LATE ASSIGNMENTS: Students need to have a consequence for turning in late assignments. I just can't reduce their academic grade, though. So, any students turning in late assignments for Trimester 3 will have to do one of the following in order to get full credit: 1) hand in a 100 word explanation in cursive why the assignment was turned in late, or 2) write 20 times, "I will be more responsible." in cursive. Students will be given an additional day to turn in assignments for each day they were sick without having to do either of these requirements.
MATH: No math today. We took the DWA writing assessment this morning.
LANGUAGE ARTS: Students were assigned a new UtahWrite prompt: Describe an activity that you like to do in your free time. Explain what about this activity makes it something you choose to do. Be sure to develop your response fully. Students were given 25 minutes to draft a response on lined paper. They will have more time to cold-write tomorrow (25 minutes). The rough draft is due this Friday, March 4th. Students will be given time in class Wed. and Thu. to type it in to www.utahwrite.com. They will need to have all three revisions done by Mar. 11th.
SPELLING: Week #26
SOCIAL STUDIES: We began memorizing states and capitals today (10 minutes). Students were also given a 2-sided worksheet on the Civil War today. We read out of our U.S. textbook to find the answers. Everyone should have finished, as we had an hour to get done.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
2-23-11
MATH: p.497 #1-29 We're now into multiplying fractions. Fun! Taught basics, to multiply straight across (different from adding/subtracting). Don't need to find LCDs.
LANGUAGE ARTS: Handed out new spelling worksheet. (Two were given out yesterday due to Monday being a holiday).
SOCIAL STUDIES: Taught about the Triangular Trade, how slaves were stolen from Africa and brought to America.
MUSIC: Students went to Miss West for Music.
SCIENCE: Students rotated to Mrs. Hill for Science. The topic is Heredity.
LANGUAGE ARTS: Handed out new spelling worksheet. (Two were given out yesterday due to Monday being a holiday).
SOCIAL STUDIES: Taught about the Triangular Trade, how slaves were stolen from Africa and brought to America.
MUSIC: Students went to Miss West for Music.
SCIENCE: Students rotated to Mrs. Hill for Science. The topic is Heredity.
2-22-11
MATH: P.492 #1-31 Students were allowed to use calculators. I felt it was most important knowing HOW to find the answers.
LANGUAGE ARTS: Worked on Patriotic Challenge #3 (State Project). Studied suffixes in content. Spelling Pretest given Week #25.
STORYTELLING: Whole 5th grade met in the Library and held a grade-level contest. Our two classroom winners did an excellent job!
LANGUAGE ARTS: Worked on Patriotic Challenge #3 (State Project). Studied suffixes in content. Spelling Pretest given Week #25.
STORYTELLING: Whole 5th grade met in the Library and held a grade-level contest. Our two classroom winners did an excellent job!
Friday, February 18, 2011
2-18-11
MATH: No math today.
STORYTELLING: Thanks to all five who participated. Congrats to the two winners! (I don't post names at all for privacy.) Winners will compete against other 5th grade winners next Tuesday.
LANGUAGE ARTS: Cedar Ridge is putting up a Patriotic Wall in the center hall. My class had the assignment to write a caption for the "Lewis & Clark Expedition" picture. I had students study the Louisiana Purchase (again) and come up with a caption. The best summary will be written on parchment paper, laminated, and put next to the picture on the wall.
SPELLING: Students took Test #23 today. Students know that they can write each missed word 10 times to get 100% on Skyward.
MUSIC: Students went to Miss West for this specialty.
EARTHQUAKE DRILL: We had one today.
STORYTELLING: Thanks to all five who participated. Congrats to the two winners! (I don't post names at all for privacy.) Winners will compete against other 5th grade winners next Tuesday.
LANGUAGE ARTS: Cedar Ridge is putting up a Patriotic Wall in the center hall. My class had the assignment to write a caption for the "Lewis & Clark Expedition" picture. I had students study the Louisiana Purchase (again) and come up with a caption. The best summary will be written on parchment paper, laminated, and put next to the picture on the wall.
