Here's what we did:
Math-We learned about 90, 180, 270, and 360 degree turns as well as line and rotational symmetry. Ms. Bergin also taught a lesson on outcomes in experiments.
Reading-Students chose new books for literature circles. Groups will meet on Mondays and Thursdays.
Writing-Students worked on revising and drafting their game instructions.
Social Studies-We learned about the period of Reconstruction which followed the Civil War.
Homework:
Math-WS 23.1
Reading-Group assignments due Monday-5 sticky notes
Writing-Finish draft and begin revising. You may need to have a family member play the game following your instructions so you can see where you need to revise.
Social Studies-Continue working on your packet.
Tomorrow we will have our reward party for March. Students may bring an electronic if they'd like to if they earned the party.
Have a good night!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
March 30th
Here's what we did today:
Math-We reviewed a little more for the fraction test and then students took the test. I did hand these back graded so they can correct them tonight.
Reading-Students worked on a poetry review for the MAP. New literature circle groups will start tomorrow.
Writing-We began writing instructions for a game. Once published, I will give each student a copy of all the games they wrote instructions for.
Social Studies-We went over a TFK for the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.
Homework:
Math-Correct test.
Social Studies-2 Civil War TFK WS's
Read and Write!
--In honor of the Cardinals' Opening Day tomorrow, students should wear Cardinals gear or red. No hats please!
Have a good night!
Math-We reviewed a little more for the fraction test and then students took the test. I did hand these back graded so they can correct them tonight.
Reading-Students worked on a poetry review for the MAP. New literature circle groups will start tomorrow.
Writing-We began writing instructions for a game. Once published, I will give each student a copy of all the games they wrote instructions for.
Social Studies-We went over a TFK for the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.
Homework:
Math-Correct test.
Social Studies-2 Civil War TFK WS's
Read and Write!
--In honor of the Cardinals' Opening Day tomorrow, students should wear Cardinals gear or red. No hats please!
Have a good night!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
March 29th
Here's what we did today:
Math-We spent A LOT of time reviewing fractions this morning. There is a test tomorrow on Chapter 21 and Chapter 22 (Lessons 1, 2, and 3 in Chapter 22).
Writing-Students evaluated the instructions written for the card game we started yesterday and tomorrow they will begin writing directions for a game of their choice.
We also worked on commercials to review some important Math words.
Homework:
Math-Study, study, study! Make sure you know how to find equivalent fractions, reduce fractions, compare and order fractions, turn mixed numbers into improper fractions and the other way around, and add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators. Students will need to reduce all answers and change any improper fractions to mixed numbers when adding and subtracting.
Reading-Read and write or talk about it. Read a lot and read different materials.
Writing-Writer's Notebook
~ Thanks to those who sent in items for our MAP trail mix! Please continue to send in items and please make sure they are peanut free. Thanks!
Have a great night!
Math-We spent A LOT of time reviewing fractions this morning. There is a test tomorrow on Chapter 21 and Chapter 22 (Lessons 1, 2, and 3 in Chapter 22).
Writing-Students evaluated the instructions written for the card game we started yesterday and tomorrow they will begin writing directions for a game of their choice.
We also worked on commercials to review some important Math words.
Homework:
Math-Study, study, study! Make sure you know how to find equivalent fractions, reduce fractions, compare and order fractions, turn mixed numbers into improper fractions and the other way around, and add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators. Students will need to reduce all answers and change any improper fractions to mixed numbers when adding and subtracting.
Reading-Read and write or talk about it. Read a lot and read different materials.
Writing-Writer's Notebook
~ Thanks to those who sent in items for our MAP trail mix! Please continue to send in items and please make sure they are peanut free. Thanks!
Have a great night!
Monday, March 28, 2011
March 28th
Here's what we did today:
Math-We learned how to add and subtract mixed numbers. Students should reduce if they can be reduced and change from improper fractions to mixed numbers if necessary. We also learned about grams and kilograms.
