News From Room 405...

MONDAY 1.30.12

2012-01-30T15:45:00.000-05:00

This week we are going ice-skating! For real ;) On Thursday February 2nd.
I will let you know when our next trip has been re-scheduled for.

Homework:

-read at least 30 min. + fill out your thinkmark or reading log- it must be complete and ready to share with your club members

-writing: collect a 1.5 - 2 page entry

- math: handout (story problems + multiplication strategies)

- social studies: geoegraphy- study where the countries of the Western Hemisphere are located (North and Central America, and be able to locate S.America); Quiz is coming!

- words: create your own scramble!

Monday 1.23.12

2012-01-23T15:14:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow we go ice-skating! *Remember, they will not allow us to eat at the rink so we will have a snack before we go and eat lunch after. Hot chocolate should be fine :)

All homework is due on Friday! Great job to our Principal for today, Nissim.

Homework:

-read at least 30 min. + fill out your thinkmark or reading log- it must be complete

-writing: collect a new entry or work on your independent project

- math: 2 review handouts. Use 2 strategies. To make it more challenging, try changing the numbers or write your own problem!

- social studies: geoegraphy- study where the countries of the Western Hemisphere are located (North and Central America, and be able to locate S.America)

- words: create your own scramble!

Welcome Cooper!

2012-01-18T17:34:00.000-05:00

We have a FANTASTIC new student teacher this semester, Cooper. Today she and the kids started working on a timeline of U.S. history so we could pay attention to all of the dates and events we were learning and reading about. We will add onto it when we come across new information. Here is some of the work we did today.

Math Connections: Factors and Fractions

2012-01-18T17:19:00.002-05:00

Today we started looking at the connection between factors and fractions.

For example:

1/5 of 35 = 7
1/7 of 35 = 5
5/35 is the same as 1/7 and 7/35 is the same as 1/5.

Once we got started, we couldn't stop! 9/72 = _____ and 1/4 of 32 = (ask your student!)

Wednesday 1.18.12

2012-01-18T17:14:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow we go ice-skating! *Remember, they will not allow us to eat at the rink so we will have a snack before we go and eat lunch after. Hot chocolate should be fine :)

All homework is due on Friday! Great job to our Principal for today, Nissim.

Homework:

-read at least 30 min. + fill out your thinkmark or reading log- it must be complete and ready to turn in

-writing: collect an entry using new vocabulary

- math: volume (length x width x height)
find and label ALL of the different box dimensions for each number of cupcakes
boxes of 12, 16, 24, 32, 48
ex. 12: 2x2x3, 1x3x4...
*remember Eric's strategy for drawing the boxes: draw the array 1st...

- social studies: our timeline looks great! bring in any new dates or events to add...

- words: sorts- prefix -un and suffix -ed
+ instead of COLD

Tues. 1.17.12 homework

2012-01-17T19:01:00.001-05:00

Welcome back!

Tonight's homework:

-read at least 30 min. + fill out your thinkmark or reading log- you must bring this to school tomorrow to show me!

-writing: finish indep draft if you haven't + collect an entry

- math: Sodoku handout

- social studies: read the new Freedom Riders handout + take complete notes on the note-taking sheet (front and back). Jot down things that are confusing or tricky- questions, ideas, etc.

- words: choose at least 5 new vocabulary words from the article that are connected to the topic and our understanding of U.S. history

-*science quiz with Emily

***important- if you haven't turned in ice skating money or permission slips please bring it tomorrow!

Personal Essay Celebration this Wednesday morning- 8:45

2012-01-09T15:11:00.000-05:00

Dear Families,

We are having a writing celebration for our past unit of study, Personal Essay, this Wed. January 11th at 8:45. It will be a short celebration, but all are welcome to attend. Invitations went out last Friday. We will videotape and try to send the videos for those who can't make it.

Thanks!

Thank You! + Ice Skating info

2012-01-09T15:07:00.001-05:00

Dear Families,

Happy New Year! I hope you had a lovely holiday. THANK YOU so much for the generous class gift!! It was greatly appreciated.

Our 2 ice skating trips this year will be:
Thursday January 19th and Thursday February 2nd
at Laser Rink in Central Park. We are planning to go by school bus.

Students were given permission slips and envelopes on Friday. Please be sure to fill out the label on the front of the envelope and return with the 2 permission slips and money (admission, skate rental). The 2 permission forms are for the DOE and Laser Rink.

Thank you and I hope to see you!

Happy Winter Soltice

2011-12-21T17:36:00.000-05:00

Reading: read at least 30 min. and fill out at least 2 boxes on your thinkmark
and be ready to discuss the Winter Soltice article

Social Studies: Read the Winter Soltice article and then create a drawing or chart with labels to show your understanding

Words: choose at least 1 new word from the article to look up and define. Also study your homonyms.

Writing: bring your mentor text tomorrow and work on your independent project

Math:
*Rice Krispie treat ingredients are needed: Rice Krispie cereal, marshmallows, butter, measuring cups, baking tins.

THANK YOU!

Homework

2011-12-20T17:07:00.001-05:00

Reading: read at least 30 min. and fill out at least 2 boxes on your thinkmark
and write 2 questions you want to find out from today's reading of George vs George

Social Studies: study your map of North and Central America.

Words: find at least 2 new or tricky words in your reading book and look up the definition in a dictionary. Be ready to share tomorrow! Also study your homonyms.

Writing: bring your mentor text tomorrow and work on your independent project

Math: teach a parent 2 multiplication and 2 division strategies

*Rice Krispie treat ingredients are needed: Rice Krispie cereal, marshmallows, butter
We are going to make them on Thursday. If you can bring in measuring cups that would also be wonderful (they will be returned)!

*SING is tomorrow at 8:45 am!

Field Trip Tuesday

2011-12-09T17:20:00.000-05:00

We will be attending a field trip at the Abrons Art Center on Tuesday to see The Paper Bag Players. The performance begins at 12:30, so we will plan to leave school around 11:45. Amy and Matt's class will join us, too. Students should plan to bring lunch that day if possible. We would like to eat before leaving for the trip.

Many thanks to Samantha's mom, Rose, for setting us up!

Tuesday will also be Ava-Margeaux's last day with us. She has been a great student teacher and I know we will miss her. Students are encouraged to make a card or write her a letter to share on Tuesday afternoon, but shhhhhhh!

Welcoming D.G.B.

2011-12-04T18:26:00.000-05:00

It is with deep gratitude that I write to thank you all for your generosity and support for our new rug. WE LOVE IT. We all fit. We love to hang out on it even when we don't have to. We've even decided to keep shoes off the rug so we can keep it clean and comfy. Kids have brought in slippers to wear in the classroom. Our favorite name for our new addition is "Delicate Gorgeous Blue" or D.G.B. It's been an exciting week. THANKS!

Claymation Thanks

2011-12-04T18:13:00.000-05:00

Thank you to all of the parents and families that came out for the Claymation Premiere! It was really wonderful to see everyone and I know the kids were very proud to share their work with you.

A special thank you to Eric Reinertson for making the Claymation invitation. It was a super design and all of your effort is greatly appreciated.

I'm looking forward to more stop-motion films in the future...

HOMEWORK

2011-11-29T17:28:00.000-05:00

11.29.11

READING- Read for at least 30 min. + 2-3 thinkmarks. *Also, see Social Studies.

WRITING- Find facts to support the big idea of your personal essay. Search online or interview a member of your family. You should gather information from different points of view- *think about why others might think differently than you...

SOCIAL STUDIES- Research about the time period when the American Revolution happened and when the Constitution was written. What was it like in America at that time? Why was there a revolution? Do you know what the different sides were? Find something to read about it.

