Fascinating Video on Globalization & Technology- Check it OUT!

Teachers Dance at the Talent Show :)

Many students have requested this. Enjoy :)

Student Blog Assignment

Here is an opportunity for students to add to our blog here. We have been learning about figurative language and incorporating it in our poetry. Figurative language is the creative use of words author's use in order to put an image in our head to help us better understand a text. We have learned that metaphors are a comparison between two things, which does not use the words like or as. An example would be, My brother is a pig. A simile is a comparison between two things, which DOES use the words like or as. An example would be, Her eyes were as blue as the ocean, or, He jumps high like a frog. Another type of figurative language the students have learned is personification. Personification is giving something human-like qualities. An example would be, The mountain stands proud against the rising sun, or, The raindrops danced across the window pane. The students have written fabulous examples in class! I would love to have students share poems and examples of their own figurative language on our blog as a comment response to this post. I can't wait to read all of the fantastic creative writing!!

Websites for Extra Practice at Home!

Parents are always asking me what their students can do at home to extend their learning at school. First and foremost, your student should be reading 20-30 minutes each night. Ask your students questions about their reading. Go beyond yes or know questions (do you like it, etc). Ask your student about their favorite character, the setting, the main problem in the story, and which character they most identify with. Lastly, always ask WHY! This question deepens their thinking and understanding and therefore saturates their comprehension.

Also, there are many many many educational websites students can get on for extra practice at home. These are fun and educational all in one experience. If the website requires a log in, I have provided it to the student in class. If your child does not have theirs please email me directly.

Here are the websites:

www.fcatexplorer.com
www.studyisland.com
www.starfall.com
www.jumpstart.com
www.pbskids.org
www.funbrain.com

If they get bored with these, simply Google search "kids educational online games" and TONS will pop up for you!!

Enjoy :)

Please take this technology survey!

Reading Contest

Students are now working toward a school wide reading contest. The 5th graders should read 1,000 pages or more in the next month. As they finish each book they will need to get a slip signed by a parent or guardian with a summary of the book written on it. Once the reading challenge ends, ALL students who have met the challenge will be rewarded with a popsicle party with the principal. Please encourage your student to read 30 minutes or more each night at home. Happy Reading :)

This Month's Important Dates

Book Reports DUE in 3 Weeks

I have assigned the students their first book report of the year. The expectation is that students should read a chapter book (200+ pages) within the next 2 weeks. During their reading, they should take notes on the template provided in class. The notes should reflect their understanding of plot. Plot is the different parts of the story. A plot begins with the exposition or introduction. The plot gives more detail in the rising action. The most exciting part of the plot is the climax. This would be where you are left on the edge of your seat and can't seem to put the book down to find out what happens next. Following the climax is that falling action. The story ends with the resolution. Many students confuse plot with problem. This is a misconception. The plot is ALL the parts of the story. The problem is the conflict. Once students have finished reading their book they can begin typing or writing their report. Students should follow the outline provided in class for the report. I will also attach a file link here for your review as well. On the due date, students should bring their report and a diorama of their favorite scene in the book. This project will be worth 50 points. I will be walking the students through the steps in class, but the work should be done at home. Please email me with any questions or concerns you might have with this project.

Please Sign Up for MOSH Field Trip

We are planning our first field trip to the MOSH (Museum of Science History) next month. It will be here before we know it, and I am in need of 3 more parent chaperones. I had 2 sign up at the parent night (thank you!). The field trip will be next month on the 21st. We will be gone from 8:30-3:30. Students and chaperones will need to bring a sack lunch or will have the option to have a sack lunch from the cafeteria. Please let me know as soon as possible if you are able to come have fun with us!

First Week=A Success

The first week of school has turned out to be a success. The students have learned the rules and routines of the classroom and have set goals for achievement in this coming school year. Thank you to all of the parents who attended our information night on Thursday, and those who have offered donations and volunteer time to our classroom. Please remember to get your child's technology permission slip turned in ASAP. I want to take a moment to share some student goals for this year in 5th Grade:

Gabby: My goal is to read 1,000 books!

Jacob: My goal is to improve my math skills.

Antonio: My goal is to follow directions the first time.

Shaila: My goal is to learn how to write creative poems.

We're off and running- let's make this a great year!

Parent Night in Room 202

Please come enjoy information and refreshments in Room 202 this Thursday evening! I will be sharing the course syllabus and a step by step guide on how to access our classroom technology. I will also provide a list of materials needed for our classroom in order to provide the most successful working environment for your child. Please come meet and learn how you can support your child this year. I will also have a sign up list for parent volunteers for some upcoming events (parties, field trips, science projects, etc.) I look forward to seeing you there :)

Welcome to 5th Grade!

Welcome students and parents to 5th Grade in Room 202. I know many students are excited about entering their "last year of elementary school"! I cannot wait to get to know each of you and jump right in to learning.

I will be using this blog as a primary connection of communication. For classroom announcements, important dates and events, and everyday happenings please check here first. I would rather produce an e-newsletter to parents, where you can access anywhere from a computer and not worry about it getting lost in the mysterious back pack. For those who do not have regular access to a computer and the internet I would love to provide a paper copy of important announcements.

I will also be looking for the technology permission slips to be returned by each child. The permission slip will allow me to include pictures, videos, and work samples on our classroom blog. Not to worry- our classroom blog is only for our viewing purposes and has privacy protection for your child. Only users who are added by me will have access. The users are YOU, I will just need your email address in order to add you as a user. There is also a comment feature on here. Feel free to leave comments for me or about a post. Please remember, your comments will be seen by other students and parents in the class. For private matters, please contact me directly at my email address I have provided you.

I look forward to an academically challenging and successful year with your student!