All the 5th graders have definitely settled in at camp. They got right to the activities yesterday afternoon and continued into the late evening. There was horse back riding, archery, fishing, canoeing, just to name a few. Activities continued this morning and the sun warmed things up quite a bit. Due to the cold weather last night, many activities were moved inside and for outside activities, staff was prepared with opportunities to warm up. For example, while waiting for horse back riding and getting instructions, sleeping bags were wrapped around everyone. The cabins have heaters and for those students who do not have enough warm clothing, camp has extras to let students use. I have included some pictures to let you see how everything is going. I will continue to keep you updated as I learn new information.
This was my first experience at the Outdoor Education Center and I was impressed with all the staff I interacted with. The facilities are well maintained, clean and warm. I am planning on staying at the camp for longer the next time Roberts 5th graders attend! Your children are in good hands. All my best, Carol Rivers
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Camp Olympia Information
Important Notice about Camp Olympia
I. IF YOUR CHILD WILL NEED MEDICATION
a. You must send it in the original medicine bottle with the prescription bottle.
NO MEDICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED THAT ARE NOT IN THE ORIGINAL LABELED PERSCRIPTION BOTTLE.
b. Place all medications into a plastic zip lock bag.
c. Make sure the bag is labeled with your child’s FIRST AND LAST NAME, HOMEROOM TEACHER’S NAME, and YOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER.
d. YOU (THE PARENT) MUST BRING THE BAG WITH ALL MEDICATIONS INSIDE TO NURSE FELDER PRIOR TO TUESDAY AT 8:00 AM.
e. She will take it from there.
II. We still need 1 Chaperone for Tuesday from one of the 5th grade classes. Thank you to Lana LeBlanc and Becky Ingalls for volunteering from our classroom.
a. We need help on the trips up to and back from Camp Olympia. Not to stay. If you can accompany us on the trip up to camp on Tuesday or on the return trip from camp on Friday, we can use your help. Contact your child’s teacher for more information.
Parent Information
Olympia – www.hisdoec.com
How do the children get to the OEC?
HISD provides transportation by school bus to and from the OEC. On departure days, students leave from the school at approximately 8:30 a.m. accompanied by school chaperones. On the day of their return, students depart from the OEC after lunch, arriving back at the school prior to regular dismissal time.
What should my child take to the Center? What is not permitted?
The OEC provides three meals a day, snacks, linens, towels, and all equipment/supplies needed for activities. Your child should bring the items listed below packed in a pillowcase placed inside a large plastic bag. Label the bag with your child's name and school. BE CERTAIN YOUR CHILD IS PREPARED FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER. Even though dress can be more casual, the same basic dress rules apply at the OEC as at your child’s school.
BRING:
• Toothbrush/paste
• 3 changes of clothes
• Rainwear
• Comb/brush
• 3 changes underwear/socks
• Long pants
• Sleepwear
• Tennis shoes (NO sandals)
• Jacket
• Cap or hat
• Bar soap
• Towel
Desirable:
• Robe
• Bug Repellant
• Pillow
• Flashlight
DO NOT BRING:
Radios Food, candy, gum Money CD Players
Knives Toys, video games Jewelry or Items of value Cell Phones
What about my child's safety?
Every effort is made to provide a safe and secure environment for the children. Students are assigned to adult leaders who chaperone the children 24 hours a day.
What if my child becomes ill at the Center?
A nurse is on duty 24 hours each day. If your child has any medical conditions that the nurse should be aware of, please indicate such in the space provided on the Parental Permission and Health Information Form.
Can I telephone my child at the OEC?
It is not possible for students to make or receive personal phone calls while at the OEC sites. In an emergency, you may call the OEC Coordinator at your child's assigned site.
Olympia Outdoor Education
Tom Cosper - 1-800-729-6291
May parents visit the Centers?
Yes, but you must first obtain written approval from your principal. If you visit the Center, you should not expect to spend much time with your child who will be involved in many educational/recreational activities.
What if my child needs to come back early?
Parents must make arrangements in advance with the school Principal and the OEC Coordinator.
The District does not provide transportation in such circumstances; therefore, the parent is responsible for transporting their children if they come back early.
I. IF YOUR CHILD WILL NEED MEDICATION
a. You must send it in the original medicine bottle with the prescription bottle.
NO MEDICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED THAT ARE NOT IN THE ORIGINAL LABELED PERSCRIPTION BOTTLE.
b. Place all medications into a plastic zip lock bag.
c. Make sure the bag is labeled with your child’s FIRST AND LAST NAME, HOMEROOM TEACHER’S NAME, and YOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER.
d. YOU (THE PARENT) MUST BRING THE BAG WITH ALL MEDICATIONS INSIDE TO NURSE FELDER PRIOR TO TUESDAY AT 8:00 AM.
e. She will take it from there.
II. We still need 1 Chaperone for Tuesday from one of the 5th grade classes. Thank you to Lana LeBlanc and Becky Ingalls for volunteering from our classroom.
a. We need help on the trips up to and back from Camp Olympia. Not to stay. If you can accompany us on the trip up to camp on Tuesday or on the return trip from camp on Friday, we can use your help. Contact your child’s teacher for more information.
Parent Information
Olympia – www.hisdoec.com
How do the children get to the OEC?
HISD provides transportation by school bus to and from the OEC. On departure days, students leave from the school at approximately 8:30 a.m. accompanied by school chaperones. On the day of their return, students depart from the OEC after lunch, arriving back at the school prior to regular dismissal time.
What should my child take to the Center? What is not permitted?
The OEC provides three meals a day, snacks, linens, towels, and all equipment/supplies needed for activities. Your child should bring the items listed below packed in a pillowcase placed inside a large plastic bag. Label the bag with your child's name and school. BE CERTAIN YOUR CHILD IS PREPARED FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER. Even though dress can be more casual, the same basic dress rules apply at the OEC as at your child’s school.
BRING:
• Toothbrush/paste
• 3 changes of clothes
• Rainwear
• Comb/brush
• 3 changes underwear/socks
• Long pants
• Sleepwear
• Tennis shoes (NO sandals)
• Jacket
• Cap or hat
• Bar soap
• Towel
Desirable:
• Robe
• Bug Repellant
• Pillow
• Flashlight
DO NOT BRING:
Radios Food, candy, gum Money CD Players
Knives Toys, video games Jewelry or Items of value Cell Phones
What about my child's safety?
Every effort is made to provide a safe and secure environment for the children. Students are assigned to adult leaders who chaperone the children 24 hours a day.
What if my child becomes ill at the Center?
A nurse is on duty 24 hours each day. If your child has any medical conditions that the nurse should be aware of, please indicate such in the space provided on the Parental Permission and Health Information Form.
Can I telephone my child at the OEC?
It is not possible for students to make or receive personal phone calls while at the OEC sites. In an emergency, you may call the OEC Coordinator at your child's assigned site.
Olympia Outdoor Education
Tom Cosper - 1-800-729-6291
May parents visit the Centers?
Yes, but you must first obtain written approval from your principal. If you visit the Center, you should not expect to spend much time with your child who will be involved in many educational/recreational activities.
