It's here!  Winter Break!  Have a wonderful fourteen days to spend with family and friends.  See you in 2012!

Items of Interest

• Last week's mark chart summaries went home tonight for a signature.
• Students took their Chapter 4 science test today (Monday).  It will come home for a signature tomorrow (Tuesday).  I have indicated on the test whether or not the students should do corrections for grade improvement.  The class as a whole did quite well.
• I will also be collecting their Chapter 4 notes packets, which include an experiment we have been doing in class.  The completed packet will also go toward their Quarter 2 grade in science.
• Tuesday at 2:30 will be our Winter Party.  Thanks to those who offered to bring items.
• Wednesday at 2:30 will be our All School Sing Along.  Parents are more than welcome (but not required) to join in on the fun!
• Winter Break begins Wednesday at 3:15.  It's hard to believe I am typing that!  I feel like August was just yesterday.

Just a reminder: Science test on Ch. 4 tomorrow!

I was absent on Friday.  Mark charts will go home on Monday.  Students should be sure to finish Week 15 Handwriting this weekend, if it's not already done.

Math: FASTT Math; went over Topic 3 test

Science: went over Ch. 4 review;  made flash cards for vocabulary words; science test Monday - STUDY!

Literacy Block: Time for Kids; Handwriting, Thursday, Week 15 is homework

Math: FASTT Math; correct Topic 3 test and get signed

Science: Math in Science; Chapter Review should be completed tonight if not finished in class

Literacy block: Handwriting, Week 15, Wednesday is due tomorrow; End of Quarter Conferences; Rotations; Snow globe paragraphs; Discovery Assessment

Get planners signed tonight

Math: FASTT Math; Discovery Assessment

Science: Finished Ch. 4, Lesson 4; observed radish plants

Literacy block: Rotations; letter writing to Mr. Johnson; Handwriting, Week 15, Tuesday is homework


New seats tomorrow!

Math: FASTT Math; Topic 3 test; Discovery Assessment

Science: Chapter 4, Lesson 4

Literacy block: Discovery Assessment; Six-Minute Solution; Rotations; Handwriting, Monday, Week 15 is tonight's homework

Our Friday Fun Icosahedron Ornaments

Math: FASTT Math; checked chapter review; worked on solving problems using an organized list; Topic 3 assessment Monday

Science: Chapter 4, Lesson 4

Literacy block: Shared Snow Globe paragraphs; rotation; Handwriting, Week 14, Friday is homework.

Get mark charts signed this weekend

Math: FASTT Math; making an organized list; complete work from p. 84-85 (see worksheet) for homework

Science: Chapter 4, Lesson 3 Review

Literacy block: Finished snow globe paragraphs; talked about Hink Pinks (expanding vocabulary and critical thinking); rotations; Handwriting, Week 14, Thursday is for homework

Students should have their ornament circles cut out and ready for tomorrow if they are participating in the icosahedron ornament project.

Math: FASTT Math; discussion of Core Content Reviews and grade packets; get grade sheet signed

Science: Ch. 4, Lesson 3

Social studies: Get grade sheet signed

Literacy Block: Discussion of Pearl Harbor; reading assessment; snow globe paragraphs; rotations; Handwriting, Wednesday, Week 14 is homework; Get grade sheet song


Get planner signed

Math: FASTT Math; checked homework; check out the link for rounding flashcards on the math tab, under Topic 3

Science: Chapter 4, Lesson 2; Brain Pop on extinct and endangered species

Literacy Block: Came up with grade sheets for snow globe paragraphs; rotations; Handwriting, Week 14, Tuesday is due tomorrow

Math: FASTT Math; number line activity; Practice 3-5 #1-12 is tonight's homework


Science: Chapter 4, Lesson 2


Literacy Block: Handwriting, Week 14, Monday is tonight's homework.  We had writing conferences and rotations today.  Some students needed to re-do Friday's handwriting on prefixes and suffixes.  Some had to re-do noun-verb-noun sentence patterns.  All students were introduced to a snow globe writing activity, which will be due on Friday.

Math: FASTT Math, Rounding.  A Topic 3 assessment will occur next week for most students.

Science: Chapter 4, Lesson 1 completed; Lesson 2 begun

Literacy block: Rotations and writing conferences occurred during class.  Handwriting, Friday, Week 13 is homework AND is an assessment.  Target: define words using knowledge of prefixes and suffixes.  We did the first one together as a class.  For example, if they are asked to define "unhappy," they would write "not happy" to show that they know the prefix "un-" means "not."

Mark charts went home for a parent signature this weekend.

Math: Due to an unexpected network outage, we changed our plans a little today.  We played some very challenging number games.  Lots of good thinking going on!

Science: Chapter 4, Lesson 1 TRL was discussed in class.  The Lesson 1 review was completed by most students.  Some will need to finish it tonight.

Literacy block: We looked at group work with Noun-Verb-Noun sentences.  The students then wrote 5 sentences of their own using this pattern for an assessment.  We continued with writing conferences and rotations.  Handwriting, Week 13, Thursday is due tomorrow.  We discussed Friday's handwriting homework.  It will be an assessment, and it tests whether or not students can use prefixes and suffixes to define words.

