Math Update

We have been working our way through Unit 3~Decimals and Graphs.  As mentioned at conferences, each child has a math note book that we use each and everyday to help us with organization and study habits. Thus far, we have learned how a decimal and a fractions are a part of a whole. We have worked on fractions as a decimal, less than, greater than and equal to, comparing to decimals, money, fractions, writing out decimal numbers in word form, word form to decimal numbers, adding and subtracting decimals (tricky lining those decimal up)!  But, most of all a lot with place value!!!  Keep practicing those multiplication facts at home:)

First Snow

As an adult I see snow and think of shoveling, driving on icy snow covered roads, and extra stuff (hats, gloves, snow pants, boots). However, children see those first snowflakes fall and there are gasps of excitement and anticipation! The holidays are coming, snowball fights, snowmen, sledding :) We often think of 5th graders as big kids, too big for so many things. They are not too big to be ecstatic about snowflakes :) If only as adults we could look as these simple things through the eyes of a child.

Force and Motion Experiments in Action

Our current science topic has been Force and Motion. We have spent the past weeks conducting experiments to better understand force, motion, friction, gravity, inertia, static electricity, magnetism, speed, and distance. All 3 classes have had fun with these hands on explorations of Force and Motion.

Upcoming Assessments!

Tomorrow (11/2/11) the students will have a Math Assessment on Area and Perimeter.

The students will have a Social Studies test on Africa on Thursday (11/3/11). Please look for the yellow Study Guide. The students should have this signed and return it to school on Thursday. To successfully study the students were told to use 3 things- the yellow study guide, their packet, and the blue questions that can be cut into flash cards for studying! All students should study both tonight and tomorrow night :)
Thanks for your support!

Factor the Footprints

Recently your child brought home a paper gameboard. The gameboard was taken from the Math Resource book. Your child should have also brought home the directions. :) In case you do not have the directions here they are!
Game Rules:
1. One player will follow the trail of dark footprints, and the other will follow the trail of light footprints. Placing the marker
(penny, paper clip, etc) on the first footprint, the first player names all the possible factor pairs for the number shown.
The factor “1” is not permitted!
2.The factors should be given in equation form for example, 3 x 6 = 18.
3. The player moves forward 1 space for each correct equation named.
4. The second player does the same, following a different trail.
5. The first player to reach the “Finish” wins the game!
Playing the Game:
Player 1 has landed on a footprint marked 12. He says, “6x2=12 and 4x3=12.” He has given 2 equations so he moves ahead 2
spaces. (Reversing the order of the factors to produce another equation is not allowed!)
It is now Player 2’s turn. She landed on a footprint marked 40. She says, “8x5=40 and 2x20=40.” She also says,
“4x10=40.” Generating factors that are not part of the multiplication chart is allowed, so she moves ahead 3 spaces.
Losing turns/Disputed Equations:
If 1 player gives an equation that the other player believes to be incorrect, they can consult the Multiplication table or
check by using other learned strategies.
A player who gives an incorrect equation loses that turn. Players who land in one of the 2 mud puddles on the board also
lose a turn!

Nature Center Trip

Today we had our trip to the Nature Center! Everything went smoothly. The students had a great time exploring some traditional Native American games, making a beaded necklace, reviewing facts about Native American life and traditions, and exploring Native American artifacts. The students also were able to see how Native Americans started their fires.

We would like to thank all the volunteers that were able to join us! Your help is always greatly appreciated!