12/15/10

We are almost finished!

Language Arts:
Today in class we read our last chapter of Frindle and took a quiz over chapters 13-15. The rest of our morning was split between finishing our packets and Vocabulary Vine. Our test over the novel will be tomorrow.

Homework:
Test tomorrow over the book
Biography projects are due on Jan.4
Our wax museum will be on Jan.5

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Math:
Our Unit 12 tests were passed back today. Please get these signed.
We spent our class time going through skills that will be in Journal 1 of the 5th grade. This is the journal that we will be skipping. The students were pretty surprised by how "easy" they thought the chapters were. We will start with journal 2 after our break.

Homework:
Get the test signed

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We had our mini mall! It was so much fun!

Until tomorrow...

12/14/10

Brrrr...It sure is cold outside!

Language Arts:
Today in Language Arts we read chapters 12 and 13. Chapter 12 was a long one compared to all the others that we have listened to. The students completed the comprehension questions or chapter 12 in class and started their homework.

Homework:
***Chapter 13 questions(We only have two questions to respond o tonight)
***Are you working on your biography project a little each night?

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Math:
Today in math class we took an end of the year assessment. This took the entire class period. Those students who did not take the math MAP test or those that did not finish theirs, will finish tomorrow afternoon during our math class.

Homework:
***None
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Social Studies:(Suddarth)
***We took our chapter 6 test today. Mrs. Doms' class will have their test tomorrow.


Until tomorrow...

12/13/10

It was a fast day after a two hour delay...

Language Arts:
Today we missed both of our specials due to the delay. We did get a chance to watch a play performed by the other fourth and fifth grade classes,though. It was fantastic!

Homework:
***None
***Be sure to be spending any extra time you have on your biography project which is due the week we get back from break. The report is due on January 4th and the wax museum will be on January 5th.
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Social Studies:(Doms)
Today we had Social Studies in the morning due to MAP testing in the afternoon for some classes. During Social Studies today, we read and discussed the Reading Further section in our books and reviewed for the test. Mrs. Doms' class will take the test on Wednesday. Please study the study guide that was passed out last week.

Homework:
***Study for the Chapter 6 test.
***My homeroom has their test tomorrow.

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Math:
We took our Math MAP test today. Many students did not finish. They will finish later on this week.

Homework:
***None

Until tomorrow...

12/8/10

Only a week and a half left until winter break... We can make it!

Language Arts:
Today in Language Arts, we discussed our questions from chapters 7-8 and listened as I read chapter 9 of our novel study. The students were given time to complete their questions in class. (We only had four questions and a writing reflection today.)

Homework and Reminders:
***Questions for Chapter 9 and writing reflection
***Our Wax museum is right after break. Folders and drawing paper were passed out at the beginning of last week. I am happy to hear that so many students are putting on the finishing touches and practicing their facts already. Keep it up!
***Our MAP test is scheduled for Friday, December 10

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Math:
We reviewed today for our Unit 12 test. The students have a practice test that they can review for the test tomorrow.

***Our MAP test is scheduled for December 13.

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Social Studies:(Doms)
Today we had our protest march and discussed segregation as it was in the 1950s in the Southeast region. The students were they given a task to complete. They need to write a letter discussing their tour of the region.(See the handout.) This letter is not due until Monday for Mrs. Doms' homeroom students. Study guides were also passed out. The Chapter 6 test will be next Wednesday, Dec. 15.

Social Studies;(Suddarth)
***Your letters are due on Friday, Dec. 10. Your test will be on Tuesday of next week. Please be sure to use your study guide to study from.

Other Information:
***My homeroom will be having Art Smart tomorrow. I've been warned that we are using clay. Please dress appropriately. We don't want anyone to mess up their good clothes.
***Tomorrow is our National Blue Ribbon Assembly. Our t-shirts will be passed out tomorrow.

Until tomorrow...

12/7/10

Language Arts:
Today was a busy day. Right after specials we worked a bit on handwriting and then jumped back into our novel study. After discussing our chapter 6 questions, the students listened as I read chapters 7 and 8. They were given time in class to work on the comprehension questions for those chapters.

Homework:
***Our Reading NWEA Map Testing is on Friday at 8:00
***Chapters 7-8 questions are due tomorrow
***We still need FIMO clay and decorations for our project next week.
***We will be having a quiz tomorrow over chapters 6-8

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Math:
Today was a mixed up schedule with math due to Map testing. During our time together we worked on a variety of skills during our computation time, graded our homework, and worked on some rate examples. Our practice test is scheduled for Unit 12-tomorrow. The test will be on Thursday.

Homework:
***Journal pages 326-328
***Our NWEA Map test is scheduled for Monday

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Social Studies:
During our class we paraded around our room with our protest posters and had a good discussion about segregation. The students were then given a handout that contained a writing assignment. They are asked to write a letter that contains information about their visit to the Southeast region of the United States.This is due for my homeroom on Thursday.

Homework:
***Our Chapter 6 test will be next Tuesday. Study guides were passed out today.
***Letters are due on Thursday-(See the handout)

Until tomorrow...

12/06/10

Yikes! It sure is cold outside!

I am sorry that I did not blog on Friday. I was out of the building. I did have a great report from my substitute that everything went as planned.


Language Arts:
Today in Language Arts we jumped right into our novel study after double specials. Today we reviewed our Chapter 5 questions and listened to chapter 6. The remaining class time was spent working on our banner for our National Blue Ribbon Assembly and Chapter 6 questions and vocabulary which is due tomorrow.

Homework:
***Chapter 6 comprehension questions- Please remember that these questions must be answered in complete-detailed sentences.
***Vocabulary- Chapter 6
***There is no writing reflection due today.(We had a last minute problem with the overhead.)
***Please mark your calendars... We will take the Reading NWEA Map test this Friday in the morning.
***We are still waiting for our Fimo clay and glitter to be brought in for our project next week. I was told that Michael's has it on sale this week if you interested in purchasing some. Please refer to the green half sheet that was sent home last week if you have questions.

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Math:
Today we completed our minute, reviewed computation, and continued our study of rates. We are preparing for a test later in the week. The students will get a practice test to work on prior to the test.

Homework:
***Journal pages 322 and 323
***We will be NWEA Map testing next Monday, Dec. 13.

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Social Studies:(Doms)
Today our class finished up our tour of the Southeast. We also stopped at the end of our tour to talk about the civil rights movement and the segregation that existed between the whites and the African Americans during the 1950s. We took the last part of the class period to work on their posters.

Homework:
***Posters(See the handout) are due for Mrs. Dom's class on Wednesday. They are due for my homeroom tomorrow.

Until tomorrow

12/1/10

Language Arts:

Homework:
***Chapter 3 Writing Reflection
***Vocabualry- Chapter 3
***Comprehension Questions-Chapter 3
***Quiz tomorrow over chapters1-3
***Book orders are due tomorrow

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Math:

Homework:
***Math Journal pages 316-317
Math Box and Study Link 12.3

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social Studies:

Homework:
***Letter-(See handout) Due Friday

Until tomorrow... Sorry it's short!

11/30/10

A cold Tuesday...

Language Arts:
Today in Language Arts we reviewed our writing reflection for Chapter 1, discussed our comprehension questions, and listened to our next chapter. It was fun to watch the students answer the questions in detail and being able to site specific examples of some of our RIT vocabulary. We also switched for Vocabulary Vine.

