Invention Convention Tops 5th Gr. Study of Industrial Revolution--Updated 2/25
In Reading, we just wrapped up Frindle. The students enjoyed seeing the play and were able to make some great comparisons to the novel. Moving forward, our next unit is about natural disasters! Nuestra próxima unidad será sobre desastres naturales. Students will read authentic literature that will explore different types of natural disasters and how each one impacts the world. As for writing, students will be finishing their informational writing pieces to continue moving forward with opinion writing. Please ask your child about Writer’s Workshop! They would love to share their published pieces with you. Please remember that your fifth grade student should be reading at least 20 minutes every night. Por favor recuerden que su estudiante de quinto grado debería estar leyendo por lo menos 20 minutos cada noche.
In Social Studies we are continuing to discuss the Industrial Revolution. Students are in full force researching and building their invention prototypes. We have been preparing for this event for weeks and would love it if you were able to come and support your child’s hard work!
Here is the Invention Convention Schedule: Horario de la Convención de Inventos:
In Math, we are currently on our sixth module. The sixth module is all about fractions! Students are learning how to add and subtract fractions with both related and unrelated denominators. Students are also learning how to add and subtract mixed numbers, while trying to find common denominators. Once students are able to show mastery of the fraction standards, we will continue and move forward with long division! We love math! Please remember that your fifth grade student should be practicing their basic multiplication and division facts every night. Por favor recuerden que su estudiante de quinto grado debería estar practicando su multiplicación y división cada noche.
In Science, we are continuing to learn about the sky. Our current guiding question is about shadows and why they change throughout the day. Students have been participating in several experiments and activities to test their hypotheses and predictions. Be sure to ask them about the lengths of shadows and why they appear different throughout the day. They are going to put on their scientist caps and track their own shadows throughout the day.
Thank you for being a partner with us in your child’s education. Together, we can make a difference!
Gracias por colaborar con nosotros en la educación de su hijo(a). ¡Juntos, podemos hacer la diferencia!
In Social Studies we are continuing to discuss the Industrial Revolution. Students are in full force researching and building their invention prototypes. We have been preparing for this event for weeks and would love it if you were able to come and support your child’s hard work!
Here is the Invention Convention Schedule: Horario de la Convención de Inventos:
- The Invention Convention will take place on Tuesday, March 10th, 2020. Please note that there will be two different sessions:
- 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Mrs. Falcone’s, Ms. Diaz’s and Wr. Willhoit’s 5th grade classes
- 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.: Mrs. Papanicolaou’s, Miss Villa’s and Miss Felix’s 5th grade classes
In Math, we are currently on our sixth module. The sixth module is all about fractions! Students are learning how to add and subtract fractions with both related and unrelated denominators. Students are also learning how to add and subtract mixed numbers, while trying to find common denominators. Once students are able to show mastery of the fraction standards, we will continue and move forward with long division! We love math! Please remember that your fifth grade student should be practicing their basic multiplication and division facts every night. Por favor recuerden que su estudiante de quinto grado debería estar practicando su multiplicación y división cada noche.
In Science, we are continuing to learn about the sky. Our current guiding question is about shadows and why they change throughout the day. Students have been participating in several experiments and activities to test their hypotheses and predictions. Be sure to ask them about the lengths of shadows and why they appear different throughout the day. They are going to put on their scientist caps and track their own shadows throughout the day.
Thank you for being a partner with us in your child’s education. Together, we can make a difference!
Gracias por colaborar con nosotros en la educación de su hijo(a). ¡Juntos, podemos hacer la diferencia!
Fifth Graders Explore Character Traits through Frindle Novel & Play--Updated 1/24
Happy New Year, 5th Grade Families! ¡Feliz Año Nuevo Familias de 5to Grado! Welcome back to Westview Elementary School! All of the students returned eager to learn, with a smile on their face. Todos los estudiantes regresaron ansiosos por aprender y con una sonrisa en la cara.
In Reading, we introduced the novel Frindle, which is about a fifth grade boy named Nick who is always getting in trouble. His teacher is very strict, and makes the class constantly check the dictionary. Nick gets the idea to make up words, and begins calling a pen by a new name. As we are reading Frindle, we are focusing on the importance of characterization, vocabulary acquisition, sequencing and comprehension. The students are also making text to self connections to the main characters of the book and are always engaged while reading. We will be going to see Frindle, the play, at the Metropolis Theater is Arlington Heights on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 and the cost of the field trip will be $8.00 to be turned in to your child’s teacher by January 31st. Se irá a un pasea el martes 11 de febrero a ver la obra de Frindel. El costo del paseo será $8.00 y deberá ser entregado a más tardar el 31 de enero. Please remember that your fifth grade student should be reading at least 20 minutes every night. Por favor recuerden que su estudiante de 5to grado debería estar leyendo por lo menos 20 minutos cada noche. We thank you for your support outside of the classroom.
In Social Studies we are continuing to discuss the Industrial Revolution/Revolución Industrial. Students are learning about different inventions such as the reaper, water powered mill and railroad. We are also discussing the importance of an assembly line and why that made such a big impact on the industry. The students have imagined themselves as inventors and are so excited to participate in our 5th annual Invention Convention. The Invention Convention will take place on Tuesday, March 10th, 2020. Please note that there will be two different sessions:
La Convención de Inventos tomará lugar el martes,10 de marzo del 2020. Por favor tomen nota, habrá dos sesiones diferentes. En la primera sesión estarán los estudiantes de 5to grado de Mrs. Falcone, Mrs. Diaz y Mr.Willhoit de 10:30am-12:00pm. En la segunda sesión estarán los salones de 5to grado de Mrs.Papanicolaou, Ms.Villa, y Ms. Felix. There will be a formal invitation to follow. The students should have already started brainstorming their inventions and should soon begin to construct their prototype. Please ask your child about their invention and what they might need in order to construct the prototype at home. Should you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher. Por favor pregúntele a su hijo(a) sobre su invento y qué cosas podrán ocupar para construir su prototipo en casa. Si tiene cualquier pregunta, por favor comuniquese con el maestro de su hijo(a).
In Math we are moving forward with decimal fractions and 2D shapes! Students will be using the standard algorithm to add and subtract decimal fractions. Students will learn that the written procedure for subtracting decimal fractions, or “lining up the decimal places,” ensures students are subtracting like quantities instead of treating a tenth as a hundredth through misalignment. Students will also be reviewing parallelograms and exploring quadrilaterals and triangles. Moby Max and Khan Academy are great resources that your child can use to practice outside of the classroom.
Here are some things that you can do at home to help your child practice with 2D shapes:
Thank you for being a partner with us in your child’s education. Together, we can make a difference!
Gracias por colaborar con nosotros en la educación de sus hijos. ¡Juntos podemos hacer la diferencia!
In Reading, we introduced the novel Frindle, which is about a fifth grade boy named Nick who is always getting in trouble. His teacher is very strict, and makes the class constantly check the dictionary. Nick gets the idea to make up words, and begins calling a pen by a new name. As we are reading Frindle, we are focusing on the importance of characterization, vocabulary acquisition, sequencing and comprehension. The students are also making text to self connections to the main characters of the book and are always engaged while reading. We will be going to see Frindle, the play, at the Metropolis Theater is Arlington Heights on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 and the cost of the field trip will be $8.00 to be turned in to your child’s teacher by January 31st. Se irá a un pasea el martes 11 de febrero a ver la obra de Frindel. El costo del paseo será $8.00 y deberá ser entregado a más tardar el 31 de enero. Please remember that your fifth grade student should be reading at least 20 minutes every night. Por favor recuerden que su estudiante de 5to grado debería estar leyendo por lo menos 20 minutos cada noche. We thank you for your support outside of the classroom.
In Social Studies we are continuing to discuss the Industrial Revolution/Revolución Industrial. Students are learning about different inventions such as the reaper, water powered mill and railroad. We are also discussing the importance of an assembly line and why that made such a big impact on the industry. The students have imagined themselves as inventors and are so excited to participate in our 5th annual Invention Convention. The Invention Convention will take place on Tuesday, March 10th, 2020. Please note that there will be two different sessions:
- 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Mrs. Falcone, Ms. Diaz, Mr. Willhoit's classes
- 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.: Mrs. Papanicolaou, Ms. Villa, Ms. Felix's classes
La Convención de Inventos tomará lugar el martes,10 de marzo del 2020. Por favor tomen nota, habrá dos sesiones diferentes. En la primera sesión estarán los estudiantes de 5to grado de Mrs. Falcone, Mrs. Diaz y Mr.Willhoit de 10:30am-12:00pm. En la segunda sesión estarán los salones de 5to grado de Mrs.Papanicolaou, Ms.Villa, y Ms. Felix. There will be a formal invitation to follow. The students should have already started brainstorming their inventions and should soon begin to construct their prototype. Please ask your child about their invention and what they might need in order to construct the prototype at home. Should you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher. Por favor pregúntele a su hijo(a) sobre su invento y qué cosas podrán ocupar para construir su prototipo en casa. Si tiene cualquier pregunta, por favor comuniquese con el maestro de su hijo(a).
In Math we are moving forward with decimal fractions and 2D shapes! Students will be using the standard algorithm to add and subtract decimal fractions. Students will learn that the written procedure for subtracting decimal fractions, or “lining up the decimal places,” ensures students are subtracting like quantities instead of treating a tenth as a hundredth through misalignment. Students will also be reviewing parallelograms and exploring quadrilaterals and triangles. Moby Max and Khan Academy are great resources that your child can use to practice outside of the classroom.
Here are some things that you can do at home to help your child practice with 2D shapes:
- Help your child identify parallelograms in your own home! Examples may include, floor tiles, business logos, stripes in a parking lot, building layouts, windows in the bedroom, etc.
- Le pueden ayudar a sus hijos(as) identificar un paralelograma en sus propias casas. Ejemplos incluyen, baldosas, logotipos de negocios, rayas en un estacionamiento, diseños de construcción, ventanas en la recamara, etc.
Thank you for being a partner with us in your child’s education. Together, we can make a difference!
Gracias por colaborar con nosotros en la educación de sus hijos. ¡Juntos podemos hacer la diferencia!
5th Graders Master Multi-Digit Multiplication Module--Updated December 17, 2019
The 5th graders will soon be busy preparing for the Invention Convention. The 8th Annual Invention Convention will take place in two sessions at Westview School and the date will be announced when we return from Winter Break. This is a phenomenal event that the students will be participating in. They will be working hard to research inventors and the invention process. They will brainstorm problems that they would like to see solved and choose an idea for an invention that will solve one of the issues. As your child begins the actual process of inventing, your continued interest and encouragement will be greatly appreciated. Remind your child that although inventors often experience failure along the way, they remain persistent and keep trying in order to become successful. Recuerda a tu hijo(a) que aunque los inventores experimentan fallas con frecuencia en el camino, se mantienen persistentes y siguen intentando para tener éxito.
In Science, the students just began a new unit called Observing the Stars. They will learn about the sun and brightness of different stars in the solar system. Students will create their own star models to show the relative difference from each star. Students will read both fiction and non-fiction science passages and practice their comprehension skills. At the end of the unit, students will be responsible for completing a Claim/Evidence/Reasoning (CER) writing piece to show their understanding.
In Language Arts, the students have been focusing on cause/effect (causa y efecto) and problem/solution (problema/solucion) while reading The Lorax and The Big Idea. Students will be assessed by writing a friendly letter to help Thneedville survive! Students have been involved in reading and writing about past inventions that have changed society and the importance of the invention in history.
In Math, we finished our third module on multi-digit multiplication using the standard algorithm. We have now moved forward with our fourth module which includes ordering and comparing fractions/ordenando y comparando fracciones. The students are also expected to convert improper fractions to mixed numbers/convertir fracciones impropias a números mixtos. It is vital for the students to know their multiplication facts. Please encourage your child to practice their facts every night for 10 minutes. Por favor anime a su hijo(a) a practicar su multiplicación. They can use MobyMax Fact Fluency or make flashcards!
The fifth graders just finished taking their MAP assessments and scores will be shared when we return from winter break. Please review these scores with your child and celebrate their wonderful accomplishments. Many students showed growth and were very proud of themselves. Way to go, fifth graders!
We hope that you all have a wonderful holiday season with your family and friends!
¡Esperamos y tengan una temporada festiva increíble con sus familias y amistades!
In Science, the students just began a new unit called Observing the Stars. They will learn about the sun and brightness of different stars in the solar system. Students will create their own star models to show the relative difference from each star. Students will read both fiction and non-fiction science passages and practice their comprehension skills. At the end of the unit, students will be responsible for completing a Claim/Evidence/Reasoning (CER) writing piece to show their understanding.
In Language Arts, the students have been focusing on cause/effect (causa y efecto) and problem/solution (problema/solucion) while reading The Lorax and The Big Idea. Students will be assessed by writing a friendly letter to help Thneedville survive! Students have been involved in reading and writing about past inventions that have changed society and the importance of the invention in history.
In Math, we finished our third module on multi-digit multiplication using the standard algorithm. We have now moved forward with our fourth module which includes ordering and comparing fractions/ordenando y comparando fracciones. The students are also expected to convert improper fractions to mixed numbers/convertir fracciones impropias a números mixtos. It is vital for the students to know their multiplication facts. Please encourage your child to practice their facts every night for 10 minutes. Por favor anime a su hijo(a) a practicar su multiplicación. They can use MobyMax Fact Fluency or make flashcards!
The fifth graders just finished taking their MAP assessments and scores will be shared when we return from winter break. Please review these scores with your child and celebrate their wonderful accomplishments. Many students showed growth and were very proud of themselves. Way to go, fifth graders!
We hope that you all have a wonderful holiday season with your family and friends!
¡Esperamos y tengan una temporada festiva increíble con sus familias y amistades!
Fifth Grade Students Enjoy Inventive Thinking Unit--Updated 11/21/2019
As we begin the second trimester of 5th grade, the theme is Inventive Thinking for Language Arts, Pensamiento Inventivo en Artes de Lenguaje. We will be reading The Lorax and Frindle. Estaremos leyendo los libros Frindel y El Loraz. While reading Frindle, the students will become quite familiar with the main characters and they will use text evidence to support (usaran evidencia del texto) their reasons for describing the characters with certain traits.
In February, we will go on a field trip to see the play Frindle at the Metropolis Centre in Arlington Heights. En febrero iremos a mirar el ensayo de Frindel y mandaremos las hojas de permiso al fin de enero. Permission slips will be sent home at the end of January!
While reading The Lorax, the students will analyze the different vocabulary that is used in the text and how one invention can lead to great success and negative impacts at the same time. We will also be reading What is the Big Idea? which focuses on real-world problems that people have faced in the past and how they worked on inventing something to solve that problem. Each child should be reading for at least 20 minutes every night.
In Math, the students will be working on fractions and converting between common fractions and mixed numbers (convirtiendo entre fracciones comunes y números mixtos). Students will also be working on word problems involving mass and capacity. Students should continue to work on their differentiated lessons on Khan Academy or MobyMax. MAP testing is right around the corner!
In Science, the students are currently working in groups researching different decomposers, fungi, bacteria and worms. Each group will be creating a Google Slide presentation and teaching their classmates about the decomposer that they researched. We look forward to learning about what plants really need to grow--sunlight, water, air, or soil? Ask your child for the details on our science experiment!
In Social Studies, we will begin our unit of study of the Industrial Revolution/Revolución Industrial. We will gain background knowledge about how and where the Industrial Revolution started. We will learn about inventions that changed the world and compare and contrast inventions in the past to current inventions.
The Inventive Thinking unit will culminate with the 5th grade Invention Convention. The date is TBD. The students will be asked to create an invention and will need to make a prototype of the invention. Please note that the construction of the prototype will need to take place at home. Please ask your child about their invention and what they need in order to construct the prototype at home. As always please contact your child’s teacher at anytime if you have questions regarding this project. More information to come!
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:
Winter Concert Tuesday, December 10, 2019. There will be two performances.
1st Performance 6:00 p.m.-Diaz, Papanicolaou, Felix
2nd Performance 7:15 p.m.- Willhoit, Falcone, Villa
*Students should be practicing their songs and music in order to be prepared for the big night! If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Bill Thoms, our music teacher.
Tuesday, December 3, 2019 Robert Crown--Life Begins Presentation
*A permission slip and information will be sent home with your student. The cost is $8.00 and no child will be permitted to attend without a signed permission slip.
The 5th graders will be taking their winter MAP tests on Monday, December 16, Tuesday, December 17, and Thursday, December 19. Please ensure that your child gets rest and eats a healthy breakfast to help them stay focused and do their best. Attendance is key this entire week in order to provide your child with enough time to complete the assessment to the best of their ability!
With winter coming please make sure that your child is prepared with a winter jacket, hat, gloves and boots. Con el tiempo frío que nos ha llegado, por favor asegúrese de que su hijo/a está preparado con una chamarra de invierno, gorro, guantes, y botas. Thank you for your ongoing support of Westview School.
In February, we will go on a field trip to see the play Frindle at the Metropolis Centre in Arlington Heights. En febrero iremos a mirar el ensayo de Frindel y mandaremos las hojas de permiso al fin de enero. Permission slips will be sent home at the end of January!
While reading The Lorax, the students will analyze the different vocabulary that is used in the text and how one invention can lead to great success and negative impacts at the same time. We will also be reading What is the Big Idea? which focuses on real-world problems that people have faced in the past and how they worked on inventing something to solve that problem. Each child should be reading for at least 20 minutes every night.
In Math, the students will be working on fractions and converting between common fractions and mixed numbers (convirtiendo entre fracciones comunes y números mixtos). Students will also be working on word problems involving mass and capacity. Students should continue to work on their differentiated lessons on Khan Academy or MobyMax. MAP testing is right around the corner!
In Science, the students are currently working in groups researching different decomposers, fungi, bacteria and worms. Each group will be creating a Google Slide presentation and teaching their classmates about the decomposer that they researched. We look forward to learning about what plants really need to grow--sunlight, water, air, or soil? Ask your child for the details on our science experiment!
In Social Studies, we will begin our unit of study of the Industrial Revolution/Revolución Industrial. We will gain background knowledge about how and where the Industrial Revolution started. We will learn about inventions that changed the world and compare and contrast inventions in the past to current inventions.
The Inventive Thinking unit will culminate with the 5th grade Invention Convention. The date is TBD. The students will be asked to create an invention and will need to make a prototype of the invention. Please note that the construction of the prototype will need to take place at home. Please ask your child about their invention and what they need in order to construct the prototype at home. As always please contact your child’s teacher at anytime if you have questions regarding this project. More information to come!
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:
Winter Concert Tuesday, December 10, 2019. There will be two performances.
1st Performance 6:00 p.m.-Diaz, Papanicolaou, Felix
2nd Performance 7:15 p.m.- Willhoit, Falcone, Villa
*Students should be practicing their songs and music in order to be prepared for the big night! If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Bill Thoms, our music teacher.
Tuesday, December 3, 2019 Robert Crown--Life Begins Presentation
*A permission slip and information will be sent home with your student. The cost is $8.00 and no child will be permitted to attend without a signed permission slip.
The 5th graders will be taking their winter MAP tests on Monday, December 16, Tuesday, December 17, and Thursday, December 19. Please ensure that your child gets rest and eats a healthy breakfast to help them stay focused and do their best. Attendance is key this entire week in order to provide your child with enough time to complete the assessment to the best of their ability!
With winter coming please make sure that your child is prepared with a winter jacket, hat, gloves and boots. Con el tiempo frío que nos ha llegado, por favor asegúrese de que su hijo/a está preparado con una chamarra de invierno, gorro, guantes, y botas. Thank you for your ongoing support of Westview School.
5th Graders to Conclude Westward Expansion Unit; Industrial Revolution Next Topic
It is hard to believe that the first semester is halfway over and the students have been so busy learning! In Reading, 5th graders will be finishing their unit “One Land, Many Trails/Una Tierra Muchos Senderos”. We are reading Family Apart and in the Dual Language classroom, La Casa de La Pradera, both historical fiction books. Family Apart is about a mother who makes many sacrifices in order for her six children to have a better life. La Casa de La Pradera se trata de una familia que se muda hacia el oeste en busca de más recursos y las batallas que enfrentan por el camino. Both novels focus on many cause/effect relationships and the students have been making inferences along with those relationships. This unit also relates to our Social Studies/Ciencias Sociales unit in which early explorers are settling in new areas west of the United States. Making connections with the content area is beneficial to learning.
In order to continue strengthening your child’s reading of informational text, consider using the following websites:
In Social Studies, students have been learning about moving west during the Westward Expansion period and are discussing some of the challenges and losses explorers faced. They will be creating Westward Expansion posters trying to persuade settlers to go to a particular area in the west using specific criteria. Estarán creando carteles de expansión hacia el oeste, tratando de persuadir a los colonos para que vayan a un área particular en el oeste utilizando criterios específicos. The areas being studied include Oregon, Ohio, California, and The Great Plains.
We will be wrapping-up this unit in the next few weeks and moving on to the Industrial Revolution/Revolucion Industrial. Look out for your child to be sharing what they’ve learned about the various inventions during this time. They will be learning about the assembly lines and how they made changes in the economy. Estarán aprendiendo sobre las líneas de ensamblaje y como hicieron cambios en la economía.
In Math, students have been using the standard algorithm to multiply up to four-digit numbers and solving multiplication word problems. Students will use centimeter cubes to measure volume as well as multiplication to calculate the volume. It is very important for your child to master their multiplication facts. Please encourage your child to practice their facts for at least 10 minutes each night. Es importante que su hijo(a) siga practicando multiplication al menos 10 minutos cada noche. If you could benefit from using flash cards, please let your child’s teacher know! Students can also use MobyMax Fact Fluency and online games to practice their facts!
In Science, we are working on a unit called Energy Transfer/Transferencia de Energia. Students have been dissecting owl pellets to figure out how owls get their energy and what they eat. Now, we are going to discuss the difference between producers, consumers and decomposers. Ahora estaremos platicando sobre la diferencia entre productores, consumidores, y descomponedores. The students will all participate in a research project and work together to talk about the importance of fungi, bacteria and worms! Todos los estudiantes participarán en un proyecto de investigación donde trabajarán juntos para platicar sobre la importancia de hongos, bacteria, y gusanos. Eeek!
Below are several pictures from Outdoor Education! We had an absolute blast and lucked out with great weather, with the exception of one chilly day coming back. You can still see our tweets from the trip using the hashtag #wvoe on Twitter! Check it out!
We look forward to seeing you at conferences in November! Be on the lookout for conference information coming home from your child’s teacher in their take home folder. Conferences will be held on Monday, November 25 from 1pm-9pm and Tuesday, November 26 from 12pm-7pm. Conferencias serán el lunes, 25 de noviembre de 1pm-9pm y martes, 26 de noviembre de 12pm-7pm
Thank you for your ongoing support of Westview Elementary School. As always, feel free to contact your child’s teacher with any questions!
--The Fifth Grade Team
In order to continue strengthening your child’s reading of informational text, consider using the following websites:
- MobyMax Informational & Literature Text
- ReadWorks
In Social Studies, students have been learning about moving west during the Westward Expansion period and are discussing some of the challenges and losses explorers faced. They will be creating Westward Expansion posters trying to persuade settlers to go to a particular area in the west using specific criteria. Estarán creando carteles de expansión hacia el oeste, tratando de persuadir a los colonos para que vayan a un área particular en el oeste utilizando criterios específicos. The areas being studied include Oregon, Ohio, California, and The Great Plains.
We will be wrapping-up this unit in the next few weeks and moving on to the Industrial Revolution/Revolucion Industrial. Look out for your child to be sharing what they’ve learned about the various inventions during this time. They will be learning about the assembly lines and how they made changes in the economy. Estarán aprendiendo sobre las líneas de ensamblaje y como hicieron cambios en la economía.
In Math, students have been using the standard algorithm to multiply up to four-digit numbers and solving multiplication word problems. Students will use centimeter cubes to measure volume as well as multiplication to calculate the volume. It is very important for your child to master their multiplication facts. Please encourage your child to practice their facts for at least 10 minutes each night. Es importante que su hijo(a) siga practicando multiplication al menos 10 minutos cada noche. If you could benefit from using flash cards, please let your child’s teacher know! Students can also use MobyMax Fact Fluency and online games to practice their facts!
In Science, we are working on a unit called Energy Transfer/Transferencia de Energia. Students have been dissecting owl pellets to figure out how owls get their energy and what they eat. Now, we are going to discuss the difference between producers, consumers and decomposers. Ahora estaremos platicando sobre la diferencia entre productores, consumidores, y descomponedores. The students will all participate in a research project and work together to talk about the importance of fungi, bacteria and worms! Todos los estudiantes participarán en un proyecto de investigación donde trabajarán juntos para platicar sobre la importancia de hongos, bacteria, y gusanos. Eeek!
Below are several pictures from Outdoor Education! We had an absolute blast and lucked out with great weather, with the exception of one chilly day coming back. You can still see our tweets from the trip using the hashtag #wvoe on Twitter! Check it out!
We look forward to seeing you at conferences in November! Be on the lookout for conference information coming home from your child’s teacher in their take home folder. Conferences will be held on Monday, November 25 from 1pm-9pm and Tuesday, November 26 from 12pm-7pm. Conferencias serán el lunes, 25 de noviembre de 1pm-9pm y martes, 26 de noviembre de 12pm-7pm
Thank you for your ongoing support of Westview Elementary School. As always, feel free to contact your child’s teacher with any questions!
--The Fifth Grade Team
Fifth Grade Students Establish Routines & Prepare for Outdoor Ed--Updated 9/29
Fifth graders have been busy getting back into the swing of things. As routines have been put into place and expectations have been discussed, students are excited for another school year at Westview School.
Social Emotional
All classrooms will be starting the Second Step lessons during our morning meetings. Through daily class lessons students will learn and reinforce the social skills needed in order to increase student success and decrease problem behaviors. The program promotes social-emotional competence and self-regulation skills. In fifth grade, we focus on three main topics: Empathy (Empatia), Calming Down (Cómo Calmarse), and Problem Solving Steps (Pasos para Resolver Problemas). Be sure to look for home links (tarea semanal) and ask your child about what she/he is learning in these lessons.
Reading & Social Studies Connection
Our first cross curricular theme we study is One Land Many Trails/Una Tierra Muchos Senderos. It discusses the many ways in which people continued to settle in the United States of America. Students begin by reading a diary account of a young lady who travels from Illinois to California, in a story called Rachel’s Journal. While our Dual Language classroom reads La Casa de La Pradera. Both stories give details of the many challenges the families in the stories faced along the way. We are also going to be reading Family Apart, a historical fiction book in which a mother makes many sacrifices in order for her six children to have a better life. This novel focuses on many cause and effect relationships that provide the students with an opportunity to use their inferencing skills. This theme is perfectly connected to our social studies unit about Westward Expansion/Expansión al Oeste. Students travel along with Lewis and Clark to discover their many contributions to life today. Students are asked to write their own creative journal entry as if they were truly on board the journey through the Louisiana Purchase. Finally, some sites students can work on from home to help them improve their comprehension of informational text and literature skills include; Para ayudar a mejorar comprensión de textos informativos y habilidades de literatura, pueden practicar en casa usando los siguientes sitios;
Science
We are busy preparing for our upcoming Outdoor Education trip to Lorado Taft Campus in Oregon, Illinois. Our first unit will be Energy Transfer within Physical Science. Students will use models to describe a phenomenon that includes the idea that energy in animals’ food was once energy from the sun. Students will dissect owl pellets to figure out how they get their energy and what they eat. Students will also identify and describe the components of the model that are relevant for describing the phenomenon, including: Energy. The sun. Animals, including their bodily functions (e.g., body repair, growth, motion, body warmth maintenance). Second, the students will identify and describe the relevant relationships between components, including:
Outdoor Education
Access the supply list here!
