Homework:
Grammar Minute #15
Read for at least 20-30 minutes
Math practice is due tomorrow
The post before this one has activities on it that the students will be using tomorrow and Monday. We will use this short film and book to practice plot/climax.
Relish time is a time to work on activities that don't "add" more work for the students, but allows them to learn and use their brain! It is done after Mustard (must do) and Ketchup (catch-up) work is done. On our blog, at the bottom of the link list are activities that the students can go to for Relish. Science Vocabulary Hangman is one of these activities. The 4th graders learned how to play it today. Check it out!
Thursday, September 28, 2017
The One in the Middle is the Green Kangaroo-Practicing Plot & Climax
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Late night!
Homework:
Grammar Minute 14
Read
Math practice due Friday
Sorry, this is so late tonight. Hopefully, you all subscribe to the blog so it isn't late for you. Wednesday is after school meeting day and teaching Yoga at 6:30 pm, so I rarely have time to breathe-until I get to yoga. Today was a good day. Students are completing routines without so many reminders. By November, the classroom should be up and running with the kids pretty much running the show. That means that the day could pretty much run without me if needed. Routines and expectations happen without so many reminders and the students have a true understanding of how our day runs. It allows me to work more with the students than "managing the classroom." The focus is on them and not on me. The two months it takes for this to become a reality actually saves us time later in the year and allows more learning to take place.
I adore all of these kids. Each one is unique in his or her own way. My room is set up in a way that allows each child to get what he or she really needs. An important thing to remember is, "Fair is not equal and equal is not Fair." Each child will get what he or she needs which will look different for each child. This is fair. If I treated all students the same way it would not be fair.
As always, if you want to meet with me to discuss any concerns please send me an email or call me at school. It is extremely important that we keep communication as open as possible.
Grammar Minute 14
Read
Math practice due Friday
Sorry, this is so late tonight. Hopefully, you all subscribe to the blog so it isn't late for you. Wednesday is after school meeting day and teaching Yoga at 6:30 pm, so I rarely have time to breathe-until I get to yoga. Today was a good day. Students are completing routines without so many reminders. By November, the classroom should be up and running with the kids pretty much running the show. That means that the day could pretty much run without me if needed. Routines and expectations happen without so many reminders and the students have a true understanding of how our day runs. It allows me to work more with the students than "managing the classroom." The focus is on them and not on me. The two months it takes for this to become a reality actually saves us time later in the year and allows more learning to take place.
I adore all of these kids. Each one is unique in his or her own way. My room is set up in a way that allows each child to get what he or she really needs. An important thing to remember is, "Fair is not equal and equal is not Fair." Each child will get what he or she needs which will look different for each child. This is fair. If I treated all students the same way it would not be fair.
As always, if you want to meet with me to discuss any concerns please send me an email or call me at school. It is extremely important that we keep communication as open as possible.
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Tangrams
Homework
Grammar Minute #13
Read for 20-30 Minutes
Math practice is due this Friday.
Tangrams:
The 4th grade worked with tangrams today. Tangrams are a set of 7 shapes that can be arranged to make many different shapes. We started with a dog shape. As I suspected, the students became frustrated and wanted to give up. We didn't. Many students came close. We moved on to letters. S and T. These were a bit easier. They slowly learned that hard work, perseverance, and some frustration are needed to learn new things. We talked about metaphors and how Tangrams are a metaphor for life. Hard work will pay off. We then connected them to reading and writing. They will be pushed outside of their comfort zone and that will cause frustration. Learning takes place when this happens. Here are some pictures to show you some of what we did.
Grammar Minute #13
Read for 20-30 Minutes
Math practice is due this Friday.
Tangrams:
The 4th grade worked with tangrams today. Tangrams are a set of 7 shapes that can be arranged to make many different shapes. We started with a dog shape. As I suspected, the students became frustrated and wanted to give up. We didn't. Many students came close. We moved on to letters. S and T. These were a bit easier. They slowly learned that hard work, perseverance, and some frustration are needed to learn new things. We talked about metaphors and how Tangrams are a metaphor for life. Hard work will pay off. We then connected them to reading and writing. They will be pushed outside of their comfort zone and that will cause frustration. Learning takes place when this happens. Here are some pictures to show you some of what we did.
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| Give me an S! |
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| All the tangrams need to be the same color, but good try! Thinking outside the box! |
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| Almost! Keep Trying! |
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| The dog is the shape on the left page, inside column, middle. |
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| Working hard! |
Monday, September 25, 2017
Hot, Hot, Hot!!!
Homework:
Grammar Minute #12
Read for 20-30 Minutes
Math practice is due on Friday
We kept our room closed up all day today! The shades stayed down and we turned the fan on. It definitely helped. Tomorrow is to be as hot. We will plan on keeping the kids in for recess due to the time it takes them to cool down. I will bring them for a walk in the morning for exercise.
In reading and writing, we have been working on pre-assessments. These, as well as the post assessments, will be shared during conferences.
