Wednesday, December 17, 2014
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
same as yesterday
Language Arts
same as yesterday
Science
currently studying digestive system
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
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
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
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
Monday, December 15, 2014
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 :)
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
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
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Class info Dec 11
Math
more on fractions
Language Arts
reading day
Science
starting to study the digestive system
more on fractions
Language Arts
reading day
Science
starting to study the digestive system
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Monday, December 8, 2014
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.
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.
Friday, December 5, 2014
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!
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!
Thursday, December 4, 2014
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!
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 :)
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
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.
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.
Monday, December 1, 2014
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.
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.
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