Homework:
***Writing Reflection for Chapter 2
***Chapter 2 comprehension questions
***Vocabulary for chapters 1-2
***Book orders are due on Thursday

****Please note that time is given in class each day to work on this homework. This is a great time to ask questions.

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Math:
Today in math we completed our minute, graded our homework, and worked on finding the LCM and GCF by using prime factorization. During our lesson, we explored the concept of rates.

Homework:
***Page 313 (Try This)
***Math Box and Study Link 12.2

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Social Studies:(Doms)
Today we started chapter 6. This chapter takes us on a bus and boat tour of the Southeast Region of the United States. During class today we completed a writing assignment during our preview and worked with a partner to find specific geography questions .

Until tomorrow...

11/29/10

Welcome Back to School!

Language Arts:
This morning was a busy one! Right after double specials we jumped right into our first novel study of the year. Right now we are reading Frindle by Andrew Clements. This is a cool book that some of my students heard about last year. We are planning to do a lot or work with it by reading our chapters in class, working on detailed comprehension questions, writing reflections, working in small groups, and working on finding figurative language throughout the novel. Because of this novel study, there will not be a weekly homework packet. Instead, the students will have nightly homework. Please see to it that they keep up with the assignments each night.

Homework:
***Writing Reflection
***Comprehension questions
***Book orders are due on Thursday

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Math:
Today in math we completed our minute, worked on computation practice, and found a way to find the Greatest Common Factor of two numbers by using prime factorization. Next, we jumped into our last Unit in 4th grade math. This unit deals with rates. We will plan on finishing up this unit and taking the End of the Year Assessment before winter break.

Homework:
***Journal pages 310 and 311
***Study Link 12.1
***Get Unit 11 tests signed

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Social Studies:
Today we started Chapter 6. This chapter will take us on a bus and boat tour throughout the southeast region. In class today, we previewed the chapter and answered geography challenge cards with a partner by using our book and interactive desk maps.

Homework:
***None


Until tomorrow..

11/23/10

With such a short week... I am sorry that I forgot to blog yesterday.

Language Arts:
Today was a fast one! Right after specials we started a winter writing project. We worked collectively in groups brainstorming words about "winter." Next, we were assigned different types of poems to write about and worked on our own creating, writing, and decorating winter wear that will help to decorate our E.L.A.

We also took some time to listen to our read a loud and work on some cursive handwriting.

Homework:
***Handwriting-Pages 43 and 44

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Math:
Today was our Unit 11 assessment. We have only one more unit to complete before we start 5th grade math. The students are so excited to dive into their next journal. I anticipate that we will start 5th grade math shortly after winter break.

Homework:
***None

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Social Studies:(Doms)
Today was our Chapter 5 test.

Homework:
***None

Until tomorrow...

11/18/10

Language Arts:
Today was another busy one! We did a lot of reviewing before our assessments tomorrow. We reviewed our grammar skill of the week, worked on using a colon and parenthesis in a play, and switched for Vocabulary Vine.
During our writing time we worked on putting the finishing touches on our books and some students started their illustrations. Today was also the day where we meet with our reading buddies.

Homework:
***Weekly is due tomorrow

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Math:
We spent a good portion of our class time working on the Odyssey program. We also completed a minute, graded our homework, reviewed for the upcoming test, and listened to a quick lesson focusing on prime factorization.

Homework:
***Math Minute is due tomorrow

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Social Studies:(Suddarth)
Today we read and discussed the Reading Further section in our book and talked about inventions that helped to create our busy, crowded cities. We also played a "Flash-It" game as a way to practice for our upcoming test which will be on Monday.


Until tomorrow...

11/17/10

Language Arts:
Today flew by! After specials this morning ,we started right into working on our grammar minute and then we used white boards to practice linking verbs.(This is the skill that will be tested on Friday.) We also took time to work on our final copy of our schoolwide writing prompt, switched for Vocabulary Vine, and worked together on the floor discussing the story of the week.

Homework:
***Writing prompt is due tomorrow on "special" paper
***Weekly homework packet is due on Friday
***Are you reading EVERY night?
***How often do you review the RIT vocabualry?

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Math:
Today in math we completed our minute, graded our homework, and spent our computation time reviewing adding, subtracting, and multiplying, integers as well as dividing them. We also practiced finding the volume of various shapes. We ended the day with a short quiz covering volume. (They are graded and will be passed back tomorrow. I was thrilled with their grades!)

Homework:
***Math boxes 11.6/11.7
***Study Link 11.6
***Our test covering Unit 11 is tentatively scheduled for early next week. I am shooting for Tuesday or Wednesday. We will have a practice test prior to the actual test.

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Social Studies:(Doms)
Today we spent some time discussing the population density of different parts of the Northeast and how that effects the way people live. The students were then spit up to work with a partner to read sections 5.4-5.8 and the summary. They were given time to complete the differences between a megalopolis and a small town. If they did not finish, it is homework due Friday.

Homework:
***Finish workbook pages 28-29
***Study for the Chapter 5 test which will be given next Tuesday.

Until tomorrow...

11/16/10

Language Arts:
Today in Language Arts we completed our minute which dealt with object pronouns, worked on our grammar skill for the week which is linking verbs, completed a page in our workbook, and worked a bit in our handwriting book.

A portion of our morning was spent switching for Vocabulary Vine and working on our schoolwide writing prompt. This prompt is a personal reflection about why they are proud to be a Northpoint Star.

Homework:
***Rough drafts of the prompt are due tomorrow. Be ready to write your edited piece on your good paper.
***Weekly/Assessments-due Friday

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Math:
Today we completed our minute, graded our homework, and worked on computation. I also taught a mini lesson on multiplying positive and negative numbers by using the "Good Guy" "Bad Guy" idea. This was a big hit and they caught on fast! Tomorrow we will work on dividing both positive and negative numbers.

Our lesson for the day focused on volume. We practiced with more complex cube problems. This was a bit tricky at first, but by the end of class, they were getting it!

Homework:
***Math Box and Study Link 11.5
***We will have a short quiz tomorrow over integers and volume
***Math minute is due on Friday

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Social Studies:(Suddarth)
Today in class we discussed the population density of the Northeast and the West. We also did a comparison between Alaska and New York. What a difference! Together we read and discussed sections 5.1-5.3. The students were then placed with a partner to read and complete their reading notes in their Interactive Student Notebook.

Homework:
***The reading notes are homework (Due Thursday)if they were not completed in class.
***The study guide for Chapter 5 was passed out yesterday. My homeroom will have their test next Monday before our break. Get studying early!

Until tomorrow...

11/15/10

It is really starting to get chilly! Don't forget your jacket for recess!

Language Arts:
Today in Language Arts we were busy as usual for a Monday. We took our spelling pretest, reviewed our new story vocabulary and listened to it on tape. (This week we are reading Mystic Horse.) We also worked on linking verbs, reviewed our new RIT vocabulary, and listened to our read a loud.

Homework:
***Weekly homework packet is due on Friday
(Please be sure that students are writing complete, detailed sentences.)
***Are you working on your biography and file folder work? Refer to the packet if you have questions...
***RIT vocabulary should be studied EVERY week. Regardless if the students know if they are having a quiz or not, reviewing is necessary!

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Math:
Today we worked on our minute, completed some computation review with algebra, and jumped into Unit 11 and worked on geometric solids and finding volume.

Homework:
***Math Boxes 11.3/11.4
***Study Link 11.3

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Social Studies: (Doms)
Today we started Chapter 5. This is a short chapter. We discussed population density, reviewed our three vocabulary words for the chapter, and discussed how population effects how people live. Study guides were passed out today for this short chapter. Tests will be next week before Thanksgiving break.

