This Week in 5/6R

Math:  We have just begun our unit on transformational geometry.  This is better known as working with sliding shapes, reflecting them, and rotating them on a co-ordinate grid.  The kids have been playing battleship to practice plotting their points, and have been working with pattern blocks, tracing paper, chart paper, different colored markers, wipe boards, mirras and geoboards to practice moving their shapes.  We will continue to work on these skills all week.  Talk to your kids about it, and ask them to see their work, it's always good to keep the lines of communication open!

Reading and Writing:  We continue to analyze parts of a narrative, and write our own narratives.  We also have not forgotten about the paragraph.  On Friday we did a guided writing lesson on "goblins."  The kids generated ideas in a brainstorm bubble.  From there we narrowed the focus and chose three ideas that flowed together, and wrote a paragraph collaboratively.  From there the kids wrote their own.  It was fun and they really showed how much they are learning!

Science:  We ventured on a nature walk to Malden Park to examine its' biodiversity vs the biodiversity of the schoolyard.  We walked through the trails, found bugs, turtles, and even a bat!  The kids were hilarious...they were really taking the role of nature explorer seriously!  We had a blast.  This week we continue to examine biodiversity in Grade 6, and the muscular and skeletal systems in Grade 5.

Phys-Ed:  We are moving on to volleyball this month, but we will continue to "work out" on Tuesdays. 

Drama:  Our plays will take place on October 30th.  We are presenting them to the primary classes in the afternoon.

Religion:  We continue to examine the 4th and 5th commandments.

Reminders:  Please speak to your children about using their agendas.  Time is allotted every day for agenda writing.  It is a good practice for the kids to use them daily.  Please feel free to communicate with me through the agenda, or phone me at school.  I am available daily from 10:30 to 11.

Note:  The kids were lucky enough to participate in the "student vote" led by Mr. Thompson's class, and Bob Belecicco even showed up to check it out!

Thanks for sharing your kids with me!  They make my day every day!  We have the greatest class!