12/17

Today has been an awesome day!  First, we started the day by earning our 100th star!  This is huge news for the kids!!!!  It means that they have been very well behaved and have now earned a reward party.  We discussed the sensibility of having it AFTER the break, so we have scheduled it for the Wed. when we return (1/7).  I will be in touch with several of you to see if you are able to help out for that.  Thank you in advance!

Our class party was lots of fun with lots of great goodies!  Thank you to everyone who sent in goodies (and to those volunteers who are being recruited for the next one instead).  Your kindness and generosity are duly noted and so greatly appreciated.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the sweet notes, cards, and gifts that I have received.  I told the class that they themselves are truly the best gift: they come to school wanting to learn, willing to try, and bring a good attitude too.  It doesn't get any better than that!

Tomorrow is our PJ day (NOT Friday).  We will be taking our review spelling & vocabulary tests tomorrow too! 

Friday is "tacky sweater" day and also a half day.  Buses will begin dismissing at the Primary School at 11:30 and then we will begin soon thereafter.

12/15

Thanks in advance to everyone who is sending in items for our class party Wednesday!  For those of you who didn't get your confirmation back, I am saving you for our "100 star party" which will be SOON!  We earned #98 today!

Finish math WB p. 111-112.
This week's spelling and vocabulary will be a review of the past 8 weeks.  We will be having daily practice, but it is important to study.

Tomorrow is holiday hat/headband day IF you'd like to participate.
Wed.-crazy Christmas socks
Thurs.- PJs
Fri.- ugly/tacky sweaters

Friday is also the deadline for genre projects!  Have you read at least 6 books this nine weeks?  Your AM goal is 95 objectives.  You can do it!!!

12/11

Kids are making great progress now toward meeting their AM goals!  Science & social studies tests grades were generally very good.  Keep up the good work!

Have you earned 80 AM objectives?

Finish suffixes IRA.

Study for spelling and vocab tests!

Work on tales genre project!

12/10

Work on AM, especially if you have less than 75 objectives.  This week's goal is 80 objectives.

Finish your spelling & vocabulary choices.

Have you read at least 5 books this nine weeks and/or 11 books this school year?

Don't forget about your IRA and your tales genre project.

12/9

Work on AM, especially if you have less than 75 objectives.  This week's goal is 80 objectives.

Study for your sci. ch. 4 and SS 1920s & 30s tests.  Due to a scheduling conflict, we had to postpone today's SS test until tomorrow.

*Please sign & return signed papers.  You may keep the Benchmark letter for your records.  I am really please with our class's overall progress! 

The Santa Dance

Click HERE for the Santa Dance!

This Week's ELA: Out of the Dust 2

Out of the Dust, Week 2

Spelling: Irregular Verbs

              Some verbs do not form the past tense and the past participle by adding -d or -ed.  (The past participle is used with the helping verbs have, has, and had.  For this week's spelling, you need to know how to spell all three forms of the verb.  You will be tested on the past and past participles.  Complete this chart Monday (due Tues.). Your spelling choice activity is due Thursday.

verb	past tense	past participle have, has, and had
go	1	2
write	3	4
bring	5	6
see	7	8
choose	9	10
teach	11	12
speak	13	14
know	15	16
take	17	18
draw	19	20

Vocabulary: Out of the Dust, Summer 1934, Autumn 1934, and Winter 1935

            Look up the definition and part of speech for each word (due Tuesday) on your own paper.  Don't panic if you can't immediately find the word.  You may need to drop a suffix, especially the past tense -ed.  Your vocabulary choice activity is due Thursday.

1. chafed
2. stupor
3. writhed
4. tufts
5. octaves
6. grizzled
7. excavating
8. revue
9. festered
10. biddies

This Week's IRA: Suffix Hunt

            Find at least 5 words with 5 different suffixes.  Explain what the suffix means and what the word means (due Friday).  Include your book title and the page number where you found each word.

*Your tales genre project is due no later than 12/19.  Tales must be approved by 12/9!

12/3

Finish spelling & vocab. choices.
Finish New Deal programs (explanations and illustrations).

New Deal Programs

Social Security

A feature of the New Deal that provided income for elderly people and people with disabilities.

CCC Civilian Conservation Corp

A New Deal Program that preseved natural resources, including soil conservation, tree planting and flood control

WPA Works Progress Administration

A New Deal Program that built highways, roads, bridges, public buildings, parks, and airports. It paid artist for their work.

