Classroom slide show link

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1By_LfeoNnb1gMkOJhmjCRWcvxQ4XyN3Qf8SfG3aEFSM/edit?usp=sharing

We made it through the reading EOG with no problems.  I am very proud of them.
After testing we went straight to lunch.  Then we had an hour in the classroom reviewing for math.  Finally we had recess and specials.
Tomorrow is the Math EOG.  Get plenty of sleep and a good breakfast.

Today in Math we played some online review games, and worked on filming our math strands.
In ELA we finished filming, worked on our severe weather research projects and continued to prep for our EOG on Monday.
At the end of ELA we watched the very cute videos the kids created.

In Science we worked on reviewing Weather.

HOMEWORK:  Sleep and eat!

Today in math we finished reviewing the practice EOG.
In ELA we took our finial assessment!  
Severe Weather essays are due Friday.
In Science we finished our Force and Motion review.  We Review Weather tomorrow.

Graduation invitations are coming home today.

Today was an "ants in your pants" kind of day.  Everyone seemed a little off.

In Math we reviewed our EOG practice test (math and science) and played math jeopardy.
In ELA we took our Volcano quiz and practiced EOG passages and filmed for teaching standards.
In Science we finished our Motion and design posters.  We will present these tomorrow and start reviewing Weather.

Severe weather essays are due Friday!

We will be taking some mini-assessments in ELA this week.

In Math we reviewed the Science Homework and continued working on our EOG practice test.  We also played fraction BINGO.
In ELA we had a little fun nominating our superlative awards. We all went to the media center to work on our severe weather research projects (Due Friday!).
In Science we finished our human body review and started our Motion and Design review.

Don't forget we have a different homework schedule this week.  Something is due every day!

Graduation Pictures:  There are TWO sets.
1. One set (baby/current) will be shown during the morning formal graduation ceremony.  Sent to brassfieldphotos@gmail.com

2. The second set is for me.  I want to show a K, 1,2,3,4,5 picture of your child "growing up", and any pictures you have throughout the school years (walk-a-thon, super kids day, field trips, learning experiences) sent to perrottclass2016@gmail.com

Today in math we learned about line plots (super quick).  We started creating i-movies of math review topics.
In ELA we started creating i-movies of review topics and went to type our research papers.
In Science we finished our WEB of connectivity for the human body systems.

In Math we took our Measurement test.

In ELA we finished our volcano menu's and are almost done with the severe weather research project.

In Science we are almost done with our Human Body system review.

How did we get to the end of the week?  It has just flown by!

In Math we finished measurement and will take the 6 question test tomorrow.
In ELA we have several students who have turned in his/her volcano menu.  All students have started typing the research paper (a few are almost done).
In Science we started Human Body Systems review.

Today in Math we reviewed converting capacity measurements (gallon kingdom and liters)
In ELA we started our online research for our severe weather projects.
In Science we created posters for Ecosystem review.

Today we took a quick check on measurement conversions of length.

In ELA we are finishing up our Volcano Menu and should start typing the research paper by Thursday.

In science we finished reviewing Ecosystems and will complete a short review project tomorrow.

Welcome back.
Homework is posted on the homework page.

Today we reviewed length conversions.  Please practice multi step conversions.
EX.  Sarah had 10 pieces of fabric.   Each piece was 20 cm long (step one).  Jason has 8  pieces of fabric.  Each piece is 1 m long (step 2).  Who has more fabric? (step 3).

We are doing both metric and customary.

Today we started Gallon kingdom (capacity) and also liters (metric).

In ELA we started EOG review and we are finishing Volcano's menu.   We will by typing the research paper at the end of the week.

In Science we stared EOG review on ecosystems
http://ecufrog.weebly.com/science-eog-review.html

Happy Track out!

See you June 6th!

Today in math we continued converting measurements (inches to yards) (cm to m) (yards to miles) etc...
We went to the Big Bang Fair today and explored new technology.
We worked on our Volcano menus and another group presented their Civil War project.
In Science we started our Weather test (some finished, some did not).

Tomorrow is our track out day, and we have a lot to do.  I want to finish the Civil War presentations and the Weather test.  I want to read more of City of Ember.

