Students are responisble for the following material tonight:
-Reading Log
-California study guide pages 56 & 57
Students are responisble for turning in a great deal of material on Friday for grading. Work that is due includes:
Biography / autobiography reports, reading practice book and California practice book.
Many of you have expressed a concern for your child's math grades. The curriculum that we are using this year is complex. It is mixture of fourth and fifth grade material and is challenging. As I mentioned earlier in the year, this current book is one of two programs that we use during the course of our studies. We are currently in the final 20 lessons of this book, and will finish the book by the end of April. The last third of the book is difficult and I expect the kids to struggle. As we transition into the second book, the kids will find the material too easy. The last month of school, roughly May to mid June, will be review of what we have accomplished with math thus far. I will pepper the instruction with more fifth grade material, but will generally use the time to reinforce and reteach what we have learned so far. Please be patient. It takes a while to hone math skills.
Respectfully, Mr. B
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Wednesday
Howdy all. What a pleasant first day back. I am sure that the kids will have stories to tell about our classroom scandal.
I handed out the conference forms for the students' biography reports today. I completely neglected to leave them with the sub, but the kids still have an ample amount of time to complete the work. (Just so folks know, I had three kids ask me for copies of the biography packets today. I didn't have time to produce extras today, so they will be suffering Thursday night when they find themselves faced with 10+ pages of work (and art projects) to complete for the following morning.)
Thursday brings us a review of our current area of study for California. Students will be quizzed on the material on Friday.
I will collect California and Reading practice books to grade on Friday.
Students are responsible for the following work tonight:
-Reading Log
-Science packet pages 97 - 99 (98 & 99 were started in class)
-Reading practice book page 333
-library books are due Thursday morning
Respectfully, Mr. B
I handed out the conference forms for the students' biography reports today. I completely neglected to leave them with the sub, but the kids still have an ample amount of time to complete the work. (Just so folks know, I had three kids ask me for copies of the biography packets today. I didn't have time to produce extras today, so they will be suffering Thursday night when they find themselves faced with 10+ pages of work (and art projects) to complete for the following morning.)
Thursday brings us a review of our current area of study for California. Students will be quizzed on the material on Friday.
I will collect California and Reading practice books to grade on Friday.
Students are responsible for the following work tonight:
-Reading Log
-Science packet pages 97 - 99 (98 & 99 were started in class)
-Reading practice book page 333
-library books are due Thursday morning
Respectfully, Mr. B
Monday, March 26, 2007
Holy Discovery Channel!
I'm not one to promote tv, much less watch it, but you have got to take the time and effort to see the Discovery Channel's "Planet Earth" mini-series. It is stunning. And since we spent so much time covering biomes, etc., the kids should find some familiar ideas and themes running through the work. Last night's episode on "Mountains" segues into what we begin work on next week. Really, take the time and watch. It's Sunday nights, and I am sure a welcome alternative to "the Simpsons".
Kids should recall that their biography reports are due on Friday as well. Late work will be marked down ten percent per school day.
Have a good one, Mr. B
Kids should recall that their biography reports are due on Friday as well. Late work will be marked down ten percent per school day.
Have a good one, Mr. B
Friday, March 23, 2007
all about me, and how that will effect you
Howdy all, and thanks for your patience while I convalesce. It's been a unique road, but not one that I am eager to travel again. I've lost 15 pounds and am looking a little gaunt. My energy level is no where near where I would like it to be yet. With that in mind, I have chosen to take Monday and Tuesday of this week off as well and will ween myself back into our schedule on a short Wednesday. Mrs. Buron has left me wonderful words about your kids (save just a few who will be assigned to the school beautification detail once I am present on campus.) Ms. Landmann will be in class on Monday on Tuesday as Mrs. Buron has a prior commitment. I look forward to seeing everyone later this week and have appreciated the get well cards that have drifted my way. They reminded what a caring group of kids we really have here.
