This week in Language Arts... we are continuing reading our novels with Native American Protagonists. This week is Literature Circle Discussion #2. What students should have read to be caught up is listed in their agendas as well as on Angel. As we read, we are learning about how the author develops a character through various events and problems. We are also practicing how to decode unknown words using the context. We will continue to practice these skills throughout the year as we read and learn new vocabulary!
This is a full Word Study week -- regular schedule.
This week in Math... we are wrapping up our graphing and data analysis unit. Our test will be Tuesday, Nov 3. Students will be coming home with their graded Graphing tests on Wednesday. Students should have completed test corrections and have a parent signature on the test to be returned on Thursday.
This week in Science.. we are exploring properties of matter -- how does salinity and temperature affect the density of water? How does that affect ocean water? We are conducting several experiments to answer those questions.
Students should be working on their final drafts of their Matter Projects -- Atlantic's (DENGLER) are due on Wednesday, Nov 4 and Pacific's (MCCANN) are due Thursday, Nov. 5.
This week, students will be bringing home a Matter Study guide to help them review for their Matter test which will be on Tuesday, Nov 10 for Atlantic and Wednesday, Nov. 11 for Pacific.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Week of October 26-30
It's hard to believe October is almost over and the first quarter is winding down. In this week's Friday Folder be looking for a Parent-Teacher conference reminder. Here's what's going on this week in Mrs. McCann's class!
This week in Language Arts... we are continuing reading our Literature Circle books and taking a close look at how the authors develop the main characters and how they change because of conflicts and events in the novel. We will be having our first student-led Literature Circle discussions on Tuesday, October 27. Check out the calendar on Angel to double check the reading assignments. Reading assignments are also recorded in each student's agenda. Each student should also have completed a job sheet in order to bring a certain perspective to the discussion. After Tuesday, students should continue reading their novel and completing a different job sheet for the Literature Circle meeting #2 which will be a week from Tuesday.
Word Study continues this week -- students have WS homework each night this week.
This week in Math... we are continuing our graphing unit. We are working on analyzing data by determining the mean, median, mode, and range of a set of data. A review packet for our graphing unit will come home this week for students to work on to prepare for our upcoming math test next week.
This week's homework assignments:
Monday - Wks: Finding the mean, median, mode, and range
Tuesday - Study guide going home -- due FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30
Wednesday - Study Guide due FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30
Thursday - Study Guide due FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30
Friday - No Homework -- Graphing Test on Tuesday, November 3rd.
This week in Science... we are continuing our matter unit. We'll explore mixtures and differentiate between even and uneven mixtures. Students will receive instructions on how to finish their Matter projects at home either by handwriting the final draft or typing the final draft by downloading the Word document from Angel and typing in their research in the texts boxes. Final drafts of the Matter projects are due the first week of November.
This week in Language Arts... we are continuing reading our Literature Circle books and taking a close look at how the authors develop the main characters and how they change because of conflicts and events in the novel. We will be having our first student-led Literature Circle discussions on Tuesday, October 27. Check out the calendar on Angel to double check the reading assignments. Reading assignments are also recorded in each student's agenda. Each student should also have completed a job sheet in order to bring a certain perspective to the discussion. After Tuesday, students should continue reading their novel and completing a different job sheet for the Literature Circle meeting #2 which will be a week from Tuesday.
Word Study continues this week -- students have WS homework each night this week.
This week in Math... we are continuing our graphing unit. We are working on analyzing data by determining the mean, median, mode, and range of a set of data. A review packet for our graphing unit will come home this week for students to work on to prepare for our upcoming math test next week.
This week's homework assignments:
Monday - Wks: Finding the mean, median, mode, and range
Tuesday - Study guide going home -- due FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30
Wednesday - Study Guide due FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30
Thursday - Study Guide due FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30
Friday - No Homework -- Graphing Test on Tuesday, November 3rd.
This week in Science... we are continuing our matter unit. We'll explore mixtures and differentiate between even and uneven mixtures. Students will receive instructions on how to finish their Matter projects at home either by handwriting the final draft or typing the final draft by downloading the Word document from Angel and typing in their research in the texts boxes. Final drafts of the Matter projects are due the first week of November.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Week of October 19 - 23
This week in Language Arts... students have been given a new class text. We are studying character development using books with Native American characters. We will also work on our decoding unknown words from context skills during this unit. Students have their reading pace marked out in their agendas, they have a calendar in their Language Arts folders, and the dates are also posted on ANGEL. Students will meet every Tuesday for the next four weeks to discuss their reading in a small group. They will meet with me throughout the week to work on character development. Students should be reading their Language Arts text and working on their job sheets at home -- this counts toward their reading log.
We are having a full Word Study week so students will have Word Study HW each night this week.
This week in Math... we are continuing to study graphs. We'll learn about Stem and Leaf plots as well as practice making them. We'll also visit the computer lab on Friday to make a line graph with the weather data we collected on the computer!
HOMEWORK:
Monday - No Math HW
Tuesday - Wks: Stem and Leaf Plots
Wednesday - No Math HW
Thursday - Wks: Median, Mode, and Range with Stem and Leaf Plots
Friday -No Homework
This week in Science... we are exploring the difference between Chemical and Physical changes. We are also working on our Matter/Element research project. We'll visit the library Wednesday/Thursday depending on the section and choose our elements to begin research! Some of this project will be done in school but students will definitely need to spend some time working on it at home as well, especially when we get to the final draft. The project is due Wednesday, November 4th for Atlantic and Thursday, November 5th for Pacific.
We are having a full Word Study week so students will have Word Study HW each night this week.
This week in Math... we are continuing to study graphs. We'll learn about Stem and Leaf plots as well as practice making them. We'll also visit the computer lab on Friday to make a line graph with the weather data we collected on the computer!
HOMEWORK:
Monday - No Math HW
Tuesday - Wks: Stem and Leaf Plots
Wednesday - No Math HW
Thursday - Wks: Median, Mode, and Range with Stem and Leaf Plots
Friday -No Homework
This week in Science... we are exploring the difference between Chemical and Physical changes. We are also working on our Matter/Element research project. We'll visit the library Wednesday/Thursday depending on the section and choose our elements to begin research! Some of this project will be done in school but students will definitely need to spend some time working on it at home as well, especially when we get to the final draft. The project is due Wednesday, November 4th for Atlantic and Thursday, November 5th for Pacific.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Week of October 12 - 16
NO SCHOOL Monday! I hope everyone had a nice and restful 3-day weekend!
Progress Reports go home Friday, October 16
This week in Language Arts -- we are not having a full week of Word Study. We will do a class-wide sort and have only two nights of Word Study homework and no test on Friday.
Assignments:
Tuesday - Reading Log 30 minutes -- be sure you are keeping up with this!
Wednesday - WS: Star Sentences (compound words sort) and Reading Log 30 minutes
Thursday - WS: Choice Activity (compound words sort) and Reading Log 30 minutes
Friday - Reading Log 30 minutes
We will wrap up our Junior Great Books unit by having our small group discussion (accountable talk) about the story Barbie. We will begin our next reading unit -- Native American Protagonists where we will also learn elements of character development and decoding unknown words from context skills. This week we'll be learning how Literature Circles will work and practicing the jobs we will all have during this unit to prepare for discussions in the Literature Circles. Students will receive their books for this unit on Friday or Monday of next week along with a unit-long calendar showing what needs to be read, what work needs to be done, and by when.
