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More High Line Photos

Awards Day

The High Line Trip

My boys! 

Asking Questions!

So close...

They did not want to sit in the hot sun for this pic...

At Play

Ready for a new year!

Guess who went on a field trip....

1/2 Tuesday

The kids get excited for half days.... I don't!   Half a day always means MORE WORK for teachers!

1. First period the kids had Dance.  Since the fifth grade is prepping for graduation, they have taken over the stage for a few weeks so the kids will have Dance in the classroom.  Not as much fun, but you do what you must!
2. Reading - We decided to double up today and read two chapters of "The Boxcar Children". We read Chapter 9 (about the kids picking cherries for the doctor) and Chapter 10 (Henry running in a foot-race and winning $25 dollars and a silver cup.  He also met his Grandfather who he has never met, and he and his grandfather still don't know they have met!  After we read the two chapters we went over a bunch of questions to make sure they comprehended and retained what they had just learned.   We also did a little "homophone" fill in the blank activity with the reading.
3. Math - We started the Chapter 12 Performance Task.  We read the questions one by one.   The students then had to tell me each STEP they had to do.  We wrote the steps down... First I have to do this.  Next I have to do this.  Finally I have to compare these.  We did this step by step because I noticed that they understand the math, but they get confused by the questions.  Hopefully we will see an increase in the performance now that we SLOWED down and looked at it step by step.   We didn't get to finish but we got more than half way done.  We will have time tomorrow I guess!
4. Lunch/Early Dismissal - We went to lunch at 11 and by 11:30 we released students.

Homework:

• Reading: Stained Glass Non-Fiction Article
• Be Prepared for the Trip Tomorrow
• 4 students still need to bring in permission slips
• If you want to bring snacks, you must have them in a backpack!
• You can bring spending money.
• You can share with a friend.
• You cannot borrow money from friends!
• Cell phones if seen will be taken!
• Must wear uniforms!
• We will be leaving school at 9:45
• We will be returning around 2PM
• Bag lunches will be provided for those who want one.

Upcoming Important Dates!

Tuesday - 1/2 Day

• Students will be expected to be in attendance for Tuesday's half-day.  We have a busy day of reading, math, and portfolio work.  Students will be released at 11:30.

Wednesday - Tomorrowland Movie Trip

• Students will begin writing their final PBA after seeing this movie.  The movie is a perfect example of what the PBA is asking them to do - to write a short story in which the character has a problem that must be solved with an unique twist!

Monday

In these last few weeks as we head toward the end of school - it is VERY important that your child be at school every day and on time.  We will be moving very quickly to complete portfolio's and other end of year requirements - so please make sure they arrive daily and on time!

• Permission slips and $ for Wednesday's field trip to the movies are due TOMORROW!   I will be ordering tickets ahead of time to make sure they are not sold out.  If you are going as a chaperon and don't send in the money, I will assume you are planning to buy your own ticket.   The cost is $7.29, but for bookkeeping - I have told kids $7 and I will pay the 29c.  Everyone going must pay for their own tickets - students and chaperons.

1. Collected permission slips and money for trip.  Then we went on to read Chapter 8 of The Boxcar Children.  After answering several knowledge and comprehension questions, we went to specials.
2. Dance
3. We worked on portfolios and had D.E.A.R time.  We got through half of the class while the others worked on their independent reading.
4. GoMath Chapter 12 - We reviewed for the test by looking at the B version of the test.  Then the students were given the A version.  They took the test and then they went onto thinkcentral to put their answers and see their test results.
5. Social Studies - Analyzing a portrait and working with timelines.
6. Lunch/Recess
7. Finished working on Timelines and then watched the rest of our Liberty's Kids episode.

Homework:

• SS - Timeline Worksheet
• Reading - Read for 30-45 minutes

Fun Friday

• 1st - We started the day by reviewing the parts of a narrative and what we did the previous day.  We then started reading the next chapter in our class novel "The Boxcar Children". 
• 2nd - Science Sub
• 3rd - Readygen 4A wrap up - We read the performance task from start to finish.  We went back and talked about how we learned each step in the task in the past 18 lessons.  We then talked about what it will take to make a 3 or 4 on the task based on reading the rubric and what each score means.  We also related that back to what we have learned in the previous 18 lessons.
• 4th/5th - GoMath 12.10 and 12.11 - We reviewed 12.10 and then moved into the "algebra" of studying measurement by looking at tables and charts.  I then showed them the difference between an expression and an equation.  We practiced looking at the "constant" of the expression and the variable.  Yes, we took a leap forward, but they seemed to get it.  After we practiced the creation of tables using measurement and algebraic thinking, the students worked on the practice set and then the End of the Chapter Review/Test.   When they finished they could work on Waggle or Cool Math Games until the rest were ready.  
• 6th - Lunch/Recess
• 7th - Social Studies - Finished Chapter 6, Section 1 and passed out homework. Then we watched the next episode of Liberty's Kids.

