Archive for March, 2011

Class activities for Thursday, March 10

Thursday, March 10th, 2011

Spelling: We reviewed how the –er suffix can mean “one who” and also “more.” Today we focused on adding the suffix to mean more: quicker, faster, bigger, wetter, whiter, bluer.

Cursive: Ten cursive sentences of seven or more words each are due on Fridays.

Reading: The final three Literature Circles groups presented their projects today.

Writing: Students worked on their novel project today. Each student has a daily word goal of 150-300 words. The novel is due Monday, March 28. See below for more details. Students should be drafting at this point.

Novel Writing Project
The final piece of the 3rd Marking Period will be our final fiction project of the year. Students will write and publish a novel. Each student will write their own novel, with a word goal minimum of 1,000-4,500 words, based on their reading level (each student’s minimum writing goal is equal to their reading level multiplied by 500).
The novels will be written in Google Docs (docs.mrhowd.com) to make use of the word count feature. Final novels will be uploaded to lulu.com and published as paperback books, which can be purchased for reasonable prices. So yes, students will actually write and publish their own novels. This project is based on the National Novel Writing Month Young Writers program. Here are more details:

  • We will start this project in class on March 7 and it will be due on March 28; however, students can begin early.
  • This is our final fiction project; the novel can be any type of fiction story (mystery, science fiction, fantasy, realistic, historical, etc.)
  • We will be working in the computer lab most days, using docs.mrhowd.com to type the novel. Students can also work on this from any internet-connected computer outside of school.
  • Students might want to start thinking now about how they will use a computer afterschool if they need to, and if they will go to the library, use a home computer, or use a friend or family member’s computer.
  • If friends and family would like to order a paperback version of the book, we will upload the final texts to lulu.com. Most books will cost between $5 and $10.
  • A big portion of this grade will be if students complete their own, personal word count goal.

Math: None today due to a reading and writing assembly.

Science: We reviewed the Clinical Trials Evaluation experiment from earlier in the week.

Social Studies: None today.

Lightning Larry Play:  The next practice is Monday, March 14. Homework is to continue looking for a costume to wear in the play. The performance is March 31 at 6:30 pm.

Behavior Update:

  • Yellow magnets: 0
  • Orange magnets: 0
  • Red magnets: 0
  • STAR Awards: 0
  • Magnets moved this week (goal: 10): 0

Check your student’s Personal and Social Growth grade at SnapGrades to see if your student moved their magnet. Need help with SnapGrades?

Notes:

  • McGrath Family Night is tonight at 6:45 pm with a concert. There is a community resource fair before the concert. Check out our class calendar for more details.
  • Our class is performing a play: The Legend of Lightning Larry! Practices are 4-5 pm on March 8, 9, 14, 17, 21, 29 and 30 (tentative right now). The performance is scheduled for March 31 at 10:00 am and 6:30 pm. Family members are invited to help!
  • Sign up for Spring Parent Teacher Conferences at mrhowd.com/conferences
  • View or edit the spring “Paper and Coffeejuice volunteer list.
  • View our
  • Check grades, assignments, and attendance at SnapGrades.

Our Mission:
Every student in Room 130 leaves improved and prepared for 6th grade.

Class activities for Wednesday, March 9

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

Spelling: We reviewed adding the –ly suffix onto words. We noticed that the suffix is just added onto the word, even with words that have an ending l: specially, really, finally.

Cursive: Ten cursive sentences of seven or more words each are due on Fridays.

Reading: Three Literature Circles groups presented their projects today.

Writing: Students worked on their project today. Each student has a daily word goal of 150-300 words. The novel is due Monday, March 28. See below for more details. Students should be drafting at this point.

Novel Writing Project
The final piece of the 3rd Marking Period will be our final fiction project of the year. Students will write and publish a novel. Each student will write their own novel, with a word goal minimum of 1,000-4,500 words, based on their reading level (each student’s minimum writing goal is equal to their reading level multiplied by 500).
The novels will be written in Google Docs (docs.mrhowd.com) to make use of the word count feature. Final novels will be uploaded to lulu.com and published as paperback books, which can be purchased for reasonable prices. So yes, students will actually write and publish their own novels. This project is based on the National Novel Writing Month Young Writers program. Here are more details:

  • We will start this project in class on March 7 and it will be due on March 28; however, students can begin early.
  • This is our final fiction project; the novel can be any type of fiction story (mystery, science fiction, fantasy, realistic, historical, etc.)
  • We will be working in the computer lab most days, using docs.mrhowd.com to type the novel. Students can also work on this from any internet-connected computer outside of school.
  • Students might want to start thinking now about how they will use a computer afterschool if they need to, and if they will go to the library, use a home computer, or use a friend or family member’s computer.
  • If friends and family would like to order a paperback version of the book, we will upload the final texts to lulu.com. Most books will cost between $5 and $10.
  • A big portion of this grade will be if students complete their own, personal word count goal.

Math: We started to learn about how to relate fractions and decimals. Homework is to finish Journal pp. 139-141 if not finished in class.