Until tomorrow...

11/11/10

What a beautiful November day!

Language Arts:
After specials this morning, we reviewed our RIT vocabulary, practiced past, present, and future tense verbs on white boards, listened to our read a loud, switched for Vocabulary Vine, completed a word sort of our spelling words, and completed a page dealing with author's purpose.

Homework:
*** Weekly homework packet is due tomorrow
***Assessments will be given

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Math:
Today we spent time in the lab working on the Odyssey program. The remaining time in class was spent practicing algebra concepts.

Homework:
***Math Minute- due tomorrow(This was handed out on Monday.)
***Math Box and Study Link 11.1
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Social Studies:
We did not have Social Studies today but our Chapter 4 tests were passed back today. Thank you to Mrs. Coughlin, Mrs. Sohrab, Mrs. Iapalucci, and Mrs. Al-Ani for a fun Art Smart lesson.

Reminders:
***Tomorrow is the last day to bring in canned food for our food drive. Please help support our families in need. Also, please feel free to pull a star from our giving tree. We could make this holiday season one that shines for many families.

Until tomorrow...

11/10/10

Recess was a blast today in this fantastic weather!

What's new here at Northpoint?
Have you noticed that we have our giving tree up in our lobby?This year it is filled with "stars." We are hoping that we are able to give generously to those within our community this holiday season. Please feel free to grab a star to help out local families in need. We can do it Northpoint!

Language Arts:
Today in Language Arts we worked on our grammar skill for the week on white boards, switched for Vocabulary Vine, and spent some time discussing the significance of Veteran's Day. We spent time writing letters that will be sent tomorrow.

Homework:
***Weekly-due Friday

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Math:
***Today we reviewed skills and then spent time working on Unit 11-Lesson 11.1.

Homework:
***Math Minute is due on Friday

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Social Studies:(Doms)
***We took our Chapter 4 test today.

Until tomorrow...

11/9/10

Language Ats:
Today was a busy day. We worked on our grammar skill today which dealt with both future and past tense verbs. We completed two pages in our workbook. We also started writing our own book based on pictures from a picture book. So far, the students are excited about creating their own stories. We will illustrate them when they are finished. The remainder of the class period was spent switching for Vocabulary Vine, taking a RIT quiz, and listening to a few pages in our read a loud.

Homework:
***Weekly Homework Packet- due Friday. It needs to be completed in cursive.

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Math:
***We took our Unit 10 test today. A few students did not finish. Some time tomorrow will be spent finishing them up, but we will be ready to jump into Unit 11.

Homework:
***None for tomorrow. You do have your Math Minutes that are due on Friday, though.

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Social Studies:(Suddarth)
We did have our Chapter 4 test today.

Homework:
***None

Reminders:
***Please bring in a non-perishable food item.

Until tomorrow...


*

11/8/10

I am sorry that I did not blog over the weekend...

Language Arts:
Today in Language Arts we were busy as usual for a Monday. Right after having double specials, we took our spelling pretest, reviewed our new RIT words for the week, discussed our new story vocabulary, and listened to our story on tape. We also worked on white boards practicing helping verbs and their tenses.
Weekly homework packets were also passed out as usual today. This week, I am asking all the students to start writing their work in cursive. Please be sure that it is all completed this way.

Homework:
***Every student needs their biography book checked by me. This is an assignment. It was due today.They are due no later than tomorrow. If not, "Oops" slips will be issued.
***RIT vocabulary quiz- tomorrow
***Vocabulary Vine quiz tomorrow
***Weekly- due Friday

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Math:
Today we completed our minute and reviewed for our Unit 10 test which will be tomorrow. The students have a study guide that they should look over to be prepared for the upcoming test.

Homework:
***Look over the practice test- Our test is tomorrow
***Math Minute- Due Friday. Please be neat and show ALL your work. Be sure to explain your answers in detail.

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Social Studies:(Doms)
Today we watched a short video clip that goes along with what we have been studying in chapter 4. We also spent some time reviewing for our chapter 4 test . The test is tomorrow for my homeroom and on Wednesday for Mrs. Doms' class. Be sure to look over the study guide that was passed out last week.

Homework:
***Study for the chapter 4 test

Reminders:
***We need your help! Please bring in canned foods and boxed items for our food drive. Thank you in advance for your help!

Until tomorrow...

11/4/10

Language Arts:
Today we continued working on our grammar skill for the week which is verbs and their tenses, switched for Vocabulary Vine, listened to our read a loud, met with our second grade reading buddies, and reviewed the story vocabulary as well as our RIT vocabulary.

Homework:
***Weekly -due tomorrow
***Biography choice due Monday(I will be checking books. Please bring the books to class.)

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Math:
We spent most of our class time today working on the Odyssey program in the computer lab. We also went over our Unit 9 test as well as the problem solving sheet that was passed back today. Time was given in class to work on homework.

Homework:
***Journal pages 283, 284, 285
***Study Link 10.6
***Unit 9 tests need to be signed and returned tomorrow as well as any "N"problem solving sheets.

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Social Studies:(Doms')
*** Today we read and discussed the Reading Further section of chapter 4. We discussed the factory working conditions in the Northeast in the early 1800's. We even participated in an activity that simulated what it would be like to work in hot, crowded conditions. This really stirred quite a discussion.

Homework:
***Our chapter 4 test is next week. Please review your study guide and chapter a little each night. We will review for the test on the next class period.

Until tomorrow...

11/3/10

Language Arts:
Today in Language Arts we spent time reviewing our grammar skill for the week, completing our minute, switching for Vocabulary Vine, and working on a writing prompt.

Homework:
***Weekly and assessments- Friday
***Read for your project- I have several biographies here in my library that the students are free to use as an additional resource for their project. They should have their book picked out by now. I would like to write down their person by next Monday, Nov.8.

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Math:
Today we completed our minute, worked on a few problems that were a bit confusing to some students on their Unit 9 test and jumped right into adding and subtracting both positive and negative numbers.(Unit 9 tests will be passed back tomorrow.)

Homework:
***None

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Social Studies:(Suddarth)
Today we read and discussed the harsh working conditions for women and girls in factories during the 1800's as well as the early 1900's. We even did a mock assembly line under crowded and noisy conditions to see how stressful they had it. This stirred up quite a conversation!

Homework:
***None
***Mrs. Doms' class- Your letters are due tomorrow. They should be at least one full page and include the final copy either typed or written in pen, your rough draft, and the assignment sheet.

Until tomorrow...

11/2/10

Language Arts:
Today was a full day in Language Arts. After specials, we reviewed our RIT and story vocabulary, switched for Vocabulary Vine, completed some practice on the overhead with verbs, and completed a page in our grammar workbook. The remainder of the class period was spent taking our overall Unit 2 assessment which covers all the skills taught in Unit 2.

Homework:
***Weekly- due Friday
***Read- Are you working on reading your biography? I need to know the book that you picked. Please bring it in so that I can approve it.
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Math:
Math class was shortened today due to our planetarium visit. We were able to complete a minute, grade our homework, and jump into the next lesson which talked about frieze patterns, lines of reflection, translations, and rotations.

Homework:
***Math Box 10.5

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Social Studies:(Doms)
Today in class we worked together in groups filling out a chart about what we learned about the Northeast during our train tour. We discussed the geography, economy, history, government and people of the region. The remainder of the class period was spent working on their homework which is due on Thursday.

