Wow! I have neglected my duties on the blog.  It has been incredibly busy with Reading month activities.  The students presented "Sh!  We're Writing the Constitution!"  They did a wonderful job!

Exciting week again this week!  Auditions for "Black Beard and the Pirate" are on Monday, February 17, 2014.  This is a great opportunity to find a talent that will enhance choices as we inch closer to junior high.

As we near Spring, I am getting field trips planned.  I am excited to announce that we have been accepted to the Environmental Festival in Bismarck presented by the Gateway to Science.   We will learn about careers in fields of environmental science and make a connection between science learning in the classroom and applied science in the workforce..  Students will meet professionals who work in the environmental sciences every day, thereby gaining an understanding of how the science concepts they are learning in school apply to real life situations.

We will also attend Marketplace for Kids, the energy plant tour in Beulah, and missile site tour in Cooperstown with an Ag tour in Hannaford.  These days will be announced as arrangements become nailed into place.

Cindy Ketterling from the County Extension office came to the classroom to work with the healthy eating lessons we have been working on in Health class.  We planned meals using the My Plate guidelines and played Bingo.  It was fun to have her in the class.

Fifth Graders were asked to use their Math skills, Map Reading Skills, and planning to complete a trip plan to Washington D.C.  Discussion included knowing elapsed time from leaving home to arriving at the airport.  Students enjoyed the challenge and real life application.

We will complete another chapter in Social Studies this week.  Review can begin over the weekend.  I believe the test will be on the 21st.  Study cards, worksheets and outlines have the information we need to be successful.

Mrs. Christensen has not been making sure we check our answers on our Math homework and students are seeing the consequences of not doing it.  Math homework is an important practice step in the process of mastering the Math concepts.  Missing a skill makes advances harder.  We need to continue to work on accuracy.

This is the time of year where students fall into the doldrums.  Try to find ways to keep the energy up and motivation for grades going. (Not always an easy task!)  Soon students will be looking forward to spring activities.

War reports have been chosen.  Practice putting power point presentations is being worked on in computer class.  Research can begin!  March 6th will begin oral presentations. 

Second semester is off to a good start.  I am impressed with the responsibility level this class has developed.  Class work is completed and presented on time.  This is a skill that will help us be successful beyond 5th grade.  Let's keep this trend going!

 

We are quickly approaching the end of 2013. 

The students will wrap up 2013 with an assessment on Chapter 4 in Social Studies Wednesday and the last of unit assessments in Math and Reading on Thursday.  We will spend Thursday afternoon making our gingerbread houses and getting last minute plans completed.  Friday, we will go caroling and put on a presentation at the nursing home.  Students will share a poem and angels with the residence of the home.  The afternoon will have a movie, popcorn and a little something to drink.

Have a wonderful holiday break with family and friends!

Please enjoy the holidays safely!

 

My angels have been busy at work!  We have now completed 1/2 of this group's 5th grade year!