OCTOBER has been a busy month here at OCS.
Mathematics
We have been working in the Grade 5 Go Math text exploring Math Vocabulary, exponents, and multiplication and division patterns.
It is important to recognize that the words used in math must be mastered in order for students to know what to do. If instructions are not understood, accurate responses are not possible.
Words/phrases to know include: sum, addend, product, difference divisor, dividend, quotient, numerical expression, commutative property, associative property, identity property, distributive property, place value, standard form, expanded form, whole number, exponent, base of exponent, parentheses, order of operations, numerical pattern, greater than, less than, equal to, comparisons, factor, and more.
Math as well as other subjects is cumulative. Words and phrases are added each year. Students need to become competent and confident with these to be successful. They must understand "the language!"
Now more than ever students are also realizing why memorizing their math facts is important! It is important that they practice, practice, practice!!! These facts must become automatic.
English Language Arts
Lot's of review has taken place during the first few months of school. We are working hard at sharpening our comprehension skills by using context clues, and citing textual evidence.
We have been working on short reading selections from our Journey's text and Scholastics Storyworks Magazine. We have explored both fiction, non-fiction, and drama.
We will be continuing with the Wilson Reading Program to assist with decoding. Have your child share how they can determine whether a vowel is pronounced long or short by determining syllable type with you. Closed syllable= short vowel. Open syllable= long vowel
November will find us reading Louis Sachar's Holes. Students are sure to enjoy this book!!
Paragraph of the Week: We are exploring different thought-provoking topics each week. To date, we have targeted "IDEAS" as our goal for writing. Coming up with a clear focus for our writing has been challenging. We are addressing this using author Lisa Funeri-Willover's writing directions as to avoiding topics that are just too big (she calls them fuzzy) and topics that change so many times that the reader becomes confused (zig-zag writing).
Please contact me with any questions or concerns! Welcome to November and the holidays:))
