We will start back running!
We will be preparing for the CSTs starting Monday! Students will continue to have homework until the day before testing. They will not have homework during testing week.
Language Arts:
We will be working on Writing & Reviewing skills for the CST's
Math:
Review for CST's
Science:
New chapter: Matter (very important they need to know the Periodic Table)
Social Studies:
Westward Movement: We will begin our Westward Expansion simulation projects this week. This project is a big part of their grade. Most of the work will be done in class.
State Project:
Students will be giving their oral presentations for their States this week. On Monday I will give them their day and approximate time of presentation. If you would like to come in and observe you are welcome to do so.
TID & Egg Drop Project:
Monday and Tuesday we will be creating our parachutes for our eggs. We will be doing a trial run "without the eggs" on Tuesday so if anything needs to be adjusted to the project it can be done so before the actual drop on Wed. The actual
80-90 FT drop will be conducted on Wed by TID. We will be creating our projects on Monday so it is very important for all students to bring in all their materials for their projects ON MONDAY APRIL 12TH when we return from Spring Break. I will not be providing any materials. It is the student's responsibility to provide ALL materials.
If any parents would like to help I would greatly appreciate help both days (especially Tuesday, I anticipate most students will bring their supplies in on Tuesday) between 1:15 - 2:45 p.m.
If you have any questions please let me know.
Mrs. Schisnewski
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Changes in State Report Presentations
State Reports
The original plan was to have the students give the oral presentations of their state reports by the end of this week. I did not realize this was a short week and there were so many other school activities already planned for the students. We may have to wait to present the oral presentations of the state reports until we come back from Spring Break. I hope this does not break any students' hearts! If there are some absolute musts come see me and I will try to make some arrangements on Wednesday morning or Thursday at some point. Thank you for all of your understanding.
Mrs. Schisnewski
The original plan was to have the students give the oral presentations of their state reports by the end of this week. I did not realize this was a short week and there were so many other school activities already planned for the students. We may have to wait to present the oral presentations of the state reports until we come back from Spring Break. I hope this does not break any students' hearts! If there are some absolute musts come see me and I will try to make some arrangements on Wednesday morning or Thursday at some point. Thank you for all of your understanding.
Mrs. Schisnewski
Sunday, March 28, 2010
March 29th
Well it's the week before spring break!!!!!
I really think all the students (Including adults) are ready for spring break!
This week will sure fly by, but we do have a busy week!
Language Art:
We will not have any spelling words this week. We will finish up our benchmark testing and writing this week. We will also finish reading our novel "The Sign of the Beaver". The students will have a writing assignment as well as a test this week in class. They have really enjoyed the book. They will continue to have homework to read chapters throughout the week as well as illustrate in their journal.
Math:
We will be finishing up chapter 11 perimeters and areas. We will also be taking our test on that chapter this week as well. Please review perimeter and area with the students at home if possible. Their homework will be on this as well as review on fractions.
Social studies:
We will continue with Westward Movement.
State projects:
The state projects are DUE TUESDAY MARCH 30TH. The students will do their presentations on Wednesday and Thursday. If they would like to bring in something to share that is fine just remember it has to be store bought.
We also have another project coming up immediately following spring break, where I would really need and appreciate parent help. TID (Turlock Irrigation District) will be coordination a science experiment with Walnut's 5th graders. They will be creating an EGG DROP EXPERIMENT. The students need to create a "parachute" or device or protect their egg if it is dropped from several stories in height. This device needs to nestle their egg. It needs to be created by the student with items brought from home. We will be creating these "parachutes" the week we come back from spring break and DROPPING our eggs on April 14th. I will send more information on the Tuesday folders about this project, but students will need to bring their materials in this week, so that we can get started the Monday we get back.
This is where I need parent helpers. I would need parent helpers on Monday and Tuesday of the week we get back from Spring break (March 12th and March 13th) this would be in the afternoon from 1:15 to 2:30. Anybody that is willing to help is welcome. Any materials that you may have around the house that you may think may be creative to "nestle" an egg so it will survive a fall, send it on by.
One last note, we almost have enough money for our field trip to the space challenger in Atwater. If there is anybody that still has state-a-thon money that forgot to send it in and is still willing to donate it to our field trip we have until April 1st to pay for our Field trip.
Thank you again! If you have any questions please let me know. We are almost half way through our final trimester already. We are on the homestretch now. Let's make the best of it.
Mrs. Schisnewski
I really think all the students (Including adults) are ready for spring break!
This week will sure fly by, but we do have a busy week!
Language Art:
We will not have any spelling words this week. We will finish up our benchmark testing and writing this week. We will also finish reading our novel "The Sign of the Beaver". The students will have a writing assignment as well as a test this week in class. They have really enjoyed the book. They will continue to have homework to read chapters throughout the week as well as illustrate in their journal.
Math:
We will be finishing up chapter 11 perimeters and areas. We will also be taking our test on that chapter this week as well. Please review perimeter and area with the students at home if possible. Their homework will be on this as well as review on fractions.
Social studies:
We will continue with Westward Movement.
State projects:
The state projects are DUE TUESDAY MARCH 30TH. The students will do their presentations on Wednesday and Thursday. If they would like to bring in something to share that is fine just remember it has to be store bought.
We also have another project coming up immediately following spring break, where I would really need and appreciate parent help. TID (Turlock Irrigation District) will be coordination a science experiment with Walnut's 5th graders. They will be creating an EGG DROP EXPERIMENT. The students need to create a "parachute" or device or protect their egg if it is dropped from several stories in height. This device needs to nestle their egg. It needs to be created by the student with items brought from home. We will be creating these "parachutes" the week we come back from spring break and DROPPING our eggs on April 14th. I will send more information on the Tuesday folders about this project, but students will need to bring their materials in this week, so that we can get started the Monday we get back.
This is where I need parent helpers. I would need parent helpers on Monday and Tuesday of the week we get back from Spring break (March 12th and March 13th) this would be in the afternoon from 1:15 to 2:30. Anybody that is willing to help is welcome. Any materials that you may have around the house that you may think may be creative to "nestle" an egg so it will survive a fall, send it on by.
One last note, we almost have enough money for our field trip to the space challenger in Atwater. If there is anybody that still has state-a-thon money that forgot to send it in and is still willing to donate it to our field trip we have until April 1st to pay for our Field trip.
Thank you again! If you have any questions please let me know. We are almost half way through our final trimester already. We are on the homestretch now. Let's make the best of it.
Mrs. Schisnewski
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Week of March 22nd
We had a busy week last week!
Language Arts:
We started reading the new novel: Sign of the Beaver. The students are really enjoying this new novel. They are having homework on a daily basis of reading one or two chapter a night plus illustrating these chapters in their journals. In addition to the readings they will have one writing assignment a week as a homework assignment pertaining to the novel. The rest of the assignments with the novel will be in class. There will be vocabulary words assigned as we go through the chapters.
Spelling:
This week will be the last week for spelling words for a while due to Spring break, then due to CST testing. They will still be responsible for spelling in their regular writing and that is how their spelling grade will be determined.
Math:
We finished chapter 10. Most students enjoyed the geometrical project for the chapter. We will start chapter 11 this week. They have daily homework from their lessons in addition to lessons we are reviewing on fractions and other concepts getting ready for our testing. So many nights they may have 2 math pages for homework.
Science:
We finished our chapter on the Human Body (which the students enjoyed) this last week. We will start matter this coming week.
Social Studies:
We will continue learning about Westward Movement.
State Projects:
Many students turned in their rough drafts of their research and bibliography information on Tuesday and Friday of this week like is was due. There were still some that did not turn it in so I was unable to check and make sure it is being completed correctly. I do have a sample board in class if anybody is interested in looking at an example of a finished product. These projects are due on March 30th and NO LATE PROJECTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. The student's oral presentations will be done on April 1st and 2nd. If the students would like to bring something to share with the class that goes along with their state please let me know prior to their presentation so that I may make arrangements.
