We are still missing about 30 gifts from the giving tree. If you have a star, please get your gift to Mrs. Woods quickly. If you don't have a star and still want to help, we are looking for gift cards to Kohls, Target, and Walmart. The gift cards will be used to help fill the gaps. Thank you so much for your generosity!!
Language Arts~
Today we reviewed chapter 9 in Frindle and read Chapter 10. The Frindle Movement is starting to move beyond the school. Today the local newspaper got involved. How big will this thing get? Today students answered comprehension questions about the chapter, worked on vocabulary and wrote a news article about Frindles.
HW: Anything that didn't get finished today.
Math~
We continued to work on division. Today we talked about what remainders really mean. We learned how to write a remainder as a fraction.
HW: Study Link 6.4
Content~
Art Smart. Thanks Moms for bring art to our classroom. We worked on our Original Works of Art project. Look for more information soon.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
The Magic Number is.....
48. We still have 48 items missing from the giving tree. Please remember that all giving tree items are due back on Wednesday, December 12th. Please make sure that you attach the star from the tree to the package. Thank you so much for making the season brighter for other PHM families.
Language Arts~
The war of the word battled on in Frindle. We read chapters 7 & 8 today. We answered comprehension questions and learned new vocabulary. We also worked on a paper that made us think about different words. On the paper we are not allowed to use words that have the letter A. It really makes us think about word choice.
HW: Quiz over chapters 6-8 tomorrow. Finish up any work that still needs to be completed from today.
Math~
Today we started on unit 6. We will have the test over this unit next week. A study guide came home today. Our focus is on division and measuring angles.
HW: Journal pages 137, 140 and 141. Study Link 6.2
Science~
Test today!
HW: None
Language Arts~
The war of the word battled on in Frindle. We read chapters 7 & 8 today. We answered comprehension questions and learned new vocabulary. We also worked on a paper that made us think about different words. On the paper we are not allowed to use words that have the letter A. It really makes us think about word choice.
HW: Quiz over chapters 6-8 tomorrow. Finish up any work that still needs to be completed from today.
Math~
Today we started on unit 6. We will have the test over this unit next week. A study guide came home today. Our focus is on division and measuring angles.
HW: Journal pages 137, 140 and 141. Study Link 6.2
Science~
Test today!
HW: None
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Thursday.....
Giving Tree Update: We are so grateful for all of the families that have taken a star off the giving tree. Please remember that all items are due back to school by December 12th. At this point we are missing 78 items from the list.
Language Arts~
Today we worked on chapter 5 in Frindle. There will be a quiz over chapters 4 and 5 tomorrow.
HW: Finish up missing work.
Math~
Test day!
HW: None
Science~
We talked and read about how people change the environment. We discovered that we cause the most change.
HW: Before You Move on questions p. 209 in science notebook.
Language Arts~
Today we worked on chapter 5 in Frindle. There will be a quiz over chapters 4 and 5 tomorrow.
HW: Finish up missing work.
Math~
Test day!
HW: None
Science~
We talked and read about how people change the environment. We discovered that we cause the most change.
HW: Before You Move on questions p. 209 in science notebook.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Wednesday's Work
Language Arts~
Today we took a quiz over chapters 1-3 in Frindle. We then read chapter 4. At the end of the chapter, we discovered that Nick has a plan. We can't wait to see what is up his sleeve! We answered comprehension questions and worked on vocabulary. We wrote a journal entry about Nick's plan. Some of us may have wrote a summary over chapter 4 instead. We also reviewed grammar skills.
Homework: None assigned. Some students may need to finish up language arts work.
Math~
We reviewed skills needed for tomorrow's test.
HW: Study!
Science~
We talked and read about how people change the environment. We discovered that we cause the most change.
HW: Before You Move on questions p. 209 in science notebook.
Today we took a quiz over chapters 1-3 in Frindle. We then read chapter 4. At the end of the chapter, we discovered that Nick has a plan. We can't wait to see what is up his sleeve! We answered comprehension questions and worked on vocabulary. We wrote a journal entry about Nick's plan. Some of us may have wrote a summary over chapter 4 instead. We also reviewed grammar skills.
Homework: None assigned. Some students may need to finish up language arts work.
Math~
We reviewed skills needed for tomorrow's test.
HW: Study!
Science~
We talked and read about how people change the environment. We discovered that we cause the most change.
HW: Before You Move on questions p. 209 in science notebook.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Terrific Tuesday
Language Arts~
We had a terrific Tuesday! Our Frindle books have arrived and today we dove back into the book. Each child has their own book that they are welcome to read and write in. My day was made when one student remarked that this was a very good book. We reread chapters 1 and 2. We pointed out different figurative language techniques that the author uses to catch our attention. We read chapter 3 together. The students had 4 questions about the chapter that they needed to answer, a few vocabulary words that that they used context clues to help define, and a journal entry. We also spent a few minutes reviewing finding answers in a non-fiction text and the prefix -un.
HW: Quiz tomorrow over Frindle chapters 1-3. and any unfinished work.
Math~
Today our focus was on using data from our Student Reference Book. We compared large numbers and also spent a little time reviewing rounding. The test over unit 5 is on Thursday. A very brief study guide came home today. Look for the review test tomorrow.
HW: Study Link and Math Boxes 5.11.
Science~
Content 2 took the science acuity test today!
HW: None.
We had a terrific Tuesday! Our Frindle books have arrived and today we dove back into the book. Each child has their own book that they are welcome to read and write in. My day was made when one student remarked that this was a very good book. We reread chapters 1 and 2. We pointed out different figurative language techniques that the author uses to catch our attention. We read chapter 3 together. The students had 4 questions about the chapter that they needed to answer, a few vocabulary words that that they used context clues to help define, and a journal entry. We also spent a few minutes reviewing finding answers in a non-fiction text and the prefix -un.
HW: Quiz tomorrow over Frindle chapters 1-3. and any unfinished work.
Math~
Today our focus was on using data from our Student Reference Book. We compared large numbers and also spent a little time reviewing rounding. The test over unit 5 is on Thursday. A very brief study guide came home today. Look for the review test tomorrow.
HW: Study Link and Math Boxes 5.11.
Science~
Content 2 took the science acuity test today!
HW: None.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Murky Monday
It was dreary outside, but we got a lot accomplished inside today!
Language Arts~
We took our tests over Roadrunner's Dance today. We also worked on our writing from last week. It seems like everyone is in a different spot with their writing. Some students are working on peer editing and others are still working on their first draft. Tomorrow, we restart our novel study.
HW: Finish up the first draft of your writing.
Math~
Our focus today was on rounding large numbers. We practiced this skill on white boards and in journal pages. We completed a worksheet and did math boxes.
HW: Study Link 5.10 (Test over unit 5 will be on Thursday!)
Science~
We did our science acuity test today. It was tough! There were questions over concepts we haven't covered yet. We will get there!
HW: None
Language Arts~
We took our tests over Roadrunner's Dance today. We also worked on our writing from last week. It seems like everyone is in a different spot with their writing. Some students are working on peer editing and others are still working on their first draft. Tomorrow, we restart our novel study.
HW: Finish up the first draft of your writing.
Math~
Our focus today was on rounding large numbers. We practiced this skill on white boards and in journal pages. We completed a worksheet and did math boxes.
HW: Study Link 5.10 (Test over unit 5 will be on Thursday!)
Science~
We did our science acuity test today. It was tough! There were questions over concepts we haven't covered yet. We will get there!
HW: None
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Thursday...
Language Arts ~
A roll of the dice helped us today. First we did our spelling. We rolled a dice and that told us if we had to do: write a sentence, draw a picture, write a synonym or antonym, define the word or write it three times. The synonym and antonyms allowed us to practice using a thesaurus. We also used story dice to help us make choices in writing a story today. Each of the stories had to use dialogue.
HW: None
Math~
Our focus today was on the power of 10s. We learned about exponents and looked for patterns in numbers of zeros. We also reviewed adding and subtracting decimals and measuring to the nearest 1/4 inch.
HW: Study link and math boxes 5.9
Science~
Today we looked at all the ways that plants and animals change the environment. We learned about how roots help soils, and how invasive plants, like kudzu can harm the environment. We learned about the changes a beaver can make on it's habitat.
HW: None.
A roll of the dice helped us today. First we did our spelling. We rolled a dice and that told us if we had to do: write a sentence, draw a picture, write a synonym or antonym, define the word or write it three times. The synonym and antonyms allowed us to practice using a thesaurus. We also used story dice to help us make choices in writing a story today. Each of the stories had to use dialogue.
HW: None
Math~
Our focus today was on the power of 10s. We learned about exponents and looked for patterns in numbers of zeros. We also reviewed adding and subtracting decimals and measuring to the nearest 1/4 inch.
HW: Study link and math boxes 5.9
Science~
Today we looked at all the ways that plants and animals change the environment. We learned about how roots help soils, and how invasive plants, like kudzu can harm the environment. We learned about the changes a beaver can make on it's habitat.
HW: None.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Flexibility is Key!
Language Arts~
So the Frindle books aren't here. I went to pick them up at the store yesterday and they have not arrived yet. So we are moving on to plan b. We will pick up with Frindle as soon as we get all of the books. For the rest of this week through Monday we are going back to the reading book. There will be no reading homework or spelling tests this week. The story for this week is "Roadrunner's Dance." Our comprehension skill is determining author's purpose. In vocabulary, our focus will be synonyms. Grammar is all about subject-verb agreement and action verbs. Our vocabulary words include interfere, agile, awkward, guardian, proclaimed, and tottered. Tests over this story will be on Monday.
Math~
Our focus today was on large numbers. We practiced reading and writing numbers to the billions place.
HW: Study links and math boxes 5.8
Science~
Content 2 started a new chapter today. Our focus this chapter is how plants and animals effect the environment in which they live. We talked about seasons and plants and animals today. We started working on our study guide and wrote answers to the Before You Move On questions in our notebooks.
HW: None!
So the Frindle books aren't here. I went to pick them up at the store yesterday and they have not arrived yet. So we are moving on to plan b. We will pick up with Frindle as soon as we get all of the books. For the rest of this week through Monday we are going back to the reading book. There will be no reading homework or spelling tests this week. The story for this week is "Roadrunner's Dance." Our comprehension skill is determining author's purpose. In vocabulary, our focus will be synonyms. Grammar is all about subject-verb agreement and action verbs. Our vocabulary words include interfere, agile, awkward, guardian, proclaimed, and tottered. Tests over this story will be on Monday.
Math~
Our focus today was on large numbers. We practiced reading and writing numbers to the billions place.
HW: Study links and math boxes 5.8
Science~
Content 2 started a new chapter today. Our focus this chapter is how plants and animals effect the environment in which they live. We talked about seasons and plants and animals today. We started working on our study guide and wrote answers to the Before You Move On questions in our notebooks.
HW: None!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Tuesday News and Notes
Don't forget PJ day on Thursday! Book orders are due on Friday!
Language Arts~ Today we edited sentences with titles for grammar today. We read chapter 2 in Frindle. We ventured into vocabulary by writing down the connotation meeting of words found in the chapter. We also answered discussion questions together in class. Students worked on analyzing the two main characters in the book and also wrote journal entries to respond to literature.
HW: None!
Math~ Acuity today!
HW: Finish up worksheet and do study link 5.7 that were given on Monday.
Science~ Content 1 started a new chapter today. Our focus this chapter is how plants and animals effect the environment in which they live. We talked about seasons and plants and animals today. We started working on our study guide and wrote answers to the Before You Move On questions in our notebooks.
HW: None!
Language Arts~ Today we edited sentences with titles for grammar today. We read chapter 2 in Frindle. We ventured into vocabulary by writing down the connotation meeting of words found in the chapter. We also answered discussion questions together in class. Students worked on analyzing the two main characters in the book and also wrote journal entries to respond to literature.
HW: None!
Math~ Acuity today!
HW: Finish up worksheet and do study link 5.7 that were given on Monday.
Science~ Content 1 started a new chapter today. Our focus this chapter is how plants and animals effect the environment in which they live. We talked about seasons and plants and animals today. We started working on our study guide and wrote answers to the Before You Move On questions in our notebooks.
