Room 316

Math Practice

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:21:00 +0000

By now, you've seen your child's score on their January Math Test. There's a lot of work yet to be done, obviously. BUT...we are up to the task.

Here are some great ways to get some extra math practice at home:

MATH GAMES
This page has a ton of links to some great interactive online games. The best ones for what we're working on can be found by scrolling down to the sections titled "Fractions Games" or "Fractions, Decimals, and Percents Games." Almost of the games will help, though. Want an extra challenge? Try the Algebra section.

MAP-Based Games
This collection of games is tied to MAP test score. For each section, there are different score ranges. 5th graders should be somewhere between 200 and 220. That's a great place to start.

MATH WORKSHEET CREATOR
Make your own practice worksheets on a number of topics!

TEN MARKS
I've blogged about this before, and we're going to get back into using it at school. I encourage you to use it at home, too. Here's a little rundown of how it works...

Once they've logged in, they'll see their dashboard:

In the middle, they can scroll through their assignments and click Start Practice to begin them. Once they pass a certain number of assignment, they can go to the Reward Zone to play games.

If they've done all their assignments, they can still access practice problems. Just scroll down on the home page to the PRACTICE section and choose from the topics listed in the menu. Any of them will provide good practice:

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Of course, you can always let me know if you have specific questions and concerns. I recommend making math practice a regular thing 2-3 times per week. Or 5!

New Read Aloud

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:26:00 +0000

I like reading a book aloud about 3 days a week after recess. We just finished a fun book called Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman. The kids enjoyed it. It was spooky, suspenseful, and it had some online videos that went along with it, making it kind of a unique experience. If you're at a bookstore or library, you might want to pick up the next books in the series: Ghost in Machine, Crossroads, and The Raven.

Now, for the first time ever I think, I'm reading a non-fiction book aloud. It's called Witches: The Absolute True Tale of Disaster in Salem. It's about the Salem witch trials in the 1600s in the small Puritan colony in Massachusetts. It's a gripping supernatural story about prejudice and the dangers of making assumptions. I hope the kids enjoy it and learn a lot from it.

This is Going to Be Good

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:13:00 +0000

If you were with UPA in fourth grade, you remember our awesome "human wax museum" that we held to celebrate and honor African American History Month.

This year, the entire school is getting in on the act. A Black History Month program will be held February 29th at 5:00 p.m. in the gymnasium. Each grade will be making a short presentation to honor some aspect of African American History.

Our grade is studying the African American experience in Social Studies. We are going to put this information into a series of readings from a wide range of poems and speeches by important Americans ranging from Langston Hughes to Maya Angelou to President Obama.

It will be a powerful performance. And every child will have a part. You'll be impressed and proud!

Gateway Exhibition Work

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:21:00 +0000

By now, you've seen the massive list of Gateway Exhibition Requirements. I wanted to let you know what we'll be working on first...the 10 Places Project!

For this project, students will learn about 10 Places in the world that they would like to visit. They will then write paragraphs (10 sentences minimum EACH) about each one and why they would like to visit them.

We are working on the research right now. Students can definitely work on it at home using the links I've provided on the class wiki page. Soon, we'll start writing and typing the paragraphs. They can work on that at home, too! (From this point forward, there's never a night "without homework!")

It's very similar to our 10 Things project from last year. The final product will be similar, too. Students will publish their final work on the class wiki and will include maps, hyperlinks, images, and maybe even videos, too.

Here's a sample page from last year: http://mrcurran.pbworks.com/w/page/36322455/sample10

And here's a full description:

A New Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:41:00 +0000

Today was a challenging day. My goal this semester is to help my students become more independent. It is obvious that they depend on me for many things. A lot of these things, however, are things I need to stop helping them with. It's time to "cut the cord" in some ways.

As a former middle school teacher, I know that their 6th grade teachers, whereever they go to school, will answer a lot fewer easy questions and tolerate a lot fewer interruptions. I need to get the kids doing things on their own, thinking for themselves, and feeling like they don't need me at every moment of the learning day.

That's where the Gateway Exhibition comes in. By the end of today, all of you will have seen the requirements. It's...how do I say this...A LOT. I'm not going to be able to hold their hands. That doesn't mean I'm going to abandon and make them do it all by themselves. But it's time to set them loose as independent thinkers and learners.

This is going to be a challenge for some of them. Today we were finishing up letters to colleges. Normally, I would work with each student to help them make sure theirs was formatted correctly. Normally, I'd take any and all questions to make sure they got everything right. Not today. Today I gave them a sample letter and made them figure it out on their own. I didn't allow interruptions. I made them wait to speak with me. It was frustrating for some of them. It's going to continue to be frustrating.

But I believe it's worth it. It's time for these baby birds to leave the nest and fly. I just wanted to give you a heads up when they come home talking about how "mean" I've become. :)

Coming Home Tonight

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:27:00 +0000

Tonight, your child is bringing home a packet that contains...

*REPORT CARDS! These include comments and scores (out of 100) for all subjects.

