Today in class we worked REALLY hard on our biographies. We have one paragraph left before our final draft will be ready! We also talked briefly about our next genre unit- poetry! I can't wait for this- poetry is so fun for the kids to learn about and write :)
In reading we are reading the book "officer Buckle and Gloria" try asking your child the MAIN IDEA or LESSON of a story you are reading at home. This is the focus of the reading responses the children have been writing with me about our stories.
In math we played a game called "hit the target" that uses our mental math skills for addition. We also did more practice with subtraction and borrowing (which the book calls 'trading').
We are also doing a new unit in Science which is motion. The kids did a little experiment today to see the motion of a marble sliding down a ramp. We used different kids of ramps (twirly, straight, etc) to see what would happen to the marble. Tomorrow we are going to use stop watches to time each marble going down each ramp. The kids will hypothesis which ramp Will be fastest and tell why.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wednesday, Jan. 26th
Today we had a guest speaker who read to us a biography of a famous African American writers. She also taught us a song of national pride. Ask your child how they enjoyed the story and what they learned :)
In math we officially FINISHED our vol. 1 workbook!!!! We are starting our vol. 2 workbook tomorrow- but it sure felt good to know that we are HALF WAY through the program! I had the kids take home their finished workbooks so you can see all the hard work we have been doing. The workbook is a mixture between work we did all together, independently, and with partners.
Remember that the homework is due TOMORROW!! No school Friday!
I will not be at school tomorrow because I will be attending a reading seminar-type-meeting to look at some great new ideas for teaching language. Homework will still be collected and new homework will still be coming home. Spelling tests will also still take place (thanks volunteer moms!) If you have any messages or important notes please direct them to the office. I will be back at school Friday (even though the kids won't be there!) if you need anything :)
In math we officially FINISHED our vol. 1 workbook!!!! We are starting our vol. 2 workbook tomorrow- but it sure felt good to know that we are HALF WAY through the program! I had the kids take home their finished workbooks so you can see all the hard work we have been doing. The workbook is a mixture between work we did all together, independently, and with partners.
Remember that the homework is due TOMORROW!! No school Friday!
I will not be at school tomorrow because I will be attending a reading seminar-type-meeting to look at some great new ideas for teaching language. Homework will still be collected and new homework will still be coming home. Spelling tests will also still take place (thanks volunteer moms!) If you have any messages or important notes please direct them to the office. I will be back at school Friday (even though the kids won't be there!) if you need anything :)
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Tuesday, Jan. 25
Today we started writing our biographies. We didn't get a TON of writing done on them yet but spent a lot of time looking at the format and talking about the header and how to start. Each student has a graphi corganizer that we used today to help plan for our final draft. Tomorrow we will do a paragraph about our person's "early life."
In math we had our math test!! The students had base-10 blocks available to them to use during the test but NO number line or number grid!! I will be grading them tonight and sending them home in the orange folder on Thursday this week.
We also had our NWEA test on the computer today. The kids did a great job doing their best" and staying on track. Im excited to see the results and their growth :)
In math we had our math test!! The students had base-10 blocks available to them to use during the test but NO number line or number grid!! I will be grading them tonight and sending them home in the orange folder on Thursday this week.
We also had our NWEA test on the computer today. The kids did a great job doing their best" and staying on track. Im excited to see the results and their growth :)
Monday, January 24, 2011
Feb. Calendar
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
1. D-Day | 2. A-Day Ground Hog Day Citizens Breakfast Town Hall Meeting 10:45 | 3. B-Day Chinese New Year | 4. C-Day | |
7. D-Day | 8. A-Day | 9. B-Day Student Count Day | 10. C-Day | 11. D-Day Locker Clean-Out Daddy Daughter Dance |
14. A-Day Jump Rope for Heart | 15. B-Day Jump Rope for Heart | 16. C-Day 100th day of school Jump Rope for Heart Book Exchange Burger King Night 4-8 | 17. D-Day Jump Rope for Heart | 18. A-Day |
21. No School | 22. No School | 23. No School | 24. No School | 25. No School |
28. B-Day PBS activity- movie- classrooms to choose their own time |
Monday, Jan. 24th
Today we wrote about accomplishments and "main points" of the lives of our biography subjects as a whole class. We also decided who each of us will be writing about. Ask your students who they chose to write about tonight :) We will be starting the "early life" section of our biography tomorrow!
