Time Flies Thursday

Hello 201 Families,

I am so sorry that I was not in class today.  It is not looking too good for tomorrow either.  Today in class, I hope that students were able to create mini dictionaries to practice their vocabulary words. They also should have created a "Tim's TShirt" graphic to solidify their understanding of smilies and metaphors.  Students also worked in partners/teams to tackle a multi-step, open ended math problem. How was your trip to New York, Team 201? In Science, we continue our study of all things Energy.  We will be back in the lab in 2015!


Notes and Reminders.....

• We will take our regular Language/Reading test tomorrow.  If students need to retake, I will reteach and offer a retake when we get back.
• Winter Maps Testing begins the week we return to school .  201 is scheduled to take the Reading Test on the Tuesday we return.
• There will be no regular homework or packets sent home over the Winter Break. Parents who seek extra assignments can find them on ST Math, Myon, and Code.org.  Last week, I sent home a "MAPS Symbols and Vocabulary" packet.  Why not make some flash cards. Check out the tabs on this website, too. 

Welding with Frosting Wednesday

Today was Gingerbread House Day. We constructed. We welded. We got sticky.  Parents, thank you so much for sending in all of the supplies. We had more than enough.  Most kids are bringing home candy today.  I am not letting them take it to lunch.


This evening at home...

• Thank your parents for buying you the Gingerbread House supplies.  
• Complete the Mid Chapter Checkpoint on pp 233-234
• Read a book of your choice.  Write a solid paragraph about what you read.  What was the most interesting event or fact. Include examples from the text and relate it to another text you have read.  "This reminds me of........because.....they both......."

Metaphors Monday

Today we read a biography in Journeys that is a cornucopia of similes and metaphors.  See what I did there?  Today we also worked on using the Distributive Property to model division.  We also began our Southeast scrapbooks. In Science, we talked about static electricity.  Tomorrow, we will begin planning our Gingerbread Houses. Thanks to all of the kids who have already brought in supplies.

This evening at home...

• complete Go Math pp 231-232
• in Journeys, read Dance to the Beat on p. 304
• complete Readers Notebook pages 112 and 115

We do not need any more powdered sugar! Wednesday is G.H. day.  Please  bring in the supplies so that I know what I need to get to fill in the gaps.

Tough Math Take Two Thursday

Tonight at home.....

• complete Go Math pp. 225-226
• continue to work in Science Fusion through page 440
• Please look for the Gingerbread Math note that is going home today.

* Students, you must show your work in Math!  Use the classwork and samples to help you.

Weird Wednesday

This evening at home.....

• complete Go Math pp. 219-220  Please, write and equation and take some notes. You will most likely need a separate sheet of paper.
• In Science Fusion, read and do the activities found between pages  429-433
• Read and record on your log

Tough Competition Tuesday

Today we completed our classroom Spelling Bee. The competition was stiff. In the final 5 were Keiondre, Mahreen, Khaaliq, Afrah and Safwan.  I thought that we'd be beeing all day.

Congratulations Afrah! Afrah will represent 201 in the Intermediate Bee, and Safwan will be our alternate.  Thanks to everyone in 201 for participating and demonstrating excellent sportsmanship.

This evening......

• complete Readers Notebook pages  104, 105 and 107.
• complete Go Math pp. 213 and 214
• read and record on your log.

May I Have it in a Sentence Monday

In just a few minutes, we will hold our classroom Spelling Bee.  If we don't end up with a winner today, we will continue tomorrow.

Students are coming home with the Chapter 3 Math test today.    Parents, please sign the test and the corrections.  Corrections are due on Friday.

This evening at home.....

• Complete Go Math pp. 207/208
• Complete Readers Notebook pp.97/98
• Don't forget that you spelling and vocabulary words in the the Reader's Notebook and online.

Parents, I am looking for volunteer help next Wednesday. We will be doing a special math activity in the lunchroom. Let me know if you can help.  The activity will take place sometime between 8:30 and 10:00.

Find a Title Later Friday

This weekend at home...

• Unfinished work? Finish it!  These are the items that I need by Monday:  Wampanoag/Pilgrim book ( don't forget the ten questions), Chemical and Physical Changes cartoon, Analyze Test questions ( Rommie), morning work
• Read and record once or more
• Don't forget that picture retakes are Monday. If you want to retake, just bring in the other pack of photos. There will not be a charge.
• Our classroom Spelling Bee is Monday.

Thinking Through Tough Division Thursday

Thanks Sam and Martha, for your help with today's title!

Please see yesterday's late post for some grammar videos and important information about the Spelling Bee and picture retakes.

This evening at home......

• complete the "idiom of the week" page
• work on Go Math pp.201 and 202
• don't forget that we have our weekly test tomorrow. You can find the spelling words and the vocabulary in the Readers Notebook. You can also find the list by clicking on the Study Guides tab at the top of the blog.

Way Too Late For This Post To Be Of Any Help Wednesday

Well, this Wednesday afternoon sort of got away from me.  Hopefully the 201 kids were responsible students who copied the assignments that were written on the board, and accepted the teacher guidance about placing one's Readers Notebook in one's book bag.   Remember, if the blog isn't updated, you can always send out a group post on Edmodo. Someone out there in Team201 Land will know what's going on!

This evening at home you should have......

• completed the first two Readers Notebook pages about Progressive Verbs.  We talked about them for a few minutes today, and will give them much more time tomorrow. Progressive Verbs: Yeah!  
• completed the work on your Math Test corrections.  Many kids turned this in today, so some students didn't have any math homework this evening.

Today we.....

• took the Chapter 3 Go Math test.  Your kids were great test takers.  They asked questions. They persevered.  I hope to get them all graded by tomorrow.  They will go home either tomorrow or Friday.
• went to the Music Box Theater and enjoyed a wonderful selection from the Chicago Children's Film Festival: Tough Guys.  The film was created in Norway, and included subtitles.  It was a moving tale about bullying.  We had an interesting discussion post-show.  We talked about what we liked, what was true-to-life, and what the film could have/should have done differently.

Newsflash:

• Tomorrow we get a new math book!
• Picture Retakes will be on December 10th!
• Our classroom spelling Bee will be held on Monday.
• Guess what we will be talking about tomorrow?  Take a look!  

Can you find the progressive verbs in this post?  They might be in the present, past or future tense. Go!

