Our classrooms been humming with thoughts of the holiday. Each day brings new enthusiasm to our room.
The students have been working on becoming better writers by expanding their word choice. We are exploring the importance of using "fat" words when we write; words that address our senses and provide description. Our author, Lisa Funeri-Willover's writing journal, has guided us. New words have been added to our vocabulary collection. We no longer use good, go, great, sad, or happy. We choose words such as spectacular, travel, fantastic, tearful, and elated. Our class is having fun while learning as we explore using descriptive words.
This week we will learn about writing descriptive paragraphs that address our who, what, where, when, why, and how questions. The familiar story of "Rudolph" will help us with our lessons.
Spelling words: holiday, icicle, tinsel, sleigh, snowman, Rudolph, twenty-fifth, wreath, elves, mistletoe, garland, reindeer, abominable, castle, frozen, misfit, toys, sparkling
bonus: toboggan, snowmobile
Friday, December 12, 2014
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
November Notes
It was wonderful to see all my ELA parents during conferences. Please remember that if the need should arise for a conversation there is no need to wait for a conference or meeting. Please send me an email or call me at school. It is important for us to work together to promote student success.
As I do every marking period, we will have a spelling test on all our words to date. Today (11/12) word lists will be sent home. These lists were compiled from the words we had each week during the marking period. The spelling packet that is being sent home breaks the words into two groups of 32. We will be tested on the first 32 on Friday and the second 32 on Monday. Any student that receives a 100% will have their name added to Mrs. Carr's Wall of Fame (beginning this year).
Homework in spelling this week will simply be placing the words in alphabetical order. I have included the templates (attached to the back of the packet) to help put words in order. Students will then place words on the sheets 1-32 (there are two of them).
Due dates: ABC order 1-32 due Friday, 11/13; ABC order 33-64 due Monday, 11/16
Next week we will begin spelling as we did Marking Period #1 with words from our upcoming story and Rebecca Sitton Level 3 core words. Lists/packet will be sent home on Monday.
We interrupted our Journeys' reading/writing this week to acknowledge Veterans' Day. Students learned about this special day and how it differs from Memorial Day. We also discussed how we can be of service to our country and how we can show our country respect.
Another important area we worked on this week is how to turn class discussion into a meaningful learning experience. We established classroom rules for good discussion. Students will be evaluated on their oral participation (following the rules).
A special note to add about my trip to Washington, DC. It was my honor and privilege to participate in the National School of Character program. We are a wonderful, caring, school community. I was proud to be a member of the group that accepted this acknowledgement on behalf of our school. Now that we have achieved National School of Character status, it is important for us to spread the word and work even harder to be as CORRECT as we can be:)
As I do every marking period, we will have a spelling test on all our words to date. Today (11/12) word lists will be sent home. These lists were compiled from the words we had each week during the marking period. The spelling packet that is being sent home breaks the words into two groups of 32. We will be tested on the first 32 on Friday and the second 32 on Monday. Any student that receives a 100% will have their name added to Mrs. Carr's Wall of Fame (beginning this year).
Homework in spelling this week will simply be placing the words in alphabetical order. I have included the templates (attached to the back of the packet) to help put words in order. Students will then place words on the sheets 1-32 (there are two of them).
Due dates: ABC order 1-32 due Friday, 11/13; ABC order 33-64 due Monday, 11/16
Next week we will begin spelling as we did Marking Period #1 with words from our upcoming story and Rebecca Sitton Level 3 core words. Lists/packet will be sent home on Monday.
We interrupted our Journeys' reading/writing this week to acknowledge Veterans' Day. Students learned about this special day and how it differs from Memorial Day. We also discussed how we can be of service to our country and how we can show our country respect.
Another important area we worked on this week is how to turn class discussion into a meaningful learning experience. We established classroom rules for good discussion. Students will be evaluated on their oral participation (following the rules).
A special note to add about my trip to Washington, DC. It was my honor and privilege to participate in the National School of Character program. We are a wonderful, caring, school community. I was proud to be a member of the group that accepted this acknowledgement on behalf of our school. Now that we have achieved National School of Character status, it is important for us to spread the word and work even harder to be as CORRECT as we can be:)
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
October 20, 2014
The leaves are falling fast now! Our school year is certainly well under way!
We just finished the informational text "My Librarian is a Camel." It was certainly interesting reading about how children got access to books throughout the world. The class took for granted that everyone had access to books just as they do. They were certainly surprised to learn that some children receive reading materials by camel and even by elephant! We are fortunate.
As we mark Red Ribbon Week and continue to talk about wise choices, our writing addresses focus. Often students get so excited about what they write they include too much information that is not on target and confuses the reader. We are working on writing single focus narratives with descriptive words and examples.