Homework:
***Write a friendly letter to a friend or family member describing specifics about the Northeast.(See the handout that was passed out) .This assignment includes a rough draft, the handout turned in, and the final copy of the letter either typed or in pen. Time was given in class to work on this assignment. Be sure to follow the specific directions on the handout. You may use your book or ISNB to help you.

Reminder to my homeroom:
Your Social Studies homework is due tomorrow. You will need a rough draft, the copy of the handout, and a final copy of the letter written in either pen or typed. Be sure to follow the specific directions on the handout. You may use your book or ISNB to help you.

Until tomorrow...

11/1/10

It is hard to believe that this is November already!

Language Arts:
Right after double specials we took our spelling pretest, reviewed our new RIT vocabulary as well as our story vocabulary and listened to our story of the week on tape. The story this week is a folk tale which brought up quite a discussion in our class.

During our grammar time, we discussed and practiced finding the action verb as well as the helping verb in different sentences.

Homework:
***Weekly homework packet- New this week is the Think and Compare section. This section asks the students to answer the questions at the end of their story in complete detailed sentences that pull information from the story.

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Math:
Today in math we completed our minute, worked on computation, and then jumped right into Unit 10. Today we worked on using a transparent mirror and discussed the difference between a preimage, image, and the line of reflection.

Homework:
***Math Boxes 10.2-10.4

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Social Studies:(Suddarth)
Today we spent some time working with our table groups discussing different characteristics about the Northeast. We talked about the people, the economy, the history, the government and the geography of the regions that we visited. The remainder of the class time was spent with each student working on a letter that they are writing to a friend or family member describing their tour of the Northeast.They will need to refer to the handout for specific assignment guidelines.

Homework:
***This letter writing assignment is due on Wednesday.

***Study guides for chapter 4 were passed out today. Our test will be next week. Be sure to study a little each night.

***Please Note- My homeroom class will be visiting the planetarium tomorrow. Be sure to see the green half sheet that was passed out today.

Until tomorrow...


Un

10/25/10

It is Red Ribbon Week and Northpoint stars say "No" to drugs!

Language Arts:

Today was a busy Monday in Room 24. Right after double specials we took our spelling pretest, reviewed our new RIT vocabulary, discussed our seven story vocabulary words, listened to a chapter in our read a loud, and jumped into plural possessives during our grammar lesson. What a busy morning!

Homework:
***Weekly homework and assessments will be given on Thursday this week due to our day off on Friday.
***Be sure to ask your child about this second nine weeks reading project. They should have a detailed packet that came home on Friday of last week. This grading period we will be working on a biography project.

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Math:
Today in math we completed a minute and worked on multiplying and dividing decimals as practice on white boards. The students were then placed in their work groups to work on a practice test for our Unit 9 test which will be tomorrow.

Homework:
***Finish the practice test. We will go over the last page tomorrow before the test. You should also work on multiplying and dividing decimals. You will see some of these kinds of problems on the test as well.

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Social Studies:(Suddarth)
We took the last of our tour today. We learned about the Washington D.C. area, its buildings and several of the monuments that exist there. We also talked about the importance of laws and rules and the three branches of government that we have in the United States that make and enforce our laws that we have today.

Homework:
***None- This is the last day that we will have Social Studies this week due to two assemblies that will be held in the afternoon. It looks like our Chapter 4 test will be two weeks from tomorrow. A study guide will be coming home soon.

Until tomorrow...

10/21/10

Language Arts:
Our time today was spent working on our grammar skill of the week, switching for Vocabulary Vine,listening to our read a loud, and working on a writing prompt.

Homework:
***Weekly homework packet
***Parents, did you receive your email today regarding our Odyssey program? It is an excellent computer program that allows students to practice on skills geared to their specific needs. Check it out!

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Math:
Today was our day in the computer lab to spend time working on Odyssey. After that, we spent time working on multiplying and dividing decimals.

Homework:
***None

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Social Studies:(Suddarth)
Today we spent time aboard a train visiting various places in the Northeast region. We visited Boston, Plymouth and the most favorite of all, Hershey Pennsylvania. While in Pennsylvania, we learned about the concept of mass production. The students interacted with each other in a production line where they worked together to wrap candy. They learned quickly that cooperation was the key to a successful assembly line. We will continue on our journey on Monday. All Aboard!

Until tomorrow...

10/20/10

Language Arts:
Today in Language Arts we finished up the last of our commercial presentations, switched for Vocabulary Vine, completed a word sort with our spelling words, reviewed both story vocabulary and RIT vocabulary as well as work on possessives. Be sure to practice possessives at home this week. They are a difficult concept to grasp!

Homework:
***Study RIT words- This is an ongoing thing. We can't "forget" the words we knew just last week.
***Weekly homework packet-due Friday

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Math:
Today we reviewed on white boards and worked on the lesson of the day which was multiplying decimals.

Homework:
***Math Boxes 9.7 and 9.8

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Social Studies:(Doms)
Today we boarded the train on a tour of the Northeast region. We started our journey in Maine, traveled to Mt. Washington and then on to Plymouth. So far, this has been an exciting ride! We have several other places to visit and sites to learn about. All Aboard!

Homework:
***Chapter 3 tests were passed back today.

Until tomorrow...

10/19/10

Language Arts:
It was another busy day trying to get through all of our reading project presentations. We have only one more left to present and a short commercial D.V.D. to watch. I am impressed with them so far!

In grammar we worked on possessives with both singular and plural nouns. This is always confusing so we will practice a bit more tomorrow.

Homework:
***Grammar book-p. 52

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Math:
Today we completed our minute, graded our homework, worked on computation on white boards, and jumped into our lesson of the day. Today we worked on comparing population data. This was great practice for reviewing percents. The lesson tomorrow will focus on multiplying with decimals.

Math was cut short today due to a bus safety drill.

Homework:
***No homework-We are, however, having a test over Unit 9 next week sometime.

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Social Studies:
We did not have a regular Social Studies class due to the bus safety drill. Instead, we reread chapter 4 and discussed it as a class.

Reminders:
***Tomorrow is picture retakes.

Until tomorrow...

10/18/10

Language Arts:
Today in Language Arts we started off in double specials. Next, we completed our spelling pretest, reviewed our new RIT vocabulary words, discussed our story vocabulary and listened to our story on tape. We ended our morning by listening to about seven reading project commercials. We will fit them in tomorrow and on Wednesday as well. (I can't wait to read their books... Yummy!)

Homework:
***Weekly homework packet- due Friday
***Read! Read!- We are gearing up for our next reading project soon.

Reminders:
***Picture retakes are on Wednesday.

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Math:
Today in math we completed our minute, practiced a variety of computation skills on white boards, and then discussed are at home surveys that we completed last week. As a class, we found the percentage of "Yes" answers out of a specific number of responses. This was great practice and I heard a lot of helpful information being shared as the students worked in their work groups.

Homework:
***Get quiz signed
***Math Box 9.6
***Study Link 9.5 and 9.6

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Social Studies:(Suddarth)
Today we boarded our train and departed on a journey through the Northeast region. We started our journey in Maine and made a few stops along the way. We stopped long enough to take notes in our Interactive Student Notebook and to collaborate with our peers about choosing a ruling body. We will continue with this lesson on Thursday.

Until tomorrow...

10/14/10

Language Arts:
Today was a productive day. We prepared for our grammar test tomorrow by working on white boards and completing a page in our workbooks that deals with both regular and irregular singular and plural nouns. We also discussed parts of a book and the following terms: glossary, table of contents, title page, index, front coverand back cover. We also met with our reading buddies and switched for Vocabulary Vine.

