Firstly, another thank-you to the parents who went on the Walden Walking Tour with us. Even with the incredible HEAT and HUMIDITY, I hope you enjoyed yourselves as much as I enjoyed your company and assistance. It's wonderful to have parents who can smile and be so encouraging when conditions aren't exactly ideal.
Tomorrow is our final (!) feild trip of the year, the "big" one. We'll be heading off to the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium, I am hoping all are excited as I am for this excursion. This is not the largest aquarium, but I think it is perfect for a feild trip.
Tuesday we'll have our final Science test, on Chapter 5, the Human Body.
I will give your child a review paper to take home tomorrow for a map review test on Friday--Social Studies. All year long your child has had to find various locations in New York State, these will be included. They have maps in their binder they can use to review, plus we'll review all week.
We are reading our final story, "Sarah, Plain and Tall" and will have a test on it Thursday.
In Religion we'll just be reviewing what we've learned this year, all did quite well on their Archdiocese exam.
It's always touching how kind and considerate the children are when responding to how they can live their lives according to our faith. You all are truly wonderful teachers and role models for your children.
In Math we will continue to review any areas that I have seen that children are still having difficulty with. If you have any concept that you think your child needs reinforcement, please alert me to it, and we will revisit it.
Have a great week!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
June 6 - June 10
It is incredible that we are in our second week of June! I am sad that the year is coming to an end and I will have to say goodbye to your children soon. But I do still have them for a little while longer...so on with the upcoming week.
Tomorrow is our State Science Test. We will take it after Art ,which starts our day, and I think this is perfect-- it will help them relax and put them in a good frame of mind to do well. Last week we had our performance test, and as oddly as it may sound when speaking about a test; they said it was fun (!) I hope they shared this with you, because they certainly looked like little scientists while taking it.
Tuesday is the "big" Archdiocese Religion exam. We have reviewed and practiced alot, and will do a little more tomorrow to ease any anxiety that exists. Please just review the 10 Commandments, Works of Mercy and Beatitudes with your child verbally, they are in their binder.
We will continue Social Studies, finishing up our Chapter 18. Hopefull we'll take the test Wednesday or early Thursday before our outing. We will have a final of sorts on just map reading. I will send home review information by Wednesday. We will not have a final with written material otherwise.
In reading we will read "Sarah, Plain and Tall" and will have a test on it possibly Friday, if not next Tuesday.
Thursday is our "Walking Tour of Walden" it is always a great day and the children always enjoy it. Unfortunately I was just watching the Weather Channel and it's calling for 95 degree weather on that day! I hope they are wrong! An update of information will sent home Wednesday. Please make sure you send back permission slips and the notification if you will be traveling with us.
Hope to see you Thursday, and thanks for helping your child/children prepare for our exams...and for the delicious cupcakes last week, they were much appreciated and enjoyed!
Tomorrow is our State Science Test. We will take it after Art ,which starts our day, and I think this is perfect-- it will help them relax and put them in a good frame of mind to do well. Last week we had our performance test, and as oddly as it may sound when speaking about a test; they said it was fun (!) I hope they shared this with you, because they certainly looked like little scientists while taking it.
Tuesday is the "big" Archdiocese Religion exam. We have reviewed and practiced alot, and will do a little more tomorrow to ease any anxiety that exists. Please just review the 10 Commandments, Works of Mercy and Beatitudes with your child verbally, they are in their binder.
We will continue Social Studies, finishing up our Chapter 18. Hopefull we'll take the test Wednesday or early Thursday before our outing. We will have a final of sorts on just map reading. I will send home review information by Wednesday. We will not have a final with written material otherwise.
In reading we will read "Sarah, Plain and Tall" and will have a test on it possibly Friday, if not next Tuesday.
Thursday is our "Walking Tour of Walden" it is always a great day and the children always enjoy it. Unfortunately I was just watching the Weather Channel and it's calling for 95 degree weather on that day! I hope they are wrong! An update of information will sent home Wednesday. Please make sure you send back permission slips and the notification if you will be traveling with us.
Hope to see you Thursday, and thanks for helping your child/children prepare for our exams...and for the delicious cupcakes last week, they were much appreciated and enjoyed!
Monday, May 23, 2011
May 23 -May 27
I hope you all had a great weekend!
I hope all parents saw that there was two "packets" that I handed out to help review for the Archdiocese Religion test. One packet has page numbers, the other has information covered throughout the year. I hope you find them useful.
With that in mind, I hope all children are memorizing the Beatitudes, we will finish them up this week, then move on to learning about the Holy Spirit in our lives.
In Science we will finish up Chapter 4 and will quickly move on to Systems of the Body, we will at the same time review for the State Science exams. Next week is our performance test June 1! It is not something the children can really study for, we will do "studying" for this at the end of the week in class.
In Math we will be going back to revisit, review any areas I see the children are still having difficulty with. Some are still struggling with long division, multiplying double digits by double digits, and adding fractions, so in coming weeks we will definitely work on those areas.
In reading we will be using our National Geographic, and will be perfecting our writing skills
In Social Studies we will move on to the ending chapters, I may have an open book test on Friday to finish up Chapter 17, which we will start tomorrow. We don't have much time to finish up! There will be a end-of the year test, but it will not be considered a "final", which counts for more.
I will be sending home a letter this week explaining end of the year tests or lack of them; also I'll include information about our "Walking Tour of Walden" coming up soon.