HW: None!
Monday, November 26, 2012
Welcome Back!
I hope everyone had a great long weekend. Don't forget PJ day on Thursday. Money raised will go to the Red Cross to help Super Storm Sandy victims.
Language Arts~
No weekly homework this week. No spelling list either! Today we started a novel study, Frindle, by Andrew Clements. Due to circumstances beyond our control the books will not be here until Wednesday. However, we still got started today. We introduced the book and made predictions about what the book will be about. Then I read chapter 1 out loud and we discussed the book. We talked about flashbacks, literary devices, character development, and the plot. We answered questions about the chapter and looked at some of the vocabulary in the story. We also practiced editing sentences for grammar.
HW: None. Don't forget that book orders are due on Friday! Check out online ordering.
Math~
Our focus today was on the lattice method of multiplication. Most children really like this method of multiplication. Ask the kiddos to explain how to do a problem this way.
HW: None. We have acuity testing tomorrow.
Science~
Today we did a science experiment with paper dots and camouflage. Students attempted to pick up as many dots off a piece of cloth as they could in 15 seconds. Some of the dots were camouflaged. We talked about how being camouflaged helps animals survive in their habitats. We also started to talk about Science Expo. Look for more information to come home soon!
HW: None.
Language Arts~
No weekly homework this week. No spelling list either! Today we started a novel study, Frindle, by Andrew Clements. Due to circumstances beyond our control the books will not be here until Wednesday. However, we still got started today. We introduced the book and made predictions about what the book will be about. Then I read chapter 1 out loud and we discussed the book. We talked about flashbacks, literary devices, character development, and the plot. We answered questions about the chapter and looked at some of the vocabulary in the story. We also practiced editing sentences for grammar.
HW: None. Don't forget that book orders are due on Friday! Check out online ordering.
Math~
Our focus today was on the lattice method of multiplication. Most children really like this method of multiplication. Ask the kiddos to explain how to do a problem this way.
HW: None. We have acuity testing tomorrow.
Science~
Today we did a science experiment with paper dots and camouflage. Students attempted to pick up as many dots off a piece of cloth as they could in 15 seconds. Some of the dots were camouflaged. We talked about how being camouflaged helps animals survive in their habitats. We also started to talk about Science Expo. Look for more information to come home soon!
HW: None.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Marvelous Monday
Language Arts~
First things first - No spelling and no weekly homework this week due to the short week. Today we reviewed past concepts. We worked on plurals, possessives, capitalization and punctuation of titles. We also reviewed parts of a book and how to use an online encyclopedia. We looked at some concrete poetry. Our focus was on figurative language and alliteration. We wrote some poetry of our own.
HW: None
Math~
Today our focus was on estimating. We reviewed extended multiplication facts and estimating sums. We learned about estimating products. For each problem we wrote a number sentence and made a magnitude estimate. Magnitude estimates are really just figuring out what place value the answer will be. For example in the problem 4 X 28, the magnitude estimate would be 100s because the answer would be in the 100s place.
HW: Math boxes and study link 5.4
Science~
Show what you know day. The students took the chapter 4 test and worked on adaptations worksheets.
HW: Finish up the worksheets. They are due on Wednesday.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Thursday's News and Information
Language Arts~
The kids got a great report from music class. They are really working hard! We came back to class and went over morning work. Our focus this week has been on possessive nouns. We also worked on phonics this morning and spent a few minutes looking at base words and prefixes and suffixes. We read in our reading books an article about snakes that was set up to look like an online encyclopedia. We then went to computer lab 22 to begin researching snakes.
A book order came home today. It will be due on November 30th. There is a cover letter to explain what to do if you want to order some of the books as gifts.
Our class collected 120 cans for the food drive. The school collected over 4000 items. Way to go Northpoint!
HW: Weekly work is due tomorrow. Some students may have a non-fiction worksheet to finish up.
Math~
The focus today was on estimating. We looked at a map and estimated time and distance for a four-city tour.
HW: Pages 109 and 110 in our journal.
Science~
The test will be on Monday (for today's class). We reviewed the concepts that will be covered on the test and then learned about these adaptations: body coverings, migration, and escape.
HW: Study for the test and finish worksheets.
The kids got a great report from music class. They are really working hard! We came back to class and went over morning work. Our focus this week has been on possessive nouns. We also worked on phonics this morning and spent a few minutes looking at base words and prefixes and suffixes. We read in our reading books an article about snakes that was set up to look like an online encyclopedia. We then went to computer lab 22 to begin researching snakes.
A book order came home today. It will be due on November 30th. There is a cover letter to explain what to do if you want to order some of the books as gifts.
Our class collected 120 cans for the food drive. The school collected over 4000 items. Way to go Northpoint!
HW: Weekly work is due tomorrow. Some students may have a non-fiction worksheet to finish up.
Math~
The focus today was on estimating. We looked at a map and estimated time and distance for a four-city tour.
HW: Pages 109 and 110 in our journal.
Science~
The test will be on Monday (for today's class). We reviewed the concepts that will be covered on the test and then learned about these adaptations: body coverings, migration, and escape.
HW: Study for the test and finish worksheets.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Tuesday's Information
I was out sick yesterday so here is all of the info for the week. Thanks for the generous donation of cans. So far we have collected 74 cans. The cans are being picked up tomorrow.
LA~ Our story for the week is Dear Mr. Winston. It is humorous fiction. Our comprehension skill for the week is making inferences and generating questions about what we read. Our vocabulary words for the week are weekdays, apologize, cardboard, harmless, slithered, ambulance and genuine. We are focusing on base words this week: harm means hurt or injury. Harmless is without hurt or injury. Our grammar skill continues to be possessive and plural nouns. Last week's grammar test was not pretty. We will continue to review this skill for this week's test. In spelling we continue to work with r-controlled vowel sounds.
Common Core Vocabulary:
Humorous Fiction, encyclopedia, toolbar, parts of a letter: heading, inside address, greeting, body, closing, and signature.
HW: Weekly Homework
Math~ Yesterday we took a test over unit 4. Today we jumped into unit 5. Our focus today was on extended math facts. Basically we reviewed the rule that if one of the factor ends in zero we can add a zero to the answer: 8 *6 =48 then 80*6=480 and 80*60=4800.
HW: Math boxes and Study Link 5.1
Science~ We continued to look at plant and animal adaptations that help things survive in their environment. Our focus today was plants and fossils. Don't forget content 1 has a test next Monday.
HW: Worksheets on hibernation and pretending to sleep adaptations.
LA~ Our story for the week is Dear Mr. Winston. It is humorous fiction. Our comprehension skill for the week is making inferences and generating questions about what we read. Our vocabulary words for the week are weekdays, apologize, cardboard, harmless, slithered, ambulance and genuine. We are focusing on base words this week: harm means hurt or injury. Harmless is without hurt or injury. Our grammar skill continues to be possessive and plural nouns. Last week's grammar test was not pretty. We will continue to review this skill for this week's test. In spelling we continue to work with r-controlled vowel sounds.
Common Core Vocabulary:
Humorous Fiction, encyclopedia, toolbar, parts of a letter: heading, inside address, greeting, body, closing, and signature.
HW: Weekly Homework
Math~ Yesterday we took a test over unit 4. Today we jumped into unit 5. Our focus today was on extended math facts. Basically we reviewed the rule that if one of the factor ends in zero we can add a zero to the answer: 8 *6 =48 then 80*6=480 and 80*60=4800.
HW: Math boxes and Study Link 5.1
Science~ We continued to look at plant and animal adaptations that help things survive in their environment. Our focus today was plants and fossils. Don't forget content 1 has a test next Monday.
HW: Worksheets on hibernation and pretending to sleep adaptations.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Thusdays News and Notes
Thank you for all of the food donations!
Language Arts~
Today we reviewed the r-controlled vowel sound. We identified words with the sound and wrote the symbol for those sounds as well. We also reviewed our grammar skill for the week. We partner read the story and talked about figurative language. We also reviewed the vocabulary and comprehension skills for the week. We put the finishing touches on our published book.
HW: Finish up weekly homework.
Math~
We had centers today. Students worked on decimal place value, multiplication facts, and data landmarks. I met with students individually to practice reading and writing numbers to the thousandths place.
HW: None - Don't forget the math test over Unit 4 is Monday! Review the study guide.
Science~
Today we looked at adaptations that help animals eat. We also did an activity that compared different tools to different types of beaks.
HW: None
Language Arts~
Today we reviewed the r-controlled vowel sound. We identified words with the sound and wrote the symbol for those sounds as well. We also reviewed our grammar skill for the week. We partner read the story and talked about figurative language. We also reviewed the vocabulary and comprehension skills for the week. We put the finishing touches on our published book.
HW: Finish up weekly homework.
Math~
We had centers today. Students worked on decimal place value, multiplication facts, and data landmarks. I met with students individually to practice reading and writing numbers to the thousandths place.
HW: None - Don't forget the math test over Unit 4 is Monday! Review the study guide.
Science~
Today we looked at adaptations that help animals eat. We also did an activity that compared different tools to different types of beaks.
HW: None
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Waffles Wednesday
Don't forget to send in items for our food drive. We will be collecting until next Wednesday. Remember that if we collect 150 cans, we will earn a no homework pass for the week.
Language Arts~
We worked on Acuity in computer lab. We practiced writing titles correctly and also worked on possessive nouns. We read our story and talked about figurative language and problem and solution. We worked on our published book. Last call for those orders. The book will be mailed away on Friday.
HW: Keep working on weekly homework.
Math~
Our chapter 4 test is on Monday. Today we reviewed the concepts as a whole group.
HW: None
Content 1~
Art Smart today! We learned all about Egyptian art! Thank you, Moms!
Language Arts~
We worked on Acuity in computer lab. We practiced writing titles correctly and also worked on possessive nouns. We read our story and talked about figurative language and problem and solution. We worked on our published book. Last call for those orders. The book will be mailed away on Friday.
HW: Keep working on weekly homework.
Math~
Our chapter 4 test is on Monday. Today we reviewed the concepts as a whole group.
HW: None
Content 1~
Art Smart today! We learned all about Egyptian art! Thank you, Moms!
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Tacos Tuesday
We are still collecting canned goods for needy children!!
Language Arts~
We practiced writing singular possessive nouns and plural possessive nouns today. We also discussed that not every s needs and apostrophe. We sorted and worked with word meanings for r controlled vowel sounds spelling words. In reading, we focused on non-fiction. We read a short article about hamburgers and talked about the figurative language the author used to make the writing more interesting to the reader. In honor of election day, we read an article about voting and how one votes in the United States. We also wrote persuasive paragraphs on why it is important to vote.
HW: Any unfinished work and weekly homework. A note about the research project: Weekly homework is still due on Friday. Children will have to copy their facts to note cards before then for the presentations on Monday.
Math~
Our focus today was measuring using millimeters. We also converted from millimeters to centimeters. We completed journal pages 101-104. We also completed a putting decimals in order from least to greatest practice page.
HW: Math boxes and study link 4.10
Science~
Today we looked at adaptations that help animals eat. We also did an activity that compared different tools to different types of beaks.
HW: None
Language Arts~
We practiced writing singular possessive nouns and plural possessive nouns today. We also discussed that not every s needs and apostrophe. We sorted and worked with word meanings for r controlled vowel sounds spelling words. In reading, we focused on non-fiction. We read a short article about hamburgers and talked about the figurative language the author used to make the writing more interesting to the reader. In honor of election day, we read an article about voting and how one votes in the United States. We also wrote persuasive paragraphs on why it is important to vote.
HW: Any unfinished work and weekly homework. A note about the research project: Weekly homework is still due on Friday. Children will have to copy their facts to note cards before then for the presentations on Monday.
Math~
Our focus today was measuring using millimeters. We also converted from millimeters to centimeters. We completed journal pages 101-104. We also completed a putting decimals in order from least to greatest practice page.
HW: Math boxes and study link 4.10
Science~
Today we looked at adaptations that help animals eat. We also did an activity that compared different tools to different types of beaks.
HW: None
Monday, November 5, 2012
Macaroni and Cheese Monday
Don't forget that we are collecting food for families at Northpoint and another elementary school in the district. We will be collecting until a week from Wednesday.
