Saturday, April 30, 2011

Newsletter for the week of 5-2

Reading: This week in reading, we will continue creating our own stories using the ideas of William Joyce.  We will also be reading Time for Kids to practice research.

Book Report:  The next book report, which is a choice book, is due on Friday, May 13.  The following options for this book report are: fiction book bingo, A to Z of their book, a book jacket, or take an AR test. 

Math: In math we are on unit 10.  The first two lessons focused on solving pan balance problems.  The third lesson focused on algebraic expressions.  We worked on developing representational forms for rates, interpreting graphs, and interpreting tables.  Last week we continued to interpret line graphs.  We also worked on getting the circumference of a circle and the area of a circle.  The formula for circumference is pi times diameter.  The formula for the area of a circle is radius squared times pi.  Chapter 11 will focus on exploring characteristics of geometric solids, comparing geometric solids, and finding the volume of prisms and cylinders.  

Writing: This week in writing, we will begin making our final project for their famous person or event.  They can either make a power point or use another form of technology called the museumbox.
Science: This quarter our unit in science focuses around using the microscope.  The students have learned about the parts of the microscope and how to prepare a slide.  The students also looked at their hair and thread, and they wrote down their observations.  They learned about the range of view and observed a penny.  They also observed the plant cell and used stains to highlight different parts of the cell.  The students also learned about the animal cell and observed their cheek cells, protists under the microscope, and brine shrimp. 

Social Studies: We will start social studies this week.  Chapter 10 focuses on the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.

Spelling Unit 27 Words:
aren't     couldn't     doesn't     hadn't     he'd     he's     here's     how's     she'll     shouldn't     that's
there's     they'll     we'd     we'll     weren't     what's     where's     wouldn't     you'd     celebrities
congratulations     continue     astronomer     guarantee     restaurant     victory     delicious    
jewelry     amateur     athlete     bargain     bureau     license     interference     microscope
pastels     comparison     encouraged     charcoal

Important Information:
This is a request from Mrs. Keene.
Dear Parents,
You were recently requested to present three proofs of residency by April 18th.  To date we are still missing proofs for 38 fifth graders.  Please submit these forms as soon as possible.  The first 5th grade class to return all their forms will receive a freeze pop party on Mrs. Keene!  As a reminder...you will not be permitted to register at the middle school in June for 6th grade unless this information is on file.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Keene in the office, and she will be happy to help you.
If your child submitted Read for Success, they will be getting the tickets in mid-May.

Important Dates:
Science Test Monday, May 2
Math Test Tuesday, May 3
Spelling Test Wednesday, May 4
Field Trip to Hill Middle School Thursday, May 5
Paw print redemption Thursday, May 5
Last day to take AR tests Friday, May 6
Book Report due on May 13

Friday, April 29, 2011

Homework 4-29

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on May 13

Spelling - Contract & Test due Wednesday

5P Math - Study Link 10.9, Study Guide due on Monday, Test on Tuesday

5G Math - Study Link 9.7, Journal page 344

Science - Test on Monday

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Homework 4-28

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due Friday

Spelling - Test & Contract due on May 4

5P Math - Study Link 10.8, Study Guide due on Monday, Test Tuesday

5G Math - Study Link 9.6, Journal 342

Science - Test Monday

Baby Photo by tomorrow

Field Trip note due Tomorrow!!!!!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Homework 2-27

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due Friday

5P Math - Journal page 363, Study guide due on Monday, Test on Tuesday

5G Math - Journal page 341

Science - Test Monday

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Homework 4-26

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on Friday

Spelling - Test & Contract due tomorrow

5P Math - Study Link & Mathboxes 10.7

5G Math - Journal page 340

Science - Test Monday

Field Trip permission slip

Baby Photo due 4-29

Friday, April 22, 2011

Newsletter for the week of 4-25

Reading: This week in reading, we will continue reading the story "The World of William Joyce Scrapbook".  The focus skill will be word analysis.  We will be working on synonyms, antonyms, and multiple meaning words.  We will also work on creating our own stories using the ideas of William Joyce.  Our focus words for this story are: encouraged, illustrating, series, charcoal, and pastels.

Book Report:  The next book report is due on Friday, April 29.  The genre for this book is a science fiction or fantasy book.  For this book report the students need to make a travel brochure.  The travel brochure should include the following: an illustrated cover, what a guest should bring, why someone should come and visit this place, directions on how to get there, any special features that a person may want to see, and anything else they would like to include.

Math: In math we started unit 10.  The first two lessons focused on solving pan balance problems.  The third lesson focused on algebraic expressions.  We worked on developing representational forms for rates, interpreting graphs, and interpreting tables.  This week we will continue to interpret line graphs.  We will also work on getting the circumference of a circle and the area of a circle. 

Writing: This week in writing we will continue our research.  We will use books and computers to research their topics.  We will review how to take notes from the different resources.

Science: This quarter our unit in science focuses around using the microscope.  The students have learned about the parts of the microscope and how to prepare a slide.  The students also looked at their hair and thread, and they wrote down their observations.  They learned about the range of view and observed a penny.  They also observed the plant cell and used stains to highlight different parts of the cell.  Last week we started learning about the animal cell.  The students observed their cheek cells, and protists under the microscope.  This week we will continue to observe the protists, and we will also observe brine shrimp.

Social Studies: We will go back to social studies after we finish the science unit.

Spelling Unit 26 Words:
quiet     trial     fuel     poem     diet     nucleus     cruel     Indian     fluid     violin     museum
dial     ruin     influence     triumph     violent     theater     liar     leotard     koala     journey
obstacle     accomplishment     desperate     calm     beneath     leisure     protein     receiver
pleasant     measures     appointment     weather     sweatshirt     journalist     Reconstruction
Gettysburg     Civil War     Appomattox     Amendment

Important Information:
This is a request from Mrs. Keene.
Dear Parents,
You were recently requested to present three proofs of residency by April 18th.  To date we are still missing proofs for 38 fifth graders.  Please submit these forms as soon as possible.  The first 5th grade class to return all their forms will receive a freeze pop party on Mrs. Keene!  As a reminder...you will not be permitted to register at the middle school in June for 6th grade unless this information is on file.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Keene in the office, and she will be happy to help you.
If your child submitted Read for Success, they will be getting the tickets in mid-May.
The last date to take AR tests is Friday, May 6th.

Important Dates:
No School Monday, April 25
Spelling Test Wednesday, April 27
Special Chorus Concert 9:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27
Paw print redemption Thursday, April 28
Book Report due Friday, April 29
Science Test Monday, May 2
Math Test Tuesday, May 3

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Homework 4-21

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on 4-29

Spelling - Test & Contract 4-27

5P Math - Study Link 10.6 due Tuesday

5G Math - None

Hill field trip permission slip due 4-26

Baby Photo due 4-29

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Homework 4-20

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report 4-29

5P Math - Study Link 10.5

5G Math - Journal page 329, Study Link 9.4

Baby Photo due 4-29

Book Order due 4-21

Permission slip for 5th grade farewell due 4-21

Hill field trip note due 4-25

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Homework 4-19

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on 4-29

Spelling - Contract & Test due tomorrow

5P Math - Study link 10.4

5G Math - Journal page 333, Study Link 9.3

Book Order due 4-21

Permission slip for the fifth grade farewell due 4-21

Baby photo due 4-29

Monday, April 18, 2011

Homework 4-18

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due 4-29

Spelling - Contract & Test for Wednesday

5P Math - Study Link 10.3, Journal page 344 problems 1, 2, & 3

5G Math - Study Link 9.2

Science - Quiz over animal and plant cells

Fifth grade farewell food note due 4-21

Baby Photo due 4-29

Book Order due 4-21

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Newsletter for the week of 4-18

Reading: This week in reading, we will be reading the story "The World of William Joyce Scrapbook".  The focus skill will be word analysis.  We will be working on synonyms, antonyms, and multiple meaning words.  We will also be working on comprehension skills and open ended questions.  Our focus words for this story are: encouraged, illustrating, series, charcoal, and pastels.

