Wednesday Links

Hello Team 201,

Too sick for school

I am truly sorry that I can't be with you in 201!  This post will help guide you today. I will definitely be there tomorrow.

Here is your schedule:
8:00-8:25- Breakfast/get organized/ Brainpop of the Day and quiz.  If the Ipads are available, you should submit your responses via Edmodo. I will be checking.
8:25-9:00- Pledge/ Calm Classroom: Science Extra: Bridges with Bill Nye: Watch the You Tube Video. You may need another teacher to type in their authorization for You Tube. Ask Mrs. Schusterman or Ms. Hicks to pop in.

9:00-10:00- Math- Correct last night's homework.  Then, do the  Review pp. 793 and 794. Finishers should do a round of Extra Math and then ESparks Math.
10-11: Music with Mrs. Ahern
11-12: Literacy Performance Task.  This is similar to the activity we did at the beginning of the year. You will read a passage and then complete the tasks.  Remember, be specific and use details from the text to support your "big ideas."
12-1: Make a Bridge Brochure.  This brochure will highlight the research that you completed on Brainpop and Edmodo yesterday afternoon.
Use a sheet of white copy paper. Place it so that the longer side is on top.  Make a tri-fold and commit to your creases. There will be three sides on the front and three on the back.  Here is an example:

Page 1/Cover Page: Title, images, question: What Makes a Bridge Bridge? ( You can come up with your own question, but it should relate to the central purpose.
Page 2: Types of Bridges: explain the three basic structures ( from the Brianpop research)
Page 3: Key Terms ( from the Brainpop)
Page 4 and 5: Information about the specific bridge that you and your partner researched yesterday.
Page 6: Freebie Page: include extra drawings and captions and examples of other famous bridges
*It is o.k. to add illustrations/captions to all of the pages. They must relate to the content on that page.
*Leave room for artistry, but get the writing done first.
*Conventions count: your work should be error-free and presentation-ready.
*If you need to do more research because you were absent or not-quite-finished, make sure to get permission.
I will be collecting the finished product on Friday!

1:00-2:00: lunch and recess
2:00-2:40: ST Math in the 200 computer Lab. You should be packed up before you go to ST Math. Please bring your belongings with you to ST Math.

Homework/Reminders

• Read the Companion text to The Fun They Had.  Select one of the response activities: Text to Text, Text to Self or Text to World.  Make it your best!
• Create a rough draft of the hybrid "AutoTeacher." This can be in the form of a diagram.  Get creative.
• Read for pleasure and record. You should be reading for at least 30 minutes.
• If you have time/access, log on to Study Island or use the math links on edmodo to learn something new.
•  The Bridge Building Lab will be rescheduled for Friday.  
• We are going to the Museum of Contemporary Art tomorrow. We will be back in time for lunch and recess, so you don't need to bring your lunch on the trip. Our chaperones are Olivia's mom, Ferdoss's mom, and Bianca's mom.  If you don't have your permission slip, you can't go on the trip! Parents, a handwritten note that includes your signature and emergency contact information will do the trick. This is a free trip.

Treaty of Paris Tuesday

Today we finalized our letter- writing accounts of the French and Indian War, or 7 Years War, depending on your perspective.  The student letters are truly historical fiction. They combine the authors' personal interpretation of events with the historical facts associated with the era.  Fantastic job, Team 201ers!

This morning we discussed the "Analyze Text" questions that were assigned last night.  We had a great discussion about robotic vs. human teachers. The kids like their technology, but it sounds like I may still have a job for a few more years!  Pheww!    Please ask your child about that last statement. Is is an example of formal or informal language? This was another topic of discussion today.

When the kids get back from Music Tech, we will go over the Math Homework and work on the new lesson.  We are also mixing in some mini lessons about % this week.  There is a tutorial loaded on edmodo for all to enjoy.  Later, we will work on our Bridge research.  Students should be ready to design and build tomorrow.

This evening at home......

• please complete the skills pages. There are four. One of them may be a "redo" for your child.  There were many errors on take 1, so I am sending it home.
• read for pleasure and record. Get those Book Club books finished. You will need your book tomorrow.
• complete the next MY Math Homework pp. 805-806
• get that trip form signed, if you haven't already.  

There are one or two kids who need to finish....

• today's math classwork
• the final draft of the French and Indian War letter 

Learning Links
Now that the British have control of the lands gained in the F and I War, what will it mean to the Colonists? Click on the link to learn more.

Social Studies Preview: The Proclamation of 1763

Bill Nye teaches about Structures

Maya's Egg Drop Monday

Maya decided to work on her egg drop design at home.  We are going to test it in a few minutes. Your child should be able to share the results with you.  Today we also....

