Dear Families, 
 
The last few weeks have been quite busy, so I apologize for not updating you on what has been going on in reading and writing in the 5th grade. 
 
In our grammar and word study, we have spent the past few weeks working on plural and possessive nouns, kinds of sentences, and sentence fragments. Students are working to incorporate these skills in their own writing. 
 
Most students are beginning to publish their fictional narrative stories. The students have worked hard this nine weeks as they have worked through the writing process. Revisions tend to be the hardest for students because they expect that once a story has an ending, it is finished. We have had many lessons to learn what makes a story interesting to a reader. Students are using sensory details, and their stories have an engaging beginning and a satisfying ending. The plot is exciting for the reader, and dialogue is used throughout. It has been interesting to see the stories change over the month. I hope to have a get together before Christmas break to have you come in to hear your child read his or her story to you. 
 
Students stay busy each day reading from their self-selected books. They continue to respond to the literature in a variety of ways. One way students respond is to give Book Talks on Fridays. During this time, students that have signed up share a review of the book they have completed. This is a great way for students to recommend books to their peers.  
 
I hope your child shared with you the letter about our "Secret Santa" project. Please help us by encouraging your child to do chores to make a little money to donate to the project. It is always a gratifying and fun event that helps us all remember the true spirit of the season. 
 
With this being said, I wish you all a blessed Thanksgiving Day. I am so fortunate to get to spend each day with your child, so I thank you for sharing the gift of your child with us! 
 
Until next time, 
 
Karen Persinger