May all of you have a wonderful Holiday Season, filled will all the joys you would hope for! I am so glad to have such a wonderful class this year, they bring joy to my days!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
It's the Holiday Season....So...
Here it is the week before winter break. I have spoke with the students about the plan for the next couple days:
Thursday and Friday Morning will be typical days.
Friday afternoon we will be having pizza (provided by Mrs. Branham) and drinks (already provided by a parent). We will be enjoying some fun writing activities and review games in the afternoon as well as watching some film clips from our novel study!
There will be some "fun" gift giving from Mrs. Branham. Students are not to bring in a gifts, we will be having a gift exchange game with items that Mrs. B. brings in.
HOMEWORK: ...Many students did not have homework completed for today, they will be bringing home a reflection sheet to be signed.
Thursday December 16th:
Language Arts: Reread story "Learning to Swim"
Study Vocab. and Spelling words
Math: Study Geometry Terms (this does not apply to the enrichment group)
Parent Thought: Ask your child the Reader Response questions following the story in the reading book, play a vocabulary word practice game with your child.
REMINDERS: Winter Break Begins this Friday afternoon. School will resume on Monday January 4th.
Thursday and Friday Morning will be typical days.
Friday afternoon we will be having pizza (provided by Mrs. Branham) and drinks (already provided by a parent). We will be enjoying some fun writing activities and review games in the afternoon as well as watching some film clips from our novel study!
There will be some "fun" gift giving from Mrs. Branham. Students are not to bring in a gifts, we will be having a gift exchange game with items that Mrs. B. brings in.
HOMEWORK: ...Many students did not have homework completed for today, they will be bringing home a reflection sheet to be signed.
Thursday December 16th:
Language Arts: Reread story "Learning to Swim"
Study Vocab. and Spelling words
Math: Study Geometry Terms (this does not apply to the enrichment group)
Parent Thought: Ask your child the Reader Response questions following the story in the reading book, play a vocabulary word practice game with your child.
REMINDERS: Winter Break Begins this Friday afternoon. School will resume on Monday January 4th.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Geometry...Here we come!
We are moving along through the new geometry concepts! I am very proud of the class. I am encouraging the students to take home their student reference book (SRB)along with their homework to refer to.
HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Vocabulary Sheet
Complete Spelling pg. 52
Study spelling for pretest
Finish Comparing Writing Rough Draft
Math:
Studylink 5.2 - Take home notes, SRB and journal for help.
Parent Thought: Ask your child what they learned today about swimming safely....
ALL spirit cups are in, be sure your child has them all, if not let the office know.
HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Vocabulary Sheet
Complete Spelling pg. 52
Study spelling for pretest
Finish Comparing Writing Rough Draft
Math:
Studylink 5.2 - Take home notes, SRB and journal for help.
Parent Thought: Ask your child what they learned today about swimming safely....
ALL spirit cups are in, be sure your child has them all, if not let the office know.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Monday, Monday...
Here we are, the week before Holiday Break, ALREADY! Time sure flies by!
In Language Arts this week...
The students are learning about sequencing and predicting while reading the improve their comprehension. They will have a normal vocabulary and spelling week.
In Math this week:
The students are beginning Unit 5- Geometry and measurement.
Some students are in the enrichment group (scoring 80% or higher on their pretest) and they will be learning the same concepts and integrating science concepts as well.
Homework:
Share Family times with your family
Complete practice pages 123&124 (Due Tues.)
Vocab. Sheet- [Due Wednesday]
Math: Unit 5
Take home family letter and complete SL.5.1
Have a great winter break class:)It begins on Friday after school.
In Language Arts this week...
The students are learning about sequencing and predicting while reading the improve their comprehension. They will have a normal vocabulary and spelling week.
In Math this week:
The students are beginning Unit 5- Geometry and measurement.
Some students are in the enrichment group (scoring 80% or higher on their pretest) and they will be learning the same concepts and integrating science concepts as well.
Homework:
Share Family times with your family
Complete practice pages 123&124 (Due Tues.)
Vocab. Sheet- [Due Wednesday]
Math: Unit 5
Take home family letter and complete SL.5.1
Have a great winter break class:)It begins on Friday after school.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Preparing....
As usual tomorrow is assessment time for the skills for the week. I have worked with the students on making use they are using their learning time wisely, a key to success!
HOMEWORK:
CLEAN OUT MAILBOXES! Some students are not doing well at making sure their mailboxes are cleaned out daily!
Language Arts:
Complete Spelling pg. 47 & 48
study spelling & vocab. words
Math:
None
Parent Thought....Ask your child how often they clean out their mailboxes here at school....Is it daily???
HOMEWORK:
CLEAN OUT MAILBOXES! Some students are not doing well at making sure their mailboxes are cleaned out daily!
Language Arts:
Complete Spelling pg. 47 & 48
study spelling & vocab. words
Math:
None
Parent Thought....Ask your child how often they clean out their mailboxes here at school....Is it daily???
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
WINTER IS HERE!
BRRR!!
Things were very cold this afternoon at bus time!
Just a reminder please be sure that your child is dressed for the weather or that they are responsible in dressing. The school policy is that we WILL go out for recess unless the temperature or wind chill is 15 degress or lower!
HOMEWORK:
LA- Study spelling words missed on pre-test
Math-None
Good luck Jimtown Jimmies on Thursday!
Things were very cold this afternoon at bus time!
Just a reminder please be sure that your child is dressed for the weather or that they are responsible in dressing. The school policy is that we WILL go out for recess unless the temperature or wind chill is 15 degress or lower!
HOMEWORK:
LA- Study spelling words missed on pre-test
Math-None
Good luck Jimtown Jimmies on Thursday!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Visitor...
The students were very pleased today to see Keenan!
He was able to stop by and say hello to the class! He misses the class very much and was hoping to come in and see them. He just finished another round of Chemo, the class felt better just to see him and see that he had not "changed" much at all! Thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as they journey through the next round of treatment.
THIS WEEK:
This week the students are learning:
Language Arts:
Writing: Writing a compare / contrast writing comparing "It's a Wonderful Life" to today.
Reading: Making Generalizations as we read and how to read for understanding and comprehension.
Math: Fractions Continue!
The students took a pretest of Unit 5, we will be starting that unit next week following the assessment of Unit 4.
SPIRIT CUPS: I spoke with the office about spirit cups, they have been told by the company that all cups will be here BEFORE Christmas Break!
Parent Thought: Ask your child what they are learning about fractions. Make a list of areas they are still not sure of and have them bring it to me for Extra Credit...
HOMEWORK:
Language Arts: Study for spelling pretest (WED.)
Vocabulary Sheet- Due Wed.
Math- Make corrections to recent math quiz. Make the corrections on a separate sheet of paper.
HAVE A WONDERFUL EVENING!
He was able to stop by and say hello to the class! He misses the class very much and was hoping to come in and see them. He just finished another round of Chemo, the class felt better just to see him and see that he had not "changed" much at all! Thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as they journey through the next round of treatment.
THIS WEEK:
This week the students are learning:
Language Arts:
Writing: Writing a compare / contrast writing comparing "It's a Wonderful Life" to today.
Reading: Making Generalizations as we read and how to read for understanding and comprehension.
Math: Fractions Continue!
The students took a pretest of Unit 5, we will be starting that unit next week following the assessment of Unit 4.
SPIRIT CUPS: I spoke with the office about spirit cups, they have been told by the company that all cups will be here BEFORE Christmas Break!
Parent Thought: Ask your child what they are learning about fractions. Make a list of areas they are still not sure of and have them bring it to me for Extra Credit...
HOMEWORK:
Language Arts: Study for spelling pretest (WED.)
Vocabulary Sheet- Due Wed.
Math- Make corrections to recent math quiz. Make the corrections on a separate sheet of paper.
HAVE A WONDERFUL EVENING!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Friday...Oh...Friday!
A busy day indeed, the students had many things to accomplish and in fact, they were able to accomplish many things. It was a busy day, with assessments and progress checks but the students were troopers!
Next week there will be a major compare and contrasting writing project that we will complete. I am looking forward to the writing time with the students, they are really growing as writers!
Have a wonderful weekend!
***Book Orders are Due on Monday!
Next week there will be a major compare and contrasting writing project that we will complete. I am looking forward to the writing time with the students, they are really growing as writers!
Have a wonderful weekend!
***Book Orders are Due on Monday!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Spelling Practice
Spelling....Not easy for all!!!
Many of the students have voiced to me that they would like some ideas of how to study spelling. Today we walked through some study strategies that relate to different learning styles. Some students are just not sure how to study, we are working through this and practicing ways to study!
Parent Thought....Ask you child how they prepare for spelling tests???
HOMEWORK:
Wednesday:
LA- Spelling Pg. 58 & Study Words
Math- Journal pg. 151 #7-14
Thursday:
LA- Study Spelling & Vocabulary Words
Math- Complete Math Worksheet: "Putting Improper Fractions into Mixed Numbers"
REMINDERS:
*Tomorrow is the H1N1 Vaccinations here at school
Many of the students have voiced to me that they would like some ideas of how to study spelling. Today we walked through some study strategies that relate to different learning styles. Some students are just not sure how to study, we are working through this and practicing ways to study!
