step closer to clear and accurate assessments of our novel’s characters and themes!
Next week, we’ll be joining fiction book clubs around a variety of acclaimed and classic middle grade novels. Students will work on the art of collaborative discussion and building on others’ insights. I look forward to showcasing their books and growth at Curriculum Night!
What’s happening in Social Studies?
This week, the fifth graders learned more basics such as economics and different forms of government. Students worked together to color a map based on the different forms of government before being asked to display a summary of those forms of government to be hung onto the walls of the middle school.
Next week, the students will be assessed on climate, people and the environment, economics, and forms of government. This will allow the students to put all of these themes together before moving into North America. We will begin looking at the world through these themes starting with the United States and Canada.
Important Dates:
Monday, September 4th- Labor Day (No School)
Wednesday, September 6th- Curriculum Night (5:30-6:30)
Friday, September 15th- Parent Coffee (8:15-9:00)
Saturday, September 23rd- Charleston Battery Family Fun Night