This week in Math... we are continuing our graphing units by learning how to make bar graphs on the computer. We will also explore line graphs -- reading, interpreting, and making predictions based on the information displayed -- we'll collect data and make our own line graphs as well.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Tuesday - Wks - Reading & Interpreting double bar
Graphs
Wednesday - Finish side 2 of The Cookie Sheet (analyzing double bar graphs)
Thursday - Wks: Reading a Line Graph
Friday -NO HOMEWORK
This week in Science... we are still exploring matter! We will explore what happens when two elements bond together. We'll make models of molecules, explore compounds, and chemical reactions. Students will also be introduced to their first research project in science. Look for the assignment and rubric to come home. MOST of this project will be done in class but students may need to spend time at home finishing it up. The project will be due the first week of November.
Progress Reports go home Friday, October 16
This week in Language Arts -- we are not having a full week of Word Study. We will do a class-wide sort and have only two nights of Word Study homework and no test on Friday.
Assignments:
Tuesday - Reading Log 30 minutes -- be sure you are keeping up with this!
Wednesday - WS: Star Sentences (compound words sort) and Reading Log 30 minutes
Thursday - WS: Choice Activity (compound words sort) and Reading Log 30 minutes
Friday - Reading Log 30 minutes
We will wrap up our Junior Great Books unit by having our small group discussion (accountable talk) about the story Barbie. We will begin our next reading unit -- Native American Protagonists where we will also learn elements of character development and decoding unknown words from context skills. This week we'll be learning how Literature Circles will work and practicing the jobs we will all have during this unit to prepare for discussions in the Literature Circles. Students will receive their books for this unit on Friday or Monday of next week along with a unit-long calendar showing what needs to be read, what work needs to be done, and by when.
This week in Math... we are continuing our graphing units by learning how to make bar graphs on the computer. We will also explore line graphs -- reading, interpreting, and making predictions based on the information displayed -- we'll collect data and make our own line graphs as well.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Tuesday - Wks - Reading & Interpreting double bar
Graphs
Wednesday - Finish side 2 of The Cookie Sheet (analyzing double bar graphs)
Thursday - Wks: Reading a Line Graph
Friday -NO HOMEWORK
This week in Science... we are still exploring matter! We will explore what happens when two elements bond together. We'll make models of molecules, explore compounds, and chemical reactions. Students will also be introduced to their first research project in science. Look for the assignment and rubric to come home. MOST of this project will be done in class but students may need to spend time at home finishing it up. The project will be due the first week of November.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Week of October 5-9
This week's Announcements:
No School next Monday -- Columbus Day!
This week in Language Arts: We will have a group discussion/accountable talk about the story Lenny's Red Letter Day. Students have prepared a response to the question: Why does Prakash try to be friends with Lenny? We will continue with Junior Great Books this week by reading a third and final story. Word Study also continues this week. Students will bring home a new list of words this week. The activities are the same as last week!
Monday - S.A.W. Wks (directions and blank copies of the worksheet can be found on ANGEL)
Tuesday - Word Hunt - Students should find 8 new words that follow the pattern they are learning and sort them into the correct category
Wednesday - Star Sentences (5); Students should also finish their re-reading of Barbie and take notes in their Reading Spiral. Some students may have finished in class.
Thursday - Choice Activity
Friday - Word Study Test.
This week in Math... we will begin our Graphing Unit! We will explore components of a good and useful graph, reading and interpreting bar graphs, line graphs, and stem and leaf plots.
HOMEWORK:
Monday -Measurement WKS
Tuesday - Wks: Bar Graphs
Wednesday - Collect 25 pieces of data for survey
Thursday -
Friday -
This week in Science... we are beginning our new unit on Matter! What is matter? What is an atom? How small is an atom? What makes up an atom? We'll try to answer all of this and more!!
No School next Monday -- Columbus Day!
This week in Language Arts: We will have a group discussion/accountable talk about the story Lenny's Red Letter Day. Students have prepared a response to the question: Why does Prakash try to be friends with Lenny? We will continue with Junior Great Books this week by reading a third and final story. Word Study also continues this week. Students will bring home a new list of words this week. The activities are the same as last week!
Monday - S.A.W. Wks (directions and blank copies of the worksheet can be found on ANGEL)
Tuesday - Word Hunt - Students should find 8 new words that follow the pattern they are learning and sort them into the correct category
Wednesday - Star Sentences (5); Students should also finish their re-reading of Barbie and take notes in their Reading Spiral. Some students may have finished in class.
Thursday - Choice Activity
Friday - Word Study Test.
This week in Math... we will begin our Graphing Unit! We will explore components of a good and useful graph, reading and interpreting bar graphs, line graphs, and stem and leaf plots.
HOMEWORK:
Monday -Measurement WKS
Tuesday - Wks: Bar Graphs
Wednesday - Collect 25 pieces of data for survey
Thursday -
Friday -
This week in Science... we are beginning our new unit on Matter! What is matter? What is an atom? How small is an atom? What makes up an atom? We'll try to answer all of this and more!!
Monday, September 28, 2009
September 28 - October 2
Announcements this week:
Thanks to the parents who helped us out on our field trip last week! We really appreciate it. It was also great to see so many parents at Back to School Night. We really had a great turn out!
This week in Language Arts... We will start reading another story from our Junior Great Books text, re-read it and take notes, and have a discussion about an open-ended quested related to the text. Students can expect to work on most of this in class, and some at home. We are starting Word Study this week. The nightly assignments are posted on ANGEL but here they are as well:
Monday - SAW Wks -- students sort their words again, alphabetize them, and write them down. Students have their words in a ziploc bag attached to their agendas. This is done on a wks because they will leave their Word Study notebooks with me Monday night.
Tuesday - Word Hunt -- students will look through print materials to find new/different words that follow the pattern they are studying for the week. This is done in the WS notebook.
Wednesday - Star Sentences -- as we begin the writing process, students will work on brainstorming components of a good sentence using a star, then compose that sentence (draft). Students will use their WS words in the sentences. This is done in the WS notebook.
Thursday - Choice Activity -- See pink sheet in the front of WS notebooks.
Friday - Word Study Assessment in class; Week's assignments due today.
Lastly, students will begin Daily Grammar Practice this week. Each morning students will analyze a different part of the same sentence. This week's sentence: we will learn about the civil war in social studies
Monday's task -- correct the capitalization and punctuation
Tuesday's task -- identify the sentence type and purpose
Wednesday's task -- Identify the part of speech of each word in the sentence
Thursday's task-- Identify the parts of the sentence (subject, predicate, objects, etc.)
Friday's task -- diagram the sentence!
Reading --
Wednesday Night - Students should finish re-reading Lenny's Red Letter Day and taking notes on it. Students are expected to have at least 3 notes per page of reading. Notes can include questions, comments, inferences, new vocabulary, or connections. I am looking for understanding/comprehension and active reading skills!
This week in math -- we will wrap up our measurement unit by continuing to explore different things we measure: temperature, elapsed time. We will have a quiz this week as well to assess the students' mastery of the content.
HOMEWORK:
Monday - No Homework
Tuesday - No Homework
Wednesday - No Homework
Thursday -
Friday -
This week in Science... we will finish our Water-in-Apples lab and turn it in for our first science grade. We'll also start a new lab: Using the process of Chromatography we will try to solve a mystery -- which pen wrote the note?!?
Thanks to the parents who helped us out on our field trip last week! We really appreciate it. It was also great to see so many parents at Back to School Night. We really had a great turn out!
This week in Language Arts... We will start reading another story from our Junior Great Books text, re-read it and take notes, and have a discussion about an open-ended quested related to the text. Students can expect to work on most of this in class, and some at home. We are starting Word Study this week. The nightly assignments are posted on ANGEL but here they are as well:
Monday - SAW Wks -- students sort their words again, alphabetize them, and write them down. Students have their words in a ziploc bag attached to their agendas. This is done on a wks because they will leave their Word Study notebooks with me Monday night.
Tuesday - Word Hunt -- students will look through print materials to find new/different words that follow the pattern they are studying for the week. This is done in the WS notebook.
