Monday, November 29, 2010

Week of November 29- December 3, 2010

Friday HW
1.  Social Studies research continues.
2.  20 minutes of reading each day.
3.  Visit http://www.bitstripsforschools.com/ to fine tune your avatar.  Class pass is col--------.
Today we pursued novel study activities and day 3 of guided reading for the Green group.  We also introduced Unit 4 Lesson 1 in Math and looked at seven different ways to represent numbers.  In the afternoon we had a Ketchup (Day 2 of guided reading, Art) and Relish period and then we went to the Computer lab to use Bitstrips.

Thursday HW
1.  Social Studies booklet page 11 for Monday.
2.  Sign and correct test pack for Monday.
3.  Social Studies project research is ongoing.  More than half a dozen students regularly have no materials they've gathered on their own to do basic reading.  The materials I have in class are a start but should not be the only source consulted.
Today we wrote our Unit 3 Math test, did novel study activities and had Day 3 Guided reading with the Blue group in the morning.  In the afternoon we worked on our Social Studies projects.  At this point every student has had access to an internet linked computer to enrich their information gathering.  We will restart our cycle tomorrow.

Wednesday HW
1. Gather and read some research materials that are connected to your Social Studies project. This is important preparatory work so students can get a good start. Everyone should have at least one reasonably good information source in class to use with the research organizers.
2. Geometry Unit Test on Unit 3 is on Thursday December 3. Students should practice using the "Show What You Know" questions on pages 106-107 # 1 to 8 (all questions) and the unfinished questions seeded through the entire unit. Remember that ruler, compass and protractor use are required for the test. The first quiz was marked and returned today.  The average was just over 72 %. The test pack should be autographed and corrected and returned by Monday December 6.
3.  The class calendar and newsletter for December was distributed today.  Also received was a letter regarding an incidence of pediculosis (head lice) in our class.  The students were checked today.  The recommended precautions included home checks of the scalp for up to 10 days.
Tuesday HW
1.  Gather and read some research materials that are connected to your Social Studies project. This is important preparatory work so students can get a good start. Everyone should have at least one reasonably good information source in class to use with the research organizers.  These organizers and the rough pages of the project, which show exactly how long it should be, were distributed yesterday.
2.  Geometry Unit Test on Unit 3 is on Thursday December 3. Students should practice using the "Show What You Know" questions on pages 106-107 # 1 to 8 (all questions) and the unfinished questions seeded through the entire unit. Remember that ruler, compass and protractor use are required for the test.  The first quiz was marked and the average was just over 72 %.  They will be returned tomorrow.
3.  Social Studies booklet pages 9 and 10 for Wednesday.
4.  We completed our "A World Above and A World Below" art activity today.
5.  Complete a one page Journal response to the "Invisible Weapons" anti-bullying video we watched with Mr. Hochberg last week.  We have been discussing the idea of kindness towards classmates and inclusion for the past 2 weeks in response to some incidents in the playground and hallways of our school involving our class.  Our attempts to address this are ongoing.

Monday HW
1. Gather and read some research materials that are connected to your Social Studies project. This is important preparatory work so students can get a good start. Everyone should have at least one reasonably good information source in class to use with the research organizers.
2. Math Isometric drawing was reviewed again today.  Geometry Unit Test on Unit 3 is on Thursday December 3.  Students should practice using the "Show What You Know" questions on pages 106-107 # 1 to 8 (all questions) and the unfinished questions seeded through the entire unit.  Remember that ruler, compass and protractor use are required for the test.
3. Social Studies booklet pages 9 and 10 for Wednesday.  The kids should have a very good start on it. During a booklet check I found that a significant number of students had between one and three pages completely untouched out of the six we've started in class and assigned as homework so far. There is some catching up to do. If they are behind our pace they are welcome to stay in at recess to catch up.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Week of November 22-26, 2010

Friday HW
Gather and read some research materials that are connected to your Social Studies project.  This is important preparatory work so students can get a good start.  Everyone should have at least one reasonably good information source in class to use with the reseatch organizers by Monday, as the class time portion of our project work gets underway.  My web page has some good links that I've tested.

