This first marking period we are studying about Survival, and the personal qualities that help people survive in emergency situations.  We are currently reading the novel, The Cay, which is a story about two castaways, a young boy and an older man, who must struggle to survive on a deserted Caribbean island after their ship is torpedoed during World War II. This story deals with overcoming many obstacles including prejudice, fear, and blindness while the themes of acceptance, determination, and friendship emerge as the story unfolds.

 The second survival novel we will be reading is the Newbury Award winner, Julie of the Wolves.  This is the story of a young Inuit girl who becomes lost in the tundra of the Arctic North and must rely on her own instincts and ingenuity to survive.

These two novels which have a similar theme are in sharp contrast to one another and yet many of the skills needed are the same.  We will be looking at the comparisons and contrasts between the two.

I have put in a request for a trip to Island Beach State Park in mid-October that will incorporate many of the skills the students are learning about as we read The Cay. This is a phenomenal trip and hopefully your children will be able to experience it.  

The second marking period’s theme is A Different Kind of Friendship, and we will be reading one of my all time favorites, Where the Red Fern Grows.  This is the heart-warming story of a young boy who sacrifices to achieve a goal and the many struggles he endures along the way. 

During the second marking period we will also be writing a comprehensive multi-genre research report.

The third marking period we will be learning about our roots as we study Immigration. We will be reading non-fiction essays, personal narratives, and autobiographical pieces from the Literature & Thought Collection, From There to Here.  . Following that we will read Hello, My Name is Scrambled Eggs, a humorous story about a young boy’s attempts at helping a young Vietnamese immigrant acclimate himself to his new life in Pittsfield, Illinois.   

During our study of immigration we will be working on researching our own roots and creating a Family Tree.  In addition we will be having an International Food Taste Testing wherein the children will bring in a traditional dish and its recipe from their families’ nationality.  We will then create a mini-cookbook with our recipes.

I have put in a request for a trip to Ellis Island where the students in the 5^th & 6^th grade will have a chance to experience the whole immigration process first hand.  Once again, the trip must be approved by the Board of Education.

The fourth marking period’s theme is Medieval Times.  The children will be immersed in everything to do with the Middle Ages.  Our theme novels include two Newbury Award books.  The first novel is  Catherine, Called Birdy, a humorous look at a young girl’s problems growing up during this time period.  Our second novel is The Door in the Wall, a story about a young boy’s journey to find his family while overcoming a handicap.  .

Our culminating event for this marking period will hopefully be a visit to Medieval Times where the 5^th & 6^th grade students will experience all of the things they have been learning about during their studies, including jousting, knights, and chivalry.