5M Family

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.