Math: FASTT Math; rounding

Science: Ch. 4, Lesson 1

Literacy block: This week, we have discussed prefixes and suffixes as part of the Handwriting focus.  Handwriting, Wednesday, Week 13 is due tomorrow.  Pen pal letter conferences and rotations occurred today. Students also worked in groups on Noun-Verb-Noun sentence patterns.

Get planner signed tonight.

Math: FASTT Math; number line activities

Science: Vocabulary Preview; Cause-Effect activity

Literacy block: Conferences with students about pen pal letters; discussed noun-verb-noun sentence pattern; rotations; Handwriting, Week 13, Tuesday is tonight's homework

Back in the Swing!

What a dreary day to return from Thanksgiving break!  We made the best of it, however, and lots of learning was accomplished.

Math: We completed FASTT Math and a Core Content Review.  We briefly discussed ordering larger numbers.

Social Studies: Ch. 2 test went home today for a parent signature.  Students may correct the tests to earn points back.  This was the last test of the quarter, as we switched to science studies today.

Science: We discussed the targets for Chapter 4, Changes in Ecosystems.  We started a Directed Inquiry to see what will happen if we try to grow radishes in a small amount of space.

Literacy block: Handwriting, Week 13, discusses prefixes and suffixes.  We are discussing the meanings of the word parts to help student word attack skills.  Monday's assignment, using prefixes such as "re-,", "un-," and "tri-," is due tomorrow.  Today, we launched our last rotation opportunity, Listen to Reading.  We discussed reasons why we listen to reading, and what that should look like when we are doing it.  Then, conferences about our pen pal letters began.  Each student is writing back to a student from Mrs. Grupp's 4th Grade class at Washington.  We are using this as an opportunity to create friendly letters as well as learn about students from our district.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Students only have a mark chart to get signed for Monday, unless they did not hand in their signed math packet sheet and subtraction sheet on Friday.

I hope each of you has a fantastic Thanksgiving.  I am particularly grateful for the students I teach!

Math: Students completed FASTT Math.  As a class, we went over the math packet coming home.  Please read the letter carefully.  On Wednesday, students need to return the signed letter and the subtraction practice.  All else is for you to keep.  Any student who completes extra practice from the packet can also hand that in, and I would be happy to look it over.

Social studies: We played a review game for tomorrow's test.  Study tonight!  Students should have brought home their study guides, their notes, and their book.

Literacy block: We discussed the targets for a friendly letter.  We had rotations and conferences.  NO HANDWRITING THIS WEEK! :)

Math: FASTT Math; Quick Check; Core Content Review; Started section 3-2

Social Studies: Study for Ch. 2 test this weekend

Literacy Block: We got to read letters from pen pals from Washington.  We also completed some rotations.  Handwriting, Friday, Week 12 is due Monday.

Friday fun: We got to make beaded pens!  Too much fun!

Get mark chart signed this weekend.

Finally fully back!

I am so glad to say I was able to be with the class all day today.  This week was pretty jumbled.  On Monday, I was able to experience Paula Kluth, a national speaker about differentiated instruction, particularly in the area of autism.  You may or may not know that both of my sons are diagnosed on the autism spectrum.  I have also been blessed with students with this diagnosis during my career. Paula spoke not just about students with autism, but students with all kinds of learning needs and ways to help reach the needs.  On Tuesday afternoon, I was honored to speak at ISU's T21 Conference to and audience pre-service teachers about data-driven instruction.  Yesterday afternoon, our Problem-Solving Team met, and we discussed some interventions we could put in place for some of our struggling students.  I appreciate each of these opportunities, but nothing beats being in the classroom with the kids.  It felt good to be back!

Math: FASTT Math; place value games

Social Studies: Finished Geography Challenge.  Went over study guide for test on Tuesday.

Literacy block: Mrs. Schwerman's sixth graders at Parkside Junior High have been presenting their self-authored tall tales to our class this week.  We used Brigit conferencing software and were able to see the stories as the sixth graders read them.  It has been awesome!  Handwriting, Week 12, Thursday is tonight's homework.  We also discussed Microsoft Outlook today.  Tomorrow, students will open district e-mail to read letters from their Washington School pen pals from Mrs. Grupp's fourth grade class.  We discussed how to use the software and the acceptable use of intra-district e-mail (no e-mail from outside of the district comes through the server).

Tomorrow's Friday Fun: Beaded Pens!

Happy Veterans Day!

Our Veterans Day Bulletin Board--Thanks to all families who contributed!

Math: FASTT Math and place value

Social studies: We read The Wall by Eve Bunting and made acrostics for veterans.

Shakespeare performance

Literacy block: We had a few rotations and conferences, then we were entertained by a Shakespeare performance.  Students do not have to complete handwriting for Friday.

Get mark charts signed this weekend

Math: FASTT Math and Topic 4 readiness test discussion

Social Studies: Went over the geography challenge.  Discussed finding the main idea.  Read the remainder of Ch. 2, finding the main ideas in each section.

Literacy block: We explored tall tales.  We had conferences and rotations.  Handwriting, Thursday, Week 11 is due tomorrow.

