Mrs. Geraci's Blog

5/6 LA Detective's Notebook

2012-01-26T09:41:00.000-08:00

Practice MAKING PREDICTIONS and INFERING.

Click on the website to begin.

http://www.pspb.org/blueribbon/games/detective/DetectiveGame.html

Museum Box

2012-01-26T09:33:00.001-08:00

The Museum Box project due date has been moved to Wednesday, February 1st. If you need or want to work on your project during advisory on Friday, please come down.

5/6 LA

2012-01-26T04:59:00.001-08:00

Here is the link to review text-to-text, text-to-self, text-to-world. Review this today.

http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/psu11la.reading.brrconn/

Then make connections with the book you are reading.

6th LA

2012-01-25T11:43:00.000-08:00

Read Chpt 7 from The Hound of the Baskervilles and study for Latin stems test. We will practive for the OAT (test taking skills) in class today. Continue working on your Museum Box on genres which are due WEDNESDAY.

Genre PowerPoint--5th/6th LA

2012-01-23T10:41:00.000-08:00

We will start this project in class. I will give you the worksheet on Tuesday. The project is due Monday. You will present in class.

www.gate.pylusd.org/resources/differentiation/Genre_Study.ppt

Here is the PowerPoint to use with your Museum Box.

Main Idea and Details 5th/6th Grade

2012-01-23T07:45:00.000-08:00

Here is the worksheet. You can print it out if you want. This will be done at home.

Main Idea/Details

You are preparing for the OATS test. You need to review and especially practice locating main idea and details. You will visit the following websites and complete the activities. Some of the websites will allow you to take a quiz and print out your score. When you do this, please attach your quiz to the back of the paper. You will be turning in your work for points.

Main Idea: What the story or paragraph is mainly about.

Details: Details support the main idea by expanding on it.

Visit the following websites to practice main idea and details.

1. http://www.shsu.edu/~txcae/Powerpoints/prepostest/mainideapostest.html

2. http://www.quia.com/quiz/1169917.html

3. http://www.beaconlearningcenter.com/weblessons/gettheidea/default.htm

4. http://www.quia.com/pop/120023.html

5. http://www.education.com/study-help/article/main-idea-supporting-details_answer/

6. http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0210124/mainidea.html

Now complete the Main Idea/Detail packet and attach.

This is due ________________________________________________

Discovery Testing

2012-01-23T04:52:00.000-08:00

Good Day Class,

Today we will be doing Discovery Testing today. Here is the website and your passcode. Remember to write down the extra code they give you in case you do not finish for some reason.

http://assignments.discoveryeducation.com/

Period 1: BE16258
Period 2: BA47624
Period 3: BC06598
Period 5: BD39850

1/12/12 Advanced LA/AR

2012-01-12T07:55:00.000-08:00

5th Grade: Students shared their Venn Diagram of Jo from Little Women and Louisa May Alcott. We reviewed related vocabulary and vocabulary webs. Lastly, we had a socratic seminar discussing "Literary Lesson," a chapter from Little Women. Students enjoyed the seminar!

6th Grade: We started the class with a logic problem on Sherlock, Watson, and Lestrade where student need to solve the mystery of how many books each character had. Students used guess and check to solve the puzzle, and then I taught them how to approach and solve the problem algebraically. This was a fun activity. We then had guided notes on Forenic Investigation related to Sherlock Holmes. We wrapped up class by reviewing their homework questions from The Hound of the Baskervilles using the RACE mether. R (restate the question) A(answer the question) C(cite the text) E(explain) Students did a great job on this.

11/30/11

2011-11-30T04:54:00.000-08:00

Periods 1/2: Students will work on comprehneions questions for "The Platoon System" in class. They will also be working on FAB voc posters and their autobiographies. Homework: study latin stem list 6, FAB words, and any unfinished questions from "The Platoon System." Students turned in grammar packet for assessment.

Periods 3/5: Students will turn in their grammar packets for assessment. Students will create sentence posters with their table groups and share out. Students will be introduced to a RAFT writing activity (point of view) from Charlotte Doyle. Students will write their RAFT for homework and share it on Googledocs with me. The RAFT will be due by Friday. Students will read chapter 11 in class and 12 for homework as well as complete their predictions and SWBS summaries.

Period 7: 6th Grade AR
Students are working on their "Back to the Future" projects. I will show students what their Voicethread project might look like by showing them several examples. There is no homework.

11/29/11 LA/AR

2011-11-29T04:55:00.000-08:00

I have decided to use the calendar to post due dates. I will continue to write a narrative of what we've done in class as well as what we will be doing.

Periods 1/2: Yesterday, students were introduced to FAB words and created a Frayer Model poster for homework to share in class today. Students also answered the first two questions from "The Platoon System" for homework. We will share these in class and the remaining questions will be done in class on Wednesday. We used the computer lab to finish writing their three paragraph essays on their authors. They shared them with me using Googledocs where I was able to edit them. Today, they will continue to edit and then share back with me. Once this assignment is complete, students will continue to work on their personal autobiographies based on a single theme and study Latin stem list 6. I believe the "Six Word Memoirs" project is done. I'll be posting it to the blog for everyone to enjoy soon. I'm looking for a way to incorporate music. I might need to post it to Youtube. In that case, I'll remove all last names. Students can practice Latin stems at home using the blog link I have provided. Tonight's homework is to practice Latin stems and complete the next sentence in the grammar packet. I will be collecting these "pop quiz" one day this week or next for a grade.

Periods 3/5: I introduced FAB words and students created Frayer Model posters for homework to share in class today. Students finished answering questions for chapters 3-5 of Charlotte Doyle in class. Students were instructed to put the question back into their answers. We read chapter 6 together and discussed the concept of "cliffhanger." Students read chapters 7-8 for homework and completed their prediction and SWBS summaries. We will be reading chapter 9 in class, writing a prediction, and discussing comprehension questions. Tonight's homework is to complete the next grammar sentence in their grammar packets, predict chapter 10, write a SWBS summary for chapters 9-10.

Period 4: Students in AR class were introduced to Voicethread and shown examples of how this media will be used as their culminating project for the "Back to the Future" unit on inventions. You can check out Voicethread at www.voicethread.com if you want to play around with it.

11/18/11 LA/AR

2011-11-18T05:40:00.000-08:00

Periods 1/2: Students turned in homework pages 51-52 "Examining Vocabulary from Photobiographies." We passed back homework from yesterday as well. Students took the FAB vocabulary test and the Latin stem test which consisted of all the words from list 5 and review words from lists 1-4. This is truly the only way for students to own the words is by reviewing them constantly. Homework: Continue working on your 3 paragraph essay, start your own autobiography based on a theme of your choice. Refer to page 45 in your workbook. We will be starting lesson 6 on Monday.

Periods 3/4: Students took Latin stem test 7, which included all of list 7 and review words from 1-6. They also took troy's FAB vocabulary quiz. We then read chapter 2 of Charlotte Doyle in class and discussed figurative language, predictions, setting, and characters (Charlotte, Capt. Jaggery, and Mr. Grummage). There is no homework for 6th grade.