I hope all parents saw that there was two "packets" that I handed out to help review for the Archdiocese Religion test. One packet has page numbers, the other has information covered throughout the year. I hope you find them useful.
With that in mind, I hope all children are memorizing the Beatitudes, we will finish them up this week, then move on to learning about the Holy Spirit in our lives.
In Science we will finish up Chapter 4 and will quickly move on to Systems of the Body, we will at the same time review for the State Science exams. Next week is our performance test June 1! It is not something the children can really study for, we will do "studying" for this at the end of the week in class.
In Math we will be going back to revisit, review any areas I see the children are still having difficulty with. Some are still struggling with long division, multiplying double digits by double digits, and adding fractions, so in coming weeks we will definitely work on those areas.
In reading we will be using our National Geographic, and will be perfecting our writing skills
In Social Studies we will move on to the ending chapters, I may have an open book test on Friday to finish up Chapter 17, which we will start tomorrow. We don't have much time to finish up! There will be a end-of the year test, but it will not be considered a "final", which counts for more.
I will be sending home a letter this week explaining end of the year tests or lack of them; also I'll include information about our "Walking Tour of Walden" coming up soon.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
May 16 - May 20
Well it's hard to believe that now we have finished two of the state tests and can go "back to normal", or something like that.
Monday and Tuesday this week I will not be in the classroom. I will be at a meeting Monday and then be at ELA test correcting Tuesday. Please pray that all goes well for the correcting for the 4th grade as well as for the other grades who took the tests.
Tomorrow is our test on the 7-10th commandments in Religion. Make sure your child can name all 10 commandments! On Tuesday we will start learning the Beatitudes... how they lead us to happiness. Ask your child how the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy and the Commandments may have something to do with the Beatitudes. They will need to also memorize the Beatitudes. Think of the hymn "Blessed are They". If they know this song, they have already memorized them. At this moment I can't think of the name for the other hymn based on the Beatitudes we sing at Mass...if you know the title, please send me a note; I was going to look in the misselette this morning and forgot!
We will continue with decimals in math. If your child has any difficulty with them, remind them to "think money" or even add a $ (dollar sign)to the question -- I bet then they can solve the problem!
We'll start a new story selection in Reading "How to Train an Orangatan", we will have a test Friday on it.
Chapter 15 Social Studies test did not pan out too well, if you would like your child to correct his/her test to achieve a better grade, please let me know when you see the test Wednesday. We have started Chapter 16, and learned that some immigrants thought that America had real "streets paved with gold" and you could go "from rags to riches", ask your child what these figures of speech mean and whether they were true or not. In the rest of the chaper we will also learn about what the Harlem Renaissance was and famous New Yorkers. I am hoping to have the test on this Thursday.
How does one organism affect another? This week we learn about how organisms interact and how ecosystems change - sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. This test will be next week. We will also start to review for our State Science written test.
Pray for a productive week, thanks as always for all support.
This week is also the 8th Grade's Ring Day with Mass on Friday - congratulations!
Monday and Tuesday this week I will not be in the classroom. I will be at a meeting Monday and then be at ELA test correcting Tuesday. Please pray that all goes well for the correcting for the 4th grade as well as for the other grades who took the tests.
Tomorrow is our test on the 7-10th commandments in Religion. Make sure your child can name all 10 commandments! On Tuesday we will start learning the Beatitudes... how they lead us to happiness. Ask your child how the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy and the Commandments may have something to do with the Beatitudes. They will need to also memorize the Beatitudes. Think of the hymn "Blessed are They". If they know this song, they have already memorized them. At this moment I can't think of the name for the other hymn based on the Beatitudes we sing at Mass...if you know the title, please send me a note; I was going to look in the misselette this morning and forgot!
We will continue with decimals in math. If your child has any difficulty with them, remind them to "think money" or even add a $ (dollar sign)to the question -- I bet then they can solve the problem!
We'll start a new story selection in Reading "How to Train an Orangatan", we will have a test Friday on it.
Chapter 15 Social Studies test did not pan out too well, if you would like your child to correct his/her test to achieve a better grade, please let me know when you see the test Wednesday. We have started Chapter 16, and learned that some immigrants thought that America had real "streets paved with gold" and you could go "from rags to riches", ask your child what these figures of speech mean and whether they were true or not. In the rest of the chaper we will also learn about what the Harlem Renaissance was and famous New Yorkers. I am hoping to have the test on this Thursday.
How does one organism affect another? This week we learn about how organisms interact and how ecosystems change - sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. This test will be next week. We will also start to review for our State Science written test.
Pray for a productive week, thanks as always for all support.
This week is also the 8th Grade's Ring Day with Mass on Friday - congratulations!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
May 9 - May 13
Happy Mother's Day to all! I hope each of you had a wonderful, relaxing day.
Well, one state test out of the way, and now on to the next! Wednesday and Thursday of this week will be the State Math Test. As last week, please make sure your child gets enough sleep and eats a good breakfast. Since we will be preparing for the test or taking the test through Thursday, there will be no math homework for the week. I'm sure all children will be sad about this. :)
Even though we have the state test we will still have tests in other subject areas this week:
We will learn about the 9th and 10th Commandment this week with a test on Commandments 7-10 on Friday. I will send home a vocabulary list for the test. I will also send home a study guide either by the end of the week or next week concerning the Archdiocese Religion exam (at the end of the year), so you have plenty of time to review. We will eventually review in class also, but not for a couple of weeks. Also, because it is the month of May, the month of Our Lady, the Blessed Mother, I mentioned to the children that they may bring in their own Rosary beads to use when we say the Rosary together.
