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...

Friday.... Cough... Cough...

So I did something I haven't done all year long today....

I asked the administrative team if they could change my prep period from 2nd period to 7th period so I could go to the doctor....

After looking at the faces of the kids as I coughed my lungs up all week, I figured I should go to the doctor before the long weekend....

I have a nasty sinus infection, bronchitis, and my asthma is acting up....

So, after waiting at Duane Reade for over an hour... I have my first dose of a Zpack in my system, and some mucinex dm....Doctor said I "SHOULD" start feeling better in 48 hours.. if I don't feel better by end of the antibiotic, I need to come back in...

I just wanted to thank the kids for all the hugs and feel betters as I left 7th period... You just don't know how hard it is for me to leave my babies with other people...

• 1st and 2nd - ReadyGen 4A.10 - We finished "Lunch Money" yesterday and today we started reading a new text about a very similar character "Max Malone"... After reading pages 74-78, the students had time to work on various tasks:  1) Answering questions from the text citing evidence and page numbers, 2) Finishing any AR quizzes that they missed, 3) Writing a sequel  to "Lunch Money" using the skills we have been working on (parts of a narrative, sensory language, and sequence of events), and lastly 4) WAGGLE.  While the students worked on their assignments, I went through journals and pulled students to talk about their entries.
• 3rd and 4th - GoMath! - We had a bit of a "review" day today.  We are working on the measurement unit, so I planned a day where they could work with each other and have a little discussion, co-teaching, and movement.  First we started by going over the Mid-Point review and no one had any questions, so we got started.   Each table had a different set of measurements to work with.  I passed out a paper with all the tables we have been using so they could you it when they made their conversions.  Each table also had an answer key, so after they were finished, they checked their own work and then they had to ask three people at their table to explain the problem before they asked me.  I was only asked questions TWICE today.  How nice that we have students who not only know how to do the conversions, but can teach other students the right way.  WE had four tables, they had 10 minutes at each table to work and check, and then 5 minutes to talk about their work and findings.  It took an entire hour to do all the rotations.  Then we broke into 6 smaller groups and 1 decided to work solo, to work on a problem of the day to create a Line Plot.  The cards had their own data, and they had to create a line plot, find the range of the numbers, and find the median (or middle) number.  They made nice learning posters that we started hanging around the room.  We had a really good time today in Math.  We are still working on "working" and "not talking" during group work, but little by little.  (That was code for we had a lot of talking going on that wasn't math!   And, we had  a lot of kids bickering and arguing so one asked to work alone!  We have a lot of big personalities in our class... embrace your differences and grow!)
• 5th - Social Studies Review - we looked at the big ideas of Chapter 5 before we test on Tuesday. 
• 6th Period - Lunch - I picked the kids up for recess at 1:15, but they could not get lined up in two straight quiet lines, they could not be quiet in the hallway, they could not stop talking in the stairs... so we went upstairs and had a talk and had some "quiet time".   Then I put on the next episode of "Liberty Kids".   It is nice that we are watching the series "Liberty Kids" in the afternoon.  It goes through the events that lead to the revolution but it tells it from young people's point of view.  The kids look forward to our 25 minute History Lesson with a group of characters they have bonded with each day!
• 7th - "Science" - This was my PREP period, so I told her that I had just started the episode and it would go for another 20 minutes.  I had already passed out homework and had the kids packed so at 2:25 she could take them downstairs for dismissal.  I told her that if they were good after the episode of Liberty Kids, they could play some quiet indoor games - IF THEY WERE GOOD!   I hope I get a good report.  So at 1:51 I clocked out and headed to my doctor.  I hope those last 30 minutes with the sub were nice and uneventful.  

Homework:

ELA:  Flowers Quick Read

Reading:   We are 200 points away from first place..> READ YOUR BOOKS!

Math:  Measurement Practice

SS: Study for Test on Tuesday (Chapter 5)

Other:  Book Fair is on Monday 5th period - bring money!

It's Only Wednesday???

Sorry for not posting as of late...

I am sick...

Head is pounding, runny nose, and horrible congestion in chest with a nasty cough...