WORDS: Find at least 2 words from social studies that you are confused about.

MATH- Story problem handout. Use the distributive property to break apart the equation, just like we did in class.

P.S.- What's the name of our new rug?

HOMEWORK

2011-11-21T15:11:00.001-05:00

11.21.11

READING- Read for at least 30 min. + 2-3 thinkmarks

WRITING- gather information for your personal essay by interviewing someone or looking up information. Write down the information you gather and do some thinking off of it, just like you would in your personal essay. Continue to nurture your seed idea for personal essay.

SOCIAL STUDIES- Geography: study the location of the 13 colonies and be ready for a quiz! You need to know where the colonies are located and their names (use the study sheet from last week).
*Research your character for the debates.

MATH- Story problem handout.

WORDS: Scramble- TOERLINVOU

*BRING IN PERMISSION SLIP FOR WED. TRIP TO THE APPLE STORE!

African Burial Ground Tomorrow

2011-11-15T19:45:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow, Wed. 11.16, we will be visiting the African Burial Ground. In addition to an incredibly rich experience, we will also look to compare work from the Richard Serra exhibit with sculpture work at the African Burial Ground. Please be sure you have signed the permission slip. Thanks!

Claymation Premiere next Wed. 11.23

2011-11-14T21:38:00.000-05:00

The time has finally come! We will be celebrating our claymation videos with a premiere at the Soho Apple Store. Please join us next Wednesday, November 23rd, between 11 and 11:30. We will be arriving at the Apple Store at 10:00 to do some last minute "sprucing up" and getting ready. Please plan to arrive by 11:00. Invitations will go home tomorrow.

Fall Family Celebration this Friday

2011-11-14T21:29:00.001-05:00

Hi Families:

This Friday is the Fall Family Celebration. We will meet in the breakfast area of the cafeteria at 9:10 to share in some food and talk. We should be cleaned up and done by 9:45. I will send out a google doc for people to sign up to bring something. If you have not been receiving emails from me, please email me your address at: lauren.room405@gmail.com or send it in with your child.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Below is what the sign-up sheet will look like:

Beverage:
Food:
Paper Products:

Picture Day is tomorrow- Tuesday 11.25

2011-10-24T20:36:00.002-04:00

Kai's birthday is October 25th...

2011-10-23T20:13:00.002-04:00

and you guessed it- his birthday wish this weekend was "no homework" ! As always, you MUST read and complete your reading log!

Claymation Sneak Preview- TOMORROW!!

2011-10-13T23:26:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow evening, Friday oct. 14
BMW/Guggenheim Lab- 1st ave. @ Houston st.
5 pm

*this is a rehearsal/ sneak preview. Invites for the celebration premiere to come soon

Homework

2011-10-11T15:26:00.001-04:00

Homework due Tuesday:

1. Read for at least 30 minutes EVERY day + fill out your Reading Log. Completed Reading Log must be turned in.

2. Writing draft- 4 pages, skipping lines

3. Vocabulary handout

4. 2 math strings- *you must show strategies-look at today's classwork for examples
* parents and students can look at arrays in the math handbook

5. Math handout- guess my number puzzle

6. Social studies- Indy Kids newspaper + notetaking handout.

I want...by wordle.net

2011-10-10T20:00:00.002-04:00

Our Hopes and Dreams...Wordled!

2011-10-10T19:59:00.001-04:00

wordle takes a look at our blog!

2011-10-10T19:10:00.001-04:00

check out our blog's wordle:

WEEKEND HOMEWORK

2011-10-07T16:52:00.000-04:00

Homework for the weekend:

1. Read for at least 30 minutes EVERY day + fill out your Reading Log.
COMPLETED READING LOGS ARE DUE ON TUESDAY

2. POETRY handout

3. Math handout: Close to 1000 in your MATH NOTEBOOK

4. MATH: finish your "Bulletin Board" handout- be sure to read through all of the comments and fix them

4. Writing:
- type your hopes and dreams and email it to me or bring it in on a flash drive (if you can)
lauren's email: lauren.room405@gmail.com

- finish your "I want..." list. Type it and email or rewrite neatly on loose leaf.

- Collect an entry

See you Tuesday!

Apple Store- 10.6.11

2011-10-06T15:16:00.002-04:00

Summer Birthday Celebrations =

2011-10-05T21:51:00.000-04:00

Many "no homework" wishes! Happy belated birthday to Seymour and Isabell.

Be sure to read and fill out your reading log.

Trip to the Apple Store tomorrow!!

Mon. Oct. 3- Welcome October!

2011-10-03T19:39:00.000-04:00

Tonight's homework:

1. Read for at least 30 minutes day + fill out the Question handout

2. Writing entry: Who do you think is successful? Why? What do you think makes them successful?

3. Math- read the comments in your math notebook and correct what needs to be fixed

4. Find something in a newspaper that grabs your attention and bring it in

* Writing drafts that are incomplete must be finished
- Self-Portrait Poem Draft
- Partner biography draft

* Permission slip for Thursday's trip to the Apple Store

Curriculum Night Change of Date- Wed. Oct. 12

2011-10-02T21:38:00.004-04:00

Due to a middle school fair on the evening of Thursday October 6, we will be rescheduling our curriculum night so that 5th grade parents can attend. The new date will be next Wed. October 12. Thanks!

Web Resources for Students

2011-10-01T23:07:00.041-04:00

Web Resources for K-12 Students . . . and their teachers and families

The resources and websites listed here are either designed specifically for children or have been deemed appropriate for children. The content of these resources has been written, edited, or approved by somebody for K-12 students. Not everyone has the same idea of “appropriate,” “useful” or “censorship.” Please review these sites before recommending them to colleagues, children or children’s families.

General

* Arcademic Skill Builders: Online Educational Games- http://www.arcademicskillbuilders.com/
* Braineos – FREE, interactive flashcard/game. Create your own flashcards or use sets created by other members of the community. No sign-up is necessary. You only have to log in if you want to create cards, not just to use them. No complicated learning is necessary to use Braineos–just jump right in!
* Fact Monster – dictionary, thesaurus, encyclopedia and almanacs in all subject areas. The almanacs are the strong point of this website.
* Great Web Sites for Kids – websites on all areas from the American Library Association. Resources are identified by age level (including sites for parents), and are searchable by topic, intended audience, and keyword.
* Howtoons.com
* Internet Public Library “Information You Can Trust” – a merger of the (IPL) and the Librarians’ Internet Index (LII)- http://www.ipl.org/div/kidspace/index.html
Internet Public Library for Kids
Internet Public Library for Teens
* It’s My Life – a guide to everyday life as a kid. Kids and teens (and various experts) share experiences and advice. Articles, stories, games, activities, videos, quizzes and polls. The site is organized into six “channels”: Friends; Family; School; Body; Emotions; and Money
* Kid Sites – a collection of links to “the best kid’s web sites” in many different areas of interest. Includes links for parents and teachers as well.
* Kids.gov – the official kid’s portal for the U.S. government. Includes links in all subject areas for grades K-5 and 6-8.