Spelling Words this week include (long o pattern)- shown, known, wrote, remote, oatmeal, fellow, scold, coast, boast, locate, throat, host, slope, remote, globe, wait, hall, lunch, ready, which, first
Bonus: bonus, approach, motion
Vocabulary for the next two weeks: assist, burglaries, innocent, scheme, regretfully, misjudged, suspect, favor, speculated, prior
Dictation Sentences:
1. Keep the children together in one place.
2. Ask them to form two long lines down the hall.
3. They all must wait until their food is ready.
4. Lunch is always very good at our school
Also, starting up soon! Book IT! Our class will be participating in the motivational Book IT program affiliated with Pizza Hut. We will be following the 4th grade class guidelines asking students to read 20 minutes each night (even on weekends). A reading log will be sent home for parents to sign. This will validate the students time reading at home. Pizza Hut reward certificates will be awarded for students reaching monthly reading goals. Hope all of you join us!
We just finished the informational text "My Librarian is a Camel." It was certainly interesting reading about how children got access to books throughout the world. The class took for granted that everyone had access to books just as they do. They were certainly surprised to learn that some children receive reading materials by camel and even by elephant! We are fortunate.
As we mark Red Ribbon Week and continue to talk about wise choices, our writing addresses focus. Often students get so excited about what they write they include too much information that is not on target and confuses the reader. We are working on writing single focus narratives with descriptive words and examples.
Spelling Words this week include (long o pattern)- shown, known, wrote, remote, oatmeal, fellow, scold, coast, boast, locate, throat, host, slope, remote, globe, wait, hall, lunch, ready, which, first
Bonus: bonus, approach, motion
Vocabulary for the next two weeks: assist, burglaries, innocent, scheme, regretfully, misjudged, suspect, favor, speculated, prior
Dictation Sentences:
1. Keep the children together in one place.
2. Ask them to form two long lines down the hall.
3. They all must wait until their food is ready.
4. Lunch is always very good at our school
Also, starting up soon! Book IT! Our class will be participating in the motivational Book IT program affiliated with Pizza Hut. We will be following the 4th grade class guidelines asking students to read 20 minutes each night (even on weekends). A reading log will be sent home for parents to sign. This will validate the students time reading at home. Pizza Hut reward certificates will be awarded for students reaching monthly reading goals. Hope all of you join us!
Monday, October 6, 2014
October 6, 2014
We begin a new unit this week in English Language Arts. The anchor text that will be read has quite an interesting title "My Librarian is a Camel". It will once again be a busy week with the introduction of new vocabulary and how context clues can help us determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
Fall is definitely here with its chilly temperatures and leaves tumbling down from the trees. We will keep warm in class with our studies of long i words in spelling and decoding with the VCCV pattern words as well.
Students will also be reading "Garden State Adventure" and "For Hire" . Nicky Fifth and his sidekick T-bone's adventures are sure to capture everyone's attention.
Please remember the first book project is due the last Wednesday of October. Project lists were sent home the first week of school. This is an at-home project. I will review the 5-4-3-2-1 Organizer which is a required component of every Book Project. If there are any questions about this please call or send an email.
Spelling Words for 10-6 week:
write, right, another, always, asked, world, going, school, important, crime, grind, tonight, flight, live, delight, decide, wind, sigh, fright, remind. Bonus: recognize, advice, twilight
Fall is definitely here with its chilly temperatures and leaves tumbling down from the trees. We will keep warm in class with our studies of long i words in spelling and decoding with the VCCV pattern words as well.
Students will also be reading "Garden State Adventure" and "For Hire" . Nicky Fifth and his sidekick T-bone's adventures are sure to capture everyone's attention.
Please remember the first book project is due the last Wednesday of October. Project lists were sent home the first week of school. This is an at-home project. I will review the 5-4-3-2-1 Organizer which is a required component of every Book Project. If there are any questions about this please call or send an email.
Spelling Words for 10-6 week:
write, right, another, always, asked, world, going, school, important, crime, grind, tonight, flight, live, delight, decide, wind, sigh, fright, remind. Bonus: recognize, advice, twilight
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
September 29, 2014
Another busy week is on the horizon.
This week we will continue reading stories connected to our anchor text "My Brother Martin". Students will learn about the civil rights movement and attempt to get a better understanding about the history of our country. We will explore our text's essential question, "What might lead a person to try to change the world"? In addition we will explore our informational selection about Nelson Mandela. (Test on Friday)
Writing/Grammar finds us continuing our quest to recognize and apply the four different types of sentences. Remember---
Declarative = statement= a period . for punctuation
Interrogative = question = a question mark ? for punctuation
Exclamatory = great feeling = an exclamation point ! for punctuation
Imperative = a command = a period . for punctuation
It is important when we write to include different types of sentences to make our writing interesting!
