Happy Holidays!

No matter what holiday you celebrate, Ms. Martin and I wish you the very best this holiday season. We are so blessed by each and every student and their families. It is a privilege to work with each of you. Have a safe and happy holiday. See you next year on 1/4!

12/15-18

We have had some trouble with Blogger (and with remembering to post)! We know this last week of school is incredibly busy for all of us, so please check your child's agenda carefully. We added a reminder note yesterday of important events, but here's a preview of the entire week.

TUESDAY:
Work on biography project- due no later than Friday!
Study for the review spelling & vocab. test Friday!
Finish WOW.
Please sign & return communication folder by Thurs.

*Wear jeans and sneakers for DARE Graduation Wednesday.
*Please send in "stocking stuffers."
WEDNESDAY:
DARE Graduation Ceremony at 9:00 AM in the gym: Parents and other guests invited!
Work on biography project- due no later than Friday!
Study for the review spelling & vocab. test Friday!

*Wear warm pajamas Thursday!
THURSDAY:
Work on biography project- due no later than Friday!
Study for the review spelling & vocab. test Friday!
12:45 Holiday Party
Thank you to everyone who is sending in items!!!

12/10

Finish sp. 3x ea (if you made less than 100% on last week's spelling test).

AR visualization #4- final visualization for the week (Draw a picture of what you saw in your mind as you read your AR book today.)

Study for tomorrow's spelling & vocab tests!!!

12/9

Finish voc. sentences (if you made less than 100% on last week's vocabulary test).

AR visualization #3 (Draw a picture of what you saw in your mind as you read your AR book today.)

12/8

Finish WOW and spelling worksheet.

AR visualization #2 (Draw a picture of what you saw in your mind as you read your AR book today.)

Please sign and return communication folder and signed papers.

12/7

Sp. in ABC order in agenda

AR visualization #1 (Draw a picture of what you saw in your mind as you read your AR book today.)

Ch. 4 math test corrections

*This month's genre is biography/autobiography. Project due 12/18 (or sooner)!

This Week's Spelling & Vocabulary: 12/7-11

Spelling /ou/, /o/, and /oi/

hawk
claw
bald
tower
stalk
prowl
loyal
pause
moist
ounce
launch
royal
scowl
haunt
joint
coward
fawn
thousand
drown
fault

Vocabulary: from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
absurd
greedily
colossal
draft
expose
desperately
nightcap
clever
furnace
proper

12/2

Finish sp. WS.

Finish math ch. 4 test review (if not already finished in class).

Finish SS WB p. 32 if not finished in class.

Happy Birthday, Damon!

Happy birthday today to Damon! Celebrate yourself!

12/1

This month's genre is biography or autobiography. Each student received a handout today explaining the project (poster or dress up), which is due NO LATER THAN 12/18 (our last day of school before the holiday break).

Finish WOW.
Finish vocab. worksheet. Be sure to keep a copy of your words and their meanings to study for your test Friday.

*Ch. 6 SS test will be next week (Civil War and Reconstruction).

Please sign and return communication folders and signed papers. Be sure to read the green newsletter carefully. There are two surveys that also need to be returned. The blue H1N1 permission slip should also be returned IF you would like for your child to receive the vaccination.

Happy Birthday, Tiffany!

Happy birthday, Tiffany! Enjoy your special day.

Christmas "Stocking" stuffers

We will not be drawing names to exchange gifts between students, but each student has made a gift bag for stocking stuffer type items. Please feel free to send in items such as: pencils, erasers, stickers, travel size deodorant, dental floss, toothpaste, soap, toothbrushes, candy, highlighters, bouncy balls, playing cards, play-doh, nail polish for girls, books, activity books, chapstick, puzzles, games, Matchbox cars for boys, or anything you come across or can think of that our boys and girls might like.

Please send the items in by December 16th! We appreciate any and all donations!

11/30

Everyone who presented their genre project (historical fiction travel brochure) today did a great job! IF you didn't have yours, get it finished to turn in tomorrow. Points will be deducted from your final grade, but anything is better than a zero.

Write your spelling words in ABC order in your agenda.
Begin working on your vocab. sheet (due Wed.)
Work on WOW (also due Wed.).
Work on spelling sheet (due Thurs.).

AMP if you didn't scan today or need to get caught up.
This Friday will be the chap. 4 math test (long division, dividing by two-digit divisors, and dividing decimals by whole numbers). Be sure to study! (Doing your AM will help.)

Spelling and Vocabulary lists (Wk 15)

Spelling: long /i/ and long /o/

1. strike
2. thrown
3. stole
4. boast
5. sign
6. stroll
7. thigh
8. height
9. dough
10. owe
11. loaf
12. stroke
13. growth
14. stride
15. code
16. slope
17. hose
18. mild
19. flow
20. slight
21. probably
22. Blairsville
23. Georgia
24. sincerely

Vocabulary
Greek word parts: mech, meter, path
1. diameter
2. mechanic
3. mechanize
4. barometer
5. thermometer
6. kilometer
7. speedometer
8. pathetic
9. sympathy
10. pathology

Happy Birthday, Kinzie!

We hope that you enjoy your special day today, Kinzie!

Happy Birthday, Kaitlyn!

