The fifth graders at the Academy of St. James have been working very hard throughout the school year but especially in the month of December. I am extremely proud of them.
In Math, the class was introduced to Number Theory and Fractions. We started the unit learning about prime and composite numbers and moved into prime factorization. The students also learned the difference between factors and multiples. We ended the unit by learning how to compare and order fractions from least to greatest and greatest to least.
In Reading, our students have focused on composing narratives. Each member of the class was asked to select their favorite holiday and write a personal narrative about that holiday, why it was their favorite, and how their family celebrates that day. When we return from Christmas break, we will start reading the novel Charlotte’s Web. After the class finishes reading the book, we will watch the movie and ask the children to compare and contrast the two portrayals of the same story.
Our Science unit for the month focused on body systems. The students learned to identify the body’s different systems and how they work together to keep our bodies running efficiently. Their current assignment has the students working on a Human Body Research Project. The children were organized in groups of three. Each group had to pick a specific body system and research the functions performed by that system. Then they were asked to create a model of the system to include each of the major parts and its specific function. The students enjoyed working with each other to complete this project and are looking forward to more group projects in the future.
The fifth graders of the Academy of St. James of the Marches wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!
-Mrs. Lisa King, 5th Grade