Our Chapter 3 test for Science will be Wednesday. Where does everything get it's energy from? See how many food chains or food webs your child can think of - then ask them to compare and contrast them, and, don't forget we can be part of the food web/chain.
In Social Studies I would like to have this chapter's test this week also--maybe Tuesday. I will see if we're ready tomorrow. I know this is short notice, but we have much to complete before the end of the year.
Please help by praying that all the children are confident, comfortable and do well on the tests coming up. Our next state test will not be until the 1st of June, which will be practical/hands-on section of the Science State test. So we do have a small "break" before then, but much work to do!
Well, one state test out of the way, and now on to the next! Wednesday and Thursday of this week will be the State Math Test. As last week, please make sure your child gets enough sleep and eats a good breakfast. Since we will be preparing for the test or taking the test through Thursday, there will be no math homework for the week. I'm sure all children will be sad about this. :)
Even though we have the state test we will still have tests in other subject areas this week:
We will learn about the 9th and 10th Commandment this week with a test on Commandments 7-10 on Friday. I will send home a vocabulary list for the test. I will also send home a study guide either by the end of the week or next week concerning the Archdiocese Religion exam (at the end of the year), so you have plenty of time to review. We will eventually review in class also, but not for a couple of weeks. Also, because it is the month of May, the month of Our Lady, the Blessed Mother, I mentioned to the children that they may bring in their own Rosary beads to use when we say the Rosary together.
Our Chapter 3 test for Science will be Wednesday. Where does everything get it's energy from? See how many food chains or food webs your child can think of - then ask them to compare and contrast them, and, don't forget we can be part of the food web/chain.
In Social Studies I would like to have this chapter's test this week also--maybe Tuesday. I will see if we're ready tomorrow. I know this is short notice, but we have much to complete before the end of the year.
Please help by praying that all the children are confident, comfortable and do well on the tests coming up. Our next state test will not be until the 1st of June, which will be practical/hands-on section of the Science State test. So we do have a small "break" before then, but much work to do!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
April 11 - April 15
We are moving along quickly into the last quarter and to the State tests. We will be doing plenty of practice for them in the coming weeks.
Before I go any further, we were invited by former Mayor Becky Pearson to help plant trees at Bradley Park in celebration of Arbor Day Thursday. I am inviting any parent who would like and is able to to accompany the class. I don't have an exact time yet, but it will be in the morning and we will be back at school for lunch. Each child will be able to plant a small tree, so it should be great fun. A letter will go home tomorrow with the time.
In Math we will continue with fractions, including adding and subtracting ones with the same denominator. We also will be doing a practice test or two of the State Math test, which will be the week of May 2.
We will continue learning about immigrants coming to America in the late 1800' and early 1900's in Social Studies. Your child will learn how children his or her age worked in sweatshops, factories or did piecework with their parents at home, working long hours for barely any pay.
Our test on Chapter 2 in Science will now most likely be Wednesday. I know tests keep changing, but we can't really take a test until we are prepared for it.
The Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy test will be Tuesday. You would be very proud to know the children had excellent questions for Father Fallon concerning them last week, I think he was dually impressed. They all have such caring hearts.
As I mentioned in starting, we will be having our New York State English/Language Test very soon, the week we come back from Easter vacation to be exact. So, the next week and a half we will be concentrating on getting ready for that. We may have homework that includes examples of previous years tests.
Hope to see you Thursday!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
April 4 - April 8
Hope you all had a great weekend.
We will be presenting our Biographies on Tuesday, sorry about the inconvenience or disappointment of Friday.
In Math we will be working on fractions after a quiz tomorrow on perimeter and area. We will learn about simple fractions, then mixed numbers and improper fractions, and how to convert one to another. One way you can help your child with this that is fun is to use dry measuring cups and either uncooked rice or beans to demonstrate converting for example 5/4 into 1-1/4 by counting out one-quarter cups five times. We'll be doing something like this in class.
We will have a test on "Charlotte's Web" Thursday. It's taken us a little longer on this selection because they're taking turns reading a part they like. Please make sure your child studies his vocabulary that goes along with the story. Also ask your child what the word GENRE means and then ask them what genre of the story is.
I have assigned a prayer for the children to memorize- the "Act of Faith", it is in their Religion book in the back. I will quiz them on it Tuesday along with the "Great Commandment" and the "New Commandment", which they should know already, but I'm realizing some do not. We didn't start the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy yet and will do so this week. There will be a test on Friday.
In Science we will start Chapter 2, "Energy from Plants". A few people have sent in seeds to plant, so we will be planting them this week, to kick off this unit, thanks! We will have the test on this chapter next week.
Immigration and migration - why did people come here, and what was the trip like coming here? The test on Chapter 13 will be Wednesday. After that we'll move on to life in New York City as an immigrant.
Hope to see some of you Tuesday. Have a great week!
We will be presenting our Biographies on Tuesday, sorry about the inconvenience or disappointment of Friday.
In Math we will be working on fractions after a quiz tomorrow on perimeter and area. We will learn about simple fractions, then mixed numbers and improper fractions, and how to convert one to another. One way you can help your child with this that is fun is to use dry measuring cups and either uncooked rice or beans to demonstrate converting for example 5/4 into 1-1/4 by counting out one-quarter cups five times. We'll be doing something like this in class.
