Christmas party

Our Christmas party will be Dec 19 from about 1:30 - 2:30.  Feel free to bring treats, but please bring enough for all (36) and avoid any kind of nuts.  Strangely, I forgot to mention this yesterday.

Class info Dec 17

Math

same as yesterday

Language Arts

same as yesterday

Science

currently studying digestive system

interweb fun

We participated in the Hour of Code today spending an hour coding on code.org
This is a great thing to do at home when you have a spare moment.

Another website that's great with math is www.sumdog.com  it's free, and is great practice

Class info Dec 16

Math

More fractions - I've seen some (not too many) disappointing results resulting in some "1" quizzes coming home. My rule is that if you get a parent signature, fix all the mistakes, and turn in the quiz the following day, I'll change the grade from a "1" to a "2", leaving the "1"s for people who don't make the effort.  I do grade "hard" - 69 percent and under is considered a "1".  However I do believe that if you get a grade that low, you probably don't know what you're doing and need some help.  I'd rather you be a bit alarmed than complacent.

Most of the errors are caused by:

1.  a failure to reduce all the way

2.  adding rather than subtracting or vice-versa

3.  a minor computational error

4.  reducing a mixed number and then forgetting to add the whole number into the final answer - for example 41 3/6 = 1/2 when the answer should be 41 1/2.

I realize the reducing stuff seems picky, but I am trying to keep the bar high so that middle school isn't too much of a shock.

I sat down with each and every person that got a "1" and corrected the quizzes with them individually, addressing problems as I saw them arise.  Please go over these with your child again to make sure I didn't miss anything, and that they entirely understand.  They do fool me sometimes.

As always, contact me if you I can do anything for you

Language Arts

same as yesterday

Friday's field trip / Christmas party

Ok, so here's the rough sketch regarding Friday.

In the morning we will attend the Cougar Pride assembly at 8:30.  We will leave at about 10:00 for the Discovery Cube at Hansen Dam.  At that point, we will eat our lunch early (sorry) at 10:30.  We will participate in their 5th grade science module from 11:00 to 1:00. We will arrive back at Keppel at 1:30 at which point we will have a Christmas party.  The party we call AMC style - have some goodies and pick a classroom to watch a movie in.

Thanks to all who offered to chaperone - at this point we're all full.  Thanks also to people who offered to assist at the Christmas party.  At this point, we're ok in the sense that extra assistance is not needed, but if you'd like to stop by we'd love to have you. Just email me first :)

Class info Dec 15

Math

finishing up fractions

Language Arts

this week, we're reviewing text structure (characters, plot, setting)
no spelling/vocabulary test, no assignments - you probably need the extra time after school anyway

Science

studying the digestive system

Class info Dec 11

Math

more on fractions

Language Arts

reading day

Science

starting to study the digestive system

Class info Dec 10

Math

Same as yesterday - make sure that if you receive a "check minus" on classwork that you review your mistakes and see where things wet wrong.  I spent time today going over errors with individual students

Language Arts

Same as yesterday.  Tomorrow is reading for the whole period.  Make sure you have an interesting book along

We need the field trip forms and money by Friday if possible.  If not, please contact me and let me know what's happening.

Class info Dec 9

Math

same as yesterday

Language Arts

same as yesterday

Class info Dec 8

Math

Continued work adding and subtracting fractions, some of the subtraction requiring borrowing

Language Arts

Still reading expository text.  We have finished learning about the special features of expository text and are now talking about developing our questioning skills when we read.

This week's reading log needs to incorporate at least one expository text.  In the comments section, I'd like students to write down any questions they had about their respective books, fiction or non-fiction

I assigned pages 67, 69, 70, 71.  The vocabulary words for vocabulary boxes are on page 67 and the spelling test words are on page 71 using the re-, un-, and non- prefixes.

Congrats to our spelling champions...

1st place Taline Hagopian

2nd place Ryan Ago

3rd place (and very worthy runner up) David Khourdajian

Don't forget the newspaper assignment due Friday that was detailed in my last post

Science

Studying the human body, we just completed an overview of the organ systems in the body.  This week we should start learning about the digestive system in detail.