What if my child needs to come back early?
Parents must make arrangements in advance with the school Principal and the OEC Coordinator.
The District does not provide transportation in such circumstances; therefore, the parent is responsible for transporting their children if they come back early.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Wow! Students Are Busy.....
Reminders and calendar Updates
Picture Retakes are tomorrow for those who returned their photo pack.
Book Fair this week and our class will attend the book fair on Thursday afternoon.
Family Night at the Book Fair will be Wednesday night from 5:30-7:30- We hope to see you there
*Camp update- We know that many parents have questions about camp. Permission Slips went home in Tuesday folders last week. Many of you have already returned these, thank you. More information will be going home in the Tuesday folder tomorrow and if you still have questions after that, we will be having a parent meeting on Wednesday night, same night as Book Fair, at 6:00.
Math-
Students in all four classes have been working on fractions over the last week and a half. Fifth graders need to be able to generate equivalent fractions, simplify (reduce) fractions, convert mixed numbers to improper fractions and improper fractions to mixed numbers, find equivalent fractions to decimals, compare fractions and use these skills to solve word problems. Some of the prerequisite skills include identifying factors, common factors and greatest common factors. Some classes will start division over the next week, Ms. Rivers class will continue with fractions.
Social Studies-
We have finished the American Revolution and taken a final test. We are putting further studies on hold and focusing on Exhibition over the next week and a half. Once students are finished with Exhibition products (trifolds, power points etc.), we will continue with the New Nation. This will include, events that led from the Articles of Confederation to the creation of the U.S. Constitution and the establishment of the U.S. government (Bill of Rights, Checks and Balances etc.), Identify contributions of James Madison and Roger Sherman who helped create the U.S. Constitution, summarize events that led to the creation of the Constitution.
Science-
Matter is complete and we have begun the study of Energy. Students will need to understand the following vocabulary:
energy
potential energy
kinetic energy
work
forms of energy- define and give examples of: mechanical, radiant (light), sound, chemical, thermal/heat, and nuclear/atomic
static electricity
current electricity
conductors
insulators
electrical circuits
closed circuits
open circuits
reflection
refraction
opaque
translucent
transparent
In addition to defining, students need to identify everyday examples and how they work. Important concepts: Energy cannot b e destroyed or created, only changed and give examples and how light and sound travel. This will all lead us to sources of energy in early January.
Exhibition-
Students are done with note taking, have planned their actions and have started their product. They are very busy!!! I am requiring that all the visuals that are to go onto tri-folds be complete before they bring in tri-folds. This will vary based on the group. Students can start bringing in on Wednesday and I can find a place to store these. Exhibition is currently our Reading and Other Language Arts as they are reading and interpreting non-fiction text and writing. They are doing a great job and continue to be enthusiastic about their topics.
Exhibition will be presented two dates and times. The first, will be on Wednesday, the 14th of December from 6:00-7:00 in the evening and the second on Thursday, the 15th of December from 1:30-2:30
If I do not update the blog before Thanksgiving break, have a safe and wonderful holiday.
Picture Retakes are tomorrow for those who returned their photo pack.
Book Fair this week and our class will attend the book fair on Thursday afternoon.
Family Night at the Book Fair will be Wednesday night from 5:30-7:30- We hope to see you there
*Camp update- We know that many parents have questions about camp. Permission Slips went home in Tuesday folders last week. Many of you have already returned these, thank you. More information will be going home in the Tuesday folder tomorrow and if you still have questions after that, we will be having a parent meeting on Wednesday night, same night as Book Fair, at 6:00.
Math-
Students in all four classes have been working on fractions over the last week and a half. Fifth graders need to be able to generate equivalent fractions, simplify (reduce) fractions, convert mixed numbers to improper fractions and improper fractions to mixed numbers, find equivalent fractions to decimals, compare fractions and use these skills to solve word problems. Some of the prerequisite skills include identifying factors, common factors and greatest common factors. Some classes will start division over the next week, Ms. Rivers class will continue with fractions.
Social Studies-
We have finished the American Revolution and taken a final test. We are putting further studies on hold and focusing on Exhibition over the next week and a half. Once students are finished with Exhibition products (trifolds, power points etc.), we will continue with the New Nation. This will include, events that led from the Articles of Confederation to the creation of the U.S. Constitution and the establishment of the U.S. government (Bill of Rights, Checks and Balances etc.), Identify contributions of James Madison and Roger Sherman who helped create the U.S. Constitution, summarize events that led to the creation of the Constitution.
Science-
Matter is complete and we have begun the study of Energy. Students will need to understand the following vocabulary:
energy
potential energy
kinetic energy
work
forms of energy- define and give examples of: mechanical, radiant (light), sound, chemical, thermal/heat, and nuclear/atomic
static electricity
current electricity
conductors
insulators
electrical circuits
closed circuits
open circuits
reflection
refraction
opaque
translucent
transparent
In addition to defining, students need to identify everyday examples and how they work. Important concepts: Energy cannot b e destroyed or created, only changed and give examples and how light and sound travel. This will all lead us to sources of energy in early January.
Exhibition-
Students are done with note taking, have planned their actions and have started their product. They are very busy!!! I am requiring that all the visuals that are to go onto tri-folds be complete before they bring in tri-folds. This will vary based on the group. Students can start bringing in on Wednesday and I can find a place to store these. Exhibition is currently our Reading and Other Language Arts as they are reading and interpreting non-fiction text and writing. They are doing a great job and continue to be enthusiastic about their topics.
Exhibition will be presented two dates and times. The first, will be on Wednesday, the 14th of December from 6:00-7:00 in the evening and the second on Thursday, the 15th of December from 1:30-2:30
If I do not update the blog before Thanksgiving break, have a safe and wonderful holiday.
Monday, October 24, 2011
October 24th Blog Update
Hello All! We are in the thick of Exhibition research and notetaking. I hope that your children are coming home and letting you know about their Exhibition topics with great enthusiasm. They are extremely enthusiastic and focused in class. All notefacts will be due on Friday of this week and we will have time each day throughout the week to work on notetaking. Exhibition Mentors from the University of Houston have been to Roberts to work with groups and guide the process. I am also meeting with groups and checking progress throughout the week. All of our research skills work prior to Exhibition have paid off because students are rising to the occasion and becoming independent.
Math-
Math classes are finishing up the current Geometry unit this week. Students in my Math class will continue on with Geometry, covering graphing, congruence and transformations. Students in Mr. Shahriari's, Ms. Shilmoeller's and Mrs. Audi's classes will be focusing on Division. Ms. Rivers class will cover division at a later date. The fifth grade objective is for students to divide up to 3 digit numbers by 2 digit numbers and solving division word problems.
Language Arts-
Update! Well after a lot of thought, reflecting on student performance and understanding of Daily Language Review, I am changing the method in which I teach Grammar. We will now be focusing on 2-3 Grammar concepts per week. We are focusing on subject and object pronouns this week. This goes along with knowing when to use "I" versus "me". We will be focusing on Subjects and predicates next week. The graded Language Arts assignments will start to look different in the future.