But, I haven't missed a day yet...

• 1st - Science
• 2nd/3rd - ReadyGen Lesson 4A.8   Lunch Money Chapters 20-22
• 4th/5th - Go Math! Lesson 12.5
• 6th - Lunch/Recess
• 7th - Social Studies (Chapter 5 Review) and Liberty Kids "Shot Heard Round the World"

Homework:

1. Writing:  Write a narrative involving two characters who are competing at selling the same item.  Be sure to include sequence words and sensory language.
2. Math:  Chapter 12 Mid-Point Check
3. Social Studies:  Finish Chapter 5 Review - Study for Test

Wednesday -- Open School Night

• 1st - Science with Ms. Galan.  They got a good report with the exception of one boy in the classroom.  
• 2nd and 3rd- We started by playing a bit of catch-up by looking at who had missed what quizzes on AR.  Then we did a quick 10 minute reading comprehension check on an article called "Volcano!".  This was actually about 20 minutes, but who is counting.  Then we worked on ReadyGen Lesson 4A.3.   First we READ Chapters 7–8, pp. 57–85 Lunch Money.  Our READING FOCUS was readers understand the elements of narrative texts and how to use them to determine the theme of the story.  Our WRITING FOCUS was to write dialogue between two or more characters who work together to come up with creative solutions to a problem.  We went a little over because we had to do 3 days of vocabulary instead of one day.
• 4th - MOSL Prep!   We did practice short response questions that mimic the MOSL questions using our book LUNCH MONEY as the source.   The students had to write a short response using the RACE method on the positive aspects of Greg's love of money, and then another with the negative aspects of Greg's love of money.  We then went over how to RESTATE the question, ANSWER the questions, CITE two text details, and then EXPLAIN how these details support your Answer (claim).  We ended by talking about the extended response that they would have to do for homework.
• 5th - GoMath Chapter 11 Performance Task 
• 6th - Lunch/Recess
• 7th - Collected Social Studies Homework and then watched the second half of Liberty Kids "The Intolerable Acts" and discussed exactly what were the Intolerable Acts.




• The Intolerable Acts was the American Patriots' name for a series of punitive laws passed by the British Parliament in 1774 after the Boston Tea party. They were meant to punish the Massachusetts colonists for their defiance in throwing a large tea shipment into Boston harbor.  The Quartering Act is a name given to a minimum of two Acts of British Parliament in the local governments of the American colonies to provide the British soldiers with any needed accommodations or housing.

• Then we started watching the next episode called "United We Stand" where people are getting fed up with the way they are being treated and are started to act like a united group of colonies instead of 13 independent colonies.  

Homework:

Reading:  Lunch Money Chapter 1-6 Comprehension Check and Quick Write

Reading: Independent Reading Book 30-45 minutes

Writing:  Practice writing dialogue between two characters in  your journal

Writing:  MOSL Extended Response / Essay writing

 

Hot In the City...

So I think it only got up to 86 today, but that's ok... Our room must be a cool 72!  I say this because when the AC is on, the room can be a bit cool, so if your child is one who gets cold easily, please make sure they keep a light sweater in the class closet.  I know you will agree, it is better to be cold than hot when you are trying to concentrate and learn.

Just a reminder - Tomorrow night is Open School Night at PS8.   From 4:45 - 6:15 parents of students in Pre-K to 2nd grade will meet in the auditorium for a general meeting about the school year, preparing for the end of this school year, and what to expect for next year.  From 6:30 - 7:45, parents of students from 3rd to 5th grades will meet in the auditorium for an upper grade specific general meeting.  This is not a classroom event, nor is it parent/teacher conferences.  If you would like a conference, please contact me and I can set one up for you.

