December 11, 2009

Hello!

I hope that you have a great weekend! Don't forget we have a few assignments due on Monday:

Reading: The Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting the novel and the movie Because of Winn-Dixie

Science: Science Studies Weekly crossword puzzle (hand in the whole newspaper)

Also midterm reports were sent home yesterday. Please look them over and if you have any questions let me know!

Have a good weekend!

Mrs. Engman

Holiday Party

HOLIDAY PARTY

Dear Parents, Guardians and Students,

Our holiday party is scheduled for Tuesday, December 22 at around 11:00 in the afternoon. This is the same day as the winter concert and it is also the last day of school before winter break.

This year we will have a gift exchange. Please bring a gift for a person the same gender as you (if you are a girl, bring a girl’s gift, boys will bring a boy’s gift). Please limit the gifts to five dollars or less. We will play the dice game and each person will have a new gift to bring home.

It is going to be a short party, right before lunch. However, if anyone would like to bring treats we could have a snack before music rehearsal. If you would like to bring juice or a treat, or do a short activity (about half an hour) just let me know so I can plan accordingly.

I hope to see everyone at the holiday concert! Hope you are having fun getting ready for this busy holiday season. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!

Happy Holidays,
Kelly Engman

Monday, December 7

Hello!

Hope everyone is staying warm and gearing up for the winter holiday ahead. We still have lots of learning to do, however!

Remember that 2nd quarter midquarter grades are going to be posted by Wednesday, December 9. All incomplete work should be turned in by then.

You should expect the midquarter report cards to be sent home on Thursday.

Here are today's assignments:

Spelling: WB p. 73-74 (on page 74 write the list in ABC order and underline the suffix (-ous) if it is in the word
Reading: Quiz (taken in class)
Language: 2 descriptive paragraphs describing the setting of a place, and WS 35-36 (singular and plural pronouns)
Math: WB 37-38
Geography: WS-Identifying the countries of Europe, Weekly Reader

Parents, guardians and residents: remember that tomorrow is the vote for the bond referendum here at the Babbitt-Embarrass School. Please exercise your rights and vote!

Thanks!
Mrs. E

Week 14 Spelling List

1. courage
2. courageous
3. danger
4. dangerous
5. fame
6. famous
7. fury
8. furious
9. glory
10. glorious
11. humor
12. humorous
13. mystery
14. mysterious
15. nerve
16. nervous
17. outrage
18. outrageous
19. number
20. numerous

Friday..oops! I mean Wednesday...

I just want to tell everyone to have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Hopefully you won't have any homework over the weekend but if you do here is what is due on Monday:

Reading: Opal's letter to her Mama
Language: Hamburger planning sheet and paragraph
Math: WB p. 32

Eat lots of food and enjoy your family!

Mrs. E.

Assignments for Today--Tuesday November 24

Hello!

Spelling: WB p.67-68 (practice for tomorrow's test!)
Reading: Read Ch. 11 in "Because of Winn-Dixie"
Math: Rounding Worksheet and Jelly Bean problem, correct Checkpoint 6 Quiz
Science: Science Studies Weekly Challenger
Language: Journal Prewriting (in class)

We are going swimming tomorrow and every third Wednesday of the month from now on. Please don't forget your towel and swimsuit.

Don't forget to read for Reading Counts. Monday is the last day of the month and therefore the last day to take quizzes.

Week 12 Spelling List

Remember the final test for week 12 is tomorrow (Wednesday)!
Week 12 Spelling List

1. advance
2. balance
3. prance
4. entrance
5. allegiance
6. allowance
7. ambulance
8. appearance
9. assistance
10. attendance
11. circumstance
12. disappearance
13. disturbance
14. importance
15. silence
16. sentence
17. experience
18. innocence
19. confidence
20. intelligence

Thursday, November 19

Today's Assignments:

Reading: Connections worksheet and read ch. 8-9 in "Because of Winn-Dixie." Also, if you were not finished with your bookmark you need to complete that.

Spelling: Week 11 Test

Math: WB p. 29-30

Science: Lab worksheets

Have a great weekend!
Mrs. E.

Monday, November 16

Hello!

Hope everyone is having a good night. I have enjoyed meeting with everyone during conferences. I hope to see many of you on Wednesday night also!

Here are today's assignments:

Spelling: WB p. 59-60
Reading: Quiz on Chapters 1-5
Math: use the four step process for the four problems on page 106-107 (2, 3, 8, 12)
Science: Lab

Tomorrow we are going to have a special presentation from Terrence Smith who will teach us how to dance!
Also, there is band for all the fifth grade band students on Tuesdays and Thursdays until the winter concert. Please don't forget your instrument and to practice!

See you tomorrow!
Mrs. E.