The Volcano's menu will be due the Friday we return from track-out.   

Conferences

I am working all day Thursday May 12th.  If you would like an end of year conference please email me a time that will work for you.

Homework this week....I have given out the track-out packets and students should start on these.
TONIGHT: Science notebooks should be going home to review weather.   Weather test TOMORROW!

In Math we continued learning about how to convert length measurements (using whole number conversions).   How many Inches are in 2 yards? (72)
We will talk about fractional conversions tomorrow.  (I have 2.5 feet, how many inches?)

In ELA we spent quality time on our Volcano's menu after taking the DAZE and Reading comprehension tests.

In Science we reviewed for the test.  

I wanted to update you on the Science test and the rest of MClass testing.

I wanted to do the Science test Monday, but we are not ready.   We needed to spend this afternoon getting ready for carpet cleaning.   The Science test will be Tuesday.  

We did the reading fluency portion of MClass today, we will take the Daze and the Reading Comprehension piece on Monday. 

Today in Math we took notes on conversions for metric and started the conversions for customary. 

In Specials the kids did the Reading Fluency part of the MClass testing. 

In ELA we worked on the Volcano's menu and presented Civil War.

During Science we presented Civil War and Cleaned out the room to get ready for carpet washing this weekend. 

I passed out the track out packets today.  It will be homework next week, and finishing over track out. 

In math we continued investigating how to measure length using metric and customary units.
In ELA I went over MClass Dibbles testing for the year, and gave them each a goal for tomorrow's testing.
In Science we started our review for the weather unit.  We will continue reviewing tomorrow and test on Monday.

In math we started talking about length....metric = meter, customary = foot/yard/mile
We also started a scavenger hunt so the kids can get a good sense of what each unit is like.  Millimeter (thickness of a card) etc...

In ELA we worked on our Volcano's menu and taking notes for our research paper.

In science we spent time reviewing several concepts and polishing Civil War presentations.

Today in Math we took our volume test.  We will start measurement tomorrow.....tough part is keeping separate customary and metric.

In ELA we spent 2 rotations on our new menu.  Volcanoes

In Science we reviewed fronts, winds, currents, and direct sunlight.

Science test FRIDAY!

In math we found the volume of complex figures.
In ELA we went to the media center to finish the civil war project.
In science we reviewed fronts then went to book buddies.

Today we worked with a given total volume and a missing L, W or H.
In ELA we got our new menu's - Severe Weather.  A research project goes with this menu as well!
In Science we hit the heavy stuff.....high pressure and low pressure.  Where they meet is a front.  We talked about warm, cold and stationary fronts!  
The Civil War Bonanzas are due FRIDAY (tomorrow!)  We will present them all next week.

Math Volume test will be Tuesday.

Today in Math we explored Volume as a base, and then layers (height)
In ELA they took much longer than I expected to take the "eye of the storm" test.  They did not get a chance to work on their Menu's.  Menu's will be Due Wednesday.
We also went to he media center to work on our Civil War Research Projects (also due Wednesday).
I left early today and will be absent on Wednesday.

Today in math we finished building our 900 cm cubed Greenhouse buildings.
In ELA we got in one rotation before SUPER KIDS DAY!
In Science we watched a 27 minute video on weather.
We ended the day with a reading camp.

Can I just say, I love this class!

In Math we started building a 3-D building with a volume of 900 cubic centimeters.
In ELA we should be ready for our "Eye of the Storm" test on Tuesday, and turn in the Civil War Bonanza by Wednesday.
This afternoon we had our class celebration by watching "Brain Games" and eating icecream!  Yum!

Today in Math we investigated how a piece of paper folded in different directions can cause different volumes (no tops or bottoms).  Popcorn was used and eaten!
In ELA we finished 6/7 out of 10 items on our menus.  They should have finished 3 of the 4 bonanza choices and started researching for their fourth choice.
In science we started talking about wind....prevailing, jet stream, local, sea breeze, land breeze...
Cold Air is Heavy and contracts, and sinks and is associated with high pressure systems (no room for the air to hold water)
Warm air is light and expands, and rises and is associated with low pressure systems. (lots of room to hold water)
Winds move from high to low pressure systems.
WHEW!

