The Fifth Grade Duck
The Fifth Grade Newsletter
2007-2008
October 8, 2007
Thank goodness that the NECAPS are almost over. We know that our
students have worked very hard towards doing well on these tests.
Housekeeping
On Wednesday, October 10, 2007, the Fifth Grade mentors will be
accompanying their mentees from Kindergarten, to the Equinox Valley
Nursery. We will leave the campus at 12:30, and return at
2:30. The cost is $4.00 per student. If you have not sent
in a permission slip to our school, please do so.
Math
In our Math
Investigations text, we will soon start a new unit called,
“Prisms and Pyramids”. We will be studying about 3-D
Geometry and Measurement.
Reading
We will soon begin reading SnowshoeTrek to Otter
Creek, or Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. If a student has read the
book, we will find a similar novel to use together.
Language
Our English studies will begin to focus on Reading
Responses to independent literature, creative writing, writing skills,
and elements of plot. This month’s focal point will be about the
Setting found in novels. Daily Oral Language and weekly spelling
exercises will continue as we have been doing, with a quiz on Fridays.
Social Studies
We are studying about the founding of North America
and the explorers who came here. What was North America like,
when they arrived? The novels we are reading in class are great
segues into this era of history in our country.
Science
We are studying about the cardiovascular system in our science classes.
Finally, on Wednesday, October 10, the Fifth Grade Mentors will spend
the afternoon with their Kindergarten mentees , at the Equinox
corn maze and wagon ride. The cost per student will be
$4 per person.
Reading Responses -a copy of the form is below, this will begin in October.
Letter to an Author
Response to Literature
1. Start out with the proper greeting: Dear (Author’s Name),
2. Paragraph One:
In this paragraph, give the
title of the book, the copyright date, and who the publisher is.
3. Paragraph Two:
In this paragraph mention two or three events that
you enjoyed, or found interesting,
important, or exciting:
I found the time that...
An important incident was..., because...
I think the setting is important because...
4. Paragraph Three:
In this paragraph, make connections with what you
read to your own life. Did any of the characters remind you of
people you know? Who was your favorite and why? Did anything
happen in this book that reminds you of something that happened to you?
A part of the book that made me (cry-laugh-flinch-cheer) was...
This character reminds me of my friend...because...
My favorite character and I would probably talk about...
5. Paragraph Four:
What is your opinion of the story? Is it
believable or too predictable? What would you change?
Some words that the author chooses that I like are...a reason I like this word is...
The author use similes, metaphors, and personification...an example is...
I have changed after reading this book because...
Something I know now is...
6. Be sure to include a proper closing, and your signature.