Other news

This week, participate in the "hour of code".  This is a big nationwide event designed to interest children in coding, or computer programming.  This is where many high paying jobs are currently, and many more will be in the future.  Check out www.code.org if you're interested - it's lots of fun and designed for kids.

Language Arts assignment

My language arts class has the following assignment due next Friday (December 12) :

1.   obtain a physical newspaper (not an on-line one)

2.   pick an article and read it

3.   make a copy or cut it out

4.   create a chart on a blank paper like so:


somebody          wanted          but          so


I've shown the class how to fill it out.  Make sure to fill in a line for each of the people involved.  If there's a question or confusion contact me.


5.     attach chart to the article, making sure that the article isn't larger than the chart because it's annoying for me to carry around and organize

I'm giving a fairly long lead time because I 'm not sure how much time you have during the week to go around and buy a newspaper if you don't already subscribe to one.

Enjoy!

Class info Dec 4

Math

adding and subtracting mixed numbers and fractions

Language Arts

expository text


Don't forget, tonight is the 5th grade fundraiser at Red Robin!

5th grade night out!!

We have another 5th grade night out tonight at Red Robin in the Glendale Galleria.  Bring the flyer by so that we get 20% of the bill, enjoy a burger, and Christmas shop at Target afterwards with the help of the kids :)

Class info Dec 3

Math

Today we subtracted fractions using mixed numbers.  Often the problems involved having to borrow from a mixed number to make it more suitable for subtracting.  It was a bit difficult, but I think I got to everybody.  Please make sure that when papers are returned that your child is receiving a "check" or a "check plus".  If a "check minus" is coming home, your child misunderstands the concept and needs some help.  I am always around if your child needs a little one on one before or after school, and of course you may conference with me at any time.

Language Arts

Discussed expository text features and started a small writing project.

Science

Starting Chapter 3 : the human body.  If your child received a "1" on this last test, sign it and have them correct it, so I can give them a "2".  I'd rather reserve the "1"s for students who don't care, and the "2"s for students who are making an effort.

Class info Dec 2

Math

Subtracting fractions from whole numbers and subtracting fractions with different denominators

Language Arts

Studied expository text

I'm still collecting field trip forms.  Again, if there are any issues, please let me know.

Class info Dec 1

Math

Started subtracting fractions with unlike denominators today.  I passed back a quiz on multiplying and dividing large numbers that requires a signature.  If there's anything wrong, make sure you correct the error and know why the mistake was made.

Language Arts

Read expository text and discussed it.  The usual is due by Friday (reading log, vocabulary boxes) and our spelling / vocabulary test is that day as well.  The vocabulary is on page 61 of the workbook and the spelling words on page 65.

Science

Starting the unit on the human body this week.  I should have the tests from last week corrected by Friday or so.

Our first field trip is Dec 19 and the forms have gone home already.  If there's any difficulty, please let me know.

Class info Nov 20

Read-a-thon today was a lot of fun. Pajamas, blanket forts, stuffed animals, and reading galore. We even watched the Twilight Zone episode ("Time Enough at Last") starring Burgess Meredith where his glasses break when he finally has time to read after a nuclear disaster.

On a different note, the science test is tomorrow.  Study!!

Class info Nov 19

Math

Took a quick assessment dealing with converting mixed numbers to improper fractions, multiplication, and division

Language Arts

Continued unit on reading expository text

Science

Test Friday


Information for our first field trip will be coming up soon - stay tuned!

Class info Nov 18

Math

I have discovered that a number of students are having difficulty in 3 areas:

1.   reducing fractions

2.   changing mixed numbers to improper fractions

3.   changing improper fractions to mixed numbers

I did check a number of assignments and sent them home today.  Make sure that if your students did make mistakes that they know where they made them.  I did personally help a large number of students individually, but please double check with your child at home.  I'm always available if you need me, just email.

