Hello!
I'm half way through an online course about improving my teaching of research projects and my mind keeps wandering back to my dream of having one more year with your children.
On Edmodo, I have updated "5 Small Minions" to "5 Small Minion Alumni." Many students are posting which pod they got into.
I'm still checking both class blogs as well as a the math games site, www.mangahigh.com.
Thank you so much for the generous gift certificate you gave me. I plan on scheduling a massage for right before school starts. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness.
I also really appreciate all of your continued support throughout this past year. I tried many new things and am so thankful for your patience. I couldn't have picked a better set of students and parents for my trial run. I am so proud of all the success your children had with the web 2.0 tools. You have been truly wonderful parents and I don't think I could have had a better year.
Please stop by to visit in the future.
Best,
Rachel
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Please RSVP for the Fifth Grade Recognition Night
Fifth Grade Recognition Night
Wednesday, June 15th, 2011
6:00pm
KES Multipurpose Room
Light refreshments will be served
Please RSVP the number of family members attending to DPerry@ehr.org
Wednesday, June 15th, 2011
6:00pm
KES Multipurpose Room
Light refreshments will be served
Please RSVP the number of family members attending to DPerry@ehr.org
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
UNH Writers Academy
The University of New Hampshire, in Durham, offers a Writers Academy every summer. Please click on the link below in order to learn more. The people behind this program are the reason why I am passionate about writing and the teaching of writing. I've had previous students who have participated and absolutely cherished it.
If you and your child are interested, please let me know if you have any questions. Also, I can share names for potential carpooling prospects.
http://www.unh.edu/english/index.cfm?id=08E27A42-CA1A-3CEE-84770D349F1B7F39
If you and your child are interested, please let me know if you have any questions. Also, I can share names for potential carpooling prospects.
http://www.unh.edu/english/index.cfm?id=08E27A42-CA1A-3CEE-84770D349F1B7F39
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Multigenre Research Paper
Multigenre Research Paper
Due Monday, June 20th
Students have begun the largest roject of the year. They will write several pieces in different genres (hence the title multigenre). In this paper, they will research and write information on any single topic that they choose.
There will be three required genres in this paper; however, since they have grown into an independent learners, this Multigenre Research Paper will allow them to choose three additional genres that they would like to incorporate.
They are required to use three online sources. All sources should be found using Google’s Advanced Search, where they should select the “free to use or share” usage rights. They must include a Works Cited source.
They have all written a timeline to keep them organized throughout the project.
Projects will be submitted on Glogster or VoiceThread unless permission is given for something different.
My goal for them is to:
Learn. Create. Have fun!
Requirements
An informational piece
A fictional piece
A poem
Three choice pieces
Works cited
Presentations will be on Tuesday, June 21st. (More information to follow.)
As always, if you have any questions, please let me know.
Due Monday, June 20th
Students have begun the largest roject of the year. They will write several pieces in different genres (hence the title multigenre). In this paper, they will research and write information on any single topic that they choose.
There will be three required genres in this paper; however, since they have grown into an independent learners, this Multigenre Research Paper will allow them to choose three additional genres that they would like to incorporate.
They are required to use three online sources. All sources should be found using Google’s Advanced Search, where they should select the “free to use or share” usage rights. They must include a Works Cited source.
They have all written a timeline to keep them organized throughout the project.
Projects will be submitted on Glogster or VoiceThread unless permission is given for something different.
My goal for them is to:
Learn. Create. Have fun!
Requirements
An informational piece
A fictional piece
A poem
Three choice pieces
Works cited
Presentations will be on Tuesday, June 21st. (More information to follow.)
As always, if you have any questions, please let me know.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Poems and Word Problems
Check out the kids' poems on VoiceThread via KidBlog http://kidblog.org/MsSmallsClass/
Also, I'm using the following website to introduce Singapore Math. http://thesingaporemaths.com/index.html
Also, I'm using the following website to introduce Singapore Math. http://thesingaporemaths.com/index.html
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Government, Summarizing, Problem Solving, and More...
