LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL!
Welcome to the last week of school. This week is always a little bitter-sweet. We are all looking forward to summer, but it is hard to say good-bye to such a great class.
This week is an exciting week. There are a lot of fun events to look forward to.
Tuesday-field day
Wednesday-6th grade kickball game
Friday-half day and last day of school.
In order to attend field day and the 6th grade kick ball game, students cannot be missing more than 3 assignments. We want to be sure we are sending our students the message that although the end of the year is exciting, the work is still important. We will be checking the on-line assignment sheets regularly to help students understand what they are missing and what they can do to earn their way to these events. Students will not be assigned any new homework this week. However, there will be in class reading assignments that need to be completed.
We also want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for a great year. You have given a lot of your time at home and here at school to help makes this a successful year. We hope that you have a safe, fun and restful summer. Read lots of great books!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Week 37
Week 37:
Last weekend ended with a wonderful trip to the beach. Thank you to all the families who sent food to help make our party a huge success. It was fun to play on the beach, learn more about the wildlife from the docents from the aquarium and splash in the water. A great preview to 6th grade camp next year!
The week also ended with the arrival of Mr. Woods' baby! Addison Woods made her first appearance on Friday night at 7lbs 2oz and 21.5 in. long. The Woods family is doing well and is looking forward to settling at home to enjoy her sweet little face. As a result of Addison's birth, Mr. Woods will be out for the remainder of the year. We are excited to have Mr. K with us for that time.
Reminder: Monday is a half day. Students need to be picked up at 11:10am or have other arrangements made.
On to academics:
In reading this week we are going to continue our work with the American Revolution. In our non-fiction reading, we are continuing to work on identifying important information using our knowledge of cause and effect. We are going to learn more about the what lead to the start of the American Revolutionary War. In our fiction reading, we are going to continue enjoying the book Spy! We are still using the comprehension packet to review all of the reading strategies we have worked on over the course of the year. Students will continue to bring home homework this week.
We are going to start our health unit this week. We are going to be using our new curriculum: Flash to cover the required materials. For students who are not going to be participating, we will have a place for them to be with work that they will be responsible for completing. Please let Mrs. Therriault know if you have any questions about this.
Last weekend ended with a wonderful trip to the beach. Thank you to all the families who sent food to help make our party a huge success. It was fun to play on the beach, learn more about the wildlife from the docents from the aquarium and splash in the water. A great preview to 6th grade camp next year!
The week also ended with the arrival of Mr. Woods' baby! Addison Woods made her first appearance on Friday night at 7lbs 2oz and 21.5 in. long. The Woods family is doing well and is looking forward to settling at home to enjoy her sweet little face. As a result of Addison's birth, Mr. Woods will be out for the remainder of the year. We are excited to have Mr. K with us for that time.
Reminder: Monday is a half day. Students need to be picked up at 11:10am or have other arrangements made.
On to academics:
In reading this week we are going to continue our work with the American Revolution. In our non-fiction reading, we are continuing to work on identifying important information using our knowledge of cause and effect. We are going to learn more about the what lead to the start of the American Revolutionary War. In our fiction reading, we are going to continue enjoying the book Spy! We are still using the comprehension packet to review all of the reading strategies we have worked on over the course of the year. Students will continue to bring home homework this week.
We are going to start our health unit this week. We are going to be using our new curriculum: Flash to cover the required materials. For students who are not going to be participating, we will have a place for them to be with work that they will be responsible for completing. Please let Mrs. Therriault know if you have any questions about this.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Week 36: Math Review, American Revolution, and a Field Trip to the Beach
Welcome to week 36!
Just FYI....We will both be out of the classroom on Wednesday to begin planning for the 2011-2012 school year. We will be back on Thursday and of course will be joining the class on the trip to the beach this coming Friday. Speaking of the beach....if your student has not turned in their form they need to do that ASAP. We will be providing a slice of Costco pizza for each of the students. We are also asking students to bring an item to share with the class. If you have something you would like to share, please send it with your student on Friday. In addition, if you would like to come and hang out with us, please feel free to join us at Richmond Beach Salt Water Park from 10:30-1:30.
This week in math we are going to do a review of the years curriculum. The review will include adding and subtracting fractions, decimals, long division, understanding place value, and geometry. On Thursday we will be taking the Easy CBM Spring Test to see how much progress our students have made. This is the test which gives us a percentile score for each student. We are very excited to see the growth that our students have achieved this year.
In reading we will be contiuing our non fiction work with the American Revolution. We will be focusing on cause and effect. We will also be continuing our fiction work with "Spy." With "Spy" we are contuing to work on completeness of answers.
Social studies is being integrated this week with reading. Again, working with the American Revolution books.
Hope you have a good week. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Allyn and Alaina
Just FYI....We will both be out of the classroom on Wednesday to begin planning for the 2011-2012 school year. We will be back on Thursday and of course will be joining the class on the trip to the beach this coming Friday. Speaking of the beach....if your student has not turned in their form they need to do that ASAP. We will be providing a slice of Costco pizza for each of the students. We are also asking students to bring an item to share with the class. If you have something you would like to share, please send it with your student on Friday. In addition, if you would like to come and hang out with us, please feel free to join us at Richmond Beach Salt Water Park from 10:30-1:30.
This week in math we are going to do a review of the years curriculum. The review will include adding and subtracting fractions, decimals, long division, understanding place value, and geometry. On Thursday we will be taking the Easy CBM Spring Test to see how much progress our students have made. This is the test which gives us a percentile score for each student. We are very excited to see the growth that our students have achieved this year.
In reading we will be contiuing our non fiction work with the American Revolution. We will be focusing on cause and effect. We will also be continuing our fiction work with "Spy." With "Spy" we are contuing to work on completeness of answers.
Social studies is being integrated this week with reading. Again, working with the American Revolution books.
Hope you have a good week. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Allyn and Alaina
Monday, May 23, 2011
Week 35: Solids, Colonial Fair, and American Revolution
Welcome to Week 35!
This week in math we will be completing our solids chapter of math. This week students will be working on surface area of solid objects, views of solids, volume, irregular shapes and solids, and story problems with pictures. This chapter will challenge our students, but also prepare them for some of these geometry sections that they will get next year.
In reading this week we are going to finish The Sign of the Beaver. We are going to start two different projects in reading that are both connected to the American Revolution. We are going to spend the first half an hour on non-fiction reading. With the non-fiction reading, we are going to work on identifying key facts and sequencing those facts. The second part of reading will focus on a historical fiction that takes place during the American Revolution. We will continue to work on the completeness of our answers; using evidence from the text.
Remember that our Colonial Fair will be this Wednesday from 2:05-2:45pm in rooms 18 and 20. The students have been working very hard to complete their presentation, finalize their brochures and prepare their artifacts. Come and enjoy their hard work. Be sure to sign in at the office when you arrive at school.
That's it for now. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
-allyn and alaina-
This week in math we will be completing our solids chapter of math. This week students will be working on surface area of solid objects, views of solids, volume, irregular shapes and solids, and story problems with pictures. This chapter will challenge our students, but also prepare them for some of these geometry sections that they will get next year.
In reading this week we are going to finish The Sign of the Beaver. We are going to start two different projects in reading that are both connected to the American Revolution. We are going to spend the first half an hour on non-fiction reading. With the non-fiction reading, we are going to work on identifying key facts and sequencing those facts. The second part of reading will focus on a historical fiction that takes place during the American Revolution. We will continue to work on the completeness of our answers; using evidence from the text.
Remember that our Colonial Fair will be this Wednesday from 2:05-2:45pm in rooms 18 and 20. The students have been working very hard to complete their presentation, finalize their brochures and prepare their artifacts. Come and enjoy their hard work. Be sure to sign in at the office when you arrive at school.
That's it for now. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
-allyn and alaina-
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Week 34: Ratios and Proportions, Sign of the Beaver, and Social Studies Projects
Welcome to Week 34!
This week we will be getting back to more of a normal schedule since MSP is done and 6th grade camp is over. We hope that all of our students are able to get back into the familiarity of our normal grind.
