"If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one."
~Mother Theresa
We discussed this quote in one of our previous class meetings. What does it mean?
We all have the ability to make a difference in the lives of others:
THE STARFISH STORY:
Original Story by: Loren Eisley
One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.
Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”
The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”
“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”
After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf.
Then, smiling at the man, he said,
"I made a difference for that one.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is the last week for Navidad Sin Frio. PLEASE remember to bring in ANYTHING you can donate to help make a difference for at least one person :)
Monday, November 30, 2009
Week of Nov. 30 - Dec. 4
MATH:
We are coming close to the end of our fractions unit. Today we reviewed the second half of this unit:
Thursday we will begin our next unit: Using Customary Linear Measurement
SOCIAL STUDIES:
After last week's quiz, it was quite evident that many students are having a difficult time applying what is happening during our simulation to what they should be learning in Social Studies. Today we went back to the text book and looked at the same vocabulary in the text. Perhaps seeing it in a textbook will help students to connect the learning. We will be reviewing concepts again tomorrow and then there will be another quiz to follow on Wednesday. Students should be able to talk about the regional geography in the game (how mountains, rivers, and ocean differ for living - food, travel, etc.) They should also be able to talk about the rights and responsibilities of the native indians versus the colonists (who owns the land, what are daily jobs, etc.). Lastly, students should know how colonists an use the goods, services, and technology that they have (ex: trading these things with Indians to obtain land, etc.). Students will then be working on a second "Diary Situation", written as a character from their colony, on Thursday and Friday.
We are coming close to the end of our fractions unit. Today we reviewed the second half of this unit:
- equivalent fractions
- reducing fractions to simplest form
- comparing fractions (which is greater)
- ordering fractions (least to greatest)
- fractions of a set (what is 2/3 of 12?).
Tomorrow we will be reviewing ALL lessons pertaining to fractions. This includes the above as well as:
- identifying the numerator and denominator
- estimating fractional amounts
- converting improper/mixed fractions.
There will be a fractions test on Wednesday that will cover all of these topics. I have added a few additional websites to the blog in order to help assist in practicing for this test.
Timed Test will be Thursday as usual, and will cover the 7s times table. Students will receive 2 minutes for 30 questions.Thursday we will begin our next unit: Using Customary Linear Measurement
SOCIAL STUDIES:
After last week's quiz, it was quite evident that many students are having a difficult time applying what is happening during our simulation to what they should be learning in Social Studies. Today we went back to the text book and looked at the same vocabulary in the text. Perhaps seeing it in a textbook will help students to connect the learning. We will be reviewing concepts again tomorrow and then there will be another quiz to follow on Wednesday. Students should be able to talk about the regional geography in the game (how mountains, rivers, and ocean differ for living - food, travel, etc.) They should also be able to talk about the rights and responsibilities of the native indians versus the colonists (who owns the land, what are daily jobs, etc.). Lastly, students should know how colonists an use the goods, services, and technology that they have (ex: trading these things with Indians to obtain land, etc.). Students will then be working on a second "Diary Situation", written as a character from their colony, on Thursday and Friday.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Week of November 23 - 25
MATH:
This week we continue with Fractions. Today and tomorrow we are looking at comparing and ordering fractions. Students should be able to convert fractions to an equivalent fraction that is easier to compare to certain other fractions. Wednesday we will be exploring a fraction of a set: ex. 1/3 of 9 is 3, 1/2 of 10 is 5. Next week when we return from Thanksgiving, students will be reviewing ALL of the fractions unit and then will have a test on the Wednesday we return. This test will include: numerator/denominator, writing/reading fractions, converting mixed/improper fractions, equivalent fractions, ordering/comparing fractions, and fractions of a set. It will be a short test with only a few questions of each, but students need to know everything we have learned with fractions thus far.
SOCIAL STUDIES:
We will continue with our simulation with our colonies. Wednesday there will be a quiz discussing how availability of goods, services, technology, etc. affects the colonies, as well as how individuals in each colony have different rights and responsibilities than the individuals in the Indian tribes.
LITERACY:
Writing:
Interactive Editing: We have finished writing a Venn Diagram on Reptiles and Amphibians.
