FLW Team 6A
Frank Lloyd Wright Intermediate School Mrs. Johnsen and Mrs. Smith
 
Tuesday, March 20, 2012

NOTE:  All late/missing assignments need to be completed by Friday, March 23 and all detentions must be served by Friday in order to be eligible to go to March Madness on Friday, March 30.  Students have been informed of their missing work and will be reminded of this throughout this week.

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn how to calculate unit rate.  We took notes on ratios, rates and unit rate.  We then did an activity where students had to find the unit rate of various items and decide which was the best deal.  Due to the unit rate lab, students who need to finish their chapter 8 test will have time to do so tomorrow.
        Assignment:  Practice 9-1 WS and POW #20 is due tomorrow

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to apply proportions to percent problems.  We learned how to set up proportions to solve percent problems.  The percent ratio equals part to whole.
   Assignment:  Practice 7-9

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn how an ecosystem is organized and the vocabulary used to describe ecosystems.  We began a new unit today, Populations and Ecosystems.  Students began to look at the scientific terms of individual, population and community.  We continued to work on a sorting activity using each of our new ecosystem terms.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#107: As of now, the Chinese government does not plan to dig up the tomb of Shihuangdi.  What do you think?  Why should they dig up the tomb or why should they leave it alone?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) dramatize the role of the historical Terra Cotta Warrior, 2) identify main ideas, details and thoughts on an assessment, 3) use correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation in their written stats.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today students were given their scored common assessment.  We went over it and discussed responses.  Students began the "stats" portion of their Terra Cotta Warrior Trading Card.

READING: Today we completed Friday's assessment for the skill of determining what are interesting details and your own thoughts in relation to the important information or topic.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today we began our Terra Cotta Warrior Trading Cards.  Students worked on the stats of their warrior as well as the drawing of their warrior character.  We will finish in class tomorrow.

Assignments: Read and prepare a Book Talk for Friday! Each student must have at least one completed by Friday, March 23rd, in order to attend March Madness on March 30th AND to have a great Quarter 3 Report Card!  Completing both Book Talks will really brighten your Report Card!
*The Chinese Chow Presentation will be on Wednesday!  Everyone is welcome!

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Monday, March 19, 2012

NOTE:  All late/missing assignments need to be completed by Friday, March 23 and all detentions must be served by Friday in order to be eligible to go to March Madness on Friday, March 30.  Students have been informed of their missing work and will be reminded of this throughout this week.

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned about functions and slope on an assessment.  We reviewed for the test by going over the quiz from Friday and the Spotlight.  Students then took the Chapter 8 test.  Some students will finish tomorrow and the tests will be returned before the end of the week.
       Assignment:  POW #20 is due on Wednesday

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to convert between decimals, percents and fractions.   We continued to practice converting between fractions, decimals and percents.  We started a conversion packet during class.
   Assignment:  Complete the conversion packet

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn how an ecosystem is organized and the vocabulary used to describe ecosystems.  We began a new unit today, Populations and Ecosystems.  Students began to look at the scientific terms of individual, population and community.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#107: As of now, the Chinese government does not plan to dig up the tomb of Shihuangdi.  What do you think?  Why should they dig up the tomb or why should they leave it alone?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) dramatize the role of the historical Terra Cotta Warrior, 2) identify main ideas, details and thoughts on an assessment, 3) use correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation in their written stats.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today students were given their scored common assessment.  We went over it and discussed responses.  Students began the "stats" portion of their Terra Cotta Warrior Trading Card.

READING: Today we completed Friday's assessment for the skill of determining what are interesting details and your own thoughts in relation to the important information or topic.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today we began our Terra Cotta Warrior Trading Cards.  Students worked on the stats of their warrior as well as the drawing of their warrior character.  We will finish in class tomorrow.

Assignments: Read and prepare a Book Talk for Friday! Each student must have at least one completed by Friday, March 23rd, in order to attend March Madness on March 30th AND to have a great Quarter 3 Report Card!  Completing both Book Talks will really brighten your Report Card!
*The Chinese Chow Presentation will be on Wednesday!  Everyone is welcome!

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Friday, March 16, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned on an assessment.  We reviewed graphing inequalities and then took a quiz on slope.  The students have a study guide and we will have a chapter 8 test on Monday.  Students also received their missing assignment report.  All assignments must be completed by March 23 to be eligible for March Madness.
       Assignment:  SPOTLIGHT study guide and POW #20 is due on Wednesday

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to convert between decimals, percents and fractions.   We reviewed percents and then practiced converting between different ways of representing numbers. Students also received their missing assignment report.  All assignments must be completed by March 23 to be eligible for March Madness.
   Assignment:  Any missing assignments

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will use a design-and-test approach to build a go-cart that can travel 2 meters without an external push or pull.  As a conclusion to our our models and design unit we are watching the movie, Flubber, to see how "real scientists" use the design-and-test approach in developing a new product.  (You have to love Robin Williams - the kids do!)

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#106: Page 162 Primary Source: Excerpt from "Records of the Grand Historian." 1. Why did Li Si want to burn historical records?  2. Why do you think Li Si was willing to spare certain kinds of books?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) read, analyze, and infer information from a primary source, 2) distinguish the details from the bigger ideas in a text, 3) demonstrate their oral presentation skills.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today students presented their Book Talks.  Final Quarter 3 Book Talks are due next Friday, March 23rd.

READING: Today we began an assessment for the skill of determining what are interesting details and your own thoughts in relation to the important information or topic.  We will finish on Monday.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today we read background information about the Terra Cotta Warriors in preparation for Monday's activity.  We also watched "The Great Wall of China" on Brain Pop.

Assignments: Read and prepare a Book Talk for next week! Each student must have at least one completed by next Friday, March 23rd, in order to attend March Madness on March 30th AND to have a great Quarter 3 Report Card!  Completing both Book Talks will really brighten your Report Card!

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Thursday, March 15, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to graph functions that contain inequalities.  We reviewed how to graph systems of equations to find their solution and then learned how to graph inequalities.  We even watched a podcast!  We will have a quiz tomorrow and the Chapter test on Monday.
       Assignment:  8-9 Practice

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned about ratios and proportions as we review for an assessment.   We went over the concepts for the quiz and then took the quiz and a common assessment.  We then introduced percents.
   Assignment:  Practice 7-7

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will use a design-and-test approach to build a go-cart that can travel 2 meters without an external push or pull.  As a conclusion to our our models and design unit we are watching the movie, Flubber, to see how "real scientists" use the design-and-test approach in developing a new product.  (You have to love Robin Williams - the kids do!)

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#105: Page 162 Why did the people begin to criticize Shihuangdi's empire?  (Check paragraph #4)

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) identify the cause and effect relationship of a ruler's ideas, 2) distinguish the details from the bigger ideas in a text, 3) use correct conventions in their written responses.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today students completed the District Common Assessment, which involves reading several passages and answering comprehension and grammar questions.

READING: Today we read two more articles from "Kids Discover" on China.  We recorded the details first, the important main idea second, and our thinking (connections or questions) third.  Students will have an assessment tomorrow.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today we answered cause and effect questions about the first Chinese empire.  We also wrote about the impact of the Qin empire on the history of China.

Assignments: Read and prepare a Book Talk for tomorrow! Each student must have at least one completed by next Friday, March 23rd, in order to attend March Madness on March 30th.

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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to graph and find solutions to systems of equations..  We reviewed how to graph a line using the slope-intercept formula.  We then worked with systems of equations to find their solution.  We will finish chapter 8 tomorrow, have a quiz on Friday and the Chapter test on Monday.
       Assignment:  8-8 Practice

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned about ratios and proportions as we review for an assessment.   We worked in three rotating groups to review for our quiz tomorrow. Students will need to know how to apply proportions to similar figures, indirect measurement and scale drawings.
   Assignment:  Page 378 #1-11 all AND a Quiz Review worksheet - both sides

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will use a design-and-test approach to build a go-cart that can travel 2 meters without an external push or pull.  Students continued to work with a partner to design a self-propelled go-carts.  Today was our final day on our go-cart challenge; getting a self-propelled go-cart to move 2 meters.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#104: Page 162 How might Shihuangdi's standardization of money and measurement have strengthened his empire?  (Cause & Effect question)

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) identify how Shihuangdi both helped and hurt China during his reign, 2) distinguish the details from the bigger ideas in a text, 3) expand spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension by working with word elements.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today students completed two pages in their Word Roots booklet using prefixes, roots, and suffixes.

READING: Today we began reading about the Chinese New Year and the Chinese Zodiac.  We recorded the details first, the important main idea second, and our thinking (connections or questions) third.  Students worked independently.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today we read about the first Chinese empire.  We recorded how Shihuangdi both helped and hurt China on a T-chart.  We also defined three vocabulary words at the bottom.

Assignments: Read and prepare a Book Talk for Friday! Each student must have at least one completed by March 23rd in order to attend March Madness on March 30th.

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Tuesday, March 13, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to find the slope of a line.  We practiced finding the x- and y-intercepts today.  We also learned how to graph a line using the slope-intercept formula.  We also took a common assessment today.
       Assignment:  8-7 Practice and POW #19 - due tomorrow

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to use proportions to solve scale drawing problems.   We reviewed similar figures and indirect measurment.  We then learned to apply proportions to scale drawings.
   Assignment:  Practice 7-6 worksheet

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will use a design-and-test approach to build a go-cart that can travel 2 meters without an external push or pull.  Students continued to work with a partner to design a self-propelled go-carts.  Tomorrow will be our final day on our go-cart challenge; getting a self-propelled go-cart to move 2 meters.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#103: Page 156 Primary Source: Excerpt from the "Analects of Confucius" c.500 B.C.  What qualities did Confucius admire in a ruler and his people?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) analyze and interpret a primary source, 2) distinguish the details from the bigger ideas in a text, 3) use correct conventions in their written responses, 4) inference, draw conclusions, and summarize using a distribution map.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today the students' persuasive essays were returned, gone over, and filed in our classroom file.  Students worked in partners and completed a reading and thinking activity.

READING: Today we finished reading about ancient Chinese astronomy.  We recorded the details first, the important main idea second, and our thinking (connections or questions) third.  We ended our activity with three summarizing sentences.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today we reviewed the characteristics of a distribution map and completed a pratice activity.  Students also received their graded geography map of China and put it in their binders to study from at a later date.

Assignments: Read and prepare a Book Talk for Friday! Each student must have at least one completed by March 23rd in order to attend March Madness on March 30th.

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Monday, March 12, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to find the slope of a line.  We reviewed finding slope of a line and then students found the slope of many lines from pictures of different items.
       Assignment:  8-6 Practice and POW #19 - due Wednesday

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to use proportions to solve indirect measurement problems.   We reviewed how to use proportions with similar figures and added to that by using similar triangles to find indirect measurement.
   Assignment:   Practice 7-5 worksheet

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will use a design-and-test approach to build a go-cart that can travel 2 meters without an external push or pull.  Students continued to work with a partner to design a self-propelled go-carts.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#102: Page 152 "Development of Chinese Writing" chart skill - questions 1 & 2.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) obtain information about the history and economics of the Shang dynasty, 2) distinguish the details from the bigger ideas in a text, 3) explain and make inferences about the history and economics of the Shang dynasty.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we wrote responses to two mini essay questions about the history and economics of the Shang dynasty.  One question used our inferencing skills.  We were allowed to use our notes.

READING: Today we read about ancient Chinese astronomy.  We recorded the details first, the important main idea second, and our thinking (connections or questions) third.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today we took notes on the Shang dynasty with a partner.  We used these notes to write responses to our two mini essays.

Assignments: Read and prepare a Book Talk for Friday! Each student must have at least one completed by March 23rd in order to attend March Madness on March 30th.

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Friday, March 9, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to find the slope of a line.  We took a quiz today and then began looking at how to calculate the slope of a line.
       Assignment:  POW #19 - due Wednesday and Missing Assignments

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to use proportions to solve similar figure problems.   We reviewed unit rate and proportions and took a mini-quiz.  We then learned how to identify corresponding parts in order to determine missing parts of similar figures.
   Assignment:   Practice 7-4 worksheet

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will use a design-and-test approach to build a go-cart that can travel 2 meters without an external push or pull.  Students continued to work with a partner to design a self-propelled go-carts.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#101: Page 152 How did priests use oracle bones?  Using BK + TC, what can we infer about the priests of this culture?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) infer the status of priests in ancient China, 2) summarize information that is important to remember, 3) practice and demonstrate the correct use of colons and dashes, and 4) practice their oral presentation skills.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we practiced the correct use of colons and dashes and presented our Book Talks!

READING: Today we read about ancient Chinese medicine.  We recorded the details first, the important main idea second, and our thinking (connections or questions) third.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today we used our Opening Activity to write a paragraph about the status of priests in ancient China.

Assignments: Read and prepare a Book Talk for next week! Each student must have at least one completed by March 23rd in order to attend March Madness on March 30th.

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Thursday, March 8, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to read and interpret graphs of linear equations.  We made and read graphs with linear equations related to real-world problems.  Students then worked on problem solving with a partner.   We will have a quiz on relations and functions tomorrow.  Students were given a quiz review to help them study.
       Assignment:  Practice 8-5 and complete quiz review

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to write and solve proportions.   We reviewed equivalent ratios and learned that proportions are two equal ratios.  We then learned how to solve proportions using cross multiplication.
   Assignment:   Practice 7-3 worksheet

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will use a design-and-test approach to build a go-cart that can travel 2 meters without an external push or pull.  Students continued to work with a partner to design a self-propelled go-carts.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#100: Write: "I can't believe I've done 100 Opening Activities!"  Then say, "Wow!" and put away your O.A. note book.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) create a time line of events of the Shang dynasty, 2) summarize information that is important to remember, and 3) practice and demonstrate the correct use of colons and dashes.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we planned to work on the correct use of colons and dashes, but ... we read about the Shang dynasty and wrote the definitions of five vocabulary words.  We will catch up with colons and dashes tomorrow or next week!

READING: Today we continued to read about ancient Chinese gods.  We recorded the details first, the important main idea second, and our thinking (connections or questions) third.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today we created a time line of events as we read and discussed the Shang dynasty.

Assignments: Read and prepare a Book Talk for tomorrow!
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Wednesday, March 7, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to read function notation f(x) and determine if equations are functions.   We used our knowledge of graphing an equation with the definition of functions and combined them to learn how to write equations as functions.
       Assignment:  Practice 8-4 all

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to use a table to find equivalent ratios and rates.   We practiced finding unit rate on various grocery items and then made tables to calculate equivalent ratios.  We then used the tables to answer word problems.
   Assignment:   Practice 7-2 worksheet - both sides

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will use a design-and-test approach to build a go-cart that can travel 2 meters without an external push or pull.  Students received their go-cart parts today and will work with a partner to achieve various challenges with their go-carts.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#99: Page 147 How does the Huang He get its muddy yellow color?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) examine the geographic features of China by creating a map, 2) apply comprehension strategies to their personal reading, and 3) expand spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension by working with word elements.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we planned to work in our Words Roots booklet, but instead, finished our China maps.  Students who finished in a timely manner were given silent reading and Book Talk work time.

READING: Library Day today!

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today we created a map of China, labeling the primary features and coloring it accordingly.  We used the reference section of our text as a guide.

Assignments: Read and prepare a Book Talk for Friday!

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Tuesday, March 6, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will use function skills to graph linear equations by using ordered pairs.    We continued to work on graphing linear equations by finding a value for x and solving for y.  The ordered pairs should all fall on the same line.
       Assignment:  Practice 8-3 all

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to calculate unit rate.   We practiced finding unit rate on various grocery items.  Students worked in teams.
   Assignment:   Reteach 7-1 worksheet and Puzzler on the back

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that a model is a representation of a system or interaction that cannot be observed directly.  We worked on a response sheet for hum-dingers and a math extension in our groups.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#98: Read pages 144-145.  Compare the Nile River in Egypt with the Huang He River in China.  Why did the people owe their "life" to these rivers?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) examine the impact of the Huang He River on China's geography, 2) distinguish between interesting details and important information, and 3) practice and demonstrate the correct use of commas and semicolons.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we practiced the correct use of commas and semicolons by completing an activity page.

READING: We continued our Fact / Question / Response charts and applied them to an article about Chinese gods.  We pulled out the main idea or the important point, listed some interesting details, and wrote a response / reaction / opinion.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today we read about China's geography, filled out a very short T-chart, and completed a fun vocabulary puzzle using our newly acquired words.

Assignments: Read and prepare a Book Talk for Friday!  Library Day is tomorrow!

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Thursday, March 1, 2012

NOTE:  There is no school on Friday and Monday.  Missing Assignment reports for math and science were handed out today.  Students should work on completing that work for Tuesday.

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to find solutions to two variable equations.  We worked on an introduction to graphing functions and finding solutions to linear equations.
       Assignment:  Complete all missing assignments

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to write ratios and rates.  We practiced finding ratios, making equivalent ratios and listing rates.  We had work time on the homework and then we had a 20-minute class incentive that the students had earned.
   Assignment:   Page 354 #6-9 and # 12-19  Students were given time in class to work on this.  Some did not finish.  Complete missing assignments.

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that a model is a representation of a system or interaction that cannot be observed directly.  We wrapped up our work on humdingers today by completing our word bank and sorting our humdinger parts.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#97: What part of our China unit are you looking forward to the most?  Share.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) demonstrate their oral presentation skills, 2) distinguish between interesting details and important information, and 3) organize their thoughts to effectively write a persuasive essay.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we wrote the final draft of our persuasive essay. We handed in the graphic organizer, the rough draft with editing, and the final copy.

READING: We continued our Fact / Question / Response charts and applied them to articles about China.  We pulled out the main idea or the important point from all of the interesting details.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today we used our Balanced Literacy / Social Studies block to present Book Talks, finish our persuasive essays, and learn about ancient Chinese clothing and the barbaric and cruel custom of foot binding.

Assignments: Read and prepare a Book Talk for next week!
***Parent-Teacher Conferences are tonight!

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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

NOTE:  There is no school on Friday and Monday.  Missing Assignment reports for math and science will be handed out tomorrow, Thursday.

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn how to make a scatterplot.  Chapter 7 tests were returned and the students were given 20 minutes to make corrections on a separate piece of paper. I will "regrade" their corrections.  If students did not finish the corrections, they need to do so.  We then practiced reading and making scatterplots. 
       Assignment:  Scatterplot packet - one graph was done in class, the other 4 are homework.

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will show what they know on an assessment.  We reviewed Quiz B which we took yesterday.  We  took the Chapter 6 test.  The test will be returned on Tuesday.
   Assignment:   Read pages 352 to 353.  Define and give examples for ratio, equivalent ratio and rate.

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that a model is a representation of a system or interaction that cannot be observed directly.  We replicated a working hum-dinger by using the technical directions!

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#96: List three things you already know about China.  List three things you would like to learn about China.  Share.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) identify the goals and objectives of their China unit, 2) distinguish between interesting details and important information, and 3) organize their thoughts to effectively write a persuasive essay.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we revised and edited the rough draft of our persuasive essay.  We will finish editing and write or type a final draft for tomorrow.

READING: We continued our Fact / Question / Response charts and applied them to articles about China.  We pulled out the main idea or the important point from all of the interesting details.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today we walked through our new unit on China and wrote Cornell Notes about our goals and objectives.

Assignments:
1) Final copy of persuasive essay is due tomorrow at the end of class!
2) Book Talks tomorrow!
3) Be a really nice kid, especially to your parents!  Parent-Teacher Conferences are tomorrow evening!

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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn how to determine if a relation is a function.  We practiced finding the domain and ranges of relations and deteriminig if a range was a function.
       Assignment:  Practice 8-1 and POW #18 whiich is due tomorrow.

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will show what they know on an assessment.  We practiced our graphing and then took Quiz B.  After Quiz B students began to study for their chapter 6 test which will be tomorrow.
     Assignment:   Complete page 340-342 all (you will need to make 3 graphs and 2 tables)

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that a model is a representation of a system or interaction that cannot be observed directly.  We had our final day of hum-dinger construction.  There were many very creative, fully-functioning hum-dingers.  Nice job!  Tomorrow we will make the hum-dinger using the technical directions!

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#95: Name three things in our classroom that are interesting but not important.  Name three things in our classroom that are very important.  Share and discuss.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) plan and organize a response to a thought-provoking prompt, 2) distinguish between interesting details and important information, and 3) organize their thoughts to effectively write a persuasive essay.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we used our completed organizer to write the rough draft of our persuasive essay.  We will revise, edit, and write or type a final draft for Thursday.

READING: We continued our Fact / Question / Response charts and applied them to individual paragraphs.  We pulled out the main idea or the important point from all of the interesting details.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today we cleaned out our classroom binders and the Cornell Notes for "Europe in Transition" were collected.  We organized our papers for Language Arts, Reading, and Social Studies.

Assignments: 1) Work on and finish your persuasive essay rough draft.
2) Final copy of persuasive essay is due Thursday!
3) Book Talks on Thursday!
4) Be a really nice kid, especially to your parents!  Parent-Teacher Conferences are Thursday evening!

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Monday, February 27, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned on an assessment.  We handed back quizzes from Friday and discussed the material.  We then took the Chapter 7 test.  This will be returned to students on Wednesday.
       Assignment:  Read pages 372-374, write definitions for "relation, domain and range".  Complete page 374-375 #1-3, #5-15 and POW #18 whiich is due on Wednesday.

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to choose an appropriate way to display data.   We practiced making bar and line graphs.  We also discussed how to know which graph is the best way to display the data.
     Assignment:   Practice 6-10 both sides

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that a model is a representation of a system or interaction that cannot be observed directly.  We continued to work on the construction of our hum-dinger today and continued with our conferencing to share ideas with the other scientists in the room!

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#94: Describe one thing you would like to persuade your parents to let you do on a Saturday.  How would you persuade them?  Share if you dare!

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) analyze their test-taking strategies using their graded test, 2) distinguish between interesting details and important information, and 3) organize their thoughts to effectivelyl write a persuasive essay.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we completed our persuasive essay organizer, developed our topic sentence, and began our rough draft.

