5 Black

The Buddy System

2008-10-03T20:08:40Z

The fifth-and sixth-grade students got together to build strong relationships that will last through their intermediate and high-school years at Mid-Pacific. They had time to share experiences and play games.

The students have finished their visual aids for their planet posters and are working on their oral presentations. They will be presenting their reports after they have reviewed the requirements that must be met to be an effective public speaker. They will now be doing inquiry into the properties of the sun. We watched an interesting film on the properties of the sun on the SmartBoard. In math we have started to investigate numbers in-between whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. Encourage the students to apply their knowledge of decimals in their everyday use of money, and take any chance you get to talk about fractions.

Fun and Discovery with Friends

2008-09-29T19:12:05Z

Last weekend's Welcome BBQ, sponsored by the 'Ohana with fifth-grade parent assistance, was a great success! Everyone enjoyed the delicious food, fun games, pleasant company, and shared school pride. We all tip our hats to the great teamwork that made this event so enjoyable. A big MAHOLO to Nicole Chung for all her planning and organizing - she gets the Super Mom Award!

In science the fifth grade took a field trip to the University of Hawaii's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to study Biotechnology. The students participated in a "who done it" investigation using forensic science. They conducted an experiment in a lab to separate DNA from papaya cells, and they played games to learn about genetic traits.

Fifth-grade lab scientists separating DNA from plant cells

Fifth-grade detectives using forensic science to solve a crime.

In math the students used a variety of methods to solve their Investigations math problems. They shared strategies in group discussions, used manipulatives to create models, and did number model computations to find answers.

At the end of the week, the students visited the library to get biographies of famous people they wished to learn about. We shared some interesting information about Albert Einstein. He was not a very good student - school bored him - but he always asked questions and he loved to have fun.

We've got the Beat!

2008-09-20T00:52:22Z

The fifth-grade class had a wonderful bonding experience with Mr. Wall, a traveling music man.

We all had a chance to play musical instruments in harmony. We then sang and danced to an old African welcoming song. Fun! Fun! Fun! In math the students are getting much more comfortable and confident using past knowledge to solve new problems. Their critical thinking skills and strategies are improving.

The fifth-grade class put on a very educational presentation for the whole elementary school at our monthly assembly. Everyone contributed to explaining human migration and how the first people to inhabit North America arrived. They provided visual posters and an oral timeline with some very interesting social-studies facts.

Mrs. Hussey led the school in a Happy Birthday song for all of the September birthdays.

The class took a short walk with their Kinderbuddies to the preschool on the corner to make new friends - Preschool buddies - and read stories with each other. The fifth-grade community continues to grow.

Global Experience

2008-09-11T21:39:28Z

Special guest visitors from Cambodia came to Mid-Pacific Institute. A young dance group from an orphanage in Cambodia came to our school to perform traditional Cambodian dances for our first whole-school assembly. The Mid-Pacific Hula Halau performed a welcoming dance, then the Cambodian dancers shared part of their culture. It was a great bonding experience, and all the students and participants really enjoyed themselves.

The math has become increasingly challenging. The students are realizing that they arre continuously building on past knowledge. It is important that they continue to work on their speed in multiplication and division. Practicing with flash cards in the car while driving to school would be a great help for all students. We are learning about multiples of a number to prepare ourselves for fractions.

In science the students are waiting for me to give them back their first drafts (with editing marks) to be corrected. In the meantime, they continue to work on their class Energy Saving Project, which involves finding ways to save energy around the elementary school campus.

IT'S A BOY! & A GIRL! & A BOY! & A GIRL!...........The mice had babies, and the students are very excited. It is also Brenton's birthday! And he baked the class a special treat! It's a PARTY!

Open House Week

2008-09-08T19:25:27Z

Thank you for attending the open house. Mrs. Hoddick and I enjoyed meeting with you, going over what is tentatively planned for the year, and viewing the slide show of the students' weekly routine. There will likely be additions to the year's plans as new activities and learning opportunities arise. Please feel free to contact us with questions and/or suggestions.

In science we are finishing our written research reports. We will then move on to our visual posters and oral presentations. The students have been doing a great job finding interesting information about the planet they chose to study They will be sharing their findings with their peers through an oral presentation in class. Parents will be notified when the oral presentations will take place and are invited to attend. The students are encouraged to get help from their parents with their visual posters.

In math the students are working with factors, factor pairs, products, prime & composite numbers, prime factorization, and multiples. These concepts will give them with a strong foundation for the study of fractions, decimals, and percentages.

We are organizing our first meeting with our sixth-grade buddies and have been having a great time writing stories with our Kinderbuddies. Your pets are getting a lot of affection.

Researching, Mentoring, Loving, & Learning

2008-08-28T21:27:12Z

The Planet Inquiry Project is well under way. The students will be completing this assignment in class with Mr. Black. They have produced a bibliography citing their reference sources and are now moving forward with their outline, which consists of an introduction, a thesis, supporting main points, and a conclusion. This written report will be accompanied by a visual-aid poster and an oral presentation, which parents are welcome to attend. Dates for the presentation will be posted in the future.