Wednesday - Star Sentences -- as we begin the writing process, students will work on brainstorming components of a good sentence using a star, then compose that sentence (draft). Students will use their WS words in the sentences. This is done in the WS notebook.
Thursday - Choice Activity -- See pink sheet in the front of WS notebooks.
Friday - Word Study Assessment in class; Week's assignments due today.
Lastly, students will begin Daily Grammar Practice this week. Each morning students will analyze a different part of the same sentence. This week's sentence: we will learn about the civil war in social studies
Monday's task -- correct the capitalization and punctuation
Tuesday's task -- identify the sentence type and purpose
Wednesday's task -- Identify the part of speech of each word in the sentence
Thursday's task-- Identify the parts of the sentence (subject, predicate, objects, etc.)
Friday's task -- diagram the sentence!
Reading --
Wednesday Night - Students should finish re-reading Lenny's Red Letter Day and taking notes on it. Students are expected to have at least 3 notes per page of reading. Notes can include questions, comments, inferences, new vocabulary, or connections. I am looking for understanding/comprehension and active reading skills!
This week in math -- we will wrap up our measurement unit by continuing to explore different things we measure: temperature, elapsed time. We will have a quiz this week as well to assess the students' mastery of the content.
HOMEWORK:
Monday - No Homework
Tuesday - No Homework
Wednesday - No Homework
Thursday -
Friday -
This week in Science... we will finish our Water-in-Apples lab and turn it in for our first science grade. We'll also start a new lab: Using the process of Chromatography we will try to solve a mystery -- which pen wrote the note?!?
Sunday, September 20, 2009
September 21-25
Announcements:
This week in Language Arts... we will finish re-reading the short story, "Charles" and learn how to have an accountable talk about interpretive questions relating to the story. Students will also practice Word Study procedures in class. This week we will also begin keeping a reading log. Students will be expected to read 30 minutes each night and record what and how much they read. The reading log will be due at the end of each month. If students misplace the log, a new one can be downloaded from Angel.
HOMEWORK:
Monday - Students should finish taking notes on their re-reading of "Charles" (if not already done in class) to be prepared for class on Tuesday.
READ 30 minutes and fill out log.
Tuesday - Students should be sure to have finished their response to the question -- Why don't Laurie's parents figure out that Laurie has invented Charles? Students should include evidence from the text to support their opinions and be ready to have an accountable talk on Wednesday.
READ 30 minutes and fill out log.
Wednesday - READ 30 minutes and fill out log
Thursday - READ 30 minutes and fill out log
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - READ 30 minutes and fill out log
This week in Math... we are continuing our exploration of measurement. We'll practice measuring mass and volume and well as continue to choose reasonable units of measurement and appropriate tools.
HOMEWORK:
Monday - Practice 3-8 Metric Linear Measurement (students have rulers in the back of their agendas)
Tuesday - No Homework
Wednesday - No Homework
Thursday -
Friday - no class, no homework :)
Check out our pictures of the METRIC OLYMPICS!
This week in Science... we are exploring scientific inquiry. What are the steps of a good science experiment. We'll practice with two labs -- We'll explore how much water apples lose over the course of a week in three different states; We'll also use the process of chromatography to solve a mystery!
Check out our apples experiment:
- Back to School Night this Thursday! 7pm, see you there!
- Field Trip this Friday! Don't forget to pack a lunch unless you checked off that you would be purchasing a bagged lunch from the school.
This week in Language Arts... we will finish re-reading the short story, "Charles" and learn how to have an accountable talk about interpretive questions relating to the story. Students will also practice Word Study procedures in class. This week we will also begin keeping a reading log. Students will be expected to read 30 minutes each night and record what and how much they read. The reading log will be due at the end of each month. If students misplace the log, a new one can be downloaded from Angel.
HOMEWORK:
Monday - Students should finish taking notes on their re-reading of "Charles" (if not already done in class) to be prepared for class on Tuesday.
READ 30 minutes and fill out log.
Tuesday - Students should be sure to have finished their response to the question -- Why don't Laurie's parents figure out that Laurie has invented Charles? Students should include evidence from the text to support their opinions and be ready to have an accountable talk on Wednesday.
READ 30 minutes and fill out log.
Wednesday - READ 30 minutes and fill out log
Thursday - READ 30 minutes and fill out log
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - READ 30 minutes and fill out log
This week in Math... we are continuing our exploration of measurement. We'll practice measuring mass and volume and well as continue to choose reasonable units of measurement and appropriate tools.
HOMEWORK:
Monday - Practice 3-8 Metric Linear Measurement (students have rulers in the back of their agendas)
Tuesday - No Homework
Wednesday - No Homework
Thursday -
Friday - no class, no homework :)
Check out our pictures of the METRIC OLYMPICS!
This week in Science... we are exploring scientific inquiry. What are the steps of a good science experiment. We'll practice with two labs -- We'll explore how much water apples lose over the course of a week in three different states; We'll also use the process of chromatography to solve a mystery!
Check out our apples experiment:
Monday, September 14, 2009
Week of Sept 14-18
Welcome to the 2nd week of school! Last week was a huge success thanks to the students, parents, and teachers in Falls Church City! I'm looking forward to a great year. :) This week we will continue to practice school-wise and classroom routines as well as dive in to 5th grade content!
FIELD TRIP! We have a field trip coming up very soon! Next Friday, Sept 25 we will head to the Natural History Museum downtown. Permission Slips went home Wednesday and they are due Thursday!
This week in Language Arts...
We will learn how to do Daily Oral Language (DOL). Students will use editing/proofreading marks to correct 2 sentences each morning that have errors in them. This exercise focuses on CUPS! Capitalization, Usage, Punctuation, and Spelling
In reading we will begin a four week unit called Junior Great Books! During this unit we will practice reading actively (interacting with the text), and learn how to take notes while reading to deepen our comprehension of the stories. Each week we will focus on one short story from the collection. This week our story will be Charles by Shirley Jackson.
Homework:
Thursday -Continue notes on Charles -- remember to include the page number to which you are referring and your notes can include questions, comments, inferences, predictions, things that confuse you, new vocabulary, etc. Notes should be to the end of page 3 of the story.
This week in Math... we will begin our first unit on Measurement. Students will explore the importance of using standard units to measure. What tools can we use to measure certain items, and what units are the most appropriate? Students will explore both metric and US Customary systems of measurement.
Homework:
Thursday -WKS: Practice 3-9 --> Metric Units of Mass and Capacity (don't forget you have a list of units in your agenda!)
This week in Science... we will begin exploring, "What is a Scientist?" What do scientists do? What type of scientists are there? We will also differentiate between observations and inferences to prepare for several weeks of studying and practicing Scientific Inquiry. How do we conduct a good science experiment?
FIELD TRIP! We have a field trip coming up very soon! Next Friday, Sept 25 we will head to the Natural History Museum downtown. Permission Slips went home Wednesday and they are due Thursday!
This week in Language Arts...
We will learn how to do Daily Oral Language (DOL). Students will use editing/proofreading marks to correct 2 sentences each morning that have errors in them. This exercise focuses on CUPS! Capitalization, Usage, Punctuation, and Spelling
In reading we will begin a four week unit called Junior Great Books! During this unit we will practice reading actively (interacting with the text), and learn how to take notes while reading to deepen our comprehension of the stories. Each week we will focus on one short story from the collection. This week our story will be Charles by Shirley Jackson.
Homework:
Thursday -Continue notes on Charles -- remember to include the page number to which you are referring and your notes can include questions, comments, inferences, predictions, things that confuse you, new vocabulary, etc. Notes should be to the end of page 3 of the story.
This week in Math... we will begin our first unit on Measurement. Students will explore the importance of using standard units to measure. What tools can we use to measure certain items, and what units are the most appropriate? Students will explore both metric and US Customary systems of measurement.