In reading this week we are going to continue our work with Sign of the Beaver. Students are going to continue to work on the completeness of their answers.
In social studies this week students will finish up work on their presentation. There are a few groups who were not able to finish due to the technology not being available. Other groups who are done will begin to work on their brochure and artifact. The final products will be due a week from Wednesday (May 25th). We will be opening our classroom for families to see all of our work. The colonial fair will be from 2:10-2:50.
In math we will be concluding our chapter on ratio's and proportions with a review on Monday and a Chapter test on Tuesday. Later in the week students will be starting a new chapter covering solid shapes. They will be looking at volume and surface are of these shapes. Should be fun.
That's it for now. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Allyn and Alaina
This week we will be getting back to more of a normal schedule since MSP is done and 6th grade camp is over. We hope that all of our students are able to get back into the familiarity of our normal grind.
In reading this week we are going to continue our work with Sign of the Beaver. Students are going to continue to work on the completeness of their answers.
In social studies this week students will finish up work on their presentation. There are a few groups who were not able to finish due to the technology not being available. Other groups who are done will begin to work on their brochure and artifact. The final products will be due a week from Wednesday (May 25th). We will be opening our classroom for families to see all of our work. The colonial fair will be from 2:10-2:50.
In math we will be concluding our chapter on ratio's and proportions with a review on Monday and a Chapter test on Tuesday. Later in the week students will be starting a new chapter covering solid shapes. They will be looking at volume and surface are of these shapes. Should be fun.
That's it for now. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Allyn and Alaina
Monday, May 9, 2011
Week 33: Science MSP, Ratio and Proportions, and Sign of the Beaver
Welcome to Week 33!
One last MSP test this week. On Tuesday morning we will be taking the science MSP. We have studied for this test for the past week and the kids are well prepared. The one thing we have been running into during our preparations for the reading and science MSP is what we are calling "lazy writing." Unfortunately, some of our students are thinking that writing just a few words is enough to score highly on each assessment. Luckily, we have been catching this and returning all work to be completed a second and sometimes a third time. Hopefully, students will not do this on the MSP tests.
In math we will be getting back into our normal routine of math work. This week we will be looking at ratio's and proportions. In particular, students will be learning about ratio's, percents, fractions and decimals, finding percents of a whole number, and making a table to find a pattern. This should be a good week of math.
In reading this week we are going to continue working with Sign of the Beaver. Students may have homework if they do not finish their work in class. Students are being asked to focus on giving complete answers. This means that they must provide evidence that answers the why and how questions. Work is being returned that is not complete. Please encourage your student to take his or her time to make sure their answer is complete.
In social studies this week, students will be given time to finish their presentations for their colonial fair project. If students do not finish this week, they will have to find time on their own to finish. The colonial fair will be on May 25th. More information will be coming out as we get closer to the date. Families will be welcome to attend.
Lastly, we will both be out of the building Wednesday through Friday. We are heading up to Warm Beach to work at 6th Grade Camp. Please feel free to email us with any questions or concerns during the week, but please know that we won't be in the classroom during those last three days of the week.
Thanks,
Allyn and Alaina
One last MSP test this week. On Tuesday morning we will be taking the science MSP. We have studied for this test for the past week and the kids are well prepared. The one thing we have been running into during our preparations for the reading and science MSP is what we are calling "lazy writing." Unfortunately, some of our students are thinking that writing just a few words is enough to score highly on each assessment. Luckily, we have been catching this and returning all work to be completed a second and sometimes a third time. Hopefully, students will not do this on the MSP tests.
In math we will be getting back into our normal routine of math work. This week we will be looking at ratio's and proportions. In particular, students will be learning about ratio's, percents, fractions and decimals, finding percents of a whole number, and making a table to find a pattern. This should be a good week of math.
In reading this week we are going to continue working with Sign of the Beaver. Students may have homework if they do not finish their work in class. Students are being asked to focus on giving complete answers. This means that they must provide evidence that answers the why and how questions. Work is being returned that is not complete. Please encourage your student to take his or her time to make sure their answer is complete.
In social studies this week, students will be given time to finish their presentations for their colonial fair project. If students do not finish this week, they will have to find time on their own to finish. The colonial fair will be on May 25th. More information will be coming out as we get closer to the date. Families will be welcome to attend.
Lastly, we will both be out of the building Wednesday through Friday. We are heading up to Warm Beach to work at 6th Grade Camp. Please feel free to email us with any questions or concerns during the week, but please know that we won't be in the classroom during those last three days of the week.
Thanks,
Allyn and Alaina
Monday, May 2, 2011
Week 32: Math and Reading MSP, Science Practice MSP, and Social Studies
Welcome to Week 32! Please notice our new online assignments sheets so that you can stay up to date on your students ability or lack of ability to turn in assignments. This is linked on our 5th grade website (http://learn.shorelineschools.org/ridgecrest/awoods/index.php).
This week is the first week of MSP testing. Students will be taking the Math MSP on Tuesday morning and the Reading MSP on Wednesday. The science MSP will be Tuesday the 10th of May.
Most students are well prepared for all three of these tests, but there is still some things you can do to help them be successful on these tests. Make sure your student is getting a sound nights sleep and a solid breakfast. I can't imagine teaching without a full nights rest or food in my stomach from breakfast, please ensure that your student has these bases covered before sending them in to take these state standardized tests.
On Wednesday, students will be taking the reading MSP test. In addition, students will start a new novel study using the book The Sign of the Beaver. This book is a book about survival and friendship that takes place during colonial times in Maine. We will be discussing evidence throughout the story that will support the theme. Students will also be using all of the strategies we have worked on over the course of the year: inference, summarize, synthesize, and questioning.
In social studies, students will continue to work on their colonial fair projects. Thus far, students have been using their time wisely to conduct research both on-line and in print. We will continue to discuss reputable sources and how to use such sources.
This week in science we will be practicing MSP test taking skills. The kids will have daily packets to work through. We will go over each packet daily and discuss some ways in which the kids can be successful on the science MSP. Science has always been a struggle for Ridgecrest 5th graders, so the more preparation we can give to science the better off our students will be.
That's it. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
-Allyn and Alaina
This week is the first week of MSP testing. Students will be taking the Math MSP on Tuesday morning and the Reading MSP on Wednesday. The science MSP will be Tuesday the 10th of May.
Most students are well prepared for all three of these tests, but there is still some things you can do to help them be successful on these tests. Make sure your student is getting a sound nights sleep and a solid breakfast. I can't imagine teaching without a full nights rest or food in my stomach from breakfast, please ensure that your student has these bases covered before sending them in to take these state standardized tests.
On Wednesday, students will be taking the reading MSP test. In addition, students will start a new novel study using the book The Sign of the Beaver. This book is a book about survival and friendship that takes place during colonial times in Maine. We will be discussing evidence throughout the story that will support the theme. Students will also be using all of the strategies we have worked on over the course of the year: inference, summarize, synthesize, and questioning.
In social studies, students will continue to work on their colonial fair projects. Thus far, students have been using their time wisely to conduct research both on-line and in print. We will continue to discuss reputable sources and how to use such sources.
This week in science we will be practicing MSP test taking skills. The kids will have daily packets to work through. We will go over each packet daily and discuss some ways in which the kids can be successful on the science MSP. Science has always been a struggle for Ridgecrest 5th graders, so the more preparation we can give to science the better off our students will be.
That's it. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
-Allyn and Alaina
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Week 31: Practicing for the MSP....
Welcome to week 31! We hope that everyone had an enjoyable and restful Spring Break.
We have a new tool for parents and students to use to stay caught up on classwork in the 5th grade. We are excited to introduce to you the online assignment sheet for both Woods and Therriault's classes. This assignment sheet will be online so any parent or student can gain access to see whether they have missing assignments that need to be completed. The assignments sheets are linked to the Ridegcrest 5th Grade Web Page and use each students classroom number instead of names. Classroom numbers will be sent home via weekly evals this week if your student will not tell you theirs. Here are the links for the two classes:
Woods Assignment Sheet
Therriault Assignment Sheet
This is a new feature for us, so it may take a little getting used to. But, we are very hopeful that it will be a powerful tool for students and parents. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns regarding the new online assignment sheets.
