Well, we've covered basic saftey processes, matter, circuits, solutions, mixtures, energy, and fossil fuels. We are now starting Earth science. Fifth grade science involves a lot of hands on activities to help us get a deeper understanding of the science concepts we will see on the science TAKS test in May.

Place Value, whole numbers, decimals, addition, subtraction, estimating, multiplication and division of one and two digits have been reviewed and practiced. Keep doing your homework and work on memorizing those multiplication and division facts. We are now starting fractions. We have covered equivalent fractions, GCF (greatest common factors), and simplifying fractions to lowest terms and finding LCD (least common denominators). Students will be adding and subtracting fractions with like and unlike denominators.

Fifth grade social studies is a basic look at U.S. History. We have talked about the three G's in exploration and have begun our look at colonization of the New World. Encourage your Jaguars to keep up with current events around our country an locate those places on a map.

We have read our first novel of the year, "Mr. Henshaw". We are now moving on to literature circles as well as small reading groups. Keep working on the Battle Book Projects. Remember, a new one is due every two weeks. I sent information home with all the chapter summaries. I also attatched it on the download site on my website.:o)