Thank Goodness this is Not a Photo Blog

While my photography and video production skills leave a lot to be desired, I am thrilled that I am able to share some of this week's work. In math we have been reviewing different strategies for solving 2-digit by 2-digit multiplication problems. Here is a chart of all the methods we have covered so far:

And, as hard as it might be to believe, we actually learned another strategy on Friday that we nicknamed "Jasmine's Way" after our student Jasmine. The greater math world calls it Lattice multiplication. It has been in use for centuries and is still taught to students in many parts of the world!

I also wanted families to see these strategies in action. Below are the videos of four students from our class solving multiplication problems using the standard algorithm, partial products, an array, and the distributive property. Feel free to use these videos to help with homework next week!

September's Throw Back Thursday

 

Digging around for a 5th grade photo was kind of like going down memory lane. In some ways it feels like ages ago (yes, I am getting older....), but in other ways it seems like just yesterday.

Interestingly enough, my own 5th grade experience was with a dynamic duo of two teachers in a job share. With one flaxen blonde teacher and the other with hair as dark as my own, these two synced everything together and had a ball teaching us crazy 5th graders at Witch Hazel Elementary in Hillsboro. I have fond memories of that old school, now demolished, with polished wooden floors, brass coat racks for all, and a true blackboard where my teachers showcased their perfect cursive everyday. 

In that same 5th grade classroom, I actually interviewed for my teaching job with HSD. With a quick flight "home" to Hillsboro to visit family in the February of 1999, three district principals held an interview for me. I had no idea where I would be ultimately be placed in a school or grade level, but secretly I really wanted 5th grade! Truthfully, I was a bit disappointed when I heard it would be 4th grade, but here we are today- back in 5th grade after A LOT of years in 4th.

That 5th grade year was incredible. Other than adoring my two job share teachers, I remember two key experiences from that grade. I LOVED read aloud everyday. And just like our class does now at the end of our 20 minutes of read aloud, we would literally BEG our teacher to continue reading. I learned to love books in 5th grade. The Indian in the Cupboard is still an absolute favorite. Perhaps I will read this aloud to my class this year too.

I also remember an incredible opportunity for a patriotic musical that tied into the history content of 5th grade. Standing tall dressed like the Statue of Liberty in front of the entire student body, yet at the same time totally petrified, I sang "Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor...." Next to me sat my best friend dressed as Betsy Ross. This friend, " Betsy Ross", my very best childhood friend, stood beside me eleven years later as I spoke my wedding vows. 

Memories of a lifetime. Friends for a lifetime. Now an educator for a lifetime.

The Official Week Two Report

Has it only been seven days since the last post? That is hard to believe considering the HUGE amount of work we accomplished over the last week. Here are just a few of the highlights:

• We finished our Unit 2 pretests in math and were pleased to see how well our students remembered the multiplication strategies we taught last year. My goal for this week is to put together videos of students demonstrating strategies for solving a two-by-two digit multiplication problems. You might be surprised by all the different techniques.
• The students have been assigned their states for the PowerPoint presentation they will be making over the next three weeks. So many of our kids came to the first day of fifth grade eager to get into the computer lab. We are excited for this presentation.
• Mrs. Harrington has been working up a sweat organizing field trips and guest speakers for the year. It looks like we have a trip to the capital and Hagg Lake in the works! We will provide more information in the future.
• The students have also been working on their first piece of formal writing, composing a piece on a classmate they interviewed early last week. 

This week also marked the first homework and reading log turn-in cycle. You will all be receiving a Fox Report tomorrow that needs to be signed and returned on Tuesday. Thank you to our families that worked hard with their students to ensure that this work is completed and returned on Fridays. Reading about your family's adventures over the summer break was a lot of fun. 

Be sure to check in on Thursday, as we have a special "Throw Back Thursday" post we are excited to share! 

Have a fantastic week! 

The Official Week One Report

What a whirlwind of a week! It is hard to believe how much we can fit into the first four days of school. We not only reviewed most of our classroom rules and expectations, but also began new math instruction, helped students find "Good Fit" books and have been teaching literary elements.

If you are trying to learn more about what we covered this week, here are some questions you could use with your students to get the conversations rolling...

What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?

How do you pick out a "Good Fit" book?

What is the order of operations?

What is one goal you have for fifth grade?

Why is it important to read with expression?

What are the five major regions of the United States?

Next week we will continue to establish our new routines in reading and ELD, and will have our first visit to the school library. All of our students should have a book or magazine to read 30 minutes each night at home. Please remember that in addition to the reading, your child is also expected to write a 1-2 sentence summary of their reading each night! This is a great practice strategy for comprehension (or showing that you understand what you are reading). If you find that your student is struggling to read each night, please check with Mrs. Harrington or Kinsman to help find reading material that is appropriate for your child. The first reading log of the year was sent home on Friday and is due back this Friday!

Finally, we will be sending home permission slips and surveys this week regarding our new blog. Please make sure these are completed and sent back to school with your students. I am excited to begin posting more pictures and assignments from the classroom, but want to be sure I have parent permission before doing so. 

Thank you for getting us off to a great start!

Ms. Kinsman & Mrs. Harrington

A Note for the First Day of School

Dear Students & Families,

While many students are filled with uncertainty and a bit of apprehension as to what the year will truly hold, we hope that by the end of the first day, students go home with excitement and ease for the coming year. We realize that we can have profound impact with students based on our interactions, tone, and comments.

We are eager to meet all student's needs. At our school and within our classroom, we strive to challenge all learners. We also realize that our learning is never done; teaching a new grade level presents a fun change and with new standards taking effect on a state level, instruction is rapidly changing and evolving to better prepare students for higher education. We look forward to pushing students to critically think and reflect on their own learning this year.

We are so grateful for the many parents who have offered to volunteer this year. Together we will work to create a collaborative learning experience for your child. It is going to be a great year.

Kim Harrington & Laycee Kinsman