The weather trapped us indoors today and may have had a lot to do with a cabin fever induced level of frenetic energy. In the morning, we did some good work with fractions, decimals, and percents. We manipulated cuisenaire rods, dollars, and change in an exercise that illustrated how a fraction can be represented as a decimal and how decimals can be interpreted as percent. This is a conceptual leap for kids and a topic we'll continue to review. You can be supportive by peeking in at the weekend math homework and checking to see if your child understands how to make equivalent fractions.
Before lunch, we conducted an interesting air pressure experiment that you could recreate at home if you're interested. Ask your child what materials are needed. The demonstration was exciting and prompted a number of surprised exclamations. That said, the follow-up component of the experiment fell short of my expectations. Several students couldn't contain antsy restlessness. I understand the restlessness. At the same time, I made it clear that I have a higher standard for disciplined effort. Weekend homework includes revising a lab write-up for clarity of expression.
In the latter part of the day, we finished watching the film Akeelah and the Bee. The film tells the fictionalized story of Akeelah Anderson and her participation in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Akeelah's preparation for the spelling bee is mirrored in the fifth grade spelling curriculum and highlights the benefits recognizing base words.
At the end of the day, we completed a grammar test. I marked and returned the work. Over the weekend, some students may opt to review identifying verb words in simple sentences. A re-test will be offered on Monday.
During PSD, we combined forces with the sixth grade and played a few indoor games.
Enjoy the pictures.
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