Currently I have a wiki which students may access in order to earn extra credit in social studies as well as take a math challenge. Students may earn an extra 10 points for each correct answer about Ancient Greece(our current unit of study). The student may answer all of the questions or as many as she or he wants. They have been shown the wiki and the extra credit opportunity has been explained to them.
Expository writing is the genre we are working with right now. Students are currently researching an energy source of their choice and taking organized notes. The final project will be a brochure which will be written and formatted on the computer. Students were given a descriptor of the five main subtopics they need to gather information on and are organizing their notes accordingly. They are also expected to complete a bibliography.
Adding and subtracting fractions with like and unlike denominators, simplifying fractions and adding and subtracting positive and negative numbers are the concepts we have most recently covered in math class. Students are persevering with these challenging, multi step problems.
Remember that next week is School Spirit Week! The newsletter as well as our school homepage has information on how we are "celebrating" every day.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
A Week Without Snow :)
Finally, we have a week of school with no snow days, late starts or early dismissals!
On Monday we will have a brief Valentines Day Party. If students wish to give out Valentines they may do so, but they should give one to everyone in the class and not a select few.
Students have been working on an Egyptian Scrapbook in social studies classes. This project will be graded and students have a descriptor of the requirements for this project. We have had the last social studies class where students worked on this project. The scrapbook now needs to be completed outside of school as homework. The due date for is Thursday, March 3rd.
One of our activities for the national Read Across America Day will be skyping with another fifth grade class in New Jersey. We will participate in a "Battle of Dr. Seuss Books." On March 2nd we will be celebrating this day with a guest reader, Jim Peavy, reading to our class. Students are also encouraged to dress up as their favorite book character on this day.
Expository writing is our focus for the third quarter. Currently students are working on an essay explaining a scientific process. They were given three topics to select from, and all three topics are ones they have covered in science class. Gathering factual information(note taking), using precise vocabulary(scientific terms) and writing a strong lead with a "hook" and a clear focus statement are writing skills we have focused on.
Adding and subtracting fractions with different denominators and simplifying them(lowest terms) have challenged the students in their thinking. Please remember your child and you can access the Everyday Math Student Reference Book from the student resources link on the school's homepage. This resource can be very useful when helping with homework.
On Monday we will have a brief Valentines Day Party. If students wish to give out Valentines they may do so, but they should give one to everyone in the class and not a select few.
Students have been working on an Egyptian Scrapbook in social studies classes. This project will be graded and students have a descriptor of the requirements for this project. We have had the last social studies class where students worked on this project. The scrapbook now needs to be completed outside of school as homework. The due date for is Thursday, March 3rd.
One of our activities for the national Read Across America Day will be skyping with another fifth grade class in New Jersey. We will participate in a "Battle of Dr. Seuss Books." On March 2nd we will be celebrating this day with a guest reader, Jim Peavy, reading to our class. Students are also encouraged to dress up as their favorite book character on this day.
Expository writing is our focus for the third quarter. Currently students are working on an essay explaining a scientific process. They were given three topics to select from, and all three topics are ones they have covered in science class. Gathering factual information(note taking), using precise vocabulary(scientific terms) and writing a strong lead with a "hook" and a clear focus statement are writing skills we have focused on.
Adding and subtracting fractions with different denominators and simplifying them(lowest terms) have challenged the students in their thinking. Please remember your child and you can access the Everyday Math Student Reference Book from the student resources link on the school's homepage. This resource can be very useful when helping with homework.
Friday, January 14, 2011
End of Second Quarter
Grades closed today and report cards will be sent home on Friday, January 21st. Please sign the last page of the report card and return that page to school On Monday, January 24th. Behavioral Checklists are also sent home to every student each quarter. Please be sure to check the effort grade under each content area as this is an important aspect of your child's assessment. It reflects his/her work ethic.
Fifth grade sixth grade students visited the Albany Institute of Art and History today via technology(virtual field trip) :). Students analyzed artwork, artifacts and mummies from ancient Egypt. They participated in discussions about the importance of the Nile River, symbolism used in art work and artifacts and the process of mummification. I was pleased that 99% of the class answered more than one question! Wednesday students have a homework assignment due on this virtual field trip where they are to list connections they made with the presentation and list new information they learned.