Homework:
***Weekly homework sheet is due tomorrow
***Reading projects are due on Monday. Be sure to start practicing your two-minute commercial.
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Math:
Today was our first day to work on our new computer program called Odyssey. This program was amazing! The students were able to work in different individualized folders based on their own RIT score and their areas of need. The computer lab was silent and I heard many positive comments. Once we get everything finalized, the students will be able to access it from home. We also found some time to complete a minute and complete two standard assessments.

Homework:
***Finish page 342(Journal) and Math Box 9.5

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Social Studies:(Suddarth)
Today we started chapter 4. We are taking a train ride through the Northeast region of the United States. We spent our time today working on geography questions by using a map of the Northeast.

Be looking for our chapter 3 tests to be coming home in folders tomorrow.

Until tomorrow...

10/13/10

Busy! Busy! Busy

Language Arts:

Homeowrk:
***Handwriting- Pages 24, 25, 26
***Study vocabulary and RIT words

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Math:

Homework:
***Math Box 9.3 and 9.4
***Study Link 9.4

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Social Studies:

Homework:
***None

10/12/10

Language Arts:
After Library, we spent time completing our RIT vocabulary test.( I have these graded and they look great!) We then worked on spelling by completing a worksheet that sorted our spelling words into different consonant clusters. During our writing block, we discussed quatrains. Believe it or not, the students had a blast working on these and coming up with several on their own by using one of the four rhyme schemes. After that, we were off to Vocabulary Vine.

Homework:
***Finish your quatrains if you did not finish them in class.
***Reading Projects are due on Oct. 18.

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Math:
During math class we completed our minute, graded our homework, worked a few computation practice problems, and started our next lesson. The new lesson had us converting from fractions to decimals and then to percents by using a calculator. We did a lot of practice on white boards with this.

Homework:
***None

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Social Studies:(Suddarth)
***We took our Chapter 3 test today. When students were finished, they started to preview the next chapter.

Homework:
***None

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Reminder:
***Mrs. Dom's homeroom has their Social Studies class tomorrow.

Until tomorrow...

10/11/10

What a busy day!

Language Arts:
Even though we had double specials today, we still were busy in class. We spent quite a bit of time on grammar . We reviewed the spelling rules from last week that dealt with singular and plural nouns and learned about a few new rules today. We practiced a lot on white boards which seemed to help if the students could visually see it.

In reading, we discussed our story vocabulary . The words this week are temples, overjoyed, preserve, heritage, and dynasties. We did not have time to read the story yet, although it is very short.

We reviewed quite extensively for our RIT test. Because of the review, I postponed the test until tomorrow. I figured an extra day of studying never hurts. We also added five new words this week. (Please refer to their red binders for the new words.)

Homework:
***RIT test tomorrow
***Reading projects are due one week from today!
***Weekly homework packet-due Friday

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Math:
Today we worked on computation and took two short standard assessments. We then jumped into our next lesson which dealt with changing "easy' fractions to decimals and percents.

Homework:
***Math Boxes and Study Links 9.1 and 9.2( A lot of time was given in class to complete this assignment.)

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Social Studies:(Doms)
***Today we worked in group and developed lyrics to a song about one of the five groups that came to the America's. The song had to be to the tune of "This Land is my Land" and explain why they came and what they contributed to the United States. This was a fun activity!
We also played a review game to prepare for our test which is on Wednesday.

Homework:
***Study your study guide for the test- Wednesday

Reminders:
***My homeroom has their test tomorrow.

Until tomorrow...

10/10/10

Friday was a busy day!

Language Arts:
Today in Language Arts, we took all of our usual assessments, listened to our read a loud, switched for Vocabualry Vine, played a game to review for our RIT vocabulary test on Monday, and spent some time typing our Diamante poems.

Reminders:
***Reading projects are due on Oct. 18. If they are finished early, they may be brought into school.
***Study for the RIT test
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Math:
After computation practice, we jumped right into our next unit. This unit deals with fractions, decimals, and percents. We have already started to work on this during our computation time, so I feel that this unit is going to be fairly "easy".

Homework:
***Get Unit 8 tests signed

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Social Studies:(Suddarth)
Today we worked with our table groups to come up with song lyrics to describe one of the groups that came to the United States, how they settled, and what they contributed to the United States as we know it today. The tunes were set to the tune of "This Land is My Land". They were VERY good! I even heard a few tunes being "taught" in the coatroom at the end of the day. What a great way to learn! We also played a game of "Slap it" to review for our Chapter 3 test which will be on Tuesday for my homeroom class.

Until tomorrow...

10/7/10

Is it really October? It sure is nice outside!

Language Arts:
Today in Language Arts we met with our reading buddies, listened to a chapter in our read a loud and reviewed our RIT words. We also focused on using our spelling words in sentences, finding synonyms for them, and sorting them by their consonant clusters. We also worked on singular and plural noun forms. Lastly, we learned about what a primary source was and read a short oral history along with answering some questions about it.

Homework:
***We will have a RIT vocabulary quiz on Monday. Be sure to study.
***Weekly homework packet is due tomorrow
***Reading projects are due on Oct. 18. You should be finished reading your approved book and working on your project. Are you working on you project?

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Math:
We spent half of our class time in the computer lab working on Study Island. Next Thursday we should be all set up in the lab to work on our new Odyssey program that we are all excited about. After our lab time, we worked on a variety of review skills on white boards while others were finishing up their Unit 8 test. We will start Unit 9 tomorrow. Unit 9 deals with fractions, decimals, and percents.

Homework:
***None

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Social Studies:
***My homeroom had Art Smart for the first time and were they ever excited! Today we learned about the life of Vincent Van Gogh and created a watercolor with a silhouette. Thank you to Mrs. Grocock, Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Al-Ani, Mrs. Iapalucci, and Mrs. Coughlin for a great lesson!

Remember:
***My homeroom class has their Chapter 3 test on Tuesday. We will review tomorrow.

Until tomorrow...

10/6/10

What a beautiful day!

Language Arts:
Today was a productive one. After specials, we got busy working on our grammar skill of the week which is singular and plural nouns with their specific spelling rules. We also worked on putting commas in sentences with a series of nouns. We finished up our grammar time by working on a page in our workbook that deals with mechanics. We started p. 42 which is homework if it was not completed during our class time.

During our handwriting time, we worked on joining letters together using both the under curve and the down ward curve. I am still impressed with how beautiful their cursive is already! We worked on pages 20-23. These are also homework if they were not completed in class.

During our writing portion of our morning, the students were asked to complete their diamante poetry that we started on Friday. While some students started typing these, others were just finishing them up. I can't wait to display these soon.

We ended our morning with listening to a chapter in our read aloud and reviewing the RIT words. The students will be told tomorrow that they will have a quiz over them on Monday.

Homework:
***Weekly- due Friday
***Handwriting- Pages 20-23(If not finished in class)
***Grammar-Page 42- (If this was not finished in class)
***Do you know your story vocabulary and new RIT words for this week?

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Math:
*** We took our Unit 8 math test today.

Homework:
***None

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Social Studies:(Dom's)
Today in Social Studies we put our class collage together to show how all the different people made the United States what it is today. We also read the Reading Further section in our books and the students were given a Chapter 3 study guide to start filling in the answers. Their test will be next Wednesday, Oct. 13.

Social Studies:
***Our Chapter 3 test is in one week. Start studying a little each night.