11/17/11 LA/AR

2011-11-17T07:20:00.000-08:00

Periods 1/2: We reviewed last night's grammar sentence and students turned in their workbook page. Today was the first time we had an I;I sentence! We then went to the computer lab where student worked on their Six Word Memoirs, Three Paragraph Essays (due at lesson 8), and started their Personal Reflections/Autobiographies (due at lesson 10). Students are to complete 5G pages 51-52 in their workbooks for homework tonight. We are currently wrapping up lesson 5. Students should be saving their essays and autobiographies to Google docs so that they can work on them at home too. There is a Latin stem test tomorrow as well as a quick FAB vocabulary test. The Latin stem test will have all of list 5 words and review words from lists 1-4. The FAB quiz will be using the words in context.

Periods 3/5: We finished reading chapter 1 in class of Charlotte Doyle. We were able to located several similes and a metaphor from our readings. I believe we've discovered that AVI uses plenty of figurative language in his writing. We actually ran out of space under the simile section of our packets. We've started to list characters on our Core Knowledge book marks. Tomorrow, students will have an opportunity to summarize chapter one and discuss what they discovered thus far.

Period 7: Students were introduced to the new AR project entitled "Back to the Future." Students will be researching an invention that has had an effect on history. Once they've reached their invention, they will need to find three innovations that led up to their invention as well as two innovations that followed their invention. Students will be creating a timeline, using BibMe to cite their sources, and creativing a VoiceThread to share what they've learned. They will also be journaling in the first person as to what it was like to be back in time when their innovations and invention were created. Students were very excited with this new project. There are still a couple of students who have not shared their Prezi presentations on figurative language. I would like for them to email their Prezis to me at geracip@alstudent.org. We are also playing 24 Math!

11/11/11

2011-11-11T05:10:00.000-08:00

Periods 1/2: Yesterday we continued with the prewriting activities for your autobiographies and watched a video on Hemmingway's six word memoir challenge. Students were to write a six word memoir last night and bring to class today. Students will be looking for a picture to accompany their memoir to put in a PowerPoint slide show or Prezi with the rest of the class. Students can vote to use either program. Once the production is done, I'll put it on the blog for all to enjoy. Remember, your memoir needs to be personal. It should be original! Once students complete this project, they will go to my links and click on PREWRITING TACTICS to learn how to develop a theme for their 3 paragraph essays on their autobiographies which are due by lesson 8. Just remember, we are still on lesson 4, so you do have time to prepare.

Periods 3/5:

11/9/11 LA/AR

2011-11-09T08:14:00.000-08:00

Period 1: We discussed how to choose a theme to write their 3-4 pages autobiographies. I showed the students examples of other writers such a Eric Carle, who wrote his autobiography about 19 short stories all invovling his experience with animals. Then students worked on two worksheets in their work books, which helped students with their pre-writing skills. Homework: Finish worksheets from workbook pages 43 and 44. Tomorrow will be a work day. Students can work on their 3 paragraph essays on their autobiographies they have read, continue reading their chosen autobiography, work on figurative language Storybird, or start their self-portrait. I realize that several of you are done with everything except your own autobiographies! Friday, there will be a short Latin stem quiz (sentences). Period 1 will also have the FAB words, and period 2 will have them next week due to the shortened week.

Period 2: Same as above, except during work time, students will first finish their RAFT, then work on the remainder of the activities.

Period 3: Students watched an interactive website regarding the mysterious death of Edgar A. Poe. After getting all the evidence and clues, the class voted that Poe must have died from rabies. Students then rolled the dice to determine which two "Raven" activities they were to complete. These are due Friday as well as the Storybirds. Tomorrow will be a working class, so bring whatever you need to complete your Storybird and Raven activities. We will also be working on your "Cask of Amantillado" character analysis essays.

AR: 24 Math!

Storybirds, Essays, and the Raven!

2011-11-07T10:43:00.000-08:00

Check out the following website for an example of what your storybird might look like. Remember, it needs to have at least one example of the different types of figurative language in the story. Check out this website for inspiration. http://www.mixbook.com/photo-books/nature/a-figurative-language-adventure-through-nature-4020702

Since we have the Storybirds and the two "Raven" activities due Friday, and we don't have hardly any computer time this week, the "Cask of Amontillado" essays won't be due till the following week. We will work on them in class...you do not need to write them at home!

11/4/11

2011-11-04T16:12:00.000-07:00

Periods 1/2: Today, students worked on their "change" webs and various worksheets in their language arts workbook. Period 2 wrote RAFTS (creative writing). The RAFTS were written from the mother's point of view from "Ghost Cat." They will finish these on Monday. There is no homework this weekend unless you are still reading your autobiography. I had planned on seeing everyone this week to discuss what they've learned so far, so we'll be sure to get that done by Monday and Tuesday at the latest. We will be working on vocabulary next week, so if you are looking for something fun to do, you can always take a look at list 5. We'll also be going over Troy's FAB vocabulary words as well as grammar.

P.S. I was really impressed with everyone's homework assignment last night. I am so proud of everyone for knowing all the parts of speech, parts of a sentence, phrases, and clauses. You really have come so far since the first day of school. You should be very proud of yourself. You are great analyzers!

Periods 3/5: Students presented their Tell-Tale Heart multimedia projects and turned in their packets. I also introduced our final Poe piece, "The Raven.:" We'll be reading and analyzing this famous poem next week and doing SCAMPER activies to increase creativing thinking. We'll also be focusing on vocabulary including Latin stems and FAB words as well as grammar. We will be reading The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle the following week. We will be finishing up with the character analysis papers next week. The rough drafts will be due the following Tuesday. I must say, I have been very impressed with the papers I've read so far. I know this is a difficult assignment, especially finding the three perfect traits to write about. I think many of you have done a great job finding good traits for your character chosen. I also like how everyone has found good sources to cite to support your analysis. Keep up the good work.

AR: The final Prezi on figurative langauge were presented, and we began playing 24 math. It was such fun seeing the kids play 24. They love this game. Although we are not going to Math Mania this year, the AR teachers are working on hosting a contest against Avon. Stay tuned for more information.

10/27/11 LA/AR

2011-10-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

Periods 1/2: Period 1 finished reading "Ghost Cat" in our workbooks (Period 2 will finish on Monday). We identified many instances of figurative language within the story. Students applied what they learned doing their figurative language Prezi. We reviewed story plot and will be working on a literature web of the story on Monday. Friday there will be a Latin stems quiz on list 4, which will cover all of 4 and several review words from lists 1-3.

Periods 3/5: We reviewed story plot as a class using the story "The Cask of Amontillado." Students then worked on their character analysis papers in class. We will continue writing them next week.

AR: Several students presented their Prezis on figurative language. Other students are still working and will present next week.

10/25/11 LA/AR

2011-10-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

Periods 1/2: We did a grammar activity using Lewis Carroll's poem "Jabberwocky." The students found this activity to be challenging as well as fun. One student even mentioned how surprised she was to understand the poem after we analyzed all the parts of speech. She said it made sense now.

Next, read "Ghost Cat" from our workbooks.

Homework: Students need to continue reading their self-selected autobiographies. Next week, I'll be meeting with each student to discuss their autobiographies. Students will summarize what they have read so far. We are currently on lesson 4. Students need to be done reading their autobiography by lesson 8 as well has have their three paragraph response done.

Periods 3/5: Students compared the "Tell-Tale Heart" with "The Cask of Amontillado" using a graphic organizer in class today. I then introduced their next paper, which is a character analysis of one of the main characters in the Cask. Each student has an outline of what is to be expected. We will be writing this mostly in school.

Homework: study for Latin stem test 6, which reviews 1-5 as well. Test will be on Friday.