I hope that I got  today's title  wrong, and that this post is, in fact, helpful!

Tuesday Tribune

Today's title was tough. Thanks, Martha, for helping me through my writer's block.  Maybe we should call it Tough to Think of a Title Tuesday?  Next time.

I will update the homework later.  Right now, I am posting a link to help you practice your vocabulary words.  I am also posting a link to the Romaine Bearden website. You will find lots of information here about his life and art. There are links to fun activities too!   Play and learn.

http://quizlet.com/676608/me-and-uncle-romie-flash-cards/

http://www.beardenfoundation.org/education/activity.shtml

This evening at home......

• Finish the Math Review Pages. We did the evens in class today. We will take our test in the morning.
• In Journeys, please read the companion piece,  248-250.  Then, complete the Compare Texts found on page 251. Pick one of the activities and answer in writing.
• Don't forget to bring a bag lunch tomorrow! K.S., bring your permission slip!

Math Tests Finally Making It Home Monday

Hello Team201 Families,

Today, students are finally bringing home the Chapter 2 Math Test.  Please read the note that is attached to the test.  We should be ready to take the Chapter 3 test on Wednesday. I hope to get it done before we leave for our trip.


This evening at home.....

• Read and record on your new Gold Card
• In Journeys, read Me and Uncle Rommie. Then, complete the Readers Notebook pages 85, 88 and 89
• Complete the Go Math pp.187/188

Don't forget that we go to the Film Festival on Wednesday.  All kids will need a bag lunch!

Tomorrow's Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Tuesday

Today was a Tuesday that felt like Friday.   We continued to talk about Pilgrims and Thanksgiving.  Kids published the wonderful articles they wrote last night. Many added a few "pilgrim speak" phrases. Huzzah!  Today we also used context clues to decipher the meaning of words that were common to the Pilgrims, but are new to us.  To practice our math skills, we played a group game, completing problems to "fill out plates" with Thanksgiving food.  Thanks to the Oh'Boy 4th Grade teacher for this great activity.

This weekend, I hope that all 201 students are able to relax and spend time with family and friends.  There is no regular homework.  Please do read and record on your Gold Card.  I will expect to see three reading sessions!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF THE 201 FAMILIES!

Mayflower Monday

Today was all about 1620!  Kids, if you have extra time this evening, explore some of the links on edmodo.  Tomorrow we will shift our focus, exploring the Pilgrims arrival from the Wampanoag perspective.  We will practice double digit multiplication, "Thanksgiving style," and we will publish the articles that kids are writing for homework tonight.

This evening at home....

• Read the  First Thanksgiving Mini Pages
• Write a rough draft of an article that reports what you learned. Create a catchy heading. The article should be about one to two paragraphs.
• Complete Go Math181-182

Parents, don't worry, I have the Gold Cards!  I will check all of the Scrapbooks tomorrow and give out stamps! Thanks for your patience. We were very busy today!

Check Edmodo for  the How to Talk Like a Pilgrim link.

Field Trip Form Alert!

Field Trip forms are due on Monday at 8:00 a.m.!  

On December 3rd, we will be going on a field trip to the Children's Film Festival. All money and forms are due by 11/24, 2014 (Monday). Students will need to bring a bag lunch-Please, no glass bottles.

Parents, if your student has lost the form, simply write a note:

My child, __________, has permission to attend the field trip on 12/3/14 to the Children's Film Festival.  

Parent Signature______________________

Parent Emergency Contact information _________________________

The cost of the trip is $6.50.

Finding Facts About the Northeast Friday

This weekend at home....

• Finish your scrapbook. Don't forget that illustrations should be colored and contain captions
• Get the Reading Test signed.
• Want extra credit? Do some research on the Mayflower voyage and the first Thanksgiving.

Next week will be filled with Thanksgiving and Pilgrim activities!  Can anyone bring us a copy of Thanksgiving on Thursday?

Taking it in Context Thursday

Today we worked on using context clues to help us grasp an understanding of difficult terms and phrases.  We also spent some time talking about the term Melting Pot and how it applies to immigration and the U.S.A..  Ask your child to explain the concept. I hope that they can!  Tomorrow we will finish our NE Region Scrapbooks.   We will also..... discuss mixtures and solutions, take a reading/spelling/vocab/grammar test, work on our eSparks goals and do some partner problem solving in math.

This evening at home.....

• Read, record and write. After reading, record one interesting fact that is presented in your book. Then, write a paragraph that tells me your opinion about this fact. This is similar to what we did in class today, but you will write a bit more.
• Finish the context clues activity, working with the poem Can't.
• Complete the Go Math problems on pages 175-176

F.Y.I. : I do not anticipate giving any homework over the Thanksgiving break.  If you child is missing homework or classwork, this will be a good opportunity to catch up. 

Winning Awards Wednesday

This evening at home......

• finish your vocabulary windows
• complete the math review/enrich sheet. Show your work!
• read and record!

Tough Math Tuesday or Trying a New Way to Do Math Tuesday or.....enough

This evening at home....

167 and 168 Go Math
Read and Record
Reading Notebook78-82

Awards Assembly: tomorrow at 9!

Book Fair and Awards Assembly

201 will visit the Book Fair this Monday, November 17th, at 8:30. 

The First Quarter Awards Assembly is at 9:00 on Wednesday, November 19 in the CAC. Students will be recognized for Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance, and Citizenship.

Free Fake Field Trip to China Friday

Don't even ask!  Thanks, Nisma and Ana, for coming up with today's very appropriate title!  Today we added details to our "Escape Plans." They are hilarious!  We also briefly discussed Area Models and the Partial Products method. In Social Studies, we discussed the differences between climate and weather. Can your child explain them to you? Please ask!

This weekend at home.....
Read the next selection in Journeys: Coming Distractions.  Record on your Gold Card.
Find time to log on to ST Math and MyON!
Stay warm!
**This just in: We will be ready for our "mid- chapter-math" quiz on Thursday. Wednesday will be a review day.

Talking Turkey Thursday

Aloha Team201 Families,

Ask your child about the greetings they learned in Video Productions today.  In 201, we discussed physical and chemical changes. We also delved further into rounding and multiplication problems.  Earlier, we devised escape plans.  We wrote step by step instructions that will help liberate Thanksgiving Turkeys.

This evening at home....

