Time Travel Thursday

Today we traveled back in time, to Latvia, to learn about Stanley Yelnat's no-good-pig-stealing-great-great- grandfather.   We also gathered further evidence that Camp Green Lake is neither green nor "campy."   I think that teacher and students alike are enjoying Holes.    If you are reading ahead, be prepared to reread!


This evening at home.....

• in Holes, read or reread chapters 9 and 10.  While you read, make a note of any interesting or new vocabulary words. You will need them.  You will understand when you read the Holes sheet that you will complete tonight. 
• complete the Chapter Summary page.  Use chapter 9.  Please make sure that your writing is neat and complete.  Tips: The title should be catchy and hint at an important event or main idea. Include at least 3 vocabulary words.   The personal connection may reflect your ideas or opinions about the chapter.
• complete the odd problems in the Go Math Chapter Review.  We did the evens in class today.  The chapter 6 test is on Monday.
• study the spelling and vocabulary words.  You can find the words in the Readers Notebook, or by clicking on the Study Guides tab on this blog.

Waxing Crescent Wednesday

Today we ate the Phases of the Moon.  Well, first we built  a model with Oreos.  Then we took pictures with our iPads. Kids are using Doceri to import the pictures and create a labeled diagram about moon phases.  We celebrated with an Oreo treat. Unfortunately, there is one person in the class who doesn't enjoy Oreos. I am still working on finding something that everyone likes!  Sorry, Nisma!


Today we also reviewed the answers to last week's PARCC math practice.  It was pretty grueling, but was a learning lesson in reading directions.  We also were able to preview some more advanced fractions concepts.  Tomorrow we will go over the reading section.  The first section of the each "test" will count as a "classwork" grade. We still don't know if Disney kids will be taking the PARCC test in March.  No matter what happens, don't forget that PARCC is not how growth is measured this year.  We are sticking with MAPS.

Holes is our new novel.  Each student received a copy today.  We read and discussed chapters 1-4 in class today. This is a fantastic read for parents and kids!  I know you've heard it before, but the book is much better than the movie.  Chapters are short, but this text and its topics are complex.

We did not have time to complete  all of the practice pages for lesson 6.8 today.  We did practice the concepts, however, and worked on two of the problems together.  Based on last night's homework, I believe that we are ready to move on.  We will dedicate more time to this lesson tomorrow.   Students should be ready for the Chapter 6 test on Monday.

This evening at home...
Read in Holes, pages 11-25 *
Complete the Holes reading response sheet: both sides
Complete Go Math homework lesson 6.8
*I am writing this from memory, as I am posting from home.  Did I get this last page correct?  I know you copied the homework from the board, 201!

Time to Rename Tuesday

This evening at home....

• Complete Science Fusion pages 315-321
• Please complete the Go Math homework for lesson 6.7
• Read the Companion piece to Riding Freedom and pick ONE of the Compare text activities.

Mahreen and Martha's Mathtastic Benchmark Making Monday

Today we learned how to use 1/2 as a "benchmark."  We also took a quick pop quiz to assess understanding of equivalent fractions and simplest form. I am happy to report that the average grade is 100%.  In reading, we began a new story, Riding Freedom.  Students will take the weekly reading/vocabulary/grammar and spelling test on Friday.   We spent the first hour of our day putting finishing touches on our SW postcards. The final results are fantastic!  Tomorrow, we move on to the West.


This evening at home...

• complete the Go Math homework for lesson 6.6. Remember to show all your work so that you can "prove" your final answer.  We will be ready for the Chapter 6 test on Monday.
• in the Readers Notebook, complete pages 193, 194, 195 199 and one MORE spelling page of your choice. This means that by tomorrow morning, you will have TWO spelling pages finished.
• please finish today's math classwork, if you didn't do so in class.Ditto for science.

Fraction Facts Friday

Today we tried to make up for lost time.  We finished our PARCC practice, went to gym, wrapped up our journey to the SW, and reviewed the Mid Chapter Review.  Next week, we are heading to the west coast.  


This weekend at home you should finish any incomplete projects such as....

• this week's morning math
• corrections to the Chapter 6 Math Test
• corrections to the SW text questions ( packet)
• final drafts of the three postcards: Adaptations, Natural Resources and choice ( landmarks, land and water, culture....)

Everyone should read and record!  Don't forget the signature!

Why So Many Articles About Wild Horses Wednesday?

 Today 201 students read three articles that shared the Wild Horses topic.  Today we took our ELA PARCC practice test.  It was a long morning, but your kids did a great job. We will correct the first section together on Friday.  It will not be graded as a test, but will count as classwork.  We will spend time going over the questions too.  Practice makes permanent.  Tomorrow, it's all about the math.

Mahreen, winner of the Almond Joy Award, suggests that we call today Winning Special Awards Wednesday. Great idea!  Each child did earn a special award today. These not-so-serious awards were a solid post-testing mood lifter.

This evening at home.....

• Complete the Mid Chapter Review in math.  We will go over last night's homework and the Review tomorrow and Friday.  Try your best to solve each problem.  Make a list, take notes, or make a model to help you get started.  Circle the problems that you want to spend time discussing.
• Complete pages 10 and 17 in the Ivan Folder. And. Not through. 
• Read and Record.

Terrific Tuesday

This evening at home...

• complete Go Math pp. 355-356
• finish the Ivan classwork
• In the Ivan packet, complete page 14/Assignment # 4:Vocabulary
• Read and record.

Thoughts on Friendship Thursday

Gallons of understanding
Quarts of dependability
Pints of kindness and humor
Cups of imagination
Tablespoons of creativity
A dash of mischief


Today's lesson on equivalent fractions combined measurement, writing and using simplest form.  We even found some common denominators. One that we share is a desire to make and keep lasting friendships.  Our recipes will be finished tomorrow.


