Last day of homework.
Tonight - finish your R.A.F.T.
Please refer to the directions here
Please refer to the rubric here
This should be about one page if it is a journal entry (some people are doing several short entries.) It is important to remember that you must include an explanation of why the British made colonies in North America and what effect these colonies had on native Americans.
This is due tomorrow (Tuesday.)
Also, bring anything you need for our talent show tomorrow morning (instruments, props, costumes, etc.)
Monday, December 21, 2015
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Thursday 12-16-15
Our room is covered with Cardboard!!
The challenge is off. We have cars and games and houses and trees. What a wonder.
Today we flash-drafted our own essay about a character of our choosing. We will try to get a typed draft by tomorrow. If not, after vacation it must be.
RAFT however, needs to be done by Monday January 4th (preferably sooner.) We have one more class period tomorrow. Students may use some of cardboard challenge time if they choose.
We had a very serious talk about computer use with Mr. Hamilton today. Mr. Meadows and Ms. Lamb have new rules. Absolutely no games during school. Students must not have any extensions on their computers. Students may only be on approved sites. Students in Ms. Lamb's room must always use computers facing in so she or the study hall monitors may see screens at all times.
Students are trusted with computers and they can be very very distracting. If need be, students will not use computers. They will be completing work on paper. If a site is required, they will use the teachers computer to be on that site only.
Having a personal computer is a big responsibility. Please remember that this belongs to the school, including your account. Students may not open their personal accounts at school.
Homework tonight:
Study for science test tomorrow
Finish R.A.F.T.
Finish word hunt and 8 great sentences for word study
READ READ READ
Tomorrow we enjoy some cardboard challenge time and a band and chorus concert by all of our BRMS musicians at the end of the day.
Students are also thinking of something they can share in our talent show on Tuesday morning.
The challenge is off. We have cars and games and houses and trees. What a wonder.
Today we flash-drafted our own essay about a character of our choosing. We will try to get a typed draft by tomorrow. If not, after vacation it must be.
RAFT however, needs to be done by Monday January 4th (preferably sooner.) We have one more class period tomorrow. Students may use some of cardboard challenge time if they choose.
We had a very serious talk about computer use with Mr. Hamilton today. Mr. Meadows and Ms. Lamb have new rules. Absolutely no games during school. Students must not have any extensions on their computers. Students may only be on approved sites. Students in Ms. Lamb's room must always use computers facing in so she or the study hall monitors may see screens at all times.
Students are trusted with computers and they can be very very distracting. If need be, students will not use computers. They will be completing work on paper. If a site is required, they will use the teachers computer to be on that site only.
Having a personal computer is a big responsibility. Please remember that this belongs to the school, including your account. Students may not open their personal accounts at school.
Homework tonight:
Study for science test tomorrow
Finish R.A.F.T.
Finish word hunt and 8 great sentences for word study
READ READ READ
Tomorrow we enjoy some cardboard challenge time and a band and chorus concert by all of our BRMS musicians at the end of the day.
Students are also thinking of something they can share in our talent show on Tuesday morning.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Tuesday/Wednesday
Sorry, I forgot to post yesterday.
We had math homework and a math test today.....I hope you studied.
Today,
In social studies we are working to finish our R.A.F.T. Project where we become a colonial character and write or produce a story about how the colonies came to be and how they impacted the native Americans. This is due Tuesday.
Students may work on this at home.
On Friday and Monday we will be working on the cardboard challenge. Students who wish for time to work on the R.A.F.T. may have it. I will find a quiet place for them. I will also accept it being finished over vacation.
We are also continuing to hone our essay writing skills. We are all writing a character essay on the Third Pig of the Three Little Pigs and proving the claim "The Third Little Pig is intelligent." We are trying to sound sophisticated and scholarly in our essay writing.
Next we will write a character essay on our own on a book we have read this month. This will also be due the week we return from vacation (although I have not decided the exact day...it will depend on how far we get this week.)
Tonight's homework:
Work to finish RAFT for social studies
Read read read
We had math homework and a math test today.....I hope you studied.
Today,
In social studies we are working to finish our R.A.F.T. Project where we become a colonial character and write or produce a story about how the colonies came to be and how they impacted the native Americans. This is due Tuesday.
Students may work on this at home.
On Friday and Monday we will be working on the cardboard challenge. Students who wish for time to work on the R.A.F.T. may have it. I will find a quiet place for them. I will also accept it being finished over vacation.
We are also continuing to hone our essay writing skills. We are all writing a character essay on the Third Pig of the Three Little Pigs and proving the claim "The Third Little Pig is intelligent." We are trying to sound sophisticated and scholarly in our essay writing.
Next we will write a character essay on our own on a book we have read this month. This will also be due the week we return from vacation (although I have not decided the exact day...it will depend on how far we get this week.)
Tonight's homework:
Work to finish RAFT for social studies
Read read read
Monday, December 14, 2015
Monday 12-14-15
Hello,
Today we were introduced to the Cardboard Challenge. We had a half hour this morning to mess around and plan. We have 17 groups making anything from Christmas trees, to robots (cardbots?) to games. Today students may come home with supplies they want to bring by Friday (our next work time.) We need cardboard mostly. We will scare up cutting tools and tape.
Homework today:
LA: Read read read read
Do 10 minutes of edutyping
Math: Skill sheet
Today we were introduced to the Cardboard Challenge. We had a half hour this morning to mess around and plan. We have 17 groups making anything from Christmas trees, to robots (cardbots?) to games. Today students may come home with supplies they want to bring by Friday (our next work time.) We need cardboard mostly. We will scare up cutting tools and tape.
Homework today:
LA: Read read read read
Do 10 minutes of edutyping
Math: Skill sheet
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Thursday 12-10-15
Homework:
Math - ACE problems page 103-108 -
WOrk for 30 minutes to complete problems 2-5, 20, 26-31, 34-39
LA - Reading for 30 minutes
Math - ACE problems page 103-108 -
WOrk for 30 minutes to complete problems 2-5, 20, 26-31, 34-39
LA - Reading for 30 minutes
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Wednesday 12-9-15
Hi all. Ms. Lamb is in and out this week. Out yesterday and out tomorrow. We have been working on our practice essay about the Third Little Pig in LA. This draft should be typed and have 5 paragraphs by now. Feel free to work on it at home if it is not there yet. Today we worked on elaborating our reasons and making good transition phrases like "Also...., In addition to...., However...., As a result of this....." and also adding thought prompts like "I wonder if...., This is important because.... For this reason.....For example...."
We also thought about restating our claim and adding a "so what" sentence or two in our conclusion.
In Social Studies we continue to work on our RAFT project where we become a character from the colonial period and construct a story with Role Audience, Format and Topic. The topic must be how and why colonies became and what happened with the native Americans. Students are creating a digital project which can be as simple as a letter and as complicated as they can imagine, but it is due next Friday.
Next week we start The Cardboard Challenge, so we won't have social studies every day. It may become homework after this Friday.
Homework today:
LA - finish sentences and word hunt (finish typing essay if not done)
Math - skill sheet is due Friday
Science - ISILT Why does a cell membrane need to be semi-permeable? This is a test practice question. DO it on Google Classroom or as a googledoc or hand write it if you must. Due tomorrow
Read for 20 minutes and bring your book tomorrow for reading marathon in the library
We also thought about restating our claim and adding a "so what" sentence or two in our conclusion.
In Social Studies we continue to work on our RAFT project where we become a character from the colonial period and construct a story with Role Audience, Format and Topic. The topic must be how and why colonies became and what happened with the native Americans. Students are creating a digital project which can be as simple as a letter and as complicated as they can imagine, but it is due next Friday.
Next week we start The Cardboard Challenge, so we won't have social studies every day. It may become homework after this Friday.
Homework today:
LA - finish sentences and word hunt (finish typing essay if not done)
Math - skill sheet is due Friday
Science - ISILT Why does a cell membrane need to be semi-permeable? This is a test practice question. DO it on Google Classroom or as a googledoc or hand write it if you must. Due tomorrow
Read for 20 minutes and bring your book tomorrow for reading marathon in the library
Monday, December 7, 2015
Monday 12/7/15
Monday's Homework
Math - Skill Sheets tonight. These are due Friday.
LA - Finish 5 paragraphs - 3 Little Pigs in Journal
Read - 30 minutes
Math - Skill Sheets tonight. These are due Friday.
LA - Finish 5 paragraphs - 3 Little Pigs in Journal
Read - 30 minutes
Friday, December 4, 2015
Friday 12-4-15
Today report cards are being mailed home. They should arrive tomorrow or Monday.
Please be aware that reading and writing scores are now based on one assessment at the end of the trimester. Please read the comments if you see a 1 or 2. It does not necessarily mean your student is not improving. The rubrics are strict and we have only the one assessment on which to base the score. A 1 in writing means you made it to the 4th grade level, which is still pretty high. I gave comments on what needs to happen to move to sixth grade. We will continue to work on narrative writing skill, but our next trimester assessment will be informational.