Parent Thought....Ask you child how they prepare for spelling tests???
HOMEWORK:
Wednesday:
LA- Spelling Pg. 58 & Study Words
Math- Journal pg. 151 #7-14
Thursday:
LA- Study Spelling & Vocabulary Words
Math- Complete Math Worksheet: "Putting Improper Fractions into Mixed Numbers"
REMINDERS:
*Tomorrow is the H1N1 Vaccinations here at school
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Flu Shots are coming....
I was notified today that the H1N1 Vaccinations are going to be here on Friday December 4th.
The Elkhart Health Department will be here to give the vaccinations on Friday morning. If you have questions please call the school office.
Learning this week:
The students learning activities this week will focus on the following standards.
Language Arts:
-Homophones
-Prepositions (Grammar)
- Comparing and Contrasting Events in a story / film
Math:
-Fractions - Simplifying
-Fraction Multiplication
- Use of rational numbers
HOMEWORK:
Language Arts-Vocab Sheet
Study Spelling(pretest tomorrow)
Math-none
Parent Thought...Ask you child what lessons they are learning about priorities?? Have them relate this to "It's a Wonderful Life"
The Elkhart Health Department will be here to give the vaccinations on Friday morning. If you have questions please call the school office.
Learning this week:
The students learning activities this week will focus on the following standards.
Language Arts:
-Homophones
-Prepositions (Grammar)
- Comparing and Contrasting Events in a story / film
Math:
-Fractions - Simplifying
-Fraction Multiplication
- Use of rational numbers
HOMEWORK:
Language Arts-Vocab Sheet
Study Spelling(pretest tomorrow)
Math-none
Parent Thought...Ask you child what lessons they are learning about priorities?? Have them relate this to "It's a Wonderful Life"
Monday, November 30, 2009
"It's a Wonderful Life"
This week instead of a weekly story the class is studying the 1946 Movie "It's a Wonderful Life", this movie (story) has valuable lessons for the students to learn. The students have the opportunity to look at the story from different perspectives and learning language arts concepts through the study of this "Classic Film".
Parent Thought....Ask your child each day this week what they learned from the movie and what learning activities they completed.....
HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Vocab Sheet-Due Wendnesday
Study Spelling page 57
Math:
Do the 5 math problems that I showed them
Parent Thought....Ask your child each day this week what they learned from the movie and what learning activities they completed.....
HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Vocab Sheet-Due Wendnesday
Study Spelling page 57
Math:
Do the 5 math problems that I showed them
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for my wonderful class and supportive parents for these amazing students! Enjoy the Holiday!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Short But Sweet....Week
Although, it is a short week for the students I feel that today was very productive and enjoyable. We had the opportunity to do a progressive drawing activity and review some fraction math....
I had the student complete a Language Arts reflection activity and I was pleased with the reflections and the needs that the students feel that they have....they are right on with their personal learning needs. I am proud of them!
HOMEWORK:
L/a- NONE!!
Math-Complete math worksheet!!:)
Reminder...Thanksgiving Break is Wed-Friday.....
Parent Thought....Ask your child what books they are currently reading, if they don't have one ...encourage a conversation about a book they might choose....
I had the student complete a Language Arts reflection activity and I was pleased with the reflections and the needs that the students feel that they have....they are right on with their personal learning needs. I am proud of them!
HOMEWORK:
L/a- NONE!!
Math-Complete math worksheet!!:)
Reminder...Thanksgiving Break is Wed-Friday.....
Parent Thought....Ask your child what books they are currently reading, if they don't have one ...encourage a conversation about a book they might choose....
Friday, November 20, 2009
A Productive Week Indeed!
As the week comes to close here is a recap of the skill focus for the week:
Sequencing Events to improve comprehension ~ Use of Visualization for Comprehension~ Vocabulary Strategies~ Spelling words with unusual spellings~ Fractions (addition and subtraction of fractions)
Next week is a 2 day week so this overs many opportunities for review where needs are, having time for extended learning opportunities and enjoying a more relaxed framework for our days to fix in somethings that at times we are unable to do! We will be focusing on Fractions, and strategies to help the students to read and write more effectively.
Report Cards: As mentioned previously, if you have questions on report cards or would like to set up a parent teacher conference please email or give me a call. I welcome the opportunity!
Sequencing Events to improve comprehension ~ Use of Visualization for Comprehension~ Vocabulary Strategies~ Spelling words with unusual spellings~ Fractions (addition and subtraction of fractions)
Next week is a 2 day week so this overs many opportunities for review where needs are, having time for extended learning opportunities and enjoying a more relaxed framework for our days to fix in somethings that at times we are unable to do! We will be focusing on Fractions, and strategies to help the students to read and write more effectively.
Report Cards: As mentioned previously, if you have questions on report cards or would like to set up a parent teacher conference please email or give me a call. I welcome the opportunity!
Have a wonderful weekend! If you are traveling to the football game have a safe trip!
GO JIMMIES!!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Report Cards were sent home today. With two attachments: ownership for learning document and a letter to the families.
Due FRIDAY:
Please return the bottom portion of the report card letter & The H1N1 Form for the Office
Homework Thursday November 19th
L/a share report card and study story,vocab,and spelling
math-none
return h1n1 form
Parent Thought....Ask your child what goals they have the for the third grading period???
Due FRIDAY:
Please return the bottom portion of the report card letter & The H1N1 Form for the Office
Homework Thursday November 19th
L/a share report card and study story,vocab,and spelling
math-none
return h1n1 form
Parent Thought....Ask your child what goals they have the for the third grading period???
go Jimtown Jimmies
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Writing All About it...
A Major goal for this school year, school-wide is writing growth. We are working to develop/improve instruction to have students increase their abilities as a writer. During this week we are working on Comparing and Contrasting in writing. Today in particular we work on metaphors, I was so impressed with the students examples of Metaphors.....
Example: The sky was still like a lion waiting to chase its prey. WOW!
I encouraged them to use "like " and "as" in their sentences.
Parent Thought....Ask your child what metaphor they came up with!!
Homework: Wednesday Nov. 18th
Language arts:
Re-read story "Hatchet"
Spelling pg. 43&44
Math:
Study link 4.5
UPCOMING:
Thursday Nov. 19th- Report Cards Go Home!
Friday Nov. 20th - H1N1 Forms due back to school....all student need to return a form if they are /are not having a H1N1 shot.
NEXT Week....No School Wednesday, Thursday or Friday! Due to Thanksgiving Holiday
Example: The sky was still like a lion waiting to chase its prey. WOW!
I encouraged them to use "like " and "as" in their sentences.
Parent Thought....Ask your child what metaphor they came up with!!
Homework: Wednesday Nov. 18th
Language arts:
Re-read story "Hatchet"
Spelling pg. 43&44
Math:
Study link 4.5
UPCOMING:
Thursday Nov. 19th- Report Cards Go Home!
Friday Nov. 20th - H1N1 Forms due back to school....all student need to return a form if they are /are not having a H1N1 shot.
NEXT Week....No School Wednesday, Thursday or Friday! Due to Thanksgiving Holiday
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Fractions...Fractions!
Well it is that time of the year, yes, time for fractions! The students are coming along with their learning, it is simply a tough area for them. I am glad to see the "light come on" for more of them each day! I am very proud of the Math Fraction Enrichment Group and their progress and they work to relate fractions to everyday life and start a new project!
How can you help at home???? Ask your child what part of fractions they are learning about....mixed numbers, adding/subtraction of fractions, multiplication....etc. Then encourage them (I will as well!) to take home their Math Student Reference (SRB) to help them with their homework!
HOMEWORK:
Language Arts-Vocab.sheet (due Wed.)
Math-Pg.135(math journal)#9-12
Good luck Jimtown Jimmies 6th Grade basketball against Laville!
How can you help at home???? Ask your child what part of fractions they are learning about....mixed numbers, adding/subtraction of fractions, multiplication....etc. Then encourage them (I will as well!) to take home their Math Student Reference (SRB) to help them with their homework!
HOMEWORK:
Language Arts-Vocab.sheet (due Wed.)
Math-Pg.135(math journal)#9-12
Good luck Jimtown Jimmies 6th Grade basketball against Laville!
Monday, November 16, 2009
A Week of Survival...??
This week the students will be reading part of the story Hatchet, in the study of the story we will be focusing on sequencing events. By sequencing events the students become more active readers. The theme of the story selections for the next few weeks is "Challenges and Obstacles" that we face. In the midst of this theme we will be focusing on how we as individuals can deal with adversity.....
Homework: Tuesday November 16th
Language Arts:
vocab sheet (due Wednesday) & study spelling and vocab.
Math:
Studylink 4.3#1-10...show all you work!!
Parent Thought...Discuss with your child some practical uses for fractions....around the house, in jobs, while out and about....
Friday, November 13, 2009
Reading In.... and Enjoying Books!
The students had an enjoyable time during their hour long read-in today! It was a great reward after finishing their assessments this morning for the grading period. Report cards go home next week!