In math we did some "backwards multiplication" and shared items with firends. For example, we share 16 crayons with 3 friends. How many per person? How many remaining?
Reminder- Thursday is Hat Day IF you bring a $1 to donate to 5th grade camp. No School Friday! Homework due Thursday :)
In math we did some "backwards multiplication" and shared items with firends. For example, we share 16 crayons with 3 friends. How many per person? How many remaining?
Reminder- Thursday is Hat Day IF you bring a $1 to donate to 5th grade camp. No School Friday! Homework due Thursday :)
Friday, January 21, 2011
Friday, Jan. 21
Today we read the biography of Barack Obama. We learned that he had many goals and accomplished a lot in his life so far (accomplish is our word of the day!) We also talked about the way the biography was written in order of events or sequence.
In math we played a game called "Array Bingo" which is a visual representation game to help students start to memorize multiplication facts as repeated addition. While I played the game with a samll group, the other students did math boxes to review learned skills.
omework went home today- make sure to return this on THURSDAY next week since we don't have school on Friday. Thanks!
In math we played a game called "Array Bingo" which is a visual representation game to help students start to memorize multiplication facts as repeated addition. While I played the game with a samll group, the other students did math boxes to review learned skills.
omework went home today- make sure to return this on THURSDAY next week since we don't have school on Friday. Thanks!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Thursday, Jan 20
Today we read a biography about Rosa Parks. We also read a timeline about her life and reviewed how that timeline was created (putting the dates in order, giving the 'main points' of her life, etc). We took notice of how biographies start (with a birthday and by telling about her early life) so we will know what to do when we start our biography. We wrote about bravery today and told a story about someone we learned about or ourselves being brave.
In math we drew arrays and adding the use of the X sign to each array. For example, we made a 5 by 4 array to total 20 dots. We wrote 5 X 4 = 20. Since the kids are so used to drawing arrays adding the X seemed like no big deal to them- even though they are officially starting to memorize and understand their multiplication facts!
We also had an assembly today where we got to go around the gym and practice "spending money" called the Dollars and Sense program. It is a program to teach kids about about responsible spending. Ask your child if they enjoyed it!
In math we drew arrays and adding the use of the X sign to each array. For example, we made a 5 by 4 array to total 20 dots. We wrote 5 X 4 = 20. Since the kids are so used to drawing arrays adding the X seemed like no big deal to them- even though they are officially starting to memorize and understand their multiplication facts!
We also had an assembly today where we got to go around the gym and practice "spending money" called the Dollars and Sense program. It is a program to teach kids about about responsible spending. Ask your child if they enjoyed it!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Wed. Jan. 19th
Today we read the biography of Benjamin Banneker and learned that he was an astronomer who wrote his own almanac. He also wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson telling him that slavery was wrong and asking him to make sure all americans were treated equally. We decided that he was brave, smart, and determined.
We also wrote the beginnings of our own autobiography which are VERY entertaining :)
After lunch i had to leave to go to a meeting at the administration building so a sub came and did the math pages for today with the kids. The pages were more practice with subtraction and arrays (again, this is the beginnng of multiplication so the kids get a good solid understanding of what multiplication really is). She also took them to the computer lab for our computer time.
**Next Friday we do not have school. Next Thursday is hat day- students must bring $1 to wear a hat that day.
We also wrote the beginnings of our own autobiography which are VERY entertaining :)
After lunch i had to leave to go to a meeting at the administration building so a sub came and did the math pages for today with the kids. The pages were more practice with subtraction and arrays (again, this is the beginnng of multiplication so the kids get a good solid understanding of what multiplication really is). She also took them to the computer lab for our computer time.
**Next Friday we do not have school. Next Thursday is hat day- students must bring $1 to wear a hat that day.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Tuesday, Jan. 18th
Welcome back :)
Today we wrote our "Weekned News" in writing and shared with our teams. As I was wakling around I heard that a LOT of you went sledding this weekend :)
In reading we read a story about a girl and her grandfather. There was also an underlying story about a boy who teases the girl. Tomorrow we will keep reading to find out what the girl does to stop the boy from hurting her feelings.
In math we played a game that used coins and base-10 blocks to practice double digit subtraction. Tomorrow we will have another activity to help review this skill but we will use counters instead of blocks.