AR: Students finished up with their Prezis and some have started Animoto projects on Troy's vocabulary. Here are this week's words:

Corporate
Compensate
Perceive
Commission
Dimension

10/25/11 LA/AR

2011-10-25T10:25:00.000-07:00

Periods 1/2: I collected last night's homework sentences (activity 3B from workbook). Students read the poem "I am Cherry Alive, the Little Girl Sang" in class. We discussed the purpose of the poem, how various words in the poem expressed how the girl (narrator) felt, what grown-ups have forgotten, and how what the poem says about change. Students then did a grammar activity with the poem identifying the eight parts of speech and categorizing various selected words from the poem. Students found this activity to be quite a challenge.

Homework: Students are to work on their timeline drafts of major life events. Students are to continue reading their autobiographies. Reminder: Complete your autobiography and essay by lesson 8.
We will finish reading "Ghost Cat" in class tomorrw.

Periods 3/5: Next Friday, November 4th, all "Tell-Tale Heart" activities will be turned in. If you are doing a video or PowerPoint, you will be presenting those that day. Today, we discussed the various examples of irony found in Poe's story, "The Cask of Amontillado." We also listened to and read the lyrics of the hit song, "Ironic." Students then shared moments of irony that they have personally experienced. Next, we discuss verbal/dramatic/situational irony. We finished up by reading the poem, "The Blind Men and the Elephant." Students were given a worksheet to locate the metaphors and similes as well as irony.

Period 4 AR: Students worked on deductive logic for 10 min. Then, we play a language game called, "25 Words or Less." The kids loved this game. It builds fluency and creativity. It also forces students to choose their words wisely! Next week, we'll try to finish up as much as possible with the Prezis. You can always work on your Prezi at home too!

10/20 LA/AR

2011-10-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

Periods 1/2: Students worked on questions for the autobiography Amelia Earhart and typed their poems. Homework: Study for Latin Stems test 4. I will display 10 sentences that contain Latin stems from list 4. You will need to use context clues and your knowledge of the stems to answer the questions.

Periods 3/5: We analyzed "The Cask of Amontillado" in class today. We discuss the vocabulary that Poe used and specific irony within the text. Homework: complete the vocabulary and literary elements page and study for Latin stem test 6. I'll display 10 sentences that contain Latin stems from list 6. You will need to use context clues and your knowledge of the stems to answer the questions.

Period 7: Some students were ready to present their Prezi on figurative language today. The rest should be ready by next week. Those who were done and presented, worked on Animoto (symbol project) with technology.

Discovery Testing

2011-10-10T05:19:00.000-07:00

Period 1: Go to the following address and enter the following code:

http://assignments.discoveryeducation.com/

Code: BD32988

Period 2: Code: BD04567

Period 3: Code: BB53139

Period 5: Code: BC09854

10/4/11 LA/AR

2011-10-04T10:02:00.000-07:00

Periods 1/2: We reviewed Latin stems. There will be a quiz on Friday where students will be presented with sentenced that contain Latin stem words and will be asked questions based on their knowledge of the words. This is how I introduced the words, so I'm checking to see if students are ready to synthesize the words and use context clues to define meaning. Students also worked on summaries and diaramas which are due on Friday.

Periods 3/5: Students finished up their RAFTS and presented them to the class. We reviewed the Latin stems for list 5 as well. There will be a short quiz tomorrow, Wednesday, to see if students can synthesize the Latin stem vocabulary words within sentences using context clues and Latin stem knowledge. This is how I taught the words this week.

AR: There was no AR today due the the school assembly.

10/3/11 LA/AR

2011-10-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

Periods 1/2: Complete summaries and tridiaramas of The Wish Giver are due Friday, October 7th. Storybirds are also due. However, if you need the weekend to finish your Storybird, that will be fine. I won't check them in till Monday, October 10th. Today, I introduced Latin stem list #3 to the class. I introduced the words through sentences using context clues to define them. Homework: read the next chapter in the The Wish Giver and complete a summary. If you are behind, you might need to read two chapters. There will be a quiz not an actual test on List 3 on Friday.

Periods 3/5: Reviewed Latin stem list 5 using context clues. We had a great discussion on the differences between capitalism, socialism, and communism in class as ISM is one of this week's words. It was really interesting. After vocabulary, we worked on RAFTS (role, audience, format, topic, strong verb) based on the Tell-Tale Heart. Here's an example: As the Tell-Tale Heart (role), write a poem(format) to the Poe Museum in Richmond, Virginia (audience), urging (strong verb) them to..... Homework: Work on Storybird (complete three pages tonight). We will finish the RAFTS in class tomorrow, October 4. There will be a quiz on Wednesday for Latin Stems list 5.

AR: Students worked on their Prezi presentations.

9/29/11 LA/AR

2011-09-29T06:23:00.000-07:00

Periods 1/2: Students worked on summaries and tridiaramas, which are due next Friday, October 7th. Next week, we will be focusing on Latin stems, vocabulary, grammar, and writing. There will be a vocabulary quiz Friday.

Periods 3/4: We've start a short Edgar Allan Poe unit. We've read the adapted play, "The Tell-Tale Heart" in class to practice fluency. We've also start viewing some short biography clips on Poe's life while making comparisons to our own lives using a Venn diagram. Today, we'll continue learning a bit more history of Poe, read a post card that Poe sent the class, and do a writing assignment from the point of view of the heart. Students will use the format of a RAFT (role, audience, format, topic).

AR: Students are working on deductive logic and creating PREZI's on figurative language.

9/27 LA/AR

2011-09-27T04:57:00.000-07:00

Period 1: We will begin with a grammar sentence. We need to review analogies from last week. I'll pass out the analogies you wrote in class, and we'll discuss word relationships. Students will complete a Frayer Model for their assigned vocabulary word. Homework: review vocabulary words.

Period 2: We will begin with a grammar sentence. With a partner, students will write a sentence that contains both of their words and draw a picture to accompany it. Students will then read silently the last chapter in "Tree Man" and complete a summary. Homework: review vocabulary words

Period 4: AR Students will work on thinking skills (deductive logic) individually or with a partner. As a class, we'll solve several "Stories with Holes," which are more deductive logic but with the added skill of verbal questioning. The class will work as a team. Homework: review vocabulary words

Period 3/5: We'll begin with a grammar sentence. Since we have finished The Wish Giver, I will be collecting the books. We will by doing a read-aloud play "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allen Poe. We will be focusing on higher level questions and story plot/literary elements. Homework: review vocabulary words.

Projects Due Monday

2011-09-22T07:49:00.000-07:00

I HAVE DECIDED TO CHAGE THE DUE DATE FOR LANGUAGE ARTS PROJECTS (SUMMARIES, TRIDIARAMAS, STORYBIRDS) TO MONDAY.

9/19 LA/AR

2011-09-19T07:37:00.000-07:00

Periods 1/2: We did grammar sentence 4 in class together. Students worked on their summaries, Storybirds, and a homework packet in class. Homework: read the next chapter and complete a summary and work on packet. Most students finished the packet in class.

Periods 3/5: We did a grammar sentence and focused on vocabulary/Latin stems. students worked on summaries, tridiarams, Storybirds, and reading packet. Many students finished their packets in class.

AR: Students were introduced to Prezi!

9/15 LA/AR

2011-09-16T04:28:00.000-07:00

Periods 1/2: Continued with Storybirds, tridiaramas, and chapter summaries. Homework: read the next chapter and complete a summary.