Reading-We talked about cause and effect and specifically how one cause may lead to many effects or that there may be more than one cause for an effect. Students also met in their groups and many groups finished up their books. They will choose new books later this week.
Writing-Students partnered up and read their drawing instructions to see if they were clear enough. We also talked about instructions for how to play games.
Social Studies-We discussed the Civil War and learned a lot about the Gettysburg address.
Homework:
Math-WS 22.3, all
Reading-read 100 minutes
Social Studies-Please keep up with your packets.
Don't forget to send in (peanut-free) items for our class trail mix. We start testing next Wednesday. Thanks!
Math-We learned how to add and subtract mixed numbers. Students should reduce if they can be reduced and change from improper fractions to mixed numbers if necessary. We also learned about grams and kilograms.
Reading-We talked about cause and effect and specifically how one cause may lead to many effects or that there may be more than one cause for an effect. Students also met in their groups and many groups finished up their books. They will choose new books later this week.
Writing-Students partnered up and read their drawing instructions to see if they were clear enough. We also talked about instructions for how to play games.
Social Studies-We discussed the Civil War and learned a lot about the Gettysburg address.
Homework:
Math-WS 22.3, all
Reading-read 100 minutes
Social Studies-Please keep up with your packets.
Don't forget to send in (peanut-free) items for our class trail mix. We start testing next Wednesday. Thanks!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
March 24th
Here's what we did today:
Math-We learned what mixed number is and how to turn improper fractions into mixed numbers and mixed numbers into improper fractions. We also talked about mL and Liters.
Reading-Students met in their literature circles and we talked about Author's Point of View.
Writing-We talked more about functional writing by looking at a how to draw book. Students are working to make directions on how to draw a creation of their own.
Social Studies-We watched a Dear America video on the life of a slave girl. It really showed the students what slavery was like.
Homework:
Math-WS 21.5
**Don't forget that tomorrow is jersey and hat day!
**Tomorrow is also dismissal at 11:45.
**This Saturday from 11-2 at the History Museum is the opening for Truman's exhibit. There will be lots of entertainment and some special guests and activities. I hope to see many of you there!
I will see some of you this evening for conferences. Have a great night!
Math-We learned what mixed number is and how to turn improper fractions into mixed numbers and mixed numbers into improper fractions. We also talked about mL and Liters.
Reading-Students met in their literature circles and we talked about Author's Point of View.
Writing-We talked more about functional writing by looking at a how to draw book. Students are working to make directions on how to draw a creation of their own.
Social Studies-We watched a Dear America video on the life of a slave girl. It really showed the students what slavery was like.
Homework:
Math-WS 21.5
**Don't forget that tomorrow is jersey and hat day!
**Tomorrow is also dismissal at 11:45.
**This Saturday from 11-2 at the History Museum is the opening for Truman's exhibit. There will be lots of entertainment and some special guests and activities. I hope to see many of you there!
I will see some of you this evening for conferences. Have a great night!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
March 23rd
Here's what we did today:
Math-We learned how to compare and order fractions by looking at similar numerators and denominats and using the shoelace method.
We also learned how to convert linear units in the metric system. Ask your child what "My Dog Can Moo" means!
Reading-I met with some groups to go over the packet they've been working on.
Writing-We shared our "how to" writings and worked in our Writer's Notebooks.
Social Studies-We learned about the Dred Scott Decision and the Kansas-Nebraska Act.
Homework:
Math-WS 21.3-all
Reading-Groups meet tomorrow.
Writing-Writer's Notebook
Social Studies-A packet for Chapter 6 was given out. It is not due for a couple weeks, until the test, but it is a long chapter so I've encouraged students to do each worksheet as we get to each lesson.
Have a great night!
Math-We learned how to compare and order fractions by looking at similar numerators and denominats and using the shoelace method.
We also learned how to convert linear units in the metric system. Ask your child what "My Dog Can Moo" means!
Reading-I met with some groups to go over the packet they've been working on.