Independent Writing: Students have written an essay comparing and contrasting reptiles and amphibians. They used the Venn Diagram as a guide and organizer.
They are now working in pairs writing a story about a book jacket given to them in class. They are using their imagination and writing skills to create amazing stories! Way to go!
Reading:
Shared Reading: We read a Thanksgiving poem, we focused on reading with expression.
Read Aloud: The BFG, we are still focusing on visualizing and making predictions.
Students have also read ths Stonecutter, independently. This activity was followed by a Reading assessment.
Students will also participate in Independent Reading and Literacy Centers!
This week we continue with Fractions. Today and tomorrow we are looking at comparing and ordering fractions. Students should be able to convert fractions to an equivalent fraction that is easier to compare to certain other fractions. Wednesday we will be exploring a fraction of a set: ex. 1/3 of 9 is 3, 1/2 of 10 is 5. Next week when we return from Thanksgiving, students will be reviewing ALL of the fractions unit and then will have a test on the Wednesday we return. This test will include: numerator/denominator, writing/reading fractions, converting mixed/improper fractions, equivalent fractions, ordering/comparing fractions, and fractions of a set. It will be a short test with only a few questions of each, but students need to know everything we have learned with fractions thus far.
SOCIAL STUDIES:
We will continue with our simulation with our colonies. Wednesday there will be a quiz discussing how availability of goods, services, technology, etc. affects the colonies, as well as how individuals in each colony have different rights and responsibilities than the individuals in the Indian tribes.
LITERACY:
Writing:
Interactive Editing: We have finished writing a Venn Diagram on Reptiles and Amphibians.
Independent Writing: Students have written an essay comparing and contrasting reptiles and amphibians. They used the Venn Diagram as a guide and organizer.
They are now working in pairs writing a story about a book jacket given to them in class. They are using their imagination and writing skills to create amazing stories! Way to go!
Reading:
Shared Reading: We read a Thanksgiving poem, we focused on reading with expression.
Read Aloud: The BFG, we are still focusing on visualizing and making predictions.
Students have also read ths Stonecutter, independently. This activity was followed by a Reading assessment.
Students will also participate in Independent Reading and Literacy Centers!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Week of Nov. 16th - 21st
Literacy:
Read Aloud:
"The Amazing Book of Mammal Records", by Samuel G. Woods, we will focus on reading and interpreting captions and facts and opinions.
"One Hen", by Katie Smith Milway, we will focus on predicting, making inferences, and using context clues.
Read Aloud for fun: The BFG, we will focus on visualizing!
Shared Reading:
Reptiles and Amphibians
Comparing and Contrasting Reptiles and Amphibians
Diagram: An Amphibian's Life Cycle
Interactive Editing:
Reptiles and Amphibians (paragraph about reptiles)
Interactive Writing:
Vennn Diagram: Reptiles and Amphibians
We will aslo write a different ending of the story "Why Frog and Snake Never Played Together". We will focus on using qoutation marks to show dialogue between Frog and Snake.
Independent Writing:
Students will be writing the final draft of the essay "I am Grateful for..."
Students wll begin writing a different ending of the story "Why Frog and Snake Never Played Together". They will choose to write a happy ending or a sad ending.
Students will also participate in Independent Reading, Writing Cycle Groups, and Literacy Centers.
MATH:
This week we are continuing with fractions. Friday we made fraction strips in class so the students could have concrete ways to physically compare fractions. Today and tomorrow we are comparing and writing equivalent fractions. Wednesday we will discuss putting fractions into simplest forms, then Thursday we will be reviewing all concepts of equivalent fractions and simplest form. There will be a test on Friday. There are links on the blog to Math games that will help to practice these skills. Saturday we will begin comparing and ordering fractions.
SOCIAL STUDIES:
We will continue with our simulation. At this point, colonies are starting to learn that a lot of things are left up to fate. One day a plague may hit their colony and kill some of their men, while the next day their cattle may have babies and they are blessed with more food. Colonies are starting to take chances by attacking other colonies to aquire their land, and students are having to work well together with their classmates in order to make tough decisions for their colony.
Wednesday and Thursday, students will be working on a creative writing piece. Students will pretend to be one of the members of their colony and describe what life is like in the New World. As their character, they will talk about their struggles and how they are feeling. This entry will be graded.
