Something we forgot to mention in the homework when looking at grades:
If you see a blank score the student was not held accountable for the work and the score is not hurting their grade.
If you see a zero score the assignment was not turned in and does count towards their grade. One place for them to check if they think they turned it in would be the no name pile in our classroom.
Most students have a login and password in their homework folder for SIS. There is a link on the left side of this blog.
Thanks.
Mrs. Bird
Shannon.Bird@nebo.edu
Miss Blaisdell
emily.blaisdell@nebo.edu
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Spelling Week 5
This week's spelling words are homophones--words that sound the same, but are spelled differently and have different meanings.
This week's test will be matching the correct homophone to its definition. Be sure to study the definitions of these words!!!
1. waist
2. waste
3. patience*
4. patients
5. rite*
6. right
7. wright
8. muscle
9. mussel
10. principal
11. principle
12. summary
13. summery
14. sight
15. cite
16. site
17. stationary*
18. stationery
19. coward
20. cowered*
Review
21. berry
22. bury
23. hangar
24. hanger
Challenge
25. barren*
26. baron
27. burrow
28. burro
29. borough
* indicates vocabulary word
This week's test will be matching the correct homophone to its definition. Be sure to study the definitions of these words!!!
1. waist
2. waste
3. patience*
4. patients
5. rite*
6. right
7. wright
8. muscle
9. mussel
10. principal
11. principle
12. summary
13. summery
14. sight
15. cite
16. site
17. stationary*
18. stationery
19. coward
20. cowered*
Review
21. berry
22. bury
23. hangar
24. hanger
Challenge
25. barren*
26. baron
27. burrow
28. burro
29. borough
* indicates vocabulary word
Student of the Week: Joshua Brown
Josh's wordle based on his pyramid. He was our student of the week last week, 9/20-9/24.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Friday, Septmember 24
Welcome to Fall! It officially started on September 22!
Math: Students have begun learning about Algebra. We deeply studied the equal sign and talked about always keeping both sides balanced. They discovered that you can change things in the equation as long as whatever you do to one side is done to the other. We have started writing and solving algebraic equations.
Science: This week we brought all of our seasons knowledge together as we looked at a diagram and model of the earth moving around the sun. Students worked on study guides to start preparing for their seasons test. It will be October 7th.
Social Studies: We compared the cultures of the Assyrians and Babylonians. Assyrians were mighty warriors that conquered many people. Babylonians also conquered land but they were very into learning. They fought each other many times. In the end the Brains, Babylonians, over took the Assyrians.
Spelling & Vocabulary: Test was today. Students need to remember to study their words throughout the week. Next week we'll be starting homophones for spelling words and have a word meaning test on Friday, instead of a traditional spelling test. The culminating unit vocabulary test is the week of October 4-8. Keep studying those definitions! Some study tips: know antonyms and synonyms of the words, know how to write them in a sentence, and know how to draw the definition of the word.
Reading: We are almost finished with Metacognition. We read a story called, "Zlata's Diary." It is a diary of a girl named Zlata who lived in Bosnia when war broke out. We spent some time discussing September 11, 2001, and the events that occurred on that day. Some students were unclear about why that date is important to America so we briefly discussed what happened and some results. We will finish up Metacognition this week and move onto Monitor for Meaning.
Writing: We are onto the Publishing phase of our Personal Narratives! :) Unfortunately, we won't be able to complete the Publishing until after Keyboarding ends. Some students have already started working on new stories.
Math: Students have begun learning about Algebra. We deeply studied the equal sign and talked about always keeping both sides balanced. They discovered that you can change things in the equation as long as whatever you do to one side is done to the other. We have started writing and solving algebraic equations.
Science: This week we brought all of our seasons knowledge together as we looked at a diagram and model of the earth moving around the sun. Students worked on study guides to start preparing for their seasons test. It will be October 7th.
Social Studies: We compared the cultures of the Assyrians and Babylonians. Assyrians were mighty warriors that conquered many people. Babylonians also conquered land but they were very into learning. They fought each other many times. In the end the Brains, Babylonians, over took the Assyrians.
