Space

Our field trip to the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center is rapidly approaching! We are going to have such a wonderful time extending our learning about space. Right now, I'm preparing our space unit. What questions do you have about space? What are you interested in learning more about?

Cells

For the past two weeks, we have been learning all about plant and animals cells. Yesterday, we created edible cells to help us identify all of the organelles and structures within each type of cell. You also completed your "Junk Cell" projects for homework this week. Share one thing you have learned about cells with your classmates.

Here are some pictures from yesterday's activity:

Cow Eye Dissections

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Merry Christmas!

 

I hope you are enjoying your break so far! I miss you!
Love, Miss Cox

Tremendously Thankful

Thanksgiving has arrived! Next week, we will all get to enjoy a five day break from our normal routine. However, as 5th graders, we all know there is much more to Thanksgiving than getting out of school! Think of some things that you are thankful for, and post them on our blog to share with others! I'll start my list for you...

1. I am thankful for YOU! I am so fortunate to be your teacher and to have the opportunity to spend time with you each day!
2. A wonderful family....
3. Fantastic friends...
4. My job at our beautiful school...Go Lions!

I could continue, but I really want to hear from you! :)
Love, Miss Cox

The Westing Game

Hey guys!
This past week, we began a new novel in class called The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. This is another one of my favorite books! You have been introduced to many new characters such as Grace, Turtle, Theo, Chris, Sandy McSouthers, Otis Amber, Crow, and many more.

1)

At this point, who do you think killed Sam Westing and why?

2)

Who do you think will become the winner of the Westing Game by solving the mystery?

Things good readers do...

Think about yourself as a reader. In our conversations during reading, we have been talking about the importance of comprehension or understanding what you read. So far, we have talked about following our inner voices, noticing when we lose our focus, and talking through text with a partner. When I read a great book, I notice things as I read and ask questions just like you. When I am finished with an awesome book, guess what I want to do first? I want to share with a friend about what I read! Many times, it helps me connect to the book even more. How does talking to a friend about what you read help your comprehension?

Changes In Matter

For the past two days in class, you have been looking closely at a small section of text with your group members. Today, you worked cooperatively with each other to share your important learning with your classmates.

1) How did teaching your classmates help you as a learner?

2) Share something you learned that you feel is important for us to know.

What helps us become better readers?

Hello my fabulous fifth graders! :)

I hope you are having a magnificent weekend, and that all of you who are home sick are feeling better and will be back with us tomorrow! Yesterday, I went to the Alabama game with some of my friends and I found myself "thinking like a writer" like we talked about in class. I looked around the stadium and found ways to use many of the words you found in your thesaurus digs this week. I hope you are finding yourself noticing ways to use your improved vocabulary, too! :)

This morning, I am reading for one of my classes at school and our assignment this week is about what makes us better readers. Does that sound familiar? :) Could you please help me with my thinking and tell me what you think makes you a better reader or a better writer? There isn't a wrong answer...I'd just like to know what you think!

Love,
Miss Cox

Hatchet continued...

Last week, we finished Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. I know that you all really enjoyed the book! Please answer one of the following questions in your response:

1. How did Brian change from the beginning of the story to the end?

2. Towards the end of the story, Brian dreamed of being back at home. When he thought of sitting and simply watching t.v., he wondered if he would wish to be back at the campsite? Why do you think Brian would wish to be back in the wilderness after being rescued?

3. You know that Brian's Winter is an alternate ending to Brian being rescued at the end of the book. What do you think winter will be like for Brian?