• used Edmodo to do some skills brush up in both Place Value and Literature
• read this week's story and focused on the roots: meter, aud, frac, and therm
• discussed the French and Indian War and the Treaty of Paris.  
• used our problem solving skills in math
• learned about Bridges. We are preparing for Wednesday's lab.

This evening at home....

• reread The Fun They Had and complete the Analyze Test questions.
• complete the My Math problem solving pages 799-800.
• please  bring in your Field Trip Form, if you haven't done so.  Our trip in on Thursday.

News: 

• Pod 200's Design and Technology Fair is on June 6th.  Directions were sent home on Friday.
• On Wednesday, we will take the CPS Literacy Performance Task at 11:00 a.m.  Students will be asked to read  passage and respond in writing.  Students will respond to a prompt, and will be expected to answer the question using details from the text and their own inferences and conclusions.  You can prepare by coming to school well rested and ready to write.  Sharpen those pencils.

Feelin' Fantabulously Friday

Our Awards Ceremony left us with the warm fuzzies!  Congratulations to all of the kids in 201 who were honored today!

This weekend,

• Read, read, read. I want to see three or more sessions by Monday. If you are not done with the book club selection, this should be your focus.
• Study Island!  Spend some time on Study Island. This is great practice for the Maps Test.  We begin testing the second week in May
• Do something to help your parents, and do it wearing a smile.  No eye rolling!

Take Two Egg Drop Thursday

Today we tried again, but we varied our materials. The success rate was much higher! Today is National Poem in Your Pocket Day.  In 201, we will extend the celebration.

This evening at home....

• read for 30 or more. If you are still working on the Book Club book, that is fine!  Keep going!
• Look over this week's vocabulary words in Journeys to prepare for tomorrow's test.
• complete the "Looks on a Book" sheet. It should be based on this evening's reading
• complete the My Math homework on pages 785-786
• bring in your Field Trip form. If  will contact chaperones to confirm A.S.A.P.

Egg-Watch Wednesday

What's the best way to cushion a fall?  Team 201 students were given three sheets of paper, two paper towels, a plastic bag, and a meter of tape. These were the only materials available to protect the vulnerable, uncooked egg.  Well, 2/14 eggs were able to take the hit. Congratulations to Maya, Jocelyn, Nisah and Kesanet, creators of the winning designs.

Perhaps we can try again tomorrow! We need a dozen more eggs. Is anyone able to donate them?  Send me an email if you can send them in. If I don't hear from anyone, I will stop on the way to school in the morning.

This evening at home....
Complete pages 779-780 in My Math
Read and Respond in Writing. If you are finished with your  Book Club Book, you may read a book of your choice.

Newsflash:

• Awards Assembly: This Friday from 9:30-10:15
• Field Trip: May 1. Forms are going home today. This is a free trip!
• Tomorrow is Poem in Your Pocket Day: Check out the Edmodo links if you don't have a poem!

Taking Care of the Earth Tuesday

Today we celebrated Earth Day.   We didn't use any copies, and we tried to reuse paper as best we could. We watched the brainpop of the day, took the quiz, and analyzed the questions and answers. After music, we went to the Disney Garden to plant seeds in milk cartons. Students are bringing them home today. Any child who wants to can bring back their seedlings for transplanting in the Disney garden.

Today we also spent time discussing this week's story.  Thanks to Bianca for bringing in the sequel!  We plan to read it tomorrow.

This evening at home....

• finish today's math review classwork, if you haven't.  We have a test tomorrow.
• make a Conversion Study Guide to use on tomorrow's test. Include time, length, and weight conversions.
• reread the companion text on pages 732-734. Select ONE of the activities on page 735

Meeting Mzee and Owen Monday

Welcome back, Team 201!  It was wonderful to be with you all today!

This evening at home....

• Complete the My Math homework on pages 759-60
• Tomorrow will be a REVIEW day. We will take a  test on Customary Units and Conversions on Wednesday.
• Complete ONE side, page 313, of the reading handout. You will need your Journeys text to do this work!
• If you haven't done so, finish your Marquette Journal Entry.  Most students finished today

I will write a longer update within the next 24 hours.

Taking Flight Thursday

Thanks, Olivia, for creating today's very appropriate title. We took our helicopter designs to to the skies today. The wind was an unanticipated variable. A few students "lost" their creations to the gale.   It was time for Plan B: the experiment continued in the cafeteria.

Today we also......

• created maps that trace Marquette and Jolliet's voyage.
• went to Library.
• worked on this week's grammar and writing skills
• corrected last night's line plot homework and worked on more problem solving 
• went to lunch and recess ( outdoor, yeah!)
• esparked in Math

This evening at home....

