Making the Most of 2013 Monday

Hello Team 201 Families!  I hope that you all are enjoying the break from our regular routine, lunch boxes, early mornings, and regular homework!

On that note, I will confirm that I did not assign any regular homework over the break.  Reading daily is always recommended.  I also hope that students will take this opportunity to catch up on some ST Math, Study Island, and Extra Math.  Remember that Study Island is tailored to each child's learning goals, based on MAP Scores.  Make sure to clip on the "NWEA Learning Path" to access this individualized practice.

I have also added a new tab on the page, entitled ISAT CITY. Click here to access the Illinois State practice tests, as well as games and tutorials to help you stay prepared.  I suggest that you focus on the Science first, and then target Reading and Math.

Other thoughts…….

I must thank Lucy for her wonderful post suggestion for the last day of school in 2013. It was Fa- La- -La- La- La-, La- La- La- Friday.  Well, this post just didn't ever happen! I have been thinking about it, and will put it in my pocket and save it for next year. Thanks, Lucy!

For Christmas, my son received a wonderful book by Mary Pope Osborne.  Tales From the Odyssey retells Homer's Odyssey in a narrative that is both accessible and rich.  We are reading them aloud, but fourth grade students could certainly enjoy these tales independently.  These stories are important building blocks for understanding literature. Besides, who can resist stories about Giant Cyclops and Lotus Eaters?


Happy New Year to all 201 students and families!  I will look forward to seeing you all soon!

Thinking About Hot Cocoa Thursday

Your kids produced some beautiful descriptive writing today.  Our mugs full of warm words will grace the Pod 200 bulletin board this January.

This evening at home....

• complete the My Math homework found on pages 435-438. Most kids finished 437-8 in class today.
• finish up those ROK cards.  I will check them tomorrow.
• read for pleasure and write a written response. Focus on one particular character or event. Do not write a summary.  Don't forget to use evidence from the text to back up your ideas.

Teaming With Life Tuesday

Plant life, that is……

Our trip to the Garfield Park Conservancy was fascinating.  We touched Sensitive Plants. We got a first hand look at those "flat, waxy leaves" that stumped some of us on last week's Science test. We saw vines that looked like snakes. We observed spores galore. We were amazed by pineapples, moss, giant leaves and cacti.  Students were great detectives, and all completed their scavenger hunt. Thank you to Ilhana's mom, Kesanet's mom, and Alex's mom for your great patience and volunteerism.  We couldn't have done it without you!

I apologize for this late post.  The blog was moving very slowly this afternoon.  If you completed your homework on Monday, there was no homework tonight! Really!

Enjoy the photos that I took today. If any parents has more, please send them to mport@cps.edu!
Thanks!

Who rearranged the coins in the fountain? Santa?

In the Fern Room

Gideon: Found!

Young Pineapple

Metamorphosis Monday

Hello Team201!


Today we......

• read our new story in Journeys, Arctic Journey and discussed the new vocabulary words.
• discussed the key points of persuasive writing
• worked in ST Math and ESparks
• continued to work on patterns, adding terms and creating number sequences
• got involved with our Science Fusion lesson on animals

This evening at home.....

• complete the My Math homework found on pages 429 and 430
• begin working on this week's ROK cards
•  read for pleasure and record
• answer the "analyze text" questions found in the boxes of Arctic Journey
• stay warm!
• bring a disposable lunch for tomorrow's field trip

Twists and Turns Thursday

Thanks, Gideon, for providing us with today's very creative title.  Gideon is making a reference to our work with patterns. We compared repeating and growing patterns, and discussed how to see the patterns in algebraic terms, creating equations with variables to represent a rule.


Congratulations, Lucy! Lucy will represent Team201 in next week's Spelling Bee.  Whoohoo!  Ani is our alternate competitor. All participants deserve a round of applause!  Details on the January Math Bee are T.B.A.


This evening at home.....

• Read Science Fusion pp.135-145 and complete the "active reading" activities.  Record this reading on your log.
• Rok Cards are due tomorrow.
• Complete the My Math homework on page 423 and 424
• Don't forget that we will take a reading test tomorrow.  We will review in the morning.
• Bring in your completed permission slip and trip money, please.  We can take four parents on the trip.  Please let me know if you would like to join us.

Winter Wednesday

Thank you, Ani, for providing today's post title!

Today we.....

• took our diagnostic Winter Maps assessment\
• worked on writing cinquains and haikus about snow
• worked with synonyms, antonyms and possessive nouns in our Reader's Notebooks
• worked on ST MATH patterns
• discussed tomorrow's Science test and used an interactive game to help us review

This evening at home....

• continue to work on your ROK cards. Four or more are due on Friday
• work on the My Math patterns lesson, pp. 413-416
• read for pleasure and record on the log.  Don't forget the signature!
• get your progress report signed and return the bottom half tomorrow.  Remember that these are mid-semester grades, and we have five weeks to raise those averages!
• please get your Math test signed

News......

• Field trip forms went home today.  We are going to the Garfield Park Conservatory next Tuesday. All money and forms are due by Monday.
• Our classroom Spelling Bee is tomorrow! The school-wide Bee is on the 19th.
• I have won a grant from the Chicago Foundation For Education.  

Tuesday Thoughts

This evening at home...

• complete the CC reading activity: Gold
• complete Check What You Know in My Math page 407
• don't forget that we are Math MAPS testing tomorrow
• continue to work on your ROK cards
• stay warm
• do something around the house to help.  Hang up your coat, empty the trash, and thank your parents for all that they do for you!

Math Versatiles Monday

This evening at home....

• Begin working on your ROK cards, which are due on Friday.  Keep them in a notebook.
• Complete the math review sheet. We will go over it in the morning to prepare for the test.
• Read Twisters, found on page 364,.  Compete the Text to Text questions on page 367.
• Don't forget that our classroom Spelling Bee is on Thursday.

Freezing Scene Friday

This weekend at home....

• Complete the Reading packet
• Complete the Science packet
• No Homework passes allowed on this one!

On  Monday we will

• Go over last night's extended response problems and review for Tuesday's math test
• Take the Winter MAPS assessment for math
• Review our Plants unit and prepare for Thursday's test
• Finish our travel brochures
• Read a new story in Journeys
• Finished Punished. I hope.

Have a fantastic weekend everyone!

Thankful for Frankie Thursday

Today is Frankie's last day with Team201!  We wish him all of our best as he journeys to sunny Arizona.  The Grand Canyon State is lucky to have you Frankie!  We will miss you!


This evening at home......

• Complete the Math performance task.  We will complete the chapter review tomorrow and will be ready to test on MONDAY.
• Complete Hurricanes compare and contrast activity. This is a short answer, but it should include examples from each text.
• ROK card work (4) is due tomorrow. Scroll up to Tuesday's post to  see the directions.
• We will take our weekly reading test tomorrow.
• Heads up!  We will take a Science test next Thursday. I will send home a study guide tomorrow.

Thank you, Ubaid, for the bouncy ball!

Where Do New Plants Come From Wednesday

Today we did some serious investigating in the Science Lab.  We dissected flowers, identifying their reproductive and structural parts.  We extracted chlorophyll from the leaves, located eggs in the ovary, and tried our best to identify each part.  The diagram from our text was misleading, as it showed a different type of flower. I have posted some photographs on edmodo that are helpful. We will look at them tomorrow morning.

This evening at home......

• Complete the My Math homework found on pp.397-398
• Complete the Science packet and the "flower power" sheet.
• Read for pleasure for 25 minutes or more. Fill out your reading log and get a signature.
• Don't forget about ST Math at home, Extra Math, and Study Island!

*ST MATH is now tablet and i- Pad friendly!   A note went home today.
*We are practicing our facts each morning!  In January, Disney will hold its first annual Math Bee.  4th grade students will compete using addition, subtraction and multiplication facts.  