Vocabulary and Wordly Wise-
We will be starting extended word work and vocabulary development by analyzing 6 of the more difficult Wordly Wise words over a 2 week period. This number may increase as the year progresses.
Reading-
The majority of the reading instruction and focus continues to be on reading non-fiction and using strategies to understand and find information. We have looked at Text books and analyzed the structure of the Text and have had a scavenger hunt to quickly find information. Future exercises will be graded. Students will also be asked to continue to use strategies taught (ask questions and write key words) to accurately answer comprehension questions. Main focus in on research for Exhibition.
Social Studies-
The American Revolution has started. We will be spending the next couple of weeks on the Revolution and begin the birth of a new nation.
Science-
Matter and the properties of matter continue.
Important Events
NNAT testing is tomorrow morning. I talked with students about relaxing and doing the best they can.
Friday, the 28th will be Field Day in the afternoon.
Wrist Band Sales continue through the week, leading to hat day next Monday, the 31st
Report Cards go home in Tuesday Folders tomorrow.
Try to stay mosquito free! Carol Rivers
Math-
Math classes are finishing up the current Geometry unit this week. Students in my Math class will continue on with Geometry, covering graphing, congruence and transformations. Students in Mr. Shahriari's, Ms. Shilmoeller's and Mrs. Audi's classes will be focusing on Division. Ms. Rivers class will cover division at a later date. The fifth grade objective is for students to divide up to 3 digit numbers by 2 digit numbers and solving division word problems.
Language Arts-
Update! Well after a lot of thought, reflecting on student performance and understanding of Daily Language Review, I am changing the method in which I teach Grammar. We will now be focusing on 2-3 Grammar concepts per week. We are focusing on subject and object pronouns this week. This goes along with knowing when to use "I" versus "me". We will be focusing on Subjects and predicates next week. The graded Language Arts assignments will start to look different in the future.
Vocabulary and Wordly Wise-
We will be starting extended word work and vocabulary development by analyzing 6 of the more difficult Wordly Wise words over a 2 week period. This number may increase as the year progresses.
Reading-
The majority of the reading instruction and focus continues to be on reading non-fiction and using strategies to understand and find information. We have looked at Text books and analyzed the structure of the Text and have had a scavenger hunt to quickly find information. Future exercises will be graded. Students will also be asked to continue to use strategies taught (ask questions and write key words) to accurately answer comprehension questions. Main focus in on research for Exhibition.
Social Studies-
The American Revolution has started. We will be spending the next couple of weeks on the Revolution and begin the birth of a new nation.
Science-
Matter and the properties of matter continue.
Important Events
NNAT testing is tomorrow morning. I talked with students about relaxing and doing the best they can.
Friday, the 28th will be Field Day in the afternoon.
Wrist Band Sales continue through the week, leading to hat day next Monday, the 31st
Report Cards go home in Tuesday Folders tomorrow.
Try to stay mosquito free! Carol Rivers
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Wrapping up and Moving on
Updates-
Wow! What a busy week! We have been busy sorting clothing donations for Crespo this week and we are tackling 5th grade learning objectives with vigor. Reminder- Fall Holiday is Thursday this week and there will be no school on Thursday. There will be school as usual on Friday.
As most of you know, 5th grade has been conducting a clothing drive for families in need at Crespo Elementary in HISD. Mr. Sarabia is the new principal at Crespo. We will be taking a field trip to deliver the donations on Friday. We had so many students interested in helping that we arranged for the whole grade level to go in shifts. Our class will be leaving campus at 10:30, staying one hour at Crespo and we will eat lunch when we return to Roberts at 12:30. Permission slips went home in today's Tuesday folder.
Progress Reports and more graded work were sent in the Tuesday folders today. Many students took opportunities to correct some work for a higher grade if grades were not passing. The 5th Grade team has been easing into our grading policy and here it is:
5th Grade Grading Policy
We have been giving students many opportunities for a “redo” and taking the higher grade in the grade book. Now that we are half way through the first grading period, it is time to adhere to the policies as outlined in our school wide Assessment Policy. The policy is as follows:
• A student shall be allowed a reasonable opportunity to make-up or redo a class assignment or assessment for which the student received a failing grade (less than 70%) after re-teaching occurs.
• Assignments that are a redo assignment are to be done at home as to not interfere with current class work.
• The redo assignment will be sent home in the Tuesday folder. It will have a note on it indicating that the student has the option to redo it. It is the student’s/parent’s choice to redo the assignment.
• The grade for the redo assignment will not exceed a 75% in the grade book. If the redo assignment earns a failing grade, the higher of the two grades will be recorded.
Thank you for being flexible during this transition time.
Parent Conferences- I am starting to schedule parent conferences. Some of you have already contacted me. I will be available Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:45-1:00 and 1:00-1:15. I will also be meeting with parents the day of the International Festival, October 14th starting at 12:45 and setting up times every 15 minutes until 3:15. Please e-mail me and I will keep everyone posted as to what is still available. criversi@houstonisd.org
Math-
With the field trip on Friday and no school on Thursday, we will be switching for Math 2 times this week. I will continue to have students complete Math practice in our class. If you are ever looking for Math reinforcement at home, all the students have a username and password for First in Math. Their password page that went home at the beginning of the year has the student information needed. This website has great Math games. The Everyday Math website also has games.
Reading-
DRAs are complete and we have started reading strategies. Strategies practiced include, writing key words next to paragraphs that tell what the paragraph is about for easy reference. Another important skill is retelling what has been read in student's own words. This is a cross curriculum skill and I am asking students to write/answer in the form of an open response and not in multiple choice questions. This is a new skill for many students and I am modeling and walking through.
Language Arts-
Independent Investigation Method ("double IM" or IIM) has started. Our Unit of Inquiry has been that our understanding of the universe is ever changing and we specifically focused our research on the center of our solar system and how our understanding of it has changed over time. We used 3 web sources to learn how to highlight/underline and restate in own words. We did this as a whole class. We took notes, organized our notes and wrote a paragraph. We studied the views of Ptolemy, Aristotle, Copernicus and Galileo. Our next IIM research topic will be on The Boston Tea Party. The research baton will be passed to students so they can practice determining what information has to do with our subject and taking notes in own words.
Unit of Inquiry-
We are wrapping up Earth and Its Neighbors and will start Response to Conflict next week. The guiding questions in this unit will be What events lead to conflict? Can conflicts be resolved without violence? What are the results of a conflict? This will overlay with The American Revolution and American History.
In addition to conflict, we will begin discussing Exhibition within the next couple of weeks.
Science- Matter will start next week. Students need to know the states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) and the properties of matter. More information will come next week.
Social Studies-
We have started the reasons for the American Revolution. Students will need to know the causes and effects, time lines and important Revolutionary figures. More information to come.....
Wow! What a busy week! We have been busy sorting clothing donations for Crespo this week and we are tackling 5th grade learning objectives with vigor. Reminder- Fall Holiday is Thursday this week and there will be no school on Thursday. There will be school as usual on Friday.