Week 11 Spelling List

1. admirable
2. changeable
3. comfortable
4. dependable
5. enjoyable
6. likable
7. livable
8. lovable
9. movable
10. readable
11. reasonable
12. remarkable
13. renewable
14. reusable
15. understandable
16. unforgettable
17. unspeakable
18. unthinkable
19. washable

Week 10 Spelling List

1. boredom
2. freedom
3. kingdom
4. stardom
5. wisdom
6. adulthood
7. childhood
8. neighborhood
9. argument
10. amazement
11. appointment
12. disappointment
13. enjoyment
14. excitement
15. government
16. statement
17. friendship
18. leadership
19. membership
20. ownership

Monday, November 9

Today's Assignments:

Spelling: WB p. 53-54
Reading: Quiz on "The Case of the Secret Message"
Math: WB p.23, Corrections on Math test
Science: Read Science Studies Weekly for week 4 and do the crossword puzzle on the back.

It is the start of the new quarter! Let's make this one the best yet!

Have a great night,
Mrs. E.

Tuesday's Assignments

To all of those who are sick.....hope you get better very soon!

Here are the assignments for today:

Spelling: Week 9 pretest. Write the words you got correct 3x and incorrect words 5x. If you are absent just write each word 4x.

Reading: Read the story "The Case of the Secret Message" and complete part 1 of the Treasure Hunt.

Language: Noun Quiz and WS 18 on Possessive Nouns

Math: Chapter 2 Pretest on p. 90-93 (1-26) We will review the information tomorrow and we are looking at taking a test on Thursday.

Keep reading for this quarter's Reading Counts! goal. You have until Friday to take quizzes.

Have a great day!
Mrs. E.

Week 9 Spelling Words

1. action
2. addition
3. attraction
4. celebration
5. collection
6. conversation
7. correction
8. decoration
9. direction
10. election
11. information
12. instruction
13. invention
14. invitation
15. occupation
16. preparation
17. protection
18. selection
19. situation
20. suggestion

Monday, November 2

Hello!

Here are today's assignments:

Reading: Complete the vocabulary assignment for "The Case of the Secret Message" and also if you are not finished with the final copy of your mystery story please finish that.

Spelling: WB p. 49-50

Math: WB p. 21

Geography: Work on poster (in class)

Also, the end of the quarter is Friday. Please get all missing work in by Friday so I can get it in the gradebook. I will let you know if you are missing something this week.

Please continue to read for "Reading Counts!" Remember, this is 10% of your Reading grade!

Have a stellar day!
Mrs. E.

Monday, October 26

Homework for today:

Spelling: WB p.43-44 (write the words in the boxes in ABC order on p. 44)
Reading: Follow the Plot worksheet to go with the story "The Redheaded League"
Math: p. 75 (1-6)
Science: We did a lab on lifeboats in class
Language: Write the rough draft of your mystery story (due on Thursday)

We are going to have a Halloween Party on Friday that involves swimming in the afternoon. I will send a note home tomorrow with more details.

Have a great night!
Mrs. E.

Week 8 spelling list

1. cleanliness
2. cloudiness
3. clumsiness
4. darkness
5. dizziness
6. drowsiness
7. fairness
8. fitness
9. forgiveness
10. gentleness
11. goodness
12. happiness
13. kindness
14. likeness
15. neatness
16. sadness
17. sickness
18. softness
19. weakness
20. wilderness

Week 7 Spelling List

1. actor
2. author
3. director
4. doctor
5. donor
6. explorer
7. gardener
8. hiker
9. janitor
10. conductor
11. operator
12. painter
13. plumber
14. professor
15. radiator
16. refrigerator
17. runner
18. sculptor
19. sailor
20. tailor

Week 5 Spelling List

1. bicycle
2. icicle
3. example
4. idle
5. idol
6. single
7. principle
8. principal
9. animal
10. normal
11. hospital
12. numeral
13. several
14. level
15. barrel
16. model
17. shovel
18. novel
19. travel
20. vowel

Monday, October 12

Today's homework:

Spelling: WB p.34 (part A only) 35 (part A only) and 36
Reading: Read the story "Number the Stars" to p. 92
Language: Nouns WS and plural and singular nouns WS
Math: p. 69 (1-18)
Geography: Complete the world map exercise

We will have our first map test on the continents and oceans on Monday, October 19. The students should have the location and name of all seven continents memorized by then. They will have a map that they will be able to study from.

We have a short week but we will still continue on with the week 5 words. We will just have a final test on Wednesday and no pre-test this week.

Book orders for October are due on Wednesday.
Have a good night!
Mrs. E.

Wednesday....

This has been a crazy week. We have had testing every morning and I am ready to have a "normal" day.

We only had one assignment today for homework if it was not completed in class.

Math: book p. 55 (1-23) and for number 23 use the four step process for solving word problems.

Have a great night!
Mrs. Engman

Monday, October 5

Hello,

This is a busy week because we have MAP testing every morning. There are a few things that you can do to be prepared for it...

1. Get a good night's sleep!
2. Eat a good breakfast tomorrow and Wednesday morning.
3. Drink plenty of water.

These tests can help me to better teach the students in my class. It is important that you do your best work on these now and in the spring.

Here is today's homework:

Spelling: WB p. 29-30
Math: WB p. 11
Reading: Read the article in the Weekly Reader and respond to it with the Writing an article worksheet. (We worked on this in small groups)

Have a good night!
Mrs. Engman

The Five Themes of Geography

The Five Themes of Geography

Notes

1. Location—Every place on Earth has a location.

A. Relative Location—Position of a place in relation to other places.

Example: Mrs. Engman’s classroom is located down the hall from Mrs. Makkyla’s.