Math: Today we did FASTT Math, Topic 4 Readiness Test, and Core Content Review.  A grade sheet went home that needs to be signed.

Social studies: Students finished map work from the Geography Challenge.  They then read a TFK with our guest teacher.  A grade sheet went home that needs to be signed.

Literacy block: Students completed rotations.  Handwriting, Week 11, Wednesday is due tomorrow.  A grade sheet went home that needs to be signed.

Planners should be signed tonight.

Math: We did FASTT Math and discussed the Topic 3 Readiness Test Results.

Social Studies: Mrs. Kincy came in for Second Step.  Student completed the geography challenge in Chapter 2.

Literacy block: Students completed rotations. Handwriting for Tuesday, week 11 due tomorrow.

Sorry there was no post on Friday.  I thought I posted, but apparently I did not.

Math: FASTT Math and review of Common Core Reviews.  Some students need to get their tests signed tonight, as they were not signed over the weekend.

Social studies: Geography challenge.  Ch.1 tests need to be signed.  Students also got their grades back for their artifact bags.

Literacy block: We discussed main idea today.  We also worked on editing Noun-Verb sentences.  Students completed rotations. Handwriting, Week 11, Monday is due tomorrow.

Math: In class, we did FASTT Math and took a pre-test on Place Value.

Social Studies: We took notes on sections 2.3-2.6.

Literacy block: We worked on Noun-Verb sentence patterns and had rotations.  Handwriting, Thursday, Week 10 is for homework.

Math: Students took the Topic 1 test online today.  The class as a whole did pretty well.  On to place value!

Social studies: We looked at student main ideas from Chapter 2.  We took notes on our foldable for Sections 2.1 and 2.2.

Literacy block: We discussed targets for a sentence.  We practiced Noun-Verb sentence patterns in groups.  Handwriting, Wednesday, Week 10 is due tomorrow.

Get planners signed tonight.


Students brought home a letter regarding our Veterans Day bulletin board in the hallway.  Please return your information as soon as possible (if applicable).

Math: Topic 1 test tomorrow!  Study!

Social studies: We started reading Ch. 2 today.

Literacy block: Today we discussed the report card targets for communication and students would need in order to meet them.  Handwriting, Tuesday, Week 10 is due tomorrow.

Happy Halloween!

May you enjoy the hospitality of neighbors and the goodness of sugar!

Math: Finish Topic Test 1, if not finished in class.  Test Wednesday!

Social studies: We created maps of our homes and divided them into regions according to categories.  We started a foldable for our Chapter 2 notes.

Literacy block: We made a story web for The Wizard of Oz. (Mrs. Plato saw "Wicked" this weekend and felt the witchy theme went with the day!)  We did Read to Self, had our treats, and wrote a couple accordion stories.  Handwriting, Week 10, Monday is tonight's homework.

Conference Week Wrap-Up

Thank you to everyone who made the time to come in and chat about your sons and daughters.  It was a pleasure to meet with you!

Math: Students are wrapping up Topic 1 in preparation for a test next week (probably Wednesday).  We also continued practicing basic facts with FASTT Math. Students had class time for p. 30-31 # 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10.  If they did not complete it, it is to be done for homework.

Social Studies: Ch. 1 test

Literacy Block: Handwriting, Week 9, Thursday and Friday are due on Monday.  For a fall treat, we watched a movie and had some popcorn and drinks.

Mark chart slips should be signed and returned on Monday.

Welcome to our new student, Jerry!


Math: We worked on FASTT Math and checked Practice 1-8.  We then began discussing the problem solving skills of drawing pictures and writing equations.

Social Studies: Students worked on a study guide for Chapter 1, and we then checked it together.  Study for Ch. 1 test tomorrow.

Literacy block: We came up with requirements for an "A" in reading class.  We discussed the skills I am asked to assess them on for report cards. We completed rotations today as well.  Handwriting, Week 9, Wednesday, is due tomorrow.


Signed planners are due tomorrow.


Pajama day tomorrow wraps up red Ribbon Week.  Slippers may be brought for the room, but shoes, especially sneakers for PE, must be worn.

Conference Week!

Thanks to the parents who have scheduled time into their weeks in order to meet for conferences.  I appreciate your partnership.

Math: After FASTT Math, we checked our homework.  We completed a Quick Check on the meanings of division.  We will be working more with that tomorrow.

Social Studies: Artifact bags are due tomorrow.  We finished reading Chapter 1 today and students saw and discussed my example of the assignment.

Literacy block: Students completed rotations and finished conference folders.  Handwriting, Monday, Week 9 is tonight's homework.  Students should also be reading every night, as that is how they will become better readers.

I will see many of you tomorrow night!

Sorry for my absence yesterday.  Last night was quite hectic!

Math: FASTT Math and Core Content Reviews for 1-7 and 1-8 were completed in class.  Students had a great deal of time to work on the following book work.  If it is incomplete, it needed to be completed at home:
p. 26 #1-10 and 12-24
p. 27 #28, 31, 32, 33
Students who may have forgotten their books can be reminded that the book is available online.  See the Math tab for more information.