I have linked a site where you are able to download a map of each US state to help the students draw their state map.
P.E.
This week and next week we will be testing our students on their physical testing. They are required to run a mile. Please ensure they wear comfortable shoes for running.
If you have any questions please email me, stop by or call me.
Mrs. Schisnewksi
Language Arts:
We started reading the new novel: Sign of the Beaver. The students are really enjoying this new novel. They are having homework on a daily basis of reading one or two chapter a night plus illustrating these chapters in their journals. In addition to the readings they will have one writing assignment a week as a homework assignment pertaining to the novel. The rest of the assignments with the novel will be in class. There will be vocabulary words assigned as we go through the chapters.
Spelling:
This week will be the last week for spelling words for a while due to Spring break, then due to CST testing. They will still be responsible for spelling in their regular writing and that is how their spelling grade will be determined.
Math:
We finished chapter 10. Most students enjoyed the geometrical project for the chapter. We will start chapter 11 this week. They have daily homework from their lessons in addition to lessons we are reviewing on fractions and other concepts getting ready for our testing. So many nights they may have 2 math pages for homework.
Science:
We finished our chapter on the Human Body (which the students enjoyed) this last week. We will start matter this coming week.
Social Studies:
We will continue learning about Westward Movement.
State Projects:
Many students turned in their rough drafts of their research and bibliography information on Tuesday and Friday of this week like is was due. There were still some that did not turn it in so I was unable to check and make sure it is being completed correctly. I do have a sample board in class if anybody is interested in looking at an example of a finished product. These projects are due on March 30th and NO LATE PROJECTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. The student's oral presentations will be done on April 1st and 2nd. If the students would like to bring something to share with the class that goes along with their state please let me know prior to their presentation so that I may make arrangements.
I have linked a site where you are able to download a map of each US state to help the students draw their state map.
P.E.
This week and next week we will be testing our students on their physical testing. They are required to run a mile. Please ensure they wear comfortable shoes for running.
If you have any questions please email me, stop by or call me.
Mrs. Schisnewksi
Spelling Words March 22nd
liberties
victories
countries
spied
enemies
armies
scariest
dirtier
happiness
abilities
pitied
ladies
busier
duties
lilies
worthiness
tiniest
emptiness
replies
dizziness
unified
levied
colonies
loveliest
strategies
victories
countries
spied
enemies
armies
scariest
dirtier
happiness
abilities
pitied
ladies
busier
duties
lilies
worthiness
tiniest
emptiness
replies
dizziness
unified
levied
colonies
loveliest
strategies
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Rubric for Math Project Chapter 10
Geometry Project
Due: ____________
Directions: This will be an in-class project. Students will complete the project as described below as the final geometry assignment for Chapter 10.
Guidelines:
• Required geometric figures-
• 3 triangles – 1 equilateral, 1 scalene, 1 isosceles
• 4 different quadrilaterals – either a square or rectangle, 1 parallelogram, 1 rhombus, 1 trapezoid.
• 1 set of parallel lines – drawn in color
• 1 set of perpendicular lines – drawn in color
• 2 overlapping circles
After drawing the required figures diagonal lines will be drawn to create a “checkerboard” pattern. Students are to use a black felt-tipped marker to finish the checkerboard. The only color in the drawing is the parallel and perpendicular lines.
Rubric:
Triangles: _____/15
Quadrilaterals: _____/20
Parallel Lines: _____/5
Perpendicular Lines: _____/5
Overlapping Circles: _____/10
Neatness: _____/5
Student Name: ______________________________________
Parent Signature: ____________________________________
Due: ____________
Directions: This will be an in-class project. Students will complete the project as described below as the final geometry assignment for Chapter 10.
Guidelines:
• Required geometric figures-
• 3 triangles – 1 equilateral, 1 scalene, 1 isosceles
• 4 different quadrilaterals – either a square or rectangle, 1 parallelogram, 1 rhombus, 1 trapezoid.
• 1 set of parallel lines – drawn in color
• 1 set of perpendicular lines – drawn in color
• 2 overlapping circles
After drawing the required figures diagonal lines will be drawn to create a “checkerboard” pattern. Students are to use a black felt-tipped marker to finish the checkerboard. The only color in the drawing is the parallel and perpendicular lines.
Rubric:
Triangles: _____/15
Quadrilaterals: _____/20
Parallel Lines: _____/5
Perpendicular Lines: _____/5
Overlapping Circles: _____/10
Neatness: _____/5
Student Name: ______________________________________
Parent Signature: ____________________________________
Spelling Words March 15th
mountain
measure
treasure
vulture
culture
feature
fountain
furniture
creature
pleasure
captain
mixture
future
luncheon
adventure
departure
moisture
leisure
surgeon
architecture
lecture
texture
curtain
villain
pasture
measure
treasure
vulture
culture
feature
fountain
furniture
creature
pleasure
captain
mixture
future
luncheon
adventure
departure
moisture
leisure
surgeon
architecture
lecture
texture
curtain
villain
pasture
March 15th
Here is this week's tentative schedule:
Language Arts:
We will finish up Pioneer Girl in our anthology. Our test will be Tuesday. Students will need to write the entire definition to their vocabulary words so they need to know their words. They will also receive a study guide on Monday. They can take home their anthology, vocab words, and study guide home on Monday to study.
Tuesday we will start a new novel, "The Sign of the Beaver". This novel will be read in class. Most of the writing and the assignments will be done in class. However if the students wish they may take it home to reread the chapters at home to help them with comprehension. There will be vocabulary, comprehension questions, writing, oral discussion questions, and an in class project they will be completing. If they do not finish in class they could take these assignments home to complete. This novel will take several weeks to complete we are looking probably up to spring break.
We will continue with regular spelling words this week and next week.
Math:
We finished chapter 10. However instead of a chapter test the students will have an in class chapter project to complete. I will send home the rubric on Tuesday so that all of you may take a look at it. They began a rough draft of the project on Friday. It will be an in class project, they will have two days to complete it. It will be due on Thursday. I will also post the rubric.
We will start chapter 11 this week. It will be on perimeter and area.
Social Studies:
Not much has changed we are still on the same topic: Westward Movement.
I hope the State Reports are going well. The first part of the written portion is due this Tuesday the 16th. Make sure the students have been working on their projects at home and are ready to turn in their parts.
Science:
Our dissection went very well. We had a few students that stepped "outside" for fresh air, but for the most part the students enjoyed looking at the hearts and kidney. We will finish writing our paragraphs and start our next chapter on Matter in science.
P.E.
We have started our physical fitness testing. We will complete it before spring break. The students will have three tries to run the mile and do the required fitness exercises.
If you have any other questions please stop by, email me or call me. Thank you, Mrs. Schisnewski
Language Arts:
We will finish up Pioneer Girl in our anthology. Our test will be Tuesday. Students will need to write the entire definition to their vocabulary words so they need to know their words. They will also receive a study guide on Monday. They can take home their anthology, vocab words, and study guide home on Monday to study.
Tuesday we will start a new novel, "The Sign of the Beaver". This novel will be read in class. Most of the writing and the assignments will be done in class. However if the students wish they may take it home to reread the chapters at home to help them with comprehension. There will be vocabulary, comprehension questions, writing, oral discussion questions, and an in class project they will be completing. If they do not finish in class they could take these assignments home to complete. This novel will take several weeks to complete we are looking probably up to spring break.
We will continue with regular spelling words this week and next week.
Math:
We finished chapter 10. However instead of a chapter test the students will have an in class chapter project to complete. I will send home the rubric on Tuesday so that all of you may take a look at it. They began a rough draft of the project on Friday. It will be an in class project, they will have two days to complete it. It will be due on Thursday. I will also post the rubric.