Tomorrow we will take a reading test on Ecology For Kids. We will focus on the Comprehension and the Vocabulary sections.

This evening at home...

• Math pp 349-250
• Read and Respond: Read for 20-30 minutes. Then, respond in writing.. Make a claim or state your opinion about something you read.  Back it up with details from the text and write in paragraph form.
• Don't forget that you can bring in Valentines tomorrow.  Please fill them out at home.  If you want to personalize them, the class list is on edmodo.

Why Do We Have Seasons Wednesday

Today's lab was a bit different.  Partners are creating an infographic that explains how the relationship between the earth and the sun causes the seasons.   Today we spent lots  of time discussing simplest form.  We found factors. We divided. We checked.  We conquered.   I hope.  We will do it all again tomorrow to make sure that we've got it.  We also went over last nigh'ts Analyze Text homework and met with partners to improve and edit our answers. That wasn't all we did. Ask your child for more details.

This evening at home...

• read the companion piece to Ecology
• complete ONE of the compare texts activities
• complete the "crossword" spelling page in the Reader's notebook.
• complete GoMath pp. 339- 340

Come join me this evening at Data Night. 5-6p.m.

Taskful Tuesday

Thanks, Safwan, for inventing a new word and for creating today's title.

Congratulations to Khaaliq!  He won 2nd prize in today's Math Bee.


This evening at home....

• complete the Ecology "analyze text" questions. Bring me your best!
• complete Go Math pp.337 and 338
• if you can, bring in recipes to share with the class. We will use them as models for tomorrow's writing/math project.

Parents, report cards are coming home today!  Please sign and return them.  I will then give the report card back to you.  

Melody Monday

201 began playing melodies today in music.

This evening at home...

• finish the activities in Science Fusion pages 297-303
• complete a Fact Finder card based on one of the Science Fusion topics: Night and Day, Seasons, or Sun, Moon, Earth Systems.
• complete the homework and finish the classwork for lesson 6.1 in Go Math. 331 and 332

Sunshiney Saturday

I hope that 201 families are enjoying this beautiful, warmish day.   I just received a request from Ana via Edmodo. She is making Valentine Cards today and reminded me to post the 201 roster.  I just posted them on Edmodo.

Parents, a note regarding Valentine's Day went home yesterday.  We will celebrate Friday, last period. Students may bring in cards for their classmates.  Students may also pass out individually wrapped treats.  All of this is optional, but I ask that if you are brining a greeting or treat for one, kindly bring one for all!  Please fill out cards before you bring them to school. There will not be time to do this during school.

Don't forget that report cards go home on Tuesday.  I always prefer parent-teacher conferences to this quarter's reporting method. Please let me know if you would like to schedule a conference to discuss your child's goals and progress.  If a face to face meeting doesn't work, we can also schedule a time to conference on the phone.

 The second floor will host its second annual "Data Night" on Wednesday from 5-6 p.m. . I and several other teachers will be presenting. We will help you understand how to analyze and use the data to help you help your child. I hope to see you there!

Friday Fractions

This weekend at home....

• complete pages 325 and 326 in the new chapter 6 math book. 
• read and record on your log.  Get a signature!

Congratulations to Khaaliq, our Math Bee winner!

Until Tomorrow Thursday

Hello Team 201,

I missed you today, and I will definitely be back tomorrow.   We will have a shortened reading test tomorrow.  It will focus on the vocabulary and the comprehension skills.   No grammar or decoding this week.   In the morning, I will be ready to take your questions about Chapter 5. Please circle the "Review/Test" questions that you want to go over. I will hold two small group sessions. You can attend one or both.  I assume that you all were able to finish your MLK Timeline projects today.  You and your partner will give your one minute MlK Quote presentation in the morning.  We will hold a "Gallery Walk" so that you can see all of the timelines.   Tomorrow is also Math BEE day.  We will be busy bees. Teehee!


This evening at home....

• finish the Chapter 5 Review and make a note of any tough problems so we can go over them in class.
• practice your multiplication and division facts. BEE ready!
• study the vocabulary words. The study guide is linked to this blog on the tabs, and the words are highlighted in Journeys.
• read for pleasure and make sure to record on your log. Please get a signature.

Wire Wednesday

Wednesday is Lab Day!  Today we tested materials to find conductivity.  Your kids did a great job!  Today we also worked on our Ivan opinion writing.  We discussed different ways to create and explain patterns, and we played Fan and Pick to delve further into this week's non fiction text: The Life and Times of the Ant.

This evening at home....

• please look over and sign last week's reading test
• complete Go Math  315 and 315
• Read the Ant fable ( companion piece) and select ONE of the Compare Texts activities
• 175-177 in Readers Notebook

Notes...

• I think that we will be ready for the Chapter 5 math test on Friday. This is a short chapter.  We will review tomorrow.  
• 201 will hold a Math Facts Bee on Friday. BEEEEEE prepared.  Study those fact families
• Does your child know the math facts "like that?"   Now is the time to practice. We will spend the next month studying fractions.  Fluid fact knowledge is a key prerequisite skill!  Keep on practicing!
• Please don't forget to sign the Gold Card.  There might be an important note about homework completion or expectations. Signing the card lets me know that you have seen and approve of your child's homework performance. 

Don't forget to click on the "dog house" and do some MAPS test prep!

Tirsty for Prime Tuesday

Prime Numbers that is.....Thirsty that is....

Today we compared prime and composite numbers. We expressed composites as the factors of primes. We dabbled in exponents.  We created foldables.

This evening at home...

• complete the GoMath homework 309-310
• in Life and Times of the Ant, complete the Analyze Text questions.
• in Readers Notebook, complete pp.171,172

ST Math, Myon!!