They sure enjoyed the popcorn, there was not a morsel left!!! I am so proud of them and the way they handled the assessments this week. It is a tough week and they plugged along and I am continuing to be so proud of this class!
Coming Up Next Week.... The students will dive into a new reading Unit! We will continue to press on with the Math Fraction Unit....I am continuing to encourage them and remind them that they can do it....Of Course...Listening in class and having great effort is helpful as well!
Homework:
Language Arts: None
Math: None
Go Jimmies!! Have a great time if you are going to the Football Game!!
Parent Thought: Ask your child how they predict their report card to be when they go home next week....Most of the students saw a preview of their grades today!
They sure enjoyed the popcorn, there was not a morsel left!!! I am so proud of them and the way they handled the assessments this week. It is a tough week and they plugged along and I am continuing to be so proud of this class!
Coming Up Next Week.... The students will dive into a new reading Unit! We will continue to press on with the Math Fraction Unit....I am continuing to encourage them and remind them that they can do it....Of Course...Listening in class and having great effort is helpful as well!
Homework:
Language Arts: None
Math: None
Go Jimmies!! Have a great time if you are going to the Football Game!!
Parent Thought: Ask your child how they predict their report card to be when they go home next week....Most of the students saw a preview of their grades today!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The Review Week Continues...
The week is a review week and the students are plugging along. I took sometime on Monday to show them their current grades as we venture into this review week. The goal of this was to let them know were they are and to set goals. The goals were set to reflect grade that their grades can be high impacted by the assessments this week. In explaining this I let them know that this is the week to show what you have learned and retained over the past 5 weeks. Assessments are a major part of their progress reports.
Many of the students were pleased with their current grade and plan on taking this week very seriously.
Wednesday November 11th ----Happy Veterans Day!
HOMEWORK:
Language Arts: Read over the "black boxes" in their grammar book to review/study for their Grammar Assessment (Friday)...The Boxes are on Pages: 21,25,29,33, & 37 of the grammar book
Parent Thought....Ask your child what they are going to do to prepare for their grammar assessment..How will they take ownership for studying and for their learning????
Many of the students were pleased with their current grade and plan on taking this week very seriously.
Wednesday November 11th ----Happy Veterans Day!
HOMEWORK:
Language Arts: Read over the "black boxes" in their grammar book to review/study for their Grammar Assessment (Friday)...The Boxes are on Pages: 21,25,29,33, & 37 of the grammar book
Parent Thought....Ask your child what they are going to do to prepare for their grammar assessment..How will they take ownership for studying and for their learning????
Monday, November 9, 2009
Review Week...
This week is a review week for language arts! This is a crucial part of the students taking time to prove what they have learned over the past 5 weeks. I have encouraged the students to take time each night to review the materials presented to them.
Tonight Homework:
Lang. Arts- Study Spelling and Vocab. for Unit 2
(Use sheets that were passed out today)
Math- Share Family Letter & Studylink 4.1 #1-22 only
Parent Thought....Ask you child if you can help them to practice their spelling and vocab. tonight!
Tonight Homework:
Lang. Arts- Study Spelling and Vocab. for Unit 2
(Use sheets that were passed out today)
Math- Share Family Letter & Studylink 4.1 #1-22 only
Parent Thought....Ask you child if you can help them to practice their spelling and vocab. tonight!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Ouch! my Back hurts!
I have really missed the students on Monday and Tuesday.....I am recovering from some severe back pain. I am going to the doctor again this afternoon for treatment and I am glad to be on the mend. I don't like being out of class and getting the students out of the "normal" routine!
Although, they are adjusting well, they are an awesome group! I told them I apologize but I will be out on Thursday for training with some of the staff of the building and Mr. Kovatch. We will be working through our Positive Behavior Support System.
Next week should be back to "normal" :)
Homework:
Language Arts: Reread the story and complete #1-3 of the Reader Response Questions at the end of the story.
Math: Study Notes for Thursday Assessment of Unit 3
Although, they are adjusting well, they are an awesome group! I told them I apologize but I will be out on Thursday for training with some of the staff of the building and Mr. Kovatch. We will be working through our Positive Behavior Support System.
Next week should be back to "normal" :)
Homework:
Language Arts: Reread the story and complete #1-3 of the Reader Response Questions at the end of the story.
Math: Study Notes for Thursday Assessment of Unit 3
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Quickly Falling Into Fall....
Fall is here and the students are falling into some "fall" traps as I call them. Some of the students are having some issues recently with effort and personal best. They are comfortable being back to school now after a couple months and effort is starting to slip with some of them. I have spoke to some of the student individually, but overall, I have told the class.....Keep the effort up and stay strong with doing your personal best....in all areas: academic, social, and how you treat others!!
Parent Thought: Ask your child what they do each day to make sure they are prepared for learning? If they do not have an answer....come up with a plan. For example: Eating a healthy breakfast, staying focused on learning, .....
Homework:
LA: Reread story study "Good Bye to the Moon"
Study vocab
Have a least 3 paragraph of your writing complete (many are past this point)
MATH: SL 3.7 (all)
Parent Thought: Ask your child what they do each day to make sure they are prepared for learning? If they do not have an answer....come up with a plan. For example: Eating a healthy breakfast, staying focused on learning, .....
Homework:
LA: Reread story study "Good Bye to the Moon"
Study vocab
Have a least 3 paragraph of your writing complete (many are past this point)
MATH: SL 3.7 (all)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Making Way in Math
Although it is a tough math chapter, I am so pleased that the students are making connections and it is starting to "click" for most of them! Keep it up students I am proud of you!!
HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Study for Wed. Spelling Test
Write Sentences for Vocabulary Words
Math: Studylink 3.6
HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Study for Wed. Spelling Test
Write Sentences for Vocabulary Words
Math: Studylink 3.6
Monday, October 26, 2009
It will be a short week...
Although there is only 4 day this week....we have many skills to cover this week!
I have reminded the students that we are going to make the most of their learning time this week.
Spelling Change....This week the pretest was today and the post test is Wednesday this week.
Homework ...Monday Oct. 26th
Parent Thought....Ask your child if they would take a trip to the moon? Explain why or why not?
I have reminded the students that we are going to make the most of their learning time this week.
Spelling Change....This week the pretest was today and the post test is Wednesday this week.
Homework ...Monday Oct. 26th
LA: study spelling do spelling pgs 34/35
MATH: none
Parent Thought....Ask your child if they would take a trip to the moon? Explain why or why not?
Friday, October 23, 2009
Concerned Students!
Hello Families,
I want to let you know that you students became aware of so tough news today. Mr. Burson and I spoke to the class about one of our students who has been diagnosed with cancer. He is journeying to Riley Hospital today for treatment. The doctors are very optimistic about the approach they are taking. As expected some of the students had heard this news before school today. Mr. Burson and I wanted to speak to them so they knew the truth from us.
Many of the students had some very valid and concerning questions. One of his main concerns was when he could come back to school and be with his friends. I will keep the students updated on how he is doing as I hear. All of us are looking forward to the day when he can come back to school and be with us!
Upcoming:
Just a reminder that there is NO school next Friday...October 30th .....Fall Break!
I want to let you know that you students became aware of so tough news today. Mr. Burson and I spoke to the class about one of our students who has been diagnosed with cancer. He is journeying to Riley Hospital today for treatment. The doctors are very optimistic about the approach they are taking. As expected some of the students had heard this news before school today. Mr. Burson and I wanted to speak to them so they knew the truth from us.
Many of the students had some very valid and concerning questions. One of his main concerns was when he could come back to school and be with his friends. I will keep the students updated on how he is doing as I hear. All of us are looking forward to the day when he can come back to school and be with us!
Upcoming:
Just a reminder that there is NO school next Friday...October 30th .....Fall Break!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Is it the weather??
The students were a bit "off" today...I am not sure if it is the weather a change in season??? We had a class meeting regarding it and the need for improvement from today. I will follow up with this at the class meeting tomorrow.
Homework:
Language Arts: Finish 3 topic sentence's (might of already done in class.)
study vocab & spelling, re-read story stars on pg.198
Prepare for assessments by:tomorrow (Friday)
Math: None
***Sign Planners
Homework:
Language Arts: Finish 3 topic sentence's (might of already done in class.)
study vocab & spelling, re-read story stars on pg.198
Prepare for assessments by:tomorrow (Friday)
Math: None
***Sign Planners
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Books!!!
I wanted to inform all of you that I am not sending home an October Book order form because there is a school book fair here this month. I will be sending the next book order form in November. This will also be the holiday book order and if you are interested in ordering Christmas presents when the time comes, I will keep the books here and you can pick them up so they are a surprise.
Wednesday: This week we are REALLY focusing on writing complete sentences that have details! This seems to be a glaring struggle for many of the students so we are spending quality time on it this week.
HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
practice book pages 73 and 74
study spelling and vocab
Math:
study link 3.3 #1-5 (use journal pages 90 and 91 fort help)
****Sign planners!!
Wednesday: This week we are REALLY focusing on writing complete sentences that have details! This seems to be a glaring struggle for many of the students so we are spending quality time on it this week.
HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
practice book pages 73 and 74
study spelling and vocab
Math:
study link 3.3 #1-5 (use journal pages 90 and 91 fort help)
****Sign planners!!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Algebra ....What??
Math:
It is hard to believe that we are practicing and learning about algebra in this Math Unit! I wanted to point out to all of you that it is about learning the basics of variable and number sentences. The students seem to be doing well with it and they are gaining understanding each day as we journey through the learning!
This week....
****Please return all fundraiser money and forms this week. These items are due Tuesday, but if they are not brought in on Tuesday, please bring them in on Wednesday. Sample cups need to be returned unless the student sold 2 sets of cups.
****Boys basketball camp started, Monday October 20th. If you have not signed up, do so ASAP, and if the $ is an issue let me know and we can make arrangements.
HOMEWORK: Tuesday October 21, 2009
Language Arts: Study spelling and vocab
Complete vocab sentences on vocab sheet
Math: S.L. 3.2 only #1 - 6 Only....use journal pgs. 88-89 for help
Parent Thought: Remind students about getting enough rest at night, not drinking after others, and washing hands often!!! .....Keep them healthy!!
It is hard to believe that we are practicing and learning about algebra in this Math Unit! I wanted to point out to all of you that it is about learning the basics of variable and number sentences. The students seem to be doing well with it and they are gaining understanding each day as we journey through the learning!
This week....
****Please return all fundraiser money and forms this week. These items are due Tuesday, but if they are not brought in on Tuesday, please bring them in on Wednesday. Sample cups need to be returned unless the student sold 2 sets of cups.
****Boys basketball camp started, Monday October 20th. If you have not signed up, do so ASAP, and if the $ is an issue let me know and we can make arrangements.
HOMEWORK: Tuesday October 21, 2009
Language Arts: Study spelling and vocab
Complete vocab sentences on vocab sheet
Math: S.L. 3.2 only #1 - 6 Only....use journal pgs. 88-89 for help
Parent Thought: Remind students about getting enough rest at night, not drinking after others, and washing hands often!!! .....Keep them healthy!!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Back In Time
Welcome to a new week! It is supposed to be warming up outside this week and finally going to feel like fall, instead of winter!
This week the students are going to be journeying back to the 1800's! We will be looking at life in this time period and comparing and contrasting the two time periods. I look forward to the students reactions to the 1800's!
Overview of skills this week:
Language Arts:
-Use of graphic sources
- Use of text structures
- Dictionary and Glossary Usage
-Comprehension & Vocabulary Skills
-Research Skills
-Expository Writing
Math:
-Learning about variables and how to use them
-Introduction to Algebraic expressions
-Formulas and Patterns for numbers
Core Value Focus this Week....Personal Best and Making Positive Choices
Hooray! Our class just finished reading "My Side of the Mountain" a story about wilderness survival. Most of the students passed the AR Reading Quiz and earned 6 AR points from this book....Well Done Students!!
HOMEWORK:
Language Arts: Family Times complete spelling pgs 29,30
Math: SL 3.1 take home Math journal for help on 84 & 86
Parent Thought: Ask your child if they would prefer to live in the 1800's or Now???? Why???
This week the students are going to be journeying back to the 1800's! We will be looking at life in this time period and comparing and contrasting the two time periods. I look forward to the students reactions to the 1800's!
Overview of skills this week:
Language Arts:
-Use of graphic sources
- Use of text structures
- Dictionary and Glossary Usage
-Comprehension & Vocabulary Skills
-Research Skills
-Expository Writing
Math:
-Learning about variables and how to use them
-Introduction to Algebraic expressions
-Formulas and Patterns for numbers
Core Value Focus this Week....Personal Best and Making Positive Choices
Hooray! Our class just finished reading "My Side of the Mountain" a story about wilderness survival. Most of the students passed the AR Reading Quiz and earned 6 AR points from this book....Well Done Students!!
HOMEWORK:
Language Arts: Family Times complete spelling pgs 29,30
Math: SL 3.1 take home Math journal for help on 84 & 86
Parent Thought: Ask your child if they would prefer to live in the 1800's or Now???? Why???
Friday, October 16, 2009
The Week in review!
This week the dinosaurs....Ooop! I mean the students studied dinosaurs and topics related to dinosaurs. There were numerous opportunities for enrichment by those students who are mastering the skills for the week. One of the most enjoyable things I find about enrichment opportunities is that the students who are in the groups changes often. Some students are in the groups often while all students get the opportunity to be involved at other times.
Some recent enrichment projects that some of the students have been involved in include:
A solar system project (Integration of Math & Science)
Study of different types of dinosaurs
The some things the class learned about: main idea and supporting details, expository writing, and possessive nouns.
Some recent enrichment projects that some of the students have been involved in include:
A solar system project (Integration of Math & Science)
Study of different types of dinosaurs
The some things the class learned about: main idea and supporting details, expository writing, and possessive nouns.
Parent Thought: Ask your child what they learned this week??
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Being Prepared....
To be certain that the students are prepared for their weekly Friday assessments:
They need to be sure to do tonight's homework very carefully, they can also need to take their time on the assessments tomorrow.
Homework:
Language Arts:
study spelling and vocab words
reread "Dino Ghost"
complete practice page 64
Math: no math homework
Parent Thought: "Ask your child if its important to use their time wisely and why."
They need to be sure to do tonight's homework very carefully, they can also need to take their time on the assessments tomorrow.
Homework:
Language Arts:
study spelling and vocab words
reread "Dino Ghost"
complete practice page 64
Math: no math homework
Parent Thought: "Ask your child if its important to use their time wisely and why."
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Following the Math Unit 2
Today the student will be bringing home their Unit 2 Math Assessments.... The students are to attempt correcting the ones they missed tonight at home. Some students were given a reteaching opportunity due to poor performance on the assessment. I retaught the skills and they need to re-work the problems they missed and get a parent signature on the paper.
Overall, the class did very well, the class average was in the "B" Range. Well done class!
Parent Thought....Ask you child about the Unit 3 pretest, ask them how they did????
Homework:
Language Arts:
Study Spelling Words
Complete Spelling Page 26
Complete Grammar Page 27&28
Math: Attempt Correcting missed problems on the assessment
Share the assessment and discuss growth with your family
Overall, the class did very well, the class average was in the "B" Range. Well done class!
Parent Thought....Ask you child about the Unit 3 pretest, ask them how they did????
Homework:
Language Arts:
Study Spelling Words
Complete Spelling Page 26
Complete Grammar Page 27&28
Math: Attempt Correcting missed problems on the assessment
Share the assessment and discuss growth with your family
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Study Guides & More
I have shared a study guide for this week's story with the students. I look at this as an opportunity to have a more in-depth understanding of the comprehension of the story. This should be a positive compliment to the weekly "Family Times" which offer a great deal to the students. Both of these helpful items should be kept in the student's daily take home folder for the duration of the week.
Parent Thought....Please speak to your child of the importance of keeping items where they need to be so they can be useful and easily found when needed.
Homework:
Language Arts:
*Complete Vocabulary Practice Sheet (This is helpful for vocab. application)
*Finish Dinosaur Ghost Study Guide (Use reading book for help) we started the study guide in class although not all students used their time wisely.
*Study Spelling Words....Pretest on Wednesday
Math: Share Family Letter (Which is Studylink 2.12) with your family
Parent Thought....Please speak to your child of the importance of keeping items where they need to be so they can be useful and easily found when needed.
Homework:
Language Arts:
*Complete Vocabulary Practice Sheet (This is helpful for vocab. application)
*Finish Dinosaur Ghost Study Guide (Use reading book for help) we started the study guide in class although not all students used their time wisely.
*Study Spelling Words....Pretest on Wednesday
Math: Share Family Letter (Which is Studylink 2.12) with your family
Monday, October 12, 2009
It is going to be a "Dino -amic" week
This week we are reading and learning about dinosaurs. The students will be exploring the extinction of a particular species of dinosaurs. Along with this they will be working to understand different ways that things can occur.
Focus of learning this week is:
Language Arts:
Vocabulary Development
Main Idea and Supporting details
Using prior knowledge to help us learn
Expository Writing
Math:
Review & Assessment of Unit 2
Pretesting Unit 3
Introduction to variables
Parent Thought....Ask your child to explain their language arts vocabulary words to you....
HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Share family times letter (this should be in their take home folder)
Complete Vocabulary Sheet (Due Wed.)
Preview Spelling words
Math:
Review for Tues. Assessment (Use review packet we completed in class on Monday)
HAVE PLANNER SIGNED NIGHTLY!!
Focus of learning this week is:
Language Arts:
Vocabulary Development
Main Idea and Supporting details
Using prior knowledge to help us learn
Expository Writing
Math:
Review & Assessment of Unit 2
Pretesting Unit 3
Introduction to variables
Parent Thought....Ask your child to explain their language arts vocabulary words to you....
HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Share family times letter (this should be in their take home folder)
Complete Vocabulary Sheet (Due Wed.)