The teachers greatly appreciate the questions students and parents are asking to help prepare for our annual Outdoor Education trip. Remember you can find more information about Lorado Taft here : www.niu.edu/taft . Please turn in the health form and permission slip as soon as possible. They were due September 13th. The dates of the program are as follows: Wednesday, October 9th- Friday, October 11th. It is a three day, two night event. Será de, miércoles 9 de octubre del 2019- viernes 11 de octubre del 2019. Es un evento de tres días y dos noches.
If you should have any remaining questions regarding Outdoor Education, please reach out to your child’s teacher or call the office to speak with Mrs. Perez or Mrs. Z.
Thank you!--The Fifth Grade Teachers ¡Gracias!--Los Maestros de Quinto Grado
Social Emotional
All classrooms will be starting the Second Step lessons during our morning meetings. Through daily class lessons students will learn and reinforce the social skills needed in order to increase student success and decrease problem behaviors. The program promotes social-emotional competence and self-regulation skills. In fifth grade, we focus on three main topics: Empathy (Empatia), Calming Down (Cómo Calmarse), and Problem Solving Steps (Pasos para Resolver Problemas). Be sure to look for home links (tarea semanal) and ask your child about what she/he is learning in these lessons.
Reading & Social Studies Connection
Our first cross curricular theme we study is One Land Many Trails/Una Tierra Muchos Senderos. It discusses the many ways in which people continued to settle in the United States of America. Students begin by reading a diary account of a young lady who travels from Illinois to California, in a story called Rachel’s Journal. While our Dual Language classroom reads La Casa de La Pradera. Both stories give details of the many challenges the families in the stories faced along the way. We are also going to be reading Family Apart, a historical fiction book in which a mother makes many sacrifices in order for her six children to have a better life. This novel focuses on many cause and effect relationships that provide the students with an opportunity to use their inferencing skills. This theme is perfectly connected to our social studies unit about Westward Expansion/Expansión al Oeste. Students travel along with Lewis and Clark to discover their many contributions to life today. Students are asked to write their own creative journal entry as if they were truly on board the journey through the Louisiana Purchase. Finally, some sites students can work on from home to help them improve their comprehension of informational text and literature skills include; Para ayudar a mejorar comprensión de textos informativos y habilidades de literatura, pueden practicar en casa usando los siguientes sitios;
- MobyMax Informational Text and Literature
- Benchmark Education
- ReadWorks
Science
We are busy preparing for our upcoming Outdoor Education trip to Lorado Taft Campus in Oregon, Illinois. Our first unit will be Energy Transfer within Physical Science. Students will use models to describe a phenomenon that includes the idea that energy in animals’ food was once energy from the sun. Students will dissect owl pellets to figure out how they get their energy and what they eat. Students will also identify and describe the components of the model that are relevant for describing the phenomenon, including: Energy. The sun. Animals, including their bodily functions (e.g., body repair, growth, motion, body warmth maintenance). Second, the students will identify and describe the relevant relationships between components, including:
- The relationship between plants and the energy they get from sunlight to produce food.
- The relationship between food and the energy and materials that animals require for bodily functions (e.g., body repair, growth, motion, body warmth maintenance).
- The relationship between animals and the food they eat, which is either other animals or plants (or both), to obtain energy for bodily functions and materials for growth and repair.
Outdoor Education
Access the supply list here!
The teachers greatly appreciate the questions students and parents are asking to help prepare for our annual Outdoor Education trip. Remember you can find more information about Lorado Taft here : www.niu.edu/taft . Please turn in the health form and permission slip as soon as possible. They were due September 13th. The dates of the program are as follows: Wednesday, October 9th- Friday, October 11th. It is a three day, two night event. Será de, miércoles 9 de octubre del 2019- viernes 11 de octubre del 2019. Es un evento de tres días y dos noches.
If you should have any remaining questions regarding Outdoor Education, please reach out to your child’s teacher or call the office to speak with Mrs. Perez or Mrs. Z.
Thank you!--The Fifth Grade Teachers ¡Gracias!--Los Maestros de Quinto Grado
Fifth Graders Look to Past to Prepare for Future--Updated 5/20/2019
In Language Arts, for our last unit, we have been exploring Clues to a Culture, which focuses on reading literature about Ancient Egypt and Greece. Students will perform a Reader’s Theater play about mummies, in the classroom. The writing piece we have focused on is a persuasive essay. Students will begin by persuading their classmates about the best pet to have. Afterward, students will then be working on a persuasive piece about zoos and will need to research and decide on a stance on whether or not they are harmful or helpful to animals and communities. Students must use text evidence in order to defend their position on this topic.
In Social Studies we are continuing to explore ancient civilizations. We have been exploring the geography, government, and culture of Ancient Egypt. Recently we examined the social hierarchy of ancient Egypt and its connections to personal structures. After the students have learned about Egypt, we will discuss Ancient Greece and how their government has influenced today's government in the United States. Our trip to the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago to enrich the students’ learning of these civilizations was amazing. The students were able to make connections throughout the entire day.
In Science, we are continuing to study and learn about the importance of matter. Matter is defined as anything that takes up space. The students have learned about matter through the use of balloons, water, sugar and many more supplies! Be sure to ask them about all of their science experiments.
In Math, we are concluding the year with Origo Module 9. Module 9 covers topics such as: finding a fraction of a whole number, multiplying common fractions and solving word problems. The 5th Grade teachers highly suggest having your child reinforce their mathematical practices and skills by using MobyMax and Khan. This will help prepare your child for Junior High.
The fifth grade teachers request kindly that you continue to keep up the importance of academics until the conclusion of the school year. It is important that the students continue to get a good night’s rest and come to school prepared daily. Thank you!
Upcoming Important Dates for 5th Graders:
May 22nd--5th grade picnic @ Franzen Grove
May 29th--5th grade Recognition Field Trip
June 3rd--5th grade WDJH orientation (During School Day)
June 4th--Student Device(Chromebook) Collection Day
June 5th-- WV Field Day (Rain or Shine!)
June 7th--Last day of attendance for the students!
In Social Studies we are continuing to explore ancient civilizations. We have been exploring the geography, government, and culture of Ancient Egypt. Recently we examined the social hierarchy of ancient Egypt and its connections to personal structures. After the students have learned about Egypt, we will discuss Ancient Greece and how their government has influenced today's government in the United States. Our trip to the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago to enrich the students’ learning of these civilizations was amazing. The students were able to make connections throughout the entire day.
In Science, we are continuing to study and learn about the importance of matter. Matter is defined as anything that takes up space. The students have learned about matter through the use of balloons, water, sugar and many more supplies! Be sure to ask them about all of their science experiments.
In Math, we are concluding the year with Origo Module 9. Module 9 covers topics such as: finding a fraction of a whole number, multiplying common fractions and solving word problems. The 5th Grade teachers highly suggest having your child reinforce their mathematical practices and skills by using MobyMax and Khan. This will help prepare your child for Junior High.
The fifth grade teachers request kindly that you continue to keep up the importance of academics until the conclusion of the school year. It is important that the students continue to get a good night’s rest and come to school prepared daily. Thank you!
Upcoming Important Dates for 5th Graders:
May 22nd--5th grade picnic @ Franzen Grove
May 29th--5th grade Recognition Field Trip
June 3rd--5th grade WDJH orientation (During School Day)
June 4th--Student Device(Chromebook) Collection Day
June 5th-- WV Field Day (Rain or Shine!)
June 7th--Last day of attendance for the students!
5th Graders Explore Cultures of Ancient Greece & Egypt--Updated 4/16/19
In Language Arts, we are in the process of completing our Earth, Wind and Fire unit. The students have been reading informational texts about different natural disasters that occur around the world. They will create natural disaster brochures to be displayed! Be sure to check them out during Westview’s Open House & Ice Cream Social on Thursday, May 9th @6:30 p.m.
For our next and last unit, we will be exploring Clues to a Culture, which focuses on reading literature about Ancient Egypt and Greece. Students will perform a Reader’s Theater play about mummies, in the classroom. Students will complete an argumentative writing piece about chocolate milk being served in schools.
In Social Studies we are continuing to explore ancient civilizations. We have been exploring Ancient Mesopotamia. Moving forward, students will learn about geography, government, and culture of ancient Egypt. After the students have learned about Egypt, we will discuss ancient Greece and how their government has influenced the government in the United States, today. In May, we will take a field trip to the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago to enrich the students’ learning of these civilizations!
In Science, we are learning about the importance of conserving the water in the lakes and rivers. The students are expected to describe and graph the amounts and percentages of water and fresh water in various reservoirs to provide evidence about the distribution of water on Earth.
In Math, we are continuing with Origo Module 8. Module 8 covers topics such as: finding a fraction of a whole number, multiplying common fractions and solving word problems. The 5th Grade teachers highly suggest having your child reinforce their mathematical practices and skills by using MobyMax and Khan, every night. This will help prepare your child for Junior High.
Standardized Testing: As we move through the middle of April, we have finished our IAR state standardized testing. The students have done a great job of being prepared with a charged Chromebook and headphones. Students have worked diligently on their tests, staying focused and using their time wisely. They should be very proud of themselves.
In May, the students will take their final MAP test of the year. MAP tests will take place the week of May 6th. The MAP tests are important and allow students to show growth throughout this school year, comparing their performance in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. The results from the MAP tests are used in planning and placement for 6th grade at Wood Dale Junior High.
By working together, we can make your child’s test experience positive and successful.
Do you want to help your child succeed? Here are some tips & suggestions:
For our next and last unit, we will be exploring Clues to a Culture, which focuses on reading literature about Ancient Egypt and Greece. Students will perform a Reader’s Theater play about mummies, in the classroom. Students will complete an argumentative writing piece about chocolate milk being served in schools.
In Social Studies we are continuing to explore ancient civilizations. We have been exploring Ancient Mesopotamia. Moving forward, students will learn about geography, government, and culture of ancient Egypt. After the students have learned about Egypt, we will discuss ancient Greece and how their government has influenced the government in the United States, today. In May, we will take a field trip to the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago to enrich the students’ learning of these civilizations!
In Science, we are learning about the importance of conserving the water in the lakes and rivers. The students are expected to describe and graph the amounts and percentages of water and fresh water in various reservoirs to provide evidence about the distribution of water on Earth.
In Math, we are continuing with Origo Module 8. Module 8 covers topics such as: finding a fraction of a whole number, multiplying common fractions and solving word problems. The 5th Grade teachers highly suggest having your child reinforce their mathematical practices and skills by using MobyMax and Khan, every night. This will help prepare your child for Junior High.
Standardized Testing: As we move through the middle of April, we have finished our IAR state standardized testing. The students have done a great job of being prepared with a charged Chromebook and headphones. Students have worked diligently on their tests, staying focused and using their time wisely. They should be very proud of themselves.
In May, the students will take their final MAP test of the year. MAP tests will take place the week of May 6th. The MAP tests are important and allow students to show growth throughout this school year, comparing their performance in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. The results from the MAP tests are used in planning and placement for 6th grade at Wood Dale Junior High.
By working together, we can make your child’s test experience positive and successful.
Do you want to help your child succeed? Here are some tips & suggestions:
- Make sure your child gets a good night's rest before the test
- Have your child eat a healthy breakfast
- Make sure your child arrives to school on time
- Encourage your child to relax and try their best
Fifth Graders Hope to "Survive" Severe Weather Unit--Updated 3/18/2019
The fifth graders had a wonderful time attending the Metropolis Arts Centre to see Frindle in action and come to life! This was a great experience for students to compare and contrast the play to the book. Students identified many similarities and differences between what they read and saw on stage and shared their ideas through a "written conversation."
In Reading, we have started our new unit called Earth, Wind and Fire. Students are exploring literature and informational text in regards to nature and severe weather conditions. Students have been researching natural disasters and will be creating brochures that provide important information and survival tips.
In Math, we will begin module 8. Module 8 will teach the students about finding a fraction of a whole number, solving word problems and multiplying fractions. We are cruising along with our math modules. The students are becoming problem solvers and mathematicians!
In Social Studies, we are continuing our study of ancient civilizations. We have been exploring Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Greece. The students will be making connections in relation to our current government system.
Fifth graders have started Youth Empowerment lessons with our Wood Dale police resource officer Patrick Fajardo. He will be coming to Westview to teach five lessons. The lessons will inform the students about appropriate internet and cell phone use, drugs and alcohol, and positive self awareness. The students will have the opportunity to meet successful Fenton high schoolers and hear their stories! This is a fantastic program that we are so excited to be offering!
As always, we appreciate your support in and outside of the classroom! Should you ever have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or the office staff members! Bring on spring!
**Volunteer Opportunities** As we approach April and May, there will be several opportunities where parent volunteers will be needed. Please be on the lookout, ask your child and check their take home folders to make sure you are not missing out on any important information! Or, click HERE to sign up to help!
In Reading, we have started our new unit called Earth, Wind and Fire. Students are exploring literature and informational text in regards to nature and severe weather conditions. Students have been researching natural disasters and will be creating brochures that provide important information and survival tips.
In Math, we will begin module 8. Module 8 will teach the students about finding a fraction of a whole number, solving word problems and multiplying fractions. We are cruising along with our math modules. The students are becoming problem solvers and mathematicians!
In Social Studies, we are continuing our study of ancient civilizations. We have been exploring Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Greece. The students will be making connections in relation to our current government system.
Fifth graders have started Youth Empowerment lessons with our Wood Dale police resource officer Patrick Fajardo. He will be coming to Westview to teach five lessons. The lessons will inform the students about appropriate internet and cell phone use, drugs and alcohol, and positive self awareness. The students will have the opportunity to meet successful Fenton high schoolers and hear their stories! This is a fantastic program that we are so excited to be offering!
As always, we appreciate your support in and outside of the classroom! Should you ever have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or the office staff members! Bring on spring!
**Volunteer Opportunities** As we approach April and May, there will be several opportunities where parent volunteers will be needed. Please be on the lookout, ask your child and check their take home folders to make sure you are not missing out on any important information! Or, click HERE to sign up to help!
Fifth Grade Math Mastery Continues with Fractions Module--Updated 2/18/2019
In Reading, we just wrapped up Frindle. The students enjoyed the play and were able to make some great comparisons to the novel. Moving forward, our next unit is about natural disasters! Students will read authentic literature that will explore different types of natural disasters and how each one impacts the world. As for Writing, students will be finishing their informational writing pieces to continue moving forward with opinion writing. Please ask your child about writer’s workshop! They would love to share their published pieces with you. Please remember that your fifth grade student should be reading at least 20 minutes every night!
In Social Studies we are continuing to discuss the Industrial Revolution. Students are in full force researching and building their invention prototypes. We have been preparing for this event for weeks and would love it if you were able to come and support your child’s hard work!
Here is the Invention Convention Schedule--Tuesday, February 26, 2019:
In Math, we are currently on our sixth module. The sixth module is all about fractions! Students are learning how to add and subtract fractions with both related and unrelated denominators. Students are also learning how to add and subtract mixed numbers, while trying to find common denominators. Once students are able to show mastery of the fraction standards, we will continue and move forward with long division! We love math! Please remember that your fifth grade student should be practicing their basic multiplication and division facts every night.
In Science, we are continuing to learn about the sky. Our current guiding question is about shadows and why they change throughout the day. Students have been participating in several experiments and activities to test their hypotheses and predictions. Be sure to ask them about the lengths of shadows and why they appear different throughout the day. They are going to put on their scientist caps and track their own shadows throughout the day.
Thank you for being a partner with us in your child’s education! Together, we can make a difference!
In Social Studies we are continuing to discuss the Industrial Revolution. Students are in full force researching and building their invention prototypes. We have been preparing for this event for weeks and would love it if you were able to come and support your child’s hard work!
Here is the Invention Convention Schedule--Tuesday, February 26, 2019:
- 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.:
- Mrs. Falcone’s Class
- Ms. Diaz’s Class
- Wr. Willhoit’s Class
- 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
- Mrs. Papanicolaou’s Class
- Miss Kelly’s Class
- Miss Felix’s Class
In Math, we are currently on our sixth module. The sixth module is all about fractions! Students are learning how to add and subtract fractions with both related and unrelated denominators. Students are also learning how to add and subtract mixed numbers, while trying to find common denominators. Once students are able to show mastery of the fraction standards, we will continue and move forward with long division! We love math! Please remember that your fifth grade student should be practicing their basic multiplication and division facts every night.
In Science, we are continuing to learn about the sky. Our current guiding question is about shadows and why they change throughout the day. Students have been participating in several experiments and activities to test their hypotheses and predictions. Be sure to ask them about the lengths of shadows and why they appear different throughout the day. They are going to put on their scientist caps and track their own shadows throughout the day.
Thank you for being a partner with us in your child’s education! Together, we can make a difference!
5th Graders Celebrate Student Inventions Including Words!--Updated 1/16/2019
Happy New Year, 5th Grade Families! Welcome back to Westview Elementary School! All of the students returned eager to learn with a smile on their face.
In Reading, we introduced Frindle, which is about a fifth grade boy named Nick who is always getting in trouble. His teacher is very strict, and makes the class constantly check the dictionary. Nick gets the idea to make up words, and begins calling a pen by a new name. As we are reading Frindle, we are focusing on the importance of characterization, vocabulary acquisition, sequencing and comprehension. The students are also making text to self connections to the main characters of the book and are always engaged while reading. We will be going to see Frindle, the play, at the Metropolis Theater is Arlington Heights. Be on the lookout for the permission slip and more information! Please remember that your fifth grade student should be reading at least 20 minutes every night. We thank you for your support outside of the classroom.
In Social Studies we are continuing to discuss the Industrial Revolution. Students are learning about different inventions such as the reaper, water powered mill and railroad. We are also discussing the importance of an assembly line and why that made such a big impact on the industry. The students have imagined themselves as inventors and are so excited to participate in our 5th annual Invention Convention. The Invention Convention will take place on Tuesday, February 26, 2019. Please note that there will be two different sessions.
In Math, we are moving forward with decimal fractions and 2D shapes! Students will be using the standard algorithm to add and subtract decimal fractions. Students will learn that the written procedure for subtracting decimal fractions, or “lining up the decimal places,” ensures students are subtracting like quantities instead of treating a tenth as a hundredth through misalignment. Students will also be reviewing parallelograms and exploring quadrilaterals and triangles. Moby Max and Khan Academy are great resources that your child can use to practice outside of the classroom.
Here are some things that you can do at home to help your child practice with 2D shapes:
Thank you for being a partner with us in your child’s education. Together, we can make a difference!
In Reading, we introduced Frindle, which is about a fifth grade boy named Nick who is always getting in trouble. His teacher is very strict, and makes the class constantly check the dictionary. Nick gets the idea to make up words, and begins calling a pen by a new name. As we are reading Frindle, we are focusing on the importance of characterization, vocabulary acquisition, sequencing and comprehension. The students are also making text to self connections to the main characters of the book and are always engaged while reading. We will be going to see Frindle, the play, at the Metropolis Theater is Arlington Heights. Be on the lookout for the permission slip and more information! Please remember that your fifth grade student should be reading at least 20 minutes every night. We thank you for your support outside of the classroom.
In Social Studies we are continuing to discuss the Industrial Revolution. Students are learning about different inventions such as the reaper, water powered mill and railroad. We are also discussing the importance of an assembly line and why that made such a big impact on the industry. The students have imagined themselves as inventors and are so excited to participate in our 5th annual Invention Convention. The Invention Convention will take place on Tuesday, February 26, 2019. Please note that there will be two different sessions.
- 10:30am-12:00pm: Mrs. Falcone’s, Ms. Diaz’s and Wr. Willhoit’s 5th grade classes
- 1:30pm-3:00 p.m.: Mrs. Papanicolaou’s, Miss Kelly’s and Miss Felix’s 5th grade classes
In Math, we are moving forward with decimal fractions and 2D shapes! Students will be using the standard algorithm to add and subtract decimal fractions. Students will learn that the written procedure for subtracting decimal fractions, or “lining up the decimal places,” ensures students are subtracting like quantities instead of treating a tenth as a hundredth through misalignment. Students will also be reviewing parallelograms and exploring quadrilaterals and triangles. Moby Max and Khan Academy are great resources that your child can use to practice outside of the classroom.
Here are some things that you can do at home to help your child practice with 2D shapes:
- Help your child identify parallelograms in your own home!
- Examples may include, floor tiles, business logos, stripes in a parking lot, building layouts, windows in the bedroom, etc.
Thank you for being a partner with us in your child’s education. Together, we can make a difference!
5th Graders to Prepare for Invention Convention after Winter Break--Updated 12/18
The 5th graders will soon be busy preparing the for the Invention Convention. The 7th Annual Invention Convention will take place in two sessions at Westview School and the date will be announced when we return from winter break.
This is a phenomenal, culminating event that the students will be participating in. They will be working hard to research inventors and the invention process. They will brainstorm problems that they would like to see solved and choose an idea for an invention that will solve one of the issues. As your child begins the actual process of inventing, your continued interest and encouragement will be greatly appreciated. Remind your child that although inventors often experience failure along the way, they remain persistent and keep trying in order to become successful.
In Science, the students just began a new unit called Observing the Stars. They will learn about the sun and brightness of different stars in the solar system. Students will create their own star models to show the relative difference from each star. Students will read fiction and non-fiction science passages and practice their comprehension skills. At the end of the unit, students will be responsible for completing a claim evidence reasoning (CER) writing piece to show their understanding.
In Language Arts, the students have been focusing on the comprehension skills of cause/effect and problem/solution while reading The Lorax and The Big Idea. Students will be assessed by writing a friendly letter to help Thneedville survive! Students have been involved in reading and writing about past inventions that have changed society and the importance of the invention.
In Math, we finished our third module on multi-digit multiplication using the standard algorithm. We have now moved forward with our fourth module which includes ordering and comparing fractions. The students are also expected to convert improper fractions to mixed numbers. It is vital for the students to know their multiplication facts. Please encourage your child to practice their facts every night for 10 minutes. They can use MobyMax Fact Fluency or make flashcards as well!
The fifth graders just finished taking their Winter MAP assessments and scores will be shared when we return from winter break. Please review these scores with your child and celebrate their wonderful accomplishments. Many students showed growth and were very proud of themselves. Way to go, fifth graders!
We hope that you all have a wonderful holiday season with your family and friends!
This is a phenomenal, culminating event that the students will be participating in. They will be working hard to research inventors and the invention process. They will brainstorm problems that they would like to see solved and choose an idea for an invention that will solve one of the issues. As your child begins the actual process of inventing, your continued interest and encouragement will be greatly appreciated. Remind your child that although inventors often experience failure along the way, they remain persistent and keep trying in order to become successful.
In Science, the students just began a new unit called Observing the Stars. They will learn about the sun and brightness of different stars in the solar system. Students will create their own star models to show the relative difference from each star. Students will read fiction and non-fiction science passages and practice their comprehension skills. At the end of the unit, students will be responsible for completing a claim evidence reasoning (CER) writing piece to show their understanding.
In Language Arts, the students have been focusing on the comprehension skills of cause/effect and problem/solution while reading The Lorax and The Big Idea. Students will be assessed by writing a friendly letter to help Thneedville survive! Students have been involved in reading and writing about past inventions that have changed society and the importance of the invention.
In Math, we finished our third module on multi-digit multiplication using the standard algorithm. We have now moved forward with our fourth module which includes ordering and comparing fractions. The students are also expected to convert improper fractions to mixed numbers. It is vital for the students to know their multiplication facts. Please encourage your child to practice their facts every night for 10 minutes. They can use MobyMax Fact Fluency or make flashcards as well!
The fifth graders just finished taking their Winter MAP assessments and scores will be shared when we return from winter break. Please review these scores with your child and celebrate their wonderful accomplishments. Many students showed growth and were very proud of themselves. Way to go, fifth graders!
We hope that you all have a wonderful holiday season with your family and friends!
5th Graders Engage in Inventive Thinking Unit for Second Trimester--Updated 11/27
As we begin the second trimester of 5th grade, the theme is "Inventive Thinking" for Language Arts. We will be reading The Lorax and Frindle. While reading Frindle, the students will become quite familiar with the main characters and they will use text evidence to support their reasons for describing the characters with certain traits. In February, we will go on a field trip to see the play Frindle at the Metropolis Centre in Arlington Heights. Permission slips will be sent home at the end of January!
While reading The Lorax, the students will analyze the different vocabulary that is used in the text and how one invention can lead to great success and negative impacts at the same time. We will also be reading What is the Big Idea? which focuses on real-world problems that people have faced in the past and how they worked on inventing something to solve that problem. We will also focus on problem-solution relationships, identifying the problem and coming up with a solution to the problem. Each child should be reading for at least 20 minutes every night.
In Math, the students will be working on fractions and converting between common fractions and mixed numbers. Students will also be working on word problems involving mass and capacity. Students should continue to work on their fact fluency daily and be working on their differentiated lessons on Khan Academy or MobyMax. MAP testing is right around the corner!
In Science, the students are currently working in groups researching different decomposers, fungi, bacteria and worms. Each group will be creating a Google Slide presentation and teaching their classmates about the decomposer that they researched. We look forward to learning about what plants really need to grow--sunlight, water, air, or soil? Ask your child for the details on our science experiment!
In Social Studies, we will begin our unit of study of the Industrial Revolution. We will gain background knowledge about how and where the Industrial Revolution started. We will learn about inventions that changed the world, like the vacuum. We will also compare and contrast inventions in the past to current inventions.
The Inventive Thinking unit will culminate with the 5th grade Invention Convention. The date is to be determined. The students will be asked to create an invention and will need to make a prototype of the invention. Please note that the construction of the prototype will need to take place at home. Please ask your child about their invention and what they need in order to construct the prototype at home. As always please contact your child’s teacher at anytime if you have questions regarding this project. More information to come!
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:
Winter Concert Tuesday, December 11, 2018. There will be two performances.
Tuesday, December 4, 2018 Robert Crown--Life Begins Presentation
*A permission slip and information will be sent home with your student. The cost is $8.00 and no child will be permitted to attend without a signed permission slip.
The 5th graders will be taking their winter MAP tests on Monday, December 10 and Wednesday, December 12. Please ensure that your child gets rest and eats a healthy breakfast to help them stay focused and do their best on the MAP tests. Attendance is key this entire week in order to provide your child with enough time to complete the assessment to the best of their ability!
With the winter in full blast, please make sure that your child is prepared with a winter jacket, hat, gloves and boots. Should you ever have any questions, please reach out to your child’s fifth grade teacher. Thank you for your ongoing support of Westview School.
While reading The Lorax, the students will analyze the different vocabulary that is used in the text and how one invention can lead to great success and negative impacts at the same time. We will also be reading What is the Big Idea? which focuses on real-world problems that people have faced in the past and how they worked on inventing something to solve that problem. We will also focus on problem-solution relationships, identifying the problem and coming up with a solution to the problem. Each child should be reading for at least 20 minutes every night.
In Math, the students will be working on fractions and converting between common fractions and mixed numbers. Students will also be working on word problems involving mass and capacity. Students should continue to work on their fact fluency daily and be working on their differentiated lessons on Khan Academy or MobyMax. MAP testing is right around the corner!
In Science, the students are currently working in groups researching different decomposers, fungi, bacteria and worms. Each group will be creating a Google Slide presentation and teaching their classmates about the decomposer that they researched. We look forward to learning about what plants really need to grow--sunlight, water, air, or soil? Ask your child for the details on our science experiment!
In Social Studies, we will begin our unit of study of the Industrial Revolution. We will gain background knowledge about how and where the Industrial Revolution started. We will learn about inventions that changed the world, like the vacuum. We will also compare and contrast inventions in the past to current inventions.
The Inventive Thinking unit will culminate with the 5th grade Invention Convention. The date is to be determined. The students will be asked to create an invention and will need to make a prototype of the invention. Please note that the construction of the prototype will need to take place at home. Please ask your child about their invention and what they need in order to construct the prototype at home. As always please contact your child’s teacher at anytime if you have questions regarding this project. More information to come!
