Geography Bee

Our students were excited to attend the whole school National Geography Bee in the gymnasium this afternoon!  Each class enthusiastically waved signs of support for their representative and cheered.  Although they must have been a bit nervous to be answering questions in front of the whole student body, they performed well.  In the end, Jazz, from Mrs.Cirincione's class, won the BIG BEE!  Congratulations to all participants, and particularly JAZZ! 

Homework:
Math - GCF and LCM worksheet
Reading - Book Report is due on Monday.  
Social Studies - Study all study guides pertaining to Nelson Mandela.  Test on Tuesday!
Wellness - Part 1 and scramble in Mr. Barzan packet is due on Monday.

Building a Timeline

Both Social Studies groups have now been to the computer lab to complete on-line research of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life.  Each student was given a year of Dr. King's life to research.  They picked an event for that year that was interesting, read about it, searched for added information, and summarized what they learned.  Each student will be creating a piece of the timeline using their prepared illustration and summary.  The students found out that his philosophy of passive resistance was similar to that of Nelson Mandela.  Once the timeline is compiled, we will share the work with other students and YOU!  Martin Luther King Jr. Day is coming!  We will remember his great contributions on his special day!

During Language Arts, we enjoyed the last cafe devoted to The Westing Game.  Students shared their roles based on the ending to the novel, and they demonstrated their understanding of all the interesting vocabulary and story elements on their final test.  It was a great story!

Homework:
Math - LCM "Keep on Climbing"
Reading - Quizzes tomorrow on Storm-a-Dust (Spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension).  Book report is due on Monday.
Social Studies - Study your guide for the Nelson Mandela test which will be on Tuesday.
Wellness - Personal health plan is due tomorrow.  Also, complete part 1 and the scramble of Mr. Barzan's packet for Monday.
Mrs. Friday's Assignments:
Spelling - Writing assignment, 3X each/study, and 2 wk.bk. pages
Math - Improper fraction w.s. - group 1
           Multiplication w.s. - group 2

An Inspiration to Many

Our study of Nelson Mandela's life through a biography is complete.  Students were amazed at the twists and turns his life has taken. They were especially surprised that after serving twenty-seven years of his life in prison, he won the Nobel Peace Prize and was elected the president of South Africa.  The brief film above shows the day he was released from prison.

Students were able to compare The Westing Game novel to a movie loosely based on the novel called 'Get a Clue.'  They were surprised at how many changes were made involving characters and the general plot, but enjoyed watching.  We wrap-up our novel tomorrow, and the final test for comprehension will be given.  Then, we will dive into a new genre with new cafe groups!

In Social Studies, group 308 visited the computer lab for a research activity on Martin Luther King Jr.  We are using online resources to build a timeline of important events in his life.  Martin Luther King Jr. Day is coming on January 21st!  We will be sharing what we learn about his life with others! 

Homework:
Math - Wk.bk. p. 35, 1-3 (both sides)
Reading - Be ready for cafe!
Spelling - Study your words.  Test this Friday.
Social Studies - Study all guides given for next Tuesday's test on Nelson Mandela.  Review nightly.
Wellness - Your personal health plan is due on Friday.
Long-term Assignment - Book report is due next Monday 1/14
Mrs. Friday's Assignments:
Spelling - Com. Questions, sentence, and 2 wk.bk. pages
Math - Improper fractions w.s. - group 1
            Multiplication w.s. - group 2

Learning More About the Defiance Campaign

This week, we are wrapping up our study of Nelson Mandela, as a conclusion to our African Unit.  We've learned so much about his home, childhood years, how he became educated, and his role as a leader in South Africa.  Today, our topic focused on how he served Africans as a lawyer with his friend Oliver Tambo.  The more that Mr. Mandela helped Africans, the more the government placed bans on his activities.  The students have listened well, taken notes, and have been active in discussions.  If you have a child in this class, please ask them what they know about Nelson Mandela.  They have a lot to share!

In Language Arts, the students previewed and read Storm-a-Dust.  All agreed that the setting of the story directly affected the characters' actions and the overall mood.  Tomorrow, we will discuss the story at one of our skill stations, continue our study of setting as a story element, practice using possessive nouns, and review our spelling words. 

During our P.S.S.A. review, we focused on "reading between the lines!"  Always, we should be thinking as readers.  It is important to take the clues an author gives us, put the clues together with things we know, and make reasonable inferences.  When we read on, we can see if what we infer is actually accurate.  If it's not, okay!  If it is, great!  The important thing is that we're making connections with the text!  We reviewed tips to help us make reasonable inferences and conclusions in class today.  We applied these tips to a short story.  This skill review will continue during next Monday's P.S.S.A. preparation.

Homework:
Math - Greatest Common Factor practice
Reading - Finish novel and role for Thursday.
Spelling - Pg. 30 in Spelling Practice book
Writing - Grammar practice p. 36 - plural nouns
Science - Lab sheet question #9 and More Density Problems w.s.
Long-Term - Book Report project is due next Monday.

Mrs. Friday's Assignments:
Spelling - Stair steps, 2 wk. bk. pgs.
Math - Fractions w.s. group 1, and Multiplication w.s. group 2