Book Report:  The next book report is due on Friday, April 29.  The genre for this book is a science fiction or fantasy book.  For this book report the students need to make a travel brochure.  The travel brochure should include the following: an illustrated cover, what a guest should bring, why someone should come and visit this place, directions on how to get there, any special features that a person may want to see, and anything else they would like to include.

Math: In math we started unit 10.  The first two lessons focused on solving pan balance problems.  The third lesson focused on algebraic expressions.  This week we will work on developing representational forms for rates, interpreting graphs, and interpreting tables. 

Writing: This week in writing we will continue our research.  We will use books and computers to research their topics.  We will review how to take notes from the different resources.

Science: This quarter our unit in science focuses around using the microscope.  The students have learned about the parts of the microscope and how to prepare a slide.  The students also looked at their hair and thread, and they wrote down their observations.  They learned about the range of view and observed a penny.  They also observed the plant cell and used stains to highlight different parts of the cell.  This week we will start learning about the animal cell.  The students will observe their cheek cells, and protists under the microscope.

Social Studies: We will go back to social studies after we finish the science unit.

Spelling Unit 25 Words:
slogan     radar     minutes     honest     second     virus     shadow     humor     salad     eleven
closet     model     volcano     private     balance     radio     basis     decent     fanatic     novel
diary     textbooks     calculated     superior     centuries     laser     module     miser     lotion
bouquet     resign     scenic     awesome     finance     promise     blockade     impeach
segregation     sharecropping     generalization

Important Information:
If your child submitted Read for Success, they will be getting the tickets in mid-May.

Important Dates:
Spelling Test Wednesday, April 20
Permission slip to eat the food at the 5th grade farewell due Thursday, April 21
Book Order due Thursday, April 21
No School Friday, April 22
No School Monday, April 25
Book Report due Friday, April 29
Math Test Monday, May 2

Friday, April 15, 2011



Everyday Math Apps

We just learned this information and wanted to share it with you. McGraw-Hill is offering the EDM Games Apps for iPads and iPhones/iPod touches FREE at the iTunes store from April 13-16, 2011. After April 16th, the apps will be available for $1.99.The games that will be available include:
  • Addition Top-it
  • Subtraction Top-it
  • Beat the Computer
  • Name that Number
  • Equivalent Fractions
  • Tric-Trac
  • Monster Squeeze
  • Baseball Multiplication 1-6 Facts
  • Baseball Multiplication 1-12 Facts
  • Divisibility Dash
Check them out!  Just go to your iTunes account, click on the App store, and search Everyday Math.

Homework 4-15

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on 4-29

Spelling - Contract & Test due Wednesday

5G Math - Journal page 327, Study Link 9.1

Baby Photo due 4-29

Permission slip for the fifth grade farewell due 4-21

Book Order due 4-21

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Homework 4-14

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due tomorrow

Spelling - Contract and test due on 4-20

5P Math - Study Link 10.2

5G Math - Nothing written on the board

Baby photo due 4-49

Permission slip for 5th grade farewell's food due 4-21

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Homework 4-13

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book report due on Friday

5P Math - Study Link 10.1, Journal page 355 numbers 1, 2, & 3

5G Math - Journal pages 321 & 322, Study Link 8.12

Baby Photo due 4-29

Permission slip for fifth grade farewell food due 4-21

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Homework 4-12

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due Friday

Spelling - Test & Contract for Wednesday

5G Math - Study Link 8.11

Baby Photo due 4-29

Permission Slip for 5th Grade Farewell due 4-21

Monday, April 11, 2011

Homework 4-11

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due Friday

Spelling - Contract & Test due 4-13

5P Math - Test tomorrow, Study Link 8.12

5G Math - Study Link 8. 10, Journal pages 315 & 319

Culvers Drawing due tomorrow

Baby photo due 4-29

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Newsletter for the week of 4-11

Reading: This week in reading, we will use articles from Time for Kids to work on our focus skills.  We will work on making a timeline, answering open ended questions, and answering the research questions.  We will also work on using context clues to define unfamiliar words.  

Book Report:  The next book report is due on Friday, April 15.  The students may select from the following options: a book sandwich, a book quilt, an A to Z about the book, make a book jacket, or take an accelerated reader test.

Math: In math we started unit 8.  The first lesson of this unit focused on equivalent fractions.  The second lesson focused on adding mixed numbers with common denominators and uncommon denominators.  The students also learned about subtracting and multiplying fractions.  They learned how to find a product of a whole number and a fraction.  Last week they learned how to calculate the percent of a discount.  They also learned how to find the whole given a fraction or percent.  The last lesson in unit 8 was dividing fractions.  The test over unit 8 is Tuesday.  On Wednesday, we will start unit 10.  The first two lessons focus on solving pan balance problems.  The third lesson focuses on algebraic expressions. 

Writing: This week in writing the students will begin their research.  We will use books and computers to research their topics.  We will review how to take notes from the different resources.

Science: This quarter our unit in science focuses around using the microscope.  The students have learned about the parts of the microscope and how to prepare a slide.  The students also looked at their hair and thread, and they wrote down their observations.  They learned about the range of view.  This week they will observe a penny.  They will also start to learn about the parts of a plant cell and be able to observe one under the microscope.  We will also use stains to highlight different parts of the cell.

Social Studies: We will go back to social studies after we finish the science unit.

Spelling Unit 24 Words:
subtract      distract      contract      complex      distrust      extra      improve      instead      Congress
English      conflict      exchange      pumpkin      sandwich      Christmas      construction      luncheon
complaint      transform      although      cassette      devised      persuaded      deceive      dictionary
punctuation      unstressed      abbreviation      approve      substance      parsley      puncture
hatchet      laughter      purchase      nutrients      proteins       vitamins      calorie      carbohydrates

Important Information:
If your child submitted Read for Success, they will be getting the tickets in mid-May.

Important Dates:
Math test Tuesday, April 12
Spelling test Wednesday, April 13
Book report due Friday, April 15

Friday, April 8, 2011

Homework 4-8

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due 4-15

Spelling - Test & Contract due 4-13

5P Math - Study Link 8.10, Study Guide due on Monday, Test on Tuesday

5G Math - Journal page 313

Baby photos due 4-29

Bring a penny for science on Monday

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Homework 4-7

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due 4-15

Spelling - Contract & Test due 4-13

5P Math - Journal page 283, Study guide due Monday, Test Tuesday

5G Math - Journal pages 311 & 312

Baby Photo due 4-29

Hill Parent Night 7:00 - 8:30

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Homework 4-6

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due 4-15

5P Math - Study link 8.9, Study Guide due 4-11, Test 4-12

5G Math - Journal page 309, Study Link 8.8 both sides

5S Flex - Character Chart

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Homework 4-5

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report 4-15

5P Math - Journal page 279, Study guide due Monday, Test Tuesday

5G Math - Journal page 307

Science - Quiz over parts of the microscope

Monday, April 4, 2011

Homework 4-4

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due 4-15

5P Math - Problems on sheets, Study Guide due 4-11, Test 4-12

5G Math - Study Link 8.2 & 8.7

Science - Quiz Wednesday

Friday, March 25, 2011

Newsletter for the week of 4-4

Reading: This week in reading we will be reading the story "William Shakespeare & the Globe".  The focus skills for this story are fact and opinion, important vs. unimportant information, and connecting literary selections to historical context.  We will also continue to work on using context clues to define words.  The words we will focus on this story are dismantle, adornment, lavish, congested, patron, critical, and shareholder.   

