Wednesday, August 31st

Writing - I gave a mini-lesson on paragraph structure and writing references to assist students with their summative Response to Literature paper. 

Social Studies - Students completed their summative Bill of Rights assessment.  I will give one more summative Social Studies assessment next week.  


Math - Students finished up their circle graph practice and their formative assessments.  Students who did not finish their circle graph practice worksheets will complete them as homework.  They are due on Thursday.


Reading - I read aloud from A Tale Dark & Grimm and students read silently.

Announcements
-Please send in the form and money with your child tomorrow if you want him/her to have a signed copy of A Tale Dark & Grimm


-If your child is going to miss any days before the fall break please let me know.  I will try to give them their assessments early so their absence doesn't affect their grade.


-Please talk with your child about their behavior during Spanish.  As a class their behavior leaves much to be desired and it is perfectly reasonable to expect them to behave even when I'm not in the room.  Lastly, Senora Chicatello has a class roster with parent phone numbers so if you receive a call from her, she will be addressing specific behavior issues with your child.


-Students have P.E. tomorrow; please make sure they wear appropriate shoes.

Tuesday, August 30th

Writing - Students received the guidelines, rubric, and schedule for their writing summative assessment.  It is due next Friday and if you would like a copy of the rubric, please email me and I'll send it to you.


Science -  Today's lesson was titled, Animal & Plant Cells and the learning targets were:
•I can describe the basic organelles and their functions in animal and plant cells.

•I can identify the similarities and differences between an animal cell and a plant cell.
We read and discussed the first section of Enjoy Your Cells, by Fran Balkwill and students viewed a University of Utah website that compared the sizes of various microscopic things.  The links to the book and the site are below.  We concluded science by drawing plant and animal cells and labeling some of the basic organelles.  

Reading - Ms. Bowden read aloud from A Tale Dark & Grimm and after that, students read silently.


Math / Math Mania - Students had some more practice with circle graphs and percents.  Links students had additional time to finish their formative assessment since they were with the Links group on Friday when I originally had students begin working on the assessment.


Announcements
--Students brought home the book order form for A Tale Dark & Grimm.  All of the students are enjoying the book so if your child wants one, please send it in by Thursday.
--The Bill of Rights assessment on Wednesday.  Study.

August 29, 2011

Reading - At the beginning of Reading I read aloud from, A Tale Dark & Grimm, by Adam Gidwitz.  Mr. Gidwitz will be visiting our school this Friday and a form is going home on Tuesday if you would like to purchase a signed copy of the book.  Students read silently for the remainder of the period.


Science - Students created "microscopes" with water and wax paper.  Additionally, we discussed the basics about what microscopes do and how we are supposed to use them.  Students also labeled parts of a microscope.

Writing/Social Studies - We discussed the Second Amendment and students shared their opinions about whether they were pro or anti second amendment.  After our discussion, students completed their weekly reading questions.


Math - I taught a mini-lesson on percents and students continued to work on their formative graph assessments.  This week's homework is similar to the formative assessment because many students need additional practice.


Announcements
--Homework went home today and it is due Thursday (Math and Social Studies only).
--The Bill of Rights quiz is on Wednesday -- study materials went home today.
--Students have PE on Mondays and Thursdays.  Please make sure they wear appropriate footwear.

Friday, August 27th

Social Studies/Writing -- Students continued to work in groups to summarize the Bill of Rights.  I will take each group's summary and make a study sheet which I will send home on Monday.  The quiz on the Bill of Rights will be on Wednesday.

Math -- I gave a formative* assessment on line, bar, and circle graphs.  Based on my initial observations I am going to re-teach about circle graphs on Monday.


Reading -- We had our library visit today.  Students read, checked out books, and several took AR tests.

Science -- Students reviewed and took a genetics quiz (summative).

*Formative assessments are not graded.  They are given to assess student learning so things can be re-taught (if necessary).  Summative assessments are graded and they are typically given at the end of a term after students have completed several formative assessments.

