I am happy to announce that the class has been working extra hard to complete all of the projects that were due before the break. We are working on a new work ethic in the classroom and it seems to be working. I have been really impressed with the quality of work that the students have presented. The books report presentations have been a real pleasure to hear. I was especially impressed with the wonderful artistic abilities of the class. Over the break I am requiring that each student choose a fifth grade leveled book for their next reading assignment. There is a great list of books that are appropriate at
http://www.greatschools.org/cgi-bin/showarticle/678. Copy and paste link
I like this web site because it has many different genres to choose from.
In math this week we are working on averages and when we return from break we will be exploring different approaches to learn math. These activities will be student generated activities. I will be giving sufficient time in class to complete weekly math drills. If the work is not completed in class it will be sent home.
This week we are going to be doing an art project that we will need recycled wide-mouthed jars and tissue paper. Also, if you have any old paint brushes that you don't mind donating, we could use them as well.
Additionally, I would like to thank everyone who came out to support the fundraiser at Fresh and Easy. It looks like we raised close to a thousand dollars! I hope that everyone has a happy and restful winter break.
Sincerely,
Bill
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Finishing projects
I can't believe that it is almost the end of a new year. We have accomplished so much this year. I would like to thank all of the parents who came out to our last family night to see all of the work that we have done. It helps the children with their quality of work when they know that it is going to be on display at parent night. Also, it was just plain fun having dinner together and seeing the children not want to leave at the end of the night. We discussed the possibility of moving into a school facility that night because we have been offered a prop. 39 school site. Thanks for filling out the survey and letting us know what your opinions were on the matter.
On the academic side of things, we are going to try a new writers' workshop program that I was introduced to at High Tech Middle School yesterday. It places an emphasis on student centered creativity and editing. My role will shift to more of a writing "coach." In math we are finished with our project and are currently working on averaging and dividing as well as review of basic skills. Our book reports will be evaluated this Friday and our Social Studies projects will be due next Thursday. Hope that you have a wonderful weekend.
On the academic side of things, we are going to try a new writers' workshop program that I was introduced to at High Tech Middle School yesterday. It places an emphasis on student centered creativity and editing. My role will shift to more of a writing "coach." In math we are finished with our project and are currently working on averaging and dividing as well as review of basic skills. Our book reports will be evaluated this Friday and our Social Studies projects will be due next Thursday. Hope that you have a wonderful weekend.
Monday, November 29, 2010
December is here
I hope that you all had a wonderful week off. Can you believe that we are almost done with the 2010 year? Only one more month to go. We have been very busy these past few weeks and I can't wait to share with you all of the wonderful projects that we have completed. This Thursday we are having our family night. We are hoping for full participation. I have sent home a reminder and a list of who is going to bring what dish to our potluck dinner. Christine will be speaking from 5 to 6pm. Afterwards we are going to be eating dinner in the classroom and sharing our work. This Friday there will be no school due to our staff development day. I can't wait to see you there!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
November countdown
This week is an exciting week for our class. We are completing our "nimble with numbers" projects and we have begun typing and editing our personal narratives. I can't wait to share the stories that the children have worked so diligently on. We are still trucking along with our wordly wise so have your children be on the lookout for all those new words we have been working on. We have also begun a new read aloud book called "The Number Devil, a Mathematical Adventure." It is about a boy who discovers the magical properties of the numerical world.
I am very pleased to announce that we have obtained Internet and all of our laptops are fired up and are ready to go. We are using them to do research on our explorers and Native American. We are also working on our book report posters which are due the week after we return from break. Some of the students still are complaining that they don't like the books in my personal library. If there is a book that you child is interested in at home please have them bring it in.
I am very pleased to announce that we have obtained Internet and all of our laptops are fired up and are ready to go. We are using them to do research on our explorers and Native American. We are also working on our book report posters which are due the week after we return from break. Some of the students still are complaining that they don't like the books in my personal library. If there is a book that you child is interested in at home please have them bring it in.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
November Nights
I have a lot of important updates this week so please pay careful attention to this week's blog. The 7th and 8th graders are having a garage sale this Saturday so if you have any household items that someone might want please bring them in by this Friday. We are having another fundraiser next Tuesday, November 9th, at the Soup Plantation. 20% of all the sales that night will go to IA. Support your school and feed your family all in the same evening. Also, please remember to bring in your picture order forms by Friday the 12th. You may purchase and view photos online as well. Don't forget that next Thursday, the 11th will be Veterans' day and there will be no school.