Spelling & Vocabulary: Test was today. Students need to remember to study their words throughout the week. Next week we'll be starting homophones for spelling words and have a word meaning test on Friday, instead of a traditional spelling test. The culminating unit vocabulary test is the week of October 4-8. Keep studying those definitions! Some study tips: know antonyms and synonyms of the words, know how to write them in a sentence, and know how to draw the definition of the word.
Reading: We are almost finished with Metacognition. We read a story called, "Zlata's Diary." It is a diary of a girl named Zlata who lived in Bosnia when war broke out. We spent some time discussing September 11, 2001, and the events that occurred on that day. Some students were unclear about why that date is important to America so we briefly discussed what happened and some results. We will finish up Metacognition this week and move onto Monitor for Meaning.
Writing: We are onto the Publishing phase of our Personal Narratives! :) Unfortunately, we won't be able to complete the Publishing until after Keyboarding ends. Some students have already started working on new stories.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Spelling Week 4
1. source
2. flirt
3. hurdle
4. parka
5. frontier
6. scorn
7. radar
8. earnest
9. afford
10. urban*
11. discard
12. smirk*
13. rehearse
14. mourn
15. surface
16. parcel
17. yearn*
18. fierce
19. starch
20. formula
Review
21. earth
22. further
23. squirm
24. pardon
25. perform
Challenge
26. horizontal
27. circuit
28. reimburse
29. formidable*
30. monarchy*
*indicates vocabulary word
2. flirt
3. hurdle
4. parka
5. frontier
6. scorn
7. radar
8. earnest
9. afford
10. urban*
11. discard
12. smirk*
13. rehearse
14. mourn
15. surface
16. parcel
17. yearn*
18. fierce
19. starch
20. formula
Review
21. earth
22. further
23. squirm
24. pardon
25. perform
Challenge
26. horizontal
27. circuit
28. reimburse
29. formidable*
30. monarchy*
*indicates vocabulary word
Friday, September 17, 2010
Friday, September 17
We are enjoying our wonderful class! They are very hard workers and learn quickly.
Math: We took a test on Place Value, comparing and ordering, rounding, and exponents on Thursday. On Friday we reviewed Order of Operations. Most students remembered it from last year. I shared an acronym I made to remember the order in sixth grade. It was Pencils Erase Many Dumb Answers Successfully. With partners, the students made their own. Next week we will begin learning about Algebra!
Science: The students did many experiments and graphed lots of information learning more about the seasons. They saw how direct or indirect sunlight affects the temperature. We looked at the day lengths around the world and discovered that the southern hemisphere has seasons that are the complete opposite of ours. We have three more weeks left to learn about the seasons.
Social Studies: Students learned about the Sumarians that lived in Mesopotamia thousands of years ago. We studied their daily life, farming techniques, religion, and writing. On Friday the students practiced writing in cunieform on stone tablets. Once they dry the class will be able to take them home. Try to guess what they say.
Spelling/Vocabulary: On Thursday we took a vocabulary quiz. After looking at the results of the whole class, I decided not to enter these for a grade. Students need to be consistently studying their vocabulary words at home. The unit vocabulary test is in 2 weeks! Students will have a pop vocabulary quiz this week so be sure to study all the words! The spelling test was today and I'm pleased with the scores! :) New spelling list with vocabulary words marked will be posted on Monday.
Writing: We continued working on our Personal Narratives. We discussed the Publishing step of the Writing Process. Some students are getting close to publishing!!! After conferencing with me, they will be ready to type their stories and add illustrations.
Reading: This week we finished up our unit on the elements of a story star with a quiz on Tuesday. We then started metacognition. We had a great time reading the book, "Your Move" by Eve Bunting and discussing our thoughts. Be sure to ask your student what metacognition means! On Monday, the students are excited to try to stump me with reading material they think I won't be able to read.
This afternoon we enjoyed a presentation by Mrs. Hansen's brother, Logan, who is a professional bull rider. The kids really enjoyed seeing his equipment and hearing his rodeo stories. Thank you Mrs. Hansen and Logan!