We need:

* Gold Bond paper for Gold Cards

* A new "bouncy ball" for classroom discussions. Our little globe has sprung a leak!

Text Features Tuesday

Today is guided reading we discussed both text and graphic features.  These features can't be ignored, and can provide crucial information, especially when the text is complex.  We also discussed some of the tricky phrases and questions that we encountered on yesterday's MAPS assessment. With hard work, we should  be Making Awesome Progress by the time the tulips are blooming.

ROK Cards are coming home today!  Each week, your child should select 4 or more cards.  In a journal, students will record the term, its definition, and a "show that you know" example. The term and the definition can be taken from the card. The definition should be an original example and can be a diagram or a written example.  I will check the ROK review every Friday.


This evening at home......

• Complete the CC Reading practice "Fulton's Success."
• Complete the CC Math practice

We will go over these tomorrow in class, so be prepared

• Select your ROK cards for the week and get started. Think about some of the terms you came across on the MAPS test.
• Read for pleasure, record, and get the Gold Card signed.

MAPS Monday

Welcome to December Team 201!

Today we checked our progress in Reading/Language Arts by taking the Winter Maps Assessment.  This is a diagnostic test, and is not required by CPS.  At Disney, we can use this information to help keep our students on track.  Students will now have new goals so that we can make sure they continue to thrive.  If your child remained static or dropped, I recommend logging on to Study Island at home, which is customized to meet your child's needs.  Next week, we will check on our Math growth.

Flu Alert! Several students in 201 have been, or are sick with flu symptoms.  Please be on the lookout and stay home if necessary.

This evening at home.....

• complete the My Math homework found on page 383 and 384 and finish any unfinished classwork. Show all of your work and write the equation for each problem/
• Reread this week's reading selections: Hurricanes and Katrina.    Use the texts to complete the Compare Texts questions on page 339: Text to Text. Your answer should be written in paragraph form.
• Some students did not finish last week's "Sum it Up" Science work for Unit 3, lesson 1. Please hand this in by Wednesday.

Thankful for Tuesday

Good Morning 201 Families,

Right now, your students are retaking the grammar portion of the Unit test on Think Central.  We are working on a test taking strategy that I hope will help boost some of yesterday's scores. The wording is difficult, but this is the new reality!  Let's think of this Unit Test as a great experience in exposure to the new Common Core testing format and rigor.


I hope that all 201 families enjoy a restful and festive Thanksgiving.  I am assigning some enrichment activities this weekend that will help give your child an academic boost. I know that many families have plans this weekend and won't have internet access. They are not mandatory!  Here they are:

• ST Math at home. I am feeling quite competitive about ST Math this year. Let's try to be #1 in the pod!
• Study Island: make sure that you are following the NWEA path, and not looking under Ginn assignments. The NWEA path will take you on your personalized learning path.
• Extra Math:Your child is coming home with a letter that explains how this site works. On the letter, your child has a PIN number.
• Calm Classroom Essay contest: 

Describe what you think the world would be like if everyone practiced calming techniques every day. Be sure to....

• restate the prompt as part of your opening
• describe at least three calming techniques that can be used in everyday situations
• provide clear descriptions, support and elaboration

Rubric:

Conceptually Clear: The topic is clear throughout the essay

Excellent Use of Calming Techniques and examples

Creativity: My ideas are creative. My word choice is strong.

Originality: My writing is original. My sentences are fluent and interesting to read.

Thoughtfulness: My writing shows that I have really thought about the topic and applied my ideas to the prompt.

Conventions: My writing does not contain grammatical, spelling or punctuation error. I indent and use proper formatting.

Writing should be 3 to 5 paragraphs

The winning student will win a pizza party for their family!  The class with the most participation will earn a special prize.

Mastering Roots Monday

This evening at home....

Complete the My Math homework on page 377/8.  Also complete 376, if you did not finish in class. Use either partial products.
Read Science Fusion pp 103-112.  Complete the active reading activities.

Feeling Friday

Hello Team 201 Families!

This weekend at home.....

• complete the Unit 2 Review packet.  We will take the Unit Test on Monday and Tuesday and will hold mini review sessions before each day's testing period.
• get today's Science test signed.  If you want extra credit, complete a fact finder to show what you have learned or  learned again, about the questions that you got wrong.  For example, if you go one one the questions about Fronts wrong, your fact finder will be about Fronts.

Notes about the Science Fusion Tests

These tests are difficult!  The questions are complex and require a careful and close read. Do not despair! We must become accustomed to working through these more challenging questions.  It will be a challenge, but your children are up to the task and need the push!

Talking Turkey Thursday

Good Evening Team 201 Families,

I am so sorry about this late post.  We were experiencing major technical difficulties this afternoon. I just got home.

This evening.....

• Please use your Science book to complete the vocabulary cards.  Add an icon, picture or symbol that will help you remember the term.  Cutting and folding is optional. We can take care of this step tomorrow in class.
• Write a final draft of your Turkey Plea.  Students did a fantastic job working on "sustained" writing today.  Each child is coming home with a sloppy copy/ draft that includes: an attention grabbing sentence, a sentence that states the purpose or topic, a body of evidence/reasons, and a closing sentence.  We worked hard on this today!  Turkeys will be "disguised" tomorrow.
• There is no math homework this evening.

Notes:

• Students will take a Science Test tomorrow on weather. We have devoted the week to reviewing the material.  I think that your kids are ready!
• We will also take a reading test tomorrow. We will review the vocabulary in the morning. We will not take a spelling test this week.
• We spent a great deal of time working on division and multiplication today. Our focus is multi-step problem solving.  Please encourage your child the record the "K" and the "A."  Reading the problem 10 times is not an effective strategy!  We are learning how to take action against difficult problems.  
• We missed our ipads today, but they were very busy getting ready for us.  We will begin ESparks math soon!
• Keep going with the ST Math at home.  Let's lead the pod!
• Correction and apologies are due to you, parents and students.  Yesterday, I incorrectly entered the grades for the Science quiz, using a scale of 10 rather than 100.  This error has been fixed. I sent a few of you into a panic mode, and I am sorry!  All is now well.
• Next week, we will begin our study of plants.  

That's it for today!  It is time to fix some dinner. I will see you all bright and early in the morning.  

Weather Predicting Wednesday

Good Afternoon! Today's title refers to the time we spent on Edheads.com  .  Students used the site to learn about predicting the weather and reporting the weather.  Today we also spent some more time interpreting remainders and estimating quotients.


Tonight at home.....

• Reread the poems about dancing found in your Journeys text, pp 304 and 305.  Complete the Compare Text paragraph.
• Do the MY MATH homework on 371 and 372
• Complete the Science review questions. This page is double sided. The second sheet is a study guide that may help you answer the questions correctly.   We will take a test on this material on Friday.  I think that 201 is ready!

Talented Tuesday

Today we honored students who earned Perfect Attendance, Honor Roll and Citizenship. Congratulations to all of the honorees!


This evening at home....

• Complete the My Math homework on page 363-364: Interpreting the Remainder
• Complete Common Core practice Flying with a Tiger. We will discuss the answers in small group tomorrow.
• Read for pleasure and record the pages/minutes on your reading log.

Mapping the Weather Monday

Today, we talked about high pressure, low pressure, fronts and air masses.  We will look at weather maps tomorrow, and will learn about what happens when air masses collide.

This evening at home.....

• Reread Jose: Born to Dance and the companion poem
• Answer the analyze text questions. Make sure to restate the question within your answer, and to use details from the text to support your ideas.
• Complete math pages 355-358.  Most students are finished or almost finished with 355 and 356. We worked on these pages today.
• Don't forget that 201 is going to the Book Fair tomorrow. We will go at 10:40.
• Tomorrow is our Awards Assembly. Students will be honored for Perfect Attendance, Good Citizenship, or Honor Roll.  Our ceremony is at 9:30 in the CAC.