Next week students in grades 3-6 will be taking the Winter Writing Prompt during writing classes. These writing pieces will be scored according to a six trait of writing rubric by two teachers. Students will use these scored pieces to set writing goals for the third quarter and the pieces will also be used as a grade for the third quarter. We have worked hard in class on identifying and writing strong leads, using transitions to help organize a written piece, using words to show and not tell and varying short and complex sentences in our essays. I have seen a lot of growth in pieces students have worked on in class and I am hoping their prompts will reflect this growth.
We are just starting our sixth unit in Everyday Math. At the end of this unit students will be taking a "Mid-Term" to access concepts/skills taught thus far. My plan is to offer math interventions(during our activity period) to any students who have not mastered secure skills.
Students have started to get a little lazy about writing down their nightly assignments and several have not been completing work on time. I have had to go back to checking all their assignment books before they board the bus at 3. They are given time earlier in the day(11:25) to write down assignments and gather materials needed and have told me the assignments were written down, but when I have checked this was not the case. Therefore, I would ask that you remind them of the Homework Contract we all signed in September. They agreed to write down all assignments nightly and I need to hold them accountable for this. Developing and maintaining strong organizational skills is a priority. Thank you for your help with this.
I hope many, if not all of you, are able to enjoy a three day weekend. Let's all remember and talk with the children about why Martin Luther King is celebrated.
Fifth grade sixth grade students visited the Albany Institute of Art and History today via technology(virtual field trip) :). Students analyzed artwork, artifacts and mummies from ancient Egypt. They participated in discussions about the importance of the Nile River, symbolism used in art work and artifacts and the process of mummification. I was pleased that 99% of the class answered more than one question! Wednesday students have a homework assignment due on this virtual field trip where they are to list connections they made with the presentation and list new information they learned.
Next week students in grades 3-6 will be taking the Winter Writing Prompt during writing classes. These writing pieces will be scored according to a six trait of writing rubric by two teachers. Students will use these scored pieces to set writing goals for the third quarter and the pieces will also be used as a grade for the third quarter. We have worked hard in class on identifying and writing strong leads, using transitions to help organize a written piece, using words to show and not tell and varying short and complex sentences in our essays. I have seen a lot of growth in pieces students have worked on in class and I am hoping their prompts will reflect this growth.
We are just starting our sixth unit in Everyday Math. At the end of this unit students will be taking a "Mid-Term" to access concepts/skills taught thus far. My plan is to offer math interventions(during our activity period) to any students who have not mastered secure skills.
Students have started to get a little lazy about writing down their nightly assignments and several have not been completing work on time. I have had to go back to checking all their assignment books before they board the bus at 3. They are given time earlier in the day(11:25) to write down assignments and gather materials needed and have told me the assignments were written down, but when I have checked this was not the case. Therefore, I would ask that you remind them of the Homework Contract we all signed in September. They agreed to write down all assignments nightly and I need to hold them accountable for this. Developing and maintaining strong organizational skills is a priority. Thank you for your help with this.
I hope many, if not all of you, are able to enjoy a three day weekend. Let's all remember and talk with the children about why Martin Luther King is celebrated.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Virtual Field Trip
Fifth and sixth graders took a virtual field trip(via video conferencing) to the New York Hall of Science located in Queens, New York. This museum is an interactive hands-on museum you may want to visit if the opportunity arises. The focus of our conference was demonstrations involving chemistry with the objective of observing and identifying phases and changes of matter. Ask your child about the experiments they observed and what the cause and effects were. After vacation students will begin a unit on Matter in science class.
The theme of our reading after vacation will be prejudice. Students will read novels sharing this common theme. Students will be involved in higher level thinking as they analyze actual events in history dealing with civil rights and comparing them to events in a realistic fiction novel.