Search Engines

* Ask Kids – a version of “Ask Jeeves” for kids
* KidsClick – “web search for kids by librarians”
* Factmonster.com- online almanac, dictionary, encyclopedia, and homework help

Science, Mathematics and Technology

* All About Birds – a web guide from Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Look up birds by name, or browse the guide by name, taxonomy or shape. Also included are tips on getting started in birding, and lots of articles about birds. For those on the go, iBird is a dynamic and inexpensive Android/iPhone app.
* Astronomy for Kids – a “free astronomy resource designed to teach children about the exciting world of outer space.”
* FigureThis- http://www.figurethis.org/challenges/math_index.htm
* How Toons – Simple science and engineering projects with directions presented in comic book format. ”The world’s greatest D.I.Y. comic website.”
* Math Playground – http://www.mathplayground.com/index.html
“an action-packed site for elementary and middle school students. Practice your math skills, play a logic game and have some fun!”
* National Library of Virtual Manipulatives – http://nlvm.usu.edu/
a digital library containing Java applets and activities for pre K-12 mathematics. Activities are categorized by grade level and by mathematics subject area. Available in English, Español, Français, and 中文. Download a trial version, or purchase individual or multiple-station licenses. (from Utah State University)
* Neuroscience for Kids – http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/neurok.html
a wealth of information and activities about the nervous system for children and teachers.
* Science News for Kids – http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/
weekly science web-zine for children ages 9-14 offers “timely items of interest to kids, accompanied by suggestions for hands-on activities, books, articles, Web resources, and other useful materials.”
* The Science Toymaker – http://www.sciencetoymaker.org/
Do it yourself science toys and projects – totally cool.
* Toys From Trash – http://arvindguptatoys.com/toys.html
Explore science and mathematics principles (and have fun) using everyday objects.
* The WHY Files – http://whyfiles.org/
The mission of The Why Files is to explore the science, math and technology behind the news of the day, and to present those topics in a clear, accessible and accurate manner.

Humanities

* African-American History Month Resources – http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/index.html
The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society.
* Asia Society for Kids – http://kids.asiasociety.org/
Stories, games and activities explore Asian culture, arts, languages and history.
* Jewish Holidays – Here are links to some of the many sites that explore and explain the history, meaning, traditions and rituals of Jewish holidays and festivals. Akhlah Children’s Guide to Jewish Holidays, the Chabad/Tzivos Hashem Guide to Jewish Holidays for Children, Children’s Judaica provides holiday information and activities as well as more general information about Judaism for kids.
* NativeTech.org - Native American Technology, Art, and Science resources: Art, science, history, culture, technology, and engineering come together in this "internet resource for indigenous ethno-technology focusing on the arts of Eastern Woodland Indian Peoples, providing historical & contemporary background with instructional how-to's & references"

Language and Literacy

* International Children’s Digital Library (ICDL) – http://en.childrenslibrary.org/
Read lots of books in all languages online…for free. Books are searchable by language, genre, topic, length, age-range, even by the color of the cover. Click on the “Read Books!” link to get started.
* Magnetic Poetry Online – http://kids.magpogames.com/
The same magnetic poetry that is on your refrigerator. Use word tiles to make sentences, phrases and poems. Play online, print and save your creations, and even email them to friends.
* Read Children's eBooks Online: www.kids.nypl.org/reading/Childrensebooks.cfm
* Spelling City – http://www.spellingcity.com/
Free, interactive spelling instruction, testing and games. Sections for students, parents and teachers. Premium accounts that offer additional resources are available.
* Typing: http://www.typeonline.co.uk/lesson1.html
* Wordsmyth – http://www.wordsmyth.net/
an online Dictionary/Thesaurus that includes audio pronunciation, antonyms, acronyms, and more. The dictionary/Thesaurus can be set to beginning, children’s or advanced levels. A Wordsmyth widget can be added to the toolbar of any browser. Etymology is missing, but the site is in flux and taking suggestions from users.

Arts

* The Art Zone – http://www.nga.gov/kids/zone/zone.htm
Interactive art that you can make online from the National Gallery of Art.
* Inside Scoop and Family Art Guides – http://www.nga.gov/kids/linkguides.htm
downloadable PDF guides for families on individual artists, art movements, exhibits and other special topics. These guides are great. They include quality, in depth analyses, information and activities…and they don’t talk down to kids!
* Destination Modern Art – http://www.moma.org/interactives/destination/
Explore New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and P.S. 1 “with a visitor from outer space.” for kids aged 5 – 8.
* Jewish Museum Kid Zone – Games, activities, information and museum guides for kids and families.
* New York Philharmonic for Kids: http://www.nyphilkids.org
* San Francisco Symphony for Kids: http://www.sfskids.org/templates/splash.asp

Health, Nutrition and Fitness

* Healthy Teeth – oral health education for elementary-aged children. Includes information about tooth care and diseases, experiments and activities . . . even a virtual trip to the dentist.
* Kids Health – “…information about health, behavior, and development from before birth through the teen years.” There are separate sections for Kids, Teens and Parents.

Math Websites

2011-10-01T21:57:00.001-04:00

MATH WEBSITES:

www.funbrain.com - games, comics, great for parents

www.edhelper.com - puzzles, games, can be used by a parent to
supplement the classroom curriculum

www.ehow.com - covers literally everything, but you just type in
certain math issues and it's great, good narrative

www.mathforum.org/students/elem - little of everything

http://www.kidsites.com/- there is a list of topics to choose from, such as math, history, etc.

www.brainpop.com

Literacy Websites

2011-10-01T21:55:00.003-04:00

LITERARCY WEBSITES:

www.timeforkids.com

www.scholastic.com

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/

http://pbskids.org/

http://www.kidsites.com/

www.cricketmag.com

www.bankstreetbooks.com/

www.brainpop.com

http://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/

Lice

2011-09-29T13:39:00.002-04:00

Please check your child for lice. There was a case of lice in our class.
Thanks!

Homework is back!

2011-09-28T18:38:00.001-04:00

Homework for the week:

1. Read for at least 30 minutes EVERY day + fill out your Reading Log.

2. Reading handout

3. Math handout

4. Writing drafts:
- Self-Portrait Poem Draft
- Partner biography draft

5. "Cracking Open Words" handout

6. Permission slip for Thursday's trip to the Apple Store

7. Enjoy the break!

See you Monday. We will be talking about things that are grabbing our attention in the news and in our community...

Tuesday Sept. 27

2011-09-27T15:53:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Panina!!
Panina celebrates her birthday today. She brought in delicious muffins and helped make today's schedule. Tonight's homework is extra long reading + filling out the reading log and 2 math problems- You MUST show a strategy for the math problems such as an array.

Tomorrow is the last day of school for the week!

Monday Sept. 26

2011-09-26T20:11:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Takashi!!
Takashi celebrated his birthday this summer. Since we were not in school, he is using his "birthday wish" tonight- No homework! Enjoy! I guess with 28 kids, that makes a lot of birthdays ;)
*Remember you still need to read and fill out your Reading Log.
*Return Release forms!

Sept. 24

2011-09-24T18:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Japhy!!
Japhy celebrated his birthday this summer. Since we were not in school, he is using his "birthday wish" this weekend- No homework!
Enjoy!

See you Monday

New Family Meetings Schedule

2011-09-21T20:37:00.006-04:00

Monday:
3:15- Dylan

Tuesday:
3:00 Ella
5:00 -Samantha

Wednesday:
8:00- Manuela
3:00 Ruby

HOMEWORK- Wednesday Sept. 21

2011-09-21T19:58:00.000-04:00

Tonight's homework:

1. Read for at least 30 minutes + fill out your new Reading Log.

2. Complete the "rules" handout

3. Complete the math handout

4. "Collect" a new writing entry- new topic or genre

5. Parent dismissal form

9.20.11

2011-09-20T15:37:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Maya!!
Maya's birthday is today and her birthday wish is "no homework" for tonight. Enjoy!

See you tomorrow!