Not- Feeling- Frustrated- With- Division- Models- Friday

I hope that your children are no longer frustrated!  We got out the dry erase boards and went over all of the homework today!  We stressed the importance of building models and equations to make sense of our work and to demonstrate the operations in action.

We also....

• used double brain power to take this week's reading test on Think Central. Students were able to use the text and discussion/debate to help them arrive at the correct answer. This was a great experience for most.  I hope that this practice will help them develop better test taking strategies, and will help them examine all of the evidence and options.
• read Punished, and chuckled about the clever and often silly puns and oxymorons.  
• continued our research in the Southeastern Region.  Today's stop was Memphis Tennessee.  We asked the question: Why is Memphis an important factor in understanding the South and the United States? We learned about how "king cotton" drove the economy . We discussed the impact of M.L.K.. We also made connections between the blues, rock and roll and Africa.  We discussed the Great Migration too.  
• took a Grammar and Math quiz in the morning. The quiz reviewed concepts covered earlier this year.

This weekend at home.....

• complete the "language" packet. The focuses are idioms, synonyms and antonyms, adages and proverbs.
•  complete the math review: page 207 and 208. Most students need extra practice with rounding and estimation.  Look for the key word: about

Talking About Thunder Thursday

Today we finished our Cloud foldables.  Ask your child to explain the different types of clouds and how they are formed.  We also watched the Thunderstorms Brainpop.  What kind of electricity is lightning? What is a lightning rod?  Why do we see lightning before we hear thunder?  Discuss. :-)

Today we also....

• rearranged the classroom and participated in a "timed pair share" to learn about our new teammates. The topic was food.
• went to the Book Fair.  We will also go next Tuesday.
• worked with partners to study our spelling patterns and antonyms, while Mrs. Ginn had a mini writing and reading conference with each student.
• worked with Mrs. Ginn in  small groups to practice making models to explain long division. We learned some short cuts too!
• finished our Cloud books.
• quested on our personalized eSpark learning path.

Tonight at home.....

• Complete the My Math homework p. 352, front and back.
• Read a book of your choice and write a reading response paragraph.  Do not write a summary.  Write about an event or character in your story.  Try to make some inferences and generalizations. Support your ideas with evidence from the text.
• Revise and edit your paragraph. Do you have a : clear topic sentence, strong, clear sentences, punctuation, capitals, enough evidence to support your ideas.

Notes

Several parents have asked me about more advanced math work. I have assigned two lessons from the 5th grade GO Math series to select students.  These assignments can be found on Think Central under "Things to Do."   Students can "star" problems that are difficult so that we can go over them together.  I will assign new lessons weekly.  I will continue to use the 4th grade curriculum during class. The Common Core curriculum is leading us in a new direction this year. Students are being asked to explore and problem solve in new ways.  It is important that 201 students understand the new model and the new strategies that are expected.  

Other Math boosting ideas:

• ST Math at home: Let's try to lead the Pod!
• Mathisfun.com     This is a fantastic site!  Use it to practice your tables, or for more advanced work.
• Study Island: log on with firstname.lastname@ disney    The password is disney.

Glued to Our Work Wednesday

Thank you, Lucy, for providing today's very creative and appropriate title.  Today we....

• discussed the Jamestown Settlement and how " a clash of cultures" resulted in conflicts between the Native Americans and European settlers.
• we spent some more time modeling multiplication and division.  Students should be able to build models that represent the divisor, dividend, quotient and remainder.
• read two selections that feature snakes. This week's story is a funny one!
• discussed the differences between cirrus, stratus, and cumulus clouds. Students used cotton balls to model each type of cloud.
• worked on our ST Math goals.

Reminders:

• 201 will visit the Book Fair tomorrow!
• We will not take a regular reading test this week. Because it is a short week, students will work with partners to tackle the comprehension questions, find the evidence, and select the correct answer.  We will be working on analyzing the text, but we will use double the brain power to do it.   
• Please make sure that your child is filling out the reading log each night.  Students should be reading for pleasure each night!
• Please sign your child's Gold Card. This lets me know that you are up-to-date- on assignments and possible missing work.

Tonight at home.....

• Complete the MY Math homework and unfinished classwork that is in the folder.  Students MUST write an equation and make a model for each problem.
• Reread this week's story: Dear Mr. Winston and write a one to two paragraph response that answers the "Analyze Text" questions. These questions can be found on pages 264 and 269.  Make sure to back up your ideas with evidence from the text.  

Feeling Good About Progress Friday

Today we....
!!!!!Did a fabulous job on the weekly reading test!!!!!! The scores this week were way up!  Whoohoo!


Please complete these activities on this very long weekend:

• finish the modeling multiplication and division packet
• finish the reading response page
• finish Dear Mr. Henshaw and write a one to two paragraph critique of the book. Bring it to school

See you at Report Card Pick up!  I can't wait!

Thursday

Tonight at home....

• reread Me and Uncle Romie
• complete one reading response section
• finish math classwork and homework

Weather Wednesday

Let Bill Nye teach you about weather and Earth's atmosphere.  Watch and learn!

Today we....

• talked about the weather. We discussed how wind is created and revisited air pressure.  Is today a high pressure or a low pressure day? Ask your child. He or she should be able to tell you and explain why.
• we discussed the themes in Me and Uncle Romie and began collecting images for our digital collages.
• talked about our new BFF, division.  
• explored the Jamestown settlement.  We also worked on organizing our research into notes with headings and subheadings.
• used ST math to help us solve problems.  

Tonight at home.....

• Read pp. 260-270 in Science Fusion.  This can count as your nightly reading on your reading log.
• Select one of these topics from the SF book: Up in the Air, Under Pressure, or  When the Wind Blows. Create a Fact Finder card. Your card should include: 10 or more facts, and a diagram  You may create several small diagrams or one large one.  Make sure that the diagram is labeled.
• My Math page 233
• Conference confirmations are being sent home today.  If you have not signed up, your child has a revised form that contains the open spaces.  Please indicate your choice and bring it to school tomorrow.

Thinking About A Vacation Tuesday

 Today we.....

•  used our estimation skills to plan a vacation. Students are calculating the cost of hotel, sightseeing and meals.  They are working with an unlimited budget, and the hotel rooms are pretty deluxe!
• watched a Science Fusion lesson about predicting the weather.   We discussed the kinds of data that meteorologists use to predict the weather.
• dug deep into Me and Uncle Romie to analyze the text.  We used Fan and Pick to get the conversations started.
• began thinking about our Me and Uncle Romie Meets Me and Disney digital collage project. We are applying the themes found in the story to our own experiences in the city and at Disney.  

Tonight at home....

• finalize your vacation research.  You should have all of your "exact" numbers with you.  If you want to do more detailed research at home, go for it.  Make a table that shows the event/or item, the actual cost, and the estimated cost. Don't for get to include the total cost of your vacation and the mileage.  Have a great trip!
• complete another section of the Reading Response sheet.
• please select a time for parent/teacher conferences next week.  Make sure to mark your first three choices.  I will confirm your time by highlighting the time and sending it back to you.  These forms should be in the homework folders today.  I am looking forward to meeting with each of you!

Multiplication Test Monday.

Hello Team 201 Families,

This morning we listened to students report on their Pumpkin Projects. Your students did a great job talking about characteristics.  I am so impressed!  We also took a math test today.  We corrected the test together.  I will send them home tomorrow. Last week, we were having some internet issues, and several kids were unable to complete the reading test.  Most finished today. If your child did not finish, you can log on to Think Central this evening to complete the test.  If you are unable to connect, we will carve out some time tomorrow.

Tonight at home....

