Weekly Boost
This Week in Fifth Grade
Week 31
Figurative Language: Idioms
Figurative Language: Idioms
Students may find idioms confusing! Since idioms don't mean what they say and they don't rely on a certain set of rules, they must be learned individually. Idiomatic expressions can be especially challenging for English-language learners who haven't had as much exposure to common English phrases at home. Therefore, be sure to incorporate current idioms found in pop culture references and slang into your lesson.
Students may find idioms confusing! Since idioms don't mean what they say and they don't rely on a certain set of rules, they must be learned individually. When you catch yourself using an idiom in conversation, pause to explain its figurative meaning to your child. Try looking up idioms in other languages and compare them to the idioms you use in English.
Common Idioms
Worksheet
Common Idioms
This worksheet offers fun figurative language practice for young readers and writers.
4th grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Making Sense of Idioms
Worksheet
Making Sense of Idioms
Kids complete sentences with idioms in this worksheet.
4th grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Idiom Card Swap
Lesson plan
Idiom Card Swap
Idioms are not always a piece of cake! Use this fun activity to teach your students the difference between the literal and figurative meanings of common idioms.
5th grade
Reading & Writing
Lesson plan
Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers
Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers
Subtracting fractions that are greater than one can be tricky —yet strategies like number lines and models can help. As your child develops confidence with multiple strategies, encourage them to explain their thinking by asking questions like, "Can you explain this strategy to me?" and "Why did you choose that strategy?" or, "How did you know your answer was right?" When your child begins to reflect on the process, they will develop a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts — and will apply those skills to future problems.
Many students think that the problem is done once they've found an answer. But when you promote "math talk" — giving students the opportunity to discuss strategies and analyze their thought process — you will create a rich environment for reflection that can build students' understanding and confidence. When students are subtracting fractions that are greater than one, for example, ask, "How else can you solve this?" or, "How is this like other problems you've solved?" Ask students to articulate their reasoning in pairs or small groups before writing a response. Celebrate their efforts — because talking about math can be just as challenging as finding a solution!
Mixed Number Subtraction Models
Worksheet
Mixed Number Subtraction Models
Combine fractions and shapes to help your students visualize subtracting mixed numbers.
4th grade
Math
Worksheet
Mixed Number Differences with Bar Diagrams
Worksheet
Mixed Number Differences with Bar Diagrams
Add a bit of horticulture to your mixed number lessons with this flower-themed worksheet. Give your students practice subtracting mixed numbers with these illustrative organizers for subtraction word problems.
5th grade
Math
Worksheet
Modeling Mixed Number Subtraction
Lesson plan
Modeling Mixed Number Subtraction
Students will learn to model mixed number subtraction with manipulatives using this hands-on lesson plan.
4th grade
Math
Lesson plan
Nonfiction Reading Comprehension
Nonfiction Reading Comprehension
When your child is reading a nonfiction text, they will encounter lots of challenging vocabulary that can impede comprehension. Encourage your child to reread sections that are confusing and use reference materials, like glossaries, when necessary. Remind your child to think about big ideas as they read, connecting details to the main topic.
When students are reading nonfiction texts, they will encounter lots of domain-specific language that can impede comprehension. Encourage students to reread sections that are confusing and use reference materials, like glossaries, when necessary. Remind students to think about big ideas as they read, connecting details to the main topic.
Dust Storms
Worksheet
Dust Storms
Get swept up in this comprehensive worksheet about the awesome power of dust storms.
4th grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Heat Waves
Worksheet
Heat Waves
Learners will discover what heat waves are, and how they are connected to global warming, in this two-page earth sciences worksheet.
4th grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Comprehension Cards
Worksheet
Comprehension Cards
These printable cards give students the chance to practice using supporting evidence to identify an author’s claims.
5th grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Informational Writing: Research
Informational Writing: Research
Encourage your child to think like a historian! Have them select a specific historical event to research, then ask them to write an informational essay using the facts they've learned. Informational writing can be time consuming and require solid executive functioning — encourage effective time management and accountability by giving your child a deadline.
Integrate history into your writing block by researching historical topics! Ask students to read about an event from history, then write an informational essay about what they learned. Informational writing can be time-consuming — encourage effective time management and accountability by giving your class a deadline.
Informational Writing: Battles of the American Revolution
Worksheet
Informational Writing: Battles of the American Revolution
Give your students some practice writing an informational essay about the American Revolution!
5th grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Focus on Founding Fathers
Lesson plan
Focus on Founding Fathers
This lesson will allow students to explore the backgrounds and contributions of the Founding Fathers by completing an online scavenger hunt and writing a basic biography.
5th grade
Reading & Writing
Lesson plan
The Battle of Bunker Hill
Worksheet
The Battle of Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill was one of the early battles of the American Revolution. Discover the important features of the battle with this worksheet.
4th grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
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