GEOGRAPHY!! 8/29 thru 9/2

This week we are continuing our Geography Unit of study. The students are working hard learning all they can about the earth and the 7 continents, 5 oceans(Yes, there are 5 now. We have added the Southern Ocean to the list which is located just above Antarctica.), several countries located in these continents, latitude, longitude, 4 hemispheres, political map, physical map,elelvation map, historical map, road map, climate map and the compass rose. We will also be learning how to use latitude and longitude lines in order to find any absolute location on the earth. This can be difficult sometimes but the students are doing a great job.

I have listed below our learning targets for the first part of this unit.

*I can label the 7 continents and 5 oceans on a map of the world.

*I can locate what hemisphere a continent, country,or state is in using a map.

*I can use longitude/latitude to find an absolute location on the map.

I can give the definition of 4 kinds of maps.

How was your first week of school!!

Collaging our Social Studies Journals

Ready, Set, GO MULAN!!!

Just wanted to post a REMINDER about casting for Highland's next musical, MULAN!!! This is one of my favorite stories of courage and determination. If you are interested in being a part of this show whether its center stage or behind the scenes talk to Mrs. Taylor about playing your part!!  Here's my favorite song from the movie below. Enjoy!!

BACK TO SCHOOL!!

The beginning of school is soooo exciting!!! We just completed our first full week of school and it has been great getting to know my students. Everyone seems to be settling in and adjusting to 5th grade quite easily.

In Social Studies we have learned about the Pledge of Allegiance and what we are really promising when we make this pledge. I hope that students now have a new understanding of this american tradition.

We also read Barack Obama's book, Of Thee I Sing, and we completed a writing activity modeled after the format of this book. As a class, we agreed that President Obama's book teaches us that we are all part of the history of this country and that we are the most important part...the future.

In S.S. class students will be using a journal frequently. This week each student got to collage the front cover to make it more personal to them. The kids used a lot of creativity to make these look awesome!!

Next week we will be reviewing 6 citizenship skills that are important in our society and beginning our Geography Unit. More to come!!