We wish Kaitlyn a very happy birthday today!

11/24

We had a successful craft day today! We will be creating a few more projects after Thanksgiving, so if you can send in toilet paper or paper towel tubes, we would still greatly appreciate them.

Thank you so much to Katie's Mom, Joanna's Mom, and Brandon's Mom for helping us today. We couldn't have made our projects without their help.

Read, read, read over break to get caught up or to get ahead!

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. See you on the 30th!

11/23

Historical fiction genre brochure due by NEXT Mon.

Extra credit WOW due tomorrow.

Most students need to work on AM.

Tomorrow is our craft day. Please bring in empty paper towel and/or toilet paper rolls. Thanks!

SUPPLIES NEEDED

Please save and send in an empty paper towel roll (the cardboard tube) or two empty toilet paper tubes for an upcoming craft project. (If you can send in more than one, that would be terrific. If we could get enough supplies for each child for our craft day TUESDAY, that would be a huge help.) Nothing like finding a cute craft at the last minute, right? If we're unable to gather the supplies by Tuesday, we will continue to save them and create a keepsake in December.

Thanks for helping us turn trash into treasure!

11/19

We tried persimmons for today's fresh fruit snack! They received mixed reviews.

We also went over this month's historical fiction genre project. Students are to create a "time travel brochure" and they each received a handout explaining the requirements. Their genre brochure is due no later than Monday, 11/30. Unfortunately that is the Monday following the Thanksgiving holiday, so we encourage you to turn them in early!

Study for spelling & vocab. tests tomorrow. Finish 3x each if you had to write them.
Complete the "Gobble Squabble" prefix/suffix fun sheet.

The back side, "Turkey Trouble," is an extra credit math assignment due tomorrow.

Spelling & Vocabulary Wk #14

Spelling:
Words with long a sound - spelled a-consonant-e, ai, or ay OR words with long e sound - spelled ea or ee
1. speech
2. greet
3. claim
4. stray
5. brain
6. deal
7. male
8. raise
9. leaf
*10. thief
11. lease
12. laid
13. waist
14. praise
15. beast
16. stain
17. seal
18. sway
19. fleet
*20. niece

Vocabulary
Latin Roots clar - means clear, dict- means say
1. clarity
2. clarify
3. clarion
4. predict
5. diction
6. declare
7. declaration
8. dictate
9. dictator
10. dictionary

11/17

Finish WOW and spelling worksheet.
Finish LA WB p. 25 if you did not finish in class.

Finish the science CRCT workbook pages (if you didn't finish in class).

Finish the social studies WB p. 29-30.

*Please sign and return progress reports and communication folders.

If you would like your child to have picture retakes, please return the original picture package and write a note in the agenda. Thanks!

Pictures/Picture $$/Retakes

Picture retakes will be made on Wed.

All pictures or picture $$ is due by this Friday. Please remit what you owe immediately. Thanks!

11/16

Sp. in agenda in ABC order
Work on sp. worksheet and WOW (both due Wed.).

Study times tables if you haven't yet made 100% on speed test!

Remember that this month's genre is historical fiction. Get that book read!

11/13

The grades on today's tests were generally very good! Way to go, class! We are so happy to see your hard work pay off.

Remember to READ this weekend and enjoy!

Picture Retakes 11/18

If you were absent or want picture retakes, they will be made on 11/18.

Xerox Is Doing Something Great for the Soldiers

Click on the following link to have xerox print and send a thank you card to a member of our armed services. This is really neat!

http://www.letssaythanks.com/

11/11

Finish vocab. worksheet. Don't forget to divide the words in the box into syllables!
Copy your vocabulary words and their definitions onto your own paper so that you can study after turning in your worksheet tomorrow!
Finish sp. categories.
Don't forget that this month's genre is historical fiction.

Study for mult. speed test if you haven't made a 100!

NASA Apollo 11 Webcasts

If you're interested in space, go check out the NASA Apollo 11 webcasts.

Geology for Kids Website

Another website you may find interesting is Geology for Kids. Go check it out! This site appears to have tons of information about the earth, rocks and minerals, landforms, and more.

Earthquakes for Kids Website

You might be interested in checking out the website, Earthquakes for Kids.

Playground Fun

Did you know that we earn extra recess for coming to school on time? Each day that we have no tardies, we get to place a panther paw cut out around our door. Once we get ten paws, we get extra recess!

Here we are enjoying the outdoors recently for earning ten paws. We are so fortunate to have such a nice playground.

The weather may not cooperate so well in the coming months. Please be sure that your child brings a coat to school each day and wears closed-toe shoes with socks when the weather is cold! Without proper attire, they cannot go play. Thanks!

Remember our Veterans

Please remember our veterans and the sacrifices they made for us and for our freedom.

11/10

Finish WOW.
Finish spelling syllabication.
Finish sp. 3x each (if you have to write them).

Study for Thurs.'s multiplication speed test and Friday's ch. 3 math test.

Study for tomorrow's science ch. 2 test!

Pictures/Picture $$

Pictures need to be returned or paid for by 11/20. Thank you for your help!