In math we investigated how to measure Length, Width and Height using standard and non-standard measurement tools.  We then calculated the volume.
In ELA we continue to work on our "Eye of the Storm" Menu....I really would like to have these turned in on Friday (so I can grade them this weekend and put the grades on the interims), but it is looking like Monday/Tuesday turn in date.
We, again, spent 50 minutes in the library working on our Civil War projects.  They should have completed Bonanza choice number 3 (of 4) .
In Science we focused on the water cycle.  1.  SUN, 2. Evaporation/transpiration/water vapor, 3. condensation (cirrus/cumulus/stratus), 4. precipitation, 5. run-off

In math we continued to investigate "what is volume?".
In ELA we FINALLY finished Chains
We spent 50 minutes working on our Civil War research project.  They will complete 4 Bonanza choices.  They should have completed 2 choices and done the research for the third.
Menus have 10 items to complete, they should have 5 finished and close to 6.
In science we stared the water cycle.

TONIGHT: from 5-6, middle school night.  Kids get questions answered by kids.  Parents get a parents perspective.

COMING HOME TONIGHT:  the sign up for parent access to Power Schools is coming home tonight.  You need to 1. Fill out the form and 2. come to school, in person, with a picture ID and sign up in the main office!!!!!!  Get this done before you leave Brassfield (so much easier here!).   I love being able to check on my Middle school-er's grades daily!

Whirlwind of a day!  Great day!
We started by investigating Volume.  Mine craft is homework!
In ELA we are finishing the story "Eye of the storm".   We are going to spend 40 minutes each day this week dedicated to our Civil War research project. (major writing grade of the quarter)
In Science we "caught up" in the book.  We reviewed Direct Sunlight, Latitude, Elevation, Convection, Radiation, and Seasons.

In Math today, we finished the test.
In ELA we worked hard on our menu's.  Most students have completed 4-5 assignments on the Menu.
In Science we talked a LOT about convection, conduction, and radiation and how that heat drives all weather on the planet.

We also had a field trip...ask about the eggs....

In math we started our math test, then had a lock down drill....so between that loss of time and the distraction, the kids can finish the test on Friday morning.
For ELA, we went to the library to use the chrome books for our Civil War project.
In science we studied more about hemispheres and seasons.  Latitude  and elevation.

It looks like West Millbrook and Wakefield are both having open houses TONIGHT!  Durant's is April 28th from 9:15-11am.  We are NOT taking a field trip to Durant.  If you want to take your child, it would be an excused tardy.

Put it on your calendar.....April 19th from 5-6pm.  Meeting in the media center at Brassfield.  Middle school information.

Also, a student told me today, that the West Millbrook tour is TOMORROW!  

http://www.wmms.net/uploads/1/1/3/6/11361820/2016_6th_grade_orientation_and_tour.pdf

One in the morning, another in the evening.  Sorry for the short notice. 

Today in  Math we had a review rotation for + - x and / of fractions.

TEST TOMORROW!

In ELA we are still learning how to research and record our information.  The students should have 1 of the 4 bonanza choices done.  

In Science we spent a long time on moon phases/rotation/revolution, and then the earth rotations and revolutions which creates seasons. 

Today in Math we finished up our Mosaics.  Tomorrow we will review for our mixed operations fraction test which is on Thursday.
In ELA we are trying to finally finish Chains, and we continued reading "Eye of the Storm".  We also are spending quality time working on the research project for the Civil War.  Students should be done (or very close to done) with 1 out of 4 topics.
In Science we reviewed weather instruments, seasons, hemispheres, and climate.

In Math we continued with mixed operations for fractions.
In ELA we continued with "Eye of the Storm" menu and our Civil War research project (the major writing grade for the quarter).
In Science we started Weather!

Do you get a newspaper?  Does it have a USA weather map?  Please cut it out and send it in DAILY!  The more the better.

Super Kids day is in TWO weeks!  Do you want to volunteer?  You need to have registered on a wake county public school computer.  Let  me know if you are coming!  