Periods 3/5: Continued with Storybirds, tridiaramas, and chapter summaries. Homework: read the next chapter and complete a summary

Period 7: Students worked on a deductive logic problem as a warm up. Then we reviewed all the types of figurative language through a PowerPoint. Next class, we'll review the types again in class and begin creating Prezis to apply what they've learned through technology.

9/14 LA/AR

2011-09-14T12:04:00.000-07:00

Periods 1/2: Students worked on their reading summaries, tridoramas, and Storybirds. Homework is to read the next chapter and do a summary. I also reminded students that their summaries needed to be well written and thorough. We discussed proper grammar and spelling as well. Storybird on "Dreams" is due next Friday.

Periods 3/5: Students worked on their reading summaries, tridoramas, and Storybirds. Homework is to read the next chapter and do a summary. I also reminded students that their summaries needed to be well written and thorough. We discussed proper grammar and spelling as well. Storybird on "Dreams" is due next Friday.

6th AR: We reviewed Figurative Language and began learning about Prezis. If you want to practice Prezi at home, here's the address: www.prezi.com

Enjoy!

9/12 LA/AR

2011-09-12T09:46:00.000-07:00

Periods 1/2: We introduced the words for Latin stems list two today in class. There will be a test on Friday covering all of list two and 10 review words from list one. Students should review both lists. I introduced "Storybird" in class today, and students started their first assignment which is due next Friday, September 23. Period 1 made their first tridiaramas for The Wish Giver. Period 2 will make their tridiarmas tomorrow. Tonight's homework is to read the next chapter and complete a summary SWBS chart.

Periods 3/4: We reviewed lists three and four of Latin stems. The test will be Friday. I introduced "Storybirds" in class and students began their first assignment which is due September 23. Tomorrow, students will work on their tridiarams, summaries, and Storybirds in class. Tonight's homework is to read the next chapter and complete a SWBS chart.

9/12 LA/AR

2011-09-11T16:17:00.000-07:00

This week, I am going to introduce a program called "Storybird" where you can write on line collaborative stories. I will give you a user name and password so that you can view the assignment. I will put the web address in my links for your convenience.

Fifth grade LA will continue reading and summarizing The Wish Giver and start a tridiorama. Sixth grade will finish all summaries and their tridiaramas by Friday. I know many of you have already finished the book, so this assignment shouldn't be too difficult. You are welcome to come to my room during advisory on Monday or Tuesday to work if you're in sixth grade. Fifth graders can work in my room during advisory on Wednesdays and Thursdays if needed. Students will only be allowed to work in my room during advisory if they are working on projects for me.

AR classes begin this week. Fifth graders will meet during advisory on Monday or Tuesday, and sixth graders will meet on either Wednesday or Thursday during advisory. If you are in AR, please come to class on time and always bring a pencil and paper. I would suggest having a separate folder for AR unless you have a spot for it in your binder. I will be having a small AR group on Fridays coming soon to work on a special project to be disclosed at a later date...hope that entices you! :)

9/8 LA

2011-09-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

Periods 1 & 2: Today, students did a four part analysis on a sentence where they identified all the parts of speech, parts of the sentence, phrases, clauses, and type of sentence using their grammar packet. Then students read and worked on their SWBS summary organizers.

Periods 3 & 5: Students worked on their tridioramas. I am so impressed with their creativity and visualization skills. We'll take some pictures and try to post them to the blog of the their finished products next week. Then students read and worked on their SWBS summary organizers.

9/7 LA

2011-09-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

Periods 1 & 2: Students copied down the demonostrative and interrogative pronouns on their pronoun organizers. We finished reading the prologue of The Wish Giver in class and filled in the SWBS chart together. Students read chapter 2 in class and started another SWBS chart which is due tomorrow. Some students also finished typing their "My Three Wishes" essay.

Periods 3 & 5: Students copied down the demonstrative and interrogative pronouns on their pronoun organizers. Then, students worked on their Trioramas. No homework was assigned.

There will be no tests this week.

2011-09-06T11:22:00.000-07:00

9/6 LA

Periods 1/2: Today, we copied down the second and third personal pronoun lists. Then we listend to Horton Lays an Egg and completed a summary organizer SWBS (Somebody Wanted But So). Using the simple plot of the Dr. Suess story, I read the first chapter in The Wish Giver to the class and then we talked about the summary using the SWBS organizer. We will work more on the organizer Wednesday. Although there will be no Latin stem test this week, students should start studying list two. They can find the list either on my blog or on the gradebookwizard. All essays should be turned by Wednesday afternoon. Students are encouraged to finish typing during advisory if necessary.

Periods 3/5: Student began creating the first scene in their Trioramas. These trioramas will be glued together to form a 4-part visual retelling the novel. We also worked on the next chapter summary. I must say, students are really doing a nice job with the SWBS organizer and are writing great summaries. We will continue with the Trioramas and summaries on Wednesday.

9/1 LA

2011-09-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

Periods 1/2: Students worked on their wishes essays. We will finish them up tomorrow and save them to Google docs so that I can do a final edit. We will also start the novel tomorrow and the SWBS summary organizer for chapter 1.

TEST FRIDAY: PRONOUNS AND LATIN STEMS
Periods 3/5: I read the poem "Making Wishes" by Sarah Edwards to the class. They really liked it. Then we worked on typing their wishes essays and summarizing chapter 2 using the SWBS organizer.

TEST FRIDAY: PRONOUNS AND LATIN STEMS

8/31 LA

2011-08-31T10:56:00.000-07:00

Periods 1/2: Today, we reviewed subject/object pronouns and Latin stems to prepare for Friday's test. We then watched an instructional video clip on how to write a great introduction and strong thesis. Students then reworked their original introductory paragraph from "My Three Wishes" essay. Tomorrow, we will continue typing and editing them. We will also read a poem by Sarah Edward called "Making Wishes." Students will create response logs in preparation for reading The Wish Giver.

Periods 3/5: We reviewed subject/object pronouns for Friday's test. I reminded class about Latin Stems test as well. We then created a response log for the novel The Wish Giver. Students created a Somebody-Wanted-But-So organizer to summarize the chapters. We used Horton Lays an Egg to model how to use the SWBS organizer. Students were assigned to read next chapter and finish summarizing the prologue. Tomorrow, the class will summarize chapter two and type up their essays.

8/30 LA

2011-08-30T06:48:00.000-07:00

Periods 1/2: We reviewed object and subject pronouns as well as Latin Stems for the quiz on Friday. Everyone share a wish and then re-inacted the wish telling everything that could go wrong. This was a fun exercise. Students learned that they need to be very specific when making wishes! To engage students in a novel we will be reading, they filled in a pre-dictogram with a partner. Finally, students were assinged a reading packet for homework. They are not to complete the "extend yourself" section.
Wednesday, students will work on editing their introductory paragraphs of their five paragraph essays.

Periods 3/5: We summarized last night's reading assignment. I assigned the next reading section up through page 57. We'll summarize the story again. This may be a pop quiz! Hint! We discussed different ways people make wishes such as putting a penny in your left shoe or wishing upon the first star you see. Then, students worked on their "My Three Wishes" essays. Students were also given a reading packet to do for homework as well. They are NOT to do the "Extend Yourself" section.

8/29/2011 LA

2011-08-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

5th Grade, Periods 1 & 2: Students were introduced to Latin Stems list one today. I showed them where to find the lists to practice at home by looking under "My Links" on this blog. Tomorrow, we'll review them and work on their five paragraph essays about wishes.