SPELLING: Students took Test #23 today. Students know that they can write each missed word 10 times to get 100% on Skyward.
MUSIC: Students went to Miss West for this specialty.
EARTHQUAKE DRILL: We had one today.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
2-17-11
DEADLINES: TFK sheets due tomorrow. www.utahwrite.com assignment due next Wednesday. All assignments (late ones, too) are due no later than 2-25.11.
MATH: p.489 #1-13 Review of the past few lessons. I decided not to give the quiz today, as students were not prepared. More practice needed...
LANGUAGE ARTS: We worked on suffixes -ment, -ness, - ion, and -tion.
STORYTELLING: Those competing need to be prepared to tell their stories tomorrow.
SPELLING: Test tomorrow.
MATH: p.489 #1-13 Review of the past few lessons. I decided not to give the quiz today, as students were not prepared. More practice needed...
LANGUAGE ARTS: We worked on suffixes -ment, -ness, - ion, and -tion.
STORYTELLING: Those competing need to be prepared to tell their stories tomorrow.
SPELLING: Test tomorrow.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Wednesday, 2-16-11
GRADES: I had all students get on laptops and check their grades. Many were scrambling to get missing assignments done, and I was busy adding grades to Skyward as assignments came rolling in. We were very busy today!
MATH: p.479 #1-10 Yesterday we worked on adding mixed numbers having fractions with unlike denominators. Today was similar, but changing the operation to subtraction. It was challenging due to the borrowing factor. Here's a simple example:
5 1/3
- 2 2/3
You can't take 2/3 away from 1/3. You have to borrow one pie from the 5 pies, making it 4 pies. The borrowed pie is still there, but is renamed to 3/3. That 3/3 pie has to be added to the 1/3 pie, making the top mixed number in the equation 4 4/3. The amount of pie is still the same, but has been renamed to enable the subtraction of the 2/3 in the bottom mixed number. Here's how the equation looks now:
4 4/3
- 2 2/3
We can now subtract. 4 - 2 is 2. 4/3 - 2/3 is 2/3. The final answer is 2 2/3. (Students also determine if the final answer can be simplified. In this case, it is already in simplest form.)
This concept gets even more fun when the fractions in the mixed numbers have unlike denominators. Students then have to make a t-chart to find the LCD (Lowest Common Denominator) and then convert the fractions to have the LCD. Then, depending on the problem, there is borrowing. Only after that is done can they subtract.
I told students today that I am giving a quiz tomorrow on adding and subtracting mixed numbers with unlike fractions. It will be worth 6 points and give me a good indication on how students are understanding. I asked them to do WHATEVER IT TAKES tonight to understand these concepts in preparation for the quiz.
LANGUAGE ARTS: We concluded our study of the suffixes -less, -ful, and -able today. Students should be able to tell you what a suffix is, and what a "root" word is. Students who are participating in the Storytelling competition were allowed to work on their stories during L.A. time and can do so tomorrow, too.
ASSEMBLY: Today students went to an assembly on Courage. Mr. Brunner showed a slide show demonstrating how to be courageous when fearful and related it to elementary school.
MATH: p.479 #1-10 Yesterday we worked on adding mixed numbers having fractions with unlike denominators. Today was similar, but changing the operation to subtraction. It was challenging due to the borrowing factor. Here's a simple example:
5 1/3
- 2 2/3
You can't take 2/3 away from 1/3. You have to borrow one pie from the 5 pies, making it 4 pies. The borrowed pie is still there, but is renamed to 3/3. That 3/3 pie has to be added to the 1/3 pie, making the top mixed number in the equation 4 4/3. The amount of pie is still the same, but has been renamed to enable the subtraction of the 2/3 in the bottom mixed number. Here's how the equation looks now:
4 4/3
- 2 2/3
We can now subtract. 4 - 2 is 2. 4/3 - 2/3 is 2/3. The final answer is 2 2/3. (Students also determine if the final answer can be simplified. In this case, it is already in simplest form.)