Homework:

• Get Permission Slips Signed - Parent Chaperone Slips
• Math - Addition and Subtraction of Mixed Measures Worksheet
• SS - Chapter 6, Section 1 Homework Sheet

Upcoming Field Trips

So I promised the kids I would start planning some field trips....

• First trip will be to see Disney's TOMORROWLAND.  We will be going on Wednesday, June 10th.  The movie cost $7.29 and of course if you want your child to buy anything from the concession stand, they can bring extra money for that too.  Permission slips will go home Friday and money is due Tuesday so I can pre-order the tickets online to make sure we get seats!   The movie is at AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9.   WE will be taking the Subway from 168th and getting off at 125th, and then walking the block over to the theater.  We will start heading out around 10AM.  The movie starts at 11AM.  It is about 2 hours and 10 minutes long, so we will probably be done at 1:15 and get back to school right around 2PM.  If you want to check out the website - it is right here Tomorrowland Movie Link

I will need 2 adults to chaperone as well.  If we have more, great, but I must have two!  Who feels like going to see a great movie that PERFECTLY shows the kids what a narrative looks like where the main character has a problem the have to overcome that is solved with an UNIQUE TWIST... this is by the way what their next PBA will be for Unit 4A that we will start writing next week as well!

• The second field trip is my favorite field trip I take kids on.  We will be going on Wednesday, June 17th from 10AM - 2PM.  It is a FLOWER Scavenger hunt along The High Line.  The website for The High Line is here.  We will take the A train down to 14th street and then walk from 8th Avenue down to the High Line.  The kids will be given a packet separated by area of The High Line.  They will have pictures of different native New York flowers that MAY be in each section.  If they find it, they circle it and their group can take a picture of it (or any of the flowers, friends, or fun they are having).  We will stop along the way and eat lunch at 10th avenue overlook before finishing our walk down to 23rd street before walking back to 8th Avenue and the C train.

I will need 2 adults to chaperone, but honestly the more who can come, the better.  I will warn you, it is a lot of walking and if the sun is out, it can be hot because there isn't a lot of shade, but there are so many beautiful spots along the way you will LOVE it!  Please let me know if you are willing and able to help "heard" the kids along the High Line as they have their scavenger hunt.

• The final trip, if we take make it, will be Wednesday, June 24th and will be a "fun day" in Central Park.  We will take the C train to 81st street to take a trip back in time to Belvedere Castle and a glance at THE TURTLE POND, and then walk over to the Great Lawn for a day of play and picnic.  

I will need at lest 2 adults to chaperone, but the more who can come, the better.  Again, a lot of walking and if the sun is out, it can be hot!  Please let me know if you are willing and able to help watch the kids as they experience one of the most beautiful places in our great city!

MidWeek in Room 401

Wednesday was quite the busy day....

• 1st - Science with Ms. Galan
• 2nd - Class Novel - Chapter 6 - " A Queer Noise in the Night" of The Boxcar Children.   This chapter explained how living in the boxcar is actually a possibility since Henry has found work.  The children enjoy food and milk and the new things in the boxcar before falling asleep.  In the middle of the night Watch wakes up and growls as he looks outside.  Henry and Jessie decide to close the door of the boxcar.  Eventually Watch calms down and they all fall back to sleep.  The mystery of what was outside is still not solved!
• 3rd - Math Field Test - The kids all got different questions to try and answer.  These will be POSSIBLE questions on upcoming state math tests.  
• 4th - ReadyGen 4A.18.  The focus of the lesson today was that readers can use the text to analyze and understand the parts of a narrative.  I modeled how to fill out a 3 column chart organizers.  The first column was "characters", the second column was "setting", and the last column was for "main events".   I modeled using our new class novel The Boxcar Children.   After the kids watched and copied my example, they were tasked to do the same with either the novel Lunch Money, or the short stories "Max Malone Makes a Million" or "Coyote School News".  They were allowed to work independently or in pairs.  
• 5th - GoMath Review - 12.10  - The kids worked on two worksheets involving using mixed measures and converting using mixed measures.  These skills are not overtly difficult, but you have to know your conversion charts, and you must add or subtract correctly, and just like adding or subtracting - you have to borrow and regroup correctly.  What they didn't finish in class, they had to finish for homework.
• 6th - Lunch/Recess - Thankfully it was a nice day and we got to go outside finally!
• 7th - Math Wrap-Up and then Social Studies we decided to watch "Liberty's Kids" episode in which George Washington takes charge of the colonial army.  They showed the date and the kids noticed that this episode took them up to March 1776 and they all got so excited... it is almost time for independence!  