Announcements:  Some students have had some issues with self-control and respect (for each other).  If you get a chance, please talk with your child about personal responsibility.  I have been discussing "solution-based problem solving" in the class and I will continue to do so until the class is working as a cohesive unit.  Lastly, I haven't talked to all parents yet; however, I will start making calls home to address the behavior of some students.

It's been a long week.... have a good weekend...

Thursday, August 25th

Math -- During Math we corrected the homework and students (mostly) finished their calculations on their Outdoor Data Collection worksheets.


Math Mania -- Students continued to work with their multiplication facts.  Students studied in groups of two then played "Around the World" in groups of ten.  At the end of Math Mania we played as a whole class.  I noticed that students are getting faster with their multiplication facts and I am really pleased about that.


Reading -- Ms. Bowden taught a lesson about the four types of sentences.  Students learned the different between each, wrote their own sentences, practiced a chant that aids in remembering the different types, and completed a worksheet.  Students who did not finish in class brought the worksheet home.  It is due Friday.

Announcements --  If you have not already sent back the red communication folder please send it tomorrow.  We are still accepting forms and money for Decatur Arts Live.

Wednesday, August 24th

Math -- Mr. Wither's taught a lesson entitled, "A Balanced Mean," and students worked with a partner to complete a series of tasks.


Social Studies/Writing -- We continued to discuss due process and students began a group activity where they read and discussed their assigned amendment.  After their short discussion students had to rephrase their amendment.  On Friday students will share their amendment interpretation with the class.


Reading -- I continued to administer DRAs while students read silently.

Fall Break Conferences

I am contemplating having informal parent/teacher/student conferences at Starbucks during the fall break (September 12-16).  The purpose of the meeting would be to:

• get some feedback from parents 
• discuss the theme and expectations for term 2
• discuss my observations  (academic & behavioral)
• talk with students to set goals and have a solution-based discussion about behavior (if applicable)

The overall tone of the meetings would be more informal since they will not be in the classroom and I won't have access to student work. 


I understand that some families may be going out of town but I wanted to put the idea out there. If there is a positive response, I can start scheduling meeting days & times.  Please leave a comment on this post if this is something you and your family would like.

Tuesday, August 23rd

This morning students completed their vision test and they also had a special art session with Mr. Mather.

Science - There is a science quiz on Friday and we spent today reviewing.  Students played Genetics Memory and Traits Bingo.  Additionally, students had the opportunity to differentiate between inherited vs. learned traits on the ActivBoard and they also studied their genetics notes.  

Reading - Students read silently and we continued to conduct STAR tests.  

Math Mania (formerly known as 'Intervention') - Students created and quized each other with flash cards.  I explained the importance of this fundamental skill in relation to other Math concepts that they will need to understand this year.

Math - Students completed their data collection outside and they started to calculate the mean, median, mode, and range of the values they collected.

Monday, August 22nd

Science... We corrected last week's homework and started a lesson titled "Traits & Traditions."  We watched/listened to Guji Guji and students were able to differentiate between learned and inherited traits.  After the story students played a matching game where they distinguished between inherited traits and learned behaviors. (click on the picture to watch & listen to the story)

Math -- We reviewed last week's homework and I went over what they needed to do for this week's homework.


Reading -- Students read silently and completed STAR testing (a short computer test that assesses each student's reading level)


Writing -- We read a few chapters in Minn & Jake and students completed their weekly reading question.


Announcements
--Homework went home today; it's due on Thursday.
--Students are required to read for 30 minutes every night.
--Thank you to the parents who have been sending in supplies; we really appreciate it.
--Students assembled their binders today.  There are sections for each subject and for their homework.  Expect to see completed work coming home in the binder within the next few days.  Work is to stay in the binder so students can refer to it throughout the term.
--Teachers had a staff meeting today and we learned the new procedures about recording grades.  I should have several grades posted within the next week.

Friday, August 19th

Social Studies/Writing - Over the next few Social Studies periods we will discuss due process.  Students examined various scenarios and discussed with their group whether they agreed or disagreed.  Interestingly, many students feel that certain unconstitutional activities, including torture and being forced to talk, should be allowed.  