Pay a lot of attention to the personal development scores.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Please be aware that reading and writing scores are now based on one assessment at the end of the trimester. Please read the comments if you see a 1 or 2. It does not necessarily mean your student is not improving. The rubrics are strict and we have only the one assessment on which to base the score. A 1 in writing means you made it to the 4th grade level, which is still pretty high. I gave comments on what needs to happen to move to sixth grade. We will continue to work on narrative writing skill, but our next trimester assessment will be informational.
Pay a lot of attention to the personal development scores.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Thursday 12-3-15
Tonight's homework:
LA: Tonight write about your chosen novel's character and post on YWP tagged My Book My Character
Read for 30 minutes
Math page 80 3. A, B, and C
Today we delved into our chosen novel. Ms. Lamb is starting running records beginning with the title of the book you have chosen and the page you are on. She became suspicious that perhaps some people are not reading at home when she discovered that some did not even have a chosen book with a character or were on a suspiciously near page to the last time she looked before Thanksgiving.....
Anyway, seriously, read as much as you can. It's December Reads Month.
Yesterday we researched and posted a blog entry on our group books. Today we replied to everyone else in the groups post.
Yesterday we also began our RAFT final assessment for English Colonies. Here is the assignment.
We will also be reading together Making Thirteen Colonies by Joy Hakim.
LA: Tonight write about your chosen novel's character and post on YWP tagged My Book My Character
Read for 30 minutes
Math page 80 3. A, B, and C
Today we delved into our chosen novel. Ms. Lamb is starting running records beginning with the title of the book you have chosen and the page you are on. She became suspicious that perhaps some people are not reading at home when she discovered that some did not even have a chosen book with a character or were on a suspiciously near page to the last time she looked before Thanksgiving.....
Anyway, seriously, read as much as you can. It's December Reads Month.
Yesterday we researched and posted a blog entry on our group books. Today we replied to everyone else in the groups post.
Yesterday we also began our RAFT final assessment for English Colonies. Here is the assignment.
We will also be reading together Making Thirteen Colonies by Joy Hakim.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Wednesday 12/2/15
Homework tonight:
Math - Connected Math page 88-89 #70-84
Skill Sheet - Due Friday
LA - Read 30 minutes
Math - Connected Math page 88-89 #70-84
Skill Sheet - Due Friday
LA - Read 30 minutes
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Tuesday
Tonight's homework:
LA Read extra - try to read for a full hour
Math Skill sheet due Friday
Tomorrow due page 77 question D
We are starting December Reads or read as much as you can in December. Students are encouraged to join Mrs. Babbitt's Reading Marathons in the library (I think on Thursdays?) or make your own reading marathon at home. Don't worry if you can't make it to an hour, just read as much as you possibly can.
In class we are writing about reading and setting reading goals for ourselves. Today we read aloud Billy's Booger and Memoir kinda and talked about memoir being a personal narrative with a big message.
Then we did a pre-assessment for literary essay where we read "Spaghetti" by Cynthia Rylant and tried to write an essay about what the theme is.
Ms. Lamb will be out tomorrow, so the blog might not get done. Tomorrow's LA will be - you guessed it - read more again.
LA Read extra - try to read for a full hour
Math Skill sheet due Friday
Tomorrow due page 77 question D
We are starting December Reads or read as much as you can in December. Students are encouraged to join Mrs. Babbitt's Reading Marathons in the library (I think on Thursdays?) or make your own reading marathon at home. Don't worry if you can't make it to an hour, just read as much as you possibly can.
In class we are writing about reading and setting reading goals for ourselves. Today we read aloud Billy's Booger and Memoir kinda and talked about memoir being a personal narrative with a big message.
Then we did a pre-assessment for literary essay where we read "Spaghetti" by Cynthia Rylant and tried to write an essay about what the theme is.
Ms. Lamb will be out tomorrow, so the blog might not get done. Tomorrow's LA will be - you guessed it - read more again.
Monday, November 30, 2015
Monday 11-30-15
Busy busy - first day back.
We have new homerooms - yet to be named. We mixed everybody up again.
We had library and kicked off our month of reading (to complement our month of writing.) We will read as much as we can this month and write about what we read. We culminate with a formal argument essay.
We created a page two on google slides for our second trimester book log.
Homework today:
Math: Skill sheet due Friday
LA: What was the best or worst book you read first trimester? Back up your claim with evidence.
Come tomorrow ready to write your preassessment argument in class (maybe you will use that very topic that you practiced for homework....)
Read for 30 minutes.
We have new homerooms - yet to be named. We mixed everybody up again.
We had library and kicked off our month of reading (to complement our month of writing.) We will read as much as we can this month and write about what we read. We culminate with a formal argument essay.
We created a page two on google slides for our second trimester book log.
Homework today:
Math: Skill sheet due Friday
LA: What was the best or worst book you read first trimester? Back up your claim with evidence.
Come tomorrow ready to write your preassessment argument in class (maybe you will use that very topic that you practiced for homework....)
Read for 30 minutes.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Thursday
Only homework tonight is to finish the EXEMPLARS problem. Students need to finish their Thanksgiving problem and work to explain how they developed their answer and show their math. Also, be sure to make a connection - what's the big math idea in the problem.
Reading - You can continue to read and write.
Come tomorrow with an idea for your your personal narrative.
Mrs. Babbitt reminds us that Sardinia gifts are due tomorrow - she mails them after school.
Reading - You can continue to read and write.
Come tomorrow with an idea for your your personal narrative.
Mrs. Babbitt reminds us that Sardinia gifts are due tomorrow - she mails them after school.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Wednesday 11-18-15
In case you hadn't heard.....
Browns River Middle School is the only school in Vermont and the only school in New England! We need your votes TODAY. This is a one day vote. Your vote could be worth $100,000 to BRMS. Help us TODAY!
Browns River Middle School has an excellent chance to win a $100,000 fab lab makeover grant, which will benefit our students and our community. Every vote counts, including yours.
Here's how you can make a difference:
1. TODAY go on Facebook and vote for Browns River Middle School at Fab School Labs
https://www.facebook.com/
2. Tell your friends! Share that Facebook link with all your friends and ask them to vote BRMS TODAY.
3. Send this email to your email or Instagram contacts and ask them to go on Facebook and vote for BRMS TODAY.
4. Please use your laptop/desktop computer since the voting CANNOT be done from mobile devices TODAY before midnight EST time.
Tomorrow we have three assessments. Hopefully none to painful or long.
Social studies - you need to know how to read maps and use them to make assumptions about places.
Science - end of unit test on human body - review your notes. The test focuses on naming the parts of the digestive, circulatory and respiratory systems and explaining what each part does. ALso, how can you explain how all of the parts are interconnected.
Reading - no way to prepare, just sleep well and do your best. (NOTE - This will not be using the group novels. I extended that finish date until Friday or after vacation if need be.)
Please sleep well, eat breakfast and bring snacks and water.
We have our final assessment Friday - writing a personal narrative - again, come with all you have in story telling prowess.
Exemplars problem is due Friday. Hopefully you have in mostly done from class.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Tuesday 11-17-15
Today's homework:
Math - Exemplar due Friday - don't wait, start today
LA keep writing 20 minutes per day, you should have 5000 words by now.
Read for 20 minutes - your book group book should be 3/4 done by now. Finish by Friday.
Edutyping - goal is 160 by this week
It feels like we are pushing because we are a bit. We will finish our Discovery Simulation tomorrow and start with our Reading assessment for Star Reading.
Thursday we have three assessments:
Science end of unit
Social Studies map assessment
Reading - write about your novel and Scholastic News Reading assessment
Friday we write our post assessment personal narrative in class in the morning, then have a movie and game playing celebration.
After Thanksgiving break we will start with new homerooms and new topics.
LA Poetry and research writing
Science Cells
Social Studies - a bit more with US colonies then on to Latin America
Math - Exemplar due Friday - don't wait, start today
LA keep writing 20 minutes per day, you should have 5000 words by now.
Read for 20 minutes - your book group book should be 3/4 done by now. Finish by Friday.
Edutyping - goal is 160 by this week
It feels like we are pushing because we are a bit. We will finish our Discovery Simulation tomorrow and start with our Reading assessment for Star Reading.
Thursday we have three assessments:
Science end of unit
Social Studies map assessment
Reading - write about your novel and Scholastic News Reading assessment
Friday we write our post assessment personal narrative in class in the morning, then have a movie and game playing celebration.
After Thanksgiving break we will start with new homerooms and new topics.
LA Poetry and research writing
Science Cells
Social Studies - a bit more with US colonies then on to Latin America
Monday, November 16, 2015
Friday, November 13, 2015
Thursday/Friday
Sorry I forgot to post again yesterday. This week has been pretty hectic for me (hopefully not so much for the kids) as I had two days of professional development going on while I was teaching.
Anyway,
Yesterday's homework was....
Write for 20 minutes
Read for 20 minutes
Edutyping should be up to 140 minutes with 14 lessons completed
Math - finish the work from Wednesday p. 82 1-5 and 20-22
Next Thursday and Friday and Monday and Wednesday after vacation we will be completing final assessments for report cards. (We will do our Star Reading on Wednesday before vacation, not Monday after as I previously stated. We need to do it before vacation to make sure we have all data before November ends.)