Science: None today due to library.

Social Studies: Students read about jobs in Colonial America. Homework is to finish Reading Further 7.

Lightning Larry Play:  Today, we practiced  reading the script while working on stage placement. The next practice is Monday, March 14. Homework is to continue looking for a costume to wear in the play. The performance is March 31 at 6:30 pm.

Behavior Update:

  • Yellow magnets: 0
  • Orange magnets: 0
  • Red magnets: 0
  • STAR Awards: 0
  • Magnets moved this week (goal: 10): 0

Check your student’s Personal and Social Growth grade at SnapGrades to see if your student moved their magnet. Need help with SnapGrades?

Notes:

  • Our class is performing a play: The Legend of Lightning Larry! Practices are 4-5 pm on March 8, 9, 14, 17, 21, 29 and 30 (tentative right now). The performance is scheduled for March 31 at 10:00 am and 6:30 pm. Family members are invited to help!
  • Sign up for Spring Parent Teacher Conferences at mrhowd.com/conferences
  • View or edit the spring “Paper and Coffeejuice volunteer list.
  • View our class calendar.
  • Check grades, assignments, and attendance at SnapGrades.

Our Mission:
Every student in Room 130 leaves improved and prepared for 6th grade.

Class activities for Tuesday, March 8

Tuesday, March 8th, 2011

Spelling: None today due to art.

Cursive: Ten cursive sentences of seven or more words each are due on Fridays.

Reading: Literature Circles groups worked on projects to share their books with the class.

Writing: Students worked on prewriting for their novel project. Each student has a daily word goal of 150-300 words. The novel is due Monday, March 28. See below for more details.

Novel Writing Project
The final piece of the 3rd Marking Period will be our final fiction project of the year. Students will write and publish a novel. Each student will write their own novel, with a word goal minimum of 1,000-4,500 words, based on their reading level (each student’s minimum writing goal is equal to their reading level multiplied by 500).
The novels will be written in Google Docs (docs.mrhowd.com) to make use of the word count feature. Final novels will be uploaded to lulu.com and published as paperback books, which can be purchased for reasonable prices. So yes, students will actually write and publish their own novels. This project is based on the National Novel Writing Month Young Writers program. Here are more details:

  • We will start this project in class on March 7 and it will be due on March 28; however, students can begin early.
  • This is our final fiction project; the novel can be any type of fiction story (mystery, science fiction, fantasy, realistic, historical, etc.)
  • We will be working in the computer lab most days, using docs.mrhowd.com to type the novel. Students can also work on this from any internet-connected computer outside of school.
  • Students might want to start thinking now about how they will use a computer afterschool if they need to, and if they will go to the library, use a home computer, or use a friend or family member’s computer.
  • If friends and family would like to order a paperback version of the book, we will upload the final texts to lulu.com. Most books will cost between $5 and $10.
  • A big portion of this grade will be if students complete their own, personal word count goal.

Math: We reviewed making equivalent fractions using fraction stick diagrams and by multiplying or dividing.

Science: Groups finished evaluating proposals for clinical trials. Homework is to finish the analysis on p. 47.

Social Studies: Students read about American Colonies and continued to work on Reading Notes 7. Homework is to finish Reading Notes 7 if not done in class.

Lightning Larry Play:  Today, the cast read their scripts and practiced reading with good speed, tone and volume. There is another practice tomorrow, Wednesday, March 9. Homework is to practice lines (students do not need to memorize them), and start looking for a costume to wear in the play. The performance is March 31 at 6:30 pm.

Behavior Update:

  • Yellow magnets: 0
  • Orange magnets: 0
  • Red magnets: 0
  • STAR Awards: 0
  • Magnets moved this week (goal: 10): 0

Check your student’s Personal and Social Growth grade at SnapGrades to see if your student moved their magnet. Need help with SnapGrades?

Notes:

  • Our class is performing a play: The Legend of Lightning Larry! Practices are 4-5 pm on March 8, 9, 14, 17, 21, 29 and 30 (tentative right now). The performance is scheduled for March 31 at 10:00 am and 6:30 pm. Family members are invited to help!
  • Sign up for Spring Parent Teacher Conferences at mrhowd.com/conferences
  • View or edit the spring “Paper and Coffeejuice volunteer list.
  • View our class calendar.
  • Check grades, assignments, and attendance at SnapGrades.

Our Mission:
Every student in Room 130 leaves improved and prepared for 6th grade.

Class activities for Monday, March 7

Monday, March 7th, 2011

Spelling: None today.

Cursive: Ten cursive sentences of seven or more words each are due on Fridays.

Reading: Literature Circles groups worked on projects to share their books with the class.

Writing: Students worked on prewriting for their novel project. Each student has a daily word goal of 150-300 words. The novel is due Monday, March 28. See below for more details.