In class we are busy building tipis and learning about Explorers and Native Americans. We are currently choosing specific people or tribes to do our research on. I am very pleased to add that we have received a lap top for every two students. We have begun typing up our personal narratives on the computers. We can't wait until we publish them and share them with you.
In math we are still working on our nimble with numbers project. We are making books that are filled with vocabulary terms that we will be using throughout the coming year. Next we will be creating time lines of our lives using positive and negative integers. If you can help think of important event that proceeded your child's life please let your child know about it so they can include it in their timeline.
In class we are busy building tipis and learning about Explorers and Native Americans. We are currently choosing specific people or tribes to do our research on. I am very pleased to add that we have received a lap top for every two students. We have begun typing up our personal narratives on the computers. We can't wait until we publish them and share them with you.
In math we are still working on our nimble with numbers project. We are making books that are filled with vocabulary terms that we will be using throughout the coming year. Next we will be creating time lines of our lives using positive and negative integers. If you can help think of important event that proceeded your child's life please let your child know about it so they can include it in their timeline.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Keeping up with the good work
This week has been an interesting week with the weather being what is was. I hope that this weekend we will have some sunshine. I know that for me it makes it hard to get out of bed in the mornings sometimes. Even though it is hard to get up, please try to make sure your child arrives on time. If your child is going to be absent, make sure to get an independent work study contract so our school does not lose funding for the day.
This week we have been continuing our personal narrative essays. The children are coming up with some really great stories that we are eventually going to publish. We just finished our fifth Wordly Wise. I can't believe that we are already one fourth finished with the book. The class is starting to recognize that these high level words are all around us. We finished our read aloud book Holes and watched part of the movie today for "Friday Free time."
This week in math we worked on subtraction with decimals. We also continued working on our "Nimble with Numbers" project. We made practice sheets that explained area and perimeter too. I was especially impressed with how artistic the students made the work. They were so well done that I will use them to teach my class next year!
If you still have not had a conference and would like to have one, I have been having conferences before school. Let me know if that is something that you are needing.
This week we have been continuing our personal narrative essays. The children are coming up with some really great stories that we are eventually going to publish. We just finished our fifth Wordly Wise. I can't believe that we are already one fourth finished with the book. The class is starting to recognize that these high level words are all around us. We finished our read aloud book Holes and watched part of the movie today for "Friday Free time."
This week in math we worked on subtraction with decimals. We also continued working on our "Nimble with Numbers" project. We made practice sheets that explained area and perimeter too. I was especially impressed with how artistic the students made the work. They were so well done that I will use them to teach my class next year!
If you still have not had a conference and would like to have one, I have been having conferences before school. Let me know if that is something that you are needing.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Student Conferences
I would like to thank all of the students and parents who came in for our conferences this week. I was impressed with how well each student was able to express what they were learning. If your child did not attend the meeting we still to go over with them together about what they are doing in class. The purpose of these conferences is to let the students demonstrate what they are doing in class. Our goal at Innovations is to empower students to take an active participant in their education. If you would like to meet me to discuss issues without your child present, we can talk on the phone or set up a time to meet before School on Thursdays. I am keeping that day open for office hours by appointment only.
Since we had half days this week we focused academically on language arts and math. We are beginning to draft and edit our autobiographical narrative. We have learned that good writers spend 85% prewriting. So far everyone has got of to a great start with their stories. I can't wait to publish these stories in a book complete with illustrations. If anyone knows of a great online publishing site please let me know.
In math we will be beginning our "Nimble with Numbers" project. In this project we will be continuing our personal connection with math while exploring key math vocabulary words. We are working daily on our basic math facts. If you child needs help in this area we will be using flash cards with the answer stated. For example
4x8=32 and 8x8=64. The facts are read aloud and the object becomes more a game of speed rather than memorization. It works really well if you would like to try it for just a minute a day.
Since we had half days this week we focused academically on language arts and math. We are beginning to draft and edit our autobiographical narrative. We have learned that good writers spend 85% prewriting. So far everyone has got of to a great start with their stories. I can't wait to publish these stories in a book complete with illustrations. If anyone knows of a great online publishing site please let me know.
