Grade 5 Class Blog

Contrary to what many people say, you should believe the Hype! Last week we promised a week of amazing visitors and boy, did the KIS community deliver…

On Thursday we loved making musical connections to our unit Human migration affects communities, cultures and individuals when we learnt about how Mac and Quadasi, our visitors from Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa have enhanced traditional Maskandi Music with western rythyms and influences. Or was it the other way round? Either way, it sounded wonderful and was a great example of the effects of our central idea.

The following day we welcomed author Jamie Yorke into the Grade 5 classrooms for some engaging and highly developmental writing workshops. The workshops focussed on the skills of making connections to the texts we are reading and thinking about how to use these connections to develop engaging characters for our own stories.

IMG_8343

IMG_8337

IMG_0914

IMG_0918

IMG_0911

IMG_0923

IMG_0949

IMG_0928

IMG_0940

IMG_0959

IMG_0957

IMG_0906

IMG_0903

IMG_0900

And to cap it all off we had a visit from the MYP teacher Mr Tri. His presentation about his personal migration journey really engaged the imaginations, curiosity and empathetic natures of the students and again was a powerful opportunity for students to make many powerful connections to our unit.

During this week students will undertake some assessments to assess their development with our Maths focusses of how patterns can often be generalised using algebraic expressions, equations or functions and investigations into the properties of prime, composite, triangular and square numbers. We will also be using the recent MAPS test data to help your child continue to develop their mathematical strengths and weaknesses and to develop some personal goals for improvement. As always, our growth mindsets tell us that it’s not that we don’t know it, we just don’t know it YET!

Have a great week!

As a spectator it was really wonderful to see the G4/5 handball tournament on Friday. It was a tremendous display of house spirit, teamwork, communication and some dazzling skills that have been developed in the KIS PE programme. It really made us want to have a go… maybe that should be the teacher Vs parents game for this year?!

Last week all G5 students finished sitting their MAPS tests and results will be uploaded to Managebac soon, as well as being discussed at parent conferences this week. This is a good opportunity to set learning goals for your child and these will be discussed in class over the coming weeks.

Our exploration of Migration journeys continues this week and children are developing a deep understanding of the different push and pull factors that comprise the Reasons for migration. On Friday we are looking forward to a visit from an MYP teacher with a personal story to share that will also help us delve into the Impacts of Migration.

In Maths we are exploring pattern and function involving investigations into the properties of prime, composite, triangular and square numbers. In Language Arts we continue our focus on narrative writing and developing figurative language and are already getting excited about our workshops with visiting author Jamie Yorke on Friday. Oh, and there’s also the visitors from another continent on Thursday too! Busy week!

A final reminder that the Primary book fair is here and the choice of books is amazing. Please feel free to send your child to school with a little spending money.

As we continue with our inquiry into how Human migration affects communities, cultures and individuals Grade 5 students have been developing their global geographical knowledge and exploring different types of maps. It has been very interesting to discuss the different points of view: from being surprised by the actual shape of Antarctica to wondering why global maps are not Asian-centric?

Over the coming week we will begin to plot a range of migration journeys onto maps which will be used as powerful reflection documents. Please be ready to discuss your personal migration journeys with your children and help them to understand any journeys their ancestors took too. We will also invite children to interview members of our school community to discover who has the most diverse learning journeys and begin to explore how each person’s journey has affected them as individuals.

IMG_8140

IMG_8141

IMG_8144

IMG_8138

IMG_8145

IMG_8147

IMG_20180928_123237

IMG_20180928_123038

IMG_20180928_123032

IMG_2210

IMG_2189

IMG_2188

IMG_2185

On Friday it was a pleasure to take a back seat and watch the Grade 5 House captains take over and deliver our first House Assembly. They did an amazing job! On Friday 5th October it will be another house T-shirt day and G5 will be showing their house spirt while taking part in our first inter-house event of the year. Please come along to support if you can, between 12.10pm and 1.30pm at the MYP basketball court. Hope to see you there!

A reminder that Parent Conferences will be on 8-10th October next week and sign up sheets are now posted outside the classrooms. Feel free to email your child’s homeroom teacher if you need any help.

Finally, MAPS sessions will continue this week and outside of testing sessions lessons will continue as normal. In Maths we maintain our focus on how patterns can often be generalised using algebraic expressions, equations or functions. In Language Arts we continue to use guided reading groups with structured and supported activities to support your child’s reading progression and in writing we will continue with our focus on narrative writing.

