Classroom A204

Summer is Over...

2009-09-09T21:38:00.000-07:00

Now tell us, how is middle school???

First grade at Leschi was very fun today, but I do miss having my grown up students in the classroom. The 5 and 6 year olds are so small! I hope you all are enjoying all that middle school has to offer!

Summer

2009-06-16T07:13:00.001-07:00

Stop by over summer and tell us what you have been up to! Did you end up volunteering anywhere? Did you go to a really fun camp? What's the best book you read?

This summer I'm getting married and you can see what I'm up to at my wedding blog.

I'll also post pictures from our art project and graduation, but I'll make sure this post stays at the top. I will miss you all this summer and wish you all the best as you go to middle school! Email me at missholck@gmail.com anytime!

Aug. 18 update from Ms. Holck: I hope you all are having a wonderful summer! Mine had been eventful. I got married, so now, I'm Mrs. Deisler also, today I got a job. I will be teaching first graders at Leschi Elementary just a bit north of Emerson. What are you up to?

Art!

2009-06-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

This is long overdue. I miss you all and I'm very proud of the artwork you made. I'll give it to Hope Place shortly and as promised, I won't post anything above the summer post. Keep updating us on what you're up to!

I'll be moving in a couple weeks to a new place in Seattle. Also, I'm still on the job hunt, who knows, maybe I'll be your teacher next year!

Friday's Daily Report

2009-06-15T09:31:00.000-07:00

Friday, students:

Wrote letters to teachers to say goodbye.

Practiced for the graduation ceremony.

Had a guest speaker: Mr. Madden.

He talked about his experiences volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and Big Brothers & Big Sisters.

Then he had students draw a picture of themselves volunteering. Students thought about how they could volunteer to pursue a career they are interested in. Mr. Madden even brought nice paper and new crayons!
Here he is showing Ryshel's picture of her teaching basketball.

And Alrick and Ahijah's picture of them teaching dance at Hope Place.

Students also got free books at RIF!

Thursday's Daily Report

2009-06-11T20:30:00.001-07:00

Today, students:

Wrote about the quote: "Justice is what love looks like in public"

Did some writing.

Edited their poems for our service project.

Made plans for their artwork.

Began to rip up tissue paper and magazines for the artwork.

Typed up their poetry or went to Ashia Circle.

Sanded the boards we'll use for the art.
(Video by Ahijah)

Images to come!

Due Friday:
1. Big picture for spelling
2. Reading log
3. Bring all the pieces you want for your artwork.

Getting Wood for Art

2009-06-11T07:29:00.000-07:00

I went to Lowe's to get the wood we need for our art project/service project.

The piece was 4ft by 9 ft.

How big is each square if we needed at least 30 pieces?

Wednesday's Daily Report

2009-06-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, Students,

dressed like Urcle from Family Matters, and wrote about what it would be like if he visited our classroom,

rehearsed for graduation,

and did self evaluations of their CBA essays.

When we returned to class after lunch, students looked at sample collages,

brainstormed ideas for their poems,

then they wrote their poems for their service project.

We finished our day helping our buddies in Mrs. Lam's second grade class.

Then we all enjoyed a little sunshine playing basketball

or clapping.

Here's two very similar twins from yesterday's spirit day.

HW due Thursday:

Spelling: crazies
Reading Log (get creative!)
Finish your poems

Sample Collages

2009-06-10T10:05:00.000-07:00

Tuesday's Daily Report

2009-06-09T18:24:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, students:

Wrote in their journals about how they would like to volunteer in the community,

had the last math vitamins with Mr. Evans and Mr. Nick,
received awards from Ms. Allegra,

made fruit parfait and kabobs thanks to Ms. Allegra,

and did community service after our nutrition party (this was the students' idea!).

gloves=clean

Here's the whole class.

Afterward, our guest teacher, Ms. Boeger awarded the class time to play kickball.

HW due tomorrow:
1. Reading Log/novel
2. Spelling story
3. Essay

Spelling Words

2009-06-09T10:29:00.000-07:00

Honesty
Integrity
Fairness
Perseverance
Trustworthiness
Compassion
Self-Discipline
Respect
Responsibility
Friendship
Citizenship
Character
Generosity

Monday's Daily Report

2009-06-08T20:54:00.000-07:00

Monday, students:

Road a bus about 30 miles north to Golden Gardens.

Where they played in the water.

And had a picnic with friends.

What was your favorite part about today's field trip?

HW due tomorrow:
1. Reading Log
2. Work on your essay.

Friday's Daily Report

2009-06-07T17:46:00.001-07:00

Students:

Wrote in their journals.

Took their math tests.

Started their CBA: You Decide essay.

Studied tide pools to prepare for the Golden Gardens field trip on Monday.

Thursday's Daily Report

2009-06-04T17:59:00.000-07:00

Thursday, students:

Either went to Family Fun Center with Ms. Hutchinson, or stayed in the classroom.

After everyone returned, they tried out different types of food.

For each food, they stamped a paper to say if they liked it or not.

Then they did some classwork. Some students helped prepare our bulletin board about our service project.

Here's the beginning of our work that will be displayed in the hallway.

Reminder: Bring in $ for the book fair tomorrow if you would like to buy some books.

Wednesday's Daily Report

2009-06-03T21:19:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, students

Wrote in their journals about how they could help people who are homeless.

Went to PCP and Library.

Reviewed math for the unit 9 test.

Talked about ROF to prepare for the end of the unit CBA.

Met Ms. Martin from Union Gospel Mission's Hope Place.

