5/16/2012: Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Book report part 2: grammar detective worksheet. We did one side of this worksheet in class using the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. The other side is homework. Use your book report book to complete it.

Math: 

• Both classes
• Multiplying Mixed Numbers handout 33/35

OTHER:

• Please bring 6 dollars for DARE graduation t-shirts along with any donation for other kids (if you can and would like to.)

5/16/2012: Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Narnia Journal Entry: Which Narnia character do you relate or not relate to?
• Book report part 1: Which character from your silent reading book do you relate you and why? (worksheet that went home)

Math: 

• Both classes
• 284-285 #1-4 all, 6-21 every third problem, 23-29 odd numbers.

OTHER:

• Please bring 6 dollars for DARE graduation t-shirts along with any donation for other kids (if you can and would like to.)

Our D.A.R.E. graduation day is approaching rapidly.  We will need to order our t-shirts this week.  Shirts will cost $6.00, and come in adult sizes.  Students have been asked to let us know which size in an adult shirt they would wear. Please send $6.00 for your child's graduation shirt tomorrow so that we will be able to send our order in time to receive the shirts.  If you are able to send a little extra to help out any students who might need some assistance, it would be greatly appreciated. 

You should be receiving a D.A.R.E. graduation invitation from your child today.  As noted in an earlier blog post, the graduation will take place onWednesday, May 23 @ 9:15 a.m. in the Marshall gym.  The event should last about an hour.  We hope to see you there!

5/9/2012

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Narnia Journal Entry: Make a "T" chart. On one side list decisions made by Edmund throughout the book. On the other side, list the consequences of those decisions. 
• Make sure you are up to date on all Narnia journal entries! We will turn these in for the weekend check tomorrow.
• Study homophones
• they're 
• their
• there
• were
• we're
• where
• wear
• witch 
• which
• knew 
• new

Math: 

• Both classes
• Page 27-28 Multiplying fractions by fractions

Science:

• Skeletal System
• Finish the skeletal system handout (1a-1b)
• transfer information to your notes (you will be able to use these for your test tomorrow.)
• You will not need to know the medical names of the bones for your test tomorrow.

5/7/2012: Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Narnia Journal Entry: Make a list of ten items you would bring with you if you went to Narnia. Include a complete sentence explaining why you would bring each item
• DARE essay is DUE tomorrow. Have an adult read it and practice reading it in front of a peer, parent, or group.

Math: 

• Both classes
• Multiplying fractions and whole numbers 
• Finish text page 278-279

Science:

• Skeletal System
• Complete and label missing bones (2 sided handout)

Social Studies:

• You may begin research on your specific job within your chapter group. This is optional. Research will be completed in class.

WE LOVE OUR PARENTS!

Parents:
With AIMS behind us, we want to thank you for all of your support  to ensure that  every fifth grader  in our class was fueled up and ready to do their best on the test! We had MORE than enough snacks every day! Thank you for rising to the occasion!

5th Graders:
We've got lots more to do this year, so even though AIMS is over remember to bring your best attitude and effort everyday!

4/11/2012: Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Continue independent reading log. You will need to fill out an entry every night. By tomorrow you should have 3 entries.
• Friendly letter rough draft. We are writing friendly letters to the Fourth Graders about AIMS
• Tonight we are color coding each sentence in your rough draft to make sure that our letters are organized.
• 1st-circle each topic sentence with a different color
• 2nd-color each sentence according to the topic sentence that it flows with.
• Look for sentences that belong in different paragraphs
• Look for sentences that do not belong in the letter at all.
• In class example

• Spelling form
• boundary  (n.)
• ceiling  (n.)
• damaged (adj)
• similar (adj.)

Math

• Both classes
• AIMS test prep packet problems 45-51 

Social Studies 

• Both classes
• Time for Kids (Current Event)

4/10/2012: Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Continue independent reading log. You will need to fill out an entry every night. Every Thursday these will be checked in class. This Thursday you should have 3 entries.
• Friendly letter rough draft. We are writing friendly letters to the Fourth Graders about AIMS
• These should have 5 parts
• heading
• greeting
• body
• closing
• signature

• Your letters should include the following in the body
• Reasons why we should do our best on the test
• Test taking strategies
• Encouraging Words

• Spelling form
• plagiarism (n.)
• turbulence (n.)
• unbelievable (adj.)
• voluntarily (adv.)