We will start chapter 11 this week. It will be on perimeter and area.
Social Studies:
Not much has changed we are still on the same topic: Westward Movement.
I hope the State Reports are going well. The first part of the written portion is due this Tuesday the 16th. Make sure the students have been working on their projects at home and are ready to turn in their parts.
Science:
Our dissection went very well. We had a few students that stepped "outside" for fresh air, but for the most part the students enjoyed looking at the hearts and kidney. We will finish writing our paragraphs and start our next chapter on Matter in science.
P.E.
We have started our physical fitness testing. We will complete it before spring break. The students will have three tries to run the mile and do the required fitness exercises.
If you have any other questions please stop by, email me or call me. Thank you, Mrs. Schisnewski
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Spelling & Vocabulary Words March 8th
Spelling Words for Week of March 8th
dozen
justice
voyage
ashamed
forbid
program
native
message
language
respond
destroy
service
notice
relative
distance
adapt
carrot
discourage
knowledge
cooperative
captive
apprentice
spinach
somber
solid
Vocabulary words & Definitions for story: Pioneer Girl
claim- a piece of land claimed by a settler
convinced: caused to believe
discouraged: in low spirits and without hope
fertile: rich in material needed to grow healthy plants
heifer: a young cow
homestead: a farmhouse, its buildings, and the land it sits on
immigrants: people who leave their native country to settle in another country
prairie: a large area of flat or rolling grassland
sod: a chunk of grassy soil held together by matted roots
memoir: an account of the personal experiences of its author
dozen
justice
voyage
ashamed
forbid
program
native
message
language
respond
destroy
service
notice
relative
distance
adapt
carrot
discourage
knowledge
cooperative
captive
apprentice
spinach
somber
solid
Vocabulary words & Definitions for story: Pioneer Girl
claim- a piece of land claimed by a settler
convinced: caused to believe
discouraged: in low spirits and without hope
fertile: rich in material needed to grow healthy plants
heifer: a young cow
homestead: a farmhouse, its buildings, and the land it sits on
immigrants: people who leave their native country to settle in another country
prairie: a large area of flat or rolling grassland
sod: a chunk of grassy soil held together by matted roots
memoir: an account of the personal experiences of its author
March 8th
Students are working very hard this 3rd trimester! I am proud of them. Many of them are showing improvement in their reading and are showing more responsibility in their work! Great for them!
This is what will happen this week:
Language Arts:
This week we will start a new story in our anthology series: Pioneer Girl. Remind students they not only have to reread the story sot they are prepared prior to the test but also review the vocabulary words that go along with the story. Many of them forget to do this. I will post them this week. They will have homework pages from their practice book and pages they do not finish in class will also be homework.
Math:
We will be continuing chapter 10 this week. I anticipate we may finish by Friday if the students grasp all the concepts. We will have the Chapter 10 test next Tuesday March 16th. They seem to be doing very well. There will be a quiz on Tuesday (angles, degrees & lines) they will also have a math vocabulary quiz prior to the final chapter test. They should all have these vocabulary definitions written down in their math journals to study prior to the quiz.
Spelling:
I think some students forgot or got out of the routine of spelling test. Remind students to study for the practice tests on Wednesday and the final tests on Friday. If they receive 100% on Wednesday they do not need to retake the test on Friday.
Science:
We are almost finished with chapter 3-Human Body. We should be finished by next week. This week we will have one more guest speaker (Mr. Roberts) on Monday. Also on Friday we will be dissecting hearts and kidneys. Wish us luck!!!
Social Studies:
We are beginning our studies on Westward Movement. It will be a slow process and will continue well into April.
State Projects:
There have been a few questions on the state projects. If you would like to see a sample stop by any time and I have a sample in the class. Also most of the writing will be turned in on the pages that were given out and the due dates. The board itself will not have much writing except for the biography portion of the project. I want the students to think creatively and how they would be able to present this information to the class visually. They may label their drawings, write one or two sentences about their drawings. Think about how to relate the information they have gathered.
State-a-thon:
Thank you so much for all those families who were able to donate/contribute to our state-a-thon fund-raiser. We were able to raise almost 1/2 of the amount needed for our field trip. If you forgot or would still like to send in your state-a-thon donation/contribution money it is not too late to do so. We have until the end of March. We are still trying to see about funding for our trip.
Report Cards:
Report cards will go home on Tuesday. If you would like to meet to discuss them please call or email me to set up a time. I would be glad to meet with you.
Mrs. Schisnewski
This is what will happen this week:
Language Arts:
This week we will start a new story in our anthology series: Pioneer Girl. Remind students they not only have to reread the story sot they are prepared prior to the test but also review the vocabulary words that go along with the story. Many of them forget to do this. I will post them this week. They will have homework pages from their practice book and pages they do not finish in class will also be homework.
Math:
We will be continuing chapter 10 this week. I anticipate we may finish by Friday if the students grasp all the concepts. We will have the Chapter 10 test next Tuesday March 16th. They seem to be doing very well. There will be a quiz on Tuesday (angles, degrees & lines) they will also have a math vocabulary quiz prior to the final chapter test. They should all have these vocabulary definitions written down in their math journals to study prior to the quiz.
Spelling:
I think some students forgot or got out of the routine of spelling test. Remind students to study for the practice tests on Wednesday and the final tests on Friday. If they receive 100% on Wednesday they do not need to retake the test on Friday.
Science:
We are almost finished with chapter 3-Human Body. We should be finished by next week. This week we will have one more guest speaker (Mr. Roberts) on Monday. Also on Friday we will be dissecting hearts and kidneys. Wish us luck!!!
Social Studies:
We are beginning our studies on Westward Movement. It will be a slow process and will continue well into April.
State Projects:
There have been a few questions on the state projects. If you would like to see a sample stop by any time and I have a sample in the class. Also most of the writing will be turned in on the pages that were given out and the due dates. The board itself will not have much writing except for the biography portion of the project. I want the students to think creatively and how they would be able to present this information to the class visually. They may label their drawings, write one or two sentences about their drawings. Think about how to relate the information they have gathered.
State-a-thon:
Thank you so much for all those families who were able to donate/contribute to our state-a-thon fund-raiser. We were able to raise almost 1/2 of the amount needed for our field trip. If you forgot or would still like to send in your state-a-thon donation/contribution money it is not too late to do so. We have until the end of March. We are still trying to see about funding for our trip.
Report Cards:
Report cards will go home on Tuesday. If you would like to meet to discuss them please call or email me to set up a time. I would be glad to meet with you.
Mrs. Schisnewski
Friday, February 26, 2010
Spelling Words March 1st - 5th
Spelling Words March 1st - March 5th
unable
discover
report
disaster
unaware
remind
televise
television
inspect
inspection
react
reaction
tense
tension
correct
correction
promote
promotion
express
expression
inquiry
unnecessary
responsible
except
exception
****Remember 5 of the words will be used in a dictation sentence!!
unable
discover
report
disaster
unaware
remind
televise
television
inspect
inspection
react
reaction
tense
tension
correct
correction
promote
promotion
express
expression
inquiry
unnecessary
responsible
except
exception
****Remember 5 of the words will be used in a dictation sentence!!
March 1st
We are starting several new things this month:
Language Arts:
A new theme in our reading series "One Land Many Trails". This will tie in nicely with our social studies. We will go back to our old way of doing weekly spelling words. Just like we did prior to learning the states and capitals. This will start on Monday.
We will be reading one story from their anthology a week and they will have a test on Friday. We will do this for the next two or three weeks. We will also start another chapter book in class the middle of March that will go along with our Social Studies topic "The Sign of the Beaver". The students will also be required to do a writing essay on this book.
Social Studies:
We will begin talking about the Westward Movement. This will continue through the month of March and April. It will conclude with a play the first week of May.