Here's what the homework calendar looks like so far this week.

Hope Place Blank walls

2009-06-02T22:48:00.000-07:00

Tuesday's Daily Report

2009-06-02T17:10:00.000-07:00

Students began the rehearsal for their graduation ceremony.

We had a special guest, Kenny, from the Seattle Children's Theater.

We stood in a circle,

and played a clapping game.

Believe it or not, this was controlled chaos.

We continued our day of special guests with Mr. Evans and Mr. Nick from UW.

Here's some of the posters students made when they found out about the taxation of their businesses in Colonial Boston.

Students also had nutrition Ms. Allegra and got their new spelling words.

Spelling Words

2009-06-02T09:50:00.001-07:00

treasure

culture

creature

future

adventure

moisture

lecture

pasture

measure

feature

furniture

pleasure

mixture

leisure

texture

HW due Wednesday

2009-06-01T21:54:00.000-07:00

1. spelling boxes
2. reading log
3. math volume worksheet

* yearbook designs
* bring in magazines for our art project

Monday's Daily Report

2009-06-01T21:47:00.000-07:00

Monday, students:

(click photos to see larger)

Got up early to go take the Tilicum Village tour boat,

boarded a cruise boat, played bingo as they learned about Seattle,

watched native dances, learned how they cooked salmon, then ate salmon,

made eagle masks,

toured the boat and took pictures with friends,

walked around Seattle as we waited for our bus. Thank you chaperons for joining us!

HW due Tuesday

2009-05-31T21:02:00.000-07:00

1. Reading Log This assignment has been canceled! Take the night off.

*Bring in old magazines
*Yearbook designs are due Wednesday

Extra Credit Opportunities

2009-05-31T20:58:00.000-07:00

Math:
• Do worksheet 9.6. Find the area of the shaded parts on the front side. On the back, shade in the boxes with your own design, then show your work on the lined space to find the area. Earn up to 5 extra credit points.

Science:
• Design an experiment you can do at home. Include the materials and procedure. Don’t forget the controlled and the manipulated variable. Earn up to 5 points for a designed experiment. Do the experiment at home and write up a Big Four response for 10 more points. (What did you do, what did you wonder, what did you learn, what will you do next).

Poetry:
• Write a song or poem with at least 100 words. After I check it, perform the song or recite the poem for the class for up to 5 extra credit points.

Art:
• Design a cover for our yearbook. This is due by Wednesday 6/3. Earn up to 3 points.

Other:
• Make a timeline of your life starting at age 5 and ending at age 15. What did you do in the past? What will be in the future? Include at least 25 events. Earn up to 10 extra points.

• Old extra credit assignments will be accepted through Friday, 6/5.
• All assignments are due by 6/10.

Friday's Daily Report

2009-05-31T18:39:00.000-07:00

Friday, students:

Wrote in their journals about native people from Washington,

took a spelling test,

used cubes to practice finding the volume of figures,

talked about the Boston Tea Party,

thought about the relationship of freedom and responsibility,

and went to the Talent Show!
Here's Mr. Thomas playing the keyboard and running the show (alongside Ms. Manzine).

Jayonta (top) and Nigel played the drums for a few of the acts. Ta'Vion operated the curtain.

Ahijah and Alrick did a dance off.

HW due Monday

2009-05-31T18:38:00.001-07:00

1. Reading Log
2. Math: find the volume of a rectangular prism. Show your work and either bring in the item or draw a sketch of it. Don't forget to use units!

Thursday's Daily Report

2009-05-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

Today, students:

Wrote in their journals about their characters in Boston.

Learned about how to find the volume of rectangular prisms.

Found out that Britain decided to tax tea.

Did a poetry center.

Learned how to figure draw in art.

HW due Thursday

2009-05-27T21:48:00.001-07:00

1. spelling boxes (first 12 words)
2. reading log
3. math worksheet
4. finish your letter for ROF

* edited 6/31 (Thanks, Michael)

Wednsday's Daily Report

2009-05-27T21:19:00.000-07:00

Today:

Students wrote about how they have changed since first grade.

Reviewed definitions of spelling words.

Figured out how to find the area of triangles and quadrilaterals using formulas.

Found out what happened in Boston as a response to the arrival of the British ships.

Visualized the characters in our read aloud book.

Reminders:
* Be at school at 8:00 on Monday so you don't miss the bus for the field trip to Tillicum Village.
* Bring in old magazines for our art project.

Tuesday's Daily Report

2009-05-26T20:56:00.000-07:00

Students:

Filled out two surveys: one about middle school fears and one about their experience at Emerson.

Worked with their table-mates to get the definitions of their spelling words.

Did Math Vitamins with our guests from UW.

Experienced the arrival of British troops in Boston.

Did poetry centers.

HW due Wednesday

2009-05-26T20:51:00.000-07:00

Spelling: crazy letters (all 15)
Reading: log
Math: journal page 313-314, unfinished vitamin

Reminders:
* Be at school by 8:15 on Monday 6/1 to catch our bus to Tillicum Village

Spelling Words

2009-05-26T07:19:00.000-07:00

delicious
nutritious
tremendous
courteous
industrious
numerous
generous
courageous
anonymous
outrageous
ridiculous
various
virtuous
marvelous
hilarious

* revised 5/26 at 8:50 P.M.

Friday's Daily Report

2009-05-22T20:47:00.000-07:00

Today, Students:

Wrote about people who are in the military in their journals.

Took spelling tests using their math vocab words.

Researched how to find the area of non-rectangular figures such as triangles and quadrilaterals.

