Classroom News for the Week of November 18th

THANK YOU!

* A huge thank you to Mr. White for coming into the class last week and sharing his knowledge about music and musicians of the 1930s. This was a great tie-in to our literature selection. The students really enjoyed his visit!

* Thank you all for attending parent conferences. I appreciate all that you shared with me. It helped me to get to know the children even better. As you know this was our only formal conference period for the year, but please never hesitate to email me with any questions or concerns you have, and I am available to conference with you when needed.

REMINDERS: 

* School is closed next week 11/25- 11/29 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Enjoy!

* Please make sure to check and sign your child's Homework Log each evening.  

* Check out the class garden bed outside of room 17. Wow! Thank you Garden Team!!!

What's Going On This Week In Class:

Math: 

Topic 9: Fractions continued...

Fact Practice: "Multiplication Madness" (daily, 1 min. multiplication fact practice). Please work with your child to help him/her memorize facts x1-x12.

Writing:

This week students will be writing a response to literature piece about Bud, Not Buddy.

Identifying and writing with conjunctions.

Reading:

This we week we will finish reading, Bud, Not Buddy. Students will begin working on a final project  for the book as well as a writing piece.

Wondering if that book your reading has an AR quiz? Wondering what level that book is?

Go to www.arbookfind.com to find out.  Remember, you can (and should!) be taking quizzes on the books you are reading at home.

Greek and Latin Roots Homework:

Here's a way to practice your words: Visit www.spellingcity.com. From the blue bars at the top of the page, click on "Find A List". Search lists by Teacher's Name -> enter "Safini Convey". You will see a link to this week's word list. Use the many free games and puzzles (there is even a practice test you can take) to help you learn this week's list. Let me know if you have any problems. Have fun!

This week's prefixes (inter = between, among) and roots (geo, terra = land, earth) 

interior

intersection

international

interval

intermediate

geology

geometry

terrestrial

terra-cotta

territory

Students should turn in their completed work (between 70 and 100 points) on Friday this week. A quiz on the word spellings and meanings will also be on Friday.  If students choose to make crossword puzzle, they may use an online free puzzle maker such as www.puzzle-maker.com. Students must make a crossword puzzle (not a word search) and the must generate their own definitions of the word. Please have your child do his or her own typing.

Social Studies/Science:

Early European Explorers to CA; Thanksgiving: Mythbusters

Physical Science: Electricity and Magnetism

Arts:

On Tuesday our class will see the 5th graders perform original songs they've composed and written with the Los Angeles Master Chorale. All parents are invited to the 9:00 a.m. performance in the MPR. Come see an amazing show and see what your child will be involved in next year!

Class/Team Building:

This week our focus will be on listening and using our time in class wisely.