In Math we figured out a puzzle that was mixed operations for fractions.
In ELA we continued to leave Tracks in our Civil War article, we started our Civil War research project, and started reading "Eye of the Storm".
In Social Studies we finished the test, and we will start science tomorrow.

Help send Brassfield’s Odyssey of the Mind to World Finals!

Instead of treating your class to popsicles for Super Kids Day, consider treating them to donuts!

Make your co-workers smile by bringing in donuts and coffee!!

Brassfield’s Aesop Gone Viral team placed 2^nd in both the Regional and NC State tournaments, qualifying them for the World Finals in late May. All profits will help this team raise the $15K needed to get to this prestigious event.

Boxes of yellow sprinkles and blue glazed donuts and 1-lb bags of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee will be for sale during morning carpool and can also be preordered here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SChfsl0nP3UQgwSDnNa0dm8N0twVWmKJANTxbA-6P-s/viewform

Preorders will be delivered to the designated classroom or can be picked up from the car pool area.

$5 per half dozen donuts

$8 per dozen donuts

$8 per 1-lb bag of coffee

Sale is on Friday April 8th

GREEN MIDDLE SCHOOL PLACEMENT CARDS went home today.  If you are not happy with the placement, please fill out a parent waiver form....

http://wake-ms-math.weebly.com/waiver-forms-for-parents.html

and attach it to the green card.  Sign and return all green cards by next Wednesday.

In Math we started mixing up operations for fractions.
In ELA we took our Pioneer Girl test.
In social studies we started our test but didn't finish.

In Math we took the division with fractions test.  Most everyone did very well!

In ELA - crunch time - Menu's were due today.  If your student did not turn it in today, they will spend lunch and recess working on it, until it is done well.

In Social studies - we prepared for the test (open notes) tomorrow.

Don't forget to start watching the Weather!

In math we reviewed dividing fractions.  Test tomorrow.
In ela the menu is due on Tuesday (test Wednesday)
In Social Studies we didn't get as far as I thought, so we will push the test back to Wednesday.

Art Room Supplies Needed:

- baby wipes

- tissues

- rolls of clear scotch tape

Thank you so much!!

Annie Pakes

In math we switched it up...now dividing a fraction by a whole number.
In ela we are finishing up our Prairie girl menu's.
In Social studies we continued learning about the civil war using brainpop videos.

Tomorrow is Saturday school.


If you would like a parent conference, let me know.

Today in Math we continued working on dividing a whole number by a fraction. Tomorrow we will divide a fraction by a whole number.
In ELA we continued working on our interpretive essays.  They are very frustrated with these (they have never had to do this type of essay before).  Encourage them to try (the major writing grade will be the research project they will get next week).  This is more of an introduction to interpretive essays.
In Social Studies we focused on the issues starting the Civil War and how passionate people felt about them.

I think the Social Studies test will be on Monday or Tuesday next week.

In math we started dividing whole numbers by fractions.  We will continue that tomorrow.
In ELA we finally have everyone with a "pre-write" for the interpretive essay.
In Social Studies we went on a webquest for the Underground Railroad (you can find it on my resources tab).

Happy Monday!  In math we reviewed multiplying mixed numbers by  mixed numbers.  TEST TUESDAY.
In ELA we focused on our Civil war novels and writing our interpretive essay.  Pre-writing (bullets, graphic organizer, etc.) should have been started today.
In Social Studies we started our Civil War unit.  Questions of the day..How did we go from a country united (ratification of the constitution) do a country divided, in only 73 years?  We looked at the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights again, to talk about who had rights?   We looked at the Gettysburg Address to see how it compared to the Declaration of Independence.

Today we finished the CASE 21 math and reading portions.
In ELA we read "Pioneer Girl" as a class, and then did a read aloud of Chains
Today in Human and Growth we learned about the boys.  I hope lots of good discussions are happening at home.
NO SCHOOL FRIDAY!

REPORT CARDS WENT HOME TODAY!  Please sign and return the envelope.  You may keep the papers inside.

MIDDLE SCHOOL registration electives were sent home today.  Please sign and return the paper.

Because I was out with my sick son, on Tuesday...tomorrow all students will get back the CASE 21 ELA to review and finish (I think only 5 or 6 students said they were done).  They will then get the opportunity to review answers to the Math CASE 21 before grading it.
The Science test we will not take until review time (and we will use it as a review).

