November 11th -Weekly Update

I apologize for some strange formatting issues below...this is a copy from our news letter sent home.


~News Flash~
November 11, 2010

Weekly Re-cap by Amber Wells and Ashley Kuennen
5th grade math
In 5th grade math, we are dividing decimals and estimating. We are working on using the partial quotients method.

6th grade math
In 6th grade math, we are multiplying fractions and dividing fractions. Also, we are working with improper fractions and partial products

Social Studies
We are learning about the New England colony, middle colony and Southern colony. We are making posters for the colonies.

Science
We are building clay boats and we’re testing them to see if they float or sink. We put marbles in them and observed how many marbles it takes until they sink.


Greetings Hoover families!

This past week has been short, but it has certainly been a week full of meaningful learning!
On Tuesday, all 5th and 6th graders went to Van Allen to watch a Hancher performance, “The Incredible Speediness of Jamie Cavanaugh.” Jamie, the main character struggles with understanding her differences. As she invites the audience into her life, she shows her confusion with the fact that others don’t understand why she acts the way she does. The play addressed issues of personal differences, the process of figuring out solutions to problems, treating others with respect and understanding that everyone has a lot going on in their lives. The students did an excellent job as audience members and really enjoyed the production.
In Science, students have been inquiring further about the different variables that affect if an object floats/sinks. Students are enthusiastic! I have seen some wonderful connections and reflections as students experiment and record their findings in their science journals.
In Language Arts, students have been grouped into new reading groups as they read books that align with our “One Land, Many Trails” theme for our anthology curriculum. Also, students finished their presentations of their inquiry projects this week. I am so impressed with the enthusiasm and motivation with their projects. Students produced clear, organized and interesting content that they shared with the class. Way to go 5th and 6th graders!
In the next week, I am anticipating the installation of our own classroom Smart Board. This interactive board will allow content from computers to be manipulated by student hands on a white board in the front of our classroom. It is an engaging tool for our classroom and I plan on using it often with our learning.
Have a wonderful weekend!

Go Hoover Hawks!

~Ms. Dobyns