Homework:

Reading - Read Independent Book for AR Test

Math - Finish two handouts on mix measures

Tuesday News

Today was quite a busy day for the kiddos and myself.  We did a great deal, but still found time for "indoor" recess.   Let's get started recapping this day!

• 1st period - The kids were supposed to have dance, but for some reason they had a sub for Mr. Nunez.
• 2nd period - Our focus in reading today was "characters and characterization".  We read chapter 5 of "The Boxcar Children" and did a lot of discussion.  We finished the chapter and then the students picked one of the four main characters to complete a character map.  They had to look at the character in different views (Behavior, Description, Personality, and Feelings).  We then had a U-Shape sharing session where they talked about their findings and the other students agreed or disagreed or added more information.   My goal was for the students to realize that good readers use the text to build understandings about characters by what the author writes about them.  I think it went over pretty well.
• 3rd period - ReadyGen Lesson 4A.17 - The focus was comparing characters and text structure across multiple texts.  We talked about two character from two different books and the kids discussed how they were alike and how they were different.  Then the students were given a 4 column chart and they had to compare text structure across the four texts we are using - "Lunch Money", "Max Malone", "Coyote School News" and our new novel "The Boxcar Children".   They were given three criteria and they had to go from text to text to make comparisons about the structure of the text. 
• During this period we were actually quite busy!  Mrs. Nelson wanted to come see our class in action.  A bit later, Ms. Mendoza came in to do a student survey.  I had to leave the room during that time so they would answer freely.  I went to Mrs. Nelson's office and we talked about what she saw.   I was very excited to hear that not only did she enjoy the lesson, but was impressed with the progress our kids are making.   
• 4th period -  A few students were having issued with the elapsed time concept, so we spent a bit of time reviewing the process of using a timeline to add or subtract time from either the starting time or the ending time to figure out elapsed time.  I had students come up to the board to work the problems and explain them in "kid speak" to see if that would help the students who had misunderstandings.   Then we did "rotation" math.   I put a different skill sheet at each table (all working with the standards we have been studying, just in different ways).  The kids have between 10-15 minutes to work on the skills.  If they are confused they can ask anyone in their group or me for help.   They have the answers at each table too so they can check their progress or understanding at any time.  It is my hope that with this much practice and group coaching that they will do really well on the upcoming Chapter 12 test and Performance Task!
• 5th period - GoMath 12.10 - Mixed Measures - The students now had to use all the skills they have learned about converting different measures to add and subtract mixed measures.  They had to convert, borrow, regroup with these measures... so they had to know if they ended up with 18" it was really 1 foot and six inches...  If they borrowed a foot, it was really 12 inches they were adding... and so forth.. It was the higher level of blooms (analysis and application of knowledge).  We did the practice together, they worked several problems alone, and then I sent them off to do their Practice Book section 12.10.
• 6th period - Lunch/Inside Recess
• 7th period - Social Studies - We went over their homework and talked about each vocabulary word and its meaning.  Then we did an activity looking at a painting to see what we could figure out without reading a text.   This painting was of George Washington's swearing in ceremony.  I wanted them to really look at each part.  What was the "story" in the portrait.  We had a great discussion and the kids were actually very observant.   I taught them a few tricks and they seemed to enjoy the activity.   We then started reading and discussing section 1 in Chapter 6.  We got about 1/2 way in before it was time to pack up, pass out homework, and head home.  

Homework:

Reading:  Character Trait Multiple Choice Worksheet

Math: GoMath 12.9 (either ReTeach or Enrich)

Monday Again...

