Hello, 5B families!
As we settle into the new year, we are diving into exciting learning opportunities across the curriculum. Here are some highlights!
Language Arts…
Our focus this term is on strengthening reading strategies and writing thorough responses to text. Students are practicing the RACE strategy (Restate, Answer, Cite, Explain), a structured approach to responding to comprehension questions with clear evidence and detailed explanations. We’re emphasizing how to find evidence in a text and express it effectively in writing. This will prepare us for our upcoming meaningful novel study adventure with the book, Hatchet.
Math…
In Math, students are building their skills in multi-digit multiplication, we will teach the box method of multiplication next week (two strategies for the same goal to promote flexible numeracy skills), which has been especially helpful for students who are visual learners and/or who find the traditional approach challenging.
We reviewed this math tutorial video in class, and I recommend students create their own multiplication questions at home. (They can check their work with a family member or calculator.)
Personal Interest Projects…
Students have launched their personal interest projects (p.i.p.), a year-long initiative that integrates skills across the curriculum while fostering creativity and independence. These projects allow students to explore their passions, develop core competencies and meet career education goals, while creating products of learning to share at the end of the year. The progress on these projects is due for our showcase in the second week of June.
Throughout this process, students will receive many hours of direct teaching and support to guide them every step of the way. There is no need to purchase outside materials or provide family support, though families are welcome to be involved as they wish. I made an online video course filled with resources to support this work. As relevant, I’ll post some of these videos ongoing throughout the term so students can re-watch them at home if helpful. While not required viewing, these videos can help families better understand the nature of personal interest projects and the goals we aim to achieve through them.
*Here is a link to the entire P.I.P. video course playlist on YouTube:
*Here is an example of a high level example of a personal interest project that I shared with students to teach them the specifics of how in-depth research could look:
It’s wonderful to see the enthusiasm and growth already happening in 5B. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our learning journey!
Tiffany Poirier 