Science - We did an activity titled:  Not All Traits are Visible.  Students looked at two of their own visible traits (earlobes & tongue rolling) and a non-visible trait (ability to taste PTC).  We plotted the class results and the pictures are below. We had a disproportionate amount of students in one category which was interesting.

Math - I divided the class into students who had a clear grasp of graphs/percents and those who did not.  Those who had a clear understanding worked on an assignment and those who needed additional help worked with me.  We discussed percents, how they relate to circle graphs, and we worked together to complete several math problems.


Reading - We had our library visit today. 


Explorations - Since Explorations haven't officially started yet we went outside to collect data (leaf, grass, & pine needle measurements).  Students were paired up and took 10 measurements of each.  On Monday they will finish the worksheet by calculating the mean, median, mode and range of each category.  Additionally, students will use the data to make a bar graph.


Announcements 
--Today we had our first payday.  It was a half-payday since students started their jobs this Monday. So, students received a special prize; however, in the future, they will receive a prize and a snack.  In the future it would be great if parents could send in non-perisible snacks.  I will be purchasing snacks from Costco as well so any donations are appreciated.
--MAP testing is complete.  I should receive word about which students will be receiving more academic support within a week or so.

Thursday, August 18th

Math - Students completed an activity where they created a circle graph using beads and a data table.  They were able to make the connection between data, percents, and they saw how some bar graphs can be converted to circle graphs.


Intervention (now title "Math Mania") - Students practiced their multiplication facts


Art - Because of MAP testing, students missed their Art class on Wednesday.  Ms. Dunbar was nice enough to let us switch and we had Art at the end of the day today.


Homework - Read for 30 min.

Revised, Revised Parent/Teacher Conference Times

I had my first parent conferences today and I decided that I need a little more time for each meeting and transition.  So here are the revised, revised meeting times.  If I see the need to add more time slots in the future, I'll keep everyone posted.


Tuesdays -- 8:00am-8:20am
Wednesdays -- 3:50pm-4:20pm & 4:30pm-5:00pm
Fridays -- 8:00am-8:20am

Wednesday, August 17th

Social Studies/Writing- Students watched a short video and wrote a short, reflective paragraph on what it means to be a good citizen.  Additionally, students sorted through over 2 dozen statements and determined if each was a "right of a U.S. citizen," "responsibility of a U.S. citizen," or "neither."  Some were a little tricky, like "Travel with a U.S. passport" (which is a right).  However, all of them knew (or at least hoped) that "Memorize all state names, capitols, and flags."

Reading - DRA testing & silent reading...(I should be done with DRAs by Friday)

Math - Students finished constructing double-line graphs and began working on circle graphs.  Since circle graphs require converting parts of the whole to percentages we will probably spend a few days on this concept to make sure students are comfortable before they move on.

HOMEWORK IS DUE TOMORROW.

Tuesday, August 16th

During Reading I students read silently while I continued to administer the DRAs (Developmental Reading Assessment).  At this pace, I should be done by the end of the week.  I will use the DRAs along with students' MAP scores when I plan lessons, activities, and assessments.  


We continued our work with genetics by discussing traits during Science.  Students filled out individual and group surveys about various traits and they completed a bar graph that compiled the data.


During Math we went over double line graphs in detail.  I talked about the different components of graphs and how they should look (organized, neat, etc...) and we constructed a double-bar graph after analyzing two sets of data.  We didn't completely finish it so we'll wrap this up tomorrow.


During Writing we continued to read Minn & Jake and students continued to practice making detailed responses to literature.


Announcements
-I was able to meet many parents during Curriculum Night and it was great.  If you would like to stop by during the day and sit in during class just let me know the date and time.  
-I am still collecting the forms that went home Monday night.  
-I posted a "Wants & Needs" list in the classroom.  I'll post an electronic version in the blog tomorrow.
-I will be putting together a classroom newsletter.  If you would like to receive it, please send your email address to me at cblack@csdecatur.net

Monday, August 15th

Students had silent reading time this morning and I began administering the individual DRA's (Developmental Reading Assessment).  Students had Language Arts MAP testing today and a shortened period of Music.  After lunch during science we compared heredity and heritage.  Students completed a pre-assessment to see what they know about inherited and learned traits and we watched a short video to clarify the difference between the two.  During Math students continued to learn about and create line graphs.  




