Friday, October 26, 2018

October News

OCTOBER has been a busy month here at OCS.

Mathematics
We have been working in the Grade 5 Go Math text exploring Math Vocabulary, exponents, and multiplication and division patterns.

It is important to recognize that the words used in math must be mastered in order for students to know what to do.  If instructions are not understood, accurate responses are not possible. 

Words/phrases to know include:  sum, addend, product, difference divisor, dividend, quotient, numerical expression, commutative property, associative property, identity property, distributive property, place value, standard form, expanded form, whole number, exponent, base of exponent, parentheses, order of operations, numerical pattern, greater than, less than, equal to, comparisons, factor, and more. 

Math as well as other subjects is cumulative.  Words and phrases are added each year.  Students need to become competent and confident with these to be successful.  They must understand "the language!"

Now more than ever students are also realizing why memorizing their math facts is important!  It is important that they practice, practice, practice!!! These facts must become automatic.

English Language Arts
Lot's of review has taken place during the first few months of school.  We are working hard at sharpening our comprehension skills by using context clues, and citing textual evidence.  
We have been working on short reading selections from our Journey's text and Scholastics Storyworks Magazine.  We have explored both fiction, non-fiction, and drama.

We will be continuing with the Wilson Reading Program to assist with decoding.  Have your child share how they can determine whether a vowel is pronounced long or short by determining syllable type with you.  Closed syllable= short vowel.  Open syllable= long vowel

November will find us reading Louis Sachar's Holes.  Students are sure to enjoy this book!!

Paragraph of the Week:  We are exploring different thought-provoking topics each week.  To date, we have targeted "IDEAS" as our goal for writing.  Coming up with a clear focus for our writing has been challenging.  We are addressing this using author Lisa Funeri-Willover's writing directions as to avoiding topics that are just too big (she calls them fuzzy) and topics that change so many times that the reader becomes confused (zig-zag writing).

Please contact me with any questions or concerns!  Welcome to November and the holidays:))


Thursday, September 6, 2018

Welcome to the 2018- 2019 School Year!!!

Hello and welcome to all!

The 2018- 2019 school year promises to be fantastic!  The school looks great.   Teachers and staff are ready to help students learn exciting new facets of this wonderful world we live in.

This year, in my classroom, I will be working with fifth/sixth graders in both English Language Arts and Mathematics.  After reviewing our texts and related curriculum I can assure you there will be materials and activities to help each student do their best. Work may be challenging at times, which is a good way to test our stick-to-itiveness!  Perseverance is key!

Remember.....

I will always be available to help with anything classroom or school related.
Students, please do not hesitate to see me before or after class with any concerns.
Parents, I am a strong believer in open communication.  If you have a question or concern, please email or call. No problem is too big or small.

Welcome!
Mrs. Carr
M.Special Education
M.Reading Specialist
pcarr@oxfordcentral.org
908-453-4101 extension 

SEPTEMBER HAPPENINGS!!
     September finds our Math Classroom adjusting to new surroundings, new texts, and new expectations.  We have set-up our math binders complete with sections for fast facts, problem of the day, math motivators, handouts, homework, and tests/quizzes. Our goal is to stay organized!  Binders will be graded for neatness and completeness. These should serve as a valuable resource throughout the school year.

    Our English Language Arts class will also stay organized with personal classroom binders. Binder sections will include Bell Work, Grammar, Reading Log, Reading Notes, Spelling, Vocabulary, Word Ladders, and Tests/Quizzes.   Writing will be completed both in our writing journals and on student Chromebooks.  The Wilson Reading Program and Rebecca Sitton Spelling program will be incorporated in our classroom activities.

It is going to be a GREAT YEAR!!!

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Happy 2018!

It's so hard to believe we are embarking on a new year, 2018.  Time sure does fly.  It is the perfect time to reflect on the goals we set in September and move forward setting our sights even higher.

As we move into 2018, we need to remember each step of our educational journey builds a foundation for even more challenges.  We need to remember each of us has so many talents and gifts to share.  That said..... time to get to work.

Coming up this month... Mrs. Carr's 100 Word Spelling Challenge, the all-school spelling bee, the next segment of CORRECT's "Help a Hero, Be a Hero" campaign, and so much more.

January:  ELA 3/4/5:  Finishing "Garden State Adventure"
                                   Wilson Work:  How can you decode words by their syllable type?
                                    Writing:  Writing to compare and contrast.

                ELA 6/7:    Finishing "Lily's Crossing"
                                   Writing in cursive
                                   Writing:  Writing to compare and contrast

Happy New Year All!