We will have a test on "Charlotte's Web" Thursday. It's taken us a little longer on this selection because they're taking turns reading a part they like. Please make sure your child studies his vocabulary that goes along with the story. Also ask your child what the word GENRE means and then ask them what genre of the story is.
I have assigned a prayer for the children to memorize- the "Act of Faith", it is in their Religion book in the back. I will quiz them on it Tuesday along with the "Great Commandment" and the "New Commandment", which they should know already, but I'm realizing some do not. We didn't start the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy yet and will do so this week. There will be a test on Friday.
In Science we will start Chapter 2, "Energy from Plants". A few people have sent in seeds to plant, so we will be planting them this week, to kick off this unit, thanks! We will have the test on this chapter next week.
Immigration and migration - why did people come here, and what was the trip like coming here? The test on Chapter 13 will be Wednesday. After that we'll move on to life in New York City as an immigrant.
Hope to see some of you Tuesday. Have a great week!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
March 27 - April 1
;Well last week threw us all quite a surprise! I hope that is it for that frozen precipitation that I fail to name.
With that in mind, we will take the Science test tomorrow. Your child was reminded to bring home all materials to study, so I hope everyone studied! The rest of the week we'll be working at stations to ready for the Science Practical which is part of the New York State Science Exam in early June. These stations will be "hands on" activities that deal with skills and ideas we have learned so far this year.
Our Tridiuum test will be on Tuesday, with the questions on the Stations included. We will work on the symbols of Lent, Holy Week and Easter, while moving on to the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy which are in correlation with the ideas and practices in Lent.
We will start a new story in Reading, a play version "Charlotte's Web".
Learning Area and Perimeter are next on the agenda in Math. Children will be reminded to memorize the formulas for each along with the definitions. We will be finding areas and perimeters of various objects in the classroom.
We move on in Social Studies to learn about immigration and migration to New York in the 1800's. Why did people come here? What did they expect when they moved here? If you have any interesting Ellis Island stories from this earlier time involving a family member send it in with your child.
Finally, your child will be presenting their Biography book report on Friday, April 1. All are welcome to attend. Each child will be alloted 5-10 minutes for their presentation, so it will be a morning- long event. Despite the length of time it will take to do all reports, I'm sure it will prove to be a wonderful way to end the week.
Have a great day off Wednesday and hope to see you Friday!
With that in mind, we will take the Science test tomorrow. Your child was reminded to bring home all materials to study, so I hope everyone studied! The rest of the week we'll be working at stations to ready for the Science Practical which is part of the New York State Science Exam in early June. These stations will be "hands on" activities that deal with skills and ideas we have learned so far this year.
Our Tridiuum test will be on Tuesday, with the questions on the Stations included. We will work on the symbols of Lent, Holy Week and Easter, while moving on to the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy which are in correlation with the ideas and practices in Lent.
We will start a new story in Reading, a play version "Charlotte's Web".
Learning Area and Perimeter are next on the agenda in Math. Children will be reminded to memorize the formulas for each along with the definitions. We will be finding areas and perimeters of various objects in the classroom.
We move on in Social Studies to learn about immigration and migration to New York in the 1800's. Why did people come here? What did they expect when they moved here? If you have any interesting Ellis Island stories from this earlier time involving a family member send it in with your child.
Finally, your child will be presenting their Biography book report on Friday, April 1. All are welcome to attend. Each child will be alloted 5-10 minutes for their presentation, so it will be a morning- long event. Despite the length of time it will take to do all reports, I'm sure it will prove to be a wonderful way to end the week.
Have a great day off Wednesday and hope to see you Friday!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
March 21 -March 25
The weeks are just flying by!
This week we will finish up with long division this week, after a little more work using it in story problems. Most children seem to be doing well with division, and I'm trying to help out the others.
More ELA practice! We will practice answering questions that are based on two separate selections. One a story and the other an article. The children will practice using details from each to compare, contrast information; or maybe decide whether or not the information is correct.
We will learn about the Tridiuum this week in Religion, and I am hoping to have a quiz on it Thursday. As I said last week, Lent is far from over; we have projects and activities we will continue do to throughout the Lenten season.
Our Social Studies will now be on Wednesday so ask your child about the Civil War and slavery,the Underground Railroad, and Freedom Quilts, fact or fiction??
We'll finish up the first chapter in Science with Lessons 4-6, and have a test hopefully on Friday, it may include questions from lessons 1-3. Please remember your child should have workbook pages and information in their Science notebook to study from. There is also the Feb/March National Geographic and a Conservationist "magazine" they can use to review, recall facts about animal's adaptations.
Have a great week!!
This week we will finish up with long division this week, after a little more work using it in story problems. Most children seem to be doing well with division, and I'm trying to help out the others.
More ELA practice! We will practice answering questions that are based on two separate selections. One a story and the other an article. The children will practice using details from each to compare, contrast information; or maybe decide whether or not the information is correct.
We will learn about the Tridiuum this week in Religion, and I am hoping to have a quiz on it Thursday. As I said last week, Lent is far from over; we have projects and activities we will continue do to throughout the Lenten season.
Our Social Studies will now be on Wednesday so ask your child about the Civil War and slavery,the Underground Railroad, and Freedom Quilts, fact or fiction??
We'll finish up the first chapter in Science with Lessons 4-6, and have a test hopefully on Friday, it may include questions from lessons 1-3. Please remember your child should have workbook pages and information in their Science notebook to study from. There is also the Feb/March National Geographic and a Conservationist "magazine" they can use to review, recall facts about animal's adaptations.