Veteran's Day Remembrance Celebration

We participated in a touching ceremony this morning to remember our veterans. Students and faculty with immediate family in the military led us in the pledge. A fifth grader sang the National Anthem. The North Georgia Honor Guard taught us what the folding of our flag means. We also recognized our guests from each branch of service. Finally, we moved out to the playground for a gun salute and the playing of Taps by the Honor Guard. It was a very moving ceremony, and we thank all our guests attending and the North Georgia Honor Guard for their presentation.

Please take time to remember our veterans on Wednesday, November 11.

Spelling and Vocabulary Week #4

Spelling
* Spelling in agenda in ABC order - due Tuesday
* On a sheet of notebook paper number and write each spelling word and divide the words into syllables using syllabication rules - due Tuesday.
*Spelling 3 x each - due Wednesday (if you made less than 100% last week)
*Categorize spelling words according to the directions on your sheet.
*Study nightly for your spelling test on Friday!
1. although
2. channel
3. sheriff
4. Thursday
5. radish
6. chauffeur
7. whiskers
8. chiffon
9. chrome
10. exchange
11. choir
12. another
13. shovel
14. birth
15. chocolate
16. whether
17. whisper
18. athlete
19. archery
20. orchestra
21. frequent
22. foreign
23. enough
24. laughter
25. familiar
26. physical
27. cough
28. philosophy
29. geography
30. tough

Vocabulary
Using syllabication rules, draw a line between the syllables of each vocabulary word - due Tuesday.
Complete your vocabulary worksheet - due Thursday.
Study for your test nightly!
Latin Roots: ped, numer, liber
1. pedestrian
2. pedal
3. pedestal
4. biped
5. numeral
6. numerous
7. enumerate
8. numerator
9. liberal
10. liberty

11/6

READ YOUR AR BOOK THIS WEEKEND! (Can we make this any clearer?!? LOL)

Upcoming events:
11/9 9:00 AM Veteran's Day Ceremony
11/11 Sci. Ch. 2 test
11/13 Math Ch. 3 test

Schoolhouse Rock Live!

This morning we attended the musical Schoolhouse Rock Live! at Young Harris College. The college students put on a terrific show! They will be performing again this show again at 7 PM on 11/19. It would make a great family outing. Click HERE to purchase your tickets in advance. (No, Ms. Martin and I do not receive any commission for this!)

Congrats!

This week's lucky ticket winners are Isaak and Damon! Many students received tickets for their good behavior and hard work, but these boys were the prize winners. They both chose a homework pass instead of a toy from the treasure box.

11/5

Copy vocabulary words and definitions onto your own paper.
Study spelling & vocab!
Read your AR book at least 20 pages.
Your prefixes and suffixes list is also due tomorrow.

*Don't forget that The Energized Guys booklet is due tomorrow for extra credit in science!

Civil War Websites

Civil War Websites

Selected Civil War Photographs

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/cwphtml/cwphome.html

Civil War Timeline

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/cwphtml/tl1861.html

Gettysburg

http://www.gettysburg.com/

http://www.nps.gov/gett/

Civil War Medicine

http://www.powerweb.net/bbock/war/index.html

Civil War Homepage

http://sunsite.utk.edu/civil-war/warweb.html

Spelling & Vocabulary Week #3/12

1. philosophy 11. stuff
2. raffle 12. cough
3. frequent 13. affection
4. slough 14. paragraph
5. geography 15. muffler
6. photography 16. furniture
7. foreign 17. tough
8. laughter 18. familiar
9. autograph 19. physical
10. enough 20. gopher

Vocabulary
1. peer (noun)
2. stagnant (adj.)
3. unkempt (adj.)
4. humdrum (adj.)
5. replenish (verb)
6. agriculture (noun)
7. barricade (noun)
8. betray (verb)
9. defiant (adj.)
10. efficient (adj.)

Book Character Dress Up Day

We had a few visitors to class on Friday!

From left to right: the Little Prince (from the book of the same title), Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, Keena Ford from Keena Ford and the 2nd Grade Mix-Up, the Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz, and Jack Sparrow in The Siren Song.

This Month's Genre: Historical Fiction

This month's genre is historical fiction. We discussed characteristics of historical fiction in class today. Students are required to read at least ONE historical fiction novel in their AR range and quiz on it no later than 11/30.

They will be completing a simple project by the end of the month. (Complete instructions will be sent home around the middle of the month.)

Please make sure that your child begins reading a historical fiction novel in the near future so that this doesn't slip up on them! Thanks.

11/2

Sp. in ABC order in agenda
AR prefix/suffix hunt is due by Fri. (at least 10 words with prefixes and suffixes from AR book; if a word has both write it in both columns).

We saw a great presentation today, called The Energized Guys, about saving energy. Each child was given a fun book to complete. It can be turned in by Friday for EXTRA CREDIT! This is a great opportunity to help your science grade, whether you need it or not. You never know when that extra good grade will come in handy. ;)

All $$ from the Literacy Walk needs to be turned in tomorrow. Thanks!

Help Wanted

*We need a volunteer to make some copies to create some study cards for our classroom. This job will probably take a few hours at school and could be spread over several days as needed. If you have time and could help, please let us know. Thank you so much!