The students also have been given their states for their home research projects. I will hand out the guidelines and rubric on Tuesday so it will go out with the Tuesday folder. Please sign the guideline and return the top page to class with the Tuesday folder. The students will be able to check out a state book from the school library in the next few weeks. They will however need to do the research at home along with the project.
Math:
We will also start Chapter 10 in our math books dealing with angles, identifying, measuring and drawing angles, triangles and quadrilaterals.
Science:
We will continue to learn about the Human Body. This will continue for a few more weeks until we wrap up this chapter. Thank you to Mrs. Bassi for coming and sharing your knowledge with our students! They really enjoyed learning about the digestive system and surgeries.
If there are any other parents that would love to come and share any special talents or hobbies with our students please me know. We would love to have you!
Homework
I know I have not been posting exact homework on this blog. My homework changes often due to how the students are learning on a daily basis. If the majority of the students are not understanding a concept I will not assign that specific homework. There are a few nights the students may not have a given homework, however they ALWAYS HAVE 20-30 MINUTES OF NIGHTLY READING they should be doing at home. In addition they usually have:
**one math page
**plus one additional assignment (spelling, grammar, science, etc)
**on occasions if they do not finish a class assignment
(they must take it home to finish and return the next day)
I hope this helps you to keep track on homework. All students should be writing down their homework assignments on the agendas.
Should you have any questions please stop by.
Mrs. Schisnewski
Language Arts:
A new theme in our reading series "One Land Many Trails". This will tie in nicely with our social studies. We will go back to our old way of doing weekly spelling words. Just like we did prior to learning the states and capitals. This will start on Monday.
We will be reading one story from their anthology a week and they will have a test on Friday. We will do this for the next two or three weeks. We will also start another chapter book in class the middle of March that will go along with our Social Studies topic "The Sign of the Beaver". The students will also be required to do a writing essay on this book.
Social Studies:
We will begin talking about the Westward Movement. This will continue through the month of March and April. It will conclude with a play the first week of May.
The students also have been given their states for their home research projects. I will hand out the guidelines and rubric on Tuesday so it will go out with the Tuesday folder. Please sign the guideline and return the top page to class with the Tuesday folder. The students will be able to check out a state book from the school library in the next few weeks. They will however need to do the research at home along with the project.
Math:
We will also start Chapter 10 in our math books dealing with angles, identifying, measuring and drawing angles, triangles and quadrilaterals.
Science:
We will continue to learn about the Human Body. This will continue for a few more weeks until we wrap up this chapter. Thank you to Mrs. Bassi for coming and sharing your knowledge with our students! They really enjoyed learning about the digestive system and surgeries.
If there are any other parents that would love to come and share any special talents or hobbies with our students please me know. We would love to have you!
Homework
I know I have not been posting exact homework on this blog. My homework changes often due to how the students are learning on a daily basis. If the majority of the students are not understanding a concept I will not assign that specific homework. There are a few nights the students may not have a given homework, however they ALWAYS HAVE 20-30 MINUTES OF NIGHTLY READING they should be doing at home. In addition they usually have:
**one math page
**plus one additional assignment (spelling, grammar, science, etc)
**on occasions if they do not finish a class assignment
(they must take it home to finish and return the next day)
I hope this helps you to keep track on homework. All students should be writing down their homework assignments on the agendas.
Should you have any questions please stop by.
Mrs. Schisnewski
Sunday, February 21, 2010
3rd Trimester
Well the 3rd Trimester is here!
We will have a busy six weeks before spring break (can you believe it?)
This week we will continue with the following themes:
Language Arts:
Wrapping up Theme 4 Relationships - we will have District benchmark testing this week.
Math:
Finishing chapter 9-Percents,decimals, fractions and probability.
We will also have District benchmark testing this week
Science:
Continue learning about The Human Body and the major organ systems. Students will have a mini-quiz after studying each system. Next system we are studying starting Monday: Circulatory System,
Wednesday/Thursday Respiratory System
Next week Monday Excretory System
The days are approximate depending if we finish covering the material, many times students have many questions and they are very interested so it takes longer.
Social Studies:
We will begin introducing Westward Expansion. This will be a topic we will cover well into April.
State-a-thon:
If you would still like to send in the envelopes for the state-a-thon fund raiser please do so this week. So far I have had 6 students turn in their envelopes.
Electives:
We are approaching the last rotation of electives. They will start March 2nd.
Classroom Changes:
I will be implementing a new behavior card/contract starting this week until the end of the year. I am trying to get the students ready for 6th grade and I know I have been a little relaxed about classroom policies. We (students and I) discussed a new "RED CARD" system. A student will get issued a red card for certain infractions (such as in soccer). These infractions are: no homework, disrespectful, talking during a lesson, etc. If a student receives a red card they need to take it home, have a parent sign it and return it back the following day. If they forget to have it signed and return the card they will get another red card the following day. If they get three in a week (three strikes you're out) the student will get lunch detention. If someone should get three red cards in one day they will visit either the vice principal or the principal that day.
Students are getting pretty relaxed in the classroom and are "chatting" more than usual. This is causing for a lot more distractions and less work being accomplished. I am hoping this new procedure will help the students focus back on classwork. Thank you ahead of time for understanding and supporting this new change.
State Reports:
As many of you may know a requirement for 5th grade is for each student to do a research project on a US state. This will be a "HOME PROJECT". I will hand out the guidelines and rubrics by the end of next week. The students will have approximately 3 weeks to work on their projects. They will choose their states by the end of this coming week.
Physical Education:
This month we will also be doing our physical education testing. So girls, please if possible try to make sure you either bring a pair of tennis shoes to switch into at school or wear tennis shoes to school, it is more comfortable in which to run.
If you have any questions please feel free to stop by, email me or call.
Mrs. Schisnewski
We will have a busy six weeks before spring break (can you believe it?)
This week we will continue with the following themes:
Language Arts:
Wrapping up Theme 4 Relationships - we will have District benchmark testing this week.
Math:
Finishing chapter 9-Percents,decimals, fractions and probability.
We will also have District benchmark testing this week
Science:
Continue learning about The Human Body and the major organ systems. Students will have a mini-quiz after studying each system. Next system we are studying starting Monday: Circulatory System,
Wednesday/Thursday Respiratory System
Next week Monday Excretory System
The days are approximate depending if we finish covering the material, many times students have many questions and they are very interested so it takes longer.
Social Studies:
We will begin introducing Westward Expansion. This will be a topic we will cover well into April.
State-a-thon:
If you would still like to send in the envelopes for the state-a-thon fund raiser please do so this week. So far I have had 6 students turn in their envelopes.
Electives:
We are approaching the last rotation of electives. They will start March 2nd.
Classroom Changes:
I will be implementing a new behavior card/contract starting this week until the end of the year. I am trying to get the students ready for 6th grade and I know I have been a little relaxed about classroom policies. We (students and I) discussed a new "RED CARD" system. A student will get issued a red card for certain infractions (such as in soccer). These infractions are: no homework, disrespectful, talking during a lesson, etc. If a student receives a red card they need to take it home, have a parent sign it and return it back the following day. If they forget to have it signed and return the card they will get another red card the following day. If they get three in a week (three strikes you're out) the student will get lunch detention. If someone should get three red cards in one day they will visit either the vice principal or the principal that day.
Students are getting pretty relaxed in the classroom and are "chatting" more than usual. This is causing for a lot more distractions and less work being accomplished. I am hoping this new procedure will help the students focus back on classwork. Thank you ahead of time for understanding and supporting this new change.
State Reports:
As many of you may know a requirement for 5th grade is for each student to do a research project on a US state. This will be a "HOME PROJECT". I will hand out the guidelines and rubrics by the end of next week. The students will have approximately 3 weeks to work on their projects. They will choose their states by the end of this coming week.
