We went to see Oceans on Friday with the whole school. What a great movie! We had fun!
When we got back to MSS, we had an awesome assembly in the afternoon sponsored by the Student Council. We played games like scooter relays, frozen t-shirt contest, and MSS trivia. Thanks to Ms. Jenkins and Mrs. Cook for organizing a fun time for all!
Have a fabulous vacation!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Sports Day!
Lots of sports paraphenalia was worn today! Very fun to see!
Please remember to send in the permission slip for our Boston MFA trip on May 7.
We started our day with band and study hall. There was no chorus today because Ms. J was absent. The students in 6F had a rip-roarin' game of Around the World to prepare for their social studies quiz that was today. I love how sixth graders can just organize themselves into activities on their own!
During reading, we have several book talks and then I re-explained the Nonfiction Conventions Notebooks. Students worked on these during class. I will sit with each child to go over this with them and grade them based on whether they can correctly identify examples of each convention. We will have a quiz on these conventions when we come back from vacation.
The next reading log is not due until May 11. Students may do one over vacation and it will count for extra credit.
In writing, we went over different authors and how to identify their voices. We talked about how Dr. Seuss has a specific voice and that it is different than Mark Twain's voice. On a side note, it's amazing to me how many kids don't know who Mark Twain is! We then looked at the Chinese Zodiac and all of the adjectives that describe us based on the year we were born. Students brainstormed what they agree with and disagree with and reasons why. We also started writing rough drafts of this project.
For science class, students began their Paper Pet Projects. The decided on what their original paper pet would look like. Then, they design him/her on paper. Next, they chose the traits for the other paper pet parent and designed him/her on paper. We learned about genotypes and decided what each parent's genotype was for each of the five traits: color, gender, eye shape, nose shape, and teeth shape. Very cool!
Please remember to bring in your Foreign Language form. Also, pre-algebra forms went home today and are due back as soon as possible. Thank you!
Please remember to send in the permission slip for our Boston MFA trip on May 7.
We started our day with band and study hall. There was no chorus today because Ms. J was absent. The students in 6F had a rip-roarin' game of Around the World to prepare for their social studies quiz that was today. I love how sixth graders can just organize themselves into activities on their own!
During reading, we have several book talks and then I re-explained the Nonfiction Conventions Notebooks. Students worked on these during class. I will sit with each child to go over this with them and grade them based on whether they can correctly identify examples of each convention. We will have a quiz on these conventions when we come back from vacation.
The next reading log is not due until May 11. Students may do one over vacation and it will count for extra credit.
In writing, we went over different authors and how to identify their voices. We talked about how Dr. Seuss has a specific voice and that it is different than Mark Twain's voice. On a side note, it's amazing to me how many kids don't know who Mark Twain is! We then looked at the Chinese Zodiac and all of the adjectives that describe us based on the year we were born. Students brainstormed what they agree with and disagree with and reasons why. We also started writing rough drafts of this project.
For science class, students began their Paper Pet Projects. The decided on what their original paper pet would look like. Then, they design him/her on paper. Next, they chose the traits for the other paper pet parent and designed him/her on paper. We learned about genotypes and decided what each parent's genotype was for each of the five traits: color, gender, eye shape, nose shape, and teeth shape. Very cool!
Please remember to bring in your Foreign Language form. Also, pre-algebra forms went home today and are due back as soon as possible. Thank you!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Clash/Backwards Day
Today, Mrs. Hewitt was in for Mrs. Follansbee.
We started the day in writing looking at a few pieces of literature with different voices. We had a discussion about how voice varies in different writing. Next, students learned about the new project that they will do for writing. This will be a short paper about whether or not they agree with the qualities they have based on the Zodiac and the Chinese Zodiac. Students received papers with adjectives describing them typically based on their Astrological sign. They began to prewrite a list of what they agree with and what they don't agree with on the list. Then, they brainstormed reasons for why they agree or disagree with the adjectives using examples from their lives. Students shared with the class.