Thursday HW
1. Math HW book pages 42-43.  Isometric drawing was a challenging topic today.  We spent 40 minutes building solids and then drawing them on dot paper.  We'll review again tomorrow, time permitting. 
2. The Novel Study and Guided Reading activities are coming along well.  Almost all the kids are working really steadily on these two reading assignments. 
3. Social Studies booklet pages 7 and 8.  We spent an hour in class on these today doing surveys amongst peers, so the kids should have a very good start on it.  During a booklet check I found that a significant number of students had between one and three pages completely untouched out of the six we've started in class and assigned as homework so far. There is some catching up to do.  If they are behind our pace they are welcome to stay in at recess to catch up. 
We also had a Library book exchange today in which students could sign out books related to their projects and a DPA period.
4. Geometry Quiz on Unit 3 Lessons 1 and 2 tomorrow.  Kids should know how to identify angles, including reflex angles, and draw them accurately with a protractor.  All students received a protractor from me and should have it in class tomorrow.  A ruler is another essential tool for this quiz and this unit.  I expect to see ruler use in all sketches.  The students should also know what attributes are, how to sort using them and be able to distinguish between and construct polygons that are concave and convex.
Geometry Unit Test on Unit 3 is on Thursday December 3.
5. I appreciate the effort made to get the Social Studies topic sheets signed.  Almost all students were up to date in that regard.  Thank you!

Wednesday HW
Math HW book pages 40-41.  Geometry Quiz on Unit 3 Lessons 1 and 2 on Friday November 26.  Geometry Unit Test on Unit 3 is on Thursday December 3. 
20 of 32 students did not get their project topic sheet with due date signed by a parent last night.  This is one of the few ways I can ensure parents know about upcoming projects.  Please take time to initial your child's assignment so I am aware that you know about it.  Thanks!
Social Studies Booklet pages 5 and 6 to complete.  Begin gathering research for project due Thursday January 13.  The students are being shown models of a finished project and are given much in-class time to start on the organizers to sort their research reading.  Library book exchange tomorrow.  Monthly calendar is updated on my web page.  A paper version will be ready for the month of December.

Tuesday HW
Sign Social Studies Project topic sheet.  Begin gathering research.  Due Thursday January 13.  Math Quizzes and Tests:  Geometry Quiz on Unit 3 Lessons 1 and 2 on Friday November 26.  Geometry Unit Test on Unit 3 is on Thursday December 3.  Today we completed some novel study activities and day one of Guided Reading activities.  Students who are absent should plan to miss one or more recesses to catch up.  We also went outside to the Nature Garden to sketch trees for "A World Above and A World Below".  Good copy works starts next day.

Monday HW
Math HW book pages 39-40.  Mr. Reynolds was absent today.  Agendas were not signed.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Week of November 15-19, 2010

Friday HW
PA Day -- no school.  Students should continue their reading for the next book report.  Have a great weekend.

Thursday HW
Warren Park Trip today -- no homework.

Wednesday HW
Math Book pages 36-37.  Science Booklet page 13.  Warren Park is tomorrow.  Bring a lunch, snack and dress for the weather.  Social Studies booklet up to page 4 should be complete.

Tuesday HW
We will postpone homework in view of the Shakespeare experience tonight at 7 PM in the senior gym.  See you there.

Monday HW
Math HW book pages pages 34-35.  Science booklet pages 9 and 11 are done for Tuesday.    Reports go home today.  Send back interview request page if you want a meeting or if I requested one with you.  Warren Park trip on Thursday.  Be sure to dress for the weather and bring a lunch.  Arrival and departure times are the same as for a regular school day.
Shakespeare Experience is tomorrow night at 7 PM.  Meet me in the classroom at 6:40 PM sharp so we can organize and walk down to the senior gym at 6:50 PM.  Be sure your lines are memorized and you have dressed in some sort of costume for the vent.  The students have been rehearsing well and the works look great.  Hope to see you there.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Week of November 8-12, 2010

Friday HW
Test packs due on Monday with a parent autograph and corrections.  Lines memorized and costumes for Tuesday, November 16  Brochure came home today.  Remember that Thursday, November 16 is a Warren Park trip day.  Progress Reports come home Monday with interview request pages available to all.  In some cases an interview is specifically requested by the teacher.