Language Arts~
Our story this week is "How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning." This story is a biography. We will be focusing on generating questions about what we read and by looking at the problems and solutions that are in a story. The story vocabulary for the week: hilarious, convinced, mischief, independence, (come in) handy, dizzy, whirlwind, and nowadays. Our vocabulary skill is understanding idioms. An idiom is a group of words that has a collective meaning different from that of each individual word. It's raining cats and dogs is an example of an idiom. Our grammar skill is possessive nouns.
Common Core Vocabulary
Biography - The story of some one's life.
idiom - see above.
alliteration - The repetition of the initial sounds of words. Sally sold seashells.
onomatopoeia - A word that is also a sound. buzz, hiss
hyperbole - an exaggeration. He is so hungry he could eat a horse.
figurative language - idioms, alliteration, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, similes, metaphors, personification.
HW: Weekly Packet. The second page of the weekly packet is a biography research project. Each child will research a person and write down 10 facts about that person. They will then report on that person beginning next Monday. See rubric in the packet.
Math~
Today our focus was on the metric system. We discussed how each metric measurement was a times 10 from it's neighbor. We did a measurement journal page and a decimal place value review sheet. Our next test is scheduled for Monday, November 12th.
HW: math boxes and study link 4.8
Science~
We began our new chapter today. Our focus will be on the adaptations that help animals survive in their environment. Today we learned about adaptations that help animals to move.
HW: Before you move on questions on page 139 and 141.
Language Arts~
Our story this week is "How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning." This story is a biography. We will be focusing on generating questions about what we read and by looking at the problems and solutions that are in a story. The story vocabulary for the week: hilarious, convinced, mischief, independence, (come in) handy, dizzy, whirlwind, and nowadays. Our vocabulary skill is understanding idioms. An idiom is a group of words that has a collective meaning different from that of each individual word. It's raining cats and dogs is an example of an idiom. Our grammar skill is possessive nouns.
Common Core Vocabulary
Biography - The story of some one's life.
idiom - see above.
alliteration - The repetition of the initial sounds of words. Sally sold seashells.
onomatopoeia - A word that is also a sound. buzz, hiss
hyperbole - an exaggeration. He is so hungry he could eat a horse.
figurative language - idioms, alliteration, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, similes, metaphors, personification.
HW: Weekly Packet. The second page of the weekly packet is a biography research project. Each child will research a person and write down 10 facts about that person. They will then report on that person beginning next Monday. See rubric in the packet.
Math~
Today our focus was on the metric system. We discussed how each metric measurement was a times 10 from it's neighbor. We did a measurement journal page and a decimal place value review sheet. Our next test is scheduled for Monday, November 12th.
HW: math boxes and study link 4.8
Science~
We began our new chapter today. Our focus will be on the adaptations that help animals survive in their environment. Today we learned about adaptations that help animals to move.
HW: Before you move on questions on page 139 and 141.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Terrific Thursday
Wow! It is Thursday already! Wow! Wow!! It is November already! Time Flies!
Language Arts~
Today we practiced our spelling skill of complex consonant clusters. We also practiced finding the correctly spelled plural nouns. Some of them were quite tricky. We worked on the test taking strategy of the author and me. Basically, we made inferences based on the text and our own experiences. We wrote a timed journal entry about a special object that we lost or found. In vocab vine we learned about cur (care, attention) and vis, vid (see).
Word Masters - A paper about the word masters competition came home today. This is a national contest that involves knowing the listed words so well that you can use the words to complete analogies. We are not assigning the words as homework. However, if a student wants to learn the words, they may do so on their own. The test will be given the first week of December. Everyone will take the test, but the test will not count against the students grade.
HW: Finish packet.
Math~
Our focus today was the thousandths place value. We used our base ten blocks to visualize the thousandths place. We also practiced writing and reading the place value.
HW: Journal pages 93-95 and study link 4.7
Science~
Today was a hand's on day. We observed and studied plant fossils. We then compared the fossils to a modern plant. We designed an environment where the plant fossil might live.
HW: None
Language Arts~
Today we practiced our spelling skill of complex consonant clusters. We also practiced finding the correctly spelled plural nouns. Some of them were quite tricky. We worked on the test taking strategy of the author and me. Basically, we made inferences based on the text and our own experiences. We wrote a timed journal entry about a special object that we lost or found. In vocab vine we learned about cur (care, attention) and vis, vid (see).
Word Masters - A paper about the word masters competition came home today. This is a national contest that involves knowing the listed words so well that you can use the words to complete analogies. We are not assigning the words as homework. However, if a student wants to learn the words, they may do so on their own. The test will be given the first week of December. Everyone will take the test, but the test will not count against the students grade.
HW: Finish packet.
Math~
Our focus today was the thousandths place value. We used our base ten blocks to visualize the thousandths place. We also practiced writing and reading the place value.
HW: Journal pages 93-95 and study link 4.7
Science~
Today was a hand's on day. We observed and studied plant fossils. We then compared the fossils to a modern plant. We designed an environment where the plant fossil might live.
HW: None
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Welcome back after fall break!
I hope everyone had a great fall break!
Language Arts~
We began working on this week's skills and concepts this morning. We took our spelling pretest and filled out our weekly packet. The story this week is a short nonfiction article, "Stealing Beauty." It is about stealing cultural artifacts. Our comprehension skill is determining if information is fact or opinion. We will make inferences and analyze the text to help maker our determination. Our vocabulary for this week: temples, dynasties, heritage, preserve, and overjoyed. Our grammar skill is irregular plural nouns. Our spelling and phonics focus is complex consonant clusters.
Our common core words reflect our skills and the different parts of a book: title page, table of contents, glossary, index, irregular plurals, fact and opinion, expository and nonfiction.
HW: Weekly Packet is due Friday.
Math~
We continued to learn about decimals today. Our focus today was on how to add and subtract decimals. We learned that there are 3 things to remember about adding and subtracting decimals. First, always line up the decimals. Second, use zeros as place holders to the right of the decimals. This helps to keep the columns of numbers straight. Finally, if a number is a whole number the decimal is invisible and always to the right of the ones place. We completed journal pages 87-89.
HW: Finish incomplete journal pages and study link 4.5
Science~
We finished up with the owl pellets today. We tried to make a skeleton of one of the animals that the owl has eaten. We drew in the missing pieces. Then we discussed how an owl fits into a food web.
HW: None.
Language Arts~
We began working on this week's skills and concepts this morning. We took our spelling pretest and filled out our weekly packet. The story this week is a short nonfiction article, "Stealing Beauty." It is about stealing cultural artifacts. Our comprehension skill is determining if information is fact or opinion. We will make inferences and analyze the text to help maker our determination. Our vocabulary for this week: temples, dynasties, heritage, preserve, and overjoyed. Our grammar skill is irregular plural nouns. Our spelling and phonics focus is complex consonant clusters.
Our common core words reflect our skills and the different parts of a book: title page, table of contents, glossary, index, irregular plurals, fact and opinion, expository and nonfiction.
HW: Weekly Packet is due Friday.
Math~
We continued to learn about decimals today. Our focus today was on how to add and subtract decimals. We learned that there are 3 things to remember about adding and subtracting decimals. First, always line up the decimals. Second, use zeros as place holders to the right of the decimals. This helps to keep the columns of numbers straight. Finally, if a number is a whole number the decimal is invisible and always to the right of the ones place. We completed journal pages 87-89.
HW: Finish incomplete journal pages and study link 4.5
Science~
We finished up with the owl pellets today. We tried to make a skeleton of one of the animals that the owl has eaten. We drew in the missing pieces. Then we discussed how an owl fits into a food web.
HW: None.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Monday, Monday
Don't forget Parent Teacher Conferences are this week!
Language Arts~
We introduced this week's skills today. Our focus will be on making inferences. We will also work on singular and plural nouns. Our vocabulary skill focuses on word origins.
Vocab words: Overheard, opportunities, border, unions, strikes, citizens, and boycotts
Common Core: Suspense, primary source, singular nouns, plural nouns, audience, and character traits.
HW: Weekly Homework Packet - Due Thursday.
Math~
Today we started working with decimals. We looked at how decimals and fractions are related and practiced writing decimals. We will continue this focus all unit long.
HW: Study Link 4.1
Science~
Show what you know day!. We took a test over chapter 3.
HW: None!
Language Arts~
We introduced this week's skills today. Our focus will be on making inferences. We will also work on singular and plural nouns. Our vocabulary skill focuses on word origins.
Vocab words: Overheard, opportunities, border, unions, strikes, citizens, and boycotts
Common Core: Suspense, primary source, singular nouns, plural nouns, audience, and character traits.
HW: Weekly Homework Packet - Due Thursday.
Math~
Today we started working with decimals. We looked at how decimals and fractions are related and practiced writing decimals. We will continue this focus all unit long.
HW: Study Link 4.1
Science~
Show what you know day!. We took a test over chapter 3.
HW: None!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
We had a great day!
We had a great day!
Language Arts~
We practiced skills in the computer today using the acuity website. We practiced identifying proper nouns and making sure that they were capitalized. We read and discussed the story for the week. We looked for clues to help us figure out the author's purpose in writing the story. We then worked on our share and compare questions at the end of the story. We also worked on writing a persuasive letter.
HW: Keep working on weekly homework.
Math~
Today was show what you know day. We took a test over unit 3 skills. We also practiced using in/out boxes and subtracting with zeros.
HW: None!
Science~
Today we reviewed for the the test next week and also looked at 4 different environments and the producers and consumers that live in those environments. We also looked for more examples to fill out the chart on the back of the study guide.
HW: None - keep on studying!
Language Arts~
We practiced skills in the computer today using the acuity website. We practiced identifying proper nouns and making sure that they were capitalized. We read and discussed the story for the week. We looked for clues to help us figure out the author's purpose in writing the story. We then worked on our share and compare questions at the end of the story. We also worked on writing a persuasive letter.
HW: Keep working on weekly homework.
Math~
Today was show what you know day. We took a test over unit 3 skills. We also practiced using in/out boxes and subtracting with zeros.
HW: None!
Science~
Today we reviewed for the the test next week and also looked at 4 different environments and the producers and consumers that live in those environments. We also looked for more examples to fill out the chart on the back of the study guide.
HW: None - keep on studying!
Monday, October 15, 2012
Marvelous Monday
Housekeeping~
The following is a note from Mrs. Colborn about picture retakes:
Please remind students and parents about retakes on Wednesday morning. I have forms in the office if parents are looking for them. They can not use the same form from the first picture date. If they didn't like their student's pictures and want retakes for that reason, they need to send their package back in with their student on Wednesday. Let me know if you have questions.
Mrs. Wirth also asked us to remind everyone that students should not be coming back to the classrooms for forgotten homework or personal items. It is a safety issue because we can't be certain that there will be adequate supervision in the classrooms and coatrooms. Also many teachers may have confidential papers on their desks. We are trying to help students learn to be responsible. Thank you for your help in this matter.
Language Arts~
We are going back to the big green reading book this week. We Will revisit more Greek myths later this year.
Today we took our spelling pretest. Our grammar focus this week is going to be on nouns. We practiced finding common nouns in sentences today. We introduced our story vocabulary, common core vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Story Vocabulary: legendary, muttered, gaped, snickering, insult, fluke and flinched. Our skill this weeks is using the descriptions around a word to help us figure out the word.
Common Core Vocabulary: common nouns, proper nouns, author's purpose, entertain, inform, persuade and persuasive.
Comprehension Skills: Our focus this week will be on determining the author's purpose. We will practice inferring the author's purpose from clues in the story.
We listened to the story and did a worksheet to practice our vocabulary and comprehension skills,
HW: We are back to the weekly homework this week. There are a couple of changes to the packet.
Each student is expected to read the story out loud to practice fluency at home. The story vocabulary need to be practiced. The Common Core Vocabulary is for your information. We will review these concepts all week long. Students are not expected to the the think and compare questions at home. We will complete these at school. There is also a story to read and some questions to answer. Please remember that reading the story in the green book, or the attached story in the homework packet, or even social studies and science all count for the 20 minutes. Let me know if you have any questions about homework.