• ...work on two sections of this week's Reading Response sheet.  Please, students, dig deep and give me details!
• ....complete My Math page 323. We are beginning our unit on division.  If multiplication is your friend, division will be kind to you!  Those students who are "shaky" with the multiplication facts need to practice at home!
• ...record your reading on the new November Gold Card and get a signature.

Time for Trick or Treating Thursday

Wow! Our room is filled with Pumpkins. Thanks for all of your hard work at home. The pumpkins are adorable.  I will post some pictures soon!

I hope that everyone has a safe and happy Halloween!  I also hope that it dries up enough for some trick or treating this evening.

We will have a math test on Monday. I am sending some homework home this weekend to help your student prepare. We will have a chance to go over the homework together Monday morning.

This weekend at home......

• Read and Record x2.  Do this on the October Gold Card.  I will pass out November Gold Cards and award prizes on Monday.
• If you did not finish your word work this week, please do. Each child should have one mini-proverb poster and one root poster.  Most students are finished.
• Complete the following problems in My Math: 
• page 313: all,  
• page  316: 4
• page 317: all
• page 318: 6, 8, 14, 16

Next Friday, we will be making collages. Students may bring in one or two family photos. We will be cutting them !

Time to Get the Pumpkin Project Together Tuesday

Today we.........

• worked on problem solving, writing equations, and double digit multiplication
• worked in either ST Math or with Mrs. Ginn 
• spent time discussing facts and opinions.  
• practiced our test taking skills and learned about erosion and weathering

Tonight at home....

• work on your Pumpkin Project. It is due on Thursday!  Final draft writing should be done on a separate sheet of paper
• Complete the My Math homework page 309
• bring a bag lunch. Our field trip is tomorrow.  We leave at 10:45!

Mixtures Monday

Tonight at home....
-complete math p. 303 both sides and unfinished classwork
- read Science Fusion p 391-398 and complete the response activities on a separate sheet of paper
-work on your Pumpkin Project. Final drafts may be finished on a separate sheet of paper.  We will present our projects on Thursday.

Reminders....

• We have a field trip on Wednesday.  Please bring a bag lunch.
• We will  celebrate Halloween on Thursday.  Students may bring treats to share. There are 30 students in our class.
• Weekly study guides went home today.  We will test on Thursday!

Freaky Friday

The Haunted Houses are freaky!  Today we published our Haunted House listings.  The real estate slump will be over when the public hears about these unique properties. One boasts over 9,000 square feet, real feet.  Another comes complete with freaky portraits that talk back to visitors.  We created haunted house models to make an inviting picture of these dream homes.  The authors' purpose was both to persuade and inform, and I think that the 201 authors have accomplished both.  You can see them on Report Card day.


We also reviewed the Distributive Property, and took our Reading test on Think Central.

This weekend at home.....

• complete the "solving word problems" page.
• make sure that you are staying on track with your Pumpkin Project. The writing and the pumpkin are due next Thursday.  I will allow time to work on it next week, but you may want to get started.  Next week will go so quickly!
• read and record on your log.

*****All field trip money and forms are due NO LATER than Monday!   If your child has lost the form, simply hand write a note stating that s/he is able to attend the trip on 10/30.  Please include your signature and emergency contact number.

Tingling Spines Thursday

Your spine will be tingling when  our "Haunted House For Sale" real estate listings are finished!  These houses are filled with bone-chilling features!  We will finish them tomorrow.

Your students know that I had to leave Disney early today.

Tonight at home...

• complete the My Math homework "The Distributive Property."  There is a great brain pop on the topic.  If you need some support, this is a good place to turn. Study jams is another great resource.
• finish the rough draft of your Haunted House For Sale writing.
• get ready for tomorrow's spelling and vocabulary test.  Reread the story, Invasion From Mars to get you ready. You can find it on Think Central.

Reminders and Notes

• Tomorrow is picture day.  It is also a gym day.  We will not have time to do a full costume change between pictures and gym.  
• Field Trip forms. Please bring the form and money in tomorrow.  
• The pumpkin project is due on Thursday, 10/31.   Students are welcome to supply their own pumpkin for decoration.  I will supply a very small "mini pumpkin" and will have these to distribute tomorrow.   Tomorrow, I will also explain how to complete the second half of the project: the writing piece.  I can't wait to see 201's amazing creativity!  
• Halloween Celebration: Pod 200 will celebrate during the last period of the day. Students should not wear or bring costumes to school.  Students may bring candy or tokens to share with classmates.  Please be aware that candy should be nut-free. There are 30 students in our classroom!  

Wednesday

Tonight at home....

• complete the Pumpkin Character Graphic Organizer
• do both sides of page 289, My Math homework
• finish the other two vocabulary graphic organizers, if you haven't already.
• complete the graphic organizer for your haunted house. This is the house outline we started today.
• field trip money, picture money*******

Tuesday Tales

Today we.....

• revisited our Measuring Matter foldables. Students were given the opportunity to correct mistakes and omissions.  Most improved their grade significantly!
• collected images to support our NE region Educreations Report. Tomorrow we will create "trial" presentations to get familiar with the app.
• received our new Think Central login information. Students recorded their info inside their homework folders.
• worked with this week's story, Invasion form Mars. 
• listened to me read a bit of Romeo and Juliet from the Shakespeare for Kids series.  What a battle!
• worked on multiplying double digit numbers that include zeroes.   We reviewed the partial products method, and previewed the distributive property.  
• used our Science Fusion texts to review the Phases of Water. Students took an open book quiz on Think Central.

Tonight at home......

• continue to work on the Pumpkin Project character inferences. Complete three tonight. Make sure to use strong adjectives and to include the evidence that provides the proof.
• Complete the My Math Homework page 283. Yes, we are skipping quite a few pages!
• Complete the Physical/Chemical Changes page.

Reminders:

• Picture Day is this Friday, not Thursday!
• Spring Maps scores are coming home today.  You have seen these scores. This new report is a bit easier to read and digest. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Verbs: Helping, Linking, and Action

I hope that this powerpoint will help you work on this week's grammar skill.  http://www.slideshare.net/JeanetteKropa/verb-powerpoint

Take notes as you view the presentation.  For extra credit, write 10 silly, humorous, or interesting sentences.  Create a code that identifies the helping, main, and linking verbs.

Martians Landing Monday

Today we read Invasion from Mars  and discussed the terrifying radio broadcast of War of the Worlds in 1938.  We also discussed the Partial Products strategy for multiplying large numbers.  Toward the end of the day, we spent more time discussing the phases of matter.

Tonight at home....

• complete two of the four vocabulary activities.  Students should select two words from this week's vocabulary list that are the most challenging.
• complete two of the "character inferences"  sections for you Pumpkin Book project.  Remember to be specific and cite text.
• complete the my math homework: Finding Partial Products.
• Friday is picture day!

Fantabulous Friday

Happy Weekend Team 201!

Parents, please do not be alarmed. If your child turned in a gold card today, I still have it!  They will be returned on Monday.  There is no homework this weekend unless...

• you are a student who is has not turned in Postcards or the Measuring Matter foldable.
• you have not finished your final draft of the Itsy Bitsy Spider makeover. 
• you have not gotten a book approved for the Pumpkin Project. Please bring in a book by Monday!  