Don't forget that students should be asking you questions every night about puberty.  Yesterday we talked about bathing, deodorant, acne and nutrition. Today we talked about the girls and all the things that change during puberty.  Tomorrow we will talk about boy changes.

In Math we reviewed multiplying mixed numbers by mixed numbers.  Based on last weeks homework, we needed to review.
In ELA we worked on our Pioneer Girl menu's and our interpretive essays.
In Science we started human growth and development.  HOMEWORK is to talk to parents about what we discussed and write down how it felt to talk to a parent about puberty.  Today we discussed what changes occur in girls and boys, and how you cannot control when those changes start.

CASE 21 STARTS TOMORROW!  Go to Sleep!  Eat a good breakfast!

The students started with specials today.  They got to meet the band director from Durant Road Middle school, and talked about what it is like to be in band.  If your child now wants band as an option from the middle school electives form, just send me an email (with the priority number 1-6)
In Math we went over about 30 math word problems.  I asked that they find out if it was + - x or division.
In ELA, we had a "catch-up" day.  I need to grade most everything this weekend.  Report cards go home next week.

 

The kids did great for the sub yesterday!

In math we continued practicing multiplying mixed numbers.
In ELA the kids should have finished the poetry test, but some still are not done.  We started our new menu on Westward expansion to the beginning of the Civil War.
In Science the students were editing the Body Systems paper.

Photo booth pictures are tomorrow.  Props are there, but kids are encouraged to bring "their thing" for the picture.  (horse helmet, basketball etc...)

Early release is tomorrow.  We dismiss at 1:15.

In Math we learned 4 ways to multiply mixed numbers by mixed numbers.  At the end of the lesson I taught them how to change both to improper fractions, multiply and then simplify.
In ELA the poetry menu should have been turned in (I will find out who is missing when  I grade tonight).  We started a new novel study on the Civil War.  And we worked on our letters from our body system to the President of Health and fitness.
In Science we took our test.

DONT FORGET TO GO VOTE!

Today in math we assessed multiplying fractions times fractions and fractions times whole numbers.  I was impressed by the number of students who earned the right to try the level 4.
In ELA we are finishing up the poetry menu's.  They are due tomorrow.  We also had a little science during ELA (that was when the computers were available).  Students continued to work on writing a letter from the perspective of a body system.
In science, we finished filling out the study guide.  Test is tomorrow.

Today in math the kids blocked out a playground using the total area, and an assigned fractional value for each section.
In ELA we reviewed the poetry "test".
In Science we went outside to read in pairs from the textbook...teacher reflection: I need to give more direction for working outside.  It did not go as well as I planned.

Media by Moonlight

You and your family are cordially invited to join us on Tuesday, March 22nd for our SUPERHERO MEDIA BY MOONLIGHT from 5:30 - 8:00pm.

CHICK FIL A will be available via PRE ORDERS ONLY.  We will order a few extras; however, if you are planning for your family to enjoy dinner at Brassfield, a pre-order is required to guarantee availability.

Please email your order to Stacey Knox Motley at papercafe@gmail.com no later than SUNDAY, March 20th.  Stacey will email you an order confirmation upon receipt!  We are offering:
8 count nuggets $3.50
Large Fruit Cup $3.00
Drinks $1.00
2 Cookies $1.00

After you have enjoyed dinner, please join us in the Learning Commons for our Book Fair with a special meet and greet with THE EXCLESIOR LEAGUE (including Spiderman, Wonder Woman, Captain America, Iron Man, Cat Woman and more).

We hope you will also visit ARTOPIA to create a SUPERHERO make and take!

We look forward to see you at the Book Fair!

In math we continued working with multiplying fractions and showing an area model to represent that.  We will have a fun project tomorrow, where the kids will make a playground with set parameters for each area (kiddie park is 1/2 of the park and within the kiddie park 1/3 of it is a splash pad).
We will test multiplying fractions by whole numbers and fractions by fractions on MONDAY.
In ELA I gave the kids a poetry "test".  I wanted a measure of where they are, and what I still need to re-teach them.  It is not a gradebook grade (unless they do fabulously).  The real poetry test will be next  Wednesday.
In Science they are not done with the letter about body systems.  We will continue that on Monday and the Science unit test will be TUESDAY.
I want to wrap up grades by the 18th for the quarter.  I can't believe it is already the end of 3rd quarter!

