Thinking about Extended Response Thursday

This weekend at home

• Complete the Symmetry test-prep packet
• Complete the Vocabulary test-prep packet
• Please do the Unit 4 Virtual Lab on Science Fusion and get a signature
• If you did not complete the Choice Board activities, both are due on Monday
• Read for pleasure
• Don't forget about Study Island!
• Don't forget about the extra credit Brain Pop segments.  Scroll down to last weekend's posts to find them, or look on Edmodo.  I will post some more too!

Weather Wednesday

Hello 201 Families!

Today we....

• spent the first hour of the day going over homework. We talked about lines, rays, points and angles.
• began our Theme 3 test and went over the answers.  Students should know how they did.
• read My Shadow by Robert Louis Stevenson.  We talked about rhyme scheme and patterns, how to read a poem, and mood.
• worked on how to answer a "short response" question on the ISAT
• went to Music
• broke into small groups during ST math to firm up our understanding of today's lesson on Similar and Congruent figures.  We practiced some open response questions.  We also talked about slides, flips and turns.
• finally went to the Science Lab to do our "Cloud in a Bottle" lab.

Tonight at home....

• Complete the two "Theme 3 Choice Board" activities that are due tomorrow
• Complete page 328 and 329 in your math text, problems8-35.  For problems 15-17, simply indicate if the figures are congruent, similar, or neither.  Please do draw the figures for problems 18-21.  You should be able to trace the original figures on notebook paper.
• Read for pleasure and get a signature

Tomorrow we will.....

• complete our Theme test and correct it so that we can use the test as a teaching opportunity.
• work on Reading Extended Response  within the Theme Test.  Again, I will use the Theme Test to our ISAT advantage, and will plan a lesson around the ER question.
• work on our Science Fusion weather unit
• explore symmetry 

Multiplying Decimals Monday

Today we....

• finished unfinished and missing work!
• completed our Social Studies Regional Tour
• Played Showdown to review for the Theme test
• 
  

Tonight at home:
-Think about and begin your Theme 3 Choice Board.  You must complete two activities by Thursday.
-Complete the Math textbook activity: Lines, rays, and angles. Do page 322 17- 30 and use 320 and 321 to guide you.  We will go over this in class!
-Study the spelling and vocabulary words
-Read for pleasure and get a signature
-Adjective Board, Wonder and Why mat

Test Prep News You Can Use

Hello Team 201,

I have just posted on Edmodo, and will repeat the message here.  We are just weeks away from the ISAT, which means that our regular Science and Math pacing may feel a little different.

 As you may have heard, this year's ISAT test will draw 20% from the new Common Core Standards.  These new, national standards are much more rigorous, and very different from the old Illinois standards.  This raising of the bar is a good thing for our kids and schools, but it will take some "getting used to."  Perhaps you received the letter in the mail from our new CEO?  In it, she explains that students who were once firmly planted in the "Meets" or "Exceeds" category may find themselves in the "Needs Improvement" category this year!  This could be shocking to parents who are accustomed to high levels of performance from their children.  Please know that we are working hard to conquer these new standards in 201. In every content area, your children and I are problem solving, analyzing, and interpreting evidence.  We are not just learning the content, we are learning how to be better questioners and thinkers!


Please be aware that there are several activities that your child can do at home to boost Common Core Test Readiness.  I have posted several activities on Study Island.  These activities are based on Common Core Standards.   Access to Study Island is one of the many benefits of being a Disney kid!  I will be checking your progress daily, so log on!


ST Math is another fantastic Disney "perk."  Research from the MIND Institute shows that students who reach 75% skills mastery before the ISAT show significant growth on standardized tests.  Many of our amazing mathematicians in 201 are not reaching their potential.  Is your child struggling with a topic, or level?  Take a break and get some support on Khan Academy or Brain Pop.  Some kids need to see the more traditional, concrete explanation to help them push through.  75% is the magic number.