Helped each other do math work.

Began a discussion about Loyalists and Patriots.

Did poetry centers. Alrick looks out a window to make observations.

DaKirra and Jenny look at pictures from around the world for inspiration.

Wowee! Today was great and everyone got to go outside with the orange team who originally earned 20 points.

We finished the day discussing our data observations and looking at the blog.

Reminder! No school on Monday!

Friday Journal

2009-05-22T07:16:00.000-07:00

Do you know anyone who died while in the military service?

Honor them on Memorial Day, May 25, 2009

Thursday's Daily Report

2009-05-21T18:57:00.001-07:00

Today, students:

Wrote in their journals about art.

Learned about the British taxing the colonists. Each business made a list of supplies they would need and found out how many pounds, shillings, and pence they would owe Britain for the taxation.

Students then had a chance to express their feelings and make a plan of action about what they would do next.

We had a surprise visit from the governor of Massachusetts at the time, Mr. Thomas Hutchinson.

He informed the students that a mob sacked his home. He also expressed his concerns as well as his loyalty to Britain.

After lunch, Ms. Allegra come by to help the students garden. Some students got to take home plants.

Stanley drew a sketch of his plants while students had choice time.

HW due Monday:
1. Reading log
2. Math: worksheet
3. RoF: letter

Reminders:
•No school on Monday for Memorial Day.
• Students are to wear their school uniforms.

Thursday Journal

2009-05-21T06:21:00.000-07:00

What's your favorite type of art?

Wednsday's Daily Report

2009-05-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

Today, students:

Gave presentations about daily life in Colonial Boston.

Dr. McGuire, who created this curriculum made a special visit to meet the kids and see what they have been working on in the Responsibility of Freedom unit. See her storypath webpage here.

Afterwards, students filled out self assessments about their work.

Then they prepared for our poetry centers that will start tomorrow.

After lunch students added to our data collection chart and went home.

Teachers stayed at school to discuss a year long plan for writing.

HW due Friday:
1. spelling: crazies
2. reading: log
3. ROF: protest (letter or poster)

Tuesday's Daily Report

2009-05-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

Today, students:

Wrote about their families in their journals.

Turned in their scrolls.

These scrolls have their published research reports about Daily Life in Boston. I like how even if they got weathered when students took them home, it actually added to the 1765 look we were trying to achieve.

They look very nice lined up in the front of the room.

Next we did math. Today we discussed area and perimeter.

Students did quick research using their student reference books. They shared two important facts with their tables, then shared with the class to make sure we had good notes about area.

Mr. Evans and Ms. Katherine visited to continue the math conversation about energy.

After lunch, students had time to prepare for their presentations about Daily Life in Boston.

We finished the day passing back work and preparing for homework.

Here's a picture of the class time line we made earlier this year. It includes ten events from each person's history.

We have started a poetry unit. Here is the space where we will add our thoughts. This quick and fun unit will include a lot of individualized centers where students will play with words. At the end of this unit, we will do a big project including a poem and a piece of art.

HW due Thursday:

1. Plot spelling words
2. reading log
3. Bring in a published poem

Reminders
• No school on Monday, it's Memorial Day.

Spelling Words

2009-05-19T20:06:00.000-07:00

axis
horizontal
vertical
coordinate grid
negative
positive
reflection
transformation
figure
ordered pair

Tuesday Journal

2009-05-19T06:23:00.000-07:00

smithsonian

What do you and your family like to do together?

Monday's Daily Report

2009-05-18T22:44:00.001-07:00

students:

Did a lesson in math plotting translations and reflections.

Brainstormed words used in colonial times to enhance their research reports.

Revised, edited, and published their reports on a scroll of paper.

Began the book, Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate

First we read quotes from the book and made predictions.

Then I read three of the first parts and we made new predictions.

We ended the day watching the Vancouver Concert Band.

HW due Wednesday:
1. spelling boxes
2. reading log
3. Prepare your presentation for tomorrow. Bring in props and costumes.

Reminder!
• The Birds and the Bees family night is tonight (Tuesday) from 6-8.
• Wednesday morning, Dr. McGuire will visit.
• Wednesday afternoon is early dismissal after lunch.

Monday Journal

2009-05-18T06:26:00.000-07:00

flickr

What's the hardest thing you've ever had to do?

Friday's Daily Report

2009-05-17T22:08:00.001-07:00

Students:

Wrote about their favorite hobbies and shared their interests with our new student.

Blue team caught up with the yellow team and got to go outside.

We had a math lesson and did math centers after our spelling test and picture retakes.

Some students had a hard time getting started on their research projects. We must remember to problem solve and try in A204. For those students who were able to finish their rough drafts over the weekend, I congratulate you on your efforts.

We had an emergency evacuation, and Ahijah pretended to break her leg. Our school is prepared.

We collected data about daily interruptions this week.

Look at those peas go!

HW due on Tuesday:
1. Spelling: Using all ten spelling words, write out how to plot a figure, then how to plot a translation and a reflection.
2. Reading log
3. Math: worksheet 261,264
4. ROF: Finish publishing your research paper
5. Poetry: bring published poem to class on Thursday

Thursday's Daily Report

2009-05-14T21:20:00.000-07:00

Students:

Had a class meeting.

Took a spring math assessment.

Researched their topics for their Responsibility of Freedom "Life in Boston" report.

HW due Monday:

Reading log
Draft of your research report that was revised and edited by an adult.
Math worksheet.

Wednsday's Daily Report

2009-05-13T21:46:00.000-07:00

Today students:

Visited several classrooms.

