Make a Difference Day Done!

We had a great time raking four yards today: two medium and two jumbo. Starting out at 10:00 a.m. our spirits and energy were very high. Though our spirits stayed high, our energy began to fall off especially during the last jumbo yard which we started at 1:30. We appreciated the treats we got from the people who own the yards we raked. We had a great time jumping into leaf piles...I mean raking leaves into piles and scooping them into bags. We bagged about 150 bags of leaves today! Thanks to all the fifth graders and Mrs. Maas and our 1st quarter star citizens for organizing this event. Thanks to all the parent volunteers who helped out. We should all sleep well tonight.
Mr. S.

Make a Difference Day

On Friday, October 21, Our fifth graders will participate in Make A Difference Day. Beginning at 10:00 a.m. we'll go to 4 different yards and rake leaves. We'll break in the middle of the time for a sack lunch at Blue Gill Park. We re looking for rakes and a few parent volunteers to help out. We rake from 10:00 - 2:00. If you can join us for even part of the time, we'd love to have you. Contact Mr. S. if you can join us.

Reading

Our first unit is all about TRADITIONAL LITERATURE. We are following a project created by a mysterious teacher (we think it's Mrs. Burress) who challenged us to create an animated video telling different kinds of traditional literature. One group is focusing on fables, another fairy tales; tall tales, how/why stories and Hmong creation stories are also explored. We learned the characteristics of these folk tales and then chose a story to tell. As of this week, we are finishing up the animation process and should have our finished movies done by Friday. Each group recorded an introduction to their story in front of a green screen. Our computer keeps crashing so we're having some trouble finishing that part of the work. We are learning a lot about using video, animation, still cameras etc. as well as characteristics of traditional literature.

Math

Fractions are making me crazy! Yes, fifth graders usually do not get to the study of fractions until later in the year. This year fifth graders are trying them out in the beginning. We'll revisit them several times during the year, building on what we learned so far. If you are struggling...don't worry...we'll come back later to clear things up and you'll be surprised how well you understand fractions by the time you go to 6th grade. We'll use this year to experiment with the new state math standards. Some of the math skills we need to explore will seem easy, other hard because they were usually taught in 6th grade. But never fear, we'll live and be even more prepared for next year.

Social Studies

We are studying land and water forms and are working to complete or relief maps. Salt dough is the basis for our map but we had to organize our maps based on written directions describing where our forms were located. We then needed to coordinate with other groups around us so our map will fit together with the other 5 groups. We should be painted and ready for display by Friday. Later this week, we'll take a test over the terms and ideas of our first exploration in social studies.

Welcome

Welcome to our blog. Each week the members of Room 19 will let you know what's going on with us as we take this journey called FIFTH GRADE. We'll tell you about the exciting things going on in our classes. Sometimes Mr. Schmicker will write the blog entries and sometimes students will add their thoughts. Let us know what you think.