In math we will be beginning our "Nimble with Numbers" project. In this project we will be continuing our personal connection with math while exploring key math vocabulary words. We are working daily on our basic math facts. If you child needs help in this area we will be using flash cards with the answer stated. For example
4x8=32 and 8x8=64. The facts are read aloud and the object becomes more a game of speed rather than memorization. It works really well if you would like to try it for just a minute a day.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
October News
I would like to remind everyone that next week we will be having half days starting Tuesday for our goal setting conferences. Please double check with me about the times if can't remember when we were to meet. I will post the schedule on the wall so you can see it when you walk in. On Thursday night, we will be having our family night so you can get an idea of what is happening in the class and see all of the great work we have done. Next Friday there is not going to be any school because we are having a staff development day.
For our language arts we are using graphic organizers to help us with our autobiographical narratives. We are continuing with our power write and wordly wise as well. We have come up with some really clever stories so far. We have some very creative writers in class. I can't wait to see our published finished products. We are learning that authors need to spend most of the time in the "pre-write" phase of writing. This is the planning and preparing stage of writing.
In math I am pleased to announce that we have finished our mathematician projects. The work is displayed on the wall of our classroom if you want to see it. We are also learning how to add and subtract using decimals. I am also giving multiplication tests to make sure that we are mastering these basic skills too. If students miss problems we will be making flash cards and playing games to help learn them.
For our language arts we are using graphic organizers to help us with our autobiographical narratives. We are continuing with our power write and wordly wise as well. We have come up with some really clever stories so far. We have some very creative writers in class. I can't wait to see our published finished products. We are learning that authors need to spend most of the time in the "pre-write" phase of writing. This is the planning and preparing stage of writing.
In math I am pleased to announce that we have finished our mathematician projects. The work is displayed on the wall of our classroom if you want to see it. We are also learning how to add and subtract using decimals. I am also giving multiplication tests to make sure that we are mastering these basic skills too. If students miss problems we will be making flash cards and playing games to help learn them.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Where did September Go?
It seems like time is really starting to march along. Can you believe that we are now going into October? You would hardly know it by how the weather has been. I guess time flies when you are having fun.
This week we took our first Wordly Wise assessment and started our week two lessons. We started brainstorms on our personal narratives. The topic is about a time when you solved a problem. If you remember a time when you child solved a problem, let them know. Some students told me that they have never solved a problem. I know that our class is too smart to have never solved problems! We will be using graphic organizers to scaffold the writing into smaller components.
This week we will continue with our math open-ended questions. Today's question was, How can you cut a cake into 8 pieces using only 3 cuts?" Ask your child the answer if you can't figure it out. By Friday we will present our mathematician project. We will focus on beautiful work.
In science we are learning about different rock types and the food chain. We are looking for correlations between different habitats Native American communities.
If you have not signed up for a goal setting conference please do so before or after school. I am also available for conferences on Wednesday mornings. Please notify me ahead of time if you wish to have a conference. I don't always have access to internet right now so the phone is the best way to get a hold of me. 619-972-6032
Thanks
This week we took our first Wordly Wise assessment and started our week two lessons. We started brainstorms on our personal narratives. The topic is about a time when you solved a problem. If you remember a time when you child solved a problem, let them know. Some students told me that they have never solved a problem. I know that our class is too smart to have never solved problems! We will be using graphic organizers to scaffold the writing into smaller components.
This week we will continue with our math open-ended questions. Today's question was, How can you cut a cake into 8 pieces using only 3 cuts?" Ask your child the answer if you can't figure it out. By Friday we will present our mathematician project. We will focus on beautiful work.
In science we are learning about different rock types and the food chain. We are looking for correlations between different habitats Native American communities.
If you have not signed up for a goal setting conference please do so before or after school. I am also available for conferences on Wednesday mornings. Please notify me ahead of time if you wish to have a conference. I don't always have access to internet right now so the phone is the best way to get a hold of me. 619-972-6032
Thanks
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Fall is here!
I would like to thank all of the parents who made it to our open house and our beach potluck last week. I really enjoyed getting to meet all of you and learning more about you and your student. Don't forget if you did not sign up for a goal setting conference please come by before of after school to do this. Conferences are beginning on October 11th through the 14th. The 15th is a day off for teacher professional development.
