by Ivary & Paola | Sep 21, 2019 | 4th/5th Grade News
History & Geography
This week we wrapped up our World Lakes unit and began unit 2, Maya, Aztec and Inca Civilizations. Our objectives were:
- demonstrate understanding of lakes around the world and their geography
- identify the Maya as one of the earliest civilizations in the Americas, located in parts of Mexico and Central America
- describe how archaeologists have been able to learn more about the Maya
- identify the main achievements of the Maya and some specific discoveries
Mathematics
This week we continued to learn about Whole Numbers. Our objectives were:
- round numbers to the nearest thousand
- use rounding to estimate sums, differences, and products
- demonstrate understanding of Whole Numbers on the chapter test
- review prior knowledge needed to complete chapter 2
English
This week we began learning about writing paragraphs. Our objectives were:
- identify relevant details and match them to their topic sentence
- add transition words to paragraphs
- practice writing closing clinchers
- complete the Sentence and Paragraph assessment
- complete the spelling quiz and choose new words quiz next Friday, Sept.27
Lectura
This week we continued to dig deeper into our theme Herencia cultural. We discussed how is cultural heritage passed through generations and we read a realistic fiction piece titled Nuestra cancion. Students had a chance to compare and contrast this piece to last weeks selection, La tierra que perdí. Such beautiful pieces of literature. Students are working very hard on increasing vocabulary and using it in different contexts. This week students received a rubric that states the expectations of our first literature circle: Con carino Amalia. We answered questions and created a reading calendar. We are very excited to start our book club on Monday!
Other objectives for the week included:
- Explain the characteristics of realistic fiction.
- Apply reading comprehension strategies such as clarifying, asking questions, predicting and summarizing.
- Write a list of ideas that can be developed into possible narratives.
- Study the spelling patterns of words with stress on the penultimate syllable (palabras graves).
- Learn about simple sentences, and identify subject and predicate.
- Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific language; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
- Determine a central idea of a topic and how it is conveyed through particular details; distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
- Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a context (e.g., through examples or anecdotes).
Ciencias
This week we wrapped up our first investigation, The Sun. The weather did not cooperate as we had expected. We will make sure we bring out our sun trackers later on this fall when the skies are clear to continue to analyze and measure all the different time patterns associated with the position of the sun.
Students received globes and flashlights and simulated Earth’s rotation. Using the model, students discussed concepts such what is sunrise and sunset, direction of the rotation of the Earth and what “appears” to happen, and what in reality happens. We discussed vocabulary such as rotation versus revolution. Reviewed all vocabulary introduced in investigation 1 in context. Next week, we are so excited to start our second investigation: Planetary Systems!
by Ivary & Paola | Sep 14, 2019 | 4th/5th Grade News
History & Geography
This week we continued learning about World Lakes. Our objectives were:
- describe Lake Tanganyika, Victoria, and Chad as well as their continent
- describe Lake Titicaca and Maracaibo as well as their continent
- describe the Great Lakes as well as their continent
- describe Lake Baikal, the Caspian Sea and the Aral sea as well as their continent
Mathematics
This week we began our first chapter, Whole Numbers. Our objectives were:
- review prior knowledge needed to complete this chapter
- read and write numbers to 10,000,000 in standard, word, and expanded form
- identify the place value of any digit in numbers to 10,000,000
- compare and order numbers to 10,000,000
English
This week we began our first writing lesson Sentence Structure. Our objectives were:
- understand and identify complete sentences (subject and predicate)
- identify sentence fragments and run-on sentences and fix them
- Find the topic sentence and write details based off a topic sentence
- write our first spelling list quiz next Friday, Sept. 20
Lectura
Essential Questions: How do you define heritage? How does heritage affect who you are? How is cultural heritage passed through generations?
Reading Comprehension Strategies: Making Connections, Visualizing, Summarizing, Author’s Point of View
Our objectives for this week in literacy were to:
- Explain the characteristics of autobiographies and discuss the author’s point of view.