Working with fractions will continue as well. Students will be practicing converting fractions to decimals and percents and vice versa. Problems involving finding a percentage will also be covered. Try to point out how determining percentages can be useful to you as a consumer. Examples may be sales with a certain percentage off or buying food items and checking percentages of certain ingredients such as sugar.
Egyptian scrapbooks have been started and students will continue with this project for a couple of more weeks after the break. In addition to working on note taking and research skills we have been working on "tools" to use when creating a written and visual project. Examples of the tools are the use of guide lines and straight edges, centering, letter size, color/space, spell checking, font style and size, etc.
Spelling and Daily Language Review will begin when we return to school on January 3rd. Students will once again have graded spelling homework on Thursdays.
Best wishes for a healthy and happy New Year!
The theme of our reading after vacation will be prejudice. Students will read novels sharing this common theme. Students will be involved in higher level thinking as they analyze actual events in history dealing with civil rights and comparing them to events in a realistic fiction novel.
Working with fractions will continue as well. Students will be practicing converting fractions to decimals and percents and vice versa. Problems involving finding a percentage will also be covered. Try to point out how determining percentages can be useful to you as a consumer. Examples may be sales with a certain percentage off or buying food items and checking percentages of certain ingredients such as sugar.
Egyptian scrapbooks have been started and students will continue with this project for a couple of more weeks after the break. In addition to working on note taking and research skills we have been working on "tools" to use when creating a written and visual project. Examples of the tools are the use of guide lines and straight edges, centering, letter size, color/space, spell checking, font style and size, etc.
Spelling and Daily Language Review will begin when we return to school on January 3rd. Students will once again have graded spelling homework on Thursdays.
Best wishes for a healthy and happy New Year!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Mid Quarter Reports
Mid Quarter reports have been sent home in your child's Friday Folder. Please review it,sign and return it. If you have any questions or concerns please call me here at school. I am available to take calls mornings at 8 (except for Wednesdays) and after 3.
On Monday students will be given a descriptor of a social studies project, Egyptian Scrapbook. We will work on it during class time but after the holidays there may be some work done at home to complete the project. If this should be the case I will send home a written note with a descriptor of the project and the final due date. Students will be researching information using a variety of resources. We will be working on note taking skills, siting sources for a bibliography, paraphrasing and visual presentation.
In math we are working with fractions. Whenever possible please point out how you use fractions in your daily life(cooking, measuring , etc) as it helps the students to understand the need to learn these concepts in every day life. If your child likes to cook, and so many of us are cooking a lot this time of year, have him/her calculate the fractions in a recipe when you might be doubling the ingredients.
Persuasive writing used in advertising has been our latest topic in writing. Students have learned about different persuasive techniques used and have analyzed adds to find examples of these techniques. Students have just started creating an advertisement for their favorite toy( present or past). One requirement in their selection was that they were to choose a nonelectric toy! Wow!! So many children were dismayed by this requirement but they rose to the challenge.
Nina Roth-Wells visited the classroom on Wednesday and did a presentation on Hanuka. She shared a beautiful picture book with us and discussed the meaning behind this celebration. Eli recited a Hebrew prayer that is used as part of the celebration. Children played a dreidel game and were given their own dreidel to take home and play with their families. We all learned something new about Hanukkah !
Remember, our winter concert is Thursday, December 16th! Come and enjoy the beautiful music.
On Monday students will be given a descriptor of a social studies project, Egyptian Scrapbook. We will work on it during class time but after the holidays there may be some work done at home to complete the project. If this should be the case I will send home a written note with a descriptor of the project and the final due date. Students will be researching information using a variety of resources. We will be working on note taking skills, siting sources for a bibliography, paraphrasing and visual presentation.
In math we are working with fractions. Whenever possible please point out how you use fractions in your daily life(cooking, measuring , etc) as it helps the students to understand the need to learn these concepts in every day life. If your child likes to cook, and so many of us are cooking a lot this time of year, have him/her calculate the fractions in a recipe when you might be doubling the ingredients.
Persuasive writing used in advertising has been our latest topic in writing. Students have learned about different persuasive techniques used and have analyzed adds to find examples of these techniques. Students have just started creating an advertisement for their favorite toy( present or past). One requirement in their selection was that they were to choose a nonelectric toy! Wow!! So many children were dismayed by this requirement but they rose to the challenge.