This concept gets even more fun when the fractions in the mixed numbers have unlike denominators. Students then have to make a t-chart to find the LCD (Lowest Common Denominator) and then convert the fractions to have the LCD. Then, depending on the problem, there is borrowing. Only after that is done can they subtract.
I told students today that I am giving a quiz tomorrow on adding and subtracting mixed numbers with unlike fractions. It will be worth 6 points and give me a good indication on how students are understanding. I asked them to do WHATEVER IT TAKES tonight to understand these concepts in preparation for the quiz.
LANGUAGE ARTS: We concluded our study of the suffixes -less, -ful, and -able today. Students should be able to tell you what a suffix is, and what a "root" word is. Students who are participating in the Storytelling competition were allowed to work on their stories during L.A. time and can do so tomorrow, too.
ASSEMBLY: Today students went to an assembly on Courage. Mr. Brunner showed a slide show demonstrating how to be courageous when fearful and related it to elementary school.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Tuesday, 2-15-11
MATH: p.475 #1-10 (did this in class with students) p.477 #1-5, 7-10 I worked problems #1-5 with students in class. That's all we had time for after teaching the lesson. Today's lesson is tricky, multiple stepped problems. Ask to see problems #1-5 to see how we were doing it in class.
The lesson was on adding/subtracting mixed numbers with unlike fractions. The fractions have to be changed to the LCD (lowest common denominator) then added/subtracted. If that's not hard enough, students then need to reduce the final answer to lowest terms. They have been practicing reducing to lowest terms for about a week, so most students know what to do.
STORYTELLING: This is an optional assignment. Students who wish to compete for classroom winner must be prepared to tell his/her story this Friday, Feb. 18th. They may use minimal costumes/props and may tell the story with a partner. Most of it should be memorized, but it's allowed to use the actual book or keywords on cards - AS LONG AS STUDENTS ARE VERY FAMILIAR WITH THEIR STORY! No cold reads on Friday, please! Class winners compete for 5th grade winner next week. That winner goes on to school-wide competition.
DEADLINES: ALL ASSIGNMENTS FOR TRIMESTER 2 ARE DUE FRIDAY, 2-25!!! I'll be grading papers tonight and getting most (if not all) grades in by 10 p.m. Tomorrow I'm having kids get on Skyward and check what they are missing. I'm encouraging them to get things done ASAP.
Here are other deadlines coming up soon.
TFK - Migration: due this Friday, 2-18 (nothing late accepted on this one)
"Great Weekend" www.utahwrite.com: due Wednesday, 2-23 (final revision in place by 2-22)
Invention Project: due Wednesday, 2-23
Patriot Challenge Activity #3: due Friday, 2-25
SPELLING: Week #23 "Parts of the Body" Lots of words they have no understanding what they are or what they do. I explained most of them today in 5th grade terms.
SOCIAL STUDIES: Ask to see your child's planner for these assignments. This Friday is the last day for Soc. Studies with Miss King. Next week students begin rotation to Mrs. Hill for Science - Heredity.
The lesson was on adding/subtracting mixed numbers with unlike fractions. The fractions have to be changed to the LCD (lowest common denominator) then added/subtracted. If that's not hard enough, students then need to reduce the final answer to lowest terms. They have been practicing reducing to lowest terms for about a week, so most students know what to do.
STORYTELLING: This is an optional assignment. Students who wish to compete for classroom winner must be prepared to tell his/her story this Friday, Feb. 18th. They may use minimal costumes/props and may tell the story with a partner. Most of it should be memorized, but it's allowed to use the actual book or keywords on cards - AS LONG AS STUDENTS ARE VERY FAMILIAR WITH THEIR STORY! No cold reads on Friday, please! Class winners compete for 5th grade winner next week. That winner goes on to school-wide competition.
