Hello All!

We have been doing a great deal of learning the past few weeks!

In Reading, we have started our Characters and People in Conflict Unit. We have started discussing what conflict is, and where we can find it in our just right books. We also have been talking about inferring character traits from evidence in the text. We can learn about our characters in many different ways - how they speak and think, how they interact with others, what the descriptions of them are, what other characters say about them, and more!

In Writing, we are just completing our Personal Narrative Unit. Students have been working hard writing their rough draft and carefully going over it before conferencing with me, and with other students. They will be starting the publishing process today! They learned that the difference between a regular seed story and a personal narrative is that a personal narrative tells the reader why the event was important to the author, and how it affected them.

In Math, we finished up Unit 2, Big Numbers and have started Unit 4, Division and Data. We have been learning about area, perimeter, and have just scratched the surface of division. Students learn many different ways to divide in 5th grade - such as with Base 10 Short Hand, The Forgiving Method, and The Traditional Method.

In Science, the students have been learning about the Inner and Outer Planets in our Solar System. They also are learning the importance of taking careful notes - they had a "Pop Quiz" on the Outer Planets where they were able to use the notes they took in class (and the notes that I printed out for them as well). We are preparing for middle school here at Gainfield!

Also, the class has been really enjoying the use of our new Behavior Management System that we have been using since September, Class Dojo. Everyday the class gets feedback on how they did following the classroom expectations. I believe it is an important part of our day, and the class is learning how to be responsible for both their own behaviors and their behaviors as a class.

A few reminders:
*Tomorrow is Gainfield Goes Green for the Gowens - please remember to wear green and donate $1 to the family!
*Tomorrow is also Moms and Muffins, starting at 7:30 AM in the cafeteria. It goes until 9:00 AM.
*Tomorrow is the last day for Box Tops!
*Friday is picture day! Wear 

Today, the students were given a behavior contract by Mr. Salvestrini. I ask that you please read over it with your child, and both of you can sign it. Please remind your child to bring it in tomorrow - if 100% of the class brings it back tomorrow, the whole class gets extra recess per Mr. Salvestrini's reward!

Tga