• 1st - Dance - I got a good report from Mr. Nunez.  Seems they do better on Tuesdays.
• 2nd / 3rd - ReadyGen Lesson 4A.2.   In lesson 2 we READ Lunch Money -  Chapters 4–6, pp. 25–54.  Our READING FOCUS was that writers understand that they can draw evidence from literary texts to analyze, research, and reflect.  Our WRITING FOCUS was to introduce a narrator and at least one other character.
• 4th - We were lucky enough to be invited to hear the Jazz trio play again today.  They visited us earlier in the year, and they came back today to treat us to another lesson in Jazz.  It was very cute to watch the students get up and do the Cha-Cha to the Jazz music.  
• 5th - Due to the length of the chapters and stopping so often to discuss craft and structure, we had a rather extended ReadyGen lesson.  The good news is, the students had great conversations about character traits, illustrations, visualization words, and the parts of a narrative.   We are moving slower due to constant interruptions from a few students who are looking for attention and talking out.  The positive side is that we have read six chapters in two days so the book is moving at a fast pace.   
• 6th - Lunch/Recess  - We had 5 people sit out for not doing homework.  We had quite a few sit out due to changing their strips for "talking", "out of seat", "out of uniform", "talking back", etc...  Each time you change your strip you lose 5 minutes.  
• 7th - We passed out homework and papers for parents.  We went over what I expected for homework quality and then we watched the second episode of Liberty Kids which dealt with The Intolerable Acts which helped lead to the American Revolution.  We didn't quite finish the episode, but I love how the cartoon puts the Revolution in the Point of View of the young of the time.  It allows our students to experience it as a youth would in the day.

Homework

Reading:  

• Redo last nights T-Chart now that we have gone over it and explained expectations better. (only 3 people did it right)
• Web A with "How to Make a MiniComic" in the middle.  The outside rungs should show how the illustrations were helpful (the purpose), and what was the outcome of having the illustrations (effects).
• Read your independent reading book for 30-45 minutes.

Social Studies:

• Use section 1 of Chapter 5 to fill in the answers to the 9 questions of the comprehension document.  

Upcoming Events

• Tuesday, May 12th -  Students get to see a performance of The Lion King 

• Wednesday, May 13th - Open School Night (letters coming home tomorrow) 
• Lower Grades will be from 4:45 - 6:15 and Upper Grades from 6:30 - 7:45.  
• This is not a CONFERENCE night.  It is an Open School Night for parents. 

• Thursday, May 14th - MOSL - 2 Texts and 2 Short Responses (periods 3 and 4)  
• Questions should be answered using the R.A.C.E format to make sure they get as many points as possible and have two facts from the text to support their claim.

• Friday, May 15th - MOSL - Same 2 Texts - 1 Opinion Piece Essay (periods 3 and 4)  
• This should have an introduction that includes a hook, the titles of the texts, and what they will be proving or writing about.  A body paragraph that supports their opinion using 2 details from the first text, and two details from the second text.  Each detail should be explained and show how it supports their opinion.  Finally, it should end with a conclusion paragraph that sums up what they have written about and their opinion and any personal connection they can make to the prompt.

Muggy May Monday

Hey Parents:

A few notes to remember as we approach the final months of school....

1)  School is not over!  This is the time of year where we have to reflect on what we have accomplished and are we actually ready to move from 4th to 5th grade.  Attitude, Attendance, Aptitude are all still very important.   If you are not at school, you can't learn.  If you have a bad attitude, you can't learn.  If you don't come ready to learn, you will not only hurt yourself, but others who are trying.

2)  Talk to your students about coming to school each and every day ready to learn.  NOT TO SOCIALIZE!  Students are trying to talk rather than work and it is resulting in loss of privileges in the classroom.  Also, I just want you to know that if I call you, text you, send you a note... it isn't because I have nothing better to do.  It is because it has reached a point that your students has worked through the normal steps of discipline in the classroom.

3) Students need to have an independent reading book to read at all times.  They are expected to read at least ONE chapter book ON or ABOVE their level each week.  If they don't read, they don't improve.  Please make sure that your child is reading 30-45 minutes a day!

4) The specials teachers (Mr. Hoffman/Gym, Mr. Nunez/Dance, and Ms. Galan/Science) are complaining that our students are not listening, are talking over instruction, and making it difficult for students wishing to participate to do so.  I have been encouraging them to call you and let you know.