Until tomorrow...

10/5/2010

Language Arts:
Today in Language Arts we took our Reading MAP test. This was necessary in order to utilize our new Odyssey program. This program seems amazing! It will allow students to work at their own level. We are all excited about it!

We also took some time to review the RIT vocabulary for the week, work on our grammar skill, and to switch for Vocabulary Vine.

Homework:
***Weekly Homework Packet
***Conference forms are due back as soon as possible. Thanks!
***Reading projects are due on Oct. 18

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Math:
We finished up our math MAP test today and practiced area and perimeter for our Unit 8 test which will be tomorrow.

Homework:
***Go over the study guide for our test tomorrow

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Social Studies:(Suddarth)
***Today we finished our last group of people that settled in the United States. We put together all of our collage pieces into one United States collage and discussed how all of us form a diverse nation! We also read the Summary and the Reading Further section and started filling out our study guide for our Chapter 3 test.

Homework:
***Study the study guide that was passed out today. Our test is one week from today.

Until tomorrow...

10/4/2010

Remember those jackets! Recess was a bit chilly today!

Language Arts:
We started off our morning with double specials. After that, we went right to work. We took our spelling pretest and discussed the meanings of our new story vocabulary. Our words this week are:
overheard, opportunities, border, unions, strikes, citizen and boycotts. Be sure to talk about these words as you read the story together this week. Our story is titled My Diary From Here to There. This week we will be focusing on the comprehension skills of drawing conclusions, making inferences, and generating questions.

Our RIT words for this week are as follows:
Consonance-The repetition of consonant sounds. Although it is similar to alliteration, consonance is not limited to the first letters.
Irony- An expression in which the author says one thing but means just the opposite.
Anecdote- A short story used to make a point
Parallelism- Repeating similar words or phrases to give writing rhythm
Allusion- A reference to a familiar person, place, thing or event

During our grammar portion of the morning, we focused on our new skill. This week we will be working on singular and plural nouns. Be on the look out for the ones that have special plural forms and special spelling patterns...

Homework:
***Weekly Homework Packet is due Friday
***Book projects are due in two weeks! Every student should have their approved book read and be working on their project. Be sure to follow the guidelines that were sent home at the beginning of the grading period regarding the cereal box.
***Parent/Teacher conference forms were sent home today. Be sure to look for them in blue folders. Please return the bottom portion of the form back to school as soon as possible.

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Math:
Today we worked on a practice test for our Unit 8 test. We will have our Unit 8 test on Wednesday. This test mainly covers area and perimeter but a review of other skills will also be included.

Homework:
***Complete the practice test for tomorrow
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Social Studies:(Doms)
Today we discussed several of the five groups that we have been studying that made the United States what it is today. We read together, put up our collage pieces, and filled out our Interactive Student Notebook. We will continue with this chapter throughout the week. Our Chapter 3 test will be early next week. Start studying now!

Homework:
***Start reading the chapter again in preparation for our test next week.

Until tomorrow...

9/30/10

Language Arts:
Today in Language Arts we reviewed both common and proper nouns for our test tomorrow, switched for Vocabulary Vine, met with our reading buddies, listened to our read a loud, and reviewed our spelling words for the test.

Don't forget to review the story vocabulary and the RIT words. We are starting to accumulate quite a few RIT words. We need to know these!

Homework:
***Tomorrow is gum day. Bring your $ to chew gum all day.
***Weekly Homework Packet is due
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Math:
Today we worked on finding the area and perimeter of odd shapes. We also took a quiz covering this skill. Based on the scores from this quiz, it looks like we will be ready for a test early next week. Look for a practice test to come home early in the week.

Homework:
***Journal pages 243 and 244
***Study Link 8.7
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Social Studies:(Doms)
Today we worked with our partners to create collage pieces that will be placed on our class collage. Each pair was responsible for creating one collage piece that shows how their particular group of people settled in the United States and three collage pieces that show contributions that their group gave to the United States these are due on Monday if they were not finished today.

***My Social Studies class has their pieces due tomorrow during our class period.

Until tomorrow...

Where did the day go?

Language Arts;
This morning in Language Arts we reviewed our grammar skill of the week(common and proper nouns), completed two pages in our workbook, spent some time on our persuasive writing piece, switched for Vocabulary Vine, and reviewed our story and RIT vocabulary.

Homework:
***Reading projects are due on Oct. 18
***Weekly Homework Packet- due Friday
***Be sure to study the story vocabulary and the RIT vocabulary
***If the persuasive writing final copy was not completed in class today, it is homework and due tomorrow.

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Math:
We took our math MAP test today. These new scores will be used to set up a new computer program that we just received. We are very excited about our new program! If your child did not finish their MAP test, they will finish it some time next week.

Homework:
***None
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Social Studies:(Suddarth)
Today we worked with our partners taking notes on our assigned group. We also brainstormed ideas for our collages and started drawing one picture that shows how our group settled in the United States and three pictures that show what contributions they made to the United States. If the students did not finish, they will use their morning time and homework time tomorrow to finish up their drawings. If they are not finished at that time, they will become homework and due on Friday.

Until tomorrow...

9/28/10

What a beautiful fall day!

Language Arts:
Today in Language Arts we worked on persuasive writing with "voice" and great word choice. We brainstormed ideas for a persuasive letter and just got started on our rough draft. Also, since we just finished up Unit 1 in our basal, we started taking our Unit 1 End- of-the- Unit assessment today. This assessment tests the students over all the skills in the first five stories.
We will try to finish them all up tomorrow.

Homework:
***Weekly Homework Packet-Friday
***Gum day- Friday- Bring in $1
***Reading projects are due no later than October 18. Your book should be finished by this Sunday in order to allow enough time to put effort into the project.
***We have all the baskets and donations that we need for our Make- A- Wish donation basket. Thank you to everyone who participated in the giving.

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Math:
Today we worked on our minute, graded our homework, completed a problem solving question on the overhead, and worked on a variety of skills during our computation time. Our lesson of the day focused on Area of a Parallelogram. The students are really starting to get the hang of it.
They will have a short quiz over it on Thursday to check their progress so far.

Homework:
***None

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Social Studies:(Doms)
Chapter 2 tests were passed back today.Please look for them in blue folders. I was very impressed with the scores!
We were then ready to dive into Chapter 3 which talks about five different groups of people and their contributions that they brought to the United States to make it what it is today. We read section 3.1 together and were then placed with a partner to read about a particular group of people. On Thursday we will take notes in our ISNB and create a collage about our given group. We will combine all of our collages into one class collage.

Homework:
***None

Until tomorrow...

Have you heard? Northpoint is a National Blue Ribbon School!

Wow! We were so excited to get the news. Thank you to everyone for making Northpoint an amazing place to work!

Reminders:
***Friday is gum day! Bring $1 to school to chew gum for the day.
***Sunday is our Make-A-Wish Golf Outing. We have so many great prizes and baskets to auction off. Please join us for the fun!

Language Arts:
Today was a start to another great week. After double specials, we took our spelling pretest, reviewed our story vocabulary and this weeks RIT words. They are:

Story Vocabulary- legendary, snickering, flinched, insult, fluke, gaped and muttered

RIT Vocabulary-
Personification- A figure of speech in which a non human thing is given human characteristics.
Example: The sun winked at me through the window.

Pathetic Fallacy- This is a type of personification in which you give things found in nature human like qualities.
Example: The leaves danced on the trees.

Pun- A phrase that uses words that sound the same in a way that gives them a funny effect.
Example: Jamaica sandwich for lunch today?

