Grades 5-6

5th & 6th Grade News: December 2019 - January 2020

Important Dates
December 23-January 1: Winter recess – No School
January 2: Return to school
January 20 MLK Day: – No School

Mathematics

Fifth Grade is extending knowledge of whole number division into 2 and 3 digit problems. We also moved into division with decimals. We utilized our number sense & reasoning skills to create equivalent equations using strategies including annexing zeros & adding decimal points. Looking forward, we will dive head first into fractions.
Sixth Grade is working on exponents and expressions. They have been extending their understanding of factors to use properties of operations to write equivalent expressions. They also learned how to use their understanding of parts of expressions to simplify expressions. Moving forward we will be learning how to solve equations with whole and rational numbers using inverse operations. In addition, we will be writing and solving inequalities and showing some solutions on a number line as a graphical representation.

Reading and Writing

Fifth Grade finished our 2nd novel study and working on writing our literary essays. Our focus this unit was on character traits, character change, character relationships, and determining overall themes that the author conveys.
Sixth Grade is increasing vocabulary knowledge use & retention through knowledge of academic and content vocabulary. We are studying word structure, the use of prefixes, suffixes, root words and context clues to figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words. As a direct result of vocabulary acquisition, students’ comprehension will increase. In writing, students are supporting claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. They are using credible sources, using a variety of texts, and demonstrating understanding of central ideas, themes, text structures, and topics.

Science

Fifth Grade is food scientists and are exploring What Happens When Two Substances Are Mixed Together? This is a very hand’s on unit, which involves many investigations and experiments, including the Chromatography Experiment, the Pasta Model Investigation and the Fan Model.
Sixth Grade is learning about thermal energy and noticing how molecules behave. Students use simulations, informational articles, and hands-on models to find evidence to support a claim that will best heat up the Riverdale school building. Students explore the difference between thermal energy and temperature and use vocabulary words to make an argument, providing evidence, reasoning, and refuting opposing claims.

Social Studies

Fifth Grade is learning about European exploration and its effects within the Western Hemisphere.
Sixth Grade is learning about explores creating portraits, mini-biographies, main events of the explores expedition, a map that portrays the actual route taken, and the bibliography of all the valid sources used to gather information.

Physical Education

Grades 5 & 6 are continuing to improve fitness levels by developing cardiovascular endurance. we’ve been working on our dribbling, passing, and set shots in our basketball unit, and will soon begin our volleyball unit. Please continue to encourage our students to work hard and stay active so we continue to learn, grow, and have fun in P.E!

Digital Learning