Language Arts

Continued our reading unit on expository text.  I assigned pages 53 (vocabulary) and 58 (spelling).  The usual reading log and vocabulary boxes are due Friday, and the spelling/vocab test is Friday as well.  Make sure expository text is included on the reading log.

Science

TEST on Friday.  Study everything, and make sure your child knows what photosynthesis and cellular respiration are.  Contact me if there's any difficulty.

Class info Nov 17

Math

We're just starting to add fractions right now.  So far so good, although we are still adding fractions with the same denominators.  An additional level of difficulty that we started is adding fractions that have an improper fraction as an answer that needs to be converted into a mixed number.

Language Arts

more tea party!

Science

TEST FRIDAY!! Chapter 2 Plants
We did two worksheets on photosynthesis and respiration, which is the most difficult part to comprehend.

Class info Nov 13

Math

took common core assessment benchmark part 2

Language Arts

took common core assessment benchmark part 2

tomorrow is spelling test, vocabulary test (lesson 9)

Our tea party looks good to go, and it looks like we're covered, although if someone could bring napkins it would be appreciated.  Parents are invited.  Don't forget to bring your completed assignment.

If anyone would like a conference time with me, feel free to email me at mhewitt@gusd.net

Class info Nov 12

Math

worked on the Common Core benchmark test for the school district

Language Arts

worked on the Common Core benchmark test for the district

Don't forget - tea party this Friday!  I would love to have parents come, and I could certainly use some donations.  Email me at mhewitt@gusd.net if you can help

Science

watched videos on respiration and photosynthesis

Class info Nov 5

Math

worked on changing improper fractions to mixed numbers

Language Arts

continued work on reason

Hey check out the video from our performance last week....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=p0oBeS8c-Ls

(oh ok keep checking the link, it should be made not private fairly soon)


and

Keep on selling those wreaths!

Class info Nov 4

Math

review of reducing fractions

Language Arts

I've changed over to a new unit - reading expository text.  Make sure you're reading expository texts like magazines and book on science for the next reading log.

Check out yesterday's post about the writer's tea party that we're having November 14

Class info Nov 3

Okay another reboot

Math

starting to work with very simple fractions, and learning to reduce fractions

Language Arts

Because of our extended teacher work day/end of trimester/Veteran's Day strange vacation from Friday until Wednesday, I'm starting the week today like I normally would but my Friday will be Friday the 14th meaning...

The spelling and vocabulary test will be Friday Nov 14.  I assigned the words today (p. 48 and 51)

Reading logs are due that day also.  This time, they must include expository text on at least one entry.

Our culminating writing project (the book kids have been working on) is also due Friday Nov 14.
I want to have a mini-tea party that day where the kids will have snacks and tea while reading and sharing their work.  I realize hot tea won't work for a variety of reasons, but it would be great if people would like to volunteer to bring things like food, napkins, cups, iced tea, etc.  Email me at mhewitt@gusd.net if you have suggestions or can donate items.  I'd like this to be exciting for the students and an edifying experience at the same time, where they realize that writing is not only an essential life long skill, but that it's fun as well.

Class info Oct 28

Math

continued working on division with decimals

Language Arts

continued with final writing piece

Science

studying vascular and nonvascular plants pages 82 - 87

Have you taken the survey about our homework policy yet?
You can access it at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WWB8S8D 

Class info Oct 27

Math

More division, focused on remainders.  I assigned quite a bit of division on a worksheet that needs to be finished soon.  Remainders should be rounded to the thousandth.

Language Arts

Wrapping up the big writing assignment.  Work assigned in the practice book were pages 42 and 46, with vocabulary boxes assigned.  The usual test occurs on Friday.


Did you know that there's a performance on Thursday night?

See justthehighnotes.blogspot.com for more deets

Class info Oct 22 and Oct 23

Well it had to happen sometime.  My streak of consecutive Monday through Thursday blog posts came to an end.  The wall-to-wall meetings and rush of non-stop conversations finally got to me.  Time to start again.

