Week of 5.1.17

Highlights for the Weeks of 5/1/2017
in Mrs. Bell's Classroom

Spelling -  Mythology Words
We will continue our study of Mythology words with an emphasis on allusion in myths. The spelling test for mythology words is scheduled for Friday, 5/5.

Reading- Unit 2 - "Journeys" - A Poetic Journey

We will begin a novel study of the book Love that  Dog, by Sharon Creech. Love that Dog is a free verse poem written in a diary format. It is written from the perspective of a young boy who resists poetry assignments from his teacher. Throughout his journey, he learns to appreciate, and to even enjoy, the art of poetry. As we read this book, we will continue to examine the literary elements of poetry, and students will create their own poetry book.

Social Studies - The Southwest 

The chapter 10 TEST is scheduled for Monday, 5/1. A study guide was sent home on 4/24. We will complete the Southwest portion of our United States maps and then move on to the West, which is the final region of the year. (!)

Science - How Does your Body get Oxygen and Nutrients?

Our study of the human body begins with a look at the respiratory and digestive systems. We will also complete a lab in which we study the impact of movement on pulse rates.

The Invention Convention was a HUGE hit! I loved seeing the creative ideas of our young scientists. A big THANK YOU to parents for supporting your child's efforts with this project!

"Messy-O"

"Remote Drawers"

"Forget Me Not"

"Dusting Baby"

"Darkness Shoe"

"Stick Your Stick"

"Stamper"

"ICU"

"Glowing Basketball 10,000"

"Glow in the Dark Shirt"

"Kian IPad Pocket"

"Glow in the Dark Soccer Ball"

"Sort and Go"

"Doggie Tennis Ball Slingshot"

"Treat Giver 9000"

"Bow Organizer"

"Roof Washer 4000"

"The Doggie Diner"

Mrs. Bell's Math Class - Unit 6 - Graphing, Geometry & Volume
The Unit 6 TEST is scheduled for Monday, 5/1. On Tuesday, students will participate in a Breakout EDU that reinforces their knowledge about how to calculate volume. We will then move on to Unit 7 which is "Division & Decimals".

Students worked with ratios this week. They studied the relationship between the "hoist" and "fly" of flags and used that information to find surface area. Below are photos of them designing their own flags after calculating dimensions and area with their partners...

Mrs. Karen Bell

Week of 4.24.17

Highlights for the Weeks of 4/24/2017
in Mrs. Bell's Classroom

Spelling -  Mythology Words
This week's list contains words pertaining to Greek Mythology. We will study the definitions of the words as they are used in myths and also look at several myths and their messages. Because this unit has many valuable activities, we will study it for 2 weeks. The spelling test for mythology words is scheduled for Friday, 5/5.

Reading- Unit 2 - "Journeys" - A Poetic Journey
Characteristics of poems will be our focus this week. We will discuss and review poetic elements such as rhythm, rhyme, and repetition. Types of poetry (for example lyric poem, haiku or ode), will also be discussed. Students will also read a Time for Kids magazine in which the main article looks at developments in aviation. The comprehension QUIZ for the TFK is scheduled for Friday, 4/18

Social Studies - The Southwest - "Oil & Technology"
Resources of the Southwest is the topic for this week in Social Studies. Students will learn how oil impacts the economy and how the technology industry is present in many locations in the region. 

We have finished the SW brochure project. I'd like to share some pictures of students working on the project in class. It is a true pleasure for me to observe the progress they have made working independently on technology projects. They certainly have come a long way since September...

Science - Invention Convention
Inventions are due on 4/25. Students will present their inventions on 4/26. They should be able to speak about their invention and to demonstrate how it works. All inventions will be on display for Open House on 4/27.

Mrs. Bell's Math Class - Unit 6 - Graphing, Geometry & Volume
The week begins with a look at the multiplication of mixed numbers. On Wednesday, students will take a CHECKPOINT on this topic. Look for the Unit 6 TEST to be scheduled the week of 5/1.

This past week, mathematicians completed a hands-on activity in which they measured rectangular prisms and calculated the volumes. Here are some pictures from this learning activity... 

FYI...

4/27 - PV Open House / Book Fair - 6:30 - 8:00

We look forward to seeing you at the Prairieview Open House on Thursday, 4/27 from 6:30 to 8:00. The students have been working hard to create a "Southwestern Fiesta" in the Fourth-grade wing. Be sure to ask your child to show you his/her Midwest Look Book, and all of the other work (including inventions) displayed in our room. Don't forget to stop at the book fair in the gym!

Mrs. Karen Bell

Week of 4.17.17

Highlights for the Weeks of 4/17/2017
in Mrs. Bell's Classroom

Spelling -  None
There will be no Spelling due to the shortened week.

Reading- Unit 2 - "Journeys" - The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Due to some adjustments made during the week of 4/10, we were unable to begin the comparison between The Velveteen Rabbit and Edward Tulane so we will work on that this week. After reading the story, students will compare and contrast the literary elements in both. On Thursday we will begin our poetry unit with a look at author's viewpoint through the eyes of poet Shel Silverstein. We will also revisit first and third person point of view.

Social Studies - The Southwest
The Southwest Brochure Project will be in the forefront this week. Research for the project will be due on 4/19 and the final product must be submitted by 4/21. Students will be given some time to work on this at school, but should expect to also work on it at home. Also, the Southwest Map QUIZ will be on Tuesday, 4/18.



Science - Invention Convention
Inventions are due on 4/25.

Mrs. Bell's Math Class - Unit 6 - Graphing, Geometry & Volume
Finding the volume of prisms will be our focus this week. 

Reading a story problem with a British accent!

FYI...
4/17 - No School

"Kids Council" is a group of fifth-grade students who work together to promote good character in our building. This week our classroom was visited by two members of the council who led a discussion about kindness. Students added leaves to a "kindness tree" that contained the name of a classmate and a positive statement about that classmate.  They also played a game where they said a compliment to a classmate as they tossed them a ball. Life lessons in action!

Mrs. Karen Bell