Reminders/Notes:

• The Pumpkin Project due date has been changed to Thursday, October 31.   Next week's homework will be centered around the "character traits" graphic organizer.  I will be checking them each day to make sure that students are pacing themselves and that they are completing the work correctly. The following week's homework will focus on the essay writing.  I will explain it all to students on Monday.  If you need a mini pumpkin, I will have them next week. Students are welcome to purchase "regular" sized pumpkins or gords.    Right now, all you need to do is make sure that you have a book,  read, and think about your final pumpkin!  Start Planning!  
• Picture Day is Friday!  Bring in those forms, please!
• Bring in a clear, plastic water bottle, with lid, for Wednesday's lab.  We have about 12 bottles now, thanks to Bianca and Alex!  :-) 
• I have posted a link/code on Edmodo so that 201 students can join my Educreations page.  This is a fantastic platform for creating presentations.  If you have time, you can log on and play with this resource so that you can "get to know it."  We will use Educreations to create presentation on the NE region next week
• I will be posting next week's study guide soon.  Look for it on Edmodo.
• A note about Halloween: School policy dictates that Halloween "celebrations" will occur the last period of the day.  Keep your costume at home, and send me a picture!  At the end of the day, we will be playing games and enjoying some free time in 201.  Students may bring an individually wrapped treat to share with peers in 201. There are 30 students in our class. We will assemble goodie bags and pass them out at the end of the day.  
• There is no school for students on Friday, November 1st!  Aren't you lucky this year!  

Extra Credit Research:

• What does Esprit de Corps mean? Why did I select this phrase as the heading for the blog?  Please post your reply in the comments or on Edmodo.
• Why did I group these three video segments together?  Is there a common theme?  Please provide examples.

Have a great weekend!

Think Before You Speak Thursday

Parents, ask your child about today's title.  It was a productive day in 201, but we all need to practice these words.



Tonight at home....

• complete the Math Enrich sheet.
• get today's math test signed.  Please make corrections by making a model or writing an equation.  If you got 100 %, get the test signed and bring it back.
• finish your Stormalong postcards. They should be error-free and contain details from the text. I will collect 2 postcard tomorrow.  Color?  Yes.  Neat?  Absolutely.
• read the play that is found after Stormalong.  These two stories are different genres, but the theme is similar.  What is the Theme? Answer in three to four sentences.
• Study for reading and spelling!

Wondering about Density Wednesday

Today was busy, as usual.  We began with the Brainpop of the Day, which just happens to coordinate with this week's vocabulary focus skill: Using Reference Sources.  We then logged on the Think Central, and began our daily reading work.  Next, it was off to see Ms. Ahern for music.  Back in the Pod, we met in small groups to work on either problem solving with Mrs. Ginn, or problem solving with a partner.  At noon, we were off the the Science Lab.  Students used the Triple Beam Balance, graduated cylinders, and old fashioned division to find the Mass, Volume, and Density of objects.  Tomorrow, we will create triple bar graphs that will help us compare our results.   Students will go to ST Math after lunch, and our school day will be over.

Reminders:

• All books for the pumpkin project need to be approved no later than Monday.  I will give directions so that kids can begin completing the Character/Inference sheet next week.
• Picture Day is October 24th.  Send in your forms before the 24 if you would like a class and or/individual pictures
• We will take a Math test tomorrow on problem solving with single digit multiplication and division.
• Thank you to Bianca, and Alex for sending in the food coloring and bottles.  We do not need any more food coloring, but we do need more plastic bottles.   The bottles should be clear and should have lids.
• Can you send in a jug of Corn Oil?  If so, let me know. 

Tonight at home....

• Finish the "Hamburger" problem.  We worked on this in small groups today, and all students should know the solution.   At home, answer all of the questions on the sheet and use the answer sheet to explain your solution and show all of your work.
• Complete two more sections of the "Literary Reactions" sheet.  Focus on Dear Mr. Henshaw, pages 50-60.   Please use direct quotes, or explain the event in detail.   In the reactions section, tell me how you react to the passage and WHY.   What does the passage tell you about the character?   Can you infer anything? Please, lets see some deep thinking tonight!

Back by popular demand......Here is Mr. Lee's Multiples Video

Today-Is-Not-Monday- Tuesday

I hope that all enjoyed a restful long weekend. Kudos to the students who completed all of their assignments and came to school prepared and ready to roll!  Check those Gold Cards to see if your child received a stamp.

Today we.....

• Continued our research on the Northeast region.  Students should be ready to begin their Educreation  multi-media reports by the end of this week.
• Discussed fragment and run- on sentences.  We discussed how punctuation can make us better, more understanding readers.
• Met in small groups to practice our fluency and reading strategies.  We paid special attention to the punctuation!
• Worked with this week's vocabulary words.  Students picked two challenging words for today's focus. One of this week's words is tidal.  Kids have lots of questions about the relationship between the moon and tides.  I have inserted a You Tube video to help us begin learning about tides.
• Reviewed how to measure matter, and discussed the relationship between density, volume and mass.
• Worked on problem solving in math, using our multiplication skills and models to check if solutions are reasonable.
• Discussed the homework, including the Pumpkin Project

Tonight at home....

• Read Dear Mr. Henshaw until you read page 50. I know that many are finished with the book. They will need to reread in order to complete this week's reading assignment.
• Work on two sections of the Literary  Reactions page. Here is how it works: On the left hand column, record a direct quote from the book, and make sure to record the page number.  Select a section that is interesting and makes you think!  In the right hand column, record your reaction. What do you think?  How does it make you feel and why?  Can you make a connection to another text?  What does it show you about the character?
• Complete the My Math homework on page 183
• Finish today's two Word Work activities. Most students are finished or near completion.
• Look over the Pumpkin Project packet with a parent.  This project is due on October 30th.  Books should be approved by Monday, October 21st.   See the "October Book Project" tab on this blog for samples and a project overview. 

We need.......

• about eight clear, empty, plastic water bottles with caps.  If you have one, bring it in tomorrow.
• corn syrup.  One half gallon container should do the trick.
• food coloring. If you can spare a color or two, we will put it to good use in the lab.  

Please send me an email if you are able to bring in any of these items by tomorrow.

October Book Project

This just in....

Tomorrow, I will be distributing materials and explaining a special book project.  Check out the tabs on the website. I have just added a new one: October Book Project.  Click here for a general overview and some student samples. The details should be in the Homework Folder tomorrow.

Find Your Own Alliteration Friday

We just can't seem to agree today.  There were many great ideas!


This weekend:

• finish your Vocabulary Interview. It should be error free!  Remember, your purpose is to inform and entertain!  Make sure that we really get to know your word!
• Read Stormalong and answer the "Analyze Text" questions.
• Note that this week's study guide is posted on edmodo.
• Finish today's problem solving activity. Remember to Show/Model/ and Explain clearly!

Reminders:

• There is no school on Monday. It is Columbus Day.
• Picture forms went home yesterday. October 25 is picture day. If you need a new form, please contact the main office.

Thinking of Team 201 Thursday

Hi Team 201!


I am home with a sickie today, but I plan on being back tomorrow !

Tonight at home...
- reread The Power of Wow to prepare for tomorrow's test
- complete the My Math homework for the Factors an Multiples lesson
-finish your Reading Response page




I

Properties of Matter

Hello Team 201!  I am posting two videos that will help you understand the properties of matter.  Today, we talked about physical properties.  Next, we will explore chemical properties. You will learn how to distinguish between a physical change and a chemical change.  I hope that these videos will help you get started!   You can also watch a Properties of Matter video on Study Jams. Click on the Study Jams tab from the blog. Once you are there, search in the Science section for the video.

Have fun!

Water Displacement Wednesday

Hello 201 Families,

Today we went to the Science Lab and measured the volume of regular and irregular shaped objects.  Ask your child to tell you about water displacement.  We also finished up our Mayflower research, we worked on Vocabulary Interviews, discussed a Bill Nye video, and spent some time with Tim and Moby learning about measuring matter.  In math, we measured volume and we used the Associative Property to make multiplication faster and easier.

Tonight at home......

• Complete the Lesson 6 Enrich activity
• Complete page 171/2 in MY Math
• Complete 2 sections of your Reading Response page.  Use Dear Mr. Henshaw.
• Read D.M.H up to page 40.