Learned about plotting figures.

Got in some good reading.

Met with their 2nd grade buddies.

HW due Friday:
Reading: log
Spelling: write backwards, then forwards (all 10)
Math: worksheet
ROF: finish research grid

Tuesday's Daily Report

2009-05-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

Students:

Took a PE written test.

Started the Geometry Unit.

Things students know about geometry.

Our Geometry Vocabulary.

Did math centers.

Did math vitamins with Mr. Nick and Mr. Evans from UW.

Made Colonial Stew with Ms. Allegra.

Started brainstorming ideas for their Responsibility of Freedom research papers.

Tomorrow:

Ms. Nielson will visit.
We'll get ready to research.
We'll read with our second grader friends.

HW due Wednesday:

reading log
spelling lines
math worksheet
gather research for your ROF report

ROF: food

2009-05-11T20:14:00.000-07:00

Here's our recipe for Colonial Stew (vegetarian)

Ingredients
2 Potatoes
2 Tomatoes
Many small Carrots
1 Cup of peas
1 Cup of corn
1 Cup of beans
5 Celery stalks
5 Cups water
3 Cloves garlic, minced
Pepper and salt to taste

Preparation
In a soup pot, mix together all vegetables. Then add salt and pepper to taste. Add water. Then add meat, reduce the heat. Allow it to simmer over low heat for about one hour.

More details:
Lifestyle in the Colonial times was different from what we do today. Food, for instance, was prepared using a cooking style quite unlike that of today. The Colonial people used the same knife that they used for cutting the wood to cut vegetables and meat. It took quite a long time for cooking, and there were no grocery shops. Cheese and butter were made at home. People in the Colonial times loved corn. They also ate lots of vegetables and fruits. People living by the sea used to eat clams, lobsters and other seafood. They used to drink milk, beer and cider made from apples and pears. In Colonial times, recipes were known as receipts. Flavoring in Colonial baking included rose water, molasses, coconut, almonds, lemon and Caraway seeds. Spices were dried by the fire, then powdered and sifted before use. Take a look at some delightful food recipes from the Colonial times, and try them out this weekend.

Taken from Buzzle.com

Hw due Tuesday

2009-05-11T19:52:00.001-07:00

See your child's new HW calendar!

1. Spelling words crazy style
2. reading log
3. Get Ahead: ROF research
* No math because we took a test.

Reminders:
* Turn in your permission slips for the field trips and the Birds and the Bees night
* Picture retake is Friday!

Monday's Daily Report

2009-05-11T19:28:00.000-07:00

Today, students:

Went to Monday Morning Meeting.

Took a spelling pretest.

Reviewed the Unit 8 math test.

Did math centers.

Playdoh: 2-d shape review

Game: Hidden Treasure (like battleship)

Finished making their characters for our storypath. Then they presented their Colonial Boston Family to the class.

Coming up tomorrow:

District math test.
Math Vitamins
Colonial Food with Ms. Allegra

Spelling Words

2009-05-10T22:45:00.000-07:00

rhyme
pattern
stanza
exaggeration
personification
voice
association
expression
description
rhythm

These words are for our poetry unit.

HW due on Tuesday

2009-05-10T22:43:00.000-07:00

1. spelling: words in alphabetical order
2. Reading Log
3. Math: fix mistakes from math test.
4. math: master 255 CANCELLED
5. ROF: finish friendly letter

Friday's Daily Report

2009-05-10T22:41:00.001-07:00

Students:

Took their spelling test.

Took the Unit 8 math test.

Made gifts for their mothers or important person of their choice.

Went to an assembly about our carbon footprint.

Math Centers

2009-05-10T22:22:00.000-07:00

Centers: Game: hidden treasure srb 319, jor 293, factor trees, playdoh: 2-d figures: journal 306 & worksheet

Game: Hidden Treasure

Use Student Reference Book page 319 and Journal pg. 293. Play with people at your own table unless you have permission.

Worksheet: Factor Trees

Practice making Factor Trees on blank paper. Use a die two times to find out what number to work with. Do at least 5 factor trees.

Playdoh: 2-d Figures

Do journal page 306.
Next, use your table's playdoh to make the shapes on the worksheet. Clean it when your done so it can be reused.

Done Early?

Journal 299, 303, 307
Challenge: journal 294

Exit Ticket

What did you learn during centers today?

HW due Monday

2009-05-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

1. Spelling words you got wrong 10 times.
2. Reading log.
3. Math: break

HW due on Friday

2009-05-06T21:32:00.000-07:00

1. Make one full page picture using images that illustrate your spelling words.
2. Reading Log with quote.
3. Study for the math test and bring back your corrected worksheet.
4. ***Bring in your favorite recipe***(or post it in a comment on the blog)

Reminders:

Math test is tomorrow.
Bring back your birds and the bees permission slips.

Wednsday's Daily Report

2009-05-06T21:19:00.000-07:00

Today, students:

Wrote a letter about a small moment that was meaningful to a teacher of their choice.

Took their mid-week spelling tests.

Learned how to divide using fractions by doing common denominator division.

Started making characters for our Storypath of Colonial Boston (below).

Met up with their second grade buddies to finish their poems.

ROF: characters

2009-05-06T15:22:00.001-07:00

1. What jobs might certain family members do?

· Women and girls

a. Serve food

b. Laundry

c. Wash dishes

d. Clean

e. Cook

f. Iron

· Men and boys

a. Build

b. Work in the business

c. Chop wood

d. Manage money (did they have money?)

e. Take care of animals

What words describe personality?