In reading for 6F and 6S, students began an activity looking for examples of different nonfiction conventions in their science books. They are being asked to record one example for each nonfiction convention that we've gone over. I'll refer to this assignment as their Nonfiction Conventions Notebook. Logs were collected. There is not a log due until 5/11.
Who am I as a Reader? is due tomorrow. Book talks should be prepared as well.
In spelling, students worked on an activity called Making Big Words. This is where they get a list of letters that when put together make a word. They make as many smaller words with those letters as possible and try to figure out the big word. Students made a list of words that they made in their notebooks.
We started the day in writing looking at a few pieces of literature with different voices. We had a discussion about how voice varies in different writing. Next, students learned about the new project that they will do for writing. This will be a short paper about whether or not they agree with the qualities they have based on the Zodiac and the Chinese Zodiac. Students received papers with adjectives describing them typically based on their Astrological sign. They began to prewrite a list of what they agree with and what they don't agree with on the list. Then, they brainstormed reasons for why they agree or disagree with the adjectives using examples from their lives. Students shared with the class.
In reading for 6F and 6S, students began an activity looking for examples of different nonfiction conventions in their science books. They are being asked to record one example for each nonfiction convention that we've gone over. I'll refer to this assignment as their Nonfiction Conventions Notebook. Logs were collected. There is not a log due until 5/11.
Who am I as a Reader? is due tomorrow. Book talks should be prepared as well.
In spelling, students worked on an activity called Making Big Words. This is where they get a list of letters that when put together make a word. They make as many smaller words with those letters as possible and try to figure out the big word. Students made a list of words that they made in their notebooks.
Monday was Crazy Hair Day!
We came to school with some wacky hairdo's today! Thanks to everyone for following the guidelines!
Today we did science first thing in the morning, not our usual schedule. Mrs. Christie brought her science class over to watch a 60 Minutes clip about genetic engineering. It was called "Resurrecting the Extinct". We had a good discussion after the clip about the reality and ethics behind this issue. Students learned about their Paper Pet Project that they will do to go along with our study of genetics.
In reading today, we went to the library and Mrs. Alibrandi talked with us about Nonfiction Conventions, those things that are in nonfiction writing that help us navigate the text. Students learned about sidebars, charts, different fonts, appendices, and many other things in nonfiction text. This begins our unit called Real Life Reading. Students completed a scavenger hunt where they found examples of each of the conventions in nonfiction texts.
Homework: Log 26 is due Tuesday; book talks; and Who am I as a Reader? is due Wednesday
We had an extra long social studies class to accommodate the project presentations that were left.
Homework: There is a quiz on South America on April 21; Current Event is due the first week of May
6S science did the same work that 6F did in the morning.
Tuesday is Backwards/Clash Day!
Today we did science first thing in the morning, not our usual schedule. Mrs. Christie brought her science class over to watch a 60 Minutes clip about genetic engineering. It was called "Resurrecting the Extinct". We had a good discussion after the clip about the reality and ethics behind this issue. Students learned about their Paper Pet Project that they will do to go along with our study of genetics.
In reading today, we went to the library and Mrs. Alibrandi talked with us about Nonfiction Conventions, those things that are in nonfiction writing that help us navigate the text. Students learned about sidebars, charts, different fonts, appendices, and many other things in nonfiction text. This begins our unit called Real Life Reading. Students completed a scavenger hunt where they found examples of each of the conventions in nonfiction texts.
Homework: Log 26 is due Tuesday; book talks; and Who am I as a Reader? is due Wednesday
We had an extra long social studies class to accommodate the project presentations that were left.
Homework: There is a quiz on South America on April 21; Current Event is due the first week of May
6S science did the same work that 6F did in the morning.
Tuesday is Backwards/Clash Day!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Yes, Yes, Yes we do, we have spirit, How 'bout you?
We had an all school assembly to start the day today. Students saw the preview for "Oceans", the movie that we are going to next week for Earth Week. Also, students saw Rube Golberg videos to get ready to see the fifth grade's projects. Team Tomorrow introduced us to the new catch phrase that students should use with each other to signal that another student has crossed the line. That phrase is "Stop! I'm done." Finally, Student Council gave us a warm up to Spirit Week which is next week.
