Updates and announcements

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend! We are moving our blogs to be more “Updates and Announcements” oriented. We give a much more detailed “Our Week in Learning” in Google Classroom under the “Overview” section at the beginning of each week’s lessons, in the document named “Objectives and Tasks”.

We are working on something special for our Fifth Grade Promotion. We are partnering with the PSO to put together something safe and memorable for the students. Be on the lookout for more information. The event will take place on the same day indicated on the family calendar, Wednesday, May 20^th.

This week’s pictures showcase the “Cosmo and Gustav Show”. When it gets hot, Gustav has a favorite rest position. I have made it my goal to capture each individual instance and report my findings in my blog each week.

 Gustav under the ceiling fan

Another day, another Gustav belly

Gustav under our stationary bike set-up

Cosmo also enjoys a cold floor...

...but not as much as Gustav.

Variation today-Gustav stuck out a hambone for maximum comfort.

Cosmo enjoying his sunbeam next to my homemade bread

My new work space! I cleaned out my sewing room. It has better light in the morning.

My husband and I were enjoying our games in two different areas of the house, so we combined spaces on Saturday. I had been hogging the TV, so this was a good compromise. It took lots of cords to hook up the Switch to a monitor and still have sound. Cords are one of Cosmo's favorite snacks, so we were a little nervous and took down the setup rather quickly. **Can you find Cosmo? He is partaking in his favorite activity-eating.**

Updates and announcements

I hope everyone had a restful weekend. Things are slowing down here and feeling more monotonous, so I have not been able to get quite as many pictures of my cats. Cats usually do the same cute things every day. I was able to dig up some kitten pictures of Cosmo and Gustav! My husband and I were able to snag a used gaming system over the weekend, so many hours have been devoted to that front.

Ms. Vaughn and I are working hard to get the paper packets graded and returned. To check your child’s grade, see the communication from Mr. Gillingham that will go out sometime on Monday, 4/20.

 Gustav found joy in running around the bathtub (not shown-the leftover bath bomb glitter he was covered in).

 Simple Bacon, garlic, and parmesan pasta (from Giada's Instagram)

Gustav's mighty hambones (back legs)

Miss Priss as my work associate

Kitten Gustav! He was a climber.

Kitten Cosmo! He helped me with lots of assignments in college.

Our week in learning

In Literature, students will continue reading “Wrinkle in Time.” Students will read through chapters 9-11 and answer the “Question of the Day” for Literature in Google Classroom. 

In Grammar, students will explore the Personal Narrative genre, reading and analyzing a few examples before diving into the writing process later in the week.

In science, we will continue our exploration of the human body as begin to examine the nervous system. Students will learn about the role their nervous system plays in their bodies, the different parts of a neuron, and how a nerve impulse travels through different nerve cells and eventually to all parts of their body.

This week in History, students will learn about the Union victory at Gettysburg and Lincoln’s ensuing Address, as well as the Confederacy’s political and financial instability that in part led to their defeat. You and your child may access our textbook online at https://www.coreknowledge.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/CKHG_G5_U11_CW_SR.pdf

In math, students will read and interpret pie charts by applying their knowledge of fractions, percent, and right angles. Students will also review previous Singapore concepts.

Updates and announcements

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4-day weekend! It was very relaxing here at our house. We were able to unplug and enjoy being home.

Going forward, our Zoom calls will be Tuesdays and Fridays, both at 1:30.

Beginnings of pasta making per Mrs. Vibbert's Facebook live video

It worked! Thanks, Mrs. Vibbert! 

Artfully Gustav

Belly rubs!

Our week in learning

In Literature, students will continue reading “Wrinkle in Time.” Students will read through chapters 7 and 8. Students will answer the “Question of the Day” for Literature in Google Classroom. There will also be an optional “Book Club” Zoom call this week, where students will have the opportunity to discuss “Wrinkle in Time.” Stay tuned for details!

In Grammar, students will dive into plot diagramming and the characteristics of personal narratives in preparation for writing their own personal narratives in the coming week.

