For the third nine weeks in Math, fifth grade students have begun working on Patterns. They have been solving Patterns by figuring out the algebraic formulas. It has been amazing to watch the students learn this very challenging problem-solving skill. In fourth grade, we have been working on probability, random sampling, and analyzing data. Students have learned so much about how these samples are taken and how the information is used to make predictions. We will continue to learn problem-solving strategies throughout the year, and students have been participating in the Continental Math League competition. This competition will include 5 meets in which students compete with classmates, and as a group we compete nationally. We have already participated in 4 of the 5 meets of the year. To learn more about Continental Math League, just click on Continental Math League Competition. Also, students will learn to try many problem-solving strategies when a problem is difficult, and they will check over their work carefully.
The third nine weeks in Reading, students in fourth and fifth grades are working on learning new vocabulary and thinking critically through solving analogies. We had our second Word Masters competition in February, and results are posted. To learn more about our high achievers in the competition, just click on Word Masters Competition. Our next competition will be in April. Students have also worked on pacing themselves to complete work on time and edit their own work through contracted work and rubrics. Students are using books and the internet to research information, and they are citing their sources. Both groups will produce writing in the form of paragraphs, books, posters, and essays. They will read various materials, short stories, novels, and pieces from the internet. We will also read some of the books for the Battle of the Books competition that will be held in the spring. The first book we have finished reading is Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Next we will read Old Yeller by Fred Gipson, Cricket in Times Square by George Selden, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konisburg, and The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks. Students will work in small groups to read the books and report the books to the class.