05/31 Literacy Block Agenda

1. Realistic Fiction Book Club
• Review the Response Assignment
• Each member shares their Response
• Have a conversation about the book.
• Review new Reading Assignment
2. Free choice read for at least 30 minutes
3. NEW Reading Response Assignment:  I can identify the elements of plot within my story to deepen my understanding of what I read.
• Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution
• Provide at least FIVE details for each element.
4. Complete activities that help YOU become a better reader:
• Read MORE Fiction and/or Non-Fiction
• Practice Spelling/Vocabulary
• Practice Fluency with a partner by choosing one of the poems from "We Are America" by Walter Dean Myers: Read it, reread it, then perform it for a friend.
• Learn more about conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections by leading yourself through the lesson and completing the activity.
• Practice using correlative conjunctions (neither/nor, either/or) with Conjunction game or Conjunctions
• Practice making inferences by answering these riddles or these riddles.

05/31 Science Activity

Purpose: I can explain how the skeletal & muscular systems help the digestive & excretory system do their jobs.

1. Read "Digestive and Excretory Systems" on textbook pages 198 - 201.
2. View "Bill Nye Digestion" video
3. Complete Life Science Packet page 41.
4. Extension:  Read more about the Digestive System

Tuesday 05/31 Morning Warm-Up

1. Check out our Leadership Roles to see what you are responsible for this week.
2. Display your Theme Response for the Homework Checker.
3. Complete the reading warm-up "The Red Fox" (page 21) in the yellow non-fiction texts packet.
4. Have your Writing materials ready.
5. Free read or write silently

Important Dates this Week:

June 1 – PBIS End-of-Trimester Reward (Beach Party Luncheon)
June 2 – Safety Patrol Picnic at Frog Park
June 3 – Field Day

05/27 Literacy Block Agenda

1. Realistic Fiction Book Club
• Review the Response Assignment
• Each member shares their Response
• Have a conversation about the book.
• Review new Reading Assignment
2. Free choice read
3. NEW Reading Response Assignment:  I can identify the theme(s) of my story to deepen my understanding of what I read.
• "The author thinks..." to "The theme of ___ is..."
• Identify the message or moral of the story.

Friday 05/26 Morning Warm-Up

1. Display your Circulatory and Respiratory Systems Questions (Packet page 40) for the Homework Checker.
2. Complete the reading warm-up "The Cottontail Rabbit" (page 20) in the yellow non-fiction texts packet.
3. Have your Writing materials ready.
4. Free read or write silently

Today's Schedule:

Dance Practice @ 8:45

Book Club Meeting @ 10:00

35th Golden Whistle Reward @ 10:40

Famous Leader Fair @ 2:00

05/25 Science Activity

Purpose: I can explain how the circulatory and respiratory systems work together.

1. Review Skeletal and Muscular Systems
2. Read "Circulatory and Respiratory Systems" on textbook pages 192 - 197.
3. View "Bill Nye Blood and Circulation" video
4. Complete Life Science Packet page 40.
5. Extension:  Read more about the Circulatory System and/or the Respiratory System

Thursday 05/26 Morning Warm-Up

1. Display your Skeletal and Muscular Systems Questions (Packet page 39) for the Homework Checker.
2. Complete the reading warm-up "The River Otter" (page 19) in the yellow non-fiction texts packet.
3. Have your Writing materials ready.
4. Free read or write silently

05/25 Literacy Block Agenda

1. Realistic Fiction Book Club
• Review the Response Assignment
• Each member shares their Response
• Have a conversation about the book.
• Review new Reading Assignment
2. Free choice read for at least 30 minutes
3. NEW Reading Response Assignment:  I can visualize what I read to deepen my understanding of the story.
• Illustrate at least three scenes.
• Provide a caption that describes what you visualized.
4. Complete activities that help YOU become a better reader:
• Read MORE Fiction and/or Non-Fiction
• Practice Spelling/Vocabulary
• Practice Fluency with a partner by choosing one of the poems from "We Are America" by Walter Dean Myers: Read it, reread it, then perform it for a friend.
• Learn more about conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections by leading yourself through the lesson and completing the activity.
• Practice using correlative conjunctions (neither/nor, either/or) with Conjunction game or Conjunctions
• Practice making inferences by answering these riddles or these riddles.