READING: We continued our Fact / Question / Response charts and applied them to individual paragraphs.  We pulled out the main idea or the important point from all of the interesting details.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Students were given back their Test on the Middle Ages and their Reformation Cause and Effect essay.  We examined our test taking strategies and how transitions held together our cause and effect essay.  These were recollected and filed in our classroom file.  The kids had fantastic scores!

Assignments: 1) Work on and try to finish your persuasive essay rough draft.
2) Final copy of persuasive essay is due Thursday!
3) Book Talks on Thursday!
4) Be a really nice kid, especially to your parents!  Parent-Teacher Conferences are Thursday evening!

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Friday, February 24, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned on an assessment.  We took a quiz today and corrected our Spotlight as we reviewed for our quiz.
       Assignment:  Study the Spotlight for the chapter 7 test and POW #18 whiich is due on Wednesday.

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn how to make and read stem-and-leaf plots.   We went over how to make stem-and-leaf plots and how to find mean, median, mode and range.
     Assignment:   Practice 6-9 both sides

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that a model is a representation of a system or interaction that cannot be observed directly.  We continued to work on the construction of our hum-dinger today and will continue with our conferencing on Monday to share ideas with the other scientists in the room!

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#93: Should you include information that contradicts your position in a persuasive essay?  Why or why not?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) plan and organize a response to a thought-provoking prompt, 2) apply and respond with connections, reactions, and inferences as they read, and 3) demonstrate their oral presentation skills.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we presented our Book Talks!

READING: We continued our Fact / Question / Response charts while reading an article.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Students selected and read about their debate topic. They began filling out their organizers for their persuasive writing assignment. 

Assignments: Read your current or new library book and write up a Book Talk to present next Thursday.

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Thursday, February 23, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned on an assessment.  We reviewed for our quiz and decided it would be best to take it tomorrow. We will have the quiz tomorrow and the test on Monday.  Students have a study guide to finish for tomorrow as we will review for the test off of this study guide.
       Assignment:  Spotlight study guide for Chapter 7 test

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to recognize misleading graphs.   We took a mini-quiz on what we have learned about graphs so far.  We also learned how to see if a graph is misleading.
     Assignment:   Practice 6-8 both sides

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that a model is a representation of a system or interaction that cannot be observed directly.  We began the construction of our hum-dinger today and will conference tomorrow to share ideas with the other scientists in the room!

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#92: If you could change a school rule, what would it be and why?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) plan and organize a response to a thought-provoking prompt, 2) use and examine a variety of responses as they reason through an article, and 3) apply their understanding of persuasive writing to their chosen topic.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we explored the function and audience of a persuasive essay.  We went over the corrected Common Assessment and discussed our answers.

READING: We modeled and began our Fact / Question / Response charts while reading an article.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Students examined their organizers and topic choices for their persuasive writing assignment. 

Assignments: Read your current or new library book and write up a Book Talk to present tomorrow!

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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to convert in the metric system.  We reviewed solving equations and inequalities.  This is a skill that we need to practice and master.   We then learned how to convert in the metric system using the acrostic: King Henry Died Unexpectedly Drinking Chocolate Milk.  We will have a quiz tomorrow and the chapter test next Monday.
       Assignment:  Practice 7-8 and  Missing assignments are due ASAP!

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn how to make line graphs.  We learned how to read and make line graphs.
     Assignment:   Practice 6-7 both sides with the line graph on graph paper

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that a model is a representation of a system or interaction that cannot be observed directly.  We were introduced to the hum-dinger today and gathered all of our working pieces for the construction.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#91: Write: I will use this time to study for my test on the Middle Ages. (Then put your note book away and study!)

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) demonstrate their knowledge of the Middle Ages through an assessment, 2) apply conprehension strategies to their personal reading, and 3) practice the correct usage of conjunctions and commas.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today one of our students played the role of "teacher" and read the children's story, "When Comma Comes to Town."  We reviewed the correct use of conjunctions and commas and completed an activity page.

READING: Library Day today!

SOCIAL STUDIES: Students took their test on "Europe in Transition" (the Middle Ages).  Students were allowed to silent read when they were done.

Assignments: Read your current or new library book and write up a Book Talk to present on Friday!

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Tuesday, February 21, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to write and solve inequalities with variables on both sides.  We reviewed solving equations and inequalities.  This is a skill that we need to practice and master.  We will have a quiz on Thursday and the chapter test next Monday.
       Assignment:  Practice 7-7, POW #17 is due on tomorrow, Missing assignments are due ASAP!

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn how to make line plots, frequency tables and histograms.  Students made line plots, tables and histograms today.  We then learned how to read a coordinate grid with ordered pairs.
     Assignment:   Complete Practice 6-5 and lesson 6-6 both sides

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that a model is a representation of a system or interaction that cannot be observed directly.  As we prepare for making our hum-dingers tomorrow, we watched a movie on the design and build process.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#90: Explain how you will study for the Middle Ages Test tomorrow.  Share.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) apply and use a study guide in preparation for a test, 2) analyze how we know what is important when we read non-fiction, and 3) use their Cornell Notes in preparation for a test.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we reviewed our Cornell Notes and highlighted everything we needed to study for tomorrow's test.

READING:  We examined our Social Studies text and made a list of how the author indicates what is important.  We wrote these on note cards and handed them in.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Students completed their Cornell Notes Study Guide and had time to study with a partner or by themselves.

Assignments: Study your "Cornell Notes Study Guide" for tomorrow's test on the Middle Ages.  You will receive 1 Extra Credit point on your test if you bring back the Study Guide with a parent signature, indicating you have studied. 
*Library Day is tomorrow!

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Monday, February 20, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to solve inequalities with variables on both sides.  We practiced solving equations and inequalities on whiteboads.  This is a skill that we need to practice and master.  We will have a quiz on Thursday and the chapter test next Monday.
       Assignment:  Practice 7-6, POW #17 is due on Wednesday, Missing assignments are due ASAP!

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn how to make line plots, frequency tables and histograms.  We practiced making line plots, tables and histograms today.  Students will practice with the problem solving tonight and we will practice making these graphs and tables tomorrow. 
     Assignment:   Lesson 6-6 Problem Solving

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that a model is a representation of a system or interaction that cannot be observed directly.  We finished looking at the drought stopper and learned how it works using a siphon.  We then read a Science Story on "Scientists and Models"

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#89: Page 372 Vocabulary Review 1-5.  Follow the directions given.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) demonstrate their understanding of new vocabulary, 2) examine and conclude what, how, and why we infer, and 3) practice reading strategies through a Common Assessment.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we completed a Common Assessment.  We read an article about sunlight and answered six multiple choice questions covering reading skills and grammar usage.

READING:  We answered four questions about inferencing on a notecard as a quiz.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Students took a quiz on the vocabulary of the Middle Ages.  They had a word bank and had to match them with the definition.  During the last five minutes they could look for answers in their Cornell Notes.

Assignments: Quarter 3 Book Talks are underway!  Read and write one up for Friday.

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Friday, February 17, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to solve equations with variables on both sides.  We went over 6 problems on Practice 7-5.  Students were asked to take notes on these.  The remainder of the worksheet will be checked on Monday.  Missing assignment reports were also handed out and that work should be completed A.S.A.P.  Students also helped to preview/"test" the new 6th grade placement test.  Lots of thanks for their help with this.
       Assignment:  Practice 7-5 (complete - after class discussion on Friday), POW #17 is due on wednesday, Missing assignments are due ASAP!

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn how to read and make bar graphs.  We continued to look at bar graphs by doing the problem solving on page 307.   Missing assignment reports were handed out and should be completed A.S.A.P.  Students also helped to preview/"test" the new 6th grade placement test.  Lots of thanks for their help with this.
     Assignment:   Page 307 (complete), Missing assignments are due ASAP!

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that a model is a representation of a system or interaction that cannot be observed directly.  I showed the students my invention, the "Drought Stopper".  We demonstrated how it works and the students had to figure out what was inside the box making it work.  Very interesting discussion and great drawings but....did they figure it out?  It will be revealed on Monday.  Ask your child about the Drought Stopper!

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#88: Think of your favorite fable or children's story.  Name the story and write what the message (theme) might be.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) analyze and connect events, ideas, and individuals over time, 2) understand the difference between plot and theme, and 3) demonstrate their oral presentation skills!

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we presented our Book Talks!

READING:  We watched a narration video of "Enemy Pie" and used our inferencing skills to determine the theme.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Students used their causes and effects of the Reformation Cornell Notes and wrote an essay.  They used transition words and put it all together in a beautiful explanation!

Assignments: Quarter 3 Book Talks are underway!  Read and write one up over the weekend.
 
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Thursday, February 16, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to solve equations with variables on both sides.  We reviewed how to combine like terms and then applied this to solving equations with variables on both sides.  The students also took a quiz on the first half of chapter 7.
       Assignment:  Practice 7-5

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn how to read and make bar graphs.  We practiced reading bar graphs and made a double bar graph as a class.  The students then took a quiz on the first half of chapter 6.
     Assignment:   Practice 6-4,  make the bar graph on graph paper

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that a model is a representation of a system or interaction that cannot be observed directly.  We watched a film on "accidental inventions" and learned that some of the items we use everyday were not the invention that the inventor was originally trying to make.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#87: Page 370 Map Skill questions 1 & 2.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) analyze and connect events, ideas, and individuals over time, 2) understand the difference between plot and theme, and 3) apply correct conventions to their written responses and note taking!

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we wrote Cornell Notes about the causes and effects of the Reformation.  We developed a leading question and a summary, as well.

READING:  We read a fable and wrote out the plot: the beginning, the middle, and the end.  We followed this with a determination of the theme, or message/moral, of the story.  This was a group activity.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Students worked in groups of four.  Each group had an envelope with the causes and effects of the Reformation cut up in pieces and mixed up.  They had to determine the correct order.  One or two groups with the correct sequence came up to the board and put magnet sentence strips in the correct order.  It was a great deal of fun!

Assignments: Quarter 3 Book Talks are underway!  Read and write one up for tomorrow!  *Wear Hawaiian clothes tomorrow!
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Wednesday, February 15, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will practice studying for a test.  We went over circumference from yesterday and then practiced for our quiz tomorrow.
       Assignment:  Study for the quiz

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will practice studying for a test.  We reviewed mean, median, mode and range and then completed page 306 as we prepared for our quiz tomorrow.
     Assignment:   Study for the quiz

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that a model is a representation of a system or interaction that cannot be observed directly.  Students completed a written response related to models and then worked on a math extension to see how many rectangles and triangles could be cut from one piece of cardboard.  It provided a challenge for all!

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#86: Read page 368. How did Martin Luther get the German people to follow him?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) analyze and connect events, ideas, and individuals over time, 2) understand the difference between plot and theme, and 3) apply correct conventions to their written responses and note taking!

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we read about Reformation and answered four questions in our Cornell Note format.  We concluded with a written summary.

READING:  We discussed and wrote out the plot from yesterday's story "A Bad Case of Stripes."  We discussed "theme" and differentiated between the two.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Students completed a cause and effect activity using our lesson on the Reformation.  This was a partner activity and was followed by Cornell Notes.

Assignments: Quarter 3 Book Talks are underway!  Read and write one up for Friday!  *Wear Wildcat colors (black and gold) tomorrow!

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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn how to calculate circumference.  We explored circumference by measuring several round objects.  We then learned how to apply the circumference formula.
       Assignment:  Practice 7-4 all and POW #16 is due tomorrow

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will master the calculation of mean, median, mode and range.   We reviewed mean, median, mode and range from yesterday and added "outlier" today to see how that changed our original calculations.
     Assignment:   Practice 6-3

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that a model is a representation of a system or interaction that cannot be observed directly.  We made physical models of our black boxes and compared the model to the actual to see if we had the correct ideas.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#85: Using your BK, TC, and I, who do you think St. Valentine was?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) analyze and connect events, ideas, and individuals over time, 2) understand the difference between plot and theme, and 3) expand spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension by working with word elements.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we examined prefixes, roots, and suffixes in our Word Roots booklet and watched a Brain Pop about the same.

READING:  We read the story of St. Valentine and watched a Discovery Education video about Valentine's Day!

SOCIAL STUDIES: Students completed a vocabulary activity and wrote a response to the history of St. Valentine story. 

*The Kids had many Valentine treats today!  Have fun at home!

Assignments: Quarter 3 Book Talks are underway!  Read and write one up for Friday!  *Wear "Ranch" (country) tomorrow!

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Monday, February 13, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to write 2-step equations.  The students received their fraction test back today.  Anyone who would like to retake the test should make arrangements with me for before or after school.  We then practiced writing and solving 2-step equations.
       Assignment:  Practice 7-3 - any 6 out of the 8 problems and POW #16 is due on Wednesday

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to calculate mean, median, mode and range.   The students received their fractions test back today.  We then practiced finding mean,median, mode and range on several data sets.
     Assignment:   Practice 6-2

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that a model is a representation of a system or interaction that cannot be observed directly.  We read in our science story books about real-life black boxes and completed a graphic organizer.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#84: Using your BK about the people of the Renaissance, do you think they were ready for changes or reforms to be made to the church?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) analyze and connect events, ideas, and individuals over time, 2) understand the difference between plot and theme, and 3) expand spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension by working with word elements.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we examined the prefixes, roots, and suffixes of our "Reformation" vocabulary words.  We worked in groups with our text, dictionaries, and Word Root booklets.  We used our resources and combined them with our BK to infer meaning.

READING: We explored the difference between "plot" and "theme."  We watched a storybook read by a famous person and wrote our interpretation of the plot and the theme.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Students read about the Reformation and wrote five vocabulary words in the Cornell Note format.  They concluded with a summary.

Assignments: Quarter 3 Book Talks are underway!  Read and write one up for Friday!  *Wear RED tomorrow!

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Friday, February 10, 2012

NOTE:  All missing assignments are due by Monday in order to qualify to be invited to the Hawaiian Luau dance on Feb. 17.  Students received missing assignment reports for math and science on Thursday, Feb. 9.

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to solve 2- step equations.  We worked on learning how to solve 2-step equations and then discussed POW #15.
       Assignment:  Practice 7-2 evens only and POW #16 is due on Wednesday

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will practice and learn the problem solving strategy of "Make a Table".   We discussed and practiced the skill of reading a table and making tables to display data.
     Assignment:   Practice 6-1 Problem solving and Challenge (both sides)

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn a model is a representation of a system or interaction that cannot be observed directly.  We continued to explore our models of our black boxes and collaborated with other students who had the same black box to see if we could form a consensus on what the inside of the box looked like.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity Quiz #3: Have a clear desk, your O.A. notebook, and a sharp pencil!

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) examine geographic locations and features through puzzle manipulation, 2) use and apply BK, TC, and the context to infer the meaning of unfamiliar words, make inferences, and draw conclusions, and 3) demonstrate their oral presentation skills.

*Students earned a class period incentive for working hard on their MAPs Testing this week.  They could do an activity of their choice for the last 20-30 minutes of their Balanced Literacy/Social Studies block.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we had silent reading and Book Talk work time!

READING: Book Talk presentations were given!

SOCIAL STUDIES: Students worked at different tables constructing jigsaw puzzles of world maps.

Assignments: Quarter 3 Book Talks are underway!  Read and write one up for next week!

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Thursday, February 9, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will work with a partner on problem solving.  We practiced using the problem solving strategy of Work Backward today in class.
       Assignment:  Practice 7-1 all problems

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned on an assessment.    We went over our quizzes from yesterday and looked at some more multiplying and division of fraction problems before taking our test.
     Assignment:   NONE

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn a model is a representation of a system or interaction that cannot be observed directly.  Students took home their Weather and Water unit books as we have finished that unit.  We began our Models and Design unit by investigating "black boxes"  and figuring out what was inside the black box with indirect observations.
    
Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity: None.
*Review of expectations, effort, and attitude for MAPs Testing.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) read and analyze sources and skills during MAPs Testing, 2) use and apply BK, TC, and the context to infer the meaning of unfamiliar words, make inferences, and draw conclusions while MAPs Testing, and 3) apply comprehension strategies to text during MAPs Testing.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we used our Social Studies/Balanced Literacy block for MAPs Testing in the subject of "Language Usage."

READING: As above.

SOCIAL STUDIES: As above.

Assignments: Quarter 3 Book Talks are underway!  Read and write one up for tomorrow!
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Wednesday, February 8, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned on an assessment.  We went over the Spotlight and then took the test on fraction operations.  Some students will need to finish the test tomorrow.
       Assignment:  NONE

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned on an assessment.    We reviewed for the quiz and then took a quiz on multiplying and dividing of fractions.  The test will be tomorrow.
     Assignment:   Page 283 #30-58 all

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that the water cycle is complex and that water everywhere in the world is included in the water cycle.  We finished our weather and water unit with a guest speaker....Mr. Smith.  Mr. Smith talked to us about the coreolis effect and hurricanes.  Tomorrow we start our new unit on Models and Design!
    
Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity: None.
*Review of expectations, effort, and attitude for MAPs Testing.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) read and analyze sources and skills during MAPs Testing, 2) use and apply BK, TC, and the context to infer the meaning of unfamiliar words, make inferences, and draw conclusions while MAPs Testing, and 3) apply comprehension strategies to text during MAPs Testing.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we used our Social Studies/Balanced Literacy block for MAPs Testing in the subject of "Reading."

READING: As above.

SOCIAL STUDIES: As above.

Assignments: Quarter 3 Book Talks are underway!  Read and write one up for Friday!  *MAPS Testing for Language Arts will be tomorrow.  Please have your child rested and nourished!

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Tuesday, February 7, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned on an assessment.  We reviewed fraction operations and returned POW #14.  The students began to work on their study guide (Spotlight) for tomorrow's test.  They should complete this and be prepared for the test tomorrow.
       Assignment:  Spotlight study guide and POW #15 is due tomorrow

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned on an assessment.    We reviewed multiplying and dividing of fractions. We will have a quiz on this tomorrow and a test on Thursday.
     Assignment:   Page 278 all

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that the water cycle is complex and that water everywhere in the world is included in the water cycle.  Students are working on their water cycle posters.  This will be a final assessment for our Weather and Water unit.  Requirements for the poster and examples from past years were discussed with students in the class. 
     Assignment:  If students did not finish, their posters are due at the beginning of class on Wednesday.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #83: Read "Impact of the Renaissance" on page 361. What effect did Renaissance scientists and inventors have on technology?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) analyze and connect events, ideas, and individuals over time, 2) gain an understanding of how to move beyond the literal interpretation using the strategy of inferring, and 3) use correct writing conventions in their Cornell Notes.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we wrote and answered three comprehensive questions about the Renaissance in our Cornell Notes.  We also wrote a summary and applied correct writing conventions to all of it.

READING: Today was the final day to complete an inferencing assessment.   We filled out a fact and inference chart and applied our skills to unknown words.  Students who were done had silent reading or Book Talk work time.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We read about the Renaissance and extracted information for our Cornell Notes.  We also watched a Brain Pop about Leonardo da Vinci and took the quiz orally as a class.  In addition, we listened to the English song "Greensleeves" which was written in 1580.

Assignments: Quarter 3 Book Talks are underway!  Read and write one up for this Friday!  *MAPS Testing for Reading will be tomorrow, and MAPS Testing for Language Arts will be on Thursday.  Please have your child rested and nourished!

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Monday, February 6, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to solve geometric sequences.  We reviewed and practiced using the inverse operations with fraction equations and then took a quiz on multiplying and dividing fractions.    We also went over how to complete geometric sequences.  We will have our fraction operations test on Wednesday.
       Assignment:  Prctice 6-8 and POW #15 is due on Wednesday

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to solve fraction equations.   We learned how to solve equations using the inverse operation with fractions.  We also used whiteboards and continued to practice multiplying and dividing by fractions.  We will have a quiz on Wednesday and a test on fraction multiplying and dividing on Thursday.
     Assignment:   Practice 5-10 A/B or C

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that the water cycle is complex and that water everywhere in the world is included in the water cycle.  Students are working on their water cycle posters.  This will be a final assessment for our Weather and Water unit.  Requirements for the poster and examples from past years were discussed with students in the class.  The posters are due at the beginning of class on Wednesday.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #82: Read page 357. What made Florence a rich city? (Economics question!)

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) read and analyze a primary source, 2) use context and BK to infer meaning, and 3) use correct writing conventions in their Cornell Notes.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we analyzed a primary source and answered questions about it; we had to infer!

READING: Today we completed an inferencing assessment.   We filled out a fact and inference chart and applied our skills to unknown words. 

SOCIAL STUDIES: We read about the Renaissance and wrote four vocabulary words and a summary in our Cornell Notes.  We will continue tomorrow.

Assignments: Quarter 3 Book Talks are underway!  Read and write one up for this Friday!  *MAPS Testing for Reading will be this Wednesday, and MAPS Testing for Language Arts will be on Thursday.  Please have your child rested and nourished!

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Friday, February 3, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to solve multiplication and division equations and inequalities using fractions.  We practiced using the inverse operations with fraction equations today.  Missing assignment reports were also handed out.
       Assignment:  6-7 worksheet (12 problems) and POW #15 is due on Wednesday

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to divide fractions and mixed numbers.  We learned how to find a reciprocal of a number and divide fractions. "Drop, Multiply and Flip"!  This class earned an 1/2 hour incentive time where we played board games!
     Assignment:   Practice 5-9 A/B or C

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that the water cycle is complex and that water everywhere in the world is included in the water cycle.  We continued our discussion of the water cycle and clarified our final assessment which will be a water cycle poster.  We will have in-class work time on the poster on Monday and Tuesday.  The water cycle poster will be due at the beginning of class on Wednesday.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #81: Read pages 353-355. According to the primary source, what impact did the plague have on civilization?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) read and analyze a primary source, 2) use BK and TC to make a reasonable inference and draw conclusions, and 3) demonstrate their oral presentation skills.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we received our graded Common Assessments and reviewed how the correct answers were determined.  We also presented our Book Talks!

READING: Today we worked on an inferencing assessment.   We filled out a fact and inference chart and applied our skills to unknown words. 

SOCIAL STUDIES: We read about the Black Plague and studied a primary source. We watched a segment on Brain Pop about the plague entitled "Black Death" and did the review quiz orally as a class.  We also watched a few minutes of the History Channel (Part I) of the Bubonic Plague.

Assignments: Quarter 3 Book Talks are underway!  Read and write one up for next week!