Monday: Crazy Hair Day
Tuesday: Clash/Backwards Day
Wednesday: Sports Day
Thursday: Multiplicity Day
Friday: Comfy Day
Students were reminded to stay within the dress code when selecting what to wear for Spirit Week.
In reading today, we read aloud, did some book talks and then started to calculate the average amount of pages we've read each week. Students collected data to answer questions that they need to put into essay form called Who am I as a Reader? (April 2010) This is due on Wednesday. Log 26 is due Tuesday; book talks need to be done by Thursday of next week; and book orders are due Friday.
We had indoor recess in 6F today, due to the rain.
In 6F science, we watched a movie called Genes and Heredity. 6S did this yesterday. We talked about what was in the video and students took notes.
There is a math quiz on Wednesday, a current event due May 3, and a South America quiz April 21. Don't forget food for the food drive!
Have a fabulous weekend!
Monday: Crazy Hair Day
Tuesday: Clash/Backwards Day
Wednesday: Sports Day
Thursday: Multiplicity Day
Friday: Comfy Day
Students were reminded to stay within the dress code when selecting what to wear for Spirit Week.
In reading today, we read aloud, did some book talks and then started to calculate the average amount of pages we've read each week. Students collected data to answer questions that they need to put into essay form called Who am I as a Reader? (April 2010) This is due on Wednesday. Log 26 is due Tuesday; book talks need to be done by Thursday of next week; and book orders are due Friday.
We had indoor recess in 6F today, due to the rain.
In 6F science, we watched a movie called Genes and Heredity. 6S did this yesterday. We talked about what was in the video and students took notes.
There is a math quiz on Wednesday, a current event due May 3, and a South America quiz April 21. Don't forget food for the food drive!
Have a fabulous weekend!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Wacky Wednesday
We had a wacky Wednesday in 6F today! First of all, band was cancelled because Mr. Alberici was absent today. So, we ended up working on our social studies projects during this time.
In reading, we got book orders! I love book orders! These need to be back to me by April 23.
We also had a few book talks. I talked about the books in the book order that I've read or heard about. We will have a quiz on summarizing tomorrow. Log 26 is due on April 20.
We had some time in 6F to catch up during language arts. Students worked on the summarizing activity that we started yesterday. They put together all of the work on summarizing and passed it in. Next, we went over the Heredity Scavenger Hunt from science yesterday because we didn't finish it. Finally, students were given time to work on their social studies projects if they needed it.
In science, we started to read a book called My Grandfather's Nose and went over some key vocabulary words for the genetics unit. Students copied these words into their notebooks.
Math homework: Quiz on multiplying and dividing fractions on Wednesday
Social Studies: Current Event is due May 3; South America quiz April 21.
In reading, we got book orders! I love book orders! These need to be back to me by April 23.
We also had a few book talks. I talked about the books in the book order that I've read or heard about. We will have a quiz on summarizing tomorrow. Log 26 is due on April 20.
We had some time in 6F to catch up during language arts. Students worked on the summarizing activity that we started yesterday. They put together all of the work on summarizing and passed it in. Next, we went over the Heredity Scavenger Hunt from science yesterday because we didn't finish it. Finally, students were given time to work on their social studies projects if they needed it.
In science, we started to read a book called My Grandfather's Nose and went over some key vocabulary words for the genetics unit. Students copied these words into their notebooks.
Math homework: Quiz on multiplying and dividing fractions on Wednesday
Social Studies: Current Event is due May 3; South America quiz April 21.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Name that Tune!
We had a musical day today in 6F. We started in writing with listening to a variety of different songs to illustrate voice in music. Students wrote what came to their minds while listening to the songs and what they visualized. We ended with a discussion of what makes music different and how that works in writing. Cool stuff!
In 6S reading, we listened to two book talks and read aloud. I showed students the rubric that I will use to score their summaries for the quiz on Thursday. Also, they practiced writing a one sentence summary one last time with a short story. Finally, they put together all of the work we've done with main idea and summarizing and passed it in for a grade! I collected log 25 and handed out log 26, due April 20. Those who need to prepare a book talk, should do so for their designated due date.