On to the week:
In reading this week we are going to be doing some MSP preparation. We are going to be reading passages that are similar to what the students will see on the MSP next week. We are going to continue to talk about how to write a complete answer using evidence from the text. We are also going to continue to discuss test taking strategies. Students will read the questions prior to reading the passage, underline key names, dates and words while reading, and they will refer back to the passage as they are answering questions.
In addition to MSP prep, we are also going to be reading some poems and learning how to respond to questions about poetry. Students will be using skills they learned throughout the year such as inferring, synthesizing, identifying author's purpose and theme, and summarizing while reading the poems. This exposure not only meets fifth grade standards, but also will prepare students for the MSP.
The only reading homework this week will be classwork that isn't finished in class.
In social studies, students will be given some time to work with their group on their colony project throughout the week. There will be no official assignments made regarding this project this week. However, students may chose to work on their projects at home. If you are in need of the rubric and assignment explanation, please contact Mrs. Therriault.
In math we will be continuing to review the many concepts we have worked with this year. We will do this in two manners. The first, students will be taking practice MSP math sections in class and we will be scoring and talking about each section so that students can get a better sense as to what is expected of them on our upcoming MSP. In addition, we will be giving the kids an online progress monitoring test each day that covers the entire years worth of math concepts. Again, we will discuss their work each day so that each of our students are finding new ways to think and solve each problem.
That's it for now. Please be on the lookout for an MSP Goal Setting Worksheet going home with each student this week. Please fill it out with your student and send it back with your weekly eval.
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
-Allyn and Alaina
We have a new tool for parents and students to use to stay caught up on classwork in the 5th grade. We are excited to introduce to you the online assignment sheet for both Woods and Therriault's classes. This assignment sheet will be online so any parent or student can gain access to see whether they have missing assignments that need to be completed. The assignments sheets are linked to the Ridegcrest 5th Grade Web Page and use each students classroom number instead of names. Classroom numbers will be sent home via weekly evals this week if your student will not tell you theirs. Here are the links for the two classes:
Woods Assignment Sheet
Therriault Assignment Sheet
This is a new feature for us, so it may take a little getting used to. But, we are very hopeful that it will be a powerful tool for students and parents. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns regarding the new online assignment sheets.
On to the week:
In reading this week we are going to be doing some MSP preparation. We are going to be reading passages that are similar to what the students will see on the MSP next week. We are going to continue to talk about how to write a complete answer using evidence from the text. We are also going to continue to discuss test taking strategies. Students will read the questions prior to reading the passage, underline key names, dates and words while reading, and they will refer back to the passage as they are answering questions.
In addition to MSP prep, we are also going to be reading some poems and learning how to respond to questions about poetry. Students will be using skills they learned throughout the year such as inferring, synthesizing, identifying author's purpose and theme, and summarizing while reading the poems. This exposure not only meets fifth grade standards, but also will prepare students for the MSP.
The only reading homework this week will be classwork that isn't finished in class.
In social studies, students will be given some time to work with their group on their colony project throughout the week. There will be no official assignments made regarding this project this week. However, students may chose to work on their projects at home. If you are in need of the rubric and assignment explanation, please contact Mrs. Therriault.
In math we will be continuing to review the many concepts we have worked with this year. We will do this in two manners. The first, students will be taking practice MSP math sections in class and we will be scoring and talking about each section so that students can get a better sense as to what is expected of them on our upcoming MSP. In addition, we will be giving the kids an online progress monitoring test each day that covers the entire years worth of math concepts. Again, we will discuss their work each day so that each of our students are finding new ways to think and solve each problem.
That's it for now. Please be on the lookout for an MSP Goal Setting Worksheet going home with each student this week. Please fill it out with your student and send it back with your weekly eval.
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
-Allyn and Alaina
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Week 30: Finishing Mysteries, Reviewing Major Math Concepts, and a reasearch project
Welcome to Week 30!
Over the weekend, students should have completed their mysteries and their reading comprehension packets. Over the course of the week, students will turn in their packets and their books. This week we are going to work on identifying theme. We will look at a variety of stories and other forms of media to examine theme. Students will be working as a whole group, in pairs and individually to demonstrate their understanding.
In social studies this week, students will be introduced to a research project they will be completing over the next couple of weeks. Students will work in a small group to research and create a presentation on one of the major colonies. Students will be given a rubric and a description of the project this week. They will have the opportunity to begin their research and start a plan for how they are going to present their findings. If you would like a copy of the assignment and rubric, please email Mrs. Therriault.
In math students will be completing the last section of required math before the MSP. We have moved through each of the state mandated essential learnings for 5th grade and will be reviewing many of the major concepts over the next two school weeks. These include long division, fractions, geometry, and problem solving. In addition, throughout the next two weeks we will be working on techniques that help us solve single and multi-step word problems. Strategies such as underlining the important numbers, crossing out useless information, and circling all of the parts of a question will help our students immensely as we complete the MSP just after spring break (first week of May). Much of this practice will be very much like the reading practice that students have been completing with Mrs. Therriault so it shouldn't be anything new to the kids.
In science, students will continue their work with variables. This week students will be building planes that will fly across fishing line under the power of a rubber band propeller. Students will be learning how a variable change can affect the overall outcome of an investigation. In addition, we will be working hard on science vocabulary just before the MSP as this is essential for successful MSP test taking.
Remember that this is our last full week of school before spring break begins. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Thanks,
Allyn and Alaina
Over the weekend, students should have completed their mysteries and their reading comprehension packets. Over the course of the week, students will turn in their packets and their books. This week we are going to work on identifying theme. We will look at a variety of stories and other forms of media to examine theme. Students will be working as a whole group, in pairs and individually to demonstrate their understanding.
In social studies this week, students will be introduced to a research project they will be completing over the next couple of weeks. Students will work in a small group to research and create a presentation on one of the major colonies. Students will be given a rubric and a description of the project this week. They will have the opportunity to begin their research and start a plan for how they are going to present their findings. If you would like a copy of the assignment and rubric, please email Mrs. Therriault.
In math students will be completing the last section of required math before the MSP. We have moved through each of the state mandated essential learnings for 5th grade and will be reviewing many of the major concepts over the next two school weeks. These include long division, fractions, geometry, and problem solving. In addition, throughout the next two weeks we will be working on techniques that help us solve single and multi-step word problems. Strategies such as underlining the important numbers, crossing out useless information, and circling all of the parts of a question will help our students immensely as we complete the MSP just after spring break (first week of May). Much of this practice will be very much like the reading practice that students have been completing with Mrs. Therriault so it shouldn't be anything new to the kids.
In science, students will continue their work with variables. This week students will be building planes that will fly across fishing line under the power of a rubber band propeller. Students will be learning how a variable change can affect the overall outcome of an investigation. In addition, we will be working hard on science vocabulary just before the MSP as this is essential for successful MSP test taking.
Remember that this is our last full week of school before spring break begins. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Thanks,
Allyn and Alaina
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Week 29: Bar and Line Graphs, Mysteries, and MSP practice
Welcome to Week 29!
We need to send out a huge THANK YOU to all of the parents and families that helped out during our Giving Back Day. The entire day was a huge success. We couldn't have done it without the parents who attended, the food that families donated, and the flexibility of everyone to pickup their student late at night. Thanks for making this such a great event!
On to the week:
In reading this week we are going to continue to work with our mysteries. While still focusing on the components of a mystery, we are spending a lot of time working on how to write a complete answer. Students are being asked to use their written response rubric to check to see if their responses are complete. A complete written response will include writing in complete sentences, using the stem of the question to start the response, providing text evidence to support an answer, and an explanation of the evidence. Students are struggling to provide evidence from the text. To provide text evidence, students need to use a specific example from the text to explain their answer. If you are interesting in seeing a copy of the rubric, please email Mrs. Therriault and she can send you one. Students will continue to have reading homework this week. It is our expectation that students do the reading and start their reading comprehension packet at home. Students are given time in class to meet with a group, discuss the story, finish any work and fix past responses. Student work will not be checked off as completed until all mistakes have been fixed and resubmitted to Mrs. Therriault.