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Thursday, February 2, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to work with partners to solve problems.  Students took the math MAPs test today during class.  When they finished, they were given time to work on missing assignments.
       Assignment:  All late or missing work

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to work with partners to solve problems.  Students took the math MAPs test today during class.  When they finished, they were given time to work on missing assignments.
     Assignment:   All late or missing work

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that the water cycle is complex and that water everywhere in the world is included in the water cycle.  We watched a video on Weather Concepts which included a 20-question quiz.  We are wrapping up our Weather and Water Unit.  Our final assessment will be explained tomorrow and will be a water cycle poster.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #80: Read page 351. Why were books copied by hand during the Middle Ages?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) read and analyze a primary source, 2) use BK and TC to make a reasonable inference and draw conclusions, and 3) use correct writing conventions in their Cornell Notes.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we practiced correct conventions as we wrote our vocabulary words and definitions in our Cornell Notes.  We also composed our own summary.

READING: We continued to apply our inferencing skills to a reading passage about medieval knights and castles.   We filled out a fact and inference chart and applied our skills to unknown words.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We read about the role of churches in the Middle Ages and studied a primary source.  We worked on understanding the language of an ancient text and answered interpretive questions.

Assignments: Quarter 3 Book Talks are underway!  Read and write one up for tomorrow!

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Wednesday, February 1, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to work with partners to solve problems.  We returned and discussed the feedback for POW#13.  Then we worked with a partner in a problem solving activity.
       Assignment:  All late or missing work

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to work with partners to solve problems.  We reviewed multiplication of mixed numbers through some problem solving activities.  We then worked with a partner in another problem solving activity.
     Assignment:   All late or missing work

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that the water cycle is complex and that water everywhere in the world is included in the water cycle.  We continued to talk about the complexity of the water cycle and watched a short video on hydrology.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #79: Using page 378, define "scale."

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) analyze and compare maps of different scales, 2) use BK and TC to make a reasonable inference and draw conclusions, and 3) identify and practice correct grammar and language usage.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today a student played "teacher" and read a children's book to the class entitled, "The No-Good, Rotten, Run-On Sentence."  We practiced changing some run-on sentences into more correct, balanced sentences.  We also reviewed the object of a preposition.

READING: We continued to apply our inferencing skills to a reading passage about medieval life, clothing, and games.   We continued to fill out a fact and inference chart and applied our skills to unknown words.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We read about and practiced using maps of different scales.  We applied our understanding to the maps in our text and in our room.

Assignments: Quarter 3 Book Talks are underway!  Read and write one up for Friday!

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Tuesday, January 31, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to divide fractions and mixed numbers.  We reviewed multiplying fractions and reducing before we multipl then we went on to dividing  fractions.  Quiz B was also returned.  On the quiz the students showed that they know addition and subtraction of fractions but must be careful on the integer operations.
       Assignment:  Practice 6-4 (all) - POW #14 is due tomorrow. 

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to multiply mixed numbers.  We reviewed what we had learned about multiplying with fractions and then practiced turning mixed numbers to improper fractions so that we could multiply the mixed numbers.
      Assignment:   Worksheet 5-8 (A/B or C)

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that the water cycle is complex and that water everywhere in the world is included in the water cycle.  We played a water cycle game where we were a water molecule traveling through the water cycle.  We had to list all the places we had traveled to.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #78: Why did most people in the Middle Ages not live past 40?  Infer and draw a conclusion.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) analyze and compare the basic principles of government, 2) use BK and TC to make a reasonable inference and draw conclusions, and 3) expand spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension by working with word elements.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we completed two pages in our Word Roots booklet (roots, prefixes, and suffixes) and two grammar pages about the use of adverbs and prepositions.

READING: We applied our inferencing skills to a reading passage about medieval life and clothing.  We filled out a fact and inference chart and applied our skills to unknown words.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We watched a Brain Pop about the Magna Carta, examined the actual document, and compared and contrasted it to the Bill of Rights using a Venn diagram.

Assignments: Quarter 3 Book Talks are underway!  Read and write one up!

*******************************************************************
Monday, January 30, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to multiply fractions and mixed numbers.  We reviewed converting between mixed numbers and improper fractions and then practiced multiplying fractions and mixed numbers.  Student had 25 minutes of homework time in class today.
       Assignment:  Practice 6-3 (all) - POW #14 is due Wednesday. 

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to multiply fractions.  We reviewed what we had learned about multiplying with fractions and talked about simplifying before multiplying.
      Assignment:   Worksheet 5-7 (A/B or C)

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that the water cycle is complex and that water everywhere in the world is included in the water cycle.  We watched and discussed several BrainPOP videos about the various locations of water on earth.  We talked about oceans, glaciers, ground water, and rivers.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #77: Page 347 Complete this sentence: The Magna Carta was a first step toward ____________________.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) read and analyze the meaning of a primary source, 2) use BK and TC to make a reasonable inference and draw conclusions, and 3) apply comprehension strategies to the text of a Common Assessment.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we completed the Common Assessment which is a reading passage and 6 questions.

READING: We applied our inferencing skills to a reading passage about medieval food.  This was a partner activity.   We also finished the inferencing portion of our feudalism chart from Friday.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We took Cornell Notes about the Magna Carta using a primary source.  We answered four key questions and wrote a summary.

Assignments: Quarter 3 Book Talks are underway!  Read and write one up!

*******************************************************************
Friday, January 27, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to solve equations using inverse operations.   We reviewed adding and subtracting mixed numbers including regrouping.  We then applied this to solving equations using the inverse operation.
       Assignment:  POW #14 is due Wednesday.  All missing work from Tuesday and Wednesday.

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned about adding and subtracting fractions by taking an assessment.   We continued to review for the test and then the students took the test.  The test will be returned on Monday.
      Assignment:   Worksheet 5-6.

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that water condenses in the atmosphere to form clouds.  We met in groups to discuss what we have learned about clouds.  We then took a BrainPOP Quiz on clouds.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #75: Read pages 346-347.  When the Roman Empire fell, what legacy did it leave behind?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) analyze the basic principles of feudalism and make inferences, 2) use BK and TC to make a reasonable inference and draw conclusions, and 3) demonstrate their oral presentation skills.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we presented our Book Talks!

READING: We applied our inferencing skills to a reading passage entitled "Hope for Helion" and finished an illustrated newspaper headline story.  This was a partner activity.  

SOCIAL STUDIES: We watched a Brain Pop video on Feudalism and took the review quiz orally.  We made connections with our text and our class activities.  We also filled out our text clue information about feudalism and will complete the inferencing portion on Monday.

Assignments: Quarter 3 Book Talks are underway!  Read and write one up!

*******************************************************************
Thursday, January 26, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to solve equations using inverse operations.   We reviewed adding and subtracting mixed numbers including regrouping.  We then applied this to solving equations using the inverse operation.
       Assignment:  Practice 5-6 only (we will do 5-7 in class tomorrow)  All missing work from Tuesday and Wednesday

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned about adding and subtracting fractions by taking an assessment.   We continued to review for the test and then the students took the test.  The test will be returned on Monday.
      Assignment:   Page 253: Problem Solving - All

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that water condenses in the atmosphere to form clouds.  We met in groups to discuss what we have learned about clouds.  We then took a BrainPOP Quiz on clouds.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #74: Pages 344-345 Diagram Skill questions 1 & 2.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) analyze the basic principles of feudalism and make inferences, 2) use BK and TC to make a reasonable inference and draw conclusions, and 3) use correct writing conventions in their Cornell Notes.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we read about feudalism, completed an activity page, and wrote three questions/answers and a summary in our Cornell Notes.

READING: We applied our inferencing skills to a reading passage entitled "Hope for Helion" and began a newspaper headline story.  This was a partner activity.  

SOCIAL STUDIES: We watched a Brain Pop video on the Middle Ages and took the review quiz orally.  We made connections with our text and our class activities.

Assignments: Quarter 3 Book Talks begin tomorrow!

*******************************************************************

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators. We reviewed making equivalent fractions and the practiced adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators.
       Assignment:  Practice 5-5A and 5-5B -all - BOTH SIDES  - POW #13 is due tomorrow!

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to solve equations using inverse operations.   We took a mini-quiz to see how students are progressing with adding and subtracting fractions.  We then learned how to solve fraction equations using inverse operations.  We will have a fraction operation quiz on Wednesday and the test on Thursday.
      Assignment:   "Ready To Go On" page 252.

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that water condenses in the atmosphere to form clouds.  Student researched clouds today using our science resource book and we will report out our discoveries.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #73: Read page 341.  What is the importance of the Battle of Tours?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) analyze and connect events, ideas, and individuals over time, 2) use BK and TC to make a reasonable inference and draw conclusions, and 3) expand spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension by working with word elements.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we completed two pages in our Word Roots booklet and made connections to many additional words and their meanings.

READING: We applied our inferencing skills to a picture of a car accident.  Like police officers, we had to draw conclusions by observing the scene.  This was a partner activity.  

SOCIAL STUDIES: We read about "Emperors and Invaders" in our chapter on the Middle Ages.  We studied the "History Mystery" about whether or not King Arthur really existed.  We also watched a short National Geographic video on the mystery.

Assignments: Tomorrow is Library Day.  Read and begin your Quarter 3 Book Talks!
*******************************************************************


Friday, January 20, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators. We reviewed making equivalent fractions and the practiced adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators.
       Assignment:  Practice 5-5A -all - BOTH SIDES  - POW #13 is due on Wednesday.

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to solve equations using inverse operations.   We took a mini-quiz to see how students are progressing with adding and subtracting fractions.  We then learned how to solve fraction equations using inverse operations.  We will have a fraction operation quiz on Wednesday and the test on Thursday.
      Assignment:   Practice 5-5 (A/B or C)

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that water condenses in the atmosphere to form clouds.  Student researched clouds today using our science resource book and we will report out our discoveries on Tuesday.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #72: Page 337 Map Skill questions 1 & 2.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) examine the continent of Europe and its features, 2) merge their BK with TC to make an inference, and 3) use correct writing conventions in their Cornell Notes.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we answered questions about Europe's geography and completed our Cornell Notes covering vocabulary, a comprehension question, and a summary.

READING: We learned about "unlocking words" through inferencing and completed the article and word chart for "Living With Lions."  

SOCIAL STUDIES: We watched a Discovery Education video about the Middle Ages and tracked our thinking.

Assignments: Read! Begin your Quarter 3 Book Talks!

*******************************************************************
Thursday, January 19, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators. We reviewed converting improper fractions to mixed numbers and mixed numbers to improper fractions.  We then learned how to add and subtract with mixed numbers - this includes positve plus negative fractions.
       Assignment:  Practice 5-4 - evens only.  All missing assignments are due by Friday, the end of the quarter.

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to regroup when subtracting fractions.  We practiced regrouping with whole numbers and mixed numbers.  We then added this concept to subtracting with mixed numbers.
      Assignment:   Practice 5-4 (A/B or C)  All missing assignments are due by Friday, the end of the quarter.

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn the concept of density and how that affects the mass movement of fluids and a mechanism for energy transfer called convection.  We reviewed convection and density and then took our assessment.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #71: Read and study pages 334-335.  What generalization can you make about the culture of Europe from examining pictures and captions?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) examine the continent of Europe and its features, 2) merge their BK with TC to make an inference, and 3) expand spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension by working with word elements.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we completed two pages in our Word Roots booklet.  We worked with prefixes and suffixes.

READING: We learned about "unlocking words" through inferencing and read the first part of the article entitled "Living With Lions."  We also presented end of the quarter Book Talks.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We read orally about the geography of Europe.  We looked at a map and discussed its features and our own background knowledge.

Assignments: Read! Begin your Quarter 3 Book Talks!

*******************************************************************
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to convert between fractions and decimals.  We reviewed fraction basics and then defined whole numbers, integers and rational numbers.  We practiced converting between fractions to decimals and decimals to fractions. 
       Assignment:  Practice 5-1/6-1:  both sides.  All missing assignments are due by Friday, the end of the quarter.

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to add and subtact mixed numbers.  We reviewed finding equivalent fractions and converting from improper fractions to mixed numbers.  We then practiced adding and subtracting mixed numbers with unlike denominators.
      Assignment:   Practice 5-3 (A/B or C)  All missing assignments are due by Friday, the end of the quarter.

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn the concept of density and how that affects the mass movement of fluids and a mechanism for energy transfer called convection.  We reviewed convection and density for our test tomorrow.  We then watched a video on the "Transfer of Heat".  We will have a test on density and convection tomorrow.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #70: What is a person's "character?"

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) analyze the culture and heritage of Africa through a story, 2) merge their BK with TC to make an inference, and 3) apply correct conventions to their written responses.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we completed our "Mansa Musa" Reading - Writing - Thinking Activity.  Students worked with a partner and answered four (at least) randomly selected questions about the story.  Many of the questions were challenging, critical thinking questions.

READING: We learned about "unlocking words" through inferencing and prepared for tomorrow's article entitled "Living With Lions."  We also presented end of the quarter Book Talks.

SOCIAL STUDIES: See the above activity in Language Arts.

Assignments: Read and prepare a Book Talk for tomorrow!  Tomorrow is the LAST day to present for Quarter II. 

*******************************************************************
Friday, January 13, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to solve problems with a partner.  We had a guest presentation in math today and then we worked on problem solving with partners.
         Assignment:  POW #12 is due on Wednesday

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to solve problems with a partner.  We had a guest presentation in math today and then we worked on problem solving with partners.
         Assignment:   Lesson 5-2 Practice A, B or C - assigned yesterday, we will correct on Tuesday

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn the concept of density and how that affects the mass movement of fluids and a mechanism for energy transfer called convection.  We reviewed the density formula and did an experiment with room temperature, hot and cold water to see if it would form layers.  Ask your child what the result of this experiment was.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #68: Page 332 Vocabulary Review 1-5.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) practice their oral presentation skills, 2) learn information and relate it to their questions, and 3) demonstrate their comprehension and thinking skills through an assessment.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we presented our Book Talks!

READING: We chose one of two articles on elephants and recorded our learning, questions, and inferred answers in an assessment.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today we took a quiz on the vocabulary and main concepts from our unit on ancient Africa.  We rewarded ourselves with a very heartfelt YouTube video on the reunion between "Shirley and Jenny" - two elephants who had not seen each other in over 20 years.  It is seven minutes long and worth it!

Assignments: Read and prepare a Book Talk for Tuesday or Wednesday!  The second quarter ends on January 20th.  Each student must have two presented before then.

*******************************************************************
Thursday, January 12, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will show their understanding of mean, median, mode and scientific notation on an assessment.  We reviewed for our mini-unit test and then took the test.
         Assignment:  NONE

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators.   We continued to practice making equivalent fractions and then learned how to use equivalent fractions when adding and subtracting fractions.
         Assignment:   Lesson 5-2 Practice A, B or C

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn the concept of density and how that affects the mass movement of fluids and a mechanism for energy transfer called convection.  We reviewed the density formula and then students worked on calculating density for a variety of items.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #67: Page 330 Map Skills questions 1 & 2.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) analyze the economy of the coastal cities of Africa, 2) learn information and relate it to their questions, and 3) use correct conventions in their written answers.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we reviewed our last Common Assessment and analyzed our test-taking strategies when reading.  We also watched a segment on Brain Pop about the savannas of Africa.  We took the oral review quiz.

READING: We read an article entitled "The Mystery of Great Zimbabwe" and wrote about what we were reading, our questions, and our answers/inferences.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today we completed a vocabulary activity.  We also took Cornell Notes answering two time line questions and wrote a summary about the economy of ancient Africa.

Assignments: Read and prepare a Book Talk for tomorrow!  The second quarter ends on January 20th.  Each student must have two presented before then.

*******************************************************************


Wednesday, January 11, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will show their mastery of integer operations.  We reviewed scientific notation, calculating perimeter and integer operations.
         Assignment:  Integer Operations Practice Worksheet (The students should do at least half of the problems under each of the operations.) We have a mini-unit test tomorrow on mean, median, mode, range and outliers, scientific notation and integer operations.

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to find the least common multiple of two or three numbers.    We reviewed fractions and mixed numbers and making equivalent fractions.  We practiced finding perimeter of objects and we learned to find multiples of several numbers.
         Assignment:   Lesson 5-1 Practice A, B or C

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn the concept of density and how that affects the mass movement of fluids and a mechanism for energy transfer called convection.  We talked about the concept of density and learned how to calculate density of an object.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #66: Page 339 How have archaeologists determined the years when Great Zimbabwe developed?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) analyze the economy of the coastal cities of Africa, 2) learn information and relate it to their questions, and 3) use correct conventions in their written answers.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we took Cornell Notes about the Great Zimbabwe and the coastal cities of ancient Africa.

READING: Library Day today!

SOCIAL STUDIES: We read about the Great Zimbabwe and the coastal cities of ancient Africa and completed a "Do we know..." activity with a partner.  Students had to analyze our text and really think about the information provided.

Assignments: Read and prepare a Book Talk for Friday!  The second quarter ends on January 20th.  Each student must have two presented before then.


*******************************************************************
Tuesday, January 10, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to write numbers using scientific notation.  We reviewed the measures of central tendency and learned how to write numbers using scientific notation.
         Assignment:  Practice 6-9 and POW #11 - due on Wednesday

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will show their mastery of basic fraction skills on an assessment.  We reviewed for our test and took the Chapter 4 test.  As students finished, they had work time on the homework assignment.
         Assignment:   Are You Ready Worksheet

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn the concept of density and how that affects the mass movement of fluids and a mechanism for energy transfer called convection.  We performed an experiment on layering liquids.  The students got the four salt soutions to layer.  Why did the salt solutions layer?

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #65: Page 326 Read the primary source excerpt.  Why do you think the strangers of Timbuktu were especially rich?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) analyze the economy of the West African Empires, 2) learn information and relate it to their questions, and 3) expand spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension by working with word elements.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we cpmpleted two pages in our Word Roots booklet.  We studied the root, prefix, and suffix of various word combinations and their meanings.

READING:  We read "Ashanti Kings, Then and Now" and recorded our own questions, answers, and inferences on an organizer.  We also looked up pictures of their "kente" cloth and the legendary gold stool.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We defined three vocabulary terms from "West African Empires" in our text, answered a main idea question, and wrote a summary in our Cornell Notes.

Assignments: Read and prepare a Book Talk for Friday!  The second quarter ends on January 20th.  Each student must have two presented before then.
*Library Day is tomorrow!

*******************************************************************
Monday, January 9, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn how to calculate mean, median, mode and range.  We reviewed these measures of central tendency and practiced calculating each one.
         Assignment:  Practice 6-6 and POW #11 - due on Wednesday

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will show their mastery of basic fraction skills.  We reviewed for our test tomorrow by doing a Jeopardy review based on our book assignment.  We returned quizzes B and C.  Students should study from their book assignment and their quizzes for the test tomorrow. 
       Assignment:   Study for the test.  Book assignment that we went over in class: pages 216-218 #4, 5, 6, 14, 16, 20, 25, 28, 30, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 46-49, 51, 55, 57-59, 61, 63-64, 66-67

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that the movement of heat energy in and out of the atmosphere is an important element of weather.  We took a quiz on radiant energy and conduction today.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #64: Page 321 West African Kingdoms - answer Map Skills 1-3.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) analyze the economy of the West African Empires, 2) ask questions to gain imformation, and 3) practice reading strategies through a common assessment.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we completed a common assessment which tested our reading and grammar skills.

READING:  We read "Ghana: The Land of Gold" and recorded our own questions, answers, and inferences on an organizer.  We made many connections as well!

SOCIAL STUDIES: We read "West African Empires" in our text and wrote answers to questions about their economy and their salt-for-gold trade.  We also focused on using correct conventions in our written responses.

Assignments: Read and prepare a Book Talk for Friday!  The second quarter ends on January 20th.  Each student must have two presented before then.

*******************************************************************
Friday, January 6, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will show what they know on an assessment on decimal operations.   We discussed the Spotlight review and then took the chapter assessment.
         Assignment:  POW #11 - due on Wednesday

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will show what they know on an assessment.  We reviewed for a quiz and took the quiz.  We will have a chapter test on Tuesday.
       Assignment:   Begin chapter review by doing pages 216-217 #4, 5, 6, 14, 16, 20, 25, 28, 30, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that the movement of heat energy in and out of the atmosphere is an important element of weather.  We reviewed for a quiz.  We will take the quiz on Monday.  Students should complete/study the study guide from class today.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #63: Write BK+TC=I and explain what it means.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) practice their oral presentation skills, 2) apply questioning skills to an article about clean water in Africa, and 3) apply the correct use of adjectives and adverbs in writing.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we presented our Book Talks and had a Book Talk work time.  We also learned about adjectives and adverbs and completed a practice activity.

READING:  We read about obtaining clean water in Africa and recorded our own questions, answers, and inferences.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We connected the events in Africa today - obtaining clean water - and compared and contrasted it our our lives today. 

Assignments: Read and prepare a Book Talk for next Friday!  The second quarter ends on January 20th.  Each student must have two presented before then.

*******************************************************************
Thursday, January 5, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to use the arithmetic sequence formula and review for an assessment on decimal operations.   We finished our discussion on arithmetic sequences and practiced using a formula to find the nth term.  We then began the Spotlight to help us study for our test.  We will have a decimal operations test tomorrow.  The Spotlight review should be complete.  We will go over the Spotlight before the test.
         Assignment:  Complete Practice 5-9 AND Spotlight Study Guide for the test tomorrow.

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to estimate sums or differences and show their mastery of fraction basics as they prepare for a quiz.  We learned how to estimate fractions by comparing the numerator to the denominator and estimating to either 0, 1/2, or 1.  The students also began a review for their quiz tomorrow.
       Assignment:   Complete quiz review - page 210 in their textbook - evens only - challenge:  all the problems.

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that the movement of heat energy in and out of the atmosphere is an important element of weather.  We reviewed the three types of heat transfer.  We watched an animation on conduction and then discussed how the atmosphere is heated through reradiation.  The atmosphere is NOT heated from above but from below.  Ask your child to describe what this means. 

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #62: Page 312 How can a region have both areas of intense heat and year-round snow?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) examine the geographic features of Africa and compare/contrast, 2) ask questions and make connections between Africa and other ancient cultures, and 3) use correct conventions in their written answers.