Grammar Minute #12
Read for 20-30 Minutes
Math practice is due on Friday
We kept our room closed up all day today! The shades stayed down and we turned the fan on. It definitely helped. Tomorrow is to be as hot. We will plan on keeping the kids in for recess due to the time it takes them to cool down. I will bring them for a walk in the morning for exercise.
In reading and writing, we have been working on pre-assessments. These, as well as the post assessments, will be shared during conferences.
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Computers
No Grammar Minute for 5th
Grammar Minute 11 for 4th
Math is due tomorrow.
Read 20-30 minutes
Computers are in full use. Students are using them for FLEX time and writing. The 4th graders will type right from their planning sheets to the computer. If a child still needs to write out the sentences first on paper that can still happen. This is a skill that is developed over time. Our first writing genre is Narrative.
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Police Cruiser!!!
Homework:
Grammar Minute 10 for 4th and 11 for 5th
Read for 20-30 minutes, working on Comprehension Checks is part of this time
Math practice is due Friday
We had a Lock Down Drill today. Here is a picture of the 5th grade with SATEC's Resource Officer.
Grammar Minute 10 for 4th and 11 for 5th
Read for 20-30 minutes, working on Comprehension Checks is part of this time
Math practice is due Friday
We had a Lock Down Drill today. Here is a picture of the 5th grade with SATEC's Resource Officer.
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
ACE Continued
Homework:
Grammar Minute #9
Read for 20-30 Minutes ----- Reading time also includes anytime comprehension checks are worked on.
Math practice is due on Friday
5th only-Please review the steps for behavior management. Sign so I know your child went over this with you.
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| Listening to Miss Rumphius |
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| Natural Resources |
Monday, September 18, 2017
ACE
Homework
Grammar Minute #8
Read for at least 20-30 minutes
Math practice due Friday
5th Grade: Review reflection sheet with your child and sign it so I know your child showed it to you. We are starting this process this week. Here is the overview of the PBIS process.
In ELA, we are working on A.C.E
A answer the question
C cite your evidence
E elaborate or explain why your evidence supports your answer
We have been using this format to look at Character Traits and the Theme of books.
Both classes have used Ira Sleeps Over for this and today, the 4th grade heard the story Miss Rumphius. Both links will bring you to the youtube page where the books are on audio.
Tomorrow the 5th grade will read storybooks and continue this work leading up to the students identifying character traits and theme in their D.E.A.R books. The 4th grade will continue more work with theme.
Some books that will be used tomorrow are:
Miss Tizzy
My Great Aunt Arizona
The Wall
When The Relatives Came
Thundercake
Grammar Minute #8
Read for at least 20-30 minutes
Math practice due Friday
5th Grade: Review reflection sheet with your child and sign it so I know your child showed it to you. We are starting this process this week. Here is the overview of the PBIS process.
In ELA, we are working on A.C.E
A answer the question
C cite your evidence
E elaborate or explain why your evidence supports your answer
We have been using this format to look at Character Traits and the Theme of books.
Both classes have used Ira Sleeps Over for this and today, the 4th grade heard the story Miss Rumphius. Both links will bring you to the youtube page where the books are on audio.
Tomorrow the 5th grade will read storybooks and continue this work leading up to the students identifying character traits and theme in their D.E.A.R books. The 4th grade will continue more work with theme.
Some books that will be used tomorrow are:
Miss Tizzy
My Great Aunt Arizona
The Wall
When The Relatives Came
Thundercake
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Soule House
Homework:
Grammar Minute #7
Read for 20-30 minutes
Finish math practice which is due tomorrow.
The walking field trip was so much fun and the students were awesome! If you have a chance to stop and preview the items, you should. It was a true history lesson which we will follow up with some research.
Grammar Minute #7
Read for 20-30 minutes
Finish math practice which is due tomorrow.
The walking field trip was so much fun and the students were awesome! If you have a chance to stop and preview the items, you should. It was a true history lesson which we will follow up with some research.
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| My dream house! |
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| I want this for my classroom! |
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Open House
Homework:
Grammar Minute #6
Read 20-30 Minutes
Math Practice is due on Friday
*****Please read through the Silent Sustained Reading forms I sent home last week and sign the bottom of the first page. You only need to return the bottom portion.
Here is the link if you are unsure what I am referring to.
Over the summer I shared our PBIS program and the steps we go through to help the students self-regulate their behavior. Here is a link to that document. I added the steps that we will use in grades 3, 4, and 5. If you have any questions or concerns about our PBIS program and the steps students go through to help them self-regulate their behavior please contact me or Mr. Sweet. This is the program we use and need your support for it to work. Our bottom line is to help students learn to make good choices. Punitive consequences are the last option.
Tomorrow night (or tonight, depending on when you read this!) we have Open House. Grades K-5 6:00-6:30 and 6-8 6:30-7:00. I hope you can stop by and say hi!
****Kickball was even better today! A student who had trouble kicking had a great kick! Students are catching and throwing the ball! They are learning the rules to the game! Warm, sunny weather keep coming, please!