Temperature-Transfer-Tuesday

Today in 201 we talked about how heat can be transferred via conduction, convection, or radiation.  Tomorrow, we will go to the Science lab to measure the volume of irregular shaped objects.  We also discussed D.M. H., did some problem solving in math, discussed the Mayflower voyage, and did some esparking.


Tonight at home....

• Complete the My Math p 165
• Complete the Enrich problem, showing : Ask/ Know/Show/Explain
• Read Dear Mr. Henshaw 20- 30 and complete the Reading Response of your choice.
• Finish the Conduction, Convection, and Radiation cartoon.
• Watch this video, if you can. Our next unit in Science is.......Matter!

Making-Tables- Monday

Today in 201 we.....

• worked on our daily math/comprehension warm-up.
• discussed how the North East was settled. 
• read The Power of WOW in Journeys.
• discussed Theme and worked to find actions and evidence that would support our ideas about theme.
• solved problems with variables in math, and worked with the problem solving strategy: make a table.
• accepted Mrs. Ginn's apologies about last weekend's math homework.   
• received this week's study guide for spelling, grammar, and comprehension.
• went to Computers, lunch and recess.

Tonight at home.....

• please complete the Character Sketch section of the Reading Response page.  Use Dear Mr. Henshaw.  Your subject is Leigh Botts.  Make sure to add plenty of details!
• complete the My Math Homework and Review pages: 157-160
• Read Dear Mr. Henshaw. 13-20.

Extra! Extra!  Tomorrow we will talk about HEAT. This Bill Nye Video will get you ready!

Feel-Good-Friday

Hello Team 201 Families,

This weekend at home....

• Read Dear Mr. Henshaw and respond to the following questions in writing.  Make sure to restate the question and add details from the text.  Use phrases like.....In the text it states....This shows me that.....I think this means that.......The authors writes that....I can infer that.....
• Pages 1–12: Why does Leigh's attitude toward Mr. Henshaw change?
• Complete the math word problems page
• Finish any unfinished center work: 3 Greek and Latin Root pages, 1 Idiom page and the Conversation activity.  Most kids finished these activities during class today.
• Please sign and return this week's reading test.
• Some students have not turned in this week's reading response homework activities.  When it is turned in, the "zero" will be changed in  the grade book.

Writing- About- Talking- Thursday

This week's grammar lesson teaches us about how to use quotation marks correctly, and today we worked on creating conversations.  You kids came up with some extremely creative ideas.  We have conversations between the sun and moon, ketchup and mustard, and even vanilla and chocolate!  We worked hard to edit our work, making sure that the punctuation and spelling were correct.

Tonight at home........

• finish the Reading Response page. Make sure to add details and examples to your work . The paper may be small, but your ideas need to be BIG!   Some students were instructed to rework certain sections.  Give it your all!
• My Math homework pp 145 and 146 and the Lesson 2 Enrich page
• Read for pleasure and record the minutes on your Gold Card.  Rereading this week's story is a good idea. We have a test tomorrow!

Tomorrow we will.....

• discuss Wednesday's Science Lab.  I plan on doing the experiment again in the classroom so that we can compare and discuss the results.
• take our Weekly Reading Test. Study those spelling and vocabulary words.
• continue our tour of the Northeast region
• work on problem solving in multiplication and division

Reminder:

Students are expected to know their multiplication facts by heart.  Those who are "winging it" will find that math will get increasingly difficult.  Practice at home.

Here is a link to one of my favorite math resources that can help you practice.

http://www.coolmath4kids.com/times-tables/Timernator-multiplication.html

Way Hot Water Wednesday

Tonight at home....

• please complete 2 sections of the Reading response page
• don't forget that you have a reading test on Friday
• finish vocabulary cards for 3 more words
• take your math test home.  Get a signature and make corrections on a separate sheet of paper.

Don't forget to read!

Talking about Roots Tuesday

Hello Team 201 Families!


Today we.....

• talked more about roots and words.  Students worked on the roots narr-, vis-, opt-, bi-, di- and hydro-.
• we launched our unit on the NE region of the United States.
• met in smaller groups to practice reading fluency and work on our comprehension. 
• took the REACH fall performance task. This will be used as a growth benchmark, not as a formal assessment.
• worked on multi-step problem solving

Tonight at home....

• Complete one more section of the Reading Response page.  You can use this week's story for the non fiction response section.  Don't forget to add plenty of details!
• Complete the Science pages about Heat Energy. This will help you get ready for tomorrow's lab!
• Complete My Math Homework and get ready for tomorrow's test, which will cover estimating sums and differences, working with variables and multi-step addition and subtraction word problems.

At note about Dear Mr. Henshaw
Many students have gone to the trouble to get the novel from the book store or library.  I have purchased 9 copies from ebay.  Still, we are many copies short!  Please try to get the book from the library.  We will begin reading this week!

Making-Words-With-Sub-Monday

Greetings Team 201 Families!

Today we.....

• pretty much "aced" our Social Studies Quiz.  I can tell that most kids studied hard for this one. Great job!  We are working on finding new and better acronyms for remembering the position of the Great Lakes. Ianece came up with this one:  Octopi Eat Half Mustard Sandwiches
• read My Library is a Camel in our Journeys text
• began working on illustrated Vocabulary squares
• learned some fancy new vocabulary in math. Ask your child about minuends and subtrahends.
• did some problem solving in My Math
• went to the computer lab to explore the Circuit games/quiz posted on edmodo

Tonight at home....

• complete pages 105/6 and 111/112  in My Math.  
• begin the Reading Response sheet.  Please complete one activity by tomorrow.  Show me your best work!

• begin studying those spelling and vocabulary words.  We will test on Friday.
• Pin numbers/ student i.d. are being sent home today.  Use this information to log on to Parent Portal and Think Central.  Remember, the password for T.C. is chicago.  Your student i.d. is your username, and we are in Chicago District 299.  Remember to select Walt Disney 60613

Reminders

• Try to get your hands on a copy of Dear Mr. Henshaw
• We will be ready for our next math test on Wednesday

Feeling- Good- Friday

Happy Friday, Team 201

Today we........

• discussed and corrected our Science homework.  We spent some time talking about magnetic fields and poles.  Students had the opportunity to correct or add details to their homework responses.
• studied for Monday's Physical Features of the United States test.  Students practiced locating the features, and they also practiced spelling them correctly.   Scroll down to see the study guide I posted earlier in the week.
• took tests in reading, spelling, vocabulary and grammar.  We corrected them, too!  I will grade the writing and get them back to you soon.
• Went to Gym, lunch and recess
• learned how to play Versatiles to practice math problem solving skills

This weekend.....

• complete the Estimation page, both sides.
• read and record, twice or more.
• study for the Social Studies test!

E Sparks Thursday

Today we launched E Sparks!  Ask your child to tell you all about it!

Tonight at home....

• Study for tomorrow's reading test which will cover comprehension, spelling, vocabulary and grammar.  It might be a good idea to reread the story, My Brother Martin.
• Complete the Math "Enrich" page
• Read the Science pages and complete the activities

Wild Wires Wednesday

All are safe, Team 201 Parents, don't worry.  Today in the Science Lab we  built circuits.  We talked about how circuits can be open or closed.  We discussed the terms: wire, battery and load.   We then tested materials to find out if they were conductors or insulators.


Tonight at home....

• Finish the Reading Response activities
• Complete the "Enrich" math sheet
• Please complete the second side of today's Lab Sheet
• Read and record
• Begin studying for Monday's Social Studies test.  Students have a study guide in their folders.  Look at the last post.  It will guide you and provides all of the information that kids need to know.

Progress Reports are going home today.  Please note that this is a 5 week grade, an that things can change quickly.  There is plenty of opportunity for growth.  

U.S. Physical Features: Study Them, Know Them, Love Them.