Preview Spelling words
Math:
Review for Tues. Assessment (Use review packet we completed in class on Monday)
HAVE PLANNER SIGNED NIGHTLY!!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Report Cards
Here they come....I have sent home the first term report cards. If you have questions regrading your child's grades please let me know. There is also a "Ownership for learning progress report" and a letter attached to the report cards and a portion of it needs to be signed and returned to school ...Thank you!
Parent Thought....Spend some time this evening discussing your child's report card with them. Reflect on progress, goals for next term and how to reach those goals (personal best, effort...etc).
Homework:
Parent Thought....Spend some time this evening discussing your child's report card with them. Reflect on progress, goals for next term and how to reach those goals (personal best, effort...etc).
Homework:
LA: Study vocab / spelling use family times!
MATH: NONE !
Science:Extra credit. make a diagram of your home and mark down where all the heating supplies and tell what kind of thermal energy it producess. make sure you mark where all the windows are to and tell which windows are on the south side.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Spelling This Week...
The spelling words for this week are challenging. This week the students took their weekly Wednesday Pre-Test and several students struggled with many of the words. We worked on putting the words into pieces to help them to understand how to spelling them.
Please take some extra time to work with your student this week on spelling. There is an assessment over the words on Friday.
Parent Thought....Report cards go home tomorrow...Ask your child what they have done in the past 6 weeks to demonstrate personal best and ask them if they need to improve in this area.
Homework:
Language Arts:
Vocab sheet (all)
Study spelling
Grammar page 23
Math:
Division sheet (show all work.)
Please take some extra time to work with your student this week on spelling. There is an assessment over the words on Friday.
Parent Thought....Report cards go home tomorrow...Ask your child what they have done in the past 6 weeks to demonstrate personal best and ask them if they need to improve in this area.
Homework:
Language Arts:
Vocab sheet (all)
Study spelling
Grammar page 23
Math:
Division sheet (show all work.)
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Out of this World Week!
This week the students will be studying the Universe! The story in the reading book is the introduction to this study! When we did an introduction activity the students had a lot of questions. Their excitement continued as Iposed some questions about The Universe to them. I am looking forward to our larning this week!
Skills for this week:
Language Arts:
Main Idea
Spelling Wrods with Multiple Syllabals
Regular & Irregular Nouns....assing -s. -es, ies, goose, deer...etc.
Science: The Universe
Math- Continuing Exponents and Powers of 10
UPCOMING:
Report cards are scheduled to go home on Thursday
New Grading Period started Monday Oct. 5th
HOMEWORK: LA: Vocab sheet due Thursday practice book pg. 54 study spelling
math journal pg. 75
Parent Thought??? Ask your child what they learned in the past two days about the Universe.
Skills for this week:
Language Arts:
Main Idea
Spelling Wrods with Multiple Syllabals
Regular & Irregular Nouns....assing -s. -es, ies, goose, deer...etc.
Science: The Universe
Math- Continuing Exponents and Powers of 10
UPCOMING:
Report cards are scheduled to go home on Thursday
New Grading Period started Monday Oct. 5th
HOMEWORK: LA: Vocab sheet due Thursday practice book pg. 54 study spelling
math journal pg. 75
Parent Thought??? Ask your child what they learned in the past two days about the Universe.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Homework Only Today....
The computer is acting up today so I am only posting homework today.....
Thank you student bloggers for typing homework....
Thank you student bloggers for typing homework....
Language Arts Homework: Complete activity on pg.51 in our family times book . You will need to take notes on the activity. If your child needs another copy, Mrs.Branham will gladly print you a new one.
Math Math journal pg 70 ,show your work
Thank you and have a nice day !
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Assessments
Assessments are going well! The students are moving along, we will finish up on Friday and have some time for some Fun Learning Activities!
HOMEWORK
LANGUAGE ARTS- READ TO SOMEONE FOR 20 MINUTES OR MORE. FOCUS ON READING WITH EXPRESSION.
MATH-NONE
PARENT THOUGHT - Ask your child how they "feel" they did on today's assessments.
HOMEWORK
LANGUAGE ARTS- READ TO SOMEONE FOR 20 MINUTES OR MORE. FOCUS ON READING WITH EXPRESSION.
MATH-NONE
PARENT THOUGHT - Ask your child how they "feel" they did on today's assessments.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Notes on the Dress Code
Today in our class meeting we covered some issues that I would like to share with you.
Dress Code:
Just a reminder that there are to be No Flip-Flops (although it is getting colder, they are still trying to wear them)
Secondly, The sixth grade teacher have decided that the Rocket Football Cheerleader "Skirts" are not to be worn to school. Many of the do not fall under the dress code in the handbook as far as the length goes. The shirts can be worn.
Grading:
I walked the students through the grading process. They were shown that the grade break down for each subject is as follows:
Homework/Classwork (daily practice) 20% of the the total grade
Quizzes (weekly assessment) 30% of total grade
Assessments (Tests)- 50% of the total grade (Prove what they have learned and if they have retained the information)
I feel that this explanation helped them to understand the emphasis on learning and then having the opportunity to show what you have learned. I focus on reteaching at the practice stage so that they have the opportunity to show learning and growth at the assessment stage.
Upcoming:
End of 6 week grading period -This Friday Oct. 2nd
Report Cards go Home- Next Thursday Oct. 8th
Follow up...If you have questions concern report cards you can contact me
Homework: Wednesday September 30th
Language Arts:
Study Vocabulary Word List----Assessment is Tomorrow
Math:
There is none!
Science:
Study for your test tomorrow!
Dress Code:
Just a reminder that there are to be No Flip-Flops (although it is getting colder, they are still trying to wear them)
Secondly, The sixth grade teacher have decided that the Rocket Football Cheerleader "Skirts" are not to be worn to school. Many of the do not fall under the dress code in the handbook as far as the length goes. The shirts can be worn.
Grading:
I walked the students through the grading process. They were shown that the grade break down for each subject is as follows:
Homework/Classwork (daily practice) 20% of the the total grade
Quizzes (weekly assessment) 30% of total grade
Assessments (Tests)- 50% of the total grade (Prove what they have learned and if they have retained the information)
I feel that this explanation helped them to understand the emphasis on learning and then having the opportunity to show what you have learned. I focus on reteaching at the practice stage so that they have the opportunity to show learning and growth at the assessment stage.
Upcoming:
End of 6 week grading period -This Friday Oct. 2nd
Report Cards go Home- Next Thursday Oct. 8th
Follow up...If you have questions concern report cards you can contact me
Homework: Wednesday September 30th
Language Arts:
Study Vocabulary Word List----Assessment is Tomorrow
Math:
There is none!
Science:
Study for your test tomorrow!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Plugging Along...
Review week is underway:
The following is the schedule for assessments this week:
Daily: Skill review
Wednesday: Unit 1 Spelling Test
Thursday: Unit 1 Vocabulary Assessments & Begin Skill/Comprehension Assessment
Friday: Finish Any Incomplete Assessments, Presentation of Unit 1 Writing Narratives
Although it is a packed week I have some "fun learning" activities integrated with the reviews and assessments.
Homework: While the students will not have much homework to be "turned in" this week, they need to devoted a significant amount of time each night reviewing.
Tuesday Homework:
Language Arts:
Review Spelling List- Assessment is tomorrow
Review Vocabulary Words and Definitions...Complete vocab. crossword puzzle (due tomorrow)
Math: No homework assigned
Parent Thought... Ask your child what stage they are at with their writing?? Planning,
pre-writing, Drafting, Editing, Publishing, Ready for presentation....
Ask them how they colorfully edited their work????
The following is the schedule for assessments this week:
Daily: Skill review
Wednesday: Unit 1 Spelling Test
Thursday: Unit 1 Vocabulary Assessments & Begin Skill/Comprehension Assessment
Friday: Finish Any Incomplete Assessments, Presentation of Unit 1 Writing Narratives
Although it is a packed week I have some "fun learning" activities integrated with the reviews and assessments.
Homework: While the students will not have much homework to be "turned in" this week, they need to devoted a significant amount of time each night reviewing.
Tuesday Homework:
Language Arts:
Review Spelling List- Assessment is tomorrow
Review Vocabulary Words and Definitions...Complete vocab. crossword puzzle (due tomorrow)
Math: No homework assigned
Parent Thought... Ask your child what stage they are at with their writing?? Planning,
pre-writing, Drafting, Editing, Publishing, Ready for presentation....
Ask them how they colorfully edited their work????
Friday, September 25, 2009
Review Week...
I will not be at school today due to a funeral. I will miss being with the kiddos today.
This week will be a review & Assessment week in Language Arts....
The students will be reviewing the skills in reading, grammar, spelling and writing this week:
Grammar:
Different Types of Sentences
Common/Proper Nouns
Independent and Dependent Clauses
Subjects/Predicates
Compound /Complex Sentences
Spelling- There were 125 words (including bonus words) that were taught this grading period. I will select 25 words (5 from each of the weeks) to test the students over. The UNIT spelling test will be on Wednesday. The students can prepare for this by looking over their words on the spelling sheet that they need to bring home each night!