Math~
Our focus today was on open sentences. We learned that when a letter stands for an unknown number it is considered a variable. When we figure out what number the letter stands for it is solving the open sentences. The number is then called the solution. We practiced solving open number sentences and reviewed work with true and false sentences on white boards. We also played a broken calculator game. We had several journal pages to work on. We ran out of time so we will work on those journal pages again tomorrow.
HW: Study link 3.11
Science~
We focused more on different interactions in a community. We reviewed produceres, consumers, predators, and pray. We reviewed herbivores, carnivores, omnimvores and decomposers. We learned about parasites and competetion.
HW: Before you Move on questions at the bottom of page 111.
The following is a note from Mrs. Colborn about picture retakes:
Please remind students and parents about retakes on Wednesday morning. I have forms in the office if parents are looking for them. They can not use the same form from the first picture date. If they didn't like their student's pictures and want retakes for that reason, they need to send their package back in with their student on Wednesday. Let me know if you have questions.
Mrs. Wirth also asked us to remind everyone that students should not be coming back to the classrooms for forgotten homework or personal items. It is a safety issue because we can't be certain that there will be adequate supervision in the classrooms and coatrooms. Also many teachers may have confidential papers on their desks. We are trying to help students learn to be responsible. Thank you for your help in this matter.
Language Arts~
We are going back to the big green reading book this week. We Will revisit more Greek myths later this year.
Today we took our spelling pretest. Our grammar focus this week is going to be on nouns. We practiced finding common nouns in sentences today. We introduced our story vocabulary, common core vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Story Vocabulary: legendary, muttered, gaped, snickering, insult, fluke and flinched. Our skill this weeks is using the descriptions around a word to help us figure out the word.
Common Core Vocabulary: common nouns, proper nouns, author's purpose, entertain, inform, persuade and persuasive.
Comprehension Skills: Our focus this week will be on determining the author's purpose. We will practice inferring the author's purpose from clues in the story.
We listened to the story and did a worksheet to practice our vocabulary and comprehension skills,
HW: We are back to the weekly homework this week. There are a couple of changes to the packet.
Each student is expected to read the story out loud to practice fluency at home. The story vocabulary need to be practiced. The Common Core Vocabulary is for your information. We will review these concepts all week long. Students are not expected to the the think and compare questions at home. We will complete these at school. There is also a story to read and some questions to answer. Please remember that reading the story in the green book, or the attached story in the homework packet, or even social studies and science all count for the 20 minutes. Let me know if you have any questions about homework.
Math~
Our focus today was on open sentences. We learned that when a letter stands for an unknown number it is considered a variable. When we figure out what number the letter stands for it is solving the open sentences. The number is then called the solution. We practiced solving open number sentences and reviewed work with true and false sentences on white boards. We also played a broken calculator game. We had several journal pages to work on. We ran out of time so we will work on those journal pages again tomorrow.
HW: Study link 3.11
Science~
We focused more on different interactions in a community. We reviewed produceres, consumers, predators, and pray. We reviewed herbivores, carnivores, omnimvores and decomposers. We learned about parasites and competetion.
HW: Before you Move on questions at the bottom of page 111.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Wow! What a day!!!
It was an exciting and fun-filled day at Northpoint!
Language Arts~ We worked on Odyssey and Typing in computer lab and then the fire alarm rang! Please see the letter that was emailed home earlier or was sent home with the youngest and only children for more details on that adventure. The kids were awesome! They were good listeners and followed directions very well. I am very proud of their behavior.
We came back inside and took a closer look at the nature myth of Narcissus and Echo. This myth explains how echos came to be and where the flower, Narcissus, comes from. We looked at the story three different ways: video, overhead, and packet. All of the students finished the work with the packet. Next on our list of things to do was the written part of the acuity test. We then did a fun activity to help students realize that they must read all of the directions. Mr. Glassman taught us about the different types of soil and why dirt is not dirt.
HW:None
Math~
Our focus today was on true and false number sentences. A number sentence uses digits and symbols to express an idea about numbers the same way that words and punctuation expresses an idea. These sentences can be true or false. We practiced identifying the true and false statements.
We also did the written part of the math acuity test.
HW: Study link 3.9 (Many students have this done.)
Art Smart~
Thank you to the wonderful moms who taught us about Picasso and helped us create masterpieces!
Language Arts~ We worked on Odyssey and Typing in computer lab and then the fire alarm rang! Please see the letter that was emailed home earlier or was sent home with the youngest and only children for more details on that adventure. The kids were awesome! They were good listeners and followed directions very well. I am very proud of their behavior.
We came back inside and took a closer look at the nature myth of Narcissus and Echo. This myth explains how echos came to be and where the flower, Narcissus, comes from. We looked at the story three different ways: video, overhead, and packet. All of the students finished the work with the packet. Next on our list of things to do was the written part of the acuity test. We then did a fun activity to help students realize that they must read all of the directions. Mr. Glassman taught us about the different types of soil and why dirt is not dirt.
HW:None
Math~
Our focus today was on true and false number sentences. A number sentence uses digits and symbols to express an idea about numbers the same way that words and punctuation expresses an idea. These sentences can be true or false. We practiced identifying the true and false statements.
We also did the written part of the math acuity test.
HW: Study link 3.9 (Many students have this done.)
Art Smart~
Thank you to the wonderful moms who taught us about Picasso and helped us create masterpieces!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Tuesday's Notes
Language Arts~
Our myth focus today was the story of Phaethon and the Chariot of the Sun. Phaethon wants to drive his father's chariot across the sky. He finds out that he can't control the horses and causes disasters. First we watched a short video of the story. We also read a version of the story together using the overhead and finally the students worked on a packet about the story. We compared the different versions of the myth and wrote compare/contrast paragraphs.
Don't forget the trading card project is due on Friday. The front of the card needs to have a picture of the mythological being, a background/border, and the name written in color. The back of the card needs 3 facts about the being and the student's first and last name. There needs to be 6 cards in all.
HW: The Horses of the Sun Worksheet and Compare/contrast writing if it isn't done. Keep working on trading cards.
Math~
We continued today with our imaginary trip to Cairo, Egypt. Today we worked with flying distances and story problems. Before doing a story problem we need to make sure that we understand the problem and have a plan for solving the problem. Next we need to solve the problem and then make sure that our problem was solved correctly. We also worked on a division fact worksheet.
HW: Study link 3.8 and the division fact worksheet (if it isn't already done)
Science~
We reviewed the study guide and went over the questions from last week's reading. We then learned about food chains and food webs. A food chain in one path energy takes through a community. A food web is all the food chains in a community. We answered the before you move on questions on page 101.
HW: None. Please spend a few minutes reviewing the completed parts of the study guide.
Our myth focus today was the story of Phaethon and the Chariot of the Sun. Phaethon wants to drive his father's chariot across the sky. He finds out that he can't control the horses and causes disasters. First we watched a short video of the story. We also read a version of the story together using the overhead and finally the students worked on a packet about the story. We compared the different versions of the myth and wrote compare/contrast paragraphs.
Don't forget the trading card project is due on Friday. The front of the card needs to have a picture of the mythological being, a background/border, and the name written in color. The back of the card needs 3 facts about the being and the student's first and last name. There needs to be 6 cards in all.
HW: The Horses of the Sun Worksheet and Compare/contrast writing if it isn't done. Keep working on trading cards.
Math~
We continued today with our imaginary trip to Cairo, Egypt. Today we worked with flying distances and story problems. Before doing a story problem we need to make sure that we understand the problem and have a plan for solving the problem. Next we need to solve the problem and then make sure that our problem was solved correctly. We also worked on a division fact worksheet.
HW: Study link 3.8 and the division fact worksheet (if it isn't already done)
Science~
We reviewed the study guide and went over the questions from last week's reading. We then learned about food chains and food webs. A food chain in one path energy takes through a community. A food web is all the food chains in a community. We answered the before you move on questions on page 101.
HW: None. Please spend a few minutes reviewing the completed parts of the study guide.
Monday, October 8, 2012
What you need to know for Monday
Language Arts~
No spelling test and no weekly homework packet this week. We are continuing our focus on Greek myths. Today our focus was on a nature myth that explains the change in seasons. It seemed fitting that we went from nice summer weather to cold dreary weather over the weekend. We learned about Persephone and why she spends part of the year in the underworld. We watched a short cartoon that told the story, then we read the story together and completed a story map about the myth. Finally we read another version of the story and filled out a worksheet.
HW: Finish up the worksheet if you are not done.
Math~
Today we took an imaginary trip to Egypt. We practiced finding information in charts, maps and graphs. We also reviewed the different types of parallelograms. The kids needed to do a parallelogram worksheet and then do math boxes and study link 3.6.
HW: Study Link 3.6
Science~
All students should have the study guide for the next test. Content 1 (those who had Science on Friday) have their test on Monday, October 22. Content 2 (Science today) have their test on Tuesday, October 23. Today we learned about interactions in a community. We learned about producers and consumers. We also learned about 4 different types of consumers: herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, and decomposers.
HW: Before You Move On questions on page 91 and 97
No spelling test and no weekly homework packet this week. We are continuing our focus on Greek myths. Today our focus was on a nature myth that explains the change in seasons. It seemed fitting that we went from nice summer weather to cold dreary weather over the weekend. We learned about Persephone and why she spends part of the year in the underworld. We watched a short cartoon that told the story, then we read the story together and completed a story map about the myth. Finally we read another version of the story and filled out a worksheet.
HW: Finish up the worksheet if you are not done.
Math~
Today we took an imaginary trip to Egypt. We practiced finding information in charts, maps and graphs. We also reviewed the different types of parallelograms. The kids needed to do a parallelogram worksheet and then do math boxes and study link 3.6.
HW: Study Link 3.6
Science~
All students should have the study guide for the next test. Content 1 (those who had Science on Friday) have their test on Monday, October 22. Content 2 (Science today) have their test on Tuesday, October 23. Today we learned about interactions in a community. We learned about producers and consumers. We also learned about 4 different types of consumers: herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, and decomposers.
HW: Before You Move On questions on page 91 and 97
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Thursday!
These weeks are flying by!
Language Arts~
We watched a movie about the Gods of Olympus. We learned the myth of how humans got fire. We compared 3 different versions of the myth. We worked on finishing up some writing. In Vocab Vine we learned about the root log (written work, speech, study of, word) and mono (single).
HW: Finish up work that wasn't done in class: Writing or myth worksheet. Work on Trading Card assignment.
Math~
We talked about fact families and the relationship between multiplication and division. We learned about a dividend, divisor, and a quotient. We reviewed data landmarks and estimation.
HW: Study Link 3.5
Science~
Today we looked for bones in owl pellets. We then identified and sorted the different bones.
HW: None.
Language Arts~
We watched a movie about the Gods of Olympus. We learned the myth of how humans got fire. We compared 3 different versions of the myth. We worked on finishing up some writing. In Vocab Vine we learned about the root log (written work, speech, study of, word) and mono (single).
HW: Finish up work that wasn't done in class: Writing or myth worksheet. Work on Trading Card assignment.
Math~
We talked about fact families and the relationship between multiplication and division. We learned about a dividend, divisor, and a quotient. We reviewed data landmarks and estimation.
HW: Study Link 3.5
Science~
Today we looked for bones in owl pellets. We then identified and sorted the different bones.
HW: None.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Wednesday's Work
Language Arts~
We continued our Myth unit today. Our focus was on the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology. We read about the big 12, the muses and the fates. We also learned about some of the minor gods and goddesses. We did a worksheet listing who was the god of what. We also had writing workshop and finished up some writing that we started last week. We reviewed complex sentences.
A homework project came home today. It is due Friday, October 12th. Students will need to make 6 trading cards about the beings that we study during the mythology unit. They should have brought home a paper that explains the project today.
HW: Any unfinished work.
Math~
Today was a continuation of yesterday. We reviewed multiplication facts. They had 1 hour of work time today.
HW: Finishing up study links and math boxes (3.2, 3.3 and 3.4)
Science~
Today we looked for bones in owl pellets. We then identifed and sorted the different bones.
HW: None.