(Quiz on Wednesday)
Spelling words for the week focus primarily on the long e sound.
they, what, their, our, also, often, together, don't, steep, gleam, freedom, steam, beast, believe, cheap, greed, least, eager, reason, chief BONUS: creature, reveal, receive
(Spelling test on Friday)
Dictation Sentences:
1. The two of you often get together at their house after school.
2. You might be asked to go over there again soon.
3. Why don't you plan to come here next time instead?
This week we will continue reading stories connected to our anchor text "My Brother Martin". Students will learn about the civil rights movement and attempt to get a better understanding about the history of our country. We will explore our text's essential question, "What might lead a person to try to change the world"? In addition we will explore our informational selection about Nelson Mandela. (Test on Friday)
Writing/Grammar finds us continuing our quest to recognize and apply the four different types of sentences. Remember---
Declarative = statement= a period . for punctuation
Interrogative = question = a question mark ? for punctuation
Exclamatory = great feeling = an exclamation point ! for punctuation
Imperative = a command = a period . for punctuation
It is important when we write to include different types of sentences to make our writing interesting!
(Quiz on Wednesday)
Spelling words for the week focus primarily on the long e sound.
they, what, their, our, also, often, together, don't, steep, gleam, freedom, steam, beast, believe, cheap, greed, least, eager, reason, chief BONUS: creature, reveal, receive
(Spelling test on Friday)
Dictation Sentences:
1. The two of you often get together at their house after school.
2. You might be asked to go over there again soon.
3. Why don't you plan to come here next time instead?
Monday, September 22, 2014
September 22, 2014
Our class has a busy week planned as we begin Unit 2 in our new Journey's series. This week we will begin reading with informational text. Students are learning about different genres, and author's purpose. Our text this week is about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday began with an introduction to our story's vocabulary. Students are learning to identify the words making connections to definitions and pictures. Partnerships explored our words and introduced them to the rest of our class.
Tuesday will find the class making their own personal vocabulary cards to reinforce meaning and to provide a means to help them study. We will also learn vowel/consonant rules on syllabic division.
We will read and reread the story Martin's dream that paved the way for equality in our country. Students will be asked to share their ideas on how this dream affects our world today.
Spelling words week of 9/22:
there, their, about, very, know, too, found, might, always, show, large, west, member, fresh, speck, kept, shelf, smell, spent, pretend Bonus: echo, menu, restaurant
Many of our words demonstrate the short e sound this week.
Our vocabulary words include: injustice, numerous, segregation, nourishing, captured, dream, encounters, preferred, recall, example
Monday began with an introduction to our story's vocabulary. Students are learning to identify the words making connections to definitions and pictures. Partnerships explored our words and introduced them to the rest of our class.
Tuesday will find the class making their own personal vocabulary cards to reinforce meaning and to provide a means to help them study. We will also learn vowel/consonant rules on syllabic division.
We will read and reread the story Martin's dream that paved the way for equality in our country. Students will be asked to share their ideas on how this dream affects our world today.
Spelling words week of 9/22:
there, their, about, very, know, too, found, might, always, show, large, west, member, fresh, speck, kept, shelf, smell, spent, pretend Bonus: echo, menu, restaurant
Many of our words demonstrate the short e sound this week.
Our vocabulary words include: injustice, numerous, segregation, nourishing, captured, dream, encounters, preferred, recall, example
We will have a spelling assessment on Friday and vocabulary quiz on Thursday.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
September 16, 2014
This week promises to be a busy one this week at OCS. We have "Back to School" night for the upper grades, Constitution Day, and all our "regular" school activities!
We are continuing our reading of "Because of Winn Dixie" and will also this week read our informational companion selection. Students will be asked to compare/contrast the two. We are learning ten new vocabulary words to go along with our reading!
Students are eagerly participating in the discussions about the writing process as well. We are talking about what for some, is the most difficult part of writing.... IDEAS! What do I write about??? We have learned that every one of us has many, many things to write about. We shared about writing about "someone special" in our lives, writing about a "special place", writing about "small moments", writing "reflections", and "sharing our specialties". Our class is certainly full of good ideas! We have learned there is never an excuse for not having something to write about!
Last week's spelling test showed we are truly great spellers! We continue to have fun learning our words with round robin spelling and our gel boards. Flash cards and practice at home are also helpful! Don't forget that spelling homework.
This week's (September 15) words include:
from, first, could, said, between, something, thought, their, both, below, past, magic, break, steak, sale, hang, glass, raft, friends. Bonus words: champion, fraction, activity
Dictation Sentences:
1. We never thought we would see what we saw today.
2. There they were just below us in the water!
3. Both of us will have something very important to tell our friends.
Homework:
Monday- Finish ABC order and 3X each misspelled word (from spelling preview)
Tuesday- Rewrite dictation sentences
Wednesday- Spelling paragraph- Write a paragraph using as many spelling words as you can. The paragraph must make sense.
Thursday- Study for Friday's spelling test
Remember all homework needs to get put in the "Turn it in!" bin when you get to class. That way we know we will never forget to "turn it in"!