As most of you know, 5th grade has been conducting a clothing drive for families in need at Crespo Elementary in HISD. Mr. Sarabia is the new principal at Crespo. We will be taking a field trip to deliver the donations on Friday. We had so many students interested in helping that we arranged for the whole grade level to go in shifts. Our class will be leaving campus at 10:30, staying one hour at Crespo and we will eat lunch when we return to Roberts at 12:30. Permission slips went home in today's Tuesday folder.
Progress Reports and more graded work were sent in the Tuesday folders today. Many students took opportunities to correct some work for a higher grade if grades were not passing. The 5th Grade team has been easing into our grading policy and here it is:
5th Grade Grading Policy
We have been giving students many opportunities for a “redo” and taking the higher grade in the grade book. Now that we are half way through the first grading period, it is time to adhere to the policies as outlined in our school wide Assessment Policy. The policy is as follows:
• A student shall be allowed a reasonable opportunity to make-up or redo a class assignment or assessment for which the student received a failing grade (less than 70%) after re-teaching occurs.
• Assignments that are a redo assignment are to be done at home as to not interfere with current class work.
• The redo assignment will be sent home in the Tuesday folder. It will have a note on it indicating that the student has the option to redo it. It is the student’s/parent’s choice to redo the assignment.
• The grade for the redo assignment will not exceed a 75% in the grade book. If the redo assignment earns a failing grade, the higher of the two grades will be recorded.
Thank you for being flexible during this transition time.
Parent Conferences- I am starting to schedule parent conferences. Some of you have already contacted me. I will be available Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:45-1:00 and 1:00-1:15. I will also be meeting with parents the day of the International Festival, October 14th starting at 12:45 and setting up times every 15 minutes until 3:15. Please e-mail me and I will keep everyone posted as to what is still available. criversi@houstonisd.org
Math-
With the field trip on Friday and no school on Thursday, we will be switching for Math 2 times this week. I will continue to have students complete Math practice in our class. If you are ever looking for Math reinforcement at home, all the students have a username and password for First in Math. Their password page that went home at the beginning of the year has the student information needed. This website has great Math games. The Everyday Math website also has games.
Reading-
DRAs are complete and we have started reading strategies. Strategies practiced include, writing key words next to paragraphs that tell what the paragraph is about for easy reference. Another important skill is retelling what has been read in student's own words. This is a cross curriculum skill and I am asking students to write/answer in the form of an open response and not in multiple choice questions. This is a new skill for many students and I am modeling and walking through.
Language Arts-
Independent Investigation Method ("double IM" or IIM) has started. Our Unit of Inquiry has been that our understanding of the universe is ever changing and we specifically focused our research on the center of our solar system and how our understanding of it has changed over time. We used 3 web sources to learn how to highlight/underline and restate in own words. We did this as a whole class. We took notes, organized our notes and wrote a paragraph. We studied the views of Ptolemy, Aristotle, Copernicus and Galileo. Our next IIM research topic will be on The Boston Tea Party. The research baton will be passed to students so they can practice determining what information has to do with our subject and taking notes in own words.
Unit of Inquiry-
We are wrapping up Earth and Its Neighbors and will start Response to Conflict next week. The guiding questions in this unit will be What events lead to conflict? Can conflicts be resolved without violence? What are the results of a conflict? This will overlay with The American Revolution and American History.
In addition to conflict, we will begin discussing Exhibition within the next couple of weeks.
Science- Matter will start next week. Students need to know the states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) and the properties of matter. More information will come next week.
Social Studies-
We have started the reasons for the American Revolution. Students will need to know the causes and effects, time lines and important Revolutionary figures. More information to come.....
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Blog Updates
Math-
I am sure that you are all wondering what happened to Math homework this week. Well, we have not started our Unit 2 yet. We projected to be ready to start switching students for Math classes and are not ready as soon as we thought we would be. We will be sending home a 5th grade parent letter explaining the switching of Math classes either tomorrow (Friday) or on Monday. Once Unit 2 starts on Monday, we will be focusing on estimation strategies to check for reasonableness, addition, subtraction and multiplication with whole numbers and decimals, problem solving strategies, comparing decimals, probability, partial products to solve Multiplication problems and comparing millions, billions and trillions.
Reading-
I have been meeting with students individually, listening to their reading, checking for comprehension and setting reading goals for the year. While students are working with me, the class is working on writing and/or Reading silently. We are working on finding books that are just right and not too hard and not too easy, but just right. We have a full class of avid readers and it is great to watch them read with such enthusiasm. NOTE- I talked with students this week because they were thinking that the time they were reading in class counted for their homework reading. It does not count and reading for 30 minutes a night (or 120min a week) is for homework.
Language Arts-
Students are working on writing in their Writers Notebook. Today, we worked on writing a friendly letter by taking on the persona of either a Native American or English Colonist. Students worked on rough drafts, we will then edit and rewrite.
We continue to work on editing and revising through DLR and work on spelling rules. We will be starting a whole class research project on Monday.
Social Studies-
We are up to Colonial Life in America and have completed the first Thanksgiving and King Philip's War. By the end of next week, we will be up to the French and Indian War. Students need to know the characteristics of each region, trade routes, compair and contrast city, town and plantation life, slavery in the colonies and important contributions of the people.
Science-
Earth and it's neighbors continues for about 2 weeks.
Needed
We still need a room parent for our classroom. If you are willing and able (I know how busy all of your schedules are!), we would love to have you and it would be truly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
I am sure that you are all wondering what happened to Math homework this week. Well, we have not started our Unit 2 yet. We projected to be ready to start switching students for Math classes and are not ready as soon as we thought we would be. We will be sending home a 5th grade parent letter explaining the switching of Math classes either tomorrow (Friday) or on Monday. Once Unit 2 starts on Monday, we will be focusing on estimation strategies to check for reasonableness, addition, subtraction and multiplication with whole numbers and decimals, problem solving strategies, comparing decimals, probability, partial products to solve Multiplication problems and comparing millions, billions and trillions.
Reading-
I have been meeting with students individually, listening to their reading, checking for comprehension and setting reading goals for the year. While students are working with me, the class is working on writing and/or Reading silently. We are working on finding books that are just right and not too hard and not too easy, but just right. We have a full class of avid readers and it is great to watch them read with such enthusiasm. NOTE- I talked with students this week because they were thinking that the time they were reading in class counted for their homework reading. It does not count and reading for 30 minutes a night (or 120min a week) is for homework.
Language Arts-
Students are working on writing in their Writers Notebook. Today, we worked on writing a friendly letter by taking on the persona of either a Native American or English Colonist. Students worked on rough drafts, we will then edit and rewrite.
We continue to work on editing and revising through DLR and work on spelling rules. We will be starting a whole class research project on Monday.
Social Studies-
We are up to Colonial Life in America and have completed the first Thanksgiving and King Philip's War. By the end of next week, we will be up to the French and Indian War. Students need to know the characteristics of each region, trade routes, compair and contrast city, town and plantation life, slavery in the colonies and important contributions of the people.
Science-
Earth and it's neighbors continues for about 2 weeks.