• 1st Period - We passed out our new class novel, this time it is through ReadyGen!  We are reading the novel "LUNCH MONEY" written by Andrew Clements who also wrote the book we just finished "Frindle".   Lunch Money is an AR book.   It has a 5.2 book level and is worth 6 points.  

Twelve-year-old Greg, who has always been good at moneymaking projects, is surprised to find himself teaming up with his lifelong rival, Maura, to create a series of comic books to sell at school.

• After passing out the books, we read chapter 1 focusing on the parts of a fiction novel (character, setting, and plot!).  At the end of the first chapter, they students wrote a short summary in their journals.  I will be picking them up for a writing grade later in the week to grade as we go through the novel.
• 2nd Period - Dance - We had four students our today, so we had a total of 24 students who went to dance today.  Out of those 24, ELEVEN (11) were marked down for misbehavior during dance.  11!   Again, they talked over him while he was trying to talk, ignored him completely, talked back, and refused to follow directions.  11 out of 24.  NO BUENO!  Four of our young ladies, and seven of our young men.  So very disappointing!
• 3rd  Period - ReadyGen 4A.1 continued.  We ready chapters 2 and 3 with the same focus and then wrote summaries upon finishing.   We focused on the main character of Greg and how the author gives us examples of his character by what he does.  We talked about three character traits today:  Hard Working,  Smart, and Loves Money!  Their homework tonight is to use the book (chapters 1 - 3) and find examples in the book that Andrew Clements uses to show Greg's character.  They are to copy the text (WORD FOR WORD) on side 1 of the T chart, and on side 2 explain the character trait it shows.  We discussed how the book so far has done a great job at showing the main character, some of the setting, and of course the "PROBLEM or SITUATION" that makes up the plot.  For writing homework, they have to start thinking about a story they want to tell.  Who are the characters, what is the setting, and finally what is the problem/situation they have to solve. They should "START" their story by making an outline and introduce the characters, setting, and problem.
• 4th -  Chapter 11 Test in GoMath.  Students took the GOMath test for Chapter 11.  I was QUITE disappointed with the results of the test.  Talk to your children about studying for tests, about taking them serious, and how if they don't pass the 4th learning period, there is a good chance they will be going to summer school!   
• 5th - Finish Chapter 11 test - put the test into the computer using ThinkCentral (so they could see right away what they got right and wrong).  And then do the SHOW WHAT YOU KNOW (or pretest) for Chapter 12.   
• 6th - Lunch/Recess    - The first 10 minutes of recess I only had a handful of students enjoying the beautiful May afternoon.  By the last 5 minutes of recess I only had two students who lost all of recess today.  Talking back will result in no recess.  
• 7th Period - We returned to the room and watched an episode of Liberty Kids that showed the build up and the Boston Tea Party using a cartoon as the medium.   After the episode was complete, we ready the first section of Chapter 5 in our Social Studies Book together.   We ran out of time, but tomorrow they will watch another episode of Liberty Kids and work on the comprehension questions for the first section of Chapter 5.  

Homework:

Reading: Use the book (chapters 1 - 3) and find examples in the book that Andrew Clements uses to show Greg's character.  They are to copy the text (WORD FOR WORD) on side 1 of the T chart, and on side 2 explain the character trait it shows.

Writing:  Think about a story they want to tell.  Who are the characters, what is the setting, and finally what is the problem/situation they have to solve. Start your story by making an outline and introduce the characters, setting, and problem.

Independent Reading:  Read for 30-45 minutes out of their independent reading book.  The only way to improve reading is to READ. 

Friday in Room 401

So today was a wrap up day.  It was also the last day of NYSESLAT testing.  Our schedule has been a bit wacky for the past month - but it should settle down a bit now.  

I am actually excited about next week.  We are starting Unit 4 in ReadyGen, we are starting Chapter 12 in GoMath, and we are starting Chapter 5 in Social Studies.  

1st and 2nd period we continued our fluid block of working on your projects that need to be finished.  Some students worked on their ReadyGen PBA Writing assignment; others worked on their 13 colonies buddy project learning posters; others worked on their independent reading; and others decided to pitch in and help classmates finish their projects. It was nice to see the class actively engaged, working hard, getting along, and helping each other. 