We continued our Myth unit today. Our focus was on the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology. We read about the big 12, the muses and the fates. We also learned about some of the minor gods and goddesses. We did a worksheet listing who was the god of what. We also had writing workshop and finished up some writing that we started last week. We reviewed complex sentences.
A homework project came home today. It is due Friday, October 12th. Students will need to make 6 trading cards about the beings that we study during the mythology unit. They should have brought home a paper that explains the project today.
HW: Any unfinished work.
Math~
Today was a continuation of yesterday. We reviewed multiplication facts. They had 1 hour of work time today.
HW: Finishing up study links and math boxes (3.2, 3.3 and 3.4)
Science~
Today we looked for bones in owl pellets. We then identifed and sorted the different bones.
HW: None.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Tuesday's Notes
Language Arts~
We were busy today. We began our Myth unit. Today our focus was why do people tell myths. We discovered that often, people tell myths to explain nature. We watched a short movie and read a non-fiction passage and did a worksheet. We also took our unit 1 test over the reading book.
HW: Some students need to finish the worksheet.
Math~
We are spending today and tomorrow reviewing basic multiplication facts. We looked at some patterns dealing with multiplication. We also reviewed some rules: Zero, ones, tens, and turn around facts. We also learned some vocabulary. We will continue our review tomorrow.
HW: None
Science~
We are beginning our chapter 3. Our focus will be on all the different interactions in a community of living things. We watched to Bill Nye videos to introduce these concepts.
HW: None
We were busy today. We began our Myth unit. Today our focus was why do people tell myths. We discovered that often, people tell myths to explain nature. We watched a short movie and read a non-fiction passage and did a worksheet. We also took our unit 1 test over the reading book.
HW: Some students need to finish the worksheet.
Math~
We are spending today and tomorrow reviewing basic multiplication facts. We looked at some patterns dealing with multiplication. We also reviewed some rules: Zero, ones, tens, and turn around facts. We also learned some vocabulary. We will continue our review tomorrow.
HW: None
Science~
We are beginning our chapter 3. Our focus will be on all the different interactions in a community of living things. We watched to Bill Nye videos to introduce these concepts.
HW: None
Monday, October 1, 2012
Make the most of our Monday!
Language Arts~
Book orders came home today. Let me know if there are any problems. If you ordered online, you will get a $5.00 coupon toward the next order.
Today was show what you know day. We did all of our assessments over The Raft.
HW: None
Math~
We began Unit 3 today. Our focus was on on Function Machines. They are the What's My Rule charts that the kids fill out. We talked about inputs and outputs and rules. We worked on on pages 53 and 54 in class. We also did a measurement worksheet where we measured lines to the nearest 1/2 cm. The students had over 1/2 hour of work time for these 3 pages.
HW: Math Boxes and Study Link 3.1 I think you will find those math boxes on page 55.
Science~
We are beginning our chapter 3. Our focus will be on all the different interactions in a community of living things. We watched to Bill Nye videos to introduce these concepts.
HW: None
Book orders came home today. Let me know if there are any problems. If you ordered online, you will get a $5.00 coupon toward the next order.
Today was show what you know day. We did all of our assessments over The Raft.
HW: None
Math~
We began Unit 3 today. Our focus was on on Function Machines. They are the What's My Rule charts that the kids fill out. We talked about inputs and outputs and rules. We worked on on pages 53 and 54 in class. We also did a measurement worksheet where we measured lines to the nearest 1/2 cm. The students had over 1/2 hour of work time for these 3 pages.
HW: Math Boxes and Study Link 3.1 I think you will find those math boxes on page 55.
Science~
We are beginning our chapter 3. Our focus will be on all the different interactions in a community of living things. We watched to Bill Nye videos to introduce these concepts.
HW: None
Friday, September 28, 2012
Friday
Language Arts~
We did not have our usual round of Language Arts testing today because of Acuity testing and make-up Acuity testing. We are planning to take these tests on Monday.
Today we worked with non-fiction reading, writing a story and polishing our personal narrative from yesterday.
HW: None
Math~
We practiced our skills today.
HW: None
Science~
Today was a show what you know day. Test day!
HW: None
We did not have our usual round of Language Arts testing today because of Acuity testing and make-up Acuity testing. We are planning to take these tests on Monday.
Today we worked with non-fiction reading, writing a story and polishing our personal narrative from yesterday.
HW: None
Math~
We practiced our skills today.
HW: None
Science~
Today was a show what you know day. Test day!
HW: None
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Thoughtful Thursday
Language Arts~
Today we spent some time reviewing complex sentences. We also worked on a phonics page that focused on the long o sound. I also introduced the concept of parallel structure in writing. We did a worksheet together where we tried to find the examples of parallel writing. This skill will not be tested at this point. It was just an introduction. We visited the courtyard this morning. The kids were quiet observers of the world around them. They took notes on what they could see, hear and smell. We are turning the notes into a journal entry. We also reviewed the vocabulary and comprehensions skills of the week.
HW: Finish up the homework packet.
Math~
Show what you know day! We took our unit 2 test.
HW: None
Science~
Show what you know day, Part 2! We took our chapter 2 test.
HW: None
Today we spent some time reviewing complex sentences. We also worked on a phonics page that focused on the long o sound. I also introduced the concept of parallel structure in writing. We did a worksheet together where we tried to find the examples of parallel writing. This skill will not be tested at this point. It was just an introduction. We visited the courtyard this morning. The kids were quiet observers of the world around them. They took notes on what they could see, hear and smell. We are turning the notes into a journal entry. We also reviewed the vocabulary and comprehensions skills of the week.
HW: Finish up the homework packet.
Math~
Show what you know day! We took our unit 2 test.
HW: None
Science~
Show what you know day, Part 2! We took our chapter 2 test.
HW: None
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Wednesday's stuff
Language Arts~
Grammar - Reviewed simple, compound, complex and run-on sentences. We fixed the run on sentences.
Reading - We read and discussed The Raft. We concentrated on how the setting and characters change the plot.
Writing - We discussed journal entries. We will brainstorm and write one tomorrow.
Test - We took our Acuity Language Arts test.
HW: Weekly Homework
Math~
We reviewed for our unit 2 test.
HW: None
Science~
We reviewed for our test on Friday.
HW: None
Have a great day!
Grammar - Reviewed simple, compound, complex and run-on sentences. We fixed the run on sentences.
Reading - We read and discussed The Raft. We concentrated on how the setting and characters change the plot.
Writing - We discussed journal entries. We will brainstorm and write one tomorrow.
Test - We took our Acuity Language Arts test.
HW: Weekly Homework
Math~
We reviewed for our unit 2 test.
HW: None
Science~
We reviewed for our test on Friday.
HW: None
Have a great day!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Today is Tuesday....
Here is wheat we did today!
Language Arts~ We reviewed simple sentences and sentence fragments. We practiced fixing sentence fragments by changing them in to complex and compound sentences. We also sorted our spelling words by the way we spell the long o sound. We also solved riddles using spelling words. We read short stories and compared them with The Raft. We put our common core words into our glossary.
HW: Keep working on the packet!
Math~
Acuity testing today!
HW: None
Science~
We reviewed for the test on Thursday by playing a jeopardy game.
HW: None
Have a great evening!
Language Arts~ We reviewed simple sentences and sentence fragments. We practiced fixing sentence fragments by changing them in to complex and compound sentences. We also sorted our spelling words by the way we spell the long o sound. We also solved riddles using spelling words. We read short stories and compared them with The Raft. We put our common core words into our glossary.
HW: Keep working on the packet!
Math~
Acuity testing today!
HW: None
Science~
We reviewed for the test on Thursday by playing a jeopardy game.
HW: None
Have a great evening!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Monday News and Notes
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!
Language Arts~
Today we took our spelling pretest over long o words. We filled in our homework packets. Our Story this week is called The Raft. We will be working on context clues, characters, settings, plot, and run-on sentences in class. Disgusted, raft, scattered, cluttered, downstream and nozzle are our story vocabulary. Our Common Core Vocabulary includes plot, context clues, purpose, audience, and voice. Plot includes the events in a story. Context clues provide help in the text when we don't know what a word means. Purpose, audience, and voice all go with writing standards. Purpose is why we write something. Our audience is who we are writing to and our voice is making sure that our personality shows through in or writing.
We reviewed our vocabulary and comprehension skills. We also worked on fixing run-on sentences by using conjunctions or splitting the sentences in two simpler sentences. We listened to the story.
HW: Weekly Homework is due on Friday
Math~
Our focus today was on subtraction. We subtracted numbers with regrouping today. The focus of our board work today was reviewing for Thursday's math test. We will spend a few minutes each day and the majority of Wednesday reviewing for the test.
Tomorrow we have acuity testing. This test will help us plan further math instruction. Students may chew sugar-free mint gum while taking the test.
HW: Weekly homework and Study Link 2.9
Science~
We are already finishing up chapter 2. We reviewed the study guide that we have been filling in together. Then we learned about acquired traits and talked about how dogs used learned behaviors and instincts to help us. Test is on Friday!
HW: Science Worksheet is due on Wednesday.
Language Arts~
Today we took our spelling pretest over long o words. We filled in our homework packets. Our Story this week is called The Raft. We will be working on context clues, characters, settings, plot, and run-on sentences in class. Disgusted, raft, scattered, cluttered, downstream and nozzle are our story vocabulary. Our Common Core Vocabulary includes plot, context clues, purpose, audience, and voice. Plot includes the events in a story. Context clues provide help in the text when we don't know what a word means. Purpose, audience, and voice all go with writing standards. Purpose is why we write something. Our audience is who we are writing to and our voice is making sure that our personality shows through in or writing.
We reviewed our vocabulary and comprehension skills. We also worked on fixing run-on sentences by using conjunctions or splitting the sentences in two simpler sentences. We listened to the story.
HW: Weekly Homework is due on Friday
Math~
Our focus today was on subtraction. We subtracted numbers with regrouping today. The focus of our board work today was reviewing for Thursday's math test. We will spend a few minutes each day and the majority of Wednesday reviewing for the test.
Tomorrow we have acuity testing. This test will help us plan further math instruction. Students may chew sugar-free mint gum while taking the test.
HW: Weekly homework and Study Link 2.9
Science~
We are already finishing up chapter 2. We reviewed the study guide that we have been filling in together. Then we learned about acquired traits and talked about how dogs used learned behaviors and instincts to help us. Test is on Friday!
HW: Science Worksheet is due on Wednesday.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Thoughtful Thursday
Language Arts~
Today we reviewed the long i sound and the different ways to spell it. We also worked on some nonfiction stories about space. We practiced finding the main ideas and finding answers to the question in the story. We reviewed our story vocabulary and identifying characters, setting and plot. In Vocab Vine we learned about meter/metry (measure) and bio (life). Don't forget there is a vocab vine quiz tomorrow.
HW: Weekly Packet is due!
Math~
Today we reviewed the data landmarks. We also made a bar graph based on head sizes.
HW: P. 48 in the journal and math boxes and study link 2.8 Weekly Packet to due tomorrow.
Science~
Today we learned about metamorphosis and inherited behaviors and instincts. We added 5 questions to our study guide. Please review this study guide every night.
HW: None
Today we reviewed the long i sound and the different ways to spell it. We also worked on some nonfiction stories about space. We practiced finding the main ideas and finding answers to the question in the story. We reviewed our story vocabulary and identifying characters, setting and plot. In Vocab Vine we learned about meter/metry (measure) and bio (life). Don't forget there is a vocab vine quiz tomorrow.
HW: Weekly Packet is due!
Math~
Today we reviewed the data landmarks. We also made a bar graph based on head sizes.
HW: P. 48 in the journal and math boxes and study link 2.8 Weekly Packet to due tomorrow.
Science~
Today we learned about metamorphosis and inherited behaviors and instincts. We added 5 questions to our study guide. Please review this study guide every night.
HW: None
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Wow! Wednesday already?!