In science, we will continue our exploration of the human body as begin to examine the muscles. Students will learn about the difference between voluntary and involuntary muscles, the three different kinds of muscles in the human body, and how skeletal muscles work together in pairs to help them move. As an optional enrichment activity, students may access this Google Expedition with a smart phone or tablet to get a deeper look at what our muscles do! (The link opens a QR code that can then be scanned by the device of your choosing.)

This week in History, students will read about the daily life for soldiers in the North and South as well as the effort put forth by women throughout this war. You and your child may access our textbook online at https://www.coreknowledge.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/CKHG_G5_U11_CW_SR.pdf

In math, students will practice calculating mean, median, and mode. Students will also read and interpret histograms and pie charts. Students will apply their knowledge of percent and fractions to data in pie charts and histograms.

Updates and announcements

I hope everyone had a restful weekend! I looked up some cloth mask patterns and tutorials, per the new CDC recommendation. While my work space is decently organized and functional, it looks like my next project will be organizing my sewing area.

This is our first week with Google Classroom live! It very much felt like a strange “Meet the Teacher Night” last week when we were getting it set up. Please let Ms. Vaughn or I know if you have any questions. I am so excited for the educational tools this program offers, and have the ability to comment on and return assignments.

The first assignment on Google Classroom is to upload scans of the two weeks of paper packets. Even if you emailed me scans, I will be reaching out and asking that you upload it to Google Classroom. Looking at the logistics, this will get your student the feedback they need better because the program lets Ms. Vaughn and I comment directly on the assignment. If you need help, let us know! There are also tutorial videos attached to the assignment and I go through how to turn in scans on my Google Tutorial, posted on the stream.

Zoom links to our two classroom meetings will be sent out today. Due to safety regulations, I will not be posting our meeting links on the blog. Instead, I will send an email and post it to our more secure Google Classroom stream.

As you have noticed, Ms. Vaughn and I have been sharing the email communication and question answering roles. If you need help, please email both of us. We have worked out a schedule where I answer most emails in the morning and Ms. Vaughn answers in the afternoons. This allows us to answer your questions quickly while we grade and plan lessons.

 Gustav helping from his favorite sunbeam

Miss Priss caught in an undignified sleeping position

Cosmo reclaiming his sunbeam napping spot

Cosmo with a Gustav in the doorway

Cosmo's first attempt at reclaiming his sunbeam napping spot (he succeeded)

Our week in learning

In Literature, students will continue reading “Wrinkle in Time”. Students will read through chapters 5 and 6. Students will answer the “Question of the Day” for Literature in Google Classroom.

In Grammar, students will also apply their knowledge of nonfiction texts and analyze informational texts, as well as review fictional texts.

This week in science will be lighter than normal to allow students and families time to become familiar with Google Classroom. On Thursday, students will read about the human spine and the different types of vertebrae that make it up. If your child wants more enrichment on this topic, this Google Expedition is a fun and interactive way to learn more about the skeleton!

This week in History, students will read about the three leading generals of the Civil War: Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and Ulysses S. Grant. They will compare their similarities and differences, both in their military training and battle tendencies. You and your child may access our textbook online at https://www.coreknowledge.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/CKHG_G5_U11_CW_SR.pdf

In math, students will review problems from our Singapore curriculum. On Thursday, students will have their first math lesson with video supplement on Mean, Median, and Mode.

Week of 3/30 Zoom Invitation Links

Show and Tell 3/31
1:30pm-2:00pm

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/755612419

Meeting ID: 755 612 419

Math Tutoring 4/2
1:30pm-2:00pm

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/173152126

Meeting ID: 173 152 126

Updates and announcements

I hope everyone had a productive week! Based off Ms. Vaughn’s and my conversations with you all, it sounds like packets are going smoothly. We will be doing packets for one more week, then moving to Google Classroom.

Packets can be turned in through Google Classroom once we get it up and running, so hold onto them for now.

Please have students sign in and complete Xtramath everyday. If you do not have their login information, I can get that to you. 

This week’s packets can be done almost completely on a separate sheet of paper. If your child is able to read the passages on a device, only a few pages need to be printed.