· Funny

· classy

· inspirational

· loving

· shy

What leisure activities might people be involved in?

· going to the pub/hanging out with friends

· horse racing

· carpentry: build things

· games: lawn bowling (?), cards, dice, billiards (pool)

· dancing

· storytelling

· hunting

What interesting past experiences might your characters have had?

· Bit by a dog

· Practicing horseback riding

· Fell off a horse and broke both of their arms

· Both parents passed away because they were sick

· Mother was injured by a horse

· Father died (ran over by a horse)

· Coming from Britain to live in Boston

· Birth of a new baby

· How a person became a merchant/business worker

HW due Thursday

2009-05-05T21:22:00.000-07:00

1. Spelling words in a story.
2. Reading Log.
3. Math worksheet (study for test)
4. ROF research

Reminders:

Turn in your birds and bees permission slips.
It's teacher appreciation week!

Tuesday's Daily Report

2009-05-05T21:09:00.000-07:00

Today, students:

Wrote in their journals about Colonial Boston.

Turned in their homework and went over the spelling words. Here's some samples of homework. Find the spelling error, comment, and earn a point for your table.

Ms. Mundell joined us for math. We looked at finding the whole when we know the parts. Ahijah used counters.

In math centers, we're practicing writing to explain how to do math. Here's some useful words:

We reviewed the books that our librarian found for our Social Studies unit.

Here's the books selection.

Wow, look at those peas grow!

HW due Wednesday

2009-05-04T21:21:00.000-07:00

1. Crazy spelling
2. Reading log
3. Math journal pages 282 and 284
4. The ROF job survey

Reminders:
Turn in your permission slips for "The Birds and the Bees" night.
Math test is on Friday!

Math Lesson

2009-05-04T17:09:00.001-07:00

1/4 a cup of pistachios

The pistachios that were in the 1/4 of a cup.

How many pistachios are there in a cup? How do you know?

Monday's Daily Report

2009-05-04T16:56:00.000-07:00

Today, students:

Wrote about a need in the community that concerns them. We'll be planning on a service project.

Went to the Monday Morning Meeting.

Took the spelling pre-test.

Read If. See the poem here.

Made a chart to see who's doing homework. Great suggestion, Ryshel!

Learned about using percentages to find amounts.

Did math centers.

Finished their businesses.

Math Centers

2009-05-04T16:27:00.000-07:00

Writing

Use the prompt on the colored paper. (This will be reused)
Write out your responses on lined paper.
Use words from the math word wall and underline them.
You will be graded if your answers use word wall words, use details, and correctly explain how to solve the problems.
This is an independent activity.

Improper Fraction Math

Do the worksheet.
Show your work.
You may work quietly with others sitting at your table.

Fraction Build It

Use the cards in your box and the printed game board.
See page 300 in your reference book for directions.
Play with someone at your table unless you have permission to play with someone else.

Done early?

Finished pages in your journal up what we did in class today.
Do any math boxes in unit 8 (pages 249 to 290)

Spelling Words

2009-05-04T08:04:00.000-07:00

Freedom
Responsibility
Extended Family
Independence
Poetry
Accountability
Service
Communication
Listening
Character

HW due on Tuesday

2009-05-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

1. spelling: boxes
2. Reading Log
3. Math: master 238
4. ROF: mindmap

Reminders:

Talent show permission slips are due on Tuesday
Math test is on Friday

Friday's Daily Report

2009-05-03T20:31:00.000-07:00

Today students:

Wrote about how they would spend $100. Many would shop for clothes or shoes, many would shop for friends and family members, and many would save their money.

Went to music class.

Took the spelling test. Not everyone passed, so Mr. Wong doesn't have to shave his head!

Practiced fractions and did math centers.

Wrote acrostic poems and played with the second graders in Mrs. Lam's class.

Worked on the businesses for our Colonial Boston.

And analyzed that data we collected from table points earned this week.

HW due on Monday:

Math worksheet
Responsibility of Freedom observations
Reading Log
Spelling words you got wrong 10x's.

***Talent show permission slips are due on Tuesday!

Game of the Week: 1

2009-04-30T18:41:00.000-07:00

http://www.coolmath-games.com/0-bloxorz/index.html

Thanks for the suggestion, Fahad!

Thursday's Daily Report

2009-04-30T18:35:00.000-07:00

Today we:

Had tech, pe and music!

Reviewed how to change mixed numbers into fractions.

Sat on the steps outside of school and finished our book.

Planned our businesses for our colonial town.

HW that is due tomorrow:

Reading Log
Spelling words in a big picture
Math worksheet
Boston vs. Seattle half worksheet (as below)

And, our winner this week (with new teams) was PURPLE! Great job earning 17 points, and yes, here's the purple picture of the class, as promised.

Wednsday's Daily Report

2009-04-29T21:47:00.000-07:00

Today we:

Wrote out three questions each for Mr. Obama.

Went to Library.

Took our Spelling Tests.

Practiced Math. In centers, students

played fractions spin (to multiply fractions)

and used playdoh to practice equivalent fractions.

We also played hot corners on the playground using fractions.

After lunch we brainstormed all the characters in our read aloud.

Then, we stopped the read aloud because some students were making it difficult to enjoy the story. Hopefully, we'll finish tomorrow.

Last, we started our new unit, The Responsibility of Freedom by discussing Colonial Boston

and beginning to make our Frieze.

Below is an image of our garden that was made with Ms. Allegra.