The weeks are flying by
Language Arts~
Today we went to the computer lab. We watched a video on Accuity Testing. We will be taking that test next Wednesday. We then worked on typing and reviewing language arts skills. We reviewed the different parts of sentences and practiced turning simple sentences into complex sentences. We reread our story and talked about the different character traits that Gloria and Dr. Street showed. We also talked about the setting of the story. We also rainbow edited our letter from space and rewrote our final copy. In Vocab Vine we reviewed geo and therm. All students did get a study guide for a quiz on Friday. It will be a matching quiz where they have to match the word part with the correct definition.
HW: Finish writing and work on weekly homework.
Math~
Our focus today was on addition of multi-digit numbers. The students were taught a couple of different methods. However, they may use whatever method they want. Even if the paper says to use the partial sums, they can use the traditional method.
HW: Math boxes and study link 2.7 Note: Study link 2.7 has a front and a back. :)
Science~
Today we learned about metamorphosis and inherited behaviors and instincts. We added 5 questions to our study guide. Please review this study guide every night.
HW: None
Language Arts~
Today we went to the computer lab. We watched a video on Accuity Testing. We will be taking that test next Wednesday. We then worked on typing and reviewing language arts skills. We reviewed the different parts of sentences and practiced turning simple sentences into complex sentences. We reread our story and talked about the different character traits that Gloria and Dr. Street showed. We also talked about the setting of the story. We also rainbow edited our letter from space and rewrote our final copy. In Vocab Vine we reviewed geo and therm. All students did get a study guide for a quiz on Friday. It will be a matching quiz where they have to match the word part with the correct definition.
HW: Finish writing and work on weekly homework.
Math~
Our focus today was on addition of multi-digit numbers. The students were taught a couple of different methods. However, they may use whatever method they want. Even if the paper says to use the partial sums, they can use the traditional method.
HW: Math boxes and study link 2.7 Note: Study link 2.7 has a front and a back. :)
Science~
Today we learned about metamorphosis and inherited behaviors and instincts. We added 5 questions to our study guide. Please review this study guide every night.
HW: None
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Terrific Tuesday!
What a wet and soggy day! Looks like it might finally be clearing off.
Language Arts~
Today we reviewed compound sentences from last week. We also discussed independent and dependent clauses. We used the two types of clauses to build complex sentences. We sorted our spelling words by long i spelling and then used some of the words in analogies. We added this week's common core words into our glossary. We began working on a personal narrative in the form of a letter. In vocabulary vine we reviewed the roots scope and micro. ALERT: There will be a vocab vine quiz on Friday. Look for a study guide to come home tomorrow.
HW: Keep working on weekly homework. Book orders are due tomorrow!
Math~
We continued to learn about data landmarks today. We used the information from last nights study link on family size. We found the minimum, maximum, range, and mode. We also found the median by putting all the numbers in order from least to greatest and then finding the middle number.
Hw: Math boxes and Study link 2.6 (Most children finished this in class) All study links are always due the next day.HOMEWORK ALERT: There was an error in the weekly homework. Please discard the 3 digit times 2 digit multiplication page. Copy error. So Sorry for the confusion!
Science~
A note about the science tests. Last week's science test is coming home today. Most students did either really well or not so well at all. Science is an adjustment this year. From what I understand this is the first time that the kids have taking a science test like this one. I did make some changes to help the students study more. Our next test date is September 28. All students have their study guide for that test. At the end of every lesson we are filling out the study guide together. Then I am asking that each student spends just a couple of minutes (think 5-7) to review that study guide every night. They only need to review the questions that we fill out together. The other questions haven't been taught yet. The study guide also has the page numbers where we learned about the concept in case you need more information.
In science today we previewed the chapter vocabulary and learned a little bit about the life cycle of an animal.
HW: Look over study guide.
Language Arts~
Today we reviewed compound sentences from last week. We also discussed independent and dependent clauses. We used the two types of clauses to build complex sentences. We sorted our spelling words by long i spelling and then used some of the words in analogies. We added this week's common core words into our glossary. We began working on a personal narrative in the form of a letter. In vocabulary vine we reviewed the roots scope and micro. ALERT: There will be a vocab vine quiz on Friday. Look for a study guide to come home tomorrow.
HW: Keep working on weekly homework. Book orders are due tomorrow!
Math~
We continued to learn about data landmarks today. We used the information from last nights study link on family size. We found the minimum, maximum, range, and mode. We also found the median by putting all the numbers in order from least to greatest and then finding the middle number.
Hw: Math boxes and Study link 2.6 (Most children finished this in class) All study links are always due the next day.HOMEWORK ALERT: There was an error in the weekly homework. Please discard the 3 digit times 2 digit multiplication page. Copy error. So Sorry for the confusion!
Science~
A note about the science tests. Last week's science test is coming home today. Most students did either really well or not so well at all. Science is an adjustment this year. From what I understand this is the first time that the kids have taking a science test like this one. I did make some changes to help the students study more. Our next test date is September 28. All students have their study guide for that test. At the end of every lesson we are filling out the study guide together. Then I am asking that each student spends just a couple of minutes (think 5-7) to review that study guide every night. They only need to review the questions that we fill out together. The other questions haven't been taught yet. The study guide also has the page numbers where we learned about the concept in case you need more information.
In science today we previewed the chapter vocabulary and learned a little bit about the life cycle of an animal.
HW: Look over study guide.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Marvelous Monday
Welcome back to school. I hope everyone had a great weekend!
Language Arts~
Today we took our spelling pretest. If students score from 22-25, they will be studying the B list this week. If students score from 17-21, they will be on the O list. Less than 17 right means A list this week. All students should be bringing home their lists and the pretest. We previewed our vocabulary and comprehension skills today. Our story vocabulary includes, endless, realistic, universe, astronaut, sensible, protested and paralyzed. We are also learning all of the things that can be learned from a dictionary entry. Our comprehension skill this week is analyzing characters and setting. We will also be making inferences. In grammar we are taking the compound sentences from last week a little further. We are using conjunctions to make complex sentences. Complex sentences have dependent and independent clauses. The green sentence above is a dependent clause. It cannot stand as it's own sentences. The blue clause is independent. It can be it's own sentence. Our common Core words of the week are complex sentences, characters, setting, analyze and personal narrative.
Book order is due on Wednesday.
HW: Weekly homework came home today. Think and Compare questions are on page 101.
Math~
Today we practiced 2 digit multiplication and long division. We also started learning about data landmarks. We learned the difference between guessing and estimating. We learned that maximum is the largest number in a data set and the smallest number is the minimum. The range is the difference between the two numbers. Mode is the number that occurs most often. Median is the middle number.
HW: Weekly Homework is due on Friday. Study Link and Math boxes 2.5 is due tomorrow.
HOMEWORK ALERT: There was an error in the weekly homework. Please discard the 3 digit times 2 digit multiplication page. Copy error. So Sorry for the confusion!
Science~
A note about the science tests. Last week's science test is coming home today. Most students did either really well or not so well at all. Science is an adjustment this year. From what I understand this is the first time that the kids have taking a science test like this one. I did make some changes to help the students study more. Our next test date is September 27. All students have their study guide for that test. At the end of every lesson we are filling out the study guide together. Then I am asking that each student spends just a couple of minutes (think 5-7) to review that study guide every night. The study guide also has the page numbers where we learned about the concept in case you need more information.
In science today we previewed the chapter vocabulary and learned a little bit about the life cycle of an animal.
HW: If students did not finish in class, they will need to answer the 3 Before you move on questions at the bottom of page 53.
Language Arts~
Today we took our spelling pretest. If students score from 22-25, they will be studying the B list this week. If students score from 17-21, they will be on the O list. Less than 17 right means A list this week. All students should be bringing home their lists and the pretest. We previewed our vocabulary and comprehension skills today. Our story vocabulary includes, endless, realistic, universe, astronaut, sensible, protested and paralyzed. We are also learning all of the things that can be learned from a dictionary entry. Our comprehension skill this week is analyzing characters and setting. We will also be making inferences. In grammar we are taking the compound sentences from last week a little further. We are using conjunctions to make complex sentences. Complex sentences have dependent and independent clauses. The green sentence above is a dependent clause. It cannot stand as it's own sentences. The blue clause is independent. It can be it's own sentence. Our common Core words of the week are complex sentences, characters, setting, analyze and personal narrative.
Book order is due on Wednesday.
HW: Weekly homework came home today. Think and Compare questions are on page 101.
Math~
Today we practiced 2 digit multiplication and long division. We also started learning about data landmarks. We learned the difference between guessing and estimating. We learned that maximum is the largest number in a data set and the smallest number is the minimum. The range is the difference between the two numbers. Mode is the number that occurs most often. Median is the middle number.
HW: Weekly Homework is due on Friday. Study Link and Math boxes 2.5 is due tomorrow.
HOMEWORK ALERT: There was an error in the weekly homework. Please discard the 3 digit times 2 digit multiplication page. Copy error. So Sorry for the confusion!
Science~
A note about the science tests. Last week's science test is coming home today. Most students did either really well or not so well at all. Science is an adjustment this year. From what I understand this is the first time that the kids have taking a science test like this one. I did make some changes to help the students study more. Our next test date is September 27. All students have their study guide for that test. At the end of every lesson we are filling out the study guide together. Then I am asking that each student spends just a couple of minutes (think 5-7) to review that study guide every night. The study guide also has the page numbers where we learned about the concept in case you need more information.
In science today we previewed the chapter vocabulary and learned a little bit about the life cycle of an animal.
HW: If students did not finish in class, they will need to answer the 3 Before you move on questions at the bottom of page 53.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
What we did on Thursday!
Language Arts~
Today we reviewed skills. We practiced the long e spelling and phonic rules. We worked with decoding compound words and figuring out what they mean. We reviewed this week's story vocabulary and main ideas and details. We also looked at all of the things we could learn from a dictionary page. We edited a paragraph that was full of punctuation mistakes. We also discussed what a rubric was and how our writing was going to be judged on a rubric. We reviewed the Greek roots of graph, gram (to write, something written) and Peri (around).
HW: Weekly homework is due tomorrow. Parents don't forget to sign. Also book orders came home today. They are due by next Wednesday. You can also order online. There is a cover letter that explains how that works. If you have any questions email me.
Math~
We reviewed yesterday's study link and math boxes. We did board work that focused on multiplication problems and long division. We also worked with place value of large numbers. We defined counting numbers, whole numbers, digits and place value.
HW: Page 33 and math boxes 2.3 in journal and Study Link 2.3 Weekly homework is also due tomorrow.
Science~
Test day today! Time to show what you know.
HW: None! Test tomorrow for the content class that had Social Studies today.
Today we reviewed skills. We practiced the long e spelling and phonic rules. We worked with decoding compound words and figuring out what they mean. We reviewed this week's story vocabulary and main ideas and details. We also looked at all of the things we could learn from a dictionary page. We edited a paragraph that was full of punctuation mistakes. We also discussed what a rubric was and how our writing was going to be judged on a rubric. We reviewed the Greek roots of graph, gram (to write, something written) and Peri (around).
HW: Weekly homework is due tomorrow. Parents don't forget to sign. Also book orders came home today. They are due by next Wednesday. You can also order online. There is a cover letter that explains how that works. If you have any questions email me.
Math~
We reviewed yesterday's study link and math boxes. We did board work that focused on multiplication problems and long division. We also worked with place value of large numbers. We defined counting numbers, whole numbers, digits and place value.
HW: Page 33 and math boxes 2.3 in journal and Study Link 2.3 Weekly homework is also due tomorrow.
Science~
Test day today! Time to show what you know.
HW: None! Test tomorrow for the content class that had Social Studies today.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
What a Wednesday!
Language Arts~
Today we worked more with sentences. We practiced identifying simple subjects and simple predicates. We also worked with combining simple sentence into compound sentences using conjunctions. We reread the story in partners and analyzed a poem. We also worked on ISTEP prep by working with the skill of looking for key words in a text to help us find the answer. We also reviewed answering all parts of the question.
HW: Continue to work on homework packet.
Math~
We learned today about equivalent names for numbers. We reviewed name collection boxes from primary everyday math.
HW: Study link and math boxes 2.2 Unit 1 tests are graded. Look for them to come home today or tomorrow. The kids did great!
Science~
We reviewed for Friday's test. If you had science today, your test is on Friday. If you had science yesterday, your test is tomorrow.