Hello Team 201!  I am posting this map so that students have another visual aide to help them learn about the U.S. physical features.  You can use it to help you study at home.  Early next week, probably on Monday, students will be tested on this material.

Features to know, locate, and spell correctly:

The Great Lakes: H.O.M.E.S. - Use the acronym to help you remember them, but you must be able to spell the full names.
The Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
The Gulf of Mexico
The Rocky Mountain Range
The Appalachian Range
The Sierra Nevada Range
The Mississippi River
The Ohio River
The Missouri River
The Colorado River
The relative locations of Canada and Mexico

Another online resource for Map Skills practice can be found by clicking on this link:
  Owl and Mouse Physical Features Map Puzzle
The Physical Features map on the Owl and Mouse Map contains more detailed information than does the above image.  Use the puzzle map, but make sure that you can locate, and spell the features that I've listed on this page.

This link will also lead you to many other interactive map activities and map games.

We will be studying in class each morning this week. We need plenty of practice!

Talkative-Ticket Drawing-Technology Tuesday

Just for the record, it will be Taco Tuesday at my house this evening.

We did talk today, but not in a disruptive way.
We did finally draw tickets for the prize bin.
We did set up our I Pads, again!
We also did many other activities, such as Science, Math, Reading, and Social Studies.


Tonight at home......

• Complete 2 more activities on your Reading Response page
• Complete the My Math pages
• Read, in your Science Text book, pages 501-509
• Get that gold Card signed, record your reading minutes , and bring it to me tomorrow

Tomorrow is Lab Day!

I hope to begin Dear Mr. Henshaw next week!  If you don't have it, try to get it!  E- bay is a good choice.

My Brother Martin Monday

  Good Afternoon..

Today we.....

• watched a Brain Pop on the Solstice and Equinox.
• began our unit on physical features of the United States.  Students were given a pre-test to help me determine our base line.  By next week, students should be able to identify the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Great Lakes, Illinois, the Mississippi River, the Gulf of Mexico, the locations of Canada and Mexico relative to the U.S..  
• read My Brother Martin.  We discussed Author's Purpose and we analyzed the text.  We met in smaller groups to learn about Types of Sentences and this week's prefix focus: im-, ir-, il-, and in-.
• in Math, we learned about the Properties of Addition: Associative, Communicative, and Identity.  We even got sneaky and did a bit of pre- algebra.
• logged on to Science Fusion to begin our unit on Electricity.  Today we talked about static electricity.  We will get more "into" this topic tomorrow.

Tonight at home...

• Study those Vocabulary and Spelling words.  We will have a test on Friday
• Read for 20 minutes or more and fill out the Reading Log
• Work on this week's Reading Response pages.  You should have TWO activities completed by tomorrow.  I will collect it on Friday, but I will check the Response log each day.
• Finish any math classwork that didn't get done today.
• Complete the Math sheet: Lesson 1/Enrich.  Use the hints to crack the code.  You can do it!

* The study guide and other enrichment activities are posted on Edmodo
*Please try to get a copy of Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary.  I really want to read this book together, but we can't do it until we all have the book!

Sunny Sunday

Greetings Team 201 Families,

It is a beautiful, sunny Sunday, and I hope that you all are enjoying it.  I have posted a few items on Edmodo under " Assignments"  that I want to share with you.   Go to Edmodo and filter the posts by "Assignment" to access these materials:

•  Next week's study guide is posted. This contains the spelling and vocabulary words, as well as the grammar and vocabulary focus skills.  This week's story is entitled, My Brother Martin. 
• U.S. Physical Features Map Puzzle is posted.  This comes from a wonderful site called Owl and Mouse.  This week and next, we will focus on U.S. physical features.  Students will be expected to know where our major rivers, mountain ranges, oceans and lakes are found on the map. Understanding U.S. Geography will prepare us to delve further into the unique features and history of each region.

This week, we will also begin our regular routines with ST Math and E Sparks.  E Sparks is an app based program that is customized for each child, based on his or her MAPS results.  This is an exciting and new way to differentiate learning.  We will be "E Sparking" in both reading and math.  I can't wait to get started.

See you all on Monday!

Best,

Mrs. Ginn

P.S.

Here are some bonus Brain Pop links that will help you get a jump start on this week's learning!

Longitude and Latitude


Types of Sentences

Final Performance Friday

Thank you, Ianece, for today's title!  Your children were wonderful today.  The show was a success, and we are getting compliments galore.

Thank you, parents, for all of your support in and out of the CAC.

This weekend...
-Complete the activities found in the Science Text on pages440-443.  You may NOT write in the book.  Use a separate sheet of paper.
-Read and record.  I will expect 2 or more entries.
-Please look for a copy of Dear Mr. Henshaw at the library or book store.  If any family is  able to donate copies to the class , it will be greatly appreciated.  I hope that we can share this wonderful novel together. The novel is written by Beverly Cleary.


See you on Monday, Team 201. Have a great weekend!

Time for The Show Thursday

Today we rehearsed, and we rehearsed, and then we rehearsed one more time!  Tomorrow is our big day, and we hope that you will join us!

News and Notes

• Yes, it is true! There is no homework this evening. Students who read and record on their Gold Cards will receive a stamp.
• Doors open tomorrow at 9:15. Our show begins at 9:30.
• If you did not bring money for pizza, please bring it tomorrow.  The cost is $3.00.  Students will eat the pizza at 11:00.   
• We will go to our regular lunch at 1:00. 
• The carpet in PreSchool looks like it will be done soon. I am hoping that we will be back in 201 on Monday morning!

Water Wednesday

We washed our hands a lot today!  We are going to work on these titles!


Tonight at home....

• Extended Response Math practice
• Get today's math test signed and please return it to me
• Energy Packet: Energy Pros and Cons and Cause and Effect + Main Point
• Read and Record

Reminders/News:

• All kids will be receiving T-shirts on Friday for our show. As a base layer, wear black, navy, or jeans.
• Pizza forms went home today
• Our show is Friday. Doors open at 9:15. The show begins at 9:30

Tuesday

Hello Team201 families,


It was another busy day in the CAC.  We created atom models.  Ask your child to tell you about protons, neutrons and electrons.  We also did quite a bit of rehearsing today. 

Tonight at home......
-Bring home your math book and study for tomorrow's math test.  You understand how to round numbers, explain the difference between value and place value, and how to compare and order numbers.
-In your Energy Packet, complete the pages on Energy, Coal, Solar energy, Wind, Oil and Natural Gas

* I did not stamp Gold Cards today.
* Isat scores are going home today
* Pizza party letters are going home today.

Marvelous Monday

Hello 201 families,

Today's title is not too creative.  I didn't have any team input.   This post is getting to you late, and I apologize.   Students arrived back from Computers about ten minutes late, and our dismissal was rushed .

Tonight at home
- students should complete the place value sheet
- students should read and record in their reading logs.

News:

🎤⚡Our CAC performance is this Friday.  I will confirm the exact time tomorrow. We usually begin by 9:30.

🎬 Students will be provided with T Shirts to wear for the performance.  Most students will wear black pants or jeans as a base.  Your " focus group" teacher will let you know if you need something different.

📝We will take a math test on Place Value this Wednesday.  I feel confident that we are ready!  

📖 Post - CAC, I would like to read Dear Mr. Henshaw together.  Each child will need a copy of this novel by Beverly Cleary.  Check it out from the library, or find it at the local book store.  Donated copies will be accepted.  Last year, a parent was able to find great deals on eBay.

Help!!!

Is anyone able to pick up our CAC t shirts on Thursday morning?  They will be ready at 11:00 a.m., and we need to get them to school ASAP on Thursday so  that we can get them organized and distributed.   The shirt company is on South Archer.  We have ordered nearly 200  shirts!   Please let me know if you are able to help us.

