Fifth Grade Update - February 4, 2009
� Reading � We recently started our new unit on Heritage.  In our introduction, we discussed the meaning of heritage and what traditions are passed along in families.  Our first selection, The Land I Lost by Huynh Quang Nhuong, is a collection of memories from a boy�s life in the highlands of Vietnam prior to the Vietnam War.  In �Our Song� by Angela Johnson, a family visits their grandmother�s home village in Africa for the first time.  We will also read �The Dancing Bird of Paradise,� the biography of Sahomi, a famous Japanese-American dancer.  Soon, we will begin plans for our heritage projects which will give each student an opportunity to learn more about his/her own heritage.

� Read Aloud � Our current read aloud selection is Something Upstairs by Avi.  In this story, Kenny discovers the ghost of a slave boy named Caleb in the attic of his house in Providence, RI.  Kenny is carried back to 1800 as he tries to solve the mystery of Caleb�s murder.  This book is on the TDS Battle of the Books list for 2008-2009.

� Writing/Grammar � This month we will focus on subject/verb agreement, direct objects, and correct use of pronouns.  In our writing, we will work to incorporate vivid language and improve our descriptions.

� Math � We are working hard to master division � both the partial quotients algorithm and the traditional method.  In addition, we will practice using variables to represent a range of values.  To help your child at home, I encourage you to review division facts or play any of our math games (Division Dash, First to 100).  I expect our next math test to fall on Thursday, February 12.

� Science � This month we are starting our geology unit with a study of the layers of the earth.  We will also learn about earthquakes and volcanoes, before beginning our Earthquake Construction Project.

� Social Studies � We are currently learning about the Ancient Cultures of the Americas � the Maya, the Aztec, the Inca, the Anasazi, and the Mound Builders.  Students have been fascinated by their temples, written languages, and calendar.  Our next quiz should take place around February 13.

� Movie/Snack Reward � By filling their shell jar twice over the last two months, the class has earned a special movie and snack.  This Friday (2/6), we will enjoy brownies and popcorn while watching National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets.

� February Assembly � Please join us for our February assembly on Friday, February 27 at 2:00 PM.  Our Talented Tornadoes will be Celia and Dorian.  Please note the early start time, which is due to the annual performance of Rhythm & Blue, Duke�s premier coed a cappella group.

� Important Dates:
     2/5 (Th) � 5:30-7:30 PM � Science Expo
     2/6 (F) � Movie/snack reward!
     2/7 (Sat.) � TDS Auction
     2/9-2/13 (M-F) � Secret Valentines
     2/9 (M) � DOL quiz
                    3:15 PM � Help Session
     2/11 (W) � Wordly Wise test 12
     2/12 (Th) � Math test (Ch. 4)
     2/13 (F) � Social Studies quiz (Ch. 3)
     2/16 (M) � No School: Presidents� Day
     2/18 (W) � Spelling test 11
     2/23 (M) � 3:15 PM � Help Session
     2/25 (W) � Wordly Wise test 13
     2/27 (F) � 2:00 PM � School Assembly (Rhythm & Blue)
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