ELA

We started our novel, The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe on Thursday (we’ve been doing author, history, and literary device study before opening the book).  This is what the kids walked into on Thursday to “set the mood” for this magical adventure - projector background, actual lamp with flaming bulb (I hodge-poged the lamp, used lots of hot glue, and a couple other things to make it look like a London lampost, lol).  

It was really neat to see them excited about reading!  I know they are going to enjoy it.   

Math

Fractions, least common denominators, factors, simplifying, improper fractions, and mixed numbers.  If that sounds like a lot, it IS.  We are plugging away at fractions and making sure everyone is understanding.  When I gave them their worksheet for homework this week, they were shocked that, when they turned it in, it said “Grade 6”.  “But, Mr. Maldonado, we’re only in 5th grade??”  Me: “And now you know you are capable of 6th grade work.”.  We will have a test at the end of next week over addition and subtraction of fractions.  

Science 

Mixtures and Solutions.  Due to schedule time-constraints (we did presentations for religion this week) we didn’t get to cover as much as I would have liked this week.  However, we will have a QUIZ over this topic of mixtures and solutions next week as well as a lab in the science lab.  It’s part forensics and part chemistry about how to separate things that seem inseparable.  

Religion 

Class behavior is directly linked to Christ.  Both in His requirements of how we are to treat others as well as His mercy in bringing us back to His fold.  I don’t have class “rules” only Christ as our class leader (which goes for me, too.  I am not perfect and need mercy, patience, understanding, and forgiveness).  Having them understand that every sin has an impact, yet every sin has an equal amount of mercy and forgiveness from Christ is a difficult concept for anyone to wrap their head around.  But it is the message of my class.  Mercy.  Let’s start over.  Let’s try again, brand new - so long as you are sincere in wanting to be better.  Continue to pray for these amazing, holy, and wonderful students.  They are all so great! 

God bless, 

Francisco