By Susie Rogers, 5th-8th ELA

Teaching is the highest form of understanding.’ –Aristotle

Reviewing grammar concepts took a little twist! The students were asked to be the teacher and “show what they know!” Students first had to correct a paragraph with numerous errors on their own, and then they volunteered to come teach the class about one of the mistakes. Grammatical errors included spelling, their, they’re, there misuse, interrogative sentences, verb tenses, capitalization, and comma usage.

Students made the correction, and then explained the reasoning behind it! They always had a “tap-out” option if they got stuck! It has been proven that to know a concept is one level, but it can be temporary. However, if a student is able to teach the concept, that knowledge will not be forgotten.

by Jennifer Jordan, Middle School Latin Teacher

Fifth graders are Latin sponges! We have had Latin for only 4 days, and the class has already learned the first conjugation present tense and has translated a sentence. How did they do this? Interactive learning. I like to use a song to memorize the first conjugation verb endings, as the present tense endings form the foundation of all Latin verb forms. After learning the song, we practice applying the endings to our first 5 verbs in the curriculum. Students get up in the front of the room to “test” their classmates. Giving students the opportunity to play “teacher” and quiz each other helps to cement the learning in their minds. It’s a win-win because the students are applying meaning and they’re having fun while doing it.

The school year is coming to a close and Fifth Grade is ready to play!

Fifth grade at St. James always looks forward to the overnight field trip to the Arkansas Outdoor School…or better known as 4-H. Anticipation builds weeks before the actual trip with picking activities, going over the packing list, travel plans,and permission slips.

Then…the day of departure finally arrives. Fifth grade was able to experience team building, archery, canoeing, orienteering (using a map and compass), fishing, and rock climbing.

Field trips provide authentic, hands-on, experiential learning opportunities where students connect what they are learning in the classroom in a real-world context.

The essence of life is to serve others and do good.

Each class at St. James is responsible for choosing and executing a community service project. Fifth grade has worked with the Texarkana Animal Care and Adoption Center for the past two years. This year our project included cat scratchers made from recycled cardboard, making dog treats, and a pet food drive (in early February).

Two shelter representatives visited our classroom along with Piglet (dog) and Boots (cat). Fifth grade learned about the pet adoption process, responsible pet ownership, and other pet care topics.

Community service allows the students a valuable opportunity to learn about different aspects of our community that may be less familiar to them but needs their attention and compassion.