Have a great week!!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
March 14 - March 18
Another week down!
This week we continue with division, this time using money and learning how to do averages (mean). Some children are still having difficulty with division, but there is a marked improvement from the beginning. Once again, if there are struggles that your child is having in Math, please alert me with a note or a call.
We will have a test on Lessons 1-3 in Chapter 1, Science on Tuesday. This will include the vocabulary for the chapter. We will then continue with the rest of the chapter (Lessons -6), with a test on it probably next Tuesday.
In reading will we continue with "Night of the Pufflings", one of our few non-fiction selections. Maybe look puffins up on the internet to learn more about them.
Although we "finished" learning about the Erie Canal in Social Studies, we will touch on it throughout the rest of the year. We will move on to the next chapter, learning about reformers involved in women's rights and slavery here in New York. This will include learning about the Underground Railroad and Freedom Quilts - fact or fiction? We probably will not have a test until next week.
We will have a test on Lent Friday, the children will have a study guide in their binder Monday. I realize we have much more time in the Lenten season and we will continue to do weekly and some daily activities for it. We will learn about and have a test on the Tridiuum next week.
Finally, I gave out the information for the next book report, a biography. The children should have a book by Wednesday (Thursday the latest). I stapled the due date for it in their planner. We have some biographies in the classroom and of course in the school library. So if you can't get to a public library, we may be able to find a book here at school. I will send home a note when I've chosen a date for the presentations. Any parent will be welcome to attend when we give them! Any questions - please let me know.
This week we continue with division, this time using money and learning how to do averages (mean). Some children are still having difficulty with division, but there is a marked improvement from the beginning. Once again, if there are struggles that your child is having in Math, please alert me with a note or a call.
We will have a test on Lessons 1-3 in Chapter 1, Science on Tuesday. This will include the vocabulary for the chapter. We will then continue with the rest of the chapter (Lessons -6), with a test on it probably next Tuesday.
In reading will we continue with "Night of the Pufflings", one of our few non-fiction selections. Maybe look puffins up on the internet to learn more about them.
Although we "finished" learning about the Erie Canal in Social Studies, we will touch on it throughout the rest of the year. We will move on to the next chapter, learning about reformers involved in women's rights and slavery here in New York. This will include learning about the Underground Railroad and Freedom Quilts - fact or fiction? We probably will not have a test until next week.
We will have a test on Lent Friday, the children will have a study guide in their binder Monday. I realize we have much more time in the Lenten season and we will continue to do weekly and some daily activities for it. We will learn about and have a test on the Tridiuum next week.
Finally, I gave out the information for the next book report, a biography. The children should have a book by Wednesday (Thursday the latest). I stapled the due date for it in their planner. We have some biographies in the classroom and of course in the school library. So if you can't get to a public library, we may be able to find a book here at school. I will send home a note when I've chosen a date for the presentations. Any parent will be welcome to attend when we give them! Any questions - please let me know.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
March 7 - March 11
It's hard to believe that March is here, and along with it the season of Lent is upon us. Wasn't it yesterday that we were preparing for Christmas?
With that in mind, I'll begin with Religion. Tomorrow we will finish the 7th Commandment and have a short quiz on it Tuesday. On Wednesday (Ash Wednesday) we will begin the unit on Lent and the Tridiuum, and go back to the Commandments when finished with that.
We're still practicing reading skills - work on ELA's - in reading, but will start our new story "Nights of the Pufflings" probably Wednesday.
Last week I said your child may come home singing/humming the "Erie Canal" song, well, we didn't get to that, but definitely this week! The Industrial Revolution changed our lives, as did the creation of the Erie Canal, ask your child how!
In Science we will begin our Life Science section. I am hoping this is something the children will find easier than the past units. I will break the chapter (Chapter 1 ) into TWO separate quizzes. Lessons 1-3 will be one quiz and lessons 4-6 will be a second quiz. There is a lot to cover and hopefully doing this will make it easier on the children and you yourselves. The first quiz will not be until NEXT week, probably Tuesday.
We continue to divide in Math, please let me know of any troubles that your child is having. Division is multi-step, and some are still struggling with this.
With that in mind, I'll begin with Religion. Tomorrow we will finish the 7th Commandment and have a short quiz on it Tuesday. On Wednesday (Ash Wednesday) we will begin the unit on Lent and the Tridiuum, and go back to the Commandments when finished with that.
We're still practicing reading skills - work on ELA's - in reading, but will start our new story "Nights of the Pufflings" probably Wednesday.
Last week I said your child may come home singing/humming the "Erie Canal" song, well, we didn't get to that, but definitely this week! The Industrial Revolution changed our lives, as did the creation of the Erie Canal, ask your child how!
In Science we will begin our Life Science section. I am hoping this is something the children will find easier than the past units. I will break the chapter (Chapter 1 ) into TWO separate quizzes. Lessons 1-3 will be one quiz and lessons 4-6 will be a second quiz. There is a lot to cover and hopefully doing this will make it easier on the children and you yourselves. The first quiz will not be until NEXT week, probably Tuesday.
We continue to divide in Math, please let me know of any troubles that your child is having. Division is multi-step, and some are still struggling with this.
Monday, February 28, 2011
February 28 - March 4
Sorry I'm a little late in writing my blog this week!
Tomorrow is our Religion test on Commandments 4-6. On Wednesday we'll start on the last three Commandments. We will continue with them even though Lent will start next week and we will working on that also.
