WEST States & Capitals test TOMORROW

West States - Test Friday

We will have test over the states and capitals of the West on Friday.    The video "Tour the States" is a great way to always remember the states and capitals.  I would encourage you to bookmark it on your computer at home and review it often this summer.  The class LOVES to sing this song.  The "Tour the World" video is more complex but very much enjoyed and a great challenge for those students who love geography.

Tour the States Video 

Tour the World Video

Friday is the bowling trip for Mrs. Danforth, Mrs. Rick, and Mrs. Hickey's classes.  Please wear socks for the trip.  Bowling shoes without socks are yucky!

We are reading pages 290-328 about the West in our social studies book.  In place of a chapter 9 test, we are making a West Travel Brochure.

This week we read Discovering the Atocha on pages 776-783 in our Storytown book.  I am not planning on having  test over this Readers' Theatre selection.  The Atocha is a very old ship from  the 1620's that was caught in a hurricane and bound for Spain.

Discovering the Atocha Video

There is no spelling unit this week.  We've finished Spelling!

Block 2 finished their "Money" projects today.  Both Block 1 & Block 2 are readingSuperfudge by Judy Blume as our end of year read aloud.  Check out some other good Judy Blume books this summer.  They are perfect for fourth/fifth grade easy reads.

West States - Test Friday

We will have test over the states and capitals of the West on Friday.    The video "Tour the States" is a great way to always remember the states and capitals.  I would encourage you to bookmark it on your computer at home and review it often this summer.  The class LOVES to sing this song.  The "Tour the World" video is more complex but very much enjoyed and a great challenge for those students who love geography.

Tour the States Video

Tour the World Video

Friday is the bowling trip for Mrs. Danforth, Mrs. Rick, and Mrs. Hickey's classes.  Please wear socks for the trip.  Bowling shoes without socks are yucky!

We are reading pages 290-328 about the West in our social studies book.  In place of a chapter 9 test, we are making a West Travel Brochure.

This week (today and tomorrow) we are reading Discovering the Atocha on pages 776-783 in our Storytown book.  I am not planning on having  test over this Readers' Theatre selection.  The Atocha is a very old ship from  the 1620's that was caught in a hurricane and bound for Spain.

There is no spelling unit this week.  We've finished Spelling!

Block 2 finished their "Money" projects today.  Both Block 1 & Block 2 are reading Superfudge by Judy Blume as our end of year read aloud.  Check out some other good Judy Blume books this summer.  They are perfect for fourth/fifth grade easy reads.

Northwest States & Capitals -- BOWLING TRIPS NEXT WEEK

Today we took our Chapter 8 Social Studies Southwest Test, and we will move along to learning about the Northwest states and capitals.  Let's try to have a test over them on Friday.  We will practice them each day in class in order to be prepared.

Students have asked if they can have a challenge test at the end of the year identifying all 50 of the states and capitals.  SURE!!!!  We can do that!  I will make this a challenge project for the last week of school.

Here are some practice sites:

States and Capitals Puzzle

Tour the States Video  (This is a huge classroom favorite)

No school on Monday or Tuesday.  We will have our Bowling Field Trips next week.  On WEDNESDAY Mrs. Burns, Mrs. K, and Mrs. Deckinga will be going to the bowling alley.  On FRIDAY Mrs. Danforth, Mrs. Hickey, and Mrs. Rick's classes will be going to the bowling alley.  

Ch. 8 Test Tomorrow

We will have a Chapter 8 Social Studies test TOMORROW and we worked on our study guide today.  Study guides are in students' folders to bring home tonight.   Students also put their Social Studies books in their tote bags. 

We worked on contractions in Block 1 and Adverbs in Block 2 today.   

Thursday - Mustache Day & TCBY $3.00 at Lunch

Friday - School Spirit Day

Southwest Test Friday

John Muir and Stickeen

Today we reread the fascinating story of John Muir and Stickeen.  We took a test over this story.

eBook

We will have a Chapter 8 Social Studies test on FRIDAY and we worked on our study guide today.  Study guides are in students' folders to bring home tonight.   Students also put their Social Studies books in their tote bags. 

Today is our "Walk for a Cause" after school event from 2:00-3:00.  Students needed a signed permission slip to stay after school to attend.  . 

Thursday - Mustache Day & TCBY $3.00 at Lunch

Friday - School Spirit Day

Monday - No school!  Memorial Day

Tuesday - No school!  Teachers' Institute

John Muir and Stickeen

Today we read the fascinating story of John Muir and Stickeen.  Students should reread it tonight for homework.  Our story comprehension and vocabulary test is tomorrow.  We also completed the Robust Vocabulary in Practice workbook on page 168.

eBook

We will have a Chapter 8 Social Studies test on FRIDAY and we worked on our study guide today.  It will be sent home tomorrow.