LANGUAGE ARTS: We took Cornell Notes about Africa's geography - vocabulary, questions, and a summary.

READING:  We small-group read about "The Kingdom of Aksum" in our text and recorded our own questions.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We answered main idea questions about the "Kingdom of Aksum" and recorded Cornell Notes covering vocabulary, comprehension  questions, and a summary.  

Assignments: Read and prepare a Book Talk for tomorrow!

*******************************************************************
Wednesday, January 4, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to use the arithmetic sequence formula.   We reviewed solving decimal inequalities and students worked with a partner to check their work. We then introduced arithmetic sequences and will complete this tomorrow.  We will have a decimal operations test on Friday.  The Spotlight review will come home tomorrow.
         Assignment:  NONE

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to add and subtract fractions with like denominators.  We reviewed fractions - making equivalent fractions, comparing and ordering.  We then learned how to add and subtract fractions with like denominators.
       Assignment:   Lesson 4-8 Practice A, B or C

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that the movement of heat energy in and out of the atmosphere is an important element of weather.  We reviewed the three types of heat transfer.  We watched some animations to show how radiation and conduction work to heat a pan of water and the envirionment.  The students worked on an experiment to see which metal, aluminum or steel, conducts heat better.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #61: Atlas page 91 - What kind of "revenue" contributes to Egypt's economy?  BK: Think of our field trip!

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) examine the geographic features of Africa and compare/contrast, 2) ask questions and make connections between Africa and other ancient cultures, and 3) use correct conventions in their written answers.

LANGUAGE ARTS: We read about the geography of Africa and answered questions with a partner.

READING:  We did a text feature walk of our Africa unit in our text and created questions using a labeled chart.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We completed a map activity where we labeled major waterways and landforms. 

Assignments: Read and prepare a Book Talk for Friday!

*******************************************************************
Tuesday, January 3, 2012

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to solve decimal inequalities.   We reviewed solving decimal equations and then decimal inequalities.  Inequalities get a little tricky when we multiply and divide by negative numbers.  Ask your child to explain this.
         Assignment:  WS on Inequalities - both sides 

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to use pictures and number lines to compare and order fractions.  We practiced making equivalent fractions and then learned how to compare and order fractions with like and unlike denominators.
       Assignment:   Lesson 4-7 Practice A

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that the movement of heat energy in and out of the atmosphere is an important element of weather.  We reviewed the three types of heat transfer.  We then watched a couple of BrainPOP videos and took the quiz using MIMIO Vote.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #60: Describe one of the best things that happened to you and something you learned during our holiday vacation.  Share.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) examine the geographic features of Africa and make predictions, 2) ask "before" questions and use their BK as they begin learning about Africa, and 3) apply six trait writing as they review their completed and assessed writing.

LANGUAGE ARTS: We were given our corrected/graded tests on ancient Rome, our short essay paragraph, and our Roman Life essays.  We went over them, taking note of word and text clues, completeness, and the application of the six traits of writing.  We also cleaned out our binders!  Whew!

READING:  We asked our "before" questions about Africa and then did an atlas text feature walk.  Our new atlases are loaded with text features!

SOCIAL STUDIES: We completed a "Locating Africa" activity which explored relative location and allowed us to use our new atlases.

Assignments: Read and prepare a Book Talk for Friday!

*******************************************************************
< Friday, December 23, 2011

WE WISH FOR YOU A VERY SAFE AND JOYOUS HOLIDAY AS YOU SPEND TIME WITH YOUR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS CELEBRATING THIS SPECIAL SEASON!

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned about decimal operations on a quiz.    We took a quiz today, did problem solving and figured out Christmas mind benders.
         Assignment:  None
 
MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned about fraction basics through a review and an assessment.  We took a quiz today, did partner problem solving and figured out Christmas mind benders.
       Assignment:   None

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that the movement of heat energy in and out of the atmosphere is an important element of weather.  We discussed heat transfer by radiation and conduction and watched a Bill Nye movie on "HEAT"

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #59: Write: "I'll open this notebook next year!  Merry Christmas!" (Then put away your notebook and study!)

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) analyze and connect events, ideas, and individuals over time, 2) apply levels of questioning to Book Talks, and 3) practice their oral presentation skills.

LANGUAGE ARTS: We presented Book Talks today - we have many!

READING: The children listened to "Madeline and the Cats of Rome" and made connections to our studies!

SOCIAL STUDIES: We watched the Ben Hur chariot races (from the 1959 movie)and made connections to our studies of ancient Rome!

Assignments:
Read and prepare a Book Talk for January!
Have an awesome Christmas vacation!

*******************************************************************
b> Thursday, December 22, 2011

NOTE:  All detentions must be served by Monday, Dec. 19 and all homework must be turned in by Dec. 19 in order to be eligible for the all-school incentive on Dec. 23.

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn how to solve decimal equations.    We continued to practice multiplication and division with decimals.  Students then began to work on decimal equations using inverse operations.  
         Assignment:  Lesson 5-6 and 6-7 - Solving Decimal Equations
 
MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned about fraction basics through a review and an assessment.  We went over the review for Quiz B by correcting page 196.  We continued our review with a MIMIO Vote review and played a review game.  We will take our quiz tomorrow.
       Assignment:   Study for Quiz B

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that the movement of heat energy in and out of the atmosphere is an important element of weather.  We performed an experiment to learn how heat transfers through conduction. 

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #58: Write: "I will use this time to study for my test on ancient Rome." (Then put away your notebook and study!)

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) demonstrate their knowledge of ancient Rome through an assessment, 2) answer questions generated for and from our field trip, and 3) practice their oral presentation skills.

LANGUAGE ARTS: We presented Book Talks today - we have many!

READING: We wrapped up our questioning from our museum field trip!

SOCIAL STUDIES: We took our test on ancient Rome!  Students were allowed silent reading and Book Talk work time if they finished early.

Assignments:
Read and prepare a Book Talk for tomorrow!

*******************************************************************
Wednesday, December 21, 2011

NOTE:  All detentions must be served by Monday, Dec. 19 and all homework must be turned in by Dec. 19 in order to be eligible for the all-school incentive on Dec. 23.

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn how to divide decimals.    We continued to learn how to divide decimals.  We will have a decimal operations quiz on Friday. 
         Assignment:  6-5 worksheet "Dividing Decimals"
 
MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned about fraction basics through a review and an assessment.  We reviewed basic fraction skills.  We will continue to practice tomorrow and will have a quiz on Friday.
       Assignment:   Page 196 all

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that the movement of heat energy in and out of the atmosphere is an important element of weather.  We discussed radiant energy today.  Students took a short MIMIO Quiz on radiant energy.  The test on the seasons was returned and discussed today.

See Mrs. Johnsen for any work in LA, Reading and Social Studies today.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity: 

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) connect all of their BK to our field trip, 2) observe and find answers to their questions regarding our field trip, and 3) use their language skills to listen, observe, and learn on our field trip!

LANGUAGE ARTS:

READING:

SOCIAL STUDIES:

Assignments:
1)The TEST on ancient Rome is Thursday!  Study your study guide!
2) Read and prepare a Book Talk for Friday!

*******************************************************************
Tuesday, December 20, 2011

NOTE:  All detentions must be served by Monday, Dec. 19 and all homework must be turned in by Dec. 19 in order to be eligible for the all-school incentive on Dec. 23.

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn how to divide decimals.  We reviewed multiplying decimals and took a short MIMIO quiz on multiplying.  We then began to review how to do long division.  We will continue with dividing decimals tomorrow. 
         Assignment:  NONE
 
MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn how to convert between mixed numbers and improper fractions.  NO CLASS due to field trip.
       Assignment:   Practice 4-6 (due Wednesday)

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that the movement of heat energy in and out of the atmosphere is an important element of weather.  NO CLASS due to field trip.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity: None.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) connect all of their BK to our field trip, 2) observe and find answers to their questions regarding our field trip, and 3) use their language skills to listen, observe, and learn on our field trip!

LANGUAGE ARTS: Museum Field Trip to see the Cleopatra exhibit!

READING: We reviewed "before" and "thinking" questions for today's field trip!

SOCIAL STUDIES: We watched "Cleopatra" on Brain Pop and did the review quiz.

Assignments:
1)The TEST on ancient Rome is Thursday!  Study your study guide!
2) Read and prepare a Book Talk for Friday!

*******************************************************************
Monday, December 19, 2011

NOTE:  All detentions must be served by Monday, Dec. 19 and all homework must be turned in by Dec. 19 in order to be eligible for the all-school incentive on Dec. 23.

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn how to multiply decimals.  We reviewed adding and subtracting decimals and then practiced multiplying using the traditional algorithm.  Students were encouraged to try to transition to the traditional algorithm since it often requires fewer steps and less chance for errors.  We then learned how to mutliply decimals.   
         Assignment:  Lesson 6-5 Multiplying Decimals worksheet.
 
MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn how to convert between mixed numbers and improper fractions.  We reviewed converting between fractions and decimals, making equivalent fractions  and then learned how to convert between mixed numbers and improper fractions.
       Assignment:   Practice 4-6

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that the movement of heat energy in and out of the atmosphere is an important element of weather.  We finished our graphing of our earth materials data and began to discuss why the sun's energy heats different materials up at different rates.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #56: Page 252 Read the biography about "Theodora." How did she show courage?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) practice and observe their acting skills as they participate and read a class play, 2) notice when they have a question in their inner conversation, and 3) review and evaluate what they have learned as they complete a study guide.

LANGUAGE ARTS: We assigned parts and read a Jr. Scholastic play about Cleopatra.  We also watched the Cleopatra segment of Brain Pop and compared the information in each.

READING: We developed "before" and "thinking" questions for tomorrow's field trip.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We corrected Friday's homework about the Byzantine Empire, and filled out our study guide for Thursday's TEST on ancient Rome.  Students who study at home and get a parent signature on their study guide will get one point added to their test score.

Assignments:
1) Tomorrow is our field trip to the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit.  Students should wear a coat or jacket and bring a bag lunch with their name on it.  Food and drinks will NOT be available for purchase.  NO electronic devices are allowed.  NO cameras, iPods, cell phones, etc.  Students are responsible for money they bring for the gift shop.
2) TEST on ancient Rome on Thursday!  Study your study guide!
3) Read and prepare a Book Talk for Friday!

*******************************************************************
Friday, December 16, 2011

NOTE:  All detentions must be served by Monday, Dec. 19 and all homework must be turned in by Dec. 19 in order to be eligible for the all-school incentive on Dec. 23.

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn how to add and subtract decimals. We practiced estimating, adding, and subtracting with decimals.    
         Assignment:  Practice 3-1C and Practice 5-3 (evens only).
 
MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn how to write equivalent fractions. We reviewed converting between fractions and decimals.
       Assignment:   Practice 4-5 (both sides) and make up missing work!

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that the movement of heat energy in and out of the atmosphere is an important element of weather.  We graphed yesterday's data of how temperature changed as a line graph.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #55: Page 241 How is the term "Messiah" related to the term "Christianity?"

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) integrate information about ancient Rome into their essay, 2) apply questioning skills to reading passages about the Roman Empire, and 3) use the six traits of writing in their descriptive essay about ancient Roman life.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we worked on finishing the final draft of our Roman Life essay.  We used lap top computers. Students handed in their instructions, organizers, edited rough draft, and final copy.  Monday is the very last day I will accept them.

READING: We wrote "Before, During, and After" questions while reading about "Rome and Byzantium" in our Social Studies text.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We corrected yesterday's homework, squeezed in a few Book Talks, and began the homework that will be due on Monday.

Assignments:
1) Read pages 246-253 in your Social Studies text and complete both sides of the blue activity page.  Fill out at least three boxes in each column on the white chart.  Due Monday.
2) We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on Tuesday, December 20th. 
3) Read and prepare a Book Talk for Monday! One MUST be presented by Monday, December 19th, in order to be eligible for fun holiday incentives!

*******************************************************************

Thursday, December 15, 2011

NOTE:  All detentions must be served by Monday, Dec. 19 and all homework must be turned in by Dec. 19 in order to be eligible for the all-school incentive on Dec. 23.

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn how to read, write and compare decimals. We did partner problem solving today and then reviewed place value with students and practiced reading and comparing decimals.     
         Assignment:  Practice 3-1 both sides
 
MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn how to convert between decimals and fractions.  We practiced converting between decimals and fractions.  The students then took the Chapter 3 Quiz A assessment.
       Assignment:   Practice 4-4 (A, B or C)

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that the movement of heat energy in and out of the atmosphere is an important element of weather.   We did an experiment today where we heated up earth materials, took their temperature every three minutes and then let them cool down while taking their temperatures.  Tomorrow we will analyze the reults.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #54: Page 237 "Datagraphic" - "Feeding Rome's Cities" questions 1-3.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) integrate information about ancient Rome into their essay, 2) apply questioning skills to reading passages about the Roman Empire, and 3) use the six traits of writing in their descriptive essay about ancient Roman life.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we continued to work on finishing, revising, and editing the rough draft of our Roman Life essay.  We used lap top computers.

READING: We wrote "Before, During, and After" questions while reading about "The Birth of Christianity" in our Social Studies text.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We reviewed and discussed our last Common Assessment.  We also analyzed pictures from the Roman Empire and created interpretive captions to go with them.

Assignments:
1) Read pages 240-245 in your Social Studies text and complete both sides of the gold activity page.  Due tomorrow!
2) We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on Tuesday, December 20th. 
3) Read and prepare a Book Talk for tomorrow! One MUST be presented by Monay, December 19th, in order to be eligible for fun holiday incentives!

*******************************************************************
Wednesday, December 14, 2011

NOTE:  All detentions must be served by Monday, Dec. 19 and all homework must be turned in by Dec. 19 in order to be eligible for the all-school incentive on Dec. 23.

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned about factors and fractions on an assessment.  We reviewed the Spotlight Study Guide, returned and discussed Quizzes C and D before taking the Chapter 4 test.     
         Assignment:  NONE
 
MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will review prime factorization and GCF for an assessment.  We reviewed prime numbers, prime factorization and finding GCF.  We will have a quiz on this material tomorrow.  We then worked on a group problem solving activity.
         Assignment:   Complete page 178 and study for the quiz

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn seasons are related to the amount of solar energy transferred to earth and there are several factors that determine the amount of energy that is transferred.  We reviewed for our quiz on the seasons today by discussing some common misconceptions and then took our quiz.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #53: Page 234 What was the Pax Romana and why was it important?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) integrate information about ancient Rome into their essay, 2) apply questioning skills to reading passages about the Roman Empire, and 3) use the six traits of writing in their descriptive essay about ancient Roman life.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we continued to work on the rough draft of our Roman Life essay.  We used lap top computers.

READING: Library Day!

SOCIAL STUDIES: We finished the organizational chart for the Pax Romana.  

Assignments:
1) We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on Tuesday, December 20th. 
2) Read and prepare a Book Talk for Friday! One MUST be presented by Friday, December 16th, in order to be eligible for fun holiday incentives!

*******************************************************************
Monday, December 12, 2011

NOTE:  All detentions must be served by Monday, Dec. 19 and all homework must be turned in by Dec. 19 in order to be eligible for the all-school incentive on Dec. 23.

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to use negative exponents to evaluate expressions.  We practiced finding the Least Common Multiple of two or more numbers, reviewed multiplying and dividing monomials and learned how to work with negative exponents.
         Assignment:  Practice 4-9 evens and POW #10 is due on Wednesday, Dec. 14

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to write prime factorizations of composite numbers.   We practiced divisibility rules and reviewed factors.  We then learned how to find prime factorizations of numbers.
         Assignment: Practice 4-2 - Complete from Friday's assignment

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn seasons are related to the amount of solar energy transferred to earth and there are several factors that determine the amount of energy that is transferred.  We continued our discussion of the earth-sun relationship and what causes the seasons and watched a Bill Nye movie on the seasons.  (The PreAlgebra class continued to work on their PA assignment in science today.)

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #51: Page 233 Why did Caesar join forces with Cleopatra?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) integrate information about ancient Rome into their essay, 2) apply questioning skills to reading passages about the Roman Empire, and 3) use the six traits of writing in their descriptive essay about ancient Roman life.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we worked on our Roman Life Writing Activity.  We selected our topic, reviewed our information, filled out our organizer, and started our introduction.

READING: We read about the Roman Empire in our text and recorded Before-During-After questions.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We continued to work on our Roman Life Writing Activity.  We researched additional information in selected books from our library as well as the internet.  Many students began their rough draft on the lap top computers. 

Assignments:
1) We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on Tuesday, December 20th. 
2) Read and prepare a Book Talk for Friday! One MUST be presented by Friday, December 16th, in order to be eligible for fun holiday incentives!

*******************************************************************
Friday, December 9, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to multiply and divide monomials.  We practiced finding the Least Common Multiple of two or more numbers, discussed POW #9 and learned how to multiply and divide monomials.
         Assignment:  Practice 4-8 evens and POW #10 is due on Wednesday, Dec. 14

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to how to find factors of numbers.   We worked with our prime number charts today on an activity.  We then discussed one way to find all the factors of a number.
         Assignment: Practice 4-2 - only the top portion on factors

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn seasons are related to the amount of solar energy transferred to earth and there are several factors that determine the amount of energy that is transferred.  We continued our discussion of the earth-sun relationship and what causes the seasons and read an article on the reason for seasons.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #50:Using your glossary, define 1)civil war, 2)dictator, 3)Pax Romana, 4)gladiator, and 5)census.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) practice oral presentation skills, 2) apply questioning skills to articles about the Roman Empire, and 3) review information about ancient Roman life to prepare for an essay.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we presented our Book Talks!

READING: We completed charting our BK, Text Features, and Questions using the "Kids Discover" magazine entitled "The Roman Empire."

SOCIAL STUDIES: We introduced the Roman Life Writing Assignment!  Students will select from three "Roman life" topics, research information, fill out an organizer, and begin their rough draft.  We will have the lap top computers all of next week. 

Assignments:
1) We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on December 20th. 
2) Read and prepare a Book Talk for next Friday! One MUST be presented by next Friday, December 16th, in order to be eligible for fun holiday incentives!

*******************************************************************
Thursday, December 8, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn how to find the LCM by using their knowledge of prime factorization and GCF.  We practiced simplifying fractions by putting together a puzzle, practiced our multiples by playing "Bizz/Buzz" and learned how to find the Least Common Multiple of two or more numbers.
          Assignment:  Practice 4-7 selected problems

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn the difference between prime numbers and composite numbers.  We completed a 100s chart to show which numbers are divisible by  2, 3, 5 and 7.  All the numbers that were left were circled because they are prime numbers!
         Assignment: Practice 4-1 - complete entire worksheet from yesterday

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn seasons are related to the amount of solar energy transferred to earth and there are several factors that determine the amount of energy that is transferred.  We continued our discussion of the earth-sun relationship and what causes the seasons.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #49:Using your glossary, define 1)representative, 2)Senate, 3)tribune, 4)consul, and 5)Twelve Tables.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) infer and summarize in responses to geography quesitons, 2) examine different kinds of questions, and 3) make connections between past and present democracy.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we read about the Roman Republic and completed a writing activity involving vocabulary, government facts, and "thinking" questions.

READING: We began to chart our BK, Text Features, and Questions using the "Kids Discover" magazine entitled "The Roman Empire."

SOCIAL STUDIES: We finished our geography of Italy map and questions, read and wrote about the Roman Republic, and began reading about the Roman Empire.

Assignments:
1) We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on December 20th. 
2) Read and prepare a Book Talk for tomorrow! One MUST be presented by Friday, December 16th, in order to be eligible for fun holiday incentives!

*******************************************************************
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

NOTE:  We had "Wildcat Wednesday" and discussed the opportunity to go to Homework Club each day after school from 3- 3:30 in the cafeteria to get extra help on homework.  We also introduced our December incentive for "doing the right thing" and being able to get a free book at Book Island. Please discuss these with your child.  A green flyer was sent home.

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned about factors by taking an assessment.  We worked in pairs on a problem-solving activity today and then we took an assessment on Lessons 4-1 to 4-5.
          Assignment:  Practice 4-6 (multiples of 5) - assigned on Tuesday

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned about decimals on an assessment.  We discussed divisibility rules and then we took the Chapter 3 test today.
         Assignment: Practice 4-1 (assigned problems only)

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn seasons are related to the amount of solar energy transferred to earth and there are several factors that determine the amount of energy that is transferred.  We continued our discussion of the earth-sun relationship and what causes the seasons.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #48:Using your glossary, define plebeian, patrician,and republic.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) infer and summarize in responses to geography quesitons, 2) examine different kinds of questions, and 3) make connections between past and present democracy.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we finished the questions about the geography of Italy and took a Common Assessment.

READING: We continued to practice our "Right There" and "Think" questions. 

SOCIAL STUDIES: We worked on an activity on the Roman Republic using pages 222-229 in our textbook.

Assignments:
1) We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on December 20th. 
2) Read and prepare a Book Talk for Friday! One MUST be presented by Friday, December 16th, in order to be eligible for fun holiday incentives!

*******************************************************************
Tuesday, December 6, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to simplify fractions using prime factorization and the GCF (Greatest Common Factor).   We reviewed for our quiz tomorrow using page 194 in our textbook and the MIMIO Vote.  We then learned how to simplify fractions.
          Assignment:  Practice 4-6 (multiples of 5) - and POW #9 - due tomorrow  - We will have a quiz tomorrow on lessons 4-1 to 4-5.

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned about decimals on an assessment.  We reviewed for the Chapter 3 test.  Students should study their "Jeopardy" question and answers (homework from yesterday).  The Chapter 3 test will be tomorrow.    We then did a problem solving assignment with pairs of students.
         Assignment: Study for the test - these questions and answers:  Page 151-154 #s:  4, 13, 16, 19-21, 24, 26-27, 32, 36, 41, 44, 47, 50-53, 55, 58, 61, 63-64, 67-69, 71-74

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn seasons are related to the amount of solar energy transferred to earth and there are several factors that determine the amount of energy that is transferred.  We continued our discussion of the earth-sun relationship and what causes the seasons. We watched two BrainPOP videos to help us learn this concept and took a BrainPOP quiz using MIMIO Vote.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #47: Pages 216-217 How did the Roman Republic affect our world today?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) locate, draw, and color locations on a map of Italy, 2) examine different kinds of questions, and 3) predict, infer, and summarize as they create written responses.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we answered questions about the geography of Italy.  We wrote about how the geographical features both helped and hindered the peninsula.