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:
Winter Concert Tuesday, December 11, 2018. There will be two performances.
- 1st Performance 6:30pm-Willhoit, Papanicolaou, Felix
- 2nd Performance 7:40pm- Diaz, Falcone, Kelly
Tuesday, December 4, 2018 Robert Crown--Life Begins Presentation
*A permission slip and information will be sent home with your student. The cost is $8.00 and no child will be permitted to attend without a signed permission slip.
The 5th graders will be taking their winter MAP tests on Monday, December 10 and Wednesday, December 12. Please ensure that your child gets rest and eats a healthy breakfast to help them stay focused and do their best on the MAP tests. Attendance is key this entire week in order to provide your child with enough time to complete the assessment to the best of their ability!
With the winter in full blast, please make sure that your child is prepared with a winter jacket, hat, gloves and boots. Should you ever have any questions, please reach out to your child’s fifth grade teacher. Thank you for your ongoing support of Westview School.
Fifth Graders Explore Westward Expansion and Life of Settlers--updated 10/15/18
It is hard to believe that the first semester is halfway over and the students have been so busy learning. In Reading, 5th graders will be finishing their unit “One Land, Many Trails”. We are reading Family Apart, a historical fiction book in which a mother makes many sacrifices in order for her six children to have a better life. This novel focuses on many cause/effect relationships and the students have been making inferences along with those relationships. This unit also relates to our Social Studies unit in which early explorers are settling in new areas west of the United States. Making connections with the content area is beneficial to learning.
In order to continue strengthening your child’s informational text, consider using the following websites: All of these sites can be located in your child’s Clever account, using their chromebooks. Ask them to show you around the portal!
In Social Studies, students have been learning about moving west during the Westward Expansion period and are discussing some of the challenges and losses explorers faced. They will be creating Westward Expansion posters trying to persuade settlers to go to a particular area in the west using specific criteria. The areas being studied include Oregon, Ohio, California, and The Great Plains. We will be wrapping-up this unit in the next few weeks and moving on to the Industrial Revolution. Look out for your child to be sharing what they’ve learned about the various inventions during this time. They will be learning about the assembly lines and how they made changes in the economy.
In Math, students have been using the standard algorithm to multiply up to four-digit numbers and solving multiplication word problems. Students will use centimeter cubes to measure volume as well as multiplication to calculate the volume. It is very important for your child to master their multiplication facts. Please encourage your child to practice their facts for at least 10 minutes each night. If you could benefit from using flash cards, please let your child’s teacher know!
In Science, we are working on a unit called Energy Transfer. Students have been dissecting owl pellets to figure out how owls get their energy and what they eat. Now, we are going to discuss the difference between producers, consumers and decomposers. The students will all participate in a research project and work together to talk about the importance of fungi, bacteria and worms! Eeek!
Below are some pictures from Outdoor Education! We had an absolute blast and lucked out with great weather. You can still see our tweets from the trip using the hashtag #wvoe on Twitter! Check it out!
We look forward to seeing you at conferences in November! Be on the lookout for conference information coming home from your child’s teacher in their take home folder. Conferences will be held on Monday, November 19 from 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. and Tuesday, November 20 from 12:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Thank you for your ongoing support of Westview Elementary School. As always, feel free to contact your child’s teacher with any questions!
--The Fifth Grade Team
In order to continue strengthening your child’s informational text, consider using the following websites: All of these sites can be located in your child’s Clever account, using their chromebooks. Ask them to show you around the portal!
In Social Studies, students have been learning about moving west during the Westward Expansion period and are discussing some of the challenges and losses explorers faced. They will be creating Westward Expansion posters trying to persuade settlers to go to a particular area in the west using specific criteria. The areas being studied include Oregon, Ohio, California, and The Great Plains. We will be wrapping-up this unit in the next few weeks and moving on to the Industrial Revolution. Look out for your child to be sharing what they’ve learned about the various inventions during this time. They will be learning about the assembly lines and how they made changes in the economy.
In Math, students have been using the standard algorithm to multiply up to four-digit numbers and solving multiplication word problems. Students will use centimeter cubes to measure volume as well as multiplication to calculate the volume. It is very important for your child to master their multiplication facts. Please encourage your child to practice their facts for at least 10 minutes each night. If you could benefit from using flash cards, please let your child’s teacher know!
In Science, we are working on a unit called Energy Transfer. Students have been dissecting owl pellets to figure out how owls get their energy and what they eat. Now, we are going to discuss the difference between producers, consumers and decomposers. The students will all participate in a research project and work together to talk about the importance of fungi, bacteria and worms! Eeek!
Below are some pictures from Outdoor Education! We had an absolute blast and lucked out with great weather. You can still see our tweets from the trip using the hashtag #wvoe on Twitter! Check it out!
We look forward to seeing you at conferences in November! Be on the lookout for conference information coming home from your child’s teacher in their take home folder. Conferences will be held on Monday, November 19 from 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. and Tuesday, November 20 from 12:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Thank you for your ongoing support of Westview Elementary School. As always, feel free to contact your child’s teacher with any questions!
--The Fifth Grade Team
5th Graders Enjoy Learning Across Subject Areas--Updated 9/13/2018
Fifth graders have been busy getting back into the swing of things. As routines have been put into place and expectations have been discussed, students are excited for another school year at Westview School.
Social Emotional
All classrooms will be starting the Second Step lessons during our morning meetings. Through daily class lessons students will learn and reinforce the social skills needed in order to increase student success and decrease problem behaviors. The program promotes social-emotional competence and self-regulation skills. In fifth grade we focus on three main topics: Empathy, Calming Down, and Problem Solving Steps. Be sure to look for home links and ask your child about what she/he is learning in these lessons.
Reading & Social Studies Connection
Our first cross curricular theme we study is One Land Many Trails. This theme discusses the many ways in which people continued to settle in the United States of America. Students begin by reading a diary account of a young lady who travels from Illinois to California, in a story called Rachel’s Journal. The story further details the many challenges the family faces along the way. We are also going to be reading Family Apart, a historical fiction book in which a mother makes many sacrifices in order for her six children to have a better life. This novel focuses on many cause and effect relationships that provide the students with an opportunity to use their inferencing skills. This theme is perfectly connected to our social studies unit about Westward Expansion. Students travel along with Lewis and Clark to discover their many contributions to life today. Students are asked to write their own creative journal entry as if they were truly on board the journey through the Louisiana Purchase. Finally, some sites students can work on from home to help them improve their comprehension of informational text and literature skills include;
Science
We are busy preparing for our upcoming Outdoor Education trip to Lorado Taft Campus in Oregon, Illinois. Our first unit will be Energy Transfer within Physical Science. Students will use models to describe a phenomenon that includes the idea that energy in animals’ food was once energy from the sun. Students will dissect owl pellets to figure out how they get their energy and what they eat. Students will also identify and describe the components of the model that are relevant for describing the phenomenon, including: Energy, The Sun, Animals, including their bodily functions (e.g., body repair, growth, motion, body warmth maintenance). Second, the students will identify and describe the relevant relationships between components, including:
Outdoor Education
Access the supply list here!
The teachers greatly appreciate the questions students and parents are asking to help prepare for our annual Outdoor Education trip. Remember you can find more information about Lorado Taft here : www.niu.edu/taft . Please turn in the health form and permission slip as soon as possible. They were due September 12th. The dates of the program are as follows: Wednesday, October 3rd- Friday, October 5th. It is a three day, two night event.
If you should have any remaining questions regarding Outdoor Education, please reach out to your child’s teacher or call the school office at 630-766-8040 to speak with Mrs. Garcia or Mrs. Zuaznabar.
Thank you!--The Fifth Grade Teachers
Social Emotional
All classrooms will be starting the Second Step lessons during our morning meetings. Through daily class lessons students will learn and reinforce the social skills needed in order to increase student success and decrease problem behaviors. The program promotes social-emotional competence and self-regulation skills. In fifth grade we focus on three main topics: Empathy, Calming Down, and Problem Solving Steps. Be sure to look for home links and ask your child about what she/he is learning in these lessons.
Reading & Social Studies Connection
Our first cross curricular theme we study is One Land Many Trails. This theme discusses the many ways in which people continued to settle in the United States of America. Students begin by reading a diary account of a young lady who travels from Illinois to California, in a story called Rachel’s Journal. The story further details the many challenges the family faces along the way. We are also going to be reading Family Apart, a historical fiction book in which a mother makes many sacrifices in order for her six children to have a better life. This novel focuses on many cause and effect relationships that provide the students with an opportunity to use their inferencing skills. This theme is perfectly connected to our social studies unit about Westward Expansion. Students travel along with Lewis and Clark to discover their many contributions to life today. Students are asked to write their own creative journal entry as if they were truly on board the journey through the Louisiana Purchase. Finally, some sites students can work on from home to help them improve their comprehension of informational text and literature skills include;
- MobyMax Informational Text and Literature
- Benchmark Education
- ReadWorks
Science
We are busy preparing for our upcoming Outdoor Education trip to Lorado Taft Campus in Oregon, Illinois. Our first unit will be Energy Transfer within Physical Science. Students will use models to describe a phenomenon that includes the idea that energy in animals’ food was once energy from the sun. Students will dissect owl pellets to figure out how they get their energy and what they eat. Students will also identify and describe the components of the model that are relevant for describing the phenomenon, including: Energy, The Sun, Animals, including their bodily functions (e.g., body repair, growth, motion, body warmth maintenance). Second, the students will identify and describe the relevant relationships between components, including:
- The relationship between plants and the energy they get from sunlight to produce food.
- The relationship between food and the energy and materials that animals require for bodily functions (e.g., body repair, growth, motion, body warmth maintenance).
- The relationship between animals and the food they eat, which is either other animals or plants (or both), to obtain energy for bodily functions and materials for growth and repair.
Outdoor Education
Access the supply list here!
The teachers greatly appreciate the questions students and parents are asking to help prepare for our annual Outdoor Education trip. Remember you can find more information about Lorado Taft here : www.niu.edu/taft . Please turn in the health form and permission slip as soon as possible. They were due September 12th. The dates of the program are as follows: Wednesday, October 3rd- Friday, October 5th. It is a three day, two night event.
If you should have any remaining questions regarding Outdoor Education, please reach out to your child’s teacher or call the school office at 630-766-8040 to speak with Mrs. Garcia or Mrs. Zuaznabar.
Thank you!--The Fifth Grade Teachers
5th Graders Maintain Academic Rigor During Transition Prep.--Updated 5/22/18
In Language Arts, for our last unit, we have been exploring Clues to a Culture, which focuses on reading literature about Ancient Egypt and Greece. Students will perform a Reader’s Theater play about mummies, in the classroom. The writing piece we have focused on is a persuasive essay. Students will begin by persuading their classmates about the best pet to have. After, students will then be working on a persuasive piece about zoos and will need to research and decide on a stance on whether or not they are harmful or helpful to animals and communities. Students must use text evidence in order to defend their position on this topic.
In Social Studies we are continuing to explore ancient civilizations. We have been exploring the geography, government, and culture of Ancient Egypt. Recently we examined the social hierarchy of ancient Egypt and its connections to personal structures. After the students have learned about Egypt, we will discuss Ancient Greece and how their government has influenced the government in the United States, today. Our trip to the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago to enrich the students’ learning of these civilizations was amazing. The weather allowed us to eat in the quad and a tremendous amount of connections to our text occurred!
In Science, we are continuing to study objects in the Sky. In this unit, students are expected to represent data in graphical displays to reveal patterns of daily changes in length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the seasonal appearance of some stars in the night sky.
In Math, we our concluding the year with Origo Module 9. Module 9 covers topics such as: finding a fraction of a whole number, multiplying common fractions and solving word problems. The 5th Grade teachers highly suggest having your child reinforce their mathematical practices and skills by using MobyMax and Khan, every night. This will help prepare your child for Junior High.
The fifth grade teachers request kindly that you continue to keep family/home routines until the conclusion of the school year. It is important that the students continue to get a good night’s rest and come to school prepared daily.
Upcoming Dates for 5th Graders:
May 21st--5th Grade WDJH orientation
May 24th--5th Grade picnic at Franzen Grove
May 24th--Wood Dale School District 7 Spring Band Concert
May 30th--5th Grade Recognition Day Field Trip
May 29th--Student Device(Chromebook) Collection Day
May 31st-- WV Field Day
June 1st --Last day of school and All School sing-a-long
In Social Studies we are continuing to explore ancient civilizations. We have been exploring the geography, government, and culture of Ancient Egypt. Recently we examined the social hierarchy of ancient Egypt and its connections to personal structures. After the students have learned about Egypt, we will discuss Ancient Greece and how their government has influenced the government in the United States, today. Our trip to the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago to enrich the students’ learning of these civilizations was amazing. The weather allowed us to eat in the quad and a tremendous amount of connections to our text occurred!
In Science, we are continuing to study objects in the Sky. In this unit, students are expected to represent data in graphical displays to reveal patterns of daily changes in length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the seasonal appearance of some stars in the night sky.
In Math, we our concluding the year with Origo Module 9. Module 9 covers topics such as: finding a fraction of a whole number, multiplying common fractions and solving word problems. The 5th Grade teachers highly suggest having your child reinforce their mathematical practices and skills by using MobyMax and Khan, every night. This will help prepare your child for Junior High.
The fifth grade teachers request kindly that you continue to keep family/home routines until the conclusion of the school year. It is important that the students continue to get a good night’s rest and come to school prepared daily.
Upcoming Dates for 5th Graders:
May 21st--5th Grade WDJH orientation
May 24th--5th Grade picnic at Franzen Grove
May 24th--Wood Dale School District 7 Spring Band Concert
May 30th--5th Grade Recognition Day Field Trip
May 29th--Student Device(Chromebook) Collection Day
May 31st-- WV Field Day
June 1st --Last day of school and All School sing-a-long
Fifth Graders Cite Evidence to Support Persuasive Writing--Updated 4/18/2018
In Language Arts, we are in the process of completing our Earth, Wind and Fire unit. The students have been reading informational texts about different natural disasters that occur around the world. They even created natural disaster brochures that are on display! Be sure to check them out during Westview’s Open House & Ice Cream Social on May 10th @6:30 p.m.
For our next and last unit, we will be exploring Clues to a Culture, which focuses on reading literature about Ancient Egypt and Greece. Students will perform a Reader’s Theater play about mummies, in the classroom. The next writing piece will be a persuasive essay. Students will begin by persuading their classmates about the best pet to have. Afterward, students will then be working on a persuasive piece about zoos and will need to research and decide on a stance on whether or not they are harmful or helpful to animals and communities. Students must use text evidence in order to defend their position on this topic.
In Social Studies we are continuing to explore ancient civilizations. We have been exploring Ancient Mesopotamia and the students were able to take the viewpoint of a Sumerian and create a diary entry explaining problems and solutions that occurred within the community. Moving forward, students will learn about geography, government, and culture of Ancient Egypt. After the students have learned about Egypt, we will discuss Ancient Greece and how their government has influenced the government in the United States, today. In May, we will take a field trip to the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago to enrich the students’ learning of these civilizations.
In Science, we finished our unit on Observing the Stars. We are explored how distance can affect the brightness of stars. Students built star models using a scale (and marshmallows) to show the relative distance from the Sun. Our next unit is called Objects in the Sky. In this unit, students will be expected to represent data in graphical displays to reveal patterns of daily changes in length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the seasonal appearance of some stars in the night sky.
In Math, we will begin Origo Module 8. Module 8 covers topics such as: finding a fraction of a whole number, multiplying common fractions and solving word problems. The 5th Grade teachers highly suggest having your child reinforce their mathematical practices and skills by using MobyMax and Khan, every night. This will help prepare your child for Junior High.
As we move through the middle of April, we will be finishing our PARCC state standardized testing. The students have done a great job of being prepared with a charged chromebook and headphones. Students have worked diligently on their tests, staying focused and using their time wisely. They should be very proud of themselves.
In May, the students will take their final MAP test of the year. MAP tests will take place the week of May 7th. The MAP tests are important and allow students to show growth throughout this school year. The results from the MAP tests are used in planning and placement for 6th grade at Wood Dale Junior High.
By working together, we can make your child’s test experience positive and successful.
Do you want to help your child succeed? Here are some tips & suggestions:
April 25th--5th Grade visits JH to see the Spring Musical
April 30th--Cultural Arts Assembly
May 7th & May 8th--MAP Testing
May 10th--WV Open House & Ice Cream Social @6:30 p.m.
May 15th--Field trip to University of Chicago (Parent Volunteers Needed)
May 24th--5th Grade Picnic
May 29th--Student Device(Chromebook) Collection Day
May 31st-- WV Field Day (Volunteers Needed)
For our next and last unit, we will be exploring Clues to a Culture, which focuses on reading literature about Ancient Egypt and Greece. Students will perform a Reader’s Theater play about mummies, in the classroom. The next writing piece will be a persuasive essay. Students will begin by persuading their classmates about the best pet to have. Afterward, students will then be working on a persuasive piece about zoos and will need to research and decide on a stance on whether or not they are harmful or helpful to animals and communities. Students must use text evidence in order to defend their position on this topic.
In Social Studies we are continuing to explore ancient civilizations. We have been exploring Ancient Mesopotamia and the students were able to take the viewpoint of a Sumerian and create a diary entry explaining problems and solutions that occurred within the community. Moving forward, students will learn about geography, government, and culture of Ancient Egypt. After the students have learned about Egypt, we will discuss Ancient Greece and how their government has influenced the government in the United States, today. In May, we will take a field trip to the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago to enrich the students’ learning of these civilizations.
In Science, we finished our unit on Observing the Stars. We are explored how distance can affect the brightness of stars. Students built star models using a scale (and marshmallows) to show the relative distance from the Sun. Our next unit is called Objects in the Sky. In this unit, students will be expected to represent data in graphical displays to reveal patterns of daily changes in length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the seasonal appearance of some stars in the night sky.
In Math, we will begin Origo Module 8. Module 8 covers topics such as: finding a fraction of a whole number, multiplying common fractions and solving word problems. The 5th Grade teachers highly suggest having your child reinforce their mathematical practices and skills by using MobyMax and Khan, every night. This will help prepare your child for Junior High.
As we move through the middle of April, we will be finishing our PARCC state standardized testing. The students have done a great job of being prepared with a charged chromebook and headphones. Students have worked diligently on their tests, staying focused and using their time wisely. They should be very proud of themselves.
In May, the students will take their final MAP test of the year. MAP tests will take place the week of May 7th. The MAP tests are important and allow students to show growth throughout this school year. The results from the MAP tests are used in planning and placement for 6th grade at Wood Dale Junior High.
By working together, we can make your child’s test experience positive and successful.
Do you want to help your child succeed? Here are some tips & suggestions:
- Make sure your child gets a good night's rest before the test
- Have your child eat a healthy breakfast
- Make sure your child arrives to school on time
- Encourage your child to relax and try their best
April 25th--5th Grade visits JH to see the Spring Musical
April 30th--Cultural Arts Assembly
May 7th & May 8th--MAP Testing
May 10th--WV Open House & Ice Cream Social @6:30 p.m.
May 15th--Field trip to University of Chicago (Parent Volunteers Needed)
May 24th--5th Grade Picnic
May 29th--Student Device(Chromebook) Collection Day
May 31st-- WV Field Day (Volunteers Needed)
5th Graders Analyze Ancient Civilizations & Compare to Today--Updated 3/15/2018
The fifth graders had a wonderful time attending the Metropolis Arts Centre to see Frindle in action and come to life! This was a great experience for students to compare and contrast the play to the book we had read. Students identified many similarities and differences between what they read and saw on stage and shared their ideas through a written conversation.
In Reading, students are exploring literature and informational text that have to do with nature and severe situations that occur in it. Students have been researching natural disasters and will be creating brochures that provide information on causes and effects, safety tips, and interesting facts.
We are continuing our study of ancient civilizations in Social Studies. We have been exploring Ancient Mesopotamia, and will also be learning about the land of the Nile in Egypt as well as Ancient Greece, in relationship to our current governmental system. The ancient civilizations units will be the entire last trimester for social studies. Students will learn about geography, government, and culture of all three units. In May, we will have an opportunity to take a field trip to the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago to enrich the students learning of these civilizations. Students will be “wrapped up” in fun throughout these units!
In Math, we finished up Module 6, practicing adding fractions with same, related, and unrelated denominators and using strategies to divide three and four digit numbers. Now in Module 7, students are working with the subtraction of mixed numbers, which involves related and unrelated denominators. Students must decompose a whole number to subtract the fractions or write both mixed numbers as improper fractions to make the subtraction easier. Students will also investigate the formal meaning of the numbers one billion and one trillion and use base-ten blocks and multiplication expressions to help them interpret using exponents.
Fifth graders have begun Youth Empowerment with Wood Dale Police Department School Resource Officer, Amy McCollum. She will be coming in for 5 lessons, teaching the students about self esteem, internet safety, how to live a drug-free life, and the effects of alcohol on health. The students will also have the opportunity to meet high school role models. We have currently had three of the five lessons and students are looking forward to the last two sessions.
As we move into April, students will be taking the PARCC test. This past month, students were exposed to the test and testing process when they took a practice test as a way to gain familiarity with the experience. In addition, students solved problems from the practice tests provided on the PARCC website. Students are being tested in the subject areas of Math and English Language Arts. They will be taking four Math and three ELA tests. By working together, we can make your child’s test experience positive and successful. Here are some suggestions that you can do to help your child succeed:
In Reading, students are exploring literature and informational text that have to do with nature and severe situations that occur in it. Students have been researching natural disasters and will be creating brochures that provide information on causes and effects, safety tips, and interesting facts.
We are continuing our study of ancient civilizations in Social Studies. We have been exploring Ancient Mesopotamia, and will also be learning about the land of the Nile in Egypt as well as Ancient Greece, in relationship to our current governmental system. The ancient civilizations units will be the entire last trimester for social studies. Students will learn about geography, government, and culture of all three units. In May, we will have an opportunity to take a field trip to the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago to enrich the students learning of these civilizations. Students will be “wrapped up” in fun throughout these units!
In Math, we finished up Module 6, practicing adding fractions with same, related, and unrelated denominators and using strategies to divide three and four digit numbers. Now in Module 7, students are working with the subtraction of mixed numbers, which involves related and unrelated denominators. Students must decompose a whole number to subtract the fractions or write both mixed numbers as improper fractions to make the subtraction easier. Students will also investigate the formal meaning of the numbers one billion and one trillion and use base-ten blocks and multiplication expressions to help them interpret using exponents.
Fifth graders have begun Youth Empowerment with Wood Dale Police Department School Resource Officer, Amy McCollum. She will be coming in for 5 lessons, teaching the students about self esteem, internet safety, how to live a drug-free life, and the effects of alcohol on health. The students will also have the opportunity to meet high school role models. We have currently had three of the five lessons and students are looking forward to the last two sessions.
As we move into April, students will be taking the PARCC test. This past month, students were exposed to the test and testing process when they took a practice test as a way to gain familiarity with the experience. In addition, students solved problems from the practice tests provided on the PARCC website. Students are being tested in the subject areas of Math and English Language Arts. They will be taking four Math and three ELA tests. By working together, we can make your child’s test experience positive and successful. Here are some suggestions that you can do to help your child succeed:
- Make sure your child gets a good night's rest before the test
- Have your child eat a healthy breakfast
- Make sure your child arrives at school on time
- Encourage your child to relax and try their best
Fifth Graders Excited for Final Trimester--Updated 2/27/18
In Social Studies, the Invention Convention has come to and end and we are so proud of the students. Thanks to all the families that were able to attend this fabulous event. This could not have been a success without the support of all the families in making sure each child’s prototype was complete. Above are some pictures to showcase their work!
The next units will be related to Ancient Civilizations which include Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece. Students will learn about their geographical features and how their government relates to today.
In Math, we are working with fractions and division to show how they are connected. Students will be adding common fractions and mixed numbers as well as dividing three- and four-digit dividends with one- and two-digit divisors. Students will gain a better understanding of fraction addition by visualizing it using area models and length models. These models help students identify which fractions should be rewritten to make the denominators the same, making the fractions easy to add.
Here are some ways you can help with math skills from home:
As we move into the upcoming months, students will be taking the PARCC test. Students will be exposed to the test format and testing process by taking a practice test as a way to gain familiarity with the experience. In addition, they will solve problems from the practice tests provided on the PARCC website. This website can be accessed from home and would be a great tool to help your child become more familiar with the PARCC test prior to starting on April 3rd.
The next units will be related to Ancient Civilizations which include Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece. Students will learn about their geographical features and how their government relates to today.
In Math, we are working with fractions and division to show how they are connected. Students will be adding common fractions and mixed numbers as well as dividing three- and four-digit dividends with one- and two-digit divisors. Students will gain a better understanding of fraction addition by visualizing it using area models and length models. These models help students identify which fractions should be rewritten to make the denominators the same, making the fractions easy to add.
Here are some ways you can help with math skills from home:
- Finding common denominators is a key skill when working with fractions. Say two numbers less than 12 (like 3 and 5) and ask your child to find a common multiple. For example, the multiples of 3 are 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and the multiples for 5 are 5, 10, 15. A common multiple for 3 and 5 is 15.
- Create pairs of cards that have a division expression on one card and the matching quotient, or answer, on the other card. Use these cards to play games like Memory.
As we move into the upcoming months, students will be taking the PARCC test. Students will be exposed to the test format and testing process by taking a practice test as a way to gain familiarity with the experience. In addition, they will solve problems from the practice tests provided on the PARCC website. This website can be accessed from home and would be a great tool to help your child become more familiar with the PARCC test prior to starting on April 3rd.
Frindle Among Favorite Fifth Grade Fiction Novels--Updated 1/22/2018
Happy New Year, 5th Grade Families!
Welcome back to Westview Elementary School! All of the students returned eager to learn with a smile on their face.
In reading, we introduced Frindle, which is about a fifth grade boy named Nick who is always getting in trouble. His teacher is very strict, and makes the class constantly check the dictionary. Nick gets the idea to make up words, and begins calling a pen by a new name. As we are reading Frindle, we are focusing on the importance of characterization, vocabulary acquisition, sequencing and comprehension. The students are also making text to self connections to the main characters of the book and are always engaged while reading. Please remember that your fifth grade student should be reading at least 20 minutes every night. We thank you for your support outside of the classroom.
In social studies we are continuing to discuss the Industrial Revolution. Students are learning about different inventions such as the reaper, water powered mill and railroad. We are also discussing the importance of an assembly line and why that made such a big impact on the industry. The students have imagined themselves as inventors and are so excited to participate in our 5th annual Invention Convention. The Invention Convention will take place on Tuesday, February 13, 2018. Please note that there will be two different sessions. The first session time is as follows for Mrs. Falcone’s and Ms. Diaz’s 5th grade classes: 10:15am-11:45am. The second session time is as follows for Mrs. Papanicolaou’s, Miss Kelly’s and Mr. Willhoit’s 5th grade classes: 1:30pm-3:00pm. There will be a formal invitation to follow. The students should have already started brainstorming their inventions and should soon begin to construct their prototype. Please ask your child about their invention and what they might need in order to construct the prototype at home. Should you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher.
In math we are moving forward with decimal fractions and 2D shapes! Students will be using the standard algorithm to add and subtract decimal fractions. Students will learn that the written procedure for subtracting decimal fractions, or “ lining up the decimal places,” ensures students are subtracting like quantities instead of treating a tenth as a hundredth through misalignment. Students will also be reviewing parallelograms and exploring quadrilaterals and triangles. Moby Max and Khan Academy are great resources that your child can use to practice, outside of the classroom.
Here are some things that you can do at home to help your child practice with 2D shapes:
Thank you for being a partner with us in your child’s education. Together, we can make a difference!