• complete Math pp155 and 156
• completScience Fusion  p.405-413

Monday Message

Hi 201 Families!

This is sort of a crazy week! There is no school tomorrow, in honor of Veteran's Day.  There is no school on Wednesday, in honor of parent teacher conferences.  I am looking forward to meeting with you all. Please note that each family has a ten minute time slot.  I will try my best to stay on schedule! Please help me by arriving a few minutes earlier than your scheduled time.

This evening at home.....

• Finish the Phineas Gets Slimed comprehension questions. Record your responses in your Reading Notebook. Don't rip them out!
• Complete Go Math pp. 143/ 144 and  149-150

I will get caught up on Gold Card stamps Thursday.  Remember, we are not beginning a new Journeys story this week, and we will not have a Friday Language Arts/Reading test.

Wednesday, Not Thursday

I just corrected the error on the pervious post. Conferences are on Wednesday, not Thursday! See you then!

Free Friday

I hope that Team201 students are enjoying their "free" day.  This is the first of three non-attendance days. Don't forget that there is no school on Tuesday or Wednesday. Tuesday is Veteran's Day, and Wednesday is Parent Teacher Conference Day. If you haven't signed up for a conference, please scroll back to the last post to see the time slots that are still open. Send me an email so that I can reserve your spot! I can't wait to meet with all of the 201 families! If you can't make it to Disney on Wednesday, just send me a note or an email so that we can schedule  a phone conference or a  face to face meeting on a different day.


This weekend at home, make sure that you are reading and recording on your log!

Next week, we won't begin a new story in Journeys. Instead, we will focus on Phinneas Gets Slimed.  We will also begin our U.S. Regions tour in Social Studies. Get ready to work on the new math chapter. We will be multiplying two digit numbers, and of course, working on multi-step problems.  In Science, it's time for some changes... physical and chemical changes.  Check out the videos to get a preview of next week's topics.

Wireless Writing Wednesday

We had some issues today, but we have an entire team working to solve our problems.

Today we...

• almost finished our Physical Landmarks posters
• read Phineas Gets Slimed 
• had our first discussion about physical and chemical changes in matter
• revised, edited and published our Invasion From Mars summaries
• measured volume in the Science Lab
• went to Library with Mrs. Rowe

This evening at home:

• study for math: complete the review sheet. Test tomorrow!
• study for spelling/reading vocabulary. Test tomorrow!
• read and record on your Gold Card
• Readers Notebook p.  72 
• finish the reading comprehension classwork. Most kids finished this in class.

Need extra practice with grammar? Go to last night's post to watch the grammar videos!

Help With Helping and Linking Verbs

Am, is was, seems, will...When do they help and when do they link? Remember, the secret is in the ACTION VERB.  Use these songs and videos to help you become a Verbinator.  I made that word up just now!

Time Lost Tuesday

We are having some "falling back" issues in 201. The problem is not an hour, but 15 minutes, which is really confusing.

This evening at home...
-complete the Math handout and look over the review page. We will review more tomorrow in class and we will test on Thursday.
-in Reading, complete the 68-70
-complete any unfinished math classwork
-Read and record

No Homework Passes allowed this evening. We need to prepare for Thursday's MATH TEST!

Conference times are filling up quickly! Please return the time slot form a.s.a.p.!
These time slots are still available:
1:40
1:50
3:20
3:30
3:50
4:10
4:20
4:30
4:40
5:00
5:10
5:20
5:40

Invasion From Mars Monday

Just ask your child to explain today's title!

This evening at home....

• complete page 61 in the Readers Notebook. Please use the Journeys book, especially when completing the plot events. DO NOT complete page 62. Read the last sentence one more time, please.
• complete pages 63 and 64 in Readers Notebook
• complete pp.135/136 in Go Math.  
• Read, record, and get your Gold Card signed.

Notes...

• Students are coming home with a Parent/Teacher Conference Sign Up sheet today.  Please indicate your first, second and third choice. I will highlight the time slot and return it to you as soon as I receive it.  The returned, highlighted form will  be your confirmation. 
• There is no school for students on these days: this Friday, November 7, next Tuesday, November 11, and next Wednesday, November 12th, which is Report Card Day.
• The Scholastic Book Fair will open next week.  201 is scheduled for Monday, November 17th.
• New Gold Cards are going home today.

Thank you, Izabella, for donating the paper cups. We had a great time counting and eating m and ms while learning about factors and multiples.

Taken Over By Pumpkins Thursday

Creative, imaginative, skilled, hard-working, and thoughtful: These are just a few of the characteristics that I can use to describe 201 students and their families. The pumpkins are amazing!  Your kids are doing a great job presenting to the class. Each is speaking about the characteristic chosen, and is presenting the evidence to back up the ideas.  The writing looks great too! I hope that doing most of the work in class made this part of the project less painful for you, parents.

Today we also....

• worked on our Physical Features research
• worked on multiplying two and three digit numbers using regrouping
• read our new class novel: Phineas L. MacGuire Gets Slimed
• worked on our ST Math goals

This evening at home...

• Finish Chapter one, and read Chapter 2 in Phineas Gets Slimed.
• Create a list of 10 "Powerful Words" from the reading. These words can be descriptive adjectives or adverbs, or nouns that are specific. Keep the list in your notebook. Do not rip it out.
• Complete My Math pp. 129-130 and any unfinished classwork
• Don't forget, ha ha, that tomorrow is Halloween. Kids may bring in wrapped candy to share. There are 30 kids in our class.  Kids may bring in a costume to wear over their clothes. They should not wear the costume to school. We will change in the classroom last period.

Help!

Can anyone bring in small plastic or paper cups? We need them for a math activity tomorrow. Let me know via email or edmodo.  If I don't hear from anyone, I will pick some up on the way to school.

Writing Wednesday

The Pumpkin Projects are due tomorrow. Today we worked diligently to draft and revise our writing. Your kids worked so hard!  We practiced peer editing. Kids learned how to give constructive, specific feedback, and how to compliment too.   Most kids are coming home with a copy that is revised and ready to be published!

Today we also went to the Science Lab, where we reviewed how to measure volume. Our focus today was on MASS. We use the Triple Beam Balance to measure mass of several objects. This task was challenging!   This lesson integrated lots of math skills.