05/25 Science Activity

Purpose: I can explain how the skeletal system and muscular system work together to perform movements.

1. Read "Organ Systems" on textbook pages 186 - 187.
2. Complete Life Science Packet page 38.
3. Read "Skeletal and Muscular Systems" on textbook pages 188 - 191.
4. View "Bill Nye Bones and Muscles" video
5. Complete Life Science Packet page 39.
6. Answer the question "How do the skeletal system and muscular system work together to perform movements?"

Wednesday 05/25 Morning Warm-Up

1. Display your Question Response homework for the Homework Checker.
2. Record your reading in your Free Reading Log.
3. Complete the reading warm-up "The Koala Bear" (page 18) in the yellow non-fiction texts packet.
4. Practice your spelling skills at SpellingCity
5. Free read silently

Tuesday 05/24 Morning Warm-Up

1. Display HomeLink 8.7 for the Homework Checker.
2. Complete the reading warm-up "The Antelope" (page 17) in the yellow non-fiction texts packet.
3. Have your Writing materials ready.
4. Free read or write silently

05/23 Literacy Block Agenda

1. Free choice read for at least 30 minutes
2. NEW Reading Response Assignment:  I can ask questions that deepen my book club's understanding of the story.
3. Small Group:  Share and discuss questions about Booked.
4. Complete activities that help YOU become a better reader:
• Read MORE Fiction and/or Non-Fiction
• Practice Spelling/Vocabulary
• Practice Fluency with a partner by choosing one of the poems from "We Are America" by Walter Dean Myers: Read it, reread it, then perform it for a friend.
• Learn more about conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections by leading yourself through the lesson and completing the activity.
• Practice using correlative conjunctions (neither/nor, either/or) with Conjunction game or Conjunctions
• Practice making inferences by answering these riddles or these riddles.

05/23 Science Activity

Purpose: I can define, understand, and use words/phrases related to the study of Systems of the Human Body.

1. Organ/System Brainstorm
2. Read "Introduction" and "Science Vocabulary" on textbook pages 182 - 185.
3. Systems of the Human Body Vocabulary Chart
4. Read "Organ Systems" on textbook pages 186 - 187.
5. Complete the Life Science Packet page 38.
6. Extension:  Read more about classifying organisms on textbook pages 42 - 51.

Monday 05/23 Morning Warm-Up

1. Check out our Leadership Roles to see what you are responsible for this week.
2. Display HomeLink 8.6 for the Homework Checker.
3. Complete the reading warm-up "Zebras" (page 16) in the yellow non-fiction texts packet.
4. Have your Writing materials ready.
5. Free read or write silently

***Mrs. Dickinson will visit with our class @ 9:50 to review and answer questions about our 5th Grade Track and Field Meet***

05/20 Literacy Block Agenda

1. Realistic Fiction Book Club
• Review the Response Assignment
• Each member shares their Response
• Have a conversation about the book.
• Review new Reading Assignment
2. Free choice read for at least 30 minutes
3. NEW Reading Response Assignment:  I can ask questions that deepen my book club's understanding of the story.
4. Complete activities that help YOU become a better reader:
• Read MORE Fiction and/or Non-Fiction
• Practice Spelling/Vocabulary
• Practice Fluency with a partner by choosing one of the poems from "We Are America" by Walter Dean Myers: Read it, reread it, then perform it for a friend.
• Learn more about conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections by leading yourself through the lesson and completing the activity.
• Practice using correlative conjunctions (neither/nor, either/or) with Conjunction game or Conjunctions
• Practice making inferences by answering these riddles or these riddles.

05/20 Science Activity

Purpose:  I can review the "Big Ideas" of classifying living organisms.

1. Complete Life Science Packet page 12
2. Read "Conclusion" on textbook pages 40.
3. Complete the "Vocabulary Review" and "Big Idea Review" on textbook page 40 - 41 independently.
4. Extension:  Read more about classifying organisms on textbook pages 42 - 51.

Friday 05/20 Morning Warm-Up

1. Complete the reading warm-up "Penguins" (page 15) in the yellow non-fiction texts packet.
2. Have your Writing materials ready.
3. Free read or write silently.

***ALL LIBRARY BOOKS 

ARE DUE TODAY***

Thursday 05/19 Morning Warm-Up

1. Complete the reading warm-up "The Boa Constrictor" (page 14) in the yellow non-fiction texts packet.
2. Have your Writing materials ready.
3. Free read or write silently.