We are continuing our reading of "Because of Winn Dixie" and will also this week read our informational companion selection. Students will be asked to compare/contrast the two. We are learning ten new vocabulary words to go along with our reading!
Students are eagerly participating in the discussions about the writing process as well. We are talking about what for some, is the most difficult part of writing.... IDEAS! What do I write about??? We have learned that every one of us has many, many things to write about. We shared about writing about "someone special" in our lives, writing about a "special place", writing about "small moments", writing "reflections", and "sharing our specialties". Our class is certainly full of good ideas! We have learned there is never an excuse for not having something to write about!
Last week's spelling test showed we are truly great spellers! We continue to have fun learning our words with round robin spelling and our gel boards. Flash cards and practice at home are also helpful! Don't forget that spelling homework.
This week's (September 15) words include:
from, first, could, said, between, something, thought, their, both, below, past, magic, break, steak, sale, hang, glass, raft, friends. Bonus words: champion, fraction, activity
Dictation Sentences:
1. We never thought we would see what we saw today.
2. There they were just below us in the water!
3. Both of us will have something very important to tell our friends.
Homework:
Monday- Finish ABC order and 3X each misspelled word (from spelling preview)
Tuesday- Rewrite dictation sentences
Wednesday- Spelling paragraph- Write a paragraph using as many spelling words as you can. The paragraph must make sense.
Thursday- Study for Friday's spelling test
Remember all homework needs to get put in the "Turn it in!" bin when you get to class. That way we know we will never forget to "turn it in"!
Monday, September 8, 2014
What a Great First Week We Had!!!
The first week of the 2014-15 school year is history! Back to school jitters are a thing of the past. It is now time to get to work! Our class did a great job the first week getting to know each other and the expectations of the classroom. Each and every student behaved in a way every parent can be proud of. We are certainly on target for a productive year.
I hope to see everyone (parents/guardians) at "Back to School" night (Tuesday, September 9th). Due to our class makeup of both 4th and 5th graders, we will be meeting on September 9th only. If you are unable to attend or would like to speak with me privately regarding our class please email/call me so we can set up a time. I strongly believe that communication between teachers and home is very important.
Today we began exploration of our new Journey's curriculum. This week we will be exploring the components of a good sentence. We will be working with both subjects and predicates. You will see homework in all ELA areas being addressed in the Student Reader's Notebook. Our new curriculum embraces the connections between spelling, phonics, grammar, reading, and writing. Students will be working in one workbook instead of many. Completed/corrected work will be compiled in their ELA notebooks (that will remain in school). I will be stressing the importance of organization as well as mastery of content in becoming a better student.
We also embarked on our spelling adventure today. Students will be working from words obtained from both our Journey's anchor text (this week "Because of Winn Dixie") and Level 3/4 Rebecca Sitton core words. The focus is to develop recognition and spelling proficiency of words that the students are reading and being able to transfer that knowledge into writing. Gone are the days that we memorize words to spell only for Friday's spelling test.
Homework (spelling packets) were also sent home today. Assignments were posted for the week. Today students took their Monday "Spelling Preview". This activity identified the words they will be accountable for on the Thursday/Friday assessments. Please see the last page of the spelling packet for each day's homework.
Monday- Complete ABC template and write misspelled words 3X each.
Tuesday- Rewrite the attached dictation sentences.
1. They stood still while they were in a long line.
2. Should they go home right away?
3. What might be along the side of them?
Wednesday- Write a spelling paragraph (that makes sense) using as many of the spelling words as possible. Underline each spelling word used.
Thursday- Today we will have the sentence dictation component of our spelling test. Practice your spelling words.
Friday- No spelling homework. Today will be the assessment day for all our words. Students will also complete the "cloze" portion of our spelling test.
This week's words (week of September 8th):
blade, amaze, crayon, gray, ,maybe, delay, afraid, stain, drain, while, one, there, would, been, little, because, think, great, along, with. Bonus: sound, might, next
Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Mrs.Carr
I hope to see everyone (parents/guardians) at "Back to School" night (Tuesday, September 9th). Due to our class makeup of both 4th and 5th graders, we will be meeting on September 9th only. If you are unable to attend or would like to speak with me privately regarding our class please email/call me so we can set up a time. I strongly believe that communication between teachers and home is very important.
Today we began exploration of our new Journey's curriculum. This week we will be exploring the components of a good sentence. We will be working with both subjects and predicates. You will see homework in all ELA areas being addressed in the Student Reader's Notebook. Our new curriculum embraces the connections between spelling, phonics, grammar, reading, and writing. Students will be working in one workbook instead of many. Completed/corrected work will be compiled in their ELA notebooks (that will remain in school). I will be stressing the importance of organization as well as mastery of content in becoming a better student.