6th Grade, Periods 3 & 5: The class reviewed Latin Stems lists 1 and 2 today. Students did and Listening Edit with a partner as a first edit attempt. We learned how to write an introductory paragraph that contained a strong thesis statement. Students are revising paragraph one at home. We read chapter one of The Wish Giver in class and assigned chapter two for homework.

If you have typed your paper at home, be sure to follow MLA formatting: double spacing, no boldface, do not underline title, number your pages, proper heading, use 12 point font size in Times New Roman. SAVE IT TO A FLASH DRIVE and bring to school. Do not throw away your first, second or any drafts. You will be turning them in with your final paper.

Welcome Back!

2011-08-26T06:52:00.000-07:00

5th and 6th Grade Advanced Language Arts

Unit: Wishes, Dreams and Goals.
This week, we reviewed subject and object pronouns and wrote our first five paragraph essay draft on wishes. Next week, we will edit the essays and start a novel, The Wish Giver. We will begin learning/reviewing grammar and how to do a four part analysis on a sentence where you will identify parts of speech, parts of a sentence, phrases, clauses, types of sentences, and comma rules. In addition, we will start Latin stems. The sixth graders will review lists 1 & 2 and test on Friday. Fifth grade will begin list 1 and test on Friday. There will also be a subject pronoun/object pronoun quiz on Friday as well.

If you have any questions, please stop by. Have a wonderful weekend.

WordMaster Website

2011-04-19T09:34:00.001-07:00

WordMaster Prep Website

http://www.wordmasterschallengeprepsite.com/

Prepositional Poetry and Flip book

2011-04-12T04:56:00.000-07:00

Here is the website for the Prep. PowerPoints you need to visit today.

http://languagearts.pppst.com/index.html
You will need so scroll down the page to find the link for prepositions. Look at as many as you can...some are better than others.

Lob's Questions for LA

2011-04-06T05:40:00.000-07:00

1. Did you expect the story to end the way it did? How did you feel about the ending?

2. How does the author, Joan Aiken, show the relationship between Lob and Sandy? use examples from the story to explain your asnwer.

These are both 2 point extended responses. Be sure to include a T-chart with both answers.

April 4th, LA

2011-04-04T06:13:00.000-07:00

5th Grade: We reviewed Latin stems for the test on Friday. Remember, the test will include all of the words in list 6 and review 75 review words from lists 1-5. We also worked on an OAA reading practice test. We will review this tomorrw. Tonight's homework: study Latin stems and Wordmaster words. The WordMaster test will be the last day before break.

6th Grade: Students read the first chapter in The Last of the Mohicans and completed a worksheet that focused on LA skills such as character, setting, genre, point of view, theme and symbol. This will be graded.

I will select the books going to YA by Friday. I will also be selecting one book for writing and one book for illustrations to be entered in the county contest. Although only a few students will be attending the actual Young Author's Conference and meeting Chris Grabenstein, I wanted to let everyone know what a great job they did on their books. You should all be so very proud of yourselves.

April for 5th and 6th grade advanced LA classes

2011-04-03T19:37:00.000-07:00

All I can say is...OAA! We will be preparing for the OAA until spring break. We'll be reading various stories and applying the skills we have been learning in class such as figurative language, main idea, point of view, plot, genre, cause and effect, etc. It is very important that you put your thinking cap on for the next three weeks in order to review the necessary skills to perform well on the test. Remember what I have been telling all of you. You are great, the test is easy, find the answers in the passages, and you'll master this test. I know you can do it because I have the faith! :)

See you all tomorrow ready to learn.

I'll be selecting the books for the Young Author's program this week. I'll also be selecting two books from each grade to enter as "Best of Show" (illustrator) and writer. You have made this a very difficult task for me, but I am thankful for it. You have all done so well. I know it was difficult learning the calligraphy and writing thematic alliterations, but you have knocked my socks off. The alliterations are so clever and creative, and some of the most beautiful illustrations have been born! :)

6th Grade LA

2011-03-28T11:15:00.001-07:00

Since everyone is doing such a great job on their Young Author's books, I have decided that the "Themes and Symbols" packet won't be due till next Wednesday. Please take this opportunity to do a great job on your books. You're going to be judged on writing as well as your illustrations.

Today's 6th Grade Discovery Reading Test

2011-03-22T04:44:00.000-07:00

Here is your code: A61121

Here is the website: http://assignments.discoveryeducation.com/

Take your time, prove all your answers, never guess!!!!!

If you show improvement from last time, I'll give you 10 extra credit points and a homework pass!

6th Grade period 5

2011-03-21T08:42:00.000-07:00

Here is your code for the Discovery Test:
E33691

You will need to go the discovery assessment website:

http://assignments.discoveryeducation.com/

5th and 6th Grade Probes

2011-03-18T04:56:00.001-07:00

http://assessment.discoveryeducation.com/pas/schools/assessment_run.php

5th Grade Code: B27622

6th Grade Code: F44284

5th/6th Grade LA

2011-03-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

What you need to be working on:

1. Latin Stems test on Friday. This test will be a review of lists 1-5. Use the link I have provided for you to practice. All the flashcards are made, so why make your own. Play the games too.

2. You will need to turn in 10 completed pages of your Young Author's book on Wednesday. This means you may need to work at home if you are behind. Your book needs to be finished by the end of the month. You can work on illustrations at home too. Please use colored pencils and fine line markers. Do not use crayons.

3. Great job on the IRAs everyone. I am so impressed with how far you have come in your writing this year. That's right, I'm talking to everyone! As you get your graded report back, please place it in your portfolios. I would love for you to show these off on portfolio night. If you want to take it home first, that would be fine, but I expect you to bring it back to school. Eventually, we'll take something you wrote in the beginning of the year and compare it to what you can write now. I think you will be pleasantly pleased with yourself. I know I am.

6th Grade Probe--Setting and Punctuation

2011-03-01T10:48:00.000-08:00

We will try to take this during class this week. It might also be homework. I'll let you know.

Here is the code for your probe on SETTING. Remember what you learned in class. You may need to infer the setting based on the clues.

PZUG272024

Here is the website address: http://assignments.discoveryeducation.com/
Here's the code for PUNCTUATION

PZVX154913

Review WordMaster words from list one and two for homework

2011-02-22T09:10:00.000-08:00

Please go to the following website and review your WordMaster words from lists one and two. It is very important that you continue to review these words as they will probably appear on the contest/test. The new words should show up soon too. You might have an opportunity next week to bring your score up if you didn't do as well as you thought you should have.

Learning to do analogies is a very important skill. They will make you smarter!

http://wordmasterschallengeprepsite.com/sixthgrade.html

Friday's 5th Grade Writing Activity

2011-02-17T12:04:00.000-08:00

Today, you will choose two words that mean nearly the same and two words that mean nearly the oppositve from your WordMasters list and create two Diamante Poems to be placed in your memory book.

You will need to go to the following website to get started. After you complete these two poems, you can create one on the book you are reading for class.

http://www.readwritethink.org/parent-afterschool-resources/games-tools/diamante-poems-a-30185.html

Have fun and don't forget to print!

Mandatory Assignment for all student in Advanced Language Arts

2011-02-15T10:06:00.001-08:00

Please go to Mr. Hartwell's blog and do the assignment for "Watson." If you have any questions, please ask Mr. Hartwell or myself.

http://mrhartwell.blogspot.com/2011/02/elementary-my-dear-watson.html

Comma Practice

2011-02-15T08:45:00.000-08:00

http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/quizshow.php?title=semicolons-colons-commas&quesnum=2&showNextQ=no

Go to the following website and practice proper use of commas.

