Week 5

Writing: We are starting our very first informational paper! We are going through the rubric step by step so everyone knows what is expected before we start writing. Students will use the 6 steps of Writing along with the 6 traits of Writing. The Prompt for their paper is the following: a)Name and explain in detail the three branches of government and why they were created, defining their roles in our government.b) Name the two houses of the United States Congress and explain how representation is determined. This will take us quite awhile as I will conference with each student paragraph by paragraph.

Projects: We are participating in the "Great Mail Race." This is where we fill out a questionnaire about our 5th grade lives in Fallon, Nevada and send it to other 5th grade classes around The United States. Ask your child which state they chose. Starting on Wednesday, students are going to interview someone older than the age of 50. Students will make a list of possible interviewees and this list must be approved by you. Students will  have one week to interview this person and will be writing a biography on this person starting next week.

Reading: We will continue with Daily 3. I am still assessing students individually for placement in their reading groups. There will be a Spelling Test, so please encourage your child to study. Test on Thursday.

Auctions: As an incentive, students earn "Mac Bucks" in my classroom. "Mac Bucks" are basically the classroom cash. Every quarter, for a week or two, we hold auctions at the end of the day so students can spend their "Mac Bucks." For the auctions, we need small items. If you could donate at least one small item that would be greatly appreciated. These can be items your child makes, candy, or items from the Dollar Store. I will donate as well. These items can be sent in starting now. I want to thank you in advance for you donations and contributing to our 5th grade classroom incentives :) Our first auction will start on Week 9, we are in week 5.

I hope you all have a GREAT week!