- Apply reading comprehension strategies such as making connections, visualizing, and summarizing when reading the selection.
- Write a list of ideas that can be developed into possible narratives.
- Study the spelling patterns of words with stress on the last syllable.
- Learn about proper and common nouns.
- Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific language; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
- Determine a central idea of a topic and how it is conveyed through particular details; distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
- Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a context (e.g., through examples or anecdotes).
Ciencias
This week, pairs of students constructed Sun trackers. After using a compass to orient the Sun tracker north-south, students made hourly records of the position of the tip of the shadow cast by a golf tee. Students imagined themselves as observers on Earth and positioned around a lamp to observe day and night. They discover that rotation of Earth results in day and night and, in the process, figure out which direction Earth rotates on its axis.
Character Education
This month in Character Education we are focusing on Kindness. We have done a few hands-on lessons with cotton balls, sandpaper, a tub of water with rocks/leaves/feathers/pinecones. Our objectives for the lessons were:
- What makes a good friend?
- Words, tone, and facial expressions can affect our message to our friends.
- Cotton ball words/tone/facial expressions are received as kind. (Please, Thank you, May I help you? Good job!)
- Sand paper words/tone/facial expression are not kind.
- Each Kindness by Jaqueline Woodson – to show how each small act of kindness has a ripple effect.
- Compliment circles- practice giving and receiving compliments (say thank you!)
by Ivary & Paola | Sep 7, 2019 | 4th/5th Grade News
History & Geography
This week we began our first unit: World Lakes. Our objectives were:
- familiarize ourselves with Google Classroom
- understand the procedures and expectations for History
- read maps and globes using longitude and latitude, coordinates, and degrees
- identify the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn, and the three climate zones
Mathematics
This week we set routines and expectations for Math. Our objectives were:
- practice writing math notes in our math journals
- practice group rotations
- familiarize ourselves with Prodigy and Homework expectations
English
This week we set up our writing journals. Our objectives were:
- look at old writing journals for expectations of how our journals should look
- set up our writing journals
- understand the spelling routine for the year
Lectura
We are so excited and ready for our school year. We have planned so many fun-filled, engaging and meaningful activities designed to maximize every one of our students opportunities to develop their unique skills. We can’t wait to share these with our students and families.
This week we were very excited to hear all the fun summer stories and adventures. Students got to share some of the special moments they experienced with their families and friends. After that, we took the time to revisit our school’s expectations and procedures. Students got familiar with our Literacy and Science expectations and procedures. We discussed how identifying our strengths and setting up clear/specific goals will help us have a successful year. Lastly, we spend some time assessing(diagnosis) our students Spanish through some fun games, reading and writing activities. We can already tell: This is going to be an epic year!
Ciencias
Investigation 1 part one: The Sun
Focus Question: What are shadows and how are they formed? How and why does your shadow change during the day?
This week, students has a chance to get familiar with our science resources as well as our science expectations and safety rules. We started our first investigation for the fall module: The Sun. Students traced their shadows two times in the afternoon, and compare the tracings. They use this information to determine the position of the Sun as it appears to move throughout the day.
by Ivary & Paola | Jun 14, 2019 | In The Loop
La Lectura Y Ciencias
We did it! We can’t think of a better way to culminate such a wonderful year, than performing in front of our entire SWS audience, our much-anticipated play “Don Quijote de la Mancha”. This production truly defines what is at the core of our fourth/fifth-grade class. During these years, our highly capable students have grown in so many academic areas, but the most important thing is that they have developed into beautiful human beings. I could not be any more proud of all their hard work and I will be forever thankful to have been a little part of their lives. I know it will be hard to say goodbye because we have become a family. But at the same time, I feel happy because I know we share a special bond because families are forever.
Others objectives this week included: Science Reports Presentations. Due to the internet being down, a group of students couldn’t present on Friday. We have moved these presentations for Monday.