Homework:
Thursday -WKS: Practice 3-9 --> Metric Units of Mass and Capacity (don't forget you have a list of units in your agenda!)
This week in Science... we will begin exploring, "What is a Scientist?" What do scientists do? What type of scientists are there? We will also differentiate between observations and inferences to prepare for several weeks of studying and practicing Scientific Inquiry. How do we conduct a good science experiment?
Friday, September 4, 2009
Welcome Back to School! 2009
Welcome back to school and welcome to 5th grade! It is going to be an exciting year here at Mary Ellen Henderson and I'm excited to see all of the fresh new faces in the hallway!
This blog will be a resource for students and parents to keep up with what's going on in the classroom as well as with daily assignments. While the main source of documenting homework assignments is each student's agenda, this blog can serve as a back up resource. Again, this does not replace proper-use of the agenda! Students will have to log in to ANGEL in order to download any documents. This blog can also be reached from ANGEL, there is a tab that is a direct link from any of my class pages.
This week we will spend a great deal of time getting to know our new school, new teachers, and each other. We will also learn new routines and be given plenty of time to practice those routines.
Daily Assignments:
MONDAY - No School -- Labor Day
TUESDAY - 1)Gray Parent Envelope: Return Wednesday with all contents in the envelope
2) Blue Information Packet: Please keep the top page for your reference and return the next two pages Wednesday to the Home Base teacher.
3) WKS - "The Big Day"
WEDNESDAY -
1)Begin gathering items for Brown Bag -- Brown Bag due MONDAY
2)Pictures for "All About Me" Math Notebook due FRIDAY
THURSDAY -NO HOMEWORK
FRIDAY - "All About Me" pictures due today.
Don't forget Brown Bags are due MONDAY!
This blog will be a resource for students and parents to keep up with what's going on in the classroom as well as with daily assignments. While the main source of documenting homework assignments is each student's agenda, this blog can serve as a back up resource. Again, this does not replace proper-use of the agenda! Students will have to log in to ANGEL in order to download any documents. This blog can also be reached from ANGEL, there is a tab that is a direct link from any of my class pages.
This week we will spend a great deal of time getting to know our new school, new teachers, and each other. We will also learn new routines and be given plenty of time to practice those routines.
Daily Assignments:
MONDAY - No School -- Labor Day
TUESDAY - 1)Gray Parent Envelope: Return Wednesday with all contents in the envelope
2) Blue Information Packet: Please keep the top page for your reference and return the next two pages Wednesday to the Home Base teacher.
3) WKS - "The Big Day"
WEDNESDAY -
1)Begin gathering items for Brown Bag -- Brown Bag due MONDAY
2)Pictures for "All About Me" Math Notebook due FRIDAY
THURSDAY -NO HOMEWORK
FRIDAY - "All About Me" pictures due today.
Don't forget Brown Bags are due MONDAY!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Week of June 8-12
Don't Forget! Our annual 5th Grade picnic is THIS WEDNESDAY, June 10! Don't forget to bring in your item(s) to share at the picnic. Any parents who would like to meet us at Cherry Hill Park to help with the food, we'd be glad to have you! Just shoot me an email so we know to expect you.
This week in Science... we are giving our Ocean Animal presentations. We started last week and we are really learning a lot from each other. Check out Friday's Blog Entry to see pictures of our models.
Students should also be studying for the geology test on Friday. Topics include: Plate Tectonics and Continental Drift Theory, Layers of the Earth, Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Features of the Ocean Floor, Rocks and the Rock Cycle, and Sound! This is our last test in science, make it count! The test will be on Thursday, June 11.
This week in Social Studies... we are preparing for and presenting our plays about the American Revolution. We have a group acting out the Boston Massacre, one doing the Boston Tea Party, and one group acting out the Crossing of the Delaware during the war.
This week in Math... we are extending our geometry knowledge with some activities. Students are making their own designs using polygons and trying to measure and calculate the perimeter and area of each other's designs. Since we have had our final assessment on for our last unit, students will not be assigned any more homework in math class. Beginning now, students should continue (throughout the summer) to review their basic math facts (multiplication and division). Enjoy the warm weather and get out and play in the afternoons!
This week in Science... we are giving our Ocean Animal presentations. We started last week and we are really learning a lot from each other. Check out Friday's Blog Entry to see pictures of our models.
Students should also be studying for the geology test on Friday. Topics include: Plate Tectonics and Continental Drift Theory, Layers of the Earth, Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Features of the Ocean Floor, Rocks and the Rock Cycle, and Sound! This is our last test in science, make it count! The test will be on Thursday, June 11.
This week in Social Studies... we are preparing for and presenting our plays about the American Revolution. We have a group acting out the Boston Massacre, one doing the Boston Tea Party, and one group acting out the Crossing of the Delaware during the war.
This week in Math... we are extending our geometry knowledge with some activities. Students are making their own designs using polygons and trying to measure and calculate the perimeter and area of each other's designs. Since we have had our final assessment on for our last unit, students will not be assigned any more homework in math class. Beginning now, students should continue (throughout the summer) to review their basic math facts (multiplication and division). Enjoy the warm weather and get out and play in the afternoons!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Sea Creature Projects!!
Our Sea Creature Projects look awesome! The presentations have been great so far and the 3-D models have been very creative! Take a look :)
The Archer Fish, By Robert
The Sea Urchin, By Will
The Blue-Ringed Octopus, By Simone
The Puffin, By Jackson
The Moray Eel, By Sam
The Hammerhead Shark, By Kiran
The Puffer Fish, By Gabby
The Popple Fish, By Clara... ever heard of it? It's kind of related to a clown-fish and made up by Clara herself!
The Sea Nettle, By Alejandra
The Seahorse, By Caroline
The Picasso Triggerfish (Hawaii's state fish), By Matt
The Archer Fish, By Robert
The Sea Urchin, By Will
The Blue-Ringed Octopus, By Simone
The Puffin, By Jackson
The Moray Eel, By Sam
The Hammerhead Shark, By Kiran
The Puffer Fish, By Gabby
The Popple Fish, By Clara... ever heard of it? It's kind of related to a clown-fish and made up by Clara herself!
The Sea Nettle, By Alejandra
The Seahorse, By Caroline
The Picasso Triggerfish (Hawaii's state fish), By Matt
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
June 1-5
The year is winding down so we all know that means.... we have three busy, busy, jam-packed weeks left :)
Tuesday we had a great time in the new Hall of Oceans exhibits at the Natural History Museum and got to see an incredible 3-D movie exploring the deep sea! Check out our 3-D glasses. Unfortunately we couldn't take them home to rock this look in Falls Church...
Students are also participating in an Artist-in-Residency program this week where they are learning all about how to perform Shakespeare! Thursday, we'll get to see some 7th graders in A Midsummer Night's Dream!
This week in science... students should be completed their 3-D ocean animal models. They are due Friday. Some of them are coming in already and they look GREAT! Presentations start Friday. While we will spend Friday and all next week on our presentations, all students should be ready to go this Friday.
Students will also be taking home a Geology Study Guide this Friday. Students should be prepared for the assessment on Thursday, June 11.
This week in Social Studies... we are preparing 3 Readers' Theaters! One group is working on acting out the Boston Massacre, one group the Boston Tea Party, and one group the Crossing of the Delaware! If last week's Slavery Interact is any indication of this class' creativity and acting abilities, these skits should be stellar!
This week in Math... we are wrapping up our Geometry Unit. The Geometry assessment will be Wednesday, June 3rd.
Check out a few more pictures from our field trip! A special thank you to Sam's dad, Mr. Allan for taking the time to tell us about Ocean Drilling and for the great packets we got to take home!