Book Report:  The next book report is due on Friday, April 15.  The students may select from the following options: a book sandwich, a book quilt, an A to Z about the book, make a book jacket, or take an accelerated reader test.

Math: In math we started unit 8.  The first lesson of this unit focused on equivalent fractions.  The second lesson focused on adding mixed numbers with common denominators and uncommon denominators.  The students also learned about subtracting and multiplying fractions.  They learned how to find a product of a whole number and a fraction.  Last week the students continued to learn how to find a product of a whole number and a fraction.  This week they will learn how to calculate the percent of a discount.  They will also find the whole given a fraction or percent.  The last lesson in unit 8 is dividing fractions.

Writing: This week in writing the students will pick their research topic.  We are making some changes to our project this year, and we have not decided what the end product will be.  This year the students can select either a person who impacted the world or a historical event that had an impact on the world.  On Monday, they will be able to look through biography books and books with historical events.  This will help them select a topic.  On Tuesday, we will go through the specific questions that will need to be answered after doing their research.  Then they will select their person or event on Friday.  On Wednesday, they are going to write a story about meeting their favorite author, and on Thursday, the students are going to write a 6 word memoir. 

Science: This quarter our unit in science focuses around using the microscope.  The students will learn about the parts of the microscope and how to prepare a slide.  The students will also compare the size of specimens and observe a penny next week.  They will start to learn about the parts of a plant cell and be able to observe one under the microscope.

Social Studies: We will go back to social studies after we finish the science unit.

Spelling Unit  Words:
There is no spelling this week.

Important Information:
Please sign the report card envelope and send it back to school after break.
If your child submitted Read for Success, they will be getting the tickets in mid-May.

Important Dates:
Spring Break the week of March 28
Classes resume Monday, April 4
Parent night at Hill on Thursday, April 7
Math test Tuesday, April 12
Book report due Friday, April 15

Homework 3-25

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on 4-15

5P Math - Study Guide due on Thursday, April 7, Test on Friday, April 8

Have a great spring break.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Homework 3-24

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due tomorrow

5P Math - Study Link 8.8, Study guide due on April 6, Test April 7

5G Math - Journal pages 303 & 306

Book Order due Friday

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Homework 3-23

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on Friday

5P Math - Journal page 275

5G Math - Study Link 8.6, Journal page 301

Book Order due on Friday

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Homework 3-22

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on Friday

Spelling - Test & Contract due Wednesday

5G Math - Journal pages 297 & 299

Book Order due on Friday

Monday, March 21, 2011

Homework 3-21

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on 3-25

Spelling - Contract & Test for Wednesday

5P Math - Study Link 8.7, Journal page 271 numbers 1, 3, 4, 5

5G Math - Journal pages 293 & 294,

Social Studies - Worksheet, Test starting tomorrow

Book Order due 3-25

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Newsletter for the week of 3-21

Reading: This week in reading we will continue to work on using context clues and affixes to define words.  We will also work on summarizing ideas, open ended questions, inferences, and important vs. unimportant information.  This week in reading we will work on these skills with our social studies curriculum.  The students will be reading the chapter in both reading and social studies block and working on different skills.  We will also be using Time for Kids magazines to teach these skills.   

Book Report:  The next book report is due on Friday, March 25, and the genre is fairy tales.  They have three options to select from for this report.  Option 1: After reading the fairy tale, they can create their own fairy tale.  Option 2: They can create a twist to the fairy tale they just read.  This means that they can change a character, change the setting, change the character traits, etc.  The message of the fairy tale should be the same.  Option 3: They can create their own parody.  An example of a parody would be Cinderella's Rat.  Cinderella's rat tells the story instead of Cinderella.  Another parody is the Wolf telling the story of the Three Little Pigs instead of the Three Little Pigs.

Math: In math we started unit 8.  The first lesson of this unit focused on equivalent fractions.  The second lesson focused on adding mixed numbers with common denominators and uncommon denominators.  Last week the students learned about subtracting and multiplying fractions.  They also learned how to find a product of a whole number and a fraction.  This week the students will continue to learn how to find a product of a whole number and a fraction.  They will also learn how to calculate the percent of a discount.
Writing: This week in writing we will be making mash up books.  The students will take two picture books and mash the two stories together.  They will also make two class books this week.  I will read the story Animals Should Definately Not Wear Clothing then the students will brainstorm other things animals should not do.  Each student will make a page for our class book about what animals should not do.  I will also read the book Bad Ideas, and the students will make a page for the class book on bad ideas.

Science: We will go back to science next quarter.

Social Studies: We will be working on chapter 9.  The students will learn about the colonists declaring independence from Britain.  They will also learn about the American Revolution.  This chapter also focuses on how other nations helped the colonists during the American Revolution.  The focus skill of this chapter is making generalizations.  The tentative date of the test is this Tuesday.

Spelling Unit 23 Words:
wondering       fastened       permitting       controlled       listening       regretted       suffered
admitted       referred       bothered       submitted       whispered       transferring       occurring
canceled       developing       scrubbing       upsetting       wondered       quarreled       triggered
commenting       delaying       squatted       complained       permitting       remained       profiting
selling       supplying       obtaining       omitted       preferred       profited       abolitionist
headline       editorial       dateline       secede

Important Information:
Spring fundraiser - Money order forms are due Monday, March 21
If your child submitted Read for Success, they will be getting the tickets in mid-May.

Important Dates:
Social Studies test Tuesday, March 22
Spelling test Wednesday, March 23
Book Report due Friday, March 25
Report cards Friday, March 25
Spring Break the week of March 28
Classes resume Monday, April 4
Math test Friday, April 8

Friday, March 18, 2011

Homework 3-18

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on Friday

Language Arts - Persuasive Paper due Monday

Spelling - Contract & Test due Wednesday 3-23

5G Math - Journal page 287 if not done

Fun Fair tomorrow

The Book Fair will also be open tomorrow.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Homework 3-17

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on 3-25

Spelling - Contract & Test due 3-23

5P Math - Journal page 266 problems 2, 3, 4

5G Math - Fix page 280 if needed

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Homework 3-16

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due 3-25

5P Math - Journal page 261, Journal page 263 numbers 1 & 3

5G Math - Journal page 280 evens & journal page 281

Fun Fair Saturday

Book Fair

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Homework 3-15

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on 3-25

Spelling - Contract & Test due tomorrow

5P Math - Journal page 258

5G Math - Journal pages 278 & 279

Social Studies - 2 worksheets

Art - Crime poster

Monday, March 14, 2011

Homework 3-14

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due 3-25

Spelling - Test & Contract due on Wednesday

5P Math - Study Link 8.3

5G Math - Worksheet

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Newsletter for the week of 3-14

Reading: This week in reading we will continue to work on using context clues and affixes to define words.  We will also work on summarizing ideas, open ended questions, and defending inferences.  This week in reading we will work on these skills with our social studies curriculum.  The students will be reading the chapter in both reading and social studies block and working on different skills.   

Book Report:  The next book report is due on Friday, March 25, and the genre is fairy tales.  They have three options to select from for this report.  Option 1: After reading the fairy tale, they can create their own fairy tale.  Option 2: They can create a twist to the fairy tale they just read.  This means that they can change a character, change the setting, change the character traits, etc.  The message of the fairy tale should be the same.  Option 3: They can create their own parody.  An example of a parody would be Cinderella's Rat.  Cinderella's rat tells the story instead of Cinderella.  Another parody is the Wolf telling the story of the Three Little Pigs instead of the Three Little Pigs.

