Ms.

Tredways October Newsletter

Math

Where we are:

Ms. Tredways Math Group-

After attending a math workshop, Ive reframed my math block to enhance the level of initiated learning and
understanding in math group. Students now play a much larger role in their learning with the use of Choice
Boards. For each math topic, students receive a Choice Board that includes the skills that need to be mastered,
several learning activity options, and evidence that needs to be completed. Once a student proves they have
completed their Choice Board (by earning 100% on each piece of evidenc)e and a Performance Task/ Post Test,
they can move to the next topic/ Choice Board.

This new framework allows students to be challenged and learn at their own pace. It also provides students
with the opportunity to choose a method for learning that works best for them. My role during this time is to
run mini-lessons and continue to provide supports for each student. I have already noticed a dramatic
improvement in student confidence and motivation while working on their math skills!

While some students are in the midst of the Place Value Topic, some students are moving into our Multi-digit
Addition and Subtraction Topic.

Mrs. Nachtriebs Math Group-

Next week, we continue in unit 9, adding and subtracting fractions with UNLIKE denominators. This is one of
the 3 MAJOR skills to master in 5th grade. To begin the week, we will review prime/composite numbers,
factors and multiplies, equivalent fractions and adding/subtracting fractions with like denominators. From there
we will move into making common denominators and adding/subtracting the fractions. We will not focus on
simplifying fractions yet. The focus for this section of the unit is really building equivalency. Some students
may be ready to move into simplification strategies and if they are ready, we will tackle that. But it will not be
the focus of our fraction work until December. If you are looking for extra practice and support from home,
IXL units 5th grade K7, L8 and L10 are excellent supports for the work this week.

At home:

I cannot stress enough how important it is to practice basic math facts with your child at home (addition,
subtraction, and multiplication). Students are taking a weekly math fact quiz in order to track their progress.
Feel free to stop by and see where your child falls on our Mastered Math Fact chart.
Reading

Where we are:

We just wrapped up our first reading unit on questioning, clarifying, and drawing conclusions. Student took the
Unit 1 Reading Post Test this week. I will share your childs score with you at Parent Teacher Conferences.

Where we are going:

We are now starting our second reading unit where we are focusing on compare and contrast, inferences, and
main idea and details.

At home:

Make sure your child is reading for at least 25 each night. In order to strengthen your childs comprehension,
please converse with your child about what they are reading.

Writing

Where we are:

Students have learned how to write different types of topic sentences as well as how to organize a perfect
paragraph. Each student has also completed an opinion paragraph on a topic of their choice.

Where we are going:

Now that we have reviewed and practiced writing an organized paragraph, we are going to dive into informative
essays.

We are also taking Corrective Writing Sequence (CWS) quiz every other week. Students are given 3 minutes to
respond to a writing prompt. Then, I grade their writing prompts based off of spelling, grammar, and
conventions. They will be graphing their scores every other week. Feel free to stop by and check out their
progress!

At home:

Please continue to have your child practice their spelling words Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. On
Mondays they need to use each of their spelling words in a sentence. On Wednesday and Thursday, your child
can study using any strategy that works best for them. If they are studying verbally, please write a note in their
spelling composition book letting me know that they studied. Also, your child will bring home their Daily
Language Instruction (DLI) every Thursday night, in order to study for Fridays DLI test. DLI is a great way
for students to practice their spelling, grammar, and conventions.
IB

Where we are:

We are currently wrapping up our first IB unit, How We Express Ourselves: an inquiry into self-awareness and
the ability to analyze multiple perspectives and how that allows us to be better citizens. Our culminating project
for this unit was a presentation on a local or global issue as well as, an opinion paragraph on the issue. Overall,
our class did a great job on this project! Im looking forward to sharing them with you at our first Parent
Teacher Conference.

Where we are going:

Our next IB Unit is, How the World Works: an inquiry into how transformations occur in various situations.
Within this unit we will be conducting experiments, exploring environmentally friendly sources of energy, and
exploring the science behind sound waves. We will send home further information on the culminating project
for this unit.

Dates to Remember

Oct. 17th and 18th The Dental Clinic comes to Needham

Oct. 19th Picture Retakes

Oct. 23rd Parent Teacher Conferences

Oct. 23rd- 26th- Needham Book Fair

Oct. 27th- PD DAY (no school for students)

Oct. 30th PD DAY (no school for students)

Oct. 31st- Halloween (more info. will come)

Nov. 3rd- Parents Night Out (more info. will come)

*More information about Parent Teacher Conferences will be sent home within the next couple of weeks.

*Please check out our website at https://nes4tredway.weebly.com/

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns!

Sincerely,

Ms. Tredway

mtredway@durango.k12.co.us

970-247-4791 ext. 3643