A bunch of us met at a bookclub lunch on Tuesday to discuss our 2nd contender for the coveted literary “Fifth’s Fiction Favorites” prize: The Unteachables.  We had a great discussion, with the consensus being that it was a tremendously fun book that was driven by very interesting characters.  Next, we will tackle The Phantom Tollbooth, a pun-packed classic.  Watch for an email giving our next bookclub discussion date.  Remember that participation is totally optional!  Here’s what we’re up to in the classroom this week:

Reading: We’re still working on those novels.  Students will reflect on their completion of novel activities this week and complete a self-assessment.

Writing: Students are practicing their revision and editing skills.  They are also completing a peer editing assignment to review what we have learned about multi-paragraph essays and practice giving constructive feedback.

Language Studies: It’s a spelling week – check on Friday!

Social Studies: We’ve covered a lot of ground this week.  Students learned about basic geography and major civilizations in Africa and Asia.  They have noticed a trend that we seem to be talking a lot about trade.  On Friday, we will discuss how this trans-continental trade led to the Age of Exploration.

Science: We will conduct an experiment on using fruit to create an electric current.  We will also begin learning about circuits.

Math: We began a new unit on volume.  We learned about what volume is and how to calculate the volume of rectangular prisms.