Math: In math we started unit 8.  The first lesson of this unit focused on equivalent fractions.  The second lesson focused on adding mixed numbers with common denominators and uncommon denominators.  This week the students will learn about subtracting and multiplying fractions.  They will also learn how to find a product of a whole number and a fraction.
Writing: This week in writing we will continue writing a persuasive paper.  The students will continue writing to the King to persuade him to stop taxing the colonists.

Science: We will go back to science next quarter.

Social Studies: We will be working on chapter 9.  The students will learn about the colonists declaring independence from Britain.  They will also learn about the American Revolution.  This chapter also focuses on how other nations helped the colonists during the American Revolution.  The focus skill of this chapter is making generalizations.  The tentative date of the test is this Friday.

Spelling Unit 22 Words:
pretty     service     thunder     blanket     effort     fellow     subject     perhaps     attack
entire     chimney     tunnel     effect     suspended     challenge     pretzel     survive     pillow
hunger     college     determined     autobiography     disease     eternal     composition
percussion     malignant     elastic     silkworm     signal     suburban     warranty     yielding
perfection     language     undeniable     despair     concocted     homestead     brooded
Important Information:
If your child submitted Read for Success, they will be getting the tickets in mid-May.

Important Dates:
Book Fair throughout this week
Band concert at Hill on Monday, March 14 at 7:45
Orchestra concert at Hill on Monday, March 14 at 6:15
Spelling test Wednesday, March 16
Paw print redemption on Thursday, March 17
Social Studies test Friday, March 18
Fun Fair Saturday, March 19
Book Report due Friday, March 25

Friday, March 11, 2011

Homework 3-11

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due 3-25

Spelling - Test & Contract due Wednesday

5G Math - Study Link 7.8, Journal pages 267, 271

Social Studies - Test will be finished on Monday

P.E. - Fitness Sheet

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Homework 3-10

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on Friday

Spelling - Contract & Test due 3-16

5P Math - Journal page 252

5G Math - Study Link

Social Studies - Worksheet, Test on Friday

P.E. - Fitness Sheet due on Monday

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Homework 3-9

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on Friday

5P Math - Study Link 8.1

5G Math - Journal page 262

Social Studies - Worksheet

P.E. - Fitness sheet due on Monday

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Homework 3-8

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on 3-11

Language Arts - Persuasive Paper due on Wednesday

Spelling - Contract & Test for tomorrow

5G Math - Study Link 7.5 & 7.6

P.E. - Fitness Homework due on Monday

Monday, March 7, 2011

Homework 3-7

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on 3-11

Spelling - Contract & Test for Wednesday

5P Math - Test tomorrow

5G Math - Journal pages 256 & 259, Study Link 7.2, 7.3, 7.4

P.E. - Fitness Sheet due on Monday

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Newsletter for the week of 3-7

Reading: This week in reading we will continue to work on using context clues and affixes to define words.  We will also work on summarizing ideas and defending inferences.  This week in reading we will work on these skills with our social studies curriculum.  The students will be reading the chapter in both reading and social studies block and working on different skills.   

Book Report:  The next book report is due on Friday, March 11, and it is a choice book.  They have five options to select from: a book sandwich, write the next chapter to their book, A to Z of their book, make a book jacket, or an accelerated reader test.

Math: In math we started unit 9.  The first three lessons of this unit focused on reading and graphing coordinate pairs.  We also learned about finding the area of rectangles.  Last week we learned about using the rectangle method to find the area of triangles and parallelograms.  They also learned how to find the volume of rectangular prisms and the relationship between a liter, cubic centimeter, and millilter.  The test is Tuesday.
Writing: This week in writing we will finish writing the persuasive paper which focused on school uniforms.  Later in the week, we will write another persuasive paper.  The students will write to the King to persuade him to stop taxing the colonists.

Science: We will go back to science next quarter.

Social Studies: We will be working on chapter 8.  The students will learn about the taxes Britain imposed on the thirteen colonies.  We will be doing a taxation project with the students to help them understand taxes, and why the colonists became angry with all the taxes.  They will also learn how the colonists responded to the Stamp Act, Townshend Act, and the Intolerable Act.  This chapter also focuses on the many events that led to the American Revolution and the first battle of the war.  The focus skill of this chapter is using primary sources.  The tentative date of the test is this Friday.

Spelling Unit 21 Words:
precede       predict       prefer       pretend       pretest       prevent       preview       previous
proceed       process       proclaim       professional       program       progress       project
promise       pronunciation       property       propose       protect       ceramic       opponent
aquarium       resources       acquaintance       prearrange       prefix       preparation       preserve
presume       profound       productive       prohibitive       proportional       hyperbole       simile
personification       alliteration       onomatopoeia       metaphor

Important Information:
If your child submitted Read for Success, they will be getting the tickets in mid-May.

Important Dates:
Field trip money due
Math test Tuesday, March 8
Spelling test Wednesday, March 9
Book Report due Friday, March 11
Book Fair Preview Friday, March 11
Social Studies test Friday, March 11

Friday, March 4, 2011

Homework 3-4

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due Friday, March 11

Spelling - Contract & Test due Wednesday, March 9

5P Math - Study Guide due Monday, Test on Tuesday

Field Trip Note

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Homework 3-3

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on 3-11

5P Math - Study Link 9.10, Journal pages 330 & 331, Study Guide due Monday, Test on Tuesday

5G Math - None

Science - Test tomorrow

Field Trip form

Form for pictures taken for the fifth grade farewell

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Homework 3-2

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on 3-11

5P Math - Study Link 9.9, Mathboxes 9.9, Study Guide due on Monday, Test on Tuesday

5G Math - Journal page 253

Science - Test on Friday

Field Trip form

Form giving permission to use your students picture in the slideshow and DVD for the 5th grade farewell

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Homework 3-1

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book report

5P Math - Study guide due on 3-7, Test on 3-8

5G Math - Study Link 7.1

Science - Worksheet, Test Friday

Field Trip form

Monday, February 28, 2011

Homework 2-28

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report

5P Math - Study Link 9.8, Study guide due 3-7, Test 3-8

Science - Test on Friday

Field Trip note due

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Newsletter for the week of 2-28

Reading: This week in reading we will continue to work on using context clues and affixes to define words.  We will also work on using multiple meaning words, and reading charts.  The students will also work on poems and a TFK magazine on Friday.

Book Report:  The next book report is due on Monday, February 28.  This book must be a historical fiction.  For this report, they need to make a 3x3 quilt block with each of the squares being about 8x8 inches.  They need to share something from the book in each of the 9 squares.  Examples would be: characters, setting, summary, illustration, their favorite part, conflict, etc.  They need to make sure all 9 squares are filled in, and they will share their quilt with the class.

Math: In math we started unit 9.  The first three lessons of this unit focused on reading and graphing coordinate pairs.  We also learned about finding the area of rectangles.  Last week we learned about using the rectangle method to find the area of triangles and parallelograms.  This week we will learn how to find the volume of rectangualr prisms.  The students will also learn the relationship between a liter, cubic centimeter, and miililter.
Writing: This week in writing we will continue to write a persuasive paper which will focus on school uniforms. 

Science: This week in science we will start learning about stars.  In the first lesson the students learned about the sun and the layers of the sun.  Then they learned about the different star sizes, distances, star colors and what the colors mean.  This week we will continue to focus on star birth, death, and galaxies.  We will also focus on the different constellations.