Welcome back to Westview Elementary School! All of the students returned eager to learn with a smile on their face.
In reading, we introduced Frindle, which is about a fifth grade boy named Nick who is always getting in trouble. His teacher is very strict, and makes the class constantly check the dictionary. Nick gets the idea to make up words, and begins calling a pen by a new name. As we are reading Frindle, we are focusing on the importance of characterization, vocabulary acquisition, sequencing and comprehension. The students are also making text to self connections to the main characters of the book and are always engaged while reading. Please remember that your fifth grade student should be reading at least 20 minutes every night. We thank you for your support outside of the classroom.
In social studies we are continuing to discuss the Industrial Revolution. Students are learning about different inventions such as the reaper, water powered mill and railroad. We are also discussing the importance of an assembly line and why that made such a big impact on the industry. The students have imagined themselves as inventors and are so excited to participate in our 5th annual Invention Convention. The Invention Convention will take place on Tuesday, February 13, 2018. Please note that there will be two different sessions. The first session time is as follows for Mrs. Falcone’s and Ms. Diaz’s 5th grade classes: 10:15am-11:45am. The second session time is as follows for Mrs. Papanicolaou’s, Miss Kelly’s and Mr. Willhoit’s 5th grade classes: 1:30pm-3:00pm. There will be a formal invitation to follow. The students should have already started brainstorming their inventions and should soon begin to construct their prototype. Please ask your child about their invention and what they might need in order to construct the prototype at home. Should you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher.
In math we are moving forward with decimal fractions and 2D shapes! Students will be using the standard algorithm to add and subtract decimal fractions. Students will learn that the written procedure for subtracting decimal fractions, or “ lining up the decimal places,” ensures students are subtracting like quantities instead of treating a tenth as a hundredth through misalignment. Students will also be reviewing parallelograms and exploring quadrilaterals and triangles. Moby Max and Khan Academy are great resources that your child can use to practice, outside of the classroom.
Here are some things that you can do at home to help your child practice with 2D shapes:
- Help your child identify parallelograms in your own home! Examples may include, floor tiles, business logos, stripes in a parking lot, building layouts, windows in the bedroom, etc.
Thank you for being a partner with us in your child’s education. Together, we can make a difference!
Fifth Graders Create Inventions to Make World a Better Place--Updated 12/19/17
The 5th graders will soon be busy preparing the for the Invention Convention. The 6th Annual Invention Convention will take place in 2 sessions at Westview School and the time/date will be confirmed when we return from holiday break.
This is a phenomenal culminating event to the research students will be doing about inventors and the invention process. They will be working hard brainstorming problems that they would like to see solved and choosing an idea for an invention that would solve one of the issues.
As your child begins the actual process of inventing when we return, your continued interest and encouragement will be immeasurable. We encourage parents to discuss the progress he or she will be making and any problems they encounter. Remind your child that although inventors often experience failure along the way, they remain persistent and keep trying and thinking of new ideas to solve a problem.
Language Arts, Reading and Writing, have also had a focus on technology. Students finished analyzing The Lorax. They were then assessed through all of the individual parts of writing a letter. Classes have also been involved in reading about past inventions that have changed society.
In Math, we finished our unit on multi digit multiplication utilizing the standard algorithm. We have now moved on to exploring volume and solving multi-step problems. 5th grade will then begin a comprehensive unit on ordering, adding/subtracting, and multiplying/dividing fractions. Students will be required to show the difference between mixed numbers and improper fractions. It is very important for them to know their multiplication facts. Please encourage your child to practice their facts for at least 10-15 minutes each night until mastery.
The fifth graders just finished taking their Winter NWEA Map tests, and scores will be shared when we return from the Holiday break. There was some fantastic growth this year by many of the students. Please review these scores with your child when they come home and celebrate their wonderful accomplishments.
We would like to wish all the families a happy holiday season. We look forward to seeing all of the students on Tuesday, January 9th, 2018!
This is a phenomenal culminating event to the research students will be doing about inventors and the invention process. They will be working hard brainstorming problems that they would like to see solved and choosing an idea for an invention that would solve one of the issues.
As your child begins the actual process of inventing when we return, your continued interest and encouragement will be immeasurable. We encourage parents to discuss the progress he or she will be making and any problems they encounter. Remind your child that although inventors often experience failure along the way, they remain persistent and keep trying and thinking of new ideas to solve a problem.
Language Arts, Reading and Writing, have also had a focus on technology. Students finished analyzing The Lorax. They were then assessed through all of the individual parts of writing a letter. Classes have also been involved in reading about past inventions that have changed society.
In Math, we finished our unit on multi digit multiplication utilizing the standard algorithm. We have now moved on to exploring volume and solving multi-step problems. 5th grade will then begin a comprehensive unit on ordering, adding/subtracting, and multiplying/dividing fractions. Students will be required to show the difference between mixed numbers and improper fractions. It is very important for them to know their multiplication facts. Please encourage your child to practice their facts for at least 10-15 minutes each night until mastery.
The fifth graders just finished taking their Winter NWEA Map tests, and scores will be shared when we return from the Holiday break. There was some fantastic growth this year by many of the students. Please review these scores with your child when they come home and celebrate their wonderful accomplishments.
We would like to wish all the families a happy holiday season. We look forward to seeing all of the students on Tuesday, January 9th, 2018!
5th Graders Prepare to Explore Inventive Thinking Unit of Study--Updated 11/17/17
As we begin the second trimester of 5th grade, the theme is Inventive Thinking for Language Arts. We will be reading the books, The Lorax and Frindle. While reading Frindle, the students will become quite familiar with the main characters and they will use text evidence to support their reasons for describing the characters with certain traits.
While reading The Lorax, the students will analyze the different vocabulary that is used in the text and how one invention can lead to great success and negative impacts at the same time. We will also be reading What is the Big Idea?, which focuses on real-world problems that people have faced in the past. It also addresses how they worked on inventing something to solve that problem and how future generations improved the invention to solve the problem even better. We will also focus on problem-solution, identifying the problem and coming up with a solution to the problem. Each child should be reading for at least 20 minutes every night.
In Math, students will be working on fractions and converting between common fractions and mixed numbers. Students will also be working on word problems involving mass and capacity. Students will also be analyzing and interpreting line plots. Students should continue to work on their fact fluency daily and be working on their differentiated lessons on Khan Academy or MobyMax.
In Science the students are currently working in groups researching different decomposers, fungi, bacteria and worms. Each group will be creating a Google Slide presentation and teaching their classmates about the decomposer that they researched. We look forward to learning about what plants really need to grow, sunlight, water, air, or soil?
In Social Studies we will begin our unit of study of the Industrial Revolution. We will gain background knowledge about how and where the Industrial Revolution started. We will learn about inventions that changed the world, like the vacuum. We will also compare and contrast inventions in the past to current inventions.
The Inventive Thinking unit will culminate with the 5th grade Invention Convention which is tentatively set to take place at Westview School on Tuesday, February 13, 2018. The students will be asked to create an invention and need to make a prototype of the invention. The construction of the prototype will need to take place at home. Please ask your son/daughter about their invention and what they need in order to construct the prototype at home. As always please contact us at anytime if you have questions regarding this project.
Please mark your calendars for the annual winter concert! The Winter Concert will be held at Wood Dale Junior High on Tuesday, December 12, 2017. There will be two performances, the first performance will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will include Mrs. Papanicolaou’s and Mr. Willhoit’s classes and the second performance will begin at 7:40 p.m. and will include Ms. Diaz’s, Mrs. Falcone’s and Miss Kelly’s classes. Students should be practicing their music, and everything you need to know can be found HERE.
On Thursday, December 7, 2017 the 5th graders will participate in a presentation given by Robert Crown Health Education Center called Life Begins. A permission slip and information will be sent home with your student so please be looking for it. Students may not participate in the program without parent permission.
The 5th graders will also be taking their winter MAP tests on Monday, December 11th and Wednesday, December 13th. Please ensure that your student gets a good night’s sleep and eats a good breakfast, to help them stay focused and do their best on the MAP tests to show how much they've grown since August!
While reading The Lorax, the students will analyze the different vocabulary that is used in the text and how one invention can lead to great success and negative impacts at the same time. We will also be reading What is the Big Idea?, which focuses on real-world problems that people have faced in the past. It also addresses how they worked on inventing something to solve that problem and how future generations improved the invention to solve the problem even better. We will also focus on problem-solution, identifying the problem and coming up with a solution to the problem. Each child should be reading for at least 20 minutes every night.
In Math, students will be working on fractions and converting between common fractions and mixed numbers. Students will also be working on word problems involving mass and capacity. Students will also be analyzing and interpreting line plots. Students should continue to work on their fact fluency daily and be working on their differentiated lessons on Khan Academy or MobyMax.
In Science the students are currently working in groups researching different decomposers, fungi, bacteria and worms. Each group will be creating a Google Slide presentation and teaching their classmates about the decomposer that they researched. We look forward to learning about what plants really need to grow, sunlight, water, air, or soil?
In Social Studies we will begin our unit of study of the Industrial Revolution. We will gain background knowledge about how and where the Industrial Revolution started. We will learn about inventions that changed the world, like the vacuum. We will also compare and contrast inventions in the past to current inventions.
The Inventive Thinking unit will culminate with the 5th grade Invention Convention which is tentatively set to take place at Westview School on Tuesday, February 13, 2018. The students will be asked to create an invention and need to make a prototype of the invention. The construction of the prototype will need to take place at home. Please ask your son/daughter about their invention and what they need in order to construct the prototype at home. As always please contact us at anytime if you have questions regarding this project.
Please mark your calendars for the annual winter concert! The Winter Concert will be held at Wood Dale Junior High on Tuesday, December 12, 2017. There will be two performances, the first performance will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will include Mrs. Papanicolaou’s and Mr. Willhoit’s classes and the second performance will begin at 7:40 p.m. and will include Ms. Diaz’s, Mrs. Falcone’s and Miss Kelly’s classes. Students should be practicing their music, and everything you need to know can be found HERE.
On Thursday, December 7, 2017 the 5th graders will participate in a presentation given by Robert Crown Health Education Center called Life Begins. A permission slip and information will be sent home with your student so please be looking for it. Students may not participate in the program without parent permission.
The 5th graders will also be taking their winter MAP tests on Monday, December 11th and Wednesday, December 13th. Please ensure that your student gets a good night’s sleep and eats a good breakfast, to help them stay focused and do their best on the MAP tests to show how much they've grown since August!
5th Graders Connect Outdoor Education to Current Units--Updated 10/16/2017
It is hard to believe that the first semester is halfway over! The students have been so busy learning. In Reading, 5th graders will be finishing the unit entitled “One Land, Many Trails”. We are reading the novel, Family Apart, a historical fiction book in which a mother makes many sacrifices in order for her six children to have a better life. This novel focuses on many cause/effect relationships and the students have been making inferences along with those relationships.
This unit topic also relates to our Social Studies Unit in which early explorers are settling in new areas west of the United States. Making connections with the content area is beneficial to learning. Finally, some sites students can work on from home to help them improve their comprehension of informational text and literature skills include:
In Social Studies, students have been learning about moving west during the Westward Expansion Period and discussed some of the challenges/losses explorers faced. They will be creating Westward Expansion Posters trying to persuade settlers to go to a particular area in the west using specific criteria. The areas studied included Oregon, Ohio, California, and The Great Plains. The culminating activity in this unit will be to complete a simulation of the Oregon Trail and make decisions that could impact their lives as if they were in the 1800’s. We will be wrapping-up this unit in the next few weeks and moving on to the Industrial Revolution. Look for your child to be sharing knowledge about the various inventions during this time as well as learning about assembly lines and how they made changes in the economy.
In Math, students have been using the standard algorithm to multiply up to four-digit numbers and solving multiplication word problems. Students will use centimeter cubes to measure volume as well as multiplication to calculate the volume. It is very important for your child to know their multiplication facts. Please encourage your child to practice their facts for at least 10 minutes each night.
Now that we have returned from the Outdoor Education Program, we will continue working on our unit, Energy Transfer within Physical Science. Students have been dissecting owl pellets to figure out how owls get their energy and what they eat. Check out the pictures showing students planning and carrying out investigations about owl pellets to determine where their energy comes from.
Below you'll also see some pictures that we think you will enjoy, from our trip to Lorado Taft’s Outdoor Education Program.
We look forward to seeing you at conferences in November! Please make sure to schedule a time with your child’s teacher for either Monday, November 20 or Tuesday, November 21.
--The 5th Grade Teachers
This unit topic also relates to our Social Studies Unit in which early explorers are settling in new areas west of the United States. Making connections with the content area is beneficial to learning. Finally, some sites students can work on from home to help them improve their comprehension of informational text and literature skills include:
- Moby Max Informational Text and Literature
- DoGo News
- TweenTribune
- Benchmark Education
In Social Studies, students have been learning about moving west during the Westward Expansion Period and discussed some of the challenges/losses explorers faced. They will be creating Westward Expansion Posters trying to persuade settlers to go to a particular area in the west using specific criteria. The areas studied included Oregon, Ohio, California, and The Great Plains. The culminating activity in this unit will be to complete a simulation of the Oregon Trail and make decisions that could impact their lives as if they were in the 1800’s. We will be wrapping-up this unit in the next few weeks and moving on to the Industrial Revolution. Look for your child to be sharing knowledge about the various inventions during this time as well as learning about assembly lines and how they made changes in the economy.
In Math, students have been using the standard algorithm to multiply up to four-digit numbers and solving multiplication word problems. Students will use centimeter cubes to measure volume as well as multiplication to calculate the volume. It is very important for your child to know their multiplication facts. Please encourage your child to practice their facts for at least 10 minutes each night.
Now that we have returned from the Outdoor Education Program, we will continue working on our unit, Energy Transfer within Physical Science. Students have been dissecting owl pellets to figure out how owls get their energy and what they eat. Check out the pictures showing students planning and carrying out investigations about owl pellets to determine where their energy comes from.
Below you'll also see some pictures that we think you will enjoy, from our trip to Lorado Taft’s Outdoor Education Program.
We look forward to seeing you at conferences in November! Please make sure to schedule a time with your child’s teacher for either Monday, November 20 or Tuesday, November 21.
--The 5th Grade Teachers
Anticipation Building for 5th Grade Outdoor Education Program--Updated 9/15/2017
5th graders have been busy getting back into the swing of things. As routines have been put into place, and expectations have been discussed, students are showing lots of excitement for another school year at Westview School!
Social Emotional
All classrooms will be starting the Second Step lessons during our morning meetings. Through daily class lessons and follow-up students learn and reinforce the social skills needed in order to increase student success and decrease problem behaviors. The program promotes social-emotional competence and self-regulation skills. In fifth grade we focus on three main topics: Empathy, Calming Down, and Problem Solving Steps. Be sure to look for home links and ask your child about what she/he is learning in these lessons.
Reading & Social Studies Connection
Our first cross curricular theme we study is One Land Many Trail. This theme discusses the many ways in which people continued to settle in the United States of America. Students begin by reading a diary account of a young lady who travels from Illinois to California, in a story called Rachel’s Journal. The story further details the many challenges the family faces along the way. We are also going to be reading Family Apart, a historical fiction book in which a mother makes many sacrifices in order for her six children to have a better life. This novel focuses on many cause/effect relationships and the students have been making inferences along with those relationships. This theme is perfectly connected to our social studies unit about Westward Expansion. Students travel along with Lewis and Clark to discover their many contributions to life today. Students are asked to write their own creative journal entry as if they were truly on board the journey through the Louisiana Purchase. Finally, some sites students can work on from home to help them improve their comprehension of informational text and literature skills include;
Science
We are busy preparing for our upcoming Outdoor Education trip to Lorado Taft Campus in Oregon, Illinois. Our first unit will be Energy Transfer within Physical Science. Students will use models to describe a phenomenon that includes the idea that energy in animals’ food was once energy from the sun. Students will dissect owl pellets to figure out how they get their energy and what they eat. Students will also identify and describe the components of the model that are relevant for describing the phenomenon, including: Energy. The sun. Animals, including their bodily functions (e.g., body repair, growth, motion, body warmth maintenance). Second, the students will identify and describe the relevant relationships between components, including:
Outdoor Education
The teachers greatly appreciate the questions students and parents are asking to help prepare for our annual Outdoor Education trip. Remember you can find more information about Lorado Taft here : www.niu.edu/taft . Please turn in health form and permission slips as soon as possible. They were due September 13th. The following are key dates to remember for the trip:
Social Emotional
All classrooms will be starting the Second Step lessons during our morning meetings. Through daily class lessons and follow-up students learn and reinforce the social skills needed in order to increase student success and decrease problem behaviors. The program promotes social-emotional competence and self-regulation skills. In fifth grade we focus on three main topics: Empathy, Calming Down, and Problem Solving Steps. Be sure to look for home links and ask your child about what she/he is learning in these lessons.
Reading & Social Studies Connection
Our first cross curricular theme we study is One Land Many Trail. This theme discusses the many ways in which people continued to settle in the United States of America. Students begin by reading a diary account of a young lady who travels from Illinois to California, in a story called Rachel’s Journal. The story further details the many challenges the family faces along the way. We are also going to be reading Family Apart, a historical fiction book in which a mother makes many sacrifices in order for her six children to have a better life. This novel focuses on many cause/effect relationships and the students have been making inferences along with those relationships. This theme is perfectly connected to our social studies unit about Westward Expansion. Students travel along with Lewis and Clark to discover their many contributions to life today. Students are asked to write their own creative journal entry as if they were truly on board the journey through the Louisiana Purchase. Finally, some sites students can work on from home to help them improve their comprehension of informational text and literature skills include;
- Moby Max Informational Text and Literature
- TweenTribune
- Benchmark Education
Science
We are busy preparing for our upcoming Outdoor Education trip to Lorado Taft Campus in Oregon, Illinois. Our first unit will be Energy Transfer within Physical Science. Students will use models to describe a phenomenon that includes the idea that energy in animals’ food was once energy from the sun. Students will dissect owl pellets to figure out how they get their energy and what they eat. Students will also identify and describe the components of the model that are relevant for describing the phenomenon, including: Energy. The sun. Animals, including their bodily functions (e.g., body repair, growth, motion, body warmth maintenance). Second, the students will identify and describe the relevant relationships between components, including:
- The relationship between plants and the energy they get from sunlight to produce food.
- The relationship between food and the energy and materials that animals require for bodily functions (e.g., body repair, growth, motion, body warmth maintenance).
- The relationship between animals and the food they eat, which is either other animals or plants (or both), to obtain energy for bodily functions and materials for growth and repair.
Outdoor Education
The teachers greatly appreciate the questions students and parents are asking to help prepare for our annual Outdoor Education trip. Remember you can find more information about Lorado Taft here : www.niu.edu/taft . Please turn in health form and permission slips as soon as possible. They were due September 13th. The following are key dates to remember for the trip:
- September 22nd - Trips should be paid for in full
- September 27- Sept. 29th- 5th graders attend Outdoor Ed
Like Girls on the Run, 5th Graders Excited to "Finish Strong"--updated 5/15/2017
This past Saturday (5/13) the Girls on the Run participated in their 5K run. All of the girls finished the race! We would like to celebrate not just all the 5th grade girls involved in this, but Mrs. Marks and Mrs. Jennings for supervising this amazing program!
In 5th grade, we continue the study of ancient civilizations, moving from Mesopotamia to Ancient Egypt. As we conclude with Ancient Egypt we will begin to introduce Ancient Greece. Analyzing this ancient and profound culture we will compare many of it's civilization details to our modern day culture. There will be a concentration on democracy and how it developed during this time.
Students have spent quality time learning about space, planets, and stars in science. There have been many hands-on activities that have occurred and this is the teachers’ first year together fully using Stemscopes materials. Mrs. Falcone has brought many wonderful & creative ideas to the fifth grade team, which they have loved implementing.
The Annual Ice Cream Social was once again a very cool night for all who attended. The fifth grade chorus put on an amazing performance of three songs: Flanders Fields, Shenandoah, & Fireflies. The students, teachers, and staff were all so very proud to show off Westview! It is such a proud and fun evening for all families that are able to attend. One of the highlights of this wonderful evening is having Westview’s very own staff serving ice cream.
This upcoming week all Westview students begin their MAP testing to monitor our student growth and progress for the year. It is very important that all students get an excellent sleep the night before with a good breakfast before school.
The year is slowly coming to an end. Please discuss with your fifth graders the importance of finishing their time at Westview Elementary on a positive note and making smart choices. Everyone wants the conclusion of their time here at Westview, to be positive and special!
Important Dates to Remember!
In 5th grade, we continue the study of ancient civilizations, moving from Mesopotamia to Ancient Egypt. As we conclude with Ancient Egypt we will begin to introduce Ancient Greece. Analyzing this ancient and profound culture we will compare many of it's civilization details to our modern day culture. There will be a concentration on democracy and how it developed during this time.
Students have spent quality time learning about space, planets, and stars in science. There have been many hands-on activities that have occurred and this is the teachers’ first year together fully using Stemscopes materials. Mrs. Falcone has brought many wonderful & creative ideas to the fifth grade team, which they have loved implementing.
The Annual Ice Cream Social was once again a very cool night for all who attended. The fifth grade chorus put on an amazing performance of three songs: Flanders Fields, Shenandoah, & Fireflies. The students, teachers, and staff were all so very proud to show off Westview! It is such a proud and fun evening for all families that are able to attend. One of the highlights of this wonderful evening is having Westview’s very own staff serving ice cream.
This upcoming week all Westview students begin their MAP testing to monitor our student growth and progress for the year. It is very important that all students get an excellent sleep the night before with a good breakfast before school.
The year is slowly coming to an end. Please discuss with your fifth graders the importance of finishing their time at Westview Elementary on a positive note and making smart choices. Everyone wants the conclusion of their time here at Westview, to be positive and special!
Important Dates to Remember!
- May 15 MAP Starts for 5th grade and continues on Wednesday
- May 16 5th grade field trip to Oriental Museum--remember to bring a lunch
- May 19 5th grade picnic, please wear gym shoes
- May 22 WDJH parent orientation for 5th grade parents (6:30 p.m.)
- May 25 Band Concert.
- May 29 Memorial Day (No School)
- May 31 5th Grade Club Recognition Field Trip; 5th Grade Awards Assembly (Parents Invited)
- June 2nd is field day
- June 5th Last Day for Students
Busy Spring for 5th Grade Students Preparing for Transition--Updated 04/17/2017
The fifth graders enjoyed a presentation from a real-life storm chaser, named Jesse. He presented information to the students regarding the many tornadoes that he has chased and the data that he has collected regarding those tornadoes. School staff originally connected with him through Twitter 3 years ago!
He and his team of storm chasers created a device that had a camera embedded into it. Their hope was to get a tornado to pass over the camera and record what happens as the tornado passes over it. The camera was embedded into a concrete disk and the team tracked the path of a storm and were able to place the device in the path of a tornado and record the tornado as it passed over. The tornado was so strong that it tossed the concrete device over 500 yards, but the team was able to recover the device and look at the recording of the tornadic activity. Jesse even brought his storm chaser car for the students to look at and Jesse described all the different devices attached to his car for storm chasing. This was a great way to end our Earth, Wind and Fire unit!
In Language Arts we are exploring Clues to a Culture, which focuses on reading literature about Ancient Egypt and Greece. The students have all performed the Reader’s Theater play, Don’t Wake the Mummy. We are currently reading informational text in guided reading groups about Ancient Greece, while focusing on the skills of identifying main ideas and details. We will continue to read literature and informational texts about Ancient Egypt and Greece.
During our writing time, the students have begun to work on persuasive writing. Students are currently working on a writing piece about which pet is best, a cat or a dog. The students will then be working on a persuasive piece about Zoos--harmful or helpful? The students will be reading a variety of texts regarding the benefits or harmful effects of zoos on animals. Students will have to decide if zoos are harmful or helpful and use text evidence to defend their position.
In Social Studies we are continuing to explore ancient civilizations. We have been exploring Ancient Egypt. Students will learn about geography, government, and culture of Ancient Egypt. We also be studying Ancient Greece and how their government has influenced the government in the United States today. In May, we will have an opportunity to take a field trip to the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago to enrich student learning of these civilizations.
In Science, we have begun our unit on Observing the Stars. We are exploring how distance can affect the brightness of stars. All the students built star models using a scale to show the distance they are from the Sun. The students will be creating a safety cartoon explaining why we can look directly at other stars but not at the sun.
In Math, the students are finishing up the unit on subtracting decimals and graphing ordered pairs on coordinate planes. In our next unit we will be exploring division and different strategies to solve division problems. The students will also be working on measurement using the metric system, converting within the metric system and solving word problems involving the metric system.
As we move through the middle of the month of April, we will be finishing up our PARCC testing. The students have done a great job of being prepared with a charged chromebook and headphones. The students have worked diligently on their tests, staying focused and using their time wisely. In May, the students will also take their final MAP test of the year. MAP tests will take place the week of May 15th-May 19th. Please ask to look at your child’s assignment notebook for specific dates that their class will be testing. The MAP tests are very important for students to show their growth during this school year. The results from the MAP tests are also used in planning and placement for 6th grade.
By working together, we can make your child’s test experiences positive and successful. Here are some suggestions that you can do to help your child succeed:
As always, Westview’s teaching staff appreciates families’ efforts to prepare students for this time of year. We continue to be very proud of our students’ efforts.
There are many upcoming dates that are important for 5th graders as they transition to the Junior High for next year:
He and his team of storm chasers created a device that had a camera embedded into it. Their hope was to get a tornado to pass over the camera and record what happens as the tornado passes over it. The camera was embedded into a concrete disk and the team tracked the path of a storm and were able to place the device in the path of a tornado and record the tornado as it passed over. The tornado was so strong that it tossed the concrete device over 500 yards, but the team was able to recover the device and look at the recording of the tornadic activity. Jesse even brought his storm chaser car for the students to look at and Jesse described all the different devices attached to his car for storm chasing. This was a great way to end our Earth, Wind and Fire unit!
In Language Arts we are exploring Clues to a Culture, which focuses on reading literature about Ancient Egypt and Greece. The students have all performed the Reader’s Theater play, Don’t Wake the Mummy. We are currently reading informational text in guided reading groups about Ancient Greece, while focusing on the skills of identifying main ideas and details. We will continue to read literature and informational texts about Ancient Egypt and Greece.
During our writing time, the students have begun to work on persuasive writing. Students are currently working on a writing piece about which pet is best, a cat or a dog. The students will then be working on a persuasive piece about Zoos--harmful or helpful? The students will be reading a variety of texts regarding the benefits or harmful effects of zoos on animals. Students will have to decide if zoos are harmful or helpful and use text evidence to defend their position.
In Social Studies we are continuing to explore ancient civilizations. We have been exploring Ancient Egypt. Students will learn about geography, government, and culture of Ancient Egypt. We also be studying Ancient Greece and how their government has influenced the government in the United States today. In May, we will have an opportunity to take a field trip to the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago to enrich student learning of these civilizations.
In Science, we have begun our unit on Observing the Stars. We are exploring how distance can affect the brightness of stars. All the students built star models using a scale to show the distance they are from the Sun. The students will be creating a safety cartoon explaining why we can look directly at other stars but not at the sun.
In Math, the students are finishing up the unit on subtracting decimals and graphing ordered pairs on coordinate planes. In our next unit we will be exploring division and different strategies to solve division problems. The students will also be working on measurement using the metric system, converting within the metric system and solving word problems involving the metric system.
As we move through the middle of the month of April, we will be finishing up our PARCC testing. The students have done a great job of being prepared with a charged chromebook and headphones. The students have worked diligently on their tests, staying focused and using their time wisely. In May, the students will also take their final MAP test of the year. MAP tests will take place the week of May 15th-May 19th. Please ask to look at your child’s assignment notebook for specific dates that their class will be testing. The MAP tests are very important for students to show their growth during this school year. The results from the MAP tests are also used in planning and placement for 6th grade.