B. Absolute Location—Exact spot on Earth using Latitude and Longitude.

2. Place—Every place has unique features. Physical features may include plants, animals, weather, and type of land. Human features include people and culture.

3. Human Environment Interaction—how people interact with their surroundings. People can both adapt and /or change their environment.

4. Movement—People, goods and ideas move often. This movement is called spatial interaction. People move more because of transportation and increased needs .

Example: The Native Americans used to move to follow the buffalo.

5. Region—Area defined by common characteristics. Must be more than one characteristic.

Example: The region around Babbitt has lakes and woods.




Careers

1. Cartography—Career in geography that features people studying and making maps.

2. Topography—Career in geography that features people producing surface feature maps.

3. Meteorology—“The Weather Guy” This career in geography features studying the weather

Example: Justin Liles on Channel 10/13

Week 4 Spelling List

These words all have "ar" at the end!

Week 4

liar
nuclear
polar
rectangular
molar
circular
solar
muscular
beggar
singular
burglar
peculiar
calendar
particular
regular
familiar
popular
lunar
scholar
similar

Wednesday

Hello!

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted. Here are today's assignments:

Reading: Finish the story "Just Like Me". Complete the Treasure Hunt (multiple choice selections only)

Spelling: WB p. 25-26

Math: Review for chapter 1 test tomorrow

Geography: Centers for review (latitude and longitude, parts of maps, grid lines, finding information on a Robinson Projection Map, five themes of geography)

We have started our first FOSS kit and so far so good. I think that it will be a wonderful addition to our science curriculum.

I am going to send home the October book order. The deadline to order is October 14.

Midterms are coming up and the grades will be sent out shortly. I think that the actual date is October 7. Look for these to come home on this day. I will let you know if anything is missing.

Keep reading for "Reading Counts!" The students know their quarter goals!

Have a great evening!

Mrs. Engman

Today's Assignments

Spelling: Write the week 3 words 3x if correct on pretest, 5x if incorrect on pretest
Reading: complete the treasure hunt (part 1) for the story "Like Father, Like Son"
Math: p. 27-28 (11-24, and problem 32--use the 4 step process for solving problems for this problem)
Geography: finish map (done in class, no homework)

Keep practicing those spelling words! They can be tricky!
Mrs. Engman

Tuesday, September 22

Spelling Words
Week 3: Homophones

1. rain
2. rein
3. reign
4. vain
5. vane
6. vein
7. claws
8. clause
9. morning
10. mourning
11. heard
12. herd
13. roll
14. role
15. straight
16. strait
17. great
18. grate
19. crews
20. cruise

Friday, September 18

Hello!

I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful weather! I told my students that part of their homework was to get out and run around!

Homework for today:

Reading: complete vocabulary worksheet and compose a poem using 4 or more of the baseball themed vocabulary words
Math: p. 21 (1-19)
Language: WS 84-85

We also worked on a project for Geography, however they will have time to work on it next week so it is not homework!

Have a great weekend! See you Monday!
Mrs. Engman

The Four Step Process for Solving Word Problems!

Solving Word Problems!

Read the problem then........

STEP 1
1. What do you want to find out?
2. What information do you know?

STEP 2
1. What could you do?
Add, multiply, subtract,divide
2. What problem solving strategy will you use?

STEP 3
1. What is the answer?
Write a complete sentence!

STEP 4
1. How do I know my answer makes sense?


Problem Solving Strategies
1. Make a table
2. Make a picture
3. Guess and Check
4. Make a list
5. Look for a pattern
6. Use simpler numbers
7. Work Backwards

Wednesday, Sept. 16

Hello,

Here are the assignments for today:

Spelling: WB p. 15-16
Reading: Test (no homework assigned)
Language: Finish rough draft of your memory story. Due tomorrow
Math: We worked on a problem from the book in class using the 4 step method for solving word problems. It is p. 10 problem 9.
Science: Discussion about consumers and decomposers

Reminder: Book orders are due on September 25. There is still time to order!

Have a great night!
Mrs. E.

Monday, September 14

Hello!

Here are today's assignments:

Reading: Finish the Treasure Hunt for the story "Fox Song"

Spelling: WB p. 13-14

Math: WB p. 3

Language: WS on the 4 types of sentences

Social Studies: Latitude and Longitude Packet

Just to let you know, we did set goals individually today for reading counts. This will be for the first quarter. I discussed with each student what their goal should be based on last year's goals. I have offered up a reward if everyone in the class meets their first quarter goal! Start reading!

I have been blown away by the effort and responsibility that the students in my class has shown! Wow! Keep up the good work!

Have a great night!
Mrs. E.

Week 2 Spelling Words

Spelling
Week 2

clue

fuel

rude

argue

value

continue

accuse

refuse

tutor

student

studio

suit

fruit

juice

bruise

nuisance

ruin

fluid

tuition

lieutenant

September 10, Thursday

Hello!

I just have to say what a great group of students I have this year!