Wednesday is our "Walk for a Cause" after school event from 2:00-3:00.  Students need a signed permission slip to stay after school to attend.  Families are invited. 

Tuesday - Silly Socks and Shoes

Wednesday- Neon Day - Walk for A Cause Spirit Shirt
(or wear neon yellow).

Thursday - Mustache Day & TCBY $3.00 at Lunch

Friday - School Spirit Day

Chapter 8 Southwest Test on Friday

We spent the majority of the day finishing Social Studies Chapter 8 and getting to work on our study guides.  We read pages 280-285 and completed pages 287-288 in teams.  Students should be well prepared for Friday's test when the study packet is sent home on Wednesday.

We also had a brief assembly about the public library's reading incentive program.  Look for the note that was sent home today. 

Bowling field trip permission slips should be returned to school as soon as possible.

Wednesday is our "Walk for a Cause" after school event from 2:00-3:00.  Students need a signed permission slip to stay after school to attend.  Families are invited. 

Tuesday - Silly Socks and Shoes

Wednesday- Neon Day - Walk for A Cause Spirit Shirt
(or wear neon yellow).

Thursday - Mustache Day & TCBY $3.00 at Lunch

Friday - School Spirit Day

Last Spelling Test

Today we took our last Spelling test, Unit 30.  We also read more about the Southwest and students have their graded map tests in their Friday packets.

Next week we have special Spirit Days for our "Walk For a Cause" event.  This walk will be held after school from 2:00-3:00 on Wednesday.  Permission forms for this event are being sent home today.  

Monday - Team up to find a cure(Wear your team uniform to school)

Tuesday - Silly Socks and Shoes

Wednesday- Neon Day - Walk for A Cause Spirit Shirt
(or wear neon yellow).

Thursday - Mustache Day

Friday - School Spirit Day

Students who did not get a chance to purchase items at the Book Fair may bring in money first thing Monday morning for last minute shopping.  

Tall Tales, Southwest, and Other Things...

The Bunyans

We took our story test over The Bunyans on pages 726 - 743 in our Storytown book.  This is about Paul Bunyan and his family.  We learned what happens to Paul "later in life" and what his other family members were like.   

eBook

Our Spelling test will be on Friday.  IT's our LAST SPELLING TEST!  Students are invited to make extra credit word searches for their classmates. 

Spelling Lists  

We will be having a test over the four Southwest states and capitals on THURSDAY.  Today we read about the history and past of the southwest on pages 268-273.  As we read each section, we conclude with a brief 5 question open-book "quiz" over the material. 

States and Capitals Puzzle

Tour the States Video  (This is a huge classroom favorite)

Southwest Vocab

Summer Reading Program:

Please look for the information sent home from the office regarding the 2015 District Summer Reading Program.  Students going in to fifth grade are asked read for 20 hours this summer.

Six Flags Great America Reading Program tickets were sent home yesterday to those students who participated in the Great America program this winter.

The Bunyans

We read  The Bunyans on pages 726 - 743 in our Storytown book.  This is about Paul Bunyan and his family.  We get to learn what happens to Paul "later in life" and what his other family members are like.   Rereading will be homework.

eBook

This story helped us to discuss the elements of a Tall Tale, which is a fictional story that exaggerates the truth.  Tall tales began as campfire stories told by American pioneers.  We read a brief book about Paul Bunyan.  Here's a 15 minute Walt Disney video about Paul Bunyan.  

Walt Disney Paul Bunyan

Our Spelling test will be on Friday.  IT's our LAST SPELLING TEST!

Spelling Lists  

We will be having a test over the four Southwest states and capitals on THURSDAY.  Today we read about the climate, animals, and vegetation in the Southwest on pages 262-266.

Tall Tales

It's our last spelling week!  Today students completed Spelling Review pages 119-120 and made extra practice word searches to share with others.  Our test will be on Friday.

Spelling Lists  

We will be having a test over the four Southwest states and capitals on THURSDAY.  Today we began learning about the landforms and resources in the Southwest, as we read pages 254- 259 in Social Studies.  We also completed a study guide for the states and capitals test.  

In reading we are discussing the elements of a Tall Tale, which is a fictional story that exaggerates the truth.  Tall tales began as campfire stories told by American pioneers.  We read a brief book about Paul Bunyan.  Here's a 15 minute Walt Disney video about Paul Bunyan.  

Walt Disney Paul Bunyan

Tomorrow we will read The Bunyans on pages 726 - 743 in our Storytown book.  This is about Paul Bunyan and his family.  We get to learn what happens to Paul "later in life" and what his other family members are like.   

Spelling Test Tomorrow

Today we worked on practicing our spelling words and completed a Mothers' Day writing activity.  Don't peek at it until Sunday!

Tomorrow is 1/2 day, early dismissal.

Today students had instrument tryouts for band/orchestra preparation.  They are bringing home a letter about this today. 

