November 17th, 2016

Started a new read aloud book today! I have been looking forward to reading this book for a while so I am really excited! 

In Math today we continued to work at solving equations to solve problems. Today we began looking at equations using multiplication and division. It is important that students remember that multiplication and division are inverse operations (ie. one can undo the other). This is the commutative property, just like addition and subtraction. For example:

3 x 5 = 15
15 / 5 = 3

5 x 3 = 15
15 / 3 = 5

This will help students to closely examine the equations they are using to solve problems. Take a look at the example below:

First, write an equation to represent the problem. We know that the total snowfall was 15 cm.

= 15 cm

We also know, that 3 cm fell each hour it snowed. We need to know how many hours it snowed. 

3 cm x each hour it snowed = 15 cm
3 x hours = 15
3 x h = 15
3h = 15

Now, how to solve this problem? We need to find the value of h. When in doubt, I recommend drawing a picture. Fill 3 groups equally until you reach 15 then count how much you have drawn in each group. You can also use your knowledge of equations to help you. Using inverse operations, the following equations all represent the above story problem:

3h = 15
15 / h = 3
h3 = 15
15 / 3 = h

The last equation (15 / 3 = h) would be easiest to solve. Divide 15 into 3 equal groups. How much do you have in each group. Remember, draw a picture if it helps! 

15 / 3 = 5
h = 5

It snowed for 5 hours. 

Drawing a picture is a great strategy (similar to yesterday's guess-and-test) for students who are still working towards mastering their multiplication and division facts. 

Drawing the fact can help you to better understand what multiplication and division mean. 

In Language Arts today, students completed their blog posts from yesterday. We also spent some time reading and commenting on one another's blogs. Please click on "Gr.5 Blogs" to see our complete guidelines surrounding student blogging. The students and I went through these guidelines in detail today and had a great discussion of the importance of good digital citizenship and what good comments would look like. Please take time to review these guidelines with your student. There will be long lasting consequences for any student who is not adhering to these guidelines and using their technology privileges appropriately.

In Science today, students got started on their final Weather Watch project. Students will be building and presenting a device used to measure the weather to the class. Students are working in groups of 4-5 students and will have class time to work on this project. Our devices are: rain gauge, anemometer, wind vane, and thermometer. Today students met in their groups and reviewed how to build their devices. They planned a list of supplies that they will need. Tomorrow, students will begin working on their presentations.

In Art, students continued to work on their ongoing Art TREX project. Today we started our third and final drafts! Yay! I'm excited to see how these turn out once completed. We will also begin working on a new project for the new Art TREX exhibit that is on display in Timberlea's atrium. Parents/family who are visiting the school are more than welcome to stop and take a look at the artwork. 

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes
- Book Orders (due November 24th)

Math:
- Practice 7x and 11x tables
- pgs. 27-28 #1, 3, 5, 6
- Patterns and Equations Unit Test (Wednesday)

Health:
- PEAK Basketball (Monday)
- FRIENDS Home Activity #3B (Wednesday)

Stuff-a-Bus Donations (Nov. 14-18th)
Angel Tree Donations - due December 9th (ask Ms. B for a tag)
Family Movie Night - Nov. 24th, 6:00 pm, Finding Dory (admission by donation)
Fall Market (Saturday, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm)
Tech & Trades Academy- Mondays (3:00-4:00 pm)
Grade 5/6 Volleyball - Mondays, Wednesdays (2:45-3:45 pm)
Grade 5/6 Guitar Club - Thursdays (2:45-3:45 pm)
Recycling Leaders - Day 1 (lunch recess) and Day 4 (lunch)