Slang- Informal words or phrases used by a particular group of people among themselves.
Example: chill out, freakin' out

We also found time to listen to our story on tape and discuss it. The reading comprehension skill this week is author's purpose, so we spent quite a bit of time discussing this. During our grammar time, we worked on common and proper nouns.

Homework:
***Weekly Homework Packet- due Friday
***Assessments from last Friday were passed back today. Be looking for them in blue folders tonight.
***Our class needs two big baskets to put all our donations into for the Make-A-Wish Golf Outing Silent Auction. If you could donate one, I would greatly appreciate it! Please let me know.
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Math:
Today we added a new component to our math lesson. We worked on problem solving. This is a great way to practice for the ISTEP and giving written explanations. We also worked on finding the area of a rectangle by using the counting method as well as the formula.

Homework:
***Journal page 234 and Math Box and Study Link 8.5

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Social Studies:(Suddarth)
Our class started Chapter 3 today. This chapter talks about five different groups of people that contributed to making the United States what it is today. We spent time working in our ISNB and then worked with a partner reading about our assigned group. Tomorrow we will begin working on a collage that will later be used to make a class collage illustrating gifts that all five groups have contributed to our great nation!

Until tomorrow...

9/23/10

Language Arts:
Today was a busy day. We worked on run-on sentences, handwriting, vocabulary, RIT words, listened to our read a loud, switched to Vocabulary Vine, and met with our second grade reading buddies. Wow! What a lot to accomplish in one short morning!

Homework:
***Book orders are due tomorrow
***Please send in your basket donations tomorrow.
***Weekly Homework Packet is due tomorrow. Please remember all the signatures.
Reminders:
***Our Fall Carnival is tomorrow evening. It will be a blast!
***We are still looking for golfers for our Make-A-Wish Golf Outing and Silent Action. Come and join the fun!

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Math:
Have your ever thought about what the area of your skin is? Well, that is what we figured out today! We had a good time trying to figure out the area of our hands as well as estimate the area of our bodies. We also worked on scale drawings.

Homework:
***Math Boxes 8.3 and 8.4

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Social Studies:(Suddarth)
***We took our Chapter 2 test today.

Reminders:
***Mrs. Doms' class has their test tomorrow.

Until tomorrow...

Another beautiful day!

9/22/10

Language Arts:
Today in Language Arts we reviewed our RIT vocabulary, worked on writing compound and complex sentences, sorted our spelling words for the week, switched for Vocabulary Vine, and worked on reading a map. We also took a few minutes to put a few last minute touches on our Haiku poetry.


Homework:
***Book orders due Friday
***Basket donations due Friday
***Weekly Homework Packet and assessments-Friday
***Remember to study the story vocabulary extra hard this week

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Math:
Today in math we completed our minute, worked on computation and discussed the concept of area. We finished the class with a quick exit slip reviewing the different types of angles.

Homework:
***Math Box 7.13 and 8.2

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Social Studies(Doms):
Today we worked in our ISNB and found three places that we would most like to visit. We found the lines of longitude and latitude for that place, the annual rainfall, elevation, population, and drew a quick sketch of each place. We also played a game of "Slap It" to review for the upcoming test on Friday. This was a great help and many students seemed very prepared for the test already!

Homework:
***Our Chapter 2 test is Friday. Study the vocabulary and reread the chapter.

Reminders:
***Stars in Service has a meeting tomorrow after school
***Our Fall Carnival is on Friday. Come join us!
***We are still taking golfers for our Make-A-Wish Golf Outing on October 3.
***My homeroom class has their Social Studies test tomorrow.

Until tomorrow...

Tuned in Tuesday

Things are really moving along. Please make sure that you have the following important dates marked on your calendars:

9/23- Stars in Service meeting
9/24-Fall Carnival
10/1- Gum Day- Bring your donation to school and chew gum for the day!

Language Arts:
We were busy bees today! We worked on changing run-on sentences into complex and compound sentences, reviewed our RIT and story vocabulary, discussed the setting and characters of a short passage, switched for Vocabulary Vine, and worked on writing a Haiku.

Homework:
***Weekly Homework Packet is due Friday/Spelling Test
***Donations for our basket are due no later than Friday, so I have time to get it assembled.
***Book orders are due by Friday
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Math:
We passed back our test from yesterday. Other than a few silly mistakes, I was quite pleased with them. We do need to work on the Open Response type of questioning. Many students gave very vague answers. We will work on this prior to ISTEP testing since they will be required to answer in detailed responses for that test.

We jumped into Unit 8 today which deals with Perimeter and Area. Today we discussed work triangles and discussed the efficiency of our own kitchens based on their perimeter and specific recommendations.

Homework:
***Get the Unit 7 test signed to return tomorrow
***Math Box 8.1

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Social Studies:(Suddarth)
***Today we located three places that we would like to visit. We also found the longitude and latitude of those particular places as well as the annual rainfall, and elevation.
We spent quite a bit of time playing a Slap-It game to review for the test which will be on Thursday.

Homework:
***Study for the Social Studies test that will be on Thursday. It is a great idea to read the chapter again and study the vocabulary.

Until tomorrow...

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9/20/10

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend!

Are you ready to have some fun? Be sure to plan on coming to our Fall Festival this Friday. Fliers were sent home today to students who are youngest or only children. These fliers talk about ways to pre-buy tickets. Get ready to have some fun!

Donations are still being accepted for our baskets for the silent auction at our Golf Outing for the Make-A-Wish program. This is going to be a great time. We still have openings for golfers too. Please let us know if you are interested.

Language Arts:
Right after double specials, we jumped right into a new week. We took our Vocabulary Vine quiz and spelling pre test. We then discussed our five new RIT words for the week. They are:

Haiku- A form of Japanese poetry that has three lines. The first line has 5 syllables, the second has 7 syllables, and the third has 5 syllables. The subject of the haiku is usually about nature.

Analogy- A comparison of ideas or objects that are completely different but alike in one important way.

Colloquialism- A common word or phrase suitable for ordinary, everyday conversation but not for formal speech or writing.
Example: run this by her... no way

Exaggeration- An overstatement or stretching of the truth to emphasize a point.

Oxymoron- A technique in which two words with opposite meanings are put together for a special effect.
Example: war for peace, black light, sweet tart

During reading, we also discussed our six new vocabulary words. They are: nuzzle, raft, scattered, disgusted, cluttered, and downstream. We listened to our story in class, but remember to read it together and go over the vocabulary too.

Our grammar skill this week is run-on sentences. Be looking for additional practice on this skill to come home this week.

Homework:
***Weekly Homework Packet- due Friday
***Basket donations due Friday
***Reading projects are due on October 18. Your book should be finished by October 14 to assure enough time to work on the project.
***Book orders are due on Friday.

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Math:
We took our Unit 7 test today.

Homework:
***Study Link 7.11(2 pages)- Layout of the Kitchen

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Social Studies:
Today we read sections 2.8-2.10 and discussed the five regions of the United States. We also read the summary together and read a section about the Mighty Mississippi River. The student then worked with their partner to write three detailed questions for another partner pair to answer regarding the Mississippi River.

Homework:
***Our Chapter 2 test is on Friday. I encourage each student to review the chapter vocabulary and to reread the chapter early in the week. Please remind them to bring home their book each night.

Until tomorrow...

9/17/10

P.j. day!
Language Arts:
During our computer lab time, we worked on Study Island Language Arts skills. We also finished all of our weekly assessments, switched for Vocaulary Vine, and watched a short video in celebration of Constitution Day.

