Dear Parents,

What a busy and productive September we have had in Grade Five. Over the past few weeks the class has settled into routines, written a class book, and completed a variety of independent and small group reading activities. In Mathematics, students performed very well in the first unit on Place Value.

We are continuing to work on our reading fluency and leadership skills as we read with our Kindergarten buddies. Kites being constructed and decorated and students are busy writing an adventure narrative.

I want to congratulate everyone on a great start to the school year.

Homework

The goal of homework is to help transfer the application of information/skills learned in school to real life situations. Homework is important because:

·          A direct line of communication is established between home and school, which helps parents to be involved with their student's progress on a first hand basis.

·           It helps the development of study habits and self-discipline that are needed by our students.

·           Homework reinforces learning as a life-long habit that should occur in a variety of situations including both home and school.

Thank you for helping to communicate how valuable education is by setting aside time for homework completion.

Student Vote

For the past few weeks our class has been busy investigating the political parties, local candidates, party leaders and exploring a few of the main issues involved in the Ontario Provincial Election. Using  newspapers and online media resources, the children had the chance to build critical thinking and decision-making skills.  Students also had the opportunity to explore different points of view and experience the important habits of informed citizenship first hand.

Thank you for following the election with your child at home. I appreciate all those who took part in our survey questions.  Your advice for first time voters was especially valuable to the children.

This week our class will join hundreds of thousands of students from across Ontario as they cast their ballots in the Ontario Student Election. Official ballots, voting materials, and procedures will be followed. Be sure to look out for the official results which will be broadcast on CBC television and radio on Election Night. (October 10th)

Mathematics Update

Over the next three weeks, your child will explore strategies for adding and subtracting whole numbers and decimal numbers using mental arithmetic. They will also use estimation skills to check the accuracy of their computations. These are important skills, used almost everyday by adults, for your child to develop. The chapter also presents pencil and paper ways to add and subtract four-digit numbers and decimal numbers to hundredths via money amounts and measures such as metres and kilograms.

Throughout this time, you and your child can practise some At Home tasks such as the following:

• Your child should ask 2 people (older siblings or adults) how they would solve 1000 − 376 using mental math. Your child should record each method and compare it to the method he or she would have used.

• Write 5 four-digit addition or subtraction questions on a piece of paper. Calculate each result while your child estimates the answer mentally. Who is faster?

 • Use a calculator to find the total of 4 four-digit numbers. Show your child only three of the numbers that you added and the total. Your child should find the fourth number and explain, in writing, how he or she found it.

• Have your child find several items from a sales flyer that they could purchase if they had $100. She or he should then find the total cost of the items and describe at least 3 different ways in which she or he could receive change for their purchases.

You may also want to visit the Nelson Web site at www.mathk8.nelson.com and follow the links to Nelson Mathematics 5, Chapter 4

Dates to Remember

October 18– Cross Country

October 26– Recognition Assembly

November 21 – Class excursion to the Imperial Oil Theatre a.m. Red Grammer is a popular children’s performer, whose songs are all about peacemaking and friendship.

Be sure to check our school and classroom web pages for assignment due dates and upcoming events.