In Math the students are becoming accustomed to the weekly quiz on Friday. The quiz consists of questions from their homework. The quiz reinforces what they have learned and gives them an opportunity to access their knowledge. They are responsible for correcting their mistakes with the help of their teacher.

The class is very excited about their mentoring program with their kinder buddies. They are creating very imaginative stories together. The fifth graders help their kinder buddies develop and express their ideas and then write them out in a story format. There are a lot of smiles and laughs.

♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡

The students have taken on a new responsibility, caring for animals. The 5th grade has two mice and two guinea pigs to care for. They have developed rules and a duty roster to care for their new friends. They have already learned that caring for a live creature is not always fun and games.

Let the Inquiry begin.

2008-08-21T02:37:17Z

The fifth-grade class is off to a great start. We had our first all-school assembly and chapel, and new students were introduced and blessed. All the specials classes, Art, Music, Character Education, and PE, have begun and the students have settled into their routines. This week Mrs. Hoddick and I have been meeting with parents at intake meetings, and we appreciate the information shared. This Thursday we met with our kinderbuddies and had a great time creating and sharing stories.

In math we are exploring new strategies to solve math problems. We are presently building upon place value knowledge to add, subtract, multiply, and divide. Using the Investigations workbook, manipulatives, and other resources, the students in groups work together to solve data analysis and estimation problems. They are assessed every Friday on what they covered that week and are required to revisit problems they got wrong. They are always encouraged to ask a friend or the teacher for help if they need it.

In science they have started their Planet Inquiry Project. This first project will be done completely in

class. Each student has chosen a planet of interest to them. We have gone over the requirements and will begin by gathering resources and citing them in a bibliography.

Starting off with the Olympic Spirit

2008-08-13T23:51:28Z

The students are happy and excited to start the new year. They are sharing stories and laughs with old friends and new friends (the Olympic spirit). During this first week, the teachers went over the school's rules with the students, and they took on new responsibilities. The fifth graders know that they are the leaders of the elementary school and want to set a good example for the younger grades.

In math we are studying place values, multiplication tables, data analysis, and

problem-solving strategies. We will be taking a pre-test to see what areas we need to learn or review. Please remind your children that math is a big part of their lives and they will continue to improve throughout the year. They should enjoy and be proud of their progress.

In science we are learning how to learn, and acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses. We did a class survey of Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences Theory and found the majority of the class to be Spatial (visual), Body-Kinesthetic (hands-on), Interpersonal (group) learners. We all agreed that it is nice to know our strengths but also just as important to know our weaknesses. We are planning a year-long project to conserve energy. We will be recycling plastic, cans, and paper. We have begun to study how the our community uses energy, and we will be finding ways to conserve that of our elementary school. We will also be studying the solar system, earth, and global warming. The student are very interested in their world.

Spring is in the Air

2008-03-13T19:33:28Z

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.

February, Happy Valentine Day!

2008-02-14T01:23:52Z

The hands-on curriculum in the fifth grade is very engaging, interesting, and challenging. The students are all having a great time working together to accomplish their goals.

Our class recently had Lion Dancers come through the classroom on Chinese New Years, and we all joyfully shared in the good-luck celebration. The class will be meeting with their kinder buddies to exchange Valentines and share their latest projects.

The class has constructed a variety of simple machines to demonstrate their understanding of motion and force. In science we are studying energy, motion, and force, and how simple machines can help us overcome different forces in our world. It is very satisfying to see students using visual thinking, problem solving, and critical thinking to overcome obstacles. They are relating what they have learned in math to everyday problem solving experiences. Understanding geometry, fractions, and algebra are of more importance to them as they ask more challenging scientific questions.

The students have begun the first steps of their Invention Convention Project, identifying problems in their lives or in the community and looking for ways to correct those problems. They all have great ideas, and they are very excited to share them. The Invention Convention Project will be our main project for the second semester, and I would like parents to be involved as much as they can be. This is the time to explore with your children. Let them take the lead and provide them with support -- great thing will happen.

January

2008-01-23T22:40:51Z

The 5th grade is finishing up its first semester math review, number and operations, and algebra. We are moving on to practical uses of the foundational concepts we learned in the first semester. We will be studying measurements, geometry, and data analysis. There will be many hands-on activities that require the students to reflect on their past knowledge and to use new mathematical skill tools such as tape measures, compasses, and protractors.

In science the students are well into their Element Inquiry Shoe Box Report. The outline and first draft were due last week, and they will be bringing home their drafts for the parents to check and make suggestions on how to revise their reports. Next week the students will be working on a shoe box display representing their element.

For the 100th-year celebration, our class is interested in putting together a webcast showing the history of the schools, businesses, and families in Manoa valley for the past 100 years.