Tomorrow is the culmination of Red Ribbon Week, and all students are encouraged to wear red.  I only have a long sleeved red t shirt, so we'll see.

Spelling test and vocabulary test will occur tomorrow as usual.  All major projects should have been turned in by now (ABC book, ten facts about Jon Scieszka, etc) and you should have signed a math test if you're in my math class.

The report cards are changing, and when I have new information I'll post it here.  The categories are different, as are the criteria for the 4,3,2,1.  E scores in behavior have been eliminated as well.  Feel free to email me any time with any questions, or if you'd like to meet.  I try to be a quick responder.  Thanks again for all the support! :)

Class info Oct 21

Math

More work on division division and division.  This time we are concentrating on dividing with the dividend having a decimal point.  Most students understood the dividing part, but had trouble on what to do with the remaining decimal.  Traditionally, teachers have their students round their answers to the hundredth, meaning they had to get an answer in the thousandth (if applicable) and then round.  Make sure your student knows how to do this.  If it's a problem, let me know.  I'm here to help!!

Language Arts

Work is continuing on revising writing drafts.  Most ABC books will be returned by Thursday, which should give you an idea as to how well your student is currently writing.  I gave pointers to students who didn't quite earn a "4".  The ABC books also have a technology component grade, as that is a category on the new and improved report cards you'll be seeing in a couple of weeks.

Red Ribbon Week

We decorated our door, and will have an assembly on Friday.  Students may wear red on Friday.

P.S.

Did you know next Thursday night is a music performance for 5th grade?

Class info Oct 20

didn't do much today, as we are starting Red Ribbon Week and teachers have  1/2 day training on  the iReady program

5th grade committee is tonight.  Please ask your child if you haven't already about our holiday wreaths program.  High quality wreaths for your front door or dining room table (or whatever) for the upcoming holiday season.  Three's only ten more shopping weeks left, so start early and buy a wreath!

Class info Oct 16

Math

practiced division, test is tomorrow

Language Arts

we were interrupted by the Great California Shake Out, however we did have time to start revising our writing and learn grammar (simple predicates)

tomorrow:

1.   Grammar worksheet due (simple predicates)

2.   Vocabulary boxes due

3.   Spelling test

4.   Vocabulary test

5.   ABC book due

6.   Ten facts about Jon Scieszka due

If there's an issue and something needs to be late or you have a last minute question, feel free to email me at mhewitt@gusd.net

Class info Oct 15

Math

review, see yesterday's post for info about Friday's test

Language Arts

writing and grammar covered today

grammar worksheet reviewing subjects and predicates due tomorrow

ABC book and 10 facts about Jon Scieszka due Friday, see old posts or email me if you have any questions

Thanks to the Bodden family for providing me with much needed Kleenex!  Let's try to stay clean and sanitary this flu season :)

Class info Oct 14

Math

reviewed today

There is a test on Friday.  Here's a list of what is on it:  adding and subtracting whole numbers and decimals, word problems, place value, multiplying (2 by 2 numbers and decimals), expanded notation, landmarks (mean, median, mode, range, maximum, minimum)

Free answer for those who read the blog!!

The expanded notation for 465.3 is  400 + 60 + 5 + 0.3

Don't tell your friends.....

Language Arts

Assignment list:

1.   Grammar worksheet (simple subjects)

2.   Vocabulary Boxes (p. 31)

3.   Reading log

4.   At home, google "Jon Scieszka".  Type ten facts about him.  This is a simple assignment, but it's worth two grades.  Make sure you format your work professionally.

This is all due Friday, as well as studying for the usual spelling and vocabulary test

Class info Oct 13

Math

review day

Language Arts

Did the spelling/vocabulary test we couldn't do last Friday.  This week's test will definitely be this Friday.  Spelling words are found on page 35 and the vocabulary words are on page 31 of the practice book.

I've gotten a couple of ABC books early.  Don't forget they are due soon.

Have started common core lessons on main idea / detail in reading

Science

We've started to study plants (vascular/non vascular), seed plants, seedless plants, the root system, the shoot system.  It's all on pages 72 and 73.  If you didn't perform so well on the first official science test, maybe you should study a little bit every single day starting NOW!!