Today we had a diverse math time...We had a tornado drill, and the students were excellent.  I had a group taking a retest of + and - of fractions.  A group went to AG, and I taught a group how to multiply fractions like we did when we were kids.

In ELA we learned how to compare two stories for setting, plot, problem, solution, images, theme, characters, point of view, perspective, and fantasy (literary) elements.  We also continued to work on our poetry menus.

In Science we started a fun writing assignment.  The kids will choose which body system they want to research.  They will then write a letter as if they are that body system, and describe how to make "themselves" healthy.

If you are collecting money for Jump Rope for Heart, do not send in cash. Please make a check payable to the "American Heart Association".

Today in math we investigated multiplying fractions by whole numbers.
In ELA we continue to create our poems and find figurative language in poetry.
In Science we learned about the respiratory system and started the digestive system.

Welcome back!  In math we started thinking about what happens to our answers when we multiply a whole number by a fraction, a whole number by a mixed number, fractions by fractions, and mixed numbers by mixed numbers.  We practiced doing the multiplication in a calculator.

In ELA we are working hard to finish our Poetry Menu's by Friday.

READ THE HOMEWORK TAB!!!!

In Science we used a stethoscope to listen to our heart beat and our breathing.  We took our blood pressure.  We measured our pulse before, during and after exercise, and we watched video's on blood and the circulatory system. Whew!

ELECTIVE COURSE CHOICE info went home today.

What a great field trip!  Thank you so much for all who helped.
Valentine's celebration will be tomorrow at 12:30.  If you child brings in cards/candy to distribute, make sure they have one for everybody (23 kids).  You may want to consider cards for our specialists/principals/intervention teachers too.
In math (all 10  minutes of it) we reviewed for our test tomorrow.  In ELA (15 minutes) we read poetry (the songs the kids printed) looking for figurative language and theme.
In Science (regular time) we discussed the nervous system.  

An email was sent home about Human growth and Development.  If you did not get it...let me know! I will send you a paper copy.

In Math we continued practicing adding and subtracting fractions. Test will be Friday.

In ELA we took a "break" from the menu and went to the library so EVERYONE could play catch-up.

In Science we focused on Muscles.  Smooth, Cardiac and skeletal muscles.  We talked about muscle memory and atrophy.

Today in math we did enrichment groups for adding and subtracting fractions.
In ELA we continued to work on poetry.
In Science we focused on our skeletal system and our muscular system (kids might ask to use the bathroom scale.)

In Math we took a quick check on adding and subtracting fractions.  Most kids did really well and will start an extention project tomorrow.  Others, who did not do well, will get some love and attention from me and Mrs. Graf tomorrow.
Test on Adding and Subtracting fractions will be on Friday.

In ELA we continued to work on our poetry unit.  Theme, Theme, Theme!!!!  Edit, Edit Edit!!!!

In Science we talked about serving size, the food pyramid, and advertisements that mis-lead us.

FIELD TRIP is on Thursday.  Let's wear our Perrott's Party Animals tee-shirts.

We will have a quiz Monday on adding and subtracting mixed numbers with unlike denominators.
Math Test for adding and subtracting fractions will be Friday.

Valentine’s Day rules:

If you make a card for one person, you have to make it for everyone in our class. 

If you give to one, you must give the same thing to all. 

Bring in a recycled cereal box, decorated as your mailbox.   Or you can bring in a bag.

We will celebrate February 12, 2016 at 12:30.

A list of names was given to the students today.    

Yesterday in math we stepped away from the CMAPP lessons and I taught the kids how to add and subtract fractions the "standard" method (the way you and I learned as kids).  Today We added mixed numbers to the MIX.  Instead of teaching them to regroup and borrow, I am teaching them to change the mixed numbers to improper fractions first.  Then find a common denominator using "skip counting" (multiples), next change them to be equivalent fractions, and finally add or subtract and simplify.

