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
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
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
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