HW: Study for the test.
Today we worked more with sentences. We practiced identifying simple subjects and simple predicates. We also worked with combining simple sentence into compound sentences using conjunctions. We reread the story in partners and analyzed a poem. We also worked on ISTEP prep by working with the skill of looking for key words in a text to help us find the answer. We also reviewed answering all parts of the question.
HW: Continue to work on homework packet.
Math~
We learned today about equivalent names for numbers. We reviewed name collection boxes from primary everyday math.
HW: Study link and math boxes 2.2 Unit 1 tests are graded. Look for them to come home today or tomorrow. The kids did great!
Science~
We reviewed for Friday's test. If you had science today, your test is on Friday. If you had science yesterday, your test is tomorrow.
HW: Study for the test.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Marvelous Monday
We had a great day!
Language Arts~
We went to music and IMC. We came back to the room and took a spelling pretest. The focus this week is on ways to spell the long e sound. Don't forget to study those words. We worked on grammar. This week we will be combining simple sentences to make compound sentences. We previewed our story vocabulary: roamed, completed, journey, natural and wildlife. We also talked about our comprehension skills. We will be using the main ideas in a story to write a summary of that story. We listened to the story on CD. Animals come Home to our National Parks.
Common Core Vocabulary for the week: clause, independent clause, simple sentence, compound sentence, conjunction, summary and semi-colon.
HW: Weekly homework went home today. It will be due on Friday. It is a short story this week. Think and Compare questions can be found on page 77 of the Treasures book. There are only 4 questions. Parents don't forget to sign the top of the homework.
Math~
Today we went over math boxes and reviewed the skills needed for tomorrow's test. We also practiced one digit by 3 digit multiplication.
HW: Study for tomorrow's test. Weekly homework also went home today (due Friday). Note the matching side must be done with a straightedge.
Science~
We investigated the parts of a flower today. Each student had a flower that they took apart and looked at the individual parts of the flower with a magnifying glass. They also worked on a skill packet from this chapter.
Extra science books were found. Each child now has a science book that can be brought back and forth to school in order to study! We are very excited about this. Don't forget the test is either next Thursday or Friday. (Thursday if you had social studies today. Friday if you have science today)
HW: Skills packet is due on Wednesday for today's science class.
Language Arts~
We went to music and IMC. We came back to the room and took a spelling pretest. The focus this week is on ways to spell the long e sound. Don't forget to study those words. We worked on grammar. This week we will be combining simple sentences to make compound sentences. We previewed our story vocabulary: roamed, completed, journey, natural and wildlife. We also talked about our comprehension skills. We will be using the main ideas in a story to write a summary of that story. We listened to the story on CD. Animals come Home to our National Parks.
Common Core Vocabulary for the week: clause, independent clause, simple sentence, compound sentence, conjunction, summary and semi-colon.
HW: Weekly homework went home today. It will be due on Friday. It is a short story this week. Think and Compare questions can be found on page 77 of the Treasures book. There are only 4 questions. Parents don't forget to sign the top of the homework.
Math~
Today we went over math boxes and reviewed the skills needed for tomorrow's test. We also practiced one digit by 3 digit multiplication.
HW: Study for tomorrow's test. Weekly homework also went home today (due Friday). Note the matching side must be done with a straightedge.
Science~
We investigated the parts of a flower today. Each student had a flower that they took apart and looked at the individual parts of the flower with a magnifying glass. They also worked on a skill packet from this chapter.
Extra science books were found. Each child now has a science book that can be brought back and forth to school in order to study! We are very excited about this. Don't forget the test is either next Thursday or Friday. (Thursday if you had social studies today. Friday if you have science today)
HW: Skills packet is due on Wednesday for today's science class.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Fabulous Friday
We had a great day!
Language Arts~ We assessed over this week's skills.
HW: None! But a note about homework. Thank you for all of your hard work on weekly homework. Here are a couple of things to remember. Parents, your homework is to sign at the top of the homework packet. This let's us know that the story was read with an adult or older sibling and that the vocabulary has been reviewed. Please record the minutes read each evening and initial each day. The best way to become a better reader is to read a variety of material every day. The independent reading section of the homework is a great way to build the habit of reading. Think and compare on the back of the homework sheet is always the last page of the reading story for the week.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Important note- Yesterday I created a classroom group. This group will be used to send home information from Northpoint and from the language arts classroom. Look for the email invite. If you did not get an invite that means I don't have your email. Please email me and I will add your email to the list.
Math~ We did centers to review math concepts. I also met with small groups to review the concepts that will be on the test on Tuesday!
HW: None
Science~ We investigated the parts of a flower today. Each student had a flower that they took apart and looked at the individual parts of the flower with a magnifying glass. They also worked on a skill packet from this chapter.
Extra science books were found. Each child now has a science book that can be brought back and forth to school in order to study! We are very excited about this. Don't forget the test is either next Thursday or Friday. (Thursday if you had science today. Friday if you have science on Monday)
HW: Skills packet is due on Tuesday for today's science class.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
Language Arts~ We assessed over this week's skills.
HW: None! But a note about homework. Thank you for all of your hard work on weekly homework. Here are a couple of things to remember. Parents, your homework is to sign at the top of the homework packet. This let's us know that the story was read with an adult or older sibling and that the vocabulary has been reviewed. Please record the minutes read each evening and initial each day. The best way to become a better reader is to read a variety of material every day. The independent reading section of the homework is a great way to build the habit of reading. Think and compare on the back of the homework sheet is always the last page of the reading story for the week.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Important note- Yesterday I created a classroom group. This group will be used to send home information from Northpoint and from the language arts classroom. Look for the email invite. If you did not get an invite that means I don't have your email. Please email me and I will add your email to the list.
Math~ We did centers to review math concepts. I also met with small groups to review the concepts that will be on the test on Tuesday!
HW: None
Science~ We investigated the parts of a flower today. Each student had a flower that they took apart and looked at the individual parts of the flower with a magnifying glass. They also worked on a skill packet from this chapter.
Extra science books were found. Each child now has a science book that can be brought back and forth to school in order to study! We are very excited about this. Don't forget the test is either next Thursday or Friday. (Thursday if you had science today. Friday if you have science on Monday)
HW: Skills packet is due on Tuesday for today's science class.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
Thursday, September 6, 2012
We had a busy day!
Very, very busy day!
Language Arts~
We began the day in Music. We came back to class and reviewed our spelling and vocab skills. Look for the paper in the blue folder. We also practiced with subjects and predicates in our grammar book. We read "A Walk in the Desert" independently. For writing we talked about assonance and metaphors. We wrote cinquains. Many students chose to write about their favorite pet or animal. We saved this writing in our binders. There was one worksheet to review vocab and main ideas and details. Many students may not have finished that. It is due tomorrow.
HW: Weekly packet due. Please make sure that a parent signs the top. Some students have the vocab and comprehension worksheet.
Math~
Today we worked with compasses again. We used compasses to copy lines and make hexagons in circles. We also learned that congruent means same size, same shape. We reviewed the many shapes and concepts that we have talked about this unit.
HW: Math boxes and study link 1.8 Weekly Friday paper is due tomorrow.
Science~
We checked on the radish seeds and wrote down our observations. We read about the life cycle of flowering plants and the life cycle of conifers. We also discussed inherited traits and the characteristics of plants.
HW: Answer the Before you Move on questions on page 31 and 33. Both sets of questions can be on one paper
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT SCIENCE BOOKS. We share our science books with another class. It is very important that all science books are returned to class everyday. Check out the link on this blog to access the science book online.
Language Arts~
We began the day in Music. We came back to class and reviewed our spelling and vocab skills. Look for the paper in the blue folder. We also practiced with subjects and predicates in our grammar book. We read "A Walk in the Desert" independently. For writing we talked about assonance and metaphors. We wrote cinquains. Many students chose to write about their favorite pet or animal. We saved this writing in our binders. There was one worksheet to review vocab and main ideas and details. Many students may not have finished that. It is due tomorrow.
HW: Weekly packet due. Please make sure that a parent signs the top. Some students have the vocab and comprehension worksheet.
Math~
Today we worked with compasses again. We used compasses to copy lines and make hexagons in circles. We also learned that congruent means same size, same shape. We reviewed the many shapes and concepts that we have talked about this unit.
HW: Math boxes and study link 1.8 Weekly Friday paper is due tomorrow.
Science~
We checked on the radish seeds and wrote down our observations. We read about the life cycle of flowering plants and the life cycle of conifers. We also discussed inherited traits and the characteristics of plants.
HW: Answer the Before you Move on questions on page 31 and 33. Both sets of questions can be on one paper
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT SCIENCE BOOKS. We share our science books with another class. It is very important that all science books are returned to class everyday. Check out the link on this blog to access the science book online.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
The first post of the new year!
And here we go! It was great to get to speak with so many of the parents last night at Parent Information Night! If you couldn't make it, I understand. Look in your students folders for our packet and my card. I tried to help students get organized today. We made a list of all that was done in class and at the end of each class period I went over the the kids what needed to be put in their backpacks.
A bit of information that might be helpful.
Specials Schedule!
Monday - Music and IMC
Tuesday - PE
Wednesday - Learning Lab
Thursday - Music
Friday PE
Things we forgot to tell you.....
1. Any paper that scores less than a 65% is a sign and return paper. We ask that you look over the paper with your child. Sign that you have seen the paper and return it to school. We want you to be aware when your child is struggling.
2. Please don't bring your child back to school for missing items. I know that it hard for them to get an oops slip, but we want them to become responsible for taking all of their things home after school. Thanks for your help with this.
Here's what happened today.....
Language Arts~
After we returned from practicing typing and working with Odyssey in the computer lab. We worked on our spelling page. We sorted words by the way that they spelled the long a sound. We also worked with word meanings. We talked about the predicates of sentences in grammar. None of this should be homework. We either did it together or we went over the answers together. We read the story "A Walk in the Desert" and discussed the story. We paid special attention to the main idea and details. We added words to our Common Core Vocabulary Glossary: Main Idea, details, simile, metaphor, imagery and personification. We gave examples to help us remember. These words will be reviewed all year long and are not tested. We also did a stop light writing activity. The main idea of the paragraph was written on a green strip. The details were written on yellow strips and the concluding sentences were written on red strips. Every one finished this activity.
Homework (HW): Keep working on the packet that went home yesterday. (due Friday)
Math~
We continued working on geometry skills. Today our focus was circles. We discussed the center, radius, and diameter. We talked about how the radius was 1/2 of the diameter and the diameter was twice the radius. We also talked about concentric circles (the circles share a common center) and non-concentric circles. (the two circles intersect). We practiced making concentric and non-concentric circles using compasses.
HW: Just math boxes 1.7. Keep working on weekly homework (due Friday)
Science~
We checked on the radish seeds and wrote down our observations. We read about the life cycle of flowering plants and the life cycle of conifers. We also discussed inherited traits and the characteristics of plants.
HW: Answer the Before you Move on questions on page 31 and 33. Both sets of questions can be on one paper.
A bit of information that might be helpful.
Specials Schedule!
Monday - Music and IMC
Tuesday - PE
Wednesday - Learning Lab
Thursday - Music
Friday PE
Things we forgot to tell you.....
1. Any paper that scores less than a 65% is a sign and return paper. We ask that you look over the paper with your child. Sign that you have seen the paper and return it to school. We want you to be aware when your child is struggling.
2. Please don't bring your child back to school for missing items. I know that it hard for them to get an oops slip, but we want them to become responsible for taking all of their things home after school. Thanks for your help with this.
Here's what happened today.....
Language Arts~
After we returned from practicing typing and working with Odyssey in the computer lab. We worked on our spelling page. We sorted words by the way that they spelled the long a sound. We also worked with word meanings. We talked about the predicates of sentences in grammar. None of this should be homework. We either did it together or we went over the answers together. We read the story "A Walk in the Desert" and discussed the story. We paid special attention to the main idea and details. We added words to our Common Core Vocabulary Glossary: Main Idea, details, simile, metaphor, imagery and personification. We gave examples to help us remember. These words will be reviewed all year long and are not tested. We also did a stop light writing activity. The main idea of the paragraph was written on a green strip. The details were written on yellow strips and the concluding sentences were written on red strips. Every one finished this activity.