Here are the assignments for today:

Spelling: WB p. 11-12
Reading: "Fox Song" vocabulary worksheet
Math: Estimating and Measuring (no homework)
Social Studies: Globe Lines WS packet
Science: Schoolyard Safari (no homework)

Today we went outside to look at living things in their habitats. We identified what living things need to survive and then explored the playground and surrounding areas of the school. We saw many things including snakes, toads, and dead crayfish! There is so much to study right in our backyard! Pictures will be posted soon!

Also, the week 1 spelling test is tomorrow....study, study, study!

Have a great night! Enjoy this summer weather while you still can!
Mrs. E.

The First Day of School------We Made It!

Hello everyone,

Here is today's homework:

Spelling: WB p. 9-10. Make sure to read the directions on how to do page 9.
Math: practice multiplication and division facts

Please remember to return the signed papers ASAP! Don't forget the one that is located inside the school handbook.

Have a great night!
Mrs. E.

Back to School Letter

Dear Students, Parents and Guardians,

I would like to take the time to welcome you to the fifth grade! My name is Kelly Engman and I will be the fifth grade teacher this year at the Babbitt-Embarrass School. This is my second year at Babbitt-Embarrass and I am eager to begin another great year at an excellent school!

I just want to take a moment to let you know a little about myself. This is my seventh year of teaching and I find that I thoroughly enjoy it more each year. I live in Virginia, MN with my husband and two boys. I spend most of my time cooking, chasing the boys and my dog, exercising, and reading.

Fifth grade is a very important year. The curriculum is both challenging and exciting. When the school year begins please take time to review the student handbook as well as any forms that will be sent home. During the first couple of days of school, I will be highlighting the classroom procedures and expectations. Students are expected to be respectful, work hard, and do their best everyday.

Below is a list of school supplies and other classroom supplies that will be needed throughout the school year. Please note that our desks are quite small so large folders may be bulky and take up a lot of desk space.

Personal Items: School Items:
Pencils Box of tissue
10 Notebooks A snack to share with the class
(you can buy packs of 5 for 1.00)
Folders(s)
Markers, colored pencils, or crayons
Glue sticks or glue
Scissors
Ruler
Pen
Highlighters
Pencil box

I am looking forward to meeting you at the open house on Tuesday, September 8. The first day of school is on Wednesday, September 9. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns throughout the school year, please call the school (218-827-3101), email me (kengman@isd2142.k12.mn.us), or check out our class blog (http://engmanfifthgrade.blogspot.com/.) Together we will have a wonderful school year!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Kelly Engman

Yeah! It's almost back to school time!

Hello Everyone!

If you are reading this blog, chances are that you have gotten my back to school letter. I am very happy to be back at the Babbitt-Embarrass school for the second year in a row! It seems like last year went by so fast and I'm sure the rest of the summer will fly by as well. I am excited for the first day of school and I hope that you all are as well!

I hope to see you all at the Open House!

Enjoy the rest of your vacation,
Mrs. Engman

No, I am not having students pay to get their papers graded........

We did a simulation about the causes that led to the American Revolution today. It was a perfect example of how the colonists fought against the British Parliament. The last straw was when I proclaimed there would be a "stamp tax" on their papers in order to be graded.

I'm sure they will have a lot to say about it. I was proud of them and how they handled things!

Assignments today:
Math--WB p. 71
Reading--Finish Treasure Hunt on "Tolliver's Secret"

Tomorrow we are going to have a "Boston Tea Party". It should be a good time.

Have a wonderful night--the weather is wonderful!
Mrs. E.

The Solar System

Here is our version of the solar system. We created the sun, planets (and dwarf planet!) and moon out of paper mache. Note: Our solar system is NOT to scale!

Northshore Mining...

We had a great field trip today to Northshore Mining Co. We didn't see mining "in action" because of the shutdown, however, we were able to get right into the pit to examine rocks and check out how water is pumped out of pits. We learned about the continental divide and where the water goes. It was fascinating. I was excited that we were able to get into our own "backyard" to explore what is happening and relate it to what we had been studying.

You may see some interesting "samples" (aka huge rocks) coming home tonight!

Here is today's homework:

Reading: Finish the book "Walk Two Moons"
Math: Chapter 6 pre-test
Social Studies: Chapter 11 Chapter Tour
Science: Simple Machines projects (due on Wednesday)


I can't wait for Ironworld on Friday!!!

Have a nice evening,
Mrs. E.

I'm Really Excited!!

The end of the year is coming up fast--but there is still a lot to learn!!

No homework for today except----

1. Get a good night's sleep
2. Eat breakfast tomorrow

MCA Science testing is tomorrow be ready and prepared to do your best!

There are several assignments due on Monday:
Reading: Finish reading the novel "Walk Two Moons"
Math: Chapter 6 pre-test p. 292-295 (1-44)


Also, we have been talking about simple machines and there is a project due next Wednesday. Here are all the directions:

Simple Machines Project
Grade 5
May 2009

Simple machines are EVERYWHERE!!! Now that we have learned a bit about the different kinds of simple machines and how they work, you are going to put what you know into action. You may choose to do one of the following projects. You need to think about your strengths as a student and choose the project that you feel you will do the best on. All projects will require a presentation and a report. Each project is worth 100 points and will be a large part of your science grade for the quarter. The due dates and work times will be listed below. I am excited to see what you can come up with—be creative! You are scientists!