Brain Pop is yet another fantastic, and favorite, resource. All students have access to the member log in.  Some Science topics that you may want to explore are: The Rock Cycle, Erosion, The Phases of the Moon, The Earth (focusing on revolution, rotation, seasons, day time), Light, Sound, Simple Machines.....

Does this sound like a lot?  It sure is!  We will be covering some major ground in these next few weeks, so hold on to your hats!   I will award a badge on Edmodo to the first five kids who can name the literary device I used in the last sentence.

Have a great weekend Team201!  Parents, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions!

Best,

MB Ginn

P.S.  I am sorry that I didn't get to say goodbye to you today 201.  I was sent home early to keep from infecting you all.  I will work hard at resting this weekend.  I may not be off to a very good start. Goodnight!

Flu Friday

 The line to the nurse's office is around the corner!  Mrs. Ginn can barely talk!  We are dropping like flies.  Let's hope that this weekend will be filled with lots of rest and recovery.

This weekend:

• Finish your Case File: Complete the final "Case Closed" paragraph on the inside back cover.  Finish all illustrations and add captions.  Create your cover. Check all work for spelling and grammatical errors.
• Finish the Solar System page. Most kids finished in class.
• Finish the Reading Log that was assigned on Monday and was due today.  Kids who were absent on Tuesday do not need to do this!
• Finish the comprehension questions that most kids have already handed in.

Please bring in plastic bottles so that we can make- up this week's Lab.

Look for extra practice on this website and on Edmodo.

Terrific Tuesday

• Math page 206
• Reading log page is due on Friday
• Science Fusion:Next lesson  Read and do pages 221-229
• study those vocabulary words that are on the weekly study guide

Flaming Friday

Thank you Jonathan, for creating today's very appropriate title!  Yes, we have been talking about fires.  We have discussed the dangers and the benefits of wild fires.


This long weekend at home....

• Finish your postcards from the West.  You may use your Social Studies book, notes, internet or other books as a resource.  They should be "presentation ready" by Tuesday.  Do not forget to bring your blue file back to school on Tuesday!  You won't be able to complete the classwork if you don't have it!
• In Science Fusion, complete the Sum It up and Word Play pages ( 200 and 201) and the reading and activities in Lesson 4, Natural Resources, found on pages 207-217.  Also complete page 219.
• Read The Stranger in your Harcourt text or on Think Central.

Next week we will....

• Complete a "Case File" on the Stranger.  Who is this man?
• Work further on patterns and multiplication of large numbers.  We will take a test on Chapter 10 on Wednesday.
• Work on Reading Extended Response
• Discuss How humans affect the environment and natural resources
• Complete our Regions unit, mapping out our journey through the U.S.

Don't forget that there is no school on Monday, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King!
Have a great weekend!

Thought-Provoking Thursday

Thank you, Leona, for providing today's title!

Today we......

• Took our final visit to the West
• Went to Library
• Played Fan and Pick to help us work on our questioning strategies and filled out "Wonder and Why" Mats.  Your kids did a fantastic job working together and lived up to the Team201 name!
• Recorded our "I wonder" questions on a giant post-it
• Began a Visual Adjective Board
• Worked further on Lattice Multiplication and estimation with problem solving
• Went to the Computer Lab to do a virtual Science Fusion Lab

Tonight at home.....

• Complete the math sheet
• Complete the grammar sheet
• Finish the rough and final draft or your Adjective Board using Firestorm as your inspiration
• Don't forget that we have a spelling, vocabulary and reading test tomorrow!

Worn-out Wednesday

Hello 201 Families,

What a fantastic time we had at the Field Museum yesterday!  Many students report being wiped out from all of the walking and learning. Emad commented that he was so worn out,  he had to do his homework in bed last night!  Wow! 



Tonight at home...

• Read Flame Busters, the companion piece to Firestorm and complete the the Comparing Texts questions on page 362.  There are only three questions, so make sure to answer them completely.  Use details from both selections to support your answers.
• Math sheet

Field Trip Volunteer Needed!!

Hello 201 Families!