DEADLINES: ALL ASSIGNMENTS FOR TRIMESTER 2 ARE DUE FRIDAY, 2-25!!! I'll be grading papers tonight and getting most (if not all) grades in by 10 p.m. Tomorrow I'm having kids get on Skyward and check what they are missing. I'm encouraging them to get things done ASAP.
Here are other deadlines coming up soon.
TFK - Migration: due this Friday, 2-18 (nothing late accepted on this one)
"Great Weekend" www.utahwrite.com: due Wednesday, 2-23 (final revision in place by 2-22)
Invention Project: due Wednesday, 2-23
Patriot Challenge Activity #3: due Friday, 2-25
SPELLING: Week #23 "Parts of the Body" Lots of words they have no understanding what they are or what they do. I explained most of them today in 5th grade terms.
SOCIAL STUDIES: Ask to see your child's planner for these assignments. This Friday is the last day for Soc. Studies with Miss King. Next week students begin rotation to Mrs. Hill for Science - Heredity.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Monday, 2-14-11
MATH: p.473 #1-13 EC #18-22 Taught how to add & subtract mixed numbers (whole numbers and fractions, like 4 and 5/8) having fractions with like denominators. Then, students had to reduce sums to lowest terms. For example, when adding 1 and 3/11 + 2 and 8/11 the sum 3 11/11. Students then ask themselves, "Can this sum be reduced to lowest terms?" In this case, the answer is, "Yes!" They would convert 11/11 to 1, then add it to the 3 and come up with the final answer 4.
Okay, subtracting can be confusing. Here's a problem:
4 and 2/7
- 2 and 5/7
You can't subtract 5/7 from 2/7. You have to borrow from the ones, changing the 4 to a 3. The borrowed 1 then becomes 7/7 to be added to the 2/7, resulting in 9/7. The problem is then rewritten as follows:
3 and 9/7
- 2 and 5/7
This is doable. The resulting answer is 1 and 4/7, which cannot be reduced. Fun, huh? (Try doing this with 3o students...) Actually, I think students did fairly well today.
Tomorrow we venture into adding and subtracting mixed numbers with different denominators, finding the Lowest Common Denominator (LCD), converting unlike fractions to common denominator fractions, then add/subtract (borrowing if necessary). I think we'll spend 2-3 days on this lesson.
LANGUAGE ARTS: There are several things going on the next two weeks. First, Patriot Challenge Activities #1 & 2 should have been turned in by now. Today marks the beginning of Activity #3. I'm giving students about 40 minutes/day for the next two weeks to work in class on this. This is plenty of time for most to complete this project in class. In fact, probably 1/3 of class members are already done with Activity #3. Hence, other assignments...
TFK: Students have also been asked to work on a Time For Kids assignments, consisting of 3 papers (double-sided), a total of 6 worksheets related to comprehension. TFK worksheets are due Feb. 11th.
INVENTION: Students have also been challenged to become inventors or researchers. Another assignment has been given for them to create a new invention (demand - supply) or research four American inventions. This is due Feb. 25th.
WRITING: Finally, students should be working on completing "Great Weekend" writing assignment online www.utahwrite.com. This is due Feb. 25th.
VALENTINE'S DAY PARTY: The party was fun! Thanks Room Mothers for your time and effort!!!
Okay, subtracting can be confusing. Here's a problem:
4 and 2/7
- 2 and 5/7
You can't subtract 5/7 from 2/7. You have to borrow from the ones, changing the 4 to a 3. The borrowed 1 then becomes 7/7 to be added to the 2/7, resulting in 9/7. The problem is then rewritten as follows:
3 and 9/7
- 2 and 5/7
This is doable. The resulting answer is 1 and 4/7, which cannot be reduced. Fun, huh? (Try doing this with 3o students...) Actually, I think students did fairly well today.