In 6F reading, we did many book talks and read aloud. This class did not get to finish their summary of the short story. We will work on that tomorrow. Same homework applies.
6F science worked on the Heredity Scavenger Hunt during class and we went over it. I also played songs about DNA, viruses and bacteria.
In 6S reading, we listened to two book talks and read aloud. I showed students the rubric that I will use to score their summaries for the quiz on Thursday. Also, they practiced writing a one sentence summary one last time with a short story. Finally, they put together all of the work we've done with main idea and summarizing and passed it in for a grade! I collected log 25 and handed out log 26, due April 20. Those who need to prepare a book talk, should do so for their designated due date.
In 6F reading, we did many book talks and read aloud. This class did not get to finish their summary of the short story. We will work on that tomorrow. Same homework applies.
6F science worked on the Heredity Scavenger Hunt during class and we went over it. I also played songs about DNA, viruses and bacteria.
Monday, April 12, 2010
The Daily Blurb
Happy Monday!
This morning we switched seats and cleaned our cubbies. Then, in spelling, we talked about suffixes. Students brainstormed some different suffixes and we worked on finding examples of words that follow specific rules when adding suffixes to them.
In reading, we started a new read aloud: Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick. This is the same author as The Last Book in the Universe. I'm eager to point out the similarities in his writing style with both books. Also, students looked at an assignment done a while back on summarizing and revised it based on what they know now. There will be a quiz on summarizing Thursday of this week. Log 25 is due tomorrow and those students who need to do a book talk will need to prepare it for this week or next.
In writing today, we began to talk about the trait of voice. We defined what voice in writing is and we looked at tips for writing with voice. Students then wrote in their writers' notebooks trying out their different types of voices. Our next writing project will concentrate on voice.
Finally, in 6S science today, we listened to some music about DNA, viruses and bacteria. Some of us danced...okay, only I danced! We finished up the Heredity Scavenger Hunt and went over it at the end of the class.
6F ended the day with sustained silent reading.
This morning we switched seats and cleaned our cubbies. Then, in spelling, we talked about suffixes. Students brainstormed some different suffixes and we worked on finding examples of words that follow specific rules when adding suffixes to them.
In reading, we started a new read aloud: Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick. This is the same author as The Last Book in the Universe. I'm eager to point out the similarities in his writing style with both books. Also, students looked at an assignment done a while back on summarizing and revised it based on what they know now. There will be a quiz on summarizing Thursday of this week. Log 25 is due tomorrow and those students who need to do a book talk will need to prepare it for this week or next.
In writing today, we began to talk about the trait of voice. We defined what voice in writing is and we looked at tips for writing with voice. Students then wrote in their writers' notebooks trying out their different types of voices. Our next writing project will concentrate on voice.
Finally, in 6S science today, we listened to some music about DNA, viruses and bacteria. Some of us danced...okay, only I danced! We finished up the Heredity Scavenger Hunt and went over it at the end of the class.
6F ended the day with sustained silent reading.
Friday, April 9, 2010
The Daily Blurb
Happy Friday! It was popcorn day. We had outdoor recess until it start to rain hard, so we came inside for a few minutes. The Student Council announced the "winner" of the food drive for the past two weeks: Mrs. Christie's class collected 424 items of clothing for the needy! Wow, that is impressive! In the next few weeks, we are collecting food items again. Thank you for all of your donations!
My class is on a roll for answering the morning trivia questions correctly. Today's question had to do with the country which had the most red heads. I think we will keep the streak alive with a correct answer! Here's hoping....
In spelling this morning, we went over Word Ladders and finished making flashcards with homonyms on them. Then, students paired up and quizzed each other on the meanings of the homonyms by using them correctly in sentences. We got out the mini-whiteboards for this activity. Fun!
We read the last picture book for summarizing today. The Sweetest Fig by Chris VanAllsburg was an interesting read aloud. Students summarized using one complex sentence in their journals showing the beginning, middle and end of the book. I will be giving a quiz on summarizing on Thursday, April 15. Students will choose one short story to summarize in one complete, complex, grammatically sound, concise sentence. In order to practice more for the quiz, I told kids to read more picture books on their own and practice writing a one sentence summary. They can compare their summaries to those on the reverse of the title page in the books.