After math today we had a little extra math session to practice long-handed double digit addition to help us get al ittl emore solid on this skill with paper-and-pencil.
Hope you all enjoyed your long weekend- I have a feeling this week will go back FAST!
Today we wrote our "Weekned News" in writing and shared with our teams. As I was wakling around I heard that a LOT of you went sledding this weekend :)
In reading we read a story about a girl and her grandfather. There was also an underlying story about a boy who teases the girl. Tomorrow we will keep reading to find out what the girl does to stop the boy from hurting her feelings.
In math we played a game that used coins and base-10 blocks to practice double digit subtraction. Tomorrow we will have another activity to help review this skill but we will use counters instead of blocks.
After math today we had a little extra math session to practice long-handed double digit addition to help us get al ittl emore solid on this skill with paper-and-pencil.
Hope you all enjoyed your long weekend- I have a feeling this week will go back FAST!
k round-up!
Do you have a child who will be ready for K next year? Do you know anyone on your street who will have someone who will be turning 5 and ready for K next year? We will be having an informational meeting on Jan. 27th in the evening and want to get the word out to everyone who will be coming to Poupard next year. Help us spread the word! Thanks!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Friday, Jan. 14th, 2011
Happy Friday! Today we got to see a preview of the biography report we will be working on for the next two weeks. We also looked at the books about famous Black Americans that we will be reading in the upcoming days. In writing we wrote birthday letters to MLK since his real birthday is tomorrow :) Thank you to Molly's mom for coming in to give spelling tests today.
In math we did double digit subtraction using base-10 blocks. We also reviewed arrays and probability.
Thank you to Louis' mom who helped do homework binders today. Please look for the binders in the backpack tonight. Those who do not turn in their homework completed on Fridays will have to stay in from recess to work on it.
**Remember to look for books to bring to the book exchange on Tuesday! Thanks!
Have a gret weekend :)
In math we did double digit subtraction using base-10 blocks. We also reviewed arrays and probability.
Thank you to Louis' mom who helped do homework binders today. Please look for the binders in the backpack tonight. Those who do not turn in their homework completed on Fridays will have to stay in from recess to work on it.
**Remember to look for books to bring to the book exchange on Tuesday! Thanks!
Have a gret weekend :)
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Thursday, Jan. 13th
Today in class we read and performed a MLK play. The kids did a great job with this and are beginning to internalize the format of a play. This will come in handy when we write our own plays in March! :)
We also wrote about ways to get along with people who are different than us or who have different opinions or ideas. We discussed these with our writing teams and shared out thoughts with the class.
In math we did story problems for both addition and subtraction. We also worked on estimating (ball park estimates) when adding money.
We were able to have a make-up computer lab session today since we missed yesterday dur to the town hall meeting- a lot of the kids chose to use this time to take scholastic reading tests :) they also had the choice of doing fast math ( a flash-card type math game) and earobics 2 (an advanced phonics game).
** The book exchange is Tuesday, Jan. 18th. Bring a 2nd grade level book that you have read and trade it for a new book to read and enjoy!
We also wrote about ways to get along with people who are different than us or who have different opinions or ideas. We discussed these with our writing teams and shared out thoughts with the class.
In math we did story problems for both addition and subtraction. We also worked on estimating (ball park estimates) when adding money.
We were able to have a make-up computer lab session today since we missed yesterday dur to the town hall meeting- a lot of the kids chose to use this time to take scholastic reading tests :) they also had the choice of doing fast math ( a flash-card type math game) and earobics 2 (an advanced phonics game).
** The book exchange is Tuesday, Jan. 18th. Bring a 2nd grade level book that you have read and trade it for a new book to read and enjoy!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Wed. Jan, 12th
Today was our town meeting and it was a great one for us! Lots of us got awards & necklaces for getting scholastic reading points (yayyyyeee!!), we had 3 readers who wowed us with their writing about Martin Luther King, and we all sang a song about MLK in front of the whole school! What a fun day!
In reading we read a MLK poem and wrote our own acrostic poem about MLK. We also read the "big words" (freedom, love, respect, etc.) wrote about their meanings.
In math we did more comparisons (subtraction) and reviewed arrays.
Here a few pics from the bulletin board we worked on earlier in the week.