Tuesday we had a great time in the new Hall of Oceans exhibits at the Natural History Museum and got to see an incredible 3-D movie exploring the deep sea! Check out our 3-D glasses. Unfortunately we couldn't take them home to rock this look in Falls Church...
Students are also participating in an Artist-in-Residency program this week where they are learning all about how to perform Shakespeare! Thursday, we'll get to see some 7th graders in A Midsummer Night's Dream!
This week in science... students should be completed their 3-D ocean animal models. They are due Friday. Some of them are coming in already and they look GREAT! Presentations start Friday. While we will spend Friday and all next week on our presentations, all students should be ready to go this Friday.
Students will also be taking home a Geology Study Guide this Friday. Students should be prepared for the assessment on Thursday, June 11.
This week in Social Studies... we are preparing 3 Readers' Theaters! One group is working on acting out the Boston Massacre, one group the Boston Tea Party, and one group the Crossing of the Delaware! If last week's Slavery Interact is any indication of this class' creativity and acting abilities, these skits should be stellar!
This week in Math... we are wrapping up our Geometry Unit. The Geometry assessment will be Wednesday, June 3rd.
Check out a few more pictures from our field trip! A special thank you to Sam's dad, Mr. Allan for taking the time to tell us about Ocean Drilling and for the great packets we got to take home!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Week of May 25 - 29
I hope everyone had a nice Memorial Day and was able to get lots of rest!
This week in science... we will continue with our geology unit as we explore ocean currents as well as how knowledge about sound helps scientists explore the deep ocean. Students should be working on their ocean animal models. Models should be 3-D, homemade, and have a moving part (i.e. no solid blocks of model magic)... be creative!
This week in Social Studies... we are taking a deeper look at slavery in the US by acting out the stories of 7 slaves. Students have read about these real characters and are ready to answer questions in a talk show-like format.
This week in Math... we are exploring geometric solids! How will our knowledge of polygons help us understand and analyze the properties of pyramids and prisms?
ASSIGNMENTS:
Monday - No school, Memorial Day
Tuesday - WKS: Practice 11-1
Wednesday -No Homework
Thursday -Begin working on Geometry Review Guide -- Due Monday, June 1
Friday - No Homework
This week in science... we will continue with our geology unit as we explore ocean currents as well as how knowledge about sound helps scientists explore the deep ocean. Students should be working on their ocean animal models. Models should be 3-D, homemade, and have a moving part (i.e. no solid blocks of model magic)... be creative!
This week in Social Studies... we are taking a deeper look at slavery in the US by acting out the stories of 7 slaves. Students have read about these real characters and are ready to answer questions in a talk show-like format.
This week in Math... we are exploring geometric solids! How will our knowledge of polygons help us understand and analyze the properties of pyramids and prisms?
ASSIGNMENTS:
Monday - No school, Memorial Day
Tuesday - WKS: Practice 11-1
Wednesday -No Homework
Thursday -Begin working on Geometry Review Guide -- Due Monday, June 1
Friday - No Homework
Monday, May 18, 2009
Week of May 18-22
ALL 5th Graders -- Please be sure to turn in signed permission slips for the Natural History Museum. Mrs. McCann's class still needs two more parent volunteers to join us! Let me know if you can help us out in that way.
SOL Week is Here! Please make sure all students get a good night's sleep this week and have hearty breakfasts!
Monday - Math
Tuesday - Reading
Wednesday - Science
Thursday - Social Studies
Friday - Make Ups
SOCIAL STUDIES - Students have been handed back their unit tests from this year. (If they were returned to me). Students should take some time this week to look back over their tests as the content is directly from the SOLs. Please be sure to return the tests to Mrs. McCann on Friday.
SOL Week is Here! Please make sure all students get a good night's sleep this week and have hearty breakfasts!
Monday - Math
Tuesday - Reading
Wednesday - Science
Thursday - Social Studies
Friday - Make Ups
SOCIAL STUDIES - Students have been handed back their unit tests from this year. (If they were returned to me). Students should take some time this week to look back over their tests as the content is directly from the SOLs. Please be sure to return the tests to Mrs. McCann on Friday.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Week of May 4-8
It's raining, it's pouring -- the forecast looks like it's going to be a wet week. I hope everyone is able to stay dry!
This week in Science... we are finishing our rough drafts of our ocean animals projects. We will spend time in-class revising, editing, and creating our final products! Students will soon be receiving information about the presentation aspect of the project. We are also continuing our study of the earth as we explore the origins of earthquakes and volcanoes!
This week in Social Studies... we are finishing up US History to 1877! Monday, students will get their Civil War tests back. They should make sure they correct mistakes and get a parent signature on the test. This week we will explore some key points of Reconstruction as well as begin reviewing content from the beginning of the year to prepare them for the SOL in two weeks!
This week in Math... we are continuing our geometry unit! We will explore properties of quadrilaterals and other polygons. While there is usually more than one name for a polygon, we always want to use the most specific one! We will also review perimeter and explore how to determine the area of a quadrilateral and a triangle.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Monday - Practice 6-4; both sides
Tuesday -WKS: Area of parallelograms
Wednesday -WKS: Area of triangles
Thursday -WKS: Area of triangles
Friday -No Homework
This week in Science... we are finishing our rough drafts of our ocean animals projects. We will spend time in-class revising, editing, and creating our final products! Students will soon be receiving information about the presentation aspect of the project. We are also continuing our study of the earth as we explore the origins of earthquakes and volcanoes!
This week in Social Studies... we are finishing up US History to 1877! Monday, students will get their Civil War tests back. They should make sure they correct mistakes and get a parent signature on the test. This week we will explore some key points of Reconstruction as well as begin reviewing content from the beginning of the year to prepare them for the SOL in two weeks!
This week in Math... we are continuing our geometry unit! We will explore properties of quadrilaterals and other polygons. While there is usually more than one name for a polygon, we always want to use the most specific one! We will also review perimeter and explore how to determine the area of a quadrilateral and a triangle.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Monday - Practice 6-4; both sides
Tuesday -WKS: Area of parallelograms
Wednesday -WKS: Area of triangles
Thursday -WKS: Area of triangles
Friday -No Homework
Monday, April 27, 2009
Week of April 27 - May 1
It's a warm start to the week here at MEHMS! I hope everyone got a chance to enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend! Don't forget the Book Fair ends Tuesday, April 28! There's a great selection of books in our library classroom... check it out! Thursday we will have a special presentation about Electricity for the 5th graders. This will help them review some 4th grade science contact that will be on their Science SOL in a few weeks.
This week in Science... we will spend one more 1/2 class period researching for our ocean animal projects in the computer lab on Monday. ALL RESEARCH for the ocean animal project is due Wednesday, April 29. Please be sure you have your packet filled with as much information as you were able to find. Also, be sure you have cited the sources you used properly. In class we will continue to explore Plate Tectonics Theory and the composition of the Earth.... could the continents really be drifting?
This week in Social Studies... we are reviewing what we have learned about the Civil War for our test Thursday. Students should be studying the following things: History Alive Online Tutorial, Chapter 18; Social Studies Spiral -- notes glued in; Hand outs in Social Studies Folders. It's A LOT of information so PLEASE be sure you are reviewing your notes nightly this week.
This week in Math... we are continuing our Geometry Unit! This week we'll continue practicing using the protractor to measure angles. We will also explore special pairs of angles. What are complementary angles? They certainly aren't angles that say nice things to each other :) We will also explore triangles and incorporate our knowledge of angles into triangles. There are some great patterns to be discovered in geometry.... we're going to find them!!