This morning, we worked on our daily math and grammar skills. We also used the ipads to gather information for our Social Studies posters. We practiced taking notes using a subject heading and bullet points.

Tonight at home....

• Use the quad-fold index cards to publish the final draft of your writing. Decorate by adding a themed border or other illustrations, if you have the space.
• Finish decorating your pumpkin and bring it to school tomorrow.
• There is NO MATH homework this evening.

Titleless Tuesday

That's it for now. Maybe one of the kids will have a better idea!

This evening at home....

• Write two to three sentences that will be your Closing Statements for your Pumpkin Writing.  For inspiration, look at your Opening Statements.  These sentences should "wrap up" the writing, but should leave the reader wanting more.
• Complete My Math 123 and124
• Read and record

Making Diagrams Monday

Today's math skill, Making Diagrams, is an important one. Why? Diagrams can help us "see" the problem. Diagrams can help us work through the problem, one step at a time. This is important, because most of the Common Core math problems have three or even four steps!  Today we discussed the importance of labels. Tonight, practice!  Label that diagram! Model each step of the problem, and make sure that you are answering the right questions.   I will send home graph paper.

This evening at home......

• Read and record on your log.
• Play some of the grammar games on Edmodo, if you have access.  
• Complete Science Fusion pages 374-382
• Complete the Go Math pages 117 and 118. Use the graph paper to draw models/diagrams.

Notes...

• We will work on our Pumpkin Writing in class tomorrow.  We got a bit done today. Tomorrow, we draft.
• Don't forget that the Pumpkin project is due on Thursday!  I can't wait to see those pumpkins!
• We will complete the Solid/Liquid/Gas Graphic Organizer in class tomorrow.  
• Great job studying for the Social Studies test!  I can tell that most kids put the time in this weekend.  The papers are graded, but I am having technical difficulties with my gradebook.  I will get them entered and returned A.S.A.P.!

Physical Features Friday

Hi Team201 Families,

Today was a busy one. Students worked hard to complete their Map/Study Guides.  Kids worked with partners, so I made a copies of the students' work so that each child could go home with a copy. Students used the resource section of their Social Studies text to help them locate 15 physical landmarks. The next step was to plot each on a map and label.  Yesterday, we took a pop quiz so that kids would know where to concentrate their efforts.  Don't worry! This "quiz" counts as classwork! On Monday, I will use the questions to describe a specific physical landmark. Students should be able to name the feature and plot it on the U.S. map.  You can find a copy of the questions on Edmodo. Filter the posts by "Assignments" to reach is quickly.

Today we also....

• watched a BrainPop on States of Matter. We will dive into this topic more deeply on Monday.
• took our weekly reading test. The tests are scored and will be entered and returned on Monday or Tuesday.
• worked on Esparks Math and St Math.
• worked one on one for a few minutes with Mrs. Ginn to help refine the Pumpkin Writing "Opening Statements."
• finished our Physical Features Maps and discussed the expectations for Monday's Test.

This weekend...

• study for Monday's Social Studies test. We have dedicated a great deal of class time to this topic. Students have identified the areas that they need to study the most.
• decorate that pumpkin! It is due on Thursday, so it is time to set the wheels in motion.
• read and record on your log.
• don't worry about the Pumpkin Writing. We will devote class time to this project on Monday. Some of the writing will be done at home next week, but I promise that the amount sent home will be balanced.  Kids will do a bit each night, and they will receive specific instructions in class.   We are learning how to build strong paragraphs one step at a time. Kids who rush ahead will end up doing extra work and may become frustrated. 
• hang on to the math homework that was due today.  All students' homework was checked in by me. We will have our homework Q and A session on Monday.
• check your child's folder/bottom of book bag for the Halloween letter. It went home today.  

Next week....

• We will not begin a new story in Journeys.   It is time for our first Benchmark Test. This test is not based on the Journeys stories, but on the concepts covered. We will take it a bit at a time. I plan on giving the grammar portion at the end of the week. We will prepare in class during our regular reading time.   
• We will celebrate Halloween on Friday afternoon.  It will be short, but sweet, and I mean that literally!  Students may bring candy to share with their classmates.  Students may also bring a costume to put on over their regular clothes at the end of the day.  Please leave these items at home: full face masks, pseudo weaponry, wands, face paint, and, if you are the forgetful type,  any item that is crucial to your Friday Night Trick or Treating Fun.  I am not mentioning any names!  I can't wait to see you all in your costumes for 20 minutes! It will be fun!
• Parents, we will need some help organizing candy Friday morning. Please let me know if you'd like to help.

Enjoy the videos about your favorite topic..........grammar!  Did I hear a Whootwhoot?  Guess not.  Watch and learn, smart people.  

Three Step Math Thursday

This evening at home.....

• show a parent the Pumpkin Writing page.
• select your adjective/character trait
• write your opening statements. See the Pumpkin Writing page for details.
• in Journeys, read the companion piece, Hoderi the Fisherman on page 158
• complete the Go Math homework pp.111 and 112
• study for spelling, vocabulary and grammar

We will have a Social Studies Test on Monday. Study the answers to the questions we've been working on in class. I will make extra copies to send home tomorrow.

Tall Tale Tuesday

Today we read Tall Tales. We also discussed Stormalong , and how to make inferences.  The kids did a great job on their Hyperbole homework last night.  Today we tried to clarify the differences between hyperbole, similes, metaphors and idioms.  The subtle differences can be tricky, but we will get it.


This evening at home....

• Complete the Story Map for your "Pumpkin Project" book
• Complete pages 103 and 104 in Go Math
• Log on to Edmodo to read some more Tall Tales, if you have interned access.
• Read and record.

Enjoy two more versions of Stormalong. What are the similarities and differences that you notice?

Multiplication Monday

Tonight at home, Team201 kids will spend of bit of time practicing the facts.  If you are already a master, and there are a few in the class, this is good practice. If you don't know them "like that,"  it is time to sharped those skills!  Highlight or mark the facts that are giving you trouble.  Use the link on last week's post to get some online practice.


This evening at home....

• complete the multiplication facts half sheet: 1-4
• complete Go Math homework 2.6 found on pp. 97 and 98.  
• finish the Reader's Notebook page 51
• complete the Hyperbole page
• Read and record. If you are not finished with your "pumpkin project" book, read, read, read!  I will be assigning the Story Map page tomorrow, and you need to understand the book's ending to complete it. 