We also read a Time For Kids article about honoring our veteran heroes.  We talked about World War II.    Our class read aloud book is The Million Dollar Shot. 

Our Spelling test will be tomorrow.  Students should primarily focus on studying the base word used to make each of the spelling words.  For example, in the word "incorrectly", it can be broken down as in + correct + ly.  

Spelling Lists

I have completed AIMS one-minute fluency reads with the students.  Results will be sent home at the end of the year and hopefully will reflect good fluency progress!

Here are some fluency tips to help you at home:

Home Fluency Tips

Grand Canyon

Chapter 7 Social Studies Midwest tests were returned today.   Overall, most grades were good.  Students were allowed to use their book to check any answers during the last 15 minutes of the test.  

We also reread the story The Grand Canyon  found on page 705 - 714 in Storytown and reviewed the Robust Vocabulary words.    The Grand Canyon is part of the Southwest, a region that we will next be studying in Social Studies. Here's a quick video about the Grand Canyon:

Grand Canyon Video

Here's a link to some information about Grand Canyon animals/wildlife:

Grand Canyon Animals

Our Spelling test will be on Friday.  Students should primarily focus on studying the base word used to make each of the spelling words.  For example, in the word "incorrectly", it can be broken down as in + correct + ly.  Our spelling test will be on Friday, even though Friday is an early dismissal day.  

Spelling Lists

I am also working on AIMS one-minute fluency reads with the students.  They will be reading three separate selections with me.  These reads will be happening over the next few weeks.  It does take a while for each student to get a turn.  Results will be sent home at the end of the year and hopefully will reflect good fluency progress!

Here are some fluency tips to help you at home:

Home Fluency Tips

The Grand Canyon Story Homework and Social Studies Midwest Test Today

Today we took our Chapter 7 Midwest Social Studies tests.  Students worked hard and were well prepared.  They WERE allowed to take out their books and double check or research any answers during the last 15 minutes of work time.  Because of this, I am expecting some very good grades.

We also read the story The Grand Canyon  found on page 705 - 714 in Storytown and completed Robust Vocabulary review on page 157 in the Practice workbook.  Students should reread tonight for homework as our story test will be tomorrow.    The Grand Canyon is part of the Southwest, a region that we will next be studying in Social Studies.  Here's the eBook link:

eBook

Our Spelling test will be on Friday.  Students should primarily focus on studying the base word used to make each of the spelling words.  For example, in the word "incorrectly", it can be broken down as in + correct + ly.  Our spelling test will be on Friday, even though Friday is an early dismissal day.  

Spelling Lists

I am also working on AIMS one-minute fluency reads with the students.  They will be reading three separate selections with me.  These reads will be happening over the next few weeks.  It does take a while for each student to get a turn.  Results will be sent home at the end of the year and hopefully will reflect good fluency progress!

Here are some fluency tips to help you at home:

Home Fluency Tips

Chapter 7 Midwest Test Tomorrow

We will have a Chapter 7 Social Studies test over the midwest on TOMORROW.  We have put a shiny star sticker in our red Social Studies book to indicate the four essay questions on the test. Students have completed study guides in class and should be well prepared.  The PINK study guide is the most important sheet to use to prepare for the test.  Students did put their red Social Studies book in their tote bags to use for review tonight.  

Here's another review link (Quizlet):

Ch. 7 Midwest Quizlet

We completed Spelling Workbook pages 115-116 and discussed the base words found in each of our words on the list.  Students should primarily focus on studying the base word used to make each of the spelling words.  For example, in the word "incorrectly", it can be broken down as in + correct + ly.  Our spelling test will be on Friday, even though Friday is an early dismissal day.  

Spelling Lists

I am also working on AIMS one-minute fluency reads with the students.  They will be reading three separate selections with me.  These reads will be happening over the next few weeks.  It does take a while for each student to get a turn.  Results will be sent home at the end of the year and hopefully will reflect good fluency progress!

Here are some fluency tips to help you at home:

Home Fluency Tips

Midwest Social Studies Test Tuesday

Today we attended the Liberty Junior High field trip to watch the orchestra.  Next Thursday students will be trying out different instruments.  A note will be sent home about a parent band night.

 
We are also working on contractions.  Here are some contraction games you can play at home:

Contraction Games

We will have a Chapter 7 Social Studies test over the midwest on TUESDAY of next week.  Students have completed study guides in class and should be well prepared.  We continued to read books about the Midwest region and created fun tourism posters.

Spelling Lists

I am also working on AIMS one-minute fluency reads with the students.  They will be reading three separate selections with me.  These reads will be happening over the next few weeks.  It does take a while for each student to get a turn.  Results will be sent home at the end of the year and hopefully will reflect good fluency progress!

Here are some fluency tips to help you at home:

Home Fluency Tips