Writing should paint a word picture.
This is a great place to let your child learn about the writing traits:
http://www.joelson.addr.com/writing_traits.htm
Monday - Brainstorm/pre-write by listing your ideas or made an idea web. This is what you do before you begin writing. This is one of the most important steps in the writing process and yet it is the one that many students skip over!
Tuesday - Write first draft, what I call a sloppy copy/rough draft. On this step you are just getting your thoughts down on paper. After writing your first draft, read and reread it several times. Look for areas that need explanation or improvement.
Wednesday - The number one mistake most young writers make is to write a rough draft, correct the spelling and punctuation, and think they are done. They've missed the most important step of all, revising. Revise and edit first draft. Revising refers to the big changes an author makes to his rough draft. This means adding more information, adding target skills, or clarifying meaning my choosing more precise words. Editing refers to the small changes an author makes before publishing. Editing involves conventions such as correct punctuation and spelling, checking for omitted or duplicated words, grammar, neatness, margins, etc. Students should not move on to the editing stage until they have revised their piece at least three to five times. However, this might frustrate your child. Unfortunately, many children dread writing. They don't want to do it, they don't want to learn about it, and most of all they don't want to revise it. So go easy on this part and work up to several revisions when you feel they are ready.
Does the beginnin grab or hook the reader's attention?
Can I substitue a more interesting word for a boring one?
Is there a statement that needs more explanation with reasons, details, or examples?
Do my readers need more description to be able to picture what I am writing about?
Do most of my sentences start with different beginnings?
Does every sentence focus on the topic?
Does the ending bring this piece to a smooth finish?
Thursday - Write your final draft in the composition book and staple proof of brainstorming, sloppy copy, revising and editing to the direction sheet (this week it is Week 5/Halloween). Make sure you write you name on the direction sheet and that it is on the top.
Friday - Turn in your writing assignment - composition book and direction sheet with other sheets stapled to it - on Friday morning.
I have some other really helpful sites for word problems etc.
www.internet4classrooms.com/skills_5th_original.htm
www.stfx.ca/special/mathproblems/grade5.html
www.kathimitchell.com/math.htm (It has some links for some other sites too)
www.kathimitchell.com(It has all subjects)
www.aplusmath.com
www.brainpop.com(not just math)
www.brainpop.com/math/seeall
www.minnetonks.K12.mn.us/mwa/Teachers/Johnson/MRJMATH.htm