READING: We learned about "Right There" and "Think" questions.  We practiced identifying them and understanding their characteristics.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We completed a labeling and coloring map activity, and the two levels of questions that went with it.

Assignments:
1) We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on December 20th. 
2) Read and prepare a Book Talk for Friday! One MUST be presented by Friday, December 16th, in order to be eligible for fun holiday incentives!

*******************************************************************
Monday, December 5, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to calculate the GCF (Greatest Common Factor).   We practiced learning our prime and composite numbers and reviewed prime factorization.  We then looked at how prime factorization could help us to find the GCF of two monomials.
          Assignment:  Practice 4-5 (multiples of 4) - and POW #9 - due Wed., Dec. 7; some students had not finished 4-4 and must have that done for tomorrow also.

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned about decimals on an assessment.  We went over our review for the Chapter 3B quiz, took the quiz and started to review for the Chapter Test.   The Chapter 3 test will be tomorrow.
         Assignment:  Page 151-154 #s:  4, 13, 16, 19-21, 24, 26-27, 32, 36, 41, 44, 47, 50-53, 55, 58, 61, 63-64, 67-69, 71-74

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn seasons are related to the amount of solar energy transferred to earth and there are several factors that determine the amount of energy that is transferred.  We began our discussion of the earth-sun relationship and what causes the seasons.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity Quiz #2 was given today.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) examine a map of Italy and locate geographical features, 2) notice when they have a question in their inner conversation, and 3) practice and expand spelling skills through a competative Spelling Bee!

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we held our classroom Spelling Bee!  Winners will compete at the grade level, then schoolwide, competition later.

READING: We did a "text feature" walk through our chapter on ancient Rome and wrote questions that we wondered about.  We discussed our questions and read together the lesson on the geography of Italy.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We completed a map and questions activity in class.

Assignments:
1) We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on December 20th. 
2) Read and prepare a Book Talk for Friday! One MUST be presented before Christmas in order to be eligible for fun incentives!

*******************************************************************
Friday, December 2, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to use factor trees to finds prime factorization.  We looked at a 100s chart to identify all prime numbers and composite numbers.  POW #8 was returned and disucssed along with the Chapter 3 test.
          Assignment:  Practice 4-4 (multiples of 3) - and POW #9 - due Wed., Dec. 7

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to solve equations with decimals.  We worked on solving decimal equations using inverse operations.  The students also started to study for their math quiz, which will be on Monday.    The Chapter 3 test will be on Tuesday.
         Assignment:  Page 148 - all problems

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn seasons are related to the amount of solar energy transferred to earth and there are several factors that determine the amount of energy that is transferred.  We read the story of Wendy and the Worldwide Weather Watchers to learn about the difference in daylight hours throughout the world.  We then looked at a Foss Web animation to show how the earth's tilt affects our daylight hours.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #46: Why do high schools or colleges call their sports teams the "Spartans?"

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) practice oral presentation skills, 2) use text features to connect with B.K. to gain new learning, and 3) review and learn information about ancient Greece through Brain Pop!

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we completed and reviewed our "adverbs" activity page.  We also went over our Common Assessment and discussed how to determine correct answers.  We presented Book Talks!

READING: Our "Reading/Social Studies" block was filled with an interesting and enjoyable assessment. We read "The Child Soldiers  of Sparta" and listed five text features and what we learned from them.  We also recorded our Background Knowledge, New Learning, Questions, Connections, Responses, and Inferences.

SOCIAL STUDIES: As above.  We had a small window of time to watch a Brain Pop about Athens.

Assignments:
1) We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on December 20th. 
2) Read and prepare a Book Talk for next week! One MUST be presented before Christmas in order to be eligible for fun incentives!

*******************************************************************

Thursday, December 1, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to work with a partner to solve an open-ended problem.  Students worked in pairs on problem solving.  We then reviewed exponents and divisibility rules. 
           Assignment:  Practice 4-3 worksheet - both sides and POW #9 - due Wed., Dec. 7

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to work with a partner to solve an open-ended problem.   Students worked in pairs on problem solving.  We also took a short decimal division quiz and reviewed solving equations with inverse operations.   
         Assignment:  None

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn seasons are related to the amount of solar energy transferred to earth and there are several factors that determine the amount of energy that is transferred.  We continued to calculate the number of daylight hours for each month in West Allis, graphed and discussed the results.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #45: What does a myth try to explain?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) practice correct conventions in their written responses, 2) interpret and draw conclusions from complex text, and 3) connect Greek mythology with an explanation of natural or historical events.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we read the Grammar Tale children's book "The Bug Book" and reviewed the correct use and understanding of adjectives and adverbs.

READING: Our "Reading/Social Studies" block was filled with an interesting and enjoyable assessment.  Students read a one-page myth and answered eight multiple choice questions, drew a picture or diagram, and answered six written response questions.  This activity will be assessed for text comprehension.

SOCIAL STUDIES: As above.

Assignments:
1) We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on December 20th. 
2) Read and prepare a Book Talk for tomorrow! One MUST be presented before Christmas in order to be eligible for fun incentives!

*******************************************************************

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned about inequalities on an assessment.  We discussed the Spotlight review in detail by using MIMIO Vote!  We then took the Chapter 3 test.  POW #9 was handed out, but is not due until Wed., Dec. 7.      
           Assignment:  POW #9 - due Wed., Dec. 7
*******************************************************************

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to interpret the quotient of a division problem.    We practiced division problems and tried to determine if the quotient made sense with our word problem.  We then played Whack-A-Mole with teams while working on our multiplication and division of decimals.  
         Assignment:  Practice 3-8B - evens only

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn seasons are related to the amount of solar energy transferred to earth and there are several factors that determine the amount of energy that is transferred.  We continued to calculate the number of daylight hours for each month in West Allis and graph the results.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #44: Using your new BK, what do you think "demography" could mean?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) gather and share historical and cultural information, 2) apply comprehension strategies to their personal reading, and 3) read, listen, and interpret an ancient Greek tale.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today students "reported" to the class their investigation of their assigned topic about ancient Greek life.  They presented a synopsis of their article and both asked and discussed pertinent questions.

READING: Library Day!

SOCIAL STUDIES: We read and discussed "Theseus and the Minotaur."  We also watched the Brain Pop segment of Greek Gods and Goddesses and took the review quiz. The kids were awesome!

Assignments:
1) We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on December 20th. 
2) Read and prepare a Book Talk! One MUST be presented before Christmas in order to be eligible for fun incentives!

*******************************************************************
Tuesday, November 29, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will show what they have learned about inequalities on an assessment.  We took a quiz on the second half a chapter 3 and students will take the Chapter 3 test tomorrow.  They began to work on the Spotlight, a study guide for the Chapter 3 test in class and should complete it for homework.
          Assignment:  Spotlight - Chapter 3

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to divide decimals by decimals. We practiced dividing decimals by decimals today.  We will have a short quiz on decimal division tomorrow.
         Assignment:  Practice 3-7 A, B or C  (at least 12 problems)

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn seasons are related to the amount of solar energy transferred to earth and there are several factors that determine the amount of energy that is transferred.  Today we talked about the length of daylight hours and began to calculate the number of daylight hours for each month in West Allis.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #43: Using the glossary page in your Scholastic packet, define "democracy."  ______+______=______+______

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) identify and extract meaning from text features, 2) think and react to new information and merge their thinking with it, and 3) expand spelling, vocabulary, and conprehension by working with word elements.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today students completed two pages in their "Word Roots" booklet.  They learned about the roots mob, brev, and cede, and a variety of prefixes and suffixes to create meaning.

READING: Today we merged our Reading activity with our Social Studies exploration of ancient Greece.  We began a group activity entitled, "Investigating Information and Reporting."  Students were in groups of three, each taking the role of Reader, Scribe, or Reporter.  Each group was assigned a topic to read, note, and report to the class on tomorrow.

SOCIAL STUDIES: As above. 

Assignments:
*Library Day is tomorrow!
1) We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on December 20th. 
2) Read and prepare a Book Talk! One MUST be presented before Christmas in order to be eligible for fun incentives!

*******************************************************************
Monday, November 28, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to solve inequalities by using the properties of inequality. We reviewed all the operations when solving inequalities.  We then reviewed how to write equations and inequalities from words.  We will have a quiz tomorrow and the chapter 3 test on Wednesday.
          Assignment:  Practice 3-8

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to divide decimals by whole numbers. We practiced dividing decimals by whole numbers.
         Assignment:  Practice 3-6 A, B or C

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that weather occurs in the atmosphere which is composed of gasses. They will also learn the properties of air.  We watched a Bill Nye video on the Atmosphere.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #42: How do we know so much about the ancient Greeks when they lived so many hundreds of years ago?  (Think like a historian!)

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) recognize how historical information is acquired, 2) recognize that thinking about what they already know will help them understand new information, and 3) expand spelling, vocabulary, and conprehension by working with word elements.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today students completed two pages in their "Word Roots" booklet.  They learned about the roots struct, tract, and vinc, and a variety of prefixes and suffixes to create meaning.

READING: Today we introduced a Scholastic booklet about ancient Greece.  Students did a "text feature" walk and we "extracted" ten features and their purpose.

SOCIAL STUDIES: As we began our study of ancient Greece, we explored our Background Knowledge, further discussed the O.A. question, and examined the glossary of the booklet.  We used our skills to break apart and/or connect words to our BK.  

Assignments:
1) We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on December 20th.  Permission slips and money ($15.00) will be turned in to the museum this Wednesday.  Be sure to sign both sides!
3) Read and prepare a Book Talk! One MUST be presented before Christmas in order to be eligible for fun incentives!

*******************************************************************
Tuesday, November 22, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target: Students will learn to solve inequalities by using the properties of inequality. We reviewed adding and subtracting with inequalities and then practiced using multiplication and division.
          Assignment:  Practice 3-7 and POW #8

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to divide decimals by whole numbers. We reviewed scientific notation, multiplying decimals and then basic long-division rules.
         Assignment:  NONE!!!  Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that weather occurs in the atmosphere which is composed of gasses. They will also learn the properties of air.  Students took a science assessment today.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #41: Write: "Thanksgiving Mad Libs." (Then put away your note book!)

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) practice the correct use of homonyms, 2) connect their BK to new information and react to it/revise their thinking, and 3) practice their oral presentation skills and compare/contrast past and present "thanks."

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today students concluded presenting their "Plate of Thanks".  We examined the meaning of homonyms and practiced how to use their meanings correctly (A Pair of Pears?).

READING: Today we completed a district Common Assessment involving reading comprehension skills.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today we cleaned out our binders!  Our study of Egypt has now been completed.  We will begin an overview of ancient Greece after Thanksgiving break. 

Assignments:
1) We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on December 20th.  Permission slips and money ($15.00) are due tomorrow, Wednesday, November 23rd.  Be sure to sign both sides!
3) Read and prepare a Book Talk! One MUST be presented before Christmas in order to be eligible for fun incentives!


*******************************************************************
Monday, November 21, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target:  Students will determine whether one number is a factor of another.  Ms. Moore taught our lesson today and we learned and practiced the divisibility rules.
          Assignment:  Study Guide 4-1, Practice 3-6 (from Friday), POW #8 is due by Wednesday

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to write large numbers in scientific notation.  We learned how to read and write scientific notation today.
         Assignment:  Practice 3-4 (A, B or C)

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that weather occurs in the atmosphere which is composed of gasses. They will also learn the properties of air.  We took a short BrainPOP quiz today using MIMIO Vote!  We then worked on our study guide for our test tomorrow.  The students should STUDY from the study guide - everything they need to know for the test in on the study guide.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #40: Describe your Thanksgiving meal and how your family celebrates.  Share.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) practice their oral presentation skills, 2) connect their BK to new information and react to it/revise their thinking, and 3) Apply test-taking strategies to the results of their test on ancient Egypt.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today students began presenting their "Plate of Thanks".  We will continue and conclude tomorrow.

READING: Today we learned and reviewed the concept of merging our thinking with new information.  We compared the different things people were thankful for with that of the ancient civilizations we have studied.  For example, today we have plumbing in our homes; people in ancient times did not have the plumbing
we have.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today the Egypt tests were returned and we discussed test-taking strategies.  The kids did fantastic!  Their tests were filed in their folders.

Assignments: 1) The "Plate of Thanks" activity is due tomorrow, Tuesday, November 22.
2) We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on December 20th.  Permission slips and money ($15.00) are due by Wednesday, November 23rd.  Be sure to sign both sides!
3) Read and prepare a Book Talk! One MUST be presented before Christmas in order to be eligible for fun incentives!


*******************************************************************
Friday, November 18, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target:  Students will learn how to solve addition and subtraction inequalities.
          Assignment:  Practice 3-6 ALL and 3-5 (from Thursday) evens only

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to multiply decimals.   We continued to practice multiplying decimals.  
         Assignment:  Practice 3-5 (A, B or C) (from Thursday)

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that weather occurs in the atmosphere which is composed of gasses. They will also learn the properties of air.  We worked on the computer today to learn about different characteristics of the layers of the atmosphere.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #39: Write down three pieces of BK about ancient Greece and three about ancient Rome.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) practice their oral presentation skills, 2) connect their BK to new information and react to it/revise their thinking, and 3) Preview information about ancient Greece and Rome.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today students presented their Book Talks.  They must have one completed before Christmas in order to participate in any incentives.

READING: Today we learned and reviewed the concept of merging our thinking with new information.  We read and responded to a article entitled, "Was King Tut Murdered?" in Jr. Scholastic magazine.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today students discussed their BK about ancient Greece and ancient Rome.  Students were allowed a free reading time with the remainder of the Jr. Scholastic magazine. (Several students were gone due to test make-ups and the Spanish field trip.)

Assignments: 1) The "Plate of Thanks" activity is due on Tuesday, November 22.
2) We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on December 20th.  Permission slips and money ($15.00) are due by Wednesday, November 23rd.  Be sure to sign both sides!
3) Read and prepare a Book Talk! One MUST be presented before Christmas in order to be eligible for fun incentives!


*******************************************************************

Thursday, November 17, 2011

     NOTE:  All missing assignments are due by tomorrow, Nov. 18, in order to be eligible for the all- school incentive on Wed., Nov. 23.

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target:  Students will show what they know by taking a quiz.  We took a quiz on the first half of Chapter 3 today.  
          Assignment:  Practice 3-5 - evens only

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to multiply decimals.  We discussed the quiz from yesterday and reviewed estimating with decimals and took a common assessment.  We then practiced multiplying decimals.  
         Assignment:  Practice 3-5 (A, B or C)

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that weather occurs in the atmosphere which is composed of gasses. They will also learn the properties of air.  We discussed and read about the layers of the atmosphere today.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #38: Write: "I will use this time to study for my test on ancient Egypt." (Then, put away your note book and study!)

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) practice the correct use of verb tense and irregular verb form, 2) connect their BK to new information and react to it/revise their thinking, and 3) demonstrate their knowledge of ancient Egypt through an assessment.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today one of our students played the role of "teacher" and read "A Verb for Herb" to the class!  We then completed four practice activity pages applying and practicing the grammar rules.

READING: Today we learned and reviewed the concept of merging our thinking with new information.  We brain stormed and listed "Language that Signals New Learning."

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today students completed the test on ancient Egypt for Ch.3 "The Nile River Valley."

Assignments: 1) The "Plate of Thanks" activity is due on Tuesday, November 22.
2) Field Trip Permission slips were given out to students to take home.  We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on December 20th.  Permission slips and money ($15.00) are due by Wednesday, November 23rd.  Be sure to sign both sides!
3) Read and prepare a Book Talk!
*******************************************************************

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

     NOTE:  All missing assignments are due by this Friday, Nov. 18, in order to be eligible for the all- school incentive on Wed., Nov. 23.

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target:  Students will explore finding perimeter and area of rectangles and squares.  Ms. Moore worked with the students today on learning the difference between area and perimeter.
          Assignment:  Study Guide 3-5
MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to do problem solving with a partner.  We worked in pairs to design a problem for another set of students to solve. We then looked over our review work from yesterday as we prepared for our quiz.  We took quiz 3A today.
         Assignment:  None

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that weather occurs in the atmosphere which is composed of gasses. They will also learn the properties of air.  We were introduced to the layers of the atmosphere today and read about the gasses that make up our air.  What is the most abundant gas in our atmosphere?  Hint: It's not oxygen!

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #37: Page 109 "Using a Time Line" - answer 19 & 20.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) expand spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension by working with word elements, 2) understand the purpose of text features and use them to gain knowledge, and 3) learn how to fill out and use a study guide in preparation for a test.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today students completed the three warm-up activities in their "Word Roots" booklet.  These activities focus on word roots, prefixes, and suffixes.  Students strengthen their comprehension of word meanings.

READING: Library Day today!  Students also received a lesson on cyber-bullying and how to report it.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Yesterday students recieved a Study Guide for their TEST on ancient Egypt.  Today we reviewed our information and studied for the test.

Assignments: 1) The TEST on ancient Egypt is tomorrow!
2) The "Plate of Thanks" activity is due on Tuesday, November 22.
3) Field Trip Permission slips were given out to students to take home.  We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on December 20th.  Permission slips and money ($15.00) are due by Wednesday, November 23rd.  Be sure to sign both sides!
4) Read and prepare a Book Talk!

    *******************************************************************
Tuesday, November 15, 2011

     NOTE:  All missing assignments are due by this Friday, Nov. 18, in order to be eligible for the all- school incentive on Wed., Nov. 23.

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target:  Students will learn to do problem solving with a partner.  We worked in pairs to design a problem for another set of students to solve.  We also reviewed for our quiz tomorrow using whiteboards.
          Assignment:  Study for the quiz

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will review decimal basics to prepare for a quiz.  We worked on a quiz review on page 122 and 123 of their textbook.  We will have a quiz tomorrow.
         Assignment:  Study for the quiz

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that weather occurs in the atmosphere which is composed of air and they will learn the properties of air.  We went over yesterday's syringe experiment and then answered the question, "Does air have weight?" by weighing a balloon filled with air.  Ask your child to explain!

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #36: What economic resource did Upper Nubia possess that might have led neighboring kingdoms to try to conquer it?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) apply the Six Trait Rubric and role of editing to their writing, 2) understand the purpose of text features and use them to gain knowledge, and 3) learn how to fill out and use a study guide in preparation for a test.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today students received their graded descriptive journal entries.  They were wonderful!  They have been filed in our classroom.  Each student received a cardstock copy of Six Trait definitions, the Six Trait Rubric, and a guide to editing symbols and transition words.  These are to be kept in their classroom binders for reference.

READING: Today we reviewed the impact of Background Knowledge and made connections to New Learning as we read "Kids Discover" articles about ancient Egypt.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Students recieved a Study Guide for their TEST on ancient Egypt - which will be on Thursday.  They had time to work with a partner to fill it out and it will be reviewed tomorrow.  I also showed the students the REAL TEST and asked them questions from it!

Assignments: 1) The TEST on ancient Egypt is Thursday!
2) The "Plate of Thanks" activity is due on Tuesday, November 22.
3) Field Trip Permission slips were given out to students to take home.  We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on December 20th.  Permission slips and money ($15.00) are due by Wednesday, November 23rd.  Be sure to sign both sides!
4) Read and prepare a Book Talk!
5) Library Day is tomorrow!

    *******************************************************************
Monday, November 14, 2011

     NOTE:  All missing assignments are due by this Friday, Nov. 18, in order to be eligible for the all- school incentive on Wed., Nov. 23.

PRE-ALGEBRA:       
          Learning Target:  Students will learn to solve problems using formulas.  We practiced solving problems using a variety of formulas. 
          Assignment:  Practice 3-4 all

MATH 6:    
          Learning Target: Students will learn to add and subtract decimals.  We worked on adding and subtracting with decimals. 
         Assignment:  Lesson 3-3 Practice A, B or C - both sides

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will learn that weather occurs in the atmosphere which is composed of air and they will learn the properties of air. Today we started to investigate air by doing a hands-on experiment with syringes.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #35: Using your glossary, define "cataract" and "social pyramid."

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) practice correct conventions in written responses  2) understand the purpose of text features and use them to gain knowledge, and 3) analyze the political and social structure of Kush and trace its history in relation to Egypt.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we read and answered questions about the ancient civilizations of Nubia and Kush.  We focused on correct conventions and completeness.

READING: Today we made connections to New Learning as we read our text.  We also did a vocabulary match and used different strategies to help us.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We watched the Brain Pop videos on ancient Egyptian pharaohs and mummies and completed the review quizzes.

Assignments: 1) The TEST on ancient Egypt is Thursday! (Study Guide tomorrow!)
2) The "Plate of Thanks" activity is due on Tuesday, November 22.
3) Field Trip Permission slips were given out to students to take home.  We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on December 20th.  Permission slips and money ($15.00) are due by Wednesday, November 23rd.  Be sure to sign both sides!
4) Read and prepare a Book Talk!

    *******************************************************************
Friday, November 11, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA:       NO CLASS TODAY DUE TO THE WKCE SCHEDULE 
          Learning Target:  Students will practice using the Logical Reasoning problem solving strategy. 
          Assignment:  None - Have a great weekend!

MATH 6:    NO CLASS TODAY DUE TO THE WKCE SCHEDULE 
          Learning Target: Students will practice using the Logical Reasoning problem solving strategy.   
         Assignment:  None - Have a great weekend!

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will be introduced to the concept of weather and the tools that meteorologists use to measure and study weather factors.   We watched a Bill Nye movie on STORMS!  We also celebrated meeting our classroom behavior goal and ate popcorn during the movie!  Congratulations Team 6A, you worked hard to get this!

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #34: What is a "veteran?"

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) practice their oral presentation skills  2) apply comprehension strategies to their personal reading, and 3) explore Egyptian heiroglyphics and social structure as they create a pyramid.

LANGUAGE ARTS: The "Plate of Thanks" assignment was given.  Students will take a paper plate or piece of paper and draw, paste, glue, or tape 10 pictures or words of things they are thankful for.  This is due on Tuesday, November 22, and students will orally present their plate to the class.  No class time will be given to work on these.  The "Plate of Thanks" is a homework activity.  A grading rubric was explained.