Homework:
***Basket donations are due by next Friday, September 24. The basket will be assembled that afternoon. Thank you to everyone for all of your donations!
***READ- Our first reading project due date is right around the corner.(Oct. 18)
***Vocabulary Vine Quiz

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Math:
Today we worked on a practice test which contains many of the skills that will be on our Unit 7 test on Monday. We also worked on computation skills and ordering decimals and fractions on white boards.

Homework:
***Study/Review the practice test. Our test is on Monday.

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Social Studies:
Today in Social Studies we read sections 2.8-2.10 and discussed it. Once again we practiced answering questions based on using our interactive desk map.(This is really starting to help students locate specific places on the map.) We also read the Summary and the Reading Further section. During the Reading Further section, we learned a lot about the Mississippi River. We worked with a partner to write three questions for another partner group to answer based on the map. We will continue with these questions on Tuesday(our last day before the test).

Homework:
***Our Chapter 2 test will be on Thursday, September 23. Please encourage your child to start studying early in the week by reading the chapter, studying the vocabulary, and practice using maps.
***Because of the nature of the test, there will not be a study guide for this test.

Until tomorrow...

9/16/10

Language Arts:
Today in Language Ats we worked with a partner to reread the story for the week and worked in groups to answers the questions that pertained to the story. We specifically talked about details within the story and character traits. We also reviewed the RIT vocabulary, switched for Vocabulary Vine, and met with our second grade reading buddies.

Homework:
***Weekly Homework Packet is due tomorrow-Don't forget the signatures!
***Vocabulary quiz on Monday
***Now is a good time to start bringing in your donations for our themed basket.
***P.J. day is tomorrow-Don't forget your $.
***Our assessments will be tomorrow. Did you study your spelling words?
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Math:
Today in math we reviewed different computation skills and worked on our lesson of the day. Tomorrow will be spent in completing a practice test for our Unit 7 test which will be on Monday.

Homework:
***Journal pages 216 and 217

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Social Studies:(Doms)
Today in Social Studies we read section 2.7 and discussed different kinds of special purpose maps. We also worked with a partner to complete different geography challenge cards that dealt with elevation, annual rainfall, and population density. We wrapped up our time together by reviewing the vocabulary and concepts for the chapter. It was a great review for our Chapter 2 test which will be next Friday, September 24.

Homework:
***Our test over Chapter 2 will be on September 24. Start rereading the chapter and studying the vocabulary in your folder a little each night!

Until tomorrow...

9/15/10

Language Arts:
We started right after specials working on independent/dependent clauses and writing complex sentences. The students are getting much better at this with additional practice. We reviewed our RIT vocabulary today too which really got them up and moving. I was impressed with how well they are able to come up with their own examples of each figurative language term. We ended our time together by listening to a chapter in our read a loud and working on our email writing with details.

Homework:
***Weekly Homework Packet is due on Friday.
***Email writing is due tomorrow if it was not completed in class today.
***Remember- We are collecting donations for our "Here's the Scoop" basket. You may bring yours in anytime before September 24.
***Reminder- There is a Vocabulary Vine quiz on Monday.
***P.J. day is this Friday. Be sure to bring in your dollar!

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Math:
Today went well. After completing our minute and working on computation skills on white boards, we jumped into our lesson of the day which dealt with probability, fractions, and spinners. They are getting the hang of it!

Homework:
***Math Box 7.11
***We will review on Friday with a practice test. Our Unit 7 test is scheduled for Monday. The students will have a practice test to review practice problems from.

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Social Studies:
Social Studies was a blast today! We read together a short section that discussed different kinds of special purpose maps and then the students were off to work with their partners on Geography Challenge cards. After we were finished, we went over the answers together and played a review game on the floor. They did an excellent job reading their map and using their new vocabulary.

Homework:
***None
***It looks as though their test will be next Thursday, September 23 for my homeroom class.

Until tomorrow...

9/14/10

Language Arts:
This morning was very productive. We reviewed our story vocabulary and RIT words as well as practiced dictionary skills. During grammar, we worked with independent and dependent clauses and completed a page together in our grammar workbook. During our writing block, I modeled a personal narrative with details. This was in the form of an email. The students were then set loose to brainstorm a detailed email that they would send to a friend. They will continue with this tomorrow.

Homework:
***Weekly Homework Packet is due on Friday with Parent signatures or initials.
***Now is the time that you can start sending in your donations for our "Here's the Scoop" basket. (See the note that was sent home today.)
***Make sure that you are recording and initialing reading minutes each night. It gets difficult to remember how many minutes were read on Thursday night.

Reminders:
***Pajama day is Friday. Please remember your $1.

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Math:
Today we reviewed a multitude of skills during our computation block of time. For our lesson, we worked on The Whole. We played with pattern blocks to determine what shapes were needed to create the Whole... Ask your kids about this... They had fun!

Homework:
***Math Box and Study Link 7.10

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Social Studies(Doms)
*** Today in class we completed locating the 2A Challenge Questions by using our physical maps of the United States and their knowledge of lines of latitude and longitude. We also played the "Where am I?" game to practice their knowledge of the map, absolute location, relative location, and lines of latitude and longitude.

Homework:
***None


Until tomorrow...

9/13/10

Language Arts:
Today was a busy day with double specials. We had P.E. and then music. After that we took our spelling pretest and discussed the different ways to spell the long i sound.


We reviewed our 5 new RIT words for the week. Be sure to review them at home as well.They are:

Tone- is the overall feeling or effect created by a writer's use of words. Example: serious, funny

Ballad- is a poem in verse that tells a story.

Point of View- is the position or angle from which the story is told.

Epic- is a long narrative poem that tells of the adventures of a hero.

Fable- is a short narrative that teaches a lesson. It usually includes animals that talk and act like people.

We also found some time to go over our new story vocabulary and listen to our story of the week which is The Astronaut and the Onion. Please make sure that you discuss the vocabulary when you read the story together at home. This will help with the Selection Assessment that we will take on Friday.

Homework/Reminders:
***Weekly Homework Packet is due on Friday.
***Study your new spelling list- Test Friday
***The book for the reading project should be finished by October 4th. Is your child reading this book each night?
***All assessments from last week were sent home today. Be sure to go over them together and return any assessments that require your signature. Thank you!
***Our basket donations are starting to come in already! Be looking for a notice tomorrow about what you can bring in.

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Math:
Today we worked on lesson 7.9 which dealt with comparing fractions and ordering them.

Homework:
***Math Box and Study Link 7.9
***Our Unit 7 test should be next Monday if everything goes as planned. We will work on a practice test prior to the actual test.

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Social Studies(Suddarth)
Today we continued working with maps and locating specific places on a map by using what we know about lines of latitude and longitude.

Until tomorrow...

9/9/10

Language Arts:
This morning was busy trying to get some extra practice before tomorrows assessments.
We reviewed combining sentences with compound subjects and compound predicates, reviewed our story vocabulary and RIT words, met with our reading buddies, and listened to our read a loud.

Homework:
***Weekly Homework Packet-Please include parent signatures at the top and on each nights reading minutes.
***Spelling test
***Return the yellow donations sheet

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Math:
Today in math we focused on changing fractions to decimals.

Homework:
***Math Box and Study Link 7.8
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Social Studies:(Suddarth)
Today in class we worked with a partner to find specific locations on a map which included using a compass rose and using lines of latitude and longitude.


Homework:
None

Until tomorrow...