Social Studies: We read about political scientists and historians.  We took notes in our ISN.  Students are bringing home an "artifacts bag" this weekend.  They must come up with an artifact from home that each types of social scientist -- economist, geographer, political scientist, and historian -- would be interested in.  Their notes will help them with this.  It need not be anything elaborate.  We discussed some items today, and there are examples in their books to help them out.  I will be sharing my bag on Monday as a sample.  Their artifacts are due Tuesday.

Literacy block: Rotations and finishing preparation for conferences took place today.  Finish up Handwriting Thursday and Friday, Week 8 this weekend.

Get mark charts signed.  Mark charts have a reminder of scheduled parent conference times.  Parent conferences will be held Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of next week.

We have no school tomorrow due to a Teacher Institute Day.

Math: FASTT Math; went over homework

Social Studies: Discussed why it's important to study different subjects.  Mrs. Kincy came in and shared with us strategies to use when we are in conflict with someone.

Literacy block: Conferences and rotations.  Handwriting, Week 8, Tuesday is due tomorrow.

Lots of things to remember tonight

Math: Complete Reteach/Practice packet for 1-6 and 1-7

Science: We went over the Ch. 1 tests today.  Students have a green copy, which should have all the answers we went over in class.  It is stapled to their original test.  They have been encouraged to look at the items they missed and correct them.  All students need to have tests signed tonight.

Literacy block: Rotations and conferences occurred during class today.  Handwriting, Monday, Week 8 is to be completed tonight.

Mark charts came home for a signature.  Attached to the summaries is a copy of conference times for you to keep for your reference.

Weldon Springs

Check out the "Pictures" tab for some Weldon Springs photos.

Math: FASTT Math and division practice

Science: Test on Ch. 1 was today; green booklets were also collected; Weldon Springs trip tomorrow

Literacy block: Rotations and conferencing; Thursday and Friday Handwriting, week 7 is due Monday


Mark charts will go home Monday along with parent conference appointment times.

Math: FASTT Math; started discussion of division

Science: Test tomorrow on Chapter 1; green booklets will be collected as well; checklist for Weldon Springs trip went home today

Literacy Block: complete Handwriting, Wednesday, Week 7; rotations; conferences

Get planner signed tonight

Math: Students worked on FASTT Math and the Daily Common Core Review 1-6

Science: Test this Thursday on Chapter 1!  Students should be bringing home materials and studying each night.  Review games tomorrow.

Literacy block: Rotations and conferencing.  Handwriting for Monday and Tuesday of Week 7 due tomorrow.

Math: Students took a placement test for FASTT Math today. This program determines the need for practice of math facts and isolates the ones students need to work on.

Science: Chapter 1 test Thursday.  We discussed ways to study for the test today.  Students should begin studying.  We will be reviewing next week.

Literacy block: We conferenced and completed rotations.  Handwriting for Friday, Week 6, is due Tuesday.

Mark chart slips should be signed this weekend.

NO SCHOOL MONDAY--Columbus Day observed.

Math: We went over homework and played Dino Disco.  (see math page for the link) We completed a quick check for lesson 1-5.  Tomorrow, we will begin FASTT Math to see who, at this point, needs extra help with math facts.  Stay tuned!

Science: We learned how to read a flow chart to determine categories of leaves.

Literacy Block: I explained the Book It program to the students.  If they attain 20 Reading Counts! points in a month, they will earn a Book It! coupon for a free Pizza Hut personal pan pizza!  We had rotations and conferences.  Handwriting for Thursday, Week 6 is due tomorrow.

Math: Complete Practice 1-5.

Science: Some students need to finish #9 from the Section 5 lesson review.   We did a Venn diagram in class.  Students need to to take the information from the Venn diagram and write their answer in sentences.

Literacy block: Students conferenced with Mrs. Plato. They completed rotations today.  Handwriting, Week 6, Wednesday is tonight's homework.

Get planner signed tonight.

Math: Please look at p. 19, #10.   We will discuss this problem tomorrow.

Science: We finished Lesson 1-5. We are starting the review.

Literacy Block: We practiced good and not-so-good ways to do Word Work.  We had rotations and conferences.  Handwriting, Week 6, Tuesday is due tomorrow.

Gorgeous!

I think if you look in the dictionary under "autumn," there is a photo and description of today.  What a great day!

Math: We discussed patterns and using them in problem solving.  Students brought home a worksheet.  They only need to do the side stamped with a stamp (reteaching).  They will not be ready to do the other side just yet.

Science: We started Lesson 1-5 about animal adaptations.

Literacy block: We launched Word Work today.  For the first time in our "Hearty Reader Cafe," students were allowed to choose their rotations.  They were very excited!  I started conferencing with students today as well.  Handwriting, Week 6, Monday is for homework tonight.

Mark chart slips went home for a parent signature tonight.

Math: We took timed tests today and wrapped up our talk about Discovery Assessment.

Science: We wrapped up lesson 4 and played some classification games.  We also discussed latitude and longitude.

Literacy Block: We worked on writing and talked about verbs.  We watched Schoolhouse Rock and read to self.  Handwriting Week 5 will be checked on Monday when I return.


Mark chart slips will go home on Monday.