Math: 

• Both classes
• No homework tonight

4/9/2012: Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Begin independent reading log. You will need to fill out an entry every night. Every Thursday these will be checked in class. This Thursday you should have 3 entries.
• Friendly letter brainstorm sheet
• Spelling form
• plagiarism (n.)
• turbulence (n.)
• unbelievable (adj.)
• voluntarily (adv.)

Math: 

• Both classes
• Problem Solving Strategy: Try, Check, Revise Handout p. 63-64

4/3/2012: Homework

Language Arts:

• Both classes:
• Subject/ Predicate Worksheet

 Math: 

• Both classes
• Fractions Process Problems Worksheet 1

4/2/2012:Homework

Language Arts:

• Both classes
• Spelling form
• your words
• In each sentence, underline the simple subject and circle the simple predicate.
• The simple subject is the 'who or what' of the sentence. It should be one word only and is always a noun.
• The simple predicate is one word that shows existence or action and is always a verb.

Math: 

• Both classes
• Adding and Subtracting Unlike Fractions p. 274, set C

 Enjoy time with your families tonight!

 Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Use the materials we used in class today at our editing centers to continue to edit your persuasive essay rough draft. You should be focusing on correcting:
• Punctuation
• Spelling
• Capitalization
• Complete Sentences
• Spelling form
• reaction (n.)
• reconstruction (n.)
• unusually (adv.)
• weightless (adj.)

Math: 

• Both classes
• Elapsed Time in Other Units. Finish text p. 362-363

3/27/2012

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Catch up on persuasive writing unit if you are behind. (Finish persuasive reading sheet, persuasive brainstorm sheet, persuasive outline, and persuasive essay rough draft.)
• If you are on schedule: Have an adult read your persuasive essay. Focus on ideas and organization. We will edit conventions in class tomorrow.

Math: 

• Both classes
• Elapsed Time: handout p. 65-66

Have a great evening!
 

3/26/2012: Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Spelling form (click the link at the right for tonight's words.)
• Use your persuasive essay outline to write your persuasive essay rough draft.
• Make sure to write 5 paragraphs 
• 1. Introduction (Include topic sentence)
• 2. Reason #1
• 3. Reason #2
• 4. Reason #3
• 5. Conclusion 
• Please skip lines on your rough draft so there is room for comments

Math: 

• Both classes
• Units of Weight and Mass handout 47-48

AIMS Prep group:

• (Only if you're in Ms. Baker's group) 
• Solve the second side of your worksheet. (problems 8a & 8b)

Have a great evening!
 

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Complete your persuasive writing outline sheet. Pick your three strongest supporting ideas and use them for the body of your essay. This outline will help you feel organized when you begin writing your rough draft.

Math: 

• Both classes
• No math homework tonight

AIMS Prep group:

• (Only if you're in Ms. Baker's group) 
• Solve one side of your worksheet only. (problems 6a & 6b)

Have a great evening!
 

3/21/2012:Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Complete your persuasive writing brainstorm sheet. You do not need to begin your essay. Just brainstorm ideas that will support your topic sentence.

Math: 

• Both classes
• Customary Units of Capacity
• Handout p. 34-35

3/20/2012: Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Complete your persuasive writing worksheet. The top box should have been finished in class

Math: 

• Both classes
• Fraction Review: Finish text page 272-273

Parent Teacher Conferences: Sign up for a spot!

Parent Teacher Conferences

Spring Conference time is here! The dates are Monday, March 5 through Friday March 9^th.  Monday and Tuesday there are 15 min. slots open from 3:45-5:00.  Wednesday through Friday there are 15 min. slots open from 12:45-5:00. Please use the link provided below if you would like to conference with Ms. Baker and Mr. Kasch this spring about your child’s progress.   

 http://www.doodle.com/p7exyca2ibnss5di

 When the conference schedule appears:
1)  type in your name and your child's name in parentheses.
2)  next, choose a specific day and time (only one, please).
3)  finally, scroll all the way to the end to click SAVE.

That's it!  We'll see you at your conference time on the day you schedule.  We look forward to meeting with you to discuss your child's progress.  Thanks! 