I have to apologize to parents for not putting a post up Friday.  I went home and spent almost the entire weekend in bed or on the couch just resting and trying to get better.  This bronchitis is starting to drive even myself crazy.  The cough just wont go away!

• 1st - Class Novel - "The Boxcar Children" chapters 3 and 4.  Since our readygen later is on recognizing setting, our focus for Boxcar Children was the same.  We worked on looking at the clues the author gives us to know the setting.
• 2nd/3rd - New York State Science Test - Written Portion
• 4th - Working on a drawing of the setting for The Boxcar Children based on the description and clues given in the chapters.  When the entire class returned, we moved to ReadyGen Lesson 4A.16 where the kids compared the setting between LUNCH MONEY and COYOTE SCHOOL NEWS.   In Coyote School News, the setting was explicitly stated so it was much easier for them to find details (Arizona, 1939, Ranch, etc..)... In Lunch Money, it took place over many years and in a residential neighborhood that experienced all the seasons - it gave some street names and the school name, but never mentioned where or when it took place.  We had to infer because these were implicit (implied though not plainly expressed) setting details.  
• 5th - GoMath! Lesson 12.9 - elapsed time.   We looked at the video that comes with the lesson and then did some of the animated math. We talked about either counting back or counting forward based on the question.  We talked about making friendly moves with the clock or timeline.  Then the students did the show and share problems.
• 6th - Lunch/Indoor Recess - during indoor recess 12 students had to work on finishing homework while the other students had time to Waggle, work on their boxcar, or finish other work.
• 7th - Prep with Ms. Mitchell where they worked on reading skills using a text called Skeleton Key.  Some of the boys were quite rude and decided it was talk to each other time instead of working.   I was quite embarrassed!

Homework:

1. Math - Practice Book 12.9
2. SS - Chapter 6 - words in bold defined (9 words)
3. Reading - Independent Reading 30-45 minutes (25 books by end of June!)

Ups and Downs...

The one thing I know for sure is, that when I am sick with bronchitis, it sure does stink to have to walk up and down the stairs...

I picked the kids up from the gym.. walked up the stairs...

We were getting our morning going when... FIRE DRILL (I know, another one this week.. I don't get it either...)  So I had to walk down the four flights of stairs and across the street... then back up the stairs...

This is all before first period is over...  The kids ask me as we are heading to watch The Lion King Kids... Mr. McDougall, do you know our back is wet... What do you say.. well, I really shouldn't be here, but I am, and well, I have done more stairs today than anyone with bronchitis should... Nope, I just smile and keep walking.. (IF YOU LET IT GET YOU DOWN, IT WILL!)

So the day was kinda like that.. up and down...

• 1st - Morning work and collected homework. Passed out our new class novel "The Boxcar Children" which we just got yesterday from Donorschoose.org.   Right as we are talking about the three key parts of a narrative (Plot, Setting, and Characters)... FIRE ALARM!
• 2nd - Finished Chapter 1 of our class novel and then did Lesson 4A.14 in ReadyGen.  We started a new text "Coyote School News".  I can't wait for the kids to start making the connections between our three text!
• 3rd - Lion King Kids performance in the auditorium where it was evident the AC was working.  Guess our room is the only one that seems to be a humidifier of heat.  
• 4th - GoMath Review day - Students worked at centers practicing converting metric units of measure - Meters, Liters, and Grams.   One table was dedicated to working with Line Plots too.  
• 5th Gym
• 6th - Lunch/Recess  - I invited Ms. Syvarth and her kids to join us and they did.  It was nice to see the two groups of kids play together.  
• 7th - Science - Kaplan lesson on the Water Cycle.

Homework:

• Math - Line Plot Handout
• Reading - Biography Quick Read
• Reading - Read for 30-45 minutes (Test on Monday on AR)

PS - Sorry for the late post.  I came home right after school, had some pineapple and a peach and then literally crashed for about 3.5 hours.  I really need the weekend to rest and hopefully kick this Bronchitis.  Fingers Crossed!

My Lion King Kids - Dress Rehearsal

Muggy Wednesday

I'm not quite sure, but I am assuming that "they" are out to get me.... I say that because I have a wicked sinus infection and bronchitis - and parts of the school has the AC turned on, but our room is HOT and Muggy...  which is always good when 28 students come back in from Dance, Gym or Recess... NOT!

But we persevere...