Homework: Log 25 is due 4/13; Bring book to class; book talk before May 1st.
In 6F science, we did the same thing as 6S did yesterday. Please see that blog for a full report.
Homework: Current Event due May 3 and South America quiz April 21.
I hope everyone has a nice weekend!
My class is on a roll for answering the morning trivia questions correctly. Today's question had to do with the country which had the most red heads. I think we will keep the streak alive with a correct answer! Here's hoping....
In spelling this morning, we went over Word Ladders and finished making flashcards with homonyms on them. Then, students paired up and quizzed each other on the meanings of the homonyms by using them correctly in sentences. We got out the mini-whiteboards for this activity. Fun!
We read the last picture book for summarizing today. The Sweetest Fig by Chris VanAllsburg was an interesting read aloud. Students summarized using one complex sentence in their journals showing the beginning, middle and end of the book. I will be giving a quiz on summarizing on Thursday, April 15. Students will choose one short story to summarize in one complete, complex, grammatically sound, concise sentence. In order to practice more for the quiz, I told kids to read more picture books on their own and practice writing a one sentence summary. They can compare their summaries to those on the reverse of the title page in the books.
Homework: Log 25 is due 4/13; Bring book to class; book talk before May 1st.
In 6F science, we did the same thing as 6S did yesterday. Please see that blog for a full report.
Homework: Current Event due May 3 and South America quiz April 21.
I hope everyone has a nice weekend!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Today in 6F
We've had another productive day in 6F! The schedule was a bit different today so we had a "zigger zagger day". We started the day with reading instead of writing due to the schedule in the computer lab. We read Just a Dream by Chris Van Allsburg, a picture book about being good to the environment. Students summarized this in their journals in one sentence. This skill seems to be getting easier for most students. Students read for the remainder of the time while I did reading conferences with individuals.
Homework: Log 25 due Tuesday; Book Talk due by May 1st; Always bring book to class
In writing, we typed final drafts and worked on process papers for the free choice piece of writing. Students also uploaded their stories to the classroom blog on the server and commented on others' writing.
Finally, 6F took their cell quiz for science. In 6S science, we read a book called Why I Look Like Me and You Look Like You to begin our study of genetics. Also, students began a scavenger hunt with their books on the topics that we will talk about in genetics. I love this unit!
Social Studies current event is due May 3. There is a quiz on South American countries and capitals on April 21. Tomorrow is the last day for the clothing part of the food drive. Also, students need to bring in their field trip money and permission slips for the Oceans movie.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
April 7, 2010
Today, we started the day out with band, chorus or study hall. Students who don't go to band or chorus stay in the classroom and quietly work on anything that they need to accomplish. It is a nice quiet environment to use for completing work, studying or reading.
In reading today, both classes listened to students giving book talks. I went through my list of students who still needed to sign up for a book talk before May 1st. Many students have completed the two book talks needed for this trimester. Students who have completed the required two still may need to book talk any book they want counted for their Genre Bingo. Those who have completed the required two book talks in front of the class may book talk any book needed for Genre Bingo in either a podcast form or with me privately. If they choose to, they may also give the book talk in front of the class. It is each child's choice.
We organized our reading logs today as well. Students are required to complete 25 books this year. At this point, it is my hope that they have completed close to 20 books in order to achieve this goal.
Finally, in reading, we read a paragraph about zebras and together broke it down into the four important facts to include in a summary. Students got rid of redundant information and wrote a two sentence summary of the passage. All of the summarizing information is being collected in binders that are kept in the classroom.
Homework: Log 25 is due Tuesday. Anyone who hasn't done one book talk yet needs to do one by May 1st (that's either this week, next week or the week after). Students always need books for class.
In writing, we went to the computer lab and typed our final drafts of the free choice piece that we've been working on. Students completed a process paper to reflect on the entire piece and passed in the packet to me. Then, students uploaded their pieces to our classroom blog and commented on each others' writings. For those who didn't finish, we will go back to the lab tomorrow.