Tomorrow we venture into adding and subtracting mixed numbers with different denominators, finding the Lowest Common Denominator (LCD), converting unlike fractions to common denominator fractions, then add/subtract (borrowing if necessary). I think we'll spend 2-3 days on this lesson.
LANGUAGE ARTS: There are several things going on the next two weeks. First, Patriot Challenge Activities #1 & 2 should have been turned in by now. Today marks the beginning of Activity #3. I'm giving students about 40 minutes/day for the next two weeks to work in class on this. This is plenty of time for most to complete this project in class. In fact, probably 1/3 of class members are already done with Activity #3. Hence, other assignments...
TFK: Students have also been asked to work on a Time For Kids assignments, consisting of 3 papers (double-sided), a total of 6 worksheets related to comprehension. TFK worksheets are due Feb. 11th.
INVENTION: Students have also been challenged to become inventors or researchers. Another assignment has been given for them to create a new invention (demand - supply) or research four American inventions. This is due Feb. 25th.
WRITING: Finally, students should be working on completing "Great Weekend" writing assignment online www.utahwrite.com. This is due Feb. 25th.
VALENTINE'S DAY PARTY: The party was fun! Thanks Room Mothers for your time and effort!!!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Thursday 2-10-11
MATH: Started Chp. 8. Taught concepts 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3. We did p.461 #6-10 in class. Homework was p.465 #1-20. We worked on this for an hour as I made the rounds and helped all those who were struggling. I think everyone got done in class today. Tomorrow we will do 8-4 where we take the LCD (that we learned about today) and use it to convert fractions to have like denominators in preparation for adding and subtracting fractions.
LANGUAGE ARTS/SOCIAL STUDIES: Showed a PowerPoint on Free Market Economy (ask you students about cow pies) and how a free market economy fosters change and innovation. Students were given the choice to do one of the following: 1) research four American inventions and fill out the provided form, 2) create your own invention and provide either a drawing or make a 3D mock-up of the invention. For option #2 students need to imagine if there were to be a DEMAND for it, and how they would SUPPLY it to those who want it.
NOTE: Patriotic Activity #2 is due tomorrow. Most got done early. We've had plenty of time to get it done in class (if they were on task). Patriotic Activity #3 will be due Feb. 25th in two weeks. Ask your child to see their "Patriotic Challenge" packet for instructions, or just look on my website under the "Social Studies" link.
MISS KING: Students rotate to Miss King Tue. - Fri. They are supposed to write in their planners what is coming due. Ask them what they are doing in Mrs. King's class. It's all about "primary sources" to discover history.
SPELLING: Test tomorrow.
WRITING: We will be starting homework assignments online at www.utahwrite.com next week in preparation for the national DWA (Directed Writing Assessment) on Feb. 28th. Please don't make any appointments for Feb. 28th is possible. Thanks!
VALENTINE'S DAY: Please add Kai Nielson to your student list. She comes from Mrs. Beck's class with us to lunch and specialty classes. She will be at our Valentine's Day Party.
LANGUAGE ARTS/SOCIAL STUDIES: Showed a PowerPoint on Free Market Economy (ask you students about cow pies) and how a free market economy fosters change and innovation. Students were given the choice to do one of the following: 1) research four American inventions and fill out the provided form, 2) create your own invention and provide either a drawing or make a 3D mock-up of the invention. For option #2 students need to imagine if there were to be a DEMAND for it, and how they would SUPPLY it to those who want it.
NOTE: Patriotic Activity #2 is due tomorrow. Most got done early. We've had plenty of time to get it done in class (if they were on task). Patriotic Activity #3 will be due Feb. 25th in two weeks. Ask your child to see their "Patriotic Challenge" packet for instructions, or just look on my website under the "Social Studies" link.
MISS KING: Students rotate to Miss King Tue. - Fri. They are supposed to write in their planners what is coming due. Ask them what they are doing in Mrs. King's class. It's all about "primary sources" to discover history.