As our poetry project comes to an end, so does our study of the reading comprehension strategies of making inferences. Please note that due to technological issues, the second part of the poetry project is now due on Monday, May 9th. During this second part, students are expected to record an inference on one poem from every student on Voice Thread as well as identify a use of a poetry revision strategy from each student.
We have begun to study of writing summaries as we begin our study on government. As a class, we're reading Shh! We're Writing the Constitution by Jean Fritz. In this classic book, Jean Fritz teaches us about how the government was formed and she entertains us with fun filled tidbits of information. We're filtering and paraphrasing the important information as we read the book. (Using the SmartBoard makes this so much better!)
Currently we're learning about the three branches of government. Next week students will create a branches mobile that will help them learn about the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches. They will learn about the various offices, duties, lengths of term, and whether elected or appointed.
Our Unit 6 math test is tomorrow. The test consists of data as well as adding and subtracting fractions (with common and uncommon denominators). Students took a practice test yesterday. We went over the answers today. They were given another practice test today, with the answer key so they can study more tonight. We will begin to study Singapore Math Problem Solving next week.
Next Wednesday, May 11th, we are going to Skype (video conference) with a fifth grade class from Florence, Italy. Please talk to your child about some questions he/she may ask.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions and/or concerns.
We have begun to study of writing summaries as we begin our study on government. As a class, we're reading Shh! We're Writing the Constitution by Jean Fritz. In this classic book, Jean Fritz teaches us about how the government was formed and she entertains us with fun filled tidbits of information. We're filtering and paraphrasing the important information as we read the book. (Using the SmartBoard makes this so much better!)
Currently we're learning about the three branches of government. Next week students will create a branches mobile that will help them learn about the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches. They will learn about the various offices, duties, lengths of term, and whether elected or appointed.
Our Unit 6 math test is tomorrow. The test consists of data as well as adding and subtracting fractions (with common and uncommon denominators). Students took a practice test yesterday. We went over the answers today. They were given another practice test today, with the answer key so they can study more tonight. We will begin to study Singapore Math Problem Solving next week.
Next Wednesday, May 11th, we are going to Skype (video conference) with a fifth grade class from Florence, Italy. Please talk to your child about some questions he/she may ask.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions and/or concerns.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Summer Camps
THE SEACOAST SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY
PRESENTS THE 3rd ANNUAL
SUMMER CAMPS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
Exciting summer camps will be offered once again to students who are currently in the 5th, 6th, 7th or 8th grade. One-week camp sessions will take place during the weeks of July 11 and July 18. Each day’s session will run from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 noon. Students are responsible for their own transportation. No food will be served. The cost of $125 per camp includes all required materials. Each camp will run contingent upon enrollment. A student will be considered enrolled once the enrollment and medical forms are complete, a check made payable to the Seacoast School of Technology has been received and cleared and current grade level is confirmed with middle schools. The following camps will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis:
Be a Business Owner
Week of July 11
Interested in being an entrepreneur and owning your very own business? In this camp, you will start a business and learn all about marketing & advertising so you will be a success! Come with your ideas and create a logo, design business cards and a brochure, a cereal box cover and maybe even a tee shirt! Limited to 15 students.
Engine Overhaulin’
Week of July 11 and Week of July 18
If you enjoy cars, engines, and you are interested in horsepower, this is the camp for you. Here you will learn about engine basics and performance and get your hands dirty dismantling and rebuilding automobile engines. In this class, you will use Snap-On tools to perform these tasks and will get a good understanding of what skills are needed to become a successful automotive technician. Limited to 12 students.
Computer Programming for Kids
Week of July 11
If you like Technology Fun Nights, you will love this. Learn to write computer programs and computer games using Phrogram (Programming language for kids), Python and PyGame and Visual Basic. You will learn the basics of computer programming, writing simple computer programs and creating your own video games. Limited to 20 students.
Environmental Camp
Week of July 11
Are you an environmentalist? Are you going to invent new ways to save the planet? This camp will teach you about cutting-edge energy sources, renewable energy, pollution and other issues with help from several guest speakers from local environmental groups. You will learn about eco-friendly technologies and ways to keep our eco-system clean and safe. Limited to 15 students.