*We are running low on hand sanitizer. We have plenty of bottles that can be refilled if you can send some in. We are also running low on kleenex so please send some in if you can. Thanks!

*We will be creating some holiday crafts on Tues. 11/24. Not only do we need helpers that day, but we would appreciate any cute and inexpensive ideas you have or materials you could provide. Thanks for your help!

*Last but not least, we would gladly take any of your leftover Halloween candy! What your child doesn't like someone else may love. Thanks!

10/30

Please read at least 20 pages in your AR book this weekend. Study your times tables if you did not make a 100 on your speed test.

Have a safe and happy Halloween! Don't forget to set your clocks back an hour Saturday night.

Cool Reading Website

BookAdventure.com is a very cool, FREE book website we recently found. You do have to sign up to use it, but we haven't had any trouble with spam or anything else since signing up.

What can you do there? BookAdventure.com will let you take practice tests on the books you've read. (These do not seem to be the same as the AR tests, but if you do well on a practice test then you've probably read the book carefully.) It will also help you find books that interest you. Though we may not have every book on your personalized list in our library, we probably have many of them.

Go check it out this weekend. We'd love to hear your feedback. Thanks and happy reading!

10/29

Finish mystery genre (candy corn book report).
Finish copying vocab. words & definitions onto your own paper.
Finish AR Wonderful Words list.
Study for sp. & voc. tests!

Fri. is Book Character Dress Up Day! You can earn extra credit for dressing up, bringing the book, and writing a book report about your character and the book.

Don't forget about the bake sale Fri. to benefit our local food pantry ($0.50 or a canned/boxed good per item).

If you'd like to send in treats for the class tomorrow, you are more than welcome to do so! Thanks.

Happy birthday, Emily!

Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday, dear Emily!
Happy birthday to you!

Make the most of your special day!

Spelling & Voc Lists Week of October 26

Plurals
1. child = _________ 11. wallaby = __________
2. goose = ________ 12. country = __________
3. ox= ________ 13. body= __________
4. mouse = _______ 14. leaf = _________
5. woman = _______ 15. knife = __________
6. foot = _________ 16. half = ________
7. tooth = _________ 17. wolf = _________
8. man = __________ 18. family = ________
9. deer = __________ 19. supply = __________
10. moose = _________ 20. memory = _________

Vocabulary
1. digress
2. heirloom
3. docile
4. brawl
5. tedious
6. harass
7. gallery
8. indulge
9. destitute
10. jumble

10/28

Finish voc. sent. Finish LAWB p. 22 & 23 if you didn't finish in class.
Study spelling!

Study for tomorrow's multiplication speed test.

Don't forget that Thursday is the Literacy Walk. You must have a pledge to be able to go to the track.

This Week's AR Task: Wonderful Words

On Monday, we folded our paper into 4 sections and labeled them adverbs, adjectives, verbs, and nouns. As they read in their AR books, students are to find "wonderful words," words that intrigue them, sound interesting, etc. In parentheses, they are to write a synonym for their wonderful word.

We talked about how three in each category would equal a C, 4-5 a B, and 5 or more an A. This assignment is due Friday.

10/26-27

Sorry we weren't able to update the blog. Hopefully your child was responsible with his/her agenda and work!

Happy birthday, Ashley!

Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday, dear Ashley!
Happy birthday to you!

Have a wonderful day!

10/21

Finish vocab. sentences.
Study spelling & vocab.
Work on AR cause/effect relationships.
Be sure to read!

Finish AM corrections if you have them.

10/20

Finish WOW!

Spelling: Write singular AND plural forms 3x each like this:
eraser/erasers
eraser/erasers
eraser/erasers

Please sign & return communication folders/signed papers.

Tomorrow is picture day. Smile!

Picture Day Wed.

Smile! Wednesday is fall picture day.

This Week's Vocabulary: 10/19-23

Soldier’s Heart voc. words / Week #1 /2nd 9 weeks
Use each of the vocabulary words in a fabulous fifth grade sentence (due Thurs.).

1. appalling – to make someone feel shock, horror, or disgust

2. incomprehensible – impossible or very difficult to understand

3. unscathed – not hurt, damaged, or harmed in any way

4. horrific – frightening or disturbing enough to cause horror

5. bayonet – a steel blade attached to the muzzle end of a gun, used in hand-to-hand combat

6. civilian – a person not on active military duty; a person not part of the military

7. dysentery – a disease characterized by severe diarrhea and passing blood, caused by infection

8. sutler – a civilian who provides items to an army and has a shop in the camp

9. hullabaloo – noisy excitement or fuss

10. amputation – the process of cutting off or removing a limb from the body

This Week's Spelling: 10/19-23

Spelling List #10: Plurals
Most words form their plural by adding s to the singular form, but singular words ending in x, ss, sh, or ch usually form the plural by adding es to the singular.

Write the plural form of each given word on the line next to the singular form – due Tuesday.
Write the spelling words, using the plural form, in your agenda in ABC order – due Tuesday.
Write the plural form of each spelling word 3x each – due Wednesday.
**You must know both the singular AND plural form of each spelling word for your test on Friday.