URGENT INFORMATION...LEGO OLYMPIAD

2011-02-11T15:46:00.000-08:00

TODAY, I RECEIVED INFORMATION REGARDING LEGO OLYMPIAD, WHICH WILL BE ON APRIL 15TH AT THE SPITZER CENTER AT LCCC. WE MUST REGISTER AS EARLY AS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH OR AS LATE AS THE 15TH OR 16TH TO GUARANTEE A SPOT.

AS MANY OF YOU KNOW, I WILL BE AT THE 24 MATH CHALLENGE ALL DAY ON MONDAY; THEREFORE, WILL BE UNABLE TO MAKE ANY ARRANGEMENTS OR REGISTER ANYONE. SO, THIS IS WHAT I NEED FOR YOU TO DO IF YOU PLAN ON GOING TO LEGO OLYMPIAD THIS YEAR.

TALK WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FORM A TEAM
GO ON LINE AND PRINT OUT A REGISTRATION FORM AND FILL IT OUT
THERE CAN BE 2 TO 5 STUDENTS PER TEAM
BRING IN $4 IN CASH OR A CHECK WRITTEN TO TROY INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL FOR EACH STUDENT ON THE TEAM
SEE ME TUESDAY MORNING, AND I WILL START CALLING IN THE TEAMS
REMEMBER, YOU WILL NEED YOUR OWN LEGOS, BUT YOU ARE MORE THAN WELCOME TO SHARE EACH OTHERS
THERE WILL BE A COMPUTER DIVISION AGAIN THIS YEAR. MY STUDENTS WON FIRST PLACE LAST YEAR! IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS, I LIKE TO HAVE NO MORE THAN 2 COMPUTER DIVISION TEAMS. I HAVE LEGO MINDSTORMS IN MY ROOM THAT YOU CAN USE; HOWEVER, YOU SHOULD BE FAMILIAR WITH USING THE SOFTWARE AS I WON'T HAVE A LOT OF TIME TO TEACH YOU.

Letter Generator

2011-02-10T09:15:00.001-08:00

Use the letter generator to help you in writing a letter.

http://www.readwritethink.org/parent-afterschool-resources/games-tools/letter-generator-a-30187.html

Summarizing Probe for 5th and 6th Graders

2011-02-10T04:59:00.000-08:00

Take the probe on summarizing to show what you know. This will be graded. We will do in class. If you are absent, you can complete at home and print the results. :)

5th Grade Code: PZAR246937

6th Grade Code: PZUW495165

The Website: http://assignments.discoveryeducation.com/

Prezis are due Friday!

2011-02-09T04:57:00.000-08:00

Make sure your Prezi is done before class on Friday. We will be sharing them in class on Friday as well as taking a Probe on Summarizing.

February 9th Homework

2011-02-09T04:54:00.001-08:00

5th Grade: We have been working on summarizing in class this week. Please choose a short article from the newspaper or magazine or online to write a short summary. Remember to include the characters, the setting, the beginning, the middle, and the end. You should start with a web. Turn your web in along with your summary tomorrow.

6th Grade: We have been working on summarizing in class this week. Please choose a short article from the newspaper or magazine or online to write a short summary. Remember to include the characters, the setting, the beginning, the middle, and the end. You should start with a web. Turn your web in along with your summary tomorrow

5th and 6th LA

2011-02-04T10:14:00.001-08:00

Some of you from period 2 received your rough drafts of your essays back today. Please correct them and return by Tuesday. You should also complete the probe associated with your grade if you didn't do so in lab today. Also, you are encouraged to work on your Prezis at home. I'd like to present them next week.

5th and 6th Grade Probe Final Test for Genres

2011-02-04T07:27:00.000-08:00

Genre Probe 5th Grade Final Test

http://assignments.discoveryeducation.com/

PZJT217349

6th Grade Genre Probe Final Test

PZDV395520

February 3rd, 2011

2011-02-03T17:18:00.000-08:00

Welcome back. I was glad to see everyone's smiling faces today eager to learn. I just wanted to recap what we did today and what's happening tomorrow.

We shared our WordMaster webs with the class. Tomorrow, we will create another web connecting the first list with the current list so that we can create analogies for homework.

Then, I showed everyone how to go about creating their Prezi on the various genres. They are really turning out great. I'll post them on the blog when they're finished. I expect them done by Tuesday of next week if the computer situation works in our favor.

We will review test taking skills for the OAA and do some practice problems from older tests. Remember, all answers can be found within the text. You are NOT allowed to answer anything unless you can find the answer in the text. We'll talk more about this tomorrow.

Tomorrow is the Genre quiz. I'll read off various elements of different genres, and you'll write down the genre. Afterwards, we'll go over the questions from the test that deal with genres from Discovery.

Homework 1/28

2011-01-29T08:29:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone enjoyed learning about the Prezi and is anxious to get started. Please feel free over the weekend to familiarize yourself with it. It's a lot of fun. This week's focus is going to be preparing for the OAA. We'll work on the Genre Characteristics skill with the Prezi project, go over old OAA tests, review test taking skills, and work on WordMasters. The only homework will be actual reading.

Sixth graders will need to have a book by Wednesday, so they can start their IRA (Genre Study Book Report). Please choose a book from a Genre that you usually don't pick from such as non-fiction. We have already read a mystery, so I would stear clear of that one. Also, be sure to select a book at or above your reading level.

Fifth graders will continue reading Three Cups of Tea and answering comprehension questions. :)

Discovery Assignments

2011-01-20T04:19:00.000-08:00

5th Grade Assignment

This is your code: PZWK427029

6th Grade Assignment

This is your code: PZSS915507

Here's the website to take the quiz! http://assignments.discoveryeducation.com/

Be sure to print your score and turn it in today.

Extra Credit

2011-01-14T18:07:00.000-08:00

If you are interested in doing extra credit, here is your big chance.

Go to the following website and play at least 10 games/activities. Then write a paragraph (5 sentences or more and use proper grammer and punctuation) for each explaining how to play, was it fun, would you play again, etc. http://classroom.jc-schools.net/basic/la-grammar.html
Then rank them 1-10 where 1 is the best and 10 is the worst.

This needs to be turned in by Thursday of next week.

5th and 6th Grade LA--January 13, 2011

2011-01-13T08:34:00.000-08:00

5th Grade: Students shared their journal responses to chapter 6 of Three Cups of Tea noting the extended responses by underlining the question in the answer, numbering the points (multi-point question), numbering the page they found the answer, and then rereading their answer. After that, students shared their vocabulary posters from the book as well. These were really great! I have wonderful artists in my room! :) Tomorrow, studetns will take a test in grammar as promised. :)

6th Grade: Completed the next sentence in the grammar packets (4-part analysis). We reviewed the answers as a whole. Then students had their Persuasion Maps approved on the "Speckled Band" and started typing their papers. Tomorrow, students will take a test in grammar and answer one question from "The Engineer's Thumb" in an extended response format.