We also embarked on our spelling adventure today. Students will be working from words obtained from both our Journey's anchor text (this week "Because of Winn Dixie") and Level 3/4 Rebecca Sitton core words. The focus is to develop recognition and spelling proficiency of words that the students are reading and being able to transfer that knowledge into writing. Gone are the days that we memorize words to spell only for Friday's spelling test.
Homework (spelling packets) were also sent home today. Assignments were posted for the week. Today students took their Monday "Spelling Preview". This activity identified the words they will be accountable for on the Thursday/Friday assessments. Please see the last page of the spelling packet for each day's homework.
Monday- Complete ABC template and write misspelled words 3X each.
Tuesday- Rewrite the attached dictation sentences.
1. They stood still while they were in a long line.
2. Should they go home right away?
3. What might be along the side of them?
Wednesday- Write a spelling paragraph (that makes sense) using as many of the spelling words as possible. Underline each spelling word used.
Thursday- Today we will have the sentence dictation component of our spelling test. Practice your spelling words.
Friday- No spelling homework. Today will be the assessment day for all our words. Students will also complete the "cloze" portion of our spelling test.
This week's words (week of September 8th):
blade, amaze, crayon, gray, ,maybe, delay, afraid, stain, drain, while, one, there, would, been, little, because, think, great, along, with. Bonus: sound, might, next
Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Mrs.Carr
Sunday, August 24, 2014
The 2014-15 School Year Is Here!
Isn't it hard to believe that the summer is just about over? Hope your summer was good one and that you are ready for an absolutely fantastic 2014-15 school year.
We've got lots to do and lots to learn so...
Get ready
Get set
and Welcome Back:)
Come with a positive attitude and an "I can do it!" spirit. This is an easy task when we here at Oxford Central School do our best to be CORRECT.
Come to school with Courage- to learn new things
Optimism- knowing if you work hard you can achieve your goals
Respect- show respect for yourself, your classmates, your teachers
Responsibility- set the goal of being a responsible student
Empathy- always remember to be there for a friend or someone in need
Citizenship- be an conscientious member of our OCS team
Trustworthiness- always be a trustworthy student
Looking forward to the best year ever!
We've got lots to do and lots to learn so...
Get ready
Get set
and Welcome Back:)
Come with a positive attitude and an "I can do it!" spirit. This is an easy task when we here at Oxford Central School do our best to be CORRECT.
Come to school with Courage- to learn new things
Optimism- knowing if you work hard you can achieve your goals
Respect- show respect for yourself, your classmates, your teachers
Responsibility- set the goal of being a responsible student
Empathy- always remember to be there for a friend or someone in need
Citizenship- be an conscientious member of our OCS team
Trustworthiness- always be a trustworthy student
Looking forward to the best year ever!
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Eight Days and Counting!
Although this year's school year is rapidly coming to a close, we still need to focus and work hard to finish up strong!
This week will be a busy one.
4th/5th Grade ELA-
1. Monday- We will have our Holes test on chapters 21-35.
2. We need to continue to review for our Level 3 core word spelling final (100 words).
Our test will be on Thursday, June 12th.
3. Just 10 chapters left in Holes. Our final Holes test will be Thursday.
Field Day is coming - Friday
Yearbooks are here!!! If you haven't ordered yours, please see Mrs. Carr and Mrs. Drechsel.
Supply is limited!
This week will be a busy one.
4th/5th Grade ELA-
1. Monday- We will have our Holes test on chapters 21-35.
2. We need to continue to review for our Level 3 core word spelling final (100 words).
Our test will be on Thursday, June 12th.
3. Just 10 chapters left in Holes. Our final Holes test will be Thursday.
Field Day is coming - Friday
Yearbooks are here!!! If you haven't ordered yours, please see Mrs. Carr and Mrs. Drechsel.
Supply is limited!
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
May 27, 2014
This week promises to be a busy one here in Mrs. Carr's ELA class....
We will have our regular Rebecca Sitton spelling, with the addition of a few words from the book we are reading "Holes."
This week's words include many words we have had before:
We will have our regular Rebecca Sitton spelling, with the addition of a few words from the book we are reading "Holes."
This week's words include many words we have had before:
really,
table, remember, trouble, discussion, continued, talking, occasionally, very,
usually, course, American, space, lowered, paintbrush, carefully, violent,
especially, eventually Bonus: excavated, examined, frightened
We will also be continuing our study of adjectives. Students will learn to identify this descriptive part of speech by asking themselves How Many? Which one? and What kind?
Our reading of Louis Sachar's Holes continues. We will be reading five short chapters each day. The test on Chapters 21-35 will be on Friday.
Homework will be primarily work that was not completed in class. Today, Tuesday, we worked in our Rebecca Sitton workbooks pages 49-51. In addition, a brief "Parent Page" was sent home to be completed. Students also have their ABC spelling and 3X each misspelled word from our spelling preview (taken today). Students must keep up with their spelling homework that is outlined in their packet (attached to the ABC template).