Needed
We still need a room parent for our classroom. If you are willing and able (I know how busy all of your schedules are!), we would love to have you and it would be truly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Welcome To Ms. Rivers 5th Grade Class!
We have started off to a great year and all of the students are settling into the academic year and diving into curriculum.
We have already started-
Math-
We have already started with a lot of new vocabulary and concepts, including factors, factor pairs, prime, composite, exponents, square numbers and exponential notation. Along with these new concepts, we are practicing multiplication facts for increased automaticity. We practice every day in class. Feel free to encourage your children to practice at home. There will be a Test on Unit 1 next week.
Social Studies-
We are setting the stage for Colonial America with a review of exploration and with learning colonization. Much of Social Studies in the 5th grade is learning the vocabulary related to the topic studied, cause and effect, sequencing events, categorizing, distinguish between primary sources and secondary sources. We have been covering Cortez and the conquer of the Aztecs and New Spain. Jamestown and colonial America will start next week.
Science-Lab safety and The Scientific Process have been the focus thus far. We will soon delve into the solar system. This will include: rotation and revolution in relation to time, causes of day and night, causes of tides, understanding of months and years, properties of the planets, understanding of orbiting, inertia and gravity, and finally, how our understanding of the solar system has changed over time. Earth and It's Neighbors is also our first IB Planner. We will be conducting research as a class and model the research process so that by the time the 5th grade Exhibition comes, students are ready to be independent.
Reading-
Establishing routines for working independently and in small groups is being established. We are practicing silent reading, working on writing, and listening. I will be meeting with small groups and individuals throughout the year and have started working with students one-on-one so that we can determine reading goals for the year. I will be meeting with students to develop writing goals as well.
Spelling/Vocabulary-
Wordly Wise is one of vocabulary development resources. Vocabulary development will also come from reading, writing and spelling. We will be alternating Spelling and Wordly Wise for a few months.
Thank you all for sharing your children. Each and every student brings something special to class and I am thoroughly enjoying them!!!
We have already started-
Math-
We have already started with a lot of new vocabulary and concepts, including factors, factor pairs, prime, composite, exponents, square numbers and exponential notation. Along with these new concepts, we are practicing multiplication facts for increased automaticity. We practice every day in class. Feel free to encourage your children to practice at home. There will be a Test on Unit 1 next week.
Social Studies-
We are setting the stage for Colonial America with a review of exploration and with learning colonization. Much of Social Studies in the 5th grade is learning the vocabulary related to the topic studied, cause and effect, sequencing events, categorizing, distinguish between primary sources and secondary sources. We have been covering Cortez and the conquer of the Aztecs and New Spain. Jamestown and colonial America will start next week.
Science-Lab safety and The Scientific Process have been the focus thus far. We will soon delve into the solar system. This will include: rotation and revolution in relation to time, causes of day and night, causes of tides, understanding of months and years, properties of the planets, understanding of orbiting, inertia and gravity, and finally, how our understanding of the solar system has changed over time. Earth and It's Neighbors is also our first IB Planner. We will be conducting research as a class and model the research process so that by the time the 5th grade Exhibition comes, students are ready to be independent.
Reading-
Establishing routines for working independently and in small groups is being established. We are practicing silent reading, working on writing, and listening. I will be meeting with small groups and individuals throughout the year and have started working with students one-on-one so that we can determine reading goals for the year. I will be meeting with students to develop writing goals as well.
Spelling/Vocabulary-
Wordly Wise is one of vocabulary development resources. Vocabulary development will also come from reading, writing and spelling. We will be alternating Spelling and Wordly Wise for a few months.
Thank you all for sharing your children. Each and every student brings something special to class and I am thoroughly enjoying them!!!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Thank you and Updates
Kristina sent out a thank you e-mail to all who helped out with the Roberts Carnival. I would like to extend the thank you. April Lloyd did a great job involving the students and the students really stepped up to the plate and manned the booth. Thank you agian. This was my first Roberts Carnival and I was impressed with the turnout and the wide variety of activities. I had a great time getting dunked by some 5th grade students.
Tuesday Folders- permission slips and Portfolio Picnic
There are two permission slips going home in the Tuesday folder today, so be on the look out. One is for the Regal Ranch Field Trip and the other for the 5th Grade Fun Day here at Roberts. Also, there is information regarding the Portfolio Picnic and times. Please be sure to fill out the form and return to me in the Tuesday folder so that we can make plans for the Picnic. You will see that there are a variety of times available in order to accommodate parent and student busy schedules.
Living Museum
Students pulled all their research together and did a great job presenting their World Revolutionary Figure. Students did their best to pull together costuming that they could and seemed to have a good deal of fun presenting and listening to eachother. Enjoy the pictures!
Stanford
As you know, Stanford is under way and we have two more testing days. Students are hanging in there and getting through some afternoon work as well. We have freq1uent reminders that the school year is not over and to expect work until the end of school.
Tuesday Folders- permission slips and Portfolio Picnic
There are two permission slips going home in the Tuesday folder today, so be on the look out. One is for the Regal Ranch Field Trip and the other for the 5th Grade Fun Day here at Roberts. Also, there is information regarding the Portfolio Picnic and times. Please be sure to fill out the form and return to me in the Tuesday folder so that we can make plans for the Picnic. You will see that there are a variety of times available in order to accommodate parent and student busy schedules.
Living Museum
Students pulled all their research together and did a great job presenting their World Revolutionary Figure. Students did their best to pull together costuming that they could and seemed to have a good deal of fun presenting and listening to eachother. Enjoy the pictures!
Stanford
As you know, Stanford is under way and we have two more testing days. Students are hanging in there and getting through some afternoon work as well. We have freq1uent reminders that the school year is not over and to expect work until the end of school.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Living Museum
Yeah! They did it! Students pulled it together within a short amount of time, created complete or partial costumes and presented in our Living Museum on Friday. Students really pulled their research together and demonstrated their learning through their speeches. Way to go! Photos will be posted on our blog before the end of the week. I did not have a working camera, but Ms. Shilmoeller will be sharing the photos she took so that we can post.
Update on Portfolio Picnic
The Portfolio Picnic
There will be a variety of options for parents this year for viewing student portfolios with parents. The following lunch options will be available:
Wednesday, the 25th from 11:23-12:30 (end time may be later)
Thursday, the 26th from 11:23-12:30 (end time may be later)
Friday, the 27th from 11:23-12:30 (end time may be later)
The following dinner option will be available on
Thursday, the 26th from 5:30-6:30
More specific information and confirmation of times (I am not 100% positive) will go home in the Tuesday folders tomorrow with a form to fill out and return to me.
There will be a variety of options for parents this year for viewing student portfolios with parents. The following lunch options will be available:
Wednesday, the 25th from 11:23-12:30 (end time may be later)
Thursday, the 26th from 11:23-12:30 (end time may be later)
Friday, the 27th from 11:23-12:30 (end time may be later)
The following dinner option will be available on
Thursday, the 26th from 5:30-6:30
More specific information and confirmation of times (I am not 100% positive) will go home in the Tuesday folders tomorrow with a form to fill out and return to me.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Science TAKS done, Revolution Wrap Up and Carnival
Hello to all!