Read Aloud:
"The Amazing Book of Mammal Records", by Samuel G. Woods, we will focus on reading and interpreting captions and facts and opinions.
"One Hen", by Katie Smith Milway, we will focus on predicting, making inferences, and using context clues.
Read Aloud for fun: The BFG, we will focus on visualizing!
Shared Reading:
Reptiles and Amphibians
Comparing and Contrasting Reptiles and Amphibians
Diagram: An Amphibian's Life Cycle
Interactive Editing:
Reptiles and Amphibians (paragraph about reptiles)
Interactive Writing:
Vennn Diagram: Reptiles and Amphibians
We will aslo write a different ending of the story "Why Frog and Snake Never Played Together". We will focus on using qoutation marks to show dialogue between Frog and Snake.
Independent Writing:
Students will be writing the final draft of the essay "I am Grateful for..."
Students wll begin writing a different ending of the story "Why Frog and Snake Never Played Together". They will choose to write a happy ending or a sad ending.
Students will also participate in Independent Reading, Writing Cycle Groups, and Literacy Centers.
MATH:
This week we are continuing with fractions. Friday we made fraction strips in class so the students could have concrete ways to physically compare fractions. Today and tomorrow we are comparing and writing equivalent fractions. Wednesday we will discuss putting fractions into simplest forms, then Thursday we will be reviewing all concepts of equivalent fractions and simplest form. There will be a test on Friday. There are links on the blog to Math games that will help to practice these skills. Saturday we will begin comparing and ordering fractions.
SOCIAL STUDIES:
We will continue with our simulation. At this point, colonies are starting to learn that a lot of things are left up to fate. One day a plague may hit their colony and kill some of their men, while the next day their cattle may have babies and they are blessed with more food. Colonies are starting to take chances by attacking other colonies to aquire their land, and students are having to work well together with their classmates in order to make tough decisions for their colony.
Wednesday and Thursday, students will be working on a creative writing piece. Students will pretend to be one of the members of their colony and describe what life is like in the New World. As their character, they will talk about their struggles and how they are feeling. This entry will be graded.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Week of November 9-13
MATH:
We have been working on Mixed Fractions and Improper Fractions, and going between the two. This was something we learned last Wednesday, continued Thursday, and reviewed today. Tomorrow will be a small quiz on these concepts. Students will need to know how to change a mixed number into an improper fraction and change an improper fraction into a mixed number.
Wednesday we will be reviewing all of the things we've learned about fractions so far, before moving onto the next concepts.
Thursday will be the start of section B in the chapter of fractions (Chapter 9). We will be looking at equivalent fractions on Thursday, Friday, Monday, and Tuesday. This will include reducing fractions to their simplest form as well. There will be a quiz on this concept sometime next week.
SOCIAL STUDIES:
We have started the actual game play of the Social Studies Simulation. All colonies have found land to settle on. This week the simulation will continue and colonies will make decisions about farming, fishing, hunting, and settling the land. Towards the end of this week, students will write a journal entry, pretending that they are the characters that have just landed in the New World. These journals of reflection will be graded for understanding of settlement.
MEETINGS:
If there are any parents who did not get a chance to meet with me (Ms. Willett) on Friday, and would still like to do so, please e-mail me (swillett@amschool.org) to set up an appointment for this week.
LITERACY:
Read Aloud:
“Why Frog and Snake Never Played Together”, by focus on Character and Plot.
“What is a Life Cycle?” by Bobie Kalman, focus on reading and interpreting diagrams and features of nonfiction text.
Shared Reading:
An excerpt from “Why Frog and Snake Never Played Together”, by focus on quotation marks.
A text about reptiles and amphibians.
Interactive Writing:
We will brainstorm ideas, write an introduction, body paragraph and conclusion for We are Grateful for…
We will write a Venn diagram to compare and contrast frogs and reptiles.
Independent Writing: Students will begin to write a five paragraph essay: I am Grateful for…
Student will also participate in Independent Reading, Guides Reading Groups, and Centers.
We have been working on Mixed Fractions and Improper Fractions, and going between the two. This was something we learned last Wednesday, continued Thursday, and reviewed today. Tomorrow will be a small quiz on these concepts. Students will need to know how to change a mixed number into an improper fraction and change an improper fraction into a mixed number.