We will be having a year-end Level 3 Core Word Spelling test on June 13th. The test will be 100 words with the year-end cloze activity. Wordlists will be sent home. All of these words have been on the spelling lists several times throughout the school year.
Friday, May 16, 2014
May:)
May is a very busy month here at OCS. I am back at school from my surgery just in time for most of the end of the year activities. Thank you to all of you who sent me get well cards and flowers. Your kind gestures were very much appreciated!!
So much happened the short time I was gone!
We've taken the NJ ASK!
The archery team did a fantastic job representing OCS and the state of New Jersey as they shot their way to 25th place at the national competition held in Louisville, Kentucky.
National School of Character!!!! How exciting for us. What an honor to be recognized as tops in the country for having a school that not only turns out academically conscious students, but students that are good people too.
I wonder what's next for our "little" school?
Back to basics for now.....
Spelling words for the week of 5/19 include:
So much happened the short time I was gone!
We've taken the NJ ASK!
The archery team did a fantastic job representing OCS and the state of New Jersey as they shot their way to 25th place at the national competition held in Louisville, Kentucky.
National School of Character!!!! How exciting for us. What an honor to be recognized as tops in the country for having a school that not only turns out academically conscious students, but students that are good people too.
I wonder what's next for our "little" school?
Back to basics for now.....
Spelling words for the week of 5/19 include:
there,
about, could, around, still, better, field, feet, almost, hard, several,
ground, cold, really, table, remember, another, nothing,
trouble, discussion, canteen, camera, continued, friends, talking
Bonus:
occasionally, wheelbarrow, pitchfork
Our ELA class will continue reading "Holes", take notes, and do all sorts of Camp Green Lake activities.
We will continue our study of adjectives in our Grammar Studies.
Please remember, we have one more book project that will be due on June 11th. The class may use the book "Holes" that they have been reading in class. Please see me for a 5-4-3-2-1 organizer.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
April Showers?
Happy April Fools Day? Is Spring finally here? I sure hope we're not being fooled. It's certainly time for some warm spring weather complete with flowers and all things GREEN!
In ELA this week we will be working in Storyworks! Some of what we will be covering includes:
1. Reading- 39 Clues (the play); Leghorn (literature); Freedom or Death, The Story of Robert Smalls (informational text)
2. Writing- "Would You Want to be One of the First Children" (children of the President)
3. Grammar- contraction and verb usage
Spelling words for week of March 31, 2014
himself, seen, however, usually try, kind, money, number, example, there, it's, seconds, would, paper, huge, excuse, confuse, few, nephew, curfew, usual, cool, menu, mood, bruise
Bonus: abolish, feinting, perilous, strutting, wharf
Spelling dictation sentences:
1. You can have fun when you play with a map and learn something, too.
2. On your map, first point out the city in which you live.
3. Next, please look toward the top part of the map.
4. What is the name of the country pictured there in the far north?
In ELA this week we will be working in Storyworks! Some of what we will be covering includes:
1. Reading- 39 Clues (the play); Leghorn (literature); Freedom or Death, The Story of Robert Smalls (informational text)
2. Writing- "Would You Want to be One of the First Children" (children of the President)
3. Grammar- contraction and verb usage
Spelling words for week of March 31, 2014
himself, seen, however, usually try, kind, money, number, example, there, it's, seconds, would, paper, huge, excuse, confuse, few, nephew, curfew, usual, cool, menu, mood, bruise
Bonus: abolish, feinting, perilous, strutting, wharf
Spelling dictation sentences:
1. You can have fun when you play with a map and learn something, too.
2. On your map, first point out the city in which you live.
3. Next, please look toward the top part of the map.
4. What is the name of the country pictured there in the far north?
Thursday, February 27, 2014
March Comes in like a LION!!!
Can you believe it? There is snow in the forecast!!! This winter reminds me years gone by. I bet I'm one of the few that truly loves the snow. Our world has changed from winter gray many times this year to a snowy-white winter wonderland.
Our classroom has been all heated up despite the cold temperatures outdoors. We have been reading adventure stories with the tall tale "John Henry" and this week's "Marvin of the Great Woods". In addition to our reading we have been discussing our recent Winter Olympics. The boys have been working on a bulletin board that sums up this year's event. We're making newspaper front pages packed full of Olympic information. In addition we have read about the history of the Olympics, Olympic symbols, our USA athletes, and even the mascots. Our athletes certainly did a fine job in Sochi. The class favorites are snowboarding, luge, skeleton, and bobsledding. Shaun White is still their favorite athlete, even though he did not come home with a medal this year.
Our grammar class has been busy working on plural and possessive nouns. Next week we will be on to verbs!
Spelling Words for the week of March 3rd include: there, said, about, would, little, through, don't important, picture, since, across, however, knew, young sun, thing, whole, hear, happened, opened, stopped, slipping, brand, bridles, calves, corral, herd, initials, manes, and reins
This week's list includes fourteen new words and the rest we have covered many times.