In class we have completed our exploration of the Maslow's Hierarchy of needs. We will be comparing these needs to the needs of Native American societies. We will be exploring how different ecosystems influenced the development of Native American tribes. Our science standards will focus on the water cycle, food cycle, and other earth sciences.
For language arts we have begun our learning headquarters writing program. Ask you child to tell you to explain what makes "powerful sentences." We will be reviewing our fifth grade writing standards and creating a poster of what our expectations will be. Also, everyday we are practicing our power writing to improve fluency.
For math we have been focusing on how to post answers in our math journals. We are exploring how to express our mathematical thinking via open-ended math question. We are also exploring our math experiences in our mathematician project.
If you have any questions feel free to call 619-972-6032 or see me before or after school.
In class we have completed our exploration of the Maslow's Hierarchy of needs. We will be comparing these needs to the needs of Native American societies. We will be exploring how different ecosystems influenced the development of Native American tribes. Our science standards will focus on the water cycle, food cycle, and other earth sciences.
For language arts we have begun our learning headquarters writing program. Ask you child to tell you to explain what makes "powerful sentences." We will be reviewing our fifth grade writing standards and creating a poster of what our expectations will be. Also, everyday we are practicing our power writing to improve fluency.
For math we have been focusing on how to post answers in our math journals. We are exploring how to express our mathematical thinking via open-ended math question. We are also exploring our math experiences in our mathematician project.
If you have any questions feel free to call 619-972-6032 or see me before or after school.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Week Three
Well it is now Tuesday of week three. I would just like to say that I am very happy with the community that we are creating with each other. Thank you for turning in all of the paper work. I know that there was a lot to fill out.
Don't forget that this Thursday we will be having our mandatory open house starting at 5:00 for dinner at a cost of $5.00. Starting at 6:00 and 6:30 (half hour each) we will be having conversations about our policies and philosophies. I can't wait to see you then! Don't forget about our pot luck on Saturday. It is posted on my web site with directions.
Thanks,
Bill
Don't forget that this Thursday we will be having our mandatory open house starting at 5:00 for dinner at a cost of $5.00. Starting at 6:00 and 6:30 (half hour each) we will be having conversations about our policies and philosophies. I can't wait to see you then! Don't forget about our pot luck on Saturday. It is posted on my web site with directions.
Thanks,
Bill
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
2nd Week
I pleased to announce that we have safely arrived at week two. The class is adjusting to the expectations that we all have set. During the next few weeks we will be continuing with our team building and reviewing procedures. We have begun working on our writing journals and our power writing. We will also discuss what our hopes and dreams are for the coming year.
Please remember that if you have not filled out this years registration packet, please do so asap. You can get one from Donna or me if you need an extra copy. Also, remember that each child needs to eat breakfast before coming to school. Many of the students are complaining that they are hungry due to lack of breakfast. As a parent I know it can be difficult sometimes to get everyone feed. Children can't concentrate as well when they are hungry. It makes their job of learning more difficult.
I have a web site up that you can access for additional support links and information. www.billthomas.webs.com
Please remember that if you have not filled out this years registration packet, please do so asap. You can get one from Donna or me if you need an extra copy. Also, remember that each child needs to eat breakfast before coming to school. Many of the students are complaining that they are hungry due to lack of breakfast. As a parent I know it can be difficult sometimes to get everyone feed. Children can't concentrate as well when they are hungry. It makes their job of learning more difficult.
I have a web site up that you can access for additional support links and information. www.billthomas.webs.com
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
September is Here!
Today we had our first day of class and I am very excited to announce that all went very well. I look forward to getting to know all the students in the upcoming weeks. Be sure to fill out the enrollment form and turn it in to either Donna or me. This has to be done for all students, even returning ones. I need the permission slips filled out so we can utilize the local park and get some exercise.
I have also purchased Wordly Wise vocabulary books for each student so I will need 15 dollars reimbursement to cover my cost. Please let me know if you are not able to cover this cost. Also, I have also changed the day of our beach day. I CANNOT MAKE the original September 11th day. I will be performing at the OB Jazz festival that day. I would like to schedule it for the 18th from 2:00 to 5:00pm. Please continue to pick up your students from the room so we can chat each day. I look forward to sharing all that we have learned from each other.