Wednesday we will be reviewing all of the things we've learned about fractions so far, before moving onto the next concepts.
Thursday will be the start of section B in the chapter of fractions (Chapter 9). We will be looking at equivalent fractions on Thursday, Friday, Monday, and Tuesday. This will include reducing fractions to their simplest form as well. There will be a quiz on this concept sometime next week.
SOCIAL STUDIES:
We have started the actual game play of the Social Studies Simulation. All colonies have found land to settle on. This week the simulation will continue and colonies will make decisions about farming, fishing, hunting, and settling the land. Towards the end of this week, students will write a journal entry, pretending that they are the characters that have just landed in the New World. These journals of reflection will be graded for understanding of settlement.
MEETINGS:
If there are any parents who did not get a chance to meet with me (Ms. Willett) on Friday, and would still like to do so, please e-mail me (swillett@amschool.org) to set up an appointment for this week.
LITERACY:
Read Aloud:
“Why Frog and Snake Never Played Together”, by focus on Character and Plot.
“What is a Life Cycle?” by Bobie Kalman, focus on reading and interpreting diagrams and features of nonfiction text.
Shared Reading:
An excerpt from “Why Frog and Snake Never Played Together”, by focus on quotation marks.
A text about reptiles and amphibians.
Interactive Writing:
We will brainstorm ideas, write an introduction, body paragraph and conclusion for We are Grateful for…
We will write a Venn diagram to compare and contrast frogs and reptiles.
Independent Writing: Students will begin to write a five paragraph essay: I am Grateful for…
Student will also participate in Independent Reading, Guides Reading Groups, and Centers.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Class Reward!!!
Students have earned a pajama day and movie reward. They may wear their pajamas to school on Friday, Nov. 6th. Way to go 4-A!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Navidad Sin Frio
Thursday Oct.29-Friday Nov.6, 2009
o A clothing drive for children between the ages of 0-5 will be delivered to EL CENTRO DE SALUD de Nacaome. The clothes will be delivered to the Centro de Salud on Saturday, November 7.
Thursday Oct.29-Dec.4, 2009
o A general “sweater, throws, and coat” drive will take place starting this month up to the first week of December. Donations will be distributed to several homes here in Tegucigalpa. Please send a garment with your child to help with this cause.
o PTO will join in the cause and are offering two PIZZA PARTIES to the class that collects the most clothing, starting October 29th for both drives.
Holidays are for helping. Christmas is for caring.
Please assist us in assisting others. If you have ANY clothing around the house that you can donate, PLEASE send this to school with your child.
As November is the month of the American Thanksgiving, let's take this time to be thankful for what we have been provided in our lives, and help to make someone else's life a little brighter :)
"No one has ever become poor by giving." ~ Anne Frank
o A clothing drive for children between the ages of 0-5 will be delivered to EL CENTRO DE SALUD de Nacaome. The clothes will be delivered to the Centro de Salud on Saturday, November 7.
Thursday Oct.29-Dec.4, 2009
o A general “sweater, throws, and coat” drive will take place starting this month up to the first week of December. Donations will be distributed to several homes here in Tegucigalpa. Please send a garment with your child to help with this cause.
o PTO will join in the cause and are offering two PIZZA PARTIES to the class that collects the most clothing, starting October 29th for both drives.
Holidays are for helping. Christmas is for caring.
Please assist us in assisting others. If you have ANY clothing around the house that you can donate, PLEASE send this to school with your child.
As November is the month of the American Thanksgiving, let's take this time to be thankful for what we have been provided in our lives, and help to make someone else's life a little brighter :)
"No one has ever become poor by giving." ~ Anne Frank
Monday, November 2, 2009
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher conferences heve been scheduled for Friday, Nov. 6th. A sign-up sheet has been posted outside the classroom so you can sign up for the time that suits you best. The day of Parent Teacher Conferences is an early dismissal day. Students will be dismissed at 11:15 am. Please plan accordingly.