Have a great week! Remember this week is also OPTIMISM week! Remember to say to yourself when things get challenging "I can do it!"
Our classroom has been all heated up despite the cold temperatures outdoors. We have been reading adventure stories with the tall tale "John Henry" and this week's "Marvin of the Great Woods". In addition to our reading we have been discussing our recent Winter Olympics. The boys have been working on a bulletin board that sums up this year's event. We're making newspaper front pages packed full of Olympic information. In addition we have read about the history of the Olympics, Olympic symbols, our USA athletes, and even the mascots. Our athletes certainly did a fine job in Sochi. The class favorites are snowboarding, luge, skeleton, and bobsledding. Shaun White is still their favorite athlete, even though he did not come home with a medal this year.
Our grammar class has been busy working on plural and possessive nouns. Next week we will be on to verbs!
Spelling Words for the week of March 3rd include: there, said, about, would, little, through, don't important, picture, since, across, however, knew, young sun, thing, whole, hear, happened, opened, stopped, slipping, brand, bridles, calves, corral, herd, initials, manes, and reins
This week's list includes fourteen new words and the rest we have covered many times.
Have a great week! Remember this week is also OPTIMISM week! Remember to say to yourself when things get challenging "I can do it!"
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
The Snow Continues....... Go Team USA
This week brings more cold weather and more snow! Winter has certainly made its presence known this year! Our class keeps warm with a flurry of reading and writing. We have lots to learn and lots to do!
This week's spelling words include:
what, were, your, their, through, think, because, place, something, don't, until, without, paper, hard, near, sentence, better, cells, contorted, digest, immigrants.
The boys all did very well with these words during Monday's "Spelling Preview".
We are reading the selection "John Henry" from our Scott Foresman anthology. The class is enjoying the exaggerations the author uses to illustrate his point. It is important to go past the literal meaning of individual words to infer the message the author works to get across.
Vocabulary words with this selection include: boulder, hollered, shivered, horizon, glimpse, tunnel, and rhythm.
We have been working hard on our language skills using "Study Island". Students may log on to this program from home and continue working to obtain those blue ribbons. Every blue ribbon they earn with having completed a minimum of 20-30 questions translates to one of our orange reward tickets. The amount you earn is up to you:) As the snow days keep coming, remember you can always continue working on Study Island from home. Its a great way to spend some time at home keeping your skills fresh and ready!
Our class will begin their research reports on the Olympics next week. We will work on these both in school and at home. Students will choose from a list of topics to include in this project. All will write on the history of the Olympics, and then choose from additional topics adding creativity to what they research and write. More information to follow.
January's book project was an extra credit project. The February/March project will be due March 28th. The book must be a biography. There are many interesting people we can read about during this our "Presidents' Month".
Stay Warm! Happy Valentine's Day!!!
This week's spelling words include:
what, were, your, their, through, think, because, place, something, don't, until, without, paper, hard, near, sentence, better, cells, contorted, digest, immigrants.
The boys all did very well with these words during Monday's "Spelling Preview".
We are reading the selection "John Henry" from our Scott Foresman anthology. The class is enjoying the exaggerations the author uses to illustrate his point. It is important to go past the literal meaning of individual words to infer the message the author works to get across.
Vocabulary words with this selection include: boulder, hollered, shivered, horizon, glimpse, tunnel, and rhythm.
We have been working hard on our language skills using "Study Island". Students may log on to this program from home and continue working to obtain those blue ribbons. Every blue ribbon they earn with having completed a minimum of 20-30 questions translates to one of our orange reward tickets. The amount you earn is up to you:) As the snow days keep coming, remember you can always continue working on Study Island from home. Its a great way to spend some time at home keeping your skills fresh and ready!
Our class will begin their research reports on the Olympics next week. We will work on these both in school and at home. Students will choose from a list of topics to include in this project. All will write on the history of the Olympics, and then choose from additional topics adding creativity to what they research and write. More information to follow.
January's book project was an extra credit project. The February/March project will be due March 28th. The book must be a biography. There are many interesting people we can read about during this our "Presidents' Month".
Stay Warm! Happy Valentine's Day!!!
Friday, January 24, 2014
Frozen!
What a cold month January has been. With snow days and weather related issues, it is time to get back on track. Our class just finished reading the informational piece "Komodo Dragons". The boys enjoyed reading about these monster lizards and completed a three tiered foldable comparing/contrasting the Horned Lizard, Glass Lizard, and the Komodo Dragon.
Next week we will be working in the December 2013 Storyworks magazine. Students will sharpen their skills connecting texts of "Orphan Train" and "Magnificent Michaela". We will also work on opinion writing "Should Trampolines Be Banned?" Our class will debate pros and cons.