On Friday Grade 5 took part in a challenging and thought provoking provocation that helped us to tune into our central idea Human migration affects communities, cultures and individuals. When they returned from lunch they discovered the Grade 5 classrooms were closed and that they had to ‘find somewhere else to be’. Gaining entry into other classrooms was governed by rules such as ‘you can come in if you are in Tosakan house’ or ‘….have long hair’. The resulting process of acceptance and rejection led to some very interesting connections to our unit and discussions about the effects of migration on individuals and communities.

Copy of IMG_2130

Copy of IMG_2132

Copy of IMG_2133

Copy of IMG_2134

Copy of IMG_2136

Copy of IMG_2143

Copy of IMG_2147

Copy of IMG_2149

Copy of IMG_2151

Copy of IMG_2153

Copy of IMG_2156

Copy of IMG_2157

This week students across the grade will be taking part in MAPS tests for Mathematics, Language and Reading. The dates of your child’s test have already been shared with you and are also here for your reference:

Copy of Schedule for MAP testing Fall 18 19 For Parents (1)

Your child can prepare for testing by spending time answering comprehension questions on RAZ KIDS, using IXL and also using www.prepdog.com  which has practice tests that can be completed online.

Please help reinforce the school message of being committed to doing our best whilst focussing on how the results can be used to help your child’s learning move forward. MAPS is one of the tools we use to help us assess your child’s learning and to formulate objectives, goals and support plans to help them continue their development. Some pressure and stress is almost inevitable in a testing environment but please help us to keep external pressure at a minimum. If you are worried that your child is finding testing especially stressful please don’t hesitate to contact your class teacher.

In addition, parent conferences will be taking place in the w/c October 8th. Sign-up sheets will be available in the PS Office on September 27^th and 28^th for families with more than one child in Primary School. Sign-up sheets will be posted outside classrooms from October 1^st –5^th.

Outside of testing sessions lessons will continue as normal. In Maths we maintain our focus on how patterns can often be generalised using algebraic expressions, equations or functions. In Language Arts we continue to use guided reading groups with structured and supported activities to support your child’s reading progression and in writing we will continue with our focus on narrative writing.

Have a great week!

As promised this week we are getting our teeth into our second UOI of the year. This week we will be tuning in to the related concept of Migration and sharing our stories from our homework last week. We will also tune into the theme for this unit: Where we are in time and place, and collaboratively generate the questions that will drive our inquiry.

Last week we spent some time creating eye catching salt bottles that connect to our understanding of the Learner Profile. Check out your child’s Seesaw to see more.

IMG_0990

IMG_0984

IMG_0980

IMG_0948

IMG_0966

IMG_0964

IMG_0963

IMG_0971

IMG_0973

IMG_2027

IMG_2002

IMG_2023

IMG_2092

IMG_2104

IMG_1028

IMG_1024

IMG_1014

IMG_1013

IMG_1010

In Maths we have begun focussing on how patterns can often be generalised using algebraic expressions, equations or functions. This unit is a great opportunity to appreciate the true beauty of Maths (it’s there if you look hard enough!) as we explore patterns in square numbers, prime numbers, the fibonacci sequence and many more… What’s your favourite number pattern? If you have one you think we should explore, please email Mr Alex alex.ba@edu.kis.ac.th

We hope you all had a wonderful long weekend, and enjoyed the time with your family. On Thursday last week all KIS teachers and staff were lucky enough to take part in a Professional Development day. As part of our professional community and our commitment to being lifelong learners, teachers shared their passions on subjects such as Reading progression, Maths assessment and creating beautiful artwork with wire. Proof, if it were needed, that you are never too old to learn something new!

IMG_6947

IMG_7960

IMG_7961

IMG_6964

IMG_6979

IMG_6949

IMG_6952

Another great week last week, capped off by the most wonderful assembly. Grade 5 really kicked the year off for the whole school with the message of Knowledge, Inspiration and Spirit. Well done to all students who took a starring role this time and we look forward to challenging each and every child to take an active role throughout Grade 5.

As promised, for anyone who missed it, here’s the slideshow and some photos:

IMG_2077

IMG_2080

IMG_2066

IMG_2052

IMG_0926

IMG_0925

20180907_102554

20180907_103527

20180907_103739

20180907_104347

A reminder that this week will be a much shorter week with the school being closed on both Thursday and Friday. The homework going home today is due NEXT Friday, September 21.