HOMEWORK- 9.19

2011-09-19T19:41:00.000-04:00

Tonight's homework:

1. Read for at least 30 minutes + fill out your new Reading Log.

2. Complete the Reading Inventory handout

3. Complete the Quick Facts handout

4. "Collect" a new writing entry- new topic or genre

5. Find the facors of 9 and draw the arrays that go with them

6. Newsletter submissions due tomorrow!

7. Parent handout on hopes and dreams for this year

Welcome!

2011-09-18T15:39:00.001-04:00

September 18, 2011

Dear Families,

Hello! I know that you have a lot of paper and information coming at you these first few weeks, so I apologize for adding to it! Soon we will all be accustomed to the routines of this school year, so thank you for taking the time to read all of the information you are getting! In this letter, I wanted to let you know about some of the routines of our classroom, as well as what we will be working on for the first few weeks of school. In addition, I wanted to introduce you to our student teacher from Sarah-Lawrence who we are happy to have with us, Ava-Margeaux.

Community Building

For the first several weeks of school, building a safe, cheerful and loving classroom community is the top priority. We will be having multiple conversations about classroom expectations and routines, and we will be playing different games and activities to help us get to know one another. We will also discuss difficult topics, such as how to approach teasing and what to do when conflicts arise. Many of the conversations that we have during the early weeks will remain important throughout the year. For example, we will work on how to really listen to others during whole group and small group conversations. We will talk about taking care of our classroom and the people we share it with.

Our class also has some special routines that help us maintain a sense of community. For instance, we start each day with a greeting, a fun way to make sure everyone’s presence gets acknowledged. Twice a week, we have ‘shares,’ where children can bring things or tell stories and hear responses from their classmates. Each Friday, we will have a closing circle for kids to talk about what went well, what they learned, what they are excited about or hope to change. We will also be having weekly appreciation circles- a chance for kids to notice their classmates and what they enjoy about sharing a room together.

Community building is a huge topic, and it is obviously impossible to summarize what ‘community’ means in a few short paragraphs. I just wanted to let you know that this will be at the fore of all our work for the next few weeks. You can help by talking to your children openly about what is and isn’t going well for them in school so far, and by encouraging them to make their thoughts and feelings known as we build a class together.

Snack and Water

I find that the time between drop-off and lunch can be very long, so children are allowed to bring a snack to eat each morning, usually around 10:40. They are allowed 10 minutes for snack and must bring their own; because of allergies, it can be tricky to share. Snacks should be healthy- please no candy, high-sugar cookies, or chips. The children eat their snack while they work and clean up after themselves, therefore the simpler the snack the easier to clean.

Students are encouraged to bring in a reusable water bottle so they can fill it up as needed and store at school. I would recommend having students take their bottles home on Fridays to clean and bring back the following Monday. Obviously, they can take them home each day if you would like. I find the reusable water bottle to be a good, sustainable system.

Homework

Kids receive homework on a daily basis in 4th/5th grade. They also have some homework on the weekends. The only exception comes when someone makes a ‘no homework’ birthday wish (more on that later!). Each night, children are expected to read for at least 30 minutes and record their reading on their Reading Log and sometimes post-its. Reading Log’s are due on Friday and we will use a checklist to assess our progress. Over the weekend, students will record their reading responses in their Reader’s Notebook. We will be talking about different kinds of responses. In addition, there is usually writing and math homework, as well as a little social studies. Writing work is done in the Writer’s Notebook where students ‘collect entries.’ We have been talking about different ways of collecting entries, so that students have a variety they can try. Also, I try to collect notebooks at least twice a month so that I can have a more thorough look at the children’s work and time for comments (which can be difficult during class). I really love the time I get to read through their notebook entries and see different strategies and work they are trying out. It helps inform the teaching, as well.

Homework is a complicated issue – every child approaches it differently, and similar assignments can take different children vastly different amounts of time. I never want homework to be a cause of tears, family fights, or excessive dread. If you feel that these things are happening, please come talk to me and we will work out modifications. At the same time, it is important for students to get into good routines and really try their best to complete their homework. It helps them to reflect on what they are learning and practice or prepare for activities to come.

Each afternoon, we have a ‘homework meeting’ where we go over that night’s assignment. The children copy the assignment into their notebook and are given the opportunity to ask questions about the expectations. Inevitably, there will be times when your child gets home and realizes that he or she is confused about the assignment after all. If this happens, please do not panic. Have your child write me a note explaining what happened and we will talk about it together the next day. If it gets to be a pattern, we can all sit down together to problem-solve. I will also try to ‘post’ the homework on ‘Lauren’s Blog’ each evening:
http://lauren-newsfromroom405.blogspot.com/.

In general, homework should be an independent pursuit in 4th/5th grade. I would much rather a child make mistakes on his or her homework than see a perfect paper that is not the child’s own work. The mistakes are one of the many things that help me understand what the child needs to work on. Also, I know that homework can sometimes lead to intense frustrations within families; allowing your child to make her own mistakes and then learn from them is one way to dissipate some of this tension. Again, if your child is really struggling with an assignment, the best thing you can do is encourage him to write me a note or come talk to me about it the next morning.

One thing that often comes up with regards to homework at this age is the actual condition of the homework paper. Over the next week, we will talk about how to use a binder and folder to carry extraneous homework sheets, and this should keep the sheets protected and safe. Crumpled, folded, and torn homework is unacceptable- a child gets one warning about this and then I will ask them to redo the assignment. Again, this is a part of developing independence and taking pride in their own work.

Communication

I try to write regular curriculum letters through the school year to keep you informed about what we are working on. I will post these letters, in addition to notes and photos, on the class blog: http://lauren-newsfromroom405.blogspot.com/. These can help you start conversations with your child about her/his learning. I am also very accessible by e-mail and am happy to e-mail with families about issues that are coming up for your child. My address is lauren.room405@gmail.com. If you need to have a conversation with me for any reason, feel free to write a note or call the school and leave a message.

As you know, the children often receive a great deal of mail each day. Please talk to your child about a system you can develop to make sure you see her/his mail every day. One suggestion is to have a specific place in your home where they empty their backpack in the afternoon and leave any mail.

Birthdays

Every month, we go over the calendar and mark any birthdays. On their birthday, each child makes a ‘reasonable wish,’ anything from extra recess or project time to no homework, from running morning meeting to helping create the next day’s schedule. If you discuss it with me in advance, it is also fine to bring a special birthday snack for a birthday celebration.

Drop-off and Dismissal

School begins each morning at 8:20 a.m. Anyone who arrives after 8:30 will be marked late. It is important to know that attendance and lateness from both 4th and 5th grade play a big role in a child’s middle school application. Furthermore, we start the day’s work promptly at arrival time, and getting to school late means missing out on an important activity. Thank you for working on punctuality and helping the whole class start each day on the right foot!

Dismissal is each day at 2:50. Extended day will begin on September 26, and you will get more information on that soon. Many children at this age dismiss themselves by walking downstairs or to their after-school on their own. Thank you for returning the independent dismissal form already.

In-take Meetings

I am looking forward to meeting with all of the new parents and families this year! I am sending home a ‘Hopes and Dreams’ sheet for you to reflect a little on before we meet together. Attached is a sign-up sheet. If the times do not work for you, please send me a note or email me some times that would work: lauren.room405@gmail.com. I will also keep a sign-up sheet outside the classroom and update it as times get filled.

Wow! I know that was a lot of information! I hope this was helpful for you. Please be sure to let me know if you have any questions. Lastly, I wanted to thank you all for your generosity with supplies! We are already off to a great start. I truly look forward to our work together this year!

