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.....
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
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
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