Announcements
-Curriculum Night is on Tuesday, August 16th at 6:30pm.  We are located in room 327.
-Homework packets are going home tonight.  They include Math, Language Arts, & Science homework.  The packets are due on Thursday.
-Communication folders are going home tonight and they have A LOT of information in them.

Friday, August 12th

During Writing/Social Studies students completed their weekly reading question.  We also watched a BrainPOP video about the U.S. Constitution and completed an online quiz.  Next week students will have a chance to reflect and write about their rights and responsibilities as citizens.  We continued with graphs during Math.  Students were given a scenario and data and they created their own double-bar graph.  We finished Math by discussing line-graphs (when they are used and for what types of data).


Lunch was great because one of our fabulous parents brought cupcakes for a special brainiac's birthday.  After lunch we had our weekly library visit and during Science we did a lab.  During the lab we took a strawberry, mashed it, combined it with a buffer solution, added alcohol, and then extracted the DNA.  

There's DNA in there!

Lastly, students received their job assignments today.  Thank you to all of the parents who provided references for their children.


Announcements:
-Please bring in your recorder (I only have 2 students left who need to bring them in)
-Curriculum night is on Tuesday -- the communication regarding the event will be sent home on Monday

Thursday, August 11

Students did their Math MAP test this morning and continued to work with graphs during Math.   During intervention students used the classroom laptops to play geometry mastery games.   Students practiced using a protractor, identifying triangles, and measuring angles.


During Reading we talked about characterization and we started a new book, Minn & Jake.  Students wrote down their observations about the two main characters as I read the first several chapters of the book.

Sassy... a Brainiac's bunny. She was our secret, special guest today

Revised Parent/Teacher conference times

I added an additional time slot on Wednesdays; please see below and contact me at cblack@csdecatur.net to schedule an appointment.


Wednesdays -- 3:50pm-4:10pm & 4:10pm-4:30pm
Fridays -- 8:00am-8:20am

Wednesday, August 10th

During Social Studies & Writing we read, discussed, and analyzed the Bill of Rights.  Students were able to read the actual text of the Bill of Rights and compare it to a "student-friendly" interpretation.  After making comments and asking specific questions about each amendment students analyzed various situations and determined what amendment each was related to.  


During Math students took a pretest that all of the 5th grade students are taking.  We concluded Math by starting an activity titled, "What does MEAN mean?"  We will conclude that lesson tomorrow.


Announcements/Homework
-Read for 30 minutes
-Bring your recorder or $5 for a new recorder.  We will win the competition if our entire class brings theirs in by tomorrow

Tuesday, August 9th

Reading --> We read a story together and students completed a practice weekly reading question


Science --> Students took notes on DNA, chromosomes, and genes.  They also built their own DNA strand using beads and pipe cleaners.  Video & online resource:  Human Genome Project & DNA basics.

(Brainiac DNA)

Math --> We continued to work with double bar graphs


Homework:  Finish the math worksheets, complete DNA strand, & read for 30 minutes

Monday, August 8th

Today two new students joined our class and we welcomed them during morning meeting.  During Reading Ms. Karably lead a special inquiry-based lesson.  In Science we started our genetics unit and students completed an activity where they selected genes that determined the traits of their dog.  Tomorrow we will continue with genetics by learning about the structure of DNA.


During Math we discussed the components of bar graphs and students completed some problems in class.  We concluded the day in Writing where we discussed our classroom agreements (listed below) and had our weekly library visit.




Announcements
Music -- students need to bring in their recorders OR $5 to buy a new recorder by Friday, August 12th 


Monday is communication day.  Please review everything in the red folder. 


Classroom Agreements

Parent/Teacher conference times

I am available to meet with parents starting on the third week of school.  If you would like to schedule a parent/teacher conference I am available during the following times by appointment:


Wednesdays -- 3:50pm - 4:10pm
Fridays -- 8:00am - 8:20am


I am also available via the phone on mornings 8:00am - 8:20am (except on Wednesdays if I have a parent/teacher conference).  If you would like to schedule a conference please email me at cblack@csdecatur.net and we'll set up a time.