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE POWERPOINT

2011-01-10T05:15:00.001-08:00

http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=figurative+language+powerpoint&d=4840668818376668&mkt=en-US&setlang=en-US&w=9ca89290,b62f87e9

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE WEBSITE

Pennies for Peace: Three Cups of Tea Music Video

2011-01-07T11:37:00.000-08:00

5th and 6th Grade

2011-01-06T12:00:00.001-08:00

Here is a gerat Power Point to review Literal and Figurative Language. Fifth graders will need to visit to answers question 2 from chapters 1-3 from Three Cups of Tea.

http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=mini-lesson+on+figurative+verses+literal+meaning&d=4840668817524816&mkt=en-US&setlang=en-US&w=4f1857e6,6527f681

6th Grade Language Arts

2011-01-06T09:55:00.000-08:00

Homework:

complete (10-13B) in comprehension packet for tomorrow
decide on a question for your RAFT/Essay paper on Sherlock Holmes
start reading The Engineer's Thumb from Sherlock Holmes Adventures

Tomorrow you will begin your persuasion map based on your question for the essay. You will write your first paragraph which will include your thesis statement and a quote or other "hook" in the computer lab.

If you're doing your essay on Sherlock's observation of Helen, you might want to find a quote on "observation."

Here are some interesting ones:

“We cannot create observers by saying "observe," but by giving them the power and the means for this observation and these means are procured through education of the senses”

“He alone is an acute observer, who can observe minutely without being observed"

Three Cups of Tea Questions for 5th Grade LA

2011-01-06T09:45:00.000-08:00

Here are the questions for Three Cups of Tea which are due on Monday. Three Cups of Tea

Journal Questions for chapter 1-3

1. Is “Failure” an appropriate title for Chapter 1? Explain

2. The first line of the story begins “Greg Mortenson was lost.” The word “lost” can have both a literal and figurative meaning. State what you think the authors meant by this sentence.

3. What role does the setting – high altitude and the treacherous terrain of the Himalayas – play in the initial events of the story?

4. Who assists Mortenson on his way to Korphe?

5. What does Mortenson drink for nourishment? Why is this significant to the story?

6. What does Mortenson discover about the quality of life in Korphe better or worse than your own?

7. Who is Haji Ali?

8. How do the villagers help Mortenson? How does Mortenson help the villagers?

9. What promise does Mortenson make to the villagers of Korphe?

Pennies for Peace

2011-01-06T04:25:00.000-08:00

Pennies for Peace

Is an organization dedicated to the betterment of children around the world.

6th Grade Vocabulary Test--Red Headed League

2011-01-04T10:23:00.000-08:00

Wednesday is the vocabulary quiz for The Red-Headed League. Just in case you forgot your words, here they are.

league
cordially
narrative
pompous
snuff
candid
contemplate
improbable
curt
commerce
pedestrian
vex
sleuth
nocturnal
benefactor

Photobiographies for 5th Grade LA

2011-01-04T10:20:00.000-08:00

Go to the following website and read through the photobiography of Ghandi. Answer the questions on Student Activity Pages 5E,5F, and 5G.

http://www.mkgandhi.org/biography/index.htm

You can work with a partner on this assignment from either at school or at home.

Language Arts Games for 5th and 6th Grades

2011-01-04T08:32:00.000-08:00

Here is a great website of language arts games that I would like you to play. After playing each game, note it in your journal. If you can get a score, also note that as well. I'd like you to play them all before the end of the grading period.
http://classroom.jc-schools.net/basic/la-grammar.html

Flashcard Maker

2011-01-04T04:58:00.000-08:00

Here is the website for the flash card maker.

http://www.proprofs.com/flashcards/

You will need to register. Use your gaggle or google email account.

Welcome Back!

2011-01-03T06:52:00.000-08:00

5th Grade: Bring your persuasion worksheet to class tomorrow because you will be making corrections to your essay on "Change." We will be starting your Relfections Project this week, and you will need your Timelines. Students will begin writing a draft of their autobiography. This will be completed by Lesson 10.

6th Grade: Finish vocabulary posters for "The Redheaded League." Be prepare to present to the class tomorrow. The test will be on Wednesday. We will start the Sherlock Holmes essay contest Wednesday as well. We'll review RAFTs.

5th Grade LA December 17

2010-12-17T04:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, there was a question as to what PROSE was. Here it is: prose [ prōz ]

language that is not poetry: writing or speech in its normal continuous form, without the rhythmic or visual line structure of poetry

ordinary style of expression: writing or speech that is ordinary or matter-of-fact, without embellishment

write something in prose: to write something

Play Fling the Teacher at http://www.newton.k12.ks.us/tech/fling3.html

Then go to http://www.puzzles.com/Projects/LogicProblems/ChristmasChoir.htm and try the Christmas Logic Puzzle.

Then try the Santa Puzzle at http://www.dltk-holidays.com/xmas/puzzles/12.htm

Then another fun game http://www.akidsheart.com/holidays/christms/5lineorn.html

Finally, Christmas Saduko! Now that's fun. http://www.akidsmath.com/mathgames/sudoku/sudokuchistmsl.htm

Have a wonderful holiday break! See you next year.

December 16, 2010

2010-12-16T15:30:00.000-08:00

There will be no vocabulary test on Friday as previously stated in an earlier blog this week. We didn't have time to get to the words. Today was very productive for both grades. Sixth grade turned in their comparison paragraphs they worked on last night for homework. They also wrote thank you letters to Judges from the Elyria Courthouse for donating their time to do Mock Trial with them. As I read over the letters, I was so impressed with what you guys had to say. You were very appreciative. I'm so glad you all enjoyed this learning experience. After writing the letters, students did a probe on the Discovery website and then worked on The Redheaded League literary questions. There appears to be an error with one of the questions and the page number that is referenced. I believe the page number corresponded to another book. Alison said the answer was on pages 67-70 I believe. Either way, just answer the question and disregard the page numbers. REMEMBER, THE QUESTIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY! You have had the questions since Monday. We'll start with some of the vocabulary tomorrow.

Students turned in their Venn diagrams and comparison paragraphs today as well as their essays on change. I was able to sit with several students and help edit their papers along side them. I really enjoyed doing that and believe the students got a lot more out of it. Over all, I was happy with the papers. We'll do final drafts when we return from break. Students then worked on a Discovery probe. If they didn't finish, they were to finish at home tonight. If anyone finished early, they were allowed to work on the Neuroscience for Kids website or any other educational website found on my website.

6th Grade, December 16

2010-12-16T04:57:00.000-08:00

Go to the Discovery Website and take the practice test. Here's the code: PZMF363698

http://assignments.discoveryeducation.com/

When finished, work on your "Redheaded League" questions, which are due tomorrow.

5th Grade, December 16

2010-12-16T04:47:00.000-08:00

Please go to the Discovery website and take the probe. Here's the code. PZFW628376

http://assignments.discoveryeducation.com/

6th Grade Homework, December 14, 2010

2010-12-14T08:11:00.000-08:00

* Grammar sentence 19.
* Read The Redheaded League in your Sherlock Holmes book. Start answering the literature questions which are due Friday. We'll introduce the vocabulary tomorrow and you will take the vocabulary test on Friday. It will look very much like the vocabulary exercises you did with The Speckled Band.

5th Grade Homework December 14, 2010

2010-12-14T07:58:00.000-08:00

* Complete your timeline and use the website to print it out. The website is posted on the blog.
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/timeline/

* "Change" essay is due Thursday typed. Be sure you follow the example essay I gave you. You need to have all the component evident such as the thesis statement in bold, etc. See me if you are confused about this. Do not turn your paper in without making sure of this.

* Grammar sentence #20. We'll check this in the morning.

Mock Trial

2010-12-10T11:58:00.000-08:00

Mock Trial today was really an amazing experience. Both 6th grades won their cases today. Everyone did such a great job, and I wanted to let you all know how proud I am of you. You really amazed me with all your talent and abilities today.

