May 14, 2013, Tuesday

Please return field trip signature section for both permission slips.

Planner:

Math:  IXL Mixed number problems and wordproblems,  I will check to see that you workedon N.12, N.13, N.15  Minimum of 15minutes!!

Math tests need to be parent signed with reflection sheets completed.

READING!!!!! Youmust have your packet completed by tomorrow, all 12 blank sections.

You must have the questions' sheet filled out.  Only need 6 questions.

You must use at least three sources!

Practice run for Socratic Seminar is tomorrow!  All students will participate.

L/A 1 entry

.Thursday, 5/9/13

Where does the time go? There is a plan thought out by the grade 5 team teachers that will be rolled out regarding bathroom runs. It involves signatures in your planner, so, be sure you have your planner with you at every class.  Two students did not have a planner today; be sure to pack it into your backpack tonight. Please bring in a waterbottle or two, also.

H/W
Math Designated IXL topics-see planner.  You should get practice you need, and also challenge yourself, too.
Tomorrow, your last math tests will go home for parent signatures, to be returned by Tuesday, latest.

Reading  Complete four more sections of your SSeminar organizer packet.  Also, look up your own article on GM foods and print or save to thumb drive and print at school. Please do this with parent approval. You may also look up interviews (NPR for example) or videos-Nat'l Geographic, PBS, etc. for note taking and quotations. You will use your article/video info., as notes in your packet, on SSeminar day. margin note, underline, circle-mark up pages as you actively read for information. I have included a few articles below to help you, if you like.  I try to show both views.

http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/curiosity/topics/10-genetically-modified-food-products.htm
  
http://www.fooddialogues.com/foodsource/topics/biotech-seeds?gclid=CLCb8uf6ibcCFUcOOgoduAwATw


http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/review.pdf

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002432.htm

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/print/2013/02/what-you-need-to-know-about-genetically-engineered-food/272931/



Monday, 5/6/13

Restroom runs are taking over important class times.  I am thinking of trying to schedule, like the old days,three  times when everyone goes to the rest room and drinks from the water fountain.  On the subject of drinks, you must bring in a water bottle. The temperature will eventually be 80 degrees in my room, but time stops for no teacher, so please come prepared! These interruptions are not the norm, as I can speak from experience.  If you believe you need a parent note to excuse you from the class room more than three times a day or at any time other than morning, noon, and afternoon scheduled time, please do so and I will happily and confidentially abide.

Jamestown history chapters are to be completed in class, for the time being  You have four class periods to write each one, with teacher guidance. Mrs. Clark will occasionally have a class period to go back to finish or revise any previous chapters.  Any morning time is a great time to work as well. I know you found the geology chapter to be a difficult one, and understandably so.  The remaining chapters are much easier to follow and understand. Soon you will in a groove knowing exactly what to do and flying through these. If you like, you can look for pictures, if you have time, to accompany the chapters as you complete each one. Email me anytime about the chapter topics or any questions.  Please share with your family anything you found interesting in class. So far, you have heard stories about Jamestown geology, early humans to Narragansett Bay and the Narragansett Indians who summered here, and presently, first Europeans to Conanicut Island. Revolutionary War will be begun by the end of the week, I hope.

Please get to bed early enough to wake up spry and sharp, and with a good breakfast as you have your second, and last, DRP tomorrow at 9A.M.

Without further ado...

Math Journal #2 pages 260, 261 (These were primarily completed in class.) and 264 (#1 and #2, only).  You have a new IXL h/w sheet and should practice every week at least 45 minutes total, whether listed in Planner or not.

L/A 1 entry

Reading  Keep up with reading book reports as by the end of this quarter, you should have at least the equivalent of 18 books.


Hasta luego!







Thursday, 5/2/13

Please note!!!!  In my haste of creating a new list, I misspelled fictitious.  Thank you to those who brought this to my attention! Please be sure to make the change to my list for week 16.

Planner should read:

Math:  IXL anything with mixed numbers, except division. 15 minutes.

Reading: Have two gmo articles marked up, as discussed in class with margin notes.

L/A 1 entry

W.S  Due one week from today.


Wednesday, 5/1/13  (Can you believe it?)

I heard the chorus did a great job today.  I look forward to hearing all about it tomorrow.

We have begun the Jamestown History Unit.  This unit and the Jamestown History Book are worked on in Social Studies class and L/A class until the last week of May, when you will complete the last two or three (depending on if you choose the choice chapter) chapters. At that time we will have after school help sessions until the due date on June 6. Please keep your check sheet of chapters completed and up to date.  If you are focused on the task at hand in these classes and not other people, this will roll out easily for you.  Every class period, make a pact with yourself about what you want to accomplish. Do not hesitate to ask me or Mrs. Clark for help or any questions you may have.  Mrs. Clark and I have taught this unit for many years, and myself for many years before that. It is a history and skills-based unit that students remember, positively, for life.  Soon I will send out a whole-grade letter with such details as above and more. 