I've noticed that some students are missing assignments. Parents can always check SIS for grades. The link to SIS is on the left-hand side of the blog--grades and attendance.
Math: We took a test on Place Value, comparing and ordering, rounding, and exponents on Thursday. On Friday we reviewed Order of Operations. Most students remembered it from last year. I shared an acronym I made to remember the order in sixth grade. It was Pencils Erase Many Dumb Answers Successfully. With partners, the students made their own. Next week we will begin learning about Algebra!
Science: The students did many experiments and graphed lots of information learning more about the seasons. They saw how direct or indirect sunlight affects the temperature. We looked at the day lengths around the world and discovered that the southern hemisphere has seasons that are the complete opposite of ours. We have three more weeks left to learn about the seasons.
Social Studies: Students learned about the Sumarians that lived in Mesopotamia thousands of years ago. We studied their daily life, farming techniques, religion, and writing. On Friday the students practiced writing in cunieform on stone tablets. Once they dry the class will be able to take them home. Try to guess what they say.
Spelling/Vocabulary: On Thursday we took a vocabulary quiz. After looking at the results of the whole class, I decided not to enter these for a grade. Students need to be consistently studying their vocabulary words at home. The unit vocabulary test is in 2 weeks! Students will have a pop vocabulary quiz this week so be sure to study all the words! The spelling test was today and I'm pleased with the scores! :) New spelling list with vocabulary words marked will be posted on Monday.
Writing: We continued working on our Personal Narratives. We discussed the Publishing step of the Writing Process. Some students are getting close to publishing!!! After conferencing with me, they will be ready to type their stories and add illustrations.
Reading: This week we finished up our unit on the elements of a story star with a quiz on Tuesday. We then started metacognition. We had a great time reading the book, "Your Move" by Eve Bunting and discussing our thoughts. Be sure to ask your student what metacognition means! On Monday, the students are excited to try to stump me with reading material they think I won't be able to read.
This afternoon we enjoyed a presentation by Mrs. Hansen's brother, Logan, who is a professional bull rider. The kids really enjoyed seeing his equipment and hearing his rodeo stories. Thank you Mrs. Hansen and Logan!
I've noticed that some students are missing assignments. Parents can always check SIS for grades. The link to SIS is on the left-hand side of the blog--grades and attendance.
Book Orders
The online ordering for parents will still be available through this Sunday. Some students said they forgot theirs today so I have allowed them to bring them on Monday. I will finalize the order then. Here are the directions for ordering online:
Online Ordering Information
Web address: scholastic.com/bookclubs
Class Activation Code: GVV6J
• SIGN UP at www.Scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, click the "Don't have a User Name and Password?" link, then register for your own username and password. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code shown above. This code ensures that your order is sent to me.
• SELECT the books you'd like to order from over 500 titles available online...and take advantage of online-only specials and discounts.
SEND your order to me online by the due date. Books will be delivered directly to our classroom, as always.
Online Ordering Information
Web address: scholastic.com/bookclubs
Class Activation Code: GVV6J
• SIGN UP at www.Scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, click the "Don't have a User Name and Password?" link, then register for your own username and password. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code shown above. This code ensures that your order is sent to me.
• SELECT the books you'd like to order from over 500 titles available online...and take advantage of online-only specials and discounts.
SEND your order to me online by the due date. Books will be delivered directly to our classroom, as always.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Student of the Week: Rachael Argyle
Rachael's wordle based on her pyramid. She was our student of the week this week, 9/13-9/17.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Student of the Week: Nicole Beutler
Nicole's Wordle based on her pyramid. She was our student of the week for 9/7-9/10.
Spelling Week 3
- mound
- gloomy
- vault
- annoy
- dawdle*
- counter
- haughty
- rejoice
- devour
- thoughtful
- flawless
- maroon
- droop
- crouch
- bamboo
- hoist
- oyster
- exhausted
- scoundrel
- boundary
Review
- royal
- naughty
- avoid
- announce
- cartoon
Challenge
- bountiful*
- aloof*
- adjoin*
- taut*
- turquoise
*indicates vocabulary word
Friday, September 10, 2010
Friday, September 10
Don't forget book orders are due Friday, September 17th. You can send the order into school or enter it online. There is more information on a post from a few days ago.
