Hello Families,
Here is an update of what we have been up lately, and a preview of some upcoming events.
Math: This week we have started to skip around a little in our math units in preparation for the upcoming MCA and MAP Tests. This is designed to more effectively spend our time to cover material that will be on those tests at the fifth grade level. We have taken a break from Unit 7, and started a section of Unit 9 today that centers around graphing coordinates. Students have been told to hang on to their Unit 7 Study Links, and that we will be returning to this unit in the future.
Social Studies: Students have learned some of the basics of European exploration from 1000 A.D. to 1900, and later this week will conduct their own research of explorers past and present. Please ask them what they have learned.
Emotions and Growing Up Units: We will begin our conversations about 'Those Crazy Mixed-Up Emotions today.' Students will receive some parent-child homework assignments during these upcoming units. These are meant to open the door to some very important conversations between you and your child. I hope you will embrace them as an opportunity to help your children build some life-long skills, as well as to open up conversations for them to learn what you value and expect of them. Look for an invitation to view curriculum materials for the Growing Up Unit in next week's Brimhall Folders.
•Field Trip to Northwest Fur Trading Post: On April 20, fifth graders will be taking a bus to the Northwest Fur Trading Post in Pine City. We need as many volunteers as possible to make this field trip a success. It's a well-led tour where kids will experience a living history museum and be invited to participate outside and inside, getting to experience what it was like for the early Minnesota Native Americans who lived and traded with the European fur traders along the Snake River. With our current weather, this promises to be a great end to a week of testing. Please consider joining us. You should receive information in this weeks Wednesday's (March 28) Brimhall Folder.
Math Extravaganza Volunteers Needed: One of our fifth grade celebrations is fast approaching! On Thursday, April 5th, fifth graders will gather in classrooms and the multi-purpose room to play a variety of math games from our curriculum. We need parent volunteers who would be willing to learn one of the games and be a host at one of our stations. I'll send a game packet home with your child ahead of time, so that you can play the game together and become familiar with materials, rules, etc. Then, on April 5th, we'll have everything you need packaged in baggies for you to hand out to those who have signed up for your sessions. Kids will have signed up ahead of time for all three sessions, so all you need to do is start them off and monitor. Treats will be served during the second session. I was told this was a big hit last year, and a great time for kids to review lots of skills before the testing season starts.
•MCA testing and MAP testing: Our class will be taking the MCA Math Tests on April 23 and 24, which is a Monday and Tuesday. When final days are assigned for science and reading, I will be emailing you our class testing times. Please keep your children on healthy sleep schedules at all times, but especially during the next few months. Lots of sleep, exercise, and healthy breakfasts are the best preparation for these days. MAP tests will be administered in May.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I hope you can join us for the Math Extravaganza, the NorthWest Fur Post field trip, or even both.
Thanks,
Mr. Norman
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