2/27/2012:Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Complete your pre-writing ladder  worksheet for your how-to essays 

Math: 

• Both classes
• Adding fractions with unlike denominators 
• handout p. 39-40
• finish text p. 262-263 if you did not finish it in class this morning.

2/23/12: Homework

Language Arts:  

• Study your spelling words
• Book report outlines are due tomorrow!
• as always: read!

Math 

• Both classes
• Fractions and Equations-Finish text page 259

Reminders:

• Please return your DARE permission slips 
• and your Social Health permission slips.

 

Middle School Field Trip Thursday.

Please bring back your folders with completed paperwork tomorrow. You will need these forms in order to come on this field trip.

***Students will be riding a bus to the middle school of their attendance area.

2/21/12: Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Begin working on your book report outline. (Due Friday)
• Work on Title-Main Characters
• Spelling 
• Just plain ole sentences! No fancy grammar directions. 

Math 

• Both classes
• Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Like Denominators
• handout p. 27-28

Reminders:

• Bring in dare permission slips if you haven't yet
• Bring in Middle School FOLDERS with completed forms!!

 

2/16/12: Science Opportunity

In case you're looking for something scienc-y tonight!

STEM Night at Sinagua Middle School

Don't forget, tonight is the night...

“Exploration through the Lens of STEM”
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

Hands on, Interactive Learning for all!

 

Sinagua Middle School

5:30 – 7:00 pm      TONIGHT!

2/16/12:Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Complete your Poetry booklet. 
• All you should have left to complete tonight is:
• The final panel (ABAB)
• The cover
• Title based on broad topic
• Author (your first and last name.)
• A border of illustrations based on your topic
• Color!

Math 

• Both classes
• Geometry Performance Assessment-Handout p. 76 (Draw and label the map.)

Social Studies:

• Both classes
• Read "Boston Massacre/Boston Tea Party" handout 
• Complete your Experts Topic outline as well as the Comprehension Questions on the other side.

2/15/12: Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Work on your rough draft of your AABB poems in your Language Arts notebook
• Complete just the AABB of your final copy for your poetry booklet.

Math:

• Both classes
• Quadrilaterals handout 61-62

Also...You should be receiving a letter about the unfortunate cancellation of our ski trip. Here is a copy incase it did not make it home.  We have valued and will continue to value the social maturation of this group as a top priority for this year. Mr. Kasch and I have spoken with a number of parents and are appreciative of your continued support and understanding.

Ski Trip Cancelation Letter

2/13/12: Homeowork

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Work on your rough draft of your Cinquain poems in your Language Arts notebook
• Complete just the cinquain panel of your final copy for your poetry booklet.

• Both classes
• Triangles: Handout 55-56

Social Studies:

• Both classes
• Read "The Colonies Rebel" handout 
• Complete your Experts Topic outline as well as the Comprehension Questions on the other side.

*******FIELD TRIP TO SNOWBOWL THURSDAY IS STILL ON.
Please be sure to turn in your:

• Photo Consent form
• Liability/ Equipment Size form
• $10

ASAP!!!!!

Enjoy your evenings!

Ms. Baker & Mr. Kasch.

2/8/2012:Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Spelling form
• * In each sentence, write the number of syllables above each word. Then, write the total number of each syllable in each sentence at the end of each sentence.

Math:

• Both classes
• Intro to Geometry
• Finish text p. 204-205

Science: 

• Finish your Science Fair Projects (They are due TOMORROW!!)

2/7/2012: Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Complete Topic Brainstorn worksheet 
• Complete Haiku worksheet
• ***Have ready for class in order to earn full punctuality points!!!

Math:

• Both classes
• Intro to Geometry 
• handout p. 36-37

Science: 

• Finish your Science Fair Projects (They are due Thursday!)

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
•  Spelling form *Use a pronoun in each sentence and circle it.
• Complete the broadest topic on your Topic Brainstorn worksheet
• Read/ Fill out your reading progress check sheet

Math:

• Both classes: Fraction/ Decimal Review
• handout p. 105-106 handout odds

Science: 

• Finish your Science Fair Projects (They are due Thursday!)

2/2/2012: Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Study your spelling words for your spelling test tomorrow.
• Read from your independent reading book and log it in your "Reading Progress Check sheet."

