Week of 9/7/09 - 9/11/09

Highlights for the Week of 9/7/09 - 9/11/09 in Mrs. Bell's Classroom

Spelling - Lesson 2 - The Suffix "-able"

The final test for this week's lesson will be on Friday, 9/11. Words to Know are another - around. Workbook pages are due on 9/10 & contract work will be collected on 9/11.

Reading - Predicting Outcomes

We will be working in small groups this week to hone our predicting skills, using the story Falling Off a Log. Students will use details from the story and their background knowledge to make valid guesses about what will happen to the characters in the story. On Thursday, they will independently complete an assessment in which they will read a story and make predictions.

"Bite into a Good Book" - Independent Reading Program

Students should ALWAYS have a silent reading book at school!

English - The Sentence

This week's focus will include simple subjects & predicates, and subjects in imperatives. Ask your child to sing the Schoolhouse Rock song, Mr. Morton that helps us to remember how to identify the parts of a sentence!

Social Studies - Different Worlds Collide

In this week's lessons, we will take a look at the confrontation between the Aztecs and the explorers who invade their land. Students will also study the art and purpose of the ancient Aztec mask, and create one of their own.

Science - Getting Ready for Science

We will complete our study of the tools used by scientists early in the week. There will be a QUIZ on science tools on Thursday, 9/10.

Math - Mrs. Bell's Math Class

Order of operations, mental math and finding patterns are the topics that we will discuss this week.

FYI...

* I enjoyed seeing many of you at Curriculum Night. Just a reminder that the 5th grade policy sheets need to be signed and returned to school. Please do not ever hesitate to contact me if you every have any questions or concerns about your child at school.

* A hand sanitizer dispenser has been installed in our classroom. Students are aware of the appropriate times to use the sanitizer, and that only one "squirt" is necessary to clean one's hands.

* The kickoff for our district fundraiser, the Magazine Drive, will be on Friday, 9/11. Look for information about this activity to come with your child that day.

Enjoy your holiday weekend!

Mrs. Karen Bell

Week of 8/31/09 - 9/4/09

Highlights for the Week of 8/31/09 - 9/4/09 in Mrs. Bell's Classroom

Spelling - Lesson 1 - Silent "e" & Suffixes

The final TEST for this lesson will be on Friday, 9/4. Words to Know are again - always. Workbook pages will be due on 9/3 & contract work is due on 9/4.

Reading - Predicting Outcomes

The first reading strategy that we will study this year is predicting. This week we will discuss how to make a prediction, and what makes a prediction valid. We will review how to make predictions using illustrations and details from a story.

"Bite into a Good Book" - Independent Reading Program

Students have set their independent reading goals for the first trimester. The deadline for reaching the goal is November 13. Please be sure that your child has a silent reading book at school every day!

English - The Sentence

Unit 1 in English focuses on sentences. This week we will discuss the four types of sentences and subjects & predicates. Students will complete a project called "Sentences Don't Bug Us" that will reinforce the concept of the different types of sentences.

Social Studies - The Voyages of Columbus

Our focus this week will be on Christopher Columbus' journeys to the new world. We will be taking notes, and students have a creative writing assignment to write a letter from the point of view of a member of Columbus' crew.

Science - Getting Ready for Science

Our introductory unit in science will include a look at the tools used by scientists, inquiry skills, and the scientific method. This week students will have a chance to use a variety of scientific tools to complete a science lab.

Math - Mrs. Bell's Math Class

Our first unit in math is "Number Toolbox". We will cover a variety of topics, including place value, order of operations and estimation. The first three lessons will be comparing and ordering with whole numbers, estimating with whole numbers, and exponents. Students will have their first midchapter QUIZ on Friday, 9/4. CURRICULUM NIGHT for Mrs. Bell's math students will be on Tuesday, 9/1. I will email & send home a notice with the exact time.

FYI...

CURRICULUM NIGHT for my students will be on Tuesday, 9/1. I will email and send home a notice with the exact time.

4th and 5th grade intramural games will be starting the week of September 14th. Permission slips will be handed out next week. Forms are due to Ms. Stainman by Friday, September 4th.

Have a Relaxing Weekend!

Mrs. Karen Bell

Welcome Back to School!

Welcome Back to

Prairieview School!

The rooms have been cleaned, the desks have been shined!

The pencils are sharp, and the shelves have been lined.

I've sorted the workbooks, the nametags are new...

Now all we need is YOU!

I hope to see you at Open House. It will be held at school on Monday, August 24th, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. You may bring your school supplies and choose your desk that morning.

Can't wait to meet you!

GO TEAM BELL!

Mrs. Karen Bell