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.