Physical Education:
This month we will also be doing our physical education testing. So girls, please if possible try to make sure you either bring a pair of tennis shoes to switch into at school or wear tennis shoes to school, it is more comfortable in which to run.
If you have any questions please feel free to stop by, email me or call.
Mrs. Schisnewski
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Next Week's Assignment
We finished our novel Riding Freedom earlier than anticipated. The students really enjoyed the story and were really enthusiastic about finishing the book. It was exciting to see them enjoy their learning!
So we will be able to work on some of the writing of the 5 paragraphs in class as well. They will still need to do the assignment at home, but the brainstorming, guidance on ideas and how to structure their paragraphs how to take examples from the book, where to find examples from the book, etc... will be done in class. So the students will bring home daily notes which they can then use to write that paragraph.
Starting tomorrow we will do a paragraph in class.
Wed (Feb 10th) - Paragraph #3 Plot
Tues (Feb. 16th) -Paragraph#4 Relationships
Wed (Feb. 17th) - Paragraph #1 - Characters
Thursday (Feb. 18th)Paragraph #2- Setting
Paragraph #5- Your Thought and Ideas - will be on their own since this is mostly their own opinion. Of course if they want to work on it this weekend over the 5 day break and bring in a rough draft I would be glad to look at it and make suggestions and/or corrections.
The entire essay will be due Friday Feb. 19, 2010, written in their handwriting.
If you have any questions regarding this assignment please email me at the school email dschisnewski@turlock.k12.ca.us , call me, or stop by. I will be glad to try to answer any questions.
Thank you.
So we will be able to work on some of the writing of the 5 paragraphs in class as well. They will still need to do the assignment at home, but the brainstorming, guidance on ideas and how to structure their paragraphs how to take examples from the book, where to find examples from the book, etc... will be done in class. So the students will bring home daily notes which they can then use to write that paragraph.
Starting tomorrow we will do a paragraph in class.
Wed (Feb 10th) - Paragraph #3 Plot
Tues (Feb. 16th) -Paragraph#4 Relationships
Wed (Feb. 17th) - Paragraph #1 - Characters
Thursday (Feb. 18th)Paragraph #2- Setting
Paragraph #5- Your Thought and Ideas - will be on their own since this is mostly their own opinion. Of course if they want to work on it this weekend over the 5 day break and bring in a rough draft I would be glad to look at it and make suggestions and/or corrections.
The entire essay will be due Friday Feb. 19, 2010, written in their handwriting.
If you have any questions regarding this assignment please email me at the school email dschisnewski@turlock.k12.ca.us , call me, or stop by. I will be glad to try to answer any questions.
Thank you.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Riding Freedom Writing Rubric
Here is the Rubric for our novel:
Riding Freedom
5 Paragraph Essay
Riding Freedom (Historical Fiction)
By Pam Ryan Muñoz
Due Date: _Feb. 19, 2010_______
All students are reading Riding Freedom in class. If they wish they may take the book home to review the story or reread any section.
We will finish the novel by __Feb. 10th_________.
A comprehension test will be given on ____Feb. 15th__________. Riding Freedom provides a point of view from a young orphaned girl growing up in the 1800’s. She established relationships with several individuals while running away from an orphanage and trying to survive. She is a strong willed girl and grows up to become a strong woman, all while disguised as “a man”. The story leads into the westward movement when Charley moves to California, and becomes the first woman to ever vote.
Purpose:
Essay: A five paragraph essay will be written and must include the following elements:
Paragraph 1: Describe the main character, Charolette (Charley), and one other character of your choosing. Use details from the story describe the character’s appearance, personality, strengths and weaknesses. You may use quotes from the story. (8-10 sentences)
Paragraph 2: Choose one of the settings of the story that you will illustrated on your drawing, describe this setting, telling the time period, and location as well. Explain why the setting is important to the story. (5-7 sentences)
Paragraph 3: Describe the plot of the story using sequence of events. This should be the main part of the story. What was the story about, what were a few major events? The final sentence of this paragraph should describe Charley’s main problem.
(8-10 sentences)
Paragraph 4: Describe how Charley developed her relationship to one of the other characters in the story. Tell why it was important to Charley and how it developed Charley’s personality and character in the story. Use examples and quotes from the story. (8-10 sentences)
Paragraph 5: Describe your thoughts and feelings about the story. Did you enjoy it? Why or why not? Would you recommend it? Why? Did the writing move you? Would you read another book by this author? This paragraph is where you discuss your thoughts and feelings about the book. Use your journal to write your comments or quotes from the book. (5-7 sentences)
Poster: Draw a picture to show the relationship Charley had with another character in the story Riding Freedom. This should be the same character from your essay. It should be well drawn and colored. Include the names of the characters.
Essay Rubric
_____ Paragraph One (15 points) …Characters are fully described listing important physical and personality traits, strengths and weaknesses.
_____ Paragraph Two (10 points) …Setting is fully described as well as explaining the setting’s importance to the story.
_____ Paragraph Three (15 points) …Using sequence of events explain the plot of the story. Be sure to include the main problem.
_____ Paragraph Four (15 points) …Describe the relationship between Charley and another character. It should be well defined and detailed.
_____ Paragraph Five (10 points) …Describe your thoughts and feelings about the story.
_____ Spelling/mechanics throughout essay (10 points) _____ Use of quotes and examples from story (5 points)
_____ Use of Descriptive writing (similes, adjectives, metaphors, descriptive language, etc )
_____ Drawing (15 points) Include main character and 2nd character, should be well drawn and colored.
_____100 Points Total Score
Riding Freedom
5 Paragraph Essay
Riding Freedom (Historical Fiction)
By Pam Ryan Muñoz
Due Date: _Feb. 19, 2010_______
All students are reading Riding Freedom in class. If they wish they may take the book home to review the story or reread any section.
We will finish the novel by __Feb. 10th_________.
A comprehension test will be given on ____Feb. 15th__________. Riding Freedom provides a point of view from a young orphaned girl growing up in the 1800’s. She established relationships with several individuals while running away from an orphanage and trying to survive. She is a strong willed girl and grows up to become a strong woman, all while disguised as “a man”. The story leads into the westward movement when Charley moves to California, and becomes the first woman to ever vote.
Purpose:
Essay: A five paragraph essay will be written and must include the following elements:
Paragraph 1: Describe the main character, Charolette (Charley), and one other character of your choosing. Use details from the story describe the character’s appearance, personality, strengths and weaknesses. You may use quotes from the story. (8-10 sentences)
Paragraph 2: Choose one of the settings of the story that you will illustrated on your drawing, describe this setting, telling the time period, and location as well. Explain why the setting is important to the story. (5-7 sentences)
Paragraph 3: Describe the plot of the story using sequence of events. This should be the main part of the story. What was the story about, what were a few major events? The final sentence of this paragraph should describe Charley’s main problem.
(8-10 sentences)
Paragraph 4: Describe how Charley developed her relationship to one of the other characters in the story. Tell why it was important to Charley and how it developed Charley’s personality and character in the story. Use examples and quotes from the story. (8-10 sentences)
Paragraph 5: Describe your thoughts and feelings about the story. Did you enjoy it? Why or why not? Would you recommend it? Why? Did the writing move you? Would you read another book by this author? This paragraph is where you discuss your thoughts and feelings about the book. Use your journal to write your comments or quotes from the book. (5-7 sentences)
Poster: Draw a picture to show the relationship Charley had with another character in the story Riding Freedom. This should be the same character from your essay. It should be well drawn and colored. Include the names of the characters.
Essay Rubric
_____ Paragraph One (15 points) …Characters are fully described listing important physical and personality traits, strengths and weaknesses.
_____ Paragraph Two (10 points) …Setting is fully described as well as explaining the setting’s importance to the story.
_____ Paragraph Three (15 points) …Using sequence of events explain the plot of the story. Be sure to include the main problem.