Not only do we persevere, we thrive in room 401!

• 1st - Science with Ms. Galan
• 2nd/3rd - ReadyGen Lesson 4A.12
• We did a bit of housekeeping today when we started.  Students came in and did their morning "quick read" and then were allowed to either DEAR - take an AR Test - or work on late assignments as I conferenced with students over their last PBA (News Cast)
• We then read the last section of the text we are using "Max Million Makes a Million".  The groups broke up into brainstorming groups then broke up into independent writing for the writing task.  They moved all around the room (some even outside in the hallway) and went to work on their narrative writing task.
• 4th/5th - GoMath 12.7
• We conferenced on our latest PA - Klee Kat and then worked on measurement using the metric system, this time with a focus on liters and grams.  We went over and over that the metric system is a base 10 system and practiced the x10 moves through the system
• King Henry Didn't Make Delilah Cry Much
• Kilo, Hecto, Deka, (Meters), deci, centi, milli
• Of course, meters can be replaced by Liters or Grams, but the base 10 move works.. if you are moving down from KILO you multiply by 10, if you are moving up from Milli you divide by 10...

• We did the problem of the day and then did an Animated Math Model for the section before students broke into groups to work on problems.  Kids who finished were allowed to do their practice problems and I put the answers on the computer and the ipad so they could check their progress.  When done, they could pick from the two different homework sheets - one was the "reteach" if they needed more practice, the other was the "enrichment" if they wanted a challenge... It was fun to sit back and see who picked which assignment....
• 6th - Lunch/Recess
• 7th - Science - Kaplan lesson on the sun and earth's movement that causes the seasons and the length of day.  The sub-focus was reading tables, charts, and maps to get information.  With the kids having the written portion of the science test on Friday - I thought some extra practice would be smart.

Homework:

1. Reading - Independent Reading for 30-45 (AR Test due Monday)
2. Writing - Finish narrative writing task started in class if not finished
3. Math - Chose Your Own Homework Assignment (picked one of two today in class)
4. Science - If you didn't do it in class - it's homework (Lion King Kids!)

FRUSTRATION LEVEL REACHED!

As you know, I don't like when our class has a day extra on vacation.  All it takes is that one extra day for many of the "boys" and a few of the "girls" to think that the first couple days back is "TALK" and "CATCH UP" time.  WRONG!   Today was the warning day, tomorrow we will follow the student code of conduct!

Also, I have been getting complaints from other teachers and I have been constantly fighting the battle... It is time to enlist parents... Your students are bringing BAGS of candy to school each day and eating it during class time.  This is a HUGE no no!  In Gym or Dance it can actually be a health risk of choking.   Talk to your child today.  NO Candy or Gum in school.  

• 1st - Dance (Bad Report - didn't do well in the fire drill)
• 2nd/3rd - ReadyGen Lesson 4A.11. We read in the Text Collection Chapter 2, pp. 81–87 of Max Malone Makes a Million.  Our READING FOCUS: I can understand that writers can draw evidence from literary texts to analyze, research, and reflect.  Our WRITING FOCUS: I can write a conclusion that logically follows events from the text.  After working in groups to answer questions - students broke into individual groups to work on writing a conclusion to the text we are reading.
• 4th/5th - GoMath 12.6 - Our MATH FOCUS:  I can use models to compare metric units of length.  We used the meter stick to really look how mm, cm, dm, and meters were related.  Then we watched the short professor video and then we worked through several of the problems before students broke into individual assignment clusters.  They completed all of 12.6 in the text and practice book and then as they finished worked on WAGGLE, Independent Reading, or finished their writing.  A few kids went to the book fair.
• 6th - Lunch/Recess
• 7th - Social Studies - We watched another episode of Liberty Kids today. This episode was on the battle of Bunker Hill and how it was really a turning point in the fight for independence.  Even though the British captured the hill, they were held off by patriots who were far outnumbered and only retreated when they ran out of gun powder.  The red coats had far more injuries and casualties, but it sparked the determination of the patriots to see that they really could win this battle for independence even when losing Bunker Hill.    After the episode we had a brief discussion and then homework was passed out and the room was cleaned.

Homework:

1. Reading:  Independent Reading 30-45 minutes
2. Writing:  Finish your possible "conclusion" to Max Malone
3. Social Studies:  Take Home Social Studies Test for Chapter 5

Forgotten Moments...