Friday, August 5th

During morning meeting we did a "name" icebreaker.  I was delighted to see that we all know each other's names.  Following morning meeting we had our first school-wide assembly and it was a loud, spirit-filled event.


During Math we completed a graph warm-up in our notebooks and during Writing students took a diagnostic spelling test.  After lunch students wrote, illustrated, and discussed what it means to be ready, responsible, and respectful in the classroom.  Next week we will compile and condense our thoughts into our classroom agreements.  


We continued our day by writing about our hopes and dreams for this year, playing "River & Bank" (a team-building game), and going to our first library visit.


Homework
-Read for 30 minutes
-Complete Job Application (due Monday)

Announcements
-Please continue to send in school supplies
-Please sign the school forms and send they with your child

August 4, 2011

Students had another great day today.  We continued to review school rules and procedures and students are getting comfortable with how they should behave in class and in the halls.  After lunch we completed an IB learner profile activity.  We got to see which learner profile each student identified with and students worked together to create posters of each learner profile.


At the beginning of the math lesson, students lined up in birthday order in complete silence.  Then we compiled the birthday data in a bar graph and found the mean, median, mode and range of our set of numbers.  We will continue to work with various types of graphs so students can learn how to assemble, process, and analyze different sets of data.

During reading students learned about the class jobs and suggested a few of their own ideas.  They each must have two references and write why they think they are qualified for their chosen job.  Job applications are due on Monday and I will be contacting the references early next week so I can make my decision. 


Homework
-Read for 30 minutes
-Complete Job Application (due Monday)


Announcements
-Please continue to send in school supplies
-Please sign the school forms and send they with your child

August 3, 2011

Today during morning meeting we played "Two Truths and a Lie."  It was fun and we got to know each other a little bit better.  During Writing students completed a paragraph diagnostic and I will review each student's writing so I can have a better idea of where I need to start with my writing lessons.  During Reading we spent some time discussing the contents and check out procedures of our classroom library.


During Math students completed a math survey and we discussed some of their likes, dislikes, prior knowledge, and concerns about math.  There was a general consensus that tests can be stressful but that math is something that everyone (kids and adults) use in daily life.  Tomorrow we will begin percents, data, and graphs.


During Social Studies I did a brief overview of what we'll be covering during the first term (U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, U.S. Economics) and we set up our Social Studies notebooks.


Lastly, thank you to all the parents who have sent in supplies and an extra special thank you to the many students who proactively worked to organize everything today.  Students teamed up to unpack note cards, store paper, sharpen pencils, organize notebooks, distribute supplies, and organize books in the classroom library.  I am very thankful that I have a such an industrious group of students who take initiative get things done.


Homework
Read for 30 minutes


Announcements
Several forms went home today.  Please sign and return them as soon as possible.

August 2, 2011 - first day of school!

Today we spent some time getting to know each other.  After we introduced ourselves we did a tour/scavenger hunt around the school.  Students had Spanish today and during Science we read a book about what it means to be a skeptic and how being a skeptic is important to the scientific process.  


Overall the first day of school went well.  We will continue to get to know each other and get situated in our new school.


Announcements:

• We are still collecting school supplies; please continue to send items in
• Check your child's backpack; we sent home several forms that need to be signed and returned

Homework:

3-2-1 Paragraph Homework (worksheet sent home)

Requests:

We could really use an industrial strength mechanical pencil sharpener.  Ms. Black and the Brainiacs would be eternally grateful if we had one.

And...we're on the news!  http://www.11alive.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=1090484006001&odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cfeatured

Ready for the first day of school!

Brainiac Supplies

Good Morning Parents!


Students will need a few additional school supplies.  Please try to send them to school by Monday, August 8th.  Thanks!

• 3 -- 3-pronged paper folders (1 blue, 1 yellow, 1 green) (I found these at the Office Depot on North Druid Hills Rd. for 25 cents each)
• 2 -- 2 inch 3-ring binders
• 2 sets of 3-hole dividers (at least 5 sections each)