Also, I am very excited about your upcoming Socratic Seminar in Reading that will take place in about a week and a half.  I can secure a due date as soon as your comment/fact sheets are begun.  You will begin these sheets on Thursday. I will show you a video from another year of Jamestown fifth graders in action. This, also, is an in-class assignment until tidying up loose ends closer to the seminar date.

The ONLY h/w tonight is finish margin-noting and underlining important phrases of the front page of the last article I gave you two days ago. The last article should be completely actively read with such markings on the paper. ask yourself how you are leaning on these issues with the info. you now have.

If you like, you may, of course, work on your W.S packet that is due May 9, Thursday and/ or IXL any grade 5 sections for which you NEED PRACTICE. A few of you still have not completed the last math assessment.

Good day and good night!





Monday 4/29/13

Oops! I realize I should have added Word Study packet was  begun today. Due date is one week from this Thursday, May 9. I will have a formal typed copy of words hopefully by tomorrow afternoon.

Monday, April 29, 2013

L/A 1 entry

Math     Math test continues tomorrow so, if you need more practice, IXL N-3 is helpful.  Or work on Fraction Nation or any IXL that interests you that we have not covered yet. We start a new unit tomorrow.

S/S Fix any 2s, see me for test makeup and/or geo-bday essay.  Share Jtown history knowledge with folks at home!

Science  none

Reading Fix any 2 for Skellig essay. You do not have to fix quotation marks, for this.

The year is not over!! Keep up with reading especially if you are far from final goal in June of equivalent of 18 books.


 

Thursday, 4/25/13

Website to practice with that includes answer sheet, showing work can be found at  http://www.math-aids.com/Fractions/Multiplying_Fractions_and_Whole_Numbers.html  .There you create your own worksheets, numbers are in the system already...press of the button.

Math test tomorrow. We discussed the myriad of ways to study, in class today.

1 entry for L/A

Science Study if going for golden square.

Bring in money for Chorus if in Chorus.  I know nothing else about this.

Bring sneakers for tomorrow as we are celebrating Knockout Kneecap Scores Day.

Reading  be sure you have margin-noted and underlined and circled for fotst 5 paragraphs of  GM article (We completed four together in class today. We are preparing for a Socratic Seminar that will be had in about two weeks. More to come.

Enjoy the beautiful evening.

Monday, 4/22/13

Back to business. A few big assignments were passed back today.  Please have your parents take a gander, maybe have a chat, and ask yourself with each piece, "What have I learned from all of my hard work?"

H/W
Math test on Friday.  Review after school will be Thursday.
Parent signature on math test for volume.
IXL N-1-N-4 are good practice.

Reading   Skellig essays came back today. No signature required, but show off your first critical essay!  Big stuff! Also, should your essay require a reprint with some correction, please do.  Quotation corrections do not need to be made on this assignment.
Beginning a Socratic Seminar work tomorrow. So exciting.

Keep up with silent reading toward year end goal.

SS   Test needs signature of parent.  Makeup test for 2s or lower, tomorrow after school after review and practice  together. 
Make up any 2s for Birthday lat/long essay if any out there. They look beautiful hanging in our room with your work of art attached.

No word study this week.

L/A 1 entry

Science...no h/w that I am aware of.

Fill in your folks on Destination Kind.  Compliment slips available tomorrow.

Peace.

Enjoy your family!






Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Again, a shout out going out to any parents that would like a conference after vacation.  Please email me with your available days and times should you like to meet.

Homework tonight:

IXL multiplying fractions       Remember 60 minutes is the goal per week.
L/A 1 entry
Reading 20 minutes of independent reading          Green folders will be collected for the count over vacation.

Enjoy the glorious day!


Friday, April 5, 2013

I recommend you see Alice  in Wonderland this weekend.  We were fortunate Mrs. Dibiase allowed the fifth grade to preview a formal dress rehearsal this afternoon.  So proud of the dedication to the show from so many grade 5 students.  Mrs. Dibiase passed out a green flyer for students and parents to preview regarding cell phones in school and the Jamestown School dress code.  A flyer was also sent home to remind students to stop by the Jamestown Police Station tomorrow for the unveiling of the new police car.  Activities planned there as well between 1 and 3, I believe.


Reading  Essay is due Monday.  You can put final small touches into your essay, but no more than 10-15 minutes worth!


Green folders will be collected next week so I can check in with reading book logs


Math Continue with IXL practice with multiplying fractions by a whole number. Expand as you desire to higher and more challenging work.


L/A  Keep up with Writer's Notebook.

By the end of the week I hope to return to you your SS essays and math tests and SS tests. This is my goal!


Have a wonderful weekend! You deserve it!!