We are also working with some MSP type questions during our reading block. Such work will include a short passage (fiction, non-fiction and poetry) with multiple choice questions and short answer responses. We are using these activities to practice writing complete responses, as well as to learn test taking strategies. Students are learning to read the questions before reading the passage, underline key words or concepts, circle dates, and star information that might be related to a question. By helping the students to be more active readers, we are giving them skills to understand and remember what they read. This work will be done as a whole class, as well as small groups.
In math this week we are going to hit our final chapter before full-time MSP practice begins. This week we will be looking at survey data and how we can use that data to create a bar and line graph. In addition, we will be learning about mean, median, mode, and range. In addition, some students will be working on strengthening their math skills during our RTI sessions. We are hoping that if we can identify deficiencies, complete some extra tutoring and practice, that this will help each of our student be successful on the upcoming MSP.
We are also starting our final science unit of the year. We are concluding science with a look at variables. We will be identifying independent and dependent variables and the affect that those variables have upon an investigation. We will have three fun, but valuable lessons over the course of the next three weeks. In addition, we are going to continue asking our students to practice writing questions, hypotheses, and conclusions as good practice for the science MSP.
That's it for now. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Allyn and Alaina
We need to send out a huge THANK YOU to all of the parents and families that helped out during our Giving Back Day. The entire day was a huge success. We couldn't have done it without the parents who attended, the food that families donated, and the flexibility of everyone to pickup their student late at night. Thanks for making this such a great event!
On to the week:
In reading this week we are going to continue to work with our mysteries. While still focusing on the components of a mystery, we are spending a lot of time working on how to write a complete answer. Students are being asked to use their written response rubric to check to see if their responses are complete. A complete written response will include writing in complete sentences, using the stem of the question to start the response, providing text evidence to support an answer, and an explanation of the evidence. Students are struggling to provide evidence from the text. To provide text evidence, students need to use a specific example from the text to explain their answer. If you are interesting in seeing a copy of the rubric, please email Mrs. Therriault and she can send you one. Students will continue to have reading homework this week. It is our expectation that students do the reading and start their reading comprehension packet at home. Students are given time in class to meet with a group, discuss the story, finish any work and fix past responses. Student work will not be checked off as completed until all mistakes have been fixed and resubmitted to Mrs. Therriault.
We are also working with some MSP type questions during our reading block. Such work will include a short passage (fiction, non-fiction and poetry) with multiple choice questions and short answer responses. We are using these activities to practice writing complete responses, as well as to learn test taking strategies. Students are learning to read the questions before reading the passage, underline key words or concepts, circle dates, and star information that might be related to a question. By helping the students to be more active readers, we are giving them skills to understand and remember what they read. This work will be done as a whole class, as well as small groups.
In math this week we are going to hit our final chapter before full-time MSP practice begins. This week we will be looking at survey data and how we can use that data to create a bar and line graph. In addition, we will be learning about mean, median, mode, and range. In addition, some students will be working on strengthening their math skills during our RTI sessions. We are hoping that if we can identify deficiencies, complete some extra tutoring and practice, that this will help each of our student be successful on the upcoming MSP.
We are also starting our final science unit of the year. We are concluding science with a look at variables. We will be identifying independent and dependent variables and the affect that those variables have upon an investigation. We will have three fun, but valuable lessons over the course of the next three weeks. In addition, we are going to continue asking our students to practice writing questions, hypotheses, and conclusions as good practice for the science MSP.
That's it for now. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Allyn and Alaina
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Week 28: Adding and Subtracting Fractions, Mysteries Continued, and the Middle Colonies
Welcome to Week 28! Remember that Friday is a non-student work day for teachers. Also, Thursday is our 5th grade work day. See previous posts for a detailed schedule of the days activities.
Here is our week:
In reading this week we are going to continue our work with mysteries. We are going to continue to work with synthesis and author's purpose. To help students with their work in their reading comprehension packets, I have provided students with a written response rubric. Students are being asked to use this rubric to check their work when turning in any written response. When your student is filling out their reading comprehension packet, ask your student to refer to their written response rubric. If you are in need of a copy of the rubric, please email Mrs. Therriault and she can provide one. As students are turning in their reading comprehension packets, they are being corrected and handed back to be corrected. Packets will not be considered turned in until all mistakes have been corrected. This model follows what students have been doing in math all year long.
In social studies, students will be completing their studies of the middle colonies. There will be a quiz on Tuesday that students are being asked to study for. In addition to the quiz, we are going to compare the three regions more closely. With these comparisons, students are going to be asked to pick a region they would have wanted to live in and write about it. More information will be coming home with students at the end of this week or the beginning of next week.
In math we will be concluding our addition and subtraction chapter on fractions. Students will start this week working with subtracting mixed numbers. On Tuesday we will review each of the sections of this chapter and Thursday we will assess our students abilities.
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Allyn and Alaina
Here is our week:
In reading this week we are going to continue our work with mysteries. We are going to continue to work with synthesis and author's purpose. To help students with their work in their reading comprehension packets, I have provided students with a written response rubric. Students are being asked to use this rubric to check their work when turning in any written response. When your student is filling out their reading comprehension packet, ask your student to refer to their written response rubric. If you are in need of a copy of the rubric, please email Mrs. Therriault and she can provide one. As students are turning in their reading comprehension packets, they are being corrected and handed back to be corrected. Packets will not be considered turned in until all mistakes have been corrected. This model follows what students have been doing in math all year long.
In social studies, students will be completing their studies of the middle colonies. There will be a quiz on Tuesday that students are being asked to study for. In addition to the quiz, we are going to compare the three regions more closely. With these comparisons, students are going to be asked to pick a region they would have wanted to live in and write about it. More information will be coming home with students at the end of this week or the beginning of next week.
In math we will be concluding our addition and subtraction chapter on fractions. Students will start this week working with subtracting mixed numbers. On Tuesday we will review each of the sections of this chapter and Thursday we will assess our students abilities.
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Allyn and Alaina
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Week 27: Adding and Subtracting Fractions, Mysteries, and Colonial America
Welcome to week 27! School Dance on April 8th from 6-9pm. It is a beach party theme.
Please notice the previous post to see our schedule for our March 31st 5th Grade Work Day.
Here's the week:
In math we are starting a new fractions chapter on adding and subtracting fractions. This week we will be looking at adding and subtracting with like denominators, common multiples, unlike denominators, and adding mixed numbers. The kids did a pretty good job on our first fractions test on Thursday. Those that struggled will continue to work on the ideas behind fractions this week during our math RTI block.
In reading this week we are going to continue to work with mysteries. Your student will have homework on Monday and Thursday nights this week. On Tuesday and Wednesday we are going to take a brief break to work on identifying Author's Purpose. We are going to be examining works that are meant to entertain, persuade, and inform. Many of the examples we will be looking at this week will be very clear examples of each variety. We will be working together as a whole class to identify the characteristics of each. Next week, students will be working on their own to identify and classify the author's purpose. You can reinforce what we are doing at home by asking your student to define each type of purpose and show you examples as they read on their own.
In social studies we are going to conclude our examination of the the New England colonies and move to the middle colonies. Students will be taking a quiz on Tuesday on the New England colonies. You might want to help your student study by going through their Puritan book with them. It is important that they can identify why the Puritans came to America, what some of their beliefs were, what the Great Awakening was and what the Puritans beliefs were when it came to democracy. If they can answer these questions, they will do well on the quiz and will have a solid understanding of the beginning development of the New England colonies.
We are also going to continue to work with students on following directions. We have completed two different activities and students, for the most part, are having a lot of trouble with these. The worksheets, if read carefully and slowly, are not hard to complete. A typical question might be to solve all of the addition problems and ignore the subtraction problems. Please encourage your students to take these exercises seriously as they are intended to improve their ability to read carefully and follow the multi-step directions. We are using these activities for the report card, as well as to prepare students for the MSP.
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Allyn and Alaina
Please notice the previous post to see our schedule for our March 31st 5th Grade Work Day.