Pictures of Colonial Life

2009-04-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

http://www.city-data.com/picfilesc/picc46146.php

http://www.lordfletchers.com/thewharf.asp

http://www.custom-home-quote.com/colonial-homes-pictures.html

http://www.fourseasonswindows.com/html/accents.html

http://www.longislandphotoblog.com/category/stony-brook/

http://www.walkingboston.com/history/

HW due on Thursday

2009-04-28T20:29:00.000-07:00

1. Use all spelling words in a short story.
2. Reading Log.
3. Boston vs. Seattle
4. Math worksheet

Reminders:
* Return your parent info slips. First team to get them all in gets 3 points!

Tuesday's Daily Report

2009-04-28T20:15:00.000-07:00

(click pictures to make them bigger)

Today we:

Wrote about the advantages of living in a city.

Practiced our spelling words with playdoh.

Learned how to multiply fractions with whole numbers.

1. I wrote 1/3 x 3 = on the board in green.
2. Students discussed in table groups how to solve the problem.
3. 5 students shared their guesses (as written, #'s 1-5 in green).
4. In purple, we wrote out what the descriptions meant when using numbers and symbols.
5. Students discussed in table groups which approaches worked or didn't work.
6. In blue, we went through each approach discussing why they did or didn't work.

Then, students had did a math vitamin with our guests from UW.

We read two very interesting chapters from our read aloud book. Students discussed connections they have with other books including Wizard of Oz and The Dolly. Tomorrow, we'll finish the book!

Ms. Allegra came at the end of the day and we made a salad with radish, strawberry, peas, spinach, and "class-made" dressing.

What a great day!

HW due on Wednesday

2009-04-27T20:16:00.000-07:00

1. Spelling words in crazy letters.
2. No reading log: Esteem Essay (unless you were not in our group, then reading log)
3. The other side of your math worksheet

Reminders:

Bring in supplies for tomorrow's Frieze.
Info slips from a parent/guardian are due.
Bring in a journal!

Monday's Daily Report

2009-04-27T20:14:00.000-07:00

Students:

Wrote about their communities.
Worked with fractions in math.
Found out what happened to Sarah Ruth.
Took their pre-assessment for our new Social Studies Unit.

Sorry, I forgot my camera today!

What we hope (for our book)

2009-04-27T13:53:00.001-07:00

After reading chapter 21, we hope that:

Neal lets Bryce go

Edward finds a family

Edward will be okay

Bryce finds a home

Sarah Ruth comes back to life

Malone/Edward doesn't die

Bryce is okay

Bryce can pay for food

Edward is buried with Sarah Ruth

Bryce and Edward are successful

Edward will stay with Bryce

HW due on Tuesday

2009-04-26T22:51:00.000-07:00

1. Spelling boxes-all words
2. Reading log (meaningful quote + 2-3 sentences)
3. Math Worksheet
4. Guest Teacher Essay (7 students)

* Bring in a journal or $1 ASAP.
* Return your parent info slips. First team to get them all in gets 3 points!
* Bring any supplies you have for our frieze tomorrow (glue, scissors, magazines, small boxes).

Math Centers

2009-04-26T22:48:00.001-07:00

Fraction Spin: One green spin page per pair and one Fraction Spin worksheet per person.

Journals: Pages 265 and 266. You make work quietly with your group. Don't give each other answers!

Playdoh: Use your playdoh to show equivalent fractions. fill out the 1/2 worksheet independently.

Done early?

Do unfinished math work.
Do pages 263 and 267.
Put the purple fractions in order.
Put the fraction math cards in order.

New Unit!

2009-04-26T22:38:00.000-07:00

Greetings students and families,

Starting April 27, 2009 (today!), the students of A204 will be embarking on a journey back in time as we begin the unit, “The Responsibility of Freedom.” We will be learning about Colonial Boston by creating our own colonial community in our classroom where students will create characters and follow a storyline about the foundation of the United States of America.

This unit is going to last throughout May, and it will truly be fun. We will get to do art projects, creative writing, have a food tasting, special guests and much more as students learn about colonial life and what the responsibility of freedom means.

There will be many opportunities for you to get involved in your student’s learning during this unit. Students will have many take-home assignments where they will have questions to discuss with an adult. There will also be interesting website links on our class blog that correspond with many of the take-home assignments that will be fun to look at if you have Internet access. This is the first take home assignment!

I look forward to hearing from you!
Miss Holck
missholck@gmail.com

Spelling Words

2009-04-26T21:18:00.000-07:00

romseynet

British: the people native to or inhabiting Great Britain

nytimes
citizen: an inhabitant of a city or town, one entitled to its privileges or franchises

visitdc
government: direction of the affairs of a state, community

bizonics
Business: the purchase and sale of goods in an attempt to make a profit

weburbanist

architecture: the character or style of building

starpulse
apprentice: a person who works for another in order to learn a trade

wikipedia
Democracy: a government in which the people rule themselves by electing others to represent them and make laws for them.

americanrevolution

Colonists: people who live in a colony. Colonists usually remain citizens of the parent country.

plazam
Colony: a group of people living in a new territory but keeping ties with the parent country.

euroseen

cyberethiopia

European: of or pertaining to Europe or its inhabitants

British
citizen
government
business
architecture
apprentice
democracy
colonists
colony
European

Definitions from dictionary.com and storypath.

Wednsday's Daily Report

2009-04-22T22:22:00.000-07:00

Today we:

Took the first part of the Reading WASL. Last day of WASL is tomorrow! Make-ups will be next week.
Watched a film about Volcanoes and ate animal crackers during our snack.
Took our spelling tests.
Went to the library.
Did a lesson about inferences while reading more about Edward.
Mrs. Nielson came to visit.
Celebrated Earth Day by doing some sketches! See the lesson here. The guidelines were to fill the page, use shading, and draw what you see.

