Our class iPad!!

Can't wait to show it to the kids!!

Nonfiction Challenge 1/11-1/18

Choose a site that interests you from the list below.  Choose an article to read.  BUT... Read the posts first.

You MAY read the same article as another classmate but you MAY NOT write the same comments.

Time for Kids
National Geographic for Kids
Sports Illustrated for Kids

Once you've read the article, post a comment about the article you read in the comment box below.
Include the following:

1. Link to website and article (copy and paste it from the website)
2. Title of the article
3. List three facts you learned from reading the article
4. Tell how this article relates to you.  What connection does it have with you?

I will make the first comment and you follow my lead :)

Your assignment is to read at least ONE article each week and make ONE post each week.  Every week, I will make a new post so check back each weekend for the post for the upcoming week.

<3 Mrs. Siegel

25 Book Challenge

Dear Families,

Before winter break, I gave the students a 25 book reading challenge.  Most are very much on their way to meeting this goal.  We will be reading books in class as part of the curriculum but what I'm encouraging (and I hope you do too) is that the children read for pleasure. 

Students have a log sheet where they enter the title of the books they read.  You can ask to see this at any time to check in with your child.

Here are some perameters:

• books should be within their grade level of comprehension
• the books can be any genre
• books over 350 pages count as reading 2 books
• books should NOT be picture books - more like chapter books
• above all, students should choose a book they enjoy :)

For recommendations, your child can ask a friend of me for advice.

For a list of book levels go to http://www.arbookfind.com

Winter Packet

For the two week break, students have two assignments to complete.  Also, I had a few students ask for extra credit.  My policy is to offer extra credit to EVERYONE not just those who ask and it seems only fitting to give extra assignments while we are not on a regular homework load.

See the Winter Packet here and download your copy via Google Docs.

If you have questions, leave a comment or email me.

Mrs. Siegel

Science Unit 7 Review

Today in class we reviewed this worksheet.  It is quite similar to the test which is tomorrow.  Each student was expected to copy the answers written on my example.  In case your child was absent or did not record the information accurately, here it is ;)

Ready...Set...Study!!

Benchmark Testing this week

This week all students will participate in Broward County's Benchmark Testing (also know as BAT).  These assessments in Reading and Math will provide all stakeholders with information about each student.  Once the results are shared (usually in January), we can identify strengths and weaknesses to drive instruction before the FCAT in April.

There is no "preparing" for this test as it is solely to identify each student's current level BUT, please consider the following:

1. Students should have ample sleep
2. Students should NOT come to school sick (Friday is a makeup day) - scores are better when students are working at their optimum potential
3. Students should eat a healthy breakfast - protein is great brain food ;)
4. Students should NOT engage in any serious family conversations (i.e. illness of family member, divorce, etc. unless necessary)
5. Students should refrain from engaging in "arguments" with siblings or family members  
6. Parents should give pep-talks NOT threats

Again, this just a snap shot of each student's current levels.  When we receive the data, we can move forward.  In the meantime, make sure your child is reading for enjoyment (including nonfiction like magazines) and practicing math in daily life situations when possible.

Summyr Siegel

Math Notes 11/13

Today we forged ahead in math.  We completed two lessons.  First, we set our objectives:

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For lesson 5.4 we learned how to use a model to represent mulitplication equations.  Parents, this is different than what WE learned in school - so please use your patience when using this method.  And YES, the kids need to know this!

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In addition to the model, 85% of the students (those who were able to prove their knowledge of the first part of the lesson) were able to stay for the second part of the lesson which was the algorithm.  Parents, THIS is the one WE learned in school!

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Students may use either method when solving multi-digit mulitiplication problems.