Week of 9/28/09 - 10/2/09

Highlights for the Week of 9/28/09 - 10/2/09 in Mrs. Bell's Class

Spelling - Lesson 5 - Prefixes & Root Words

The final test for this lesson will be on Friday, 10/2. "Words to Know" are coming-different. Workbook pages and Master 5A are due on 10/1, and contract work will be collected on 10/2.

Reading - Summarizing

We will continue our focus on the reading strategy of summarizing by beginning a novel study of the book, The Wishgiver. Students will meet in small groups to discuss the book. There will be nightly reading assignments, as well as vocabulary, synonym/antonym work, context clues and/or comprehension work. The culminating activity for this novel study will be when students create a comic book using the summaries that they have written for the book.

(from www.google.com)

"Bite into a Good Book" - Independent Reading Program

Students must ALWAYS have a silent reading book with them at school!

English - Capitalization & Punctuation

We will begin our week with a look at proper nouns & adjectives. Students will take some time out from the textbook to work on a small expository piece about themselves. This piece will be the lead story in a year-long project called "Me Front Page", a newspaper about your child!

Social Studies

Settlement of the Jamestown colony will be our topic for the week. Students will learn how John Smith led the settlers to the new land, and how Pocahontas and her father Chief Powhaton helped them to survive. We will take notes by creating a study guide for this lesson.

Science - Getting Ready for Science

We will complete our study of the scientific method and begin to prepare for the chapter assessment. The TEST is tentatively scheduled for Friday, 10/2.

Math - Mrs. Bell's Math Class

We will finish chapter 2 by taking a look at solving multiplication and division equations. The chapter 2 TEST is scheduled for Thursday, 10/1.

FYI...

We are so proud of the three students from our classroom who spoke about responsibility at the Character Counts assembly on Friday. Way to go, Kelsey, Daniel & Katie!

We have another magazine turn in day on Tuesday, 9/29.

Picture day is Thursday, 10/1. Watch for information to be sent home with your child.

Enjoy the weekend!

Mrs. Karen Bell

Week of 9/21/09 - 9/25/09

Highlights for the Week of 9/21/09 - 9/25/09 in Mrs. Bell's Classroom


Spelling - Lesson 4 - Prefixes & Base Words

The final test for this lesson will be on Friday, 9/25. "Words to Know" are buy - clothes. Students will be turning in workbook pages & Master 4A on Thursday, 9/24, and contract work is due on Friday, 9/25.


Reading - Summarizing

We will continue our study of the reading comprehension skill of summarizing by taking a look at main ideas and details and sequencing. Students will complete an assessment on their summarizing skills in class on Friday, 9/25.


"Bite Into a Good Book" - Independent Reading Program

Many students in our classroom do not have a silent reading book in school. Please be sure that your child has a book to read independently at school.


English - Capitalization & Punctuation

The chapter 1 TEST will be on Tuesday, 9/22. The next unit we will study in English is chapter 5, Capitalization & Punctuation. We will begin this unit with a look at writing correct sentences and proper nouns & adjectives.


Social Studies - Chapter 5 - The Struggle to Found Colonies

We will begin chapter 5 with a look at Roanoke Island. Students will be formulating their own opinions about what happened to this lost colony, and will be completing a scroll project to illustrate their ideas. The end of the week will include the study of the battle of the Spanish Armada.


Science - What is the Scientific Method?

Our week will include a "rocket building" (using balloons & a string!) activity in which students will form a hypothesis, test the hypothesis, gather data and draw conclusions. This will lead to the discussion of the steps of the scientific method, and what is involved in this process.


Mrs. Bell's Math Class

The midchapter quiz for chapter 2 will be on Monday, 9/21. We will continue our introduction to algebra with a look at equations and their solutions, and solving addition and subtraction equations. Ask your child if he/she can explain the "plug it in" song to you!


FYI...


The IMC will be offering a "Lunch in the Library" activity beginning next month. Students will be given the option of signing up for this program. On October 8th, students who choose to participate will spend their lunchtime in the IMC discussing their favorite books. This is a fabulous way for students to learn about other books that their peers have enjoyed. Fliers about this program will be sent home on Monday, 9/21.

Magazine turn in days this week are Tuesday, 9/22 & Thursday, 9/24.

Don't forget...Early dismissal on Tuesday, 9/22. Students will be dismissed at 11:00.

Mrs. Heckman will be visiting 5th grade on 9/22 to discuss good hygiene habits.

Have a Relaxing Weekend!

Mrs. Karen Bell

Week of 9/14/09 - 9/18/09

Highlights for the Week of 9/14/09 - 9/18/09 in Mrs. Bell's Classroom!

Spelling - Lesson 3 - The Suffix "er" - Singular & PossessiveThe final test for this lesson will be on Friday, 9/18. The "Words to Know" are beautiful-brought. Workbook pages and Master 3B will be due on 9/17, and contract work will be due on 9/18.

Reading - Preview & Predict / Summarizing

We will be finishing our study of predicting and moving on to a new strategy..."Summarizing". Students will begin by learning the essential components of an effective summary by using a story map, and we will practice writing summaries together.

"Bite into a Good Book" - Independent Reading Program

The deadline for reaching your goal this trimester is 11/13. Please do not wait until the last minute to write your "Getting to the Core of the Book" sheets!

English - The Sentence

We will be wrapping up this unit with a focus on conjunctions and run-on sentences. We will begin reviewing for the TEST at the end of the week. The chapter 1 TEST is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, 9/22.

Social Studies - Life in New Spain

We will be completing chapter 4 with a look at how the Spanish established the colony of New Spain. The chapter 4 TEST is tentatively planned for Thursday, 9/17. I recommend that students focus on reviewing notes when preparing for the test. We will also review in class on Wednesday.

Science - Inquiry Skills used by Scientists

We have shifted our focus from scientific tools to inquiry skills. Students will become acquainted with the skill of classification during a sorting activity on Monday. We will also shift our attention from the textbook to a TFK which highlights the plight of pythons who are losing their habitat.

Math - Mrs. Bell's Math Class

We have completed our first chapter and are ready to assess our skills. The chapter 1 TEST is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, 9/15. We will review on Monday. Our next unit is "Introduction to Algebraic Variables & Expressions".

FYI...

Students have received information about how to access the online science textbook. This sheet should be kept in the science folder of his/her binder until the end of the year.

Packets for the Magazine drive were sent home on Friday, 9/11. This is a very important fundraiser for District 66. Please take some time to look at the information with your child.

Have a Fabulous Weekend!

Mrs. Karen Bell