Yours,
Lauren

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In-Take Meeting Time Preference Sheet

Please circle at least 2 times that work for you. Remember, this is a short meeting that usually lasts between 10 and 15 minutes. Again, feel free to email me, as well to set this up: lauren.room405@gmail.com. If you would prefer to speak with me by phone or through email, I am happy to do a chat that way, just let me know. As soon as I get your preferences back, I will send home or email a confirmation note for our meeting.

Monday Sept. 19
8:00- Ayanna
3:00
3:15
3:30

Tuesday Sept. 20
8:00
3:00- Jake
3:15
3:30- Nico
3:45
4:00
4:15
4:30
4:45

Wednesday Sept. 21
8:00
3:00
3:15
3:30
3:45
4:00
4:15
4:30
4:45
5:00

Thursday Sept. 22
8:00
3:00
3:15

5:00
5:15

Friday Sept. 23
8:00
3:00
3:15
3:30
3:45
4:00
4:15
4:30

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
9/26 9/27 9/28 9/29 9/30

8:00 8:00 8:00 NO SCHOOL NO SCHOOL
3:00 3:00 3:00
3:15 3:15 3:15
3:30 3:30 3:30
3:45 3:45 3:45
4:00 4:00 4:00
4:15 4:15
4:30 4:30
4:45 4:45
5:00 5:00

-- Lauren

2011-09-16T16:52:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Manuela!!
Manuela's birthday was Sept. 4th and her birthday wish is "no homework" for the weekend. Enjoy!

See you Monday

HOMEWORK- Thursday Sept. 15

2011-09-15T17:24:00.000-04:00

Tonight's homework:

1. Read for at least 30 minutes + write down 2-3 thoughts about your book/ reactions on post-its (or loose leaf if you need to). Use your new "bookmark" to help you!

2. "Collect" a piece of writing in your Writer's Notebook

3. Math handout

* Return any forms you still have!

HOMEWORK- Wednesday Sept. 14

2011-09-14T20:03:00.000-04:00

Tonight's homework:

1. Read for at least 30 minutes + write down 2-3 thoughts about your book on post-its (or loose leaf if you need to). Use your new "bookmark" to help you!

2. "Collect" a piece of writing in your Writer's Notebook

3. Bring in photos, pictures, stickers, quotes, etc. to personalize and decorate your Writer's Notebook

* Return your BLUE emergency card and Parent Packet if you haven't already

HOMEWORK- Tuesday Sept. 12

2011-09-13T20:12:00.000-04:00

Tonight's homework:

1. Read for at least 30 minutes + write down 2-3 thoughts about your book on post-its (or loose leaf if you need to)

2. "Collect" a piece of writing in your Writer's Notebook

3. Math handout

4. Parent Packet- lots of important forms to get filled out!

* Return your BLUE emergency card if you haven't already

HOMEWORK- Monday Sept. 12

2011-09-12T19:49:00.000-04:00

Tonight's homework:

1. Reading Handout- continue the word lists from Roald Dahl's The BFG that we started in class

2. Bring in an old Writer's Notebook or piece of writing that you are proud of and tells who you are as a writer

3. Math handout

4. Return your BLUE emergency card

See you tomorrow!

Book Recs

2011-08-01T15:09:00.000-04:00

Here are some new book recommendations for summer-time reading:

- Danger and Diamonds (A Mystery at Sea) by Elizabeth Levy

- Keeper by Kathi Appelt

- Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper

- The Strange Case of Origami Yoga by Tom Angleberger
*this book is super quick and entertaining!

2011/2012 Supply List

2011-08-01T15:06:00.001-04:00

LAUREN’S SUPPLY LIST 2011-2012
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I know the list is long, but these supplies will really help us get off to a strong start. I am listing the supplies in four categories: individual, communal, optional, and at-home. Please review the list carefully and read the descriptions of each item. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding these supplies! My email is: lauren.room405@gmail.com

INDIVIDUAL Supplies
These supplies should take priority. It is important for each child to have the following supplies in hand by the first or second day of school. Children should bring these supplies to school with them so that they can get off to a strong start.

□ 5-composition notebooks (Meade or similar brand), lined paper

□ 1 graph-paper notebook for use in math (same size as composition notebooks)
***Please do NOT get spiral bound notebooks; these come apart too easily. Notebooks work much better.***

□ 1 thin lightweight loose-leaf binder (These are for storing papers and homework. The homework binder travels back and forth, and a lighter weight make it easier on the shoulders! Also, the bulkier binders will not fit in the children’s cubbies.)

□ 1 folder with three holes punched, for keeping inside the binder

□ 1 zip-up pencil case for holding pens, pencils, etc. in backpack

□ 1 (or 2) pen(s) that you really love

□ 1-2 packages of dividers for binders

□ REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE for water- students can take home and bring back, or simply leave at school.

*□ 1 assignment notebook (This can be a daily planner or small pad for keeping track of homework assignments.) this is optional.

COMMUNAL Supplies
These are supplies for the entire class to use. Because there are many supplies, I am splitting the list in half. If your child’s FIRST name begins with the letter A-K, please buy the items on list one. If your child’s FIRST name begins with the letters L-Z, buy the items on list two. I have done my best to make the lists approximately even in terms of price.

LIST ONE (First names from A-K)

□ 2- 3 sharp scissors (adult scissors are better than kid scissors)

□ 2 packs of Dixon Tri-Conderoga® Black Pencils OR blue/black ballpoint pens

□ 2-3 glue sticks OR rolls transparent tape (with dispenser) □ 1-2 sturdy, absorbent sponges

□ 2-3 packages of post-its (any size, shape, or color) □ 2- 3 boxes Facial Kleenex
(OVER)

LIST TWO (First names from L-Z)

□ 6 packages .07 mm lead for mechanical pencils □ 1-2 packages of hot glue gun sticks

□ mechanical pencils for size .07 lead (The imitation “pencil” style is preferable)

□ 1-2 pack(s) of sharpies □ 1-2 packs of paper towels

□ 2-3 packages of post-its (different size, shape, or color preferable)

□ 1-2 individual sturdy pencil sharpeners with case for shavings

OPTIONAL Supplies
I know this list already seems really long! Here are a few things that are always good to have, in case you’d like to contribute more to our class supply.

□ post-it TABS (post-it makes these for dividing notebooks into different sections)
□ sculpting CLAY (any non-drying sculpting clay- all colors), SCULPTING WIRE (any hardware store carries this), NEEDLE NOSE PLIERS OR JEWELRS PLIERS
□ any art or craft supplies you feel might be useful for project time.
- GLUE GUNS, glue gun sticks
- CLAY (see above)
- ORIGAMI PAPER
- MARKERS, colored pencils- sharpie, bic, etc.
- TAPE- MASKING, PACKING, ETC.
- CARD STOCK, colored or interesting paper, construction paper, ORIGAMI paper, fabric, needles and thread, old magazines, scrap cardboard, clear contact paper, etc.-- you’d be surprised what can get turned into a project!)
-
□ Zip-lock Baggies
□ Sponges
□ Clorox wipes /dish soap and/or all-purpose cleaning spray (such as Windex, 409, etc.)
□ STAPLER
□ 3-hole punchers
□ Band-aids (Band-aid brand has worked the best for us. The others do not stick or hold, so we end up wasting a lot!)

AT-HOME Supplies
These supplies are to help students complete their homework. They will stay at home and do not need to travel back and forth with the students.

□one ruler with inches and centimeters □ one student dictionary

□ supply of Post-it notes for reading assignments, etc. □ supply of loose-leaf paper

THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP TO A GREAT START!!!

ANIMOTO celebration tomorrow!

2011-06-20T15:40:00.002-04:00

We are confirmed with Cheryl @ 9 am in the library. You can arrive early if you like.
Thanks!