Novel Writing Project
The final piece of the 3rd Marking Period will be our final fiction project of the year. Students will write and publish a novel. Each student will write their own novel, with a word goal minimum of 1,000-4,500 words, based on their reading level (each student’s minimum writing goal is equal to their reading level multiplied by 500).
The novels will be written in Google Docs (docs.mrhowd.com) to make use of the word count feature. Final novels will be uploaded to lulu.com and published as paperback books, which can be purchased for reasonable prices. So yes, students will actually write and publish their own novels. This project is based on the National Novel Writing Month Young Writers program. Here are more details:

  • We will start this project in class on March 7 and it will be due on March 28; however, students can begin early.
  • This is our final fiction project; the novel can be any type of fiction story (mystery, science fiction, fantasy, realistic, historical, etc.)
  • We will be working in the computer lab most days, using docs.mrhowd.com to type the novel. Students can also work on this from any internet-connected computer outside of school.
  • Students might want to start thinking now about how they will use a computer afterschool if they need to, and if they will go to the library, use a home computer, or use a friend or family member’s computer.
  • If friends and family would like to order a paperback version of the book, we will upload the final texts to lulu.com. Most books will cost between $5 and $10.
  • A big portion of this grade will be if students complete their own, personal word count goal.

Math: We reviewed adding fractions and making equivalent fractions using fraction stick diagrams. Homework is to finish Journal pp. 136-138.

Science: Groups considered proposals for clinical trials and evaluated if the studies were worth being funded.

Social Studies: Students read about American Colonies and worked on Reading Notes 7.

Behavior Update:

  • Yellow magnets: 0
  • Orange magnets: 0
  • Red magnets: 0
  • STAR Awards: 0
  • Magnets moved this week (goal: 10): 0

Check your student’s Personal and Social Growth grade at SnapGrades to see if your student moved their magnet. Need help with SnapGrades?

Notes:

  • Our class is performing a play: The Legend of Lightning Larry! Practices are 4-5 pm on March 8, 9, 14, 17, 21, 29 and 30 (tentative right now). The performance is scheduled for March 31 at 10:00 am and 6:30 pm. Family members are invited to help!
  • Sign up for Spring Parent Teacher Conferences at mrhowd.com/conferences
  • View or edit the spring “Paper and Coffeejuice volunteer list.
  • View our class calendar.
  • Check grades, assignments, and attendance at SnapGrades.

Our Mission:
Every student in Room 130 leaves improved and prepared for 6th grade.

Class activities for Friday, March 4

Friday, March 4th, 2011

Spelling: None today.

Cursive: Ten cursive sentences of seven or more words each are due on Fridays.

Reading: The class received their latest STAR Reading Level. Our class average reading level improved this month after a few months of no progress. The class also auditioned for parts in our class play. See below for more details.

Writing: Students were given their word count goals for their final piece of writing, a fiction novel. Each student has a daily word goal of 150-300 words. The novel is due Monday, March 28.

Here is more about this project:

Novel Writing Project
The final piece of the 3rd Marking Period will be our final fiction project of the year. Students will write and publish a novel. Each student will write their own novel, with a word goal minimum of 1,000-4,500 words, based on their reading level (each student’s minimum writing goal is equal to their reading level multiplied by 500).
The novels will be written in Google Docs (docs.mrhowd.com) to make use of the word count feature. Final novels will be uploaded to lulu.com and published as paperback books, which can be purchased for reasonable prices. So yes, students will actually write and publish their own novels. This project is based on the National Novel Writing Month Young Writers program. Here are more details:

  • We will start this project in class on March 7 and it will be due on March 28; however, students can begin early.
  • This is our final fiction project; the novel can be any type of fiction story (mystery, science fiction, fantasy, realistic, historical, etc.)
  • We will be working in the computer lab most days, using docs.mrhowd.com to type the novel. Students can also work on this from any internet-connected computer outside of school.
  • Students might want to start thinking now about how they will use a computer afterschool if they need to, and if they will go to the library, use a home computer, or use a friend or family member’s computer.
  • If friends and family would like to order a paperback version of the book, we will upload the final texts to lulu.com. Most books will cost between $5 and $10.
  • A big portion of this grade will be if students complete their own, personal word count goal.

Math: None today due to STAR Friday.

Science: None today due to art.

Social Studies: Students performed their American Colony sales presentations today.

Behavior Update:

  • Yellow magnets: 2
  • Orange magnets: 0
  • Red magnets: 0
  • STAR Awards: 0
  • Magnets moved this week (goal: 10): 6

Check your student’s Personal and Social Growth grade at SnapGrades to see if your student moved their magnet. Need help with SnapGrades?

Notes:

  • Our class is performing a play: The Legend of Lightning Larry! Practices are 4-5 pm on March 8, 9, 14, 17, 21, 29 and 30 (tentative right now). The performance is scheduled for March 31 at 10:00 am and 6:30 pm. Family members are invited to help!
  • Sign up for Spring Parent Teacher Conferences at mrhowd.com/conferences
  • View or edit the spring “Paper and Coffeejuice volunteer list.
  • View our class calendar.
  • Check grades, assignments, and attendance at SnapGrades.

Our Mission:
Every student in Room 130 leaves improved and prepared for 6th grade.