ELA
This week in ELA, fifth graders are continuing to analyze the thoughts, actions and language of characters in Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate. All readers are on their second week of book clubs. Students are self assigning the amount that they read each night and writing responses that allow them to practicing the skills taught in class for homework.
In writing, students are developing their personal narrative entries into drafts. Students are cultivating stories that include a theme or lesson that they want to share with the reader.  This week students will begin to use tools such as a checklist to help them set goals and to assess their writing.
Social Studies
Fifth graders reviewed map skills and defined geography. Our first unit is Geography and Early Societies of the Western Hemisphere. Later this week, students will learn about the super-continent, Pangea.
Keyboarding
Keyboarding practice takes place on Fridays and begins with safety and responsibility. Students began their Digital Citizenship lessons with great discussions around online safety and their digital impressions. Please continue to talk with your child about ways to stay safe. One 5th grader shared that, "Parents don't really know stuff about what their kids are doing and know when online". Many believe that anyone (even strangers) that they're playing with are their "friends". Almost all of the 5th graders who have their own phone are on Snapchat, Instagram, Tic-Toc and Youtube. They all agree that some of the content is too mature and inappropriate.
I've included an article that I've found interesting about children and smartphones. https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2019/09/i-wont-buy-my-teenagers-smartphones/597805/
Tips for Success:
· Check your fifth grader's planner to make sure they are recording assignments!
· Fifth graders should always have an independent reading book with them. Readers are expected to log their reading and write about their reading each night.
Hi families! I came across this article this Sunday. It's scary, but a conversation worth revisiting.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/12/07/us/video-games-child-sex-abuse.html