Introduction to Culinary Arts
Week of July 11
Students will be introduced to a newly-renovated, fully-functional restaurant with a state-of-the-art kitchen. Hands-on activities will include fruit carvings, precision cuts, chicken fabrication, stock making, soup making, salads/dressings, appetizers, international cuisine and menu creation. As part of this exploration process, students will use each of their senses to enhance their learning and will come away with the basics of the savory side of the kitchen. Limit to 12 students.
Computer Graphics
Week of July 11
If you are creative and interested in art, this camp is for you! Meet others with similar interests in creating digital artwork. You will work on computer graphic-related projects each day exploring the basics of bitmap editing, vector and motion graphics. This is a fun way to explore an interest or potential career path in the Computer Graphics field while developing design concepts and technical skills. Limited to 10 students.
Become a Builder
Week of July 11 and Week of July 18
Want to learn basic knowledge of hand tools and power tools? Want to learn proper safety techniques to use in a workshop or on a construction site? Sign up for this camp and you will have the opportunity to choose from two projects and make a project of your own. Limited to 12 students.
Engineering for Kids
Week of July 18
If you are a fan of Technology Fun Nights, this camp is for you! You will learn to create basic Computer- Aided Design models, learn about simple machines and create a basic energy transfer machine. You will also design and create a puzzle cube and a hydraulically-operated pet and learn to program a robot. Limited to 20 students.
Digital Film Making
Week of July 18
Want to learn how to make movies? You will learn the process of video production through writing, storyboarding, shooting and editing a film. Storytelling and technology skill development will be the focus of this camp. Campers will work with others while exploring personal interests and potential career paths in Video Production. Limited to 8 students.
Introduction to Baking and Pastry
Week of July 18
Students will be introduced to a newly-renovated, fully-functional restaurant with a state-of-the-art kitchen. Hands-on activities will include cake making, cake decorating, icing types, cookie/bar making, frozen desserts, yeast breads, quick breads, scones, biscuits and dessert sauces. The focus will be on the interaction of the basic ingredients, recipes/formulas and proper equipment/tool use and kitchen safety.
______________________________________________________________________________
For the required application and health form, go to SeacoastTech.com. As programs fill, it will be listed on the website.
The non-refundable fee (unless program is cancelled) of $125 per week is valid for completed applications and health forms received through Friday, April 8, 2011.
After April 8, 2011 the non-refundable fee (unless program is cancelled) will be $135.
The deadline for all applications is May 2, 2011.
A letter confirming your child’s placement will be mailed to you after May 2, 2011.
For further information or questions, please contact Brenda Schrempf at 775-8461 or bschrempf@sau16.org
PRESENTS THE 3rd ANNUAL
SUMMER CAMPS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
Exciting summer camps will be offered once again to students who are currently in the 5th, 6th, 7th or 8th grade. One-week camp sessions will take place during the weeks of July 11 and July 18. Each day’s session will run from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 noon. Students are responsible for their own transportation. No food will be served. The cost of $125 per camp includes all required materials. Each camp will run contingent upon enrollment. A student will be considered enrolled once the enrollment and medical forms are complete, a check made payable to the Seacoast School of Technology has been received and cleared and current grade level is confirmed with middle schools. The following camps will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis:
Be a Business Owner
Week of July 11
Interested in being an entrepreneur and owning your very own business? In this camp, you will start a business and learn all about marketing & advertising so you will be a success! Come with your ideas and create a logo, design business cards and a brochure, a cereal box cover and maybe even a tee shirt! Limited to 15 students.
Engine Overhaulin’
Week of July 11 and Week of July 18
If you enjoy cars, engines, and you are interested in horsepower, this is the camp for you. Here you will learn about engine basics and performance and get your hands dirty dismantling and rebuilding automobile engines. In this class, you will use Snap-On tools to perform these tasks and will get a good understanding of what skills are needed to become a successful automotive technician. Limited to 12 students.
