The Week Begins!

It was a good beginning to the week! Many of us were excited about the beautiful weather, especially temperatures in the 70s yesterday, and the time change that will give us longer daylight. Jacob had particularly sore legs from riding his bike all day yesterday. It will be great when spring finally arrives. Spring is a busy time here at C.I.S.! Fifth graders began their P.S.S.A. Writing tests today, we have special team spirit days lined up, our school musical called Heroes All will be performed on the 21st, and believe it or not...our 3rd nine week period will be ending just before spring break. Language Arts groups spent time in the computer lab typing final drafts of our convincing persuasive essays. We will post them in the hall to see if we can persuade others to believe as we do about various topics. Stop by and check them out if you visit C.I.S.! During P.S.S.A. prep, we worked on tips to help us determine an author's purpose for writing. Our third benchmark test is coming next week, so we're reviewing skills we've seen earlier in the year. Homework: Reading - Finish the novel, your final guided reading questions, vocabulary puzzle and role for Thursday's cafe. It will be exciting to see how the story ends. Social Studies - Study your resources study guide and map of southern European countries. Quiz on Friday. Wellness - Brain papers are due on Monday of next week. Long-term - Complete the questions assigned in your Buckle Down book for P.S.S.A. prep. They are due next Monday.

Technology Education with Ms. Carroll

This free slideshow created with Smilebox

Today, we worked hard revising and editing our persuasive essays.  The students met with me one-on-one throughout Language Arts to make improvements.   Since today is Thursday, the students attend related arts classes in the afternoon.  I thought I'd share a bit of what they were working on in Technology.  

Homework:
Math - Shamrock w.s.
Reading - Be ready for tomorrow's cafe!  It was postponed due to our snow day yesterday.
Social Studies - Be prepared to present your Travel Journal project tomorrow.  Also, study your study guide for resources as well as the southern countries of Europe.

Ms. Friday's Assignments:
Spelling - Comprehension, writing activity & spelling 3X each.  2 wkbk pages - group 2 only
Math - X worksheet (both groups).

Learning About Europe

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/Europe/Eur_GL_1024_768.html

The link above will help the students practice the location of the various European countries.  By clicking on the countries, you'll hear them pronounced and shown on the map.  Although we've colored the various regions on a map in class, and the students have been tested on two of the regions, this will help with practice!  So, just click on the link above!

Homework:
Math - Wyoming w.s.
Reading - Read chapters 9 and 10 and complete work for cafe.
Soc. Studies - Study for Southern European countries test.
Long Term - Travel Journal due March 7th
Tech. Ed. - Homework due Thursday

Mrs. Friday's Assignments:
Spelling - ABC order, group 2 only and 2 wk.bk pgs.
Math - X worksheet (both groups) 1 & 2

Oh, the Drama!

 In Language Arts today, students took part in a dramatic reading by playing the various characters in Elizabeth Blackwell: Medical Pioneer, a play written by Joanna Halpert Kraus.  The play was rather long, but students enjoyed trying to change their voices to suit the characters.  Elizabeth was the first woman doctor.

 We spent a bit more time in drafting our persuasive essays today.  The five paragraphs are due tomorrow, and students are to follow the format provided in class.  We will peer edit in class, and I will take the essays for a final check before we type our final copies.  Everyone will get a chance to present and try to convince others to believe as they do. 

The Western European countries were identified on a map today in a brief quiz.  The students also colored the Southern countries and worked more on completing their travel journal project, which is due on Thursday.  They have found some interesting information that will be fun to share. 

We have been preparing for our third benchmark test in Reading and Math.  During today's prep, students worked on Geometry/Angles in Math and Poetry interpretation in Reading. 

Homework:
Math - worksheet
Reading - Read chapters 9 & 10 in The Upstairs Room, complete your crossword, guided reading questions, and role for this Thursday.
Writing - Your persuasive draft is due tomorrow.
Social Studies - Travel Journal due on Thursday.  Group 310, quiz tomorrow.
Wellness - D.A.R.E. work is due tomorrow.
Tech. Ed. - Homework due on Thursday.

