Thursday, November 29th

ELA - We read more of The Gathering Blue and compared it the The Giver, discussed the main character, and made inferences about the catastrophic world event that shaped the futuristic society in both books.  Students also continued to work on their inventor projects.

Math - Mrs. Washington and I switched Math groups and we both continued our instruction on adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators.

Some students and parents expressed to me that the parent link for Class Dojo doesn't work.  Click on the link below; that one should work with your secret parent code:

http://home.classdojo.com/register

Students took the Math MAP today and after all of the data is in I'm going to contact parents of students who had low growth, no growth, or a regression.  The purpose of these parent-teacher-student meetings (or phone conversations if an in-person meeting isn't possible) will be to set some individualized learning goals.

Wednesday, November 28th

ELA / Social Studies - We read the Gathering Blue and students worked on their Inventor Projects.  The projects are due on Friday and I expect everyone to finish on time.

Math - Students took a multiplication speed test and worked on Compass Learning (math).

Homework:  Students received the parent code for Class Dojo.  Parents, please sign up, sign the secret code sheet sheet, and send it with your child to school tomorrow.

This is one of my cats, Tiger.

Tuesday, November 27th

ELA - We read and discussed The Gathering Blue.  We discussed the tone, setting, and characters of the book.  Additionally, we compared it to The Giver and noted some interesting similarities and differences.

Social Studies - We watched the Trail of Tears BrainPop video again so students could complete that section of their Native American's packet.

Math - We reviewed adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators.

Homework:  I sent home a multiplication worksheet today (for select students) and students will start having regular fact-practice homework until I see a significant, class-wide improvement.

ClassDojo

I introduced a new classroom management tool today and students seem to be really excited about it.  I sent home student codes and I can already see that several logged in and created accounts.  I'll be sending home parent codes tomorrow so parents can log on and see their child's daily behavior.

Monday, November 26th

ELA - Today students began a new guided reading packet and we began reading The Gathering Blue.

Math - Students discussed the rules for adding and subtracting factions with unlike denominators.

Social Studies - We watched short videos on Westward Expansion and the Trail of Tears and began a packet on the lives of Native Americans during the Turn of the Century.

Tybee Announcement

(the first of many...)

Send in the paperwork as soon as you can WITH the folder it came in (if you still have it).     If you are paying later, or are requesting a scholarship, please indicate that on the applicable form.  The important thing now is that everyone gets their paperwork completed correctly and submitted by the Tuesday, December 18th. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone has a wonderfully restful break!

Friday, November 16th

ELA -- Students wrote a 2-paragraph essay on their final reflection of The Giver.  They had to write their opinion of the book and write about how reading the book changed their understanding of the world.  Students also continued to do research for their inventor's projects and they completed and turned in their guided reading packets.

Social Studies -- Students worked on their Cattle Drive maps.

Math -- Students took the first part of the math assessment on creating equivalent fractions, modeling fractions, and adding/subtracting fractions with alike denominators.

Science -- Ms. Karably pulled small groups to go over how to create parallel circuits.

Holiday Homework

At the risk of damaging my "cool-teacher-who-doesn't-give-homework" reputation, I'm giving a small math packet to be completed over the break.  After looking at the assessment results, I can see that students need a bit more practice with finding common factors and making equivalent fractions.  I want to make sure that everyone has those skills down before I move on to multiplying and dividing fractions.  Students who did well will be given a front/back challenge sheet.  The homework is due on the Monday we return from break.

Thursday, November 15th

ELA - Students continued to work on their guided reading packets and students who finished continued their research for their inventor projects.

Math - Today we reviewed making equivalent fractions, reducing fractions and comparing the value of fractions.  The assessment is tomorrow.

Science - Ms. Karably lead an inquiry lesson about conductors and insulators.  Students had to hook up their battery, wires, and bulb and then, once they lit it, one of the wires was taken away and they had to use other materials to see if they were conductors or insulators.  

Thanksgiving Luncheon

...coming together to give thanks...