DAILY ASSIGNMENTS:
Monday - No Homework
Tuesday - Practice 6-3 - Triangles
Wednesday -WKS: Interior angles of triangles -- students will solve for the missing angle
Thursday -
Friday -
This week in Science... we will spend one more 1/2 class period researching for our ocean animal projects in the computer lab on Monday. ALL RESEARCH for the ocean animal project is due Wednesday, April 29. Please be sure you have your packet filled with as much information as you were able to find. Also, be sure you have cited the sources you used properly. In class we will continue to explore Plate Tectonics Theory and the composition of the Earth.... could the continents really be drifting?
This week in Social Studies... we are reviewing what we have learned about the Civil War for our test Thursday. Students should be studying the following things: History Alive Online Tutorial, Chapter 18; Social Studies Spiral -- notes glued in; Hand outs in Social Studies Folders. It's A LOT of information so PLEASE be sure you are reviewing your notes nightly this week.
This week in Math... we are continuing our Geometry Unit! This week we'll continue practicing using the protractor to measure angles. We will also explore special pairs of angles. What are complementary angles? They certainly aren't angles that say nice things to each other :) We will also explore triangles and incorporate our knowledge of angles into triangles. There are some great patterns to be discovered in geometry.... we're going to find them!!
DAILY ASSIGNMENTS:
Monday - No Homework
Tuesday - Practice 6-3 - Triangles
Wednesday -WKS: Interior angles of triangles -- students will solve for the missing angle
Thursday -
Friday -
Monday, April 20, 2009
Week of April 20-24
Don't forget this week! Wednesday is an Early Release Day and there is no school on Friday, April 24. I'll be off to the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics conference in our very own Washington DC :)
This week in Science... we will begin our last unit of the school-year... Geology! We'll begin by exploring the composition of the Earth and Plate Tectonics theory. Why does it seem that the continents could fit together like puzzle pieces? We will also be spending time in the library and computer lab researching our ocean animals. In the computer lab we will focus on resources such as Grolier Online (www.go.grolier.com) and NetTrekker! We use these before we ever "google" our animal as these are reliable online resources paid for by our school. :)
If students do not finish their research in class on Wednesday, they will be responsible for the rest on their own time. Students can use the internet resources at home and can use the library resources on Thursday, Monday, and Tuesday. The research is due Wednesday, April 29.
This week in Social Studies... we are continuing to study the cultural, economic, and constitutional divisions between the North and the South that eventually led to the Civil War.
This week in math... we are beginning our Geometry Unit! This exciting unit will take us through the end of the year!!
Assignments:
Monday - No Homework
Tuesday -WKS: Practice 6-1
Wednesday -WKS: Diagram and questions
Thursday -
Friday -
This week in Science... we will begin our last unit of the school-year... Geology! We'll begin by exploring the composition of the Earth and Plate Tectonics theory. Why does it seem that the continents could fit together like puzzle pieces? We will also be spending time in the library and computer lab researching our ocean animals. In the computer lab we will focus on resources such as Grolier Online (www.go.grolier.com) and NetTrekker! We use these before we ever "google" our animal as these are reliable online resources paid for by our school. :)
If students do not finish their research in class on Wednesday, they will be responsible for the rest on their own time. Students can use the internet resources at home and can use the library resources on Thursday, Monday, and Tuesday. The research is due Wednesday, April 29.
This week in Social Studies... we are continuing to study the cultural, economic, and constitutional divisions between the North and the South that eventually led to the Civil War.
This week in math... we are beginning our Geometry Unit! This exciting unit will take us through the end of the year!!
Assignments:
Monday - No Homework
Tuesday -WKS: Practice 6-1
Wednesday -WKS: Diagram and questions
Thursday -
Friday -
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Week of April 13 - 17
Welcome back from Spring Break! I hope everyone had a safe and restful break. It's hard to believe it's already the 4th quarter. This year has really flown right by. We have a lot in store for this quarter so hold on to your hats! June will be here before we know it!
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Next Week - Wednesday, April 22 - Early Release
Friday, April 24 - No School, Professional Day
This week in Science... we are starting our much anticipated Ocean Animal Project! Students have been sent home with an overview of the project as well as due dates for each part of the project. This document can also be found on ANGEL. Thursday, students will take a short quiz on Cells and Classification as well as make their Ocean Animal choice and begin their research.
This week in Social Studies... we are beginning our unit on the Civil War. We will look at the growing tensions and differences between the North and the South and the causes of the Civil War.
This week in Math... we are wrapping up our FRACTIONS unit! Our Fractions assessment will be on Tuesday, April 14. We will spend the rest of the week in Fractions Centers to extend our Fractions skills. Tests will be sent home on Wednesday so students can make corrections and get parent signatures.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Monday - Study for Fractions Test
Tuesday - FRACTIONS TEST; No Homework
Wednesday - Parent signature and Test corrections
Thursday -No Homework
Friday -No Homework
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Next Week - Wednesday, April 22 - Early Release
Friday, April 24 - No School, Professional Day
This week in Science... we are starting our much anticipated Ocean Animal Project! Students have been sent home with an overview of the project as well as due dates for each part of the project. This document can also be found on ANGEL. Thursday, students will take a short quiz on Cells and Classification as well as make their Ocean Animal choice and begin their research.
This week in Social Studies... we are beginning our unit on the Civil War. We will look at the growing tensions and differences between the North and the South and the causes of the Civil War.
This week in Math... we are wrapping up our FRACTIONS unit! Our Fractions assessment will be on Tuesday, April 14. We will spend the rest of the week in Fractions Centers to extend our Fractions skills. Tests will be sent home on Wednesday so students can make corrections and get parent signatures.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Monday - Study for Fractions Test
Tuesday - FRACTIONS TEST; No Homework
Wednesday - Parent signature and Test corrections
Thursday -No Homework
Friday -No Homework
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Week of March 30 - April 3
It's a short week! Don't forget we have no school on Friday, April 3, then Spring Break is next week, April 6-10. See you all on Monday, April 13.
This week in science.... we are finishing up our 5 kingdoms videos! They will be posted here and on angel when they are complete! We will have a test on Classifying Living Things when we return from Spring Break.
This week in Social Studies... we began exploring the Abolitionist and Suffragist movements in America in the 1800s. Wednesday, we will be taking a practice SS SOL test. Students are taking home their Westward Expansion Test. The test should be corrected and have a parent signature on it, to be returned Monday, April 13.
This week in Math.. we are continuing our study of fractions by looking at the relationship between decimals and fractions.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Monday - No Homework
Tuesday - Practice Page A - Division
Wednesday - No Homework
Thursday - Optional fraction practice over Spring Break
Friday - No School
This week in science.... we are finishing up our 5 kingdoms videos! They will be posted here and on angel when they are complete! We will have a test on Classifying Living Things when we return from Spring Break.
This week in Social Studies... we began exploring the Abolitionist and Suffragist movements in America in the 1800s. Wednesday, we will be taking a practice SS SOL test. Students are taking home their Westward Expansion Test. The test should be corrected and have a parent signature on it, to be returned Monday, April 13.
This week in Math.. we are continuing our study of fractions by looking at the relationship between decimals and fractions.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Monday - No Homework
Tuesday - Practice Page A - Division
Wednesday - No Homework
Thursday - Optional fraction practice over Spring Break
Friday - No School
Monday, March 23, 2009
March 23-27
This week in Science... we are continuing to work on our Five Kingdoms videos by completing our power point slides and our scripts in the computer lab. At the end of the week we will continue our study of living things as we study different marine ecosystems and the food chains in each one.
This week in Social Studies... Tuesday, we will wrap up Westward Expansion as we share our advertisements for new inventions that changed the way of life in the 1800s. We'll also explore some key geographic and cultural factors that led to Americans moving west. Our test on this short unit will be Thursday, March 26. Students should study their Chapter 16 Reading Notes in the HA! Workbook, the map and notes in their Social Studies spiral as well as the online resources on ANGEL including the HA! Tutorial for Chapter 16.