Writing-We shared our "how to" writings and worked in our Writer's Notebooks.
Social Studies-We learned about the Dred Scott Decision and the Kansas-Nebraska Act.
Homework:
Math-WS 21.3-all
Reading-Groups meet tomorrow.
Writing-Writer's Notebook
Social Studies-A packet for Chapter 6 was given out. It is not due for a couple weeks, until the test, but it is a long chapter so I've encouraged students to do each worksheet as we get to each lesson.
Have a great night!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
March 22nd
Here's what we did today:
Math-We learned about equivalent fractions and how to reduce fractions to simplest form. You can find equivalent fractions by multiplying or dividing the numerator and the denominator by the same number. To reduce a fraction, divide the numerator and the denominator by the same number. If they do not share a factor, then it is in simplest form.
We also began learning about the metric system and talked about mm, cm, dm, and m. We will learn how to convert these tomorrow.
Reading-Students worked on a MAP released item which was on the MAP test a few years ago. I will look these over tonight and we will go over it tomorrow. Skills tested included identifying the problem and solution, fact and opinion, and author's purpose.
Writing-We talked about functional writing which is the kind of writing you might use everyday. Today we wrote directions for making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Students then paired up and wrote directions for something they know how to do or make. We'll share these tomorrow.
We also went over the March Math Tungsten which we scored an 87% on as a class. Great job!
Homework:
Math-There are two 21.2 worksheets. Because fractions can be difficult and practice really helps with these concepts, students need to complete both sheets. They had time to work on one of the sheets in class today.
Keep Reading and Writing!
**On Friday students may wear a "thinking cap" for our MAP assembly. This is not crazy hat day, but can be a baseball hat. It is also a great day to wear your Cardinal's gear or other favorite team's gear since this week is Spring Training for the MAP.
**For MAP testing, we will be having a fun trail mix each day. If you are able, please begin sending items for the mix to school. Please keep in mind that they need to be peanut free.
Have a great night!
Math-We learned about equivalent fractions and how to reduce fractions to simplest form. You can find equivalent fractions by multiplying or dividing the numerator and the denominator by the same number. To reduce a fraction, divide the numerator and the denominator by the same number. If they do not share a factor, then it is in simplest form.
We also began learning about the metric system and talked about mm, cm, dm, and m. We will learn how to convert these tomorrow.
Reading-Students worked on a MAP released item which was on the MAP test a few years ago. I will look these over tonight and we will go over it tomorrow. Skills tested included identifying the problem and solution, fact and opinion, and author's purpose.
Writing-We talked about functional writing which is the kind of writing you might use everyday. Today we wrote directions for making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Students then paired up and wrote directions for something they know how to do or make. We'll share these tomorrow.
We also went over the March Math Tungsten which we scored an 87% on as a class. Great job!
Homework:
Math-There are two 21.2 worksheets. Because fractions can be difficult and practice really helps with these concepts, students need to complete both sheets. They had time to work on one of the sheets in class today.
Keep Reading and Writing!
**On Friday students may wear a "thinking cap" for our MAP assembly. This is not crazy hat day, but can be a baseball hat. It is also a great day to wear your Cardinal's gear or other favorite team's gear since this week is Spring Training for the MAP.
**For MAP testing, we will be having a fun trail mix each day. If you are able, please begin sending items for the mix to school. Please keep in mind that they need to be peanut free.
Have a great night!
Monday, March 21, 2011
March 21st
Welcome back and I hope everyone had a great Spring Break! All the kids were ready to learn today so we're off to a great 4th quarter!
Here's what we did:
Math-We began learning about fractions by using fraction cubes, tiles, circles and counters to show different fractions. It is important that students learn to identify the shaded portion of a fraction and the unshaded portion. They will need to know that if 3/8 of the pizza is gone, that means that 5/8 of the pizza is left. We also talked about customary units for weight which are the ton, pound and ounce.
Reading-Students met in their groups today and discussed their thoughts on their books.