Students with 0-1 marks for the month of September will have special games at Miller Park tomorrow!

Math: Discovery Assessment analysis. Timed tests from last week went home.  Tomorrow students will try to get their personal best on 100 multiplication and 100 addition tests.  Practice, practice, practice!

Science: Lesson 4 TRL and review due tomorrow (LOTS of class time was given to work on this).

Literacy Block: Handwriting, Week 5, Wednesday is due tomorrow.  Today we practiced Read to Someone skills.  We also Read to Self.

Completed Planners need to be signed tonight.  They should not have blanks.

Math: We continued to discuss Discovery Assessment.  We played Terrific Triangles (see link under the math tab... it's free software!).

Science: We wrapped up Lesson 3 (classification of plants) and began Lesson 4 (classification of animals).

Literacy block: Handwriting, Week 5, Tuesday is for homework tonight. We continued discussing Discovery Assessment, completed Noun Town, and completed Read to Self/Someone.

Picture proofs went home today!

Math: We started discussing Discovery Assessment results today.  Please continue practicing facts.

Science: We wrapped up Lesson 3 today.

Literacy Block: We discussed Discovery Assessment results.  We also started paving the roads of Noun Town.  Handwriting, Monday, Week 5 is tonight's homework.

Mark charts went home tonight.  Please sign and return.

Tutoring

This just in:
The McLean County Urban League offers free tutoring every Tuesday and Thursday, from 4:00-6:00 PM at Mt. Pisgah Church. It is located at 801 W. Market Street. The service is provided by ISU and IWU students and is open to everyone on a drop in basis-no appointments needed. They are available to tutor students in all subject areas.

Art Class Website

Did you know that Mrs. Pitcher has a website?  Check it out!  There are pictures of the Pinwheels for Peace project the students did.

Math: Times tests today.  Please keep working on automaticity of facts.

Science: Lesson 3: Classification of plants.

Literacy block: Discovery Assessment; Work on Writing; Read to Self; specific nouns; please work on Week 4's Handwriting which will be checked on Monday.

No mark charts this weekend.  They will go home on Monday.  Have a good weekend!!  Mrs. Plato will have a guest teacher tomorrow.

Math: We took our first Discovery Assessment tests today.  Students have two math worksheets to finish tonight that involved basic facts and puzzles.  I also provided two practice timed test sheets of 100 facts for addition and 100 facts for multiplication.  We have our timed tests tomorrow since I will be out on Friday.

Science: We finished lesson 2 on classification of animals.  Lesson 3 discusses classification of plants.

Literacy Block: We discussed how to choose a partner for Read to Someone and how to choose a spot in the room to make it work. We modeled good ways to do this and bad ways to do this.  We had time for building Read to Self stamina.  We also started a chart of specific nouns.  Handwriting, Week 4, Wednesday is due tomorrow.

Completed planners should be signed for tomorrow.

Math: Students learned how to use the calculators for our room.  They then previewed the questions for tomorrow's Discovery Assessment.  Keep practicing facts!

Science: Students finished up lesson 2 on classifications of living things.  In their green booklets, they need to finish the review for chapter 2 (most students completed it in class).

Literacy Block: We discussed the "I Heard You Say" method for Read to Someone.  We built stamina for Read to Self and Work on Writing.  Handwriting, Tuesday, Week 4 should be completed for homework.

Math: Reviewed Distributive Property; Practice 1-4, choose 3 from the first section, 5 from the second section, and 3 from the third section for homework tonight.

Science: We started Lesson 2 (classification) and watched a Brain Pop today. Weldon Springs permission slips due tomorrow.

Literacy block: We discussed how to take a multiple choice test in reading.  We practiced our skills with our Discovery Assessment test.  We then chose between Read to Self and Work on Writing. Complete Handwriting for Monday, Week 4 tonight.

Miller Park!

For today's Friday Fun, we went over to Miller Park.  Some photos will be posted soon under the Pictures tab. Most of the class was completely caught up on their work and had behavior that was strong enough to be able to go!  That took some work!

Math: Timed tests today.  We also checked homework and did a quick check on lesson 1-4.

Science: We finished up our word webs for lesson 1 and did some pre-reading activities for lesson 2.  We also discussed our first field trip: Weldon Springs.  Students have a sheet that needs to be signed and returned by Tuesday.

Literacy: We worked on Read to Self, and we finished our places for Noun Town and Verb Village.

Get mark charts signed this weekend.

The end of another week

Can't believe this week is almost over!

Math: I gave students last week's timed tests and a couple of copies of blank tests to practice tonight.  They also need to finish up p. 15, #2-3.  They should have brought home notes from class to help them with these.  We are wrapping up  our exploration of the distributive property.  Timed tests in multiplication and addition will take place tomorrow.

Science: We completed word webs with Lesson 1 vocabulary.  We also took our media center book check out during science today since we missed it on Tuesday.

Literacy block: We learned a new skill: Check for understanding.  While we read, we should every now and then stop and be able to recall who was in the story and what was happening to them.  We practiced that with read to someone partners.  Handwriting for Thursday, week 3, is due tomorrow.

Parent conference forms are due tomorrow.

Reading is Awesome!