Reading: We will be review and doing activities to practice: Summarizing, Character, Setting, & Fact and Opinion. There will be a comprehension assessment on Thursday and Friday. To prepare for this the students just need to remember to TAKE Their Time and to Read and Reread as needed!
VOCABULARY!! There will be a Vocabulary assessment, the students will be assessed over the Vocabulary Terms for Unit 1- They will receive a typed list of words and definitions....This is a great opportunity to study these words at home!!!
PARENT NOTE: Ask them for their list!!! This will help to go over the words, the assessment is on Thursday morning.
Have a Great Week!!
Homework for Monday September 28th....
HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Study Spelling and Vocabulary Lists
Math: None
This week will be a review & Assessment week in Language Arts....
The students will be reviewing the skills in reading, grammar, spelling and writing this week:
Grammar:
Different Types of Sentences
Common/Proper Nouns
Independent and Dependent Clauses
Subjects/Predicates
Compound /Complex Sentences
Spelling- There were 125 words (including bonus words) that were taught this grading period. I will select 25 words (5 from each of the weeks) to test the students over. The UNIT spelling test will be on Wednesday. The students can prepare for this by looking over their words on the spelling sheet that they need to bring home each night!
Reading: We will be review and doing activities to practice: Summarizing, Character, Setting, & Fact and Opinion. There will be a comprehension assessment on Thursday and Friday. To prepare for this the students just need to remember to TAKE Their Time and to Read and Reread as needed!
VOCABULARY!! There will be a Vocabulary assessment, the students will be assessed over the Vocabulary Terms for Unit 1- They will receive a typed list of words and definitions....This is a great opportunity to study these words at home!!!
PARENT NOTE: Ask them for their list!!! This will help to go over the words, the assessment is on Thursday morning.
Have a Great Week!!
Homework for Monday September 28th....
HOMEWORK:
Language Arts:
Study Spelling and Vocabulary Lists
Math: None
The week in Review!
A quick one indeed! As always the 5 days breezed by and before we knew it, it was Friday! The students had some struggles this week with spelling. It is important for them to know, as I told them through the week....Learning is not always easy and it "shouldn't Be"... I encouraged them through the week to continue to work on those spelling skills and to take their time studying the words!
Homework: The students as a whole are doing REALLY well completing their homework assignments. There are just 4 or 5 students who are struggling with this responsibility. I encourage ALL the students to have a HOMEWORK ROUTINE, where there is a time and place that they can get their responsibility taken care of each day!
Planners: Please sign, or Continue to sign student planners nightly. I will continue this routine for a while yet, I feel that communication to what is being expected each night is helpful. Please sign those planners daily until I notify you that this is not a requirement for ALL students, just those who are not being responsible.
GO Jimmies ....The Jimmies Football team faces Concord this evening...the rivalry continues!
Homework: The students as a whole are doing REALLY well completing their homework assignments. There are just 4 or 5 students who are struggling with this responsibility. I encourage ALL the students to have a HOMEWORK ROUTINE, where there is a time and place that they can get their responsibility taken care of each day!
Planners: Please sign, or Continue to sign student planners nightly. I will continue this routine for a while yet, I feel that communication to what is being expected each night is helpful. Please sign those planners daily until I notify you that this is not a requirement for ALL students, just those who are not being responsible.
GO Jimmies ....The Jimmies Football team faces Concord this evening...the rivalry continues!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
How can it be....
It is amazing to me that next week is ALREADY the last week of the 6 week grading period!
Next week will be a great deal of reviewing, enrichment of the skills taught and Ugg...assessments.(checking progress is important!) I will make every effort to keep a balance of all of that for next week while I am planning the lessons for the week!
Just an FYI...I will be making calls home over the next two weeks just to touch base and get some feedback on how things are going from your point of view. I will also be giving you feedback on how I see things for your students so far. Feel free when we speak to have some questions prepared for me when I give you a call. As always, we are in this together and the goal is success for your child!!
Homework:
L/A- Reread story (if needed)
study vocab sheet and spelling:)
Math-Study Link 2.3 #1-11 only
Parent thought.... Ask your child what they can tell you about multiplying decimals....what do you do with that decimal point??? Or here is a problem for them.... 345.2 * 0.25= They are often surprised at how small the answer is when they start off with a number larger than 300.
Next week will be a great deal of reviewing, enrichment of the skills taught and Ugg...assessments.(checking progress is important!) I will make every effort to keep a balance of all of that for next week while I am planning the lessons for the week!
Just an FYI...I will be making calls home over the next two weeks just to touch base and get some feedback on how things are going from your point of view. I will also be giving you feedback on how I see things for your students so far. Feel free when we speak to have some questions prepared for me when I give you a call. As always, we are in this together and the goal is success for your child!!
Homework:
L/A- Reread story (if needed)
study vocab sheet and spelling:)
Math-Study Link 2.3 #1-11 only
Parent thought.... Ask your child what they can tell you about multiplying decimals....what do you do with that decimal point??? Or here is a problem for them.... 345.2 * 0.25= They are often surprised at how small the answer is when they start off with a number larger than 300.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Mail and More...
Mailboxes...As mentioned at parent night and previously on the blog posts....The students each have a mailbox in the classroom. "Some" students are checking mail daily, others are not. Correspondence, other papers, and graded work are sent home daily. Please remind your child to bring home their mail....Daily!
Homework:
L/A-Reread Story "When Crowbar Came"
Vocab sheet
Math-Journal pg 50-51 #1-10
Homework:
L/A-Reread Story "When Crowbar Came"
Vocab sheet
Math-Journal pg 50-51 #1-10
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Spelling ...Yikes!
This weeks spelling is a CHALLENGE!! Please remind your child to LISTEN to the sentence when deciding which form of the word to use! As adults this can even be w challenging skill!
Homework:
Language Arts: Family Times, vocabulary sheet. ( Due Thursday! ) Study Spelling
Math: Study Link 2.2.
Have a good evening!
Parent Thought... Ask your child what interesting things a crow can do? Thinking of this weeks story, it is an interesting one!
Homework:
Language Arts: Family Times, vocabulary sheet. ( Due Thursday! ) Study Spelling
Math: Study Link 2.2.
Have a good evening!
Parent Thought... Ask your child what interesting things a crow can do? Thinking of this weeks story, it is an interesting one!
Monday, September 21, 2009
ISTEP Scores / Learning Goals for the Week
ISTEP:Today your child will be bringing home a print out regarding ISTEP scores from spring of 5th grade. The scores can be accessed online with the log-on information on the form that is sent home. If you have questions regarding this please call or email me.
THIS WEEK: Learning this week....
Math: This week there will be a focus on decimals, multiplication of decimals and working with powers of 10 in numbers.
Language Arts: Comprehension Skill/Strategies: this week the students will continue to work with fact/opinion, They will develop this skills. There will be instruction and practice on the test taking skill of answering questions.
Vocabulary-skill for the week: Word structures
Grammar- Common/Proper Noun usage
Spelling- Plurals and possessives (encourage your child to listen to how the word is used...Listen to the sentence!)
Writing- The students will be planning and writing drafts this week of their personal narrative. We have been practicing and modeling this type of writing, the application of the skills begins this week!!
Homework:
LA - Study spelling pg.17
complete spelling pg. 19
Math-Problems #1-5 from the board
THIS WEEK: Learning this week....
Math: This week there will be a focus on decimals, multiplication of decimals and working with powers of 10 in numbers.
Language Arts: Comprehension Skill/Strategies: this week the students will continue to work with fact/opinion, They will develop this skills. There will be instruction and practice on the test taking skill of answering questions.
Vocabulary-skill for the week: Word structures
Grammar- Common/Proper Noun usage
Spelling- Plurals and possessives (encourage your child to listen to how the word is used...Listen to the sentence!)
Writing- The students will be planning and writing drafts this week of their personal narrative. We have been practicing and modeling this type of writing, the application of the skills begins this week!!
Homework:
LA - Study spelling pg.17
complete spelling pg. 19
Math-Problems #1-5 from the board
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Be looking for...
I was very pleased with the Unit One Math Assessments. Be looking for these to come home today! There is also an attachment, the results of both the pre and post tests for Unit One. As we spoke at parent night pretesting has numerous benefits. Please look it over with your child!
Secondly, I will be at a conference in our building on Thursday and Friday. This is a great opportunity for learning about positive behavior support practices. I let the students know I will be out. They are to continue the practice of our Classroom Core Values! Please remind them to show respect to the substitute.
Homework: (thank you students for typing the homework!)
Wednesday:
Language Arts:Re-read Saving the Rain forest, and Study spelling and vocab.
Math:Share math assessment and your family letter with your family.
Thursday: Have a good time! Learning is fun, and I try to make it the best day I can!
Language Arts- Prepare for vocabulary and spelling tomorrow. We have a lot of assessments to complete! (As in the reading test! :) )
Math- Study link 2.1 .
Friday- No homework, have a great weekend!
Secondly, I will be at a conference in our building on Thursday and Friday. This is a great opportunity for learning about positive behavior support practices. I let the students know I will be out. They are to continue the practice of our Classroom Core Values! Please remind them to show respect to the substitute.