Here's the week:
In math we are starting a new fractions chapter on adding and subtracting fractions. This week we will be looking at adding and subtracting with like denominators, common multiples, unlike denominators, and adding mixed numbers. The kids did a pretty good job on our first fractions test on Thursday. Those that struggled will continue to work on the ideas behind fractions this week during our math RTI block.
In reading this week we are going to continue to work with mysteries. Your student will have homework on Monday and Thursday nights this week. On Tuesday and Wednesday we are going to take a brief break to work on identifying Author's Purpose. We are going to be examining works that are meant to entertain, persuade, and inform. Many of the examples we will be looking at this week will be very clear examples of each variety. We will be working together as a whole class to identify the characteristics of each. Next week, students will be working on their own to identify and classify the author's purpose. You can reinforce what we are doing at home by asking your student to define each type of purpose and show you examples as they read on their own.
In social studies we are going to conclude our examination of the the New England colonies and move to the middle colonies. Students will be taking a quiz on Tuesday on the New England colonies. You might want to help your student study by going through their Puritan book with them. It is important that they can identify why the Puritans came to America, what some of their beliefs were, what the Great Awakening was and what the Puritans beliefs were when it came to democracy. If they can answer these questions, they will do well on the quiz and will have a solid understanding of the beginning development of the New England colonies.
We are also going to continue to work with students on following directions. We have completed two different activities and students, for the most part, are having a lot of trouble with these. The worksheets, if read carefully and slowly, are not hard to complete. A typical question might be to solve all of the addition problems and ignore the subtraction problems. Please encourage your students to take these exercises seriously as they are intended to improve their ability to read carefully and follow the multi-step directions. We are using these activities for the report card, as well as to prepare students for the MSP.
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Allyn and Alaina
Monday, March 14, 2011
March 31st 5th Grade Work Day
Dear Families,
We have a tentative schedule to share with you regarding March 31st. This should clarify most of the questions we have been receiving.
8:30- School starts as normal. We will take attendance and lunch count.
9:00- 11:00- In school service projects. Service projects might include filling dirt for the community garden, playground clean up, tutoring 1st and 2nd graders and shelving books in the library. (This list isn’t set in stone and is subject to change.)
11:00-12:00- Team building
12:00-12:45- Lunch
12:45-1:45- band and orchestra
1:45-2:05- Recess
2:05-2:55- Art
At this time, if there are students who have Mulan practice, they will be excused.
2:55-4:00- Games
4:00-5:00- Team building
5:00-5:30- Eat dinner at school. Volunteers will help us cook, serve and clean up the spaghetti dinner. (We will be sending more information home soon to families who volunteered to help us with the food.)
5:30-6:00- Walk to Food Life Line
6:00-8:00 Work at Food Life Line
8:00-8:30- Walk back to Ridgecrest
Week 26: Continuing Fractions, Mysteries, and Colonial America
Welcome to Week 26! Remember that Friday is a teacher inservice day. Please find somewhere else for your students to be.
This week in math we will be completing the first chapter of fractions. Early this week we will be looking at fractions and decimals on a number line and writing to explain story problems. Later in the week students will be reviewing this rather large chapter and completing a chapter test. So far the kids have done excellent work with fractions. I look forward to seeing their test scores at the end.
In reading this week we are going to continue our work with mysteries. Students will continue to have homework of one to two chapters a night. The expectation is that they complete the reading and start the comprehension packet at home. They will be given time to work with their groups to complete the comprehension packet. Students are receiving an effort and homework grade daily for showing that they have done their reading homework. If they have done the reading and started the packet, they will receive a 3. If they haven't done any of the work, they will receive a 1. Students are also being graded in how they participate in their group. If they are actively participating, they will receive a 3. If they are not participating or are messing around, they will receive a 1. If you have any questions about this, please contact Mrs. Therriault.
We will not be doing any Grocking or spelling rules this week. We are going to use some of our Grocking time to work on a district writing prompt. Students will be writing a short narrative in class that will be graded according to the district rubric. This writing assignment will be graded and used, in addition to the personal narrative that was completed last month, to get their writing grade for the trimester.
In Social Studies this week we are going to begin the week with a short quiz on the Southern Colonies. We will also begin to look at life in the New England Colonies by examining the Puritans. We will be studying the Puritans because of their influence on the development of New England. Students will be reading from the social studies text book. There will be a quiz at the beginning of the week next week.
An additional skill that we are going to be focusing on in our classroom is following directions. We have noticed lately that many students are missing problems on their math, or not completing the reading comprehension packet correctly is because they are not reading the directions carefully. They are also not reading the entire question which leads them to answering only a portion of a question. Often students will quickly scan the problems or questions and assume they know what to do. This is affecting their day to day work, and will also have a dramatic impact on their MSP scores. As a result, we feel that it is important to take the time to teach students how to read directions carefully. We will be teaching this through oral exercises, art projects and worksheets. We are hoping that this explicit teaching will help students to recognize the importance of slowing down to read all of the directions and every question carefully. Please look for these worksheets to be coming home on Tuesdays in the boomerangs. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact one of us.
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Allyn and Alaina
This week in math we will be completing the first chapter of fractions. Early this week we will be looking at fractions and decimals on a number line and writing to explain story problems. Later in the week students will be reviewing this rather large chapter and completing a chapter test. So far the kids have done excellent work with fractions. I look forward to seeing their test scores at the end.
In reading this week we are going to continue our work with mysteries. Students will continue to have homework of one to two chapters a night. The expectation is that they complete the reading and start the comprehension packet at home. They will be given time to work with their groups to complete the comprehension packet. Students are receiving an effort and homework grade daily for showing that they have done their reading homework. If they have done the reading and started the packet, they will receive a 3. If they haven't done any of the work, they will receive a 1. Students are also being graded in how they participate in their group. If they are actively participating, they will receive a 3. If they are not participating or are messing around, they will receive a 1. If you have any questions about this, please contact Mrs. Therriault.
We will not be doing any Grocking or spelling rules this week. We are going to use some of our Grocking time to work on a district writing prompt. Students will be writing a short narrative in class that will be graded according to the district rubric. This writing assignment will be graded and used, in addition to the personal narrative that was completed last month, to get their writing grade for the trimester.
In Social Studies this week we are going to begin the week with a short quiz on the Southern Colonies. We will also begin to look at life in the New England Colonies by examining the Puritans. We will be studying the Puritans because of their influence on the development of New England. Students will be reading from the social studies text book. There will be a quiz at the beginning of the week next week.
An additional skill that we are going to be focusing on in our classroom is following directions. We have noticed lately that many students are missing problems on their math, or not completing the reading comprehension packet correctly is because they are not reading the directions carefully. They are also not reading the entire question which leads them to answering only a portion of a question. Often students will quickly scan the problems or questions and assume they know what to do. This is affecting their day to day work, and will also have a dramatic impact on their MSP scores. As a result, we feel that it is important to take the time to teach students how to read directions carefully. We will be teaching this through oral exercises, art projects and worksheets. We are hoping that this explicit teaching will help students to recognize the importance of slowing down to read all of the directions and every question carefully. Please look for these worksheets to be coming home on Tuesdays in the boomerangs. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact one of us.
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Allyn and Alaina
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Week 25: Fractions Continues, Starting Mysteries, and Colonizing America
Welcome to Week 25! Please be on the lookout for important information regarding a class work day on March 31. Field trip forms will be required and parent volunteers would be graciously accepted for any part of the day.
Here is our week:
In math students will be continuing to work with fractions. This week we will be comparing and ordering fractions and mixed numbers, learning about common factors and greatest common factors, finding fractions' simplest form, and recognizing fractions and decimals in tenths, hundredths, and thousandths. We will continue working with our math partners in class and using our online math program (ixl.com) to receive extra practice in each section.
In reading this week students will be getting their novels for their mystery novel study group. Students are continuing to work on synthesizing and identifying the characteristics of a mystery. As a result of the novel studies starting up again, students will have homework on a nightly basis. Students will be asked to read one to two chapters a night. The expectation is that students will complete the reading at home and begin working on the reading packet. I do not expect students to complete the comprehension packet. They do need to be prepared to work in class with their group. If they do not come ready to work, they will not be allowed to work with their group. I will collect the comprehension packets frequently and give students feedback.
