Reading
We have finished reading Number the Stars and are ready to begin our projects. Reading projects, which are due Monday, March 12th, were discussed in class Friday. The options are as follows:
1. Write the next chapter in Number the Stars. The chapter should include several of the main characters as well as make reference to some important events in the story. This should be 3-4 pages in length, hand written, skipping lines. Paper will be provided.
2. Hand draw a map of Denmark, identifying Copenhagen and Gilleleje on the map and write a paragraph describing Denmark. Include the population of the country, the size (in square miles) of the country, the climate, any manufacturing or industry that takes place there, interesting places to visit, and other facts you would like to include.
3. Write a letter to Annemarie from Ellen. Include details such as her escape to Sweden on Uncle Henrik's boat, where she is currently living, what she has been doing, and how her family is. Be creative with this!
4. Illustrate a major problem and solution from this novel. There were plenty! Choose one to illustrate and then describe the problem and solution. Remember to answer who, what, when, where, and why in your description. Paper will be provided.
5. Design a 3 dimensional diorama of an important event from the novel. Include a lot of details and a description of the scene you design. Your diorama should be colorful and be covered inside and out.
6. Write character descriptions of several of the main characters. Use lots of detail in describing them in your description. Paper will be provided.
7. Design a puppet of one of the characters. Use lots of color and detail. Write a short dialogue for the puppet to speak to our class. Choose a scene from the story to write about.
8. Design Uncle Henrik's fishing boat. Include the details from the story that tell how the Jews were hidden to escape to Sweden. The boat must be sturdy enough to stand.
9. Be a news anchor and announce breaking news about the Jews escape to Sweden! Videotape yourself or do a live performance to the class. This should be about 5 minutes in length and explain how the Danish Resistance Fighters helped them escape the Nazis. Use details from the story in your news announcement.
10. Research the Danish Resistance. Find out about who they were and how they were able to carry out their plans. How many people did they help? Include information about the occupation of Denmark by Hitler's army. Use at least two sources of information. You may either hand write your paper skipping lines or type your work. Three pages required if hand written. Turn in your rough draft with your finished copy.
Spelling
Students chose the words for their final spelling and vocabulary test from our novel. The words are:
1. unwavering 2. decency
3. engagement 4. handkerchief
5. execute 6. military
7. existence 8. cautiously
9. scientist 10. chatterbox
11. explosion 12. approach
13. concealed 14. orchestrated
15. rejoicing 16. surrender
17. detection 18. peasant
19. compassion 20. lighthearted
BONUS: prejudice
Assignments will be done in class. Spelling test will be Friday, March 9th.
Writing
Students are excited this week to write their own stories, incorporating descriptive language into their work!
PAJAMA DAY IS COMING!!!! Fifth grade will enjoy PAJAMA DAY Friday, March 9th in all fifth grade classes. Students may wear their pajamas to school, bring lots of books to read or journals in which to write (or BOTH!!!) This will take place in the afternoon during Language Arts time.