Computer Programming for Kids
Week of July 11
If you like Technology Fun Nights, you will love this. Learn to write computer programs and computer games using Phrogram (Programming language for kids), Python and PyGame and Visual Basic. You will learn the basics of computer programming, writing simple computer programs and creating your own video games. Limited to 20 students.
Environmental Camp
Week of July 11
Are you an environmentalist? Are you going to invent new ways to save the planet? This camp will teach you about cutting-edge energy sources, renewable energy, pollution and other issues with help from several guest speakers from local environmental groups. You will learn about eco-friendly technologies and ways to keep our eco-system clean and safe. Limited to 15 students.
Introduction to Culinary Arts
Week of July 11
Students will be introduced to a newly-renovated, fully-functional restaurant with a state-of-the-art kitchen. Hands-on activities will include fruit carvings, precision cuts, chicken fabrication, stock making, soup making, salads/dressings, appetizers, international cuisine and menu creation. As part of this exploration process, students will use each of their senses to enhance their learning and will come away with the basics of the savory side of the kitchen. Limit to 12 students.
Computer Graphics
Week of July 11
If you are creative and interested in art, this camp is for you! Meet others with similar interests in creating digital artwork. You will work on computer graphic-related projects each day exploring the basics of bitmap editing, vector and motion graphics. This is a fun way to explore an interest or potential career path in the Computer Graphics field while developing design concepts and technical skills. Limited to 10 students.
Become a Builder
Week of July 11 and Week of July 18
Want to learn basic knowledge of hand tools and power tools? Want to learn proper safety techniques to use in a workshop or on a construction site? Sign up for this camp and you will have the opportunity to choose from two projects and make a project of your own. Limited to 12 students.
Engineering for Kids
Week of July 18
If you are a fan of Technology Fun Nights, this camp is for you! You will learn to create basic Computer- Aided Design models, learn about simple machines and create a basic energy transfer machine. You will also design and create a puzzle cube and a hydraulically-operated pet and learn to program a robot. Limited to 20 students.
Digital Film Making
Week of July 18
Want to learn how to make movies? You will learn the process of video production through writing, storyboarding, shooting and editing a film. Storytelling and technology skill development will be the focus of this camp. Campers will work with others while exploring personal interests and potential career paths in Video Production. Limited to 8 students.
Introduction to Baking and Pastry
Week of July 18
Students will be introduced to a newly-renovated, fully-functional restaurant with a state-of-the-art kitchen. Hands-on activities will include cake making, cake decorating, icing types, cookie/bar making, frozen desserts, yeast breads, quick breads, scones, biscuits and dessert sauces. The focus will be on the interaction of the basic ingredients, recipes/formulas and proper equipment/tool use and kitchen safety.
______________________________________________________________________________
For the required application and health form, go to SeacoastTech.com. As programs fill, it will be listed on the website.
The non-refundable fee (unless program is cancelled) of $125 per week is valid for completed applications and health forms received through Friday, April 8, 2011.
After April 8, 2011 the non-refundable fee (unless program is cancelled) will be $135.
The deadline for all applications is May 2, 2011.
A letter confirming your child’s placement will be mailed to you after May 2, 2011.
For further information or questions, please contact Brenda Schrempf at 775-8461 or bschrempf@sau16.org
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Poetry Project (Part I) due THIS FRIDAY!
I've vacillated on sending this blog out, or not. After reflecting on parent teacher conferences, I've decided to do so because a few parents commented that their child has not been spending a lot of time on homework. I do believe kids should be kids, and they should have fun with free time, family time, and organized activities...I also believe participating in meaningful academic work, beyond school hours, is important.
The first part of our poetry project is due this Friday, April 22nd. Students should be spending a copious amount of time on revising their poems via the closed Kidblog this week. (Mssmallsinthehouse). I've made suggestions to every student on each of their six poems. (I'm continuing to make suggestions as students revise their poems). I expect all students will read my comments and make good changes (many changes) to their poems. Most poetry revision minilessons, as well as example poems, have been posted on Edmodo.
The project is due on VoiceThread. Students should not publish their poems (and voice) on VoiceThread until they have revised their poems and made them as best as they can. Each student has a educational VoiceThread account.