Notes:

• We will finish the 2.6 math classwork tomorrow
• Please do not do the other pages  for Stormalong in the Readers Notebook.  We will do them in class. If you want extra work , you may work on the R.N. pages for the stories we have already read

Weekend Update

Here are a few reminders.....

Monday is Picture Day!  201 is scheduled to take pictures first period, right after breakfast. Look sharp! It is not too late to order pictures.  Bring in the money on Monday!  We can get you an extra form. 

Pumpkin Project Update

Your students are finished with phase one!

Next week, I will assign the story map and will give directions for the final paper.

If your child hasn't finished the book, make sure to do some extra reading this weekend.

If you want to get a head start, you can begin decorating and planning your pumpkin.

Remember, please do not bring in carved pumpkins. They rot quickly!

Yes, I did ask kids to finish a math review sheet for homework this weekend.  It is titled Math Quiz, but it is not a quiz. The results will help me understand where the kids need the most help. 

I hope that you all have a fantastic weekend. Enjoy this video from Bill Nye the Science Guy.

Frightful Friday

This evening at home...

• read Stormalong in Journeys
• finish the math review sheet. It is not a quiz!
• Monday is Picture  Day!

Totally Complicated Thursday

Thanks Keiondre, for telling your teacher that today couldn't possible be Wacky Ways to Multiply Wednesday.  Thanks again, Keiondre, for  today's title.

Tonight at home...

• read for 20 minutes and record.
• finish the "inferring character" pumpkin activity
• complete math pp91 and 92

What's the Volume Wednesday

Today we measured volume in the Science Lab.  We used displacement to measure irregular shaped objects.  We also use the formula l *w*h to measure the volume of regular shaped objects.


This evening at home.....

• complete four more Inferring Character Traits
• complete pages 44 and 45 in Readers Notebook
• complete pages 85 and 86
• read for 20 minutes and get your G.C. signed

Today's Not Monday Tuesday

I hope that all 201 families enjoyed the long weekend.  We are back in the classroom and are ready to resume our normal routines.  Please don't forget to sign your child's Gold Card.  Make sure that they are reading and recording on the Log each night.

Today we.....

• worked on daily math and language skills
• listened to Woody Guthrie sing This Land is Your Land.  We made of list of places and tomorrow we will map them, creating an illustrated US Map by week's end.
• multiplied by tens, hundreds and thousands.  Kids who are trying to do these problems in their heads NEED to take some notes and write equations.  Practice tonight with the homework.
• read the Power of W.O.W. in class.  We discussed theme and allusions to Greek Mythology. We also went over the vocabulary words.
• began our Science Fusion! We are beginning with Chapter7: Matter.

This evening at home...

• in your Math book, rework the classwork problems, if I instructed you to do so.
• complete pages 79 and 80 in Go Math
• complete the fist 4 Inferring Character Traits in your Pumpkin Book Project packet.. This means that you will select 4 different character traits and provide evidence from the text that supports the trait.  You may focus on one character, or use several.
• read for 20 minutes or more, record on your log, and get a signature.
• bring back your progress report, if you haven't done so.

201's Picture Day is Monday, October 20th.  

Click on the videos to learn about sentence fragments. The last video retells the myth of King Midas, who we talked about today.  Watch and learn!

Fun with Flurrbies Friday

Wow!  What a show!   Your kids were amazing today. I am so proud of them.

This weekend at home....

• Read The Power of Wow in Journeys and record on your log
• Read for another 20 minutes or more and record on your log. 
• If you haven't gotten your Pumpkin book appoved, bring it in by Tuesday.
• Study Guides for next week went home today. Get prepared!
• Progress Reports went home today. Please sign and return them!

Take The Stage Thursday

Today was all about rehearsal!  We had to make lots of adjustments to our skit, but I know that it is going to be great!  Your kids should be tired. Keep your eyes on the smiley face!

Show time is 9:00 o'clock!  I hope that you can join us.  The entire performance is just 30 minutes!

Reminders....

• I will return Gold Cards tomorrow
• Study the 201 script and lyrics this evening.  Please also study the final song lyrics.  I handed out copies at the end of the day.  Our script/song is posted on edmodo.   Go to Mrs. O Brien's site and look under CAC
• We need some safety pins for tomorrow
• Don't forget to wear black tomorrow 
• We will enjoy pizza and snacks after the show.  Then, we will return to the Pod.  We will go to lunch and recess tomorrow!
• Progress Reports go home tomorrow.   Remember, this is a five week check-in.  The Q1 gradebook is open for 5 more weeks.  
• We will resume our regular schedule next week.  

Tinkering Tuesday

Thanks, Bryce, for today's title.

This evening at home...

• Practice the 2099 song.  You need to memorize the words!!  Go to Mrs. O'Brien's  site to find the song.
• Practice your speaking parts and your cues.
• Read for 20 minutes or more and record.
• Bring Pizza Money!

Don't worry parents, I have the Gold Cards and will return them on Thursday!  

Microphones Monday

Thanks to the Disney Tech Team for helping us work with microphones today!  Rehearsing is hard work, and we rehearsed quite a bit today.  Tomorrow, we will work with Abi's dad to record part of our performance.  We are excited!

This evening at home....

• read in a book of your choice and record on your log.
• write one paragraph about the most interesting part, idea, character or event.  Make sure to write about why this part interests you.
• complete both sides of the multiplication math sheet.   Which problems are difficult for you? Make a mental note so that we can really get you the practice that you need!  Use the link below to find multiplication games online.  

CAC NOTES

• Students should wear ALL BLACK on Friday. Don't worry about your shoes!
• We do not need reflective tape.
• We do need a few more goggly eyes

Click on the link to play multiplication games online. Sharpen those skills!

http://www.multiplication.com/games  

Seeing Students At Swimming Sunday

Happy Sunday Team 201!  It's true, yesterday I ran into two 201 families at swimming lessons!  What a pleasant surprise!