Writing-We finished sharing the choice pieces and heard some great stories and poems!
Social Studies-We began Chapter 6 and talked about slavery and plantations. Students learned why slavery was found in the South, but not in the North. Ask your child what the Freedom School is tonight!
Homework:
Math-WS 21.1, all problems
Reading-Groups will meet again on Thursday. They need to write at least 3 sticky notes and choose a quote from the chapter assignment and write about why that quote is important to the book.
Writing-3 entries this week
Map Testing
We will be testing in Communication Arts on April 6th and 7th and in Math on April 13th and 14th. During the next few weeks we will be doing a lot of learning and reviewing so it essential that no school is missed unless it is unavoidable. Review of Math concepts at home as well as lots of time spent reading will really help to prepare students for the test. Please contact me if you have any questions concerning testing.
Have a great night!
Here's what we did:
Math-We began learning about fractions by using fraction cubes, tiles, circles and counters to show different fractions. It is important that students learn to identify the shaded portion of a fraction and the unshaded portion. They will need to know that if 3/8 of the pizza is gone, that means that 5/8 of the pizza is left. We also talked about customary units for weight which are the ton, pound and ounce.
Reading-Students met in their groups today and discussed their thoughts on their books.
Writing-We finished sharing the choice pieces and heard some great stories and poems!
Social Studies-We began Chapter 6 and talked about slavery and plantations. Students learned why slavery was found in the South, but not in the North. Ask your child what the Freedom School is tonight!
Homework:
Math-WS 21.1, all problems
Reading-Groups will meet again on Thursday. They need to write at least 3 sticky notes and choose a quote from the chapter assignment and write about why that quote is important to the book.
Writing-3 entries this week
Map Testing
We will be testing in Communication Arts on April 6th and 7th and in Math on April 13th and 14th. During the next few weeks we will be doing a lot of learning and reviewing so it essential that no school is missed unless it is unavoidable. Review of Math concepts at home as well as lots of time spent reading will really help to prepare students for the test. Please contact me if you have any questions concerning testing.
Have a great night!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Spring Break!
I want to wish everyone a safe and happy Spring Break! Whether you are traveling or relaxing at home, stay safe. There is no homework other than to be prepared for Reading group on March 28th. Writer's Notebook is encouraged, but optional. See you in a week!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
March 10th
Here's what we did today:
Math-We reviewed for tomorrow's test on Chapter 17.
Reading-Students met in their groups also visited the library for a second lesson on women's history about Anne Frank.
Writing-Students finished up their choice pieces today.
Homework:
Math-Study for Chapter 17 test.
Reading-Groups meet the Monday after spring break. Please don't forget to prepare. Besides the summary strip, the assignment is 5 thoughts.
Writing-Finish up Writer's Notebook entries if you need to.
Have a great night! Remember that tomorrow is a half day-dismissal is at 11:45 and no lunch will be served.
Spring pictures were also sent home today if you would like to order them.
Math-We reviewed for tomorrow's test on Chapter 17.
Reading-Students met in their groups also visited the library for a second lesson on women's history about Anne Frank.
Writing-Students finished up their choice pieces today.
Homework:
Math-Study for Chapter 17 test.
Reading-Groups meet the Monday after spring break. Please don't forget to prepare. Besides the summary strip, the assignment is 5 thoughts.
Writing-Finish up Writer's Notebook entries if you need to.
Have a great night! Remember that tomorrow is a half day-dismissal is at 11:45 and no lunch will be served.
Spring pictures were also sent home today if you would like to order them.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
March 9th
Here's what we did today:
Math- We used a grid to practice the strategy of using a diagram. We also learned how to change linear units by multiplying or dividing by the correct number.
Reading-We continued going over the packet to practice finding the answer in the text.
Writing-We looked at some poems that use repetition and shape to convery a certain meaning.
Homework:
Math-WS 17.4--all problems--test on Friday
Reading-Groups tomorrow
Science- study for quiz tomorrow
Have a great night!
