HUMANITIES
There are always so many things that seem to go on at once in our Humanities class. On the Social Studies side, we are continuing to look at America’s march towards freedom. This week, we looked at the documents that stated the nation’s intention to be free – The Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Freedom.
As we did that, we weren’t ashamed to pick a fight. The class revisited the work we did on debates before the break to stage their own debate on the topic “Should America go to War.” Student groups needed to prepare an opening statement, rebuttal and closing argument.
As if that wasn’t enough, we are also writing an essay that will go into this academic term’s yearbook. The theme for the yearbook is “Dreams,” and grade five students needed to write an essay following the topic “Dreaming of the Day I’m …” Entries to date have been quite creative, but I want to know how some of these 22 year olds are managing to pull off being a millionaire. We’ve had to temper some dreams with a dose of reality about entry level positions and salaries in your twenties, but the exercise should be something fun for students to look back on when they crack open their yearbooks somewhere down the line.
MATH
Work continues in fractions. We’ve simplified them, compared them, found their equivalents and even turned them into decimals. Our quiz on this foundation work was this Friday. Next week we’ll start to add and subtract.
SCIENCE
We just wrapped up our latest unit, Matter and Energy. Students had their quiz on the material that we have studied all this block on Thursday. On Tuesday, we started to talk about our next unit, Populations and Ecosystems. We learned what an ecosystem is, and students even made some observations of the eco-system they live in.
EXTRA
On a personal note, I want to say that it has been a pleasure teaching grade five this year. I am sad to leave students in the middle of the great learning and progress that is happening. I think I have been fortunate to have a class full of motivated students who truly want to learn. I can easily say that this has been my best year yet in the teaching profession.
Officially, I will be teaching the class until Wednesday. I feel very positive about leaving the class to Ms. Fletcher’s care. The students are lucky that they will have a teacher who will have a seamless transition into the school and already knows the students.
I plan to keep in touch with the students during the year, and I encourage them and you to reach out and say hello, too. My personal email is ginamlnyc@gmail.com.
All the best,
Gina Larson-Stoller
Friday, February 26, 2010
Friday, February 26
MATH
We're still practicing mixed numbers and improper fractions. Complete the worksheet for Monday.
HUMANITIES
The first draft of your Dream essay was handed back. Write the second draft over the weekend. Remember to make your sentences interesting.
We're still practicing mixed numbers and improper fractions. Complete the worksheet for Monday.
HUMANITIES
The first draft of your Dream essay was handed back. Write the second draft over the weekend. Remember to make your sentences interesting.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Thursday, February 25
MATH
Today we learned how to convert mixed numbers to improper fractions and vice versa.
I found this great site that will actually do the conversions for you, but besides just giving you the answer, it also give you an unbelievable explanation on how to do it, too. Check it out! It can help you with your homework.
Finish the worksheets handed out in class.
HUMANITIES
I am going to be a teacher.
I am going to live in New York City.
I am bored with this sentence structure.
So what can you do when your sentences fall into a rut? Flip it, and then add details!
Living in New York is going to be adventure because I can explore Central Park.
Try doing some more on your own tonight like we did in class today.
Today we learned how to convert mixed numbers to improper fractions and vice versa.
I found this great site that will actually do the conversions for you, but besides just giving you the answer, it also give you an unbelievable explanation on how to do it, too. Check it out! It can help you with your homework.
Finish the worksheets handed out in class.
HUMANITIES
I am going to be a teacher.
I am going to live in New York City.
I am bored with this sentence structure.
So what can you do when your sentences fall into a rut? Flip it, and then add details!
Living in New York is going to be adventure because I can explore Central Park.
Try doing some more on your own tonight like we did in class today.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Wednesday, February 24
MATH
Please go over the sheet Calculating Fractions. Use a calculator to find out if the pair of fractions are equivalent or not. Remember to divide the numerator by tghe denominator.
Also, complete the Simplifying Fractions worksheet. Fractions are only in simplest form if the only common factor between the numerator and the denominator is one (1).
HUMANITIES
Have your My Brother Sam is Dead quiz signed.
SCIENCE
Tomorrow is our quiz on the section Matter and Energy. Look over your notes that we have taken for the past few weeks and know the following concepts:
Please go over the sheet Calculating Fractions. Use a calculator to find out if the pair of fractions are equivalent or not. Remember to divide the numerator by tghe denominator.
Also, complete the Simplifying Fractions worksheet. Fractions are only in simplest form if the only common factor between the numerator and the denominator is one (1).
HUMANITIES
Have your My Brother Sam is Dead quiz signed.