Notes about the Pumpkin Project:

• Please pick out your book and make sure that I approve it.  I want all kids reading a book that is a "good fit" for them.  Let's try to find something for you that is both at an appropriate level and interesting!  Yes, we are exploring fiction titles this month.
• The "Making Inferences/Character Traits" sheet will be assigned little-by little, as homework.  This is also true of the "Story Map" sheet.
• There will be a final written report.  I will send home separate guidelines for this. It will be assigned as homework, a bit at at time.  The report will focus on character traits.  It will not be a summary.  Please DO NOT RUSH AHEAD and write a book report right now.  Don't worry, I won't spring anything on you!
• Right now, the best way to prepare ahead is to pick a good quality book and begin reading. Think about the different characters, and what motivates them to act and react.

CAC Notes:

• I will probably add to this list later today!
• We need some reflective tape.  I bought some at  a Halloween shop, but the package didn't contain much!
• Our show is at 9:15.  I will confirm this in another post
• We will be collecting money for pizza.   A note will go home tomorrow.   Students are welcome to bring in snacks/ drinks, and items to share.  We will also need cups and paper plates.

Tessellation Thursday

Today we used flips and turns to create our own tessellations.   They look great. Thanks for your hard work on last night's math homework.  We went over it in class today and will practice more tonight.

This evening at home....

• read for 20 minutes or more and get your card signed.
• complete the unfinished problems in GoMath pp. 70-72.  Write equations and make models!
• complete the reading skills packet
• finish your tessellation

WE need magazines, catalogs, and newspapers for tomorrow's project.  Please  bring them in.

Wet Watercolors Wednesday

Thanks, Safwan and Sam, for today's title!  Today we wrote our initials in binary.  It took a loooong time!   We decorated them, and covered them with a water color wash.  We also spent quite a bit of time going over math homework. It is tricky, but we are getting better at building models and equations.


This evening at home...

• complete the math enrich/practice sheet
• complete the "Literature" packet
• read for 20 minutes or more
• scroll back to look at last night's post: October Book Project.  I will send home packets this week, but kids should begin thinking about a book selection now.

October Book Project

It's a Pumpkin! It's a Book Project!

It's time to start planning your Pumpkin Book Project.

 Here is how it works

I will send a packet home soon! The materials will also be available to download on Edmodo.

1. Select a book that is at or slightly above your reading level.
2. Make sure that this book contains well rounded characters.
3. Read the book.
4. As you read, complete the Characters and Inferences sheet.  Mrs. Ginn will be checking this each week to make sure that you are keeping up. Stay tuned for due dates.
5. Complete the "Story Map" graphic organizer.
6. Complete the Pumpkin Book Report.  This report should focus on character traits. It is not a summary.  In the report, you will discuss your character's traits and you will use evidence from the text to support your ideas and opinions.  You will use the Characters and Inferences sheet to help you.
7. Decorate a pumpkin. You may use a foam pumpkin or a real pumpkin.  You may not bring a carved pumpkin to class.  It will rot quickly.

  The due date for the entire project is October 30th, so begin planning now.  I must approve all books, so please bring in your reading selection soon.
I can't wait to see the pumpkin invasion!

                   

Team201 Tuesday

Hello Team 201 Families,

Tune in later for more updates.  Right now, we are sticking to the basics.

This evening at home....

• "Understanding Texts" Practice Text
• Go Math pp 73 and 74. Write equations and make models.
• Read for 20 minutes or more and record on your log.

We need:
Googly eyes
Glow sticks
10 more towel rolls

Making History Monday

That's what we are doing in the CAC.

This evening at  home....

• complete the Math enrich/reteach work.
• read for 20 minutes in a book of your choice.
• write a paragraph based on this reading. What was the main idea of what you read? Include 4 or more supporting details.

I will post more later!

ST Math Homework is up and running! Thank you kids, for encouraging me to get this done.  All objectives for the year have been assigned for both home and school.   If you need the code, log on to Edmodo. It was posted over the weekend. I don't want to post it publicly.


We need about 20 more empty paper towel rolls, or about 7 more wrapping paper rolls.
Thanks to all who have helped us reuse and repurpose!

Fab Friday

Thank you to Isa's dad for joining us in 201 today.  The kids had a million questions about his job as a computer programmer.  He spoke to us about the cloud and coding languages.  It was a great kick- off to our CAC unit, which begins on Monday.

This weekend at home...

• Please get the math test signed.
• Some children have been asked to make corrections.  Do this on a separate sheet and show all of the work. I will award some credit if you bring it to me on Monday.
• Revise and finish your dialogue.  Make sure that you have corrected the spelling and the the punctuation is correct too!
• Last year's ISAT scores are in the homework folders!
• Try to bring in use paper towel rolls or wrapping paper rolls.
• If your parents can volunteer, they are welcome to join us!
• Have a fantastic weekend!  I will see you in the CAC on Monday!

Totally Nuts Thursday

I just was.  The original title of this post was Wonderful Wednesday.  The day was wonderful, but it was never Wednesday.  Today we corrected the Math test. Students will bring the test home tomorrow.  Please sign the test and bring it back to school.



This evening at home....

•  complete math pages 67 and 68
•  read the companion piece to Camel:page 96
• complete the final two section of the reading response sheet. Use a book of your choice.

We need empty paper towel rolls and empty wrapping paper rolls.  We are making Code Scrolls on Monday.

Writing Code Wednesday

We are writing algorithms!  By the time we leave here today, your child should be able to tell you about algorithms and how they are used.  We also began our dialogue drafts today.   These conversations should be funny. We've got Day talking to Night, French Fries talking to Ice Cream, and Cookies talking to Milk, just to name a few.   Tomorrow, we will continue to draft, and will begin revising and editing our work.

This evening at home....

• Go to Journeys page 94. Answer the "Classroom Conversation" questions in writing.  Make sure to use details from the text to support your ideas.
• Read for 20 minutes and record in your journal.
• In the new Chapter 2 Go Math book, do pages 61 and 62: Show What You Know

Talking 'Bout Talking Tuesday

Today we talked about how to write about talking.  Tomorrow, we will practice using quotation marks. Kids will create conversations that will help them develop these skills.

There are logs of sickies in 201.  Two kids went home today. We will work on keeping the classroom extra clean.  Wash those hands, kids!

Our CAC unit begins on Monday.  The final performance will be on October 10th, at about 9:30.  Parents, please let me know if you can help out in the CAC.  We need your help!

This evening at home...

• Complete any two sections of the Reading Response sheet.  Make this your best work!
• Use today's review pages, along with the rest of the book, to study for tomorrow's math test. Finish any problems that you did not finish in class. We will go over them before the test.
• Read for 20 minutes or more, and record in your log.
• Fill a bucket!

