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.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
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.
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