SPELLING: Test tomorrow.
WRITING: We will be starting homework assignments online at www.utahwrite.com next week in preparation for the national DWA (Directed Writing Assessment) on Feb. 28th. Please don't make any appointments for Feb. 28th is possible. Thanks!
VALENTINE'S DAY: Please add Kai Nielson to your student list. She comes from Mrs. Beck's class with us to lunch and specialty classes. She will be at our Valentine's Day Party.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
2-9-11
MATH: No homework today. Chapter 7 Test given today. Most did pretty well. Those who want to retake it must study missed questions with parents and come with a signed note stating that s/he has studied at home and is ready to retake the test. I'll keep the highest score between the original and retake tests.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: I showed "The Butterfly Circus" today and discussed implications from this incredible short film. Use an Internet search engine and use keywords butterfly circus. The video is available on www.doorpost.com. It's worth watching and discussing as a family.
LANGUAGE ARTS/SOCIAL STUDIES: Patriotic Challenge Activity #2 is due this Friday. Students have been given 4 1/2 - 5 hours of in-class time to get this project done. A few kids have still bee working on Act. #1 and haven't started Act. #2. Activity #3 will begin next week and is due Feb. 25th.
STORYTELLING: We had a kick-off assembly on Storytelling last week. This Friday I'm going to assign students to find a story to start working on. It's best to have the story memorized, but students can use notes when telling it. The focus is on delivery (use of voice, stage movement, body language, facial expression). I'll post a rubric on my website detailing what to work on at home.
VALENTINE'S DAY PARTY: I emailed the class list to all parents. If you didn't get it, please let me know. Students are to make their mailboxes at home. Please have students bring boxes on MONDAY, not earlier. Thanks!
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: I showed "The Butterfly Circus" today and discussed implications from this incredible short film. Use an Internet search engine and use keywords butterfly circus. The video is available on www.doorpost.com. It's worth watching and discussing as a family.
LANGUAGE ARTS/SOCIAL STUDIES: Patriotic Challenge Activity #2 is due this Friday. Students have been given 4 1/2 - 5 hours of in-class time to get this project done. A few kids have still bee working on Act. #1 and haven't started Act. #2. Activity #3 will begin next week and is due Feb. 25th.
STORYTELLING: We had a kick-off assembly on Storytelling last week. This Friday I'm going to assign students to find a story to start working on. It's best to have the story memorized, but students can use notes when telling it. The focus is on delivery (use of voice, stage movement, body language, facial expression). I'll post a rubric on my website detailing what to work on at home.
VALENTINE'S DAY PARTY: I emailed the class list to all parents. If you didn't get it, please let me know. Students are to make their mailboxes at home. Please have students bring boxes on MONDAY, not earlier. Thanks!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Monday, 2-7-11
MATH: pgs. 446-447 #1-24 EC #25-27 This is the Chapter 7 practice test. The most difficult concept for students has been changing a fraction to a decimal (divide the numerator by the denominator) and comparing fractions to decimals (change both to decimals and then compare). If you need help with helping your child, look at pages 448+ in the textbook for reteaching ideas.
READING: I told students to get a new Lit Log today. Vocab. words were posted in the classroom. They are ABUNDANT, BENEFICIAL, PRELIMINARY, OPTIMIST, and IDIOM.
PATRIOT CHALLENGE: Activity #2 is due this Friday. Some students are still trying to catch up on Activity #1.
SPELLING: New Spelling list was given out today.
READING: I told students to get a new Lit Log today. Vocab. words were posted in the classroom. They are ABUNDANT, BENEFICIAL, PRELIMINARY, OPTIMIST, and IDIOM.
PATRIOT CHALLENGE: Activity #2 is due this Friday. Some students are still trying to catch up on Activity #1.
SPELLING: New Spelling list was given out today.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)