Math:

• Both classes:
• Fractions and Decimals on a Number Line p. 93 & 94

Science: 

• Return Changes in Altitudes application papers tomorrow!

2/2/2012: Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Spelling form

Math:

• Both classes: Thousandths handout p. 88

Social Studies:

• We will continue working on our Revolutionary War  Scavenger hunt tomorrow.

Science: 

• Continue to work on your Science Fair Projects. Remember they're due Thursday, February 9th.
• Remember to return your Changes in Altitude application/questionnaire

1/31/12: Homework

Not a lot on the homework front today.

Language Arts:

• Finish your grammar packets for homework. Make sure you have all of your Language Arts homework finished from yesterday. (Spelling form, Poetry worksheet.)

Enjoy your evening!
Ms. Baker

Wednesday 1/25/12

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Spelling form **In each sentence use a pronoun and an antecedent. Circle the pronoun, underline the antecedent and write singular or plural at the end of each sentence.
• (look in your notebook for the in class practice that we did)
• Try this site for more help if needed.--->  http://www.towson.edu/ows/modulepaa.htm

• Book report outline (just the outline...no project!) Due tomorrow! 
• written neatly
• conventions (capitalization, spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc..)
• don't forget to give an example sentence when you write in the point of view! (1st person, 3rd person.)

Math:

• Both classes: Simplifying Fractions Using the GCF
• handout 75-76

Social Studies:

• No homework tonight!
• If you didn't finish Geographer's Workshop, you need to finish it at lunch.

****Bring snowbowl permission slip tomorrow!!!

1/23/12:Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Make editing marks on your personal narrative rough drafts using the checklists you received in class today
• Make a neat final copy on loose leaf lined paper. (We will be making cover sheets tomorrow.)
• Spelling form *Use dialogue in each sentence with correct punctuation.

Math:

• Greatest Common Factor handout p.69-70

 

 

Social Studies:

• Use tonight to add any final touches to your geographer's workshop. It will be due tomorrow.

***Remember to bring your permission slips for the Snowbowl field trip

1/19/12: Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Revise your Personal Narratives using the checklist we came up with in class today (In your L.A. notebook.) 
• Study your spelling words for your test tomorrow!
• Read at least 20 min. and fill out an entry on your book progress check page. (You have an outline due one week from today...I will hand these out on Monday.)

Math:

• Both classes: Comparing and Ordering Fractions and Mixed Numbers 
• handout 61-62

Social Studies:

• Geographer's Workshop due Monday!

Science: 

• Continue to research background information

1/18/12: Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Finish the 
• Beginning (1-2 Paragraphs...set up your setting and characters) 
• and Middle (2-3 Paragraphs....tell events and problems...include dialgue)
• End (1-2 Paragraphs...What's the point? What did you learn? Moral of the story?) of your personal narrative (rough draft form.)
• We will be revising your rough drafts in class tomorrow.
• Spelling form * In each sentence, use dialogue with correct punctuation
• Read at least 20 min. and fill out an entry on your book progress check page. (Tomorrow is our reading progress check.)

Math:

• Both classes:Equivalent Fractions
• Worksheet #2

Social Studies:

• Finish all maps except for the historical map on Geographer's workshop
• Longitude & Latitude worksheet

Science:

• Complete the Variables & Hypothesis handout

1/17/12:Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Finish the 
• Beginning (1-2 Paragraphs...set up your setting and characters) 
• and Middle (2-3 Paragraphs....tell events and problems...include dialgue) of your personal narrative (rough draft form.)
• Quotation & Capitalization ws
• Read at least 20 min. and fill out an entry on your book progress check page.

Math:

• Both classes:Equivalent Fractions
• Worksheet #1
• Non-Congruent  Regions handout

Social Studies:

• Thursday's hw: Finish drawing and labeling states on your political map and Finish drawing physical features  'Geographer's Workshop-Types of Maps.' Tonight: Finish all the way up to drawing your climate map.
• Longitude worksheet

Science:

No Science today (We had library)

• Be prepared to write your hypothesis and variables for your experiment

1/12/12:Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Write 2-3 paragraphs of your personal narrative.
• Study for your Spelling Test
• Read at least 20 min. and fill out an entry on your book progress check page.