We are finished with our Science extravaganza and we are finishing up revolution. Students have completed projects on American Revolutionary figures and have been studying up on a World Revolution and important figure. The World Revolutionary Figure project does not have to be written, but is in the form of a living museum. Students will be their chosen World Revolutionary figure, give a speech and answer questions. Their audience will be the other 5th grade students. The living museum will be tomorrow morning. Most students are ready and may just need to practice while others may need a little more information or may need to make some notes for themselves in order to remember their speech and/or information.
When dressing up, students can use any clothes they may have at home and make adjustments, there is no need to go and purchase anything. As long as students make some attempt and improvise. Grading will be based on content, not costume. Those students who are able to dress the part, that will be excellent.
More Social Studies
We will be working on a bit of general knowledge and applying concepts in preparation for Stanford testing for the rest of this week and most of next week. After that, we will cover the new nation and continue from there.
Carnival
A sign up sheet to work the carnival booth was sent in the Tuesday folder yesterday. We have about 5 volunteers so far. If students are able to help at the booth and forms have not been returned, please send forms in tomorrow. Students are excited about working our booth. Thank you in advance for your help!
Stanford
Stanford testing is next week Monday through Thursday. We will be starting in the morning and hope to finish by lunch time but may have more to do after lunch, especially on the Reading day. I will let you know more as I find out more or if needed.
Have a great rest of the week! Carol Rivers
We are finished with our Science extravaganza and we are finishing up revolution. Students have completed projects on American Revolutionary figures and have been studying up on a World Revolution and important figure. The World Revolutionary Figure project does not have to be written, but is in the form of a living museum. Students will be their chosen World Revolutionary figure, give a speech and answer questions. Their audience will be the other 5th grade students. The living museum will be tomorrow morning. Most students are ready and may just need to practice while others may need a little more information or may need to make some notes for themselves in order to remember their speech and/or information.
When dressing up, students can use any clothes they may have at home and make adjustments, there is no need to go and purchase anything. As long as students make some attempt and improvise. Grading will be based on content, not costume. Those students who are able to dress the part, that will be excellent.
More Social Studies
We will be working on a bit of general knowledge and applying concepts in preparation for Stanford testing for the rest of this week and most of next week. After that, we will cover the new nation and continue from there.
Carnival
A sign up sheet to work the carnival booth was sent in the Tuesday folder yesterday. We have about 5 volunteers so far. If students are able to help at the booth and forms have not been returned, please send forms in tomorrow. Students are excited about working our booth. Thank you in advance for your help!
Stanford
Stanford testing is next week Monday through Thursday. We will be starting in the morning and hope to finish by lunch time but may have more to do after lunch, especially on the Reading day. I will let you know more as I find out more or if needed.
Have a great rest of the week! Carol Rivers
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Science Marathon
Well, we made it through the Earth Science unit and have begun review of Life Sciences. Our focus today was on the Water Cycle, Ecosystems, habitat, abiotic factor, biotic factor, and through the lesson, embedded/reviewed producers, consumers, decomposers, and scavengers. In lab this week, we simulated a food web and discussed what would happen if part of a food web was not there. We also are reviewing all Science objective which will continue. Part of this is through our quiz show game, activity stations and paper-pencil work.
We started adaptation today and will continue next week.
I reminded the class today that the school year is not over yet and we still have work to do. I know they wish otherwise. I know they will come to school on Monday with great expectations for learning.
Have a great long weekend!
Carol Rivers
We started adaptation today and will continue next week.
I reminded the class today that the school year is not over yet and we still have work to do. I know they wish otherwise. I know they will come to school on Monday with great expectations for learning.
Have a great long weekend!
Carol Rivers
Monday, April 18, 2011
Two more things I forgot
The Roberts Carnival will be Saturday, May the 7th this year. Thank you to Jin's mom, April Lloyd, who has volunteered to run our classroom booth. We will have a ring toss booth and April Lloyd will be asking for student and parent volunteers. Thank you in advance for all your help with Carnival!
As you may have seen in the Tuesday folders last week, there is a "3-2-1" contract for our end of the year trip. If you have not gotten one from your student, I will be sending home again tomorrow. I have received 20 of the needed 26. Thank you for your support.
As you may have seen in the Tuesday folders last week, there is a "3-2-1" contract for our end of the year trip. If you have not gotten one from your student, I will be sending home again tomorrow. I have received 20 of the needed 26. Thank you for your support.
Oops! Forgot something....
Update on our Revolution IB Planner- Students have been researching, working on projects and presenting on an American Revolutionary figure. While this is wrapping up, some students have begun the next project. The upcoming World Revolutionary Figure Living Museum will be on May the 5th. Students will work on this in class after the Science TAKS.
Stanford Testing-
Stanford testing will be May the 9th through May the 13th. We will be completing some Stanford practice after the Science TAKS as well.
Stanford Testing-
Stanford testing will be May the 9th through May the 13th. We will be completing some Stanford practice after the Science TAKS as well.
It is not over yet.....
Hello All!
Well, Reading and Math TAKS testing are done and we will have the Science TAKS next week on Thursday, the 28th of April. Until then, all the 5th grade classes are focusing on Science. We will not be switching for Math classes or have spelling this week and each class will go to the Science Lab daily for extra lab work. Today, we completed a weathering and erosion activity.
Science-
We have started Earth Science. If you would like to talk with your child about earth science, here are some of the key vocabulary words we will be learning about: erosion, weathering, deposition, volcanos, earthquakes, plate tectonics, landforms (mountains, valleys, etc), the water cycle (precipitation, condensation, evaporation, run off), rock cycle, soil, humus, clay, gravel, sand, wind, glaciers, and waves.
Our focus next week will be on the Life Sciences and we will cover food chains and webs, the Nitrogen Cycle, Plant and Animal Life cycles, ecosystems, plant parts, habitats, biomes, adaptation and related vocabulary.
I understand that the students really would like to be done with 5th grade and the year is not over yet. On that note, here is a sketch of the last week of school's schedule. Please, do not hold me to this 100%, but 95% you can.
Tuesday, May the 31st will be the 5th grade promotion ceremony in the evening (firm)
Wednesday, June the 1st will be the 5th grade fun day at Roberts (not positive what this will entail, but will happen this day). Also, tentatively scheduled is our year book signing party.
Thursday, June the 2nd will be our 5th grade field trip to Regal Ranch (firm). Many of you have expressed an interest in chaparoning. This is wonderful. Please e-mail me and that way I can be sure to get you on the list and solidify. Thank you!
Friday, the 3rd of June will be an early dissmissal day and we will be having Roberts Idol here on campus. FYI- the 2nd will not be an early dissmissal day.
Schedule Change-
Our recess time has changed! We now have recess daily from 1:15-1:40. We are hoping that this gives us time to address any issues needing intervention before dismissal time. The students are being flexible regarding this time change and are handling it well.
Well, Reading and Math TAKS testing are done and we will have the Science TAKS next week on Thursday, the 28th of April. Until then, all the 5th grade classes are focusing on Science. We will not be switching for Math classes or have spelling this week and each class will go to the Science Lab daily for extra lab work. Today, we completed a weathering and erosion activity.