***Playground Leaders START FRIDAY:

• Pick up all the equipment still out and return it to the cart after the bell rings.
• Peyton, Derek, and Rondi

***Iowa State Capitol Building Field Trip:

• Leave Westwood around 10:00.

• Tour starts at 11:00 and will last until 12:00ish.

• Lunch will be in front of the building (weather permitting) around the fountain.

• We will leave the Capitol building around 1:00 and return to Westwood around 1:30.

05/18 Literacy Block Agenda

1. Non-Fiction Reading:  I can read and understand "Glimpses of Iowa's Capitol" then ask questions.
2. Free choice read for at least 30 minutes
3. Reading Response Assignment:  I can identify the Background and Rising Action elements of plot within my story.
4. Complete activities that help YOU become a better reader:
• Read MORE Fiction and/or Non-Fiction
• Practice Spelling/Vocabulary
• Practice Fluency with a partner by choosing one of the poems from "We Are America" by Walter Dean Myers: Read it, reread it, then perform it for a friend.
• Learn more about conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections by leading yourself through the lesson and completing the activity.
• Practice using correlative conjunctions (neither/nor, either/or) with Conjunction game or Conjunctions
• Practice making inferences by answering these riddles or these riddles.

05/18 Science Activity

Purpose:  I can relate biodiversity to classifying living organisms.

1. Review our vocabulary by completing Life Science Packet page 9.
2. Check your descriptions of vertebrates by using Life Science Packet page 10.
3. Read "Discovering a Species in Madagascar" on textbook pages 38 - 39.
4. Watch "Bill Nye - Biodiversity" and record your knowledge learned using the Information/Response Format.
5. Check your comprehension by completing the "quiz".

Wednesday 05/18 Morning Warm-Up

1. Display HomeLink 8.5 for the Homework Checker.
2. Record your reading in your Free Reading Log.
3. Complete the reading warm-up "The Elephant" (page 13) in the yellow non-fiction texts packet.
4. Practice your vocabulary skills at FreeRice.com
5. Free read silently

***Field Trip TOMORROW: 

Wear your class t-shirt.***

05/16 - 05/17 Math Activity

Use these links to help you plan your $1,000,000 project:

• The Humane Society
• American Humane Association
• Doctors Foster and Smith (Pet Supplies)
• Petco (Pet Supplies)
• Staples (Office Supplies)
• Office Depot (Office Supplies)

05/17 Science Activity

Purpose:  I can describe key structural and functional characteristics of vertebrates as I classify living organisms.

1. Read "Classifying Vertebrates" on textbook pages 28 - 37.
2. Describe each group of vertebrates and provide examples and images of each.
3. Complete Life Science Packet page 37
4. Extension:  Read more about another group of Vertebrates.

05/17 Literacy Block Agenda

1. Realistic Fiction Book Club
• Review the Response Assignment
• Each member shares their Response
• Have a conversation about the book.
• Review new Reading Assignment
2. Free choice read for at least 30 minutes
3. NEW Reading Response Assignment:  I can identify the Background and Rising Action elements of plot within my story.
4. Complete activities that help YOU become a better reader:
• Read MORE Fiction and/or Non-Fiction
• Practice Spelling/Vocabulary
• Practice Fluency with a partner by choosing one of the poems from "We Are America" by Walter Dean Myers: Read it, reread it, then perform it for a friend.
• Learn more about conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections by leading yourself through the lesson and completing the activity.
• Practice using correlative conjunctions (neither/nor, either/or) with Conjunction game or Conjunctions
• Practice making inferences by answering these riddles or these riddles.

05/17 Writing Activity

5E Expository Non-Fiction Writing Rubric

Tuesday 05/17 Morning Warm-Up

1. Display your Unknown Words Response for the Homework Checker.
2. Complete the reading warm-up "Sharks" (page 12) in the yellow non-fiction texts packet.
3. Have your Writing materials ready.
4. Free read or write silently.