Science: We learned that the shape of the earth's orbit is an ellipse. Ask your student to explain this shape to you. If you write a note on their homework that they have done this they can receive extra credit for science.
Social Studies: The hunter/gatherer society was very different from the agriculture civilizations. Once they learned how to farm they could stay in one spot instead of moving where the food was. They also had more time to learn other skills such as math, art, science, astronomy, and their civilization grew immensely in knowledge.
Reading: This week we will be finishing up the 6 elements of a story star. Then we will be starting metacognition, a reading comprehension strategy. We will have Benchmark testing on Tuesday. I'm looking forward to starting guided reading soon!
Writing: We will continue through the writing process this week as we work towards publishing our personal narratives.
Spelling/Vocabulary: We learned 5 new vocabulary words this week and took our weekly test today. I've been pleased with the scores so far--the extra credit for bonus words are adding up quickly! This week we'll have a new list and 5 more vocabulary words. Students should be prepared for quizzes on vocab. words this week.
Reading: This week we will be finishing up the 6 elements of a story star. Then we will be starting metacognition, a reading comprehension strategy. We will have Benchmark testing on Tuesday. I'm looking forward to starting guided reading soon!
Writing: We will continue through the writing process this week as we work towards publishing our personal narratives.
Spelling/Vocabulary: We learned 5 new vocabulary words this week and took our weekly test today. I've been pleased with the scores so far--the extra credit for bonus words are adding up quickly! This week we'll have a new list and 5 more vocabulary words. Students should be prepared for quizzes on vocab. words this week.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Student of the Week
This year in our class we are spotlighting one student per week. Each student has built a pyramid with four different sections. Your student is responsible to decorate and bring back his/her pyramid by the Thursday of their spotlight week. Mrs. Bird and I divided our sections into family, friends, likes, and teaching. It can be decorated with pictures of their family, friends, hobbies, school, etc. Basically the pyramid is to show our class anything they would like us to know about them as the student of the week. You will get a blue note the week your student is the one being spotlighted. Thank you for all of your help in making this activity fun for our class. If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email me.
Thanks again,
Emily Blaisdell
(801) 489-2850
Spelling and Vocabulary
Just a reminder about spelling and vocabulary. We will take a pre-test on Mondays (or the first day of the week) and students will have a spelling test on Fridays (or the last day of the week). Spelling lists have 30 words, but the last 5 are bonus words, making it possible to get extra credit in spelling with a maximum score of 30/25. Students are responsible for bringing home their spelling pre-test marked with the vocabulary words from that particular list. Every 6 weeks, instead of doing a spelling test, we will be doing a vocabulary test. Students will be responsible for knowing the definitions of all the words. In addition, sometimes during the week, students will have vocabulary quizzes. The students make vocabulary flashcards at school each week. They need to continually study all the words in order to be prepared for the vocabulary test. In addition, I'll be posting the spelling words and vocabulary words on the blog each week, just in case a list gets lost. Students can also ask for extra paper copies, if necessary.
Spelling Vocabulary Words from Week 1:
blunder
dreadful
quintet
tense
tepid
Spelling Words for Week 2 (this week):
Long Vowels
1.supreme
2.bracelet
3.mute
4.strive
5.faithful
6.devote
7.rhyme
8.succeed
9.coax
10.rely
11.conceal*
12.forgave
13.lonesome
14.delete
15.confine
16.exceed
17.terrain*
18.reproach
19.abuse
20.defeat
Review
21.disagree
22.compose
23.awake
24.unwise
25.release
Challenge
26.ratify*
27.serene*
28.refute*
29.appraise
30.humane
*indicates a vocabulary word
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Emily Blaisdell
emily.blaisdell@nebo.edu
Spelling Vocabulary Words from Week 1:
blunder
dreadful
quintet
tense
tepid
Spelling Words for Week 2 (this week):
Long Vowels
1.supreme
2.bracelet
3.mute
4.strive
5.faithful
6.devote
7.rhyme
8.succeed
9.coax
10.rely
11.conceal*
12.forgave
13.lonesome
14.delete
15.confine
16.exceed
17.terrain*
18.reproach
19.abuse
20.defeat
Review
21.disagree
22.compose
23.awake
24.unwise
25.release
Challenge
26.ratify*
27.serene*
28.refute*
29.appraise
30.humane
*indicates a vocabulary word
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Emily Blaisdell
emily.blaisdell@nebo.edu
Book Orders
Today I sent home scholastic book orders with each student. They are due next Friday, September, 17. I love book orders because they have the best books for the lowest prices. When looking through the catalogs you will notice that Arrow has books that are just about right for every student. Tab has some older/mature reader books. Keep that in mind as you look through the titles. If you have any questions about the contents of a particular book please let me know and I will help you as much as possible.