Homework: (thank you students for typing the homework!)
Wednesday:
Language Arts:Re-read Saving the Rain forest, and Study spelling and vocab.
Math:Share math assessment and your family letter with your family.
Thursday: Have a good time! Learning is fun, and I try to make it the best day I can!
Language Arts- Prepare for vocabulary and spelling tomorrow. We have a lot of assessments to complete! (As in the reading test! :) )
Math- Study link 2.1 .
Friday- No homework, have a great weekend!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Wild about the Rain Forest
This week the story we have read is called "Saving the Rain Forest" this has sparked some good conversations. Some of the students are taking an interest in this topic. I enjoy seeing the light go on for them! Although, the story is difficult, it is interesting!
Homework:
Math - None
Language Arts-
Finish Vocab. Sheet (some already turned this in) Due Tomorrow
Study Vocabulary and Spelling Words (Spelling Pretest on Wednesday)
Practice Page 34
Parent Thought: Ask your child to share something they have learned about the Rain Forest, if they can't remember, ask them to bring home their reading book to look up the information.
Homework:
Math - None
Language Arts-
Finish Vocab. Sheet (some already turned this in) Due Tomorrow
Study Vocabulary and Spelling Words (Spelling Pretest on Wednesday)
Practice Page 34
Parent Thought: Ask your child to share something they have learned about the Rain Forest, if they can't remember, ask them to bring home their reading book to look up the information.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Learning this week...
Welcome back from the weekend....
This week the students will be learning...
Math
We will review and test over Unit 1. The assessment is on Tuesday. Following the assessments, midweek we will PRE-test unit 2 to guide instruction. Some students might be on an enriched learning path, dependent on their assessment scores.
Unit 2 Math- Operations with Whole Numbers and Decimals - will begin on Thursday with a review of adding and subtracting decimals.
Language Arts:
Story- Saving the Rain Forest
Skills we will work on this week:
Comprehension Strategies / Skills - fact & opinion, using graphic organizers for learning, thinking while reading.
Spelling- spelling words this week are difficult, students should take some extra time to study the words. The pretest is Wed. and the Test is Friday. The pretest is to help determine what words they need to focus on for the week.
Grammar- Students will learn about complex and compound sentences
Homework:
Language Arts:
Share Family Times Handout with your family
Vocabulary Sheet - DUE Wednesday
Study spelling words pg. 13 Pretest-Wed. Test - Friday
Math: Finish Review Practice use SRB if needed
Unit 1 test on Tuesday
Other: Study Music Notes
Parent Thought....Ask your child how they can best prepare for the spelling test this week, what is their study strategy?
Friday, September 11, 2009
The Week in Review...
The students had a busy short week, due to having Monday off. They were troopers. I was very proud of their focus. I was pleased with the amount of learning that we were able to accomplish. I truly feel that the students are now in the routine, it takes a few weeks to "get there"!
This week the students learned about ...
Language Arts:
Comparing and Contrasting
Vocabulary Skills..Using Context Clues
Spelling "R" controlled vowel words
Math:
Graphing data on circle, bar and line graphs
Finding Area and Perimeter of objects, then graphing the results
How to determine if data is accurate or not, how to interrpet data
The week was very productive....Keep it up Successful Sixth Graders!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!
This week the students learned about ...
Language Arts:
Comparing and Contrasting
Vocabulary Skills..Using Context Clues
Spelling "R" controlled vowel words
Math:
Graphing data on circle, bar and line graphs
Finding Area and Perimeter of objects, then graphing the results
How to determine if data is accurate or not, how to interrpet data
The week was very productive....Keep it up Successful Sixth Graders!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Showing some Kindness...
Our class meetings this week are focusing on kindness. I was really proud of the students reflections and input so far this week. Each of the students were asked to write a personal reflection on kindness and what it meant to them (these were sent home, you should take a look). We have had conversations about showing kindness, even when the kindness is not returned.
During the kindness discussions we discussed that at times we just have "bad" days and so do others. This is not a reason or an excuse to not show kindness toward others. One student brought up, "when someone is having a rough day, that is when they need kindness the most." I am proud of the students and their reflections on our Core Value of Kindness!
Special Thanks....Thank you to the "Student bloggers" who type in the daily homework, reminders and parent thoughts. I appreciate how well they type and how they add color :)
Thursday September 10th ~
Homework:
LANGUAGE ARTS:
Reread Viva New Jersey Pg.70
Grammar Pg.12 #1-12
Study Spelling and vocab words
Math:
Area/Perimeter Practice Sheet.
Parent Thought:
Remind your child that their are assessments on Friday. Taking their time and reading carefully helps improve their success!
During the kindness discussions we discussed that at times we just have "bad" days and so do others. This is not a reason or an excuse to not show kindness toward others. One student brought up, "when someone is having a rough day, that is when they need kindness the most." I am proud of the students and their reflections on our Core Value of Kindness!
Special Thanks....Thank you to the "Student bloggers" who type in the daily homework, reminders and parent thoughts. I appreciate how well they type and how they add color :)
Thursday September 10th ~
Homework:
LANGUAGE ARTS:
Reread Viva New Jersey Pg.70
Grammar Pg.12 #1-12
Study Spelling and vocab words
Math:
Area/Perimeter Practice Sheet.
Parent Thought:
Remind your child that their are assessments on Friday. Taking their time and reading carefully helps improve their success!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Quick Week...
WoW! Wednesday already!
It sure makes for a quick week when we have Monday off! The students had a great day. They were seated in new seats today and they are adjusting to the move.
Concern: There were 10 students who did not have their homework done this morning. They are in recess detention today finishing their homework and completing a reflection sheet (the reflection sheets need to be signed and returned tomorrow.)
Reminder: If you child is absent please call the office and let them know so that the absence is not "UNexcused".
Homework:
Tonight for Language Arts: Study Vocabulary and complete vocabulary sheet.
Tonight for Math: Studylink 1.9
Have planner signed nightly!
Parent Thought....Ask you child about the vocab. game we played today Balderdash...The students were learning and laughing while we were playing.
Have a great evening!
It sure makes for a quick week when we have Monday off! The students had a great day. They were seated in new seats today and they are adjusting to the move.
Concern: There were 10 students who did not have their homework done this morning. They are in recess detention today finishing their homework and completing a reflection sheet (the reflection sheets need to be signed and returned tomorrow.)
Reminder: If you child is absent please call the office and let them know so that the absence is not "UNexcused".
Homework:
Tonight for Language Arts: Study Vocabulary and complete vocabulary sheet.
Tonight for Math: Studylink 1.9
Have planner signed nightly!
Parent Thought....Ask you child about the vocab. game we played today Balderdash...The students were learning and laughing while we were playing.
Have a great evening!
Reteaching...
I hope all of you had a fabulous holiday weekend! The students were a little slow moving this morning, I think they would have loved some extra sleep!
It is a short week and I have spoke with the students about the importance of staying focused and working at their personal best level.
Reteaching...
Weekly reading assessments from Friday are being sent home today....Please be looking for them. If you child received lower then a 75% they have a letter attach to the assessment. PLEASE follow up on this and have a discussion about the letter. Remember we are in this together and the ultimate goal is learning and for your child to have ownership for his/her learning and success!!
**If you have questions about this please feel free to call or email me.
Parent Thought.... Have a conversation with your child about ownership of learning, and how it is important that they put forth effort to be successful!
Finish reading Viva New Jersey (page 70)
*** Show Family Times letter to family.
Math- Complete Studylink 1.8 (2 pages)
Reminder: Please remind your child to wash your hands regularly because of the flu. We don't want our friends to get sick, because then they can't learn! Thank you for your support!
It is a short week and I have spoke with the students about the importance of staying focused and working at their personal best level.
Reteaching...
Weekly reading assessments from Friday are being sent home today....Please be looking for them. If you child received lower then a 75% they have a letter attach to the assessment. PLEASE follow up on this and have a discussion about the letter. Remember we are in this together and the ultimate goal is learning and for your child to have ownership for his/her learning and success!!
**If you have questions about this please feel free to call or email me.
Parent Thought.... Have a conversation with your child about ownership of learning, and how it is important that they put forth effort to be successful!
(Thank you student bloggers for typing the following for our class...)
HOMEWORK:
Work on Reteaching opportunity sheet from language arts assessment (DUE Tomorrow)
Finish reading Viva New Jersey (page 70)
*** Show Family Times letter to family.
Math- Complete Studylink 1.8 (2 pages)
Reminder: Please remind your child to wash your hands regularly because of the flu. We don't want our friends to get sick, because then they can't learn! Thank you for your support!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Say Cheese!!
Today the students looked fabulous for their school pictures! Pictures went well and we expected the pictures to be back within a few weeks.
Math- We are working hard on learning how to read, draw and interpret different types of graphs. There will be a graph quiz on Friday to check progress and we should be finishing the Math Data and Graph Unit sometime next week.
HOMEWORK....
Language Arts - Study Spelling Words, look over the story and vocab. there will be an assessment tomorrow.
