This morning we began with our "port" PWYK. As a whole, we achieved 75% proficient or advanced. This is good, but if we can pull that up to an 80% or higher it would be even better. Keep studying!!
After getting back a pile of newly graded things (spelling, LTA MP1 3, cold read 4) and reviewing them, we began our letters to soldiers for National Education week and Veterans Day. We read The Wall by Eve Bunting and watched two videos to build our background knowledge on Veterans. Excellent letters, focus, and collaboration with peers/parents. Thank you all for coming in!
This afternoon we took our Unit 1 Journeys PWYK since we finished Unit 1 on Wednesday. Once finished students finished their soldier letters and informational text feature posters. At the end of the day, we did October monthly ticket drawing! Congrats winners.
This morning began with a character building morning meeting that focused on being a leader or positive follower based on my little write up today.
The rest of the morning was spent reviewing various graded things and taking the final MP1 LTA in math.
This afternoon we worked on our poster projects and then Dr. Hertz came in to do a collaboration lesson on finding interest in sometimes boring texts. Fun stuff!
Quick reminder: tomorrow is our lesson that parents get to come in and be a part of. This will take place at around 10:20 AM.
Homework
Math- 8 problem review of operations homework
RELA- Riley Ch. 12 and 13; STORY MAPS for MP1 25 book goal due tomorrow
Spell/Voc.- Spelling due Nov. 10; "port" sentences due tomorrow
Other- planner signed; things signed; "college and career dress up day" tomorrow- bring in a canned good or coins of compassion!
Jade was our morning meeting lady who told us all about her adventures white water rafting. Boy did it sound fun!
This morning we wrapped up using quotes to answer questions and then elaborating on our text evidence. Students did a PHENOMENAL job on their own elaborations. I was quite impressed and hope to see that level of explanation used in the future.
We wrapped up our fantastic morning with some division review by checking our answers using multiplication.
This afternoon we had to combine two days of reading into one because we will have a special lesson with Dr. Hertz tomorrow. Theme is officially wrapped up until next week in writing when we revisit it again in our second personal narrative!
On a side note, the past two days we have been a little off track socially. Some of us are loosening up a little bit and letting others influence us in silly ways, and some of us have been slacking with homework or quality of work. We had a little chat this afternoon about being mature and that the beginning of the year break in period is over. Now we prepare to be 5th graders and soon to be 6th grade middle school students. I expressed how I need our class to be top tier with their character traits. 5th graders are role models for each other and the rest of the school. Hopefully our social silliness and lack of self control will be back on track tomorrow. This classroom is a community, we all do our part to make sure everyone is on track with expectations. The first marking period is over! Now its time to get down to business as fifth graders and as leaders in the school.
Who will step up or continue to step up to be a positive leader? Who will follow this positive leadership?
This morning Freddie told us about his adventures in the woods near T'ville elementary. Interesting hiding techniques Fredrico...
Today's math lesson wrapped up double digit divisors. We had an RSA to review. See previous videos for assistance.
In writing we reflected into our first LDCs. We then looked at an exemplar LDC and used various colors to show text evidence, quotes and elaborations. Our focus was on how people elaborate and what it means to elaborate on text evidence. The class as a whole is great at finding the evidence, we struggle as a whole to explain what the text evidence/quotes mean. That will be our focus going forward! Tomorrow we will use our theme organizers to write a response that shows great elaboration.
Prezi on how to answer questions, quote, and elaborate: P.E.E. Response
Semi-cheesy video with some good information on elaboration: P.E.E. Video
Reading continued our focus on theme in both Study Island and small group instruction.
Homework
Math- Lesson 11 both sides (think multiplication for #2: divisor * quotient = dividend)
Soc.- Explorer projects due tomorrow
RELA- Summer of Riley Ch. 10- This will be collected tomorrow!; Green/Blue- cold read (please use RAGER to respond to question 5); Purple/Pink- finish trifolds
Spell/Voc- Spelling due tomorrow; "port" sentences due Friday
Other- Planner signed; steps tracked; graded things signed
Today started our new week of Latin Root words. Our word this week is "port" meaning to carry. Check these interesting websites for more information on "port": Membean and Quizlet.
In math we divided with two digit divisors.