TVA Tennessee Valley Authority

A New Deal Program that built dams throughout seven states to control flooding and create electricity

THE NEW DEAL

The program that I would have been most interested in working in ...

12/2

In today's signed papers, you should have received a movie field trip permission form for 12/12, a science olympiad invitation, a class newsletter, and a "stocking stuffer"/party letter.  There were unfortunately a few errors that your child may or may not have corrected.

1. The science olympiad form is due BY THIS FRIDAY 12/5.
2. Our class party is Wed., 12/17.

I apologize for any and all confusion!

HW:
Please sign & return genre sheet for December if you haven't already.
Finish SS trading cards if you haven't already.

Next Tues. will be our 1920s & 30s SS test.

12/1

Happy December!  This is always such a busy time of year, but we want to maintain focus on our school work as we also enjoy the festivities.

Finish math WB p. 101 (10-14) and p. 102.
Finish vocabulary definitions.
Write spelling words in ABC order in agenda.
Finish social studies trading cards so that we can trade tomorrow.

*Get December's genre project signed tonight or Tues. night!

This Month's Genre Project: Tales

December’s Genre: Tales

            The literary genre “tales,” also known as folktales, includes any traditional, usually anonymous, story handed down orally among a culture.  The stories might be fairy tales, tall tales, or fables.  Legends and myths also fall into this category.

            Your genre project this month is to read at least two folktales and create a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting the two tales.  Remember, a Venn diagram uses two interlocking circles where similarities go in the middle and differences go in the outer circles.  Your Venn diagram may be on paper of your choice but please not larger than half a sheet of poster board.

You must read both of the tales that you use, and you may NOT use the Disney versions of either tale.  (You also may not use tales read aloud in class as one of your two choices.)  They do not have to be in your Lexile level.  You need to read two stories that are of the same type, such as two tall tales, two different myths about the same general idea (for example, why the sun and moon are not in the sky at the same time), two different versions of the same fairy tale, etc.  You may read a traditional fairy tale and then compare it to its “fractured” or “modern” version. 

Please get your two tales approved no later than 12/9 before you begin your Venn diagram.  Be sure to have the book(s) at school when you get approval.

To earn an A on your folktale genre project, you must include the origin of each of your tales, any author or illustrator listed, the title of each tale, and at least 8 excellent comparisons in each of the three sections of your diagram.  Consider character traits, elements of the plot, setting, and theme as you compare the tales.  Neatness, including correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar, are very important.  Feel free to illustrate your project.  Your Venn diagram must be turned in by Friday, December 19.  The project will count as two test grades.  Below is the rubric that will be used to determine your score. 

Tale # 1:                                                   Tale #2

title of tale                              ____/3        title of tale                     ____/3

author or illustrator                  ____/2        author or illustrator         ____/2

origin of tale                           ____/2        origin of tales                 ____/2

at least 8 excellent differences   ____/24       8(+) excellent differences ____/24

at least 4 excellent similarities    ____/12       4(+) excellent similarities ____/12     

illustration                               ____/2        illustration                      ____/2

overall correct spelling,            ____/5        overall neatness              ____/5

punctuation, and grammar                 Bonus points                  ____

                                             TOTAL:                        ____/100

This Week's ELA: 12/1

Name/#: __________________________________________          Date: 12/1-5

Spelling: Transition Words

            One way to improve your writing and to move your audience through your piece is to use transition words.  These words can be classified according to their usage: contrasting, comparing, sequencing, introducing, and concluding/summarizing.  (These categories would make a great spelling choice!)  Your spelling choice activity is due Thursday.

1. although
2. otherwise
3. however
4. likewise
5. similarly
6. generally
7. afterward
8. furthermore
9. meanwhile
10. in the meantime
11. certainly
12. obviously
13. consequently
14. finally
15. in conclusion
16. therefore
17. simultaneously
18. hence
19. currently
20. immediately

Vocabulary: Out of the Dust, Winter 1934

            On your own paper, look up the definition and part of speech for each word (due Tuesday).  Don't panic if you can't immediately find the word.  You may need to drop a suffix, especially the past tense -ed.  Your vocabulary choice activity is due Thursday.

1. crouched
2. fierce
3. fidgety
4. riled
5. bounty
6. whittled
7. spindled
8. achievement
9. locomotive
10. ratcheted

This Week's IRA: Prefix Hunt

            Find at least 10 words with 10 different prefixes.  Explain what the prefix means and what the word means (due Friday).  Include your book title and the page number where you found each word.