On Thursday next week we complete a map assessment and a reading assessment on paper (read it and write about it.)
On Friday next week we complete our on demand writing assessment for personal narrative. Come with an idea. We will complete the entire thing Friday morning, then celebrate with popcorn and a movie.
PLP presentations will be quick and painless and happen Monday and Friday during PLP time. You only need to present for 1-3 minutes. Tell what you studied, what you accomplished and what you used for resources.
After vacation we will have new homerooms and new topics (well new after we finish the assessment for colonies.)
We start information writing (topic - North America Exploration, Encounter & Exchange in History for National History Day.
Also, coming soon - Latin America.
Anyway,
Yesterday's homework was....
Write for 20 minutes
Read for 20 minutes
Edutyping should be up to 140 minutes with 14 lessons completed
Math - finish the work from Wednesday p. 82 1-5 and 20-22
Next Thursday and Friday and Monday and Wednesday after vacation we will be completing final assessments for report cards. (We will do our Star Reading on Wednesday before vacation, not Monday after as I previously stated. We need to do it before vacation to make sure we have all data before November ends.)
On Thursday next week we complete a map assessment and a reading assessment on paper (read it and write about it.)
On Friday next week we complete our on demand writing assessment for personal narrative. Come with an idea. We will complete the entire thing Friday morning, then celebrate with popcorn and a movie.
PLP presentations will be quick and painless and happen Monday and Friday during PLP time. You only need to present for 1-3 minutes. Tell what you studied, what you accomplished and what you used for resources.
After vacation we will have new homerooms and new topics (well new after we finish the assessment for colonies.)
We start information writing (topic - North America Exploration, Encounter & Exchange in History for National History Day.
Also, coming soon - Latin America.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Wednesday
Sorry I'm so late with the blog. I was out yesterday and didn't get to write anything then either.
Today all writing teachers (including this one) had a half day of professional development. That means I arrived to teach at noon (after the late start) so I've been flying all day. This will happen tomorrow also, but I will try to get the blog out on time.
Homework:
Math: Page something with some problems in the 20's. Bad memory. This should be in your assignment book.
LA: Same for all of November - write for 20 minutes. Check the prompt page or make up your own prompt or write your Nanowrimo novel.
Read for 20-30 minutes
Today all writing teachers (including this one) had a half day of professional development. That means I arrived to teach at noon (after the late start) so I've been flying all day. This will happen tomorrow also, but I will try to get the blog out on time.
Homework:
Math: Page something with some problems in the 20's. Bad memory. This should be in your assignment book.
LA: Same for all of November - write for 20 minutes. Check the prompt page or make up your own prompt or write your Nanowrimo novel.
Read for 20-30 minutes
Monday, November 9, 2015
Monday 11-9-15
Tonight's homework
LA: Write for 20 minutes
See Prompts for November in google docs for ideas
Read 20-30 minutes
Math: Proper to improper fractions paper
LA: Write for 20 minutes
See Prompts for November in google docs for ideas
Read 20-30 minutes
Math: Proper to improper fractions paper
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Thursday
Homework today:
Math - Exemplars FINAL DRAFT
LA - write for 20 minutes. Check out these sites for ideas
https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/story-starters/writing-prompts/
http://www.writingforward.com/
Math - Exemplars FINAL DRAFT
LA - write for 20 minutes. Check out these sites for ideas
https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/story-starters/writing-prompts/
http://www.writingforward.com/
Check them out.
Read for 20 minutes or more
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Wendesday 11-4-15
A note about candy:
Students may not have candy in the classroom. Any candy that we see will be taken and probably not returned. Candy can be eaten at lunch (in small amounts please.) Small mints that are unnoticeable will be okay if not a distraction to self or others.
Tonight's homework:
LA writing prompts - your own or check out the prompts page
Write for 20 minutes you should have 1200 words or more for November by now.
Read for 20 to 30 minutes
Math: Equivalent Ratio worksheet
EXEMPLARS - Cookie Caper is due Friday.
Students may not have candy in the classroom. Any candy that we see will be taken and probably not returned. Candy can be eaten at lunch (in small amounts please.) Small mints that are unnoticeable will be okay if not a distraction to self or others.
Tonight's homework:
LA writing prompts - your own or check out the prompts page
Write for 20 minutes you should have 1200 words or more for November by now.
Read for 20 to 30 minutes
Math: Equivalent Ratio worksheet
EXEMPLARS - Cookie Caper is due Friday.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Tuesday 11-3-15
If you want to publish to YWP here is the parent permission form
Tonight's homework:
LA write for 20 minutes 200-400 words - see the prompts for suggestions if you want
Prompts
Read for 20-30 minutes
Math: Exemplar problem due tomorrow (Do this first) if you run out of time, catch up later on writing and reading
Tonight's homework:
LA write for 20 minutes 200-400 words - see the prompts for suggestions if you want
Prompts
Read for 20-30 minutes
Math: Exemplar problem due tomorrow (Do this first) if you run out of time, catch up later on writing and reading
Monday, November 2, 2015
Monday 11-2-15
Good Monday all.
Today we start daily writing. We will write every day in class for 10 minutes (or more) and every night for 20 minutes (or more). There are prompts for each 10 minute session should you want them. You may write your NANOWRIMO novel to replace any of this.
We will share all digital work on YWP. Students should always write in googledocs and copy and paste to YWP.
Link to prompts
Homework today:
LA:
Write for 20 minutes - pick from prompts or pick your own or NANOWRIMO
Read for 20-30 minutes
Math: Exemplars problem - work in out and start the write up.
Today we start daily writing. We will write every day in class for 10 minutes (or more) and every night for 20 minutes (or more). There are prompts for each 10 minute session should you want them. You may write your NANOWRIMO novel to replace any of this.
We will share all digital work on YWP. Students should always write in googledocs and copy and paste to YWP.
Link to prompts
Homework today:
LA:
Write for 20 minutes - pick from prompts or pick your own or NANOWRIMO
Read for 20-30 minutes
Math: Exemplars problem - work in out and start the write up.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
November 1, 2015 Special Sunday Edition
Today begins our month or writing.....
Many of us will be writing our novels for NANOWRIMO or National Novel Writing Month
Some of us will be working on our writing chops writing to different prompts everyday
Some of us will be keeping a good old fashioned Writer's Notebook where we write what we feel like writing.
No matter which plan we are following, we will each try very hard to write for 10 minutes or more at school and 20 minutes at home EVERY DAY (oh my, that means writing on the weekends!!!)
Do your best, don't beat yourself up, just write as much and as often as you can.
A rough goal is 200 words per 10 minutes (we will set our personal goals on Monday by writing as solidly as we can for 10 minutes and counting our words.)
These words can be typed on a computer or written in a journal. You can even do some of each (I know I will because I can't always have my computer with me - like in the car, but I can always have my journal. We will write in our journal during the school day - but we can quickly move it to the computer if we are keeping a digi novel.
This will work on
stamina for writing
typing speed
handwriting
quick thinking
and most of all.....
having some fun with writing.
I have updated the upcoming assignments link if you are interested. None of these should influence homework very much.....just write and read - but do more of it.
Many of us will be writing our novels for NANOWRIMO or National Novel Writing Month
Some of us will be working on our writing chops writing to different prompts everyday
Some of us will be keeping a good old fashioned Writer's Notebook where we write what we feel like writing.
No matter which plan we are following, we will each try very hard to write for 10 minutes or more at school and 20 minutes at home EVERY DAY (oh my, that means writing on the weekends!!!)
Do your best, don't beat yourself up, just write as much and as often as you can.
A rough goal is 200 words per 10 minutes (we will set our personal goals on Monday by writing as solidly as we can for 10 minutes and counting our words.)
These words can be typed on a computer or written in a journal. You can even do some of each (I know I will because I can't always have my computer with me - like in the car, but I can always have my journal. We will write in our journal during the school day - but we can quickly move it to the computer if we are keeping a digi novel.
This will work on
stamina for writing
typing speed
handwriting
quick thinking
and most of all.....
having some fun with writing.
I have updated the upcoming assignments link if you are interested. None of these should influence homework very much.....just write and read - but do more of it.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Thursday 10-29-15
A note from the nurse:
Hi everyone,
Now that there are kids getting hit with some bugs this is a reminder that if they are feeling yucky while in school the phone call will come from the nurse rather than the child themselves. When kids feel bad in school they let an adult on the team know, we will get them to the nurse's office and from there a nurse will contact you if your child should be picked up. If your child calls you from the classroom (cell phone calls/ texts are not used during the school day) and asks to be picked up please remind them that they first need check in with us and we can get the process going. This protocol lets us help kids be assertive and is designed to give parents a clear understanding of events and symptoms from our school professionals. Thank you.