In social studies this week we are going to continue to learn about the colonization of America. We are going to examine the Southern Colonies this week. We are going to talk about the different social groups that played a role in the development of the colonies (plantation owners, Virginia Company, indentured servants, slaves, store owners, slave traders and farmers). We are also going to examine the economics of the Southern Colonies.
In science students will be completing their environments unit. Students have been working on their own investigation. They have created a question, hypothesis, and procedures. Last week students used the results of their investigation to create a conclusion to their investigation. This week they will be sharing their conclusions with the class. We will also be testing our students ability to create questions and hypotheses as well as conclusions with an assessment mid-week.
That's it for now. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
-Allyn and Alaina
Here is our week:
In math students will be continuing to work with fractions. This week we will be comparing and ordering fractions and mixed numbers, learning about common factors and greatest common factors, finding fractions' simplest form, and recognizing fractions and decimals in tenths, hundredths, and thousandths. We will continue working with our math partners in class and using our online math program (ixl.com) to receive extra practice in each section.
In reading this week students will be getting their novels for their mystery novel study group. Students are continuing to work on synthesizing and identifying the characteristics of a mystery. As a result of the novel studies starting up again, students will have homework on a nightly basis. Students will be asked to read one to two chapters a night. The expectation is that students will complete the reading at home and begin working on the reading packet. I do not expect students to complete the comprehension packet. They do need to be prepared to work in class with their group. If they do not come ready to work, they will not be allowed to work with their group. I will collect the comprehension packets frequently and give students feedback.
In social studies this week we are going to continue to learn about the colonization of America. We are going to examine the Southern Colonies this week. We are going to talk about the different social groups that played a role in the development of the colonies (plantation owners, Virginia Company, indentured servants, slaves, store owners, slave traders and farmers). We are also going to examine the economics of the Southern Colonies.
In science students will be completing their environments unit. Students have been working on their own investigation. They have created a question, hypothesis, and procedures. Last week students used the results of their investigation to create a conclusion to their investigation. This week they will be sharing their conclusions with the class. We will also be testing our students ability to create questions and hypotheses as well as conclusions with an assessment mid-week.
That's it for now. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
-Allyn and Alaina
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Week 24: Fractions, Mysteries, and Environments
Welcome to Week 24!
We hope that everyone had a wonderful Mid-Winter Break! Here is what we are doing this week:
In math students will be starting their last big unit in fractions. In particular this week students will be learning the meaning of fractions, seeing the similarities between fractions and division, learning about mixed numbers and improper fractions, learning about equivalent fractions, and comparing and ordering fractions and mixed numbers.
In reading students will be continuing to learn about the characteristics of mysteries. In addition, we will be studying about synthesizing and its impact on reading comprehension.
In social studies students will be starting their investigation into Colonial America.
In science students will be competing their environments unit. Students have created a final investigation of their own. They have adjusted one variable and will observe how that variable affects the growth of pea, barley, corn, and radish seeds growth.
That's it for now. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
-Allyn and Alaina
We hope that everyone had a wonderful Mid-Winter Break! Here is what we are doing this week:
In math students will be starting their last big unit in fractions. In particular this week students will be learning the meaning of fractions, seeing the similarities between fractions and division, learning about mixed numbers and improper fractions, learning about equivalent fractions, and comparing and ordering fractions and mixed numbers.
In reading students will be continuing to learn about the characteristics of mysteries. In addition, we will be studying about synthesizing and its impact on reading comprehension.
In social studies students will be starting their investigation into Colonial America.
In science students will be competing their environments unit. Students have created a final investigation of their own. They have adjusted one variable and will observe how that variable affects the growth of pea, barley, corn, and radish seeds growth.
That's it for now. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
-Allyn and Alaina
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Week 23: Finishing Integers, Starting Mysteries, and Continuing Environments
Welcome to Week 23! Thanks for all the visits at Open House on Thursday. It was great to see everyone. Also, a big thank you to our parents who volunteered to run the Ice Cream Social (all proceeds go towards the 5th graders trip to 6th grade camp) and to the parents who volunteered for our Art Docent project on Friday.
Here's the week:
This week in reading we are going to continue to work on synthesis using a mystery. We are reading The Schwa Was Here. Students are working on identifying the characteristics of a mystery: detectives, witnesses, suspects, clues and red herrings. We are spending a lot of time discussing how the characters change and how those changes impact the story and the outcome of the mystery. By verbalizing how the story is changing, students are learning how to synthesize. Students will not any additional reading homework beyond their reading logs.
In writing this week we are going to revise and edit our personal narratives. Students have an editing check list they will be using to revise and edit. Students also have a rubric to use while they are revising and editing. The final draft will be due on Thursday this week. With the final draft, students must turn in the three separate paragraph worksheets, the rough draft, and the revising and editing check list signed at the bottom.
In math students will be finishing up their studies on integers. This week they will be looking at graphing of equations and working backwards within story problems. We will be testing on this chapter on Thursday after a review and some peer instruction. Coming after Mid-Winter Break is fractions. Should be an eye opener for some of our kids.
In science we are continuing our work with environments. Thus far students have observed plants within a terrarium, setup an investigation to determine what amount of water would be optimum for our plant life, written an investigation on the optimum amount of light a plant needs, and observed the optimum amount of salt for our brine shrimp to hatch. This week students will be concluding their bring shrimp investigation while creating a new investigation of there own. Students will be asked to find one variable to use while growing plants. For instance...my example will be the use of salt water on plant growth. So I will create four environments that are exactly the same except for the amount of salt in the water that I use to water the plants. Should be fun!
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Allyn and Alaina
Here's the week:
This week in reading we are going to continue to work on synthesis using a mystery. We are reading The Schwa Was Here. Students are working on identifying the characteristics of a mystery: detectives, witnesses, suspects, clues and red herrings. We are spending a lot of time discussing how the characters change and how those changes impact the story and the outcome of the mystery. By verbalizing how the story is changing, students are learning how to synthesize. Students will not any additional reading homework beyond their reading logs.
In writing this week we are going to revise and edit our personal narratives. Students have an editing check list they will be using to revise and edit. Students also have a rubric to use while they are revising and editing. The final draft will be due on Thursday this week. With the final draft, students must turn in the three separate paragraph worksheets, the rough draft, and the revising and editing check list signed at the bottom.
In math students will be finishing up their studies on integers. This week they will be looking at graphing of equations and working backwards within story problems. We will be testing on this chapter on Thursday after a review and some peer instruction. Coming after Mid-Winter Break is fractions. Should be an eye opener for some of our kids.
In science we are continuing our work with environments. Thus far students have observed plants within a terrarium, setup an investigation to determine what amount of water would be optimum for our plant life, written an investigation on the optimum amount of light a plant needs, and observed the optimum amount of salt for our brine shrimp to hatch. This week students will be concluding their bring shrimp investigation while creating a new investigation of there own. Students will be asked to find one variable to use while growing plants. For instance...my example will be the use of salt water on plant growth. So I will create four environments that are exactly the same except for the amount of salt in the water that I use to water the plants. Should be fun!
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Allyn and Alaina
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Week 22: Understanding Integers, Mysteries, and Environments Continued
Welcome to week 22! Remember that Thursday is Open House. Please come check out what your students have been doing in class, stop by a buy a book or two from the Book Fair in the library, and buy some ice cream (all proceeds go to sending our 5th graders to 6th grade camp next year!) Looking forward to seeing you on Thursday.
Here's the week:
In math we will be concluding our second algebra chapter with a topic test on Tuesday. Students will have some peer instruction time to review the chapter. On Wednesday we will begin our next unit on integers. This week we will be learning about integers, working with ordered pairs, and finding distances on number lines and coordinate planes. This should be a nice breather from the stresses of algebra.