In Math we'll be working on long division. Again, please make sure your child is confident in the multiplication tables.
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal! We'll begin learning about the Industrial Revolution and the building of the Erie canal. Maybe your child will come home humming the Erie Canal song by the end of the week.
Erosion, deposition, rapid change - we will have a Science test on Friday on the chapter. Look around outside with your child and see if you can observe any evidence of the Earth's surface changing around here.
Our reading test on "The Garden of Happiness" will be on Wednesday. After that we will work on practice ELA's before moving on to our next story.
I'm glad that we have a full class again! Stay healthy!
Tomorrow is our Religion test on Commandments 4-6. On Wednesday we'll start on the last three Commandments. We will continue with them even though Lent will start next week and we will working on that also.
In Math we'll be working on long division. Again, please make sure your child is confident in the multiplication tables.
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal! We'll begin learning about the Industrial Revolution and the building of the Erie canal. Maybe your child will come home humming the Erie Canal song by the end of the week.
Erosion, deposition, rapid change - we will have a Science test on Friday on the chapter. Look around outside with your child and see if you can observe any evidence of the Earth's surface changing around here.
Our reading test on "The Garden of Happiness" will be on Wednesday. After that we will work on practice ELA's before moving on to our next story.
I'm glad that we have a full class again! Stay healthy!
Monday, February 21, 2011
February 21 - February 25
As I write this week, I am hoping all are healthy! We've had quite a bout with illness in the classroom, and I'm hoping all have recovered, and that no others have fallen victim!!
It appears that it is a "go" tomorrow for our trip to Foxhill to participate in 'maple sugaring'! If our experience is anything like last year, your children are all in for a treat. To make things even more special, we'll be eating lunch there - everything made from scratch. Please remember to dress your child warmly and please, no "dress" boots, only winter boots, we will be trekking through the woods. Tuesday night you might want to ask your child all the steps sap goes through to turn into maple syrup.
In Math we will be starting work on long division. This proves to be difficult for many, so, please if there are still problems with multiplication I may ask a child to spend more time reviewing tables. If they do not know their multiplication tables it will make an already difficult multi-step process even more troublesome.
We will continue in Social Studies with the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. We didn't get to far on that chapter last week, and I would like to finish this chapter with the test Friday. I realize that the Science Fair is Thursday night, so I am not sure if this will happen.
We've been finishing up with the National Geographic in Reading, and will have a short comprehension quiz on the articles in the magazine Wednesday. After that it will be back to our reader for the next story "The Garden of Happiness" (maybe it'll encourage the weather to change!)
We'll finish up with the Sixth Commandment in Religion and have a test on Commandments 4-6 next week, probably Tuesday.
This will prove to be another busy week, but one filled with great things! See you at the Science Fair!
It appears that it is a "go" tomorrow for our trip to Foxhill to participate in 'maple sugaring'! If our experience is anything like last year, your children are all in for a treat. To make things even more special, we'll be eating lunch there - everything made from scratch. Please remember to dress your child warmly and please, no "dress" boots, only winter boots, we will be trekking through the woods. Tuesday night you might want to ask your child all the steps sap goes through to turn into maple syrup.
In Math we will be starting work on long division. This proves to be difficult for many, so, please if there are still problems with multiplication I may ask a child to spend more time reviewing tables. If they do not know their multiplication tables it will make an already difficult multi-step process even more troublesome.
We will continue in Social Studies with the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. We didn't get to far on that chapter last week, and I would like to finish this chapter with the test Friday. I realize that the Science Fair is Thursday night, so I am not sure if this will happen.
We've been finishing up with the National Geographic in Reading, and will have a short comprehension quiz on the articles in the magazine Wednesday. After that it will be back to our reader for the next story "The Garden of Happiness" (maybe it'll encourage the weather to change!)
We'll finish up with the Sixth Commandment in Religion and have a test on Commandments 4-6 next week, probably Tuesday.
This will prove to be another busy week, but one filled with great things! See you at the Science Fair!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
February 14 - February 18
Happy Valentine's Day to all!
Firstly, a great job was done by all on the "Historical Markers" project. I can't wait to search down some of the markers that I didn't know about, what history surrounds us! I hope the children will notice more of them and take in more local history.
On Thursday we will have our test on the water cycle, ask your child if the WEATHER is the same as climate and whether New York's weather is the same in every region.
The Articles of Confederation and the Bill of Rights were made when our nation was born, what's the difference between them? We move on to the birth of our nation in Social Studies...
Kinds of lines, symmetry, more story problems. Thanks with helping your child with studying the names of polygons and quadrilateral, they'll be included in our quiz Thursday.
A quiz on the Fifth Commandment will be Tuesday. Talk with your child with how anger and frustration can be realized and resolved, and what it's role is in the Fifth Commandment. We'll start the Sixth Commandment this week, hopefully!
Well, I'm hoping we'll have another "full" week! Ciao!
Firstly, a great job was done by all on the "Historical Markers" project. I can't wait to search down some of the markers that I didn't know about, what history surrounds us! I hope the children will notice more of them and take in more local history.
On Thursday we will have our test on the water cycle, ask your child if the WEATHER is the same as climate and whether New York's weather is the same in every region.
The Articles of Confederation and the Bill of Rights were made when our nation was born, what's the difference between them? We move on to the birth of our nation in Social Studies...
Kinds of lines, symmetry, more story problems. Thanks with helping your child with studying the names of polygons and quadrilateral, they'll be included in our quiz Thursday.
