Spring is in the Air
The fifth grade class has been very busy this last month. New projects are underway, and learning has taken on a new set of responsibilities. Time management and organization skills will be emphasized to prepare the fifth graders for challenges to come next year in sixth grade and beyond. The class is also focusing on developing leadership skills and cooperative learning. In CE, and all their other classes, they learn the importance of treating each other with respect and including everyone in activities and discussions. As they move on to the sixth grade, they will be the little fish in a big pond. They will make new friends and use their cooperative and leadership skills to find their place in their community.In math the class has been learning geometry, measurements, reviewing fractions of shapes, and practicing their test-taking skills for the upcoming SAT test. They have been mastering their measurement skills by learning how to use a protractor and a compass. By creating geometric shapes with these measurement tools, they have built an understanding and appreciation for precision. They are taking a number of SAT practice tests to familiarize themselves with the types of questions and the format of the test. I have given the students a Scoring High practice test book to work on over the spring break.
In science the Invention Convention is in full swing. The students are focused on their inquiry project: brainstorming, problem solving, critical thinking, designing, building, marketing, and speech writing. As their ideas begin to take shape, they often have to make adjustments and rethink their ideas. The term "back to the drawing board" has taken on a real meaning. It is fun and exciting to see an idea become a reality.
In social studies the Ancestor Report was a big success. The family history story boards were fascinating, and the food was delicious. The students were so proud to share their family histories.
The fifth graders and sixth graders got together again to share experiences and build relationships. The Field Day activities were fun for all.
The fifth-grade role in the Kahalaopuna Opera is to be the development committee. The committee is responsible for making sure all the other committees have the materials necessary to succeed at their tasks. The students are responsible for asking for donations in-kind, writing thank-you letters, organizing data on spreadsheets, and providing leadership by organizing informational meetings to share the school's progress.
The fifth grade project for the 100-year celebration is to create an iMovie about the history of Mid-Pacific Institute and Manoa Valley. The students will look into the history of the land, the people, and the structures in Manoa Valley and on the campus. The class visited the Heritage Center on the Cooks' estate, which has a beautiful heiau. This field trip stirred their interest in their surroundings, and they look forward to using modern technology to tell an old story.
Posted on March 13, 2008 9:33 AM | Permalink