This Week's Grammar Focus: Vivacious Verbs and the Past Participle

This Week's Writing Focus: Persuasive Writing and Transition Words

            Which special is the best?  Convince your reader that your favorite special is indeed the best.  Be sure to use transition words to help move your reader through your persuasive piece.

This Month’s Genre & Project: See recent post.

Happy Thanksgiving!

First, thank you to our helpers today!  Craft day was a huge success thanks to Lawson, James, and Joseph sharing their moms with us and for snacks from Emma P., Emily F., & James!

I wish each of you a blessed Thanksgiving.  I am very grateful for my students and their families.  Enjoy your time off and stay safe!

Computer Group Today

Brainpop.com- Social Studies- U.S. History- Harlem Renaissance and Jazz

     Science- Energy- Electric Circuits

11/18

Please study times tables because everyone will be taking the multiplication benchmark speed test tomorrow.

Read/reread the story The Golden Mare, the Firebird, and the Magic Ring.
 
Historical fiction genre project time travel brochures are due NO LATER THAN next Tuesday, 11/25.  A few students have told me that they will be out next week, so plan to turn them in early.  Thank you!

Please sign & return signed papers and progress reports.

Work on spelling & vocabulary choices.

Science Lab: Circuits & Electricity

You may enjoy "playing" with these labs.  We will be using some of them in class.

Intro to electricity: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/videos/physics/electricity.html

Build a virtual circuit: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/gamesactivities/electricitycircuits.html

Circuits & conductors: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/gamesactivities/circuitsconductors.html

Virtual circuit lab: http://gtm-media.discoveryeducation.com/videos/dsc/externalApplications/virtual_labs/GettingConnected/index.html

This Week's ELA

Spelling/Vocabulary 6.1: The Golden Mare, the Firebird, and the Magic Ring

Greek Roots: Based on your spelling list and prior knowledge, what do you think each root means?  Fill in the blanks in pencil!  We will check your predictions Tuesday.

astr/aster = ________________________ photo = ________________________

tele = ________________________  phon =________________________

mech = ________________________ myth = ________________________

Spelling choice is due Thursday.  (Categories would be a great choice.)

1.     myth

2.     telescope

3.     astronomer

4.     homophone

5.     automatic

6.     telegraph

7.     disaster

8.     autograph

9.     mechanic

10.  telephoto

11.  astronaut

12.  telephone

13.  mythical

14.  phonics

15.  television

16.  photograph

17.  automobile

18.  photography

19.  telegram

20.  mechanical

*photogenic

Vocabulary choice is due Thursday.  (One of the best ways to study for your test on Friday is to be able to use these words in sentences!  That would make a great choice this week.)

1.     dismiss: to take away the job of, fire

2.     intentions: plans to act in a certain way; purposes

3.     despair: complete loss of hope

4.     bridle: the part of a horse’s or donkey’s harness that fits over the head and is used to guide or control the animal

5.     descended: moved from a higher place to a lower one

6.     accompany: to go together with

7.     delicacies: rare or excellent food

8.     consented: gave permission or agreed to

IRA: Author's Craft

            Look for at minimum a sentence and better yet a passage that really impresses you with how the author writes.  Was it their word choice?  How they slowed down a moment?  Their “show don't tell” technique?  On Friday, be prepared to share your author's cool craft with the class.  You need to turn in a copy of this author's craft with the passage highlighted (or feel free to hand copy the passage and include the page number).  Write down what struck you about this particular part.

Grammar Focus: Adverbs

*Genre projects (historical fiction brochures) are due NO LATER THAN 11/25!

Story Jumper

Here is a cool new site, Story Jumper, that I found where kids can create books online!  I believe that it is free to use and then you have the option of purchasing a book.  I would love for some of you to check it out, create a book, and review this site.  Happy writing!

Veterans Day Assembly

Today we honored our country's veterans with a special ceremony in the stadium.  Thank you to all the men and women who have served our country!

We were also privileged to have a visit from our very own veteran, Hunter's Dad.  He shared how he joined the military, his branches of service, and some of his experiences.

Author Lois Ruby Visits!

Today we were blessed with a visit by author Lois Ruby and her husband.  She was very informative and entertaining.  She talked about how she became a writer and her writing process, she shared some "teasers" (but not spoilers) of a few of her books, and she answered many students' questions.  (Our own Hunter and Emily F. were able to get their questions answered!)  She concluded with a tale about Myrtle Plantation, the setting of her book, The Secret of Laurel Oaks.