Class info Oct 9

Math

Finished up multiplying decimals, reviewed landmarks (mean, median, mode, maximum, minimum, range, bar graphs).  Make sure you know your landmarks, because that is a separate grade on your report card known as Statistics and Data Analysis.

Language Arts

Grammar : talked about complete subject and complete predicate

There is a slight possibility (10%) that tomorrow's spelling/vocabulary test will be postponed due to ELD testing.  Don't count on it :)


Oh, I need Kleenex for the cold and flu season if anyone would like to donate.

Thanks again!

Class info Oct 8

Math

started  to multiply decimals, took an in-depth look at the process via the common core

Language Arts

Spelling / vocabulary review test Friday

Got my first ABC book in today and it looks awesome.  Special shout out to Noemi for being an incredible student!
If anyone has questions about it, you can always email me - I'm a fairly quick responder.

Science

Just started to take notes on vascular plants

Class info Oct 7

Math

Continued with complicated multi-part problems involving division.  If you're interested, have your child bring their common-core math book home and have them show you what we've been learning.  Most students in my class have long division mastered.  If your student hasn't, Khan Academy and learnzillion are great resources, and you can always hit me up for extra help.

Language Arts

More writing, and don't forget the spelling and vocabulary this week is review.

Students should be working on their ABC books.  See my blog post for October 1 for more info.

Class info Oct 6

Math

Started long division common core style, meaning that we learned WHY the algorithms for long division work and how the partial products method can be employed

Language Arts

Continued with writing

This week's spelling and vocabulary are review words
Pages 27-29, 31 were assigned and we'll be going over them tomorrow

Science

Starting a new unit on plants.  Today was the introduction

Class info Oct 2

Math

reviewed multiplication algorithms and why we use them

Language Arts

all of the assignments noted yesterday are due, including an additional worksheet on the four types of sentences and interjections

Science

Chapter One test tomorrow.  It's been five weeks, I would hope most people would do well.

Class info Oct 1

Math

We worked on multiplying 2 by 2, 2 by 3, and 3 by 3 digit problems

Study Link 2.9 is optional

Language Arts

lots of assignments right now...

1.   Grammar worksheet (interjections)

2.   Practice Book p. 11

3.   Vocabulary Boxes (p.18)

4.   Study spelling p. 21

5.   ABC book

      due Friday Oct 17

      make sure to include "A is for..." and explain the letter in another sentence

      large fonts are OK, as long as they are reasonably professional and can be read easily
      
      each letter should be illustrated

      put more than one letter on each page, so that the assignment isn't 26 pages long

      no rough draft is necessary for this assignment

Class info Sept. 30

Math

reviewed word problems once again, as well as decimals

Language Arts

worked on writing again today, no additional assignments

Class info Sept 29

tests tests and more tests coming up this week

Math

We revisited word problems today and their basics.  Make sure you take a look at the notes we took on word problems from the beginning of the year

Study Link 2.4 dealing with word problems is optional at this point, and would be a great extra help

Language Arts

We're having a reading test Friday along with the usual spelling and vocabulary quiz.  The good news is that you really can't study for it.  The focus of the reading test is main idea/detail

I need your essay (detailed in last Thursday's post) by tomorrow, as well as your vocabulary boxes and last week's grammar if you haven't already turned them in.

Today's assignment was pages 18 and 21 in the workbook.  I don't think everyone finished in class, and I expect them finished by tomorrow

Science

Test on Friday! Chapter One (pages 24 - 62 or so)  Hopefully you've already been studying nightly

Social Studies

Test on Friday as well.  See Pimenta's blog for more info

Bring water this week...it's going to be hot!

Class info Sept 26

no new info today, but there will be a science test for Pimenta and Hewitt next Friday on cells and the classification of organisms

Class info Sept 25

Math

working on adding and subtracting decimals

Language Arts

major list of things due!