Math- We used a grid to practice the strategy of using a diagram. We also learned how to change linear units by multiplying or dividing by the correct number.
Reading-We continued going over the packet to practice finding the answer in the text.
Writing-We looked at some poems that use repetition and shape to convery a certain meaning.
Homework:
Math-WS 17.4--all problems--test on Friday
Reading-Groups tomorrow
Science- study for quiz tomorrow
Have a great night!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
March 8th
Here's what we did today:
Math-We talked about intersecting, parallel and perpendicular lines. Students went on a hunt around the classroom and the building to find some of the geometrical terms from Chapter 17.
Reading-We went over a myth and practiced looking back in the text to find the answers and using RAP to write down the answers.
Writing-We listened to the song "True Colors" and wrote a poem about the meaning of the song. Students then chose something else that inspires them and wrote another poem. They also had time to work on their choice pieces.
We did extra Math in the afternoon and talked about linear customary measurement.
Homework:
Math-WS 17.3--all Test on Friday
Reading-Groups meet Thursday
Writing-Choice Piece due Thursday
Science-Quiz on Thursday
Have a great night!
Math-We talked about intersecting, parallel and perpendicular lines. Students went on a hunt around the classroom and the building to find some of the geometrical terms from Chapter 17.
Reading-We went over a myth and practiced looking back in the text to find the answers and using RAP to write down the answers.
Writing-We listened to the song "True Colors" and wrote a poem about the meaning of the song. Students then chose something else that inspires them and wrote another poem. They also had time to work on their choice pieces.
We did extra Math in the afternoon and talked about linear customary measurement.
Homework:
Math-WS 17.3--all Test on Friday
Reading-Groups meet Thursday
Writing-Choice Piece due Thursday
Science-Quiz on Thursday
Have a great night!
Monday, March 7, 2011
March 7th
Here's what we did today:
Math-We learned about the different types of angles. As we had previously discussed this when learning about triangles, the students did very well. There will be a test on Chapter 17 on Friday.
Word Study-Students worked on Tungsten and are doing fabulous!
Reading-We visited the library for a lesson on women's history and also met in Literature Circles.
Writing-We worked on an activity for the Truman Time Capsule.
Homework:
Math-WS 17.2--all problems--students do not need to use a protractor
Reading-Groups meet Thursday--Complete the summary strip. Then pick an important quote from the chapters you read, write the quote on a sheet of paper, and write a paragraph about why that quote is important to the story.
Conference forms were sent home last week if you would like to request a conference. I sent notes home with some students today who I am requesting a parent conference with. If you do not receive one of these notes, but would still like a conference, please return the first form with your availability. Thanks!
Math-We learned about the different types of angles. As we had previously discussed this when learning about triangles, the students did very well. There will be a test on Chapter 17 on Friday.
Word Study-Students worked on Tungsten and are doing fabulous!
Reading-We visited the library for a lesson on women's history and also met in Literature Circles.
Writing-We worked on an activity for the Truman Time Capsule.
Homework:
Math-WS 17.2--all problems--students do not need to use a protractor
Reading-Groups meet Thursday--Complete the summary strip. Then pick an important quote from the chapters you read, write the quote on a sheet of paper, and write a paragraph about why that quote is important to the story.
Conference forms were sent home last week if you would like to request a conference. I sent notes home with some students today who I am requesting a parent conference with. If you do not receive one of these notes, but would still like a conference, please return the first form with your availability. Thanks!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
March 3rd
Here's what we did on this lovely Thursday:
Math-Students took the Chapter 18/30 test. They will get these back tomorrow.
Word Study-Groups 1/2 finished up their contracts while Groups 3/4 took their tests.
Reading-Students met in their groups and discussed the 5 most important words from the chapters they read. They also began the March Reading Tungsten.
Writing-We discussed a poem about weather and how it was organized.
Homework:
Word Study-Groups 3/4 contracts due tomorrow.