Monday's HW is as follows:
-Reading Log
-Math lesson 100 (1 - 15)
-Reading Practice book pages 331 - 332 (these cover spelling for the week)
-California review p. 217 (1-5) and workbook p. 54
Tuesday's HW is as follows:
-Reading Log
-Math 19A
-Reading practice book pages 327 - 328
-California workbook page 55
Wednesday will bring us Math test 19B. Friday will bring us a spelling quiz and a comprehensive California quiz covering chapter 5 (pp 185 - 221). We will have an in-class review for this test on Thursday afternoon. I will be collecting California and Reading workbooks to grade on Friday as well.
Respectfully, Mr. B
Monday's HW is as follows:
-Reading Log
-Math lesson 100 (1 - 15)
-Reading Practice book pages 331 - 332 (these cover spelling for the week)
-California review p. 217 (1-5) and workbook p. 54
Tuesday's HW is as follows:
-Reading Log
-Math 19A
-Reading practice book pages 327 - 328
-California workbook page 55
Wednesday will bring us Math test 19B. Friday will bring us a spelling quiz and a comprehensive California quiz covering chapter 5 (pp 185 - 221). We will have an in-class review for this test on Thursday afternoon. I will be collecting California and Reading workbooks to grade on Friday as well.
Respectfully, Mr. B
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
the countdown is on....Thursday and Friday
Okay folks, this is my last blog for a while. I may update it at some point next week just to let you all know how my recovery is going. The class and I discussed expectations and the like for while I am away, and I am crossing my fingers that things run smoothly.
The students are responsible for the following work tonight:
-Reading Log (due 3/23)
-Math lesson 94 (10-25)
-Compare & Contrast essay for "Number the Stars" (due in final form Friday 3/16)
-Library books are due tomorrow. Please ensure that bring all books to school, even if you are simply renewing.
Students are responsible for the following work on Thursday night (3/15)
-Math 18A
-Finish Compare & Contrast essay
-Study vocabulary for Friday's quiz
Respectfully, Mr. B
The students are responsible for the following work tonight:
-Reading Log (due 3/23)
-Math lesson 94 (10-25)
-Compare & Contrast essay for "Number the Stars" (due in final form Friday 3/16)
-Library books are due tomorrow. Please ensure that bring all books to school, even if you are simply renewing.
Students are responsible for the following work on Thursday night (3/15)
-Math 18A
-Finish Compare & Contrast essay
-Study vocabulary for Friday's quiz
Respectfully, Mr. B
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Tuesday & Wednesday
Today was pretty groovy for a Tuesday. We had our third visit from our SPECTRA artist and worked with vegetables. The kids are really enjoying her time with the class. Next tuesday the kids will be illustrating posters that demonstrate the various uses of a single vegetable.
We concluded our work with "The People of Sparks" today by reading the last chapter, discussing the merits of the book, quizzi ng on the last few chapters and then taking the Accelerated Reader comprehension quiz on-line as well. The book receieved an overwhelmingly positive review from the class. The class will be reading "Patty Reed's Doll" in my absence. The book chronicles the adventures of a family that traveled with the Donner Party. They will not be quizzed on the Patty Reed material, but will have access to the Accelerated Reader once the book is completed. I will be reading "The Prophet of Yonwood" with the class upon my return. It is the final installment of the Ember story.
Our discussions with the "Number the Stars" material is getting heavy as we discuss the aspects of the Nazi treatment of Jews during WW2. I realize that not everyone is happy with the choice of material and the realities that accompany a literature study that centers on the lives of people during war, but the messages and discussions that are inspired by these readings are powerful and life-affirming. I fully expect conversations and questions to arise at home, hopefully sparked from discussions that we have in class. Please treat these discussions as honestly as possible, especially in light of our present involvement in the Middle East. (Sorry for the soapbox moment.) We began a compare and contrast piece today that focusses on the two main characters of the story, Annemarie and Ellen.
Tomorrow brings us a Spirit Day where the students are asked to go green, literally. We will be treated to some Irish music from Mr. Kitch's and Mr. Sweet's band. So dress green. Eat green eggs. Have green hair or wear a green hat. Wear green shoes. You know...just be green. And no matter what Kermit the Frog says, it really is quite easy.