1.   spelling / vocabulary test tomorrow

2.   reading log tomorrow

3.   vocabulary boxes (from p. 12) by Tuesday

4.   grammar worksheet

5.   practice book p. 6

6.   writing assignment due by Tuesday or so
      the assignment:

      Ask an older relative a story about their life, and write about it...use details!

      You have a good deal with artistic license with this assignment.  Try to find the oldest relative convenient to ask for a story

     required format:  rough draft (written) , final draft (typed) stapled with final on top
     font size 12, black ink, Times New Roman, double spaced

Class info Sept 24

Had a lovely picture day today - everybody looked great!

Math

Moved into adding and subtracting decimals, and discussed the fact that place values needed to be aligned in order to do so.

This was in the common core book, and we left off needing to finish pages 57 - 59

Language Arts

A lot of assignments are ongoing at this point:

1.   spelling / vocabulary test Friday

2.   reading log due Friday

3.   vocabulary boxes due Friday

more to come tomorrow, picture day disrupted me mid-flow today

parent calendar 2014-2015

http://www.markkeppelelementary.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=278991&type=d&pREC_ID=627659

parent handbook online

http://www.markkeppelelementary.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=85467&type=d&pREC_ID=161092

Class info Sept 23

Math

continuation of yesterday's topics

Language Arts

continuation of yesterday's topics as well

Science

took notes on the animal kingdom and plant kingdom


Picture Day is tomorrow - free dress day

Class info Sept 22

sorry for the lack of a post the last couple of work days, I got my first cold of the year!

Math

Worked through intensive studies of decimals - how to round and compare them (essentially pages 24 - 29 of our math common core series).  It's important that students visualize what hundredths and thousandths actually are

Language Arts

Week 2 of our writing project.  A reading log went home.  I'll assign spelling words and vocabulary tomorrow officially, but the spelling words are on page 16 and the vocabulary words are crusaded, faze, eccentric, relented, impassable, infuriated, disheartened

Science

Studied the subdivisions of categorization of organisms (kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species).  These are on pages 48-49


Picture Day is Wednesday, which is a free dress day.

Class info Sept 17

Today we had a Constitution Day assembly, so classes in the morning were abbreviated.

Language Arts

Started a free writing assignment.  Played a game titled "two true one false", shared from Author's Chair

Math

Quick review of decimals, rounding, exponents, powers of 10

Science

Read about the classification of organisms into different kingdoms,  Students are expected to have previous content from lessons one and two mastered

Class info Sept 16

Math

Reviewed powers of ten and place value heavily today.  The web site I listed in my last post has tons of games to play for these topics.

Language Arts

We started silent writing today.  We're starting a three week or so unit on basic writing.  The final product will be an essay of their choice.  As we go through the process, I'll keep you updated.

GREAT common core site for extra assistance

http://www.adaptedmind.com/Math-Worksheets.html?gclid=CIurwMeF5cACFRaSfgodknsA_w

Class info Sept 15

Math

Worked on common core math lessons involving powers of 10.  There's no additional homework assigned, but you can always research place value and powers of 10 for 5th graders online.  There's plenty out there to help with the common core curriculum.

Language Arts

New spelling words, new vocabulary, new reading log

Science

Took notes on p. 38-40, taking students from cells to tissues to organs to organ systems.  Students should also know the definition of an organism, and know what the basic life processes are (growth, response, reproduction, excretion, nutrition, respiration)

i-ready info

Today we sent home a flyer that needs to be returned.  It has our email addresses, the blog address and information about i-ready.

We are expecting that four iready lessons are done online per week - two in language arts, two in math.  iready is a program that your child has already been diagnosed on and has lessons tailor-made for your child.

Log in at

login.i-ready.com

Your child has their log in and password information on a sticker attached to the flier.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Class info Sept 12

Math

Not much to report today.  We went over place values (tenth, hundredth, thousandth) in great detail

Class info Sept 11

Language Arts

A lot is happening assignment-wise in the next couple of days:

 tomorrow

1.   reading log due
2.   spelling test, vocabulary test

Monday (latest)

1.  "Where I'm From" poem
2.   vocabulary boxes

Next week....