*MEAP Scores

*MAP Test Scores This shows results from every MAP test they've ever taken! If you have questions about it, see me OR check out this online parent toolkit

*GATEWAY EXHIBITION Requirement--This is a list of all the projects we'll be doing in the second semester, along with short descriptions of each. Students will present 10 of them at their final Exhibition in May. MUCH more on this to come.

Writing and Math Tonight

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:05:00 +0000

There's no POW this week...BUT there is homework tonight due tomorrow. In fact there are two assignments. Here they are:

*Write and solve two story problems that are at FIFTH GRADE LEVEL. (Not just addition or subtraction) Please have your child share these with you. We're going to turn them into VIDEO STORY PROBLEMS tomorrow.

*Write TWO paragraphs...one in favor and one against...to answer this question: Should students be allowed to go to school completely online?

From the Classroom: Science Podcasts

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:56:00 +0000

Finally getting around to sharing the podcasts students finished last month...they had to research a topic about space and astronomy and then create a podcast about what they learned.

I thought they turned out pretty well. Have a listen to a couple:

Keturah & Selena:

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Jada:

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Shauntia & Tamerica:

Podcast Powered By Podbean

To hear the others, visit the home of our podcasts, Radio Free UPrep. I thought they turned out pretty well.

Camp Money is Due Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:43:00 +0000

All camp money is due Friday and so is the emergency contact form. Don't have a contact form? Not sure how much you owe? I'm sending one home today with your balance written on it (if you sold candy).

Still don't have what you need? Shoot me an email and we'll take care of it.

Next week, we'll be sending home teacher contact info so you have everyone's phone number. Be on the look out for that.

In just two weeks, we'll be back home...it won't be long now!

Middle School Orientation

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:44:00 +0000

You probably got an invite in the mail, but wanted to remind you about orientation night at University Prep Middle School January 26th at 6:00!

This will be a great chance to get an idea about what to expect in middle school. The principal, Nigena Livingston, and several teachers will be on hand to answer questions and give you the scoop on all UPAMS has to offer.

Homework this weekend

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:07:00 +0000

We've been studying odes during writing workshop. Odes are poems written in praise of someone or something. They're usually long, detailed, and they feature lots of comparisons and flowery, exaggerated language.

Odes often are written to PEOPLE, especially romantic interests. You may know the line, "How do I love thee. Let me count the ways." It's from an ode by Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

This week, we read odes by the master of odes, Pablo Neruda. You've got to read the one we read today: "Ode to My Socks." It proves that odes can be about anything.

This weekend's homework is to write 3 odes! Be detailed. Be over-the-top. Be flattering.

Have a great weekend...see you Tuesday.

List of Dates

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:09:00 +0000

With so much going on and so much coming up, I needed to put all the important dates that I can think of (for now) into a blog post. I'll also be sending them home in a memo tomorrow:

Friday Jan 20: End of 1st Semester
Monday Jan 23: NO SCHOOL
Tuesday Jan 24: Reading Interim Test
Wednesday Jan 25: Math Interim Test
Friday Jan 27: CAMP MONEY DUE

Friday Feb 3: NO SCHOOL
Monday Feb 6 8:00 am - Wednesday Feb 8 2:00 pm FIFTH GRADE CAMP

Out Until Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:15:00 +0000

Unfortunately, due to a death in my wife's family, I will be out until Thursday. I just wanted to let you know. Please encourage your child to do their best on the MAP test Tuesday and to be helpful to the substitute, Ms. Williams.

Thank you.

I'll still be available by email if there's anything you need.

Problem of the Week Vodcast

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:50:00 +0000

This weeks problem involves finding the total of 5 different fractions. Adding can be tricky when there are so many fractions. Also, don't forget that the answer should be written as a MIXED NUMBER.

I made a vodcast to help you with the problem. In the vodcast, I add 5 fractions together. I didn't pick the easiest fractions, but I think you'll get the idea..

NOTE: If you can't see the video, you'll have to visit the blog homepage.

A Math Experiemnt

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:11:00 +0000

In an effort to deepen understanding about the fraction concepts we're studying, the fifth grade teachers are trying something new...we're switching classes during math time this week with the goal of mastering fractions.

Here's how it's working...

We gave a quiz before the holiday break. Based on those results, we've grouped the kids by area of need. The kids who need to work on the same concepts are grouped together and then sent to a teacher who has had success in that area.

I'm working with students on equivalent fractions. Mr. Robinson and Mrs. Martin are working on adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers.

There is also a large group of kids who showed on the quiz that they have mastered these ideas already. This group is working with Ms. Dinning this week on some enrichment activities involving multiplication and division of fractions.

We'll give a quiz on Friday to see how this turns out. I know that in my class things have been awesome so far. I think it will help them understand this tough concept a little better. And it's also nice to hear a fresh voice and different approach from a new teacher sometimes. Ask you child and see how it's going!