Speaking of help,  thank you to Alex's mom, Bianca's mom, Patrick's mom, and to Andreas's mom for all of their help in the CAC!

Thanks to all of you for your donations!!

Faaizuddin-Feels-Better-Friday

About today's post title: Faaizuddin can explain if he wants to. Please, don't press him!

This weekend at home.....

• finish math pages 49-52.
• read and record on your Gold Card.  I should see two entries by Monday.
• write one reflection about the book you are reading at home.  Who is the most interesting character? Why? Use details from the text to support your answer.
• Extra credit: watch the Brainpop segment on Atomic Structure. Complete one of the "activities" or "
  vocabulary" exercises.  You may print it out or write on a separate sheet of paper.

Thrilling Thursday

I wanted to call this post Tonight-is-Open-House-Thursday, but I was overruled by students!  Today we......

• used watercolors to add another layer of complexity to our Energy Source Super Heroes.  
• created Wind Art, using recycled materials.  
• finished painting our Wind Turbines
• watched a Brain Pop on Wind Energy and discussed it
• went to Library
• worked on Place Value and Problem Solving
• met in our CAC focus groups
• ate breakfast, lunch and went to recess
• practiced our final song

Tonight at home.....

• complete pages 46, 47 and 48 in your Math book
• read a book of your choice and  write a reflection. Focus on on part or section that you find interesting and tell me why.  Use evidence from the text and your own ideas.  You should not write a summary.

Open House is tonight!  I will be in 201 from 6-7, and I hope you will be there too!

Windy Wednesday

Hello Team201 families,

Today we...

• met with the entire school by the flag pole.  We sang patriotic songs to help us reflect upon the events of 9/11.
• we watched at BrainPop about 9/11 and discussed the legacy of that day.
• we did some math. Our unit on Place Value continues.
• attempted to finish up our Power Source People Posters.
• some of us were able to begin painting our wind turbines
• learned about our roles in the performance
• talked a bit more about the show and the cast of characters
• went to music, lunch, recess, etc..

Tonight at home....

-Read the Mini Pages on Wind Power. This can go in your reading log for the night.

-Think of two questions that you have about Wind Power.  Write them somewhere on the Mini Pages and bring the article back to school tomorrow.

-My Math pp. 41 and 42

Turbine Tuesday

Tonight at home...

..complete pages 39 and 40 in your math book
....Use last night's packet and grid to create a "fact finder" card.  Record 8-10 facts about an energy source of your choice.  Pick one topic, such as Hydropower or Solar Power.  Add an illustration, diagram, or a series of small diagrams.
-Read, record and get your gold card signed.
--Parents, a note about our CAC performance went home today!

More Energy Monday

Good Afternoon Team 201 Families,

Today was our first day in the CAC!  Thank you to Alex's mom and to Patrick's mom for helping us get organized in our new home.  Today we  discussed energy sources, and we used our ipads, and Brainpop, to do some research.  We are exploring the origins, advantages, and disadvantages of each source.  We are also thinking about the future potential of each energy source.

Tonight at home.....

• Use the handout to help you add to the Energy Sources grid we started today in class.  You may also use internet resources, if they are available.  Students were asked to put a star next to the sources that should be completed this evening: Natural Gas, Coal, Oil, Wind, and Hydro Electric.
• Students should also complete the write-in activities that are found within the packet.
• Students are not responsible for the experiments in the packet, but may want to try some at home.  Go for it!
• Read for pleasure, record, and get that Gold Card signed. 
• There is no math homework tonight, but there will be tomorrow!

Funtastic, Freaky Friday

This weekend at home....

• finish your Super Hero news article.  Check your work for: grammar, spelling and punctuation.  Make sure that your writing is fragment-free.  Have you answered the Who, What, Where, Why,, When and How?  Do you have a:   heading, photo, caption, newspaper title, date, and reporter's name?
• complete your Super Hero drawing.
• I will collect the story ( from last week), the article, and the drawing on Monday. 
• Practice for Monday's audition, if you are planning to try- out for a part.
• Read for pleasure.
• Get your Gold Card signed
• Check Edmodo for extra learning opportunities!
• Help out at home.  Make your bed.  Thank your parents, and do something extra just to help!  That's an order!

Monday is our first day in the CAC.  We will focus on Wind Power!

Tim's T-Shirt Thursday

Today we spent some time with our friends Tim and Moby.  They showed us examples of Energy Sources.  Two words kept popping up: turbine and generator.  We will be digging deeper in the weeks to come!
Students designed a new t-shirt to show what they learned about energy sources.

Tonight at home.....

• Read a book of your choice and use it to complete the Looks on a Book graphic organizer.
• Complete the My Homework math sheet: comparing numbers
• finish up your menu activities. Remember, select one appetizer, one entree, and one sweet.

Tomorrow we will...

• take a reading test.
• finish our Superhero Project
• go to Gym
• work on comparing and ordering numbers
• learn more about renewable and non renewable resources

Winn Dixie Wednesday

Yes, today we spent some time with one of my all-time favorites characters, Opal and Winn Dixie.  We discussed point of view, hyperbole, and flashback. We also explored the text for evidence, asking the question: What makes a friend?

Today was a Lab day.  Students explored the relationship between potential and kinetic energy.  We conducted trials, found averages, and discussed the variables that could have influenced our results.  The lab sheets are coming home tonight.

Tonight at home....

• read Because of BookEnds, found on pp 36-38 of your reading text.  To respond, select ONE of the activities on page 39 and bring it to class tomorrow.
• complete the My Math homework
• review your Potential and Kinetic Lab sheet.  Make sure that it is complete and that you have answered all of the questions completely.  Talk to someone at home about the lab
• Read for pleasure for 20 minutes or more, and record it.
• Get your Gold Card signed!
• Don't forget that your Menu activities are due on Friday!

Parents, please note that Open House is marked incorrectly on the Gold Card.  I will look forward to seeing you on Thursday, September 12 from 6 p.m.-7 p.m..

Technology Tuesday

Today Team201 met their i pads.  We had a few glitches, but most students were able to log on to edmodo successfully.  This week's reading selection, Because of Winn Dixie, is posted as a pdf attachment on edmodo. Filter the posts by "assignments" and you will see it.  Or, just scroll down.

Today we....

• discussed and practiced using our cardinal directions. 
• tackled our Math problems- of- the- day.  
• shared our Owls.  Thanks for your hard work on these!  They are wonderful and will really help make our classroom ours.
• went to Music Technology with Mr. Fahrenbach.  He helped the kids explore a new program.  201 kids were composing music today!
• used ipads and edmodo to read Because of Winn Dixie and to become familiar with our vocabulary words.
• handed out our brand new My Math textbooks.  We are still waiting for a few editions to arrive.  5 students are working from a photo- copied packet.  I expect the books to be in my hands by the end of the week. Yeah!  They just arrived!
• awarded prizes to students who arrived to school with a signed Gold Card and 100% homework each day in August.
• received a Focus Skills  page that contains this week's words, focus skill, and essential questions. Keep this posted at home or in the Homework Folder.

Tonight at home....

• In your math book or packet,  please complete  My Homework, found on pages 15 and 16.
• Read pages 207-213 in the Science Packet: What are Natural Resources?  Complete all activities, within those pages, including the Active Reading.
• Read for pleasure and fill out the Reading Log.  You do not have to write a reflection tonight.
• Plan your Vocabulary Menu activities.  They are on the back of your Focus Skills handout and are due on Friday.
• Get your new Gold Card signed!

By Friday.....

• Vocabulary Menu Activities will be collected on Fridays.  Select one from each category to help you prepare.
• Be ready for the Spelling Test on Friday.  Study at home!
• We will take our first reading test, on story 1, on Friday.

If you are able to.....

• log on to edmodo to watch the Brain Pop segments