Mrs. Friday's Group:
Spelling - Stairstep 2 wkbk pgs. (group 2 only)
Math - X worksheet (both groups 1 & 2)

Penguin School Spirit Day

MacKenzie wore a great hat for Penguin Day!  This is what she looked like taking her Language Arts test.

There were many students and teachers supporting our Pens today by wearing Penguin shirts and gear.  Mr. Tatum looked like he was ready for the ice! 

Officer Strain talks with the students and presents his first lesson.

 Group 308 was able to meet with Officer Strain for their introduction to D.A.R.E.  Officer Strain introduced himself and shared a little about what the students would be learning about drugs and alcohol and making choices.  Erica volunteered to create the question box for our classroom.  The students were given their first assignment in their new books.  The assignments will count as part of their Wellness grades. 

In Social Studies, the students are learning about the geography of Europe and Russia.  Today, each received a Travel Journal that they will create based on information they will learn about an assigned country.  The students went to the lab to use Culture Grams and other programs to locate interesting information for their journal.  They will be including their country's flag, map, physical features, climate, landmarks, foods, tourist attractions, etc.  Their research will also help them to use their creativity as they imagine a day in the country and write in a journal about all that they did and saw.  Finally, they will have a chance to share what they learned with their classmates.

Our novel, The Upstairs Room, has become quite interesting!  We have been a bit on edge about Annie, Sini, and Rachel, as well as the brave families who are helping them to hide while the war rages on.  This week, our assignments are focused on the reading of chapters 7 and 8. 

Have a great weekend! 

Homework:
Reading - Read and complete all activities for Chapters 7-8 for 2/28.
Writing - Be ready to write on Monday.  Have your topic.
Science - Element poster due March 1st, and periodic table due on Tuesday.
Wellness - D.A.R.E. assignment due on Tuesday to Mrs. Doman
Long-term Assignment - Travel Journal due on 3/7
SHARE FRIDAY FOLDER WITH YOUR PARENTS.

Thank you, Mr. Bluemling!

We are smiling because our blog is back!  A special thanks goes out to Mr. Tyler Bluemling for getting us back on track!  You're the best, Mr. Bluemling!

We have had quite a busy day today!  The D.A.R.E. program began, and C.I.S.P.O. brought us a special program called The All American Liberty Brass, a Gateway to the Arts Program.  In addition, Mr. Gasper was trying to fit in his practices with the members of the band.  Group 308 had double related arts today, both Library and Technology.  For this reason, our group's D.A.R.E. kickoff will be tomorrow.

Thank you to C.I.S.P.O. for bringing the entertaining program!

Homework:
Math - W.S. in packet
Reading - Read chapters 7 & 8 in The Upstairs Room, complete your role and questions, as well as vocabulary puzzle for next Thursday.  There will be a quiz on Saving the Sound tomorrow.
Spelling - Complete the exercises on pages 38-39 in your spelling practice book.
Writing - Pick your topic for your persuasive essay.  Be ready to write!
Science - Element poster is due March 1st.
Wellness - Toothpaste design is due tomorrow.
Long-Term - Travel Journal is due on March 7th.

Ms. Friday's Assignments:
Spelling - Writing assignment, 3Xeach/study, 2 wk.bk pages - group 2 only
Math - Division w.s. - group 1, and X w.s. - group 2

Blogging Has Stopped Temporarily

To all who follow the blog: 

Our e-mail system is changing, and this has led to changes for this blog.  I am finding out what needs to be done to be able to continue my communication with you.  Thank you for your patience! 

Listen to the Kid!

I saw this and couldn't resist posting!  His pep talk is one we can all benefit from hearing!  Enjoy!

