In addition to being back from Thanksgiving break, we are back to the students writing the Daily Diary. 

• Today in Math class, what we all did was go over the math skill of the week, and we did some division problems. Then the last thing we did was a mini-division test on a Post-It. :-) Megan Wolynia :-)
• Today in Reading class, we sorted and learned our new vocabulary words. We are going to take a vocabulary quiz on Wednesday. :) Adrian Velez :)
• Today in Writing class, we did our D.O.L.s to help practice writing correct sentences. We also worked on our "Last Stop on 63rd Street" project. We worked on our "Storyboard" where we started to write the story and draw pictures. Next, we need to think about what our storyboard should look like. :-) Sonya Ujda :-) 
• Today in Social Studies class, we did a close read of an actual New York Times article from 1892 on the opening of Ellis Island. We then watched CNN Student News, learning about the death of Fidel Castro, recount efforts by the Green Party and a redesign of the wheel. :) Mr. Maynard :) 

rejuvenating 5-day break. Students will be returning to writing the blog after Thanksgiving break.

With that said, here's a quick update on what's been going on in Reading, Social Studies and Writing.

• In Reading class, we have been making great progress in Linda Sue Park's A Long Walk to Water, a dual narrative about an African girl named Nya's daily journey (eight hours at a time) to a pond for drinking water and Sudanese Lost Boy Salva Dut's terrifying tale of fleeing to the desert (with no family) as his village is torn apart by a civil war. 
• In Social Studies class, we wrapped up our election coverage and have gotten into our textbook, focusing on the different elements that make the United States, well, the United States. Through three lessons, we have covered the concepts of democracy, republic and free enterprise.
• In Writing class, both classes are working on a Thanksgiving-themed project based on the inspiring picture book Last Stop on Market Street. Working with a partner, the fifth graders are developing their own picture book called Last Stop on 63rd Street. The premise is for the students to be characters in their own stories, during which they will do some service project at the end of the story and realize how appreciative they are of the many things in life. I am excited for Monday and Tuesday as the students start to create storyboards for their stories.

With all of that said, thanks for the time and consideration. Enjoy the weekend. 
:-) Mr. Maynard :-)

Today was officially the first day of the second quarter.