A quiz on the Fifth Commandment will be Tuesday. Talk with your child with how anger and frustration can be realized and resolved, and what it's role is in the Fifth Commandment. We'll start the Sixth Commandment this week, hopefully!
Well, I'm hoping we'll have another "full" week! Ciao!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
February 7 - February 11
I can only hope that this is a full week, so much to do and so little time!
On Tuesday we will have a vocabulary quiz on the water cycle. Your child was reminded to bring home both their binder and Science/Social Studies notebook, since this time our vocabulary for the Water Cycle is included in both.
We will finish the American Revolution this week in Social Studies. Please be reminded that the "Historical Markers" project is due on Tuesday also. I hope you enjoyed finding markers around the area.
Polygons, quadrilaterals, angles, triangles -- a break from multiplication and division is (I hope ) welcome. Please help your child memorize the names for all the different kinds of quadrilaterals, and of the multi-sided polygons. Also, ask your child to tell you about the kinds of angles there are, what they are called, how they are different.
The fifth commandment is our focus for the week in Religion. Possibly we will have a quiz on Friday.
Our focus in reading is still working on ELA questions/answers, I hope we can complete the 2006 example by Tuesday, and then move on to our National Geographic and it's wonderful articles. We will focus on 'cause and effect' in one article. This is something we discuss and explore in all subject areas, so if you've seen worksheets on this before you know that this is an important concept throughout. It will frequently pop up again and again! Also we work with another concept 'sketch to stretch' which encourages a child to express what he knows/has learned through pictures. Sometimes if they draw a picture it can lead to them being able to explain easier in writing or verbally, helping grow confidence in this area and become more detail oriented in their writing.
I hope we can complete all these tasks this week, before we know it, it will be May!
On Tuesday we will have a vocabulary quiz on the water cycle. Your child was reminded to bring home both their binder and Science/Social Studies notebook, since this time our vocabulary for the Water Cycle is included in both.
We will finish the American Revolution this week in Social Studies. Please be reminded that the "Historical Markers" project is due on Tuesday also. I hope you enjoyed finding markers around the area.
Polygons, quadrilaterals, angles, triangles -- a break from multiplication and division is (I hope ) welcome. Please help your child memorize the names for all the different kinds of quadrilaterals, and of the multi-sided polygons. Also, ask your child to tell you about the kinds of angles there are, what they are called, how they are different.
The fifth commandment is our focus for the week in Religion. Possibly we will have a quiz on Friday.
Our focus in reading is still working on ELA questions/answers, I hope we can complete the 2006 example by Tuesday, and then move on to our National Geographic and it's wonderful articles. We will focus on 'cause and effect' in one article. This is something we discuss and explore in all subject areas, so if you've seen worksheets on this before you know that this is an important concept throughout. It will frequently pop up again and again! Also we work with another concept 'sketch to stretch' which encourages a child to express what he knows/has learned through pictures. Sometimes if they draw a picture it can lead to them being able to explain easier in writing or verbally, helping grow confidence in this area and become more detail oriented in their writing.
I hope we can complete all these tasks this week, before we know it, it will be May!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
January 31 - February 4
It appears that Mr. Winter has something in store for us again this week - if so, I hope not too much. I'm wondering if we're really in Saranac Lake or Buffalo...
A+ for America! It's Catholic Schools Week. As you know it's a busy week with all the extras, so I'm hoping we can still get done what we need to.
If you would like to read a story to the class (and dress up if you want) Tuesday, let me know.
Tomorrow is our Unit Spelling test that we didn't have Friday. We'll also start our next lesson.
We're still practicing ELA skills in reading and from there we'll read our National Geographic articles. These are always great because the kids like to read them and we not only practice reading comprehension skill, but learn science and math!
Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink! The water cycle is our next unit in Science. Now that that "hard stuff" is over with, hopefully this will be an easier unit for the children. We'll continue to refer to what they've learned so far and hopefully it will all come together over time. A water cycle vocabulary quiz will be at the end of the week, hopefully. We have vocab in both the binder and our notebook this time.
Polygons, triangles, angles...most of the time children like to learn about geometry, which is what we'll work on before we move on to the beloved division.
A quiz on the fourth commandment is Tuesday, we'll then begin learning about the fifth commandment.
I'm hoping that we have a fun week but also a productive week!
A+ for America! It's Catholic Schools Week. As you know it's a busy week with all the extras, so I'm hoping we can still get done what we need to.
If you would like to read a story to the class (and dress up if you want) Tuesday, let me know.
Tomorrow is our Unit Spelling test that we didn't have Friday. We'll also start our next lesson.
We're still practicing ELA skills in reading and from there we'll read our National Geographic articles. These are always great because the kids like to read them and we not only practice reading comprehension skill, but learn science and math!
Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink! The water cycle is our next unit in Science. Now that that "hard stuff" is over with, hopefully this will be an easier unit for the children. We'll continue to refer to what they've learned so far and hopefully it will all come together over time. A water cycle vocabulary quiz will be at the end of the week, hopefully. We have vocab in both the binder and our notebook this time.
Polygons, triangles, angles...most of the time children like to learn about geometry, which is what we'll work on before we move on to the beloved division.
A quiz on the fourth commandment is Tuesday, we'll then begin learning about the fifth commandment.
I'm hoping that we have a fun week but also a productive week!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
January 24 - January 28
I used to like snow...