Today's homework:
LA - edutyping - you should have a total of 100 minutes by Friday. Do your best to catch up. You are expected to do 10 minutes at a time. I will give some time tomorrow.
word hunt
Personal narrative try to be done by Friday
Second Letter to Sardinia due today
Math: Skill sheet and work sheet simplifiying fractions
Science: ISILT if you forgot to do it yesterday (look on yesterday's blog.)
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Wednesday 10-18-15
Homework today:
LA - 2nd sort spelling
Finish
Sardinia letter by tomorrow
Narrative update by Friday afternoon
Math Worksheet handed out in class
Science - ISILT How are respiratory and circulatory systems interconnected? Explain.
Read for 20-30 minutes
LA - 2nd sort spelling
Finish
Sardinia letter by tomorrow
Narrative update by Friday afternoon
Math Worksheet handed out in class
Science - ISILT How are respiratory and circulatory systems interconnected? Explain.
Read for 20-30 minutes
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Tuesday 10-27-15
Math:
Complete 1.4 A-E
Skill SHeet due Thursday
LA:
Complete penpal letter to friend in Sardinia
Finish word study
Read for 20 minutes
Complete 1.4 A-E
Skill SHeet due Thursday
LA:
Complete penpal letter to friend in Sardinia
Finish word study
Read for 20 minutes
Monday, October 26, 2015
Monday 10-26-15
I'm not at school today...so here I am trying to blog about it.
Math:
Complete Equivalent Fractions worksheet
Skill Sheet - due Thursday
Here's what people were "supposed" to do today.
In LA we had library day with Mrs. Babbitt - then read aloud from Fish in a Tree. Then by the appearance of the letters, kids posted on Edmodo to our friends in Texas and then started their second letter to their pen pal in Sardinia. It looks like many kids did not finish the letters so....
Here is what I hope was written down for homework:
LA - 8 sentences for word study and finish your Sardinia letter
Read your novel 20-30 minutes
Math:
Complete Equivalent Fractions worksheet
Skill Sheet - due Thursday
See you students tomorrow.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Thursday/Friday
So sorry, I forgot to post homework.
I hope you got it done.
It was finish your final draft of personal narrative and post over your last post on YWP.
Finish math skill sheet if not done
Read your novel for 20-30 minutes
You should have 80 minutes on edutyping by Friday
I hope you got it done.
It was finish your final draft of personal narrative and post over your last post on YWP.
Finish math skill sheet if not done
Read your novel for 20-30 minutes
You should have 80 minutes on edutyping by Friday
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Wednesday 10-21-15
Tonight's homework:
LA journal write - what are your strengths and weaknesses as a writer (make sure you write about both.) Make a goal for yourself as a writer.
Read for 20 minutes
Math ACE 41-45 and something else I forgot.
LA journal write - what are your strengths and weaknesses as a writer (make sure you write about both.) Make a goal for yourself as a writer.
Read for 20 minutes
Math ACE 41-45 and something else I forgot.
Wednesday 10-21-15
Homework for Tuesday Night
Math
ACE QUestions, starting on page 27
Questions 2-4, 41-43, 65-70
Science
We have a quiz on Friday on the Respiratory System. Students need to know the following:
1.Explain the job of the respiratory system 3.Describe and/or explain their job and function 4. Identify where they are located in the respiratory system
2.List the main parts of the respiratory system
LA
Writing Journal - Assess yourself as a writer. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
Math
ACE QUestions, starting on page 27
Questions 2-4, 41-43, 65-70
Science
We have a quiz on Friday on the Respiratory System. Students need to know the following:
1.Explain the job of the respiratory system 3.Describe and/or explain their job and function 4. Identify where they are located in the respiratory system
2.List the main parts of the respiratory system
LA
Writing Journal - Assess yourself as a writer. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Tuesday 10-20-15
Today's homework
Finish your best draft to date with your ending from today's class. Post over your last post on YWP.
Make sure you are caught up with edutyping and your word study is complete.
Read for 20 minutes
Update reading record
No math tonight.
Today we learned how to make effective reflective endings for our personal narratives. These things take a lot of revision and sticktoitiveness.
We are almost ready to sail in social studies. We need one more day to load our ships and figure out our finances.
See you tomorrow.
Finish your best draft to date with your ending from today's class. Post over your last post on YWP.
Make sure you are caught up with edutyping and your word study is complete.
Read for 20 minutes
Update reading record
No math tonight.
Today we learned how to make effective reflective endings for our personal narratives. These things take a lot of revision and sticktoitiveness.
We are almost ready to sail in social studies. We need one more day to load our ships and figure out our finances.
See you tomorrow.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Monday 10-19-15
We had a chilly start, but we are warmed up now.
We had library today and learned some about non-fiction books.
In social studies we really buckled down with loading our ships. We will all set sail on Wednesday.
We also read a little of Fish in a Tree and posted on Edmodo with our friends from Texas.
Tonight's homework:
LA: edutyping 10 minutes or at least one lesson
Update your reading record
Read novel 20-30 minutes
Math: Finish 1.1 A
PLEASE bring in any used Kerig coffee containers for the robotics club. Thank you.
We had library today and learned some about non-fiction books.
In social studies we really buckled down with loading our ships. We will all set sail on Wednesday.
We also read a little of Fish in a Tree and posted on Edmodo with our friends from Texas.
Tonight's homework:
LA: edutyping 10 minutes or at least one lesson
Update your reading record
Read novel 20-30 minutes
Math: Finish 1.1 A
PLEASE bring in any used Kerig coffee containers for the robotics club. Thank you.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Thursday 10-16-15
Today we have our reading writing retreat in the library. This is a wonderful opportunity provided by Mrs. Babbitt. We spend 45 minutes in silence in the beautiful library. We can write or read. That's it. No research, no games, no talking. At the end of the period we share out what we did. It's awesome.
Homework today including work due Friday (we have some time in class to work.)
LA
second draft with REAL REVISIONS. Ms. Lamb will grade the revision by looking at the first draft and the second draft. She expects to see a clear story arc, the heart of the story emphasized and slowed down, a new beginning and several exploded moments. Be ready to conference at the beginning of class on Friday.
8 great sentences for word study (1st and 2nd sorts should be done)
Read your novel if you have time. You should have completed 3 novels by now (200 plus pages each, not graphic novels - they count but you need to read more than just that.) Everyone is EXPECTED to read 2 hours outside of class per week. I check with parents at conferences.
Math: other side of worksheet
Homework today including work due Friday (we have some time in class to work.)
LA
second draft with REAL REVISIONS. Ms. Lamb will grade the revision by looking at the first draft and the second draft. She expects to see a clear story arc, the heart of the story emphasized and slowed down, a new beginning and several exploded moments. Be ready to conference at the beginning of class on Friday.
8 great sentences for word study (1st and 2nd sorts should be done)
Read your novel if you have time. You should have completed 3 novels by now (200 plus pages each, not graphic novels - they count but you need to read more than just that.) Everyone is EXPECTED to read 2 hours outside of class per week. I check with parents at conferences.
Math: other side of worksheet
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Wednesday 10-14-15
We made it through our second late start day. We had all classes today, just shorter, 40 minutes instead of 60.
Homework:
LA - redraft your personal narrative. Include your story arc, heart of the story, new beginning and blown up moments.
Read your novel 20 minutes
Math: worksheet side one
Homework:
LA - redraft your personal narrative. Include your story arc, heart of the story, new beginning and blown up moments.
Read your novel 20 minutes
Math: worksheet side one
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Tuesday 10-13-15
Tonight's homework:
LA: Finish revisions (or work at least 15 minutes on them.) Two new beginnings, two exploded moments. Rewrite draft and repost over the last draft on YWP. This should have big differences from first post.
Read for 20-30 minutes
Math: Worksheet on algorithms
Today we had writing workshop. Everyone is redrafting their personal narrative with new beginnings and exploded moments.
In social studies we are working to finish our flags and load our ships.
See you late tomorrow (at 10 am, not 8)
LA: Finish revisions (or work at least 15 minutes on them.) Two new beginnings, two exploded moments. Rewrite draft and repost over the last draft on YWP. This should have big differences from first post.
Read for 20-30 minutes
Math: Worksheet on algorithms
Today we had writing workshop. Everyone is redrafting their personal narrative with new beginnings and exploded moments.
In social studies we are working to finish our flags and load our ships.
See you late tomorrow (at 10 am, not 8)
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Wednesday/Thursday October 7/8
Hi there,
I forgot to blog for almost two days. Yikes.
Yesterday's homework was edutyping for LA
Math (page 68 I think?) and Skillsheet
Today's homework:
LA: Finish all this work - all word study packet, edutyping up to 60 minutes, finish pen pal letter, finish post plus 3 replies on Edmodo about Fish in a Tree
Read your novel
Math
Make sure sure sure your skill sheet is done (it didn't get collected so you have a reprieve)
Have a great weekend. See you on Tuesday.
I forgot to blog for almost two days. Yikes.