In reading this week we are going to start a new unit! We are going to be starting our unit on Mysteries. In this unit, we will be learning about the characteristics of mysteries: characters, setting, plot, clues, and red herrings. We are also going to be working with a new reading strategy: synthesis. Students will learn that synthesis is adapting ones understanding based on new information from a text. Mystery is the perfect genre to use in this case because clues are constantly changing our understanding of the story. Students will be using comprehension packets again to practice and demonstrate their understanding. Students will not receive these packets for another couple of weeks. However, when they do, they will be expected to read 1-2 chapters a night and come prepared to participate with their group. If they have not done the reading, they will not be allowed to work with their group.
In writing we are going to put together the personal narratives that students have been writing. Students have written, and received feedback from Mrs. Therriault on an introduction, body and concluding paragraph. This week they will be asked to put all three of the paragraphs together to create a rough draft of their personal narrative. They will also be asked to start revising their personal narratives using a revising checklist and rubric. The rubric will make it even more clear how they will be graded and what they need to do to receive a 3. Be sure to ask your students to see the rubric so that you can see how they will be graded.
On Friday we will be starting a new Social Studies unit. We are going to start exploring why people left England to colonize America. One of the reasons the Separatists left England was because the Church of England was the only church who was allowed to practice their religion. Because of persecution, they left for America for a better life. We will have a hands on activity to help the students understand this idea. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be working closely with Ms. Freeman, the librarian, to learn more about colonization using primary sources. This will lead into a longer project of a colonial fair. This long term project will blend social studies, research skills and writing into one large project. More information will be coming home about this as we get closer to the event.
In science we will be conducting an investigation on Brine Shrimp. Students will be given brine shrimp eggs and they will be put in charge of finding the optimum environment for the brine shrimp eggs to hatch. Through this investigation we are continuing to learn about distinctive environments, how to write up questions and hypotheses, and how to put together an investigation. Should be fun!
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns,
Allyn and Alaina
Here's the week:
In math we will be concluding our second algebra chapter with a topic test on Tuesday. Students will have some peer instruction time to review the chapter. On Wednesday we will begin our next unit on integers. This week we will be learning about integers, working with ordered pairs, and finding distances on number lines and coordinate planes. This should be a nice breather from the stresses of algebra.
In reading this week we are going to start a new unit! We are going to be starting our unit on Mysteries. In this unit, we will be learning about the characteristics of mysteries: characters, setting, plot, clues, and red herrings. We are also going to be working with a new reading strategy: synthesis. Students will learn that synthesis is adapting ones understanding based on new information from a text. Mystery is the perfect genre to use in this case because clues are constantly changing our understanding of the story. Students will be using comprehension packets again to practice and demonstrate their understanding. Students will not receive these packets for another couple of weeks. However, when they do, they will be expected to read 1-2 chapters a night and come prepared to participate with their group. If they have not done the reading, they will not be allowed to work with their group.
In writing we are going to put together the personal narratives that students have been writing. Students have written, and received feedback from Mrs. Therriault on an introduction, body and concluding paragraph. This week they will be asked to put all three of the paragraphs together to create a rough draft of their personal narrative. They will also be asked to start revising their personal narratives using a revising checklist and rubric. The rubric will make it even more clear how they will be graded and what they need to do to receive a 3. Be sure to ask your students to see the rubric so that you can see how they will be graded.
On Friday we will be starting a new Social Studies unit. We are going to start exploring why people left England to colonize America. One of the reasons the Separatists left England was because the Church of England was the only church who was allowed to practice their religion. Because of persecution, they left for America for a better life. We will have a hands on activity to help the students understand this idea. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be working closely with Ms. Freeman, the librarian, to learn more about colonization using primary sources. This will lead into a longer project of a colonial fair. This long term project will blend social studies, research skills and writing into one large project. More information will be coming home about this as we get closer to the event.
In science we will be conducting an investigation on Brine Shrimp. Students will be given brine shrimp eggs and they will be put in charge of finding the optimum environment for the brine shrimp eggs to hatch. Through this investigation we are continuing to learn about distinctive environments, how to write up questions and hypotheses, and how to put together an investigation. Should be fun!
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns,
Allyn and Alaina
Friday, January 28, 2011
Week 21: Algebra Continued, End of Historical Fiction, and Environments Continued
Welcome to week 21!
Here is what we have planned:
In math we will be continuing our push into algebra. This week students will have a very quick chapter on solving and writing equations and inequalities. More specifically, students will be solving addition and subtraction equations, solving multiplication and division equations, learning about inequalities and the number line, identifying patterns and equations, and drawing pictures and writing equations.
In reading this week we are finishing our historical fiction novels. This will also conclude our direct instruction on inferring. We will continue to practice inferring in the next novel study to reinforce the skill of using background knowledge and text evidence to understand a story better. In word study, we are going to start learning a new group of prefixes, roots and suffixes. Students will learn their meaning and have several different activities to do during class to help them retain the meaning and spelling.
In writing, students will be asked to write their concluding paragraph to their personal narrative. We are focusing on our paragraphs having a topic sentence, supporting sentences and a concluding sentence. We are also working on having the conclusion be a strong ending to our narrative and not leave too many unanswered questions.
In science we will be continuing our investigation into environments. Students will complete their terrarium and water tolerance investigations and we will be turning our attention to brine shrimp and the water in which they live. In addition, students will continue to work on writing questions, hypotheses, and the procedures of our investigations in preparation for the science MSP in the spring.
That's it for now. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
-Allyn and Alaina
Here is what we have planned:
In math we will be continuing our push into algebra. This week students will have a very quick chapter on solving and writing equations and inequalities. More specifically, students will be solving addition and subtraction equations, solving multiplication and division equations, learning about inequalities and the number line, identifying patterns and equations, and drawing pictures and writing equations.
In reading this week we are finishing our historical fiction novels. This will also conclude our direct instruction on inferring. We will continue to practice inferring in the next novel study to reinforce the skill of using background knowledge and text evidence to understand a story better. In word study, we are going to start learning a new group of prefixes, roots and suffixes. Students will learn their meaning and have several different activities to do during class to help them retain the meaning and spelling.
In writing, students will be asked to write their concluding paragraph to their personal narrative. We are focusing on our paragraphs having a topic sentence, supporting sentences and a concluding sentence. We are also working on having the conclusion be a strong ending to our narrative and not leave too many unanswered questions.
In science we will be continuing our investigation into environments. Students will complete their terrarium and water tolerance investigations and we will be turning our attention to brine shrimp and the water in which they live. In addition, students will continue to work on writing questions, hypotheses, and the procedures of our investigations in preparation for the science MSP in the spring.
That's it for now. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
-Allyn and Alaina
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Week 20: Algebra Continues, Historical Fiction, and Environments
Welcome to Week 20! Thank you for taking the time to meet with us this past week. We truly enjoyed talking with each of you about your students growth this year. Please remember, this Friday is a staff inservice day. No school for the kids..but plenty of meetings for us teachers.
Here's the week:
In math we will be concluding our first algebra unit. The students have take this intense topic and done relatively well. This week students will be working with the order of operations and using reasoning skills to find algebraic expressions. We will be completing some peer instruction as well as our end of topic test on Thursday.
In reading this week we are going to continue to work on inferring using our historical fiction novels. Inferring is using background knowledge and text clues to make a decision, answer a question or understand what is read. It is important that students are including both background knowledge and text evidence in their answers when working on their comprehension packets. Being able to support an answer with evidence is a skill they will use throughout the curriculum. Please also continue to stress the importance of writing in complete sentences with proper capitalization and punctuation.
In writing we are working on how to write a strong paragraph. A good paragraph will have a topic sentence, supporting sentences and a concluding sentence. Paragraphs also need to be about one topic. We are practicing this skill by writing a personal narrative. (A personal narrative is a story about oneself) Their narratives will be only three paragraphs long. So far they have turned in their introduction paragraph and have received them back with comments from Mrs. Therriault. This weekend they are writing their body paragraphs which need to be turned in Monday morning.
In science we will be practicing writing up science investigations. Specifically, students will be practicing writing hypotheses and procedures as if they were completing an investigation. These skills are tested heavily on the 5th grade science MSP so we will spend a lot of time practicing, talking about what we were thinking, and discussing what a strong investigation should look like. In addition, we will continue to observe the two plant oriented investigations that we started last week.