Today's writing lessons combined forces with our topic of theme in reading. Together we pulled out a theme from Elisa's Diary and then partners pulled out a second theme. Tomorrow we will model using our organizer to write a response. Hard work today! Very nice!
In small groups we read a new guided reading story focused on theme and independent workers practiced sequencing events and theme on Study Island.
Homework
Math- Lesson 10 both sides
RELA- Be at least up to Chapter 10 of Summer of Riley; PB p. 49 text evidence highlighted
Spell/Voc- Spelling due Oct. 29; "port" matching
Other- planner signed; tracks stepped; LTA and writing signed
This morning students worked on their explorer partner projects.
In math, we began to learn how to divide. Check out these two SUPERB videos.
In writing, we shared our personal narratives with small groups. We reflected on our feedback and then created goals for our new personal narrative that will begin on Monday.
Reading introduced discovering themes within a text. Finding themes is a very difficult skill and requires multiple reads and text evidence to discover. We will work more on this Monday.
A quick reminder: our national education week will take place on October 31st (next Friday). This is the day parents get to come in and be part of a lesson. Please send in your pink paper letting us know if you will be here, or send an email, or... just show up on Friday! Hope to see you then.
Fall Festival tonight!!!!
Homework
Math- revise proficient LTA; row 1 and 4 of division homework
RELA- Summer Riley ch. 9 and questions
Spelling- planner signed; track steps; LTA and writing signed
Today began with a special morning meeting presented by our student council gals. Next Friday is College and Career Friday- donate coins of compassion and wear your favorite university/college attire or career attire. Next week is also red ribbon week.
In social studies partners continued to research their explorers.
In math we "hopped" decimals out of multiplication problems and then "hopped" them back in.
Informational college and career ready posters were our focus in writing.
Finally, in reading we worked out lesson 5's vocabulary.
Tomorrow I will be at the district office working on new math curriculum items, so there will be no post in the afternoon. Students know that expectations are higher than ever when I am not in the room. Great rewards, great consequences!
This morning Hailey lead us through a morning meeting discussing her time at Dorney Park. Great character connections and questions using vocabulary.
In math, we learned how to use area model/partial products to supplement our understanding of traditional multiplication: 324 * 62 =
or
This is just another way of explaining your work. Common Core focuses on knowing more than one way to answer a problem. Traditional is our favored method and should be used primarily (per middle school request).
In writing we continued to explore Google Drive/Docs. We joined Google Classroom and then learned how to create, share, and comment on people's work. This will come in handy as we begin using Google Docs for writing and other activities in math, reading, science, and social studies.
In reading we wrapped up LDCs and sequencing events.
Homework
Math- Lessson 9 (both)
RELA- Green and Blue: LDCs complete; Purple and Pink: trifolds; read ahead in Riley if you get a chance
Sorry to be posting so late tonight. I had a meeting immediately after school and have not gotten to write a post until now! Apologies to those looking for resources tonight, tomorrow we will be back on track.
Today started off with a morning meeting lead by Devon.
Next, we moved seats for the 3rd time this year, received our shoulder and eyeball partners, and then reviewed the expectations of the explorer project that we will start tomorrow. Students also found out their partner and picked an explorer for researching.
In math, we began discussing 2x3 digit multiplication and 3x3 digit. Tomorrow we will jump into decimal multiplication with 2x3 and 3x3 digit numbers.
Since we just wrapped up our first major personal narrative, I took a break and introduced Google Docs today. Students had the opportunity to see how sharing, responding, and creating in Google Docs works. The reaction when all students could work on one page at the same time was incredible. Tomorrow we will create a Google classroom, create our own first Google Doc and share it with someone else for revising.
Finally, in reading we continued to work with sequence of events and writing partner LDCs.
Homework
Math- select 8 problems (3x3 are challenge)
Reading- Summer Riley Ch. 6; Cold Read (text evidence, number proof, quotes and use RAGER in your written response)
"sect" PWYKs were quite good! 80% at proficiency or advanced means NO Latin Root next week! Good job achieving your goal this week crew!
We wrapped up our work in rounding and then took our second LTA in math. Lots more work being shown this time!
Today was the last day of writing. Any narratives that have not yet been finished will be finished this weekend.
In reading we started our posters for informational display.