Mathematics
This week we finished our last math chapter Measures of Central Tendency. Our objectives were:
- Review finding the mode from a set of data and dot plots
- Review finding the median from a set of data and dot plots
- Understand how to relate Measures of Central tendency through real-world problems
- demonstrate understanding and mastery through a unit test
History & Geography
This week we worked on our final project Mock Career Fair. Our objectives were:
- design a webpage that displays the information researched about each career
- design a paper promotional item that displays information about each career
English Writing & Spelling
This week we wrapped up our writing curriculum. Students worked very diligently completing one of each type of essay we have done this year. If you have not had a chance to read the writing the students have worked on I highly suggest you do. Their improvement, attention to detail, and passion are inspiring to read. Students will bring home jump-drives this week with all their files downloaded from the year, so they can be stored as their accounts will no longer be active next school year.
by Ivary & Paola | Jun 7, 2019 | In The Loop
La Lectura y Ciencias
Did I make everybody late for their appointments and obligations on Tuesday? The truth is, I have too much fun with your/my kids so time just flies by! This week we continued with the same objectives as last week during our literacy time and routines (please refer back to our previous newsletter). Students had a chance to work on their science reports and I had the opportunity to sit down conference with most of them to finalize the details for our science presentations on June 13th/14th. I could not be more proud of their work!
We are so excited to share with our Spanish with Sarah community a big project we have working on for weeks. Students have taken care of every detail of this production – a classic of the Spanish literature, Don Quijote de la Mancha. We cannot wait to share it with you all on Monday, June 10th at 2:30. We hope to see you all there!
Mathematics
This week we began our final math unit Measures of Central Tendency. Our objectives were:
•review finding the mean of a set of data
•find the mean of a set of data using a dot plot
•review finding the median of a set of data
•find the median of a set of data using a dot plot
History & Geography
This week we finished our last history chapter. Our objectives were:
• review unit vocabulary by filling out a crossword puzzle
• Review chapter events, people, and concepts by playing jeopardy
• Begin our end of the year project Mock Career Fair
English Writing & Spelling
This week we continued with our final writing pieces. Our objectives were:
•review grammar concepts from the year
•write final argumentative piece
Specialists
Music with Ms. Erin
In May we learned about music styles, instruments, and composers from the Classical and Romantic period. We learned about how keyboard instruments evolved from the early baroque clavichord and harpsichord to the modern day piano.
We continued the involved, hands on work of developing the songs that the students are creating.
In June we will be putting our all into End of Year performance preparation.
This work involves:
– Development and practice of vocal melody and harmony
– Adding percussion and practicing rhythm skills
– Chord, melody, and rhythm notation reading and playing on piano and guitar
– Performance and presentation skills
We’re excited to perform for everyone on Field Day!
by Ivary & Paola | May 31, 2019 | In The Loop
La Lectura
Weekly concept/Genre: Non-fiction/Informative
Essential question: How have people used natural resources?
This week we were very fortunate to have maestra Denice teach our 5/6 grade class! Our students were so excited and happy to welcome such a wonderful guest teacher. They had a chance to read a very informative piece: La historia de la sal. This text illustrated historical information to answer the focus question ¨How have people used natural resources¨. This week we continued to review some of the big concepts seen in grammar, syntax, and word work.
Objectives:
- Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
- Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- Determine a central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
- Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a text (e.g., through examples or anecdotes).
- Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
Ciencias
This week in science, students spent their time working on their science research projects. This is a project students are doing completely independently. They are expected to apply what they have learned, having complete freedom to choose their area of study and designing their plan of action.
Mathematics
This week we began intro to statistics. Our objectives were:
- We represented data from a dot plot.
- We identified the shape of data on a dot plot.
- We interpreted data from dot plots. 📝👍
(By: Tamra )
History & Geography
This week we learned about Mexico after independence…
- We learned that Mexico was turbulent after its independence.
- We learned about Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata.
- We learned about Simon Bolivar, and the set of circumstances that changed the world.