This group is a fantastic bunch of readers!  What fun it is to watch them grow!

Math: We began working with arrays to "see" the distributive property.  Students should continue practicing their facts every night.

Science: We wrapped up lesson 1 with the review and we worked on word webs for the vocabulary.

Literacy block: Handwriting for Wednesday, Week 3 is due tomorrow.  We discussed and practice how the Read to Someone rotation would work.  Here's a video of the kiddos in action:

They were building stamina for when I am teaching and conferring with other students.  They sit EEKK (elbow to elbow, knee to knee) and take turns reading aloud.  The target was that others should not be able to hear them, but they should be able to hear their partner.  They practiced for 3 minutes today, and definitely hit the target.

We also read 31 minutes (great stamina!) and started to review nouns.

Planners must be signed tonight!

A real community

What a great class!  I really am feeling them forming a real community this week--looking out for each other and helping when needed.

Math: We learned about some important properties in math: zero property (the product of any number and 0 is 0), commutative property (3 x 6 = 6 x 3), and identity property (the product of any number and 1 is that number).  Tonight, students are asked to complete a Core Content Review sheet.  Students should continue practicing their facts every night.

Science: We read about cells and their "place" in living things.  We got to explore a virtual model of a cell online. On the science and math pages, I have added a link to the math and science books.  To log in, students should type BL in front of their username (it's a 5-digit number after the BL).  Their password is the same as their network password.

Literacy Block: This is quickly becoming my favorite part of the day.  Students built their stamina to 30 solid minutes of reading today!  Impressive!!  Today we learned about EEKK and how to use this strategy when reading to someone during Daily 5 CAFE.  We also took time to share what we wrote, if students wished to do so.  Handwriting for Tuesday is due tomorrow.

What season is it?

We're back to 90 degree weather again, I guess!  Lots of sneezing going on in our room...including me!

Math: We jumped in to Lesson 1-2 today.  It is REALLY important for students to be practicing their multiplication facts throughout this topic.  p. 11, #31, 32, 33, 34, and 36 were assigned for homework tonight.

Science: We observed an onion in "real life" as well as at the cellular level.  We drew  and wrote our observations.  We also started reading Chapter 1.

Literacy Block: Handwriting, week 3, Monday is for homework.  Students should take special care with this--it's months of the year, and they can be tricky to spell.  We completed 27 minutes of Read to Self time today.  We also completed 8 minutes of Work on Writing, which seemed like not a lot of time as far as the students were concerned.

We had school pictures taken today. Everyone looked great!

Dreary Friday

A cold and rainy Friday!  We had fun in the gym after lunch, though, with an out of the blue for students who had their work done.

Math: Timed tests today.

Literacy Block: Made tribute flags; watched informative, kid-friendly video about 9/11; Handwriting for Friday, Week 2 needs to be completed this weekend

We took Langauge and Social Science SAT-10 tests today to wrap up our testing.

Mark chart slips went home today for parent signatures.

A Wet Carnival

Mother Nature shut down our carnival a bit early last night, but the book fair was still going strong until 7.It was great to see so many students there.

A few quick reminders about today:

• Fact Family Triangle Practice Sheets are due today.
• Handwriting for Thursday, week 2 is due today.
• Any late work the students have is due so they can enjoy Friday Funtime.

Looks like a rainy one.  If students wish to bring something for inside play this afternoon, they are welcome to do so.

Gorgeous Wednesday

Hopefully, you have time to enjoy this fantastic weather.

Math: practice Fact Family Triangles; students should work on speed of recall; we took math tests for SAT 10 in math today.

Science: in class, we completed a compare/contrast activity about bamboo and moss

Literacy Block: We learned about the John J. Harvey fireboat and its role in helping on 9/11/01.  We learned several skills that will help with comprehension (cross checking, flip the sound, back it up and re-read).  Handwriting for Wednesday, week 2, should be completed tonight.

Completed planners need to be signed tonight.

Carnival and Book Fair tomorrow from 5-7!

Hello, Autumn!

Even though we still have two weeks before it's official, I'll still say, "Happy Fall!"  What great weather!

We started the Stanford Achievement Test, Version 10 (SAT 10) today.  The students participated in the portion of the assessment that deals with reading: Word Skills, Vocabulary, and Comprehension.  Tomorrow, they will take the math portions of the test.

Math: We had a group intervention for subtraction with regrouping.  We seemed to struggle with that a great deal on daily reviews, so I did some reteaching.  Some students still need to finish practice work with that this evening.  Students have a packet of math papers and an explanation of those papers coming home this evening.  They also received a new Fact Family Triangle review sheet.  They should spend 10 minutes a night, at minimum, studying their Fact Family Triangles.

Literacy Block: We were so excited to be able to take out books from the library today!  Plus, we have increased our stamina to 22 minutes of solid reading.  Outstanding!  We also practiced work on writing for 7 minutes.  For Handwriting, students need to finish Monday AND Tuesday.  Also, some students will begin Title intervention services tomorrow with Mrs. Welke.

Our school carnival and book fair are this Thursday from 5-7.  Hope to see you there!  I'll be at the book fair.

Scholastic + Kellogg's + Wal-Mart = Free Books!