In Maths this week we are busily assessing our developing skills and knowledge from our first unit exploring how The base 10 place value system extends infinitely in two directions. When we return after the long weekend we will be switching our focus to how patterns can often be generalised using algebraic expressions, equations or functions.

We will also be embarking on our second unit of inquiry. More details on that when we return from the holiday.

Just a quick update today as the blog has been busy lately!

There’s been a great sign up to Seesaw, if you are still having trouble please contact Mr Alex on alex.ba@edu.kis.ac.th. Please remember to make lots of comments, and to think about extending your child’s learning with some of our growth mindset questions.

Growth mindset

What do you think a caring community should look like_ (1)

IMG-7723

IMG_8821

IMG_8873

IMG_8864

IMG_8863

IMG_8836

download (1)

Screenshot 2018-08-30 at 6.36.49 PM

Growth mindset

IMG_0869

IMG_0865

IMG_1937

IMG_1913

IMG_1950

IMG_1969

IMG_1697

IMG_1702

It was great to see so many of you at the coffee morning on Friday. Here is the slideshow for anyone who missed it:

In addition, here is the slideshow presented by Khun Amalee and Khun Ort last week. It really opened some minds to another idea of what community looks like in Bangkok.

Finally, please join us in congratulating our new house captains: Bia, Poon, Olivia, Melvin, Mai, IP, Namo and Alex. And an extra shout out to those children who applied but had to miss out this time. The sense of community was on full show in Grade 5 as those dealing with the dissappointment were supportive, and supported by, their peers. We look forward to a wonderful house spirit in KIS throughout the year.

Dear Parents,

In response to some feedback at our coffee meeting we’d like to share this link which may be useful for any of you who are having issues logging in or signing up for Seesaw.

In addition Mr Eric, our ICT integrator will be running a drop in Q&A session as soon as all Grades have begun posting to Seesaw and we will share the date of that as soon as we can.

If you have any further issues please contact Mr Alex on alex.ba@kis.ac.th with some details and he will try to help!

Also, please take a moment to fill in Ms Daisy’s questionnaire by scanning the QR code here or in the primary atrium.

Great to see you all today and have a wonderful weekend!

The Grade 5 Team

Dear Parents,

Please make sure your family has signed up to Seesaw: it’s a great way to see your child’s learning journey and support through their development as lifelong learners. You can sign up by following the link below, or scanning the QR code.

This year we are using Seesaw to share and communicate with families! Your child will post to Seesaw to share their learning. Seesaw is private; you’ll only see posts created by your child.

Please Sign Up Now

1. Click on this link: https://app.seesaw.me/s/014-132-896
2. Choose your child from the list
3. Create your account
4. Once we approve you, you can see content from your child

After you sign up, download the free Seesaw Family app and sign in. You can also access Seesaw from a computer at https://app.seesaw.me.

Thank you for supporting your child’s learning!

The Grade 5 team

P.s. If you used Seesaw last year or have more than one child using Seesaw, follow the link above, then click the ‘Sign in’ tab at the top of the screen. You do not need to create a new account.

First and foremost a quick reminder that the G5 coffee morning will be this Friday 31st August starting at 8am in the AP Room on level 2 of the PYP building. The agenda will include:

• Routines and schedules
• The PYP Exhibition
• Transitions
• Residential information
• The G5 Blog
• Seesaw
• And an opportunity to visit our Art Room and create some inspiring art!

(And there will also be coffee and snacks!) We look forward to seeing you there.

IMG_1697

IMG_1701

IMG_1688

IMG_1702

IMG_1682

IMG_0871

IMG_0834

IMG_0857

IMG_0864

IMG_0844

IMG_0869

IMG_0840

IMG_0870

IMG_0794

IMG_7622

IMG_7606

IMG_7581

IMG_7588

IMG_7579

IMG_7587

IMG_7583

IMG_7586

Last we continued our exploration of how we can create an inclusive and caring community and we spent some time formulating the Grade 5 essential agreement. On Friday we we got together as a community and took part in some improvisational drama. It was amazing to see how well the children collaborated, planned and performed their skits with themes connected to the IB Learner Profile.

Finally, a reminder that this Friday will be our first house T-Shirt day of the year.

Have a great week and see you for coffee!