The poetry project requirements are published in Edmodo. (Your child can help you find the requirements.) Please encourage your child to incorporate all he/she has learned through the great reading and writing of poetry we have done this year...the final projects will be magical only if the poems are quality. Quality poems can only be created if they are revised. Revision takes time.
Poetry Revision Suggestions:
- Power of I
- Leads: Begin Inside
- Conclude Strongly
- Line Breaks
- Stanza Breaks
- Poetic License for Punctuation
- Cut to the Bone
- Use Repetition
- Vivid Verbs
- Figurative Language (2 things at once)
- onomatopoeia/alliteration
- Musical
- Emotional
- Vivid Mind Picture
Monday, April 18, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Sargent Camp
Please have your child at KES to 7:45am on Monday, April 11th. We will leave at 8:15am.
We are expected to return to KES at noon on Friday, April 15th, your child will need to be picked up.
We are expected to return to KES at noon on Friday, April 15th, your child will need to be picked up.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Updates
Students continue to work on their poetry project. The project requirements, revision mini-lessons taught thus far, and examples/ mentor texts can be found on Edmodo. The first part of the project is due on Friday, April 22nd. Students will turn their project in using Voice Thread, another Web 2.0 tool.
All students have been "exercise physiologists" (personal trainers) for a couple of weeks and they're working in teams using Edmodo. Each group has a "client". Groups will present an exercise plan and a nutrition/diet plan that corresponds to their "client's" goals on Friday, April 8th, to a professional exercise physiologist, who will give them feedback.
Please email me if you'd like the code to access your child's Edmodo site to learn more about the projects and assignments/homework.
I'll see you this week for report card conferences. Please let me know if you need a reminder of the date and time.
All students have been "exercise physiologists" (personal trainers) for a couple of weeks and they're working in teams using Edmodo. Each group has a "client". Groups will present an exercise plan and a nutrition/diet plan that corresponds to their "client's" goals on Friday, April 8th, to a professional exercise physiologist, who will give them feedback.
Please email me if you'd like the code to access your child's Edmodo site to learn more about the projects and assignments/homework.
I'll see you this week for report card conferences. Please let me know if you need a reminder of the date and time.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Reminders (CMS TRANSITION MEETING TOMORROW)
- CMS Transition Meeting
Thursday, March 24th
for KES parents
with Melanie Faulkner (CMS Assistant Principal)
6-7pm
at KES
- Please do not sign your child up for lunch while we are at Sargent Camp (April 11th-15th)
- Please email me with a time you can meet for the 3rd report card conference. (If you haven't done so already).
- Please send in your child's permission slip and payment for the Boston Brass field trip on Friday, April 1st. (If you haven't done so already).
Friday, March 18, 2011
3rd Quarter Report Card Conferences
5 Small Minions 3rd Quarter
Report Card Conference Sign up Sheet
Report Card Conferences will be held on April 4th, 5th, & 6th. It is up to you as whether or not you would like your child to attend this meeting. Please email me (rsmall@sau16.org) your first four choices. I will schedule appointments on a first come, first serve basis. Thank you!
Monday, April 4th
12:00pm-12:20pm
12:20pm- 12:40pm
Tuesday, April 5th
9:00am-9:20am
9:20am-9:40am
12:00pm-12:20pm
12:20pm- 12:40pm
Wednesday, April 6th
9:00am-9:20am
9:20am-9:40am
11:30am-11:50am
11:50am-12:10pm
12:10pm- 12:30pm
12:30pm-12:50pm
12:50pm-1:10pm
1:10pm-1:30pm
1:30pm-1:50pm
1:50pm-2:10pm
2:10pm-2:30pm
2:30pm-2:50pm
2:50pm-3:10pm
3:10pm-3:30pm
3:30pm-3:50pm
3:50pm-4:10pm
4:10pm-4:30pm
4:30pm-4:50pm
4:50pm-5:10pm
5:10pm-5:30pm
5:30pm-5:50pm
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
5th to 6th Grade Transition
Below is a message from Bill Perkins, an administrator from CMS. After watching it, I thought I'd pass it along.