Yesterday's homework was edutyping for LA
Math (page 68 I think?) and Skillsheet
Today's homework:
LA: Finish all this work - all word study packet, edutyping up to 60 minutes, finish pen pal letter, finish post plus 3 replies on Edmodo about Fish in a Tree
Read your novel
Math
Make sure sure sure your skill sheet is done (it didn't get collected so you have a reprieve)
Have a great weekend. See you on Tuesday.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Tuesday 10-6-15
Today in Social Studies, Mrs. Babbitt helped us plan the videos we will make tomorrow to send to our pen pals in Sardinia. Tomorrow we will make final edits on our letters and send them off Thursday with our video. We got a great video from them today and many many letters!
We also read some more of Fish in a Tree. We will post to our classmates in Texas later this week. We are so worldly and connected thanks to Mrs. Babbitt.
Homework:
LA: Finish typed draft (or journal draft if you don't have internet access) for tomorrow.
Make sure all word study is done up to and not including blind sort
Read novel 20 minutes
Math: Page 70 ACE (I have forgotten what numbers)
skill sheet due Thursday
Here is a note about gift giving with our pals from Mrs. Babbitt.
We also read some more of Fish in a Tree. We will post to our classmates in Texas later this week. We are so worldly and connected thanks to Mrs. Babbitt.
Homework:
LA: Finish typed draft (or journal draft if you don't have internet access) for tomorrow.
Make sure all word study is done up to and not including blind sort
Read novel 20 minutes
Math: Page 70 ACE (I have forgotten what numbers)
skill sheet due Thursday
Here is a note about gift giving with our pals from Mrs. Babbitt.
Parents and Students,
With gratitude,
Can you please consider giving a small gift to your Sardinia pal? If yes, I'm collecting items to be sent via postal mail before Friday, November 20. Our international gift exchange
Examples of homemade crafts and gifts: friendship bracelets, magnets, candy, and comics.
With gratitude,
Joyce Yoo Babbitt
|
Monday, October 5, 2015
Monday 10-5-15
Hello,
I'm reporting from off campus as I am not at school today.
Homework for LA:
8 great sentences - make sure spelling packet is done up to not including blind sort.
Read your novel at least 20 minutes
math: Halloween Worksheet
Skill Sheet due Thursday
I'm reporting from off campus as I am not at school today.
Homework for LA:
8 great sentences - make sure spelling packet is done up to not including blind sort.
Read your novel at least 20 minutes
math: Halloween Worksheet
Skill Sheet due Thursday
Friday, October 2, 2015
Friday 10-2-15
Progress Reports went home today with students.
Please note that we did not give 4's at this time. It did not seem that there was opportunity to "exceed the standard" after this short amount of time.
Report cards will come out before Thanksgiving.
Please note that we did not give 4's at this time. It did not seem that there was opportunity to "exceed the standard" after this short amount of time.
Report cards will come out before Thanksgiving.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Thursday 10-1-15
We had a wonderful CPR breakfast in Mrs. Pless's room this morning. Thanks to all who brought in bagels, cream cheese and cider.
Today's homework:
Math cafeteria sheet
LA word study word hunt
Read your novel
We started Fish in a Tree today and learned how to post on Edmodo. We will use Edmodo as a platform to talk with our partner team in Texas.
All teams decided a name and flag for their colony. Tomorrow we start loading our ships.
Today's homework:
Math cafeteria sheet
LA word study word hunt
Read your novel
We started Fish in a Tree today and learned how to post on Edmodo. We will use Edmodo as a platform to talk with our partner team in Texas.
All teams decided a name and flag for their colony. Tomorrow we start loading our ships.
Thursday 10-1-15
Science Quiz - Students will be having their first science quiz of the semester. Students need to know the parts of the heart, the parts of the circulatory system and how each part of the system works.
Math - EXEMPLARS task (Gears) due Friday. Worksheet finding Prime Factorization and cafeteria.
LA - Read your novel. Edutyping. Finish post on Edmodo. Word Hunt.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Wednesday 9-29-15
It was nice to see you all last night.
Today we spent some time working on any incomplete assignments as progress reports will be completed this evening. Progress reports will indicate work completed, work quality, getting along with others and being organized.
We decided informally last night that we will take our bi annual trip to Ottawa in May this year. Mr. Meadows will be begin booking the bus and lodgings so we will know the cost soon. It will be around $125-$140 per student (including food money.) BRMS has funds available for any family that finds this a hardship. The rough plan is to go on Thursday and return on Friday May 26-27. We will be looking for at least 8 parents to come as chaperons. We can take more, but may need to arrange carpools for parents. We will be renting a coach bus and staying at the University of Ottawa in the dorms (if all works out as it did last time.)
Today's homework:
LA edutyping one lesson complete or 10 minutes at least
Finish your comments on YWP to your partner
Read
Finish social studies if you haven't Map #3 and 5 c's
Math: skill sheet
Science: ISILT - Answer the question: Explain in detail the step-by-step process of the circulatory system. This can be done in the Google Classroom or in their science journal.
Today we spent some time working on any incomplete assignments as progress reports will be completed this evening. Progress reports will indicate work completed, work quality, getting along with others and being organized.
We decided informally last night that we will take our bi annual trip to Ottawa in May this year. Mr. Meadows will be begin booking the bus and lodgings so we will know the cost soon. It will be around $125-$140 per student (including food money.) BRMS has funds available for any family that finds this a hardship. The rough plan is to go on Thursday and return on Friday May 26-27. We will be looking for at least 8 parents to come as chaperons. We can take more, but may need to arrange carpools for parents. We will be renting a coach bus and staying at the University of Ottawa in the dorms (if all works out as it did last time.)
Today's homework:
LA edutyping one lesson complete or 10 minutes at least
Finish your comments on YWP to your partner
Read
Finish social studies if you haven't Map #3 and 5 c's
Math: skill sheet
Science: ISILT - Answer the question: Explain in detail the step-by-step process of the circulatory system. This can be done in the Google Classroom or in their science journal.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Tuesday 9-29-15
Tonight is open house
If you are coming to open house and find you cannot get all of your homework done, do the math first and you can catch up on the rest in class tomorrow. Ms. Lamb will give all of social studies for catching up.
Tonight's homework
LA/SS Finish Map #3, Finish posting and commenting Electrons used Schoology E only - Protons will do this tomorrow in class. Finish 5 c's from Friday
Read 20 minutes if you can
Math: p. 55 ACE Problems 22 and 24, then 22-27, 41-42, 54-55.
In writing workshop we made a computer version (draft 2) of our personal narrative. This is to allow comments from our peers as well as a place to revise. We will continue to work on this piece trying out new beginnings, blowing up moments, experimenting with endings etc. for the next two weeks.
On Thursday we start Global Read Aloud Fish in a Tree.
See you tonight!
If you are coming to open house and find you cannot get all of your homework done, do the math first and you can catch up on the rest in class tomorrow. Ms. Lamb will give all of social studies for catching up.
Tonight's homework
LA/SS Finish Map #3, Finish posting and commenting Electrons used Schoology E only - Protons will do this tomorrow in class. Finish 5 c's from Friday
Read 20 minutes if you can
Math: p. 55 ACE Problems 22 and 24, then 22-27, 41-42, 54-55.
In writing workshop we made a computer version (draft 2) of our personal narrative. This is to allow comments from our peers as well as a place to revise. We will continue to work on this piece trying out new beginnings, blowing up moments, experimenting with endings etc. for the next two weeks.
On Thursday we start Global Read Aloud Fish in a Tree.
See you tonight!
Monday, September 28, 2015
Monday 9-28-15
We are having a breakfast for CPR on Monday (just us, not parents at this time)
Ms. Pless is on our team for CPR and we will be able to use her beautiful big room. Some kids have volunteered to bring in bagels, cream cheese, cider (we will have cups and plates)
If you volunteer this time, we won't ask you next time. We hope to do this once a month or so...
Volunteers so far include:
Cream Cheese - Hattie, Haily, Emma R. Mary
Bagels (6-10): Quinn, Nolan, Elijah, Bella
Cider: Maggie, Desi, Sydney
Butter: Ms. Lamb
Today's homework:
LA - a few kids have back work to finish (word study packet or rules poster)
Everyone else, focus on reading tonight. Try for 30 to 40 minutes.
We had a test today, so we didn't get to writing workshop.
Math: ACE p. 54 1-4, 20-21, Exemplars Friday
Progress reports will come home on Friday. I need to have all work in to give you a positive grade in completes work on time and completes quality work.
Check schoology for Ms. Lamb's work to see if finished (don't pay attention to the percentages grades.)
We are very assessment driven at BRMS. This is a result of NCLB (No Child Left Behind Act) and the Common Core.
This September we have completed:
Star Reading
Item Bank Reading Assessment (Roller Coasters taken today)
DSA - Diagnostic Spelling Assessment
Star Math
We can go over these assessments at parent conferences coming up in October.
Tomorrow is OPEN HOUSE at BRMS. 5/6 is 6:30 to 7:30. 6:30 to 7 go around to EXP's. At 7, come to Team Energy. We will answer questions about this year, release the parent conference sign up on line and talk about a possible big trip to Ottawa.