 We have started poetry.  At some point this week I will meet with your child in group, and give them the assignment to bring in lyrics (school appropriate) of his/her favorite song.

In science we made our DNA dogs (showing how the same base DNA code can create very different animals).  Today we talked about cells - which form tissue - which form organs - which form organ systems.  They cut out 4 organ systems and glued them on a stick figure.
The KEY this year in organ systems is how they work together.
The skeletal system makes the blood for the circulatory system.  The skeletal system protects the respiratory/digestive/nervous/circulatory systems.   The respiratory system provides the oxygen for the circulatory system which provides oxygen for everything else.  The muscular/skeletal systems work together for movement...and so on.

In Math we continued working on adding and subtracting fractions using picture models.  Tomorrow, I will show them the standard method.  We did take a quick check (3 questions) to make sure I know, that they know, what they are doing.

In ELA 3 more groups presented the Westward Expansion Projects.  Menu's are due tomorrow.  We will start poetry tomorrow.

In Science we used blocks to talk about genetics through 3 generations.

In math we started adding and subtracting fractions with area models.  (2/5 + 1/4)...Draw 2/5, draw 1/4.  Then divide the 5ths into 4ths, and divide the 4ths into 5ths (creating 20ths - a common denominator) Then count up the shaded portions.  WHEW!

In ELA we started presenting our Westward expansion projects.  The kids seemed surprised that the Fantasy Novel Study Guide is due THIS Friday.  Many of them have a lot of work to do.  We will start poetry on Wednesday (still focusing on THEME).

In SCIENCE we started talking about inherited traits.  We went through a long list of dominant/recessive traits and how they came from your parents.

Saturday School!  
We started our day helping the 1st graders build a community out of paper houses.

We did Math lesson #99.  We took drawings partitioned into different fractions (a rectangle with a blue section 1/2, a red section 1/4, a yellow and an orange section each 1/8).  We looked for the smallest section and how we could cut up the whole rectangle into those sections. (beginning of common denominators).  1/2 = 4/8, 1/4=2/8

We worked on our Westward expansion projects (even had one group present) and our fantasy writing.

We finished the day by reading Chains.

We got a GREAT report from the sub!
Saturday School runs from 9:15 (normal start time) to 12:45pm.  NO FOOD IS SERVED!  Bring a BIG snack.

In Math we continued talking about fractions as a "fair share".  We reviewed changing fractions from mixed numbers to improper (and vice versa)...a  4th grade goal.
In ELA we are continuing our focus on Theme.  The kids took a quick assessment that I was supposed to give last Friday.
In Social studies the kids worked in "family groups" to buy supplies for the Oregon Trail trip.  Great arguments happened!

Whew..short and fast day!
In Math we started lesson 96; which is about dividing up food among 10 people....15 hot dogs, two chip bags, etc..
We then had specials and lunch.
Last, we had our ELA rotations.

The students did very well on the number sequences and graphing test.  Today we started fractions.
In ELA we have now started "The Case of the Runaway Appetite" with all groups.
In Social Studies we talked about Westward expansion.  We watched the brain pop video on Westward expansion and played the OLD Oregon Trail game.  You can play that and lots of other MS DOS games on archive.com.

I love being at school....
In Math we took our number patters/graphing test today.
In ELA we continued working with fantasy, focusing on Themes!
In Social Studies the kids voted for an open notes test today (most did not finish and will finish tomorrow).

In the Wednesday folders....I-denta-kid was TODAY.  If you would still like to do this, that is fine.  I will just send the kids with the track 3 and 4 students (whenever their date is).

I did NOT get called for Jury Duty.  They called numbers 1-85, and I was number 212.
In Math today we reviewed creating sequences and graphing them.  We added 3rd quarter math to our binders!
In ELA we started reading 'Case of the Runaway Appetite' and continued working on our Fantasy writing.
In Social studies we started our talk on Westward Expansion.  We compared maps from the Revolutionary war to present day, and "wondered" how did we get all that land from Spain and France?

MATH TEST - tomorrow
SOCIAL STUDIES TEST - planned for tomorrow, but we will play it by ear....maybe Thursday.