1. eraser = _____________________ 11. walrus = ________________________

2. account = ____________________ 12. adventure = ______________________

3. knot = _______________________ 13. index = _________________________

4. whistle = ____________________ 14. couch = _________________________

5. citizen = _____________________ 15. telescope = ______________________

6. toothbrush = ___________________ 16. dress = _________________________

7. eyelash = ______________________ 17. syllable = _______________________

8. compass = _____________________ 18. decision = ______________________

9. blouse = _______________________ 19. tax = ________________________

10. inch = _________________________ 20. auction = _______________________

AR Task: Cause/Effect

Things happen in stories for a reason, and one thing leads to another. A cause is why something happens. An effect is what happens. Find at least five different cause and effect relationships (or events) in your AR book. Describe each event in a complete sentence in your own words. Remember the following key words and phrases that you can use: because, caused, since, so, and as a result.

Find at least FIVE cause/effect relationships in your AR book. Be sure to include the page number(s) that show these relationships and describe them in complete detail. This assignment is due Fri.

Half Day Conferences Friday

This Friday, 10/23, is Half Day Parent Conferences. Students will be dismissed around 11:30 (after lunch) so that teachers can meet with parents.

We sent home conference letters today. If you did not get one and would like to schedule a conference, please let us know ASAP. Thanks!

10/19

Welcome back! We hope that you had a relaxing and safe fall break. It's back to the grindstone for us this week.

Today's homework:
Finish writing in the plural form of each spelling word on your spelling sheet.
Write your spelling words in ABC order in agenda (plural form only).
Read your AR book if you haven't read at least 20 pages today.
Begin working on the AR cause/effect task. (See next post for more info.)

Don't forget that this month's genre is mystery.

Happy birthday, Kyle!

Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday, dear Kyle!
Happy birthday to you!

We hope you've enjoyed having your birthday week off from school!

10/9-10/18

Please remember that this month's genre is mystery. Read and quiz on an AR mystery in your range no later than 10/30/09. It would be a good idea to read your mystery over break and write summary sentences of each chapter so that you remember what you read.

Please mark your calendars for Half Day Conferences on Friday, 10/23. Students will be dismissed after lunch, around 11:30. If we have not yet contacted you about a conference and you would like one, please let us know. Thanks.

Have a safe and happy fall break! School resumes on Monday, 10/19. See you then!

CONGRATULATIONS!

We are celebrating many accomplishments today! Way to go, boys and girls!

WEEKLY CONDUCT TICKET DRAWING: Blane and John

PERFECT ATTENDANCE: Virginia, Noah, Katie, Ashley, Canyon, Joanna, Brandon, Kaitlyn, Lucas, Tiffany, Logan, Brianna, and Karigan

CONDUCT REWARD: Noah, Katie, Ashley, Nathanael, John, Joanna, Emily, Brandon, Nikki, Kaitlyn, Fletcher, Lucas, Tiffany, Brianna, Kinzie, Kyle, Frankie, Karigan, and BeBe

AM REWARD: Virginia, Noah, Blane, Jackson, Ashley, Nathanael, Canyon, Joanna, Emily, Brandon, Damon, Kaitlyn, Fletcher, Tiffany, Frankie, and Karigan

Happy birthday, Nathanael!

Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday, dear Nathanael!
Happy birthday to you!

Enjoy your birthday! What a way to start Fall Break!

10/7

Continue writing AR summaries each night (Mon.-Thurs.).
Study spelling & vocab!!!

LAWB p. 18 & 21

Inference worksheet

Study for tomorrow's Ch. 5 social studies test!

Happy birthday, Jackson!

Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday, dear Jackson!
Happy birthday to you!

Have a very special day!

10/5

Study review spelling & vocab all week to prepare for Friday's test!!!

AR task: Write a summary each night (Mon.-Th.) of what you read in your AR book that day. The summaries should be at least 3 sentences long and explain what is happening in the story. (We discussed this task at length in class today.)

Final RAFT writing assignment is due Tues. Please also have your rough draft with the "Conventions" square stapled to it to turn in with the final version.

Remember that WOWs are due Wed.

This month's genre is MYSTERY! Read and quiz on a mystery before the end of the month. This month's project will be explained after Fall Break, but it will be more along the lines of a book report than an actual project.

If you have yet to make a 100% on your multiplication speed test, be sure to study! Test this Thurs. @ recess!

Parent Night is Tues. at 6 PM. You will be glad that you attended!

Don't forget that next week is Fall Break! No school from 10/10 to 10/18!

This Week's Spelling & Vocabulary: 10/5-9

Since we've arrived at our ninth week of school, this week's spelling and vocabulary tests will review the previous 8 weeks. You will not receive a new list of words, but rather we went over all eight lists and chose many to study. (Students were asked to highlight, circle, or star the most important words to study.) Not ALL of these words will be on the test, but many of them will. Study, study, study each and every night this week!

If you have been studying all along, then this week's tests should not be difficult. If you've had a few poor grades, here's your chance to bring them up!

Parent Night TUESDAY

Don't forget about our Parent Night tomorrow beginning at 6:00. Children will be supervised in the gym (or nursery) while parents attend several fun and informative classes. Be sure to check out the community organizations in the lunch room also. You'll be glad you came!

10/2

Please read your AR books this weekend! You only have until Thursday to earn points to spend at the AR store on Friday!