That's it for now. Please be on the lookout for a survey and questionaire coming home this week with your weekly eval.
Thanks,
Allyn and Alaina
Here's the week:
In math we will be concluding our first algebra unit. The students have take this intense topic and done relatively well. This week students will be working with the order of operations and using reasoning skills to find algebraic expressions. We will be completing some peer instruction as well as our end of topic test on Thursday.
In reading this week we are going to continue to work on inferring using our historical fiction novels. Inferring is using background knowledge and text clues to make a decision, answer a question or understand what is read. It is important that students are including both background knowledge and text evidence in their answers when working on their comprehension packets. Being able to support an answer with evidence is a skill they will use throughout the curriculum. Please also continue to stress the importance of writing in complete sentences with proper capitalization and punctuation.
In writing we are working on how to write a strong paragraph. A good paragraph will have a topic sentence, supporting sentences and a concluding sentence. Paragraphs also need to be about one topic. We are practicing this skill by writing a personal narrative. (A personal narrative is a story about oneself) Their narratives will be only three paragraphs long. So far they have turned in their introduction paragraph and have received them back with comments from Mrs. Therriault. This weekend they are writing their body paragraphs which need to be turned in Monday morning.
In science we will be practicing writing up science investigations. Specifically, students will be practicing writing hypotheses and procedures as if they were completing an investigation. These skills are tested heavily on the 5th grade science MSP so we will spend a lot of time practicing, talking about what we were thinking, and discussing what a strong investigation should look like. In addition, we will continue to observe the two plant oriented investigations that we started last week.
That's it for now. Please be on the lookout for a survey and questionaire coming home this week with your weekly eval.
Thanks,
Allyn and Alaina
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Week 19: Conference Week! Algebra, Environments, and Historical Fiction
Welcome to week 19! It's conference week! We look forward to meeting with each of you and your children to discuss the year so far. Also remember, all of this week is half days. Students will be dismissed at 11:10.
In math this week we will be starting our first unit of algebra. Although the term algebra is new to our kids, they will be pleasantly surprised that they already know how to do some algebra. In particular our students will be writing variables and expressions, identifying patterns and expressions, and learning about the distributive property. It should be an eye opening week for the kids.
In reading, students will be completing their historical fiction novels. This week will have limited reading time. As a result, the time we do have will be used to catch up on section of their book or comprehension packet.
No writing this week. Just not enough time for it.
In science students will be starting their second investigation in our environments unit. Students will be investigating the water tolerance of plants. They will create an investigation in which similar plants and soil receive different amounts of water. As a result, students can observe which plants are able to grow in the different amounts of water.
That's it for now. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Allyn and Alaina
In math this week we will be starting our first unit of algebra. Although the term algebra is new to our kids, they will be pleasantly surprised that they already know how to do some algebra. In particular our students will be writing variables and expressions, identifying patterns and expressions, and learning about the distributive property. It should be an eye opening week for the kids.
In reading, students will be completing their historical fiction novels. This week will have limited reading time. As a result, the time we do have will be used to catch up on section of their book or comprehension packet.
No writing this week. Just not enough time for it.
In science students will be starting their second investigation in our environments unit. Students will be investigating the water tolerance of plants. They will create an investigation in which similar plants and soil receive different amounts of water. As a result, students can observe which plants are able to grow in the different amounts of water.
That's it for now. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Allyn and Alaina
Monday, January 10, 2011
Week 18: Area, Historical fiction, and Personal Narratives
Welcome to Week 18! Is it bad that both of us are checking the weather report every 5 minutes to see if we will have a snow day on Wednesday?
Here's the week:
In math we will be concluding this chapter of geometry. Students have measured using standard and metric lengths and found the perimeter and area of objects. This week students will be finding the area of triangles, investigating circles and their circumference, and organizing ideas into lists. If the week runs exactly to plan, we should have peer instruction on Thursday and a chapter test on Friday.
In reading we will be continuing to read through our historical fiction novels. Students have gotten a good start on their novels and have done a solid job working in their novel study groups. We have decided to check for each students effort in reading their books (on time) by assigning a single comprehension question at the beginning of each day. If students are able to prove that they have read their assignment, they are allowed to work with their novel groups. If they have not read, students are asked to read and answer questions on their own.
In writing, students are continuing to work on personal narratives. At this point, students should have a couple of different narratives started. This week we will be continuing to write out different ideas for personal narratives. Students will continue working on sensory details within their work.
That's it for now. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Allyn and Alaina
Here's the week:
In math we will be concluding this chapter of geometry. Students have measured using standard and metric lengths and found the perimeter and area of objects. This week students will be finding the area of triangles, investigating circles and their circumference, and organizing ideas into lists. If the week runs exactly to plan, we should have peer instruction on Thursday and a chapter test on Friday.
In reading we will be continuing to read through our historical fiction novels. Students have gotten a good start on their novels and have done a solid job working in their novel study groups. We have decided to check for each students effort in reading their books (on time) by assigning a single comprehension question at the beginning of each day. If students are able to prove that they have read their assignment, they are allowed to work with their novel groups. If they have not read, students are asked to read and answer questions on their own.
In writing, students are continuing to work on personal narratives. At this point, students should have a couple of different narratives started. This week we will be continuing to write out different ideas for personal narratives. Students will continue working on sensory details within their work.
That's it for now. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Allyn and Alaina
Monday, January 3, 2011
Week 17: Perimter and Area, Historical Fiction, and Personal Narratives
Welcome to Week 17! Sorry for the delay this week. Our brains are still in vacation mode.
Here is the week:
In math we will be starting a chapter on units of length, perimeter, and area. In particular: Monday we will look at cutomary units of length. Tuesday: Metric length. Wednesday: Perimeter. Thursday: Area of a square and rectangle. Friday: Area of a parallelogram. In addition, on Friday we will be taking an Easy CBM assessment to see how each student is progressing in math this year.
In reading we will be start our historical fiction genre study. This week students will be receiving their World War 2 book and will begin reading it and working through a comprehension packet. This packet will look closely at students ability to infer within their novel and will continue to ask them to question the text while they read.
Here is the rubric we will be using for this genre study:
4= In addition to 3.0, in depth inferences and applications that go beyond what was taught
3=The students are expected to:
•provide reasonable inferences based on text cues and own background knowledge.
•Provide evidence from text to support answers.
The student exhibits no major errors or omissions
2=There are no major errors or omissions regarding the simpler details and processes as the student:
•Gives a inference with EITHER background knowledge support or text support but not both
Student exhibits major errors or omissions regarding the more complex ideas and processes
1=With help, a partial understanding of some of the ideas and processes
In writing we will be working on personal narratives. A personal narrative is a true story about ones self. Students will be focusing on sensory details.
That's it for now. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
-Allyn and Alaina
Here is the week:
In math we will be starting a chapter on units of length, perimeter, and area. In particular: Monday we will look at cutomary units of length. Tuesday: Metric length. Wednesday: Perimeter. Thursday: Area of a square and rectangle. Friday: Area of a parallelogram. In addition, on Friday we will be taking an Easy CBM assessment to see how each student is progressing in math this year.
In reading we will be start our historical fiction genre study. This week students will be receiving their World War 2 book and will begin reading it and working through a comprehension packet. This packet will look closely at students ability to infer within their novel and will continue to ask them to question the text while they read.
Here is the rubric we will be using for this genre study:
4= In addition to 3.0, in depth inferences and applications that go beyond what was taught
3=The students are expected to:
•provide reasonable inferences based on text cues and own background knowledge.
•Provide evidence from text to support answers.
The student exhibits no major errors or omissions
2=There are no major errors or omissions regarding the simpler details and processes as the student:
•Gives a inference with EITHER background knowledge support or text support but not both
Student exhibits major errors or omissions regarding the more complex ideas and processes
1=With help, a partial understanding of some of the ideas and processes
In writing we will be working on personal narratives. A personal narrative is a true story about ones self. Students will be focusing on sensory details.
That's it for now. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
-Allyn and Alaina
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