Homework RELA- Summer of Riley Ch 5 with questions; narratives completely published
Spelling- due Monday
Other- planner signed; last day for basket items on Monday!; step tracking
Today we jumped straight into math since we would be losing math time to an assembly at 10:20. We reviewed adding and subtracting decimals by taking a quick RSA (quiz) and then hopped into rounding whole numbers and decimals.
A little after 10:20 we were called down to the auditorium for an assembly. The assembly was all about animals from around the world and our guys knocked it out of the park with naming continents (thanks continent karate!). Here are some pictures:
We finished out the afternoon with another day of publishing personal narratives and working with sequence of events/multi-text responses in reading.
Homework
Math- Lesson 8 both sides
Reading- Chapter 4 of Summer of Riley, LDC responses handed in (pink and purple); trifolds complete (blue and green)
Voc./Spelling- "sect" sentences due tomorrow (quiz!); Monday spelling is due
Other- planner signed; Fall fest basket items donated BY MONDAY!!; and steps tracked
Jason kicked us off with an exploded moment story from his trip to a water park and his time spent in the wave pool. Excellent sensory details Jason!
In social studies we researched some more general information on Giovanni Verrazano and Jacques Cartier. These two men sailed and explored in search of the northwest passage but never found it. Luckily Cartier escaped with his life unlike Cabot and Verrazano.
Today's math lesson was the last that will involve addition and subtraction of decimals. We learned how to use number lines, hundred square models, and place value charts to prove our addition and subtraction. The connection to place value in all lessons is vital for understanding. Below is another great video for how to solve word problems in math.
Goofy video for common and proper nouns, our grammar lesson for the day.
In writing we continued publishing and some people started their first squiggle writing for a narrative based on Halloween.
In reading, some groups worked in small groups to sequence events while others worked with partners to complete their first partner LDC. Hard work from everyone today!
Homework
-Math: Lesson 12 both sides
- Reading: Summer of Riley Chapter 3 and questions (could be collected at any time for a grade)
- Spell/Voc: "sect" sentences due Friday; spelling due Monday
- Other: Planner signed, Fall basket donations!!, Track your steps!
Today's social studies lesson focused on John (Giovanni) Cabot's attempt to find the northwest passage to Asia. He ended up traveling to North America twice, and his ship was eventually never heard form again. John never did get to Asia to bring back spices to make him rich.
Today's math lesson focused on math word problems that involve adding and subtracting with decimals. Check out this video for some strategies for solving word problems.
In writing we continued publishing our final personal narrative drafts. Reading focused on the strategy of sequence of events. We worked on reading a story about the Snazzy Steppers of double dutch and their rise to fame. We sequenced the rise to fame from when the began to when they won the New York state championship. The video below is a real quick explanation of sequence of events. It also is important to mention that sequence of events does not normally follow set amount of time, unless it directly states it. Watch for flashback and flash-forwards! They affect the starts and finishes of sequence of events.
Finally, we had our student council speeches today. Excellent job to the 6 who are running! You did a fantastic job writing speeches, making posters, and being a great role model for T'ville students.
Homework
-Math: SL 2.4
- RELA: Practice Book p. 37 sequence of events (highlight text evidence)
-Spell/Voc: "sect" sentences due Friday
- Other: Planner signed; fall basket items donated; steps tracked
Today we began with our new Latin Root- "ject" meaning to throw. Here is a website and here is a quizlet for "ject"
In social studies we began our explorers research by learning a bit about Columbus (perfect day for it) and how he did not find the "northwest passage" that would take him through North America and over to Asia. Tomorrow we will begin our partner explorer projects.
Today in math we subtracted and added decimals.
A bit cheesy, but informative!
Today we had a special assembly about using pedometers to track our steps throughout the year. Please try to write down your daily steps and wear your pedometer from the time you wake up until the time you go to bed. If we get 10,000 miles as a school, we will receive $250 from St.Luke's to go to our school. If we get to 20,000, we will receive $500.
In writing we continued to publish our essays.
Today's reading lesson was our fourth vocabulary day.
Homework
Math- SL2.3 and both sides of addition with decimals (2 total pages)
RELA- Summer of Riley Ch.2 and questions; vocabulary for lesson 4 complete
Spelling/Voc.- "sect" matching; spelling due Oct. 20
Fall fitness fundraiser day! This morning we wrapped up some assessments, began Summer of Riley, and introduced unit 2 of math. This afternoon we had fun for the Fall Fitness Fundraiser!!