Here's Winta drawing.

This is what she drew.

Every team had their own still life to look at. The plants came from around my apartment complex. We even listened to Mozart while we drew.

Here's Stanley's.

I put them up in the hall because they were really great. Thanks Ryshel and Ryshun for making our poster.

HW for tomorrow:

Reading log (easy or not)
Write the words you need to practice in a sentence each.

Tuesday's Daily Report

2009-04-21T23:14:00.001-07:00

We finished the science WASL.
Started a chart about who had fun at recess.
Read our book outside, unfortunately, ants joined in as well.
We went over our reading WASL practice test.
Ms. Allegra helped us garden!

There are peas, bok choy, spinach, and lettuce. When will yours germinate?

We found a large carrot, too.

Art: Sketching

2009-04-21T21:47:00.000-07:00

Sketching is drawing vaguely or roughly. Sketching can be used in art or to just get an idea of how something will look. Sketching is used in business, too. Someone might draw a sketch of how a product, building, or other concept might look. Sketching is also a good warm-up for drawing or painting.

Links to drawings:

7 Helpful Tips:

Brainstorm what you will draw.
Start drawing. This may take a while, take your time. You want this to look good and neat, especially if you're presenting your work.
Start with light small strokes with your pencil.
Focus on getting the perfect shape. Always erase and make sure you are content with the first shape. The shape is the foundation of your sketch!
Keep at it! Keep adding details. Start adding inner shapes. Make sure they are to scale.
Always draw lightly. Small strokes with your pencil will ensure that you make your line go the way or the shape you want it.
Show your work and be proud.

Morning Math

2009-04-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

Who has the largest piece of chocolate? Bill has 1/3 of a bar, Sally has 4/6 of a bar, Peter has 9/12 of a bar, Jen has 13/18 of a bar. Show how you know the answer.

HW

2009-04-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

1. Crazy spelling words

2. Reading log

Monday's Daily Report

2009-04-20T22:51:00.001-07:00

To begin learning how to multiply fractions, students were asked to find out how much of each ingredient would me needed to make three batches of playdoh. Then we determined that each student would get 1/9 a batch of playdoh if there were three batches. So, then students found out how much of each ingredient would be needed to make their portion (1/9) of a batch of playdoh using the recipe above.

What better way to visualize what you hear than to make a sculpted masterpiece? Below are the students' creations from today's reading in The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. The marker color represents the team that made the art.

Stanley took "3-D" to the next level using height.

See the vocabulary word?

The playdoh was put in bags so we can continue to use it.

HW for tonight was:

WASL reading practice
Spelling Boxes

Spelling Words

2009-04-19T21:16:00.001-07:00

Acquaintance
Alternative
Condescend
Constellation
Courage
Descend
Dreadful
Duration
Elegant
Emotion
Exhilarated
Ferocious
Genuine
Insistent
Jaunty
Preferable
Oblivion
Tremendous
Surmise
Unison

These words are from our read aloud book.

Friday: Daily Report

2009-04-18T10:47:00.000-07:00

With the guest teacher, students:

Took their spelling test.
Practice subtracting fractions.
Discussed editing and edited their essays.

For homework, students are to write a reading log (the normal way) and write any words they got wrong on the spelling test 10 times.

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday: Daily Report

2009-04-16T21:16:00.001-07:00

I hope you all had a good time with Mr. Wong. I bet you did great on the WASL. I met a lot of principals and school district representatives at the Career fair but I did miss you all.

Notes:

Our table point winners will be celebrated on Monday. This includes our extra recess.
Mr. Wong and I will be meeting with the Grade Level Team to plan all day on Friday. Have a great day with your guest teacher!

Wednsday's Daily Report

2009-04-15T21:31:00.000-07:00

We are now done with the Math part of the WASL. Here's a poster students made to cover up work in the class that could be helpful during the WASL. Tomorrow is the first of two Science Tests. Our Guest Teacher, Ms. Simmons did some practice tests with the students and I went over our assessment from the H2O Flow Zone unit. I think everyone is ready to show all that they have learned this year!

We had a few problems today with being respectful to each other and to the adults in the room. I reminded students that they made up the rules that we all follow in this classroom. Students then signed this poster that we made at the beginning of my stay in this classroom. Everyone is accountable for doing the things on this poster. It is our class contract. I will sign it on Friday.

Here is our data collection for this week. Looks like more kids liked lunch today than yesterday!

I am attending a Career Fair at the Tacoma Dome tomorrow and will not be in school. On Friday, Mr. Wong and I will meet with Ms. Sones to do planning and there will be a guest teacher.

HW

2009-04-14T20:26:00.000-07:00

1. WASL contract
2. Easy Reading Log
3. Spelling: sentences

Tuesday's Daily Report

2009-04-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

We had our first of 6 days of WASL testing today. I was very proud of how hard everyone worked and liked some of the exit responses that said things such as, "I think I did a good job on the WASL" and "I learned that the WASL has stuff that we already know on it." Whew. 1 down and 5 to go! Tomorrow is the other math test.

After the WASL we read a little more about Edward and took notes. Then we found out that most of the students did not like lunch today! After PE, Ms. Allegra came to make Stir Fry with the kids!