Arrow:
The Red Pyramid: A fun read about Egypt. I am reading this one right now and love all the new information I am learning about the Ancient Civilization. It is by an author I know and love Rick Riordan.
The Last Olympian: The last book in The Lightning Thief series. I enjoy reading these books over and over. If your student has not read them yet, we urge you to wait as we will read the first book as a class, but it is fun to have the rest to read when we finish.
39 Clues: Mysteries written by your favorite authors. Each one is written by someone new.
Island of the Blue Dolphins: A classic story about a girl on her own who must learn to survive off the land.
Space Encyclopedia & Explore the Moon: Expository texts that follow our science core topics.
There are many more books, ones for those who love mysteries, animal lovers, joke books...
Tab:
Mocking Jay: The last book of the Hunger Game series. Great books, but very mature. I would be careful with who you let read these books as the content is for a more mature audience. The first two books are in this catalog as well.
Sabotaged: Margaret Haddix is a wonderful author. I have not read this book but love Double Identity written by her as well. The whole missing series in the book order.
Uglies series: Very intense books, but once again for muture readers.
To Kill a Mockingbird & Freak the Mighty: Classics!
Boy at War: Great for war lovers
Arrow:
The Red Pyramid: A fun read about Egypt. I am reading this one right now and love all the new information I am learning about the Ancient Civilization. It is by an author I know and love Rick Riordan.
The Last Olympian: The last book in The Lightning Thief series. I enjoy reading these books over and over. If your student has not read them yet, we urge you to wait as we will read the first book as a class, but it is fun to have the rest to read when we finish.
39 Clues: Mysteries written by your favorite authors. Each one is written by someone new.
Island of the Blue Dolphins: A classic story about a girl on her own who must learn to survive off the land.
Space Encyclopedia & Explore the Moon: Expository texts that follow our science core topics.
There are many more books, ones for those who love mysteries, animal lovers, joke books...
Tab:
Mocking Jay: The last book of the Hunger Game series. Great books, but very mature. I would be careful with who you let read these books as the content is for a more mature audience. The first two books are in this catalog as well.
Sabotaged: Margaret Haddix is a wonderful author. I have not read this book but love Double Identity written by her as well. The whole missing series in the book order.
Uglies series: Very intense books, but once again for muture readers.
To Kill a Mockingbird & Freak the Mighty: Classics!
Boy at War: Great for war lovers
Arrow October: I sent home a new catalog later in the week because it had "THE LOST HERO" which is Rick Riordan's new series. You can preoder the book and many students were excited about it. Also, THE BFG is in this order for only $1. I absolutely love this creative story!!
You can order from the cataloges and send the order to school with your student or do it online.
Online Ordering Information
Web address: scholastic.com/bookclubs
Class Activation Code: GVV6J
With new online ordering from Scholastic Book Clubs, you can choose from a much wider selection of books than in the printed flyer. Plus, you can send your orders directly to me online and use your credit card.
Best of all, our class earns a FREE book every time a parent places their order online.
It's so simple! Here's how it works:
• SIGN UP at www.Scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, click the "Don't have a User Name and Password?" link, then register for your own username and password. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code shown above. This code ensures that your order is sent to me.
• SELECT the books you'd like to order from over 500 titles available online...and take advantage of online-only specials and discounts.