_____ Paragraph Four (15 points) …Describe the relationship between Charley and another character. It should be well defined and detailed.
_____ Paragraph Five (10 points) …Describe your thoughts and feelings about the story.
_____ Spelling/mechanics throughout essay (10 points) _____ Use of quotes and examples from story (5 points)
_____ Use of Descriptive writing (similes, adjectives, metaphors, descriptive language, etc )
_____ Drawing (15 points) Include main character and 2nd character, should be well drawn and colored.
_____100 Points Total Score
Short Week
This week will be extremely short, only 3 days!
We are only weeks away from ending the 2nd trimester. We still have a few projects which we are trying to finish and the students are working hard to do so.
I will not give out much homework this week because I would like the students to study for their 50 states and capitals test. So I want them to focus on that this week.
Here is this week's tentative schedule:
Language Arts:
We are finishing up our novel: Riding Freedom. We will finish by Wed. the students are keeping their notes on vocabulary, quotes, setting, characters, etc which will help them on their final writing assignment. I am posting the rubric on this blog now and will give them a paper copy on Monday.
Math:
We finished Chapter 8:Ratios last week (short chapter) but will continue to review the concepts. We are starting chapter 9 decimals, fractions and percents. This chapter will be approx. 2 weeks long.
Science:
We finished Chapter 2:
Leaves and Trees this week. The students had a blast looking through microscopes and coloring flowers with dye to watch them change color. They will turn in their Chapter 2 folders in on Monday with all their assignments to be graded. We will start chapter 3:The Human Body (Body Systems) on Monday.
Social Studies:
I am very proud of our students, many are doing very well on their states and capitals. We will have our final 50 states and capitals test on Wednesday. We will not have a pre-test.
State-a-thon
The final state-a-thon is due on Feb. 19th. I hope everyone is doing well with this fundraiser. I hope we do well so we can all go to the Space Challenger in the spring.
Crab Feed:
Mrs. Ocaranza found a chair for our project. The students will be writing their motto on tracing paper and drawing a logo. Mrs. Ocaranza will then pain the chair and decoupage the mottos and logos on the chair so it is ready for the auction. Thank you so much for your help! So remember Feb. 19th is the crab feed, there is still time to buy your tickets.
We are only weeks away from ending the 2nd trimester. We still have a few projects which we are trying to finish and the students are working hard to do so.
I will not give out much homework this week because I would like the students to study for their 50 states and capitals test. So I want them to focus on that this week.
Here is this week's tentative schedule:
Language Arts:
We are finishing up our novel: Riding Freedom. We will finish by Wed. the students are keeping their notes on vocabulary, quotes, setting, characters, etc which will help them on their final writing assignment. I am posting the rubric on this blog now and will give them a paper copy on Monday.
Math:
We finished Chapter 8:Ratios last week (short chapter) but will continue to review the concepts. We are starting chapter 9 decimals, fractions and percents. This chapter will be approx. 2 weeks long.
Science:
We finished Chapter 2:
Leaves and Trees this week. The students had a blast looking through microscopes and coloring flowers with dye to watch them change color. They will turn in their Chapter 2 folders in on Monday with all their assignments to be graded. We will start chapter 3:The Human Body (Body Systems) on Monday.
Social Studies:
I am very proud of our students, many are doing very well on their states and capitals. We will have our final 50 states and capitals test on Wednesday. We will not have a pre-test.
State-a-thon
The final state-a-thon is due on Feb. 19th. I hope everyone is doing well with this fundraiser. I hope we do well so we can all go to the Space Challenger in the spring.
Crab Feed:
Mrs. Ocaranza found a chair for our project. The students will be writing their motto on tracing paper and drawing a logo. Mrs. Ocaranza will then pain the chair and decoupage the mottos and logos on the chair so it is ready for the auction. Thank you so much for your help! So remember Feb. 19th is the crab feed, there is still time to buy your tickets.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Wow February is Here!!!
February is here already and we only have 3 weeks left of the trimester!
The trimester will end February 19th, so we are busy finishing up many projects.
New Post to help with this week's science lesson: Tree Life go to the site click on the right hand side find "Tree Life" read all about the life of a tree, it will help you on the test.
This is what we will be doing this week.
Language Arts: We will start a new novel "Riding Freedom". Some assignments will be in class as well as additional assignments to do at home. They will have a final written paper due when the novel is complete. This will be before the end of the trimester.
Spelling/Social Studies: We are on our last round of states and capitals. Some students are finding it a bit more difficult. This week we will be learning the Eastern states. Next week we will test all 50 states (Wed. Feb. 10th). Hawaii and Alaska will be included in the final 50 states.
Math: We will start Chapter 8 Ratios and Probability. This chapter will be short and quick. However we will continue to review fractions (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) on a daily basis.
Science: We will be finishing up Chapter 2 by next Wed. We will have a short 10 vocabulary word quiz on Tues from Ch. 2 Lesson 1, then another on Friday from Ch. 2 lessons 2 & 3. The final Chapter 2 test will be next week.
PE: As 5th graders we are tested in physical fitness. This is a requirement by the state. All 5th graders are tested on: running a mile, push ups, and curl ups (sit ups). We will be practicing for these exercises so please make sure to wear proper shoes.
State Projects: As many of you know students will be writing and creating a "state project" in 5th grade. The students will get their states by the end of February. They will have approximately 4 weeks to work on their projects. Some of the information and writings may be done in class much will be a home research project. They will have access to some books at the school library, but it is encouraged they find other sources as well. I will send out more information by the end of February.
Other information:
I hope everyone is doing well on our STATE -A - THON spring is almost here and we hope to raise enough money to go on our field trip. In addition to the state-a-thon the recycling is still continuing so keep sending the bottles and cans.
If you would like to meet to discuss 2nd trimester goals/grades please let me know so that we could set up a meeting. I would be glad to meet with you and discuss your son/daughter's progress.
I realized this last week that some parents were sending emails to the gmail account linked to this web page. I did not realize those emails were there. I apologize I never responded to you but I did not know you were trying to get a hold of me. If you need to contact me the best email is the email at school dschisnewski@turlock.k1.ca.us I check that email on a daily basis. Or you may stop by anytime.
Monday will be Jump Rope for Heart, please send your pledge sheets in. This will also be the day Walnut will be trying to break the Genis World Book of Records for the most people jumping rope at the same time. So come and join us if you would like. We will start jumping promptly at 9:00 a.m. along with "ALL OF CALIFORNIA"
If you have any other questions please stop by or email me.
The trimester will end February 19th, so we are busy finishing up many projects.
New Post to help with this week's science lesson: Tree Life go to the site click on the right hand side find "Tree Life" read all about the life of a tree, it will help you on the test.
This is what we will be doing this week.
Language Arts: We will start a new novel "Riding Freedom". Some assignments will be in class as well as additional assignments to do at home. They will have a final written paper due when the novel is complete. This will be before the end of the trimester.
Spelling/Social Studies: We are on our last round of states and capitals. Some students are finding it a bit more difficult. This week we will be learning the Eastern states. Next week we will test all 50 states (Wed. Feb. 10th). Hawaii and Alaska will be included in the final 50 states.
Math: We will start Chapter 8 Ratios and Probability. This chapter will be short and quick. However we will continue to review fractions (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) on a daily basis.
Science: We will be finishing up Chapter 2 by next Wed. We will have a short 10 vocabulary word quiz on Tues from Ch. 2 Lesson 1, then another on Friday from Ch. 2 lessons 2 & 3. The final Chapter 2 test will be next week.
PE: As 5th graders we are tested in physical fitness. This is a requirement by the state. All 5th graders are tested on: running a mile, push ups, and curl ups (sit ups). We will be practicing for these exercises so please make sure to wear proper shoes.