Today's Language Arts groups spent time working through an item by item analysis of our most recent Benchmark test for Reading.  Students were able to see bar graphs showing how many students chose each multiple choice answer for each item.  They were pleased to see how much improvement was made!  There was a 20% increase in overall performance!  By the end of the review, the students understood mistakes that were made and what it took to get a 3 on the open-ended prompt.  Each question was reasoned and proven!  Making mistakes is a sign that we're trying, and we'll undoubtedly improve as we learn from them.

Special thanks to all those who have left comments about my posts!  I read and consider all your thoughts and suggestions!  If you have blogs, please leave the blog address, and I will visit! :)

Homework:
Math - Test tomorrow!  Study!
Reading - Read chapters 3 & 4 in The Upstairs Room, complete guided reading questions, role, and vocabulary puzzle for Thursday's Cafe.
Social Studies - Study your study guides for quiz this week (Europe/Russia geog.).  308 will have a quiz on Wednesday and 310 on Thursday.
Ms. Friday's Assignments:
Spelling - Spelling stair step, 2 wk. bk. pages
Math - Division w.s. - group 1
            Multiplication w.s. - group 2

Special Assignment!

Assignment for the weekend?  Play!  :)

Don't forget to share your test packet!

Meeting for Cafe!

Personalize a slideshow We met in our new groups to discuss our beginning assignment for The Upstairs Room.

Homework:
Math - Chapter 3 Test is Tuesday. Benchmark is tomorrow.
Reading - Read chapters 3&4 in The Upstairs Room.  Complete packet questions and role for next cafe.  Quizzes tomorrow (The Upstairs Room and The Day of the Turtle)
Spelling - Test tomorrow.
Social Studies - Study your guide and map.
Science - Test tomorrow (lab 1,2,and 3)
Wellness - Ch. 2, lesson 2 wk.sheet due tomorrow.

Ms. Friday's Assignments:
Spelling - Study for test
Math - None

Over the Hump Day!

Above, Morgan and Tyler label and color the physical features of Europe and Russia. 

In Social Studies, the students studied the geographical features of Europe and Russia.  They watched a Power Point presentation showing maps, the various landforms, photographs of the areas, and how people use the land.  They each labeled these areas on maps, and created their own keys. One interesting piece of information that they could see was that 75% of Russia's land is east of the Ural Mountains, and yet only 20% of their people live in this eastern part. Very interesting!

In Language Arts, the students visited stations for skill work.  In one station, the students went on a scavenger hunt around the room to find labeled objects.  They had to use what the objects said to write the proper possessive nouns on their sheets.  At another station, the students had to search for sensory words in their story for the week, The Day of the Turtle.  Spelling words were practiced using games in Spelling City, and novel activities were continued as well.  Tomorrow, new groups will meet for the first time in cafe for our first discussion of The Upstairs Room. 

Homework:
Math - Complete practice sheet
Reading - Be ready for cafe with the assigned work for the week.  Quiz on The Day of the Turtle this Friday.
Spelling - Test on Friday
Social Studies - Study
Science - Test this Friday
Wellness - Ch. 2, lesson 2 worksheet
Mrs. Friday's Assignments:
Spelling - Comprehension, sentence, 2 wk.bk pages
Math - Division w.s. Group 1
            Lesson #43 Group 2

A Story Told Using Sand!

I thought my students would enjoy watching this artist tell a story using sand art.  The artist's name is Kseniya Simonova, and she performed on Ukraine's Got Talent.  See if you can interpret the story being told. Can you tell when the story takes place and where?   Tell me about it in class tomorrow!

Language Arts students worked hard on their second benchmark test today!  In addition, they worked with me to build background knowledge for our new story The Day of the Turtle, taken from the novel The Wreck of the Zanzibar by Michael Morpurgo.  Following our work with background and new vocabulary, the students enjoyed the story.  Many had made some predictions before reading and were quite close with what they thought.  We will spend more time with the story tomorrow.