By working together, we can make your child’s test experiences positive and successful. Here are some suggestions that you can do to help your child succeed:
- Make sure your child gets a good night's rest before the test
- Have your child eat a healthy breakfast
- Make sure your child arrives at school on time
- Encourage your child to relax and try their best
As always, Westview’s teaching staff appreciates families’ efforts to prepare students for this time of year. We continue to be very proud of our students’ efforts.
There are many upcoming dates that are important for 5th graders as they transition to the Junior High for next year:
- On April 26th, we will be heading to the Junior High to see the spring musical performed by the Junior High choir students.
- The 5th grade picnic will be taking place on Friday May 19th. Parent volunteer forms for this day will be coming out soon.
- On May 22nd, 5th grade parents and students are invited to the Junior High for a tour and a chance to ask questions. (6:30 p.m.)
- Then on May 30th, the 5th grade will head to the Junior High for a tour of the building, a chance to meet with certain members of the staff and have the opportunity to to have questions answered. (During school day)
5th Graders Enjoy Special Activities to Enhance Learning--Updated 3/20/2017
The fifth graders had a wonderful time attending the Metropolis Arts Centre to see Frindle in action and come to life! This was a great experience for students to compare and contrast the play to the book. Students identified many similarities and differences between what they read and saw on stage and shared their ideas through a written conversation and letter-writing activity.
We are finishing up our current Language Art’s theme: Earth, Wind, Fire which includes reading stories having to do with nature and severe situations that occur in it. In Writing, students have been researching natural disasters and creating brochures that provide information on causes and effects, safety tips, and interesting facts.
We are continuing our study of ancient civilizations. We have been exploring Ancient Mesopotamia, and will also be learning about the land of the Nile in Egypt as well as Ancient Greece, in relationship to our current governmental system. The ancient civilizations units will be the entire last trimester for social studies. Students will learn about geography, government, and culture of all three regions. In May, we will have an opportunity to take a field trip to the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago to enrich the students' learning of these civilizations. Students will be “wrapped up” in fun throughout these units!
In Science, we just concluded our unit on Life Science and how energy transfers among producers, consumers, and decomposers. Earth and Space Science: Observing the Stars, is our next unit where students will explore how all stars range greatly in their distance from the the Earth and how the Sun is a star that appears larger and brighter than others star because of its distance. Students will have fun using marshmallows to create a scaled model to explain why some stars appear brighter and larger than other stars.
During the month of February, the fifth graders began a series of visits from the Wood Dale Public Library staff to conduct science experiments based on the foundations of STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math). The first lesson on electricity and circuits was awesome and the students look forward to the next two lessons. Also, during these classroom visits, books can be checked out from the Wood Dale Library!
Youth Empowerment was a great success with School Resource Liaison Officer McCollum. She taught powerful lessons about self-esteem, peer pressure, and the effects of drugs and alcohol on health. Students had the opportunity to meet high school role models and ask questions about junior high and high school. Meeting Officer Grant and Bane, the K-9, from the Wood Dale Police Department was also a hit with the 5th graders!
As we move into April, students will be taking the PARCC test. This past month, students were exposed to the test and testing process when they took a practice test as a way to gain familiarity with the experience. In addition, students solved problems from the practice tests provided on the PARCC website. Our students are being tested in the subject areas of Math and English Language Arts. They will be taking four Math and three ELA tests.
By working together, we can make your child’s test experience positive and successful. Here are some suggestions that you can do to help your child succeed:
We are finishing up our current Language Art’s theme: Earth, Wind, Fire which includes reading stories having to do with nature and severe situations that occur in it. In Writing, students have been researching natural disasters and creating brochures that provide information on causes and effects, safety tips, and interesting facts.
We are continuing our study of ancient civilizations. We have been exploring Ancient Mesopotamia, and will also be learning about the land of the Nile in Egypt as well as Ancient Greece, in relationship to our current governmental system. The ancient civilizations units will be the entire last trimester for social studies. Students will learn about geography, government, and culture of all three regions. In May, we will have an opportunity to take a field trip to the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago to enrich the students' learning of these civilizations. Students will be “wrapped up” in fun throughout these units!
In Science, we just concluded our unit on Life Science and how energy transfers among producers, consumers, and decomposers. Earth and Space Science: Observing the Stars, is our next unit where students will explore how all stars range greatly in their distance from the the Earth and how the Sun is a star that appears larger and brighter than others star because of its distance. Students will have fun using marshmallows to create a scaled model to explain why some stars appear brighter and larger than other stars.
During the month of February, the fifth graders began a series of visits from the Wood Dale Public Library staff to conduct science experiments based on the foundations of STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math). The first lesson on electricity and circuits was awesome and the students look forward to the next two lessons. Also, during these classroom visits, books can be checked out from the Wood Dale Library!
Youth Empowerment was a great success with School Resource Liaison Officer McCollum. She taught powerful lessons about self-esteem, peer pressure, and the effects of drugs and alcohol on health. Students had the opportunity to meet high school role models and ask questions about junior high and high school. Meeting Officer Grant and Bane, the K-9, from the Wood Dale Police Department was also a hit with the 5th graders!
As we move into April, students will be taking the PARCC test. This past month, students were exposed to the test and testing process when they took a practice test as a way to gain familiarity with the experience. In addition, students solved problems from the practice tests provided on the PARCC website. Our students are being tested in the subject areas of Math and English Language Arts. They will be taking four Math and three ELA tests.
By working together, we can make your child’s test experience positive and successful. Here are some suggestions that you can do to help your child succeed:
- Make sure your child gets a good night's rest before the test
- Have your child eat a healthy breakfast
- Make sure your child arrives at school on time
- Encourage your child to relax and try their best
Ancient Civilizations Next for Fifth Grade Exploration--Updated 02/20/2017
The Invention Convention was a great success and we wanted to thank all the families that helped their children in this process as well as visit us during the convention. It was wonderful to see parental support for this school event!
Fifth graders have begun Youth Empowerment. Wood Dale Police Department School Resource Officer, Amy McCollum will be coming in for 5 lessons, teaching the students about self-esteem, internet safety, how to live a drug-free life, and the effects of alcohol on health. The students will also have the opportunity to meet high school role models. We have already had one of the five lessons and look forward to the rest.
Next up in Social Studies, students will begin their journey to Ancient Mesopotamia. This ancient civilization is known to many as the “land between two rivers.” Through this unit, students will be expected to explain why the land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers was a good region for agriculture. They will also learn about the problems that Mesopotamians faced, and how they overcame the different challenges within their civilization. Students will investigate, and make connections with past technological developments, and the creation of ancient governments. From here, students will move on with their journey to learn about two other ancient civilizations that have impacted our present day lives.
One theme the students will explore deals with the “Power of Nature.” This theme appears throughout our Language Arts Unit and connects to science concepts. Students will read and write about different natural disasters and use their knowledge to create brochures.
In Math, students are working on the following skills for Module 5 of Origo.
• Comparing, ordering, rounding and adding decimal fractions
• Describing polygons by their angles
• Identifying parallelograms and exploring categories of quadrilaterals and triangles
They will learn how to compare and order decimal fractions with up to three decimal places (tenths, hundredths, and thousandths). They will accomplish this by thinking about where the decimal fractions would be on a number line. Next, students will use place value to compare like quantities. For example, they will be comparing 0.6 and 0.583 as thousandths (i.e. 0.600 and 0.583) which will help students see that 0.6 is greater than 0.583.
Here are some ideas for Math at Home:
• Create a set of cards showing the digits 0–9, shuffle the cards and place them face down. Take turns with your child to draw three cards and use the digits in order of selection to write a decimal fraction in the form 0.___ ___ ___. Compare the two decimal fractions to see which is greater. Be sure to ask how they know.
• Using the same digit cards, take five cards and create a decimal fraction addition sentence that is as close to 10 as possible (over or under). E.g. with the digits 1, 2, 5, 6, and 9, an addition sentence could be 9.6 + 0.521 = 11.21. Take turns with your child to see who can get the closest.
• Shopping for food or ordering in a restaurant is a natural time to practice addition with decimal fractions. Ask your child to mentally add the price of two items. Ask which strategy they used.
• Identify parallelograms in your home, neighborhood, or town. Some examples might include floor tiles, business logos, stripes in a parking lot, or patterns of windows on a building.
As we move into March, students will be preparing to take the PARCC test (early April). Students will be exposed to the test and testing process by taking a practice test as a way to gain familiarity with the experience. In addition, they will solve problems from the practice tests provided on the PARCC website. This website can be accessed from home and would be a great tool to help your child become more familiar with the PARCC test format.
Finally, feel free to preview student grades through PowerSchool now that the end of the second trimester is approaching. As always, thank you for your continued support from home!
Fifth graders have begun Youth Empowerment. Wood Dale Police Department School Resource Officer, Amy McCollum will be coming in for 5 lessons, teaching the students about self-esteem, internet safety, how to live a drug-free life, and the effects of alcohol on health. The students will also have the opportunity to meet high school role models. We have already had one of the five lessons and look forward to the rest.
Next up in Social Studies, students will begin their journey to Ancient Mesopotamia. This ancient civilization is known to many as the “land between two rivers.” Through this unit, students will be expected to explain why the land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers was a good region for agriculture. They will also learn about the problems that Mesopotamians faced, and how they overcame the different challenges within their civilization. Students will investigate, and make connections with past technological developments, and the creation of ancient governments. From here, students will move on with their journey to learn about two other ancient civilizations that have impacted our present day lives.
One theme the students will explore deals with the “Power of Nature.” This theme appears throughout our Language Arts Unit and connects to science concepts. Students will read and write about different natural disasters and use their knowledge to create brochures.
In Math, students are working on the following skills for Module 5 of Origo.
• Comparing, ordering, rounding and adding decimal fractions
• Describing polygons by their angles
• Identifying parallelograms and exploring categories of quadrilaterals and triangles
They will learn how to compare and order decimal fractions with up to three decimal places (tenths, hundredths, and thousandths). They will accomplish this by thinking about where the decimal fractions would be on a number line. Next, students will use place value to compare like quantities. For example, they will be comparing 0.6 and 0.583 as thousandths (i.e. 0.600 and 0.583) which will help students see that 0.6 is greater than 0.583.
Here are some ideas for Math at Home:
• Create a set of cards showing the digits 0–9, shuffle the cards and place them face down. Take turns with your child to draw three cards and use the digits in order of selection to write a decimal fraction in the form 0.___ ___ ___. Compare the two decimal fractions to see which is greater. Be sure to ask how they know.
• Using the same digit cards, take five cards and create a decimal fraction addition sentence that is as close to 10 as possible (over or under). E.g. with the digits 1, 2, 5, 6, and 9, an addition sentence could be 9.6 + 0.521 = 11.21. Take turns with your child to see who can get the closest.
• Shopping for food or ordering in a restaurant is a natural time to practice addition with decimal fractions. Ask your child to mentally add the price of two items. Ask which strategy they used.
• Identify parallelograms in your home, neighborhood, or town. Some examples might include floor tiles, business logos, stripes in a parking lot, or patterns of windows on a building.
As we move into March, students will be preparing to take the PARCC test (early April). Students will be exposed to the test and testing process by taking a practice test as a way to gain familiarity with the experience. In addition, they will solve problems from the practice tests provided on the PARCC website. This website can be accessed from home and would be a great tool to help your child become more familiar with the PARCC test format.
Finally, feel free to preview student grades through PowerSchool now that the end of the second trimester is approaching. As always, thank you for your continued support from home!
Fractions and Frindle Among Current 5th Grade Topics--Updated 1/11/2017
Happy New Year, 5th Grade Families!
Welcome back to Westview Elementary School! All of the students returned eager to learn with a smile on their face.
In Reading, we introduced Frindle, which is about a fifth grade boy named Nick who is always getting in trouble. His teacher is very strict, and makes the class constantly check the dictionary. Nick gets the idea to make up words, and begins calling a pen by a new name. As we are reading Frindle, we are focusing on the importance of characterization, vocabulary acquisition, sequencing and comprehension. The students are also making text to self connections with the main characters of the book and are always engaged while reading. Please remember that your fifth grade student should be reading at least 20 minutes every night. We thank you for your support outside of the classroom.
In Social Studies we are continuing to discuss the Industrial Revolution. Students are learning about different inventions such as the reaper, water powered mill and railroad. We are also discussing the importance of an assembly line and why that made such a big impact on the industry. The students have imagined themselves as inventors and are so excited to participate in our 4th annual Invention Convention. The Invention Convention will take place on Tuesday, January 31, 2017. Please note that there will be two different sessions:
In Math we are moving on to fractions! Students will be adding common fractions and mixed numbers while using the order of operations. Throughout this module, students will make sense of fraction addition through visualization using area and length models. These will help the students identify which fractions should be rewritten to make the denominators the same. Students will also learn about adding fractions that have unrelated denominators. Did you know that pizza is a great topic that relates well to fractions?!?! Next time you order a pizza, ask your child to have some fun with fractions!
In Science, we are learning about the basic needs of plants and animals. Students will learn that a healthy environment is one in which a variety of living and nonliving things provide for the basic needs of the environment’s organisms. When this happens, a web of interdependence among the environment’s organisms is established, and all the organisms have the resources needed to survive and thrive. The students are creating a 3D model of an animal’s habitat that contains different elements to meet the animal’s needs. When they have finished, they will create a presentation and share their discoveries with their classmates!
Thank you for being a partner with us in your child’s education. Together, we can make a difference!
Welcome back to Westview Elementary School! All of the students returned eager to learn with a smile on their face.
In Reading, we introduced Frindle, which is about a fifth grade boy named Nick who is always getting in trouble. His teacher is very strict, and makes the class constantly check the dictionary. Nick gets the idea to make up words, and begins calling a pen by a new name. As we are reading Frindle, we are focusing on the importance of characterization, vocabulary acquisition, sequencing and comprehension. The students are also making text to self connections with the main characters of the book and are always engaged while reading. Please remember that your fifth grade student should be reading at least 20 minutes every night. We thank you for your support outside of the classroom.
In Social Studies we are continuing to discuss the Industrial Revolution. Students are learning about different inventions such as the reaper, water powered mill and railroad. We are also discussing the importance of an assembly line and why that made such a big impact on the industry. The students have imagined themselves as inventors and are so excited to participate in our 4th annual Invention Convention. The Invention Convention will take place on Tuesday, January 31, 2017. Please note that there will be two different sessions:
- The first session time is 10:00-11:30 a.m. for Mrs. Falcone’s and Mrs. Papanicolaou’s classes
- The second session time is 1:30-3:00 p.m. for Ms. Kelly’s, Ms. Diaz’s and Mr. Willhoit’s classes.
In Math we are moving on to fractions! Students will be adding common fractions and mixed numbers while using the order of operations. Throughout this module, students will make sense of fraction addition through visualization using area and length models. These will help the students identify which fractions should be rewritten to make the denominators the same. Students will also learn about adding fractions that have unrelated denominators. Did you know that pizza is a great topic that relates well to fractions?!?! Next time you order a pizza, ask your child to have some fun with fractions!
In Science, we are learning about the basic needs of plants and animals. Students will learn that a healthy environment is one in which a variety of living and nonliving things provide for the basic needs of the environment’s organisms. When this happens, a web of interdependence among the environment’s organisms is established, and all the organisms have the resources needed to survive and thrive. The students are creating a 3D model of an animal’s habitat that contains different elements to meet the animal’s needs. When they have finished, they will create a presentation and share their discoveries with their classmates!
Thank you for being a partner with us in your child’s education. Together, we can make a difference!
Creative Inventions to Make the World a Better Place--Updated 12/20/2016
The 5th graders will soon be busy preparing the for the Invention Convention. The 4th Annual Invention Convention will take place in 2 sessions at Westview School and the time/date will be announced when we return from holiday break.
This is a phenomenal culminating event to the research students will be doing about inventors and the invention process. They will be working hard brainstorming problems that they would like to see solved and choosing an idea for an invention that would solve one of the issues. As your child begins the actual process of inventing when we return, your continued interest and encouragement will be immeasurable. Discuss the progress he or she will be making and any problems they encounter. Remind your child that although inventors often experience failure along the way, they remain persistent and keep trying and thinking of new ideas to solve a problem.
In Math, we finished our unit on multi digit multiplication, long division, and adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. We have now moved on to exploring volume and solving multi-step problems. 5th grade will then begin a very elaborate unit on ordering, adding/subtracting, and multiplying/dividing fractions. It is very important for them to know their multiplication facts. Please encourage your child to practice their facts for at least 10-15 minutes each night.
Westview school participated in, “The Hour of Code” on Friday December 9th. This is a national event encouraging students across the country to begin to write code for computers. Computer science drives the United States economy and is a potential path to the future.
We would like to wish all the families a happy holiday season. We look forward to seeing all the students on Tuesday, January 3rd!
This is a phenomenal culminating event to the research students will be doing about inventors and the invention process. They will be working hard brainstorming problems that they would like to see solved and choosing an idea for an invention that would solve one of the issues. As your child begins the actual process of inventing when we return, your continued interest and encouragement will be immeasurable. Discuss the progress he or she will be making and any problems they encounter. Remind your child that although inventors often experience failure along the way, they remain persistent and keep trying and thinking of new ideas to solve a problem.
In Math, we finished our unit on multi digit multiplication, long division, and adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. We have now moved on to exploring volume and solving multi-step problems. 5th grade will then begin a very elaborate unit on ordering, adding/subtracting, and multiplying/dividing fractions. It is very important for them to know their multiplication facts. Please encourage your child to practice their facts for at least 10-15 minutes each night.
Westview school participated in, “The Hour of Code” on Friday December 9th. This is a national event encouraging students across the country to begin to write code for computers. Computer science drives the United States economy and is a potential path to the future.
We would like to wish all the families a happy holiday season. We look forward to seeing all the students on Tuesday, January 3rd!
Fifth Grade Focus Shifts to Inventive Thinking for 2nd Trimester--Updated 11/21/16
As we begin the second trimester of 5th grade, the theme is "Inventive Thinking" for Language Arts. We will be reading the books, The Lorax and Frindle. While reading Frindle, the students will become quite familiar with the main characters and they will use text evidence to support their reasons for describing the characters with certain traits. We will also be reading What is the Big Idea? which focuses on real-world problems that people have faced in the past and how they worked on inventing something to solve that problem. It also explains how future generations improved on the invention to solve the problem even better. We will also focus on problem-solution, identifying the problem and coming up with a solution to the problem. Each child should continue reading for at least 20 minutes every night.
In Math we will continue our work on multiplication. The focus will be on learning the standard algorithm for multiplication while reviewing the partial products method. We will progress from multiplying by one-digit numbers, to multiplying two two-digit numbers, multiplying a three-digit number by a two-digit number, and finally multiplying two three-digit numbers. We will apply these strategies to solve multiplication word problems. Another focus during math will be with measurement and data, specifically focusing on volume of rectangular prisms. We will use cubes and base ten blocks to discover the formula for the volume of a rectangular based prism. We will investigate and apply the formula to find the volume of 3D objects that have unusual shapes. Please encourage your son/daughter to practice their facts for at least 10 minutes each night.
In Science we completed growing plants without soil and discovered that plants get what they need chiefly from air and water (See photos above). We took what we knew about plants and used that knowledge to work as teams to design and build a plant that can survive in the Arctic. We will begin working on our next unit which is basic needs of living things. For example, living things have basic needs that must be met in order for them to survive and thrive. Matter and energy in their environment – like light, gas, water, and nutrients – provide the necessary resources for living things.
In Social Studies we will begin our unit of study of the Industrial Revolution. We will gain background knowledge about how and where the Industrial Revolution started. We will learn about inventions that changed the world, like the vacuum. We will also compare and contrast inventions in the past to current inventions.
The Inventive Thinking unit will culminate with the 5th grade Invention Convention which is tentatively set to take place at Westview School on Tuesday, January 31st, 2017. The students will be asked to create an invention and need to make a prototype of the invention, the construction of the prototype will need to take place at home. Please ask your son/daughter about their invention and what they need in order to construct the prototype at home. As always, please contact us at anytime if you have questions regarding this project.
In Math we will continue our work on multiplication. The focus will be on learning the standard algorithm for multiplication while reviewing the partial products method. We will progress from multiplying by one-digit numbers, to multiplying two two-digit numbers, multiplying a three-digit number by a two-digit number, and finally multiplying two three-digit numbers. We will apply these strategies to solve multiplication word problems. Another focus during math will be with measurement and data, specifically focusing on volume of rectangular prisms. We will use cubes and base ten blocks to discover the formula for the volume of a rectangular based prism. We will investigate and apply the formula to find the volume of 3D objects that have unusual shapes. Please encourage your son/daughter to practice their facts for at least 10 minutes each night.
In Science we completed growing plants without soil and discovered that plants get what they need chiefly from air and water (See photos above). We took what we knew about plants and used that knowledge to work as teams to design and build a plant that can survive in the Arctic. We will begin working on our next unit which is basic needs of living things. For example, living things have basic needs that must be met in order for them to survive and thrive. Matter and energy in their environment – like light, gas, water, and nutrients – provide the necessary resources for living things.
In Social Studies we will begin our unit of study of the Industrial Revolution. We will gain background knowledge about how and where the Industrial Revolution started. We will learn about inventions that changed the world, like the vacuum. We will also compare and contrast inventions in the past to current inventions.
The Inventive Thinking unit will culminate with the 5th grade Invention Convention which is tentatively set to take place at Westview School on Tuesday, January 31st, 2017. The students will be asked to create an invention and need to make a prototype of the invention, the construction of the prototype will need to take place at home. Please ask your son/daughter about their invention and what they need in order to construct the prototype at home. As always, please contact us at anytime if you have questions regarding this project.
Fifth Graders Make Connections with Historical Fiction Novel--Updated 10/17/2016
It is hard to believe that the first trimester is halfway over and the students have been so busy learning. In Reading, 5th graders will be finishing the unit entitled “One Land, Many Trails”. We are reading A Family Apart, a historical fiction book in which a mother makes many sacrifices in order for her six children to have a better life. This novel focuses on many cause/effect relationships and the students have been making inferences along with those relationships. This unit topic also relates to our Social Studies Unit in which early explorers are settling in new areas west of the United States. Making connections with the content area is beneficial to learning. Finally, some sites students can work on from home to help them improve their comprehension of informational text and literature skills include; http://tweentribune.com/, https://www.mobymax.com/signin, and http://www.raz-kids.com/main/Login.
In Social Studies, students have been learning about moving west during the Westward Expansion Period and discussed some of the challenges/losses that explorers faced. They will be creating Westward Expansion Posters trying to persuade settlers to go to a particular area in the west using specific criteria. The areas studied included Oregon, Ohio, California, and The Great Plains. The culminating activity for In this unit will be to complete a simulation of the Oregon Trail and making decisions that could impact their lives as if they were in the 1800’s. We will be wrapping up this unit in the next few weeks and then moving on to the Industrial Revolution. Look for your child to be sharing knowledge about the various inventions during this time as well as learning about assembly lines and how they made changes in the economy.
In Math, students have been practicing reading, writing, comparing, and ordering numbers in the millions. We also reviewed multiplication strategies such as using multiplication patterns when multiplying with multiples of ten; doubling and halving, using the distributive property with an area model, and mental computation. We have now moved on to reviewing common fractions and mixed numbers by using number line models, equivalent fractions with related and different denominators, and converting between mixed numbers and improper fractions. In this unit, we will also be reviewing decimal fractions to the tenths and hundredths and practicing how to read and write decimal fractions to the thousandths. It is very important for your child to know their multiplication facts. Please encourage your child to practice their facts for at least 10 minutes each night.
Now that we have returned from the Outdoor Education Program, we will continue working on our unit, Matter and Energy In Ecosystems. This unit will focus on Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems, Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems, and Energy in Chemical Processes and Everyday Life. Below are some pictures that we think you will enjoy, from our trip to Lorado Taft’s Outdoor Education Program.
We look forward to seeing you at Parent/Teacher conferences in November! Please make sure to schedule a time with your child’s teacher for either Monday, November 21 or Tuesday, November 22.
--The 5th Grade Teachers
In Social Studies, students have been learning about moving west during the Westward Expansion Period and discussed some of the challenges/losses that explorers faced. They will be creating Westward Expansion Posters trying to persuade settlers to go to a particular area in the west using specific criteria. The areas studied included Oregon, Ohio, California, and The Great Plains. The culminating activity for In this unit will be to complete a simulation of the Oregon Trail and making decisions that could impact their lives as if they were in the 1800’s. We will be wrapping up this unit in the next few weeks and then moving on to the Industrial Revolution. Look for your child to be sharing knowledge about the various inventions during this time as well as learning about assembly lines and how they made changes in the economy.
In Math, students have been practicing reading, writing, comparing, and ordering numbers in the millions. We also reviewed multiplication strategies such as using multiplication patterns when multiplying with multiples of ten; doubling and halving, using the distributive property with an area model, and mental computation. We have now moved on to reviewing common fractions and mixed numbers by using number line models, equivalent fractions with related and different denominators, and converting between mixed numbers and improper fractions. In this unit, we will also be reviewing decimal fractions to the tenths and hundredths and practicing how to read and write decimal fractions to the thousandths. It is very important for your child to know their multiplication facts. Please encourage your child to practice their facts for at least 10 minutes each night.
Now that we have returned from the Outdoor Education Program, we will continue working on our unit, Matter and Energy In Ecosystems. This unit will focus on Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems, Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems, and Energy in Chemical Processes and Everyday Life. Below are some pictures that we think you will enjoy, from our trip to Lorado Taft’s Outdoor Education Program.
We look forward to seeing you at Parent/Teacher conferences in November! Please make sure to schedule a time with your child’s teacher for either Monday, November 21 or Tuesday, November 22.
--The 5th Grade Teachers
Excitement Builds at Start of 5th Grade Adventure--Updated 09/15/2016
5th graders have been busy getting back into the swing of things. As routines have been put into place, and expectations have been discussed, students are showing lots of excitement for another school year at Westview School!
Reading & Social Studies
In Reading, 5th graders have begun our first cross-curricular unit entitled “One Land, Many Trails”. This theme discusses the many ways in which people continued to settle in the United States of America. Students begin by reading a diary account of a young lady who travels from Illinois to California, in a story called Rachel’s Journal. The story further details the many challenges the family faces along the way.
We are also going to be reading Family Apart, a historical fiction book in which a mother makes many sacrifices in order for her six children to have a better life. This novel focuses on many cause/effect relationships and the students have been making inferences along with those relationships. This theme is perfectly connected to our social studies unit about Westward Expansion. Students travel along with Lewis and Clark to discover their many contributions to life today. Students are asked to write their own creative journal entry as if they were truly on board the journey through the Louisiana Purchase. Finally, some sites students can work on from home to help them improve their comprehension of informational text and literature skills include; http://tweentribune.com/, https://www.mobymax.com/signin, and http://www.raz-kids.com/main/Login.
Social Emotional
All classrooms will be using the Second Step lessons during our morning meetings. Through daily class lessons and follow up activities, students learn and reinforce the social skills needed in order to increase student success and decrease problem behaviors. The program promotes social-emotional competence and self-regulation skills. In fifth grade we focus on three main topics: Empathy, Calming Down, and Problem Solving Steps. Be sure to look for home links and ask your child about what s/he is learning in these lessons!
Science
We are busy preparing for our upcoming Outdoor Education trip to Lorado Taft Field Campus in Oregon, Illinois! Our first unit will be Matter and Energy in Ecosystems. This unit will focus on Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems, Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems, and Energy in Chemical Processes and Everyday Life. Students will be using StemScopes as a resource to the current unit addressing the Next Generation Science Standards. Students have already dissected owl pellets to figure out how they get their energy and what they eat. Check out the pictures above showing students planning and carrying out investigations about owl pellets to determine where their energy comes from!