Today we continued making function charts and graphing them.  Today we added graphing with the fraction 1/2.
In ELA we spent a solid hour writing our children's fantasy books.
In Social studies we started presenting our 5 amendments the aliens are allowing us to keep.

Don't Forget!  Tomorrow (Friday) is an early release day!  Dismissal is at 1:15.

In math we continued working with sequencing numbers using functions (add 4) and graphing them.  Today we added comparing the x and y, and creating a rule (y is 3 times bigger than x) that fits for all the ordered pairs.

In ELA the kids worked so hard creating a board game!  We will go to the media center Thursday to use the computers for our fantasy kids book we are creating.

In Social Studies we finished going over the Bill of Rights, and started a mini project where the kids have to give up 5 rights, and argue which ones to keep.

DON'T FORGET YOUR PICTURE FOR SPANISH!!!!!  It will be glued, so make it one that is replaceable.

In Math we continued to create graphs for function tables.  We focused on the intervals needed for the x and y coordinates.  (If the x values only go 1-10, then we can space out the numbers by skipping lines) (If the y values go from 1-250, then we need to count by 10's for each line).

In ELA we learned about how a character reacts to a situation can tell you a lot about the kind of person he/she is.

In Social studies we started the Bill of Rights.  We talked a lot about self -defense (the kids were asking questions about what is considered self-defense).  I told them that they are allowed to show force IF it is an act of escape.  If force is showed in retaliation or aggression, then it is not considered self-defense and the second party is also guilty and will be suspended/expelled.  (Using wake county guidelines).  The kids were very concerned about this.

In Math we started the Functions and Graphing unit.  Kids will have to be able to create a data table, create a graph (decide which data point is the constant X, decide how to space out the data, graph the data).
For example:  Josh and Jess picked apples every day for 5 days.  Josh picked 3 apples per day and Jess picked 3 apples per day.  How many apples did John have at the end of 5 days and how many did Jess have?
The days would be the constant (same for both kids) The X value.  The apples picked would be the Y value.  Two lines would be on the graph.

In ELA kids worked hard on writing and the Constitution Board Games.
In Social Studies the students learned about the three branches of government, and played a game claiming powers belonging to the branch assigned.

CASE 21 scores went home today!

In math we took the Order of operations test.  The kids were not happy when I gave them a pre-test for quarter 3, but most of them realized that they need to pay very close attention during this quarter.

In ELA - we spent a big chunk of time in the library creating our children's fiction book.

In Social studies most groups finished creating a flyer for a Constitution Article.

In Math, we spent the day in review, and learning to compare equations without solving....3x(3+3) would be greater than 2x(2+3).
TEST FRIDAY
In ELA we continued working on our fantasy children's books and reading fantasy stories.
In Social studies we learned that the Constitution has a Preamble and 7 articles.  Kids are researching one article in groups.

I got the Case 21 reading and math scores today after school.  I hope to send home results tomorrow.

In MATH - we deciphered written expressions for order of operations, and wrote written expressions from numerical expressions....The sum of 4 and 5 multiplied by 7.  (4+5)x7
In ELA - we continue to learn fantasy elements, and are finding them in text and applying them in writing a children's picture book.
In Social studies we deciphered the preamble to the constitution today.

We the People, of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Citizens of the US, in order to make (create) a better government, guarantee fairness, Make our country peaceful, protect all states, help take care of citizens, to protect our hard earned freedom, the people give power to the Constitution.

So PROUD! 

Today in the Wednesday folders, Student assignment papers went home.  If you are not happy with the middle school listed, you will have to go through the transfer process listed on that yellow paper.  

Welcome back!

In math we introduced Parenthesis, Brackets and braces into the PEMDAS Order of Operations.
In ELA we talked about the difference between Fantasy and Fiction.  We had a long talk about how some things used to be fantasy, but are now reality (like Hoverboards and self driving cars).  So, I made a "big boo boo" today.  I was trying to find a video (in the spur of the moment) that showed Back to the future items that are now reality.  In doing so, a bad word came up.  I apologize.
In Social studies we shared ideas about what is democracy and we learned about the articles of confederation.