Social Studies: We will go back to social studies the last half of this quarter.

Spelling Unit Words:
There is no spelling this week.

Important Dates:
Field trip money due
Book report due on Monday, February 28
ISAT testing March 1, 2, & 3
Science test Friday, March 4
Math test Tuesday, March 8

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Homework 2-24

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due Monday

5P Math - Study Link 9.6

Science - Worksheet

Field Trip form

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Homework 2-23

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on Monday, Feb. 28

Language Arts - 4 Square due tomorrow

5P Math - Study Link 9.5, Journal page 315

PA - Stock market game worksheet

Field Trip note

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Newsletter for the week of 2-21

Reading: This week in reading we will continue to work on using context clues and affixes to define words.  We will also work on using multiple meaning words.  We will also be doing packet reading.  The students will be given a story to read on their own and then have to answer multiple choice questions.  After answering the questions, they will have to answer the extended response.

Book Report:  The next book report is due on Monday, February 28.  This book must be a historical fiction.  For this report, they need to make a 3x3 quilt block with each of the squares being about 8x8 inches.  They need to share something from the book in each of the 9 squares.  Examples would be: characters, setting, summary, illustration, their favorite part, conflict, etc.  They need to make sure all 9 squares are filled in, and they will share their quilt with the class.

Math: In math we started unit 9.  The first three lessons of this unit focused on reading and graphing coordinate pairs.  We also learned about finding the area of rectangles.  This week we will be working on finding the area of triangles and parallelograms.

Writing: This week in writing we will continue to analyze persuasive writing.  The students and I will read different persuasive pieces and come up with a list of components that are required in a persuasive paper.  We will also start writing a persuasive paper which will focus on school uniforms. 

Science: This week in science we will start learning about stars.  In the first lesson the students learned about the sun and the layers of the sun.  Then they learned about the different star sizes, distances, star colors and what the colors mean.  This week we will focus on star birth, death, and galaxies.

Social Studies: We will go back to social studies the last half of this quarter.

Spelling Unit 20 Words:
discuss       deduct       dismissed       develop       disease       discount       disturb       details
demand       determined       depressed       defense       disappointing       discouraged 
disadvantage       demonstrated       defeat       descent       disappear       disconnect  
distract       decision        deliver       distressed       distribute       disable       describe
destroyed       disobey       disassemble       disagreed       discipline       discredit       delete
define       investor       stagecoach       reaper       interchangeable       encyclopedia

Important Dates:
No school Monday, February 21
No school Tuesday, February 22
Spelling test Wednesday, February 23
Field trip money due Wednesday, February 23
Field trip to the planetarium Thursday, February 24
No school Friday, February 25
Book report due on Monday, February 28

Friday, February 18, 2011

Homework 2-18

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due 2 -28

Spelling - Contract & Test for Wednesday

5P Math - Journal pages 307 & 311

5G Math - Study for the other part of your test

PA - Portfolio Research

Field Trip form due 2-23

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Homework 2-16

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due 2/28

Science - Worksheet, Quiz on Friday

Field Trip form due 2/21

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Homework 2-15

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on 2-28

Spelling - Test & Contract due tomorrow

5P Math - Study Links 9.1, 9.2, 9.3

5G Math - Study Link 6.12, Journal page 245

Science - Quiz Friday, Worksheet

PA - Toothpaste Millionaire get flyers and newspapers

Field Trip Form due 2/21

Monday, February 14, 2011

Homework 2-14

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due 2/28

Spelling - Test & Contract due on Wednesday

5P Math - Extended Response Question

5G Math - Journal page 239

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Newsletter for the week of 2-14

Reading: This week in reading we will continue reading the story "Hattie's Birthday Box" from our anthology book.  The focus skill for this week is comparing stories with similar plots, characters, themes, foreshadowing, symbolism, flashbacks, and dialogue.  They will also answer another extended response question.  The question for this week's extended response is: How and why do Granddaddy's feelings change from the beginning of the story to the end?  Use information from the text and your own ideas to answer the question.  We will continue to work on using context clues and affixes to define words.  We will also work on using multiple meaning words.  We will also be doing packet reading.  The students will be given a story to read on their own and then have to answer multiple choice questions.  After answering the questions, they will have to answer the extended response.

Book Report:  The next book report is due on Monday, February 14.  This book is a choice book, and there are 5 options to choose from.  They can take an Accelerated Reader test for their book report.  After taking the test, they just have to show me their grade.  The other options are:
  • A to Z of your book
  • Write the next chapter to your book
  • Sandwich book report
  • Book report bingo 
Math: In math we started unit 9.  The first three lesson of this unit will focus on reading and graphing coordinate pairs.  The other three lessons this week will focus on finding the are of rectangles, triangles, and parallelograms.

Writing: This week in writing we will continue to analyze persuasive writing.  The students and I will read different persuasive pieces and come up with a list of components that are required in a persuasive paper.  We will also start writing a persuasive paper which will focus on school uniforms.  We will finish writing a story for wordless picture books.

Science: This week in science we will start learning about stars.  In the first lesson the students will learn about the sun and the layers of the sun.  Then they will learn about the different star sizes and distances.  The third lesson will focus on star colors and what the colors mean.  The last lesson this week will focus on star birth and death.

Social Studies: We will go back to social studies the last half of this quarter.

Spelling Unit 19 Words:
remove       interview       repeat       interrupt       respect       interfere       represent
relocate       international       review       interpret       interstate       remarkable
intermediate       intersection       recommend       interject       intervene       resource
remained       interdependent       interconnect       recognize       reassure       recede
interact       reactivate       reinvestigation       recaptured       interdepartmental
interplanetary       intercostals       recuperate       recurrent       intergenerational
planetarium       neutral       telescope       photosphere        chromosphere

Important Dates:
Book Report due Monday, February 14
Robert Crown field trip Monday, February 14
Monday, February 14 Valentine's Day - Students can bring in Valentine's Day cards but no candy is allowed.  If any candy is sent in, I will ask the student to take it back home. 
Spelling test Wednesday, February 16
Robert Crown followup Wednesday, February 16
Paw print redemption Thursday, February 17
Thursday, February 17 The final manuscripts must be submitted to the LMC.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Homework 2-11

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book report due on Monday, Feb. 14

Spelling - Test & contract due on Wednesday, Feb. 16

5G Math - Extended Response, SL 6.11

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Homework 2-10

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book report due on Monday, Feb. 14

Spelling - Contract & Test for next Wednesday, Feb 16

5P Math - Extended Response Question

5G Math - Study Link 6.10

Book Order due tomorrow

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Homework 2-9

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on Monday, Feb. 14

5G Math - Journal page 240 problems 5 & 6

Science - Test tomorrow

Book Order due on Friday

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Homework 2-8

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on Monday, Feb. 14

5P Math - Study Guide, Test tomorrow

5G Math - Journal pages 229 & 233

Science - Worksheet & Test for Thursday

Book Order due on Friday

Monday, February 7, 2011

Homework 2-7

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due Monday, Feb. 14

5P Math - SL 7.11, Study guide due tomorrow, Test on Wednesday

5G Math - Journal page 227, SL 6.7

Science - Worksheet, Test on Thursday

Book Order due Friday

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Newsletter for the week of 2-7

Reading: This week in reading we will read the story "Hattie's Birthday Box" from our anthology book.  The focus skill for this week is comparing stories with similar plots, characters, themes, foreshadowing, symbolism, flashbacks, and dialogue.  They will also answer another extended response question.  The question for this week's extended response is: How and why do Granddaddy's feelings change from the beginning of the story to the end?  Use information from the text and your own ideas to answer the question.  We will continue to work on using context clues and affixes to define words.  We will also work on using multiple meaning words.