CMS Podcasts is a student created and produced, online, interview show. Recently, our 6th grade reporters interviewed 2 parents about the worries they had about sending their children to CMS. If you believe it to be helpful, please let inquiring parents know of its existence. Currently, it is featured on the CMS homepage under March Podcasts ( http://cms.sau16.org/5th%20to%206th%20Transition.mp3 ). After a week or so, it will be archived under "Student Life-> Student Publications".
As an FYI, all our reporters use pseudonyms.
CMS Podcasts is a student created and produced, online, interview show. Recently, our 6th grade reporters interviewed 2 parents about the worries they had about sending their children to CMS. If you believe it to be helpful, please let inquiring parents know of its existence. Currently, it is featured on the CMS homepage under March Podcasts ( http://cms.sau16.org/5th%20to%206th%20Transition.mp3 ). After a week or so, it will be archived under "Student Life-> Student Publications".
As an FYI, all our reporters use pseudonyms.
Edmodo
A colleague of mine introduced me to Edmodo a couple of weeks ago. Edmodo is a secure social learning network. We've begun to use it as a class and I believe it is a lot more effective and user-friendly than Moodle. If you would like to access your child's Edmodo page, please email me (rsmall@sau16org) and I will give you an individual parent code. The website is: http://www.edmodo.com/
All homework is posted and updated on Edmodo. Students turn in their word study homework on Edmodo as well. It's a great place for students to ask questions. If I don't answer their questions right away, most likely other students will.
All homework is posted and updated on Edmodo. Students turn in their word study homework on Edmodo as well. It's a great place for students to ask questions. If I don't answer their questions right away, most likely other students will.
Poetry and Inferences
We have begun our unit of study on reading and writing poetry as well as the reading comprehension strategy of making inferences.
INFERENCES
1 No response/inference.
2 Attempts a prediction or conclusion, inaccurate or unsubstantiated with text information.
3 Draws conclusions or makes predictions that are consistent with text or schema.
4 Draws conclusions and/or makes predictions and can explain the source of the conclusion or prediction in text.
5 Develops predictions, interpretations, and/or conclusions about the text that include connections between the text and the reader's background knowledge or ideas and beliefs and that enhances the overall meaning of the text, make it more memorable to the reader.
We are reading the books Love That Dog and Hate That Cat as a class. Students are independently reading poems and trying to find their favorite poets.
In writing, students will be expected to use the following revision strategies on their required six poems:
o Power of I
o Leads: Begin Inside
o Conclude Strongly
o Line Breaks
o Stanza Breaks
o Poetic License for Punctuation
o Cut to the Bone
o Use Repetition
o Figurative Language (2 things at once)
I will post each revision strategy on Edmodo as well as mentor poems (examples) with effective use of each strategy.
Also in the poetry project, students will be expected to turn in three double entry journals which show me their ability to think about their thinking, as well as the inferences they create during their reading of poetry. Students will write a letter to their mentor poet that describes why they enjoy their self selected mentor poet and what writing qualities the mentor poet taught them.
It's a really fun and meaningful unit. We're all enjoying it thus far.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
World Maths Day
This week for math homework, I am asking students to participate in World Maths Day. Unfortunately the actual events take place on March 1st, during our vacation week. (Perhaps some students will find time to participate regardless.)
Preparation for World Maths Day is allowing students to log-in and have practice matches against kids from around the world this week. The link can be found below. The students have their log-in information.
Check it out:
http://www.worldmathsday.com/
Preparation for World Maths Day is allowing students to log-in and have practice matches against kids from around the world this week. The link can be found below. The students have their log-in information.
Check it out:
http://www.worldmathsday.com/
Feature Article Update
This is the last week we will be working on Feature Articles in school. I recommend that they are turned in on Friday, February 25th; however, I will accept them on Monday, March 7th as well.
Students are continuing to revise their article this week. They are creating a double page spread and adding text features (title, subtitle, headings, pictures, captions, text boxes, columns, page numbers, by line, dropped cap, various fonts....). We will edit the articles on Wednesday, in class.