Science-
We have started Earth Science. If you would like to talk with your child about earth science, here are some of the key vocabulary words we will be learning about: erosion, weathering, deposition, volcanos, earthquakes, plate tectonics, landforms (mountains, valleys, etc), the water cycle (precipitation, condensation, evaporation, run off), rock cycle, soil, humus, clay, gravel, sand, wind, glaciers, and waves.
Our focus next week will be on the Life Sciences and we will cover food chains and webs, the Nitrogen Cycle, Plant and Animal Life cycles, ecosystems, plant parts, habitats, biomes, adaptation and related vocabulary.
I understand that the students really would like to be done with 5th grade and the year is not over yet. On that note, here is a sketch of the last week of school's schedule. Please, do not hold me to this 100%, but 95% you can.
Tuesday, May the 31st will be the 5th grade promotion ceremony in the evening (firm)
Wednesday, June the 1st will be the 5th grade fun day at Roberts (not positive what this will entail, but will happen this day). Also, tentatively scheduled is our year book signing party.
Thursday, June the 2nd will be our 5th grade field trip to Regal Ranch (firm). Many of you have expressed an interest in chaparoning. This is wonderful. Please e-mail me and that way I can be sure to get you on the list and solidify. Thank you!
Friday, the 3rd of June will be an early dissmissal day and we will be having Roberts Idol here on campus. FYI- the 2nd will not be an early dissmissal day.
Schedule Change-
Our recess time has changed! We now have recess daily from 1:15-1:40. We are hoping that this gives us time to address any issues needing intervention before dismissal time. The students are being flexible regarding this time change and are handling it well.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Important Information for this week and updates
Wednesday March 23 - 8:15am PTO Meeting
This is the monthly PTO meeting in the cafeteria. All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. The PTO meeting is a great place to learn what is going on in the school, hear about upcoming events, and get the latest news regarding magnet program and state budget.
Friday, March 25 - NOON - full school dismissal
this Friday at noon will be full school dismissal with no clubs or extended day. please make arrangements to have your children picked up at noon.
Updates
I hope you all had a restful Spring Break with enjoyment of the beautiful weather!
As you may have heard from your children, Social Studies projects have begun this week. Students are completing research and a project on an American Revolutionary Figure. The due date is next week on Friday, April the 1st. This research project a subsequent one on another World Revolutionary Figure are part of the Current IB Planner. The Central Idea is that Conflict Causes People to Seek Resolution. This topic is in the news quite a bit these days and students are making parallels in class.
Students have also read a Historical Fiction novel from the American Revolution and are currently working on projects. They will be due on Friday of this week.
Both of these projects will be worked on in school. Students have asked if they can work on at home and, yes, they may. Parents are welcome to help with editing, spelling, and mechanics as well as help facilitate completion.
We are finishing up Energy this week with a test on Thursday, Friday or Monday, depending on progress with Sound Energy. Natural Resources will be next, with a quick one week section.
TAKS Testing is fast approaching and you may hear students talk more about TAKS practice and instruction at school. The Math TAKS for 5th Grade will be April the
4th and the Reading will be April the 5th. In 5th grade, students who do not pass Math and/or Reading, have a 2nd opportunity to pass and these re-takes will take place the last week in April. The Science TAKS will be April the 28th and there are no re-takes.
This is the monthly PTO meeting in the cafeteria. All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. The PTO meeting is a great place to learn what is going on in the school, hear about upcoming events, and get the latest news regarding magnet program and state budget.
Friday, March 25 - NOON - full school dismissal
this Friday at noon will be full school dismissal with no clubs or extended day. please make arrangements to have your children picked up at noon.
Updates
I hope you all had a restful Spring Break with enjoyment of the beautiful weather!
As you may have heard from your children, Social Studies projects have begun this week. Students are completing research and a project on an American Revolutionary Figure. The due date is next week on Friday, April the 1st. This research project a subsequent one on another World Revolutionary Figure are part of the Current IB Planner. The Central Idea is that Conflict Causes People to Seek Resolution. This topic is in the news quite a bit these days and students are making parallels in class.
Students have also read a Historical Fiction novel from the American Revolution and are currently working on projects. They will be due on Friday of this week.
Both of these projects will be worked on in school. Students have asked if they can work on at home and, yes, they may. Parents are welcome to help with editing, spelling, and mechanics as well as help facilitate completion.
We are finishing up Energy this week with a test on Thursday, Friday or Monday, depending on progress with Sound Energy. Natural Resources will be next, with a quick one week section.
TAKS Testing is fast approaching and you may hear students talk more about TAKS practice and instruction at school. The Math TAKS for 5th Grade will be April the
4th and the Reading will be April the 5th. In 5th grade, students who do not pass Math and/or Reading, have a 2nd opportunity to pass and these re-takes will take place the last week in April. The Science TAKS will be April the 28th and there are no re-takes.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Looking to help?
We are completely out of facial tissues and cold season is in full swing. We are looking for any donations of facial tissue boxes. Thank you, Ms. Rivers's class
New Pencil Sharpener and TAKS Benchmarks
A special thank you to Andrea Georgsson for the fantastically quiet pencil sharpener and several pencil packets! Although I thought our pencil sharpener was fine, I didn't know how grat they could be. Like the students, I have great appreciation for a sharp tip.
A thank you also goes out to Kristina Brosig. She has been working hard at getting us to complete our Auction project. We hope you can join the Roberts community this Saturday night.
Reading and Math TAKS Benchmarks are taking place this week. Students took the Math today and will take the Reading tomorrow. We will use the student performance to determine who may need after school tutorials as well as Math class assignment possible changes.
Science
We are finishing up types of energy and starting Light and Sound energy. The Key concepts have and will include the types of energy (mechanical, radiant, chemical, thermal, electrical and Atomic). Light energy includes refraction and reflection, convex and concave lenses and how these effect light. The basics of sound energy will be covered.
Social Studies
The Revolution continues. We have begun watching Liberty Kids as an educational supplement to increase understanding of background, cause and effect and sequence of events during The American Revolution.
Math
Ns. Schillmoeler and Ms. Newton's classes are focusing on fractions. Mr. Shahriari's class is covering advanced Geometry. Measurement is the currect focus in my class (Rivers). The 5th grade teachers have been meeting weekly in regard to student data, subjects to be covered and pacing for the individual classes.
Reading
Historical fiction, character traits and conflict are the currect areas of focus and these are integrated into our American Revolution unit and planner as well as reading groups and whole class read aloud.
Wordly Wise Update
We are finished with the 5th grade Wordly Wise book and will be starting a culminating project next week as a way of reviewing the vocabulary that has been studied.
Language Arts
The Grammar books are out and we are exploring prepositions, prepositional phrases, the destiction between a preposition and an adverb and much more. The spelling focus for the remainder of the school year will be on suffixes and prefixes.
A thank you also goes out to Kristina Brosig. She has been working hard at getting us to complete our Auction project. We hope you can join the Roberts community this Saturday night.
