Monday, October 31, 2011

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.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

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.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

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.

Monday, October 24, 2011

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!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

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.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

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.

Monday, October 17, 2011

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.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Weldon Springs

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

Thursday, October 13, 2011

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.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

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

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

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.

Friday, October 7, 2011

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.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

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.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

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.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

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.

Monday, October 3, 2011

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.