Finish "Where We're From", start an official writing unit, more vocabulary, more spelling, start grammar

Class info Sept 10

Math

We learned about factor strings today.  Factor strings are the products it takes to create a number.  For example the factor strings for 20 are 2 x 10, 4 x 5, 2 x2 x 5.

Tomorrow we will have a brief assessment just to see where students are before progressing.

Language Arts

We started a poem today called "Where I'm From".  Students are to write their own poems based on George Ella Lyons' poem of the same name.

Also due are vocabulary boxes and reading logs all on Friday.  Spelling / vocabulary test is on Friday as well.

Class info Sept 9

Language Arts

We worked on vocabulary boxes for the words we discussed on Monday.  These will be due this Friday.  Spelling / vocabulary test will be this Friday.  I also passed out a reading log that should be completed and signed by Friday.  The diagnostic/review/norm setting part of the year is done, and we're in full swing!

Math

Had a great discussion about square roots and what they represent.  Study Link 1.8 at home would be  a great complement to the learning.

a common core primer

Here's some good general information on the Common Core curriculum from New York, who happens to be the state that is sort of the vanguard of the whole thing:

http://nyspta.org/pdf/Advocacy/NYSPTA_NYSUT_Common_Core_Brochure_8.13.pdf

The internet is full of great common core lessons and ideas for people who like to work with their kids at home.  When I find good sites, I'll post the links for your use.

Copy and paste the link on to your browser if the hyperlink doesn't work.

Class info Sept 8

I had to have a lovely dental procedure last Thursday, so since having to have a sub that day my blog posts have been a little delayed.

Language Arts

Reading logs go out tomorrow.  Friday we will have a combined spelling / vocabulary test.  The spelling words are on page 5 of the practice book.  The vocabulary words are expectations, fringes, hesitating, humiliation, sincere, and coaxed.  Don't forget that I need to see your library card if I haven't already done so.

Make sure your children are always reading.  We had a class discussion about favorite books and places to read today, and I am proud to report enthusiasm for reading is at an all-time high in this class.

Math

Studying exponents and exponential notation right now.  We studied divisibility and divisibility rules last Thursday and Friday.  These are all concepts that should be mastered.  Feel free to do study links 1.3, 1.5, and 1.7 if you are so inclined.  I can even check them if you'd like to turn them in, but that's not a requirement.

Science

Chapter 1 section 1 complete!  Your student should have mastered the basics of cells by this point. Expect a mini-project on cells to come in the next couple of weeks.

Class info Sep 3

Language Arts

I need you to have a library card by October 1.  I had a couple of kids tell me they don't got to the library at all, but that their parents frequently buy them books.  Thats ok, so long as I have a note.  If the library card is a parent's, that's ok too.

Reading logs are due this Friday signed.  I'd like students to write comments regarding what they thought of their book.  You don't have to do one book per line, you can write down the chapters you've read on every line if the book is long.

Make sure you read about 30 minutes at home on average nightly.  If an event after school deters you one night, try to make it up if you can.

Math

We've finished studying word problems and are working on arrays and fact families, which is a review of 2nd-3rd grade concepts with higher difficulty problems.  I would expect that your child is already at mastery of this concept.

Study Link 1.2 is an optional assignment to reinforce this concept.

Science

We're still looking at plant and animal cells.  Pages 26 - 31 have been covered and are expected to be in your children's brain.  A brief quiz is possible soon.

Thursday night 5th grade fundraiser

Support our 5th grade activities by attending our dine-out night at Blaze Pizza in the Glendale Galleria.  It's supposed to be quite good, and they are donating 20% of your check to the 5th grade.  Save yourself the displeasure of cooking on a hot afternoon and join us

my email address

As always, I wholly insist you email me with any questions or concerns.  I'm at mhewitt@gusd.net
Fire away!

