Words Have Power

5th-grade students had an engaging and educational experience exploring the use of figurative language in their writing.  They experimented with different types of figurative language like similes, metaphors, idioms, personification, and hyperboles to make their writing more interesting and captivating.  Students analyzed song lyrics to find examples of figurative language and defended their explanations.

4th-grade students have been exploring folktales in their recent writing projects.  As part of this exploration, students created folktales about Maine.  They were able to exercise their creativity and imagination while also improving their writing skills. 

Two Village 5th Graders in SAIL wanted to brighten up the conference room at their school.  They used their knowledge of figurative language(FL) and applied it.  They created positive messages using FL and decorated the school's conference room.  They used various types of figurative language, such as similes and metaphors.  Creating posters with such positive messages spreads joy, happiness, and positivity to others.  Students and staff will enjoy their positive messages. 

 

5th Graders Learn About Small Businesses

5th-grade SAIL math students had two exciting opportunities this month.  Ms. Winslow from Gorham Savings Bank and Kate Dargie from Mow's Munchies stopped by to share their knowledge about small businesses.  

From Gorham Savings Bank, SVP Director of Community Relations Becky Winslow, discussed the relationship between small businesses and banks.  She provided important feedback on the students' food truck business plans.  Students were engaged, excited, and eager to ask questions.  Ms. Winslow was so generous with her time by visiting all three elementary schools.  

The co-owner of Mow's Munchies, Kate Dargie, invited students to tour her food truck.  Kate stopped at Village, Narragansett, and Great Falls elementary schools.  Students asked questions and shared their ideas from their Open a Food Truck projects.  They talked about business plans and what it takes to run a food truck.  

Gorham Cares

 Students picked a stuffy buddy to do their work with this week.  Our classroom provided a safe and supportive space for students returning to school.

Students created stars to design a poster for the Lewiston Library to show support for their community.  

October

 Hello Fall!  I wanted to celebrate ELA SAIL 5th grade students from last year who were selected to be published in a book.  Each library at the elementary schools has its own copy.  Congratulations to our published authors! 

Math students started their STEM projects this month.  A hint is that it has to do with food and fun. More information and pictures to come next month.     

ELA students used creative writing to "hook" their readers with interesting word choices.  They entered a creative writing challenge with Young Writers. 

Welcome Back!

The beginning of school is an exciting time of year.  S.A.I.L. is underway.  It is so good to be back.  Stop by next month to see what projects we have been working on.  

ENJOY YOUR SUMMER!

SAIL had another great year.  Enjoy your summer!

Magnificent May Work

 Check out what SAIL has been doing this month.  

4th Grade ELA students finished their Lighthouse STEM unit by writing journal entries in the Day in the Life of a Lighthouse Keeper.  Here are some samples.

January 2, 1776, 5:07 PM

It looks like a storm is coming in, so it's a good thing I changed the lens two months ago. There's a good chance it'll be going on into the night, so I'll probably be up here for a while. It's harder to keep everything working because I cut my hand pretty badly a couple days ago fixing the gears. Anyways, I just finished making dinner for me and my daughter, Emily, and now she's drawing in her bedroom. She is eight years old.

5th graders in ELA are finishing their book groups.  Their books aligned with their study of the American Civil War.  

4th graders built tidal turbines as they learned about renewable energy.   

*Not pictured, AC, CH, CS, and NE.  

5th graders created their own Sirpenski's Triangle.  This geometric fractal is an example of how patterns repeat on different scales.  

 

5th Grade math students also defended their point of view on which part of the fraction has more power, the numerator or the denominator.