Friday Already?

What a short week!  We packed a lot in, though!

In Language Arts, we built background information for our new story Storm-a-Dust, and practiced some new vocabulary that will relate, such as eerie, grasslands, gritty, hazy, peculiar, and spindly.  We practiced using the words in many different ways and explored our knowledge of natural disasters so that we may relate to what the characters will be going through in this story.  Some students read part of the story today.

Group 310 continued to learn more about Nelson Mandela in Social Studies.  We had great participation today!  I'm happy to learn that there are students that are taking the discussion home with them; sharing information from class with their parents.  Great dinner conversation!

It has been awhile since we've had an Olweus meeting!  Today, our topic was anger.  We explored what triggers our anger, how we express it, and whether our reactions make the situation better or worse.  This lesson will continue during our next class meeting.

Homework:
Reading - Trace +2 is due for spelling on Monday.  Finish the novel and be prepared with your role for Thursday.
Science - Lab sheet question #9 and More Density Problems w.s. due Tuesday.
Social Studies - Study notes on Nelson Mandela.  Quiz at the end of next week.
Long-Term - Book Report due on 1/14/13
Phys. Ed. (308) - 9 spot shooting test Wed.
GET TEST PACKET AND ENVELOPE SIGNED FOR MONDAY.

Mrs. Friday's Assignments:
None

Learning About the Importance of Setting

Storm-a-Dust is an excerpt from Drylongso

Virginia Hamilton wrote the story based on an African American folk tale.

 We are beginning a new realistic fiction story in Language Arts called Storm-a-Dust, an excerpt from the book Drylongso by Virginia Hamilton.  A skill we will focus on throughout the story involves focusing on details in the story that infer the setting, or when and where the story takes place.  Our lesson today helped us to recognize the influence of setting on the plot, characters, and mood of the story.  The link below will help you to review the importance of setting for tomorrow's activities.

  Learning About Setting 

Our new spelling list, at first glance, doesn't look very difficult.  However, the list of words, some compound and others separate words, may give some a challenge.  Knowing when and when not to join the words will be key.  The new list can be found on Spelling City under our links where games can be played for practice.

We have a new librarian at C.I.S. substituting for Mrs. Shuman.  Her name is Ms. Keruskin, and the students were able to meet her this afternoon in Library.  Today was a book exchange day, and following this, Ms. Keruskin shared part of a novel with the students.

Homework:
Math - Factor Towers and Prime for Life pages are due tomorrow.
Reading - Share 'Family Times' sheet with parents, complete Trace +2 in spelling for Monday.  Finish novel and role for next Thursday.
Long-Term - Your book report is due on 1/14/13
Gym - 9 Spot Shooting test next Wednesday.

Mrs Friday's Assignments:
Spelling - Comprehension
Math - 2nd half of w.s.(Mixed Numbers) due  for group 1
           Multiplication w.s. - group 2

New Year, New C.I.S. Musical!

I was very excited to see the students today!  After all, I haven't seen them since last year!  Although they've probably grown, I recognized each one!

With a new year comes a new C.I.S. musical!  Papers went home before the break for anyone interested in auditions.  Many have responded, and Mrs. (Music) Mac and I are anxious to get started.  Tomorrow night, after school ends, we will meet with all interested students to hear them speak and sing.  This year's musical will be performed in March and will be a salute to heroes!

Language Arts classes reviewed, item by item, the first benchmark exam.  Students were able to see the percentages of student choices on the multiple choice and the reasoning for answers.  We had great discussions during the review.

Group 308 had Physical Education with Mr. Pietras today, but their shooting test has been moved to next Wednesday.  They were able to practice their shots today in class.

In Social Studies, we are looking back to Nelson Mandela.  For the last two weeks before the end of the semester, we will focus on his involvement and leadership during Apartheid in South Africa.  In this way, we will wrap-up our study of Africa. 

Homework:
Math - Super Factors (front only)  Back may be done if you wish.
Reading - Finish novel, chapters 23-30.  Complete your role for next Thursday.  Final test on the novel will be next Thursday.
Long-Term Assignment - Book Report on a book of your choice is due on 1/14/13
Phys. Ed. - 9 spot shooting test next Wednesday
Mrs. Friday's Assignments:
Math - Mixed Numbers - Group 1 and Improper Fractions - Group 2
Spelling - None