Happy New Year, 2008!

2008-01-09T23:22:41Z

The second semester is going to be an exciting and very busy time for the class of 2015. The maturing character and academic foundation that the 5th grade students have built during the first semester will help them achieve their goals for 2008. All the students reached the expected level of development for the first semester. The continua reflect the degree of development for a student in different academic areas and should be used as tools for teachers, students, and parents to focus on enhancing one's performance. Right now is an important time for students to step forward and seek help in areas that still give them difficulty, whether it be math concepts, editing skills, reading comprehension methods, or any other concern. Ms. Hoddick and Mr. Black have made time after school for students to address their needs individually. It is the student's responsibility to make the effort to use this valuable learning opportunity. If I have written a note to the student on a test or in the planner. it is important that they meet with me to discuss a plan of action.

In science we are continuing our study of Earth. We have begun the Element Inquiry Shoe Box Report. The students are studying the different elements of the Periodic Table and researching an element of interest to them. They have the criteria and rubric for the report, and parental assistance is encouraged. We would like to complete this report in three weeks so that we can move on the our big project, The Invention Convention. There will be more information about the Invention Convention for our 5th grade scientists when we start our unit on simple machines.

In math we will have a week to review concepts we learned in the first semester and then move into Geometry, Measurement and Data Analysis. It is important that the students continue to refine their basic math skills while learning new challenging concepts. I will be asking students to work with me after school on certain concepts that give them trouble. At the end of March, we will start preparing for the S.A.T test by taking practice quizzes.

This year is Mid-Pacific Institute's 100th-year celebration, and there are many exciting events planned: a schoolwide opera, Kite Day, and our webcast class project, "The Rainbow of Manoa." The 5th grade classes will be seeking parents to help in these celebrations. We are all very excited.

Creativity

2007-11-17T00:40:51Z

The students were thrilled to have the opportunity to hear the stories shared by a great creative author, Graham Salisbury. He shared some very funny stories of his childhood. The students were eager to get back to writing thier Story-Telling Island piece and put in characters and events from their own life experiences.

In math the class continues to move forward on decimals, fractions, and percents. They are inspired to learn how to handle math situations that they face every day in the real world. Discounts on sale items (30 percent off), grades on tests represented as percents (90 percent is an A), and adding money have all been explored and practiced as we learn.

Planet Inquiry Projects have been shared, and the class enjoyed learning about each others planets.

Spookivity Fun

2007-11-08T00:51:38Z

The Spooktivity week was a special bonding experience for our elementary school; laughs and smiles were shared among all. The costumes were creative, and the energy was exciting. Kick in some sweet treats and magic spells, and the result was a festive occasion. The fifth grade class would like to thank all the parents who helped them create magical goody-bags for our Kinder Buddies. The pictures are priceless.

We have gotten back to work and are presently doing our Planet Inquiry Project presentations. The students will be presenting their work from 8:00 to 8:45am on Wednesday and 8:00 to 9:30am on Thursday. If parents wish to come by, they are more than welcome. Please call me, and I will make sure your child presents his/her report when you are here.

In math we have started working with fractions. We are building on our knowledge of decimals and percents as parts of a whole and between numbers. We will continue to build on our knowledge of measurement as we learn about fractions. It is important that the students understand how they will be using fractions in everyday life as they did with decimals and percent.

Story-Telling Island is approaching its final stages, and the students who are finishing up are required to take it home and work on it for homework until it is finished. In science we are studying earth science. We will explore and learn more about the planet we call home. Using the process of scientific method, we will conduct experiments to test our hypotheses and use the data we collect to better understand the elements that make up our planet. It is important that all the students understand how the Earth's systems work — atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and solid earth, and how we can preserve the balance of consumption and replenishment.

Thanksgiving is around the corner and then Christmas! The excitement never ends. The class will be focusing on productivity and time management. We have become aware that certain behaviors really slow the class productivity down. Time management requires a disciplined attitude and behavior. I have been sending home "OOPS" slips
with individual students to share with their parents. These reminders, which need to be discussed and reflected on, are evidence of improper use of time, which results in poor productivity for the class.

The planets are aligned...

2007-10-26T22:52:45Z

All the Planet Inquiry reports and visuals are complete, and we are ready for presentations. The students have put their reports on note cards and are practicing their public speaking skills: projecting their voices, making eye contact, and standing still while sharing their reports orally. Look for presentation dates and times coming home with your child.

The students have started their Story-Telling Island project. They enjoy sharing their imaginative stories and creating maps that show the longitude and latitude of their islands. They have researched the climates of their island location and the crops and animals that would live there. They also have a variety of people living on their islands, which should make for interesting stories when they write their creation myths.

In math we have been focusing on decimal addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. A few students still need a little practice, which they should get from Mr. Black after school from 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. The students are also practicing their coordinate plotting and map-making skills. They have found this to be an interesting activity because they feel they have a better sense of their place on our planet.