This week in Math.. we are continuing to explore fractions as we add linear fractions. We'll continue to practice adding and subtracting fractions, including mixed numbers, with different denominator. Students should have a strategy to solve a subtraction problem when the second fractional part of the mixed number is greater than the fractional part of the first mixed number. We will also be playing "The Fraction Track Game" and "Capture Fractions" to reinfornce these skills.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Monday - WKS: Adding and Subtracting Fractions
Tuesday -WKS: Changing improper fractions into mixed numbers (ONE SIDE ONLY)
Wednesday -WKS: Changing Mixed Numbers in to Improper Fractions (ONE SIDE ONLY)
Thursday -WKS: Problem Solving with Fractions (FRONT ONLY)
Friday - No Homework
This week in Social Studies... Tuesday, we will wrap up Westward Expansion as we share our advertisements for new inventions that changed the way of life in the 1800s. We'll also explore some key geographic and cultural factors that led to Americans moving west. Our test on this short unit will be Thursday, March 26. Students should study their Chapter 16 Reading Notes in the HA! Workbook, the map and notes in their Social Studies spiral as well as the online resources on ANGEL including the HA! Tutorial for Chapter 16.
This week in Math.. we are continuing to explore fractions as we add linear fractions. We'll continue to practice adding and subtracting fractions, including mixed numbers, with different denominator. Students should have a strategy to solve a subtraction problem when the second fractional part of the mixed number is greater than the fractional part of the first mixed number. We will also be playing "The Fraction Track Game" and "Capture Fractions" to reinfornce these skills.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Monday - WKS: Adding and Subtracting Fractions
Tuesday -WKS: Changing improper fractions into mixed numbers (ONE SIDE ONLY)
Wednesday -WKS: Changing Mixed Numbers in to Improper Fractions (ONE SIDE ONLY)
Thursday -WKS: Problem Solving with Fractions (FRONT ONLY)
Friday - No Homework
Monday, March 16, 2009
March 16-20
This week in Science... What do you know about the Five Kingdoms of living things? We will head to the computer lab to begin working on our Five Kingdoms Videos. We spent last week learning about and taking notes on the 5 kingdoms in centers. This week we will create our powerpoint slides that will later become our videos! Stay tuned for the final products!
This week in Social Studies... we are taking our Unit 6 Test (Birth of a Nation) on Monday, March 16. We will begin exploring Westward Expansion. How/when/why did Americans move from the Atlantic Coast that was the Originial 13 colonies across to the Pacific Coast?
This week in Math... we are continuing our Fractions unit. We will practice comparing and ordering fractions, decimals, and percents. We will also look at how we can use a clock to help us add fractions with like and unlike denominators.
Assignments:
Monday - WKS: Simplifying Fractions
Tuesday - WKS: Comparing Fractions
Wednesday - WKS: Comparing and Ordering Fractions
Thursday - WKS: Ordering Fractions
Friday - No Homework
This week in Social Studies... we are taking our Unit 6 Test (Birth of a Nation) on Monday, March 16. We will begin exploring Westward Expansion. How/when/why did Americans move from the Atlantic Coast that was the Originial 13 colonies across to the Pacific Coast?
This week in Math... we are continuing our Fractions unit. We will practice comparing and ordering fractions, decimals, and percents. We will also look at how we can use a clock to help us add fractions with like and unlike denominators.
Assignments:
Monday - WKS: Simplifying Fractions
Tuesday - WKS: Comparing Fractions
Wednesday - WKS: Comparing and Ordering Fractions
Thursday - WKS: Ordering Fractions
Friday - No Homework
Monday, March 9, 2009
Week of March 19-13
This week in Science... we are spending time in Kingdom Rotations learning about the characteristic of living things in each kingdom in a "Centers" format.
This week in Social Studies... we are exploring the structure of our Federal Government as outlined at the Constitutional Convention. We'll also explore the first 10 Amendments called the Bill of Rights that were added to the Constitution to protect individual rights. Lastly, we'll explore two political parties that emerged during the first two presidencies -- Federalists and the Democratic Republicans. Students should be reviewing their notes in their Social Studies Spiral and in their History Alive Workbook. The Unit 6 Test will be Monday, March 16.
This week in Math... we are continuing to explore the relationship between fractions, precents, and decimals. We are also looking at patterns formed with equivalent fractions and how to name a fraction it its lowest terms.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Monday - WKS: Equivalent Fractions
Tuesday - WKS: "Quench Your Thirst" - Fractions and Percents
Wednesday - WKS: "7-6 - Percent Sense Using Models" SIDE ONLY
Thursday - WKS: 7-7 - Other Side
Friday - No Homework
This week in Social Studies... we are exploring the structure of our Federal Government as outlined at the Constitutional Convention. We'll also explore the first 10 Amendments called the Bill of Rights that were added to the Constitution to protect individual rights. Lastly, we'll explore two political parties that emerged during the first two presidencies -- Federalists and the Democratic Republicans. Students should be reviewing their notes in their Social Studies Spiral and in their History Alive Workbook. The Unit 6 Test will be Monday, March 16.
This week in Math... we are continuing to explore the relationship between fractions, precents, and decimals. We are also looking at patterns formed with equivalent fractions and how to name a fraction it its lowest terms.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Monday - WKS: Equivalent Fractions
Tuesday - WKS: "Quench Your Thirst" - Fractions and Percents
Wednesday - WKS: "7-6 - Percent Sense Using Models" SIDE ONLY
Thursday - WKS: 7-7 - Other Side
Friday - No Homework
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Week of March 2-6
I hope everyone enjoyed their **snow** day yesterday! I know I was very productive and got lots of rest :)
This week 5th graders are taking the Grade 5 Writing SOL. Tuesday is the shorter portion - Multiple Choice and Wednesday is the longer portion - The Essay. Be sure students get plenty of sleep Tuesday night and eat a good breakfast Wednesday morning. Students are prepared for this exam and we know they'll do great!
This week in science... we will continue to explore how scientists classify living things. Last week we began looking at Dichotomous Keys and how they can help us identify an organism based on its features. This week we are identifying some families of sharks using a Dichotomous Key. We will also begin to explore the 5 Kingdoms of Living Things. What are the key characteristics of each kingdom??
This week in Social Studies... we are continuing to look at the United States as a new nation. After gaining independence from Britain, Americans had to come up with a system of government. It wasn't quick or easy, but the Constitution and Bill of Rights that was written and ratified still stands today. :) Students will learn about how the Constitution was written and how our Federal government is set up. Students will also explore the Bill of Rights which were added to the Constitution in order for it to be ratified by some states.
This week in Math... we are exploring the relationship between fractions and percents through a variety of Investigations. How do we express common fractions as percents? How are certain fractions - 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 related?
ASSIGNMENTS:
Monday - No School
Tuesday - No Homework
Wednesday -No Homework
Thursday -Student Sheet 6
Friday - No Homework
This week 5th graders are taking the Grade 5 Writing SOL. Tuesday is the shorter portion - Multiple Choice and Wednesday is the longer portion - The Essay. Be sure students get plenty of sleep Tuesday night and eat a good breakfast Wednesday morning. Students are prepared for this exam and we know they'll do great!
This week in science... we will continue to explore how scientists classify living things. Last week we began looking at Dichotomous Keys and how they can help us identify an organism based on its features. This week we are identifying some families of sharks using a Dichotomous Key. We will also begin to explore the 5 Kingdoms of Living Things. What are the key characteristics of each kingdom??
This week in Social Studies... we are continuing to look at the United States as a new nation. After gaining independence from Britain, Americans had to come up with a system of government. It wasn't quick or easy, but the Constitution and Bill of Rights that was written and ratified still stands today. :) Students will learn about how the Constitution was written and how our Federal government is set up. Students will also explore the Bill of Rights which were added to the Constitution in order for it to be ratified by some states.