Math:

• Both classes Equivalent Fractions, Congruent Regions handout

Social Studies:

• Finish drawing and labeling states on your political map and Finish drawing physical features  'Geographer's Workshop-Types of Maps.'

Science:

• Turn in your Science Fair Project handout from class today. 

1/11/12: Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Spelling form (In each sentence include dialogue with correct punctuation)
• Read at least 20 min. and fill out an entry on your book progress check page. (There will be a progress check tomorrow!! You should have at least 5 entries since last week. Seven total.)

Math:

• Both classes
• Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions p. 226-227

Social Studies:

• Trace US map on all 4 quadrants of your big project paper for 'Geographer's Workshop-Types of Maps'

Science:

• Finalize your Science Fair Proposals (They are due Friday!!)

1/10/12: Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Personal Narrative Prewriting (Characters, Setting, Events, Conclusion)
• Read at least 20 min. and fill out an entry on your book progress check page.

Math:

• Both classes
• Fractions and dividing handout p. 43-44

Social Studies:

• We will continue Geographer's Workshop tomorrow.

Science:

• Come up with an idea for the Science Fair and begin working on the Science Fair packet.

1/9/2012:Homework

Language Arts:  

• Both classes
• Spelling form (In each sentence include dialogue with correct punctuation)
• Read at least 20 min. and fill out an entry on your book progress check page.

Math:

• Both classes
• Fractions handout 36-37

Social Studies:

• Practice a freehand sketch of the United States in your S.S. notebook

Science:

• Start writing Science Fair questions

1/4/12:Homework

Language Arts:  

• 1st hour: 
• Spelling form (no special grammar in each sentence today.)
• Read at least 20 min. and fill out an entry on your book progress check page.
• Complete the Character/Setting Webs for your piece of writing "The Best Holiday Ever"
• 2nd hour: 
• Spelling form (no special grammar in each sentence today.)
• Read at least 20 min. and fill out an entry on your book progress check page.
• Complete the Character Web for "Woodsong"

Math:

• None tonight due to the test today
• None tonight due to the test today

Social Studies:

• Finish Geography Atlas worksheet to be graded together tomorrow. (We had to days in class to work on this.)

Reading Grades

Well hello there!

Welcome back everyone. . . Things have gotten a little dusty around here over the past 2 weeks. Hopefully you've had a chance to keep your books at home from getting dusty by cracking them open and enjoying some good reading over the break. I myself had the time to curl up with a good book this break.  It's the best way to keep your brain active so you're ready to come back!

Here's a brief overview of how your child will be graded for reading this semester and some dates that should be  marked in their agendas for book progress checks and outline/project due dates.

Nightly Reading
Every kiddo should have a sheet called "Track Your Own Book Progress" Every weeknight (Including Fridays!) students should be reading about 20-30 minutes and filling out an entry from this sheet. Every Thursday I will be checking this progress and stamping that their reading is coming along.

Outline
Students will have two Book Report Outlines due this trimester.

Final Book Report Outline and Project
For the final book report Outline/Project students will have the option of perfecting one of their outlines and using that book to create a related project. Or students have the option of reading a third book and using that for their final outline/project.


Due Dates:

Th. Jan 5th-Book Progress Check #1----------4pts                                                                                    

Th. Jan 12th-Book Progress Check #2---------4pts

Th. Jan 19th-Book Progress Check #3---------4pts

Th. Jan 26th-Book Report Outline #1-----------15pts

Th. Feb 2nd-Book Progress Check #4-----------4pts

Th. Feb 9th-Book Progress Check  #5-----------4pts

Th. Feb 16th-Book Progress Check #6-----------4pts

Th. Feb 23rd-Book Report Outline #2-----------15pts

Th. Mar 1-Book Report Outline/ Project--------30pts                                                                                  


Questions?
Email me! ebaker@fusd1.org

1/3/12:Homework

Language Arts:  

• 1st hour: 
• Read at least 20 min. and fill out an entry in your reading progress sheet.
• Character/Setting Worksheet (both sides)
• 2nd hour: 
• Read at least 20 min. and fill out an entry in your reading progress sheet. 
• Character/ Setting Worksheet (both sides)

Math:

• 1st hour: text p. 164-165
• 2nd hour: text p. 164-165
  
  

Social Studies:

• Bring your geography worksheet to continue tomorrow.