Homework:
Math -Have a Slice (fractions) worksheet
Reading - Read chapters 1&2 in The Upstairs Room, prepare your role, answer related questions in your cafe packet, and complete your vocabulary puzzle for Thursday.
Social Studies - Group 310 needs to complete the scavenger hunt for class tomorrow.
Science - Study guide for activities 1-3 due tomorrow.
Wellness - Outline due on Friday

Early Dismissal Due to Snow!

Due to the snow, school dismissed early today!  This news brought much joy to the students!

We were able to continue our meeting with Mr. Ottenheimer and a young German student named Theresa Baumbach.  We discussed the information they shared and were able to begin our reading of the novel.


Homework:
Math - Benchmark on Thursday.  Chapter test on Friday.  Please study.
Reading - Read intro and first two chapters of The Upstairs Room for cafe.  Be ready with your crossword, questions for the chapter, and role on Thursday.  Benchmark is on Monday.
Spelling - Study your words.
Social Studies - Finish your scavenger hunt (exploration of maps) for Monday.
Science - Study guide for activities 1-3 due next Tuesday.

A Visit From Fritz Ottenheimer

Fritz Ottenheimer, author of Escape and Return, twice visited my classroom to speak to the children about his experience of living in his hometown of Constance, as a Jewish German citizen, during Hitler's reign.  On his second visit, my partner and I asked if he would mind us filming him so that he may continue to share his story for years to come.  He agreed, and today, more students were privileged to hear his story. 

Mr. Ottenheimer shared with Language Arts groups participating in our reading cafe.  We are beginning the novel The Upstairs Room by Johanna Reiss, and his life experience provides the students with great background information that will make the story come alive.  There is nothing better than a primary source to help us learn about history, and Mr. Ottenheimer's story is one we won't forget. 

Our Thursday afternoons are largely spent in Related Arts classes.  The students visited the Library for a lesson in using the internet safely and moved on to their first Technology class this year.  Group 310 enjoyed their first Music class of the semester.

Homework:
Math - packet
Reading - Read through chapter 2 in The Upstairs Room.  Complete new role, vocabulary exercise, and all related questions for next Thursday.
Spelling - Trace +2 due tomorrow
Science - Study guide for activities 1-3 due next Tuesday

Brrrrrrrr! Brrrrrrrrr!

It's a good thing that I've been among so many working brains warming the room because the temperatures outside have been bone chilling!  It's been so frigid that we've had two hour delays the last two days of school. Although our time has been limited, we've managed to make a start on our Europe/Russia unit and skill building for a new story in Reading called The Day of the Turtle. 

To kick off our Europe unit, we completed a scavenger hunt with partners using the various maps of the continent.  We had about five different types of maps at our fingertips to explore the area a bit.  In addition, we read a new and interesting Junior Scholastic magazine which included information about President Obama's Inauguration and The New Face of America.  The latter article talked about the fact that for the first time, more minorities than whites are being born in the U.S.  The students had many opportunities to interact; sharing thoughts and ideas about the articles. 

Our new skill for the coming week deals with how authors use imagery in their writing.  We searched for examples of sensory words and figurative language that help an author paint pictures in our heads as we read.  New spelling words and a new 'Family Times' paper were distributed. 

We will be having a new cafe tomorrow to kick off The Upstairs Room.  Students will hear from Mr. Fritz Ottenheimer, a very special guest!

Homework:
Math - An Ocean of Fun paper
Reading - Share Family Times
Spelling - Trace +2 due on Friday.
Science - Study guide for Activities 1-3 due Tuesday.  Test next Friday.

M.L.K. Jr. Day!

Here are the students' timelines!  Each class created their own.  :)

The Halfway Point is Here!

It is hard to believe, but today marks the end of the second nine weeks and the first semester. So many new activities are on the horizon.   Tuesday will bring a new novel for cafe in Reading called The Upstairs Room by Johanna Reiss.   We will begin to study the continent of Europe in Social Studies!  Groups will be rearranged in the room, and students will begin new related arts classes; Technology and Foreign Language for group 308 and Music and Art for group 310.  Sixth graders will begin the D.A.R.E. program too!  New exploratories will start, including the anticipated "Kids of Steel!"  Since the grading period has ended, report cards will be sent home next Friday, January 24th.