Thursday, April4, 2013

So excited about the work you have so carefully, thoughtfully, intelligently created this week!  Your willingness to do your very best is commendable!  Your acceptance and trust of my advice and recommendations with regard to your writing, to see you take an idea and expound on it, making it completely your own, is thrilling to me as a teacher! I promise to keep your work challenging, but I also promise to give you a break from the kind of writing you have done for Reading and SS in only a week and a half. Kudos to you, all!

Math Pkt is due tomorrow.  REmember, only complete odd numbered problems on page 2 of pkt. 
If you have time, IXL problems involving a fraction of a whole number is recommended.

SS  All essays and accompanying pkt and work must be passed in by tomorrow.  Artwork is due by Tuesday and is not going to be graded. There will be no time allowed to print or work on essay tomorrow.  If you have printer difficulties, remember to bring in a parent note, please.

Reading Skellig critical essay is due tomorrow or Monday. No penalty for Monday...but I heard weather this weekend will be beautiful, so plan accordingly! I will show you how to write the sources cited part of your paper.

L/A 1 entry

Science none

Peace!






Wednesday, April 3, 2013

5-1 will have one more day for their Birthday latitude/ longitude essay as they were short one class compared to the other fifth grade classes, due to last Friday's day off.  I am afterschool tomorrow for any help you may need on any assignments you are working on.

H/W 
L/A 1 entry

IXL any multiplying fractions by a whole number.

Reading  Essay is due Friday or Monday, your choice. No penalty at all for delivery on Monday.

Green reading log folder must show equivalent of 12-14 books. Magazine non fiction articles from reputable magazines are acceptable, too!  Folders will be collected next week.

SS  Essay due tomorrow.

 


Tues, April 2, 2013

Off to PT, so must keep this short and sweet.

Math;  wksheet begun in class.  Be sure to put in simplest form, and or mixed number if necessary.

IXL 15 minutes of any of the following- P1-P4  x1-x7

SS Essay and pkt due Thurs.  I am afterschool tomorrow for extra help, again. 

Rdg   green book log folders due Monday with equivalent of reports for 12-14 books.  Click on Files to the left of letter orscroll to bottom of page for advanced form should you like to try it.

Essay in Rdg is due Friday or Monday-your choice.

L/A 1/ entry

Science  none



Monday, April 1...for a third time!

I attached a file for those interested in trying out a more challenging book review log.  It can be downloaded by clicking on Links at the bottom of the page found near the heading of the Homework page, or clicking on Files on the left side bar.  I can go over the language of this organizer with you or in a small group.

Hope this helps for those who have been waiting for this.

Monday, April 1, cont'd

Hello, again.  Back from my meeting.  I just checked on that page I recommended for science practice for your test tomorrow and YOU MUST SCROLL ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE for a tutorial and several practice websites. I hope these help.

Also, calling all parents!  Please email me to set up a parent conference if you would like to meet. I am thrilled to have met some students' parents and share work and ideas.  Last quarter is approaching and though a conference is not necessary, I do have lots of insightful information for you, should you like to meet. Call me soon, please.

Final message- Pack a water bottle for each day from now on as our h/r is very warm.

Homework for tonight is...

Math       Fraction Nation

L/A 1 entry

Science    Moon Phases test.  See note above and practice with flashcards.

Reading  Three paragraph essay on your choice of theme or a charcter trait from Skellig is due Thursday.  This was begun last week and is being worked on in school as well.

Also, I will be collecting green folders for reading report logs next Monday. You should have the equivalent of 12-14 books. Remember, too,a  reputable, nonfiction magazine article is also allowed as equal to a book.

SS bullets and boxes should be done by now.  Using directions given you and rubric, complete the 5 paragraph essay by Thursddasy.  This also has been scaffolded and worked on in class for over a week. I am staying after school this week tomorrow and Wednesday to help you out in any way I can.

Be prepared with pencils, erasers, and a water bottle!!

Thank you for all you do!


Monday, April 1, 2013

Made it through April Fool's Day without one trickery...Well, actually Donovan caught me. Thanks, for the laugh Donovan! Running off to a faculty meeting and will update upon my return!  But, I promised some quiz games for science, so I opened up a moons, seasons link on the main page of my Schoolnotes.

See you soon. I am late!

Mrs. B

Tuesday, March 26, 2013


Thanks for 'staying with me' today as we covered a lot of ground! Any time you are not sure what to do, there is plenty of time needed to complete well your essays for SS and Reading.  Ask questions now, as they arise. Please do not put off tomorrow what you could accomplish today.

Also, my apologies to Cam. I realize I did not include him my last message regarding the police car insignia awards.  Cam won Honorable Mention.  Congrats, Cam!

To help prepare you for tomorrow's SS test, below I have included several practice tests and games, the Brainpop movie we saw today, and the original tutorial you used for the lat/long organizer we worked on in class on Day 1. 