I have also purchased Wordly Wise vocabulary books for each student so I will need 15 dollars reimbursement to cover my cost. Please let me know if you are not able to cover this cost. Also, I have also changed the day of our beach day. I CANNOT MAKE the original September 11th day. I will be performing at the OB Jazz festival that day. I would like to schedule it for the 18th from 2:00 to 5:00pm. Please continue to pick up your students from the room so we can chat each day. I look forward to sharing all that we have learned from each other.
Monday, August 23, 2010
School Update
Dear Families,
I just wanted to update you on the coming school year and give you a few updates. First of all I am very excited to meet all of you at our open house on August 30th from 3 to 6 p.m. Our new location is at 6154 Mission Gorge, just off the 8 freeway. Remember that school starts on Sept 1.
I am attaching a school supply list to this along with a wish list of classroom supplies. Also if you don’t mind please put these supplies in a box for easy storage. If you need to contact me for any reason please feel free to contact me at my email bill@innovationsacademy.org. I am also planning an informal get together/ potluck at the OB pier on September 11, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
The following is a list of supplies each student must bring to class:
An appropriate leveled book of interest for independent reading time
For some suggestions paste this link in you browser-
http://www.greatschools.org/cgi-bin/showarticle/678
1 Box of Copy Paper
Pencil box
Pencils #2 - 24
Eraser - (Pink Wedge) - 3
Pen (red) - 2
Highlighters - 5 assorted colors (pink, yellow, green, orange, blue)
Children's Markers - Crayola/12 Ct. box
Colored Pencils - Crayola/24 Ct. box
Glue Stick(s) - 4
12" Ruler - 1 with centimeter and millimeter markings
7" Scissors - 1
Package of Index cards (3x5) - 1 pack of 100
POST-IT® NOTES - 2"x 2" pack of 3
Pocket Folders - 6 any color or style
Single-subject Spiral Notebooks - 6 (wide-ruled if possible)
Loose leaf ruled 3 hole filler paper - 1 pack of 150 wide-ruled
Tabbed Dividers - 8-tab multi-color
USB Flash Drives
3-Ring Binder - 3-inch
Sheet Protectors for Portfolio
Compass
I am requiring that students bring a stainless steel water bottle for drinking. Also, talk to me about our partnership with a company that makes reusable lunch kits with stainless steel bottle included. It is one of my personal goals to lower our School ecological footprint.
The following is a wish list and items I would like donated to the classroom, if possible:
Chart Paper, Tissue Paper (all colors), Pencil Top Erasures, Tape, Dry-erase markers, Kleenex, Binder clips, Paper Towels, Clipboards, Construction Paper, Paint and Paint Brushes, Pastels, Glue Guns and Glue Sticks.
Thank you!
Bill
I just wanted to update you on the coming school year and give you a few updates. First of all I am very excited to meet all of you at our open house on August 30th from 3 to 6 p.m. Our new location is at 6154 Mission Gorge, just off the 8 freeway. Remember that school starts on Sept 1.
I am attaching a school supply list to this along with a wish list of classroom supplies. Also if you don’t mind please put these supplies in a box for easy storage. If you need to contact me for any reason please feel free to contact me at my email bill@innovationsacademy.org. I am also planning an informal get together/ potluck at the OB pier on September 11, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
The following is a list of supplies each student must bring to class:
An appropriate leveled book of interest for independent reading time
For some suggestions paste this link in you browser-
http://www.greatschools.org/cgi-bin/showarticle/678
1 Box of Copy Paper
Pencil box
Pencils #2 - 24
Eraser - (Pink Wedge) - 3
Pen (red) - 2
Highlighters - 5 assorted colors (pink, yellow, green, orange, blue)
Children's Markers - Crayola/12 Ct. box
Colored Pencils - Crayola/24 Ct. box
Glue Stick(s) - 4
12" Ruler - 1 with centimeter and millimeter markings
7" Scissors - 1
Package of Index cards (3x5) - 1 pack of 100
POST-IT® NOTES - 2"x 2" pack of 3
Pocket Folders - 6 any color or style
Single-subject Spiral Notebooks - 6 (wide-ruled if possible)
Loose leaf ruled 3 hole filler paper - 1 pack of 150 wide-ruled
Tabbed Dividers - 8-tab multi-color
USB Flash Drives
3-Ring Binder - 3-inch
Sheet Protectors for Portfolio
Compass
I am requiring that students bring a stainless steel water bottle for drinking. Also, talk to me about our partnership with a company that makes reusable lunch kits with stainless steel bottle included. It is one of my personal goals to lower our School ecological footprint.