Quick details about reading Summer of Riley at home:
It can be read independently or with a family member
You may read ahead if you like, as long as you are answering the questions and summaries along the way; "do not fall behind, but you may read ahead" is our motto
This does necessarily take the place of reading 30 minutes, but it can be used as part of those 30
I will check the questions and summaries two to three times per week; unknown days; make sure they come back daily
Chapters will be assigned nightly
We will do one send home book per marking period (4 in total for the year; maybe one or two more if we can fit them in)
Now onto the pictures from today!!
Homework
-Reading: Chapter 1 of Summer of Riley, questions (complete sentences and text evidence) and brief chapter summary due Monday
-Spelling: due Oct. 20
-Other: planner signed, Fall Basket- Backyard BBQ!; Oct 17 fundraiser due
Zack kicked off our morning meeting with his story about martial arts competition at a young age.
Social studies was all about longitude, latitude and hemispheres today. Tomorrow is the continents, oceans and hemispheres assessment so make sure you review one final time this evening!
In writing we began publishing our final personal narratives, and in reading we wrapped up our LDC expectations lesson. Superb job! Now you all have a wonderful example of what fifth grade text evidence essay responses look like.
Homework
-Math: Lesson 2 both sides; LTAs revised
-Soc.St.: continents and oceans PWYK tomorrow
-Reading: read 30; finish LDC; paraphrasing and design for poster project due tomorrow
-Spell/Voc: "ject" sentences and quiz tomorrow; spelling due Oct. 20
-Other: planner signed; fall basket Backyard BBQ; Oct. 17 fundraiser due
Began with MadLa telling us about her amazing trip sailing to the British Virgin Islands. Wow did that sound cool!
In our second day of social studies, we hit a round of continent karate and then jumped into an explorers introduction. We discussed and explored the reason Europeans left their country to explore new lands- "gold, god and glory."
Today's math lesson focused on writing algebraic expressions based on real life situations. This is a lesson that we used to teach in April, but this year with our new math curriculum has come all the way to the beginning of the year. I was impressed with our class because this is a tough lesson even in April, and they rose the the occasion.
Today we took a break from writing, which we will begin publishing our narratives tomorrow, and went over some of the first major assessments that we had this year. We went into great detail revising, discussing and elaborating on only "so-so" science assessments. We also dug deeply into the first LTA in math. These were quite impressive. Revisions are due as they get signed for anything that received a 2 or 1. If you want to revise the 4s- even better (optional)! Clearing up how first assessments are graded really helps students get perspective on how they will be graded throughout the year. First assessments are usually always the toughest for students.
In reading we began our first LDC (Literacy Design Collaborative) response. We are focusing on TWO texts that we have read and answering a focused question based on those two texts. Today, as a class, we organized for our response, and found text evidence/quotes to support the question (compare/contrast) being asked. I could not be happier with the focus, rereading, and text evidence that was found in both texts today. Awesome job!! Being able to read 2 or 3 texts on a similar topic and write about connections, differences, and similarities between the texts is the most important skill learned in 5th grade. This is something we will continue to practice until the end of the year.
Homework
-Math: SL 10.3; revisions to 2s and 1s of LTA (LTA signed too)
- Soc. St.: continent and ocean quiz Friday
- RELA: read 30 min; paraphrase and design planned out for informational poster due Friday
- Voc: "ject" sentences due Friday; keep studying!!!
- Other: planner signed; fall basket (we are getting some good stuff!!! KEEP IT COMING!); Oct. 17 fundraisers due
I received a great report back from our substitute, and I was very glad to hear that. I do not take many days off in a year, but was forced to on Monday; appreciate the strong effort by our class yesterday.
Today we started social studies and kicked off our explorers/Native American unit by doing some continent karate and ocean yoga. Knowing the location major landmarks in geography is key to understanding our our world has become more and more connected. Study those continents, oceans, and hemispheres. Tomorrow we will focus on the longitude, latitude, and hemisphere side of things.
Today in math we finished parentheses, brackets, braces, and PEMDAS (order of operations). Please refer to any videos in previous posts. Tomorrow we will introduce algebraic thinking and how it is used with order of operations.
Spelling test #3 today.