State Projects: As many of you know students will be writing and creating a "state project" in 5th grade. The students will get their states by the end of February. They will have approximately 4 weeks to work on their projects. Some of the information and writings may be done in class much will be a home research project. They will have access to some books at the school library, but it is encouraged they find other sources as well. I will send out more information by the end of February.
Other information:
I hope everyone is doing well on our STATE -A - THON spring is almost here and we hope to raise enough money to go on our field trip. In addition to the state-a-thon the recycling is still continuing so keep sending the bottles and cans.
If you would like to meet to discuss 2nd trimester goals/grades please let me know so that we could set up a meeting. I would be glad to meet with you and discuss your son/daughter's progress.
I realized this last week that some parents were sending emails to the gmail account linked to this web page. I did not realize those emails were there. I apologize I never responded to you but I did not know you were trying to get a hold of me. If you need to contact me the best email is the email at school dschisnewski@turlock.k1.ca.us I check that email on a daily basis. Or you may stop by anytime.
Monday will be Jump Rope for Heart, please send your pledge sheets in. This will also be the day Walnut will be trying to break the Genis World Book of Records for the most people jumping rope at the same time. So come and join us if you would like. We will start jumping promptly at 9:00 a.m. along with "ALL OF CALIFORNIA"
If you have any other questions please stop by or email me.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Week of Jan. 19th
This week will be a short week but very routine.
Math:
We will finish up chapter 7 in math -Integers, coordinates, and algebra expressions. The children may need a little help with the algebra expressions using addition and subtraction -- example: a + 5 = 13 solve using subtraction and a - 8 = 7 solve using addition.
Language Arts:
We will start our new story: My Mom's Best Friend from our anthology. They will have vocabulary words this week and practice pages to do in class and for homework this week and next week, we will have a test next week.
Spelling/Social Studies
We will continue our states with our Great Plains States (16 states & capitals). The students are doing a wonderful job learning their states and capitals. I can tell you are working with them at home! Keep up the great work!!
Science:
We finished up Lesson 1-Cells of Chapter 1 in our Science book. We will combine Lesson 2 and 3 together (short lessons) - Living Organisms this week. These lessons will take us approx. 2 weeks to complete. We will have class work, homework, and lab sheets students will need to complete within the two weeks. They will have a quiz this Friday simply on VOCABULARY. Then a test next week on Lesson 2 & 3.
Reading:
We only have about 5 weeks left of the trimester. Students remember keep reading, writing your summaries for your books and taking your AR tests. Your goals are set and you only have a few weeks left to meet those goals!! So keep reading, reading, reading!
Keep sending the recycling bottles and cans. We are doing well with our fund raising. I hope all is going well with the state-a-thon. We will have the final state test on Feb. 10th and the money will be due on Feb. 19th.
Thanks,
Mrs. Schisnewski
Math:
We will finish up chapter 7 in math -Integers, coordinates, and algebra expressions. The children may need a little help with the algebra expressions using addition and subtraction -- example: a + 5 = 13 solve using subtraction and a - 8 = 7 solve using addition.
Language Arts:
We will start our new story: My Mom's Best Friend from our anthology. They will have vocabulary words this week and practice pages to do in class and for homework this week and next week, we will have a test next week.
Spelling/Social Studies
We will continue our states with our Great Plains States (16 states & capitals). The students are doing a wonderful job learning their states and capitals. I can tell you are working with them at home! Keep up the great work!!
Science:
We finished up Lesson 1-Cells of Chapter 1 in our Science book. We will combine Lesson 2 and 3 together (short lessons) - Living Organisms this week. These lessons will take us approx. 2 weeks to complete. We will have class work, homework, and lab sheets students will need to complete within the two weeks. They will have a quiz this Friday simply on VOCABULARY. Then a test next week on Lesson 2 & 3.
Reading:
We only have about 5 weeks left of the trimester. Students remember keep reading, writing your summaries for your books and taking your AR tests. Your goals are set and you only have a few weeks left to meet those goals!! So keep reading, reading, reading!
Keep sending the recycling bottles and cans. We are doing well with our fund raising. I hope all is going well with the state-a-thon. We will have the final state test on Feb. 10th and the money will be due on Feb. 19th.
Thanks,
Mrs. Schisnewski
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Getting Back to Work!!!
Well we are getting right back to work.
This week was very difficult not only for me for many of the students as well. Many of them were tired, sleepy and not wanting to get into the routine, but by Wednesday they jumped right into the groove.
All of them are enjoying our science unit as well as the states and capitals (although not the testing portion of the learning).
This week we will continue with our animal and plant cells. We will visit the science lab to look at crickets under microscopes as well as a few other small surprises. We will also learn the central US states. We will continue our anthology story "Mariah Keeps Cool" culminating with a test on Wednesday. We are about half way through chapter 7 in our math book as well. Here is what our week looks like. I also thank you in advance for being patient with me if homework changes, last week it did because of testing. Things come up and we may not get to a lesson and I do not like to assign a homework assignment if I have not taught that concept. If you have questions email me or do not hesitate to call or stop by.
Tentative homework and class work for this week:
Monday
Language Arts- Read for 20 min
–this could be studying your anthology story “Mariah Keeps Her Cool” for our test this week.
Practice Book page : If not finished in class pg. 200 & 201 is HW
Math: Lesson 7.4 multiplying Integers and review adding and subtracting Integers
Spelling: Study central states and capitals!
Science: Chapter 1;Lesson 1 – animal cells just make sure you are keeping up with your studying and questions from your folder in class
Tues.
Language Arts- Read for 20 min (study story and vocab at home) test on Wednesday
Math: one page Lesson 7-6 dividing integers
Spelling: Study States and Capitals for pre-test tomorrow
Science: Continue studying Chapter 1; Lesson 1 outline and vocabulary continue working on outline and chapter questions from your folder in class
Wed.
Language Arts- Read for 20 min
Math: Review multiplying and dividing integers quiz on Thursday.
Spelling: Practice States and Capitals
Science: Study and Read Chapter 1; Lesson 1 outline and study vocabulary
Thurs
Language Arts- Read for 20 min
Math: Begin lesson 7.7
Spelling: Study for States and Capitals Test tomorrow
Science: Finish Chapter 1; Lesson 1 outline and questions YOUR COMPLETE SCIENCE FOLDER IS DUE TOMORROW WITH ALL PAPERS COMPLETE!!!! (the one we have been working on in class).
Several parents have asked me to post a schedule of the states and the dates for the tests so here it is:
Friday January 8, 2010 Western States & Capitals (18)
Friday January 15, 2010 Central States & Capitals (16)
Friday January 22, 2010 Great Plains States & Capitals (16)
Friday January 29, 2010 Southern States & Capitals (22)
Friday February 5, 2010 Eastern States & Capitals (24)
Wednesday February 10th All 50 States & Capitals including Alaska and Hawaii.
I would also like to thank all of you who have sent recycling plastic bottles and aluminum cans, we have approx. $100 so far. I also hope the State-a-thon is going well and you are encouraging your son/daughter to do well in this exciting fundraiser for our great field trip. All our students are very excited and I hope we can all make it possible.
D. Schisnewski
This week was very difficult not only for me for many of the students as well. Many of them were tired, sleepy and not wanting to get into the routine, but by Wednesday they jumped right into the groove.
All of them are enjoying our science unit as well as the states and capitals (although not the testing portion of the learning).
This week we will continue with our animal and plant cells. We will visit the science lab to look at crickets under microscopes as well as a few other small surprises. We will also learn the central US states. We will continue our anthology story "Mariah Keeps Cool" culminating with a test on Wednesday. We are about half way through chapter 7 in our math book as well. Here is what our week looks like. I also thank you in advance for being patient with me if homework changes, last week it did because of testing. Things come up and we may not get to a lesson and I do not like to assign a homework assignment if I have not taught that concept. If you have questions email me or do not hesitate to call or stop by.