If you and/or your child has any questions, comments, or concerns, PLEASE come see me. My goal is to teach your child how to be a writer and to learn how to research and write nonfiction information successfully in the future. My goal is not to make this particular piece of writing be perfect. Writing is a process. Learning is a process. I teach the writer, not the piece of writing.
Students are continuing to revise their article this week. They are creating a double page spread and adding text features (title, subtitle, headings, pictures, captions, text boxes, columns, page numbers, by line, dropped cap, various fonts....). We will edit the articles on Wednesday, in class.
If you and/or your child has any questions, comments, or concerns, PLEASE come see me. My goal is to teach your child how to be a writer and to learn how to research and write nonfiction information successfully in the future. My goal is not to make this particular piece of writing be perfect. Writing is a process. Learning is a process. I teach the writer, not the piece of writing.
Sargent Camp Parent Informational Meeting Reminder
Thursday, February 24th
Swasey School (Brentwood)
6:30-8:00pm
Swasey School (Brentwood)
6:30-8:00pm
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Feature Article Update
Students are doing a great job writing their Feature Articles. We're still in the pre-writing stage of the writing process. We will begin drafting our articles next week.
Below is what students need to finish (for the most part) before they begin to draft their Feature Article:
- Research facts, laws, statistics, examples, stories, and.or quotes (need 2 sources of information- one being a quote from an expert)
- Read through research and highlight important information
- Write an outline
Monday, February 7, 2011
Everday Mathematics Unit 5: Fractions, Decimals, and Percents
Last week we started studying fractions, decimals, and percents. Many students are finding these concepts difficult so we will move slowly through the unit. Below is a link from Everyday Mathematics that can be a good resource for you.
http://everydaymath.uchicago.edu/parents/homework_help/5th_grade/#unit_5
http://everydaymath.uchicago.edu/parents/homework_help/5th_grade/#unit_5
Rescheduled Sargent Camp Parent Information Night
Thursday, February 24th
Swasey School
6:30-8:00pm.
The Swasey School, in Brentwood, will host a meeting for parents and other interested persons. Larry Chambers, School Program Coordinator for Nature's Classroom at Sargent Center, will discuss the enviornmental program and respond to any questions you may have.
The fifth grade students from Kensington, East Kingston, Brentwood, and Newfields are scheduled to attend Sargent Camp from April 11- 15th. They will participate in a program designed to teach them about our environment and how to work together to achieve success with challenging adventure activities.
Swasey School
6:30-8:00pm.
The Swasey School, in Brentwood, will host a meeting for parents and other interested persons. Larry Chambers, School Program Coordinator for Nature's Classroom at Sargent Center, will discuss the enviornmental program and respond to any questions you may have.
The fifth grade students from Kensington, East Kingston, Brentwood, and Newfields are scheduled to attend Sargent Camp from April 11- 15th. They will participate in a program designed to teach them about our environment and how to work together to achieve success with challenging adventure activities.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Report Cards and Mind Pictures
2nd Quarter Report Cards and NECAP scores have been sent home with students today.
We started studying a new reading comprehension strategy this week: mind pictures are vivid mental images. Good readers create movies in their minds as they read. When readers can not create mind pictures while reading, their comprehension has broken down and they need to monitor for meaning or abandon the book if it's too difficult.
We started studying a new reading comprehension strategy this week: mind pictures are vivid mental images. Good readers create movies in their minds as they read. When readers can not create mind pictures while reading, their comprehension has broken down and they need to monitor for meaning or abandon the book if it's too difficult.
Good Readers make Mind Pictures because:
- Mind Pictures allow readers to create mental images from words in the text
- Mind Pictures make the reading more understandable
- Mind Pictures link past experience to the words and ideas in the text
- Mind Pictures help readers to place themselves in the story
- Mind Pictures strengthen a reader’s relationship to the text
- Mind Pictures help imaginative thinking
- Mind Pictures heighten engagement with the text
- Mind Pictures bring joy to reading
Good Readers:
- Spontaneously and purposefully create mind pictures while and after they read.
- Use mind pictures to immerse themselves in rich details as they read. These mind pictures make the text more memorable.