We appreciate all of the families who attended our informational meeting for the Outdoor Education Program. The website is linked below if you would like more information. Please turn in health form and permission slips as soon as possible. They were due September 12th. The following are key dates to remember for the trip:
September 20th - Trips should be paid for in full
September 28- Sept. 30th- 5th graders attend Outdoor Ed
Please look for transportation slips to be sent home September 16th. These forms will indicate how your child will be picked up after we return from Outdoor Ed. on September 30th. We encourage parents who have any further questions about our trip to contact your child’s teacher.
Reading & Social Studies
In Reading, 5th graders have begun our first cross-curricular unit entitled “One Land, Many Trails”. This theme discusses the many ways in which people continued to settle in the United States of America. Students begin by reading a diary account of a young lady who travels from Illinois to California, in a story called Rachel’s Journal. The story further details the many challenges the family faces along the way.
We are also going to be reading Family Apart, a historical fiction book in which a mother makes many sacrifices in order for her six children to have a better life. This novel focuses on many cause/effect relationships and the students have been making inferences along with those relationships. This theme is perfectly connected to our social studies unit about Westward Expansion. Students travel along with Lewis and Clark to discover their many contributions to life today. Students are asked to write their own creative journal entry as if they were truly on board the journey through the Louisiana Purchase. Finally, some sites students can work on from home to help them improve their comprehension of informational text and literature skills include; http://tweentribune.com/, https://www.mobymax.com/signin, and http://www.raz-kids.com/main/Login.
Social Emotional
All classrooms will be using the Second Step lessons during our morning meetings. Through daily class lessons and follow up activities, students learn and reinforce the social skills needed in order to increase student success and decrease problem behaviors. The program promotes social-emotional competence and self-regulation skills. In fifth grade we focus on three main topics: Empathy, Calming Down, and Problem Solving Steps. Be sure to look for home links and ask your child about what s/he is learning in these lessons!
Science
We are busy preparing for our upcoming Outdoor Education trip to Lorado Taft Field Campus in Oregon, Illinois! Our first unit will be Matter and Energy in Ecosystems. This unit will focus on Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems, Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems, and Energy in Chemical Processes and Everyday Life. Students will be using StemScopes as a resource to the current unit addressing the Next Generation Science Standards. Students have already dissected owl pellets to figure out how they get their energy and what they eat. Check out the pictures above showing students planning and carrying out investigations about owl pellets to determine where their energy comes from!
We appreciate all of the families who attended our informational meeting for the Outdoor Education Program. The website is linked below if you would like more information. Please turn in health form and permission slips as soon as possible. They were due September 12th. The following are key dates to remember for the trip:
September 20th - Trips should be paid for in full
September 28- Sept. 30th- 5th graders attend Outdoor Ed
Please look for transportation slips to be sent home September 16th. These forms will indicate how your child will be picked up after we return from Outdoor Ed. on September 30th. We encourage parents who have any further questions about our trip to contact your child’s teacher.
Major Events Mark Close of Year and Transition to WDJH--Updated May 16, 2016
This week the Girls on the Run Club will be collecting non-perishable items for Wood Dale’s Food Pantry. Please help out by supporting this fantastic cause. This past weekend 14 of our 5th grade girls participated in a 5K run. Thank you to Mrs. Marks and Mrs. Cericola for sponsoring this club!
In 5th grade, we continue the study of ancient civilizations, moving from Mesopotamia to Ancient Egypt. As we conclude with Ancient Egypt we will begin to introduce Ancient Greece. While analyzing this ancient and profound culture we compare many of it civilization factors to our modern day culture. There will be a strong concentration on democracy and how it developed during this time.
Students have spent a great deal of time learning about inventors and the invention process. Tuesday, May 17th will be the culminating event, sharing with the school and public. This year we focused on STEM components, but also asked the students to try to make their invention something beneficiary to the environment.
The Annual Invention Convention will take place on May 17, in 2 sessions at Westview School:
While also connecting our learning to science and studying the ecosystems, Westview fifth graders had a field trip to Morton Arboretum. This rain-filled day turned out to be a great event and our students and chaperones had phenomenal attitudes while making the best of the day and learning about various habitats.
This past week students in the fifth grade worked on their final assessments with MAP. All classes were truly dedicated to taking these tests very seriously and outstanding improvements were shared by everyone.
The year is slowly coming to an end. Please discuss with your fifth graders the importance of finishing their time at Westview Elementary on a positive note and making smart choices. We have seen an increase with behavior issues from students making quick poor choices, without considering the consequences for themselves or others.
Important Dates to Remember!
*** Please make sure you discuss with your children and family the solemn spirit of Memorial Day***
In 5th grade, we continue the study of ancient civilizations, moving from Mesopotamia to Ancient Egypt. As we conclude with Ancient Egypt we will begin to introduce Ancient Greece. While analyzing this ancient and profound culture we compare many of it civilization factors to our modern day culture. There will be a strong concentration on democracy and how it developed during this time.
Students have spent a great deal of time learning about inventors and the invention process. Tuesday, May 17th will be the culminating event, sharing with the school and public. This year we focused on STEM components, but also asked the students to try to make their invention something beneficiary to the environment.
The Annual Invention Convention will take place on May 17, in 2 sessions at Westview School:
- 9:45 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Cericola/Falcone
- 1:45 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Papanicolaou/Diaz/Willhoit
While also connecting our learning to science and studying the ecosystems, Westview fifth graders had a field trip to Morton Arboretum. This rain-filled day turned out to be a great event and our students and chaperones had phenomenal attitudes while making the best of the day and learning about various habitats.
This past week students in the fifth grade worked on their final assessments with MAP. All classes were truly dedicated to taking these tests very seriously and outstanding improvements were shared by everyone.
The year is slowly coming to an end. Please discuss with your fifth graders the importance of finishing their time at Westview Elementary on a positive note and making smart choices. We have seen an increase with behavior issues from students making quick poor choices, without considering the consequences for themselves or others.
Important Dates to Remember!
- May 17th-Invention Convention (please come and celebrate all the hard work the fifth graders have done with creating an invention!)
- 9:45-11:00 Cericola/Falcone
- 1:45-3:00 Papanicolaou/Diaz/Willhoit
- May 20th-5th Grade Picnic
- May 23rd-5th Grade Parent Orientation at WDJH @ 6:30 p.m.
- May 27th 5th Grade Music Informances (great day to come to school and see what the 5th grade students have learned within the music curriculum throughout the year!)
- May 30th-Memorial Day—No School
- May 31st-5th Grade student orientation & tour at WDJH
- June 1st-Club Recognition Field Trip / 5th Grade Awards Assembly (Parents Invited)
- June 3rd-Field day
*** Please make sure you discuss with your children and family the solemn spirit of Memorial Day***
Recent Presentations Connect 5th Graders to Curriculum--updated 04/15/2016
In 5th grade, we continue the study of ancient civilizations, moving from Mesopotamia to Ancient Egypt. We are learning about the government, unique geography and culture of this time period. From pyramids to mummies, students are "wrapped up" in connecting their existing knowledge to compare this civilization to Mesopotamia. A special thanks to the Westview PTO who sponsored Kidworks’ Theater presentation of “Curse of the Sphinx,” a cultural arts event we enjoyed on April 11th. We will cap this unit with a field trip to the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago on Tuesday, April 26th.
Students have spent quality time learning about inventors and the invention process. They have been working hard brainstorming problems that they would like to see solved and they have selected an idea for an invention that would solve one of the problems. We encourage families to discuss the progress he or she is making and any problems that are encountered. Remind your child that although inventors often experience failure along the way, they remain persistent and keep trying and thinking of new ideas to solve a problem.
The Annual Invention Convention will take place on May 17th, in 2 sessions at Westview School:
Important Dates to Remember!
Students have spent quality time learning about inventors and the invention process. They have been working hard brainstorming problems that they would like to see solved and they have selected an idea for an invention that would solve one of the problems. We encourage families to discuss the progress he or she is making and any problems that are encountered. Remind your child that although inventors often experience failure along the way, they remain persistent and keep trying and thinking of new ideas to solve a problem.
The Annual Invention Convention will take place on May 17th, in 2 sessions at Westview School:
- 9:45 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Cericola & Falcone
- 1:45 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Papanicolaou, Diaz, Willhoit
Important Dates to Remember!
- April 27th-Junior High Musical Field Trip
- May 5th- Open House @ Westview
- May 10th- Field Trip to Morton Arboretum
- May 13th-PTO Spring Family Night 5:30 p.m.
- May 17th-Invention Convention
- (9:45-11:00 Cericola & Falcone 1:45-3:00 Papincolaou, Diaz, Willhoit)
- May 20th-5th Grade Picnic
- May 23rd-5th Grade Parent Orientation at WDJH
- June 1st-Club Recognition Field Trip / 5th Grade Awards Assembly (Parents Invited)
March Marks Busy Start to Final Trimester of 5th Grade--Updated 03/15/2016
Fifth graders have been working hard during the month of March! We began the month by taking PARCC assessments. Our students are being tested in the subject areas of Math and English Language Arts. They will be taking four Math and three ELA tests. Students have been focused and determined during our test sessions. Please remember that on the PARCC website there are resources that may be used to continue practicing. As always, Westview’s teaching staff appreciates families’ efforts to prepare students for this time of year. We have been very proud of our students’ efforts!
Fifth graders have also begun Youth Empowerment too! Wood Dale Police Department School Resource Officer, Michael Danzi, will be coming in for 5 lessons, teaching the students about self esteem, internet safety, how to live a drug-free life, and the effects of alcohol on health. The students will also have the opportunity to meet positive high school role models. We have already had one of the five lessons and look forward to the rest.
We are continuing our study of ancient civilizations. We have begun exploring Ancient Mesopotamia, and will also be learning about the land of the Nile in Egypt as well as Ancient Greece, in relationship to our current governmental system. The ancient civilizations units will be the entire last trimester for Social Studies. Students will learn about geography, government, and culture of all three units.
Later in the year, we will have an opportunity to take a field trip to the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago to enrich the students learning of these civilizations. Students will be “wrapped up” in fun throughout these units of study!
Our current Language Art’s theme is "Earth, Wind, and Fire" which includes reading stories having to do with nature and severe situations that occur in it. In Writing, we are concluding teaching persuasive prompts and the students are working on the publishing of their stories as well as writing prose constructed responses, using more than one piece of text to support their opinions.
Finally, here is the link to our first edition of the 5th grade student newspaper, the Westview Gazette that students recently have written, edited, and published. The students did a great job collaborating and are interested to get your feedback about their articles: Westview Gazette
As you can see, we have a lot going on! March marks the beginning of the 3rd trimester. Many thanks for all of your ongoing support!
Fifth graders have also begun Youth Empowerment too! Wood Dale Police Department School Resource Officer, Michael Danzi, will be coming in for 5 lessons, teaching the students about self esteem, internet safety, how to live a drug-free life, and the effects of alcohol on health. The students will also have the opportunity to meet positive high school role models. We have already had one of the five lessons and look forward to the rest.
We are continuing our study of ancient civilizations. We have begun exploring Ancient Mesopotamia, and will also be learning about the land of the Nile in Egypt as well as Ancient Greece, in relationship to our current governmental system. The ancient civilizations units will be the entire last trimester for Social Studies. Students will learn about geography, government, and culture of all three units.
Later in the year, we will have an opportunity to take a field trip to the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago to enrich the students learning of these civilizations. Students will be “wrapped up” in fun throughout these units of study!
Our current Language Art’s theme is "Earth, Wind, and Fire" which includes reading stories having to do with nature and severe situations that occur in it. In Writing, we are concluding teaching persuasive prompts and the students are working on the publishing of their stories as well as writing prose constructed responses, using more than one piece of text to support their opinions.
Finally, here is the link to our first edition of the 5th grade student newspaper, the Westview Gazette that students recently have written, edited, and published. The students did a great job collaborating and are interested to get your feedback about their articles: Westview Gazette
As you can see, we have a lot going on! March marks the beginning of the 3rd trimester. Many thanks for all of your ongoing support!
Fifth Graders Prepare to Explore Ancient Mesopotamia--Updated 2/18/2016
Next up in Social Studies, students will begin their journey to Ancient Mesopotamia. This ancient civilization is known to many as the “land between two rivers.” Through this unit, students will be expected to explain why the land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers was a good region for agriculture. They will also learn about the problems that Mesopotamians faced, and how they overcame the different challenges within their civilization.
Students will investigate, and make connections with past technological developments, and the creation of ancient governments. From here, students will move on with their journey to learn about two other ancient civilizations that have impacted our present day lives.
One theme the students will explore deals with the “Power of Nature.” This theme appears throughout our Language Arts and connects to science concepts. Students will read and write about different natural disasters.
As we move into March, students will be taking the PARCC test. In January, students were exposed to the test and testing process when they took a practice test as a way to gain familiarity with the experience. In addition, students solved problems from the practice tests provided on the PARCC website. Below you will find the testing dates for our fifth graders, along with additional links that will direct you to the sample tests that your child can further practice.
Also, feel free to preview student grades through PowerSchool now that the end of the second trimester is approaching. As always, thank you for your continued support from home!
Students will investigate, and make connections with past technological developments, and the creation of ancient governments. From here, students will move on with their journey to learn about two other ancient civilizations that have impacted our present day lives.
One theme the students will explore deals with the “Power of Nature.” This theme appears throughout our Language Arts and connects to science concepts. Students will read and write about different natural disasters.
As we move into March, students will be taking the PARCC test. In January, students were exposed to the test and testing process when they took a practice test as a way to gain familiarity with the experience. In addition, students solved problems from the practice tests provided on the PARCC website. Below you will find the testing dates for our fifth graders, along with additional links that will direct you to the sample tests that your child can further practice.
Also, feel free to preview student grades through PowerSchool now that the end of the second trimester is approaching. As always, thank you for your continued support from home!
- February 26th: Half Day of School--Dismissal at noon
- March 4 - No School for Students; teachers attend full-day classes for growth and development as an educator.
- March 9th, 10th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 21st - 5th graders take PARCC tests in Math and Language Arts
Fifth Graders Continue to Explore Inventive Thinking--Updated 01/19/2016
As we continue to work our way through the second trimester, Inventive Thinking is the theme in Language Arts. We are in the middle of reading the novel Frindle. We are becoming quite familiar with the main characters and using text evidence to support our reasons for describing the characters with certain traits.
In Math, we used cubes to build prisms to show our understanding of volume as we concluded this unit of study. We will then begin a unit on ordering, adding/subtracting, and multiplying/dividing fractions. It is very important for 5th grade students to know their multiplication facts to be successful working with fractions. Please encourage them to practice their facts daily until they have them "mastered."
In Science, we are finishing up our decomposition journals and working on multi-media presentations to present our findings regarding the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers and their environments. Ask your student to see what they have created.
In Social Studies we continue our study of the Industrial Revolution. We have gained background knowledge about how and where the Industrial Revolution started. We are learning about inventions that changed the world, like the vacuum. We are also comparing and contrasting inventions in the past to current inventions.
All 5th graders at Westview strive everyday to be respectful, responsible, and safe. Our current focus for the rest of January and February is respect and specifically by using kind words.
Parents, thank you for all you do to support our students! Please continue to make sure your children are reading every night for at least 20 minutes and practicing their math facts for at least 10 minutes as well!
In Math, we used cubes to build prisms to show our understanding of volume as we concluded this unit of study. We will then begin a unit on ordering, adding/subtracting, and multiplying/dividing fractions. It is very important for 5th grade students to know their multiplication facts to be successful working with fractions. Please encourage them to practice their facts daily until they have them "mastered."
In Science, we are finishing up our decomposition journals and working on multi-media presentations to present our findings regarding the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers and their environments. Ask your student to see what they have created.
In Social Studies we continue our study of the Industrial Revolution. We have gained background knowledge about how and where the Industrial Revolution started. We are learning about inventions that changed the world, like the vacuum. We are also comparing and contrasting inventions in the past to current inventions.
All 5th graders at Westview strive everyday to be respectful, responsible, and safe. Our current focus for the rest of January and February is respect and specifically by using kind words.
Parents, thank you for all you do to support our students! Please continue to make sure your children are reading every night for at least 20 minutes and practicing their math facts for at least 10 minutes as well!
Connecting the Past to the Present in 5th Grade--Updated 12/18/2015
The 5th graders will soon be busy preparing for the Invention Convention. The 3rd Annual Invention Convention will take place in 2 sessions at Westview School and the time/date will be announced when we return from holiday break. This is a phenomenal culminating event to the research that students will be doing about inventors and the invention process. They will be working hard brainstorming problems that they would like to see solved and choosing an idea for an invention that would solve one of the issues.
As your child begins the actual process of inventing when we return, your continued interest and encouragement will be immeasurable. Discuss the progress he or she will be making and any problems they encounter. Remind your child that although inventors often experience failure along the way, they remain persistent and keep trying and thinking of new ideas to solve a problem.
In Math, we finished our unit on multi-digit multiplication, long division, and adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. We have now moved on to exploring volume and solving multi-step problems. 5th grade will then begin a very elaborate unit on ordering, adding/subtracting, and multiplying/dividing fractions. It is very important for them to know their multiplication facts. Please encourage your child to practice their facts for at least 10-15 minutes each night.
Recently the fifth grade celebrated the retirement of Laika, the Wood Dale Police Department's K9. This was an amazing celebration and a treasured moment between our school and the department. Each year in the spring the students are involved with making positive choices with Youth Empowerment. School Resource Officer Michael Danzi meets with each class for approximately 45 minutes building and growing their life skills. It is at this time that the students typically meet Laika.
This year it will be a new K9 named Bane with Officer Evan Grant.
We would like to wish all the families a happy holiday season. We look forward to seeing all the students on Tuesday, January 5th!
As your child begins the actual process of inventing when we return, your continued interest and encouragement will be immeasurable. Discuss the progress he or she will be making and any problems they encounter. Remind your child that although inventors often experience failure along the way, they remain persistent and keep trying and thinking of new ideas to solve a problem.
In Math, we finished our unit on multi-digit multiplication, long division, and adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. We have now moved on to exploring volume and solving multi-step problems. 5th grade will then begin a very elaborate unit on ordering, adding/subtracting, and multiplying/dividing fractions. It is very important for them to know their multiplication facts. Please encourage your child to practice their facts for at least 10-15 minutes each night.
Recently the fifth grade celebrated the retirement of Laika, the Wood Dale Police Department's K9. This was an amazing celebration and a treasured moment between our school and the department. Each year in the spring the students are involved with making positive choices with Youth Empowerment. School Resource Officer Michael Danzi meets with each class for approximately 45 minutes building and growing their life skills. It is at this time that the students typically meet Laika.
This year it will be a new K9 named Bane with Officer Evan Grant.
We would like to wish all the families a happy holiday season. We look forward to seeing all the students on Tuesday, January 5th!
Fifth Grade Classes Embark on Inventive Thinking Unit--Updated 11/13/2015
As the second trimester begins, our creativity continues to flow! We are finishing up our reading unit, “One Land, Many Trails” and will start our next exciting Language Arts theme called “Inventive Thinking.” During this theme we will connect Reading, Writing and Social Studies. First, students will study various inventions created during the Industrial Revolution and explore the impact they had on life. Through research, students will see how inventions have changed the lives of people and explore a variety of such inventions as well as the inventors behind these big ideas. This process will allow students to take a closer look at various pieces of literature, informational text such as The Lorax, Frindle, Here’s What You Do When You Can’t Find Your Shoe, and a variety of biographies.
Students will then take on the role of inventors themselves. They will follow the procedure behind how to come up with a new idea. Students will consider problems they encounter in their everyday lives and brainstorms ways to solve such problems. Through this process students will create their own invention. Fifth graders will brainstorm ideas, go through trial and error, write up reports, create a model, and produce marketing for their new idea. Students and teachers are excited to begin this process and watch our ideas come to life!
In Math, we are continuing to work on multi-digit multiplication and long division. As stated in the Common Core Standards, students are responsible for using the traditional algorithm method to solve multi-digit multiplication problems. Students have been practicing long division by using a variety of math strategies like manipulating base-ten blocks, area models, and partial quotients. Please encourage your child to continue to practice their fast facts each night as it will help them when solving multi-digit multiplication and long division problems.
We look forward to seeing you at your child’s scheduled conference on either Monday, November 23rd or Tuesday, November 24th!
Students will then take on the role of inventors themselves. They will follow the procedure behind how to come up with a new idea. Students will consider problems they encounter in their everyday lives and brainstorms ways to solve such problems. Through this process students will create their own invention. Fifth graders will brainstorm ideas, go through trial and error, write up reports, create a model, and produce marketing for their new idea. Students and teachers are excited to begin this process and watch our ideas come to life!
In Math, we are continuing to work on multi-digit multiplication and long division. As stated in the Common Core Standards, students are responsible for using the traditional algorithm method to solve multi-digit multiplication problems. Students have been practicing long division by using a variety of math strategies like manipulating base-ten blocks, area models, and partial quotients. Please encourage your child to continue to practice their fast facts each night as it will help them when solving multi-digit multiplication and long division problems.
We look forward to seeing you at your child’s scheduled conference on either Monday, November 23rd or Tuesday, November 24th!
Fifth Graders Focused on Challenges of Westward Expansion--Updated 10/19/2015
Reading
It is hard to believe that the first trimester is halfway over as the students have been so busy learning. In Reading, 5th graders will be finishing the unit entitled “One Land, Many Trails”. We are Reading Family Apart, a historical fiction book in which a mother makes many sacrifices in order for her six children to have a better life. This novel focuses on many cause/effect relationships and the students have been making inferences along with those relationships. This unit topic also relates to our Social Studies Unit in which early explorers are settling in new areas west of the United States. Making connections with the content area is beneficial to learning. Finally, some sites students can work on from home to help them improve their comprehension of informational text and literature skills include; http://tweentribune.com/, https://www.mobymax.com/signin, and http://www.raz-kids.com/main/Login.
Social Studies
Students have been learning about moving west during the Westward Expansion Period and discussed some of the challenges/losses explorers faced. They will be creating Westward Expansion Posters trying to persuade settlers to go to a particular area in the west using specific criteria. The areas studied included Oregon, Ohio, California, and The Great Plains. The culminating activity for this unit will be to complete a simulation of the Oregon Trail and making decisions that could impact their lives as if they were in the 1800’s. We will be wrapping up this unit in the next few weeks and then moving on to the Industrial Revolution. Look for your child to be sharing knowledge about the various inventions during this time as well as learning about the assembly lines and how they made changes in the economy.
Science
Now that we have returned from the Outdoor Education Program, we will continue working on our unit, "Matter and Energy In Ecosystems." This unit will focus on Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems, Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems, and Energy in Chemical Processes and Everyday Life.
NOTE: Thank you for your continued support and for making our return to school easier! Please remember to periodically check Powerschool for your child’s most up to date grades.
--The 5th grade teachers
(Below are some pictures that we think you will enjoy, showing the students at Loredo Taft’s Outdoor Education Program!)
It is hard to believe that the first trimester is halfway over as the students have been so busy learning. In Reading, 5th graders will be finishing the unit entitled “One Land, Many Trails”. We are Reading Family Apart, a historical fiction book in which a mother makes many sacrifices in order for her six children to have a better life. This novel focuses on many cause/effect relationships and the students have been making inferences along with those relationships. This unit topic also relates to our Social Studies Unit in which early explorers are settling in new areas west of the United States. Making connections with the content area is beneficial to learning. Finally, some sites students can work on from home to help them improve their comprehension of informational text and literature skills include; http://tweentribune.com/, https://www.mobymax.com/signin, and http://www.raz-kids.com/main/Login.
Social Studies
Students have been learning about moving west during the Westward Expansion Period and discussed some of the challenges/losses explorers faced. They will be creating Westward Expansion Posters trying to persuade settlers to go to a particular area in the west using specific criteria. The areas studied included Oregon, Ohio, California, and The Great Plains. The culminating activity for this unit will be to complete a simulation of the Oregon Trail and making decisions that could impact their lives as if they were in the 1800’s. We will be wrapping up this unit in the next few weeks and then moving on to the Industrial Revolution. Look for your child to be sharing knowledge about the various inventions during this time as well as learning about the assembly lines and how they made changes in the economy.
Science
Now that we have returned from the Outdoor Education Program, we will continue working on our unit, "Matter and Energy In Ecosystems." This unit will focus on Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems, Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems, and Energy in Chemical Processes and Everyday Life.
NOTE: Thank you for your continued support and for making our return to school easier! Please remember to periodically check Powerschool for your child’s most up to date grades.
--The 5th grade teachers
(Below are some pictures that we think you will enjoy, showing the students at Loredo Taft’s Outdoor Education Program!)
Anticipation of Outdoor Education Key to 5th Grade Start--Updated 09/21/2015
5th graders have been busy getting back into the swing of things. As routines have been put into place, and expectations have been discussed, students are showing lots of excitement for another school year at Westview School.
Our first cross curricular theme we study is "One Land Many Trails." This theme discusses the many ways in which people continued to settle in the United States of America. Students begin by reading a diary account of a young lady who travels from Illinois to California, in a story called Rachel’s Journal. The story further details the many challenges the family faces along the way. This theme is perfectly connected to our social studies unit about Westward Expansion. Students travel along with Lewis and Clark to discover their many contributions to life today. Students are asked to write their own creative journal entry as if they were truly on board the journey through the Louisiana Purchase!
All classrooms will be starting the Second Step lessons during our morning meetings. Through daily class lessons and follow up activities, students learn and reinforce the social skills needed in order to increase student success and decrease problem behaviors. The program promotes social-emotional competence and self-regulation skills. In fifth grade we focus on three main topics: Empathy, Calming Down, and Problem-Solving Steps. Be sure to look for home links and ask your child about what s/he is learning in these lessons.
Finally, we are busy preparing for our up and coming Outdoor Education trip to Lorado Taft Campus in Oregon, Illinois. We appreciate all the families who attended our informational meeting. Please turn in health forms and permission slips as soon as possible. Following are key dates to remember for the trip:
September 21/22 - Remaining balance forms sent home
September 25th - Trips should be paid for in full
September 30-Oct. 2 - 5th graders attend Outdoor Education Program
Please look for transportation slips sent home recently. These forms will dictate how your child will be picked up after we return from Outdoor Ed. on October 2nd. We encourage parents who have any further questions about our trip to contact your child’s teacher.
Our first cross curricular theme we study is "One Land Many Trails." This theme discusses the many ways in which people continued to settle in the United States of America. Students begin by reading a diary account of a young lady who travels from Illinois to California, in a story called Rachel’s Journal. The story further details the many challenges the family faces along the way. This theme is perfectly connected to our social studies unit about Westward Expansion. Students travel along with Lewis and Clark to discover their many contributions to life today. Students are asked to write their own creative journal entry as if they were truly on board the journey through the Louisiana Purchase!
All classrooms will be starting the Second Step lessons during our morning meetings. Through daily class lessons and follow up activities, students learn and reinforce the social skills needed in order to increase student success and decrease problem behaviors. The program promotes social-emotional competence and self-regulation skills. In fifth grade we focus on three main topics: Empathy, Calming Down, and Problem-Solving Steps. Be sure to look for home links and ask your child about what s/he is learning in these lessons.
Finally, we are busy preparing for our up and coming Outdoor Education trip to Lorado Taft Campus in Oregon, Illinois. We appreciate all the families who attended our informational meeting. Please turn in health forms and permission slips as soon as possible. Following are key dates to remember for the trip:
September 21/22 - Remaining balance forms sent home
September 25th - Trips should be paid for in full
September 30-Oct. 2 - 5th graders attend Outdoor Education Program
Please look for transportation slips sent home recently. These forms will dictate how your child will be picked up after we return from Outdoor Ed. on October 2nd. We encourage parents who have any further questions about our trip to contact your child’s teacher.