SCIENCE
Tomorrow is our quiz on the section Matter and Energy. Look over your notes that we have taken for the past few weeks and know the following concepts:
- states of matter
- physical properties
- chemical properties
- types of energy
- ways to transfer energy
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday, February 23
Greetings,
I hope you all had a restful and fun Chinese New Year break. We're back in action after our week off, and we're dusting off the cobwebs as we move forward in some units, and start new topics in others.
MATH
We're continuing our work with fractions and comparing them to decimals. Tonight's homework asks you to VISUALIZE what decimals and fractions look like. And if you finish your homework correctly, you should have the answer to a riddle.
HUMANITIES
We've started a new essay that will soon find its way into our school yearbook. This year, the theme is "dreams." Our class essays will be titled "Dreaming of the Day I'm ..."
Yesterday, you answered the brainstorming questions to start writing your first draft of this essay. Finish up that first go at it tonight.
SCIENCE
Take a look at the eco-system around you. Sit outside for 10 minutes and write down all the living things you observe. Record your results. Let's see how much biodiversity you find!
I hope you all had a restful and fun Chinese New Year break. We're back in action after our week off, and we're dusting off the cobwebs as we move forward in some units, and start new topics in others.
MATH
We're continuing our work with fractions and comparing them to decimals. Tonight's homework asks you to VISUALIZE what decimals and fractions look like. And if you finish your homework correctly, you should have the answer to a riddle.
HUMANITIES
We've started a new essay that will soon find its way into our school yearbook. This year, the theme is "dreams." Our class essays will be titled "Dreaming of the Day I'm ..."
Yesterday, you answered the brainstorming questions to start writing your first draft of this essay. Finish up that first go at it tonight.
SCIENCE
Take a look at the eco-system around you. Sit outside for 10 minutes and write down all the living things you observe. Record your results. Let's see how much biodiversity you find!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Thursday, February 11
MATH
Today we talked about changing fractions to decimals and decimals to fractions. Need to review the lesson? Look at the video below:
Finish the worksheet handed out in class for homework.
SCIENCE
Get ready for our Science Fair tomorrow!
Today we talked about changing fractions to decimals and decimals to fractions. Need to review the lesson? Look at the video below:
Finish the worksheet handed out in class for homework.
SCIENCE
Get ready for our Science Fair tomorrow!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Wednesday, February 10
MATH
Today we broke into focus groups. Please make sure to complete the worksheet that was handed out in your particular group.
HUMANITIES
Get familiar with the characters and read the story again. We will have our novel quiz tomorrow.
Look here for the character list.
Today we broke into focus groups. Please make sure to complete the worksheet that was handed out in your particular group.
HUMANITIES
Get familiar with the characters and read the story again. We will have our novel quiz tomorrow.
Look here for the character list.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Tuesday, February 9
HUMANITIES
We finished our class novel today. Read tthe Epilogue and How Much of This Book is True sections tonight.
We have a quiz on Thursday.
MATH
We're continuing to work on comparing fractions. Finish the worksheet for more practice tonight.
We finished our class novel today. Read tthe Epilogue and How Much of This Book is True sections tonight.
We have a quiz on Thursday.
MATH
We're continuing to work on comparing fractions. Finish the worksheet for more practice tonight.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Monday, February 8th
We spent a great day at Elsa High trying out what some of our courses might be like for next year. Tomorrow, we're back to our regular schedule.
MATH
Please complete the Comparing and Ordering Fractions worksheet.
Remember how to compare? Take two fractions:
3/4 5/6
1. Find the LCM of the denominators.
LCM of 4 and 6 is 24
2. Rename the fractions as equivalent fractions with the new denominators
18/24 20/24
3. Compare.
3/4 < 5/6
MATH
Please complete the Comparing and Ordering Fractions worksheet.
Remember how to compare? Take two fractions:
3/4 5/6
1. Find the LCM of the denominators.
LCM of 4 and 6 is 24
2. Rename the fractions as equivalent fractions with the new denominators
18/24 20/24
3. Compare.
3/4 < 5/6
Friday, February 5, 2010
Invitation to parents - Feb, 5, 2010
Dear Parents,
As you know, the fifth grade has been hard at work on their Science Fair projects since December. We will be presenting all of the projects in the School Hall on Friday, February 12th.
It would be wonderful to share their work and results with you on that day. We are inviting you to join us between 12:45 to 2:00 to view the students’ projects.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at our Science Fair.
Best Regards,
Gina M. Larson-Stoller
As you know, the fifth grade has been hard at work on their Science Fair projects since December. We will be presenting all of the projects in the School Hall on Friday, February 12th.
