5th Grade humanities
This week learners will begin writing their ghost stories. They will focus on their intro (characters, setting, hook), point of view, figurative language, and dialogue to strengthen parts of their story. We will continue to remind them to use descriptive sentences, develop their characters, and follow the story structure using rising action, climax, and resolution.
We will continue reading Birchbark House and integrate exit tickets to check for understanding. Learners will also see the connection to ghost stories in this week's chapters. In addition, 5th graders will continue test prep to prepare for SBA testing the week of April 17th
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This week, learners will begin a long-awaited narrative writing unit: ghost stories! Each year, we really look forward to the immensely creative stories that come with this writing piece. From gruesome horror stories to comedic spooky tales, learners have the opportunity to take this writing piece in the direction of their choice. Learners will begin by reviewing other ghost stories and reflecting on what makes them engaging to read. Learners will look to their own fears for inspiration for their stories, and consider "What if..." scenarios to begin brainstorming the main plot and problem/solution of their story. They will spend the rest of the week developing the traits of their main character and outlining the main events of their story, making sure to include an introduction, rising action, climax/turing point, falling action/resolution, and conclusion.
This week, we will begin a text based inquiry unit by reading a new book titled The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich. It is intended to teach essential understanding about Montana tribes with an emphasis on the Anishinabe tribe. Along with reading and discussion, learners will reflect on the main events of each season (the book is divided into the four seasons), and make connections between the book and their background knowledge of the interactions between white settlers and Native Americans in the 1800s.
In addition to this unit, we will begin taking practice tests on laptops in order to prepare for state testing in April. This will give learners a good opportunity to review the format of the Smarter Balanced Assessment and the process of logging in and out.. During this time, we will review test taking strategies, time management, and how to stay relaxed. Please begin to talk to your children about these important strategies. This week, 5th graders will wrap up the poetry unit by sharing one of their favorite poems to the class. We'll also finish reading The Fighting Ground.. They will reinforce their understanding of the text by answering multi leveled comprehension questions. Learners will cite their answers using examples from the text, answer in complete questions, and explain their opinions. Discussing the events in the story as a class, as well as writing about it are valuable and necessary skills to strengthen their understanding. At the end of the week, learners will write a book review or short sequel to the book.
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May 2018
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