Ms. Braat's Fantastic Fives

April 6 - 10  Learning Outcomes Science  Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. What Did  Students Do? Over the past week, our Grade 5 classroom has been exploring the exciting topic of flight . We began by building and testing paper airplanes based on our initial ideas and prior knowledge. Students experimented with different designs and had the opportunity to see what worked well and what could be improved. As the week progressed, students deepened their understanding by learning about the four forces of flight ( lift, gravity, thrust, and drag) as well as the basics of aerodynamics . Through discussions and reading informational texts on Epic, students learned how these forces work together to help objects fly and how design can impact performance. Using this new knowledge, students were then challenged to redesign and build a new paper airplane. They applied what they learned about aerodynamics and the forces of flight ...

  March 30 - April 2 Learning Outcomes Math Attributes such as length, area, volume, and angle are quantified by measurement. What Did  Students Do? We’ve officially begun our measurement unit in math, and it’s been such a hands-on and engaging start! This week, students explored measurement by moving around the classroom and measuring a variety of everyday objects. From desks and books to whiteboards and classroom supplies, they practiced choosing appropriate tools and units to measure length and size. It was great to see their curiosity and problem-solving skills in action as they worked together and compared their findings. We also began learning about conversions, understanding how to switch between different units of measurement. This is an important skill that helps students make sense of measurements in real-life situations. We’re looking forward to continuing to build these skills in the coming weeks! Ask your Child -  What are some of the objects that they measur...

  March 16-19 Learning Outcomes English Language Arts and Literature Students examine how text genres, forms, and structures support and enhance communication. What Did  Students Do? This week in our Grade 5 classroom, students continued exploring our poetry unit by learning about lyrical poetry . We discussed how lyrical poems focus on expressing feelings, mood, and beauty, often using descriptive language and vivid imagery to create a strong emotional connection with the reader. Before beginning their writing, students were asked to carefully plan their ideas by organizing their theme and thinking about the mood or beauty they wanted to convey. This planning step helped students focus their writing and make thoughtful choices about their words and imagery. As students began drafting their lyrical poems, it was wonderful to see their creativity shine through. They experimented with descriptive language, personal expression, and different ways to capture emotion in their w...

  March 9-13 Learning Outcomes Math Students multiply and divide natural numbers within  100 000,  including with standard algorithms. What Did  Students Do? This week in our Grade 5 classroom, students have been building their understanding of long division . We have been learning how to solve larger division problems step by step, focusing on accuracy, organization, and checking our work. So far, students have been practicing two different strategies: the traditional “bring down” method and the box method . The traditional method helps students follow a clear sequence of steps as they divide, multiply, subtract, and bring down the next digit. The box method allows students to break numbers apart and think more flexibly about how division works. By exploring both approaches, students are developing a deeper understanding of place value and how numbers can be decomposed to make problems easier to solve. . Pictures are examples of the steps we have been learning....

March 2-6 Learning Outcomes English Language Arts and Literature  Students investigate how oral language can be designed to communicate ideas and information. What Did  Students Do? This week, our students had the exciting opportunity to participate in a performance-based learning experience with Trickster Theatre .  Our class focused on the theme of the Yukon . Through movement, acting, and collaboration, students helped bring ideas about the Yukon to life. Throughout the experience, students practiced using oral language to communicate ideas clearly with one another. They worked together to share ideas, listen carefully, and contribute to the development of the story. Activities like this help students investigate how oral language can be designed to communicate ideas and information , as they express their thinking through discussion, storytelling, and performance. It has been wonderful to see students step outside their comfort zones, work collaboratively, and use...