Math: IXL volume problems
Afterschool math help tomorrow
Test Thursday

W.S. Several of you were asked to improve your packets and some required parent signatures.

L/A 1 entry

SS Quiz tomorrow.  Fill out word list with as much information as you can. Study from notes from tutorial, Brainpop, online tutorials and quiz practice websites below:

http://www.kidsgeo.com/geography-games/latitude-longitude-map-game.php

http://www.abcya.com/latitude_and_longitude_practice.htm

http://www.purposegames.com/game/longitude-and-latitude-quiz

http://www.quia.com/quiz/318889.html

http://www.mcwdn.org/MAPS&GLOBES/LatitudeQuiz.html

http://www.infoplease.com/p/brainpop/latitudeandlongitude.html        Brainpopmovie we saw today!

http://quizlet.com/13468743/latitude-longitude-quiz-flash-cards/          flashcards

http://geographyworldonline.com/tutorial/lesson1.html   website used in class

http://www.quia.com/quiz/294825.html

Essay  will be worked on with Mrs. Clark's L/A classes as well. Due Thursday, April, 4.

Rdg:  Essay due Thursday, April 4 and is worked on in class as well as home.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Lots of great work today! As always, Monday felt like a whirlwind, as I see it is outside, too! Some very high level work going on these next two weeks.  There isn't Word Study this week as any available class time must be devoted to your SS 5-paragraph and reading 3 or  5-paragraph essays.  Bring in your thumb drive to work at school and at home. And...A big congratulations to Will for winning the POlice Car insignia challenge. Also, Maya won Honorable Mention.  I hope I did not leave any 5-3 members out.

Here is the rundown...

Math:  After school h/w help Wednesday for Thursday math test. Only those in need of extra practice should attend. 

Continue with IXl as listed on the IXL half-sheet in binder. If you are proficient or excel at grade 5 levels, move on to higher grade levels for volume.

Math test is on Thursday. Students will correct own pretest on Wednesday.

Composed figures worksheet, begun in class,  must be completed by tomorrow showing all work, neatly and clearly.

Word Study:  I corrected your word study packets over the weekend but forgot to pass these back to you.  These will be in your binders for parent perusal tomorrow afternoon. See note above about WS this week.

L/A  1 entry in Writer's Notebook

Science Study for make-up test as needed for those Mrs. D informed.

SS: Lat/Long packets should be finished by now so tomorrow I can give you time during school to work on culminating 5 paragraph essay. Essay is due one week from Thursday, April 4. Attached paper artwork of your choice (painting, drawing, collage, other ideas? on 8x11 to as large as 11x14) will be due Friday. USE YOUR essay template and check off rubric.

Review for test Wednesday on latitude and longitude will take place in class tomorrow.

Test is on Wednesday on latitude and longitude and should only take a portion of the class to complete.

Reading: Your first Critical Essay-fifth grade style, that is, on your choice of character analysis or theme, is also due one week from Thursday, April 4.  Reading time will be devoted to this as I guide you in any way I can. Your completed essay template becomes your essay when you put the parts together-easy as pie!

Note**I can stay after school for any  help tomorrow, Wednesday-for math only-, and next Tues and Weds.


This may seem like a lot, but we are using class time, with my guidance, until the due dates.

Remember!  I am so impressed with how much you have grown since we met in December! Thank yourself for your great successes!






Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Changes in SS...Test on latitude and longitude, along with some seasons basics will be next Wednesday due to the length of time it is taking to complete our in class project, Birthday Latitude and longitude.

Volume is moving along well as we prove the formula for volume and are involved with problem solving and lots of practice. Tomorrow we are comparing volume to surface area as we double and triple each to predict what what happens when parts are quadrupled.

Keep up with 10-15 minutes of IXL with volume per night.

H/W=
Math 3 wksheets, may were finished in ten minutes' time...Not as difficult as it sounds or appears.
10-15 minutes volume IXL

Reading:  Be sure Reading journal is in good shape for me to take home this weekend.
By the end of March you should have read the equivalent of 12-14 books.  I accept any good magazine article such as National Geographic, Smithsonian, even Sports Illustrated, as a book as well.

See you tomorrow!







Monday, March 11, 2013

To prepare for seasons' science lesson and mini SS time zone lesson, you are doing a great introductory job with latitude (seasons) and longitude (time zones). More practice will be had tomorrow as well as a kick off the birthday lat/longitude class project applying your knowledge of thematic maps and latitude and longitude. Lots of room for individuality and creativity with that! Next Tuesday there will be a test on latitude and longitude for which you will study from your Cornell notes organizer from our last two classes. Lots of growth from pretest to post test in math. The math test and a reading comprehension assessment will be going home tomorrow night to show to your parents for discussion and signatures. Considering the loss of a hour, everyone had a great day!