Tentative homework and class work for this week:
Monday
Language Arts- Read for 20 min
–this could be studying your anthology story “Mariah Keeps Her Cool” for our test this week.
Practice Book page : If not finished in class pg. 200 & 201 is HW
Math: Lesson 7.4 multiplying Integers and review adding and subtracting Integers
Spelling: Study central states and capitals!
Science: Chapter 1;Lesson 1 – animal cells just make sure you are keeping up with your studying and questions from your folder in class
Tues.
Language Arts- Read for 20 min (study story and vocab at home) test on Wednesday
Math: one page Lesson 7-6 dividing integers
Spelling: Study States and Capitals for pre-test tomorrow
Science: Continue studying Chapter 1; Lesson 1 outline and vocabulary continue working on outline and chapter questions from your folder in class
Wed.
Language Arts- Read for 20 min
Math: Review multiplying and dividing integers quiz on Thursday.
Spelling: Practice States and Capitals
Science: Study and Read Chapter 1; Lesson 1 outline and study vocabulary
Thurs
Language Arts- Read for 20 min
Math: Begin lesson 7.7
Spelling: Study for States and Capitals Test tomorrow
Science: Finish Chapter 1; Lesson 1 outline and questions YOUR COMPLETE SCIENCE FOLDER IS DUE TOMORROW WITH ALL PAPERS COMPLETE!!!! (the one we have been working on in class).
Several parents have asked me to post a schedule of the states and the dates for the tests so here it is:
Friday January 8, 2010 Western States & Capitals (18)
Friday January 15, 2010 Central States & Capitals (16)
Friday January 22, 2010 Great Plains States & Capitals (16)
Friday January 29, 2010 Southern States & Capitals (22)
Friday February 5, 2010 Eastern States & Capitals (24)
Wednesday February 10th All 50 States & Capitals including Alaska and Hawaii.
I would also like to thank all of you who have sent recycling plastic bottles and aluminum cans, we have approx. $100 so far. I also hope the State-a-thon is going well and you are encouraging your son/daughter to do well in this exciting fundraiser for our great field trip. All our students are very excited and I hope we can all make it possible.
D. Schisnewski
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Happy New Year!
I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday break! We will begin full force ahead this month. We have many subjects to cover and it seems that the end of the second trimester is just around the corner (end of February)!
**We will finish up our benchmark testing this week and begin unit 4 in our language arts anthology.
**Math we will start Chapter 7 Integers and by the end of the week we will already have a short quiz on the first three lessons.
** In science we will begin studying plant and animal cells. Students will learn how to outline information and vocabulary dealing with life science. Hopefully we will create our own "cell" replica by the end of our unit.
** Our biggest project is our States and Capitals project. We will begin studying our states and capitals. Students will need to know all 50 states and capitals. We will start this week. Instead of spelling words I have divided the US stated into regions and those will be their spelling words. THEY MUST SPELL THEM CORRECTLY AND LOCATE THEM ON THE U.S. MAP!
** Finally they will have a final state report to do. The report will be due in late February early March. We will be working on some of the information in class but much of it will have to be done at home as well. This report is a big part of their grade. I will post the rubric and guidelines as well as more information soon.
As for this week's Homework:
There will be a lot going on and it may be difficult for many to get adjusted to the school schedule once again. Homework is tentative it could change if students to not understand a concept I will not assign a homework with that concept for independent work. Look for changes on your child's agenda.
Monday
Language Arts- Read for 20 min
–this could be the end of our story “Mariah Keeps Her Cool”
PB(Grammar Practice Book) – Pg. 197
- If you didn’t finish vocabulary in class finish at home
Math: New Chapter 7-Integers HM pg from WB (workbook) Lesson 7-1
Spelling: Study 1st region of states and capitals!
Science: Chapter 1;Lesson 1
- If you didn’t finish vocabulary definitions in class finish at home by Wednesday.
Tues.
Language Arts- Read for 20 min (study story and vocab at home)
PB- HW Pg. 198 & 199 If not finished in class PB pg. 200 & 201 is HW
Math: Pg. WB pg. Lesson 7-2 adding integers
Spelling: Study States and Capitals for pre-test.
Science: Continue studying Chapter 1; Lesson 1 outline and vocabulary
Wed.
Language Arts- Read for 20 min
PB – HW Pg. 202 & 203
Math: Pg. Lesson 7-3 but homework will be review on lessons 7-1 thru 7-2.
Spelling: Practice States and Capitals
Science: Study and Read Chapter 1; Lesson 1 outline and study vocabulary
Quiz on Vocabulary tomorrow!
Thurs
Language Arts- Read for 20 min
PB- HW Pg. 208 & 209 If not finished in class PB pg. 207 it is HW
Math: Pg. Study for Math Quiz tomorrow Integers lessons 7-1 thru 7-3:
Adding and Subtracting Integers
Spelling: Study for States and Capitals Test tomorrow
Science: Finish Chapter 1; Lesson 1 outline.
If not finished it will be homework.
If you have any questions please email me or stop by and see me anytime.
**We will finish up our benchmark testing this week and begin unit 4 in our language arts anthology.
**Math we will start Chapter 7 Integers and by the end of the week we will already have a short quiz on the first three lessons.
** In science we will begin studying plant and animal cells. Students will learn how to outline information and vocabulary dealing with life science. Hopefully we will create our own "cell" replica by the end of our unit.
** Our biggest project is our States and Capitals project. We will begin studying our states and capitals. Students will need to know all 50 states and capitals. We will start this week. Instead of spelling words I have divided the US stated into regions and those will be their spelling words. THEY MUST SPELL THEM CORRECTLY AND LOCATE THEM ON THE U.S. MAP!
** Finally they will have a final state report to do. The report will be due in late February early March. We will be working on some of the information in class but much of it will have to be done at home as well. This report is a big part of their grade. I will post the rubric and guidelines as well as more information soon.
As for this week's Homework:
There will be a lot going on and it may be difficult for many to get adjusted to the school schedule once again. Homework is tentative it could change if students to not understand a concept I will not assign a homework with that concept for independent work. Look for changes on your child's agenda.
Monday
Language Arts- Read for 20 min
–this could be the end of our story “Mariah Keeps Her Cool”
PB(Grammar Practice Book) – Pg. 197
- If you didn’t finish vocabulary in class finish at home
Math: New Chapter 7-Integers HM pg from WB (workbook) Lesson 7-1
Spelling: Study 1st region of states and capitals!
Science: Chapter 1;Lesson 1
- If you didn’t finish vocabulary definitions in class finish at home by Wednesday.
Tues.
Language Arts- Read for 20 min (study story and vocab at home)
PB- HW Pg. 198 & 199 If not finished in class PB pg. 200 & 201 is HW
Math: Pg. WB pg. Lesson 7-2 adding integers
Spelling: Study States and Capitals for pre-test.
Science: Continue studying Chapter 1; Lesson 1 outline and vocabulary
Wed.
Language Arts- Read for 20 min
PB – HW Pg. 202 & 203
Math: Pg. Lesson 7-3 but homework will be review on lessons 7-1 thru 7-2.
Spelling: Practice States and Capitals
Science: Study and Read Chapter 1; Lesson 1 outline and study vocabulary
Quiz on Vocabulary tomorrow!
Thurs
Language Arts- Read for 20 min
PB- HW Pg. 208 & 209 If not finished in class PB pg. 207 it is HW
Math: Pg. Study for Math Quiz tomorrow Integers lessons 7-1 thru 7-3:
Adding and Subtracting Integers
Spelling: Study for States and Capitals Test tomorrow
Science: Finish Chapter 1; Lesson 1 outline.
If not finished it will be homework.
If you have any questions please email me or stop by and see me anytime.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)