Schedule for Simple Machines Project

Thursday, May 14 Introduction to Simple Machines Project
Friday, May 15 Project Ideas due and Work Day

WORK AT HOME OVER THE WEEKEND

Monday, May 18 Work at Home
Tuesday, May 19 work time at school, work at home
Wed., May 20 Projects Due/ Presentations
Thursday, May 21 Finish Presentations








Project #1: Report and Presentation

For this project you will need to research one or two simple machines and give a presentation to the class. You will be responsible for writing a complete report that includes the following parts:
Report:
Cover
Table of Contents
Information:
When was this machine invented?
Who invented it?
How does the machine work?
Where can you find these simple machines in our everyday lives?
What are some examples of these simple machines and how do they work?
What has the machine been used for in the past?
Bibliography

Your report should have at least three sources of where you get your information and you should include this in a bibliography at the end of your report.

Presentation: You need to come up with a presentation that is 3-5 minutes long to tell the class what you have learned about in your study of the simple machines. You can make a PowerPoint presentation, a poster presentation, use the overhead, create a song and perform it—be creative. You need to tell the class everything that you had found out about the machines. You will be graded on the presentation and report as follows:

Report:

Cover __________/ 5
Table of Contents __________/ 5
Information __________/30
Bibliography __________/5
Neatness/Grammar __________/5

Presentation
Information presented is correct and logical __________/ 25
Creative __________/ 15
Organized __________/ 10


Total __________/ 100 points

Project #2: Create a “Rube Goldberg” Machine

Rube Goldberg was an artist who made cartoons of simple machines put together to do a common task. If you choose this project you will be responsible for creating a “cartoon” design of a “Rube Goldberg” type machine and actually build it for a presentation.

The requirement of this project is to construct an 8 step (or greater) machine to do a common household task. You must use a minimum of four simple machines in your task. You will be graded on the following parts:

Plan: ______________30 points

You need to create a plan on paper that shows exactly what you are trying to accomplish. See the cartoon below for an example. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a “cartoon” but just a blueprint of what exactly you will build or construct.



Rube Goldberg gets his think-tank working and evolves the simplified pencil-sharpener.
Open window (A) and fly kite (B). String (C) lifts small door (D) allowing moths (E) to escape and eat red flannel shirt (F). As weight of shirt becomes less, shoe (G) steps on switch (H) which heats electric iron (I) and burns hole in pants (J). Smoke (K) enters hole in tree (L), smoking out opossum (M) which jumps into basket (N), pulling rope (O) and lifting cage (P), allowing woodpecker (Q) to chew wood from pencil (R), exposing lead. Emergency knife (S) is always handy in case opossum or the woodpecker gets sick and can't work.

Construction/Demonstration: ______________70 points
You will need to construct your design and make it work to create the task that you are trying to accomplish. This can be done one of two ways. You may create the machine at home and record with a video camera your machine and how it works and then bring the tape to school so we can watch it working, or you may actually bring your parts to school and set it up here for the demonstration. While you are presenting, be prepared to show what the simple machines are and what types. Be ready to explain the steps of your process.
Total ___________________/100 points
Project #3: Become and Engineer!

Do you have ideas for your own gadgets? See if you can use the concept of simple machines to invent something new. Think about problems that you have around the house doing something. Can you design a machine to do it for you?

For this project you will need to do three things:

Plan _________________20

Create a blueprint of your gadget. You should show what your invention will look like and identify the simple machines that will be used to build it. This will communicate your idea and help you to build it.


Create a prototype _________________70

Create your gadget. Try to use as many things around the house as you can or recyclable materials. You should bring it to class with you on the day of your presentation and be ready to show the class how it works. It should be working!!

Presentation _________________10

Show the class what you have invented and what it will be used for. Explain how you got your idea and who would use it.



Total Points __________________/100

It will be exciting to see what they come up with!!

Have a great night!
Mrs. E.

Wednesday

Hello!

Today's Assignments:

Reading: Read chapters 35 and 36 (stop at chapter 37) and complete the Lunatic Mystery casebook parts one and two

Spelling: WB p. 155-156

Math: Checkpoint quiz (completed in class)

Social Studies: 13 Colonies Map adn Yellowstone Map Skill sheet (from yesterday, due tomorrow)


Permission slips for our field trips next week were handed out today. We will be going to Northshore Mine on Monday and Ironworld on Friday. Please note that the students will not ber able to wear flip flops or sandals to the mine on Monday. If they don't have proper shoes then they will not be allowed to go--this is a safety issue and the mine's policy.

MCA Science testing in on Friday. Please get a good night's sleep and eat some nutritious food on Friday morning--brain fuel!!

Have a good night,
Mrs. E.

Tuesday

Here are today's assignments--there is a lot to do for reading today!