Reading and Math TAKS Benchmarks are taking place this week. Students took the Math today and will take the Reading tomorrow. We will use the student performance to determine who may need after school tutorials as well as Math class assignment possible changes.
Science
We are finishing up types of energy and starting Light and Sound energy. The Key concepts have and will include the types of energy (mechanical, radiant, chemical, thermal, electrical and Atomic). Light energy includes refraction and reflection, convex and concave lenses and how these effect light. The basics of sound energy will be covered.
Social Studies
The Revolution continues. We have begun watching Liberty Kids as an educational supplement to increase understanding of background, cause and effect and sequence of events during The American Revolution.
Math
Ns. Schillmoeler and Ms. Newton's classes are focusing on fractions. Mr. Shahriari's class is covering advanced Geometry. Measurement is the currect focus in my class (Rivers). The 5th grade teachers have been meeting weekly in regard to student data, subjects to be covered and pacing for the individual classes.
Reading
Historical fiction, character traits and conflict are the currect areas of focus and these are integrated into our American Revolution unit and planner as well as reading groups and whole class read aloud.
Wordly Wise Update
We are finished with the 5th grade Wordly Wise book and will be starting a culminating project next week as a way of reviewing the vocabulary that has been studied.
Language Arts
The Grammar books are out and we are exploring prepositions, prepositional phrases, the destiction between a preposition and an adverb and much more. The spelling focus for the remainder of the school year will be on suffixes and prefixes.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
A Very Belated New Year
Well, Our second semester is well under way and there is a lot of information to catch you up on.
First, I want to thank all of you for an extremely generous holiday gift. It was all the way back in December, but I have thought about your generosity daily.
I would also like to thank Kristina Brosig for all of her support and assistance with the auction project and reminders regarding Magnet Feedback. Our class project for auction will be a reading theme with a decorated bean bag chair and individual art projects. I know that several of you are helping with the legistics and I thank you.
This week is No Name Calling Week. Everyone will wear blue on Friday in celebration and in honor of No Name Calling Week.
PROGRESS REPORTS- Progress reports will go home with your students on Thursday of this week. I apologize for the delay.
Change
The biggest change since returning from our Winter Break, has been the start of Math class switches. Everything seems to be going smoothly and I know that small adjustments have been made as needed. We will continue to adjust grouping after units of study. Classes are either focusing on exponents, negative numbers,or continuing with fractions.
Halls, Restroom, and Behavior
In the return from the break, students are beginning to feel older and exert some of there new felt freedoms. While this is a positive step toward maturity, it is also showing a need for some defining of boundaries for students. We have also re-focused on the IB attitudes, discussing what it looks and sounds like to be respectful in different environments around the school.
Mrs. Graves met with the 5th grade students last week and discussed the differences between Middle School environments and Elementary environments. One of the examples given was hallway behavior. In Middle School, all the students pass to classes at the same time and when there is talking in the hall, it does not disrupt. This is not the case in Elementary School. We are also taking class bathroom breaks. This is not due to one incidence, but due to an ongoing pattern of inappropriate behavior in the restrooms and halls outside of the restroom. I am working with the class on making these breaks as fast as possible. Many of the students are bringing a book with them so that they do not gave the temptation to talk while waiting. As time goes on and with increasingly appropriate behavior, we will take fewer class breaks and return to individual restroom usage. Thank you for your patience with this. All in all, the students are becoming increasingly respectful and earned lunch in the classroom today.
Science-
We have finished Matter and have started Energy. Our Wonder Wall is filling up. Your students ask provokative questions, including whether a feeling has energy.
Social Studies-
We are currently transitioning from the French and Indian War to the American Revolution. Our current IB Planner is Revolution with a focus on Conflict causing people to seek resolution. For this planner, students will be completing a written project on an American Revolutionary and a world Revolutionary. We will culminate with a living museum. More information to come.
Reading-
Reading Projects from previous books have been completed and we have started discussing Historical Fiction. The Book Clubs will begin next week and all the choices are Historical Fiction and focus on the American Revolution. Character Traits and Conflict have been concepts discussed through our Historical Fiction read aloud.
Language Arts-
Recent skills and topics have included Friendly letters, commas, context clues, guide words (as in dictionary) and review of other skills. We are working on Prepositions and prepositional phrases as well as integrating written composition and speaking into Science, Social Studies and Reading projects.
First, I want to thank all of you for an extremely generous holiday gift. It was all the way back in December, but I have thought about your generosity daily.
I would also like to thank Kristina Brosig for all of her support and assistance with the auction project and reminders regarding Magnet Feedback. Our class project for auction will be a reading theme with a decorated bean bag chair and individual art projects. I know that several of you are helping with the legistics and I thank you.
This week is No Name Calling Week. Everyone will wear blue on Friday in celebration and in honor of No Name Calling Week.
PROGRESS REPORTS- Progress reports will go home with your students on Thursday of this week. I apologize for the delay.
Change
The biggest change since returning from our Winter Break, has been the start of Math class switches. Everything seems to be going smoothly and I know that small adjustments have been made as needed. We will continue to adjust grouping after units of study. Classes are either focusing on exponents, negative numbers,or continuing with fractions.
Halls, Restroom, and Behavior
In the return from the break, students are beginning to feel older and exert some of there new felt freedoms. While this is a positive step toward maturity, it is also showing a need for some defining of boundaries for students. We have also re-focused on the IB attitudes, discussing what it looks and sounds like to be respectful in different environments around the school.
Mrs. Graves met with the 5th grade students last week and discussed the differences between Middle School environments and Elementary environments. One of the examples given was hallway behavior. In Middle School, all the students pass to classes at the same time and when there is talking in the hall, it does not disrupt. This is not the case in Elementary School. We are also taking class bathroom breaks. This is not due to one incidence, but due to an ongoing pattern of inappropriate behavior in the restrooms and halls outside of the restroom. I am working with the class on making these breaks as fast as possible. Many of the students are bringing a book with them so that they do not gave the temptation to talk while waiting. As time goes on and with increasingly appropriate behavior, we will take fewer class breaks and return to individual restroom usage. Thank you for your patience with this. All in all, the students are becoming increasingly respectful and earned lunch in the classroom today.
Science-
We have finished Matter and have started Energy. Our Wonder Wall is filling up. Your students ask provokative questions, including whether a feeling has energy.
Social Studies-
We are currently transitioning from the French and Indian War to the American Revolution. Our current IB Planner is Revolution with a focus on Conflict causing people to seek resolution. For this planner, students will be completing a written project on an American Revolutionary and a world Revolutionary. We will culminate with a living museum. More information to come.
Reading-
Reading Projects from previous books have been completed and we have started discussing Historical Fiction. The Book Clubs will begin next week and all the choices are Historical Fiction and focus on the American Revolution. Character Traits and Conflict have been concepts discussed through our Historical Fiction read aloud.
Language Arts-
Recent skills and topics have included Friendly letters, commas, context clues, guide words (as in dictionary) and review of other skills. We are working on Prepositions and prepositional phrases as well as integrating written composition and speaking into Science, Social Studies and Reading projects.
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