Map Marking Monday

Today we took a Map quiz!  I will have the results for you soon!


This evening at home....

• Use My Librarian Is A Camel  in Journeys to complete 2 sections of the Reading Response Sheet: Cause and Effect and Compare and Contrast. Compare and Contrast two of the "libraries."  Use details from the text!
• Study Guides are going home today.  Prepare for Friday's tests!
• Math: complete pages 1.8 pp. 53-54. You must draw block models and equations.
• Read and record on your log.

We will take the Chapter 1 Math test on Wednesday.  Tomorrow is review day!

Log on to Code.org

Fantastic Freedom Friday

Emeka provides today's title!

This weekend at home......

• finish the final draft of your descriptive writing paragraph.  We will staple the picture to the front.
• study for the Social Studies test on Monday. Use the map  and the labels to help you study.
• read and record.

Thirsty Thursday

Thanks Huukha, for today's title.  The subject refers to the misplacement of my water cup.  I am parched.  Noah is ready with next Thursday's title.  Stay tuned for that!

Today we....

• reviewed/studied for Monday's quiz on Oceans, Continents, etc.  Students should use the maps and labels to study.  On Monday ,they will receive a blank map and the labels.  Look on Edmodo for great online links to help you prepare.
• practiced writing descriptively.  Students created detailed drawings. They then added written details and adjectives to match.  Tomorrow, we draft!
• met in small groups to discuss this week's story, My Brother Martin.
• went to Video Productions with Mr. Bennet.
• met in small groups to go over last night's math homework. We learned about properties of addition and checked our estimates. They were pretty reasonable!
• worked on individual Esparks goals in both reading and math
• ended the day with Kodable

Tonight at home....

• use Journeys to complete the My Brother Martin review questions.
• complete math homework  pp. 41 and 42
• make sure that you are ready for our weekly language test tomorrow: spelling, reading, vocabulary

Wisdom Wednesday

Isa brings us today's title. Thanks, kids, for all of your alliterations. Huukah handed me a list of 33! Maybe we should call today: Way With Words Wednesday?  Impressive efforts, 201!


Today we......

• failed miserably in the Science Lab.  Well, most of us did. Ask your kids about the experience.
• created I AM poems. These kids have some powerful ideas. They will be on display at Open House this evening.
• worked on renaming large numbers. How many 100s are in 4200?
• went to library

This evening at home....

• read for pleasure for 25 minutes or more.
• write a paragraph about what you read: What was the most exciting or interesting part? Why?
• complete math pages 35 and 36
• please sign and return the Math Quiz, last week's Reading test, and the Spelling test. 

 I hope to see you all at Open House this evening from 6-7. We will have a short meeting with the entire pod, Then, we will enter 201. I will be able to answer questions about homework, classwork, and am looking forward to meeting you all!

Teamwork Tuesday

Thanks, Martha, for providing us with today's title. Students, I challenge you to think of more alliterations that we can use for our daily blog titles.  You can message me on Edmodo.  Wacky Wednesday? Time Change Tuesday?  Help!


This evening at home....

• complete math pages 29 and 30
• in Journeys, read Langston Hughes: A Poet and a Dreamer 
• on page 69, find the Text To Text question.  Answer the question in writing. Make sure to use examples from both texts.  We will discuss your ideas in class. Venn Diagrams may be used to organize your thoughts, but you answer should be in paragraph form.

My Brother Martin Monday

Today's title includes the name of the story that we read in Journeys today. We also had a visit from the designers and Eparks. They were impressed by the students' progress, and were eager to get feedback from them.  Thanks for doing such a great job on the Gold Cards, parents.  Don't forget to sign the reading log and the homework space on the calendar each night.


This evening at home....

• complete the Go Math homework found on pages 27 and 28.
• finish, or begin, the My Brother Martin Readers Notebook pages.
• use the Journeys glossary to complete the vocabulary definitions on the study guide.  
• read for 20 minutes or more and record on your log.  Continue with Wonder.

Notes:

• 201 takes the Math MAPS test tomorrow. 
• We will visit the Science Lab on Wednesday. Mr. Russel will give a presentation on the new 3D Lab, and we'll learn all about how Code fits in to the 3D printing puzzle.
• Open House is this Wednesday from 6-7.  I hope that you will come visit the classroom.
• Our first day in the CAC is next Monday.  Come one, come all to help us prepare for the Cracking the Code show.

Weather Alert: Inside and Out

Good evening 201 Families,

It is getting chilly out there!   Our recess is on the rooftop, so be prepared for the cool breeze.  201 kids also need to prepare for the temperature inside the pod. Students are not permitted to wear outerwear while inside, so make sure to pack an extra layer.

Thinking Thursday

Today we thought about....

• 9/11 and seeing beyond stereotypes
• the elements that go into descriptive writing.
• different types of maps.
• finding evidence in a text to support our ideas.
• comparing and ordering numbers to the hundred thousands place.

This evening at home....

• finish up your Map page, if you didn't do it in class.
• finish the Reading questions, if you didn't finish in class.
• complete math pages 21 and 22.
• read for 20 minutes or more in Wonder.
• complete the Looks on a Book activity. Use Wonder to guide you.
• Make sure that you are ready for tomorrow's spelling/reading test.

We Love The Science Lab Wednesday

I agree that this alliteration is weak. Can you help me think of a stronger one?


This evening at home....

• Complete pages 15 and 16 in your math book: Homework and Practice 1.2
• Read  Because of Book Ends, found in Journeys on page 36.
• Use Because of Bookends to complete the Brainstorming of the Reading Response Sheet. 
• Use Because of Bookends or Winn Dixie to complete the Clarification section
• Read for 20 minutes in a book of your choice.

Test Time Tuesday

Greetings Team201!

Today we.....

• took the fall MAPS test reading inventory test
• corrected our Math homework, taking time to ask and answer questions
• completed Day 4 of our Eparks Launch. We practiced writing "Show What I Know" scripts and tomorrow we will practice recording on the ipads.
• used Brainpop to help us learn about about different types and features of maps
• worked on our spelling and grammar skills of the week: subjects, predicates, and the prefixes dis-, un- and re-.
• enjoyed free time at recess
• attempted to answer the question: What is Computer Science?