Coney Island Aquarium- next Mon.

2011-06-13T18:52:00.000-04:00

We will be taking a trip to the Aquarium at Coney Island, next Monday. Permission slips will go home tomorrow...

Happy Birthday Njeri!

2011-06-03T15:13:00.003-04:00

Njeri's birthday wish is "no homework" this weekend. Enjoy.

Today was bitter sweet. We said goodbye to our amazing teacher and friend, Sarah, and we also performed our great kente play! We look forward to sharing our play with others in the next couple of weeks. Details coming soon!
Special thanks to Dante and Lily for the cupcakes!They were a delicious treat.

xoL

2011-06-02T18:35:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is our amazing student teacher's last day!! We will miss Sarah soooooooo much!

Tonight's homework:
- write about your society
- read through the kente script and practice your parts! also, make sure you know what's happening and when so that our rehearsal will go smoothly
- costumes! for the play...

see you tomorrow! xo Lauren

Happy Birthday Martin

2011-05-28T15:03:00.000-04:00

Martin's birthday wish was "no homework" so enjoy the long weekend!

Eric's Latest Animoto Project!

2011-05-27T10:44:00.000-04:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Save the Date!- Postponed

2011-05-25T20:32:00.001-04:00

Unfortunately, we need to reschedule this event due to a time conflict. We are looking at Thursday June 16th, 8:30 a.m. instead. We will finalize tomorrow. Thanks!

We will be having our "Animoto" premiere/celebration in the library on Tuesday June 14th at 8:30 a.m. Hope you can make it!

Homework for Wednesday and Thursday- Due Friday

2011-05-25T20:27:00.002-04:00

It was great to see families at SING this morning! Tomorrow, the 4th/5th grade teachers have a planning day for social studies. This means there will be a sub with the class for the day. Homework will be due on Friday. *Remember Friday is 1/2 day with 11:30 dismissal.

* Reading:
1- read at least 40 minutes each night.
2- do at least 2 jots using the thinking prompts handout in your reading notebook from the beginning of the year
3- write long about something that grabs your attention in the book. write @ least 4 sentences with your thinking S T R E T C H E D out in detail.
4- go back to check for clarity, neatness, punctuation, and spelling

* Writing entry:
- work on your independent project or collect an entry.
- parts of speech handout + handwriting practice

*Math: handout

*Social Studies:
read the Sojourner Truth handout + fill in the "Thinking Like a Historian" graphic organizer that we used in class- at least 2 of the boxes!

4th Grade Science Test Update

2011-05-25T20:12:00.000-04:00

The written test remains on Monday June 9.

The performance test will be NEXT WEEK, ON WED AND THU.- June 1 and June 2

World Science Festival!

2011-05-25T08:01:00.002-04:00

Here is a great link from Jonah's mom, Joanne:

http://worldsciencefestival.com/videos/world_science_festival_youth_and_family_highlight_reel

Google Art!

2011-05-23T21:40:00.000-04:00

Check it out!

http://www.googleartproject.com/

Materials for Quilting Needed

2011-05-23T21:36:00.000-04:00

One of the things we have been working on in social studies is looking at the role of art, specifically textile, in the lives of enslaved African Americans. We began by looking at West African kente cloth and have been working on a class project inspired by this study. More recently as we have learned more about enslaved people's lives, we have looked at a variety of books to give us a better understanding. Show Way and the Quilts of Gee's Bend are two books that we keep returning to. The quilts are so amazingly beautiful and engaging that we all have been inspired. Here is a link for more information: http://www.quiltsofgeesbend.com/

We have thought about creating a class quilt that will tell a story and be a part of our class kente project. In order to do this we need to collect materials. The quiltmakers of Gee's Bend used what they had- old clothing, fabric, etc. If you have any old or unused materials you could donate, we would greatly appreciate it. The more fabric pieces we have, the more of a "class" quilt it will truly be!

HOMEWORK for Monday and Tuesday

2011-05-23T16:11:00.000-04:00

* Reading:
1- read at least 40 minutes each night.
2- do at least 2 jots using the thinking prompts handout in your reading notebook from the beginning of the year
3- write long about something that grabs your attention in the book. write @ least 4 sentences with your thinking S T R E T C H E D out in detail.
4- go back to check for clarity, neatness, punctuation, and spelling

* Writing entry:
work on your independent project or collect an entry.

*Social Studies:
read the handout that we started in class and fill out the handout with your thinking responses.

*Math:
finish the handout from today on floor tiles.

weekend homework

2011-05-20T15:58:00.000-04:00

* Reading entry:
1- do at least 2 jots using the thinking prompts handout in your reading notebook from the beginning of the year
2- write long about something that grabs your attention in the book. write @ least 8 sentences with your thinking S T R E T C H E D out in detail. you can also do 2 entries that are 4 sentences each.
3- go back to check for clarity, neatness, punctuation, and spelling

* Writing entry:
work on your independent project or collect an entry. if you didn't give me your project proposal today you must finish it over the weekend and hand it to me on monday.

*Scholastic News + handout

*Math:
make sure you have finished your design of structures and buildings for your society with all arrays labelled. you can begin cutting out the arrays.

homework

2011-05-19T21:08:00.002-04:00

homework

2011-05-18T17:29:00.000-04:00

Homework

2011-05-17T15:31:00.000-04:00

* Reading entry:
1- do at least 2 jots using the thinking prompts handout in your reading notebook from the beginning of the year
2- go back to check for clarity, neatness, punctuation, spelling, book title, date
IF YOU DID NOT write long about something last night, you must tonight. write @ least 4 sentences with your thinking S T R E T C H E D out in detail. Of course, you are welcome to do this even if you already did it last night!

* Writing entry:
collect an entry

*social studies:
1- take notes on the handout "wow! I didn't know..." while reading your article (frederick douglas or the underground railroad)
2- pay attention to important and sophisticated vocabulary words and fill in the vocabulary handout

HOMEWORK

2011-05-16T15:22:00.000-04:00

* Reading entry:
1- do at least 2 jots using the thinking prompts handout in your reading notebook from the beginning of the year
2- write long about something that grabs your attention in the book. write @ least 4 sentences with your thinking S T R E T C H E D out in detail
3- go back to check for clarity, neatness, punctuation, and spelling

* Writing entry:
collect an entry about what you shared in class + look over the notebook checklist

*social studies:
gather information about harriet tubman and/or the underground railroad- you can do this in a book, internet, or INTERVIEW an older sibling or adult about what they know

Back after a little hiatus

2011-05-16T15:17:00.000-04:00

We can all breathe a deep sigh of relief that the ELA and math testing is over! 4th graders do still have the science test next month, June 6. They are doing science test prep with Emily 2x/week, in addition to our regularly scheduled science block. Here are a few dates of upcoming events, with more to follow I'm sure...
MAY
* tuesday may 24- lauren will be at the teaching historians workshop
* wednesday may 25- SING @ 8:45 am
* friday may 27- 1/2 day for students
* monday may 31- memorial day, no school

JUNE
* friday june 3- last day with our amazing student teacher sarah :(
* monday june 6- 4th graders take the science written test
* tuesday june 7- 1/2 day for students
* wednesday june 8 - FIELD DAY
* thursday june 9- no school for students
* monday june 13- 1/2 day for students
* wednesday june 22- graduation @ 1:30 with party to follow
* tuesday june 28 - last day of school: SUMMER BREAK!

One more day of testing!