For every two Kellogg's products with special codes on them, purchased at Wal-Mart, you can get a free book coupon from Scholastic for a book valued up to $5!  Great deal!  Follow this link for more information.

It's a hot one

I know the students have been very disappointed that the past few days have been so hot that they have had indoor recess.  Having taught for part of my career when air conditioned buildings were not the "norm," I have to say that I am eternally grateful for the air conditioning that we enjoy.  I hope they can get outside next week, though, as all kids need to run around and be active!

Math: We complete timed tests for multiplication and addition this morning.  The students were given 5 minutes to complete 100 equations.  What a great job they did with addition!  We will be working on subtraction with regrouping on Tuesday, as the class as a whole (except for a few) seems to be struggling with this skill, according to the assessments we have done.  Any practice you can do at home with this would be fantastic.  Here's a website that can be of help: http://www.mathplayground.com/howto_regroupI.html  Video and games provided!

Science: We went over the Vocabulary Preview for Chapter 1.  I was completely impressed with student abilities to predict word meanings based on context clues!  We also practiced making word webs for vocabulary and we reviewed what a Venn diagram can be used to do.

Literacy Block: We practiced Work on Writing for when we begin rotations.  The students have done a great job building their stamina.  They are up to reading for 20 straight minutes--on task, with urgency, reading the whole time.  I am tremendously proud of them.  We started writing for 3 minutes, and they were truly disappointed when the timer sounded.  We were able to practice for an additional 5 minutes, which pleased them very much.  Students should complete Friday's Handwriting assignment for week 1 for Tuesday.

Mark chart summaries were sent home for parent signatures.  Students should have them in school on Tuesday.

Thanks to those of you who ordered from our Scholastic book order this time around.  We also have Book Fair coming up!

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

Parent Night

Hello!  Parent Night is at 6:30 PM tonight!  Hope to see you there.

Math: Fact Family practice sheet due tomorrow.  Practice 1-1 due tomorrow.  We are getting ready to jump into multiplication facts, so speed of knowing the facts will be pretty important.

Science: We began Chapter 1 today by previewing the vocabulary.

Literacy Block: We discussed "good fit" books.  Ask your student how to decide if a book is a "good fit."  Handwriting for Thursday, week 1 is due tomorrow.

Book orders are due tomorrow, if you are interested in ordering.
Monday is Labor Day.  No school!

Late posting

My apologies for the late posting.

Math: We wrapped up our independent practice work for arrays.  The target of the lesson -- multiplication is repeated addition -- is key to student understanding of multiplication.  Practice fact families for 10minutes tonight.

Science: We watched a Brain Pop video about hurricanes and discussed Hurricane Irene and where she hit the US.

Literacy block: Read to Self practice (we are up to 17 minutes of stamina!).  Mrs. Plato modeled what to do when you are writing and you cannot think of the spelling of a word (spell it as you think it should be spelled, underline it and move on) so that writing can be an independent action.  Handwriting for week 1, Wednesday is due tomorrow.

PLANNERS NEED TO BE SIGNED TONIGHT.  They should NOT be empty.

Terrific Tuesday!

We had an outstanding day today.

Math: We discussed modeling multiplication using arrays and pictures.  For homework, students should complete #6-11 on p. 7.  They started it in class.  They should also practice their fact family triangles for at least 10 minutes.

Science: We watched Brain Pop videos on the scientific method and making observations.  We learned how to highlight key words in multiple choice questions.

Literacy Block: We completed Six-Minute Solution for our first day today.  Six-Minute Solution is a time when students listen to and read for each other to practice their oral reading fluency.  We also practiced building our stamina with Read to Self. 

PARENT NIGHT is approaching!  Hope to see you Thursday night at 6:30!

Who can believe it?

We are starting the second full week of school...amazing!

Math: We completed a Core Content Review and worked with problem solving using arrays.  Students received a new chart for fact family triangle practice for this week.  Please make sure to practice at least 10 minutes each night and get your chart initialed or signed by a parent.

Science: We finished discussing our book walks and collected data about our love languages (what people can do to make us feel as if we are loved).  So much good data for a successful year!

Literacy Block: We discussed handwriting and completed our first day's assignment.  In the future, handwriting will be homework.  We also took a Reading Diagnostic Test to determine student abilities in phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension.

PARENT NIGHT is THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011, at 6:30 PM!  Hope to see you there!

Weekend Happenings

Hope you have enjoyed the weekend's beautiful weather.  I know I did!  I caught a football game Friday night (CCHS vs. Metamora...my son is a Freshman at CCHS and plays in the band) and the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Lincoln on Saturday night.  All in all, a fabulous weekend.

Here are some reminders about what is due Monday:

-Mark chart summary slips should be signed and returned.
-"Diagnose Yourself" packet for math facts should be returned, with parent initials indicating days last week that fact family triangles were practiced.
-Boomerang folder should be EMPTY of anything except what should be in the "For Teacher" pocket.

Please remember that Book Orders are due by September 2, if you are interested in ordering.  We have online ordering as well as the good ol' hard copy ordering.

I will be adding photos under the photo tab this evening (barring any technical glitches).  Stay tuned!