H/W:

Math/ IXL B1 and B22 15 minutes

L/A 1 entry   Expert project preparation

Reading/ Skellig ch 41 and 42 two summaries and reflections, one for each chapter.

Try to get an extra hour of sleep!







Monday, March 4, 2013

Please bring in any Boxtops you may have as Mrs. Tuttle will be collecting these tomorrow. Tell your folks about Pennies for Patients. Clearly there is a buzz about the Expert projects in L/A! Keep up with what ever Mrs. Clark is asking you to do. Remember, she is staying after school for you to work on your own or with your partners Tues., Wed. Thurs. until 3:30. All students need to be ready by Monday, whether scheduled or not.
  So without further ado...

Math: test Wednesday on fractions, all aspects of additon and subtraction, improper fractions to mixed, simplest form, equivalent fractions, least common denominator.

IXL  is great for  study and practice...Fractions sections L1 through L6, m1-m8, and m12-m14

After school math help tomorrow for any fifth grade students who need a review and practice.


L/A see above message


Reading: By the end of March you should have read the equivalent of 12-14 books with book report logs as proof, of course.


Also, brush up your reading logs for an upcoming inspection. Check to be sure they are detailed enough and with dates for each entry, summaries of most important info. and reflections should be at least three very well-thought out sentences. Of course, i am aware I did not ask you to report on every chapter and at times, melded summaries together.


No SS or Science due

Thank you. Remember communicate any questions you have regarding anything about your classes or school in a timely manner, so I or an appropriate teacher can help you.  Peace out!
 

Thursday, February 28, 2013,

Another very productive day, as you strive to 'thrive' each day. It is such a thrill for me to experience your academic growth! ('Thrive' is our new class banner.)

H/W~
Reading:  Remember you could write your summary and reflection for chapters 34, 35, 36, in your reading journal tonight or take ten minutes tomorrow to do it.

Math:  There is a math test next Wednesday. (I will have an afterschool study help next Tuesday.)
          Finish renaming subtraction practice wksheet that we started in class together. Complete the estimating wksheet. You may work out some of those problems, too, if you like for extra practice and extra credit, though directions do not ask you to.

Art: If need to finish police car...

L/A 1 entry.  Tell your parents about the expert project.

SS  Parent signed slip that shows they saw both RI maps book and Relig. intol. paragraph. Due tomorrow.


Keep up the great work and attitude!
 


Tuesday, February 26, 2013

 We are nearly all back from vacation! Hooray! Another 'Hooray!' is for the day of tremendous learning we had today. From mixed numbers, levers and pulleys, adverbs and expert presenting, to RI early history greats and teamwork practice, such progress was made by very involved students!  A personal 'Thank you!' and a big smile from Mrs. B!  Here is the rundown for homework:


Math:  wksheet 54  Mixed number addition and subtraction   You loved 'ferris wheel' with mixed numbers, BUT actually you must choose between two methods for this paper. Decide...
a) if you want to turn mixed numbers to improper fractions, then subtract, then turn large improper fraction answer into a mixed number ORRR...
b) Find a common denominator of the two fractions in the problem first, add or subtract those fractions, THEN add or subtract the whole numbers.

When the wholes are large numbers, best to work out the algorithm the second way, like b) listed above.

*Fraction Nation should be 6 units per week

Science: Levers and Pulleys test on Thursday. You have a study guide from Mrs. Desrosiers  to help you.

W.S. Packet is due Thursday, March 7.

L/A 1 entry


****Tomorrow for h/w in SS...parent signatures for RI maps book and Religious Intolerance paragraph, due Thursday.

 

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

I will get right to it! Homework tonight is the following:

Art/ If you have not completed your critique page, please due to help the class earn 3 Mona bucks tomorrow.

Math/ wksheet 58 an example was completed together in class. Students must complete at least six problems that include the squares' model that creates your common denominator by dividing one denominator into the other. Complete the worksheet showing all work.
Remember, please, to be sure you have thirty minutes of fraction IXL logged this week.

Note**I looked over your exit slips for equivalent fractions, adding fractions with unlike denominators, and mixed numbers and will address your next lesson on an individual level.

Word Study/ Packet is due tomorrow and there is a test on vocabulary and spelling.

L/A   1 entry in Writer's Notebook

Science none

SS  Current event paragraph related to religious intolerance. See question sheet, please.

Email me with any questions.  Remember how important communication can be for your success!