Book Report:  The next book report is due on Monday, February 14.  This book is a choice book, and there are 5 options to choose from.  They can take an Accelerated Reader test for their book report.  After taking the test, they just have to show me their grade.  The other options are:
  • A to Z of your book
  • Write the next chapter to your book
  • Sandwich book report
  • Book report bingo 
Math: In math we started unit 7.  The first lesson focused on writing and reading exponential notation.  The second lesson was about number/word notation and exponential notation for the powers of 10.  The third lesson focused is on translating scientific notation and reviewing expanded notation.  Last week we worked on matching number stories to the appropriate expressions.  We also worked on learning the rules for order of operations.  These rules are: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division from left to right, Addition/Subtraction from left to right. Lesson 6 focused on interpreting and making line graphs.  The students also worked on ordering positive and negative numbers and adding and subtracting positive and negative numbers.  On Monday, we will do one more lesson on adding and subtracting positive and negative numbers.

Writing: This week in writing we will start to analyze persuasive writing.  The students and I will read different persuasive pieces and come up with a list of components that are required in a persuasive paper.  We will also continue writing a story for wordless picture books.

Science: This week in science we will continue learning about our digestive system.  The students have learned about the different teeth in their mouth and oral health.  They also learned that digestion starts in their mouth with saliva beginning to break down starch.  This week they will learn about the stomach and its three jobs.  These jobs are mixing food with gastric juices, starting to break down protein, and it is a storage place.  They will also learn how nutrients are absorbed into the blood and the two jobs of the small intestine.  Another lesson this week will focus on the organs that aid in digestion.  These organs are the liver, gall bladder, and pancreas.  We will also talk about the large intestine which has only one job.  That job is to absorb the water into our body.

Social Studies: We will go back to social studies the last half of this quarter.

Spelling Unit Words:
There is no spelling this week.

Important Dates:
Math Test Wednesday, February 9
Science Test Thursday, February 10
Book Report due Monday, February 14
Robert Crown field trip Monday, February 14
Monday, February 14 Valentine's Day - Students can bring in Valentine's Day cards but no candy is allowed.  If any candy is sent in, I will ask the student to take it back home. 
Thursday, February 17 The final manuscripts must be submitted to the LMC.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Homework 2-4

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book report due on Monday, Feb. 14

5P Math - Study Link 7.10, Journal page 243 numbers 1, 3, & 6, Study Guide due on Tuesday, Test on Wednesday

Science - Test on Thursday

Book Order due on Friday

Field Trip money due on Monday if you have not turned it in.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Homework 2-1

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on Monday, Feb. 14

Language Arts - A to Z book due on Thursday

Spelling - Contract & Test due on Thursday

5P Math - Study Link 7.9, Study guide due on Friday, Test on Monday

5G Math - Journal pages 221 & 224, Study Link 6.5 & 6.6

Science - Test Friday

Field Trip Note due on Thursday

Monday, January 31, 2011

Homework 1-31

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on Feb. 14

Language Arts - A to Z pictures due by Thursday, Feb. 3

Spelling - Contract & Test for Wednesday, Feb. 2

5P Math - Study Link 7.8, Study guide due on Friday, Test on Monday

5G Math - None

Science - Test Friday, Feb. 4

Field Trip note due on Thursday, Feb. 3

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Newsletter for the week of 1-31

Reading: This week in reading we will finish reading the story "Oceans" from our anthology book and read Time for Kids magazines.  The focus skills for this week are determining the main idea and the supporting details.  They will also answer another extended response question.  The question for this week's extended response is: How does wind effect the size of the waves?  Use information from the text and your own ideas to answer the question.  We will continue to work on using context clues and affixes to define words.  We will also work on using new vocabulary from non-fiction text in their own writing.

Book Report:  The next book report is due on Monday, February 14.  This book is a choice book, and there are 5 options to choose from.  They can take an Accelerated Reader test for their book report.  After taking the test, they just have to show me their grade.  The other options are:
  • A to Z of your book
  • Write the next chapter to your book
  • Sandwich book report
  • Book report bingo 
Math: In math we started unit 7.  The first lesson focused on writing and reading exponential notation.  The second lesson was about number/word notation and exponential notation for the powers of 10.  The third lesson focused is on translating scientific notation and reviewing expanded notation.  Last week we worked on matching number stories to the appropriate expressions.  We also worked on learning the rules for order of operations.  These rules are: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division from left to right, Addition/Subtraction from left to right. Lesson 6 focused on interpreting and making line graphs.  The students also worked on ordering positive and negative numbers. All this week our lessons will focus on adding and subtracting positive and negative numbers.

Writing: This week in writing we will start to analyze persuasive writing.  The students and I will read different persuasive pieces and come up with a list of components that are required in a persuasive paper.  We will also write a story for wordless picture books.

Science: This week in science we will continue learning about our digestive system.  The students have learned about the different teeth in their mouth and oral health.  They also learned that digestion starts in their mouth with saliva beginning to break down starch.  This week they will learn about the stomach and its three jobs.  These jobs are mixing food with gastric juices, starting to break down protein, and it is a storage place.  They will also learn how nutrients are absorbed into the blood and the two jobs of the small intestine.  Another lesson this week will focus on the organs that aid in digestion.  These organs are the liver, gall bladder, and pancreas.  We will also talk about the large intestine which has only one job.  That job is to absorb the water into our body.

Social Studies: We will go back to social studies the last half of this quarter.

Spelling Unit 18 Words:
nontoxic       income       unknown       unusual       involved       unlike       inspector       unless
indeed       nonprofit       invisible       nonsense       incredible       uncomfortable       inconsistent
unfortunately       nonfiction       nonviolent       uncover       informal       inexperienced
unproductive       nonverbal       unsightly       inspiration       nonrefundable       indescribable
inevitable       nonresident       invalid       involuntary       insurance       unhurried       unending
nebula       supernova       galaxy       Betelgeuse       astronomical unit

Important Dates:
Hill form needs to be turned in on Monday, January 31
Spelling Test Wednesday, February 2
Field trip to Robert Crown Thursday, February 3
Field Trip form due on Thursday, February 3
Science Test Friday, February 4
Math Test Monday, February 7
Monday, February 14 Valentine's Day - Students can bring in Valentine's Day cards but no candy is allowed.  If any candy is sent in, I will ask the student to take it back home. 
Thursday, February 17 The final manuscripts must be submitted to the LMC.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Homework 1-28

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due Feb. 14

Language Arts - A to Z pictures due Thursday, Feb. 3

5P Math - Study Link 7.7, Study Guide due Friday, 2-5, Test Monday, Feb. 7

5G Math - Study Link 6.4, Journal pages 216 & 217

Science - Test Friday, Feb. 4

Hill Form due on Monday

Field Trip form due Thursday, Feb. 3

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Homework 1-27

Reading - Read 25 minutes, Book Report due tomorrow

Spelling - Test & Contract due Wednesday, Feb. 2

5P Math - Study Link 7.6, Journal page 228 problems 2 & 3, study guide due Feb. 3, Test Feb. 4

5G Math - None

Hill form due on Monday, Jan. 31

Field trip form due on Feb. 3

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Homework 1-26

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due Friday

Language Arts - A to Z through Z for tomorrow

5P Math - Journal page 225 2, 4, 5, 6

5G Math - Journal page 213

Science - Quiz over digestive diagram

Hill Form due January 31

Field Trip form due February 3

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Homework 1-25

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due Friday

Language Arts - A to Z through letter T

Spelling - Contract & Test due tomorrow

5P Math - Study Link 7.5

5G Math - Journal page 210, PA letter

Science - Quiz over digestive system

Hill Form due January 31

Field Trip form February 3

Monday, January 24, 2011

Homework for 1-24

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due Friday

Spelling - Contract & Test due Wednesday

5P Math - Study Link 7.4, Journal page 218

5G Math - Study Link 6.1 Journal pages 206 & 209

Field Trip form due February 3rd

Hill Form due January 31

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Newsletter for the week of 1-24

Reading: This week in reading we will be reading the story "Oceans" from our anthology book.  The focus skills for this week are determining the main idea and minor and significant details.  They will also answer another extended response question.  We will continue to work on using context clues and affixes to define words.  The words that will be focused on are gravitational, bulge, inlet, shallow, energy, and generated.