Ms. Pless is on our team for CPR and we will be able to use her beautiful big room. Some kids have volunteered to bring in bagels, cream cheese, cider (we will have cups and plates)
If you volunteer this time, we won't ask you next time. We hope to do this once a month or so...
Volunteers so far include:
Cream Cheese - Hattie, Haily, Emma R. Mary
Bagels (6-10): Quinn, Nolan, Elijah, Bella
Cider: Maggie, Desi, Sydney
Butter: Ms. Lamb
Today's homework:
LA - a few kids have back work to finish (word study packet or rules poster)
Everyone else, focus on reading tonight. Try for 30 to 40 minutes.
We had a test today, so we didn't get to writing workshop.
Math: ACE p. 54 1-4, 20-21, Exemplars Friday
Progress reports will come home on Friday. I need to have all work in to give you a positive grade in completes work on time and completes quality work.
Check schoology for Ms. Lamb's work to see if finished (don't pay attention to the percentages grades.)
We are very assessment driven at BRMS. This is a result of NCLB (No Child Left Behind Act) and the Common Core.
This September we have completed:
Star Reading
Item Bank Reading Assessment (Roller Coasters taken today)
DSA - Diagnostic Spelling Assessment
Star Math
We can go over these assessments at parent conferences coming up in October.
Tomorrow is OPEN HOUSE at BRMS. 5/6 is 6:30 to 7:30. 6:30 to 7 go around to EXP's. At 7, come to Team Energy. We will answer questions about this year, release the parent conference sign up on line and talk about a possible big trip to Ottawa.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Thursday 9-24-15
I forgot to post about our fabulous trip yesterday. Thank you to our wonderful group leaders, Pam Billings, Lupe Sears and Bill West (Ebin's dad). They were fabulous helpful leaders. The Shelburne Museum ran a great workshop also.
Today we got back to the grind. Ms. Lamb is feeling sick, so she was perhaps crabbier than usual (let's hope she's not usually like that)
Anyway,
here's the homework:
LA finish word study except for Within Word group - they continue for another week. 10 minutes one entire lesson of word study (the six pages like 1.2 or something like that)
Read your novel for 20 more minutes
Math p. 34 16-24
We wrote our flash drafts in writing workshop. That is quickly getting the story down on paper. We will continue to apply lessons to this story for the next two weeks while we form our final publishable drafts.
Ms. Lamb explained the artifact lesson for tomorrow's class. She will be staying home recuperating and getting nice again.
I will post some pictures from the museum shortly.
Today we got back to the grind. Ms. Lamb is feeling sick, so she was perhaps crabbier than usual (let's hope she's not usually like that)
Anyway,
here's the homework:
LA finish word study except for Within Word group - they continue for another week. 10 minutes one entire lesson of word study (the six pages like 1.2 or something like that)
Read your novel for 20 more minutes
Math p. 34 16-24
We wrote our flash drafts in writing workshop. That is quickly getting the story down on paper. We will continue to apply lessons to this story for the next two weeks while we form our final publishable drafts.
Ms. Lamb explained the artifact lesson for tomorrow's class. She will be staying home recuperating and getting nice again.
I will post some pictures from the museum shortly.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Tuesday 9-22-15
Today's homework
Math: p. 34 ACE A 30-34 C 42-43 E 62-69
LA: Finish spelling through 8 sentences, be ready with a topic to write about on Thursday (true story about yourself- personal narrative)
Read your novel for 20 to 30 minutes
Please come prepared for field trip tomorrow. Only two kids asked for bag lunches from the cafeteria.
Bring a lunch
wear walking shoes
bring a light coat
Today we reviewed our groups for the trip to Shelburne Museum tomorrow (thank you Bill West, Pam Billings and Lupe Sears for helping us chaperon).
We also learned about using the 5 c's (concentration, connection, context, conclusions and contingency) to analyze primary sources. Tomorrow we will look for artifacts from the colonial period and take pictures. Thursday we will apply the 5 's.
In writing workshop we caught up on word study and looked through our work for a story we will bring to final publication. We will start a flash draft this Thursday.
Math: p. 34 ACE A 30-34 C 42-43 E 62-69
LA: Finish spelling through 8 sentences, be ready with a topic to write about on Thursday (true story about yourself- personal narrative)
Read your novel for 20 to 30 minutes
Please come prepared for field trip tomorrow. Only two kids asked for bag lunches from the cafeteria.
Bring a lunch
wear walking shoes
bring a light coat
Today we reviewed our groups for the trip to Shelburne Museum tomorrow (thank you Bill West, Pam Billings and Lupe Sears for helping us chaperon).
We also learned about using the 5 c's (concentration, connection, context, conclusions and contingency) to analyze primary sources. Tomorrow we will look for artifacts from the colonial period and take pictures. Thursday we will apply the 5 's.
In writing workshop we caught up on word study and looked through our work for a story we will bring to final publication. We will start a flash draft this Thursday.
Monday, September 21, 2015
9-21-15 Monday
Today in LA we received our work back - out first social studies assignment - BRMS grounds map and our first LA assignment - spelling rules. Grades were put in Schoology and we all took a look. Students could then improve the grades if they choose to. Redone work should be put in Ms. Lamb's inbox.
We also worked on Edutyping and Ms. Lamb read the reports of time to all students. Students are to do at least 20 minutes per week and gain in finishing lessons.
Today was library day. We are working hard at using our time well in the library. This is our time to check out books and read.
We worked on Map #2 in social studies. It looks like some features are not listed in the vocabulary. Feel free to add things that are obvious like mountains. We will have a few minutes in class tomorrow to check answers with our group.
Tonight's homework:
LA/SS finish map #2 - make sure word hunt is complete for spelling. Tomorrow we will do 8 sentences. You may work on these at home tonight if you have time.
Read for at least 20 minutes
Math: p. 34 1-4 and 10-14
We also worked on Edutyping and Ms. Lamb read the reports of time to all students. Students are to do at least 20 minutes per week and gain in finishing lessons.
Today was library day. We are working hard at using our time well in the library. This is our time to check out books and read.
We worked on Map #2 in social studies. It looks like some features are not listed in the vocabulary. Feel free to add things that are obvious like mountains. We will have a few minutes in class tomorrow to check answers with our group.
Tonight's homework:
LA/SS finish map #2 - make sure word hunt is complete for spelling. Tomorrow we will do 8 sentences. You may work on these at home tonight if you have time.
Read for at least 20 minutes
Math: p. 34 1-4 and 10-14
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Thursday 9-17-15
Wow, this month is flying by.
Today's homework:
LA/SS sorry for the confusion yesterday, but Map 1 is due for Protons today (it was due for Electrons only yesterday) That happens when I do the blog to early.
finish word study sort 2, do word hunt if you want. You may do this in class tomorrow.
Math: Still finishing work from yesterday page 17-26, ACE 12-14, 17, 22-24 and 45
Read for at least 20 minute your novel
We are moving along with our Discovery simulation. Groups started discussing names. We have (by roll of the dice) we have 4 religious freedom colonies, 1 government colony and two private colonies.
With math homework, please remember that students are only asked to work for 20-30 minutes on their math homework in a given night. There is no expectation that they finish all of the problems assigned. In an attempt to differentiate for various student needs and expectations, numerous problems will be assigned every evening. Students are asked to work through a selection of the problems. I encourage them to challenge themselves and choose higher number problems as they grow more confident and more comfortable with the skills.
Today's homework:
LA/SS sorry for the confusion yesterday, but Map 1 is due for Protons today (it was due for Electrons only yesterday) That happens when I do the blog to early.
finish word study sort 2, do word hunt if you want. You may do this in class tomorrow.
Math: Still finishing work from yesterday page 17-26, ACE 12-14, 17, 22-24 and 45
Read for at least 20 minute your novel
We are moving along with our Discovery simulation. Groups started discussing names. We have (by roll of the dice) we have 4 religious freedom colonies, 1 government colony and two private colonies.
With math homework, please remember that students are only asked to work for 20-30 minutes on their math homework in a given night. There is no expectation that they finish all of the problems assigned. In an attempt to differentiate for various student needs and expectations, numerous problems will be assigned every evening. Students are asked to work through a selection of the problems. I encourage them to challenge themselves and choose higher number problems as they grow more confident and more comfortable with the skills.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Wednesday 9-16-15
Today's homework:
LA/SS: Finish map #1 elections only. Write for 10 minutes minimum your choice topic or piece journal or computer
make sure sort 1 is complete for spelling
Math: ACE 17-26, 14-17, 22-24, 45
Today we started word study in Protons group We will start with Electrons tomorrow. We do a bit every day. It can be done for homework or during silent reading at the beginning of LA.
We are still establishing our computer writing workshop. Ms. Lamb is concerned about amount of writing (which is very important at this beginning stage) so the rules is show me in an electronic folder the equivalent of 1500 words and that you can type 20 words per minute with at least 75% accuracy. If you can't do this, you will compose in your notebook until you are working on a piece that you will be finishing. This is just for writing workshop. Sometimes computers themselves can be very distracting. They are full of other work, games, email....believe me, I know how to be distracted on a computer.