 


Tuesday, February 5, 2013

The snow, and maybe indoor recess, affected many today making for a bit of an extra rambunctious day. We all survived and I am hoping for outdoor recess tomorrow. Please be sure to bring in your boots and proper outdoor wear for recess. We are digging into fractions and especially modeling fractions to help with the understanding of the necessary steps when adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. This emphasis on modeling is related to the new Common Core philosophy and will be part of future standardized testing. So, though many of you are able to add/subtract fractions with unlike denominators already, modeling of these algorithms will be part of your lessons, at least for now. In social studies, we are beginning to delve into RI history and why Europeans/Puritans left England and Roger Williams' philosophical role 150 years later in the foundation of the First Amendment of the Constitution. Note taking skills will be the emphasis as well this week focusing on Cornell Method. Remember to ask your parents for assistance as needed with the h/w due Friday. My goal is to have RI books graded by Wednesday next week. Please share with your folks what you are learning in all of your classes.

H/W...
Math:  Try the three pages I assigned, in your math journal, 121, 124, 129. Please do not leave any blank, even if you are not sure if you are computing correctly. Always begin with, "I know that..."

Because of the other paper practice at home, IXL requirement this week is reduced to 30 minutes, minimum. Challenge yourself to any of the fraction practices.

Word Study is due this Thursday. Sp and Vocab test will be Thursday as well.

Social Studies Current events paragraph is due Friday. See the direction sheet given you today.

No Science

L/A 1 entry and begin to think about an expert lesson to teach the class

Practice for Band concert

Sleep well and please have a good breakfast in the morning. Soooo many of you are ordering breakfast now, that it takes longer to settle in to your day.


 


January 31, 2013, Thursday
Tomorrow is the last class period devoted to working on the RI project. I will be staying after school until 3:30 for help, but you must have a ride home as there isn't a late bus. At the bottom of the page I posted a link for the maps and paragraphs rubrics. PLEASE make a change to the rubric. It should read the order of the maps and paragraphs are Political, first, Population, Waterways, then, Landmarks, then extra (if you did this).   I am so impressed with some of the finished products and am very excited to look them over and read your paragraphs, as is Mrs. Clark for your writing. For any parents possibly reading this, I will be sending home parent conference forms, with the report cards next week, to sign up for a meeting time. I look forward to to any insight you can provide about your child!

H/W
Math same as yesterday. See below.

SS. You may bring in your finished product tomorrow or pass in on Monday. 

Reading Finish your summary and reflection as started in class, using page 94 for sketch with labels.

L/A 1 entry

Science none



H/W 
January 30, 2013, Wednesday
Today is SS each class created a sample paragraph for the landmarks map, on the Smartboard.  I modeled, one more time, how the paragraphs rubric helps direct the writing of the paragraph, making it so much easier to know what to write about.  To stay on track, I recommended that you have the landmarks map and paragraph completed by tomorrow. I will be staying after school tomorrow and Friday for any extra assistance on this project you may need.  We all look forward to Monday when the RI Maps Booklets are due.  If you have questions over the weekend, please email me so I can help you out, then, too.

H/W:
Math:  IXL L1, L2, L3, L5 or any Ms if you feel ready for addition and subtraction of fractions with unlike denominators.  We literally and figuratively just cracked open the chapter on fractions. We had a great intro today with lots of participation. PLEASE remember to ask questions as soon as you find you are a bit confused, either during or right after class. Fifteen minute minimum, please.

SS Landmarks Map and paragraph  Also, please note that on your maps rubric it directs you to put maps in a certain order. Please correct the maps rubric to say: Political Map, Population Map, Waterways Map, Landmarks Map.

L/A   Find quote and 1 entry in Writer's Notebook

W.S Keep up with word study packet a little at a time and please make best effort to work conscientiously to complete best work. Packet is due February 7,  one week from Thursday.

Rdg There is no reading required tonight

Science none


As always, muchas gracias for your great effort!
 

January 29, 2013,  Tuesday
I was pleased a few folks took me up on the project help offer after school today.  I will be able to stay after school Thursday and Friday until 3:30 this week as well, but you will need a ride home on Friday as there is no late bus. We are beginning fractions in math. Try logging on to Fraction Nation with your SMI/SRI password.  If you have trouble with this, please let me know. Also, the following assignments of mine required parent signatures:  WS pkt 12,Division math test, Skellig comprehension quiz on pages 63 to 72, reading journal.  I must have all math tests returned to me to make copies for my file.  Mrs.  Clark also assigned that your last essay be signed and returned. Thanks. Some of you have said your parents looked through the work with you and good discussions were had. I hope you both find this process helpful to your academic growth and your parent's knowledge of you as a student and the work of your classes.

The h/w is as follows:
Math     IXL L1 and L2 Try these please, though I am quite aware we have not had a lesson on fractions, per se, yet. Try at least 15 minutes. Try to log on to Fraction nation as requested above. If you have time, Fraction Nation is an excellent home tutorial and practice.

SS Landmarks Map and paragraph are due Thursday. Click on "Calendar", please.

L/A 1 entry

Reading  20 minutes    Again, all students should have reports equivalent to 10 books at this point.