Reading-Groups meet Monday.
Write!
I will be out for a technology training tomorrow, but will be back Monday!
Math-Students took the Chapter 18/30 test. They will get these back tomorrow.
Word Study-Groups 1/2 finished up their contracts while Groups 3/4 took their tests.
Reading-Students met in their groups and discussed the 5 most important words from the chapters they read. They also began the March Reading Tungsten.
Writing-We discussed a poem about weather and how it was organized.
Homework:
Word Study-Groups 3/4 contracts due tomorrow.
Reading-Groups meet Monday.
Write!
I will be out for a technology training tomorrow, but will be back Monday!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
March 2nd
Happy Birthday to Dr. Seuss! We celebrated by watching Green Eggs and Ham and taking some time out to read! Here's what else we did:
Math-We reviewed Chapter 18 and 30 for the test tomorrow. Volume will be extra credit on the test.
Word Study-Groups 1/2 took their tests while Groups 3/4 did a buddy check.
Reading-We celebrated Dr. Seuss!
Writing-We had our February Reward Party. I also handed back the biographies today. Make sure to look for that!
Homework:
Math-Study!
Reading-Groups meet tomorrow. Remember to write down the 5 most important words from your reading and fill in your summary strip.
Writing-Writer's Notebook
Have a great night!
Math-We reviewed Chapter 18 and 30 for the test tomorrow. Volume will be extra credit on the test.
Word Study-Groups 1/2 took their tests while Groups 3/4 did a buddy check.
Reading-We celebrated Dr. Seuss!
Writing-We had our February Reward Party. I also handed back the biographies today. Make sure to look for that!
Homework:
Math-Study!
Reading-Groups meet tomorrow. Remember to write down the 5 most important words from your reading and fill in your summary strip.
Writing-Writer's Notebook
Have a great night!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
March 1st
Happy March! Hopefully spring will come quickly and stick around for good! Here's what we did today:
Math-We learned about circles today. We will review chapters 30 and 18 tomorrow and test on both chapters on Thursday.
Word Study-Groups 1/2 did a buddy check while Groups 3/4 worked on their contracts.
Reading-Literature circle groups got together and wrote a summary of their book thus far. They all did a great job and I can see a definite improvement in their ability to pull out the important parts and set aside the details.
Writing-We learned about some aspects of poetry including figurative language such as alliteration, personification and similes and metaphors.
Students also took the March Math Tungsten this afternoon.
Homework:
Math-WS 18.5
Word Study-Groups 1/2 test tomorrow, Groups 3/4 test on Thursday
Read and Write!
Science-Quiz tomorrow.
Have a great night!
**Check your child's folder for a lot of mail that went home today. Among the mail is 2 sheets regarding spring conferences. These are either by parent or teacher request. Please fill out the form with your availability if you would like to request a conference.
**We are having our February Reward Party tomorrow afternoon. Students may bring electronics if they'd like to.
**Book orders will be due on Friday.
Math-We learned about circles today. We will review chapters 30 and 18 tomorrow and test on both chapters on Thursday.
Word Study-Groups 1/2 did a buddy check while Groups 3/4 worked on their contracts.
Reading-Literature circle groups got together and wrote a summary of their book thus far. They all did a great job and I can see a definite improvement in their ability to pull out the important parts and set aside the details.
Writing-We learned about some aspects of poetry including figurative language such as alliteration, personification and similes and metaphors.
Students also took the March Math Tungsten this afternoon.
Homework:
Math-WS 18.5
Word Study-Groups 1/2 test tomorrow, Groups 3/4 test on Thursday
Read and Write!
Science-Quiz tomorrow.
Have a great night!
**Check your child's folder for a lot of mail that went home today. Among the mail is 2 sheets regarding spring conferences. These are either by parent or teacher request. Please fill out the form with your availability if you would like to request a conference.
**We are having our February Reward Party tomorrow afternoon. Students may bring electronics if they'd like to.
**Book orders will be due on Friday.
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