Thank you,
Ms. Leary
***Sign-up sheet for conferences with Ms. Willett has been placed in the Office. Please sign-up for one of the 10 minute slots, or e-mail Ms. Willett for an earlier meeting this week (swillett@amschool.org) ****
Week of November 2nd - 6th
MATH:
Today we had our fractions quiz. Tomorrow there will be no Math, due to the writing assessment. Wednesday we will be introducing Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions. Through interactive writing, we will be looking at the rules and HOW to change from Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions and from Improper Fractions to Mixed Numbers. Monday there will be a quiz on this concept. Please review this at home.
I am adding more website links on the right side of the blog, listed under Math Games. These will now include fractions. Please have students use these as well.
SOCIAL STUDIES:
We have completed Phase 1 of our simulation. Points and grades were collected through multiple mapping assignments, and students completed a vocabulary quiz based on what they learned in the assignments. This week we will be starting Phase 2 - the actual game. Today students will be starting by finishing their cargo list - planning what it is that they will take with them on the journey to the New World.
INTERVIEWS:
Ms Willett: For the interviews on Friday, I will be meeting with parents in the Science Lab (room 25, across the hall from the office). Because I am teaching 2 classes, I will be potentially meeting with 53 sets of parents. If you wish to meet with me BEFORE Friday, please e-mail me (swillett@amschool.org) to set up a time that would work for both of us. Generally, 9:10am works best for me, but please let me know a few times, as I may have multiple requests for the same time. Thank you!
LITERACY:
Book Report: Children should begin reading a new book for the next book report. It will be due Nov. 24. Please remember students must read as much as possible at home.
Read Aloud: This week we will read the book, “A Picture Book of Anne Frank”, by David A. Adler, and “The Cats in Krasinski Square” by Karen Hesse. We will focus on comprehension strategies: making connections, predicting, making inferences, and visualizing.
Read Aloud for fun: the BFG, by Roald Dahl.
Shared Reading: Excerpts from the two Read Aloud books, we will focus on the use of commas. We will be reading our homophones chart.
Interactive Writing:
We will complete a chart on the use of commas. We will list when commas are used and cite examples.
Independent Writing:
Students will write sentences illustrating each example ( the use of commas) written for IAW. They will also write sentences using the homophones chart.
Students will also participate in Guided Reading Groups and Centers.
Today we had our fractions quiz. Tomorrow there will be no Math, due to the writing assessment. Wednesday we will be introducing Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions. Through interactive writing, we will be looking at the rules and HOW to change from Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions and from Improper Fractions to Mixed Numbers. Monday there will be a quiz on this concept. Please review this at home.
I am adding more website links on the right side of the blog, listed under Math Games. These will now include fractions. Please have students use these as well.
SOCIAL STUDIES:
We have completed Phase 1 of our simulation. Points and grades were collected through multiple mapping assignments, and students completed a vocabulary quiz based on what they learned in the assignments. This week we will be starting Phase 2 - the actual game. Today students will be starting by finishing their cargo list - planning what it is that they will take with them on the journey to the New World.
INTERVIEWS:
Ms Willett: For the interviews on Friday, I will be meeting with parents in the Science Lab (room 25, across the hall from the office). Because I am teaching 2 classes, I will be potentially meeting with 53 sets of parents. If you wish to meet with me BEFORE Friday, please e-mail me (swillett@amschool.org) to set up a time that would work for both of us. Generally, 9:10am works best for me, but please let me know a few times, as I may have multiple requests for the same time. Thank you!
LITERACY:
Book Report: Children should begin reading a new book for the next book report. It will be due Nov. 24. Please remember students must read as much as possible at home.
Read Aloud: This week we will read the book, “A Picture Book of Anne Frank”, by David A. Adler, and “The Cats in Krasinski Square” by Karen Hesse. We will focus on comprehension strategies: making connections, predicting, making inferences, and visualizing.
Read Aloud for fun: the BFG, by Roald Dahl.
Shared Reading: Excerpts from the two Read Aloud books, we will focus on the use of commas. We will be reading our homophones chart.
Interactive Writing:
We will complete a chart on the use of commas. We will list when commas are used and cite examples.
Independent Writing:
Students will write sentences illustrating each example ( the use of commas) written for IAW. They will also write sentences using the homophones chart.
Students will also participate in Guided Reading Groups and Centers.
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