Nina Roth-Wells visited the classroom on Wednesday and did a presentation on Hanuka. She shared a beautiful picture book with us and discussed the meaning behind this celebration. Eli recited a Hebrew prayer that is used as part of the celebration. Children played a dreidel game and were given their own dreidel to take home and play with their families. We all learned something new about Hanukkah !
Remember, our winter concert is Thursday, December 16th! Come and enjoy the beautiful music.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Short Week
Due to the fact that it is a two day school week students will not be having their usual weekly spelling and daily oral language review assignments. However, we are still had lessons involving these concepts. Students will not have assessments in these areas until Friday, December 3rd.
Have you checked out the Everyday Math site yet? You can get to it easily by going to the school's webpage and clicking student resources. If your child misplaces their login or password please let me know and I will reissue it. We have been working on the partial quotient algorithm for division. At first many students were resistant to this algorithm but now many are finding it "easy" and are choosing it as thier division algorithm of choice!
Students completed persuasive letters to Mrs.Lash with the fictional topic of, "Should our school have a soda machine?" These letters are posted outside the classroom. Plese take a second to read them when you are at school. some of the opinions expressed amy surprise you! Please note, the prompt is not a real question being pondered just a topic that I beleived would generate student idea development in writing. Students are now working on their second persuasive piece with you, their parent, the identified audience. Once these pieces are completed they may bring home a copy to share with you.
Best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends.
Have you checked out the Everyday Math site yet? You can get to it easily by going to the school's webpage and clicking student resources. If your child misplaces their login or password please let me know and I will reissue it. We have been working on the partial quotient algorithm for division. At first many students were resistant to this algorithm but now many are finding it "easy" and are choosing it as thier division algorithm of choice!
Students completed persuasive letters to Mrs.Lash with the fictional topic of, "Should our school have a soda machine?" These letters are posted outside the classroom. Plese take a second to read them when you are at school. some of the opinions expressed amy surprise you! Please note, the prompt is not a real question being pondered just a topic that I beleived would generate student idea development in writing. Students are now working on their second persuasive piece with you, their parent, the identified audience. Once these pieces are completed they may bring home a copy to share with you.
Best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Report Cards
Report cards are being sent home today along with a behavior checklist. Behavior checklists are completed for every student. Both of these items are in a manila envelope in your child's Friday Folder. Please sign and return the last page of the report card in the envelope provided so I may reuse it.
In social studies students are working on a project( Four Door Book) of Ancient Mesopotamia using their notes and social studies text as resources. The grade for this project will be the same as a test grade.
Everyday Mathematics has a great online source for students and parents. Your child has been given a login and password for this site. I have placed your child's information in a white sealed envelope in his/her Friday Folder.
Students are completing the unit on narrative writing with a five journal entry project,"Reliving Life Outdoors." Students have a descriptor of requirements and have been working on this for a couple of weeks. The completed project needs to be passed in on Friday, November 12th. There will be no more class time to work on this project. Students were made aware of this on Monday, Nov. 1st, and were allowed to work on it outside of class as well. I have also posted this assignment on the homework board and told them to write it in their assignment book. Persuasive writing will be the second quarter unit of focus.
In social studies students are working on a project( Four Door Book) of Ancient Mesopotamia using their notes and social studies text as resources. The grade for this project will be the same as a test grade.
Everyday Mathematics has a great online source for students and parents. Your child has been given a login and password for this site. I have placed your child's information in a white sealed envelope in his/her Friday Folder.
Students are completing the unit on narrative writing with a five journal entry project,"Reliving Life Outdoors." Students have a descriptor of requirements and have been working on this for a couple of weeks. The completed project needs to be passed in on Friday, November 12th. There will be no more class time to work on this project. Students were made aware of this on Monday, Nov. 1st, and were allowed to work on it outside of class as well. I have also posted this assignment on the homework board and told them to write it in their assignment book. Persuasive writing will be the second quarter unit of focus.
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