Homework (HW): Keep working on the packet that went home yesterday. (due Friday)
Math~
We continued working on geometry skills. Today our focus was circles. We discussed the center, radius, and diameter. We talked about how the radius was 1/2 of the diameter and the diameter was twice the radius. We also talked about concentric circles (the circles share a common center) and non-concentric circles. (the two circles intersect). We practiced making concentric and non-concentric circles using compasses.
HW: Just math boxes 1.7. Keep working on weekly homework (due Friday)
Science~
We checked on the radish seeds and wrote down our observations. We read about the life cycle of flowering plants and the life cycle of conifers. We also discussed inherited traits and the characteristics of plants.
HW: Answer the Before you Move on questions on page 31 and 33. Both sets of questions can be on one paper.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Wednesday's Notes
Language Arts
*Double Negatives in sentences.
*Read and discussed Chapters 13 and 14
*Questions for chapters 13 and 14
Math
*Reviewed Unit 11 concepts
*Test tomorrow
Science
*Observed bird feathers
*Inferred the bird feather's function.
*Double Negatives in sentences.
*Read and discussed Chapters 13 and 14
*Questions for chapters 13 and 14
Math
*Reviewed Unit 11 concepts
*Test tomorrow
Science
*Observed bird feathers
*Inferred the bird feather's function.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Monday's Notes
Don't forget, we do have school on Friday, April 27th!
Language Arts
*Spelling pretest
*Grammar - Negatives. Use only one negative.
*Read - Chapters 11 and 12. Quiz tomorrow.
Book orders due tomorrow.
Math
*Reviewed surface area and volume for prisms and cylinders.
No homework
Science
* Discussed why scientists use tables, graphs, charts and diagrams.
* Biodiversity movie and quiz.
Language Arts
*Spelling pretest
*Grammar - Negatives. Use only one negative.
*Read - Chapters 11 and 12. Quiz tomorrow.
Book orders due tomorrow.
Math
*Reviewed surface area and volume for prisms and cylinders.
No homework
Science
* Discussed why scientists use tables, graphs, charts and diagrams.
* Biodiversity movie and quiz.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Thursday's Notes
LA~
*Music
*Grammar - More, most, -er, -est and adverbs.
*Read Chapters 9 and 10.
*Questions
*Figurative Language Pop Quiz
Tomorrow
*Quiz over 9 and 10
*Spelling Test
*Grammar Test
*Vocab due and Vocab test
Math
We reviewed the following concepts:
Perimeter and area
Coordinate grids
Mental math
Various math skills
Science
Tested unit 3 skills and concepts
*Music
*Grammar - More, most, -er, -est and adverbs.
*Read Chapters 9 and 10.
*Questions
*Figurative Language Pop Quiz
Tomorrow
*Quiz over 9 and 10
*Spelling Test
*Grammar Test
*Vocab due and Vocab test
Math
We reviewed the following concepts:
Perimeter and area
Coordinate grids
Mental math
Various math skills
Science
Tested unit 3 skills and concepts
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Wednesday's news
LA-
*Computer Lab
*Reading Buddies
*Grammar - comparative adverbs using more and most
*Quiz over chapters 7 and 8
* Conflict in literature packet (homework if not completed)
* Synonyms (homework if not completed)
* Making inferences (homework if not completed)
* Figurative Language pop quiz
* DEAR time
Math-
*Surface area of prisms, pyramids, and cylinders
* Math boxes 11.7 and Study Link 11.7 (homework if not completed)
* After math
Art Smart-
*Pop Art
Notes
*Camp Paperwork is due on Friday.
*There is school on Friday, April 27th. This is the snow make up day from January
*Computer Lab
*Reading Buddies
*Grammar - comparative adverbs using more and most
*Quiz over chapters 7 and 8
* Conflict in literature packet (homework if not completed)
* Synonyms (homework if not completed)
* Making inferences (homework if not completed)
* Figurative Language pop quiz
* DEAR time
Math-
*Surface area of prisms, pyramids, and cylinders
* Math boxes 11.7 and Study Link 11.7 (homework if not completed)
* After math
Art Smart-
*Pop Art
Notes
*Camp Paperwork is due on Friday.
*There is school on Friday, April 27th. This is the snow make up day from January
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
It's been awhile...
Language Arts - Discovery Trip. Students are expected to tell you about their visit Discovery Middle School.
Math- Capacity and Volume - We figured the capacity and volume of several rectangualar prisms.
Journal pages 386 and 387. Math boxes and study link 11.6
Science - We reviewed chapter 3 and took a test over the material.
All camp forms are due on Friday!
Wear yellow tomorrow in honor of earth day and conserving electricity.
Math- Capacity and Volume - We figured the capacity and volume of several rectangualar prisms.
Journal pages 386 and 387. Math boxes and study link 11.6
Science - We reviewed chapter 3 and took a test over the material.
All camp forms are due on Friday!
Wear yellow tomorrow in honor of earth day and conserving electricity.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Monday's News
Good Afternoon, I hope everyone had a great weekend!
LA~
Today we went to music. We didn't go to IMC due to MAP testing. We will have library on Wednesday this week. We took our vocabulary quiz this morning. We also took our spelling pretest. We map tested and then came back to class and read chapter 13 in our novel.
HW: Read chapter 14 in our novel and do the worksheet.
Math~
Our focus today was on scientific notation. We also worked on the different ways to write a number using expanded notation.
HW: Journal pages 216-218 and study link 7.3
Science~
We learned more about the water cycle.
HW: None
LA~
Today we went to music. We didn't go to IMC due to MAP testing. We will have library on Wednesday this week. We took our vocabulary quiz this morning. We also took our spelling pretest. We map tested and then came back to class and read chapter 13 in our novel.
HW: Read chapter 14 in our novel and do the worksheet.
Math~
Our focus today was on scientific notation. We also worked on the different ways to write a number using expanded notation.
HW: Journal pages 216-218 and study link 7.3
Science~
We learned more about the water cycle.
HW: None
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Wintery Wonderland
The snow was blowing all day long here at Northpoint. It looked cold outside. Please make sure that you are dressed to go outside everyday. We go outside unless the temperature or wind chill drops below 0 degrees.
Language Arts~
We went to music today and came back to class and took our vocabulary quiz. We learned about irregular verbs in grammar. We read chapter 12 in our novel. We also worked on comprehension questions and our published books.
A book order should have come home today. It is due on Wednesday, January 24th. This is a good time to stock up on books for February's I Love to Read Challenge.
HW: Finish comprehension questions and a signed sloppy copy of page 3 of the published books.
Math~
We worked on standards assessments.
HW: None
Science~
We learned all about the water cycle: evaporation, condensation, precipitation.
HW: Before you move on questions on page 199.
Language Arts~
We went to music today and came back to class and took our vocabulary quiz. We learned about irregular verbs in grammar. We read chapter 12 in our novel. We also worked on comprehension questions and our published books.
A book order should have come home today. It is due on Wednesday, January 24th. This is a good time to stock up on books for February's I Love to Read Challenge.
HW: Finish comprehension questions and a signed sloppy copy of page 3 of the published books.
Math~
We worked on standards assessments.
HW: None
Science~
We learned all about the water cycle: evaporation, condensation, precipitation.
HW: Before you move on questions on page 199.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Back to normal?
It seems like everyday has had something going on lately. It felt good to get back to routine today after a snow day and a 2 hour delay.
Language Arts~
We started our day by working on our published books. Every child will have to show me a parent signed sloppy copy on the due date. Page 3 is due on Friday.
We went over yesterday's comprehension questions in class. We also read chapters 10 and 11 today.
The vocabulary quiz has been moved to tomorrow. The copiers were down today.
HW: Finish comprehension questions and study for vocabulary quiz.
Math~
We did the Map test today. I am so proud of the whole class for taking their time and working hard. Many kids aren't done yet!
HW: None
ART Smart today. Thank you moms!!!
Language Arts~
We started our day by working on our published books. Every child will have to show me a parent signed sloppy copy on the due date. Page 3 is due on Friday.
We went over yesterday's comprehension questions in class. We also read chapters 10 and 11 today.
The vocabulary quiz has been moved to tomorrow. The copiers were down today.
HW: Finish comprehension questions and study for vocabulary quiz.
Math~
We did the Map test today. I am so proud of the whole class for taking their time and working hard. Many kids aren't done yet!
HW: None
ART Smart today. Thank you moms!!!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Tuesday's Details
What a beautiful day!
Language Arts~
We practiced using linking verbs. We learned that linking verbs connect the subject of the sentence with either a noun or an adjective. Next, we reviewed the answers to yesterday's comprehension packet. We read chapter 3 in our novel. We found out how Sam found the farm. Sam also successfully made fire on his own. We worked on our comprehension questions for this chapter.
HW: Finish up the questions and then study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz!
Don't forget to turn in the permission slip for Friday's field trip. We need those by tomorrow!
Math~
We reviewed some number sense and algebra skills. We are working on finishing some 5th grade standards assessments.
HW: None
Science~
We took a trip to the Digital Video Theater (AKA the planetarium). We saw a very interesting presentation on the planets.
HW: None
Language Arts~
We practiced using linking verbs. We learned that linking verbs connect the subject of the sentence with either a noun or an adjective. Next, we reviewed the answers to yesterday's comprehension packet. We read chapter 3 in our novel. We found out how Sam found the farm. Sam also successfully made fire on his own. We worked on our comprehension questions for this chapter.
HW: Finish up the questions and then study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz!
Don't forget to turn in the permission slip for Friday's field trip. We need those by tomorrow!
Math~
We reviewed some number sense and algebra skills. We are working on finishing some 5th grade standards assessments.
HW: None
Science~
We took a trip to the Digital Video Theater (AKA the planetarium). We saw a very interesting presentation on the planets.
HW: None
Monday, January 9, 2012
Welcome to the new year!
I hope everyone had a great winter break! It was wonderful to spend some time with friends and family and just to relax!
It is going to be a very busy week!
My homeroom is going to the planetarium tomorrow. We will be out of the building from 10:10 to about 11:40 or so tomorrow. On Friday my language arts class will be going to the South Bend Regional Art Museum. See note for more details. Friday's field trip will need a few chaperones. :)
Language Arts~
Today we started our new novel study. We will be spending the next few weeks reading My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George. It is the story of a young boy who runs away to live in the mountains. Students will have a vocabulary quiz over 10 self-chosen words on Wednesday, January 11th. They also have a packet to work on that covers the author's preface and chapters 1 and 2. The packet is due tomorrow. We will have a spelling test on Friday as well as a grammar test on linking verbs.
HW: Packet, study for spelling test and for vocab quiz.
Math~
We pretested unit 7 skills today. Our focus will be on exponents, scientific notation, and positive and negative numbers.
HW: None
Science (Woods)~
We started a new chapter today. We are learning about weather and how the water cycle can affect the weather. Today we learned about the atmosphere and the 4 ways it helps support life. We also learned about how the 4 properties of air can help us predict the weather.
HW: None.
It is going to be a very busy week!
My homeroom is going to the planetarium tomorrow. We will be out of the building from 10:10 to about 11:40 or so tomorrow. On Friday my language arts class will be going to the South Bend Regional Art Museum. See note for more details. Friday's field trip will need a few chaperones. :)
Language Arts~
Today we started our new novel study. We will be spending the next few weeks reading My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George. It is the story of a young boy who runs away to live in the mountains. Students will have a vocabulary quiz over 10 self-chosen words on Wednesday, January 11th. They also have a packet to work on that covers the author's preface and chapters 1 and 2. The packet is due tomorrow. We will have a spelling test on Friday as well as a grammar test on linking verbs.
HW: Packet, study for spelling test and for vocab quiz.
Math~
We pretested unit 7 skills today. Our focus will be on exponents, scientific notation, and positive and negative numbers.
HW: None
Science (Woods)~
We started a new chapter today. We are learning about weather and how the water cycle can affect the weather. Today we learned about the atmosphere and the 4 ways it helps support life. We also learned about how the 4 properties of air can help us predict the weather.
HW: None.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)