The following is a wish list and items I would like donated to the classroom, if possible:
Chart Paper, Tissue Paper (all colors), Pencil Top Erasures, Tape, Dry-erase markers, Kleenex, Binder clips, Paper Towels, Clipboards, Construction Paper, Paint and Paint Brushes, Pastels, Glue Guns and Glue Sticks.
Thank you!
Bill
Friday, June 4, 2010
Time to wrap it up
I would like to thank everyone for getting the permission slips and money turned in for the upcoming events. To recap, we are having our field day next Monday the 7th, and beach clean-up on the 11th which is a Friday. The week after next we will be having our feed the homeless day on the Thursday, the 17th and our pool party the following day. Thank you for making the end of the year a very memorable time. In class we are continuing to have our spirit days and regular academic schedule.
We are finishing up our persuasive essays and we are reading The Island of the Blue Dolphins as an entire class. For our project time we are continuing to work on our passion project. They are coming along quite nicely now. After school gets out we will be moving to our new location so we will need parent volunteers to help with that as well. The more people that we can get to help, the easier it will be on all of us. I will keep you up dated about our upcoming trips and events
We are finishing up our persuasive essays and we are reading The Island of the Blue Dolphins as an entire class. For our project time we are continuing to work on our passion project. They are coming along quite nicely now. After school gets out we will be moving to our new location so we will need parent volunteers to help with that as well. The more people that we can get to help, the easier it will be on all of us. I will keep you up dated about our upcoming trips and events
Sunday, May 2, 2010
STAR Testing
Dear Families,
Starting on Tuesday our class will begin participation in the statewide standardized testing. This test is being taken by all students grades 2-8. In fifth grade the focus will be on Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. We have spent some time preparing for this in the past few weeks, so they will be familiar with what they will be seeing.
Make sure that you get to school on time. Be sure that your child gets plenty of rest the night before. Also make sure your child is eating breakfast in the morning. Many of my students complain of being hungry in the morning because they are not eating breakfast. It makes it real difficult to learn on an empty stomach!
Starting on Tuesday our class will begin participation in the statewide standardized testing. This test is being taken by all students grades 2-8. In fifth grade the focus will be on Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. We have spent some time preparing for this in the past few weeks, so they will be familiar with what they will be seeing.
Make sure that you get to school on time. Be sure that your child gets plenty of rest the night before. Also make sure your child is eating breakfast in the morning. Many of my students complain of being hungry in the morning because they are not eating breakfast. It makes it real difficult to learn on an empty stomach!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Busy at Biz Town
Just a friendly reminder that we are still trying to find out how many parents are going to volunteer for Biz Town next week, April 22, at 8:00. Right now we have just over half the handouts returned. Please ask your child for this form and mark either yes or no as to whether or not you can volunteer. It is not going to work unless we have your support.
This week we are learning about what makes buisnesses successful. We are going to be holding interviews after students fill out their job applications. My favorite lesson is where we teach the children about taxes. Welcome to the real world!
For language arts we are finishing up our personal narratives. They are to be completed this Friday unless other arrangments have been made. We will also be completing The Mixed-Up Files this week as well.
In math this week we are working with different approaches to multiplication. We are doing the lattice method as well as the partial products method.
In Science we have begun an alien project using the information about our planets. Ask you child to explain what MY VERY EDUCATED MOTHER JUST SHOWED US NINE PLANETS means.
This week we are learning about what makes buisnesses successful. We are going to be holding interviews after students fill out their job applications. My favorite lesson is where we teach the children about taxes. Welcome to the real world!
For language arts we are finishing up our personal narratives. They are to be completed this Friday unless other arrangments have been made. We will also be completing The Mixed-Up Files this week as well.
In math this week we are working with different approaches to multiplication. We are doing the lattice method as well as the partial products method.
In Science we have begun an alien project using the information about our planets. Ask you child to explain what MY VERY EDUCATED MOTHER JUST SHOWED US NINE PLANETS means.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Student generated blogs
This week we are going to have students begin to generate the blogs from time to time. We still need parent volunteers for Biz Town. For the next five weeks we are learning about what jobs we are going to have. Also how to write checks and run a business. We have recently played a game were we had to find someone with the same responsibility card as our. We are learning about what our rights and responsibilities are.
