October 2018

Math
5th Grade:

• Pre-algebra, Art of Problem Solving-Number Theory, Chapter 3
• Beast Academy 5 - Factors, Multiples, Sequences
• Art of Problem Solving - Making lists

3rd Grade:

• Beast Academy 3 - Parameter and Area, Area
• Beast Academy 4 - Parameter and Area
• Addition and Subtraction - busy work

Squares-Shapes in Nature and Science: This book we will use over the course of the school year as we encounter each shape. Both kids know the axioms for triangle congruency and we will use the knowledge to prove some of the statements in the book.

The book has a lot of references to cultures and civilizations from the past which we will discuss in some depth as we encounter them.








English

5th Grade:

• Secret Coders, the entire series: teaches some of the basic concepts in Computer Science Programming Languages in an entertaining comic format.
• Roller Girl - great book about bullying, peer pressure, peer support, family support, resilience, and love for what one does. It is tough to be a young person, but toughness builds great individuals and leaders. 
• The potato chip puzzles - this is just a clever book
• Her choice - she read books from the Pegasus series by Kate O'Hearn
• Writing Without Tears-Cursive, 3rd grade

3rd Grade:

• Flat Stanley
• Esio Trot
• All About Reading - Level 4
• Writing Without Tears-Cursive, 3rd grade

Portuguese

• Meu avo africano
• Extraordinario

Music

• Dance classes - twice a week
• Piano classes - once a week
• Violin classes - once a week
• Halloween concert at B&N

Events

• October 5 - our friends' daughter married
• Birthdays 
• Halloween

Read Alouds

The theme this month was Tolerance and Resistance to injustice. 

We talked about the established descendants of immigrants being intolerant, hateful and discriminating towards incoming immigrants.

We talked about the sacrifices, the hardships and the surprising joys experienced by the new immigrants. I also dared to compare and contrast how my family's coming to the US was similar and different. I also did not shy away from reminding the kids that while we were focused on the arrivals at the east, similar behaviors were exhibited in the south and in the west.

Along these lines of hatred, intolerance towards minorities and, in general, little known groups I switched the narrative to a safer, age-appropriate discussion of the Holocaust and Hitler's agenda. We began with Benno, the observation from the outside of the madness that is happening on the inside. We moved on to the resistance. While a minority the fact that it existed is inspirational and a source of hope for any adversity that humanity could face in the future. For adults I recommend that book "Irene's children"

• Jars of Hope
• The Whispering Town
• Benno and the Night of Broken Glass
• Immigrant Kids
• If Your Name was Changed at Ellis Island

Science

• Optics
• Light travels in straight line
• Light has components, make a rainbow
• Camera obscura
• Color, reflection off objects
• Reflection off a flat mirror, think about the object
• Refraction - coin in a cup with water; broken straw in rainbow jar
• Wave nature of light with laser
• Nature of waves: throw stones in pond and observe interference and reflection
• Chemistry
• Secret Message written with baking soda and revealed with vinegar