Our conduct reward will be next Friday for all students who have an 84 or better conduct average. (Grades were updated before I went home this afternoon.)

Our ch. 2 math test will be Monday morning. Though we generally do not like to give tests on Mondays, we felt that an extra day of practice (today) would be beneficial.

Our Parent Night will be Tuesday beginning at 6:00. We hope you can join us. Ms. Martin and I are presenting a seminar. The kids will be watching a movie in the gym (pizza, drinks, etc., for $1 each courtesy of PTO) and there will be a nursery for the younger children. You'll receive some homework passes for attending, so don't miss out!

Don't forget that next week is our last week of school before Fall Break (10/10-18).

This Month's Genre: Mystery

Students are required to read a MYSTERY this month (and take the AR quiz on it this month too). We are encouraging them all to get a mystery before Fall Break so that they have plenty of time to read and quiz on it. This month's project will be more like a book report than an actual project. We'll give out the directions after Fall Break.

10/1

Finish 3 AR connections.
Work on RAFT rough draft (finish draft).
Study for sp. & vocab. tests!
Read AR books.

Ch. 2 math test has been moved until Mon.
Most students have AM homework.

9/30

Study for Unit 1 lang. arts test (Thurs.).
Finish vocab. sentences.
Try to have a completed rough draft of the RAFT social studies writing. See handout please for more info!

Study for 0-12 speed test (Thurs.).
AM (practice or exercise)

*Yearbook cover contest entries are due by the end of the week.

9/29

Finish WOW.
Finish 3x each (following the format below as explained in class Mon.):
aren't
aren't
are not

Finish cereal box project! Don't forget a fun commercial "speech."

We started on a RAFT (Role, Audience, Format, Topic) social studies writing assignment. Please read over the directions and begin writing. The final draft will count as a test grade in both English and social studies. Bring your finished rough draft to class on Thursday. (We will try to provide class time to write on Wed. also.)

Finish S.S. (social studies) WB (workbook) p. 27 if not finished in class. Students generally need their textbooks to complete these workbook pages.

Please sign and return communication folders. We only have until 10/8 to meet our AR/AM goals to participate in the rewards on Friday 10/9!

SpellingCity.com

We are now on SpellingCity.com! Just click on the name and go check us out. I'd love to hear what you think. Is this a resource we should try to use weekly?

9/28

Sorry this didn't get posted yesterday! We use the blog as a convenience; please rely on your child's agenda! Since we have some students home sick, I am going ahead and posting yesterday's info.

Sp. in ABC order in agenda: Use some of Friday and NUMBER each one to include the "extra" words this week. The "extra" words are vegetable, beautiful, library, receive, get, reunion, girl, juicy, there, and many.

Genre cereal box projects are due Wed. Be sure to have quizzed on your AR fantasy book!

Unit 1 lang. arts test Thurs.

Ch. 2 math test Fri.

Next week is the last week to meet AR & AM goals. We have some fun rewards planned for Friday, Oct. 9, so be sure to get them completed.

This Week's Spelling & Vocabulary: 9/28-10/2

Spelling and Vocabulary Week #8

Write words in ABC order in your agenda – due Tuesday

Write words 3 x each – due Wednesday (write the contraction twice and the two words that form the contraction once)

Study nightly for your test on Friday.

On the lines below, you need to write the two words that are used to form the contraction.

You must know how to spell the contraction and the two words for your test on Friday!

1. isn’t _________
2. hasn’t _________
3. couldn’t _________
4. wouldn’t _________
5. shouldn’t _________
6. didn’t _________
7. aren’t _________
8. weren’t _________
9. wasn’t _________
10. I’d _________
    
11. he’s _________
12. let’s _________
13. we’ve _________
14. you’d _________
    
15. you’re _________
16. they’ve _________
17. they’re _________
18. can’t _________
19. I’ve _________
20. she’s _________

Vocabulary

Write fabulous 5^th grade sentences using the EVEN numbered vocabulary words – due Thursday. Underline the vocabulary word you used in each sentence. You must write one each of the four sentence types and a free choice – label each sentence type.

1. belligerent – (adj.) hostile; wanting to fight

2. luminous – (adj.) giving off light

3. elated – (adj.) filled with joy

4. deceive – (verb) to make someone believe something that is not true

5. remedy – (n.) a medicine or treatment for healing

6. affluent – (adj.) having a lot of money

7. hermit – (n.) a person who lives alone in a lonely or isolated place

8. dapper – (adj.) attractive in dress ; stylish

9. abscond – (verb) to run away secretly and hide

10. curtail – (verb) to cut short; reduce

9/24

Finish AR task (3 connections; see Mon.).
Write final copy of trip story.
Study sp. & voc. for tomorrow's test.

Unit 1 language arts test will be next week.

Study times tables! Speed test will be tomorrow.

SpellingCity.com

SpellingCity.com looks like a really fun website to practice and study spelling! You can even upload your own spelling list to practice. If you check it out, please leave us a comment to give us your review. Thanks!

Hygiene Lesson

Today we had a great hygiene and health lesson presented by our student nurses. They covered proper brushing and flossing, how to prevent spreading germs, proper daily hygiene, and healthy eating habits.