Reading: Choose a passage from Walk Two Moons, create a picture of that passage, underline the words that are very descriptive (this was assigned yesterday)
Complete the QAR (Question Answer Response) sheet and the Character Analysis vocab sheet
Read chapters 30-33 (stop at 34)

Math: WB p.70

Social Studies: Map skills WS 99-101 (due Thurs.)

Spelling: week 34 words 3x or 5x each

Thanks!
Mrs. E.

A Beautiful Day!

I hope everyone gets out to enjoy this beautiful day! I wish the weather would stay like this but they are predicting rain (or so I've heard). Here are today's assignments:

Reading: Read chapters 15 and 16 in Walk Two Moons. Be sure to stop at p. 101.

Language: Finish the concrete poem. If you were one of the students that have not yet handed in the rough draft get that done and also the final copy.

Math: Finish WB p. 65 that we did together in class. For more practice do p.270-271 in your math book (15-36)

Social Studies: Map Skills packet: Physical Map of Canada

FYI....

We will be having an MCA science test on Friday. Only the 5th grade will be testing on that day. It is done on the computer. Please make sure to get a lot of rest on Thursday night and eat a good breakfast on Friday so you can do your best.

We are approaching the end of the school year. Many things are going to happen and rather quickly. We are going to be going to Ironworld on May 22. I need to know if you are going to order food from Ironworld. A sheet with all the choices was sent home with the midterm report last Wednesday. Please have your selections made and handed in by this Wednesday, May 6.

Permission slips for that event will be out shortly.

Also, we are having a "book break" for those who made their reading counts goal for April on Friday. The students who made the goal will be going bowling. A permission slip will be coming to you shortly.

Thanks and have a GREAT night!
Mrs. E.

Homework

Hello everyone...

Here are today's assignments:

Spelling: WB p. 151-152
Reading: Read chapters 7,8 and 9 in "Walk Two Moons"
Language: Start rough draft of "concrete" poem.
Social Studies: Read Lesson 1 in chapter 9--the Middle Colonies: Geography. Complete WS58 "Using Maps"

Just an FYI--

I did send home a note with the students about our upcoming field trip. It is attached to their midterm grades.

Please return that form with the food selection for our trip. Please do not send money now. You can send money for the food on the day of the trip which will be on May 22, Friday.

Also I have sent home some late work notices. They should also be attached to the other papers.

Remember that the Science Fair is on Friday at 1:45! Parents, family and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend!!


Spring is here! Enjoy this nice weather!
Mrs. E.

Thursday

Homework for today:

KEEP PRACTICING YOUR POEM!!!!!!!
Poetry and Punch is tomorrow!!!

Spelling: WB p. 145-148 (4 pages!)
Math: WB p. 62 (page 61 should be completed also)

Please get your homework finished and hand it in completed ON TIME!!!

And........enjoy this 70 degree weather!!

Mrs. E.

April 22, 2009

Hello!

We have HOMEWORK tonight. Everyone should have homework because we ran out of work time at the end of the day.

Here it is:

Spelling: Week 32 words--correct on own and write the correct words 3x and incorrect words 5x each

Social Studies: Map Skills and vocabulary packet about the Mercator Projection Map and Chapter 8

Check out these websites for some science fair ideas or space information:

Science fair Central http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/

Science Fair Projects World http://www.sciencefair-projects.org/

Science Projects http://www.terimore.com/ (this is just for ideas, you have to pay to get the kit or information)

Science Project.com http://www.scienceproject.com/

Elementary Science Information http://www.ncsu.edu/imse/4/elementaryEd.htm

http://www.nasa.org

http://www.kidsastronomy.com/solar_system.html


We looked at some of these websites today in the computer lab. Tomorrow I will hand out a planning sheet for the science fair.

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE for Poetry and Punch-----only TWO days away!!!!!

Have a great night!
Mrs. E.

MCA Testing

Remember to get a good night's sleep tonight and eat a good breakfast tomorrow! We have MCA-II testing tomorrow for math all morning.

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. The time seems to fly by way too fast. Soon it will be the end of the year!

Just a "FYI"....

Midterms are next Wednesday. Missing work should be turned in as soon as possible. I have given late slips to the students who have missing assignments and sent them home today. If your student has a late slip please encourage them to get the missing work completed as soon as possible.

Poetry and Punch is on Friday, April 24. Please practice your poem at home because we won't have too much time to do it in school with all the testing that is taking place. We will also have Science testing at the end of the month for the MCA-II.

Next Friday, May 1, is the Science Fair. The students may complete a project with a partner. If someone is having trouble finding an idea for the science fair they should see me right away!

Have a nice night...it seems windy out today!

P.S. I will give the Week 32 pretest tomorrow and the final test will be on Friday.

P.P.S: Good job to all my students in regard to the MCA-II tests. I am noticing that you are doing a fine job with taking your time and being very conciencious. I'm proud of you!

Mrs. E.