HW

2009-04-13T22:51:00.001-07:00

1. WASL contract
2. Easy Reading Log
3. spelling: crazies

Monday's Daily Report

2009-04-13T22:13:00.001-07:00

We read three chapters in our book and focused on making connections with the book and our own lives. Brandon wrote up some of our thoughts.

Ahijah and Ryshun started sharpening the 72 pencils that are needed for the WASL tomorrow.

After reviewing a WASL math practice test. We brainstormed things that will help us answer open response questions in math.

We also made a WASL contract as a class with a list of 8 "reasonable expectations" that each student is responsible for doing each night. Students are to share this with their families to be sure that they are taking care of themselves to be prepared for testing on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Students answered today's journal question: What are ways that you help others at this school? I will read these responses and choose someone to nominate for the Kaplan Humanitarian Award.

HW: Monday

2009-04-12T22:59:00.001-07:00

Since we are taking the WASL, homework will be different for the next two weeks. Tonight your homework is:
1. Spelling boxes - draw each spelling word that you got wrong in a box and write a sentence describing what you drew.
2. Easy reading log- Read for pleasure this week. Rest your brain and enjoy a story of your choice.
3. WASL contract - We'll make this together in class.

Spelling Words

2009-04-12T22:55:00.000-07:00

Babysitting
streambed
trail mix
avoid using
baseball cards
stream
trade
beaker
stopwatch
survey
bends
scratch paper
spinner
clay soil
guess
sandy soil
snack
decomposed
puddles
garden soil

These words will be helpful on the WASL.

Reading Lounge

2009-04-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

Here's our new reading lounge. It's empty! Please bring in anything you'd like to donate such as pillows, books, or other cozy items.

Friday: Daily Report

2009-04-10T17:58:00.000-07:00

Here's the image of the truck that you will find in the previous post. Ryshun, Verline, and Ryshel are shown answering in their journals.

After using triangles, trapezoids, and hexagons in math to practice adding fractions, students brainstormed ways to be motivated and prepared for the WASL. Then they made posters to put up in the room to be sure that we cover anything that could be used for cheating.

We read chapters 9 and 10 of our book about Edward.

Here's Verline, Ahijah, and Ezekial reading their first drafts to prepare for making revisions.

The students brainstormed things to look for when revising a paper. Reading the papers to others first will help students prepare to revise. Above Fahad reads his paper.

We made observations about this week's chart.

Friday Journal

2009-04-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

If you could paint anything such as this truck I saw yesterday on Union St. or maybe a house or tree, what would you paint? What would it look like? Why?

Thurs: Daily Report

2009-04-09T20:41:00.000-07:00

And the Friday morning winner is purple! I will wear purple on Friday. Good job working together this week. Members of the top three teams will earn an extra recess tomorrow afternoon during Choice Literacy.

In Math, we worked more on fractions. We reviewed the homework about adding fractions and tomorrow we will look more into subtracting fractions. Above is our new Math Bulletin Board. Do you see any fractions that are still out of order?

We read chapters 5 and 6 in the Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Winta wrote out some of our predictions.

Students wrote rough drafts of their essay answering, "What is the relationship between my self esteem and the choices I make in life?" See yesterday's post to see lists of attributes of self esteem that we thought of as well as big choices students will face in their lives.

Remember

Your spelling test is tomorrow!
If Mr. Wong returned your check, bring in cash for the field trips.
Bring in your picture order forms.

Fri: HW

2009-04-08T22:16:00.000-07:00

1. Write out the spelling words that you got wrong in bubble letters.
2. Reading Log
3. List 5 things you should do next week to be ready to ace the WASL.
4. LIT: finish your rough draft

* Please use both sides of paper when doing homework. Save the trees!

Wed: Daily Report

2009-04-08T22:03:00.000-07:00

Today, only 7 students turned in homework that was completed correctly. That is about 1/4 or 25% of the class which is unacceptable. The remainder of the students stayed in at recess to finish their work. To assist students, I have made two changes: I will tell students what their homework will be before lunch so the literacy group that leaves will know in advance, and I will always list what is "Due Today" and what will be "Due Tomorrow" on the white board. Furthermore, homework is always posted on the blog. It is each student's responsibility to know what the homework is and to make sure it is complete the following morning.

Students made their journals today and responded to the question: What is your favorite season? Every morning students will do a free write in their journals and every evening they will answer our daily exit question which is: What is one thing you learned today that you will tell an adult after school?

In math we did centers for the first time. We're working with adding, subtracting, and simplifying mixed numbers.

In literacy, we read two more chapters of our book and students wrote down questions that they were wondering while they read. Next we discussed the essay prompt and students brainstormed important choices that they will make in life. In their essays, students will relate attributes of self-esteem and important choices.

Wed: HW

2009-04-07T23:08:00.000-07:00

1. Reading log
2. Draw a picture of each of the spelling words you got wrong. Use labels.
3. Math worksheet practicing adding and subtracting fractions.

Tuesday's Daily Report

2009-04-07T22:59:00.001-07:00

We had our last session of FLASH with Ms. Marci. Today she explained HIV and AIDS.

We found out that the first light switch controls 5/16 of the lights in the room.

In Math Vitamins, students cracked a secret code using fractions and the alphabet.

In the afternoon, students visualized chapter 3 and 4 as I read about Edward Tulane. Above, Ahijah is sharing her image of Abeline and Edward as their grandma tells a story about a princess that turned into a warthog. There is also a picture of the red team's literacy space.

Here's an image of the Queen Mary and a warthog. Is this what you visualized when I read our book today?

Students made a tree map to brainstorm ideas about their essay answering this week's question: What is the relationship between my self-esteem and the choices I make?