The good news is, there is a lot of writing getting accomplished. We will continue to generate ideas and story starts. Next week we will pick a piece to finish for personal narrative.
In October we start Global Read Aloud with Fish in a Tree.
We are quite excited about our colonizing simulation called Discovery. Today, both groups worked on jobs. Electrons got to do the first map assignment. All work is work wealth units. Eventually the richest colonies "wins" the simulation game. Well, those are the rules anyway and we will learn about being an English colonist along the way.
LA/SS: Finish map #1 elections only. Write for 10 minutes minimum your choice topic or piece journal or computer
make sure sort 1 is complete for spelling
Math: ACE 17-26, 14-17, 22-24, 45
Today we started word study in Protons group We will start with Electrons tomorrow. We do a bit every day. It can be done for homework or during silent reading at the beginning of LA.
We are still establishing our computer writing workshop. Ms. Lamb is concerned about amount of writing (which is very important at this beginning stage) so the rules is show me in an electronic folder the equivalent of 1500 words and that you can type 20 words per minute with at least 75% accuracy. If you can't do this, you will compose in your notebook until you are working on a piece that you will be finishing. This is just for writing workshop. Sometimes computers themselves can be very distracting. They are full of other work, games, email....believe me, I know how to be distracted on a computer.
The good news is, there is a lot of writing getting accomplished. We will continue to generate ideas and story starts. Next week we will pick a piece to finish for personal narrative.
In October we start Global Read Aloud with Fish in a Tree.
We are quite excited about our colonizing simulation called Discovery. Today, both groups worked on jobs. Electrons got to do the first map assignment. All work is work wealth units. Eventually the richest colonies "wins" the simulation game. Well, those are the rules anyway and we will learn about being an English colonist along the way.
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Tuesday 9-15-15
Homework today:
LA: 15 minutes or at least one lesson of edutyping
Read for 20 minutes minimum
Math: 20 more minutes on today's assignments p 17-26, finish #8 if in small group with Ms. Nicolle
Today we did a lot in LA and social studies. We had our library time for Electrons which got cut short by a writing marathon from another class, but we could check out books at least. After we read we got back to our edutyping. Ms. Lamb went over the district standards which are as follows:
LA: 15 minutes or at least one lesson of edutyping
Read for 20 minutes minimum
Math: 20 more minutes on today's assignments p 17-26, finish #8 if in small group with Ms. Nicolle
Today we did a lot in LA and social studies. We had our library time for Electrons which got cut short by a writing marathon from another class, but we could check out books at least. After we read we got back to our edutyping. Ms. Lamb went over the district standards which are as follows:
Grade 6 - Student is able to perform the following tasks while using a typing software:
- use the program without looking at the keyboard (use keyboard skin or cover)
- use proper hand placement: both hands on the keyboard, correct fingers on the home row, thumb(s) resting on space bar.
- assume good posture (sitting up straight, feet flat on the floor if possible)
- compose at least two pages (about 1000 words) on the computer in a 40 minute sitting
- practice at least two sessions per week for 12 - 18 weeks at 15+ minutes per session
- Standard
- Substantially below proficient: 0 – 19 WPM or less than 85% accuracy
- Partially proficient: 20-25 WPM and at least 85% accuracy
- Proficient: 25-35 WPM and at least 90% accuracy
- Proficient with distinction: 35 or more WPM and at least 95% accuracy
A few kids have tested out, so they will be able to work on writing during any of these homework or class time assignments. We will do a few weeks of 15 minutes in class 15 at home and then have two times of 15 minutes at home.
We read an overview of our Colonies project (called Discovery.)
Mr. Meadows was out at a conference today. Ms. Ziemski was his sub. All went well.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Monday 9-14-15
Homework today:
LA: Write for at least 10 minutes on a piece you already started or start something new
Read for at least 20 minutes
Math: 1.3 A-D
We started a video about life in colonial times. We are kicking off our colonies of the U.S. Unit. This will include our trip to Shelburne Museum on September 23rd. The Shelburne Museum is mostly artifacts of later times, but there are several good colonial or colonial revival artifacts.
Everyone updated their reading logs today also. These are now digital documents in google drive.
LA: Write for at least 10 minutes on a piece you already started or start something new
Read for at least 20 minutes
Math: 1.3 A-D
We started a video about life in colonial times. We are kicking off our colonies of the U.S. Unit. This will include our trip to Shelburne Museum on September 23rd. The Shelburne Museum is mostly artifacts of later times, but there are several good colonial or colonial revival artifacts.
Everyone updated their reading logs today also. These are now digital documents in google drive.
Friday, September 11, 2015
Friday 9/11/15
Thank you Carolyn DeJong. We love our new couch.
We introduced our new social studies unit on colonization. This will include our trip to Shelburne Museum on September 23rd.
In LA we worked more on our writing and our PLP (Personal Learning Plan - we have to come up with a better name for that.)
In PLP kids get to study something they really want to once a week (plus at home if they want.) Kids are reading the entire Harry Potter series, writing fiction, learning to draw, learning to juggle, starting a business....all sorts of things.
In writing workshop we read a story by Jack Gantos called My Brother's Art. We will try to apply his techniques of vivid description (we actually got grossed out, sad and laughed), using dialog to bring out character and move the plot and focusing on one moment and blowing it up.
See you next week. Have a great weekend.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Thursday 9-10-15
Sorry so late....totally forgot what I was doing.
Today we had a reading/writing retreat hosted by Mrs. Babbitt in the library. It was awesome. Kids read or wrote for about 40 minutes. Everyone seemed to be productive and enjoy.
In LA, Ms. Lamb is reading a Jack Gantos personal narrative. He had a pretty wild childhood. The story is about breaking his brother's arm, amongst other neighborhood adventures. We are trying to emulate the specific detail, revealing character and bring emotion into our writing.
Tonight's homework:
LA: Write for 10 to 20 minutes - your choice - a work in progress or start something new
Read for 20 minutes at least
Math: your first connected math assignment - I remember the A-D part, but not the page or number, sorry
Late but still accepted: Spelling rules assignment and classroom map. Make sure they get to the inbox in front of Ms. Lamb's room.
Today we had a reading/writing retreat hosted by Mrs. Babbitt in the library. It was awesome. Kids read or wrote for about 40 minutes. Everyone seemed to be productive and enjoy.
In LA, Ms. Lamb is reading a Jack Gantos personal narrative. He had a pretty wild childhood. The story is about breaking his brother's arm, amongst other neighborhood adventures. We are trying to emulate the specific detail, revealing character and bring emotion into our writing.
Tonight's homework:
LA: Write for 10 to 20 minutes - your choice - a work in progress or start something new
Read for 20 minutes at least
Math: your first connected math assignment - I remember the A-D part, but not the page or number, sorry
Late but still accepted: Spelling rules assignment and classroom map. Make sure they get to the inbox in front of Ms. Lamb's room.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Wednesday 9-9-15
Today was our first late arrival day. All went well. We started with the entire 5,6,7 outside. At 9:55 we all entered and went to our third class and followed the schedule. Next month we will have a compacted schedule so we won't miss any classes.
Ms. Lamb gave the DSA spelling assessment (Diagnostic Spelling Assessment) to determine where we start in word study this year. We will start next week or possible the week after. Tentatively, Protons will have spelling on Wednesdays and Electrons on Thursday. The homework will be due by the following week's spelling day. More on this as it develops.
We then worked to finish our rules assignment. That is now homework.
At the end of the day we took a reading assessment on the computer called Star Reading. It was a quick diagnostic test also. Then Mrs. Babbitt allowed us to check books out of the library if we wanted to as we missed our regular Monday library time.
Tonight's homework:
LA: Finish your spelling rule picture/poster and writing (poem or story incorporating the rule you chose.)
Read your novel for 20 minutes at least
Math: Canceled due to administrator error (Mr. Meadow's) - everyone makes a mistake now and then
Ms. Lamb gave the DSA spelling assessment (Diagnostic Spelling Assessment) to determine where we start in word study this year. We will start next week or possible the week after. Tentatively, Protons will have spelling on Wednesdays and Electrons on Thursday. The homework will be due by the following week's spelling day. More on this as it develops.
We then worked to finish our rules assignment. That is now homework.
At the end of the day we took a reading assessment on the computer called Star Reading. It was a quick diagnostic test also. Then Mrs. Babbitt allowed us to check books out of the library if we wanted to as we missed our regular Monday library time.
Tonight's homework:
LA: Finish your spelling rule picture/poster and writing (poem or story incorporating the rule you chose.)
Read your novel for 20 minutes at least
Math: Canceled due to administrator error (Mr. Meadow's) - everyone makes a mistake now and then
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Tuesday 9-8-15
Don't forget - delayed start tomorrow. School for kids starts at 9:55.
Today's homework:
LA: actually it's social studies - finish your map of BRMS grounds
Math: letter to parents
Read your novel
More later....
Today's homework:
LA: actually it's social studies - finish your map of BRMS grounds
Math: letter to parents
Read your novel
More later....