We have one open chaperone spot for tomorrow's trip to the Field.   Ayman and Alana's father's are on board.  Is there one more parent who can join us?  We will leave the school at 8:45 and will be back at about 2:15.  Send me an email if you can help.

Thank you,

Mrs. Ginn

MAP Test Monday

Tonight at home...

• Read Lesson 2 in Science Fusion: Read Lesson 2 pages: 189-199 and do all of the activities
• Math sheet
• Begin studying for this week's spelling and vocabulary test. The words are a bit trickier this week.  
• Bring a bag lunch to the museum. Make sure that it is labeled with your name and homeroom!
• If you have a clipboard, bring it tomorrow for a museum activity!

Fresh-Air-Friday

Thank you students, for coming up with this very appropriate heading for today's post.  I sure doesn't feel like January in Chicago.

I am overwhelmed by the amazing dioramas and essays.  Our room has been transformed into a museum. Thank you students, and parents, for your hard work and dedication!

Today we....

• "Played" with the Science Fusion Video Lesson about populations, niches, producers, consumers and decomposers.
• Took a spelling and reading test and corrected them
• Answered questions about last night's math homework
• Worked on our Adaptation Commercials
• Enjoyed a "Gallery Walk" to view the amazing projects
• Went to both Gym and Science Art

Tonight at home...

• Read the next Harcourt selection Firestorm
• Review the new vocabulary words

Thinking about Thirst Thursday

Today's title is sort of an inside joke.  Ask your kids about it.

Tonight at home:

• Your animal project is due tomorrow!  
• Math: We will have a math test on Monday.  Please complete page 176 in the text
• We will take a reading and spelling test tomorrow
• That's it!  Congratulations to all those who have finished their project.
• Field Trip money and forms are due no later than Monday. We can't make any exceptions.

When-Will-She-Post-Wednesday

Hello 201 Families!

I apologize that this post is a few hours late.  I hope that your child copied the homework from the board this afternoon!
Tonight at home 201 students should have already......

• Read a book of his or her choice and written a reflection
• Completed the math sheet

Today we.....

• Started the day with our Scholastic Super Science Magazine.  We read about Penguins, and completed some graphing activities based on the article.  We also read about a  new hotel that is underwater.  We have decided that this will be a great field trip.  I am sure that we will have plenty of parent volunteers!
• We wrote Thank You Letters to the generous people who donated the funds to buy our subscription to Super Science.  We learned about the parts of the letter, proper formatting, and how to add detail and personalization.  We drafted, revised, and published. The letters are wonderful. I will put them in the mail tomorrow.
• We worked on our Adaptations Commercials.  Students are creating a 60 second commercial spot that advertises Physical or Behavioral Adaptations.  I got to hear a few "works in progress" today.  They are wonderful.  We will make more revisions tomorrow, and we will have time for some practice.  I hope to film the performances!
• We spent time creating equations, matching words with expressions, and working backwards to solve problems.  These are tough, but our combined brain power helped us through some of the more difficult problems.

Don't forget...

• Field trip money is due no later than Monday!  Our trip to the Field Museum in Tuesday.
• We will take the chapter 9 Math test on either Friday or Monday.  I will gauge readiness tomorrow.
• The Animal diorama and essay are due on Friday!

Trip- to- the- Southwest- Tuesday

Today we.....

•  started with a journey to the Southwest Region.  We discussed the Mexican War, and why the region feels the influence of the Mexican culture.  We talked about natural landmarks such as the Grand Canyon, and we talked more about renewable and non renewable natural resources.  The students did a great job planning their stops in this region and writing their postcards.
• Learned the Super 6 song.  We practiced in the classroom and with Mr. Fahrenbach.
• Created Mountain Artful Expressions Foldables.  We used last night's homework and our books to add detail from the text.
• Worked on using a function table to help us find patterns and write equations
• Used our notes, books, and billboard projects to create 60 second commercial segments to advertise behavioral or physical adaptations.  We will perform on Friday.

Tonight at home....