Book Report:  The next book report is due on Friday, January 28.  The students will be creating a dectective's report and treasure map.  They will be identifying clues of solving the mystery that is unfolding in their story and using their dectective's report to create their treasure map.  They need the following information in their notes: the place where the main character starts(beginning setting), a list of where he or she goes, what clues are found there, and where he or she ends up with the climax and solution of the story.  Then they will use their detective's report to make their map.  They should draw out their character's path.  As the path on their map continues, the readers will be unraveling the main events and the mystery of the story.  The places and clues on the map are marked with something to open.  It could be a door, a tree, a book, or something that represents a clue.  Then on the door, they need to write the setting where the clue was discovered.  Behind the door, they need to write a phrase, draw a picture, or write a word that represents the clue.  Under the door, they need to tell why the clue is important to the story.  At the bottom of their map, they need to write a sentence or two that completes these thoughts:
When I read this genre, I.....
Sometimes....
Maybe next time....

Math: In math we started unit 7.  The first lesson focuses on writing and reading exponential notation.  The second lesson is about number/word notation and exponential notation for the powers of 10.  The third lesson's focus is on translating scientific notation and reviewing expanded notation.  This week we will work on matching number stories to the appropriate expressions.  We will also work on learning the rules for order of operations and working on line graphs.  The students will also be learning about positive and negative numbers. 

Writing: This week the students will finish their A to Z book.  They will also write a story using alliteration.  Alliteration is repeating the beginning sound over and over again.  It can sound like a tongue twister.  For example, Sally sells seashells on the sea shore.

Science: This week in science we will start digestion.  The students will learn about the different teeth in their mouth and oral health.  They will also learn that digestion starts in their mouth with saliva beginning to break down starch.  On Friday, they will learn about the stomach and the three jobs it has.  These jobs are mixing food with gastric juices, starting to break down protein, and is a storage place.  They will also have a quiz over the parts of our digestive system.

Social Studies: We will go back to social studies the last half of this quarter.

Spelling Unit 17 Words:
engineer       dentist       librarian       director       customer       pioneer       counselor
tourist       scientist       visitor       investigator       senator       astronomer       character
refrigerator       guardian       commander       physician       leader       historian       performer
volunteer       disaster       spectator       electrician       custodian       aviator       chemist
philosopher       pharmacist       comedian       orator       veneer       genealogist       executive
legislative       judicial       statehood       Bill of Rights

Important Dates:
Spelling test Wednesday, January 26
Open house Thursday, January 27 - Last names A-L attend 6:30 to 7:30.  Last names M-Z attend 7:30 to 8:30
Hill form needs to be turned in on Monday, January 31
Thursday, February 17 The final manuscripts must be submitted to the LMC.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Homework 1-21

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on Friday

Spelling - Test & Contract due on Wednesday

5P Math - Study Link 7.3

5G Math - Journal page 205 problems 1, 2, 3 if not done

Hill form due 1-31

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Homework 1-20

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due 1-28

Language Arts - Expository Paper due tomorrow

Spelling - Contract & Test due 1-26

5P Math - Study Link 7.2, Journal page 213

5G Math - Journal pages 207

Hill Form due 1-31

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Homework 1-19

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on 1-28

5P Math - STudy Link 7.1

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Homework 1-18

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on 1-28

Spelling - Contract & Test tomorrow

5P Math - Journal pages 203 & 204

5G Math - Journal pages 197 & 198

Friday, January 14, 2011

Newsletter for the week of 1-17

Reading: This week in reading we will be using Time for Kids magazines to work on our focus skills.  The focus skills for this week are confirming and rejecting predictions, asking and responding to open ended questions, and making connections.  They will also answer another extended response question.  The following is the extended response question for one of the articles from the The Time for Kids magazines.  What are the benefits of learning the Chinese language?  Use information from the text and your own ideas to answer the question.  We will also continue to work on using context clues and affixes to define words. 

Book Report:  The next book report is due on Friday, January 28.  The students will be creating a dectective's report and treasure map.  They will be identifying clues of solving the mystery that is unfolding in their story and using their dectective's report to create their treasure map.  They need the following information in their notes: the place where the main character starts(beginning setting), a list of where he or she goes, what clues are found there, and where he or she ends up with the climax and solution of the story.  Then they will use their detective's report to make their map.  They should draw out their character's path.  As the path on their map continues, the readers will be unraveling the main events and the mystery of the story.  The places and clues on the map are marked with something to open.  It could be a door, a tree, a book, or something that represents a clue.  Then on the door, they need to write the setting where the clue was discovered.  Behind the door, they need to write a phrase, draw a picture, or write a word that represents the clue.  Under the door, they need to tell why the clue is important to the story.  At the bottom of their map, they need to write a sentence or two that completes these thoughts:
When I read this genre, I.....
Sometimes....
Maybe next time....

Math: In math we will start unit 7.  The first lesson focuses on writing and reading exponential notation.  The second lesson is about number/word notation and exponential notation for the powers of 10.  The third lesson's focus is on translating scientific notation and reviewing expanded notation.  On Tuesday, we will be doing another math extended response question.

Writing: This week the students will continue writing another expository paper.  The prompt for this paper is the following: If you could take 3 things with you to a deserted island what would they be and why?  The focus skills will be revising and editing.  We will also continue working on our A to Z book.

Science: This week in science we will start electricity.  The first two lessons of electricity focus on static electricity and that electricity flows.  They will also learn about the materials that conduct electricity.  The students will learn about different types of circuits, how to make a switch, the function of a switch, and about short circuits.

Social Studies: We will go back to social studies the last half of this quarter.

Spelling Unit 16 Words:
capable       careless       desirable       admirable       restless       available       debatable
tasteless       helpless       senseless       priceless       useless       reliable       undeniable
excitable       believable       bottomless       comfortable       dampness       understandable
decorations       reciting       memorized       tongue       precious       agreeable       hopelessness
changeable       approachable       acceptable       adorable       profitable       valuable
thoughtless       fruitless       territory       veto       secretary       Supreme Court       amendment

Important Dates:
No School Monday, January 17
Spelling test Wednesday, January 19
Paw print redemption on Thursday, January 20
Report cards go home Friday, January 21
Young Authors letter of intent due to the LMC on Friday, January 21
Open house Thursday, January 27

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Homework 1-12

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due tomorrow

5P Math - Pratice sheet due tomorrow, Test tomorrow

Field Trip form due tomorrow

Book Order due tomorrow

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Homework 1-11

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on 1-13

Spelling - Contract & Test for Wednesday

5P Math - Study Link 6.10, Study Guide due tomorrow, Test on Thursday

5G Math - Study Link 5.8, Journal page 194, Test tomorrow

Field Trip form due on Thursday

Book Order due on Thursday

Monday, January 10, 2011

Homework 1-10

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due on Thursday

Spelling - Contract & Test for Wednesday

5P Math - Study Link 6.8 1-4, Study Link 6.9, Study guide due on Wednesday, Test Thursday

5G Math - Study Link 5.7, Journal pages 190 & 191

Science - Test tomorrow, Worksheet 1-4

Field Trip forms due Thursday

Book Order due Thursday

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Newsletter for the week of 1-10

Reading: This week in reading we will continue reading the story "Summer of Fire".  With this story, we will focus on figurative language and graphic aids.  The students will learn how to read a timeline, and they will create their own timeline for the story.  They will also answer another extended response question.  The following is the extended response question for this story. What are the good and bad effects of forest fires on the environment?  Use information from the text and your own ideas to answer the question.  We will also continue to work on using context clues and affixes to define words. The vocabulary words for this week are: geyser, veered, canopy, tinder, dwindled, embers, and policy.