So here's the more. We worked to finish our school grounds maps. Many finished in class. The rest have homework. Apparently, Mr. Meadows made some sort of deal and there is no math homework. Just give a letter to parents.
We continue to write our personal narratives and settle on our writing workshop norms.
That's the recap.
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Thursday 9-3
We started with an all school assembly to review how we do them, move to our new seats (we're off the floor and in the bleachers!) and be introduced to everyone we might need to or want to know.
In writing we established some rules to write by and how we want our work shop to be, then we got a very exciting 20 minutes of solid writing time. Kids wrote whatever they wanted to and found it quite exciting. Some kids wanted to try listening to music. I hesitatingly allow it if it is not distracting. We are asked not to stream music as it overwhelms our network, but if kids bring their own (school appropriate) music on their own device, sometimes they are allowed to listen while they work or write.
In social studies we are creating maps of the BRMS grounds. It is challenging to turn a walk and a satellite picture into a map with a scale, title, key and compass rose.
Tonight's homework:
LA: Write for 10 minute - your choice - continue from class, start a new piece, work on something you started previously. You may use computer or journal
Read novel for 20 minutes. Many kids have finished their first novel. Way to go. We will start our tracking system next week.
Math: Multiplication chart
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Wednesday 9-2
Owe had some team fun today, we named our houses and went on an alphabet scavenger hun5 with iPads.
Tonight's homework
Math multiplication table
La night off, go outside. Notice things
Read novel 20 minutes
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Tuesday 9-1-15
We celebrated my birthday today. Thank you for all the wishes. Everyone was particularly nice to me today, which was my wish.
We looked at what writers do when they write. We found using dialog to show what a person is thinking and to reveal things about the character. Also, good stories are specific and about one thing. Also, good stories have specific word choice and details that reveal feelings. We are trying this tonight for homework.
In social studies we started making maps of the Browns River grounds. We walked the grounds and looked at google earth satellite photos on the computers and ipads.
Homework:
Math: multiplication table
LA: Write about one specific moment. Try to use dialog, specific verbs and/or feelings.
Read your novel for 20 minutes.
We looked at what writers do when they write. We found using dialog to show what a person is thinking and to reveal things about the character. Also, good stories are specific and about one thing. Also, good stories have specific word choice and details that reveal feelings. We are trying this tonight for homework.
In social studies we started making maps of the Browns River grounds. We walked the grounds and looked at google earth satellite photos on the computers and ipads.
Homework:
Math: multiplication table
LA: Write about one specific moment. Try to use dialog, specific verbs and/or feelings.
Read your novel for 20 minutes.
Monday, August 31, 2015
Monday 8-31-15
So, maybe posting this at 9:37 pm isn't completely helpful, but anyway, here it is.
Today, we had our first Monday together. We kicked off the day with CPR where we were reintroduced to the bus expectations. Here are few highlights for parents:
If you are picking your student up with your car, they are dismissed at 2:45.
If you are picking your student up with your car, please pick them up at the door, before the bus area, not across from the bus area.
Monday is library day. Both groups have library.
We filed all of our old work away and are working with folders in our slots for LA and Social Studies evidence.
Homework:
LA Finish your heart and map. Write one entry (7 minute write) using your heart or map for ideas.
Read your novel for 20 minutes
Math: Four 4's for 20 minutes
See you tomorrow. Go to bed.
Today, we had our first Monday together. We kicked off the day with CPR where we were reintroduced to the bus expectations. Here are few highlights for parents:
If you are picking your student up with your car, they are dismissed at 2:45.
If you are picking your student up with your car, please pick them up at the door, before the bus area, not across from the bus area.
Monday is library day. Both groups have library.
We filed all of our old work away and are working with folders in our slots for LA and Social Studies evidence.
Homework:
LA Finish your heart and map. Write one entry (7 minute write) using your heart or map for ideas.
Read your novel for 20 minutes
Math: Four 4's for 20 minutes
See you tomorrow. Go to bed.
Friday, August 28, 2015
Friday 8-28
First week almost done!
A few reminders I forgot to remind you of yesterday....
please bring in your red folder with documents and permission slips filled out and signed. As soon as we can we will go to Mills River Park for mapping and writing.
We are also going to Shelburne Museum on Wednesday September 23rd. We could use a few parent chaperons. If you are interested and available, send a note on paper or email to cate.lamb@cesuvt.org.
It will be super beneficial if students had their own mouse and headphones. We have very few of them in the classroom.
Today band and chorus started for all interested parties. Mr. Tisdell also gave a run down on the fall play. I think it is Godspell Jr.
We also completed our first assessment in narrative writing. This is our marker piece. We may or may not finish. It will be up to individuals.
This afternoon we will learn a group game called Captain's Coming.
Have a great weekend. Read if you can. Reading changes everything for the better.
A few reminders I forgot to remind you of yesterday....
please bring in your red folder with documents and permission slips filled out and signed. As soon as we can we will go to Mills River Park for mapping and writing.
We are also going to Shelburne Museum on Wednesday September 23rd. We could use a few parent chaperons. If you are interested and available, send a note on paper or email to cate.lamb@cesuvt.org.
It will be super beneficial if students had their own mouse and headphones. We have very few of them in the classroom.
Today band and chorus started for all interested parties. Mr. Tisdell also gave a run down on the fall play. I think it is Godspell Jr.
We also completed our first assessment in narrative writing. This is our marker piece. We may or may not finish. It will be up to individuals.
This afternoon we will learn a group game called Captain's Coming.
Have a great weekend. Read if you can. Reading changes everything for the better.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Thursday 8-27
We had another great day.
Here is one fabulous finished project.
Today we worked on our first seven minute write about school in writing workshop.
Homework today:
Write another 7 minute school story. If you already have two started, you may continue on one. Come tomorrow with at least two starts of two different stories.
Write another 7 minute school story. If you already have two started, you may continue on one. Come tomorrow with at least two starts of two different stories.
We had our first All Team Meeting and reviewed recess and handed out some kindness mandalas.
See you tomorrow.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Day 1! Welcome Back 8-26-15
Better late than never, I forgot about the blog, but here it is (at 7:14 pm)
We had a wonderful welcome back day. We welcomed two new students, Alyssa and Ebin. We learned a little bit about our schedule changes (I will attach the schedule below) and we met our new homerooms and "family groups." Our homerooms just go to classes together and are subject to change throughout the year. Our family groups are mostly for having fun and funny little competitions to reinforce our CARES contract (Cooperation, Assertion, Responsibility, Empathy and Self-control.
First, we built towers, which I totally forgot to take pictures of, even though they were stunning, creative and sturdy. Later we made still photos to represent CARES. Here are a few gems:
We also introduced Reading Workshop and something happened over in math, but I'm home now and I can't yell over to Mr. Meadows to find out what happened.
See you tomorrow!
Tonight's homework:
Bring home your assignment book and bring in back
Take home your red folder - go over documents with parents - get six of them filled out and returned by Friday (Two are permission slips for fun field trips so don't ignore them.)
Also, if you want to order form the book order, do that by Friday 9-4 if you want to be in the first round. You can also order online. The code is on our website.
We had a wonderful welcome back day. We welcomed two new students, Alyssa and Ebin. We learned a little bit about our schedule changes (I will attach the schedule below) and we met our new homerooms and "family groups." Our homerooms just go to classes together and are subject to change throughout the year. Our family groups are mostly for having fun and funny little competitions to reinforce our CARES contract (Cooperation, Assertion, Responsibility, Empathy and Self-control.
First, we built towers, which I totally forgot to take pictures of, even though they were stunning, creative and sturdy. Later we made still photos to represent CARES. Here are a few gems:
We also introduced Reading Workshop and something happened over in math, but I'm home now and I can't yell over to Mr. Meadows to find out what happened.
See you tomorrow!
Tonight's homework:
Bring home your assignment book and bring in back
Take home your red folder - go over documents with parents - get six of them filled out and returned by Friday (Two are permission slips for fun field trips so don't ignore them.)
Also, if you want to order form the book order, do that by Friday 9-4 if you want to be in the first round. You can also order online. The code is on our website.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Welcome!
Hi Everyone. Welcome to the new blog of 2015-16. I am looking forward to seeing everyone on August 26. We will be welcoming a new student, Alyssa Oulette. Hopefull our new personal chromebooks will be ready for us on Wednesday as well.
We have some changes in our schedule this year which we will go over during the first week of school. You will catch on quickly.
Open House at Browns River is September 29th. We will plan to update parents on our great classroom improvements at that time. In the meantime, you are welcome to email us or stop and visit.
We are currently on the lookout for a few couches. If you have one to give away (or know if one in the neighborhood) our requirements are simple: clean and not too heavy. Ripped and ugly are totally acceptable.
We have some changes in our schedule this year which we will go over during the first week of school. You will catch on quickly.
Open House at Browns River is September 29th. We will plan to update parents on our great classroom improvements at that time. In the meantime, you are welcome to email us or stop and visit.
We are currently on the lookout for a few couches. If you have one to give away (or know if one in the neighborhood) our requirements are simple: clean and not too heavy. Ripped and ugly are totally acceptable.
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