In grammar we will be working with verbs and understand the importance in using descriptive verbs to make our sentences more interesting.
Our work with Study Island in the tech lab will also help us reinforce skills covered. We will be spending two periods this week working in this format.
Please remember that all make-up/missing work must be turned in by the 28th so that it can be recorded on this marking period (grades will be submitted on the 29th).
Spelling words for the week of January 27-31 include:
Next week we will be working in the December 2013 Storyworks magazine. Students will sharpen their skills connecting texts of "Orphan Train" and "Magnificent Michaela". We will also work on opinion writing "Should Trampolines Be Banned?" Our class will debate pros and cons.
In grammar we will be working with verbs and understand the importance in using descriptive verbs to make our sentences more interesting.
Our work with Study Island in the tech lab will also help us reinforce skills covered. We will be spending two periods this week working in this format.
Please remember that all make-up/missing work must be turned in by the 28th so that it can be recorded on this marking period (grades will be submitted on the 29th).
Spelling words for the week of January 27-31 include:
there,
first, people, new, around, off, house, don’t, world, without, almost, earth,
light, night, picture, being, study, second, anywhere, really, Bonus: magnificent, orphanage, biography, envelope,
boarded
Friday, January 10, 2014
January Brrrrr!
Our month of January may have gotten off to a cold start, but things are sure cookin' inside here at OCS!!
Our ELA spent a busy week last week working in stations that included phonics and word skills, reading both non-fiction/informational text and literature. Additional stations included grammar and writing. The "boys" worked very well in this format. Next week we will expand our teamwork with stations that include a personal narrative on "My 2014 New Year's Resolutions", and practice reading a sure to-be entertaining children's play.
Our CORRECT character education program will kick off the new year with fun, character building activities as well. We all enjoy those "Total Character Workouts."
Spelling Words Week of: January 13-17, 2014
there,
their, they’re, know, write, too, place, while, next, something, together,
food, once, mother, light, country, father, let, allergy, trampoline,
associate. Bonus: noxious, arachnid
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Happy New Year!
A new year is a perfect time to reflect on what we have accomplished and set goals for the future! We will be working hard in the upcoming winter months to accomplish these goals.
Our grammar studies will continue to explore nouns; proper nouns, common nouns, possessive and plural nouns. Our goal is to become noun experts! In addition we will explore verbs and the proper use of verb tenses.
Our book projects are moving to a different level. Students now must have their projects books approved for appropriate grade/reading level. A key to comprehension growth is reading a book that challenges the reader to use the skills they have been taught. Our class will have additional time (6 weeks) to complete their book projects. A schedule of dates will be provided. Projects must be submitted in a neat, orderly format. Rough drafts will not be accepted. All projects will continue to include four parts; the project itself, the 5-4-3-2-1 organizer, the summary, and class presentation.
We will continue our Level 3 Core spelling words after this week. This week 1/6-10, we will revisit the holiday word list that we covered before our holiday break. Homework this week will include reinforcement activities to assist students with mastery of these words. Since they are words that we have already covered, we will have 1/2 our list assessed on Wednesday and 1/2 on Friday.
Scholastic Storyworks (September 2010) articles will provide us with reading material to practice our compare/contrast skills. The Yesterday and Today sequence will compare/contrast popular music of today (Taylor Swift) to popular must of yesterday (Stevie Wonder). Our nonfiction (informational text) article for the week is entitled "Cheetah Daddy" and our fiction articles will be "The Great Hodgi" and the fable "The Hunter and the Doves".
Happy New Year!
Our grammar studies will continue to explore nouns; proper nouns, common nouns, possessive and plural nouns. Our goal is to become noun experts! In addition we will explore verbs and the proper use of verb tenses.
Our book projects are moving to a different level. Students now must have their projects books approved for appropriate grade/reading level. A key to comprehension growth is reading a book that challenges the reader to use the skills they have been taught. Our class will have additional time (6 weeks) to complete their book projects. A schedule of dates will be provided. Projects must be submitted in a neat, orderly format. Rough drafts will not be accepted. All projects will continue to include four parts; the project itself, the 5-4-3-2-1 organizer, the summary, and class presentation.
We will continue our Level 3 Core spelling words after this week. This week 1/6-10, we will revisit the holiday word list that we covered before our holiday break. Homework this week will include reinforcement activities to assist students with mastery of these words. Since they are words that we have already covered, we will have 1/2 our list assessed on Wednesday and 1/2 on Friday.
Scholastic Storyworks (September 2010) articles will provide us with reading material to practice our compare/contrast skills. The Yesterday and Today sequence will compare/contrast popular music of today (Taylor Swift) to popular must of yesterday (Stevie Wonder). Our nonfiction (informational text) article for the week is entitled "Cheetah Daddy" and our fiction articles will be "The Great Hodgi" and the fable "The Hunter and the Doves".
Happy New Year!
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