In reading we read a MLK poem and wrote our own acrostic poem about MLK. We also read the "big words" (freedom, love, respect, etc.) wrote about their meanings.
In math we did more comparisons (subtraction) and reviewed arrays.
Here a few pics from the bulletin board we worked on earlier in the week.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Tuesday, Jan. 11th
Today in class we talked about the power of "voice" when speaking and in writing. One of the 6-traits of good writing is voice; having your voice apparent in your writing makes it more interesting. We listened to MLK's voice from his famous speech on the computer. We wrote about what makes his voice so special that everyone wante dto listen to him. We also read the book, "Martin's Big Words" and watch the scholastic read aloud of this story online (it was only 6 minutes long but the kids thought it was awesome to watch a movie about Martin!)
In math we worked on subtraction (comparisions) and did some review. The students did a LOT better than I even expected with this! they caught on very quickly and were able to solve the problems in a variety of ways. We also started to "half" numbers; for example: 4 halved is 2, 16 halved is 8. With this and the arrays, we are laying the ground work for multiplication and division.
Tomorrow is town hall meeting at 1:50pm. School Store has been rescheduled from today due to the illness of our school store volunteer.
Stay safe tonight in the snow! I would say to watch the news for a snow day, but I am not hopeful that will happen :) Dress warm for the school day tomorrow!
In math we worked on subtraction (comparisions) and did some review. The students did a LOT better than I even expected with this! they caught on very quickly and were able to solve the problems in a variety of ways. We also started to "half" numbers; for example: 4 halved is 2, 16 halved is 8. With this and the arrays, we are laying the ground work for multiplication and division.
Tomorrow is town hall meeting at 1:50pm. School Store has been rescheduled from today due to the illness of our school store volunteer.
Stay safe tonight in the snow! I would say to watch the news for a snow day, but I am not hopeful that will happen :) Dress warm for the school day tomorrow!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Monday, Jan. 10th
Today we learned about equality and linked what we've been doing in Reading and writing to what we learned in Social Studies about Common Good. The kids wrote a story about something in their life that they think is unfair (they were mostly about borthers/sisters getting toys/candy/treats that they didn't get) and shared with their writing teams. We also read a new MLK story and used the stragety "skippy kangaroo" to find out some unknown words.
In math we played 2 games (fun!) that reviewed making estimates for adding 2 digit numbers and the other helped us practice adding 3 numbers together. Tomorrow we will be working on subtraction which the book refers to as "comparison." The questions sound like this: Alberto had 34 pieces of candy and Nick had 13. How many more did Nick have? Then the kids have to subtract to find the answer.
Tomorrow we wil have school store and then on Wednesday we will have Town Hall meeting in the afternoon.
In math we played 2 games (fun!) that reviewed making estimates for adding 2 digit numbers and the other helped us practice adding 3 numbers together. Tomorrow we will be working on subtraction which the book refers to as "comparison." The questions sound like this: Alberto had 34 pieces of candy and Nick had 13. How many more did Nick have? Then the kids have to subtract to find the answer.
Tomorrow we wil have school store and then on Wednesday we will have Town Hall meeting in the afternoon.
Friday, January 07, 2011
Friday, Jan. 7th
Happy Friday!! Today was extra exciting because we had beach day at the end of the day in the gym!! The kids had a blast and I am happy that all 19 of our students earned the reward :)
Today in writing we wrote about a dream of our own and how we could accomplish it like MLK accomplished his dream. We also made little dream clouds to display our writing on. Todays MLK book was more of a informational text-book type of reading instead of the picture books we have been reading. The kids still seem to be enjoying learning new details about his life and it is great to have them so interested in Biographies sine they don't usually tend to read that genre.
In math we did a quick review of the things we have done this week- arrays, counting up by 5's, using a calculator, least to greatest, and adding 2 digit numbers. We will continue the lesson on Monday.
I had 2 pairs of boots left in the classroom this afternoon- if you're missing a pair, don't worry-I have a black pair and a white pair in the room.
Have a great weekend!!
Today in writing we wrote about a dream of our own and how we could accomplish it like MLK accomplished his dream. We also made little dream clouds to display our writing on. Todays MLK book was more of a informational text-book type of reading instead of the picture books we have been reading. The kids still seem to be enjoying learning new details about his life and it is great to have them so interested in Biographies sine they don't usually tend to read that genre.