For math we are working on division. Also we are coming up with ideas to help to help the people who don't know or need help with multiplication. We are making flashcards too. Also we are studying test taking strategies for Star Testings.
We finished up working on our explorer history project. Everyone did a great job! Some people had diorama, speech, play an etc.
We are working on our personal narratives. They are about mystery. They are coming along great! :) We also have been doing spelling words and we have been working on our worldy wise.
We are still working on our play house for the kindergarten. We are almost done. We are done with three sides. By the next two weeks or so it should be completed and painted! :)
Don't forget that spring break starts March 26 to April 5. Also Bill's 36th birthday is tomorrow. Have a GREAT vacation!!!!!!!! :) :)
Blog written by: Amanda with the help of Aolani! :)
For math we are working on division. Also we are coming up with ideas to help to help the people who don't know or need help with multiplication. We are making flashcards too. Also we are studying test taking strategies for Star Testings.
We finished up working on our explorer history project. Everyone did a great job! Some people had diorama, speech, play an etc.
We are working on our personal narratives. They are about mystery. They are coming along great! :) We also have been doing spelling words and we have been working on our worldy wise.
We are still working on our play house for the kindergarten. We are almost done. We are done with three sides. By the next two weeks or so it should be completed and painted! :)
Don't forget that spring break starts March 26 to April 5. Also Bill's 36th birthday is tomorrow. Have a GREAT vacation!!!!!!!! :) :)
Blog written by: Amanda with the help of Aolani! :)
Monday, March 8, 2010
March Forth
I would like to make some quick announcements of some upcoming events. I would like to first of all thank Skip for donating his time and knowledge to help build our play structure. We have the first stage of framing done. Yay! I would also like to thank all the parents who brought in building supplies. We still need a couple of 4x8ft 1/2in ply wood for the roof.
I am also excited to say that Justin and I went to training for Biz town. It is a program that allows children to learn real life job skills and act them out in a miniature town. I am really excited, we are going to learn how to balance check books, write resumes, and interview for jobs. The event will be held on April 22 off Mission Gorge Rd. We will need 26 parent volunteers. Parents need to attend an hour and a half training the day of the event. I will have a sign up sheet ready for this available at our Thursday mandatory parent meeting night. Also this upcoming Thursday night the fifth graders will be presenting their explorer projects. Be sure to attend that night so you can see all of the hard work our class has completed.
For language art we are continuing to read The Mixed-up Files. We are also starting an independent reading challenge. If a student can read 500 pages of grade appropriate text they will receive a free ticket to Six Flags Magic Mountain. The contest must be completed by the end of the month. Pages must be documented in a log that is to be signed by the parents. We are going to be also finishing up our first drafts of our mystery personal narratives.
In math we are continuing to work with fractions. We are changing mixed-numbers to improper numbers. This week we will begin multiplying fractions.
I am also excited to say that Justin and I went to training for Biz town. It is a program that allows children to learn real life job skills and act them out in a miniature town. I am really excited, we are going to learn how to balance check books, write resumes, and interview for jobs. The event will be held on April 22 off Mission Gorge Rd. We will need 26 parent volunteers. Parents need to attend an hour and a half training the day of the event. I will have a sign up sheet ready for this available at our Thursday mandatory parent meeting night. Also this upcoming Thursday night the fifth graders will be presenting their explorer projects. Be sure to attend that night so you can see all of the hard work our class has completed.
For language art we are continuing to read The Mixed-up Files. We are also starting an independent reading challenge. If a student can read 500 pages of grade appropriate text they will receive a free ticket to Six Flags Magic Mountain. The contest must be completed by the end of the month. Pages must be documented in a log that is to be signed by the parents. We are going to be also finishing up our first drafts of our mystery personal narratives.
In math we are continuing to work with fractions. We are changing mixed-numbers to improper numbers. This week we will begin multiplying fractions.
Friday, February 19, 2010
I hope that everyone had a restful 4 day weekend last week. Just a quick reminder that we are petitioning for prop 39 school sites. The school site that was given to us is in an undesirable location and is virtually unusable for our current needs. We are encouraging all staff, parents, and students to sign a form letter stating our wish to be offered a more suitable site. We are also going to encourage parents and students to be present at the official board meeting on Tuesday, March 23. It will be held sometime in the evening. I am not sure of the exact time as of yet.
