Important Dates & Reminders

• March 2: Early Release
• March 3: No school for students
• March 8: Family Market
• March 8: Interim reports in Wednesday folders

• Please continue to check Talking Points on a daily basis
• Laptops may be sent home if there is a chance of snow in the forecast.
• FCPS has shared the following statement.  The first five inclement weather days will be traditional “snow days” with no school activities. After those five days, we will hold virtual learning days, whenever possible, to maintain continuity of learning. Virtual learning on these days will be synchronous (live) instruction following the inclement weather virtual learning day schedule which includes a two-hour delay.
• Lexia, STmath, and MyOn may be accessed at home for student practice. If you wish for your student to begin taking their laptop home each night to practice on these sites, please reach out to your student’s teacher.

Language Arts

What we learned this past month:

Reading: 

This past month we have been reading and writing fantasy books.  We have been focusing on how the realistic setting can add suspense and excitement.  We have been following a character’s quest and how it can lead to a larger story line. 

In addition, some 5th graders experienced a Great Debate - learning how to gather and share evidence about a topic of choice. 

What we will be learning next month:

Reading:

Next month we will begin our research unit.  Each student will choose an ancient civilization to research.  At the end of the research, each student will share their findings with their class as a project; projects will be individually chosen by each student. 

Math

What we learned last month:

In Math, we learned about algebraic reasoning.  We identified number and picture patterns.  We learned about variables, expressions, and equations.  We began solving one-step equations with variables. 

What we will be learning next month:

We will begin learning about geometry next month.  We will measure perimeter, area and volume using the standard and metric measuring systems.  We will also measure length, mass and volume liquid using metric measurement.

Advanced Math

What we learned last month:

Advanced Math also learned about algebraic reasoning. In addition to identifying variables, expressions, and equations; we learned about coefficients, contents, and terms.  We learned to solve and write our own algebraic equations.  We’ve been using Hands On Equations to use manipulatives to solve problems.

We completed Math tasks to stretch our thinking.  It was fun to grapple with a variety of  topics then share different ways of solving the same problem.  We also created poster sized coordinate grid projects - those were lots of fun!

What we will learn next month:

Next month we will start learning about proportions.  We will be making proportions with real life problems and situations.  We will be comparing proportions and determining unit rate for many different situations.  We will be studying and reading ratio tables and graphs.

Science

What we learned last month: 

We have been learning all about electricity this month.  We have completed countless experiments using dry cells, wires, lightbulbs, magnets, conductors, insulators and motors.  It has been a lot of fun.  As we finish our unit of electricity, we are building an attraction for Jazzy Jamestown using all of the electrical knowledge we’ve gained.  

What we will be learning next month:

We will continue learning about energy and energy types.  We will be doing more research on renewable and nonrenewable resources.  

At the end of the month, we will have our Family Life Education lessons. 

Social Studies

What we learned last month:

We have been dabbling in nonfiction texts on ancient cultures as we prepare for our research project next month. 

What we will be learning next month:

We will continue reading nonfiction texts about ancient cultures and decide on a specific culture to research for our Language Arts research project.