3rd period they had Mr. Hoffman and sadly many of the boys decided to talk and not follow directions for him.  

4th period we hung up our learning posters outside in the hallway and the students did a learning walk.  They paired up and visited each poster and gave the group positive feedback and room to grow feedback. Sometimes students listen better about feedback when it comes from their peers. I think they had a good time and learned from each other. Heck, the literacy coach was so impressed she came out and participated with us. 

5th period we reviewed Chapter 11 in Math by looking at form B of the test. We decided as a class to take the test on Monday instead of rushing to get it done. 

6th period we had lunch. 

7th we had Recess/Fun Friday.  The kids really enjoy the release of running around and just being kids.  

Homework:

Reading: The Story of Coca Cola 

Math: Study for Chapter 11 test

Reading: have your IR book completed by Monday.  

First HOT Day in Room 401

What it feels like in Room 401

Wow... It didn't take long to go from COLD to HOT in Room 401.  Without the benefit of the AC on...we had to rely on the the open windows for air.  Once it hits about 11 AM, the sun hits us head on from 11 - dismissal, so our room, with all it's windows, gets a lot of sunlight and heat.

I made it very clear to the students on Friday that anyone who didn't finish reading their independent reading book they picked out on Monday by THIS MONDAY... take their AR Test and PASS IT.. would be sitting out of recess until they did.  Several of them have gotten lazy and don't want to read.  Well... RECESS DEPENDS ON IT!

• 1st - Students took their AR Test and then checked out new books.  15 students said they didn't finish (so 15 students sat out of recess!).  Well 14, one had an extra day because they were absent on Monday.  
• 2nd - Dance
• 3rd - Chapter 10 - Freedom of the Press in Frindle.   After collecting their Frindle homework (half of them didn't do it), we read Chapter 10 and discussed it.  We made predictions about the upcoming chapters and how it would be solved.
• 4th - Mini-Lesson on expectations of the PBA.  We read the PBA, talked about the rubric, and looked at how the template they completed would make the PBA super easy.  I then did a mini lesson showing how to start a "news" report and hook the reader.  I showed them that when you prepare, writing a paragraph with support and artistry can take as little as three minutes.   I then gave them an entire 45 minutes to work on their draft after modeling how it should look:  Intro like they were a news reporter, title of book used, and what they would be discussing on the topic.   Each topic would have a heading before they started the paragraph.  Each paragraph must (MUST) have two details from the text to support it.  Each paragraph should end with a concluding statement or linking statement.  After the introduction and five body paragraphs, they should have a concluding paragraph that sums it up and shows that it was a news report.
• 5th - First we watched a Discovery Education video on the Middle Colonies.   Students working on those colonies took notes while the others watched.   At the end of the video we did the 10 true or false question quiz.   Then we moved into Chapter 11 GoMath - Show What You Know and then 11.1 lesson.  We are looking at circles in terms of fractions... each 12th is 30 degrees, so a half a circle (6/12th) is 180 degrees, 3/12th is 90... and so on.    They have to complete the practice book 11.1 for homework.
• 6th - Lunch and Recess (It was sad to see only 7-10 students playing at a time due to missed minutes for missing assignments, uniforms, behavior in dance, or not doing their independent reading.  Oh well, they will learn the hard way!
• 7th - Science Lesson 4.7 - The Hubble Telescope Nonfiction Article and questions.   After reading the article together the students answered questions about the text.   We then cleaned up the room, talked about expectations and homework, and ended the day with a fun game of Heads Up 7 Up.  

Homework:

1. Students who didn't read or finish their Independent Reading Book - Finish tonight.  Everyone else start reading new one for testing next Monday.  RECESS DEPENDS ON READING AND PASSING YOUR IR BOOK!
2. Drafting Unit 3B PBA - you had 45 minutes in class, tonight continue to finish it.   Intro, 5 body paragraphs, conclusion.  Each body paragraph needs two details from the text to support it.  Looking for linking sentences and words.  If not done tomorrow - NO RECESS!
3. Math - Practice 11.1