The students have been learning a lot about the Civil Rights Movement and the leadership of Martin Luther King Jr.  Look for their special posting on Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Our Social Studies classes performed a couple historical plays today, including one about the Civil Rights Movement called Crusader for Justice, a story about the contributions of activist Ida B. Wells.  Another play performed on a much different topic was The Hunt for Osama bin Laden.  It was based on the Navy SEALS storming the house where bin Laden was located.  These plays were found in our current events magazine Junior Scholastic.  The students enjoyed taking part in the readings.

During Language Arts, we focused on possessive nouns.  The students reviewed rules for forming singular and plural possessives, and they applied the rules in many exercises.  We will continue our review next week with a few more activities.

Homework:
GET YOUR TEST PACKETS SIGNED.  CHECK FOR YOUR VIDEO ON M.L.K. Jr. Day.  See you back in school on Tuesday!

Timeline Presentations

The students had an opportunity to learn from each other as the research work they completed for the Martin Luther King Jr. timeline was built and presented.  We opened the wall to allow for each class sharing with the other.  Each student explained the important events as the audience viewed their colorful illustrations.  Tomorrow the students will explain the events while being filmed.  The movie we create will be a tribute to Dr. King's great contributions.  Please check back!

We took our 

Homework:
Math - 5-5 Equivalent Fractions
Science - Hot Air Balloon page due on Thursday

Mrs. Friday's Assignments:
Spelling - ABC order, 2 wk.bk. pages
Math - fraction w.s. - group 1
           lesson 36 - group 2

Book Salesmen and Saleswomen

Our day began with sharing our book reports!  Each student has been reading a book of choice for a few weeks, in addition to our cafe novel that we just finished.  They created book reports which fanned out in the shape of a flower, but today made an attempt to get others in the class interested in reading their books.  Each student spoke to the class with enthusiasm to sell their book!  They shared a bit about the setting, characters, and conflict.  They told a bit about the plot, but just enough to entice others to read their book.  The presentations were great!  Before lunch, one of the students asked another if he could read Tim Tebow's autobiography!  Awesome!

During P.S.S.A. prep, we continued our study of ways to make connections while reading text.  The students did a great job of applying each tip to brief stories. We will continue to apply them to every passage we read. The following tips were reviewed and practiced:  1.  Use the details to make an inference.  2.  Use your inferences to make a conclusion.  3.  Make sure your answer is supported by the passage.  4.  Look for words that show causes and effects.  5.  Use the word because to connect events.  6.  Look for words that show comparisons and contrasts.  7.  Pick out details to make your own comparisons.  8.  A generalization should be supported by details in the passage.  9.  A passage organized by sequence tells the order in which things happened.  10.  Authors sometimes present a problem, then offer possible solutions to it.  11.  Authors sometimes ask a question and then suggest possible answers.  The most important thing is to never stop thinking when reading.  Always work on making connections!

This afternoon, students in both 5th and 6th grades shared their talents in our annual C.I.S. Talent Show!  Some sang, some played piano, some danced, and everyone enjoyed the show. Thank you to Ms. Meyers, Ms. Carroll, Mrs. McIlvaine, and Mr. Chambers for all your hard work in directing the students and planning the event.  There is another performance scheduled for this evening at 7:00 p.m. for family and friends to enjoy. 

Homework:
Math - Fraction word problems 1-12
Social Studies - Review all notes for your Nelson Mandela test!  The test is tomorrow.  Also, finish your piece for Martin Luther King Jr. timeline.  These will be shared tomorrow.

Ms. Friday's Assignments:
Spelling - Stairstep, 2 wk.bk. pages
Math - Fraction w.s. - group 1
            Lesson 35 - group 2

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.