Parker Laird---Guitar Hero!

2010-12-09T11:52:00.001-08:00

Please check out Mr. Hartwell's blog to see our very own Parker on Youtube playing his new hit single "Demon Slayer." Chris Graberstein, the author of Hanging Hill, saw this and wants to put it on his website!

When you see Parker, be sure to congratulate him.

Mock Trial for 6th Grade LA

2010-12-09T05:12:00.000-08:00

Hello Sherlockians!

Tomorrow, we will be prosecuting Dr. Grimesby Roylott from The Speckled Band at the Elyria Courthouse. Please remember to dress appropriately. That means no jeans or t-shirts. The witnesses need to be in full costume. Please don't forget anything at home!

I just wanted to let everyone know what a fabulous job everyone has done in preparation for tomorrow's trial. I am so proud of all of you. I know you are going to be great tomorrow and so proud of yourselves.

Don't forget lunch money for McDonalds!

5th Grade Lanaguage Arts

2010-12-09T04:38:00.000-08:00

Here is the website for your timeline. You will create your timeline in the computer lab tomorrow along with finishing your essays.

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/timeline/

Book Covers for Independent Reading Projects

2010-11-19T16:32:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to remind anyone doing a book cover for their Independent Reading Project that you need to include a drawn scene from the book on the cover. Remember, not too many books just have the title and author on the cover. You want to entice someone to read your book. :) Please use colored pencils and be extra neat.

When doing other projects, please keep in mind if you have slipshod writing, you should always type and print your materials. Remember, that a your project should demonstrate your VERY BEST work.

Flashcard Maker

2010-11-19T04:58:00.001-08:00

Go to the following website and create your own flashcards for Word Masters vocabulary words. We will do this in class on Friday.

http://www.flashcardmachine.com/my-flashcards/set.cgi?topic_id=1034405

You will need to register and use your gaggle or google email account to retrieve confirmation.

Differentiated Independent Reading Assignment Due Date

2010-11-17T06:23:00.000-08:00

The independent reading assignment is due Nov 29th. The assignment was pass out 4 weeks ago, so hopefully everyone has finished their autobiography/autobiography by now and have started their 3 projects. You may bring in your items as you finish and place on the tables outside my room.

REMEMBER THE SPECKLED BAND QUESTIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY. MAKE SURE YOU PUT THE QUESTION BACK INTO THE ANSWER. GO FOR 2 AND 4 POINT RESPONSES.

Home Work November 17th

2010-11-17T06:19:00.000-08:00

5th Grade: Grammar sentence #16.

6th Grade: Finish writing analogies and study Word Master words. We will start Mock Trial tomorrow.

5th and 6th Grade LA

2010-11-12T04:58:00.000-08:00

Everyone will take Latin Stem Test 5. As I said earlier in a post, we will be taking a break from Latin stems for two weeks to learn the WordMaster vocabulary list so that we can compete in the national contest in two weeks. We will be devoting a lot of time next week to learning everything we can about these words and the use of analogies. The test is based on analogies!

You can visit this website over the weekend and start practicing. http://mrsdell.org/analogies/

Have fun.

6th Grade LA Thursday

2010-11-11T04:39:00.000-08:00

About the Exquisite Corpse Adventure

EnlargeEver heard of an Exquisite Corpse? It's not what you might think. An Exquisite Corpse is an old game in which people write a phrase on a sheet of paper, fold it over to conceal part of it and pass it on to the next player to do the same. The game ends when someone finishes the story, which is then read aloud.

Our "Exquisite Corpse Adventure" works this way: Jon Scieszka, the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, has written the first episode, which is "pieced together out of so many parts that it is not possible to describe them all here, so go ahead and just start reading!" He has passed it on to a cast of celebrated writers and illustrators, who must eventually bring the story to an end.

Every two weeks, there will be a new episode and a new illustration. The story will conclude a year from now. To get bi-weekly updates with new Exquisite Corpse Adventure chapters, click on the subscribe link at the top of the page. "This story starts with a train rushing through the night...." No one knows where or how it will end!

http://www.read.gov/exquisite-corpse/

5th Grade LA November 11

2010-11-11T04:32:00.000-08:00

Last week we took a quiz on "Compare and Contrast." We will go over the questions you answered in class tomorrow and then take another quiz to determine if everyone has mastered this skill.

Here is the website with the quiz: http://www.kyrene.org/reading/5th_grade/theme_five/links/mattercc.htm

When finished, let me know your score then go to the following website and practice some more reading skills:
http://www.newton.k12.ks.us/tech/fling3.html

Then go to this website and find the 5th grade skills and play "Grammar Blast." http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hme/k_5/quizzes/index.html

6th Grade LA Homework

2010-11-09T09:24:00.000-08:00

Please finish reading "The Speckled Band". Also, start answering your questions, which will be due in completion next Friday. Write your responses in your journal so that you will have notes to study for the final exam. Also, be sure to keep notes on all the vocabulary we're learning as well.
Study for Latin Stem test 5. It will have 100 words on it, which will include all of list 5. We will be taking a break from Latin stems for a while because we are going to be starting the "Word Masters" competition. This is a competition where we learn certain vocabulary and compete in a national vocabulary contest. We will be doing different exercises in order to learn all of the words, but I'm sure our exposure to Latin stems is really going to come in handy. You will be earning points toward you LA grade as we delve into this fun competition! :)

Word Masters Challenge Contest! Unlike other language-arts contests, which emphasize grammar and punctuation, this competition addresses higher-level word-comprehension and logical abilities and helps students learn to think both analytically and metaphorically.

If you want to learn more about this exciting program before we actually get started, here is the website. Feel free to look around.

http://www.wordmasterschallenge.com/

5th Grade LA

2010-11-08T10:28:00.001-08:00

I have added a link for your convenience when making your personal timelines. Check it out. I think you'll find it a good resource.

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/timeline/

6th Grade LA

2010-11-03T04:38:00.000-07:00

Please go to the discovery website http://assignments.discoveryeducation.com/

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If you don't finish in class today, please work on it at home. You can finish it up during advisory tomorrow only. Many students finished during class today, so that's great.

When you're finished, complete sentences 13 and 14 in the grammar packet.

5th Grade LA

2010-11-03T04:35:00.000-07:00

Today, please go to the Discovery website and enter in the password to take the exams. There are 2 exams. If you miss any of the questions, please watch the remedial videos.

http://assignments.discoveryeducation.com/

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When finished, complete sentences 13 and 14 in the grammar packet.

Gaggle 5th and 6th

2010-11-03T04:32:00.000-07:00

Hi guys, there's a new Gaggle questions for everyone. Check it out. Thanks to Andrew Peachman and Alex York, it's a really good one. If anyone else would like to add a question this Friday, let me know. I would be happy to let the kids take ownership!

5th Grade LA

2010-10-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

We discussed this week's Gaggle assignments. Student may select either or both prompts to write a thoughtful response, and reserach may be necessary to go a good job. Be sure to read what others have already written.

Students finished stamping memory their books. Tomorrow, you will print out your bio poem that you wrote earier this year for your first page. This will all be done at school.

Students should be getting their autobiographies or biographies for their independent reading assignment. We discussed the independent reading assignment as a class, and we changed the book genre from mystery to autobiography. This assignment is due November 26, 2010. We will be working on it in class at times, so always have your book with you.