We are going to hold our first Zoom video meetings with the class! On Tuesday at 1:30, we will have a show and tell with the whole class. Students can share a pet, their garden, or something they’ve been working on (to give a few examples). Students can expect to meet Cosmo, Gustav, and Miss Priss as part of my show and tell. On Friday at 1:30, I will lead a math tutoring session. These Zoom meetings will be about a half hour in length. I will send the link invitations later today both through email and posted on my blog.

 Miss Priss supervising one of my Zoom meetings

Gustav supervising my work (he is unimpressed)

 Cosmo slacking on the job (he's a terrible supervisor)

 Gustav enjoying some freshly laundered towels (which now need another laundering...)

 Half of our beautifully landscaped yard (!!!) (the weeds have already started growing back)

 The other half of our yard...We are from the northwest and love seeing green things, so we let the little weeds go for a little too long.

My converted work space (usually our teaching studio and my practice room)

My violin and an alto trombone on the couch where parents usually sit during private lessons (I can't seem to get all the trombones we have out of my work space at the same time...)

Our week in learning

In Literature, students will continue reading “Wrinkle in Time”. Students will read through chapters 3 and 4, identify vocabulary words, write summaries, and complete journal entry #2 on Friday.

In Grammar, students will answer questions about historic texts and scientific and technical texts. Students will also apply their knowledge of nonfiction texts and analyze informational texts.

In science, we are continuing our study of the skeletal system. Students will read about the job of the skeleton and fill out a diagram to help them locate major bones. A fun and optional additional activity would be playing Simon Says using the bones (for example, Simon says touch your patella.) Students will also learn about the four different kinds of movable joints, as well the importance of healthy bones and what they can do to keep their bones strong as they grow. 

This week in History, students will read about the goal of the Union to capture the Confederacy’s capital, Richmond, as well as the tactics and shortcomings of General McClellan. Students will also learn about the Emancipation Proclamation and a shift in the northern mindset following the Proclamation. You and your child may access our textbook online at https://www.coreknowledge.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/CKHG_G5_U11_CW_SR.pdf

In math, students will interpret line plots, calculate the volume of three-dimensional figures formed with visible cube units, and calculate the volume of three-dimensional figures with given dimension values.

Additional Resources

We request that students stay up to date on their Xtramath and continue to do this every day. If you need help logging in, let me know and I will send your personalized instructions sheet.

Students can also work on Khan Academy. Students should know their username and everyone's password is "chargers".

Students can also work on Typing Master: https://online3.typingmaster.com/login?id=pp8gsu2q7
If your child forgot their login, please email me and I can get that to you.

A Wrinkle in Time Resources

Accessibility

If your family does not have a copy of A Wrinkle in Time, please use the PDF linked below. All students are welcome to read along with the audiobook if they find that helpful.

Complete PDF 

Audiobook (does not include Foreword)

The book is also available for purchase as an eBook from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Amazon

Audible Audiobook (does not include Foreword)

Barnes & Noble

If your family has a library card with any of the local public library systems, you have access to a large eLibrary! Digital versions of A Wrinkle in Time (text and/or audiobook) may be available for download (links below). 

Chandler Public Library

Greater Phoenix Digital Library

Maricopa County Public Library

Mesa Public Library

Phoenix Public Library

Tempe Public Library | Overdrive | CloudLibrary

Other Resources

Our Literature lessons in class rely heavily on discussions of the characters, events, themes, and virtues that appear in our books. We encourage you to read and discuss A Wrinkle in Time with your child to help support their learning and enjoyment! To that end, linked below is a Scholastic Reading Guide for A Wrinkle in Time. It includes discussion questions for each chapter as well as enrichment activities and general notes on the book’s plot, setting, themes, and characters.

A Wrinkle in Time BookFiles Reading Guide

Outside Reading Book Resources

One way to find reading levels of books is to use the website below. It allows you to put in the Lexile or reading score of a book and find books of similar difficulty in various subjects.

The Lexile score for The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis is 970L.

This is the website where you can use that number to find books that your children would find interesting in that range: https://fab.lexile.com/