SEND your order to me online by the due date. Books will be delivered directly to our classroom, as always.
Thanks,
Shannon Bird
Shannon.bird@nebo.edu
You can order from the cataloges and send the order to school with your student or do it online.
Online Ordering Information
Web address: scholastic.com/bookclubs
Class Activation Code: GVV6J
With new online ordering from Scholastic Book Clubs, you can choose from a much wider selection of books than in the printed flyer. Plus, you can send your orders directly to me online and use your credit card.
Best of all, our class earns a FREE book every time a parent places their order online.
It's so simple! Here's how it works:
• SIGN UP at www.Scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, click the "Don't have a User Name and Password?" link, then register for your own username and password. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code shown above. This code ensures that your order is sent to me.
• SELECT the books you'd like to order from over 500 titles available online...and take advantage of online-only specials and discounts.
SEND your order to me online by the due date. Books will be delivered directly to our classroom, as always.
Thanks,
Shannon Bird
Shannon.bird@nebo.edu
Friday, September 3, 2010
Friday, September 3
The weeks are already flying by. Students were able to start doing their class jobs this week. Police men have been writing tickets for breaking school rules, but we have also received many bonuses written for excellent behavior. Thank you Jessie and Zach N. for our wonderful World Newscasts. Thanks to all the students for completing their jobs.
*Reminder that our basket for the basket auction is "Family Fun Night". If you can donate anything to our theme by next Tuesday that would be great. Thanks to those who already have sent their donations.
Math: We finished working with multiplication and division strategies. Next week we will practice these while we learn about place value, comparing numbers, rounding, and estimating.
Science: We will be graphing the students survey results on Tuesday and look forward to learning the real answers as we study the resons for the seasons. Students wrote descriptive paragraphs about their favorite season and shared them with the class. They did an excellent job at using their senses to describe the mystery season.
Social Studies: Students looked at artifacts from years ago and tried to guess what they would have been used for. They then shared their own artifacts. We talked about how archeologists use these to learn about the ancient civilizations. As a class, we discussed the hunterer/gatherer civilization. They had to move around often to follow their food.
Spelling: This week the students took their first spelling test and began studying their first 5 vocabulary words. Next week we'll be taking a pre-test on Tuesday and have a post-test on Friday. In addition, we'll be studying 5 new vocabulary words. Students should be regularly studying and reviewing these words for vocabulary unit tests that occur every 6 weeks. Look for weekly spelling lists and vocabulary words to be posted on this blog.
Reading: We had a special guest, Mrs. Albrecht from the district, come and talk to us about reading stamina. Our class goal is 15 minutes and we've been working on silently reading for 15 minutes a day. We also started learning about the 6 elements of a story star and will continue examining those elements in picture books this week.
Writing: This week we completed our hands poems--they look great in the hall! We also did a yearbook entry and started exploring the writing process with our personal narratives. We started off with a fun lesson about memories, wrote those ideas in our idea books and are now expanding one of those memory ideas into a personal narrative. We'll continue going through the writing process with our personal narratives this week.
Have a great Labor Day Weekend! We'll see you on Tuesday!
Spelling: This week the students took their first spelling test and began studying their first 5 vocabulary words. Next week we'll be taking a pre-test on Tuesday and have a post-test on Friday. In addition, we'll be studying 5 new vocabulary words. Students should be regularly studying and reviewing these words for vocabulary unit tests that occur every 6 weeks. Look for weekly spelling lists and vocabulary words to be posted on this blog.
Reading: We had a special guest, Mrs. Albrecht from the district, come and talk to us about reading stamina. Our class goal is 15 minutes and we've been working on silently reading for 15 minutes a day. We also started learning about the 6 elements of a story star and will continue examining those elements in picture books this week.
Writing: This week we completed our hands poems--they look great in the hall! We also did a yearbook entry and started exploring the writing process with our personal narratives. We started off with a fun lesson about memories, wrote those ideas in our idea books and are now expanding one of those memory ideas into a personal narrative. We'll continue going through the writing process with our personal narratives this week.
Have a great Labor Day Weekend! We'll see you on Tuesday!
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