It would be wonderful to share their work and results with you on that day. We are inviting you to join us between 12:45 to 2:00 to view the students’ projects.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at our Science Fair.
Best Regards,
Gina M. Larson-Stoller
Weekly Blurb - Feb 5
HUMANITIES
Students continued to study more about the roots of the American Revolution. We finished reading about how differences started to grow in the country, leading to infamous battles like the Boston Tea Party and Battles at Lexington and Concord. At this point, the stage is set for all out war.
In class, however, we are just beginning to get underway for a major debate between the Loyalists and the Patriots. Students this week learned the basic format of the Lincoln-Douglas debate style and are starting to build their arguments for their sides of whether America should go to war. Students had some practice building an opening argument, rebuttal and closing statement by debating topics such as “Should kids get to choose their bedtime” and “Should homework be assigned every night.” We should be ready to stage our debate of the American Revolution next week.
We’ve also continued to make progress in our book, My Brother Sam is Dead. We have learned that Sam is serving under Benedict Arnold, and given his notoriety in history, we can consider this an instance of dramatic irony. With Tim’s father missing, and Sam serving in the war, we are learning more about the hardships, brutality and dividing power of wars.
MATH
I’m happy to report that many students in the class did a great job on our quiz this week that tested our foundation skills for fractions. Great job! We’ve only begun our fraction unit by building equivalent fractions this week.
In our stock portfolios, the market continues to eat away at our value. Team CASH is in the lead with only $150.00 more in their coffers than they had at the beginning of our game.
SCIENCE
This week we finished out our unit on matter and energy. But the bigger news, of course, is the upcoming science fair. Students should be putting the finishing touches on their backboards this weekend. It has been a great process for the student’s to learn, and should help them as they move on to more formal school-wide or even regional science fairs in middle and high school. Please find an invitation to our Science Fair included in your child’s communication book. You’re welcome to view our class’ work from 12:45 to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 12th.
EXTRA! EXTRA!
Just a reminder that the students will be going to Elsa on Monday for “Transition Day.” The high school has a whole itinerary full of activities designed to give students a taste of middle school life.
JEWISH STUDIES - ENGLISH SPEAKERS
from Morah Epstein
The students are continuing their learning about the Eser Makot and the preparation for leaving Egypt. They have learned almost fifteen pasukim by hear and have shown good comprehension of the material in an oral review. Additionally, we will begin our study of Purim. Unbelievable, but there are only two weeks of school left before this joyous holiday. Emphasis will be on the main mitzvoth of the day, the story itself and the enjoyable customs related to Purim.
The students are also doing a unit on Believe in Yourself.
We are continuing our weekly quizzes which are written on Fridays. Also, the students have a reading log and are now to have finished five Jewish books in English or Hebrew for this part of the curriculum.
Thank you to all those parents who are learning the Daf Hashvui with their children!!
Please send in tzedaka for “Matanot L’evyonim”, the special charity collection to help those in need in Israel to also enjoy Purim. Many thanks and a Happy Purim to all.
Students continued to study more about the roots of the American Revolution. We finished reading about how differences started to grow in the country, leading to infamous battles like the Boston Tea Party and Battles at Lexington and Concord. At this point, the stage is set for all out war.
In class, however, we are just beginning to get underway for a major debate between the Loyalists and the Patriots. Students this week learned the basic format of the Lincoln-Douglas debate style and are starting to build their arguments for their sides of whether America should go to war. Students had some practice building an opening argument, rebuttal and closing statement by debating topics such as “Should kids get to choose their bedtime” and “Should homework be assigned every night.” We should be ready to stage our debate of the American Revolution next week.
We’ve also continued to make progress in our book, My Brother Sam is Dead. We have learned that Sam is serving under Benedict Arnold, and given his notoriety in history, we can consider this an instance of dramatic irony. With Tim’s father missing, and Sam serving in the war, we are learning more about the hardships, brutality and dividing power of wars.
MATH
I’m happy to report that many students in the class did a great job on our quiz this week that tested our foundation skills for fractions. Great job! We’ve only begun our fraction unit by building equivalent fractions this week.
In our stock portfolios, the market continues to eat away at our value. Team CASH is in the lead with only $150.00 more in their coffers than they had at the beginning of our game.
SCIENCE
This week we finished out our unit on matter and energy. But the bigger news, of course, is the upcoming science fair. Students should be putting the finishing touches on their backboards this weekend. It has been a great process for the student’s to learn, and should help them as they move on to more formal school-wide or even regional science fairs in middle and high school. Please find an invitation to our Science Fair included in your child’s communication book. You’re welcome to view our class’ work from 12:45 to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 12th.