5th Grade Travels Back in Time--Updated 05/18/2015
The Mysteries of Ancient Greece
Through various types of text, both fiction and informational, students have been closely examining the culture of ancient Greece. We are currently trying to solve the mystery of The Curse of the Ancient Acropolis. Students are acting as detectives as we read this chapter book and learn more about the religion and beliefs of ancient Greece.
Did you know, during ancient times, women weren’t allowed to compete in the Olympics?
In guided reading students are reading about the history of the Olympics. Students have been working on the reading strategy of compare and contrast to help see the similarities and differences between Olympics past and present. The students are learning about the evolution of the Olympics and how it has changed over time.
Music Teaches Us Government
Through a simulation using student choice in music, fifth graders will discover the four types of government that once existed in ancient Greece. Students will play various roles as part of an oligarchy, monarchy, tyranny, and democracy in order to understand what these governments offered as pros and cons. When given a choice, students overwhelmingly chose to be part of a democracy.
Mythology and Creative Writing
As the final piece of ancient Greece integration, students have been reading a variety of Greek myths. Fifth graders have identified the basic components of a myth: protagonist, antagonist, setting, and explanation of how something came to be. After reading examples such as the story of Echo, Arachne, Icarus, and Narcissus, students have started brainstorming ideas of their own creation myths. These myths are to include a modern day component while still explaining how something came to be.
Important Dates to Remember!
● May 21st & 28th- Youth Empowerment Lessons
● May 27- Club Recognition Field Trip
● June 3rd - Awards Ceremony (Parents Invited) 1:30 p.m.
● June 4th- Field Day
● June 5th - Students visit Wood Dale Junior High & Yearbook Signing
● June 8th- All School Sing & Last Day of School for Students
*** Please continue to study High Frequency words at home and read 20 minutes daily!
Through various types of text, both fiction and informational, students have been closely examining the culture of ancient Greece. We are currently trying to solve the mystery of The Curse of the Ancient Acropolis. Students are acting as detectives as we read this chapter book and learn more about the religion and beliefs of ancient Greece.
Did you know, during ancient times, women weren’t allowed to compete in the Olympics?
In guided reading students are reading about the history of the Olympics. Students have been working on the reading strategy of compare and contrast to help see the similarities and differences between Olympics past and present. The students are learning about the evolution of the Olympics and how it has changed over time.
Music Teaches Us Government
Through a simulation using student choice in music, fifth graders will discover the four types of government that once existed in ancient Greece. Students will play various roles as part of an oligarchy, monarchy, tyranny, and democracy in order to understand what these governments offered as pros and cons. When given a choice, students overwhelmingly chose to be part of a democracy.
Mythology and Creative Writing
As the final piece of ancient Greece integration, students have been reading a variety of Greek myths. Fifth graders have identified the basic components of a myth: protagonist, antagonist, setting, and explanation of how something came to be. After reading examples such as the story of Echo, Arachne, Icarus, and Narcissus, students have started brainstorming ideas of their own creation myths. These myths are to include a modern day component while still explaining how something came to be.
Important Dates to Remember!
● May 21st & 28th- Youth Empowerment Lessons
● May 27- Club Recognition Field Trip
● June 3rd - Awards Ceremony (Parents Invited) 1:30 p.m.
● June 4th- Field Day
● June 5th - Students visit Wood Dale Junior High & Yearbook Signing
● June 8th- All School Sing & Last Day of School for Students
*** Please continue to study High Frequency words at home and read 20 minutes daily!
5th Grade Connects Real Life Learning to Classroom--Updated 04/20/2015
Science--Students are just finishing up studying the structure of the Earth, the causes of earthquakes and volcanoes, weathering, erosion, and concluding with our study of rocks and minerals. The students had a great time on our field trip to the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art and even got their own collection of rocks to take home!
Next, we will move into our third unit of science—physical science. In this unit we will study matter, atoms and molecules, Newton’s Laws of Motion, and simple machines. During this unit we will conduct experiments that allow students to calculate mass and density. While learning about Newton’s Laws of Motion, students will show their knowledge of these laws through demonstrations.
Social Studies—We are continuing with our studies of ancient civilizations. We have been exploring the land of the Nile, Egypt. Your child will focus on the effects the geography had on the creation of settlements, social pyramids and roles people played in society, and the connection between pyramids and the mummification process. Be sure to ask your child about famous Egyptians such as King Tut and Cleopatra. Thank you to the PTO for the amazing and interactive assembly that connected with our unit. Students had fun going back into Ancient Egyptian times with our presenters!
Our final investigation of civilization will be Ancient Greece. The students will learn about the Greek governments: monarchy, oligarchy, tyranny and democracy. Students will be researching certain topics about ancient Greece including: philosophy, architecture, religion, sports, medicine, math and drama. After they research the topic, they will focus on key people and contributions to Western civilization, and they will share what they learned with the class using a variety of technology resources for their presentation.
These units really tie in well with our Language Arts Unit, “Clues to a Culture.” By connecting the content with our reading unit, the students are able to have a good grasp of reading skills as well as the information related to the ancient civilizations.
Math—Students have begun to investigate and learn about measurement. Estimation, conversions, and actual measurement with real life applications will be stressed. Students can continue to use Khan, Moby Max, Adapted Math, and TenMarks to supplement their learning and enhance their math skills. Please remember to continue to practice facts each night!
Youth Empowerment—Fifth graders will continue Youth Empowerment in April and May! Wood Dale Police School Resource Officer Michael Danzi will be coming in for 5 lessons teaching the students about self-esteem, peer pressure, and the effects of drugs and alcohol on health. The students will have the opportunity to meet high school role models and ask questions about junior high and high school. Youth Empowerment will coincide with our unit on health, so when the students are learning about the effects of drugs and alcohol they will further understand how it affects their body systems.
Important Dates to Remember!
Next, we will move into our third unit of science—physical science. In this unit we will study matter, atoms and molecules, Newton’s Laws of Motion, and simple machines. During this unit we will conduct experiments that allow students to calculate mass and density. While learning about Newton’s Laws of Motion, students will show their knowledge of these laws through demonstrations.
Social Studies—We are continuing with our studies of ancient civilizations. We have been exploring the land of the Nile, Egypt. Your child will focus on the effects the geography had on the creation of settlements, social pyramids and roles people played in society, and the connection between pyramids and the mummification process. Be sure to ask your child about famous Egyptians such as King Tut and Cleopatra. Thank you to the PTO for the amazing and interactive assembly that connected with our unit. Students had fun going back into Ancient Egyptian times with our presenters!
Our final investigation of civilization will be Ancient Greece. The students will learn about the Greek governments: monarchy, oligarchy, tyranny and democracy. Students will be researching certain topics about ancient Greece including: philosophy, architecture, religion, sports, medicine, math and drama. After they research the topic, they will focus on key people and contributions to Western civilization, and they will share what they learned with the class using a variety of technology resources for their presentation.
These units really tie in well with our Language Arts Unit, “Clues to a Culture.” By connecting the content with our reading unit, the students are able to have a good grasp of reading skills as well as the information related to the ancient civilizations.
Math—Students have begun to investigate and learn about measurement. Estimation, conversions, and actual measurement with real life applications will be stressed. Students can continue to use Khan, Moby Max, Adapted Math, and TenMarks to supplement their learning and enhance their math skills. Please remember to continue to practice facts each night!
Youth Empowerment—Fifth graders will continue Youth Empowerment in April and May! Wood Dale Police School Resource Officer Michael Danzi will be coming in for 5 lessons teaching the students about self-esteem, peer pressure, and the effects of drugs and alcohol on health. The students will have the opportunity to meet high school role models and ask questions about junior high and high school. Youth Empowerment will coincide with our unit on health, so when the students are learning about the effects of drugs and alcohol they will further understand how it affects their body systems.
Important Dates to Remember!
- April 29th- Junior High Musical Field Trip
- May 7th- Open House @ Westview
- May 14th - Field Trip to Oriental Institute
- May 15th - 5th Grade Picnic
- May 26th - Wood Dale Junior High Tour for the Parents
- May 27- Club Recognition Field Trip
- June 3rd- 5th Grade Awards Assembly (Parents Invited) 1:30 p.m.
- June 4th- Field Day
- June 5th- Student Visit to Wood Dale Junior High
- June 8th - All School Sing & Yearbook Signing--Final Student Day of Attendance (Regular Hours)
Youth Empowerment Program to Begin for 5th Graders--Updated 03/16/2015
5th graders have been working hard during the month of March! We began the month by taking PARCC assessments. Our students are being tested in the subject areas of math and English Language Arts. Students have been focused and determined during our test sessions. Please remember that on the PARCC website there are resources that may be used to continue practicing. As always, Westview’s teaching staff appreciates families’ efforts to prepare students for this time of year. We have been very proud of our students’ efforts!
We are continuing our study of ancient civilizations. We will finish exploring Ancient Mesopotamia, and begin learning about the land of the Nile, Egypt. Students will learn about Egypt's geography, government, and culture. In May, we will have an opportunity to take a field trip to the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago. Students will be “wrapped up” in fun throughout this unit!
We have finished our unit on weather patterns, and will move on to the Earth’s changing surface in science. We will be studying the structure of the Earth, the causes of earthquakes and volcanoes, weathering, erosion, and conclude with our study of rocks and minerals. To tie it all together, we will be taking a field trip to the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art in Elmhurst in April!
Our 5th graders are continuing to work on expository writing. Students have been exposed to various types of informational texts, which will be used as a reference when they write their culminating piece on a natural disaster of their choice.
We are wrapping up our unit on fractions and will be moving on to our next unit, Measurement and Data. In this unit, students will learn about line plots, measurement conversions, and volume. Also, please have your child continue to practice their math facts for at least 10-15 minutes each night as it can make a big impact in their accuracy. Students can practice all four types of mathematical operations on the Moby Max website, which has a tool called Fact Master.
Fifth graders will begin Youth Empowerment in March! Wood Dale Police Department School Resource Officer Michael Danzi will be coming in for 5 lessons, teaching the students about self esteem, internet safety, how to live a drug-free life, and the effects of alcohol on health. The students will also have the opportunity to meet high school role models. Youth Empowerment will coincide later with our unit on health, so when the students are learning about the effects of drugs and alcohol they will also learn more about how it affects their body systems.
As you can see, we have a lot going on! March marks the beginning of the 3rd trimester. Many thanks for all of your support!
We are continuing our study of ancient civilizations. We will finish exploring Ancient Mesopotamia, and begin learning about the land of the Nile, Egypt. Students will learn about Egypt's geography, government, and culture. In May, we will have an opportunity to take a field trip to the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago. Students will be “wrapped up” in fun throughout this unit!
We have finished our unit on weather patterns, and will move on to the Earth’s changing surface in science. We will be studying the structure of the Earth, the causes of earthquakes and volcanoes, weathering, erosion, and conclude with our study of rocks and minerals. To tie it all together, we will be taking a field trip to the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art in Elmhurst in April!
Our 5th graders are continuing to work on expository writing. Students have been exposed to various types of informational texts, which will be used as a reference when they write their culminating piece on a natural disaster of their choice.
We are wrapping up our unit on fractions and will be moving on to our next unit, Measurement and Data. In this unit, students will learn about line plots, measurement conversions, and volume. Also, please have your child continue to practice their math facts for at least 10-15 minutes each night as it can make a big impact in their accuracy. Students can practice all four types of mathematical operations on the Moby Max website, which has a tool called Fact Master.
Fifth graders will begin Youth Empowerment in March! Wood Dale Police Department School Resource Officer Michael Danzi will be coming in for 5 lessons, teaching the students about self esteem, internet safety, how to live a drug-free life, and the effects of alcohol on health. The students will also have the opportunity to meet high school role models. Youth Empowerment will coincide later with our unit on health, so when the students are learning about the effects of drugs and alcohol they will also learn more about how it affects their body systems.
As you can see, we have a lot going on! March marks the beginning of the 3rd trimester. Many thanks for all of your support!
Power of Nature Explored by Fifth Grade Students--Updated 02/17/2015
With Invention Convention behind us, fifth graders move forward to new and exciting themes in many of our core subject areas. Students have begun new units in Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts. In Math however, we will continue to work towards mastery of fractions, which includes solving problems involving the four operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
In Social Studies, students have begun their journey to Ancient Mesopotamia. This ancient civilization is known to many as the “land between two rivers,” which happened to be the title of our reader’s theatre performance. This play served as an introduction to the unit, which allowed students to assume the roles of people living in this area of the world from 1792 B.C. to 1750 B.C. Through this unit, students will be expected to explain why the land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers was a good region for agriculture. They will also learn about the problems that Mesopotamians faced, and how they overcame the different challenges within their civilization. Students will investigate, and make connections with past technological developments, and the creation of ancient governments. From here, students will move on with their journey to learn about two other ancient civilizations that have impacted our present day lives.
Another theme the students will explore deals with the “Power of Nature.” This theme appears throughout our Science and Language Arts units. Students will read and write about different natural disasters, as well as discover the effects of air pressure, and the implications different weather patterns can bring. Our goal is to relate hands-on classroom experiments with concepts such as atmospheric pressure, and weather changes.
As we move into March, students will be taking the PARCC test. Earlier this month, students were exposed to the test and testing process when they took a practice test as a way to gain familiarity with the experience. In addition, students solved problems from the practice tests provided on the PARCC website. Below you will find the testing dates for our fifth graders, along with additional links that will direct you to the sample tests that your child can further practice. Also, feel free to preview student grades through PowerSchool now that the end of the second trimester is approaching. As always, thank you for your continued support from home!
In Social Studies, students have begun their journey to Ancient Mesopotamia. This ancient civilization is known to many as the “land between two rivers,” which happened to be the title of our reader’s theatre performance. This play served as an introduction to the unit, which allowed students to assume the roles of people living in this area of the world from 1792 B.C. to 1750 B.C. Through this unit, students will be expected to explain why the land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers was a good region for agriculture. They will also learn about the problems that Mesopotamians faced, and how they overcame the different challenges within their civilization. Students will investigate, and make connections with past technological developments, and the creation of ancient governments. From here, students will move on with their journey to learn about two other ancient civilizations that have impacted our present day lives.
Another theme the students will explore deals with the “Power of Nature.” This theme appears throughout our Science and Language Arts units. Students will read and write about different natural disasters, as well as discover the effects of air pressure, and the implications different weather patterns can bring. Our goal is to relate hands-on classroom experiments with concepts such as atmospheric pressure, and weather changes.
As we move into March, students will be taking the PARCC test. Earlier this month, students were exposed to the test and testing process when they took a practice test as a way to gain familiarity with the experience. In addition, students solved problems from the practice tests provided on the PARCC website. Below you will find the testing dates for our fifth graders, along with additional links that will direct you to the sample tests that your child can further practice. Also, feel free to preview student grades through PowerSchool now that the end of the second trimester is approaching. As always, thank you for your continued support from home!
- February 27th: Institute Day- Students do not attend school; teachers attend full-day classes for growth and development as an educator.
- March 9th: 5th grade students begin PARCC testing in Language Arts
- March 12th, 16th, 19th, and the 23rd: 5th graders continue to test in areas of Language Arts and Math.
5th Graders Connecting Past to the Present--Updated 01/20/2015
This year’s invention convention was a phenomenal success! The morning and afternoon presentations had a tremendous turnout of parents, family members, and others that came to acknowledge all of the students’ creative ideas and hard work. This process went through many stages and the final product was shown proudly with detailed explanations. We will be culminating this part of our STEM project with reading about agricultural inventions that have been created. The students will analyze how these inventions changed society. Finally, we will be reading about inventions and their background; such as airplanes which have a significant impact on society today.
Science will have a concentration with the topic of water. The fifth graders will be learning about water in their environment and its importance to the world as a whole. We will also study how it is a major influence on our weather.
Over the next two weeks we will be concluding our time spent on the Order of Operations in Math class. Students should continue to practice their multiplication facts at home. The next major unit we will be entering is fractions and the stronger they know their basic facts the more confident they will be working with fractions.
Many fifth grade students are also participating in Battle of the Books at the Wood Dale Library. It is important that all students attend each night their team is playing, since a great deal of time, effort, and work went into reading many books that were part of the grade level list. This is a great example of teaching all those involved about fulfilling a commitment to a team effort!
Science will have a concentration with the topic of water. The fifth graders will be learning about water in their environment and its importance to the world as a whole. We will also study how it is a major influence on our weather.
Over the next two weeks we will be concluding our time spent on the Order of Operations in Math class. Students should continue to practice their multiplication facts at home. The next major unit we will be entering is fractions and the stronger they know their basic facts the more confident they will be working with fractions.
Many fifth grade students are also participating in Battle of the Books at the Wood Dale Library. It is important that all students attend each night their team is playing, since a great deal of time, effort, and work went into reading many books that were part of the grade level list. This is a great example of teaching all those involved about fulfilling a commitment to a team effort!
5th Grade Inventors Encouraged to be Resilient--Updated 12/17/2014
We would like to thank all of the families that attended conferences in November. This was a very exciting time for students to share their accomplishments so far in fifth grade!
The 5th graders have been busy preparing the for the Invention Convention that will be held on Friday, January 16th. The 3rd Annual Invention Convention will take place in 2 sessions at Westview School:
In Science, after the invention convention, students will be learning about water on earth in our Earth Science unit. Students will be engaged with hands-on experiments to identify what makes layers of water float on each other. We will use fresh water and salt water in order to discover that the more salt in water, the heavier it is. The word for this is "salinity."
In Math, we finished our unit on multi-digit multiplication, long division, and adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing with decimals. We have now moved on to exploring fractions. Students will learn how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions. Please encourage your child to practice their facts for at least 10-15 minutes each night.
We would like to wish all the families a happy holiday season. We look forward to seeing all the students on Tuesday, January 6th!
The 5th graders have been busy preparing the for the Invention Convention that will be held on Friday, January 16th. The 3rd Annual Invention Convention will take place in 2 sessions at Westview School:
- 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Papanicolaou/Diaz/Dotson
- 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Willhoit/Cericola/Ojeda
In Science, after the invention convention, students will be learning about water on earth in our Earth Science unit. Students will be engaged with hands-on experiments to identify what makes layers of water float on each other. We will use fresh water and salt water in order to discover that the more salt in water, the heavier it is. The word for this is "salinity."
In Math, we finished our unit on multi-digit multiplication, long division, and adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing with decimals. We have now moved on to exploring fractions. Students will learn how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions. Please encourage your child to practice their facts for at least 10-15 minutes each night.
We would like to wish all the families a happy holiday season. We look forward to seeing all the students on Tuesday, January 6th!
Inventive Thinking Encouraged for 5th Grade Students--Updated 11/17/2014
As the second trimester begins, our creativity continues to flow. We have started our exciting Language Arts theme called Inventive Thinking. During this theme we will connect reading, writing and social studies. First students will study various inventions created during the Industrial Revolution and explore the impact they had on life. Through research, students will see how inventions have changed the lives of people and explore a variety of such inventions and the inventors behind these big ideas. This process will allow students to take a closer look at various pieces of literature, informational text; such as The Lorax, Frindle, Here’s What You Do When You Can’t Find Your Shoe, and a variety of biographies.
Students will then take on the role of inventors themselves. They will follow the procedure behind how to come up with a new idea. Students will consider problems they encounter in their everyday lives and brainstorms ways to solve such problems. Through this process students will create their own invention. Fifth graders will brainstorm ideas, go through trial and error, write up reports, create a model, and produce marketing for their new idea. Students and teachers are excited to begin this process and watch our ideas come to life.
In Math, we are continuing to work on multi-digit multiplication and long division. As stated in the Common Core Curriculum, students are responsible for using the traditional algorithm method to solve multi-digit multiplication problems. With regard to long division, students will be responsible for using the partial products method when solving these types of problems. Please encourage your child to continue to practice their fast facts each night as it will help them when solving multi-digit multiplication and long division problems.
We look forward to seeing you at your child’s scheduled conference on either Monday, November 24th or Tuesday, November 25th!
Students will then take on the role of inventors themselves. They will follow the procedure behind how to come up with a new idea. Students will consider problems they encounter in their everyday lives and brainstorms ways to solve such problems. Through this process students will create their own invention. Fifth graders will brainstorm ideas, go through trial and error, write up reports, create a model, and produce marketing for their new idea. Students and teachers are excited to begin this process and watch our ideas come to life.
In Math, we are continuing to work on multi-digit multiplication and long division. As stated in the Common Core Curriculum, students are responsible for using the traditional algorithm method to solve multi-digit multiplication problems. With regard to long division, students will be responsible for using the partial products method when solving these types of problems. Please encourage your child to continue to practice their fast facts each night as it will help them when solving multi-digit multiplication and long division problems.
We look forward to seeing you at your child’s scheduled conference on either Monday, November 24th or Tuesday, November 25th!
5th Grade Busy Inside and Outside of the Classroom!--updated October 20, 2014
It is hard to believe that the first trimester is nearly over as the students have been so busy learning! In Reading, 5th graders will be finishing the unit entitled “One Land, Many Trails”. We are reading Family Apart, a historical fiction book in which a mother makes many sacrifices in order for her six children to have a better life. This novel focuses on many cause/effect relationships and the students have been making inferences along with those relationships. This unit topic also relates to our Social Studies Unit in which early explorers are settling in new areas west of the United States. Ask your child about the Gold Rush posters they created and presented. It would be a great opportunity for them to share what they learned and make connections to the content areas as well. Finally, some sites students can work on from home to help them improve their comprehension of informational text and literature would be http://tweentribune.com/ and http://www.raz-kids.com/main/Login.
Students learned about moving west during the Westward Expansion Period and discussed some of the challenges/losses explorers faced. They created Westward Expansion Posters trying to persuade settlers to go to a particular area in the west using specific criteria. These are posted outside of our classrooms. If you have a chance to come visit you can check them out. The areas they studied included Oregon, Ohio, California, and The Great Plains. The culminating activity for this unit will be to complete a simulation of the Oregon Trail and make decisions that could impact their lives as if they were in the 1800’s. We will be wrapping up this unit in the next few weeks and then moving on to the Industrial Revolution. Look for your child to be sharing knowledge about the various inventions during this time as well as learning about the assembly lines and how they made changes in the economy
Now that we have returned from the Outdoor Education Program, we will be finishing Chapter 5 in Science, and beginning Chapter 6 about Changes in Ecosystems. This chapter will focus on how the changes in different habitats affect living things. The students will be doing an experiment to find out how pollution affects a habitat and how animals adapt in order to survive these changes in their ecosystems. Below are some pictures that we think you will enjoy showing the students at Loredo Taft’s Outdoor Education Program.
In Math, students are learning about place value and decimals related to addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The continued exploration of "base ten" and the use of manipulatives, gives the students a better understanding of why we regroup and borrow to solve real world problems using the standard algorithms. A great website that students can use to assist them with our current unit is https://www.khanacademy.org, http://nlvm.usu.edu/ as well as http://www.mobymax.com/. These websites are great for the visual learner and use manipulatives to explain addition and subtraction as well as many other mathematical concepts. Each student has differentiated lessons that focus on their strengths and weaknesses. Khan Academy is a non-profit educational organization that provides free video tutorials and interactive exercises. The tutorials are informal in style and organized for building knowledge one concept or lesson at a time. Finally, another way you could help your child in math is to practice math facts. Just five minutes a day at home or in the car can make a HUGE impact in their accuracy. Moby Max has a wonderful tool titled Fact Master in which students keep track of their own progress for all four types of mathematical operations (+,-,*, or /)
Thank you for your continued support!
--The 5th Grade Teachers
Students learned about moving west during the Westward Expansion Period and discussed some of the challenges/losses explorers faced. They created Westward Expansion Posters trying to persuade settlers to go to a particular area in the west using specific criteria. These are posted outside of our classrooms. If you have a chance to come visit you can check them out. The areas they studied included Oregon, Ohio, California, and The Great Plains. The culminating activity for this unit will be to complete a simulation of the Oregon Trail and make decisions that could impact their lives as if they were in the 1800’s. We will be wrapping up this unit in the next few weeks and then moving on to the Industrial Revolution. Look for your child to be sharing knowledge about the various inventions during this time as well as learning about the assembly lines and how they made changes in the economy
Now that we have returned from the Outdoor Education Program, we will be finishing Chapter 5 in Science, and beginning Chapter 6 about Changes in Ecosystems. This chapter will focus on how the changes in different habitats affect living things. The students will be doing an experiment to find out how pollution affects a habitat and how animals adapt in order to survive these changes in their ecosystems. Below are some pictures that we think you will enjoy showing the students at Loredo Taft’s Outdoor Education Program.
In Math, students are learning about place value and decimals related to addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The continued exploration of "base ten" and the use of manipulatives, gives the students a better understanding of why we regroup and borrow to solve real world problems using the standard algorithms. A great website that students can use to assist them with our current unit is https://www.khanacademy.org, http://nlvm.usu.edu/ as well as http://www.mobymax.com/. These websites are great for the visual learner and use manipulatives to explain addition and subtraction as well as many other mathematical concepts. Each student has differentiated lessons that focus on their strengths and weaknesses. Khan Academy is a non-profit educational organization that provides free video tutorials and interactive exercises. The tutorials are informal in style and organized for building knowledge one concept or lesson at a time. Finally, another way you could help your child in math is to practice math facts. Just five minutes a day at home or in the car can make a HUGE impact in their accuracy. Moby Max has a wonderful tool titled Fact Master in which students keep track of their own progress for all four types of mathematical operations (+,-,*, or /)
Thank you for your continued support!
--The 5th Grade Teachers
Fifth Graders Sing School Song at Outdoor Education Program--Updated Oct. 2nd
View a video of the 5th Grade students singing the Westview School Song after lunch at the Outdoor Education Program on October 2nd!
5th Graders Establish Routines & Build Classroom Community--updated Sept. 15th
5th graders have been busy getting back into the swing of things. As routines have been put into place, and expectations have been discussed, students are showing lots of excitement for another school year at Westview School.
Our first cross curricular theme we study is One Land, Many Trails. This theme discusses the many ways in which people continued to settle in the United States of America. Students begin by reading a diary account of a young lady who travels from Illinois to California, in a story called Rachel’s Journal. The story further details the many challenges the family faces along the way. This theme is perfectly connected to our social studies unit about Westward Expansion. Students travel along with Lewis and Clark to discover their many contributions to life today. Students are asked to write their own creative journal entry as if they were truly on board the journey through the Louisiana Purchase.
All classrooms have also started the Second Step lessons during our morning meetings. Through daily class lessons and follow up, students learn and reinforce the social skills needed in order to increase student success and decrease problem behaviors. The program promotes social-emotional competence and self-regulation skills. In fifth grade we focus on three main topics: Empathy, Calming Down, and Problem Solving Steps. Be sure to look for home links and ask your child about what s/he is learning in these lessons.
Finally, we are busy preparing for our up and coming Outdoor Education trip to the Lorado Taft Field Campus in Oregon, Illinois. We appreciate all the families who attended our informational meeting. Please turn in the yellow health form and permission slips as soon as possible. Following are key dates to remember for the trip:
We encourage parents if they have any further questions about our trip, to contact your child’s teacher.
Our first cross curricular theme we study is One Land, Many Trails. This theme discusses the many ways in which people continued to settle in the United States of America. Students begin by reading a diary account of a young lady who travels from Illinois to California, in a story called Rachel’s Journal. The story further details the many challenges the family faces along the way. This theme is perfectly connected to our social studies unit about Westward Expansion. Students travel along with Lewis and Clark to discover their many contributions to life today. Students are asked to write their own creative journal entry as if they were truly on board the journey through the Louisiana Purchase.