Notes:

• If your child did not receive a stamp for homework, it may be because s/he did the wrong sections. 
• Some kids need to make their responses more detailed.  I only assigned two sections last night, but I expect them to reflect one's best work. 

Do you know all of your 2's? The twos are this week's school-wide multiplication focus.  A pop quiz could happen at any time!

This evening at home....

• There will not be regular Math homework, Due to MAPS testing, we did not get to the new lesson.
•  Reading: complete the Connection and Thinking it Through sections of the Response Sheet.  Use what you have read so far in Wonder as the basis for your response.  If you did these sections last night, you need to redo  them.
• Read for 20 minutes and record it on your log.
• Don't forget that we are having a spelling/reading/vocabulary test on Friday.
• Smile!  I can't wait to see you all tomorrow!

More Math Monday

Hello Team 201 Families!

Your kids are at lunch right now. When they get back, we are going to do a bit more math to reinforce today's skills: the value of digits, periods, and comparing numbers.

Today we.....

• shared our Owls. Each child gave a one minute presentation. They are up on the wall and they look great!
• read out first Journeys story: Because of Winn Dixie. We discussed flashback, and went over some of the vocabulary words.
• learned about subjects and predicates. Sometimes they are complete and other times they are simple.
• launched Day 3 of Esparks training. Today we learned how to take a quiz on Esparks. We will be ready for our first Quest soon!
• dove into the new Math series. We discussed how each place value increased by 10 as we move to the greater place. We compared numbers.

Tonight at home......

• Show someone this week's Study Guide.  There is a tab on this blog to access all of the weekly guides.  
• Begin preparing for this week's Spelling Test. It is on Friday.  Practice at home.
• Complete the Math homework pages 9 and 10
• Complete  the Story Mapping and the Prediction sections of the Reading Response sheet. Only do these two sections. Use Because of Winn Dixie.
• Read for 20 minutes or more, record, and get a signature.

News:

• 201 will take the fall MAPS test for Reading tomorrow.  This is simple a diagnostic that will help us set the right goals for your child.
• Open House is September 17 at 6:00 p.m.. I hope to see you there!

Feeling Fine Friday

Happy Friday 201 Families!

We are in a rush, so I will post more about what's going on later.

This weekend at home....
-Finish your Owl. It is due on Monday
-Read and record. I should see 2 entries.
-We are MAPs testing on Tuesday!  201 will begin with reading. This is a "check in" test so that I can set the right goals for your child.

We've Been Working Wednesday

Bonjour Team201 Families,

Day 2 has been jam packed!  Thank you so much for turning in all of the forms. If you haven't gotten to them, please try to get them in to me by Friday.

Today we.....

• took a multiplication quiz. Students will be given a learning prescription tomorrow.
• worked on some grammar
• graphed our "multiple intelligences."
• worked on math problem solving
• created name glyphs

This evening at home...

• Forms!
• Read for 20 minutes and record.
• Write one paragraph about what you read. Ideas:  Write about your favorite part, character or event.   Write on a sheet of lined paper. 
• Math: pages 3 and 4: Show What You Know
• Owl Projects are going home today. They are due on Monday
• Teammate Top Ten quiz on Friday.
• Finish the graph classwork 

Thankful for 201 Tuesday

Happy First Day of School!

It was a pleasure to spend the day with the new Team 201!   Today was filled with administrative chores: forms, books, and procedures.  We meed to spend some time learning the ins and outs of Room 201, so that we can lay the foundation for a great year, learning together.  I can't wait to read all of student surveys this evening.

Parents, there are several forms going home this evening. Some are from me, and some are from the school.  I know that you have tons of homework!  Thanks for your patience and for getting those forms back to me as soon as possible.  My Welcome letter explains our facilities schedule, the homework policy and I hope that you have time to read it this evening.   Maybe you should ask your child to read it to you!

This evening at home.....

• Read for 20 minutes or more using a book of your choice.
• Record the minutes on your Reading Log, which is on the back of the Gold Card and get a signature
• Practice your multiplication tables.  We will take an inventory quiz tomorrow to make sure that you know the facts.
• Begin working on the Teammate Top 10. The main headings should be memorized by Friday
• Get your Gold Card signed. This indicates that you have completed your homework.
• Parents, please complete my Parent Survey and the other Disney forms
• Fill someone's bucket!

Wish You Were Here Wednesday

Hello to all former and incoming Team201ers,

If you are reading this, you are anticipating the first day of school next Tuesday.  I have been working all week and can't wait to see your smiling faces!  It has been a busy summer, but I am back in school mode!  I am excited to test out  new projects this year, and can't wait to meet the 2014-2015 Esprit de Corps in Four team members!

Too Long Without a Post Thursday

Hello Team 201 Families!

I have been experiencing difficulties accessing the blog while at school, so it has been a while since my last post.  Tomorrow is the last day of school!  It will be a full day. We will watch our Shakespeare performances, and will work on our end of the year memory books.  We will also hold our in-class awards ceremony.

This week was a bit different.  We've been hard at work, but we've changed our approach.  Here is what we've been up to in class.....

• Monday was ILLINOIS DAY.  We spent the day learning all about the Land of Lincoln.  We researched IL symbols, IL geography,  the symbols on the IL flag and seal and IL statehood. Students designed a file folder collage to show what they leaned.
• Tuesday was WONDER DAY.   We discussed character and theme.  Students created a "book in a bag" project in which they reflected upon "the precepts" and the characters.  Students created artifacts that represent important story elements and  to place inside the bag.
• Wednesday was field day.  I am sorry that I missed it!  The date change posed a problem.
• Today is MATH DAY.  We are working on  extended problem solving right now.  Ask your child about the Doggy Dilemma problem. This problem involves calculating cost, perimeter and area.  

Reminders/Notes...

• Please return your ROK cards tomorrow. I need them!
• Would you like me to send you the Shakespeare performance video? If so, send an email to mport@cps.edu

Wednesday Wehersal

Does that work for you?  It works for me!  Today was all about rehearsing.  Your kids have so many great ideas and they always want to add something new to the script. These plays belong to them!

This evening at home....Practice reading your lines clearly and expressively.  We want to hear you tomorrow, so get ready to belt it out!

Students may bring a treat or snack to share during lunch tomorrow. This is not mandatory, of course!

See you tomorrow at 11:00. Bring your camera!