• review this week's vocabulary words and reread the story. We have a test tomorrow!
• read for pleasure and write a reflection. Please don't write a summary. Describe an event or character in detail.  If you are not done with your Book Club book, your should read it! Otherwise, it is your choice.
• complete the MY Math homework pp. 753-4

Homework and Spring Break

These are two words that just don't sound right  when used in the same sentence.  There will not be any regular homework assigned. Of course, reading should be a daily activity.   Here are some ideas to keep you busy:

• Extra Math: Do a round a day!
• ST Math: Join the Challenge Club!
• Study Island: Great practice for the MAPS test
• MAPS practice: Follow the tabs up top

MAPS testing will begin the second week in May. I will post the schedule as soon as I know it!

Wild Because It's Warm Wednesday

Finally! Andrea has another great idea for today's title: Worried About Today's Title Wednesday.
The creativity around here is ever-expanding!

Today we....

• created a Provisions List  for our Marquette and Joliet canoes
• worked on Line Plots and analyzing data
• met with our Book Clubs and worked on our Character Trees

Tonight at home...

• math pp 747/8
• read the poems on pages 704-706 and complete the Text to Text activities on page 707
• read for pleasure and record on the log.  If you are not finished with your Book Club book, you should be working on it!

Time Changes Tuesday

Today we tackled time. We converted hours to minutes and weeks to days. We solved problems with elapsed time.  Now that we are confident about selecting the correct operation, these conversions are a bit easier.  Time travel was another theme of the day.  We began working on our Voyageurs Canoes.  We will fill these artistic models with artifacts from Marquette and Joliet's journey through the IL Territory.


This evening at home.....

• look over your new vocabulary words in Journeys and read story 23: The Ever-living Tree.  It is a long one!
• answer the Analyze Text questions. There are three of them. Make sure to restate the question within your answer.
• complete pp 739/740 in My Math
• help an adult with a household chore. No eye-rolling.
• after reading, make sure to record on the back of your Gold Card.
• make sure that you have your Book Club book at school tomorrow!

Please return the white Student Information sheet that was sent home on Friday. If needed, make any corrections.

Thinking About The Field Trip Thursday

Tomorrow we travel to the Museum of Science and Industry.  Yeah!   Chaperones should arrive by 8:30. We will board the buses at 8:45.  Students should bring a disposable bag lunch and a light snack.  We will eat at the museum.

We will take our Reading Test on Tuesday.
Report Card Conferences are on Monday. This is a non- attendance day for students.  Is that a real word, or a C.P.S. invention?


This evening at home...

•  Read, in Journeys, The Role of the Constitution, found on page 670-674
• Complete ONE of the following activities on page 675: Text to Text or Text to World.
• My Math homework pp. 733-734

Working Together Wednesday

Stay tuned for photos of today's amazing index towers. Groups were given 20 cards and 4 minutes to create the tallest free-standing tower possible.


This evening at home.....

• complete the Word Cycle activity using your book club book
• complete pages 719/20

April Fools!

Did we "getcha"today?  There were plenty of victims in 201, including me!  The "Listening/ Following Directions" Quiz was a pod-wide hoax. Yes, most of the children failed miserably.  It was their idea to write F on the paper and ask you to sign it.   No, this "score" will not go into the Gradebook.  Congratulations, Kelbe! She was the ONLY person in 201 to read all of the directions and pass the quiz.  We will definitely be reinforcing the need to read and follow directions! No hard feelings, I hope!

Did the kids tell you about the Great Gideon Switcheroo? Oooooooh! It was hilarious!  Ms. Madda better be on her toes next year.

Trying To Think Clearly About Conversions Tuesday

Today in 201 we spent a great deal of time going over last night's homework.  I hope that students are on the right track. Remember: first, choose your operation. Then, start using those strategies: make a list, chart, or model. Write and equation.  Think logically!

Today we also.....

• Took a Listening Test. Please sign and return the test.
• Began creating personal timelines.
• Met with our new Book Club members. We worked on character trees.
• Worked with units of standard capacity
• Used E Sparks to work on our individualized math goals
• Went to the Book Fair!  Our next visit will be on Tuesday, April 8th

Tonight at home...

• ask your parents to help you fill in the dates on your timeline. Rough drafts are due tomorrow.
• use your new Book Club book to complete the Episode Analysis Activity.
• read your Book Club book for 25 minutes or more.
• complete the My Math Homework pp. 713-714

Some students are receiving a special homework pass this evening. This can be redeemed for a night without homework.  It may not be used for....special projects, unfinished classwork, or nightly reading log reading.