I think she has definitely inspired our children to read and even a few of them to write!  We were amazed to learn that she rewrote Steal Away Home twelve times before it was published!  We had hoped to finish the novel before her visit, but we ran out of time.  We will enjoy figuring out her original ending to the story.

Vocab Quizlet

Thank you, Emma R., for making a Quizlet for this week's vocabulary words, Steal Away Home part 3.  Click HERE to access them.

Free Reading App Today Only

A teacher friend passed along today's Free App of the Day: Scholastic Reading Timer which helps kids track reading and offers parental tools.  I am not familiar with this app myself, but you might like to check it out.

11/3

Work on AM if your work is "old" or if you have less than 55 objectives.

Write spelling in ABC order in your agenda.

Study for your Ch. 5 & 6 social studies test (westward expansion, cowboys & cattle trails, inventions, and immigrants)!  The test is Tuesday!

Click HERE for Ch. 5 & 6 Quizlet to review for your test.

You will have a science ch. 3 test Thursday over states of matter and physical/chemical changes.

This Month's Genre: Historical Fiction

*Genre and project assigned 11/3/14.  The brochure is due NO LATER THAN 11/25.

As you read your historical fiction novel, design a tri-fold travel brochure to entice people to read your book and “travel” back in time!  Use your novel’s setting during the historical time period.  You are basing this project on the book that you read.  (It is not a social studies research project.)  Be creative, be neat, and have fun!

1.             Fold a sheet of paper into thirds to create the brochure.  (Please do not use notebook paper.)

2.             On the front flap of the brochure, write the title and author of the historical fiction novel you read.  Also include the setting of the novel (the name of the place featured in your book and the time period).  Illustrate the front flap with one or two of the main attractions of this place mentioned in your book during this time period.  You might add a sentence or two to entice time travelers to read this brochure.

3.             On the other flap, include as many attractions (or reasons to visit) as you can.  Write reasons that travelers would want to visit each attraction.  If there is not a lot to see or do in your book’s setting, be creative and think about how you could make this place and time period appealing to tourists.  If you use illustrations to showcase these attractions, be sure to include a brief caption for each one.

4.             On the inside (three panels), create a timeline of events from the story.  Include at least 5 different important events to help retell the story.  If your book uses dates, please include them.  Sequence the events in order from the beginning to the end.  Be sure to include the main characters since these events were happening to them.  Label any illustrations you use.   (Plan out this section before you begin your final brochure.)

5.             On the back, rate this book from 1-10 (1 is the worst ever; 10 is the absolute best ever) and give reasons for your rating.  Please include the book’s Lexile level and/or AR level & points.  (Bring the book to your teacher if these aren’t available.)  Include any additional information that might persuade travelers to visit or readers to read your book.  Be sure to write your first and last name and number back here too!

This Week's ELA: Steal Away Home 3

We hope to finish Steal Away Home before Lois Ruby's visit Thursday.

Spelling: Suffixes –tion, -sion, -ture, -tive

Monday: Write your spelling words correctly in your agenda in alphabetical order.

Tuesday-Wednesday: Complete a spelling choice activity to turn in Thursday.

Thursday: Study! 

1.     function

2.     tension

3.     vulture

4.     protective

5.     infection

6.     dimension

7.     posture

8.     primitive

9.     competitive

10. fracture

11. expansion

12. tradition

13. compression

14. mission

15. expectation

16. miniature

17. alternative

18. constitution

19. collaborative

20. legislature

Vocabulary: Steal Away Home, part 3

Monday-Wednesday: Complete a vocabulary choice activity.

Thursday: Study!  These are challenging words!

1.     covetously (adv.): wrongfully desiring; greedily

2.     discreet (adj.): modestly unobtrusive; careful

3.     flagrant (adj.): shockingly noticeable; obvious; scandalous

4.     indignation (n.): strong displeasure at something unjust; righteous anger

5.     lament (v): to feel, show, or express sorrow, grief, or regret

6.     putrefaction (n.): the act or process of decay

7.     resolute (adj.): firmly resolved or determined; set in purpose or opinion

8.     sear (v.): to burn or char the surface of; to make callous or unfeeling, harden

9.     unscrupulous (adj.): without scruples; conscienceless; unprincipled

10. veritable (adj.): being truly or very much so

Grammar: conjunctions, interjections, and prepositions

IRA: Wonderful Words

            As you read this week, find five “wonderful” words: words that are new to you, words that are fun to say, or words that are interesting to you in some way.  Write down the word, the page number you found it on, and what it means.  Then, either draw a picture to go along with your wonderful word or use it in a fabulous fifth grade sentence.