EXTRA! EXTRA!
Just a reminder that the students will be going to Elsa on Monday for “Transition Day.” The high school has a whole itinerary full of activities designed to give students a taste of middle school life.
JEWISH STUDIES - ENGLISH SPEAKERS
from Morah Epstein
The students are continuing their learning about the Eser Makot and the preparation for leaving Egypt. They have learned almost fifteen pasukim by hear and have shown good comprehension of the material in an oral review. Additionally, we will begin our study of Purim. Unbelievable, but there are only two weeks of school left before this joyous holiday. Emphasis will be on the main mitzvoth of the day, the story itself and the enjoyable customs related to Purim.
The students are also doing a unit on Believe in Yourself.
We are continuing our weekly quizzes which are written on Fridays. Also, the students have a reading log and are now to have finished five Jewish books in English or Hebrew for this part of the curriculum.
Thank you to all those parents who are learning the Daf Hashvui with their children!!
Please send in tzedaka for “Matanot L’evyonim”, the special charity collection to help those in need in Israel to also enjoy Purim. Many thanks and a Happy Purim to all.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Thursday, February 4
Tonight is the Carmel Annual Dinner, so homework was kept light . I'll see you there at 6:30 p.m.!
MATH
Equivalent fractions can be formed by multiplying or dividing the numerator and denominator by the same number.
1/2 = 2/4 or 6/12 or 3/6
5/15 = 1/3 or 20/60
Of course, we could create hundreds of other equivalent fractions as long as we follow the rule. Tonight, complete the worksheet on equivalent fractions for homework tonight.
SCIENCE
Check out this video on science fairs. It will show you tons of display boards to give you some ideas!
MATH
Equivalent fractions can be formed by multiplying or dividing the numerator and denominator by the same number.
1/2 = 2/4 or 6/12 or 3/6
5/15 = 1/3 or 20/60
Of course, we could create hundreds of other equivalent fractions as long as we follow the rule. Tonight, complete the worksheet on equivalent fractions for homework tonight.
SCIENCE
Check out this video on science fairs. It will show you tons of display boards to give you some ideas!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Wednesday, February 3
MATH
Please complete the worksheet on prime factorization. Create factor trees and write your final answer with exponents, if necessary.
Also, get your most recent quiz signed!
HUMANITIES
What a luxury! We had two periods to meet for Humanities, and we spent our time learning about the structure of Lincoln-Douglas debates. We had some good debates in class on the following topics:
Should students have homework every night?
Should kids be allowed to choose their bedtime?
Tonight, think out some logical arguments on both sides of this topic that relates to our current lesson:
Should the Thirteen Colonies go to war with Britain?
SCIENCE
Keep working on your Science reports. They are due on Monday, February 8th.
Please complete the worksheet on prime factorization. Create factor trees and write your final answer with exponents, if necessary.
Also, get your most recent quiz signed!
HUMANITIES
What a luxury! We had two periods to meet for Humanities, and we spent our time learning about the structure of Lincoln-Douglas debates. We had some good debates in class on the following topics:
Should students have homework every night?
Should kids be allowed to choose their bedtime?
Tonight, think out some logical arguments on both sides of this topic that relates to our current lesson:
Should the Thirteen Colonies go to war with Britain?
SCIENCE
Keep working on your Science reports. They are due on Monday, February 8th.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Tuesday, February 2
HUMANITIES
Please read chapters 8-10 tonight.
SCIENCE
Please finish any of the questions that you did not get to in class in your Science notebook.
pg. C60 - questions 1-4
pg. C61 - Reflect & Evaluate
Please read chapters 8-10 tonight.
SCIENCE
Please finish any of the questions that you did not get to in class in your Science notebook.
pg. C60 - questions 1-4
pg. C61 - Reflect & Evaluate
Monday, February 1, 2010
Monday, February 1
MATH
Make sure you study for our quiz tomorrrow: GCF, LCM, divisibility rules, prime and composite numbers and evaluating exponents.
HUMANITIES
If you didn't get a chance in class, please finish the questions for the reading in your English Open Response book.
SCIENCE
We just finished covering talking about potential and kinetic energy, and the way our own bodies get energy. Finish questions 7-12 of Investigation 2 in your Science notebook.
Make sure you study for our quiz tomorrrow: GCF, LCM, divisibility rules, prime and composite numbers and evaluating exponents.
HUMANITIES
If you didn't get a chance in class, please finish the questions for the reading in your English Open Response book.
SCIENCE
We just finished covering talking about potential and kinetic energy, and the way our own bodies get energy. Finish questions 7-12 of Investigation 2 in your Science notebook.
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