2011-05-11T12:15:00.000-04:00

Today was Day 1 of the math test- multiple choice. Tomorrow is day 2- showing work and short answer. The kids have been doing a super job. We are almost there - hang in!!

kente project

2011-05-10T14:39:00.003-04:00

today the kente group is working hard making kente cloths, they made "TONS" of them! the writing
group is adding more stuff, they added a dragon! of cores the prop group is making the dragon fire,ash,weapons and other props. and the blogger group/this group finally got to blog again and it fells awesome!

HAPPY WEEKEND

2011-05-06T15:10:00.000-04:00

This weekend you have 3 math handouts to do. *Remember next Wednesday and Thursday are the math testing days. You did super this week. Next week will be great, too!

A Glimpse into Project Time

2011-05-05T13:45:00.000-04:00

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

2011-05-05T13:41:00.000-04:00

And last day of ELA testing!

Congratulations on finishing. Everyone did a great job!

Tonight's homework is to work on the 2 math handouts.

-L

We are almost there!

2011-05-04T20:33:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow is the last day of the ELA test for 4th and 5th graders.
Get a good night's sleep tonight! See you in the morning...L

Testing

2011-05-03T20:08:00.000-04:00

Hi Fourth and Fifth Grade Families,

Your kids have been doing a great job getting ready for this week's English Language Arts tests and successfully finished today. To help them be prepared to do their best on the tests make sure they go to bed early, eat a healthy breakfast in the morning, and arrive at school by 8:25. This morning everyone did a great job!

Here's a preview of what the test looks like:

Tuesday: Students read 5-7 passages and answered multiple choice questions.
Wednesday (tomorrow): Students will listen to a passage and answer several multiple choice and short answer questions. They will also answer 3-5 multiple choice questions about editing.
Thursday: Students will read 2 passages, answer 2-3 short answer questions, and write a comparative essay.

Looking ahead, next week is the math test:

Wednesday: Muliple choice questions
Thursday: Short and Extended response questions where kids show their strategies and then write about them

Looking even farther ahead, the 4th grade science test will come in two parts. The performance test will be scheduled between May 31st and June 3rd, and the written test will be on June 6th. Fourth graders will start test prep with Emily on Friday.

Keep up the great work!

Best,
Lauren

YOU DID WONDERFULLY TODAY!

2011-05-03T15:25:00.000-04:00

Today was Day 1 of the ELA test. Congrats! Tomorrow is Day 2: Listening, Short Response and Editing. Tonight you can review if you like, but YOU MAY NOT stress out. NOT ALLOWED! You have worked very hard.

For homework, you should review your "Koala" short answers and make them better if you can. This should take about 10 minutes.

Next, you have your Editing packet to work on for 10 minutes.

And a math review handout on fractions and factors. If something doesn't make sense be sure to circle or * it so we can go over it tomorrow. Spend 10 minutes and see how far you get.

GET A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP! EAT BREAKFAST. You can bring sugar-free gum, if you like.
See you in the morning... L

kente project

2011-05-03T11:12:00.000-04:00

Today the kente cloth team is making a cool kente cloth. It is sooooooo cool. it is painted blue and splattered all over with fabric paint! creative... too creative. The kente team is making their draft painting (real paint not fabric paint)

2011-05-02T16:38:00.000-04:00

Tonight's homework:

- Read, look for a poem to read, fill out your reading log
- math handout: circle or * what is confusing and complete it your best

GET A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP! EAT BREAKFAST. You can bring sugar-free gum, if you like. Tomorrow is Day 1 of the ELA test, multiple choice. You will all be brilliant!

Testing

2011-04-29T23:34:00.000-04:00

ELA (English Language Arts):
this week- Tuesday May 3rd, Wednesday May 4th, and Thursday May 5th

Math:
next week- Wednesday May 11th and Thursday May 12th

No Homework!

2011-04-29T23:24:00.000-04:00

Javian's birthday wish was no homework this weekend! Make sure you still read...Happy birthday Javian!

Yearbook/Graduation

2011-04-29T23:22:00.000-04:00

From an earlier email sent by Susan (Rainer's mom):

Dear 4th / 5th Grade Families,

Just wanted to give you a Graduation / Yearbook update. The yearbook is coming along beautifully. The Yearbook Production Staff meet every Friday at 3 in the PTA room to work on collages from events and classrooms for the yearbook. Today, I sent home an envelope in backpack mail for all the 5th graders with a 1/2 page to create their personal 1/2 page contribution for the yearbook. They can use photos, writing, drawing, etc. to create a 1/2 page about themselves. Please return the 1/2 page in the envelope it went home in to the PTA room after Spring Break in the box marked "1/2 Pages for Yearbook".

This week the 5th graders voted on what color they would like their graduation caps to be. As soon as the total vote is in we will order the caps.

Soon, the parents organizing the graduation slideshow will send home a request for photos to be sent in for the slideshow.

Graduation will be held on Wed. June 22nd at 1:30 pm.

There will be a graduation meeting on the Friday after we get back from Spring Break after drop off on April 29th. Please come to this meeting if you would like to help out organizing the Graduation Ceremony, including music for the ceremony, decorations for the auditorium and the party after the ceremony which will be at Jules Bistro on St. Marks Place. 4th graders attend the party after the ceremony and 4th grade parents are asked to chaperone the party.

If you have photos that you would like to contribute to the Yearbook please upload them to the school's website. If you need help uploading them please come to the Yearbook meetings in the PTA room on a Friday and I can help you do this or I can copy them from a memory card or your camera.

If you have any questions, ideas or suggestions and are unable to make it to the meetings since they are in the am please email or call me.

Hope you have a great Spring Break,
thank you,
Susan (Rainer's mom in Stephanie's Class)
347.410.1841

2011-04-28T15:34:00.000-04:00

Tonight's homework:

READING: Read for at least 40 minutes. Jot down your thinking ON POST-ITS and add it to your reading log.

WRITING: Editing packet pages 54, 55, 57, 59

ELA TEST PREP: "Koala" handout with short answers. Do this timed for 15 minutes.

SOCIAL STUDIES- due Friday: Scholastic News + handouts
*new handout: "what you read/ what it made you think or learn" about "debate" section on last page

Welcome Back!

2011-04-27T17:05:00.000-04:00

Tonight's homework:

READING: Read for at least 40 minutes. Jot down your thinking and add it to your reading log.

WRITING: Write at least 2 sentences each for these homophones- 1. to 2. too 3. two 4. they're 5. their 6. there (a total of at least 12 sentences!)

MATH: 4th graders have a math packet

ELA TEST PREP: Revise your test using the rubric we went over together in class today

SOCIAL STUDIES- due Friday: Scholastic News + handouts

zombiekins: Animoto by Eric

2011-04-27T12:13:00.000-04:00

zombiekins

This is a project we have been working on in class. Eric was so inspired he went home and has done some on his own. Here is one of them!

New Museum's Festival of Ideas for NYC- May 4-8

2011-04-25T15:54:00.000-04:00

From Solar One:

Coming in May: The New Museum's Festival of Ideas for a New City

This spring, the New Museum is launching an experimental Conference and Streetfest called the Festival of Ideas for a New City, to be held on and around the Bowery on May 4-8, 2011. Hundreds of downtown organizations, including Solar One, will be participating and over 20,000 people are expected!

There are more exciting plans than I could possibly describe here, but you can check out the Festival website HERE. Solar One will be participating in a number of capacities: Creating garbage stations and graphics to help make the StreetFest on May 7 as sustainable as possible; presenting Volume III of our very popular NYC the Future Metropolis Series on Sunday May 8 from 5-7pm; running a solar-powered film tent, where we'll be screening short informational films about Solar One's programs; and, also on Sunday May 8, S1 Green Workforce Director Michael Johnson-Chase will be doing a presentation on the intersection of environmental and social justice as part of the Festival's Pecha Kucha marathon.