05/16 Literacy Block Agenda

1. Using Context Clues Practice #1:  Be ready to share at Small Group.
2. Reading Response Assignment DUE TOMORROW:  I can use decoding strategies to determine the meaning of unknown words within my story.
3. Free choice read for at least 30 minutes
4. Complete activities that help YOU become a better reader:
• Read MORE Fiction and/or Non-Fiction
• Practice Spelling/Vocabulary
• Practice Fluency with a partner by choosing one of the poems from "We Are America" by Walter Dean Myers: Read it, reread it, then perform it for a friend.
• Learn more about conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections by leading yourself through the lesson and completing the activity.
• Practice using correlative conjunctions (neither/nor, either/or) with Conjunction game or Conjunctions
• Practice making inferences by answering these riddles or these riddles.

05/16 Science Activity

Purpose:  I can describe key structural and functional characteristics of invertebrates as I classify living organisms.

1. Read "Classifying Invertebrates" on textbook pages 20 - 27.
2. Describe each group of invertebrates and provide examples and images of each.
3. Complete Life Science Packet page 36
4. Extension:  Read more about Insects and Spiders

Monday 05/16 Morning Warm-Up

1. Checkout our Leadership Roles to see what you are responsible for this week.
2. Complete the reading warm-up "Llamas" (page 11) in the yellow non-fiction texts packet.
3. Have your Writing materials ready.
4. Free read or write silently

***Kirkendall Library will be here for their Summer Reading Program assembly from 10:00-10:15 in the lunchroom.***

05/13 Literacy Block Agenda

1. Realistic Fiction Book Club
• Review the Response Assignment
• Each member shares their Response
• Have a conversation about the book.
• Review new Reading Assignment
2. NEW Reading Response Assignment:  I can use decoding strategies to determine the meaning of unknown words within my story.
3. Complete activities that help YOU become a better reader:
• Read MORE Fiction and/or Non-Fiction
• Practice Spelling/Vocabulary
• Practice Fluency with a partner by choosing one of the poems from "We Are America" by Walter Dean Myers: Read it, reread it, then perform it for a friend.
• Learn more about conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections by leading yourself through the lesson and completing the activity.
• Practice using correlative conjunctions (neither/nor, either/or) with Conjunction game or Conjunctions
• Practice making inferences by answering these riddles or these riddles.

05/13 Schedule

10:00 - 10:30/45 Read-In and AELP
10:45 - 11:20 Literacy Block
11:20 - 12:10 "Watsons" Movie
12:10 - 12:53 Lunch and Recess
12:53 -  1:45 Math and AELP
  1:45 -  2:30 "Watsons" Movie
  2:30 - 2:45 Read Aloud

Friday 05/12 Morning Warm-Up

1. Display your HomeLink 8.3 for the Homework Checker.
2. Complete the reading warm-up "The Armadillo" (page 10) in the yellow non-fiction texts packet.
3. Have your Writing materials ready.
4. Free read or write silently.

***Buddy Class Activity: Read-In with Mr. Petersen's 2nd Graders @ 10:00***

***Golden Whistle Reward:
Class Movie @ 1:00***

05/12 Literacy Block Agenda

1. Reading Response Assignment DUE TOMORROW:  I can show my understanding of "character conflict" by describing and illustrating the conflicts in my story.
2. Small Group Meetings:  Conflict Identification Practice
3. Free choice read for at least 30 minutes
4. Complete activities that help YOU become a better reader:
• Read MORE Fiction and/or Non-Fiction
• Practice Spelling/Vocabulary
• Practice Fluency with a partner by choosing one of the poems from "We Are America" by Walter Dean Myers: Read it, reread it, then perform it for a friend.
• Learn more about conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections by leading yourself through the lesson and completing the activity.
• Practice using correlative conjunctions (neither/nor, either/or) with Conjunction game or Conjunctions
• Practice making inferences by answering these riddles or these riddles.

05/12 Science Activity

Purpose:  I can describe key structural and functional characteristics of plants.

1. Read "Classifying Plants" on textbook pages 16 - 17.
2. Watch the "Plant Structure and Adaptations" video.
3. Compare and contrast vascular and nonvascular plants in your Science Notebook.
4. Read textbook pages 18 - 19.
5. Complete Life Science Packet page 35

Thursday 05/12 Morning Warm-Up

1. Display your Comparing Decimals Worksheet for the Homework Checker.
2. Complete the reading warm-up "June Bugs" (page 9) in the yellow non-fiction texts packet.
3. Have your Writing materials ready.
4. Free read or write silently.