Math class yesterday was one of those times where the path of the class differed from my plan. I thought to simple review previous fraction concepts then move on, but I was lead to ask, "If the denominator of a fraction is 1, then why does it simplify to the numerator as a whole number?". Various students gave excellent answers as to the process of answering the problem, but I was searching for a concept or what the number in the denominator actually meant. The perplexed students were VERY enthusiastic about finding the answer to my question. After some creative replies, one student remembered that the denominator was the number of pieces that an object was divided into and that 1 as a denominator meant the whole object, so the numerator was the number of whole objects. Faces lit up with recognition and understanding. While many of the students could have easily used a process to simplify a problem like "75/1", now there was more attention paid to the meaning behind the denominator. Today's planned lesson had to put off, but it was well worth the experience!
This week, we finish up our time in ancient Persia and the story of Zarathustra and move on to Mesopotamia and the epic of Gilgamesh. This main lesson block will extend into next week.
Exciting news:
October 24 the students will be going on the first of two field trips with the group Acorns to Oaks to collect/plant acorns and to learn about oak ecology as an extension of their botany main lesson block. No need to worry about carpooling or chaperones! All of this has been taken care of. We will be taking a real school bus for the first time (note - don't tell the kids, we want to surprise them!) Permission slips will be coming soon.
Other news...
This Thursday auditions for the 5th-8th grade talent show will be held from 2 - 3 pm in the multi-use room. The numerous 5th graders who have signed up need to be prepared to show their acts.
Remember to check you student's binder daily for homework. It is their responsibility to write it down before the end of the day is done.
ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS main lesson book (so far...)
Title
Map of India
Geographic Features of India - writing
Brahma picture
The Caste System - writing
Ramayana picture
Ramayana - writing
Buddha picture
The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path
Map of Persia
Appreciations...
A big, hearty thank you to all who worked so hard on "The Knight's Quest" and EVF itself. The 5th grade booth was INCREDIBLE and, it seemed, quite popular!!!
Have an excellent week!
Dear 5th grade parents,
Last week the students heard the story of another hero who was quite the opposite of Rama the warrior - the story of Siddhartha who later became the Buddha. Where Rama was an epic champion who bravely conquered demon rakshasas to save others, Siddhartha was a contemplative who wanted the answer to relieving suffering in the world. As the students discuss Buddhism's Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path this week, I look forward to hearing their fascinating thoughts on these concepts. Then it's off to ancient Persia!
Our Ancient Civilization main lesson book thus far:
1. Title page - blank
2. Map of India
3. Geographic Features of India - writing
4. Brahma - picture
5. "The Caste System" - writing
6. "The Ramayana" - picture
7. "The Ramayana" - writing (this will be going into their books this week)
Math - fraction work is continuing with Greatest Common Multiples (used to reduce fractions to their simplest) and Least Common Denominators (for later use when we are adding fractions with unlike denominators).
Language Arts - We have begun reading and discussing The Iron Ring (students should be up to chapter 7), along with composing and editing a written narrative about our Angelo Coast Reserve field trip
Violin - We are daily practicing both parts of "Perpetual Motion" along with learning both parts of "Joy to the World".
Choir - We are working on a round and a two-part song with the 4th grade. Wednesday Ben Johns will be with the students doing a singing workshop during 3rd period so there will be no math that day.
Thank you all for supporting your children by checking and editing their papers, ensuring that they finish their homework, and having them practice violin and recorder each day.
Michele
Last week began our Ancient Civilizations main lesson block. The students were fascinated by the Hindu tales of gods and heros, dragons and rakshasas (demons). Perhaps they have recounted to you the heroics of Rama as he, his devoted brother Lashman and the valiant monkey Hanuman, saved Rama's beloved wife Sita from Ravana the wicked ten-headed, twenty-armed king of the rakshasas. Along the way, we have had enlightening discussions on the Hindu concepts of reincarnation, the caste system, dharma, and karma and discovered why the Ganges River is considered to be sacred. The students drawings of the god Brahma are excellent (the artistic level of this class is quite high) and their various writings have been quite interesting to read.
In math we continued our fraction work with finding the greatest common factors to aid in reducing fractions to their simplest form. From here on, all fraction answers must be in their lowest terms (at least until high school when they will leave answers in the improper form for higher math). This week we will be estimating fractions (closer to 0, 1/2, or 1) and working with least common multiples to find the least common denominator between two fractions.
This week we will also be starting a new book, The Iron Ring by Lloyd Alexander. This book evokes the atmosphere and themes of Ancient India and belies the authors fascination for the epic works of India (i.e. The Ramayana and The Mahabharata). It is an enchanting story that would make an excellent "family read" for topics of discussion.
Now a word from Karen about EVF...
Hear Ye, Hear Ye! EVF is 12 days away and Knight's Quest is our 5th Grade challenge this year!
Plans are underway for a fabulous obstacle course, but we need your help.
Donations
-$10 per family (or any amount you are comfortable donating) by Friday Oct 12 for equipment and misc. materials needed to set up the course. Money can be placed in the donation box in 5th grade cubby or given to Toyoko
-Will someone solicit a dry ice donation from a supplier in town? Contact Karen
-Tarps (preferably Brown, grey, black, or green) or Canvas Painter's Drop Cloths labelled with your name if you want it back
-Rope, Twine, Line (Preferably stuff you are willing to donate as it may need to be cut)
-Bungee cords labelled with your name if you want them back
You can leave these items in front of the classroom by Wed Oct 10 but the sooner the better so we know what we have would really help us out.
Sign-up
Because of the nature of this booth we need a lot of help to set-up on Friday afternoon and Sat morning, and run and breakdown the booth during the day so that it will be fun and safe for the kids. Please sign-up for one or more shifts on this google Doc https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AoBiFwvvBypOdFRzMUV0MzFoVUdDdG9Cc0JtYjJMT3c&pli=1#gid=0. There are also opportunities for the kids to help run the booth, their sign up sheet will be post outside the classroom this week. You will be contacted to confirm their time and task.
Thank you all, and have a wonderful week!
Michele Conyers
5th Grade Co-Teacher
Stone Bridge School
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