In math we did a quick review of the things we have done this week- arrays, counting up by 5's, using a calculator, least to greatest, and adding 2 digit numbers. We will continue the lesson on Monday.
I had 2 pairs of boots left in the classroom this afternoon- if you're missing a pair, don't worry-I have a black pair and a white pair in the room.
Have a great weekend!!
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Thursday, Jan. 6th
Today we took a math test over shapes and lines. There were a few review questions that asked about fact families and least to greatest. When we were done, we used mirrors to find the lines of symmetry in the letters of our names.
In reading & writing we learned more about MLK and wrote about peaceful ways to solve problems. We still have 3 days left of learning new facts about him before we will start exploring other famous black Americans.
** I want to ask everyone to please write your childs name in their boots, coat, hat, mittens, scarf, etc. (anything that has a tag or a spot to write!) at least 5 kids a day in the class leave their things in the lunchroom, outside, in the hallway, etc. Things would get returned to us a lot faster if we all had our names on them. The lost and found is over flowing! Thanks!
In reading & writing we learned more about MLK and wrote about peaceful ways to solve problems. We still have 3 days left of learning new facts about him before we will start exploring other famous black Americans.
** I want to ask everyone to please write your childs name in their boots, coat, hat, mittens, scarf, etc. (anything that has a tag or a spot to write!) at least 5 kids a day in the class leave their things in the lunchroom, outside, in the hallway, etc. Things would get returned to us a lot faster if we all had our names on them. The lost and found is over flowing! Thanks!
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Wednesday, Jan 5th
Today in class we played a game that helped us review (continue to practice) double digit addition. We also reviewed the names of different 3D and 2D shapes and the new vocab. associated with the shapes (base, vertices, face, and edge). In addition, we drew our first array which is the beginning of learning about the concept of multiplication!
In reading we have been very busy with DEAR & reading response journals. We also had computers today so many students were able to take scholastic reading tests on the books they've been reading during DEAR. I have seen a LOT of impovement in many of my students' abilities to read without interruption and comprehend texts- they really are growing up fast!
Lastly, we ;earned more about MLK and his life. Tomorrow we are going to start a timeline to show what we have learned so far.
In reading we have been very busy with DEAR & reading response journals. We also had computers today so many students were able to take scholastic reading tests on the books they've been reading during DEAR. I have seen a LOT of impovement in many of my students' abilities to read without interruption and comprehend texts- they really are growing up fast!
Lastly, we ;earned more about MLK and his life. Tomorrow we are going to start a timeline to show what we have learned so far.
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Tuesday, Jan. 4th
Today was another great day :) We started learning about Martin Luther King Jr. today and his acomplishments. We wrote an entry in our journal about why MLK was important and how he changed our world. We will be continuing to learn about MLK and other significant people who contributed to the civil rights movement for the next 2 weeks. All the kids will then write a report (biography) about a person of their choosing. Our reports will be done before mid-winter break at which time they will bring them home :)
In math we learned about symmetry and reviewed our 3D geometry vocabulary. We also used geoboards to review 2D polygons.
In math we learned about symmetry and reviewed our 3D geometry vocabulary. We also used geoboards to review 2D polygons.
Monday, January 03, 2011
Monday, Jan. 3rd
Welcome back! The kids did a wonderful job today and everyone was on GREEN! We started two new routines (dictionary skills in the morning and reading response journal). Reminders for January
| Jan. 7 | PBS Activity in the GYM All DAY |
| Jan. 10 | 5th Grade Orientation with Mr. King from Parcells |
| Jan. 11 | P.T.O. Meeting 7:00 |
| Jan. 12 | Town Hall Meeting |
| Jan. 13 | Citizenship Breakfast |
| Jan. 17 | Martin Luther King Day NO SCHOOL |
| Jan. 18 | Registration with Mr. King 12:40 in Computer Lab |
| Jan. 20 | Dollars & Sense Assembly 1:00 & 2:00 |
| Jan. 26 | Market Day Pick Up 2:30 – 4:00 pm |
| Jan. 27 | PBS Activity/Bingo in Class Kindg. Parent Meeting 7:00 pm for 2011-12 School Year |
| Jan. 28 | Staff Development Day NO SCHOOL |
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