We had a quiz on cells in science today in 6S. 6F missed it because we participated in "Drop Everything and Recess!!!!" at the end of the day. The whole school went outside and had recess at the end of the day. Students got popsicles as well! Fun in the sun!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
In writing today, we started by writing in our writers' notebooks. The prompt of the day was "Chocolate". Next, we learned about verbs in the active and passive voice. Students scoured their drafts for any passive verbs and tried to change them to an active voice. Many individual conferences were held. The pieces will be finished by Friday. We will be in the computer lab for the rest of the week getting them finalized.
In reading today, we read another Chris Van Allsburg book called Probuditi. Next, we summarized it in one sentence (36 words or less). I had students start with the Somebody Wanted But So method and then revise to another draft, getting rid of redundancies and rewording so that it flowed better. Students are getting better at this skill each time we do it.
I collected logs today. Log 25 is due April 13. Book talk #1 is due by May 1.
I did the same thing for science today in 6F that I did yesterday for 6S. There is a quiz on cells tomorrow.
Spelling homework is due Thursday (Take Home Task 9). Students need to bring in their permission slips for the Oceans movie on April 23. For math, 7.5 is due Thursday. Current event is due May 3. Don't forget the clothing for the food drive!
In reading today, we read another Chris Van Allsburg book called Probuditi. Next, we summarized it in one sentence (36 words or less). I had students start with the Somebody Wanted But So method and then revise to another draft, getting rid of redundancies and rewording so that it flowed better. Students are getting better at this skill each time we do it.
I collected logs today. Log 25 is due April 13. Book talk #1 is due by May 1.
I did the same thing for science today in 6F that I did yesterday for 6S. There is a quiz on cells tomorrow.
Spelling homework is due Thursday (Take Home Task 9). Students need to bring in their permission slips for the Oceans movie on April 23. For math, 7.5 is due Thursday. Current event is due May 3. Don't forget the clothing for the food drive!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Go Red Sox!
Today, we started the day with spelling. Students worked on Word Ladders. This is an activity where they start with a word on the bottom of the ladder and work their way up the ladder by changing and adding or taking away letters from the original word. Each new word comes with a clue and a set of instructions for what to do. Students also cut out word cards and began to put homonyms on each card. This is for a future activity. I handed out Take Home Task 9 which is due Thursday.
In reading, we read aloud Jumanji, a picture book, by Chris VanAllsburg. In keeping with our summarizing skills, I asked students to summarize the book using one sentence and choosing words carefully. We looked at trying to get the summaries down to 28 words or less. I put an example of a 48 word summary and we looked at how to pare it down to the necessary words. Reading logs are due tomorrow. Book talks should be done by May 1.
In writing, we went over two things to revise our final drafts for: consistent verb tense and paragraphing. I introduced students to the Tip Top method for paragraphing. This is a cue to figure out when to change paragraphs. Ti stands for a change in time/ P is for a change in place/ To is a change in topic and the other P is for a change in a person talking. Students reread their pieces to revise for these two things. Final drafts are due Friday.
Finally in science with 6S, we reviewed for the quiz on cell parts for Wednesday. If students go to www.enchantedlearning.com they can find pictures of animal cells and plant cells to help them label and study.
Today, we started the day with spelling. Students worked on Word Ladders. This is an activity where they start with a word on the bottom of the ladder and work their way up the ladder by changing and adding or taking away letters from the original word. Each new word comes with a clue and a set of instructions for what to do. Students also cut out word cards and began to put homonyms on each card. This is for a future activity. I handed out Take Home Task 9 which is due Thursday.
In reading, we read aloud Jumanji, a picture book, by Chris VanAllsburg. In keeping with our summarizing skills, I asked students to summarize the book using one sentence and choosing words carefully. We looked at trying to get the summaries down to 28 words or less. I put an example of a 48 word summary and we looked at how to pare it down to the necessary words. Reading logs are due tomorrow. Book talks should be done by May 1.