I would like to congratulate all the hard work our class did on finishing up our "What's the Matter?" I would like to also thank all of you who came out on family night to see our presentations. I would like to see more participation on these nights. The students worked very hard getting things ready for the event and unfortunately, we had very little parent turnout. So be sure next time to support you child and his or her classmates.
For language arts we are continuing with our personal narratives and our weekly wordly wise. You can visit worldywise.com for more games and activities to support the weekly activities. We are also continuing to read the Mixed-up files of Mrs. Basil.
For math we are dividing and working with fractions with unlike denominators. We have even created a song about adding fractions. Ask you child to sing the song for you.
For our next project we are going to be looking at early explorers. The project will be called "Enterprizing Entrepenures."
I would like to congratulate all the hard work our class did on finishing up our "What's the Matter?" I would like to also thank all of you who came out on family night to see our presentations. I would like to see more participation on these nights. The students worked very hard getting things ready for the event and unfortunately, we had very little parent turnout. So be sure next time to support you child and his or her classmates.
For language arts we are continuing with our personal narratives and our weekly wordly wise. You can visit worldywise.com for more games and activities to support the weekly activities. We are also continuing to read the Mixed-up files of Mrs. Basil.
For math we are dividing and working with fractions with unlike denominators. We have even created a song about adding fractions. Ask you child to sing the song for you.
For our next project we are going to be looking at early explorers. The project will be called "Enterprizing Entrepenures."
Thursday, January 28, 2010
It has been quite a wet month so far. Let's hope that the clear weather keeps up. I think that we are in for better weather ahead. Report cards are coming out this week so be looking for them being sent home with your child this Friday. There is also some cooking utensils that are left over from our spaghetti dinner, so if you have stuff missing please come and get it.
In Language arts we are continuing with our wordly wise study. Today we played who wants to be a millionaire with the words. We have a test each Friday so make sure to study on Thursday. We are starting our next narrative, a detective story about locating a missing object. For our read aloud we are still reading From the Mixed-up Files.
In math we are working with the coordinate system, plotting points using positive and negative integers. Today we played tic-tac toe using the coordinate system. We will hopefully begin construction on the playhouse sometime next week.
In science we are working on the History and discovery of our elements. We will be creating poster boards of the elements we are studying. Start bringing in information and the poster boards for our displays.
In Language arts we are continuing with our wordly wise study. Today we played who wants to be a millionaire with the words. We have a test each Friday so make sure to study on Thursday. We are starting our next narrative, a detective story about locating a missing object. For our read aloud we are still reading From the Mixed-up Files.
In math we are working with the coordinate system, plotting points using positive and negative integers. Today we played tic-tac toe using the coordinate system. We will hopefully begin construction on the playhouse sometime next week.
In science we are working on the History and discovery of our elements. We will be creating poster boards of the elements we are studying. Start bringing in information and the poster boards for our displays.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Happy New Year!
I hope that everyone had a very restful and enjoyable time over the winter break. I think that the upcoming year will be even better than the last one! This month our fifth grade class is hosting the fundraiser to help pay for our Biz town field trip. The class decided that it would be fun and easy to serve spaghetti dinner, bread sticks, and salad. We asking parents to bring in two boxes of noodles each. We also want to sell desserts for extra money. Please bring in the pasta as soon as possible so we don't wait until the last moment. The event will be held on January 14. This is going to be held not this week but the following Thursday and yes, it is a mandatory meeting. I will be sending home a news letter so be sure to ask your child about it.
I would like to also let you know that we have recently added two new students to our classroom, Jared and Luis. We still have a few more seats, but good job a helping to spread the word about IA. Keep up the good work!
For our academics in class we are starting a new book called The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. It is a cool book about two children who run away to the Metropolitan museum. We are continuing to work on grammar and Wordly wise. These will be due at the end of each week. Our final drafts of our personal narrative are due this Friday as well.
In math we our continuing to work on geometry and shapes. We are going to be creating models of houses made out of cardboard using the shapes that we have been working on. Students will be required to draw scale drawings and find the perimeter and area of their models. We will be making a play structure for the kindergartners so we will need wood donated when we are ready to start.
In science we are going to be starting a project "What is the Matter?" We are going to be studying the periodic table and exploring how Humans have used their knowledge of the elements to shape our world.
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