The view from Thursday

Math: We finished our book walk and started thinking about an opening problem.  Please be sure to practice your basic facts each night for at least 10 minutes.

Science: We worked on a book walk through the science text.  Students had a great deal of class time to work on this.  It needs to be finished for homework.  If students have a great amount to do, a home conversation about how they spent their class time might be useful.

Literacy Block: We reviewed yesterday's focus lesson (read to self) and practiced our stamina with this skill a few times today.  We discussed the third way to read a book: retell a story you know.  Students also got to browse through the class library and check out books.

Students with missing homework tomorrow (including those who still don't have their planners signed) will not have Friday Fun Time tomorrow.  

Wondrous Wednesday

A whole week of school?  No way!

I LOVE this class.  What a great bunch!  Here's what we accomplished today:

Math: Students have their timed tests with them tonight, along with a letter about practicing their facts.  Some students need more practice than others.  Please make the decision that best suits your little learner. We also started a book walk through the new math book.  Very exciting!

Science: We took an assessment on the laptops that determined each student's strength in the area of learning.  Want to know yours?  See the Internet Links tab and click on the link for Multiple Intelligences.  Students discovered their strong areas today.  Ask them to share!

Literacy: We started the "Hearty Reader Cafe" today.  We practiced the skill of independently reading to self, and discussed why it was important: it's a great way to become a better reader.  We also discussed two ways to read a book, and we read a book about September 11.  The students are super excited about reading!

Wednesday nights are when I ask students to get their planners signed.  Their planners should state what we did in class as well as what was for homework.  Please sign only if the planner is complete.  THERE SHOULD BE NO BLANKS!

So, what's the worst that can happen during a thunder storm?

Yes, during the pouring rain, thunder rolling, lightning flashing, our fire alarm went off.  The kids handled the evacuation quite well.  Talk about the unexpected!  Our maintenance crew was working on something and the alarm tripped.  Thank goodness there was no "real" fire!

I took that time to discuss with the students what they should do in the event that it is inclement weather at dismissal.  We discussed watching the weather forecasts, dressing appropriately, and carrying an umbrella.

Here's what today looked like in the classroom:

Math: We took timed tests for addition, subtraction, and multiplication.  Students came home with another set of fact family triangles.  I hope you find the video to the left to be helpful.

Literacy and Science: We continued classifying our classroom library by genre.  The students are very excited that, tomorrow, they will be able to borrow books from the class library.  We also watched a Brain Pop Jr. movie about the library and how books are classified in it.

Just a reminder, Boomerang Folders and Planners should be coming home each night and returning the next day.

Have a great evening!

First Monday

Welcome to the first Monday of the school year!  Today was a really productive day.

First, all students should have brought home their planners tonight.  I encourage them to do so nightly.  In them, every space should be filled, even if it says "did not have."  CW means the activity was done in class.  HW means it is for homework.  Here's what was on today's docket, just in case it did not make it home:

Literacy and science: We started a unit on classification.  We classified Skittles (yum!) by color, discussed classifying books by genre, and started organizing the classroom library.  It's quite a job, so we will continue with it tomorrow.

Math: We took a placement test to see what we know and what we need to work on from this year's curriculum.  Students brought home fact family triangles for addition and subtraction.  They need to cut them out, put their names or initials on the backs of each (in case a triangle strays from its owner), and place them in the envelope provided.  I am working on a quick video to show how to use them to practice facts.  Tomorrow night, multiplication and division triangles will come home.

Tomorrow, I will take some baseline data for addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts.  We will have timed tests in these three areas.

We also discussed behavior expectations today.  We did some role playing and discussed how they can expect me to handle issues as they arise in the classroom.

An outstanding day

Our first full day of school is behind us.  A HUGE thanks to all the parents who wrote to me through last night's homework assignment.  My weekend homework for myself is to read all of your great responses.  Students have until Monday to return the sheet, as well as the parent letter that went home.

Several informational things went home in the Boomerang Folders this weekend.  Please take a moment to clean it out with your child.

A great start!

What a wonderful start to our school year!  This group is REALLY on the ball.  Thanks, parents, for making sure the students have the supplies they need.

Students received a parent letter outlining snacks, giving Open House time and date, and discussing the existence of this website.  They need to have this signed.  They also have a reflection sheet that they are writing to me to let me know about them.  On the back of the sheet is a chance for parents to write to me, too.  Both of these items are due on Monday.

I will be uploading pictures to the picture tab tonight.  Don't forget to play, "Where in the World is Mrs. Plato?" on the pictures tab.

See you tomorrow!

It's almost time!

As you go out for your final round of school supply shopping, please remember that fourth graders at Irving are asked to have two expandable files. They seem to be fairly inexpensive at the Dollar Store.  Here are examples of what they look like:

Where in the world is Mrs. Plato?

Check out the "Pictures" tab to see some clues about where Mrs. Plato might be.  Come to school with your best guesses!

Can't wait to meet you!!

Welcome Back!

Welcome to a brand new school year at Irving Elementary!  Please visit this website for daily updates of our classroom, pictures, videos, and all-around helpful information.  I am so excited to meet all of you!