Respectfully, Mr. B
We concluded our work with "The People of Sparks" today by reading the last chapter, discussing the merits of the book, quizzi ng on the last few chapters and then taking the Accelerated Reader comprehension quiz on-line as well. The book receieved an overwhelmingly positive review from the class. The class will be reading "Patty Reed's Doll" in my absence. The book chronicles the adventures of a family that traveled with the Donner Party. They will not be quizzed on the Patty Reed material, but will have access to the Accelerated Reader once the book is completed. I will be reading "The Prophet of Yonwood" with the class upon my return. It is the final installment of the Ember story.
Our discussions with the "Number the Stars" material is getting heavy as we discuss the aspects of the Nazi treatment of Jews during WW2. I realize that not everyone is happy with the choice of material and the realities that accompany a literature study that centers on the lives of people during war, but the messages and discussions that are inspired by these readings are powerful and life-affirming. I fully expect conversations and questions to arise at home, hopefully sparked from discussions that we have in class. Please treat these discussions as honestly as possible, especially in light of our present involvement in the Middle East. (Sorry for the soapbox moment.) We began a compare and contrast piece today that focusses on the two main characters of the story, Annemarie and Ellen.
Tomorrow brings us a Spirit Day where the students are asked to go green, literally. We will be treated to some Irish music from Mr. Kitch's and Mr. Sweet's band. So dress green. Eat green eggs. Have green hair or wear a green hat. Wear green shoes. You know...just be green. And no matter what Kermit the Frog says, it really is quite easy.
Respectfully, Mr. B
Monday, March 12, 2007
Monday's HW & lots o' notes
Howdy all and welcome to a new, sunny week. This weather is amazing and I just want to take the class on a hike to the beach. But since there are these State Standards to cover, I guess it will have to wait.
I sent home Red Folders today that explain the classroom situation for the remainder of this week and next week while I am out. I have high hopes that things run smoothly.
The school is having another Spirit Day this Wednesday, March 14. The theme is GREEN in honor of St. Paddy's Day. The kids will be treated to some Irish music as well at a morning assembly.
We are finishing "The People of Sparks" on Tuesday. Kids will have the opportunity to take an Accelerated Reader quiz during our computer lab. We will be reading "Patty Reed's Doll" next. It is the tale of the Reed family and their experiences with the Donner Party (which we covered in class today...cannibalism included...lots o' fun). We'll be watching a funny Disney film later this week that chronicles the Donner experience (sans cannibalism).
Reading Logs did not get off to a great start this last week, as only 2/3 of the class submitted one. These are due every second Friday. Stay on top of this folks, these grading points add up quickly.
Students are responsible for the following work tonight:
-Reading Log
-Math lesson 92 (1-15)
-"Stars" packet page 13 (started in class)
-California practice book page 50 (also started and reviewed in class)
Respectfully, Mr. B
I sent home Red Folders today that explain the classroom situation for the remainder of this week and next week while I am out. I have high hopes that things run smoothly.
The school is having another Spirit Day this Wednesday, March 14. The theme is GREEN in honor of St. Paddy's Day. The kids will be treated to some Irish music as well at a morning assembly.
We are finishing "The People of Sparks" on Tuesday. Kids will have the opportunity to take an Accelerated Reader quiz during our computer lab. We will be reading "Patty Reed's Doll" next. It is the tale of the Reed family and their experiences with the Donner Party (which we covered in class today...cannibalism included...lots o' fun). We'll be watching a funny Disney film later this week that chronicles the Donner experience (sans cannibalism).
Reading Logs did not get off to a great start this last week, as only 2/3 of the class submitted one. These are due every second Friday. Stay on top of this folks, these grading points add up quickly.
Students are responsible for the following work tonight:
-Reading Log
-Math lesson 92 (1-15)
-"Stars" packet page 13 (started in class)
-California practice book page 50 (also started and reviewed in class)
Respectfully, Mr. B
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