Grammar Minute #6
Read 20-30 Minutes
Math Practice is due on Friday
*****Please read through the Silent Sustained Reading forms I sent home last week and sign the bottom of the first page. You only need to return the bottom portion.
Here is the link if you are unsure what I am referring to.
Over the summer I shared our PBIS program and the steps we go through to help the students self-regulate their behavior. Here is a link to that document. I added the steps that we will use in grades 3, 4, and 5. If you have any questions or concerns about our PBIS program and the steps students go through to help them self-regulate their behavior please contact me or Mr. Sweet. This is the program we use and need your support for it to work. Our bottom line is to help students learn to make good choices. Punitive consequences are the last option.
Tomorrow night (or tonight, depending on when you read this!) we have Open House. Grades K-5 6:00-6:30 and 6-8 6:30-7:00. I hope you can stop by and say hi!
****Kickball was even better today! A student who had trouble kicking had a great kick! Students are catching and throwing the ball! They are learning the rules to the game! Warm, sunny weather keep coming, please!
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Kickball!!
Homework:
Grammar Minute #5
Read for 20-30 Minutes
Math practice is due on Friday
This Thursday is Open House - K-5 6:00-6:30 and 6-8 6:30-7:00
Kickball gets better every time we play it. Kids are excited about it and are playing well with each other. Even those who were hesitant about it last week are enjoying it more and becoming more comfortable kicking and trying to catch the ball. It's a joy to watch! Thankfully we have more nice weather this week. When I was in elementary school, my 4th and 5th grade teachers played kickball with us every nice day! Mr. Mandarano and Mr. Cimino!!!!!!
Grammar Minute #5
Read for 20-30 Minutes
Math practice is due on Friday
This Thursday is Open House - K-5 6:00-6:30 and 6-8 6:30-7:00
Kickball gets better every time we play it. Kids are excited about it and are playing well with each other. Even those who were hesitant about it last week are enjoying it more and becoming more comfortable kicking and trying to catch the ball. It's a joy to watch! Thankfully we have more nice weather this week. When I was in elementary school, my 4th and 5th grade teachers played kickball with us every nice day! Mr. Mandarano and Mr. Cimino!!!!!!
Monday, September 11, 2017
Beautiful Week
Homework:
Grammar Minute #4
Read for 20-30 minutes
Check assignment sheet for math
Open House is this Thursday night. K-5 is 6:00-6:30 and 6-8 is 6:30-7:00.
Looking Ahead:
Hay Day is October 27th and Harvest Dinner is October 29th.
It looks like it will be beautiful all week. Please have your child bring a pair of sneakers every day. We will work with Mr. Sweet's homeroom on community building and play some kickball!!
Today, we visited the new pollinator garden. Here is a picture of our class.
This is what I love to see students doing.................reading while waiting for dismissal.
Grammar Minute #4
Read for 20-30 minutes
Check assignment sheet for math
Open House is this Thursday night. K-5 is 6:00-6:30 and 6-8 is 6:30-7:00.
Looking Ahead:
Hay Day is October 27th and Harvest Dinner is October 29th.
It looks like it will be beautiful all week. Please have your child bring a pair of sneakers every day. We will work with Mr. Sweet's homeroom on community building and play some kickball!!
Today, we visited the new pollinator garden. Here is a picture of our class.
Thursday, September 7, 2017
Self Selected Reading
Homework:
Grammar Minute #3
Read Self Selected Reading Forms with parents and return the bottom of the first page.
Read 20-30 minutes
Please remember to send in a note or email me with a change of plans for your child. For sports, it can be a forever note for the whole season.
Grammar Minute #3
Read Self Selected Reading Forms with parents and return the bottom of the first page.
Read 20-30 minutes
Please remember to send in a note or email me with a change of plans for your child. For sports, it can be a forever note for the whole season.
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Soccer Reminders
Homework:
Grammar Minute #2
Read for 20-30 minutes
Soccer
Grammar Minute #2
Read for 20-30 minutes
Soccer
- Boys have practice Thursday and Friday from 3:30 to 5:00.
- Return paperwork.
- Please send in a note letting me know what the plans are for your child on soccer days. You can make it a note for all season long.
- The girls received a schedule today.
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
New Student
Homework:
Grammar Minute #1
Read for 20-30 minutes
No math
We are not using assignment books this year. Every Monday, the students will get an assignment sheet for the week that will be kept at the front of their Homework Binders. Homework is the same every night unless your child needs to finish work that has not been finished in school (over a couple of days!!) Homework binders were set up today. Every student has a parent/school communicator folder. Handouts from the school will go in these folders.
5th grade was lucky to get a new student today! Welcome Mason!!!!
Grammar Minute #1
Read for 20-30 minutes
No math
We are not using assignment books this year. Every Monday, the students will get an assignment sheet for the week that will be kept at the front of their Homework Binders. Homework is the same every night unless your child needs to finish work that has not been finished in school (over a couple of days!!) Homework binders were set up today. Every student has a parent/school communicator folder. Handouts from the school will go in these folders.
5th grade was lucky to get a new student today! Welcome Mason!!!!
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