Week 32 Spelling Words

Week 32 Spelling List

scribe a person who copies documents by hand
script the written text of a performance
scribble to write or draw carelessly
describe to create a picture in words
describing creating a picture in words
description an account that describes
descriptive describing something
subscribe to pay money regularly for a product or service
subscriber a person who subscribes
subscribing paying money regularly for a product or service
subscription prepaid product received regularly
prescribe to order medicine for a patient
prescribing ordering medicine
prescription in order for medicine
scriptwriter a person who writes movie or television scripts
manuscript a handwritten document
transcribe to copy in writing
transcribing making a written copy of something
transcription an act of transcribing
transcript written or printed copy

Ann Bancroft Event Rescheduled...

Just an FYI...

The Ann Bancroft event that we were going to attend in February in Hibbing has been rescheduled. I am excited that we are going to get the opportunity to see her talk. It should be exciting for the students to hear about her Antarctic adventures. I will be sending home a permission slip tomorrow so we can get an accurate count for lunches, etc. Please sign and return the slip by Thursday or Friday this week.

Also, we are having "shamrock shakes" on Friday for anyone who would like to purchase them. The cost is $2.00 and the money should be turned in by tomorrow.

Keep reading for Reading Counts! Your quarterly goal needs to be met or exceeded by next Friday, March 27!

A Sunny Winter/Spring Day!

I just love this weather!!

Here are today's assignments:

Spelling: Week 27 pretest. Write the words 3x or 5x each.
Reading: "The Homecoming" treasure hunt WS
Math: WB p. 55
Social Studies: Map Skills WS with the United States map

The spelling words this week are challenging. Please practice, practice, practice!

It is really important to know the multiplication facts BY HEART! If you do not know the facts, please take time to memorize them at home. We will not be taking any class time to do this. It should be done already!!

Now that it is nice outside make sure to make some time to get out and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine--that is important too! I should make that homework one night!

Have a good day,
Mrs. E.

Spelling List Week 26

1. bridle
2. bridal
3. patients
4. patience
5. tents
6. tense
7. scents
8. sense
9. assistance
10. assistants
11.instance
12. instants
13. stationary
14. stationery
15. bases
16. basis
17. muscles
18. mussels
19. currant
20. current

Monday, March 9

Yeah! MAPS testing has been completed!

Here are today's assignments:

Spelling: Definitions for homophone pairs (week 26)
Reading: prewriting web and one page story for "talent show"
Math: WB p. 52
Social Studies: WS p. 52 (vocabulary) and p.217 in the book "Reviewing Vocabulary" (Q.1-5)

We are going to have a test in Social Studies on Thursday this week.

Keep reading for your Reading Counts! goal. We also have a monthly goal that the students should try to meet so they can participate in a fun activity. Keep a book around at all times in case you have some free time to read, read, read!

Have a nice night!
Mrs. E.

Week 24 Spelling Words

distant
distance
present
presence
absent
absence
different
difference
brilliant
brilliance
excellent
excellence
ignorant
ignorance
fragrant
fragrance
dependent
dependence
independent
independence

Tuesday, February 24

A few announcements:

Tomorrow is midterms for the third marking period. I can't believe how fast the time has flown by. It just seems like yesterday when I was meeting all of you at the open house....

Anyway, what I wanted to let you know is that I have sent home sheets with late work attached. I am posting the midquarter grades and some of the late work won't show up until after the midquarter grades are posted. The best thing is that it is only midquarter and there is still time to make up the work and get caught up.

Please sign and return the sheet(s) if your child brings some home. I will check them in the morning and give them back to the student. If the student needs me to make copies they need to let me know.

We are going skating tomorrow at around 2:15. Please BRING YOUR SKATES!

We are going to have a Chapter 9 Science test on weather tomorrow and a Chapter 4 math test. The students know what to study. They have a study guide for Science and the math test is going to be VERY similar to the pre-test in the book. Study!

Homework for today:
Spelling: Write words 3x or 5x for week 24.
Math: study for test tomorrow
Science: study for test tomorrow
Reading: we read "Ship" in class

Tomorrow is Wacky Wednesday! Hope to see you participate!

Thanks,
Mrs. E.

Assignment revision.....

Please disregard the assignment for Social Studies. We will get to that tomorrow...

Thanks,
Mrs. E.

A disappointment......

As you may have heard, our field trip to Hibbing today was cancelled because of the weather. It will be rescheduled, however, but I do not know when that will be. As soon as I know I will pass on that info to you!

Today's assignments:
Spelling: WB p. 103-104
Math: We took notes on "integers". If you were not here, read Lesson 4.8 in the textbook to get the information. Tomorrow we will review again.
Reading: Work on story. Final drafts are due on Tuesday, February 17.
Social Studies: Read p. 193-195 and complete worksheet
Science: We read together in class "Storms"

Please don't forget to bring your Valentine's boxes!

Thanks,
Mrs. E.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Hello!

Here are the assignments for today:

Reading: The rough draft is due in the "Reading" box by tomorrow. Our stories will be due on Tuesday, February 17.

Spelling: WB p. 101-102

Handwriting: "I" and "J" p. 36-37

Math: WB p. 42 (finding function rules)

Science: Storm research in the computer lab. Read lesson on "storms" in Science book.

We are going to be completing a storm poster. I will post the directions for research and the poster so you can look at it. This is due on Monday, February 9.

