Happy February!

Happy February!  I can't say that I am sad to see January go.  I think that was the coldest, iciest, most miserable January I have ever seen.  We had so many days that we couldn't get outside because of the wind chill and low temperatures.  I am a big believer in the need for children to get outside, get some fresh air and play.  Yep, we have all felt pretty cooped up this past month.  I am looking forward to a fabulous February!

We are currently working on fractions!  They are always nervous to start, but I must say they are doing an incredible job!  We spent last week learning how to add mixed numbers with common and uncommon denominators.  This went pretty smooth, but we hit a bump in the road when it came to simplifying fractions.  We will continue to focus on this concept this week.  Lots of great examples with pictures will be used this week to help the students visualize exactly what they learning.  

We are still working on how to upload our video for homework help.  We have been able to download them into a flip program, but we are running into trouble uploading them to the blog.  Thanks for your patience...we WILL figure this out!  I am so excited to get this program up and running.  

Amelia Earhart

This week we will be working on our Wax Museum projects!  I love seeing how excited everyone is!  I think almost everyone has finished reading their biography book.  They can't wait to come to school to share all the fun facts that they are learning.  We will finish up our example on Christopher Columbus tomorrow.  We read the book, researched information, wrote a report, and now we are in the process of finishing our trifold presentation board.  Here are some examples of students projects:

An example of a creative presentation board

Benjamin Franklin

 Have fun with your projects and costumes!  Please let me know if you need help with costume pieces before Friday.  Don't forget to be looking for props/artifacts to add to your display.  For example, if you were Betsy Ross, you might bring in a flag and sewing kit.  Let your creative juices flow!  I have to say this is one of my favorite units in 5th grade!

Don't forget our presentations will take place on Wednesday, February 12 from 12:45 - 2 p.m. and  from 6 - 7 p.m.  

Here are some snapshots of last week's learning!

Juliann Skiing

Tanner and Juliann working paragraph writing!

Romeo

Logan and Shelby working on Christopher Columbus!

Marvel and Brooklyn researching information!

Nadia, Liam and Romeo working hard!

Tanner and Juliann

Julie and Taylor with at Rugrats!

Don't forget next week, February 10th - February 14 is Winter Spirit Week!

Monday is Dress Like a Snowman Day
Tuesday is Milk and Cookies ($1 donation)
Wednesday is Dress like Abe Lincoln Day
Thursday is Pajama Day
Friday is Red, White and Pink Day and our Valentine's Day Party!

A sign up sheet will be sent home for the party this week and a list of names for Valentine's Day!