- Use mind pictures to draw conclusions, and help make the text make sense.
- Change their mind pictures as they continue to read. The images are changed to incorporate new information revealed through the text.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sargent Camp Parent Information Night
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Swasey School
6:30-8:00pm.
The Swasey School, in Brentwood, will host a meeting for parents and other interested persons. Larry Chambers, School Program Coordinator for Nature's Classroom at Sargent Center, will discuss the enviornmental program and respond to any questions you may have.
The fifth grade students from Kensington, East Kingston, Brentwood, and Newfields are scheduled to attend Sargent Camp from April 11- 15th. They will participate in a program designed to teach them about our environment and how to work together to achieve success with challenging adventure activities.
Swasey School
6:30-8:00pm.
The Swasey School, in Brentwood, will host a meeting for parents and other interested persons. Larry Chambers, School Program Coordinator for Nature's Classroom at Sargent Center, will discuss the enviornmental program and respond to any questions you may have.
The fifth grade students from Kensington, East Kingston, Brentwood, and Newfields are scheduled to attend Sargent Camp from April 11- 15th. They will participate in a program designed to teach them about our environment and how to work together to achieve success with challenging adventure activities.
Feature Articles
We have begun an extensive study of Feature Articles. In reading, students will learn about text features in nonfiction information (specifically, feature articles). They will learn to use titles, photos, section headings, illustrations, captions, text boxes, etc. to gather relevant information before reading the text. They should ask themselves:
- What do I see on the page?
- What information can I learn from the features?
- How do I think this information might help me as I read the article?
After studying the text features and before reading the text, students should synthesize pre-reading information into a larger understanding or "big idea" of the feature article that will guide their reading. They should ask:
- Why do I think the author or editor chose to include these features and this information?
- What do I think the author wants me to understand about this topic?
- What can I expect as I read the article?
In writing, students have self selected a topic that is familiar to them but will prove new to their audience. They asked themselves the following questions as they chose their topics:
- Is the topic familiar?
- Is it interesting?
- Do I have a unique understanding of the topic?
- What do I want my readers to understand about the topic?
- What is the "big idea?"
Students will spend ample time researching and taking notes on their topics. They will find and use two different types of sources. Below are the various types of sources/ information will have to choose from:
- Examples or stories
- Quotes from everyday people
- Expert opinions and quotes
- Facts, laws, and statistics
Students will have a packet where they will record their feature article topic, their two sources, their types of sources, and their notes.
- What do I see on the page?
- What information can I learn from the features?
- How do I think this information might help me as I read the article?
After studying the text features and before reading the text, students should synthesize pre-reading information into a larger understanding or "big idea" of the feature article that will guide their reading. They should ask:
- Why do I think the author or editor chose to include these features and this information?
- What do I think the author wants me to understand about this topic?
- What can I expect as I read the article?
In writing, students have self selected a topic that is familiar to them but will prove new to their audience. They asked themselves the following questions as they chose their topics:
- Is the topic familiar?
- Is it interesting?
- Do I have a unique understanding of the topic?
- What do I want my readers to understand about the topic?
- What is the "big idea?"
Students will spend ample time researching and taking notes on their topics. They will find and use two different types of sources. Below are the various types of sources/ information will have to choose from:
- Examples or stories
- Quotes from everyday people
- Expert opinions and quotes
- Facts, laws, and statistics
Students will have a packet where they will record their feature article topic, their two sources, their types of sources, and their notes.
Students will type their Feature Articles using Open Office. They will learn how to create text features on this program, which can be quite difficult. They should bring their thumb drive to and from school everyday.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Making Connections: New Reading Comprehension Strategy
Good readers use schema (background knowledge) to help them understand what they're reading. They connect what they're reading to their own lives, to books they've previously read, and to the world itself.
Most students can easily make connections to themselves whiles reading. Currently we are working on making connections to other books we have read. We will start working on making connections that extend beyond life experience and immediate text next week.
Most students can easily make connections to themselves whiles reading. Currently we are working on making connections to other books we have read. We will start working on making connections that extend beyond life experience and immediate text next week.
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