READING: No class today due to WKCE testing.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today we honored our veterans with a short, but informative, packet explaining Veteran's Day.  We talked about respecting the American flag and demonstrated how to fold it properly.  This activity was combined with our Language Arts class period.

Assignments: 1) Read and prepare a Book Talk! 
2) The "Plate of Thanks" activity is due on Tuesday, November 22.
2) Field Trip Permission slips were given out to students to take home.  We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on December 20th.  Permission slips and money ($15.00) are due by Wednesday, November 23rd.  Be sure to sign both sides!
    *******************************************************************
             Thursday, November 10, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA:        
     Learning Target:  Students will practice using the Logical Reasoning problem solving strategy.  We took a short quiz on our NEW MIMIO VOTE system!  We then worked in pairs to solve some word problems using logical reasoning.  
          Assignment:  Practice 3-1 both sides and POW #7 is due tomorrow.
MATH 6: 

     Learning Target: Students will practice using the Logical Reasoning problem solving strategy.  We took a short quiz on our NEW MIMIO VOTE system!  We then worked in pairs to solve some word problems using logical reasoning.  
         Assignment:  Choose logical reasoning puzzle 3 or 4.  If you do both you will get extra credit!

SCIENCE:         NO CLASS TODAY DUE TO THE WKCE SCHEDULE
     Learning Target: Students will be introduced to the concept of weather and the tools that meteorologists use to measure and study weather factors.  

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #33: When you grow up, where will you be on the Egyptian Social pyramid?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) practice their oral presentation skills  2) apply comprehension strategies to their personal reading, and 3) explore Egyptian heiroglyphics and social structure as they create a pyramid.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Students with completed Book Talks may present them for the second quarter.

READING: Silent reading and Book Talk work time were given.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today students worked on their paper pyramids.  They wrote the societal structure on one side, their name in hieroglyphics on another side, and the third side is their own choice.  We are making a 3-sided pyramid, not a 4-sided!

Assignment: Read and prepare a Book Talk!  Field Trip Permission slips were given out to students to take home.  We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on December 20th.  Permission slips and money ($15.00) are due by Wednesday, November 23rd.  Be sure to sign both sides!
    *******************************************************************
Wednesday, November 9, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA:         NO CLASS TODAY DUE TO THE WKCE SCHEDULE
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to solve integer equations.   
          Assignment:  POW #7 (due on Friday)

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to estimate and round decimals.   We learned how to round decimals to help estimate sums, differences, products and quotients!
         Assignment:  Practice 3-2

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will be introduced to the concept of weather and the tools that meteorologists use to measure and study weather factors.   Hour 4 only: We looked at our current weather report and then compared tornados and hurricanes using a Venn Diagram.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity: None due to WKCE Testing.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) practice their oral presentation skills  2) apply comprehension strategies to their personal reading, and 3) explore Egyptian heiroglyphics and social structure as they create a pyramid.

*Today's activities only pertain to afternoon classes.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Our afternoon class presented Book Talks for Quarter II.

READING: Silent reading and Book Talk work time were given.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today students worked on their paper pyramids.  They wrote the societal structure on one side, their name in hieroglyphics on another side, and the third side is their own choice.  We are making a 3-sided pyramid, not a 4-sided!

Assignment: Read and prepare a Book Talk!  Field Trip Permission slips were given out to students to take home.  We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on December 20th.  Permission slips and money ($15.00) are due by Wednesday, November 23rd.  Be sure to sign both sides!

*******************************************************************
           Tuesday, November 8, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA:        
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to solve integer equations.   Today we continued practicing how to solve equations with exponents and then we reviewed integer equations and coordinate graphing.
     Assignment:  POW #7 (due on Friday)

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to use the multiplication algorithm on multi-digit multiplication.  We practiced learning the multiplication algorithm.
         Assignment:  Practice 3-1 (due tomorrow - from Monday)

SCIENCE:        
     Learning Target: Students will be introduced to the concept of weather and the tools that meteorologists use to measure and study weather factors.   Hour 4 only: We looked at our current weather report and then compared tornados and hurricanes using a Venn Diagram.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity: None due to WKCE Testing.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) summarize essential knowledge with supporting facts and details  2) track their thinking as they read about the culture of ancient Egypt, and 3) explore Egyptian heiroglyphics and social structure as they create a pyramid.

*Today's activities pertain to one afternoon class and all three morning classes.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today the morning class took "pyramid shaped" summary notes about ancient Egyptian culture.

READING: Students recorded two Connections, two Questions, and two statements of New Learning as they read about ancient Egyptian culture.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Field Trip Permission slips were given out to students to take home.  We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on December 20th.  Permission slips and money ($15.00) are due by Wednesday, November 23rd.  Be sure to sign both sides!  Paper pyramids will be continued tomorrow!

Assignment: Read and prepare a Book Talk! 

*******************************************************************
        Monday, November 7, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA:         NO CLASS TODAY DUE TO THE WKCE SCHEDULE  
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to solve equations with exponents using order of operation. 
     Assignment:  Complete Practice 4-2 (due on Tuesday) and POW #7 (due on Friday)

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to represent, compare and order decimals.
We continued to practice learning place value and applied that to learning how to read and write decimals. We had homework time to work on Practice 3-1 and then we practiced order of operations by doing....PEMDAS RACING     
         Assignment:  Practice 3-1

SCIENCE:         NO CLASS TODAY DUE TO THE WKCE SCHEDULE
     Learning Target: Students will be introduced to the concept of weather and the tools that meteorologists use to measure and study weather factors.  

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity: None due to WKCE Testing.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) summarize essential knowledge with supporting facts and details  2) track their thinking as they read about the culture of ancient Egypt, and 3) explore Egyptian heiroglyphics and social structure as they create a pyramid.

*Today's activities pertain to the afternoon class only, due to morning testing.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today the afternoon class took "pyramid shaped" summary notes about ancient Egyptian culture.

READING: Students recorded two Connections, two Questions, and two statements of New Learning as they read about ancient Egyptian culture.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Field Trip Permission slips were given out to students to take home.  We will be visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Cleopatra exhibit on December 20th.  Permission slips and money ($15.00) are due by Wednesday, November 23rd.  Be sure to sign both sides!  Paper pyramids will be started tomorrow!

Assignment: Read and prepare a Book Talk!  *Tomorrow is your last day of WKCE Testing!  Get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast!

*******************************************************************
        Friday, November 4, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to solve equations with exponents using order of operation.  We learned how to calculate numbers with exponents and then applied this to doing order of operation problems.  Chapter 2 test corrections must be made by any students wanting to retake the test.  Retakes may be taken at lunch or after school on or before Friday.      
        Assignment:  Complete Practice 4-2 (due on Tuesday) and POW #7 (due on Friday)

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to represent, compare and order decimals.
We continued to practice learning place value and applied that to learning how to read and write decimals. Chapter 2 test corrections must be made by any students wanting to retake the test.  Retakes may be taken at lunch or after school on or before Friday.       
         Assignment:  Practice 3-1

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will be introduced to the concept of weather and the tools that meteorologists use to measure and study weather factors.   We went outside today and used the weather intstruments.  4th hour also watched a video on tornados.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #32: Write a "new" descriptive word that you are using in your descriptive essay.  Explain what it means.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) learn how to use descriptive adjectives, adverbs, and verbs,  2) deduce word meaning from context clues and additional vocabulary strategies, and 3) learn about the history and culture of ancient Egypt through a descriptive essay.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today the students completed their descriptive writing assignment.  The students were to imagine that they are archaeologists opening a "newly discovered" ancient Egyptian tomb.  They were to write a journal entry vividly describing what they could see, hear, smell, and feel.  The students filled out an organizer for their adjectives, adverbs, and verbs and also one for their ideas.  They typed their rough draft on the computer.  Today we did revisions and editing.  Students printed their final copies and turned them in along with their organizers, edited rough draft, and rubric-cover. 

READING: Descriptive words and word parts were examined and selected as the students revised and edited their descriptive essay rough drafts.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Please see Language Arts above.  The class periods were combined.  *A few students needed to finish!

Assignment: Read and prepare a Book Talk!  *Next week is WKCE Testing!  Get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast!

*******************************************************************
      Thursday, November 3, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to solve equations using the multiplication and division properties of equality.  We reviewed integer operations and solving multiplication and division problems using the inverse operation.  We then applied this to solving these problems with integers.   Chapter 2 test corrections must be made by any students wanting to retake the test.  Retakes may be taken at lunch or after school on or before Friday.      
        Assignment:  Complete Practice 3-3 all 

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to represent, compare and order decimals.
We practice learning place value and applied that to learning how to read and write decimals. Chapter 2 test corrections must be made by any students wanting to retake the test.  Retakes may be taken at lunch or after school on or before Friday.       
         Assignment:  Practice 3-1

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will be introduced to the concept of weather and the tools that meteorologists use to measure and study weather factors.   We went outside today and practiced using the weather instruments used for measuring the different weather factors.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #31: Describe two things you learned about ancient Egypt during your online activity yesterday.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) learn how to use descriptive adjectives, adverbs, and verbs,  2) deduce word meaning from context clues and additional vocabulary strategies, and 3) learn about the geography and culture of ancient Egypt through an interactive computer activity.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today the students were introduced to a descriptive writing assignment.  The students are to imagine that they are archaeologists opening a "newly discovered" ancient Egyptian tomb.  They are to write a journal entry vividly describing what they see, hear, smell, and feel.  The students filled out an organizer for their adjectives, adverbs, and verbs and also one for their ideas.  They typed their rough draft on the computer.  Tomorrow we will revise and edit.

READING: Descriptive words and word parts were examined and selected as the students wrote their organizers and rough drafts.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Please see Language Arts above.  The class periods were combined.  *A few students needed to finish yesterday's computer activity.

Assignment: Read and prepare a Book Talk! 

*******************************************************************
           Wednesday, November 2, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will review test-taking strategies and practice WKCE test items.  Today we continued to review topics that are commonly covered on the WKCE as a review for that test next week.  We also met with Ms. Koehler to discuss the WKCE and the "Do Your Best on the Test" incentives. Chapter 2 test corrections must be made by any students wanting to retake the test.  Retakes may be taken at lunch or after school on or before Friday.      
        Assignment:  Complete Practice 3-2 all  (from Monday)

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will review test-taking strategies and practice WKCE test items.  Today we continued to review topics that are commonly covered on the WKCE as a review for that test next week.  Chapter 2 test corrections must be made by any students wanting to retake the test.  Retakes may be taken at lunch or after school on or before Friday.       
         Assignment:  None

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will be introduced to the concept of weather and the tools that meteorologists use to measure and study weather factors.  We discussed and defined terms related to weather.  We also looked at the weather instruments used for measuring the different weather factors.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #30: Why do you think the outer case of a mummy was made of stone?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) practice correct writing conventions in written responses,  2) deduce word meaning from context clues and additional vocabulary strategies, and 3) learn about the geography and culture of ancient Egypt through an interactive computer activity.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we completed a computer activity that involved reading, comprehension, writing, map skills, following directions, and organizational responses.  Students worked in the LMC computer lab on a three part assignment.  Written responses required teacher approval to continue to the next section.  Students learned about ancient Egypt's geography, gods and goddesses, and mummification.  Some of ancient history is really creepy!

READING: Library Day! Hour 2 attended an assembly entitled "Do Your Best on the Test" in preparation for next week's WKCE testing.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Please see Language Arts above.  The class periods were combined.

Assignment: Read and prepare a Book Talk! 

*******************************************************************
         Tuesday, November 1, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will review test-taking strategies and practice WKCE test items.  Today we reviewed topics that are commonly covered on the WKCE as a review for that test next week.  Chapter 2 test corrections must be made by any students wanting to retake the test.  Retakes may be taken at lunch or after school on or before Friday.      
        Assignment:  Complete Practice 3-2 all  (from yesterday)

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will review test-taking strategies and practice WKCE test items.  Today we reviewed topics that are commonly covered on the WKCE as a review for that test next week.  Chapter 2 tests were returned and corrections must be made by any students wanting to retake the test.  Retakes may be taken at lunch or after school on or before Friday.
       Assignment:  None

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will be introduced to the concept of weather and the tools that meteorologists use to measure and study weather factors.  We discussed weather forecasts and their usefulness in our daily lives.  Students then made their own weather report for today's weather and we compared that with an actual weather report on weather.com.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #29: Page 89 "Diagram Skill" - questions 1 & 2.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) practice the correct usage of personal and possessive pronouns, and verb tense,  2) expand spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension by working with word elements, and 3) learn about the kingdoms of ancient Egypt through Cornell Note Taking.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we reviewed personal and possessive pronouns, and verb tense.  We completed a practice activity for each kind.

READING: Today we reviewed test taking strategies in preparation for the WKCE.  WKCE testing will take place next week.  We also completed a warm-up page in our Word Roots booklet.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today we concluded our Cornell Note Taking on "The Kingdoms of Egypt."  Students had questions written on the left column and answers on the right column.  We demonstrated how these notes will be used to study from for a test.

Assignment: Read and prepare a Book Talk!  I will allow Quarter 1 Book Talks to be handed in and presented through tomorrow, November 2nd. (I discovered that I can still get the grades in!) 

*******************************************************************
     Monday, October 31, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to solve addition and subtraction algebraic equations with integers. I returned the Chapter 2 test to the students.  Retakes may be taken at lunch or after school before Friday.  We reviewed integer operations and then solved equations using the integer operations.       
        Assignment:  Complete Practice 3-2 all

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will review test-taking strategies and practice WKCE test items.  We focused on some major topics typically covered by the WKCE.  WKCE testing strategies will be reviewed throughout the week along with beginning Chapter 3.  The WKCE test will take place next Monday and Tuesday for 6th graders.
       Assignment:  None

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will be introduced to the concept of weather and the tools that meteorologists use to measure and study weather factors.  We discussed how hurricanes are named and discussed our curiosity questions about weather.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #28: Using your glossary, define: 1)unification, 2)pharaoh, 3)Old Kingdom, 4)mummification, 5)pyramid, 6)hieroglyphics, 7)papyrus, and 8)economy.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) practice the correct usage of personal and possessive pronouns,  2) expand spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension by working with word elements, and 3) learn about the kingdoms of ancient Egypt through Cornell Note Taking.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we reviewed personal and possessive pronouns.   We had one of our students role-play as the teacher and read the Grammar Tales' book entitled, "The Planet Without Pronouns."  We completed a practice activity for each kind.

READING: Today we introduced our "Word Roots" booklet.  Each student received their own to keep in their binder.  We explored the ideas and layout of the activities: prefixes, roots, and suffixes.  We completed a pretest which asked us to look at a list of words and write down what we think they mean.  We used our Background Knowledge and our personal Connections to help us!

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today we began our system of note-taking called "Cornell Notes."  Students will record their notes in this format for all of their classes.  We began with questions pertaining to the kingdoms of Egypt and answered them using our text.

*Special Day!  Names were randomly drawn for photographs of last Wednesday's Halloween costumes!

Assignment: Read and prepare a Book Talk!  I will allow Quarter 1 Book Talks to be handed in and presented through Wednesday, November 2nd. (I discovered that I can still get the grades in!) 

*******************************************************************
  Wednesday, October 26, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will demonstrate their knowledge of integer operations by reviewing and taking an assessment.  We reviewed integer operations and then took the Chapter 2 test.  POW #6 was collected.  If students were not done, it needs to be completed by Monday.
      Assignment:  Enjoy your very long weekend!

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will demonstrate their knowledge of algebraic equations by reviewing and taking an assessment.   We briefly reviewed algebraic equations and then took the Chapter 2 Test.
       Assignment:  Enjoy your very long weekend!

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will be introduced to the concept of weather and the tools that meteorologists use to measure and study weather factors.  We continued with our discussion on hurricanes today.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #27: Write: "Afraid of the Dark" mad lib.  (Then put away your note book and we will have some fun!)

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) practice their oral presentation skills  2) become aware of their inner conversations - including questions, connections, confusions, and new learning and 3) learn about the origin and historical culture of Halloween

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we reviewed simple subjects and how some words can be used as both nouns and verbs.  We completed a practice activity for each.
We also presented our Book Talks!

READING: Today we reviewed our Common Assessment and examined how the correct answers were determined.  This was a Reading and Language Usage district assessment.


SOCIAL STUDIES: We watched a Brain Pop lesson about the origin and history of Halloween.  We took a review quiz together as a class. 

*Special Day!  Names were randomly drawn for fun and exciting Halloween prizes!

Assignment: 1)Play outside!  2) Read.  3) Prepare a Book Talk!  I will allow Quarter 1 Book Talks to be handed in and presented through Wednesday, November 2nd. (I discovered that I can still get the grades in!)  Have a beautiful weekend!

*******************************************************************
           Tuesday, October 25, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will demonstrate their knowledge of integer operations by reviewing and taking an assessment.  We reviewed integer operations and took a mini-quiz.  Students were given a "quiz" packet to use as a review for tomorrow's Chapter 2 Test. 
      Assignment:  Complete at least half of the problems from each of the pages on the quiz packet - POW#6 will be due tomorrow.

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will demonstrate their knowledge of algebraic equations by reviewing and taking an assessment.   We returned and discussed quiz B.  We then reviewed for our Chapter 2 test by completing problems on pages 94-96 in our textbooks.  We then played a game of jeopardy to check our answers.  We will have the Chapter 2 test tomorrow.
       Assignment:  Study for the test.

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will be introduced to the concept of weather and the tools that meteorologists use to measure and study weather factors.  We began our Weather and Water unit today with a discussion and videos of severe weather.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #26: In your own words, write the definition of a noun and a verb.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) learn how to identify nouns and verbs  2) become aware of their inner conversations - including questions, connections, confusions, and new learning and 3) use reading strategies to answer questions about the ancient Egyptians

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we had a student play the role of the teacher and read a children's story, "Chicken in the City." This cute story explained the meaning of nouns. We then completed a review activity identifying the different types of nouns and verbs.  We also engaged in a lesson about nouns on Brain Pop and took the review quiz as a class.

READING: Today students were in groups of three and answered three questions on a note card summarizing our work in monitoring comprehension.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today we completed the third District Common Assessment - the article was about ancient Egypt and the students answered three multiple choice questions.  Silent reading and Book Talk work time was given upon completion.

Assignment: Read and prepare a Book Talk!  Two are due by tomorrow - the last day to accept assignments for Quarter 1.
*******************************************************************

         Monday, October 24, 2011

NOTE: In our morning classes our Team participated in an Anti-bullying curriculum.  It was an online program supplemented with discussion.  Your child can continue to investigate the program and activities at home by using the user name and password provided to them in school today.

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to use integer operations correctly.  
NO CLASS TODAY.  NOTE:  Tomorrow we will study for our Chapter 2 test and we will take the Chapter 2 test on Wednesday.
      Assignment:  FROM FRIDAY: Lesson 2-8 Practice (Evens only) - POW#6 will be due on Wednesday.

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will demonstrate their knowledge of solving algebraic equations as they review for a test.  We completed page 88 and took a quiz on the second half of Chapter 2.  We then began page 94-96 as we practice for our Chapter 2 test which we will take on Wednesday!  
       Assignment:  NONE!

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target:
NO CLASS TODAY

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity: None.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) learn what it means to bully someone and how to stop it  2) become aware of their inner conversations - including questions, connections, confusions, and new learning and 3) connect what they have learned about bullying to their own lives

LANGUAGE ARTS: PM students presented their Book Talks!

READING: Today students had Book Talk work time, silent reading, and make-up work time.

SOCIAL STUDIES: No class today.

Assignment: Read and prepare a Book Talk!  Two are due  by this Wednesday, October 26th - the last day to accept assignments for Quarter 1.

*******************************************************************      Friday, October 21, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to use integer operations correctly.   We reviewed integer multiplication and division.  POW#5 was returned and discussed and the girls won "Plot-A-Point" relay.  We will have a rematch on MONDAY!!
      Assignment:   Lesson 2-8 Practice (Evens only) - POW#6 will be due on Wednesday.

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to solve equations using the inverse operations.  We practiced solving multiplication and division problems using the inverse operation.  We then took a mini-quiz on these two operations.  We will have a quiz and Chapter 2 test next week.  Students may start on the review on page 88 if they want a jump on Monday's work.
          Assignment:  NONE!

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will demonstrate their knowledge of atomic structure by taking a test.  We took the Atomic Structure test today.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #25: Why is making a decision sometimes difficult?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) practice their oral presentation skills 2) become aware of their inner conversations - including questions, connections, confusions, and new learning and 3) identify steps in decision making

LANGUAGE ARTS: Students presented their Book Talks!

READING: Today students read an article on nutrition for a comprehension  assessment.  They charted their papers with code boxes and wrote repsonses.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today we read and discussed decision making.  We read "Decision Making About Artifacts" and answered questions as a class.

Assignment: Bring ear buds for a special computer activity on Monday.  Read and prepare a Book Talk!  Two are due  by next Wednesday, October 26th - the last day to accept assignments for Quarter 1.

*******************************************************************    Thursday, October 20, 2011

NOTE: All missing work must be done by tomorrow in order to qualify for the October incentive which will be next Wednesday.

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to use integer operations correctly.   Students who want to retake the Chapter 1 test must make all test corrections before the retake.  They must see me to arrange a make-up time.  Today we took a mini-quiz on adding and subtracting integers.  Then we learned how to multiply and divide integers....hopefully students will start to see the relationship between the operations and they wll become easy!
      Assignment:   Lesson 2-7 Practice - students were given missing assignment reports today - all late work must be completed by tomorrow.

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to solve whole-number division equations.  Students received their mini-quizzes back and we discussed addition and subtraction equations.  We got into groups and practiced our multiplication equations.  We then continued to learn how to do division equations.
          Assignment:  Lesson 2-8 Practice (A, B or C) - students were given missing assignment reports today - all late work must be completed by tomorrow.

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will demonstrate their knowledge of atomic structure by completing a study guide.  Students worked on their Atomic Structure study guide in class.  They should study this and know the material.   We will have our Atomic Structure test tomorrow.  Baby books must be turned in by tomorrow in order to be eligible for the October school incentive.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #24: Using page 83, define "delta."

