5M News
updated March 8, 2010
Hello 5M Families!
Spring is almost here! We begin
by welcoming a new student to the 5M Family. Nicole Tucker joined
our class after February vacation, and comes to Lonsdale from
West Warwick. Nicole is a smart and friendly student, and the
kids are already treating her like one of the family. We’re
glad you joined us Nicole.
Inquiry Project Our inquiry project
is running right on schedule. Last week students selected topics,
narrowed them, and then learned
to develop questions to guide their research. I began developing
my own project as a model for the class. My topic is tornadoes,
and my inquiry will be guided by this question: How are tornadoes
formed, and why are they so common in the Midwest region of the
United States? Good questions do not have simple answers, and
most often begin with how or why rather than what, when or who?
In order to develop good questions, and continue with the research
component of the project, students must have several books and
other resources. As of Friday’s deadline, more than a handful
of students did not have these resources. As mentioned in the
project outline, a visit to the public library will most likely
be necessary. If you haven’t already, please make plans
to do so. Books can be reserved ahead of time at the Lincoln
library website (www.lincolnlibrary.com). This week we will learn
how to evaluate resources to determine if they will be useful
and are trustworthy.
Math We’ve been jumping
around a bit as we work through our study of fractions. Last
week students
were assessed on addition
and subtraction of mixed numbers and fractions. Students should
have brought home these graded assessments in their green homework
folders. This week we will focus on multiplication of fractions
and mixed numbers, and learn how to find a percent of a whole
number.
Literacy As part of third quarter
goals, students will attempt to write poems. We spent a week
reading and analyzing
some student
poetry from past years. Last week I began writing a poem as a
model. I brainstormed ideas and used a photo I took in Orvieto,
Italy as my inspiration. I focused on imagery, making note of
the things in the photo I could see, hear, and feel. This week
I will rewrite those ideas into poetic form, and revise my work,
with an emphasis on best work choice. Students will be encouraged
to follow a similar writing process.
Nightly Reading and Homework There
has been an increase in incomplete homework assignments as of
late. Most students complete their
homework every night. But recently there has been more incidents
of students forgetting it at home, misplacing it, or simply not
putting forth the necessary effort to get it done right. Fifth
graders should be able to complete their homework independently;
you can help by reminding your child of his or her responsibilities
and ensuring the green folder stays neat and clean. And while
those yellow literacy logs are no longer being used, it is imperative
that students read every night, at least twenty minutes. Thanks
for you help.
Wimpy Kid…the Movie A permission
slip has been sent home today. Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a popular
series
of books by local
author Jeff Kinney. His first book in the series has been made
into a movie, which opens March 19th. The 5M Family will take
a bus to see the film next Friday, March 19th at Cinema World
at Lincoln Mall. And since our publishing company is Wimpy Kids,
it should be even more special. Please complete the permission
slip as soon as possible and return it to school.
Open House A
flyer was sent home on Friday announcing an open house at Lincoln
Middle School. Current fifth grade students
may visit and tour the middle school this Sunday, March 14,
beginning at 1:30 pm. It will be a great opportunity to see the
school,
meet administrators, and learn more about LMS programs.
Finally A big thank you to everyone who donated food and other items
for the 5M Family drive to help those in Haiti. As always,
Lonsdale School was exceptionally generous, and those who
organized the regional drive were thrilled to see the boxes and
boxes
that loaded up my car. Special thanks to Dylan and Connor
for their
help in loading and unloading those boxes.
Progress reports will be sent home on Tuesday.
Have a good week.