WS Word Study packet focuses on the roots dict- meaning spoken and aqu- meaning water, and includes lots of ow sounding words. The due date for this packet is Thursday, February 7. Take your time and complete it well. If you would like me to look it over for advice in the interim before the due date, I will be happy to. Only 10 words are required, and it is possible to earn a 5 even with not more than ten words, as we have discussed.

 







 


January 28, 2013    Monday

Good evening.  Remember to check RI maps schedule to stay on track. I am after school every day this week, except today, to help with your project.  Use my assistance is you need to or would like!   Homework is as follows below. 

Math: Not necessary until tomorrow night,  IXL fractions. Specifics to come on which parts to practice. Also, if you like you may work with Fraction Nation.
 Math Tests must be signed and returned by tomorrow.

L/A:   Writer's Notebook 1 entry and have essay rubric signed at the bottom after parent seeing essay. 

SS. See schedule. Should have three maps done by now. Remember a thumb drive to save any work done at home or school. Landmarks begun and due Thursday. Project due dates are this Friday or Monday, which ever works best for you, with no consequences for passing in on Monday. All good. I am looking for carefully constructed and designed  final RI Maps booklets.

Reading Skellig comprehension quiz passed back today. Sign if you would, parents, please and return.

Word Study Test tomorrow on MLK, Jr.  packet. Also packet must be passed in complete as it was due last Friday.

As project comes to a close, and you know where you are going with this from examples,  discussions, and rubrics, you should start to feel relieved and excited about creating a beautiful, educational product.


Thank you, as always!
 Mrs. B.




Science none

Hello.  So sorry  have left some of you stranded without Schoolnotes.  Very busy these days! So please check your checklist every day and night to see what you could be working on, in particular for social studies.  For any parents reading this, RI Maps booklet is due Feb 1, and students have a handy checklist/schedule to keep track of what is needed and when.Please remember to apply all you have learned about writing a good paragraph or short essay from Mrs. Clark when writing for SS.  I notice many paragraphs are missing a closing sentence and details for support of your opinions and observations.  Division math tests will be coming home for parent signatures likely tomorrow, to be returned Monday. There has been no IXL assigned as our new fraction unit has not begun, and there has been much homework this week. Feel free to investigate any of the fraction practice games on IXL or begin Fraction Nation.  For new students, I will find out how you can log on to that program. A Word Study packet on Martin Luther King, Jr. is due tomorrow, but the test will not be until next week.  This packet was easier as the definitions were provided.  You are well prepared to write your Martin Luther King, Jr. essays for L/A this week and next.
     Hang in there!  Please remember that I am after school to help you with the Map project tomorrow, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday of next week. Please take advantage of this!! 

H/W

SS  Waterways map and paragraph are due tomorrow.
Rdg See last h/w entry.
Math none necessary tonight
L/A 1 entry
Science none

Thank you for your hard work!


Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Well, I realize I must change the due date of the RI map book to Friday,  February 1. With upcoming days off from school from holidays  and PD days, I miscalculated a reasonable date.  Every night a little time should be dedicated to looking over the rubrics and asking yourself, what else could I be working on to be sure my book is done on time.  I will help by having check-in dates. For example, next Wednesday, January 23, I will be checking your Population Map and paragraph and Political Map and paragraph.  Much time is spent in school, L/A and SS, working on these as well as at home, so you should be able to accomplish this goal.  Every 2-3 days, the next map and paragraph will be due to keep you on track.  Division tests will finish tomorrow and next week we will start fractions.  Tomorrow you have a spelling/vocabulary test and a new word study packet to begin for lesson 13.  We are cranking things up a notch in fifth grade so do your best to stay on top of your work.  PLEASE ask for help within a reasonable time frame.  For example, if you start to notice you need help or are falling behind, do not wait to tell me  on the day before an assignment is due.  Homework club is a great place to work after school and Mrs. Clark, Mrs. Daley and I are there to help you.

H/W...

L/A 1 entry

Math   Packet due- 2 problems per page    Practice IXL/ division problems to study a bit more for test.

Science   None

S/S Continue working on maps and/or  paragraphs.  I will check population and political maps and paragraphs next Wednesday.  Email me above  with any questions or ask me tomorrow.

WS spelling test Vocab test and Packet due tomorrow.

Reading 20 minutes.  A goal for the end of January is that you have the equivalent (pages) of 7-10 books read.

Remember any time you cannot complete an assignment, please come in with a note from a parent.

Thanks for your hard work!!




Thursday, January 10, 2013

Rubric and due dates for the RI map project, completed mostly in school but also at home,  will be given to you by Tuesday 1/15.  It is very important that you have a thumb drive with your name or initials on it and on a lanyard for this assignment that will last two weeks.