The StreetFest is free, while the Conference events are ticketed- again, you can get all the info at http://www.festivalofideasnyc.com/. We hope to see you all there!

Cool Book Resource

2011-04-25T15:48:00.002-04:00

http://www.onemorestory.com/

This is a good digital reading resource. It is mostly lower level books right now, but should be adding more levels soon.

Earth Day Crafts & On-going Activities

2011-04-25T15:06:00.001-04:00

These look like fun garden activities:
http://www.pbs.org/parents/craftapparent/2010/04/recycled-container-plant-pots.html?contactID=174426652&gwkey=HI7O59Z33A

Let us know if you try!

Earth Celebrations' 3rd Annual Hudson River Pageant

Earth Celebrations 3rd Annual Hudson River Pageant - 2011: An ecological art project engaging youth & community to restore the Hudson River's native species & habitats and addressing climate change in New York City.

Join us creating river species puppets and costumes for the Hudson River Pageant!

Hudson River Pageant Art & Ecology Workshops
March 2 -May 18 -- Free
In partnership with the Church Street School of Music & Art
Costume Workshops: Wednesday's, 6-9pm with artist - Soule Golden
Puppet Workshops: Saturday's, 12-4pm with artist - Lucrecia Novoa
@ Church Street School for Music and Art
74 Warren St. (btw West Broadway & Greenwich) in Tribeca.

Hudson River Pageant
Saturday May 21, 1-5 pm (Raindate: Sunday, May 22)
In the downtown section of the Hudson River Park
An ecological parade of spectacular costumes, giant puppets, and 13 site specific performances along the piers and significant sites, celebrating the history, current issues, and future restoration of the river.
Featuring: Oyster Planting, River Cleansing, Live Fish Release & Boat Dance

For more information, contact:
mail@earthcelebrations.com
www.earthcelebrations.com
212-777-7969

HAPPY BREAK

2011-04-15T16:08:00.001-04:00

Homework over break:

READ, READ, READ!!!

- math test prep packet: correct your work and keep working on it

- ela (english language arts) test prep packets: correct your work

- new test prep packet: you should time yourself working for 1 hour (60 minutes) and then on a different day review your work for 30 minutes

have a wonderful break!

xo lauren

HOMEWORK

2011-04-14T15:13:00.000-04:00

Tonight's homework:

READING: Read for at least 40 minutes. Pay attention to characters and theories you are developing about them. Thoughtfully complete your reading log.

WRITING: Edit your test work and your Writer's Notebook

MATH: Read through my comments in your math test prep packet and work on it.

ELA TEST PREP: look over your multiple choice answers and fix the ones that are incorrect. Remember to go back to the passage and find the answers.

MATH PACKETS missing

2011-04-13T20:30:00.002-04:00

You were supposed to turn in your HUGE test prep math packet today. I did not receive packets from the following people:

4th grade- Niigaunii, Keith, Japhy, Cecelia

5th grade- Njeri, Anette, Sammy,
Siu Loong and Jonah (missing part of the packet)

YOU MUST GIVE IT TO ME TOMORROW MORNING first thing! I will be making comments so that you can work on it and finish over break. It is your responsibility to make sure that I have your packet.

NEW ROOM!

2011-04-13T20:06:00.000-04:00

I visited P.S. 29 yesterday for a Literacy Study Group with Milo. It was really refreshing to see different classrooms and talk to others in our network. It inspired me to make some changes to our room! So, we spent some time this morning rearranging furniture and cleaning. Thank you to everyone for all of your help and patience today. It is starting to come together. The library book shelves got moved around and mixed up a bit so it would be great to have parents sort the books at Community Day. We want to make sure books are in the right bins so they are easy to find.

-L

HOMEWORK

2011-04-13T19:56:00.001-04:00

Tonight's homework:

READING: Read for at least 40 minutes. Pay attention to characters and theories you are developing about them. Thoughtfully complete your new reading log.

WRITING: Collect an entry + edit your work

MATH:
4th graders have a review packet.
5th graders need to make the following angles using a protractor:
65 degrees, 125 degrees, 40 degrees, 90 degrees, 160 degrees
*What do the angle measurements of a triangle add up to?
*What do the angle measurements of a quadrilateral add up to?

*5th graders have a test prep packet for ELA

Homework

2011-04-11T16:53:00.001-04:00

SING IS TOMORROW MORNING @ 8:45...

Tonight's homework:

READING: Read for at least 40 minutes. Pay attention to characters and theories you are developing about them. Thoughtfully complete your new reading log.

WRITING: Collect an entry

MATH: 2 handouts- Division & Estimation. Be sure to show your work clearly for the division problems. Estimate to the nearest ten, hundred, or thousand.
Ex. 1,795 x 58 = (2000 x 60) = 120,000

SOCIAL STUDIES- due Wednesday:
- Scholastic News + handout
- Indy Kids + vocabulary handout

check this out:

2011-04-09T11:25:00.001-04:00

great article...

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/garden/31kids.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=juliescelfo

WEEKEND HOMEWORK

2011-04-07T15:26:00.003-04:00

Hi Families!

Tomorrow I will be at Professional Development for a "Teaching American History" grant. Our wonderful student teacher, Sarah, will be here along with Nick. Below is the homework DUE MONDAY. Have a super weekend!

-L

READING: Read for at least 40 minutes. Pay attention to connections and theories and jot them down!

WRITING: Write 2 news articles about your society

Test Prep: Cause and Effect handout You must have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion paragraphs. *Essay sandwich!

MATH: Data packet + King Tut handout

SOCIAL STUDIES: INDY KIDS newspaper + vocabulary handout
*(kids will get a new one tomorrow)

Tonight's Homework

2011-04-05T15:14:00.001-04:00

READING: Read for at least 40 minutes. Pay attention to connections and theories you are developing about them. Thoughtfully complete your new reading log.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Energy handout for your society (we started this in class this morning). What type of energy will your society use? What things does your society need energy for?

WRITING: Collect an entry! Your choice.

Test Prep: Revise your Death Valley essay. You must have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion paragraphs. *Essay sandwich!

MATH: Algebra Handout- missing numbers! Just like we did in class. There are some tricky ones, so do the best you can and we'll review tomorrow.

prop update

2011-04-05T14:13:00.000-04:00

This blog post is for props...what we are doing and just an update. So far we have made one spear and over half of our second. We need some more tin foil though. Please comment and give us some ideas for a trident!

Thanks,
Isabell, prop specialist

kente: we need...

2011-04-05T14:09:00.000-04:00

today we are doing the Kente project again. It will be great if you can donate these supplies. KENTE TEAM NEEDS... Blue fabric paint, sharpie poster paint colors silver, gold, red and blue. We could also use some plain, white or beige fabric.

Thanks!

by: Seth and Eric.

Homework

2011-04-04T15:11:00.001-04:00

READING: Read for at least 40 minutes. Pay attention to connections and theories you are developing about them. Thoughtfully complete your new reading log.
*Think about the comments your partner gave you today.

Test Prep: Character handout (10 minutes)

SOCIAL STUDIES: If your constitution handout is incomplete, you MUST FULLY COMPLETE IT TONIGHT

WRITING: Collect an entry! Your choice.

MATH: Multiplication handout- you must attach a separate sheet of paper showing your work for each problem. You need a clear strategy.
Notebook work: Write a short answer to this question (First, Next, Last, Finally)-
(62 x 3) x 9 = (3 x 9) x 63

Are these 2 equations equal? Why or why not?