Where we are academically

5G has been busy in the classroom with many new units. I would like to provide just a brief overview of where we are in the curriculum so that everyone at home feels in the loop!

Language Arts: We are deep in the heart of our poetry unit and each day the quality of poems the class is developing is amazing. I have been focusing on characteristics of interesting writing and the class is responding with vivid description and feeling in their writing pieces. We will continue this unit throughout the next few weeks, working towards our goal of publishing a class anthology of our best poems and creative writing.

This main unit is complemented by our focus on Public Speaking, the different skills of reading (if you are not familiar with Adrienne Gear and Brain Power, please feel free to talk with me about the program) and spelling will begin again next week.

Science: We have just begun a new unit on Environmental Resources. We began working through a lab exploring the effects of oil spills in the environment (the remaining twelve students will complete the lab on Thursday) and we will continue investigating the relationship between human development and our delicate ecosystem over the next few weeks. This is a great topic with many important implications in our daily lives and the choices we make with regard to consumption and waste practices. We are all excited to learn more.

Math: Fraction fun...the students are hard at work learning about fractions and how to manipulate them. The test across the classes is set for Friday, February 1st and it is never too early to begin to review! I am available to answer any questions your child may have in this area.

Additionally, the class is working on building a strong and supportive class community. We all agree that kindness and patience are important foundations upon which to build our community. When we brainstormed ways to further develop this idea, the class brilliantly thought of having pot luck lunches, choosing a favourite book and reading it to a classmate and taking time to talk with someone they are not already friends with (just to name a few - come on in and see our community board to learn more about their ideas!). This is just the beginning of what I know will be a great year for the class as we grow together.

As always, I thank you for your support (and for raising such good kids...)