In writing we did one final review of our own and a partner's personal narrative using the grading checklist. Final revisions will be made tomorrow then we are on to publishing.
In reading we wrapped up compare and contrast. Tomorrow we will begin one of the hardest parts of fifth grade reading- LDC multiple text responses. I will model with the students what is expected and they will finish up Thursday with partners. This is an extremely important two day set of lessons!
Homework
Math- 7.4 both sides
Social Studies- Continent and Ocean quiz Friday
RELA- read 30 min, Running for President response tomorrow, purple and pink: trifolds, paraphrases and poster design due Friday
Vocab- "ject" sentences due Friday; optional study tool- matching cards
Other- Planner signed; fall basket donations: Backyard BBQ (please donate! We have only had a few so far); Oct. 17 fundraiser due
"Dict" PWYKs were sub-par. This is the 4th week in a row we have had gradually done worse and worse on them. This week only 48% of students received a 3 or 4. We need to get this average back up into the 80% range. I cannot stress enough how important making flash cards and studying them every night for 10 minutes is. Next week, I will start sending home a matching game that can be cut out and studied with as well. This needs improvement!!! To those receiving 3s and 4s, keep doing what you are doing!
In math we wrapped up expressing (writing) and evaluating (solving) order of operation and regrouping ( ), [ ], { } expressions. Tough, tough, tough stuff!! But we will keep getting better. Here is a little song the kids loved to help them remember order of operations.
In the afternoon we took our science PWYK and worked on our text feature poster projects. At the end of the day we wrapped up and completed our first ever monthly ticket drawing. Congrats to our winners.
I will not be in school on Monday. Expectations are higher than ever! Substitute teachers have a very difficult job and I expect the absolute best behavior on Monday. Great rewards for great behavior, great consequences for misbehavior...
Homework
- Math: Lesson 1 both sides
- RELA: Read 30 min.; Running for President and response due Wednesday; paraphrasing and poster design due Friday
- Spelling/Vocab: Spelling due Tuesday now due to me being gone Monday
- Other: planner signed; Fall basket donations- Backyard BBQ!; Wear pink Monday; Mile Run on Monday
Here are some videos to watch to prepare you for tomorrow's science PWYK. Application of terms and breaking down experiments is essential.
In writing we took on a daunting task today. We began a lesson that is normally taught in the second half of the year: order of operations. With this added in a new skill: parentheses, BRACKETS, and BRACES! Tomorrow we will continue working with these grouping and regrouping symbols. We will be reading situations, writing expressions and then evaluating (solving them). High level stuff here!!!
^ What we learned today
^ More advanced work with order of operations
Today in writing we wrapped up our revisions by turning good endings into GREAT endings. We focused on bringing our theme to life and having it linger with our readers. Making the reader feel an emotional connection to your text is key to having a superb personal narrative.
In reading we compared and contrasted the character Matt and Ben in Sign of the Beaver. Then we broke into small groups, or Study Island to continue practicing the skills and strategies we have been working on this year.
Homework
- Math: parentheses and brackets practice
- Science: PWYK tomorrow! Study and be able to apply!
- RELA: Read 30 min; Blue and Green ONLY- trifolds with text evidence due; facts for poster project due
- Spell/Voc: "dict" sentences due; spelling due Monday
- Other: Planner signed; Fall basket BACKYARD BBQ donations please! Thanks to those already received; Wear pink Monday; new fundraisers due Oct. 17
Ryan H told us about his trip to the Outer Banks to start the day.
Today we tested partner boats. Our best boat held 160 pennies. Check out these boats that can hold up to 365 pennies!
Today's math lesson went back to Everyday Math. We reviewed exponents and powers of 10 (scientific notation)
Exponents
Powers of 10, Scientific Notation
In writing we wrapped up revising with a workshop day or non-stop writing.
Finally, in reading some small groups practiced working through a shorter text and comparing/contrasting things within the text while other students practiced our past 3 skills on Study Island.
Homework
- Math: SL 7.1 AND SL 7.3
- Sci: PWYK Friday; study guide = study!
- Reading: read 30, 10 facts for poster project due Friday
- Spell/Voc: Spelling due Oct 6; "dict" sentences due on Friday
- Other: planner signed; Fall basket!!!!!! Backyard BBQ; signed items; wear pink Monday; new fundraiser due Oct. 17th