August 27 2014

Tomorrow I will be assigning reading logs for my language arts class.  I have also sent home their "Study Link" math workbooks which we have not currently delved into as of yet.  We are working on dissecting word problems (part of the Common Core math practices) before starting any actual computation.

In science, we have started studying cells, and students can begin to study the first section "cells" on pages 24 - 32.

Ok, my child's coming home with nothing. What can I study?

The school policy is really "read/study" with an allowance for 5th grade projects.  This way, families can enjoy free time and after school activities unencumbered and unstressed.  From my own personal experience, I'd have to say I agree with the policy.  I normally see high achieving students frustrated that they have to repeat what they already learned, becoming exasperated with the school experience and quite often beginning to enjoy school less.  The lower achievers tend to be unable to have time or assistance with homework, often receiving low grades for low quality work or suffering consequences the next day for not turning it in at all.  They also enjoy learning less due to the stress incurred.

That said, I can also understand people who want their children occupied in the late afternoon.  Perhaps there are no after school activities on a certain day, and I want my child learning instead of playing "Minecraft".  I get it, as I like to keep my own daughter intellectually occupied on the days where not much is going on.

I intend to use my blog to communicate what we are currently learning.  This way, you can make informed decisions on planning your children's spare time if you are so inclined.

need tech team info?

Check here...

https://docs.google.com/a/gusd.net/spreadsheets/d/160JxSw3XPKDt8sQwut39tbZVT0OpHuVxQA_CuW8jsDU/edit?usp=sharing

testing the blog

testing the blog for 2014...more information to come! :)

March 13, 2014

Language Arts

1.   "Keeping Quiet" poem

Math

1.   Journal p. 320, 323



I've sent out yet another field trip form to see the Disney movie "Bears" at Burbank's AMC16 in April.

Also, if you'd like me to send you a copy of our Xpress Art video we made on Tuesday, send me an email at mhewitt@gusd.net   it's a fantastic video.  I couldn't recommend Xpress Art enough if you're thinking of signing your kids up for an art or film making class.

Mar 4, 2014

Language Arts

1.  Vocabulary boxes are to be finished by tomorrow

Math

no optional homework today

Mar 3, 2014

Language Arts

1.   Vocabulary boxes due Wed (p. 123)

Math

optional HW: journal p. 303

I've sent another permission slip home for an outing at the Music Center.  Cost is six dollars to cover the bus.

12 weeks left!!!!!

Feb 25, 2014

Lang Arts

1.   Spelling test Friday

2.   Worksheet on adjectives due Friday as well

Math

no optional homework tonight

Science

please be sure science test has been signed

Field trip information

Xpress Art has had to change the date for my field trip to March 11, so I am sending out brand new permission slips.  We have to walk a little ways (a half mile or so past Carl's Jr) and have to cross the Glenoaks Freeway, so if any parents would like to come along, I'd appreciate it.

We're also planning to go see the Disney film "Bears" in April at the AMC 16 tentatively (?) so keep that in mind as well.  We demand perfect behavior when we're out of the school, so any parent assistance is appreciated.

Feb 24, 2014

I forgot to blog last night, but I'll write what I missed for posterity's sake...

Lang Arts

1.   Workbook p. 124, 125, 127

2.   Spelling test Friday on page 127

Math

1.   Journal p. 290, 291 (totally optional)

Science

1.   p. 303 # 1- 6, questions written out

Feb 19, 2014

Language Arts

1.   Spelling test Friday (p. 120)

Math

We covered 283 and 284 in math, which is obtaining fractions and percentages from whole numbers.  It involves finding discounts, etc.

Science

Science test Chapter 4 Friday - the water cycle

It looks like our field trip to Xpress Art Center has been postponed.  I'll send new permission slips home as soon as they are printed.

Return of the Blog Feb 18, 2014

Language Arts

1.   workbook p. 116, 117, 120  (should have been done in class)

2.   spelling test Friday on p. 120

Math

No homework.  However we covered pages page 280 - 282

Science

test Friday on Chapter 4 : The Water Cycle

p. 224 - 225 # 1- 10