This week in Math... we are exploring the relationship between fractions and percents through a variety of Investigations. How do we express common fractions as percents? How are certain fractions - 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 related?
ASSIGNMENTS:
Monday - No School
Tuesday - No Homework
Wednesday -No Homework
Thursday -Student Sheet 6
Friday - No Homework
Monday, February 23, 2009
Week of February 23-27
This week in Science... we are beginning a new unit on the classification of living things. This week we'll look at what makes something a living organism and take a look at how scientist classify living things based on their features and characteristics.
First we classified these strange creatures according to their features:
Then we had the task of classifiying all of this candy!
Check out our work!
This week in Social Studies...we will take our Unit 5 Assessment on Wednesday, February 25. Students should study their History Alive workbooks and the notes in their Social Studies spirals. Friday we will begin a new unit on the Birth of a Nation - we'll look at the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, explore the Constiution & the three branches of government as well as the Bill of Rights.
This week in Math... we will have our DIVISION test on Tuesday, February 24. Students should be comfortable dividing with single digit divisors, double digit divisors, and dividends with decimals. Students should also know how to find factors of a given number the find the Greatest Common Factor of two numbers. We have also revisted find the mean of a set of data, this time without calculators. Toward the end of the week we will dive right in to our Fractions unit which we will use the Investigations series to explore the meaning of fractions and how decimals, fractions, and percents are all related.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Monday - Double Digit Division WKS
Tuesday -TEST TODAY -- NO HOMEWORK
Wednesday -Finish Test Corrections (started in class) and parent signature on Division Test
Thursday -WKS: Student Sheet 2 - Students should find one example of a fraction, one example of a decimal, and one example of a percentage in newspapers or old magazines. If students cannot find one of these things they may make one up but it must be an example that we did not already list in class.
Friday - NO HOMEWORK
First we classified these strange creatures according to their features:
Then we had the task of classifiying all of this candy!
Check out our work!
This week in Social Studies...we will take our Unit 5 Assessment on Wednesday, February 25. Students should study their History Alive workbooks and the notes in their Social Studies spirals. Friday we will begin a new unit on the Birth of a Nation - we'll look at the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, explore the Constiution & the three branches of government as well as the Bill of Rights.
This week in Math... we will have our DIVISION test on Tuesday, February 24. Students should be comfortable dividing with single digit divisors, double digit divisors, and dividends with decimals. Students should also know how to find factors of a given number the find the Greatest Common Factor of two numbers. We have also revisted find the mean of a set of data, this time without calculators. Toward the end of the week we will dive right in to our Fractions unit which we will use the Investigations series to explore the meaning of fractions and how decimals, fractions, and percents are all related.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Monday - Double Digit Division WKS
Tuesday -TEST TODAY -- NO HOMEWORK
Wednesday -Finish Test Corrections (started in class) and parent signature on Division Test
Thursday -WKS: Student Sheet 2 - Students should find one example of a fraction, one example of a decimal, and one example of a percentage in newspapers or old magazines. If students cannot find one of these things they may make one up but it must be an example that we did not already list in class.
Friday - NO HOMEWORK
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Week of Feb. 16 - 20
Hooray! Atlantic has met their goal today, Friday, Feb. 20. The new goal is 15! Can they do it?
Check out Atlantic's Math Homework Record! Keep up the good work!This week in Social Studies... we are exploring key events and leaders in the American Revolution. Tuesday we'll be playing a little game of Tug-of-War.... How does that help us understand the advantages each side had in the war? Our Unit 5 Test on the American Revolution will be on Wednesday, Feb. 25. Students should be reviewing their notes in their Social Studies spirals, History Alive Workbooks, quizzes, and the History Alive Online Tutorials for Chapters 10, 12, and 13.
This week in Science... we are reviewing the parts of the plant and animal cell, comparing the two, and looking at examples of each type of cell in the microscopes. Our CELLS test will be on Friday, Feb. 20.
This week in Math... we are continuing to explore division strategies, Prime factors & GCF, and we will learn how to divide with decimals!
ASSIGNMENTS:
Monday - No School
Tuesday - WKS: Greatest Common Factor
Wednesday -WKS: Practice 4-12 - Dividing Decimals
Thursday -WKS: Dividing Decimals
Friday - No Homework but... Decimals test will be on Tuesday, February 24. There is no study guide, so be sure you are comfortable with factors/GCF, dividing whole numbers and decimals, and prime vs. composite numbers
Friday, February 6, 2009
Week of Feb. 9-13
So I have a new document camera in my classroom hooked up to the computer and my projector (to be shared with others on my team :))
It has tons of cool features like turning my image negative.... this is using it for instructional purposes isn't it???? How about if it was the kids' idea and they helped me take the picture with the new imager. :) It's great. According to my math class, this picture should be called "Zombie Hand".
Speaking of math classes -- check out Atlantic's HW record! We've been working toward this goal since September and finally reached our goal of 6 in a row! We're working on 10 now. Stayed tuned and find out if we make it.
This week is SCA sponsored SPIRIT WEEK! Students can show school spirit by dressing up each day this week in the following ways:
Monday - Hippie Day
Tuesday - Pajama Day
Wednesday - Crazy Hair Day
Thursday - Husky Spirit Day - wear Husky apparel or dress in green and blue
Friday - Valentine's Colors Day - Wear Red, Pink, and White
This week in Science... we are continuing to explore parts of a cell and their functions. We are also comparing animal cells and plant cells. We will also examine cells through our microscopes. Students will be bringing home a study guide for cells and microscopes on Wednesday. Our Assessment will be Friday, February 20.
This week in Social Studies.. we are continuing to explore key events leading up to and key individuals in the American Revolution. Students have a quiz on Chapter 10 on Tuesday. Notes on Chapter 10 can be found in their SS spirals and students should have completed the History Alive Online Tutorial for Ch. 10. This week we are focusing on key individuals and the writing of the Declaration of Independence. We will discuss and explore ideas and philosophies that are represented in the Declaration.
This week in Math... we will learn and practice several strategies for division! We'll learn the standard algorithm as well as "column division". We will also explore prime and composite numbers and how to find the GCF of two numbers to help carry us in to our fractions unit.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Monday - WKS: Practice 4-5
Tuesday -WKS: Practice 4-8
Wednesday - WKS: Prime and Composite Numbers
Thursday -WKS: 4-14
Friday -No Homework
Monday - Hippie Day
Tuesday - Pajama Day
Wednesday - Crazy Hair Day
Thursday - Husky Spirit Day - wear Husky apparel or dress in green and blue
Friday - Valentine's Colors Day - Wear Red, Pink, and White
This week in Science... we are continuing to explore parts of a cell and their functions. We are also comparing animal cells and plant cells. We will also examine cells through our microscopes. Students will be bringing home a study guide for cells and microscopes on Wednesday. Our Assessment will be Friday, February 20.
This week in Social Studies.. we are continuing to explore key events leading up to and key individuals in the American Revolution. Students have a quiz on Chapter 10 on Tuesday. Notes on Chapter 10 can be found in their SS spirals and students should have completed the History Alive Online Tutorial for Ch. 10. This week we are focusing on key individuals and the writing of the Declaration of Independence. We will discuss and explore ideas and philosophies that are represented in the Declaration.
This week in Math... we will learn and practice several strategies for division! We'll learn the standard algorithm as well as "column division". We will also explore prime and composite numbers and how to find the GCF of two numbers to help carry us in to our fractions unit.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Monday - WKS: Practice 4-5
Tuesday -WKS: Practice 4-8
Wednesday - WKS: Prime and Composite Numbers
Thursday -WKS: 4-14
Friday -No Homework
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