All classrooms have also started the Second Step lessons during our morning meetings. Through daily class lessons and follow up, students learn and reinforce the social skills needed in order to increase student success and decrease problem behaviors. The program promotes social-emotional competence and self-regulation skills. In fifth grade we focus on three main topics: Empathy, Calming Down, and Problem Solving Steps. Be sure to look for home links and ask your child about what s/he is learning in these lessons.
Finally, we are busy preparing for our up and coming Outdoor Education trip to the Lorado Taft Field Campus in Oregon, Illinois. We appreciate all the families who attended our informational meeting. Please turn in the yellow health form and permission slips as soon as possible. Following are key dates to remember for the trip:
- September 19th - Fundraising orders due
- September 30th - Trip should be paid for in full ($110 in credit or payment payable to Westview PTO)
- October 1-3 - 5th graders attend Outdoor Education Program
We encourage parents if they have any further questions about our trip, to contact your child’s teacher.
5th Graders Travel Back in Time to Learn about Present--Updated May 19, 2014
The Mysteries of Ancient Greece
Through various types of text, both fiction and informational, students have been closely examining the culture of ancient Greece. We are currently trying to solve the mystery of The Curse of the Ancient Acropolis. Students are acting as detectives as we read this chapter book and learn more about the religion and beliefs of ancient Greece.
Did you know, during ancient times, women weren’t allowed to compete in the Olympics?
In guided reading students are reading about the history of the Olympics. Students have been working on the reading strategy of compare and contrast to help see the similarities and differences between Olympics both past and present. The students are learning about the evolution of the Olympics and how it has changed over time.
Music Teaches Us Government
Through a simulation using student choice in music, fifth graders have discovered the four types of government that once existed in ancient Greece. Students played various roles as part of an oligarchy, monarchy, tyranny, and democracy in order to understand what these governments offered as pros and cons. When given a choice, students overwhelmingly chose to be part of a democracy.
Mythology and Creative Writing
As the final piece of ancient Greece integration, students have been reading a variety of Greek myths. Fifth graders have identified the basic components of a myth: protagonist, antagonist, setting, and explanation of how something came to be. After reading examples such as the story of Arachne, Icarus, and Narcissus, students have started brainstorming ideas of their own creation myths. These myths are to include a modern day component while still explaining how something came to be.
Through various types of text, both fiction and informational, students have been closely examining the culture of ancient Greece. We are currently trying to solve the mystery of The Curse of the Ancient Acropolis. Students are acting as detectives as we read this chapter book and learn more about the religion and beliefs of ancient Greece.
Did you know, during ancient times, women weren’t allowed to compete in the Olympics?
In guided reading students are reading about the history of the Olympics. Students have been working on the reading strategy of compare and contrast to help see the similarities and differences between Olympics both past and present. The students are learning about the evolution of the Olympics and how it has changed over time.
Music Teaches Us Government
Through a simulation using student choice in music, fifth graders have discovered the four types of government that once existed in ancient Greece. Students played various roles as part of an oligarchy, monarchy, tyranny, and democracy in order to understand what these governments offered as pros and cons. When given a choice, students overwhelmingly chose to be part of a democracy.
Mythology and Creative Writing
As the final piece of ancient Greece integration, students have been reading a variety of Greek myths. Fifth graders have identified the basic components of a myth: protagonist, antagonist, setting, and explanation of how something came to be. After reading examples such as the story of Arachne, Icarus, and Narcissus, students have started brainstorming ideas of their own creation myths. These myths are to include a modern day component while still explaining how something came to be.
Students Connect Real Life Learning to Classroom Tasks--Updated 04/21/2014
Youth Empowerment- Fifth graders will continue Youth Empowerment in April! Wood Dale Police School Resource Officer Michael Danzi will be coming in for 5 lessons teaching the students about self esteem, peer pressure, and the effects of drugs and alcohol on health.
The students will have the opportunity to meet high school role models and ask questions about junior high and high school. Youth Empowerment will coincide with our unit on health, so when the students are learning about the effects of drugs and alcohol they will further understand how it affects their body systems.
Science- We have entered into our third unit of science, physical science. In this unit we will study matter, atoms and molecules, Newton’s Laws of Motion and simple machines. During this unit we will conduct experiments that allow students to calculate mass and density. While learning about Newton’s Laws of Motion, students will show their knowledge of these laws through demonstrations.
This then will lead us into Forces in Motion. In this chapter the students will learn about the connections between Newton’s Laws of Motion and simple machines. Some examples of simple machines are: a pulley, the wheel and axle, a lever, and inclined planes. Help your children point out simple machines you see in your home and neighborhood!
Social Studies- We are continuing with our studies of ancient civilizations. We have started exploring the land of the Nile, Egypt. Your student will focus on the effects the geography had on the creation of settlements, social pyramids and roles people played in society, and the connection between pyramids and the mummification process. Be sure to ask your child about famous Egyptians such as King Tut and Cleopatra.
Our final investigation of civilization will be ancient Greece. The students will learn about the Greek governments: monarchy, oligarchy, tyranny and democracy. Next, the students will be researching certain topics about ancient Greece including: philosophy, architecture, religion, sports, medicine, math and drama. After they research the topic, focusing on key people and contributions to Western civilization, they will share what they learned with the class using a variety of technology resources for their presentation.
These units really tie in well with our Language Arts Unit, “Clues to a Culture.” By connecting the content with our reading unit, the students are able to have a good grasp of reading skills as well as the information related to the ancient civilizations.
Math- Students have begun to investigate and learn about measurement. Estimation, conversions, and actual measurement with real life applications will be stressed. Students can continue to use Khan and Moby Max to supplement their learning. Above, you can see some photos of the students in action taking measurements!
Important Dates to Remember!
The students will have the opportunity to meet high school role models and ask questions about junior high and high school. Youth Empowerment will coincide with our unit on health, so when the students are learning about the effects of drugs and alcohol they will further understand how it affects their body systems.
Science- We have entered into our third unit of science, physical science. In this unit we will study matter, atoms and molecules, Newton’s Laws of Motion and simple machines. During this unit we will conduct experiments that allow students to calculate mass and density. While learning about Newton’s Laws of Motion, students will show their knowledge of these laws through demonstrations.
This then will lead us into Forces in Motion. In this chapter the students will learn about the connections between Newton’s Laws of Motion and simple machines. Some examples of simple machines are: a pulley, the wheel and axle, a lever, and inclined planes. Help your children point out simple machines you see in your home and neighborhood!
Social Studies- We are continuing with our studies of ancient civilizations. We have started exploring the land of the Nile, Egypt. Your student will focus on the effects the geography had on the creation of settlements, social pyramids and roles people played in society, and the connection between pyramids and the mummification process. Be sure to ask your child about famous Egyptians such as King Tut and Cleopatra.
Our final investigation of civilization will be ancient Greece. The students will learn about the Greek governments: monarchy, oligarchy, tyranny and democracy. Next, the students will be researching certain topics about ancient Greece including: philosophy, architecture, religion, sports, medicine, math and drama. After they research the topic, focusing on key people and contributions to Western civilization, they will share what they learned with the class using a variety of technology resources for their presentation.
These units really tie in well with our Language Arts Unit, “Clues to a Culture.” By connecting the content with our reading unit, the students are able to have a good grasp of reading skills as well as the information related to the ancient civilizations.
Math- Students have begun to investigate and learn about measurement. Estimation, conversions, and actual measurement with real life applications will be stressed. Students can continue to use Khan and Moby Max to supplement their learning. Above, you can see some photos of the students in action taking measurements!
Important Dates to Remember!
- April 30th- Junior High Musical Field Trip
- May 6 (Cericola & Hartman) or May 8 (Willhoit, Diaz, and Papanicolaou)- Field Trip to Oriental Institute
- May 8th- Open House @ Westview
- May 22- Club Recognition Field Trip
- May 30th- 5th Grade Picnic
- June 4th- Robert Crown Field Trip
- June 5th- 5th Grade Awards Assembly (Parents Invited) 1:30 p.m.
- June 6th- Student Visit to Wood Dale Junior High
- June 9th- Field Day
- June 10th- All School Sing & Yearbook Signing--Final Student Day of Attendance (Regular Hours)
Special Experiences Enhance 5th Grade Learning--Updated 03/24/2014
5th grade has been working hard during the month of March. We began the month by taking the ISAT test. 5th grade tested in the subject areas of math and reading. Students were focused and determined during our test sessions and responded well to slight changes in our daily routine. As always, Westview’s teaching staff appreciates families’ efforts to prepare students for this unique time of year. We were very proud of our students’ efforts.
Classes continue their study of ancient civilizations, moving from Mesopotamia to Ancient Egypt. We’re learning about the government, unique geography and culture of this time period. From pyramids to mummies, students are "wrapped up" in connecting their existing knowledge to compare this civilization to Mesopotamia. A special thanks to the Westview PTO who sponsored Kidworks’ Theater presentation of “Curse of the Sphinx” a cultural arts event we enjoyed on March 20. We’ll cap this unit with a field trip to the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago in early May.
Our “connected curriculum” had another highlight the following day. Mrs. Cericola organized a visit from Jesse Walters, a storm chaser from Richmond, Illinois. Mr. Walters brought his storm chase vehicle and answered student questions about what happens during a chase. Following our language arts / science units on natural disasters and non-fiction reading and writing skills, students were well prepared to ask questions of Mr. Walters. We learned more about severe weather, how to be safe during storms and how storm chasers help scientists learn more about dangerous conditions such as thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Please keep an eye on your student’s mail in the coming weeks as we have several transition activities planned to help prepare our Wildcats for their move to Wood Dale Junior High. Parent nights, a student tour, and even a visit to watch the spring musical are all planned as ways for families to become more familiar and comfortable with the Junior High.
As you can see, we have a lot going on! March marks the beginning of the 3rd trimester. After such a long winter it’s hard to believe, there’s only ⅓ of our school year left! We look to our students’ families this time of year to help keep their focus on learning. By keeping up with reading logs and assignments, you can provide the support students need to continue their success through the end of the year!
Classes continue their study of ancient civilizations, moving from Mesopotamia to Ancient Egypt. We’re learning about the government, unique geography and culture of this time period. From pyramids to mummies, students are "wrapped up" in connecting their existing knowledge to compare this civilization to Mesopotamia. A special thanks to the Westview PTO who sponsored Kidworks’ Theater presentation of “Curse of the Sphinx” a cultural arts event we enjoyed on March 20. We’ll cap this unit with a field trip to the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago in early May.
Our “connected curriculum” had another highlight the following day. Mrs. Cericola organized a visit from Jesse Walters, a storm chaser from Richmond, Illinois. Mr. Walters brought his storm chase vehicle and answered student questions about what happens during a chase. Following our language arts / science units on natural disasters and non-fiction reading and writing skills, students were well prepared to ask questions of Mr. Walters. We learned more about severe weather, how to be safe during storms and how storm chasers help scientists learn more about dangerous conditions such as thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Please keep an eye on your student’s mail in the coming weeks as we have several transition activities planned to help prepare our Wildcats for their move to Wood Dale Junior High. Parent nights, a student tour, and even a visit to watch the spring musical are all planned as ways for families to become more familiar and comfortable with the Junior High.
As you can see, we have a lot going on! March marks the beginning of the 3rd trimester. After such a long winter it’s hard to believe, there’s only ⅓ of our school year left! We look to our students’ families this time of year to help keep their focus on learning. By keeping up with reading logs and assignments, you can provide the support students need to continue their success through the end of the year!
Fifth Graders Rock at Learning about Minerals--updated 02/20/2014
This past month the fifth grade students continued learning about fractions in mathematics. Fractions are all around us in the world. We cheer parents on with discussing any examples they come across in everyday life! We also encourage parents to use flashcards at home and assist students with better comprehending their basic multiplication facts.
Our current theme in Language Arts is Earth, Wind, & Fire. These stories are all related to nature and severe situations that occur in it. In Writing, we are concluding teaching persuasive prompts and the students are working on the publishing of their stories.
In Social Studies, we have begun our investigation of ancient civilizations. The first one we are studying is Mesopotamia, which means “land between two rivers”. We will be learning how these civilizations are connected to our modern society through inventions, religion, geography, and government.
Earth’s Changing Surface is the chapter we are beginning in Earth Science. We begin by studying the mantle and the core and conclude with experiments identifying minerals. The culmination of this chapter is our annual field trip to the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art in Elmhurst next Tuesday and Thursday.
We would like to thank all the parents for their recent support at the Annual Wood Dale School District #7 Education Foundation's Pancake Breakfast. Your help with donations and attendance allow our schools to improve in amazing ways by enhancing our classroom resources such as technology devices!
There are also many essential dates coming up that 5th grade parents should be aware of:
February 25th Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Arts (Cericola, Hartman)
February 27th – Lizzadro Rock Museum (Willhoit, Papanicolaou, Diaz)
February 28th – No School--DuPage County Professional Development Day
March 17—St. Patrick’s Day; DEAR
March 19—PTO Restaurant Day—Buona Beef Itasca
March 25—WV PTO Meeting
March 31-April 4—Spring Break
Our current theme in Language Arts is Earth, Wind, & Fire. These stories are all related to nature and severe situations that occur in it. In Writing, we are concluding teaching persuasive prompts and the students are working on the publishing of their stories.
In Social Studies, we have begun our investigation of ancient civilizations. The first one we are studying is Mesopotamia, which means “land between two rivers”. We will be learning how these civilizations are connected to our modern society through inventions, religion, geography, and government.
Earth’s Changing Surface is the chapter we are beginning in Earth Science. We begin by studying the mantle and the core and conclude with experiments identifying minerals. The culmination of this chapter is our annual field trip to the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art in Elmhurst next Tuesday and Thursday.
We would like to thank all the parents for their recent support at the Annual Wood Dale School District #7 Education Foundation's Pancake Breakfast. Your help with donations and attendance allow our schools to improve in amazing ways by enhancing our classroom resources such as technology devices!
There are also many essential dates coming up that 5th grade parents should be aware of:
February 25th Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Arts (Cericola, Hartman)
February 27th – Lizzadro Rock Museum (Willhoit, Papanicolaou, Diaz)
February 28th – No School--DuPage County Professional Development Day
March 17—St. Patrick’s Day; DEAR
March 19—PTO Restaurant Day—Buona Beef Itasca
March 25—WV PTO Meeting
March 31-April 4—Spring Break
Invention Convention Concludes Industrial Revolution Study--updated 1/22/14
The 2nd Annual 5th Grade Invention Convention was a huge success! The students worked so hard on their inventions and they really enjoyed showcasing their prototypes and advertisements to friends, family, teachers, administrators, and community members of Wood Dale!
This concludes our social studies and language arts units which focused on the Industrial Revolution and Inventive Thinking. Next, we will begin to study the first of three ancient civilizations: Mesopotamia.
Mesopotamia means “the land between two rivers.” Ask your child about the important geographical features that allowed civilizations to be formed in Mesopotamia. Also, discuss the different types of agricultural techniques and other factors that led to the rise of city-states of Mesopotamia.
In Math, students are continuing to work hard during our fraction unit. Students will be learning to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions. Most important, students will be able to apply the use of fractions to real life situations. Please encourage your child to ask questions when they are confused and practice their facts an extra 10-15 minutes each night!
In Writing, students are working on persuasive essays. Students will work through all of the stages of the writing process to create an organized and convincing paper.
It is important to check your child’s assignment notebook on a daily basis. Please also make sure you sign the assignment notebook each night after your child has completed all of their homework. Keep up the excellent work fifth graders!
This concludes our social studies and language arts units which focused on the Industrial Revolution and Inventive Thinking. Next, we will begin to study the first of three ancient civilizations: Mesopotamia.
Mesopotamia means “the land between two rivers.” Ask your child about the important geographical features that allowed civilizations to be formed in Mesopotamia. Also, discuss the different types of agricultural techniques and other factors that led to the rise of city-states of Mesopotamia.
In Math, students are continuing to work hard during our fraction unit. Students will be learning to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions. Most important, students will be able to apply the use of fractions to real life situations. Please encourage your child to ask questions when they are confused and practice their facts an extra 10-15 minutes each night!
In Writing, students are working on persuasive essays. Students will work through all of the stages of the writing process to create an organized and convincing paper.
It is important to check your child’s assignment notebook on a daily basis. Please also make sure you sign the assignment notebook each night after your child has completed all of their homework. Keep up the excellent work fifth graders!
Inventive 5th Grade Minds at Work!--Updated December 17, 2013
We would like to thank all of the families that attended conferences in November. This was a very exciting time for students to share their accomplishments so far in fifth grade.
The 5th graders have been busy preparing the for the Invention Convention that will be held on Friday, January 17th. The 2nd Annual Invention Convention will take place in 2 sessions at Westview School:
In Science, students learned about water on earth in our Earth Science unit. Students engaged with hands-on experiments to identify what makes layers of water float on each other. We used fresh water and salt water in order to discover that the more salt in water, the heavier it is. The word for this is "salinity."
In Math, we finished our unit on multi-digit multiplication, long division, and adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing with decimals. We have now moved on to exploring fractions. Students will learn how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions. Please encourage your child to practice their facts for at least 10-15 minutes each night.
We would like to wish all families a happy holiday season. We look forward to seeing all the students on Tuesday, January 7th.
The 5th graders have been busy preparing the for the Invention Convention that will be held on Friday, January 17th. The 2nd Annual Invention Convention will take place in 2 sessions at Westview School:
- 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.: Papanicolaou & Diaz
- 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.: Willhoit, Cericola, and Hartman
In Science, students learned about water on earth in our Earth Science unit. Students engaged with hands-on experiments to identify what makes layers of water float on each other. We used fresh water and salt water in order to discover that the more salt in water, the heavier it is. The word for this is "salinity."
In Math, we finished our unit on multi-digit multiplication, long division, and adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing with decimals. We have now moved on to exploring fractions. Students will learn how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions. Please encourage your child to practice their facts for at least 10-15 minutes each night.
We would like to wish all families a happy holiday season. We look forward to seeing all the students on Tuesday, January 7th.
2nd Annual Invention Convention Planned for Fifth Graders--Updated 11/19/2013
As the second trimester begins, our creativity continues to flow. We have started our exciting Language Arts theme called Inventive Thinking. During this theme we will connect reading, writing and social studies.
First students will study various inventions created during the Industrial Revolution and explore the impact they had on life. Through research students will see how inventions have changed the lives of people and explore a variety of such inventions and the inventors behind these big ideas.
Through this process students will take a closer look at various pieces of literature and informational text such as The Lorax, Frindle, Here’s What You Do When You Can’t Find Your Shoe, and a variety of biographies.
Students will then take on the role of inventors themselves. They will follow the processes behind how to come up with a new idea. Students will consider problems they encounter in their everyday lives and brainstorm ways to solve such problems. Through this process students will create their own invention!
Fifth graders will brainstorm ideas, go through trial and error, write up reports, create a model, and produce marketing for their new idea. Everyone’s new ideas will be presented at the 2nd Annual Invention Convention to be held on Friday, January 17th. Students and teachers are excited to begin this process and watch our ideas come to life!
First students will study various inventions created during the Industrial Revolution and explore the impact they had on life. Through research students will see how inventions have changed the lives of people and explore a variety of such inventions and the inventors behind these big ideas.
Through this process students will take a closer look at various pieces of literature and informational text such as The Lorax, Frindle, Here’s What You Do When You Can’t Find Your Shoe, and a variety of biographies.
Students will then take on the role of inventors themselves. They will follow the processes behind how to come up with a new idea. Students will consider problems they encounter in their everyday lives and brainstorm ways to solve such problems. Through this process students will create their own invention!
Fifth graders will brainstorm ideas, go through trial and error, write up reports, create a model, and produce marketing for their new idea. Everyone’s new ideas will be presented at the 2nd Annual Invention Convention to be held on Friday, January 17th. Students and teachers are excited to begin this process and watch our ideas come to life!
Fifth Grade Students Celebrate Continued Learning from Outdoor Ed. Program
Reading
It is hard to believe that the first trimester is nearly over. The students have been so busy learning a variety of skills. In Reading, 5th graders will be finishing the unit entitled “One Land, Many Trails”. We are Reading Family Apart, a historical fiction book in which a mother makes many sacrifices in order for her six children to have a better life. This novel focuses on many cause/effect relationships and the students have been making inferences along with those relationships. This unit topic also relates to our Social Studies Unit in which early explorers are settling in new areas west of the United States. Ask your child about the Gold Rush posters they created. It would be a great opportunity for them to share what they learned and make connections to the content areas as well.
Social Studies
Students learned about moving west during the Westward Expansion Period and discussed some of the challenges/losses explorers faced. They created Westward Expansion Posters trying to persuade settlers to go to a particular area in the west, using specific criteria. These are posted outside of our classroom for all to see! If you have a chance to come visit you can check them out. The areas they studied included Oregon, Ohio, California, and The Great Plains. We will be wrapping up this unit in the next week or so and then moving on to the Industrial Revolution. Look for your child to be sharing knowledge about the various inventions during this time as well as learning about assembly lines and how they impacted the economy.
Science
Now that we have returned from the Outdoor Education Program, we will be finishing Chapter 5 and beginning Chapter 6 about Changes in Ecosystems. This chapter will focus on how the changes in different habitats affect living things. The students will be doing an experiment to find out how pollution affects a habitat and how animals adapt in order to survive these changes in their ecosystems. Below are some pictures that we think you will enjoy showing the students at the Outdoor Education Program at the Lorado Taft Field Campus.
Math
In Math, students are learning about place value and decimals related to addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The continued exploration of base ten and the use of hands-on manipulatives give the students a better understanding of why we regroup and borrow to solve real world problems using the standard algorithms. A great website that students can use to assist them with our current unit is http://nlvm.usu.edu/ as well as https://www.khanacademy.org . These websites are great for the visual learner and use manipulatives to explain addition and subtraction as well as many other math concepts. Khan Academy is a non-profit educational organization that provides free video tutorials and interactive exercises. The tutorials are informal in style and organized for building knowledge one concept or lesson at a time. Khan Academy is a great tool for learning concepts. Finally, another way you could help your child in math is to practice math facts. Just five minutes a day at home or in the car can make a HUGE impact in their accuracy.
Thank you for your continued support!
--The 5th grade teachers
It is hard to believe that the first trimester is nearly over. The students have been so busy learning a variety of skills. In Reading, 5th graders will be finishing the unit entitled “One Land, Many Trails”. We are Reading Family Apart, a historical fiction book in which a mother makes many sacrifices in order for her six children to have a better life. This novel focuses on many cause/effect relationships and the students have been making inferences along with those relationships. This unit topic also relates to our Social Studies Unit in which early explorers are settling in new areas west of the United States. Ask your child about the Gold Rush posters they created. It would be a great opportunity for them to share what they learned and make connections to the content areas as well.
Social Studies
Students learned about moving west during the Westward Expansion Period and discussed some of the challenges/losses explorers faced. They created Westward Expansion Posters trying to persuade settlers to go to a particular area in the west, using specific criteria. These are posted outside of our classroom for all to see! If you have a chance to come visit you can check them out. The areas they studied included Oregon, Ohio, California, and The Great Plains. We will be wrapping up this unit in the next week or so and then moving on to the Industrial Revolution. Look for your child to be sharing knowledge about the various inventions during this time as well as learning about assembly lines and how they impacted the economy.
Science
Now that we have returned from the Outdoor Education Program, we will be finishing Chapter 5 and beginning Chapter 6 about Changes in Ecosystems. This chapter will focus on how the changes in different habitats affect living things. The students will be doing an experiment to find out how pollution affects a habitat and how animals adapt in order to survive these changes in their ecosystems. Below are some pictures that we think you will enjoy showing the students at the Outdoor Education Program at the Lorado Taft Field Campus.
Math
In Math, students are learning about place value and decimals related to addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The continued exploration of base ten and the use of hands-on manipulatives give the students a better understanding of why we regroup and borrow to solve real world problems using the standard algorithms. A great website that students can use to assist them with our current unit is http://nlvm.usu.edu/ as well as https://www.khanacademy.org . These websites are great for the visual learner and use manipulatives to explain addition and subtraction as well as many other math concepts. Khan Academy is a non-profit educational organization that provides free video tutorials and interactive exercises. The tutorials are informal in style and organized for building knowledge one concept or lesson at a time. Khan Academy is a great tool for learning concepts. Finally, another way you could help your child in math is to practice math facts. Just five minutes a day at home or in the car can make a HUGE impact in their accuracy.
Thank you for your continued support!
--The 5th grade teachers
Fifth Grade Start Includes Extracurricular Opportunities--Updated 9/16/13
Back to school is always a busy time and Westview’s 5th grade is no exception. With an upcoming Outdoor Education trip, our new Chromebook 1 to 1 program and extracurricular opportunities like Safety Patrol and Chorus, it’s been an especially busy return to school!
5th grade students will be attending the Outdoor Education Program at Lorado Taft Field Campus, in Oregon, Illinois, October 2-4. While in residence, our students will be applying classroom learning to authentic, hands-on situations. We’ll discuss animal adaptations, portray the food cycle through a game called “Instincts for Survival”, and conduct a water study along the Rock River. Fundraising efforts are drawing to a close, with packets due this Friday, September 20th. The PTO will then calculate the remaining amount that students owe, and send a note home. The teachers greatly appreciate the questions students and parents are asking to help prepare for our annual Outdoor Education trip. Remember you can find more information about Lorado Taft here : www.niu.edu/taft
While the Outdoor Education Program has been a tradition for many years, something new to 5th grade is our Chromebook 1 to 1 program. Students were each assigned a Google Chromebook and a charger earlier this month, trained in how to care for the laptop device, and are eagerly using the computers in a wide variety of ways. You may see 5th graders using Chromebooks for writing, researching or working on a math game. Classrooms were able to complete our MAP testing in the classroom using Chromebooks instead of the laptop lab. This allowed teachers to schedule testing and get results in a shorter time. We continue to discuss the idea of digital citizenship in class, reviewing our guidelines for using devices appropriately, including the expectation that students have their charged Chromebook with them at school everyday, ready to be used for learning.
The start of the 5th grade year also means greater opportunity for students to enjoy extracurricular activities. Safety Patrol, sponsored by Mrs. Melissa Serrano, helps students remain safe as they arrive and dismiss from Westview. Chorus is also beginning to form up, with students returning signed permission slips daily.
Thank you for your continued support and for making our return to school easier!
--The 5th grade teachers.
5th grade students will be attending the Outdoor Education Program at Lorado Taft Field Campus, in Oregon, Illinois, October 2-4. While in residence, our students will be applying classroom learning to authentic, hands-on situations. We’ll discuss animal adaptations, portray the food cycle through a game called “Instincts for Survival”, and conduct a water study along the Rock River. Fundraising efforts are drawing to a close, with packets due this Friday, September 20th. The PTO will then calculate the remaining amount that students owe, and send a note home. The teachers greatly appreciate the questions students and parents are asking to help prepare for our annual Outdoor Education trip. Remember you can find more information about Lorado Taft here : www.niu.edu/taft
While the Outdoor Education Program has been a tradition for many years, something new to 5th grade is our Chromebook 1 to 1 program. Students were each assigned a Google Chromebook and a charger earlier this month, trained in how to care for the laptop device, and are eagerly using the computers in a wide variety of ways. You may see 5th graders using Chromebooks for writing, researching or working on a math game. Classrooms were able to complete our MAP testing in the classroom using Chromebooks instead of the laptop lab. This allowed teachers to schedule testing and get results in a shorter time. We continue to discuss the idea of digital citizenship in class, reviewing our guidelines for using devices appropriately, including the expectation that students have their charged Chromebook with them at school everyday, ready to be used for learning.
The start of the 5th grade year also means greater opportunity for students to enjoy extracurricular activities. Safety Patrol, sponsored by Mrs. Melissa Serrano, helps students remain safe as they arrive and dismiss from Westview. Chorus is also beginning to form up, with students returning signed permission slips daily.
Thank you for your continued support and for making our return to school easier!
--The 5th grade teachers.