5th Grade 321
November Newsletter
What We’re Learning
Math: We are finishing up Topic 3- Multiplying Whole Digits. The next topic which will be Topic 4, our fifth graders will learn how to multiply decimals. Students are discovering that multiplying decimals follows the same steps as whole-number multiplication — the only difference is where the decimal point goes in the product. We will practice real-world examples, like finding the total cost of items. You can support your child at home by encouraging them to estimate before multiplying and to check if their answers make sense (for example, 0.4 × 0.6 should be less than 1). Also, please continue supporting students with mastering their multiplication facts
Literacy: We’re wrapping up Module 2: What a Story, where students explored the essential question: How does genre affect the way a story is told? Next, we’ll begin Module 3: Natural Disasters, which asks: How can learning about natural disasters make us safer? Throughout these and future modules, students will also be developing their writing skills by engaging in the writing process and becoming more familiar with planning and writing essays.
Science: We’re continuing our exploration of Patterns of Earth’s Sky! Students are deepening their understanding of how the Sun, Moon, and stars follow predictable paths and how these patterns help us make sense of days, months, and seasons. Through observations and classroom investigations, students are connecting what they see in the sky to the movement of Earth. Ask your child how the position of the Sun changes throughout the day or why we see different constellations in different seasons!
Social Studies: We’re continuing to explore Unit 1: Geography and Early Societies of the Western Hemisphere. Students are exploring how geography, early peoples, and important historical events have shaped the development of the Western Hemisphere.
Our students had a blast celebrating Character Day.
Our students worked together and are proudly sharing their answers as they practice their public speaking skills.
What We're Learning
October 2025
Math: We are about to wrap up topic 1 on decimal place value, where students explored the relationship between digits in decimals, learned to read, write, and compare decimals and understood the value of digits all the way to the thousandths place. It’s been exciting to see students grow more confident in recognizing how decimals work. Students will take their topic 1 assessment test during the week of Oct 6th.
Next up: Adding and Subtracting Decimals!
We'll be diving into strategies for adding and subtracting decimals to the hundredths, with a strong emphasis on lining up place values and understanding the importance of the decimal point. We'll also explore word problems and real-life applications to reinforce their learning.
Literacy: We’re wrapping up Module 1: Inventors at Work, and students will take their end-of-module assessment on Thursday, October 17th. To finish the unit, students will research an invention and create a magazine-style advertisement to showcase it—putting their creativity and knowledge to work!
Next, we’ll begin Module 2: What a Story. In this unit, we’ll explore the question: How does genre affect the way a story is told? Students will be reading and comparing different types of stories to discover how genre shapes storytelling.
Science: In science, we will dive into Unit 1: Patterns of Earth and Sky. Students will explore fascinating questions like:
- Why do we see different stars at different times of the year?
- What causes day and night?
- How can we predict patterns in the sky?
Reminders
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