First week of school...

We had a GREAT first week getting to know one another, settling in our classroom, and getting started in our first units of the school year.  Here's what's going on in each subject...

Math:  Some students are switching classes for differentiated math lessons.  All teachers agree that we are off to a FANTASTIC start.  Kids took beginning of the year assessments and started unit one where they get familiar with using the on-line Student Reference Book.  Lessons will continue next week with the exploration of finding the area of figures.

Science:  We studied the Scientific Method, conducted two experiments (ask your child about their experiences), and started our unit on animal and plant cells.  An assessment on the steps of the Scientific Method will be on Tuesday.

Writing:  The kids are working hard to complete a mock newspaper article titled "Extra, Extra!" that will be hung in the hallway all-year round for everyone to enjoy.  We studied common, proper, singular & plural nouns.  We'll continue with possessive nouns and an intro. on verbs next week.

Whole-group reading:  In our introductory unit, the kids learned the parts of a play and identified non-fiction text features in informational books.  In addition, they took several beginning of the year reading assessments/bench-marking.  Next week we'll focus on the structure of a poem and the author's point of view.

Small-group reading:  The kids are preparing for small-group reading meetings coming soon by reviewing ways to choose an independent reading book that will capture their interest.  They've been building reading stamina by silently reading each day...building on their time each day.  This practice will continue next week.

*Have a GREAT weekend!  

Homework Friday Aug. 21, 2015

Math: Fact triangles (my class only)
Science: Know the steps of The Scientific Method for a quiz Tues.
Spelling: none
Writing: none
Reading: none
Other: Finish "Extra, Extra!" due Monday; Box Tops

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bzy-mzrFJobybk5MRk5ITlN1Sm8/view?usp=sharing

HERE IS A LINK TO ACCESS A COPY OF THE SEPTEMBER READING LOG

Mrs. Harsey's 5th Grade Class

Thurs. Aug. 20, 2015

Math: See agendas;  Mrs. Harsey's class review fact triangles and finish MB 1-1
Science: none
Spelling: none
Writing: none
Reading: none
Other: Box Tops; bring a photo

Homework Wed. Aug. 19, 2015

Math:  (See your child's agenda) Mrs. Harsey's math class received a Unit 1 Parent Letter
Science: none
Spelling: none
Writing: none
Reading: Pizza Power Hour questions (if not finished in class/study hall)
Other: 
~parent packet page signed and returned
~buddies permission slip signed and returned
~bring a photo

Homework Tues. Aug. 18, 2015

Math: none
Science: none
Spelling: none
Writing: none
Reading: none
Other: parent packet signed & returned (orange); buddies permission slip signed & returned (blue); bring a photo

Homework Monday Aug. 17, 2015

Math: read the green letter about math class changes
Science: none
Spelling: none
Writing: none
Reading: bring a book from home to read during independent reading if you'd like (students may check out a book from my library)
Other:
~Complete "Top 10 Things to Know About Me"
~Bring a photo for your "Extra Extra" newspaper article 
~Sign and return last page in orange parent packet
~Sign and return bottom portion of the blue buddies permission slip

Kid President's 20 Things We Should Say More Often: https://youtu.be/m5yCOSHeYn4