(Written by: Evan)
English Writing & Spelling
This week we:
-
Finished our Narrative writing piece
-
Completed our reading packet
-
Checked our narrative writing with a partner
(Written by:Sophia)
Specialists
Art with Ms. Kelly
I want to say a special THANK YOU to Stasia Cook (Alora’s mom) who helped out in ALL the classes on May 8th so that the students could complete their special Mother’s Day flower/hand collages.
Basket Weaving
I found an “Upcycled Basket” lesson plan and supplies at Dick Blick Art Supply so that the students could try a basic form of basket weaving. We watched a short video about basket making, and the students used a combination of materials to weave some very creative baskets! This required soaking, measuring, and cutting both flat and round reeds, and using string, yarn and more reed for weaving. These great little baskets will be on display at graduation.
Art Display for Graduation
Each of the students is making a display board with a sampling of their artwork from both school and home. The hard part is choosing which artwork to put on the display board since each student has so many wonderful pieces! The students are also including poetry from Ms. Jennie’s class. You can see their Art Display Boards at graduation on June 18th!
CONGRATULATIONS to this wonderful group of 5th and 6th grade students as they graduate from SWS! I’ve known several of these students since they were K/1 students, and they have been joined by more amazing students to round out this exceptional class. It has been fun and inspiring to watch these students learn, grow, and create awesome art! I love all the artwork that they have brought from home to share, and I appreciate all their insights when we discuss various art forms. THANK YOU Parents for raising such kind, creative, and wise children. Have a great time in Middle School, and keep making art!
Character Ed with Ms. Jennie
The 4th Annual Bake Sale was a huge success! We raised $470!! Thank you so much to all of you who donated baked goods and to everyone who showed up and bought something. And a very special thank you to Jorge for baking and donating the delicious bread – always a huge hit! All the kids did a great job in planning, setting up, making signs, and running the event. The 3rd/4th grade class had their first chance to be behind the cash registers this year and so a special thank you to Eli, Kate, Ramon, Pierce, Marisol, and Miria, as well as Rafa and Jack from 5/6, for handling people’s money. And thank you for the girls who stayed afterwards to clean up and count the cash (Mariela, Naomi, Emilie, Marisol, Kate). The money will be donated to Ryan’s Well Foundation and go towards water projects in Africa!
Poetry Party in Character Ed next week. Remember to bring in a copy of a favorite poem, an inspirational quote, or a poem you have written to class. Please try and have it on an 8.5×11 sheet of paper so we can compile all of them into a school book. This is going to be fun day of celebration and sharing.
by Ivary & Paola | May 24, 2019 | In The Loop
We were so happy to celebrate our wonderful families during Dia de Familia!
La Lectura
- Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
- Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- Determine a central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
- Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a text (e.g., through examples or anecdotes).
- Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
Ciencias
This week we visited our local Camas Library. We were happy to find some good resources for our Science Research Projects!
Mathematics
This week we continued to learn about Surface Area and Volume. Our objectives were:
- how to complete real world problems for volume and surface area
- We had our test + snacks 🐶
(By: Rafa L. )
History & Geography
This week we learned about Latin Independence…
- We learned about Mexico’s fight for independence
- We learned about Miguel Hidalgo
- We learned about when Hidalgo started a revolution
(Written by: Christian)
English Writing & Spelling
This week we:
- Wrote another Narrative writing piece
- Completed a reading packet about analogies
(Written by:Juliette)
by Ivary & Paola | May 17, 2019 | In The Loop
I don’t think I could ever express my gratitude enough to all our wonderful SWS community members, especially our loving students! I love my job so much- there is no place I would rather be! Thank you all so much for making me feel so special, truly, bottom of my heart!
La Lectura
Weekly concept/Genre: Informational Text
Essential question: How have tools used for exploration evolved over time?