On February 10 we are going to take a field trip to Hibbing to see Ann Bancroft. She is a famous explorer who was the first woman to reach Antarctica. We will be going with the sixth grade. Right now we are planning an "Ann Bancroft" activity day to immerse ourselves in everything "Arctic".

Be on the lookout for a permission slip to go on the trip tomorrow!

One last thing... we are going to go swimming on Friday. Bring a swimsuit and a towel!

Have a goodnight!
Mrs. E.

Wednesday, January 28

Here are the assignments for today:

Reading: Continue working on rough draft of stories. We have not set a due date yet.
Handwriting: WS p. 34-35
Language: WS p. 27 (the five rules for using the forms of "Be")
Math: WB p. 29 (They may use a calculator)
Science: Weather Crossword

Skating was great. The arena is wonderful! Thanks for remembering your skates!

Book orders are due on Friday, January 30.

Have a great night!
Mrs. E.

Famous Europeans

In Social Studies we have been working on learning about famous Europeans that have come to America or had helped explorers reach America. Groups worked on creating life sized portraits of these famous people. I think that they turned out quite nice and each group learned something new about their famous person.

The order of famous people is as follows (from top to bottom) Queen Isabella, Marco Polo, Junipero Serra, Christopher Columbus, Francisco Coronado, Leif Erickson, and Hernando Cortez. These are on display in the main Elementary hallway.

Week 20 spelling words

Week 20 Spelling Words

Words that begin with –ex

exact
exam
examine
excite
excuse
exercise
exhaust
exist
exit
expand
expect
expedition
expensive
experiment
expert
explain
explode
expose
extra
extreme

Tuesday, January 27

Hello,

Here are today's assignments:

Spelling: Week 20 Pretest. Write words 3x or 5x each. (5x each if you miss the pre-test)
Math: WB p. 38 (Lesson 4.2) Use a calculator
Reading: Write a summary of what your story is going to be and start writing a rough draft.
Social Studies: Finish explorer project

Remember....

Book orders due on Friday, Jan. 30.

We are going skating tomorrow at 2:00. Bring your skates!

Mrs. E.

Start of the Third Quarter

Today is the start of a new beginning......the 3rd Quarter!

Now is the time to get those assignments done and on time. Strive to not get late slips!!

Here are the assingments for today:

Spelling: WB p. 95-96
Math: WB p. 37- You will need a calculator.
Reading: Frindle Quiz
Social Studies/Science: Group project with 4th and 6th grades.

Watch for pictures of our "project".

Book orders due on Friday, January 30.

Have a good day!
Mrs. E.

Thursday, January 22

Hello!

One more day until the end of the quarter! Don't forget to get missing work completed and turned in by TOMORROW!!!!!

Today's assignments:

Spelling: WB p. 91-93
Reading: Finish newspaper article and picture about "Frindle"
Math: Correct Ch. 3 Test
Social Studies: Explorer project

Have a good night!
Mrs. E.

Wednesday, January 21

Just a HUGE reminder: The last day of the quarter will be on Friday, January 23!! All missing or late work must be turned in on that day!!!!

Assignments for today:

Spelling: WB p. 89-90
Reading: Frindle Article assignment (due on Friday) and read chapters 14-15 and write four discussion questions (due tomorrow)
Math: Chapter 3 test
Science: Weather website fact sheet
Social Studies: Group explorer project

Just to let you know, I have changed the spelling "pre-test" to Tuesdays.

If you want to check out a great weather related website, visit www.weatherwizkids.com. We have looked at this website quite a bit in the computer lab.

Great news! Justin Liles, Meteorologist from channel 10, will be visiting our classroom on February 17!

We will be going skating next Wednesday at 2:00. Bring your skates!

Don't forget to read a book for "Reading Counts!".

Thanks and have a good night!

Mrs. E.

Week 17 spelling list

accident
accidental
accidentally
reside
resident
residential
honor
dishonor
honorable
dishonorable
honorable
science
scientist
scientific
unscientific
fortune
fortunate
misfortune
unfortunate
fortunately

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Today's Assignments:

Spelling: WB p. 80 (may do p. 79 for extra credit)
Reading: We read chapters 1-2 of Frindle in class. Complete the Chapter 1-2 packet due tomorrow.
Math: Decimal Quiz
Social Studies: Finish working on Chapter tour lesson 3 and 4.

Look for next week's spelling list(s) to come home tonight.

The end of the quarter is winding down...only about 3 weeks left to go. Make sure to get in any missing work as soon as possible.

Mrs. E.

Monday, January 5

Hello everyone!

I hope that you all had a great break. I know that I enjoyed the time off to spend with my family. I was excited to come back to school today and I hope that you were too! Here are today's asignments:

Spelling: Week 17 pretest. Write words 3x or 5x each.
Reading: Create three new words for cupcake, notebook, and paper with definitions, parts of speech and an original sentence.
Math: p. 132-133 (1-26)
Social Studies: Work on chapter tour for lessons 3 and 4.
Science: Started weather unit.

There will be no band tomorrow or Thursday. Mr. Baker will have band practice for all instruments on Wednesday.

Hope you have a good night. Make sure you get your homework done on time!

Mrs. E.