In writing, we went over two things to revise our final drafts for: consistent verb tense and paragraphing. I introduced students to the Tip Top method for paragraphing. This is a cue to figure out when to change paragraphs. Ti stands for a change in time/ P is for a change in place/ To is a change in topic and the other P is for a change in a person talking. Students reread their pieces to revise for these two things. Final drafts are due Friday.
Finally in science with 6S, we reviewed for the quiz on cell parts for Wednesday. If students go to www.enchantedlearning.com they can find pictures of animal cells and plant cells to help them label and study.
Friday, April 2, 2010
I was out sick on this day, but wanted to let you know what we did anyway. We started the day with our writer's notebooks. We all wrote one entry in there. Then, we looked at the sentence fluency rubric. Students looked at two writing pieces and scored them together for the trait of sentence fluency. Finally, we did an organization activity where students put together a piece of writing that was cut into sentence strips. Teams worked together to put the sentences in the correct order. I would like final drafts of their free choice piece by Friday, April 9.
In reading we worked on an activity that looked at the unique vocabulary that The Last Book in the Universe used. Students found vocabulary and defined it based on how it was used in the book. Students need to remember that their logs are due on Tuesday. Also, they need to do a book talk before May 1.
In science, 6F did what 6S did on Thursday. Please see April 1 blog for that. There is a quiz on cells on Wednesday.
In reading we worked on an activity that looked at the unique vocabulary that The Last Book in the Universe used. Students found vocabulary and defined it based on how it was used in the book. Students need to remember that their logs are due on Tuesday. Also, they need to do a book talk before May 1.
In science, 6F did what 6S did on Thursday. Please see April 1 blog for that. There is a quiz on cells on Wednesday.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
April Fools!
We started the day with an April Fools prank.... a following directions activity. Students were given a list of directions to follow. The first direction was to read all directions before writing anything down. The last direction was to not do any of the above things but sit quietly at their seats. It was very fun for me to see who could follow those directions!
During writing we looked at the trait of sentence fluency. With this, we discussed varying length of sentences in their pieces as well as sentence beginnings. Students mapped out their pieces, noting sentence beginnings and length of sentences. They then revised with this in mind.
Homework: Final drafts done by 4/9.
In reading, we finished The Last Book in the Universe! What a book! I'm not a science fiction fan, but this book was great! We also shared the Somebody Wanted But So summaries that we created with picture books. After hearing them, I asked students to choose another book to use the same method for summarizing. This one is the one that I will assess for understanding. It is important for students to be able to use this method with books that have simple plots before applying it to novels with sub-plots.
Homework: Log 24 due 4/6; book talk by May 1; students always need the book that they are reading for independent reading.
In science for 6S, we went over Cell Structures and did an on-line quiz on cells. Students also worked on an activity called, "Cell City". In this activity, a cell and its parts are compared to a city and students need to determine how the cell parts compare to a city and its parts. There is a quiz on cells on Wednesday of next week.
In 6F spelling today, we got our tests back and wrote the words we misspelled on our Words to Learn lists. Also, we did a word preview for unit 9.
During writing we looked at the trait of sentence fluency. With this, we discussed varying length of sentences in their pieces as well as sentence beginnings. Students mapped out their pieces, noting sentence beginnings and length of sentences. They then revised with this in mind.
Homework: Final drafts done by 4/9.
In reading, we finished The Last Book in the Universe! What a book! I'm not a science fiction fan, but this book was great! We also shared the Somebody Wanted But So summaries that we created with picture books. After hearing them, I asked students to choose another book to use the same method for summarizing. This one is the one that I will assess for understanding. It is important for students to be able to use this method with books that have simple plots before applying it to novels with sub-plots.
Homework: Log 24 due 4/6; book talk by May 1; students always need the book that they are reading for independent reading.
In science for 6S, we went over Cell Structures and did an on-line quiz on cells. Students also worked on an activity called, "Cell City". In this activity, a cell and its parts are compared to a city and students need to determine how the cell parts compare to a city and its parts. There is a quiz on cells on Wednesday of next week.
In 6F spelling today, we got our tests back and wrote the words we misspelled on our Words to Learn lists. Also, we did a word preview for unit 9.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)