Tests! --Our Spelling test will be on Tuesday because we hadn't finished all work that goes along with it last week.
--the start of the American Revolution was put off because of the snow and delays, so hopefully we'll have that test Wednesday.
--my main focus will be reviewing for the Science mid-year test. We began the worksheets in your child's binder and will continue to do so. It would be ideal to have this test Thursday, but in a worst-case scenario it will be Friday. We will be doing hands-on activities to review too.
--the test on "the Seven Children" will be Monday.
We didn't start the fourth commandment last week, so we will focus on it this week. We will have a short quiz on it when we finish. We will do the same with the 5th and 6th commandment also, and will have test on all three afterward.
We will end the chapter in Math with more story problems and will have a chapter test by Wednesday.
I know it sounds like a lot of testing, but there's so much to catch up on!
Next Monday is the first day of Catholic Schools Week,- Career Day, parents are invited to come in and share what they do for a living. Let me know if you'd like to come in. On Tuesday, Fairy Tale Day, if you would like to dress up and come in to read a fairy tale you are more than welcome!
Tests! --Our Spelling test will be on Tuesday because we hadn't finished all work that goes along with it last week.
--the start of the American Revolution was put off because of the snow and delays, so hopefully we'll have that test Wednesday.
--my main focus will be reviewing for the Science mid-year test. We began the worksheets in your child's binder and will continue to do so. It would be ideal to have this test Thursday, but in a worst-case scenario it will be Friday. We will be doing hands-on activities to review too.
--the test on "the Seven Children" will be Monday.
We didn't start the fourth commandment last week, so we will focus on it this week. We will have a short quiz on it when we finish. We will do the same with the 5th and 6th commandment also, and will have test on all three afterward.
We will end the chapter in Math with more story problems and will have a chapter test by Wednesday.
I know it sounds like a lot of testing, but there's so much to catch up on!
Next Monday is the first day of Catholic Schools Week,- Career Day, parents are invited to come in and share what they do for a living. Let me know if you'd like to come in. On Tuesday, Fairy Tale Day, if you would like to dress up and come in to read a fairy tale you are more than welcome!
Monday, January 17, 2011
January 17 - January 21
Hello everyone! As I write I am looking at the forecast, and am wondering what this week will bring (again!)
So, not much I write can be set in stone - sorry!
We will have the test on "The Seven Children" Wednesday, if we have reviewed Tuesday. After that we will be focusing on ELA practice the rest of the week.
We will take the test on the first three commandments the day we get back, and will continue from there with the next three (4, 5, 6). We will have quizzes at the finish of each of commandment, and then a test including all three when we've completed all them.
In Math we will be doing more work on problem solving in story problems and will have a test on the chapter Friday.
What roles did the African Americans play in the start of the American Revolution? This fits in well with the fact that we are celebrating Martin Luther King Day and Black history month. The test on this chapter is Friday.
In Science we will review what we have done this year so far. We do not have to have a Mid-term, but will have a "mid-year review" test. This will count only as a regular test, and will be next week.
Stay safe and stay warm!
So, not much I write can be set in stone - sorry!
We will have the test on "The Seven Children" Wednesday, if we have reviewed Tuesday. After that we will be focusing on ELA practice the rest of the week.
We will take the test on the first three commandments the day we get back, and will continue from there with the next three (4, 5, 6). We will have quizzes at the finish of each of commandment, and then a test including all three when we've completed all them.
In Math we will be doing more work on problem solving in story problems and will have a test on the chapter Friday.
What roles did the African Americans play in the start of the American Revolution? This fits in well with the fact that we are celebrating Martin Luther King Day and Black history month. The test on this chapter is Friday.
In Science we will review what we have done this year so far. We do not have to have a Mid-term, but will have a "mid-year review" test. This will count only as a regular test, and will be next week.
Stay safe and stay warm!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
January 10 - January 15
Well, that was a nice gift of a Friday off! Hope you all enjoyed the snow!
Tomorrow will be the Science Vocabulary Quiz that was supposed to be Friday. We will have the Chapter Test this coming Friday.
In Math it's a continuation of multiplying and getting a very large product. There are many steps to this process, so we will keep working on this, this knowledge may help with multi-step story problems Even when we work on other units, we will keep coming back to multiplication.
Our test on our new selection in Reading, "The Seven Children" will be on Wednesday.
I underestimated the amount of material on the first three commandments, I would like to have this test by Friday. I realize that it would be on the same day as the Science test, but I really don't want to push it to next week.
In Social Studies we spent the time last week learning and writing about the United States flag. Ask you child
about a regulation or rule concerning the flag. Onward tomorrow with the American Revolution.
In Grammar we have been learning all about nouns. Next week we will have a test on them.
Tomorrow will be the Science Vocabulary Quiz that was supposed to be Friday. We will have the Chapter Test this coming Friday.
In Math it's a continuation of multiplying and getting a very large product. There are many steps to this process, so we will keep working on this, this knowledge may help with multi-step story problems Even when we work on other units, we will keep coming back to multiplication.
Our test on our new selection in Reading, "The Seven Children" will be on Wednesday.
I underestimated the amount of material on the first three commandments, I would like to have this test by Friday. I realize that it would be on the same day as the Science test, but I really don't want to push it to next week.
In Social Studies we spent the time last week learning and writing about the United States flag. Ask you child
about a regulation or rule concerning the flag. Onward tomorrow with the American Revolution.
In Grammar we have been learning all about nouns. Next week we will have a test on them.
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