Thursday HW
Test packs due on Monday with a parent autograph and corrections.  Lines memorized and costumes for Tuesday November 16.  Add, Subtract, Multiply and Divide -- longer quiz on Friday November 12.

Wednesday HW
Poppies worn tomorrow.  Please return the envelope.  A small donation is respectfully requested.
Test Packs returned with a parent signature and corrections for Monday.  November book report due tomorrow.  Check your availability for the Drama presentation on the night of Tuesday November 16, 7-8 PM. It's ok if you cannot come, but I need to know so as to balance the groups. Consider costuming choices and begin memorizing in earnest.  Add, Subtract, Multiply and Divide -- longer quiz on Friday November 12.

Tuesday HW
Math HW book pages 32-33.
Check your availability for the Drama presentation on the night of Tuesday November 16, 7-8 PM. It's ok if you cannot come, but I need to know so as to balance the groups. Consider costuming choices and begin memorizing in earnest.
Add, Subtract, Multiply and Divide -- longer quiz on Friday November 12.


Monday HW
News Journal Summary and Reflection.  Math HW book pages 30-31.  Check your availability for the Drama presentation on the night of Tuesday November 16, 7-8 PM.  It's ok if you cannot come, but I need to know so as to balance the groups.  Add, Subtract, Multiply and Divide --  longer quiz on Friday November 12.
I have no parent volunteers as yet for the Warren Park outing on November 18.  It will be difficult to supervise 35 students myself in that setting.  If you are able to attend, the students would surely benefit from your presence.  Thanks!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Week of November 1 - 5, 2010

Friday HW
Warren Park Field Trip Form for Monday.  Math quiz: Monday November 8 on Lesson 8 (Order of Operations).  Have a good weekend!
Thursday HW
Warren Park Field Trip Form for Monday.  Math HW book pages 28-29.  Skip the game on page 29.  We'll play it in class.  News Journal Summary and Reflection.   Math quizzes upcoming:  Friday November 5 on Lessons 5 and 7 of Unit Two (Prime/Composite Numbers and Mental Math) and Monday November 8 on Lesson 8 (Order of Operations).  Both are shorter one page quizzes.

Wednesday HW
Bring your "As You Like It" programme to class to help write the critique, which is an in-class activity.  We spent a period today unpacking the assignment and brainstorming.
Math HW book pages 26-27.  Get your Order of Operations diagnostic quiz initialled by a parent -- 19 out of 30 students did not have that ready for today. 
Math quizzes upcoming:  Friday November 5 on Lessons 5 and 7 of Unit Two (Prime/Composite Numbers and Mental Math) and Monday November 8 on Lesson 8 (Order of Operations).  Both are shorter one page quizzes.

Tuesday HW
Math HW book pages 24-25.  Get your Order of Operations diagnostic quiz initialled by a parent.  Math quizzes upcoming:  Friday November 5 on Lessons 5 and 7 of Unit Two (Prime/Composite Numbers and Mental Math) and Monday November 8 on Lesson 8 (Order of Operations).  Both are shorter one page quizzes. Diversity presentations continue.  See expectations below.

Monday HW
Math Quiz on Unit 2 Lessons 1 to 4.  Study the connect sections and Quick Review for each chapter.  Do a sample question or two from each lesson to sharpen up.  Today's mini quiz focused on the format of Order of Operations questions.  I stress circling each step and stacking equals signs for clarity and organization.  News Journal Summary and Reflection -- students had 25 minutes to complete it in class today.  Diversity Projects are being presented starting today, after a 35 minute practice period.  I want the students to be able to speak to the class expressively and confidently about:
  • their animal research (the "Who Am I?" section),
  • the map, and
  • some of the relatives of the animal as shown on their classification charts.
  • I will let students read the Dear World letter without memorizing it. 
I will mark the other sections independently of the presentation -- only the bold sections shown above need to be presented.  (Calendar and Newsletter are still being prepared.  Sorry for the delay.)