So...Here it is for tonight:

L/A   1 entry
SS and Science none
Math  math journal pages 106 and 107.  You may divide whatever way is best for you, but one of the two pages must ALSO show both algorithms, traditional and partial quotient (which is requuired for Common Core math). There is no IXL for today, so your minutes will be short by 15 minutes this week.

Need extra help?  Please scroll down to January 8 h/w for helpful websites.

Rdg. 20 minutes. Book log due by end of month.

***It is very important that you have a thumb drive with your name or initials on it and on a lanyard by Monday.
  It is also helpful to have your own colored pencils for this unit.

Ciao, for now.

Mrs. B








Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Good afternoon.

Homework for tonight is as follows:

L/A 1 entry

Science none

Math IXL H6 and H9  Be sure you are challenging yourself.  If you are acing a particular IXL lesson, then choose another. Please do not do the same one over and over. I will be individually speaking with you tomorrow about how you are doing with IXL.  (We are not switching for Problem Solving tomorrow.)

Reading  Read up to the end of page 53 in Skellig.  Catch up on any chapters missed due to absence. There will be a comprehension quiz tomorrow from page 1-53.  Be sure your Reading Journals are up to date with at least three Summaries and three Reflections.

You do not have to read 20 minutes of independent reading tonight, however remember at least one book log is due by the end of the January.  At this point you should have logs (reports) equivalent to  8-10 books.

SS  None

Art  Self-critque due tomorrow

**Please remember, after school activities are not a reason for not completing homework.  Should there be times when completing homework is not possible, a parent note is required.

Looking forward to a great day tomorrow!







 January 8, 2013
Homework tonight:

Math/ Complete the second page of Division Dance trying to use both methods for division, traditional algorithm and partial quotient. Tomorrow I will help students in separate groups for each method. Until then here are a few places for help:

Partial quotient

 https://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/multiplication-division/partial_quotient_division/v/partial-quotient-division

http://www.sophia.org/partial-quotients-algorithm-tutorial

http://teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?title=Partial_Quotients_Division&video_id=200325

Traditional division algorithm

http://www.mathplayground.com/howto_longdivision.html        Great explanation of logic of algorithm

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/multiplication-division/delightful_division/v/division-2


Word Study is due January 17, Thursday. Please remember my comments from your last packet to improve upon.

L/A 1 entry  Sp. Bee Friday

SS  RI Map Study sheet, begun in class today,  due tomorrow. Remember discussion for scoring a 3, 4, or 5.

Science none

Please see notes that need your attention below in last entry.

Thank you.

* Parents:   I should have my Aspen up and running by Monday. Look for student work in binder on Monday.







January 7, 2013

Whirlwind of a day I think everyone will agree!  Let's remember that class time is much more fun, educational, and worth your time if we can begin quickly upon your entering the classroom. Transitions should be thoughtful, asking yourself the following questions:  Where am I going next? What do I need for that class?And  upon entering the class, ask: What should I be doing now that is helpful to me or appropriate? With that said,I believe you will enjoy this 2-3 week RI Map Unit.  Always come to class with your blue RI Map Unit folder and put all required work and resources in there.
H/W today:

1.  Click on "Notify me." and please fill in name and email to receive Schoolnotes updates.

2.  Band forms are due Thursday.

3.  Read 20 min at least. Book log due by end of month.

4.  IXL H5 and H6

5. Spelling Bee Friday. If you are interested, please go to Mrs. Clark's  school page for National Spelling Bee practice website.

6. Get a good night's sleep!


January 3, 2013

Welcome! So glad you checked in! We're off to a great start this year...though some students would benefit from new pencils. I will be adding your email addresses to mySchoolnotes notification list. It will help me if you click on the "notify me" link and add your information. Usually I write this letter directed to the students, but of course, it has all the information you need to help out at home. Please feel free to contact me anytime.

H/W for tonight:
L/A       1 entry
Math      Complete multiplication wksheet, showing at least two ways to complete algorithm. (Liam and Kseniya, I will work with you tomorrow on this as you missed this mini lesson.)
Also, you should have a minimum of 30 minutes of IXL for this short week. Please be sure to challenge yourself with the division problems you pick. Also, use the explanation to help you understand errors.
Rdg.     20 minutes.
SS     Stay tuned next week for info regarding RI Maps Project being kicked off next week, much completed in school and  not to last more than two weeks.

Good night!


January 2, 2013
Wednesday homework will be posted at this website, new.schoolnotes.com/cber nearly every school night. I will also post any important dates for assignments and projects for all classes. You can email me though this site as well by clicking on "Notify me". Sometimes I will post rubrics and project directions here, too. I look forward to increased communication with you. I think Schoolnotes is a good start.
So, tonight's homework is as follows:
L/A. 1 entry
Math IXL L.1 (sixth grade), H.3 (fifth grade), H.6 (fifth grade)
Rdg. 20 minutes
Pencils are also needed for most students
Thank you!