Deadline Clarifications

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:29:00 +0000

I hope the first week back has been going well for you. Here at school it's been terrific! Kids are working hard...they really hit the ground running.

I wanted to clarify some deadlines so you're aware of what needs to be worked on:

* Fantasy stories are due FRIDAY. These must be finished and typed in Google Docs. We've been working on them in school for a loooong time, and it's time to finish up.

*ALL slice of life stories must be done by FRIDAY! The minimum number of stories is 25.

*POW will be due Friday. It will come home today.

*CAMP MONEY (cash or money order only) is due January 27. That's 2 weeks from Friday!

Also, I want to remind all chaperones that we need your money on that day, too and we need all your paperwork and background checks ASAP!!!

Thanks.

Great prizes! Take time to vote!

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:49:00 +0000

Can you spare 5 minutes? If so, our school could win a ton of technology. Here's what to do...

1. Go to:http://www.worthavegroup.com/survey

2. Choose our state, district (University Preparatory Academy) and school (Just choose the first elementary option) from the lists.

3. Choose a wonderful teacher at UPA to nominate for the award

4. Skip the referral part if you want and choose "no" when asked to subscribe

5. Submit and then share this link with as many people as possible. We might win ipods or ipads for our school! Seriouly just email the link to this blog post to everyone you know, or post it on facebook and ask them to vote for the teacher that you did. We might win!!!!

Here are the contest details, it's all legit: http://www.worthavegroup.com/giveaway/

Thanks so much for taking the time to vote and send this to EVERYONE, you know!

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:07:00 +0000

I hope everyone enjoyed the first week of their break! I wanted to write and say Happy New Year and also to recognize students who've been working hard during the break.

The following students have posted MULTIPLE Slice of Life stories this past week:

Danielle, Alexandria, Romance, Keturah, Suhmer, and Kaylen...between them, they've posted over 20 stories!

Please keep writing and remember to comment on other people's stories, too!

I am hoping that everyone keeps writing and posting to edmodo. If you don't have a computer handy this week, just write them on paper and type them in when you get the chance.

See you January 9!

Quiz coming home tonight!

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:26:00 +0000

Yesterday's quiz ended up with almost a 75 percent average! Great job.

Quizzes are coming home tonight. Please sign them and have your child correct their errors. Then return it to school tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow, don't forget the party! Please send in supplies if you can.

Thanks.

Slice of Life Challenge Heating Up!

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:44:00 +0000

Students are working furiously to finish their 25 slice of life stories and 25 comments before the end of the week. Many of them still have work to do, so make sure that they're writing during the holidays.

Writing Slice of Life stories and commenting on the stories of others is their main holiday break assignment. Of course I want them to read and start thinking about their next interest project, but this writing assignment is most important! Please remind them to work on it!

As always, email if you have any questions.

Quiz Tomorrow--Review Video

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:01:00 +0000

Tomorrow's Math Quiz has 5 parts. Tonight's homework is a review worksheet. We started it in class, but students are required to take it home and finish it and study it. Please go over it with them.

If they need any help, you can use this video, which discusses examples from the 5 sections:

Can't view the video? You'll have to go to the blog to see it: http://mrcurran.blogspot.com

Party Planning

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:52:00 +0000

We'll have a short and small holiday party Friday at about 1:30. Parents, of course, are invited.

In yet another technology experiment, I've created a Google Doc spreadsheet so that everyone can see who has signed up for what. Please add your name and item to this spreadsheet if you're able to bring anything. Use the link below:

PARTY PLANNING SPREADSHEET

The Candy is In The Building

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:45:00 +0000

If you sold candy to help fundraise for your child's camp trip, it's here! If it's not too much to carry, they'll bring it home today. If it is too much to carry, please be sure to pick it up as soon as you can! Yum!

Whether you sold candy or not, there's a packet coming home with all the camp info that's fit to print later this week.

Remember, be sure to contact me if you have camp questions. All money is due January 27.

Time for an Update!

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:15:00 +0000

So much going on during Exhibition week! I was reminded by a parent today that I haven't been blogging much lately. So true! I love when parents keep me honest. I'm definitely going to step it up in that area, especially because there's a lot students need to be working on at home. Let's start with this week...

POW went home today. It's due Friday. It's a combination of multiplication, addition, and division.

The Slice of Life Challenge continues. Students should be writing one slice of life story per day and posting it to edmodo. They also should be reading their classmates' stories and using edmodo to post comments and questions (and replying to other students' comments and questions.). Be sure to check out what your child has been writing. Some of the stories are pretty good. Remember, the goal is to have 25 stories written by the end of the month!!!

Students in MY reading class have a sizeable reading assignment due Monday. Please remind them. They're reading either The Wednesday Wars, Among the Hidden or Holes. If you haven't subscribed to the reading workshop blog, please do so here: http://20kindsofawesome.blogspot.com!

Stay tuned for more updates!!!!

If you haven't signed up yet, please do!

noreply@blogger.com (B.C.) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:51:00 +0000