Math- Complete Math Journal Pages 25 and 27
Parent Thought....
How are graphs helpful to us?
Reminders...
Math- We are working hard on learning how to read, draw and interpret different types of graphs. There will be a graph quiz on Friday to check progress and we should be finishing the Math Data and Graph Unit sometime next week.
HOMEWORK....
Language Arts - Study Spelling Words, look over the story and vocab. there will be an assessment tomorrow.
Math- Complete Math Journal Pages 25 and 27
Parent Thought....
How are graphs helpful to us?
Reminders...
Please turn in forms that you haven't turned in yet. Thank you!
No school Monday because of Labor Day.
Enjoy the beautiful day!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Parent Night Attendance...
I am so please with the wonderful attendance at parent night! It is always enjoyable to meet with families! I was very pleased with the evening, thank you to all of you who joined us!
Homework:
Language Arts: - Re-Read story for the week
Math- Math Journal Page 26 (Math Box 1.7)
***Planner signed
Parent Thought.... (Story Reflection) How did Mother Fletcher display kindness??
Have a great Day!
Homework:
Language Arts: - Re-Read story for the week
Math- Math Journal Page 26 (Math Box 1.7)
***Planner signed
Parent Thought.... (Story Reflection) How did Mother Fletcher display kindness??
Have a great Day!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Parent Night
Tonight is parent night! As always I look forward to the opportunity to see the families of the students. It is my hope that many are able to attend. I am planning on going over some of the classroom expectation, curriculum, communication, and taking the opportunity to answer questions that may come up.
If you are unable to attend please be in touch with me so that we have the opportunity to communcicate what was shared this evening.
Parent Night...Tonight... 6:00 pm ....Room 111
HOMEWORK: Tuesday September 1st
Language Arts: Study spelling words, Grammar page 5
Math: Studylink 1.6
***Be sure to have planners signed
Parent Thought.... Ask you student about tracking data in graphs, how can graphs help us??
If you are unable to attend please be in touch with me so that we have the opportunity to communcicate what was shared this evening.
Parent Night...Tonight... 6:00 pm ....Room 111
HOMEWORK: Tuesday September 1st
Language Arts: Study spelling words, Grammar page 5
Math: Studylink 1.6
***Be sure to have planners signed
Parent Thought.... Ask you student about tracking data in graphs, how can graphs help us??
Monday, August 31, 2009
"You've Got Mail!!"
Communication between school and home is extremely important. One of the ways I hope to keep the communication going is making sure graded work and other informative pieces of information are sent home.
Each student has a folder determined at their "take home" folder. Each student also has a mailbox in the classroom. They are to check their mailboxes EVERYDAY and take home the mail. This is going well for some, not so well for others. Today I had to remind 10 students to get their mail at the end of the day, even through it is posted as part of their end of the day routine.
Please remind your child that this is an important responsibility!
Thank You!!
Homework: Monday Aug. 31st
Language Arts- Show your family your "Family Times" Language arts letter
Complete the Vocab. Activity Sheet
Math- No Math Homework, unless the student needs to practice Multiplication Facts....They need to know these!!
REMINDERS:
Tomorrow Tuesday September 1st is Parent Night...6:00-6:30 in the classroom Room 111, there is also a green reminder sheet in the students take home folders.
Please send in any forms that need to come back to school...The office needs them!
Each student has a folder determined at their "take home" folder. Each student also has a mailbox in the classroom. They are to check their mailboxes EVERYDAY and take home the mail. This is going well for some, not so well for others. Today I had to remind 10 students to get their mail at the end of the day, even through it is posted as part of their end of the day routine.
Please remind your child that this is an important responsibility!
Thank You!!
Homework: Monday Aug. 31st
Language Arts- Show your family your "Family Times" Language arts letter
Complete the Vocab. Activity Sheet
Math- No Math Homework, unless the student needs to practice Multiplication Facts....They need to know these!!
REMINDERS:
Tomorrow Tuesday September 1st is Parent Night...6:00-6:30 in the classroom Room 111, there is also a green reminder sheet in the students take home folders.
Please send in any forms that need to come back to school...The office needs them!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Parent Night
Parent Night:
Just a friendly reminder that 6th Grade Parent Night is
Tuesday September 1st at 6:00 pm
in our classroom Room 111. I hope to see you there. If you are unable to attend please let me know ASAP so that I can get the materials to you.
PLANNERS: Planners include the student handbook this year!
- Planner were sent home today! Please look them over.
- A green sheet will be sent home, please sign and return to school
- For the first few weeks - (We will see how it goes) planners need to be signed by an adult each night and brought back to school. ...Focus for this is responsibility for the students!
Homework Thursday August 27th
Language Arts: Re-Read Old Yeller pg. 22, Spelling Pages 2,3,4 and Study Spelling and Vocabulary.
There will be assessments over the story, spelling and vocab. on Friday!
Math- No math Homework tonight
Parent Thought.... Ask your child how to find the minimum and the median for a set of data...
Enjoy your day, Mrs. B.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Here we go...
Today we started some new procedures with Lanugage Arts, we are getting there with all of the procedures for the year! The class is doing well, they are very polite group...but talkative, we are working on this in terms of respect for when others (including Mrs. B) are speaking! It takes some time to get back in the school mode!
Reminders....Send in the pink Health forms if they have not already been returned
Homework - Wednesday Aug. 26th
Language Arts - Write Vocab. words in a sentence, Practice Book pg. 4 and show family letter to your parents/guardian
Math- Study Link 1.3 Complete numbers 1-5 Only (Skip #6 for now)
Parent Thought...Ask your child what type of sentence ends in an exclamation point???
Have a wonderful Wednesday, Mrs. B.
Reminders....Send in the pink Health forms if they have not already been returned
Homework - Wednesday Aug. 26th
Language Arts - Write Vocab. words in a sentence, Practice Book pg. 4 and show family letter to your parents/guardian
Math- Study Link 1.3 Complete numbers 1-5 Only (Skip #6 for now)
Parent Thought...Ask your child what type of sentence ends in an exclamation point???
Have a wonderful Wednesday, Mrs. B.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
What is our Mission?
Today as a class we created our class mission statement to compliment our Class Motto.... After many great ideas from the groups...Our class mission statement is: Mrs. Branham's Class will follow our Core Values, while aiming for both class and individual excellence.
Homework - Tuesday Aug. 25th
Math -
-Complete Studylink 1.2 (Working with plots and landmarks) Students are always encouraged to take home their Math Student Reference Book - for help with math homework, the pages they need are on the icon at the top of their studylink page.
Language Arts-
-Spelling- Continue to study spelling words for the week
Parent Question....Ask your child what our 4 class core values are???
(They can be found at the top of our blog)
Have a Terrific Tuesday, Mrs. B.
Homework - Tuesday Aug. 25th
Math -
-Complete Studylink 1.2 (Working with plots and landmarks) Students are always encouraged to take home their Math Student Reference Book - for help with math homework, the pages they need are on the icon at the top of their studylink page.
Language Arts-
-Spelling- Continue to study spelling words for the week
Parent Question....Ask your child what our 4 class core values are???
(They can be found at the top of our blog)
Have a Terrific Tuesday, Mrs. B.
Monday, August 24, 2009
The First Monday!
Well, We survived the first of MANY Mondays of the school year! I was pleased that so far for the first 3 days we have had 100% attendance...NICE!
We started in a normal schedule today and the students seemed to do well with the structure and getting into a routine! We worked on some pretesting (more to come on this concept) and we took our first trip to the computer lab. Logging in was an experience in itself, (it always is)! The students were patient and I had some help from some of the Tech-Savvy students, Thank you students!
Monday-Aug. 24th Homework...
Language Arts- Study Spelling Words and complete Spelling Book Pg. 1
Math- Share Family Math Letter with Parents/Guardian
Class....Your classmates are counting on you to earn our first homework point!
Signing Off from a Marvelous Monday,
Mrs. B
We started in a normal schedule today and the students seemed to do well with the structure and getting into a routine! We worked on some pretesting (more to come on this concept) and we took our first trip to the computer lab. Logging in was an experience in itself, (it always is)! The students were patient and I had some help from some of the Tech-Savvy students, Thank you students!
Monday-Aug. 24th Homework...
Language Arts- Study Spelling Words and complete Spelling Book Pg. 1
Math- Share Family Math Letter with Parents/Guardian
Class....Your classmates are counting on you to earn our first homework point!
Signing Off from a Marvelous Monday,
Mrs. B
Friday, August 21, 2009
Day 2 of the Journey
Creative....We can be .... when we try! Today we task of drawing ourselves. Some of us jumped right in, others, this was a task of drawing stick figures, whatever it was, we tried to make the most of it! Mrs. B can hardly wait to see what all of the class was able to draw, the tough part will be when she has to draw a picture as well (I will try my best, like I tell my students...Personal Best)!!
Welcome Back! Here we are!
Our school year started with some rain, but this did not keep our spirits down! The day cleared up and we got a lot accomplished! We are a group of 28 fabulous individuals prepared to have a successful year! We consider ourselves amazing and capable of GREAT things when we work together!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)