9/23

Finish voc. sent.
Study sp. & voc.
Work on trip story.

Study for Ch. 1 science test. Be sure to know the 16 vocabulary words/definitions, the tools scientists use and how they use them, and the scientific method. Be sure to study the scientific method graphic organizer.

For Computer Lab (SS websites)

You must visit at least THREE of the four sites listed. (Yes, we have added one!)

A Day in the Life History Game

Your work is due today when you return from computer lab.

Here's the info again from last week:
In computer lab today, go to these websites to explore and learn. You will be using the information you learn in social studies and in a future writing project. (You should be able to click on the name and go directly to the website.)

After you visit each site, write a summary of what you did and learned there. Reflect on the questions below after visiting all three sites (and write a written response).

Melrose Mansion Plantation

National Geographic Underground Railroad

Pathways to Freedom

Reflection questions: After visiting these websites, how did you feel about slavery? How do you think the issue of slavery changed our society? What about the websites stick out in your mind? Why is it important for us to remember the hardships faced by slaves?

SS Extra Credit

Many of the students know that I (Mrs. Dyer) am working on my reading endorsement certification. As part of that class, I had to research webquests online. Here are some of the cool webquests I found. You may complete one of the quests for EXTRA CREDIT in social studies. Though many of them are set up for group work, you will have to work independently to complete the tasks. Check them out if you'd like to learn more about the Civil War, and you can earn extra credit in the process! Just click on the links below to learn more.

http://www.milforded.org/schools/simonlake/sherwood/cw/civilwar.htm

http://www1.bellevuepublicschools.org/curriculum/k6web/fifthgrade/civwarQuest/CvWrQstS.htm

http://www1.bellevuepublicschools.org/curriculum/k6web/fifthgrade/civwarQuest/CivilWarScavengerHunt.htm

http://chalk.richmond.edu/education/projects/webquests/civilwarlife/

http://www.fcps.edu/LondonTowneES/Webquests/civwarwbq/civwarwbq.htm

http://www.e2t2c2.net/castlehills/maloney/WebQuest/CivilWar/teachpg.htm

9/22

Finish sp. 3 or 5x each.
Finish WOW.
Work on AR Connections task (due Fri.). Work on five voc. sentences due Thurs.
Don't forget about your fantasy cereal box project due next Tues. 9/30!

Complete math p. 98 (1-21 ODD).

Study sci. ch. 1 (test Thurs.).

Happy birthday, John!

Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday, dear John!
Happy birthday to you!

Have a very special day today!

This Week's Spelling & Vocabulary: 9/21-25

More words with prefixes

Write words in ABC order in your agenda – due Tuesday

Write words 3 x each – due Wednesday

Study nightly for your test on Friday.

1. disaster 11. insult

2. unknown 12. regard

3. discover 13. install

4. unable 14. dismiss

5. inform 15. relax

6. increase 16. unaware

7. report 17. disagree

8. dispute 18. unskilled

9. insist 19. revenge

10. remind 20. display

Vocabulary words

Choose 5 vocabulary words to write your fabulous 5^th grade sentences with – due Thursday. (You need to write one each of the four sentence types and label each sentence with its type!) Underline the vocabulary word you used in each sentence.

1. disaster – an event that causes serious loss, destruction,

hardship

2. dispute – difference of opinion, quarrel, disagreement

3. display – put on show or view, exhibit

4. dismiss – release, allow to go, send away

5. disagree – oppose, conflict, differ, argue

6. inform – notify, tell, let someone know

7. insult – offend

8. unaware – unknowing, uninformed

9. revenge – to punish somebody in retaliation for harm, injury, or something done

10. install – to put machinery or equipment into place and make it ready to use

AR Task: Connections

Good readers make personal connections to the texts they read. The three general types of connections are:
1) text-to-self: a personal connection that you make to the book or passage
Example: The main character has a little sister and you have a little sister too.

2) text-to-text: a connection with this reading selection to something else you've read
Example: Edmund and Lucy, two of the main characters in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, are also main characters in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

3) text-to-world: a connection you make that is neither personal nor to another text
Example: I read the book Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and saw the movie with the same title.

This week, as you read your AR book, think about and respond to each of the three types of connections. Label your paper with each of the three types and then write your response. Be sure to include the page number that corresponds to your connections. Also, include your book title in your heading. This assignment is due no later than this Friday, 9/25.

Happy birthday, Bebe!

Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday, dear Bebe!
Happy birthday to you!

Make a wish and enjoy your special day!

9/16

Finish vocabulary sentences.
Work on AR story elements (due Fri.).
Study spelling.

Study 0-12 for speed test tomorrow!

We will have a science vocabulary test one day next week (to be announced prior). On Friday we will have a vocabulary check of the 16 terms (w/definitions).

Students are encouraged to go to the social studies websites (below) and work on this at home if they can.

Thurs. 7:30-8:30 AM Book Fair for Parents and their children

Pre-Civil War Websites

In computer lab today, go to these websites to explore and learn. You will be using the information you learn in social studies and in a future writing project. (You should be able to click on the name and go directly to the website.)

After you visit each site, write a summary of what you did and learned there. Reflect on the questions below after visiting all three sites (and write a written response).