Book Report:  The next book report is due on Thursday, January 13.  This book is a choice book.  The students need to make an A to Z book report.  They will make a chart with the letters from A to Z going down the left side of the paper.  For each of the letters, write a word or phrase that represents a part of the book.  This should be a person, setting, part of the plot, solution, key words, time period, etc. from your story.  Your words should give a summary of your novel.

Math: In math we have been working on unit 6.  The first lesson focused on organizing data and using our landmarks.  The landmarks are maximum, minimum, mode, median, range, and mean.  The students learned how to make and interpret a stem leaf plot, worked on using personal measures, probability, and the relationship between sample size and reliability.  This week we will work on the extended response in math.  With the math extended response, we look at the students strategy to solve the problem, their computational knowledge, and their ability to explain how they solved the problem and why they used those strategies to solve the problem.  We will also learn about analyzing, displaying data, and using the landmarks.  The students will also learn about adding and subtracting fractions with and without common denominators.

Writing: This week the students will continue writing another expository paper.  The prompt for this paper is the following: If you could take 3 things with you to a deserted island what would they be and why?  The focus skills will continue to be introductions and conclusions.  We will also continue working on our A to Z book.

Science: This week in science we will take the test over magnets and start electricity.  We have already learned about the basic parts of the atom.  The proton has a positive charge and is located in the nucleus.  The neutron has no charge and is also located in the nucleus.  The electron has a negative charge and is located in the outer shells of the atom.  The students also learned about an element and how to read the periodic table of elements.  They built a 3D model of a salt molecule.  The students learned about a natural magnet called lodestone.  They will also learned about permanent magnets and temporary magnets.  We are using the following permanent magnets: cow magnet, horseshoe magnet, bar magnet, donut magnet, and disc magnet.  They also learned how to make a magnet and the metals that can be made magnetic.  They learned about magnetic lines and fields and where a magnet is the strongest.  The first two lessons of electricity focus on static electricity and that electricity flows.

Social Studies: We will go back to social studies next quarter.

Spelling: Unit 15 Words:
translation       laziness       population       invention       generation       examination
situation       operation       sickness       kindness       closeness       forgiveness
pollution       imagination       education       transportation       federation       subtraction
smallness       lateness       science-fiction       questions       air-conditioning       scientific
atmosphere       apprehension       thoughtfulness      appreciation       illumination
comprehension       extension       falsification       affiliation       initiation       negotiation
mercenary       Loyalist       Patriot       commander       revolution

Important Dates:
Science test over magnets Tuesday, January 11
Spelling test Wednesday, January 12
Math test Thursday, January 13
Book Report due Thursday, January 13
Quarter ends Thursday, January 13
No School Friday, January 14
No School Monday, January 17
Young Authors letter of intent due to the LMC on Friday, January 21

Friday, January 7, 2011

Homework 1- 7

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due 1-13

Spelling - Contract & Test due 1-12

5P Math - Study guide due Wednesday, 1-12, Test Thursday 1-13

5G Math - Study Link 5.6, Journal page 187

Science - Test Tuesday, 1-11

Field Trip form due on Thursday, 1-14

Book Order due Thursday, 1-14

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Homework 1-6

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book Report due 1-13

Spelling - Contract & test due Wednesday, January 12

5P Math - SL 6.6, Study Guide due on 1-12, Test on 1-13

5G Math - SL 5.5, Journal page 183

Scieence - Test Monday or Tuesday next week

Field Trip form due on Thursday, January 13

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Homework 1-5

Reading - Read 20 minutes, Book report due Thursday, January 13

Language Arts - 4 Square Organizer for tomorrow

5P Math - Extended response question, study guide due Wednesday, January 12, Test Thursday, January, 13

5G Math - Journal pages 180 & 181

Science - Test Monday

Field trip form due Thursday, January 13

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Newsletter for the week of 1-3

Reading: This week in reading we will read the story "Summer of Fire".  With this story, we will focus on figurative language and graphic aids.  The students will learn how to read a timeline, and they will create their own timeline for the story.  They will also answer another extended response question.  The following is the extended response question for this story. What are the good and bad effects of forest fires on the environment?  Use information from the text and your own ideas to answer the question.  We will also continue to work on using context clues and affixes to define words. The vocabulary words for this week are: geyser, veered, canopy, tinder, dwindled, embers, and policy.

Book Report:  The next book report is due on Thursday, January 13.  This book is a choice book.  The students need to make an A to Z book report.  They will make a chart with the letters from A to Z going down the left side of the paper.  For each of the letters, write a word or phrase that represents a part of the book.  This should be a person, setting, part of the plot, solution, key words, time period, etc. from your story.  Your words should give a summary of your novel.

Math: In math we have been working on unit 6.  The first lesson focused on organizing data and using our landmarks.  The landmarks are maximum, minimum, mode, median, range, and mean.  The students learned how to make and interpret a stem leaf plot, worked on using personal measures, probability, and the relationship between sample size and reliability.  This week we will work on the extended response in math.  With the math extended response, we look at the students strategy to solve the problem, their computational knowledge, and their ability to explain how they solved the problem and why they used those strategies to solve the problem.  We will also learn about analyzing, displaying data, and using the landmarks.  The students will also learn about adding and subtracting fractions without common denominators.

Writing: This week the students will write another expository paper.  The prompt for this paper is the following: If you could take 3 things with you to a deserted island what would they be and why?  The focus skills will be on introductions and conclusions.  We will also continue working on our A to Z book.

Science: This week in science we will continue learning about magnets.  We have already learned about the basic parts of the atom.  The proton has a positive charge and is located in the nucleus.  The neutron has no charge and is also located in the nucleus.  The electron has a negative charge and is located in the outer shells of the atom.  The students also learned about an element and how to read the periodic table of elements.  They built a 3D model of a salt molecule.  The students learned about a natural magnet called lodestone.  They will also learned about permanent magnets and temporary magnets.  We are using the following permanent magnets: cow magnet, horseshoe magnet, bar magnet, donut magnet, and disc magnet.  They also learned how to make a magnet and the metals that can be made magnetic.  This week they will learn about magnetic lines and fields and where a magnet is the strongest.

Social Studies: We will go back to social studies next quarter.

Spelling: Unit 14 Words:
There is no spelling for this week.  Our next pretest will be on Thursday, January 6.

Important Dates:
Classes resume on Wednesday, January 5
Paw print redemption Thursday, January 6
Science test over magnets Friday, January 7
Math test Thursday, January 13
Book Report due Thursday, January 13
No School Friday, January 14
No School Monday, January 17
Young Authors letter of intent due to the LMC on Friday, January 21