As we begin to wrap up our literacy unit 5, Descubrientos, students worked on some unfinished projects form previous weeks, and presented their final expository writing papers to the class and families. Once again, it was a wonderful way to celebrate our accomplished writers! Students demonstrated strong understantanding of the concepts seen during our informative writing unit, applying them in their own unique voices through their writing . The objectives for this writing unit were to:
- Pose and respond to specific questions with elaboration and detail by making comments that contribute to the topic, text, or issue under discussion.
-
Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study.
-
Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
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Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, accurate data and evidence that demonstrate an understanding of the topic or text, using credible sources.
-
Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
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Use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.
-
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
-
Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone.
-
With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed.
In connection to science, students were given a rubric that states the requirements for our last informative writng assigment: a science reaserch paper. During our previous expository writing assignments, students have been given a prompt. This time, however, students will have the opportunity to select their own topic of study. This week we read and looked at some examples. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Ciencias
Is the Pacific Northwest a safe place to live?
During our next science unit we will engage students in asking questions around this puzzling phenomenon. Throughout the course of the unit, students will investigate and design projects that will help them answer the question – How safe do you think the PNW is in terms of natural hazards? Next week we will be answering the question: Would you move here if you had the choice of any area in the US? Feel free to have conversations around this topic and have your child activate prior knowledge so they come well prepared for our discussions!
Mathematics
This week we learned volume of solid figures. We learned about:
- Finding volume of solids and the formulas
- We learned about cross sections and how to identify them
- Lastly we learned about how to use our knowledge in word problems
(By: Jack Parbon)
History & Geography
This week we learned about Independence for Latin America
- We learned about Toussaint L´ouverture
- And we learned about Jean- Jacques Dessalines and Boukman.
- We also learned about freedom for Haiti
(Written by: Lily)
English Writing & Spelling
This week we continued our informative writing.
- We worked on graphics for our writing.
- We wrote a glossary and a bibliography for our informative writing.
- We had friends review and edit our writing
(Written by: Sophie)
Specialists
by Ivary & Paola | May 10, 2019 | In The Loop
La Lectura
Weekly Concept/Genre: Informational Text
Essential question: How does technology lead to discoveries?
Buscador de planetas
This week we continued with our informational texts studies. We had such an insightful time discussing and analyzing the concepts presented in the texts: Detectives de luz and Buscador de planetas. Students had a chance to worked on their expository writing pieces, conference with peers and submit final drafts. We have schedules presentations for next Tuesday 14th (Jack, Tamra, Rafa, Evan) and Thursday 16th at 2:30 (Lily, Maddie, Sophia, Juliette, Sophie, Christian). Families are welcome to attend presentations!
Our class has been working on a very special project!
Objectives:
- Cite evidence from the text
- Determine the structure of the text: establish the sequence of the text to better comprehend the information presented.
- Using evidence from the text, explain main ideas and supporting details to better comprehend the text (paraphrase)
- Writing informative texts: Editing, Revising, Publishing.
- Provide meaningful examples and explain how ideas are connected to the topic at hand.
Ciencias
This week students took home a rubric with the requirements for our independent science end of the year project. Please help your child narrow down the area of studies they would like to do their research on. A suggestion was to pick an area of interest seen at our Omsi camp.
Mathematics
This week we began our new chapter Surface Area and Volume. We learned about:
- Identify the nets of a prism and a pyramid
- Identify the solid formed by a given net
- Find the surface area of a prism and a pyramid
History & Geography
This week we learned about the Industrial Revolution.
- We read our last chapter of The Industrial Revolution called In our Time
- We learned how the time we live in now is called the Information Age, and all the new things we have that they did not back then
- On Tuesday and Thursday we did Jeopardy to study for our test, then we took the test.
- On Friday we started Independence of Latin America: Revolutions in America.
(Written by: Maddie)
English Writing & Spelling
- We finished CUPS (Capitalization, Usage, Punctuation, and Spelling).
- We worked on our informative writing and we checked it with multiple partners
- We added some transition words, and a variety of sentences
- Finished our Greek & Latin roots packet (Roots: vi, urb, terr)
(Written by: Sophia)