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) learn how to format and write a thank you letter 2) become aware of their inner conversations - including questions, connections, confusions, and new learning and 3) analyze the features of the Nile River in Egypt

LANGUAGE ARTS: Students finished writing, editing, and illustrating their spooky thank you letter.  These will be graded and mailed to my friend in Virginia.

READING: Today we read an article about students feeling rushed at school for lunch.  We charted our papers with code boxes and wrote repsonses.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today we studied the geography of the Nile River Valley, answered map questions, and colored our map indicating the fertile areas, Lower Egypt, and Upper Egypt.

Assignment: Read and prepare a Book Talk for tomorrow!  Two are due  by next Wednesday, October 26th - the last day to accept assignments for Quarter 1.

*******************************************************************   Wednesday, October 19, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to subtract integers.   Students who want to retake the Chapter 1 test must make all test corrections before the retake.  They must see me to arrange a make-up time.  Today we practiced adding integers and then learned how to subtact integers which is actually very similar to adding!  This week we will focus on integer operations.
      Assignment:   Lesson 2-5 Practice

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to solve whole-number multiplication equations.  We practiced solving addition and subtraction equations using the inverse operation on whiteboards.  We took a mini-quiz and a common assessment today.  We then began to look at how to solve multiplication equations.  We will continue with multiplication work tomorrow and take a closer look at their homework assignment.
      Assignment:  Try to start Lesson 2-7 Practice (A, B or C).

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will use research to learn more about one specific element.  We continued to work on our Atomic Structure Project - Baby Element Books!  Today was our last in-class workday.  The books must be completed by Friday in order to qualify for the October incentive.  We will also have our Atomic Structure test this Friday.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #23: Page 83 "Nile River Valley" Map Skills - answer questions 1 & 2.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) learn how to format and write a thank you letter 2) become aware of their inner conversations - including questions, connections, confusions, and new learning and 3) analyze the features of the Nile River in Egypt

LANGUAGE ARTS: Students brain-stormed a variety of words to use in their "creepy" thank you letter.  They worked on the body and will write their closing and finish tomorrow.  They are also adding some lovely, gruesome illustrations!

READING: Library Day today!

SOCIAL STUDIES: Today we had our first binder clean out - whew!  We are organized!  We read about "The Gift of the Nile" in our text and are preparing to do a map activity tomorrow.

Assignment: Read and prepare a Book Talk for this week!  You have about one week left to complete two.  Two are due  by next Wednesday, October 26th - the last day to accept assignments for Quarter 1.

*******************************************************************   Tuesday, October 18, 2011

NOTE:  Parent teacher conferences will be tonight (Oct. 18) from 4:30 - 8 p.m.  Also, all missing work must be done by Friday, Oct. 21 in order to qualify for the October incentive.

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to add integers.   Students who want to retake the Chapter 1 test must make all test corrections before the retake.  They may retake the test on Tuesday or Wednesday at lunch or Wednesday after school.   We began to learn how to add integers.  This week we will focus on integer operations.
      Assignment:   Lesson 2-4 Practice, POW #5 will be due on tomorrow

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to solve whole-number subtraction equations.  We practiced solving addition and subtraction equations using the inverse operation.  
      Assignment:  Lesson 2-6 Practice (A, B or C).

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will use research to learn more about one specific element.  We continued to work on our Atomic Structure Project - Baby Element Books!  They are due on Wednesday and must be complete by Friday in order to qualify for the October incentive.  We will also have our Atomic Structure test this Friday.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #22: Read and study the text features on pages 80-81.  What can you tell about the people who lived along the Nile River?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) learn how to format and write a thank you letter 2) become aware of their inner conversations - including questions, connections, confusions, and new learning and 3) analyze text features and draw conclusions

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we opened a box of Halloween fun that was sent to us by a dear friend of mine who is a "kid at heart."  We studied the format of a thank you letter and wrote our heading.  We will write the body and closing tomorrow.

READING: Students began reading an article about "junk food" in correlation with the upcoming Halloween holiday.  They coded their inner conversations of Background Knowledge, Questions, and New Learning.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Students took a Quiz today on ancient Mesopotamia - vocabulary, multiple choice, and time line questions.  We took a picture walk through the pages of our next unit on ancient Egypt and wrote on a T-chart what we already know and what we would like to learn about.

Assignment: Read and prepare a Book Talk for this week!  You have about one week left to complete two.  Two are due  by next Wednesday, October 26th - the last day to accept assignments for Quarter 1.

*******************************************************************  Monday, October 17, 2011

NOTE:  Parent teacher conferences will be tomorrow (Oct. 18) from 4:30 - 8 p.m.  Also, all missing work must be done by Friday, Oct. 21 in order to qualify for the October incentive.

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to graph points in all quadrants of the coordinate plane.   Students who want to retake the Chapter 1 test must make all test corrections before the retake.  They may retake the test on Tuesday or Wednesday at lunch or Wednesday after school.   Ms. Moore taught a lesson on the coordinate plane today.
      Assignment:   Lesson 2-2 Practice, POW #5 will be due on Wednesday. 

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to solve whole-number addition equations.  We worked on solving addition equations using the inverse operation.  
      Assignment:  Lesson 2-5 Practice (A, B or C).

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will use research to learn more about one specific element.  We continued to work on our Atomic Structure Project - Baby Element Books!  They are due on Wednesday and must be complete by Friday in order to qualify for the October incentive.  We will also have our Atomic Structure test this Friday.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #21: Page 77 - What guided the lives of Jews, Christians, and Muslims?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) learn correct conventions in written responses  2) become aware of their inner conversations - including questions, connections, confusions, and new learning and 3) analyze the components of the ancient cultures of Babylon and Assyria.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today our students practiced using correct conventions when writing answers to the critical thinking questions regarding the ancient cultures of Babylon and Assyria.

READING: Students began reading an article about "junk food" in correlation with the upcoming Halloween holiday.  They coded their inner conversations of Background Knowledge, Questions, and New Learning.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Students concluded their reading about "The Birth of Judaism" and answered critical thinking questions as a class.  We also focused on correct conventions.

Assignment: Read and prepare a Book Talk for this week!  You have about one and a half weeks left to complete two.  Two are due  by Wednesday, October 26th - the last day to accept assignments for Quarter 1.

*******************************************************************       Friday, October 14, 2011

NOTE:  Parent teacher conferences will be on Tuesday (Oct. 18)  from 4:30 - 8 p.m. 

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to compare and order integers.  We discussed our Chapter 1 test and an option to retake the test will be discussed with students on Monday.  Students must have all their test corrections done in order to retake the test.  We continued to discuss integers by comparing and ordering them.
      Assignment:   Lesson 2-3 Practice and Enrichment, POW #5 will be due on Wednesday.  Missing assignment reports were sent home with students today and all work must be done by Friday, Oct. 21 in order to qualify for the October incentive.

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to determine whether a number is a solution of an equation.  We took a Quiz on the first half of chapter 2.  Then we discussed Lesson 2-4 related to finding solutions to equations.
      Assignment:  Lesson 2-4 Practice (A, B or C).  Missing assignment reports were sent home with students today and all work must be done by Friday, Oct. 21 in order to qualify for the October incentive.

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will use research to learn more about one specific element.  We continued to research our elements as we worked on our Atomic Structure Project - Baby Element Books!

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #20: Page 69 Why do you think the Babylonian Empire began to weaken after Hammurabi's death?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) learn correct conventions in written responses  2) become aware of their inner conversations - including questions, connections, confusions, and new learning and 3) analyze the components of the ancient cultures of Babylon and Assyria.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today our students presented their Book Talks!

READING: Students coded their inner conversations as they watched a video about trade and transportation in ancient Mesopotamia.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Students read about the historical birth of Judaism and answered critical thinking questions.

Assignment: Read and prepare a Book Talk for next week.  You have about one and a half weeks left to complete two.  Two are due  by Wednesday, October 26th - the last day to accept assignments for Quarter 1.

*******************************************************************                 Thursday, October 13, 2011

NOTE:  Parent teacher conferences are tonight (Thursday) from 4:30 - 8 p.m. and next Tuesday (Oct. 18)  from 4:30 - 8 p.m. 

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will graph numbers on a number line and find absolute value.  We began our unit on integers and absolute value.  Chapter 1 tests were sent home today.
      Assignment:   Lesson 2-1 Practice and TEST CORRECTIONS - Possible late/missing work for some students.

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to use variables in expressions and interpret tables. The Chapter 1 Test was sent home today.   We explored area and perimeter today and reviewed for our first chapter 2 quiz by completing page 68.
      Assignment:  Complete page 68 and study for the quiz which will be tomorrow.

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will use research to learn more about one specific element.  We began our research of an element as we work on our Atomic Structure Project - Baby Element Books!

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #19: Using your glossary, define: 1) Judaism, 2) covenant, 3) prophet, 4) Torah, 5) monotheism, 6)Ten Commandments, and 7)Diaspora.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) learn correct conventions in written responses  2) become aware of their inner conversations - including questions, connections, confusions, and new learning and 3) analyze the components of the ancient cultures of Babylon and Assyria.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today our students took the District Common Assessment, which measures application of reading and language usage.  Book Talk work time was given.

READING: Students coded their inner conversations as they read articles about the ancient Mesopotamians.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Students completed diagram skill questions and drew conclusions and made inferences about the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

Assignment: Read and prepare a Book Talk for tomorrow.  You have about two weeks left to complete two.  Two are due  by Wednesday, October 26th - the last day to accept assignments for Quarter 1.

*******************************************************************         Wednesday, October 12, 2011

NOTE:  Parent teacher conferences are tomorrow (Thursday) from 4:30 - 8 p.m. and next Tuesday (Oct. 18)  from 4:30 - 8 p.m. 

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students wil show what they have learned from Chapter 1 on an assessment.  We will now start our Wednesdays with a look at the Wildcat Way.  Today we had a brief discussion on respecting others/bullying.  We will have a different topic each Wednesday.  We then discussed and corrected our Spotlight and took the Chapter 1 Test!
      Assignment:   NONE!!!!  Possible late/missing work for some students.

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to write expressions for tables and sequences.  The Chapter 1 Test was sent home today....oops, tests will come home tomorrow!   Starting today, every Wednesday we will have a brief discussion about a topic related to the Wildcat Way.  Today our topic was on respecting others/bullying.  We will have a different topic each Wednesday.  After this we practiced a strategy for finding algebraic expressions from a table or sequence.
      Assignment:  Lesson 2-3 Practice B or C

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will practice using their knowledge of atomic structure to complete a study guide of the unit.  We watched a Bill Nye movie on "Atoms".  Tomorrow we will begin our Atomic Structure Project - Baby Element Books!

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #18: Using your glossary, define "code of law" and "aqueduct."

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) learn correct conventions in written responses  2) become aware of their inner conversations - including questions, connections, confusions, and new learning and 3) analyze the components of the ancient cultures of Babylon and Assyria.

LANGUAGE ARTS: We read a primary source from Babylonia's King Hammurabi and answered critical thinking questions.  We answered in complete sentences and used correct conventions.

READING: We learned about strategies to use when we lose our way while reading.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We practiced our map and diagram skills using the ancient kingdom of Babylonia.  We also read about the legendary Hanging Gardens and whether or not they are a myth!

Assignment: Read and prepare a Book Talk for Friday.  You have about two and a half weeks left to complete two.  Two are due  by Wednesday, October 26th - the last day to accept assignments for Quarter 1.

******************************************************************* Tuesday, October 11, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to make, read and interpret frequency tables.  We went over Quiz C and D from Friday.  The students did fabulously!  We practiced reading frequency tables and making bar graphs.  Then students were given about 25 minutes to start a "Spotlight" study guide for tomorrow's Chapter 1 test.  The Spotlight is on blue paper and students should know how to do everything on that or bring questions to class tomorrow.
      Assignment:   Complete and study the Spotlight- 3 pages, POW #4 is due on tomorrow.

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to translate between words and math.   The Chapter 1 Test will be sent home tomorrow.  We brainstormed words that represent each operation and then practiced putting words, variables and numbers together to make algebraic expressions.
      Assignment:  Lesson 2-2 Practice B and Puzzle

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will practice using their knowledge of atomic structure to complete a study guide of the unit.  We discussed and introduced our final Atomic Structure project which is making an Element Baby Book.  Students will receive their adopted element numbers tomorrow.  We then had the remainder of the class to work on a review worksheet of the unit.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity Quiz #1 today.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) learn correct conventions in written responses  2) become aware of their inner conversations - including questions, connections, confusions, and new learning and 3) analyze the components of the ancient cultures of Babylon and Assyria.

LANGUAGE ARTS: We read about time lines and learned what B.C. and A.D. represent.  We discussed vocabulary and practiced locating information.

READING: We learned about how our minds can stray while we read.  We learned about strategies that will help bring us back.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We began reading about ancient Babylon and answered questions about their culture and economy.

Assignment: Read and prepare a Book Talk for Friday.  You have about three weeks left to complete two.  Two are due before the end of Quarter 1, which is November 4th.

*******************************************************************       Friday, October 7, 2011

NOTE:  The students do not have school on Monday, October 10.  See you all on Tuesday!

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to make, read and interpret frequency tables.  I handed back yesterday's mini-quiz and POW #3.  Both were discussed.  Students are still working on understanding how to get all the points on POWs - becoming an excellent problem solver is a process and they are doing quite well at it! We took Quiz C today and began Lesson 1-10 on frequency tables.  We will have the Chapter 1 test next Wednesday!
      Assignment:   Lesson 1-10 - Both sides, POW #4 is due on Wednesday

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to identify and evaluate algebraic expressions.   The Chapter 1 Test was returned and students had 20 minutes to make corrections.  I will send the tests home on Tuesday.  We then learned how to evaluate algebraic expressions by doing input/output tables.
      Assignment:  Practice 2-1

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn how to draw Bohr Models of atoms and identify parts of an atom.  We made water molecule hats today as we continued to practice the parts of an atom and looked at one example of atoms bonding.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#17: Page 59 Chart Skill - answer questions 1 & 2 in complete sentences.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) understand and apply the components of a paragraph  2) listen to their inner conversation and leave tracks of their thinking  3) analyze the reasons for the growth of civilizations in the Fertile Crescent.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Book Talks were presented today and they were wonderful!

READING: We continued to read about the ancient Sumerians with a partner and tracked our thinking.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We reviewed our information about the ancient Sumerian culture.  We wrote about their invention of writing and their religious beliefs (polytheism).

Assignment: Stay home on Monday!  Play outside!  Read and prepare a Book Talk for next week.  You have about three weeks left to complete two.  Two are due before the end of Quarter 1, which is November 4th.

*******************************************************************  Thursday, October 6, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to identify and translate inequalities into math expressions.  We continued to solve math equations using inverse operations.  We will take Quiz C tomorrow.  We also began to discuss inequalities and the words that express inequality. 
      Assignment:   Lesson 1-9 -Selected Problems Worksheet - Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form.

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will show what they learned by taking the Chapter 1 assessment.  We finished our game of Jeopardy  (Mrs. Wyche's team won - nice job - the final jeopardy made all the difference!)  Students took the Chapter 1 Test.     
      Assignment:  Lesson 2-1: Write the definitions of the three vocabulary words:  variable, constant and algebraic expression -  Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn how to draw Bohr Models of atoms and identify parts of an atom.  We put our knowledge of atoms into place by making a Marshmallow Atom!

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#16: Using your glossary, define:
1)cuneiform, 2)scribe, 3)city-state, 4)ziggurat, 5)polytheism, and 6)empire.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) understand and apply the components of a paragraph  2) listen to their inner conversation and leave tracks of their thinking  3) analyze the reasons for the growth of civilizations in the Fertile Crescent.

LANGUAGE ARTS: The components of a paragraph - topic sentence, details, and closing - samples were put on the projector.  Students used their "sandwich" organizer as a guide and wrote their rough draft of their paragraph.

READING: We continued to read about the ancient Sumerians and tracked our thinking.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We reviewed our information about Sumerian daily life.  We imagined that we were a Sumerian from a poor family of craftworkers and wrote a short paragraph describing a day in our life.

Assignment: Read and prepare your Book Talk for tomorrow.  You have about three weeks left to complete two.  Two are due before the end of Quarter 1, which is November 4th.

*******************************************************************            Wednesday, October 5, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to use the inverse operation to solve problems.  We learned how to solve algebraic equations with multiplication and division using the inverse operation.  we will have a short mini-quiz on this tomorrow.
      Assignment:   Practice 1-8 (all problems) Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form.

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will study for our Chapter 1 test which will be on Wednesday.  We played a Jeopardy review game to prepare for our Chapter 1 test.  We will take the Chapter 1 Test tomorrow.        
      Assignment:  Study the STUDY GUIDE for the test tomorrow -  Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn how to draw Bohr Models of atoms.  We continued to practice Bohr Models and students were introduced to the Element of the Day. 

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#15: According to the "Types of Writing" poster, what does persuasive writing try to do?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) understand and apply the components of a paragraph  2) listen to their inner conversation and leave tracks of their thinking  3) analyze the reasons for the growth of civilizations in the Fertile Crescent.

LANGUAGE ARTS: The components of a paragraph - topic sentence, details, and closing - were reviewed.  Students filled out their "sandwich" organizer and will begin their paragraph tomorrow.

READING: Library Day today!

SOCIAL STUDIES: We read Ch. 2, lesson 2, "The Cities of Sumer" and tracked our inner conversation on post-its.

Assignment: Read and prepare your Book Talk for Friday.  You have about four weeks left to complete two.  Two are due before the end of Quarter 1, which is November 4th.

*******************************************************************                 Tuesday, October 4, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to graph points on a coordinate plane.  Students took their math MAPS test today.
      Assignment:  Complete Study Guide 1-7, Practice 1-8 (circled problems only)  and POW #3 is due on tomorrow.  Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form.

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will study for our Chapter 1 test which will be on Wednesday.  Students took their math MAPS test today.
         Assignment:  Complete the Study Guide for tomorrow-  Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn how to read and interpret the Periodic Table of Elements.  We watched a Bill Nye movie on Phases of Matter.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#14: According to our sandwich poster, what are the three parts of a paragraph?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) understand and apply the components of a paragraph  2) listen to their inner conversation and leave tracks of their thinking  3) analyze the reasons for the growth of civilizations in the Fertile Crescent.

LANGUAGE ARTS: The components of a paragraph - topic sentence, details, and closing - were reviewed.  Students must decide which of four debate topics they will choose for their paragraph.  We watched a Brain Pop segment about the writing process.  *Mrs. Fetherston came in our room to introduce herself as our counselor.  She explained her role and how we may visit her if we wish.

READING: Today we discussed inner conversation.  We finished reading "How Many Days to America" and practiced tracking our thinking.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We read Ch. 2, lesson 1, "The Fertile Crescent."  We completed a map activity with five questions.  We began our vocabulary definitions.

Assignment: Tomorrow is Library Day!  Bring any books that need to be returned.  Read and prepare your Book Talks.  You have about four weeks left to complete two.  Two are due before the end of Quarter 1, which is November 4th.

*******************************************************************            Monday, October 3, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to graph points on a coordinate plane.  Ms. Moore taught the students today about graphing in Quadrant 1 of a coordinate plane.  We also discussed some hints for POW #3 this week.
      Assignment:  Study Guide 1-7 (the Practice should be done for students who need more of a challenge) and POW #3 is due on Wednesday.  Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form.

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will study for our Chapter 1 test which will be on Wednesday.  We reviewed for our Quiz, took the quiz and then began completing a study guide for our Chapter 1 test which will be on Wednesday.
         Assignment:  Complete the Study Guide for Wednesday-  Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn how to read and interpret the Periodic Table of Elements.  Quizzes were returned today and we learned how to draw the structure of an atom by making Bohr Diagrams.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#13: Text page 52.  Read the main paragraph.  Where did the first civilizations develop?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) understand and apply the components of a paragraph  2) listen to their inner conversation and leave tracks of their thinking  3) analyze the reasons for the growth of civilizations in the Fertile Crescent.

LANGUAGE ARTS: The components of a paragraph - topic sentence, details, and closing - were demonstrated.  Students were told to decide which of four debate topics they will choose for their paragraph.

READING: Today we read the poem, "The Voice I Hear in My Head" and discussed inner conversation.  We then read "How Many Days to America" and practiced tracking our thinking.

SOCIAL STUDIES: The Map Skills and Geography Review Test was returned and reviewed.  We picture-walked Ch. 2 of our text, "The Fertile Crescent."  We focused on new vocabulary and began reading.

Assignment: Read and prepare your Book Talks.  You have about four weeks left to complete two.  Two are due before the end of Quarter 1, which is November 4th.

*******************************************************************            Friday, September 30, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to find solutions when solving equations.  Both the mid-chapter test and POW #2 were returned and discussed.  We discussed POW #2 in detail regarding showing our thinking as we are practicing the skills of the problem solving process.  POW grades will improve as students learn to practice each of the skills in the process.  We learned how to solve addition and subtraction equations using inverse operations.
      Assignment:  Practice 1-8 -circled items, Missing Assignment reports were handed out and POW #3 is due on Wednesday.  Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form.

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to find patterns in order to extend sequences.   We continued to work on learning how to extend number sequences.  We will have a quiz on Monday.  Students should complete and study page 38 in their text books. We will have a Chapter 1 test on Wednesday.
         Assignment:  Page 38 (all) and study for the test -  Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn how to read and interpret the Periodic Table of Elements.  We took a short quiz today on reading the periodic table of elements.  We then played Element BINGO as we continued to familiarize ourselves with the various elements on the table.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#12: In your opinion, what are the hardest and easiest parts of "Turn and Talk?"

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) acquire and apply comprehension strategies to text, 2) effectively collaborate while communicating through speaking and listening, 3) locate and interpret information in a map, table, chart, graph, etc.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Book Talks were presented and they we wonderful!

READING: Today we read a debate issue and demonstrated the skill of "Turn and Talk."  We concluded with a class discussion and shared connections.

SOCIAL STUDIES: The continents and oceans pre-test was returned.  Students made a perfectly correct new one to use as a study guide.  Students played "teacher" and quizzed the class.  The "teachers" were very funny!

Assignment: Read and prepare your Book Talks.  The first one should be presented by now because two are due before the end of Quarter 1, which is November 4th.

