Cause and Effect

Hi Everyone,

Today we worked on cause and effect. In social studies we are learning about Native Americans and focusing on the Northwest and Southwest Regions. We will soon read a complex text about the Northwest. Before we read, I thought it was important to discuss CAUSE and EFFECT. Students may have a diffcult time comprehending the text without understanding what cause and effect means.

Students grouped in pairs read short passages and had to respond what the cause and effect was through Padlet. Padlet is a virtual wall that allows people to express their thoughts on a common topic easily. It works like an online sheet of paper where people can put any content (e.g. images, videos, documents, text) anywhere on the page, together with anyone, from any device.

We are only in the beginning stages of the activity but please see some of their ideas below.

Thank you!

 

 

The Setting of a Story

In our realistic fiction unit, we have focused so far on

-theme

-inferring

-character traits

-setting.

We learned that the setting of the story is the time and place a story takes place. Students scanned QR codes throughout the room which brought them to either a short reading passage or picture. They had to write in a RACE response what the setting was and why. Please ask them about this at home!

In social studies, we are still working on Northwest and Southwest regions. Students created a chatterpix on either a Kachina doll or a totem poll. Please see some student examples below.

Thank you!

Ms. Gray

 

Character Traits and Native Americans

Hi Everyone,

In literacy we are still focusing on inferring character traits. After much modeling and guidance, the students were ready to write about a character that has a particular trait. they picked a trait out of a hat. they then made their character come to life with an Avatar that they created through http://www.voki.com. Please see an example chart they filled out and some of their voki’s by clicking on the link below. (room 207 will be doing this tomorrow)

click here to see some of their work!

In social studies, we are working on Native Americans. Our focus right now is the Northwest Region and the Southwest Region. We read passages about each and highlighted important information and added it to our fact chart. We learned that in the Northwest, totem poles were popular while Kachina dolls were popular in the southwest. Students will be researching each and creating a chatter-pix about them. Stay tuned.

Thanks for checking in!

Ms. Gray

 

 

Character Traits and RACE Responses

Hi Everyone,

We have started our first literacy unit which is on Realistic Fiction. We have been focusing a lot on inferring and character traits. Students have been identifying various character traits from our read aloud and also in short passages. Students have to tell me what they believe the character’s traits are and why using evidence from the text. It is very important that students follow the RACE format when responding to text. Please see RACE poster below.

Thanks!

Inferring Character Traits

Hi everyone,

Today we talked about the term “infer.” We learned that to infer means to “read between the lines” and use our background knowledge to figure something out. To help the students grasp this concept, I let them go through my purse. “WHATS INSIDE MS. GRAYS PURSE AND WHAT DOES IT TELL US ABOUT THEM?”

They had so much fun! We then read “Thank you Mr. Falker” and worked on inferring character traits of our main character Trisha. Please ask your children about this lesson at home.

click here for pictures

Thank you!

Ms. Gray

Theme

Hi Everyone,

This week we focused on theme and writing RACE response to our text. Theme is the message of the story. Students answered questions throughout the classroom about theme and then created a short google slide on the text. Please ask your child about this at home!

Thanks,

Ms. Gray

 

Respect in the classroom

Hi Everyone,

Today we read the book “Better Than You” by Trudy Ludwig to incorporate into our respect lesson. This book touches on arrogance and bragging. We learned that other kids “better than you” attitude isn’t nice and how to handle friends who are like this. We discussed that nobody is great at everything he or she does. We need to be more accepting of our strengths and weaknesses, and those of others. Please ask your child about this at home!

We then talked about what respect looks like in the classroom, hallway, playground, cafeteria, with peers and adults. We used padlet as our discussion board to share our thoughts. Please check out the work students did today below. Please check out @MsGray5 for pictures of students hard at work!

click here to see students work

Thanks!

Ms. Gray

 

 

 

Reading Interest Survey

Students,

Please click the link below to fill out our beginning of the year reading survey. 🙂

 

Reading Interest Survey

First Day Of School

Hi Everyone

Reading aloud to students is one of the most important things a teacher can do in the classroom. Reading aloud Reading aloud to young children is not only one of the best activities to stimulate language and cognitive skills; it also builds motivation, curiosity, and memory. Reading aloud helps students develop positive associations with books and reading as well as building the foundation for strong school success.

My goal is to read aloud a picture or chapter book at least 2 times a week for the entire year. The slide below will document all of our read alouds in the room 208. Please check our “READ ALOUD’S IN 208” tab frequenetly to see an updated slide with our books we’ve read.

Today we read the book “The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes.” Please ask your child about this book at home.

Thanks!

Thanks!

Ms. Gray

 

 

 

Welcome to 5th grade!

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As we begin the school year, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as your child’s 5th grade teacher! This is my 4th year at Springdale School and I am beyond thrilled and excited to have your child as my student.

I believe your child’s educational experience is not just something that happens in school for six and a half hours, one hundred and eighty days a year. A child’s education is influenced by many factors, is a process that transcends the school day, continues at home, on the playground, and during any social context in which your child is engaged. Education is about community. As parents and members of this community, it is crucial that you continue to take part in your child’s educational experience. Through this partnership, we can establish an enriched educational experience for your child.

I will work hard to promote a meaningful and positive 5th grade year for your child. I look forward to meeting you and your child this September! Please continue to check this site regularly as I will be posting information regarding your child’s school days, curriculum, reminders, photos, etc. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Ms. Gray

 “No One Has Yet Fully Realized the Wealth of Sympathy, Kindness, and Generosity Hidden in the Soul of a Child. The Effort of Every True Educator Should be to Unlock That Treasure” -Emma Goldman