• Complete the math sheet
•  Read and do Activities  in the Science Text pp173-183.  We will use the video lesson to guide tomorrow's lesson.  Don't forget: the "Lesson Vocabulary" on page 173 can be found throughout these pages. Look for the highlighted words.
• Don't forget that your Animal Project is due on 1/11/13.  Many people have already brought in their wonderful dioramas and essays.  They are fantastic!
• Fill out the Field Trip Form and bring it in with the payment as soon as possible!  Our trip is next Wednesday, 1/15.  We need three volunteers to join us  at the Field Museum.

Mountain Monday

Today we....

• Took the Maps Reading Assessment.  All students should be aware of their new focus skill.
• Used our Super 6 Strategies to read the non fiction text Mountains 
• Worked on matching words with expressions and talked more about equations

Tonight at home:

• Finish the Super 6 graphic organizer.  Don't forget about the three "I wonder" boxes on the back!
• Complete the Math sheet.
• Study your vocabulary and spelling.  I have not assigned Menu activities this week.  Let's see if you can still get 100%.  Study, or the homework will return.

It's Friday, Friday.....

Hello Team201,

Are you singing with me?  I know that many of you are working on your Animal Project.  They are due on or before 1/11.  Don't forget to follow the two part format: diorama and essay.

This weekend:

• work on your animal project
• complete the math sheet to practice evaluating expressions

Notes:

• This just in: I was informed a few hours ago that 201 will be taking the Reading MAPS Assessment on Monday.  Yes, this Monday.   This mid- year test is not a final growth evaluation.  I will use the information from this test to help me focus instruction for your child.  For example, should we work on strengthening skills related to information text, or does s/he need more help with vocabulary or literary analysis?  I will share this information with you and your child as soon as I have the results.  Please feel free to contact me if you have specific questions.  What is the best way to prepare for Monday?  Get a good night's rest on Sunday, eat a healthy breakfast, and come to school with a positive attitude!
• Pod 200 students will soon be receiving iPads!  Wow!  These devices will be for classroom use.  Each student will be assigned a specific iPad, and we will have a docking station in our area.  Wow!  Happy New Year!
• Next week's Harcourt story is entitled Mountains.  We will be learning about different ways that mountains are formed, and how weathering and erosion affect the land.  We will take our weekly test on Friday.
• Our goal is to finish our study of the Southwest region next week.  
• New materials from the Field Museum will arrive in the classroom on Monday.  I am going to pick them up tomorrow!
• We will visit the Field Museum, my favorite, on January 15.   Exact times and cost will be announced soon!

Check out this You Tube Video about Plate Tectonics.  If offers a pretty simple explanation of how mountains and other land features are formed.

Time Warp Thursday

Happy New Year Team201!

It only feels like Monday!   It was wonderful to see the members of 201 today.   Thanks to all who worked on their reading logs over the break.

 Today we......
-Admired Leona's beautiful diorama and essay.  She followed the directions perfectly and brought in a beautiful project.  Thanks for getting it in early, Leona. Now we can use your project as an example for all.
-Discussed the Brain Pop episode on Natural Resources and worked on creating symbols to represent various resources and added them to the map.
-Worked on developing goals and resolutions for the new year.  We talked about how the most obtainable goals present a solution, are measurable, and are realistic.  We began working on a two paragraph mini-essay about our goals.   Tomorrow we will publish our writing.
-Continued our problem solving with multiplication and division.  We also began working on Chapter 9, which revisits evaluating expressions and equations with variables.
-Answered questions about the Animal Project and set goals for finishing the class billboard project.
-Went to ST math.  I met with each child to discuss individual ST Math goals.  



Tonight at home:
-Read the Mighty Mississippi Mini pages handout   Complete a  Fact Finder, Fact /Opinion T Chart,  or a Journal Response.  Whatever you choose, make sure that you include 10 facts in your response.
-Math sheet: Evaluating Expressions with (   )
-Animal Project is due on 1/11.  Please follow the correct format.