*******************************************************************      Thursday, September 29, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to find solutions when solving equations.  The quiz from yesterday was returned and discussed.  We also went over the answers to Page 740-741 to prepare for the Mid-Chapter test.  We also were able to start to learn how to solve equations using inverse operations.
       Assignment:  NONE! Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form.

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to find patterns in order to extend sequences.   We reviewed problem solving and then practiced extending picture sequences and number sequences.
         Assignment:  Reteach Lesson 1-7 -  Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn how to read and interpret the Periodic Table of Elements.  We practiced using the periodic table of elements by finding "Mystery Elements".  Students were given clues from the periodic table to help them find the element.  We will have a quiz on the Periodic Table tomorrow.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#11: How do ideas and customs spread?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) acquire and apply comprehension strategies to text, 2) effectively collaborate while communicating through speaking and listening, 3) locate and interpret information in a map, table, chart, graph, etc.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we completed our first district Common Assessment for Balanced Literacy.  We used the remaining time to study for our Geography and Map Skills Review Test.

READING: Today we read a debate issue and demonstrated the skill of "Turn and Talk."  We wrote our stance on a note card and discussed the two sides.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We had our TEST on Geography and Map Skills. We finished labeling and coloring our Compass Rose.

Assignment: Prepare your first Book Talk for tomorrow!

*******************************************************************       Wednesday, September 28, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to find solutions when solving equations.  We took a quiz on lessons 1-4 and 1-5.  We also learned how to solve equations using mental math.
       Assignment:  Study and do selected problems on page 740-741 - students should have the specific problems written down, else - they should do as many as necessary to be ready for the Mid-Chapter test tomorrow.  Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form.

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to choose an appropriate method of computation when solving word problems.   We reviewed the distributive property and then worked on learning the 4-step problem solving plan.
         Assignment:  Problem solving worksheet -  Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn how to read and interpret the Periodic Table of Elements.  We continued to work on three assignments in class today to help us become more familiar with finding information on the Periodic Table of Elements. 

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#10: List the eight guidelines of "Turn and Talk."

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) acquire and apply comprehension strategies to text, 2) effectively collaborate while communicating through speaking and listening, 3) locate and interpret information in a map, table, chart, graph, etc.

LANGUAGE ARTS:  Today we read our Study Guides and located signal words.  We studied with partners and were given questions from the real test!  We had a Book Talk work time and could silent read if all of our work was done.

READING: Today we read a debate issue and demonstrated the skill of "Turn and Talk."  We wrote a response, traded papers with a neighbor, and wrote a response to their thoughts.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We reviewed our Study Guide and studied once more.   We finished labeling and coloring our Compass Rose.

Assignment: Geography and Maps Skills Test will be tomorrow!  Study!   Prepare your first Book Talk for Friday!

*******************************************************************          Tuesday, September 27, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to use the distributive property when simplifying expressions.  We  continued to practice the distributive property.  We also studied for our quiz which will be tomorrow.  Students need to know the properties we used and how to apply them to simplifying expressions.
       Assignment:  "How Many Cattle" worksheet - students need to show their work on at least 1/2 the problems and the rest they may do with mental math. POW #2 is due tomorrow.  Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form.

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to use math properites to compute problems mentally.   We continued to practice the math properties and expanded our discussion to include the Distributive Property.
         Assignment:  Practice 1-5 (selected problems) -  Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn how to read and interpret the Periodic Table of Elements.  We worked on three assignments in class today to help us become more familiar with finding information on the Periodic Table of Elements.  We will continue with these activities tomorrow.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#9: According to "A Piece of Pie" what do graphs help us do?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) acquire and apply comprehension strategies to text, 2) effectively collaborate while communicating through speaking and listening, 3) locate and interpret information in a map, table, chart, graph, etc.

LANGUAGE ARTS:  We created a Study Guide for Thursday's Test on Geography and Map Skills.  We organized our activity pages, read and highlighted the critical information, and viewed the real test!

READING: Today we read a debate issue and demonstrated the skill of "Turn and Talk."  We identified six components and modeled a conversation.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We completed our Study Guide and studied for our test with a partner.  We began to label and color our Compass Rose.

Assignment: Geography and Maps Skills Test will be on Thursday!  Study!   Prepare your first Book Talk for Friday!

*******************************************************************         Monday, September 26, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to use the distributive property when simplifying expressions.  We  continued to practice combining like terms.  We then took it to the next level of using the distributive property before combining the like terms. 
       Assignment:  Lesson 1-5 Practice (evens or odds - student choice)- POW #2 is due by Wednesday.  Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form.

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to use math properites to compute problems mentally.   Order of operations mini-quizzes were returned and discussed. Students should bring these quizzes home to show you.  We then took another mini-quiz on order of operations.  We then continued to learn how to use properties to calculate mentally.
         Assignment:  Mental Math Worksheet -  Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn how to read the Periodic Table of Elements.  Quiz A and Quiz B were discussed and returned to students today.  They should bring those home to share with you.  We continued to discuss the properties of the elements on the periodic table of elements.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity#8: According to "Where in the World is Everyone?" what is "population density?"

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) acquire and apply comprehension strategies to text, 2) effectively collaborate while communicating through speaking and listening, 3) locate and interpret information in a map, table, chart, graph, etc.

LANGUAGE ARTS:  Today we read about and applied map projections.  We interpreted the advantages and disadvantages of the different kinds.  We underlined the key information and identified signal words.

READING: We viewed the new 6th grade report card and demonstrated the skill of "Turn and Talk."  We identified six components and modeled a conversation.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We finished our classroom Thank You card for our PTA.  We completed the "Piece of Pie" graphing activity We line graphed the birthday months of our class and bar graphed our favorite colors.

Assignment: Continue to read and enjoy your library book! Prepare your first Book Talk for Friday!

*******************************************************************      Friday, September 23, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to combine like terms in algebraic expressions.   We practiced the properties and then practiced how to combine like terms. 
       Assignment:  Like terms worksheet (skip the ones with negatives - sorry for the confusion;)- POW #2 is due by Wednesday.  Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form.

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to use math properites to compute problems mentally.   We reviewed order of operations and took a 5 problem quiz.  We will take a 12 problem quiz on Monday. We then began to learn the commutative and associative properties. 
         Assignment:  NONE -  Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn how to read the Periodic Table of Elements.  We took a quiz on the parts of an atom.  We then began to learn the characteristics of the elements and how they are organized on the periodic table.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity: None, due to MAPs Testing.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) acquire and apply comprehension strategies to text, 2) effectively collaborate while communicating through speaking and listening, 3) locate and interpret information in a map, table, chart, graph, etc.

LANGUAGE ARTS:  MAPs Testing for Language Usage was conducted during hours 1 & 2, and 6 & 7.

READING: After MAPs Testing was done, Book Talks were worked on and a few students presented.  

SOCIAL STUDIES: We continued work on our classroom Thank You card for our PTA; Monday is our finish day.  We wish to thank them for the "Rachel's Challenge" assembly.

Assignment: Continue to read and enjoy your library book!  You must begin writing and drawing your first Book Talk! 

*******************************************************************      Thursday, September 22, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to use the properties of addition and multiplication to solve problems.   We practiced the properties and learned how to combine like terms.  Quiz A was returned and discussed.  Students will have the choice to retake the quiz tomorrow to improve their grade.
       Assignment:  None-  Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form.

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to apply the order of operations.   We continued to practice order of operations. We will have an order of operations quiz tomorrow.
         Assignment:  Order of operations worksheet - all 12 problems.  Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn the parts of an atom.  We practiced drawing an atom as we prepared for tomorrow's quiz.  We continued to find the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in an element by reading the periodic table of element boxes.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #7: According to "Now and Then," what kind of map is constantly changing?

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) acquire and apply comprehension strategies to text, 2) effectively collaborate while communicating through speaking and listening, 3) locate and interpret information in a map, table, chart, graph, etc.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we completed our Grammar Review packet and we are taking it home.  We continued work on our classroom Thank You card for our PTA.  We wish to thank them for the "Rachel's Challenge" assembly.

READING: Book Talks were worked on and a few afternoon students presented.  We had a short silent reading time (10 minutes).  Several students were tested for reading levels.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We completed the "Now and Then" activity, comparing maps from the past to the present.  As a class, we worked on the "Where in the World is Everyone?" because it was difficult.  We compared a population density map with a land use map and discovered correlations. 

Assignment: Continue to read and enjoy your library book!  You must begin writing and drawing your first Book Talk!  We will have Language Arts MAPs Testing tomorrow.

*******************************************************************          Wednesday, September 21, 2011

NOTE: Today during 1st and 2nd hours the 6th grade students had an assembly on "Rachel's Challenge".
 
PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to use the properties of addition and multiplication to solve problems.  (Rachel's Challenge during our class time today.) 
        Assignment:  (From yesterday): Practice 1-4 all -  Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form.

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to apply the order of operations.   We reviewed rounding and took a common assessment related to rounding.  We then continued to practice order of operations.
         Assignment:  Order of operations worksheet - all 12 problems.  Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn the parts of an atom.  We watched a movie today to learn more about Atoms and Molecules.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity: Preparation for "Rachel's Challenge" Assembly - audience behavior and discussion.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) acquire and apply comprehension strategies to text, 2) effectively collaborate while communicating through speaking and listening, 3) locate and interpret information in a map, table, chart, graph, etc.

LANGUAGE ARTS: We wrote a response to "Rachel's Challenge" and designed a classroom Thank You card to give to our PTA.

READING: Our A.M. class attended the assembly this morning and our P.M. class had Library time.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We continued to work on our geography skills using a "Now and Then" activity.  We compared maps from the past to the present.

Assignment: Continue to read and enjoy your library book!  You may begin writing and drawing your first Book Talk!  We will have Language Arts MAPs Testing on Friday.

*******************************************************************     Tuesday, September 20, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to use the properties of addition and multiplication to solve problems.  We took our first Pre-Algebra quiz today!  The quizzes will be returned tomorrow and your child's grade will be entered into Infinite Campus.  We then learned and practiced the math properties of addition and multiplication.   
        Assignment:  Practice 1-4 all -  Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form.

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to apply the order of operations.   We learned how to apply the order of operations when calculating math expressions.  
         Assignment:  Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn the parts of an atom.  We reviewed parts of the atom by singing our Atoms Family song.  We then began to work on how to read a Periodic Table of Elements.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #6: Write the definition of "scale" using the words given in "How Long Does It Take to Travel an Inch?" activity page.  (You underlined it!)

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) acquire and apply comprehension strategies to text, 2) effectively collaborate while communicating through speaking and listening, 3) locate and interpret information in a map, table, chart, graph, etc.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we read the essay by Rachel Scott in preparation for tomorrow's assembly presentation.  We reviewed the history of the Columbine tragedy and discussed our own school safety.

READING: In addition to the above, we wrote answers to questions regarding Rachel's "code of life" as well as our own.  We worked with partners and had very meaningful discussions.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We completed our "scale" activity and compared physical and political maps.  We completed an activity which identified them and we applied them as well.

Assignment: Continue to read and enjoy your library book!  You may begin writing and drawing your first Book Talk!  We will have Language Arts MAPs Testing on Friday.

*******************************************************************                       Monday, September 19, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to apply the order of operations to expressions.  We went over POW#1 in detail so that students will know how to do all future POWs which will be assigned on Fridays.  We also reviewed problem solving, order of operations and variable expressions in preparation for our Quiz tomorrow.
        Assignment:  Study for the Quiz.   Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form.

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to apply the order of operations.   We reviewed exponents and comparing numbers.  Students then took a quiz and we began to discuss order of operations.
         Assignment:  4-4s chanllenge

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn the parts of an atom.  We reviewed parts of the atom by learning from the Atoms Family. 

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity:None.

Today's Learning Targets: Students will... 1) acquire and apply comprehension strategies to text, 2) deduce word meaning from context clues and additional vocabulary strategies, 3) locate and interpret information in a map, table, chart, graph, etc.

LANGUAGE ARTS: MAPs Testing today - Reading.

READING: MAPs Testing today - Reading.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Students worked with the concept of "scale" using two different maps and mearsuring distances.

Assignment: Continue to read and enjoy your library book!  You may begin writing and drawing your first Book Talk!  We will have Language Arts MAPs Testing on Friday.

*******************************************************************               Friday, September 16, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn to apply the order of operations to expressions.  We practiced using our math operations and variables to write and solve expressions.
         Assignment:  Lesson 1-3:  CHOICE A: Study Guide (evens only) and Practice #23-30 all     CHOICE B:  Practice (evens only #2-22) and #23-30 all. Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form.

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to represent numbers using exponents and evaluate exponential form.  We continued to practice writing and computing with exponents today.
         Assignment:  Lesson 1-3 Practice B - #15-22 AND the Puzzle on the back

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will understand and identify the states of matter.  We reviewed what matter is and is not and the three states of matter with examples.  We then completed our experiment on how matter changes when heat is applied.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #5:Write and complete this sentence: The sun rises in the ______ and sets in the _______.

Today's Learning Target: Students will learn that reading for the purpose of a test is different than other types of reading.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we continued our grammar review test practice.

READING: We listened to Book Talks and had silent reading/Book Talk work time.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We continued our practice of map skills with "Never Eat Soggy Waffles" and "The Legend of the Map."

Assignment: Continue to read and enjoy your library book!  You may begin writing and drawing your first Book Talk!  Next week we will have MAPS Testing on Monday and Friday.

*******************************************************************                Thursday, September 15, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will master the mathematical rule of order of operations.  We continued working with order of operations today. We then discussed different words to express the four basic math operations.
         Assignment:  No homework tonight!  Please return the Keeping in Touch with Families form.

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to use exponents in equations.  We introduced exponents today and practiced writing exponential form and finding the value of numbers with exponents.
         Assignment:  Lesson 1-3 Practice B - #1-14 AND the Puzzle on the back

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will understand and identify the states of matter.  We reviewed what matter is and is not and the three states of matter with examples.  We then performed an experiment on how matter changes when heat is applied.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #4: In your opinion, what is the most challenging part about being a kid?  Share.

Today's Learning Target: Students will learn that reading for the purpose of a test is different than other types of reading.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we worked on Test Practice for Grammar Review.

READING: Students were being reading leveled and continuing test practice skills.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Students practiced global map skills and compass directions.

Assignment: Continue to read and enjoy your library book!  You may begin writing and drawing your first Book Talk!  Tomorrow we will have Quiz Whiz!


*******************************************************************           Wednesday, September 14, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will master the mathematical rule of order of operations.  We are learning the order of operations by singing a song.  We practiced with order of operations and tried to apply this rule to 4-4s.  Ask your child to show you how the 4-4s work.  Can you figure out any more with your child?
         Assignment:  Practice 1-2 Both Sides

MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to estimate using whole numbers.  We applied estimating to multiplying and dividing of whole numbers.
         Assignment:  Lesson 1-2 Practice B - Complete both sides

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will understand and identify the states of matter.  We reviewed what matter is and is not and the three states of matter with examples.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #3: If you were keeping a list of all the fun things you've done so far in your life, which three things would you put at the verry top of your list?  (We shared these!)

Today's Learning Target: Students will learn that reading for the purpose of a test is different than other types of learning.

LANGUAGE ARTS: We completed and discussed our text feature hunt.

READING: We finished reading "Natural Disasters" and applied our test taking strategies to the questions.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We completed "Different Kinds of Maps" in our groups and corrected it in class.  We are getting to know more about our Social Studies text!

Assignment: Continue to read and enjoy your library book!  You may begin writing and drawing your first Book Talk!


******************************************************************* 
        Tuesday, September 13, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will master the mathematical rule of order of operations.  We learned the order of operations by singing a song...ask your child to sing it for you!
         Assignment:  Study Guide 1-2
MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn to estimate using whole numbers.  We practiced rounding to specific place values.
         Assignment:  Lesson 1-2 Practice B #1-9 only
SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will understand and identify the states of matter.  We talked about what matter is and is not and the three states of matter with examples.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #2: What is one talent you have that few people know about, or something you can do quite well that might surprise others?

Today's Learning Target: Students will learn that reading for the purpose of a test is different than other types of learning.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we examined our Social Studies text by doing a feature hunt.  Students worked in groups and became aquainted with their book.

READING: We learned about signal words and other useful test taking strategies.  We practiced using an article entitled "Natural Disasters."

SOCIAL STUDIES: We completed a pretest on labeling the continents and oceans.  We also did an activity designed to help us understand why we need map skills.

Assignment: Continue to read and enjoy your library book!  You may begin writing and drawing your first Book Talk if you are ready!

*Open House is tonight from 6:30-8:00!  Hope to see you there!

******************************************************************* 
           Monday, September 12, 2011

PRE-ALGEBRA: 
     Learning Target:  Students will learn how to solve problems using teamwork.
         Assignment:  Practice 1-1
MATH 6: 
     Learning Target: Students will learn how to compare and order whole numbers.
         Assignment:  Lesson 1-1 Practice B and Puzzle (two sides)

SCIENCE: 
     Learning Target: Students will practice the scientific method steps by analyzing data from the gum lab and drawing a conclusion.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity #1: Write the following terms in order from the largest to the smallest: village, city, country, county, town, neighborhood, continent, state.  (We did this first O.A. together and focused on format.)

Today's Learning Target: Students will learn social expectations and classroom procedures to enhance learning.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Today we completed our classroom Social Contract - an agreement on how we want to be treated and how we will treat each other.

READING: We learned and discussed test taking tips.  We determined what we need to know before testing and during testing. 

SOCIAL STUDIES: We completed our "Personal Culture" posters and will have them displayed in the hallways at Open House tomorrow evening. 

Assignment: Continue to read and enjoy your library book!

*******************************************************************     Friday, September 9, 2011

Pre-Algebra/Math 6:  We completed our Mathography in class today and shared them with the class by giving a very short presentation.  We then began our class review of our Opening Activity book and problem solving.

Homework: None - have a great weekend!

Science:  We performed our Gum Lab today. Students had to determine whether the weight of gum would increase, decrease or stay the same after it was chewed.  We will graph our data and write our conclusions on Monday.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity: "Real" Opening Activities begin on Monday!  Fire Drill today at 8:35 A.M.

Language Arts: Our Social Contract was discussed and will be finalized on Monday.  Work time was given for the "My Personal Culture" activity.

Reading: Final Paper Bag Speeches were presented and students recorded notes about their classmates.

Social Studies: We continued work time for the "My Personal Culture" assignment. Ideas and pictures from home are welcome. 

Homework: "My Personal Culture" will be due at the end of class on Monday.

*******************************************************************    Thursday, September 8, 2011

Pre-Algebra/Math 6:  We worked on our Mathography in class today.  If students did not finish, it is homework.  We will add our pictures to our Mathography tomorrow.  You will see these displayed during our Open House on September 13!

Homework: Complete Mathography - if not done in class.

Science:  Today we continued to practice the scientific method by practicing making observations and writing descriptions.  We described our shoes and tried to see if others could find our shoe as described on our note card.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity: Today we rehearsed our fire drill procedures.  "Real" Opening Activities will begin on Monday.

Language Arts: Book Talk forms and Reading Logs were handed out, reviewed, and placed in binders.  Quiz Whiz was reviewed and we will have our first drawing tomorrow.

Reading: Paper Bag Speeches were presented and students recorded notes about their classmates.

Social Studies: "My Personal Culture" assignment was explained and will be handed out today and tomorrow.  Class time will be given to work on it.  Ideas and pictures from home are welcome.  Paper Bag Speeches continued.

Homework: Tomorrow is the final day for Paper Bag Speeches!
"My Personal Culture" will be due Monday.

*******************************************************************   Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Pre-Algebra/Math 6:  We completed our Social Contract today and began making our Mathography.  You will see these displayed during our Open House on September 13!

Homework: NONE

Science:  We continued to discuss and practice using the scientific method.  Students did a short experiment called the Teacher Spin as they worked through the steps of the scientific method.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity: What would you do with your life if you had no restrictions?  Students pondered and wrote a response to a "Dream Big" activity.  We also practiced filling out our assignment notebook (planner).

Language Arts: Book Talks and the Reading Log were introduced and will be handed out tomorrow.  Paper Bag Speeches were started.

Reading: Library Day today!  Students met our librarian, Mrs. Naber, checked out books, and learned the rules and regulations of our awesome LMC!

Social Studies: "My Personal Culture" assignment was explained and will be handed out tomorrow.  Class time will be given to work on it.  Ideas and pictures from home are welcome.  Paper Bag Speeches continued.

Homework: Paper Bag Speeches will be given tomorrow, and Friday.
"My Personal Culture" is due Friday (Monday at the latest!).

********************************************************************Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Pre-Algebra/Math 6:  Today we continued with our getting-to-know-you activities and began to discuss our Social Contract.

Homework: NONE

Science:  We began to discuss the Scientific method.  Students should complete the crossword puzzle on the back of the worksheet as homework.

Language Arts/Social Studies Opening Activity: Students filled out "Clues About You" personal inventory.  These will be kept in their files.

Language Arts: We filled out a "Locker Map" and then organized our lockers!

Reading: Teachers modeled the "Paper Bag" speech and we went over the grading rubric.

Social Studies: We filled out "Building a Community" organizer and discussed how we need to be treated in order for us to be successful.  This was in preparation of our Social contract.

Homework: Paper Bag Speeches will be given tomorrow, Thursday, and Friday.

********************************************************************
My Quia activities and quizzes
Combining Like Terms
https://www.quia.com/rr/521291.html
PA
Combining Like Terms
https://www.quia.com/cm/372293.html
PA
Distributive Property, Like Terms, & Evaluating Expressions.
https://www.quia.com/ba/329756.html
PA
Pre- Algebra Super Challenge
https://www.quia.com/cb/501230.html
PA
Order Up and Distribute It!
https://www.quia.com/rr/521274.html
PA
Verbal Expressions
https://www.quia.com/jg/1739025.html
Math 6
Math Operations Match
https://www.quia.com/jg/1738978.html
Math 6
MATH 7: OPERATIONS AND SYMBOLS
https://www.quia.com/jg/1738979.html
Math 6
Verbal and Algebraic expressions
https://www.quia.com/cb/501501.html
Math 6
GHSGT Order of Operations
https://www.quia.com/quiz/1962807.html
Math 6
Useful links
Last updated  2012/03/20 11:22:19 CDTHits  2905