Melrose Mansion Plantation

National Geographic Underground Railroad

Pathways to Freedom

Reflection questions: After visiting these websites, how did you feel about slavery? How do you think the issue of slavery changed our society? What about the websites stick out in your mind? Why is it important for us to remember the hardships faced by slaves?

9/15

Finish WOW.
Finish 3x ea.

Math p. 82 (1-17 ODD)
Study times tables!

Please sign and return communication folders and PROGRESS REPORT.

Book Fair visit tomorrow. Parent preview is 7:30-8:30 AM Thursday.

Voc. sentences are due Thurs.
AR story elements due Fri.

*Please be sure to bring signed permission slip and $6 for Friday's movie! Thanks.

Help Wanted

Are you artistic or creative? We would love some help with decorating our classroom door! We try to change it with the seasons or month. Even if you don't feel incredibly talented in this area, maybe you have some seasonal decorations you no longer use. Let us know if you can come in one afternoon soon to help with the fall decorations. Thank you!

9/14

Today may be a record for the number of posts in one day!

Write sp. words in agenda in ABC order.
Begin working on AR story elements due Fri.
Study sp. & vocab.

Study 0-12 times tables if you didn't make a 100 on last week's speed test.

This month's genre is fantasy.

Math & Science Extra Credit

When progress reports go home (tomorrow) we sometimes have parents and students asking about extra credit. Extra credit is generally available until the week before the end of the term. We do ask that students do their REGULAR work before they ask for EXTRA work. Before beginning extra credit, be sure to get approval from one of us so that your hard work is not in vain.

One project that we talked about today is called "Design an Airplane" on p. 30 of the science book. This project uses both science and math skills, so this one project could earn extra credit in both science and math. Check it out!

This Week's Spelling & Vocabulary 9/14-18

Week 6 Spelling and Vocabulary – More words with prefixes.

[Sorry that Blogger doesn't format these well; something is better than nothing we hope!]

Spelling List
Monday: Write spelling words in agenda in ABC – due Tuesday.
Write spelling words 3x each - due Wednesday.
Test Friday – study nightly

1. uncertain 11. prearrange
2. uncommon 12. impersonate
3. unconscious 13. imperfect
4. undecided 14. impatient
5. unexpected 15. prehistoric
6. unmistakable 16. premature
7. unnecessary 17. preregistration
8. untidy 18. pretreat
9. unwise 19. impolite
10. unworthy 20. predetermine


Vocabulary List
Study vocabulary words and definitions nightly for your test on Friday.
Write a fabulous 5th grade sentence with the odd numbered words below – due Thursday

1. uncertain – not sure
2. uncommon – rare; not the usual; remarkable
3. unconscious – not within thought; not awake
4. undecided – not yet at the point of making a decision
5. unexpected – not what someone thought would happen; not predicted
6. unmistakable – clear; cannot be understood the wrong way; not able to be confused or misunderstood
7. unnecessary – not required
8. untidy – messy; not neat; not organized
9. unwise – not smart
10. unworthy – not deserving; not having any value

AR Task Week 6: Story Elements

Though this is actually our 2nd week of "AR tasks," it is the 6th week of school. For this week's assignment (due Fri.), use your AR book to identify the main character(s), the setting, the conflict or problem the character is facing, and the point of view (1st or 3rd person and how you know). You may need to refer to your Literary Elements handout to help you with this task. Finally, what advice would you give the main character(s) to help solve the problem?

Please write each response in complete sentences. Remember, you have all week to work on this, but don't forget!

Treats Wanted!

We need small treats for our treat bucket! We usually include individually wrapped candy, stickers, novelty erasers, or other fun (small) treats. If you can send in something (anytime), we would greatly appreciate it.

We also have a treasure chest that is pretty full right now but can always use items. Gently used books and "Happy Meal" type toys have been very popular. You may have things at home that your child doesn't want but that someone else would love. Thanks for your donations!

This Week's Spelling & Vocabulary 9/8-11

Spelling – Words with the prefix “pre” (1-10) and frequently misspelled words (11-20).

Tuesday – write spelling words in your agenda in ABC order – due Wednesday

Write your spelling words 3x each (twice in print, once in cursive) – due Thursday.

1. preapprove 11. too

2. precaution 12. to

3. preview 13. two

4. prevent 14. their

5. precede 15. there

6. prefix 16. they’re (they are)

7. prejudge 17. plain

8. prepay 18. plane

9. pretest 19. its

10. predict 20. it’s (it is)

Vocabulary List

Write a fabulous 5^th grade sentence with the even numbered vocabulary words

– due Friday.

Study your vocabulary words and definitions nightly – Tuesday – Thursday!

1. preapprove – to authorize or give permission in advance

2. precaution – a measure taken in advance to prevent harm

3. preview – to look at or see something before something or someone else

4. prevent – to stop something from happening before it occurs

5. precede – to come before something else in time, order, or rank

6. prefix – a syllable or word that comes before a root word to change its meaning

7. prejudge – to make a decision before you have all the facts

8. prepay – to pay for something before it needs to be paid in full

9. pretest – a test before the real test, usually given to see what is already known

10. predict – to say what will happen before it occurs.