Hello! I hope everyone had a good weekend! This is our last full week of school before Winter Break! This will also be the last Weekly Happenings of the semester!
Here's what's happening:
Writing: The students have been drafting their personal narratives. They will work to revise, edit and publish this week! We will celebrate next Monday!
Reading: We are continuing to work on finding the theme. The students will be looking at different genres and comparing texts with similar themes.
Word Study: Their tests are scheduled for Friday, December 16.
Science: We will wrap up our electricity and magnetism unit this week! We will begin the next chapter, which we will continue after break. The next unit covers properties of matter.
Math: The students did great on their division tests! It was not an easy test, so they should all be very proud! We have been working on sequences and patterns this week. They will not be tested on this material.
Important Dates:
12.20 - Winter Parties 2:00-3:00
12.21 - First day of Winter Break
1.4 - School Resumes
Monday, December 12, 2016
Science Stations
The students showed their knowledge of electricity by working in science stations! They tested objects to see if they were insulators or conductors, worked with snap circuits, tested different circuits, and solved a static electricity mystery!
Monday, December 5, 2016
Hello! I hope everyone had a good weekend! I am looking forward to another full week of learning! This is the last week of the Helping Hands Campaign! Please bring in any paper products, cleaning supplies, personal care items, or food items! Thanks!
Here's what's happening:
Writing: The students have begun working on personal narratives! This week the students will choose a small moment idea. They will also begin drafting. We will focus on adding action, detail, dialogue, and inner thinking to bring their stories to life.
Reading: We will are beginning another fiction unit. We will focus on finding the theme. This week we will look at how character's mistakes can help us find the theme. We will also look at how characters changing can give clues to the theme.
Word Study: They got new spelling words today. Their tests are scheduled for Friday, December 16.
Science: We will continue to learn about electricity. The students are working in groups on different stations to show what they know about electricity.
Math: The students will take the division math test on Wednesday. They received the study guide tonight. Please help them study tonight and tomorrow.
Important Dates:
11.28 - 12.2 - Helping Hands Campaign
12.7 - Early Release
12.21 - First day of Winter Break
Here's what's happening:
Writing: The students have begun working on personal narratives! This week the students will choose a small moment idea. They will also begin drafting. We will focus on adding action, detail, dialogue, and inner thinking to bring their stories to life.
Reading: We will are beginning another fiction unit. We will focus on finding the theme. This week we will look at how character's mistakes can help us find the theme. We will also look at how characters changing can give clues to the theme.
Word Study: They got new spelling words today. Their tests are scheduled for Friday, December 16.
Science: We will continue to learn about electricity. The students are working in groups on different stations to show what they know about electricity.
Math: The students will take the division math test on Wednesday. They received the study guide tonight. Please help them study tonight and tomorrow.
Important Dates:
11.28 - 12.2 - Helping Hands Campaign
12.7 - Early Release
12.21 - First day of Winter Break
Door Decorating
The students all helped to get our door decorated! They all have a ton of creativity!
Writing Celebration
The students worked in groups to give out writing awards. We now have a room full of award winning writers!
Monday, November 28, 2016
Weekly Happenings 11/28-12/2
Hello! I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving! I am looking forward to a full week of learning!
Here's what's happening:
Writing: The students will continue drafting their persuasive essays. The essays are due Wednesday. We will begin a personal narrative unit next!
Reading: We will are beginning another fiction unit. We will focus on finding the theme. We will also compare and contrast books with similar themes.
Word Study: They will take their test Tuesday or Wednesday depending on LEAP/Strings schedules.
Science: We will continue to learn about electricity. The students will learn how electric circuits work.
Math: We are still working on long division. I've posted a picture of the chart the students use to learn the process. Feel free to pull this up at home when working on homework. Please continue to practice working on multiplication facts. As of now, our test date is next Wednesday. I will see how the students do with division this week and change the date if necessary.
Important Dates:
11.28 - 12.2 - Helping Hands Campaign
12.7 - Early Release
Here's what's happening:
Writing: The students will continue drafting their persuasive essays. The essays are due Wednesday. We will begin a personal narrative unit next!
Reading: We will are beginning another fiction unit. We will focus on finding the theme. We will also compare and contrast books with similar themes.
Word Study: They will take their test Tuesday or Wednesday depending on LEAP/Strings schedules.
Science: We will continue to learn about electricity. The students will learn how electric circuits work.
Math: We are still working on long division. I've posted a picture of the chart the students use to learn the process. Feel free to pull this up at home when working on homework. Please continue to practice working on multiplication facts. As of now, our test date is next Wednesday. I will see how the students do with division this week and change the date if necessary.
Important Dates:
11.28 - 12.2 - Helping Hands Campaign
12.7 - Early Release
Monday, November 21, 2016
Weekly Happenings 11/21-11/22
Hello! I hope everyone had a good weekend! We have a very short week this week. The students are off November 23-25.
Here's what's happening:
Writing: The students will continue drafting their persuasive essays. The essays are due next Wednesday.
Reading: We will wrap up our non-fiction unit this week! We will move back to fiction after Thanksgiving break.
Word Study: Their test is scheduled for Wednesday, November 29. We have many days off/altered schedules coming up, so this is the earliest we could fit in the test.
Science: We will continue to learn about how static electricity works. Today, we did an experiment which showed the process of static electricity!
Math: We are still plugging away with long division. I've posted a picture of the chart the students use to learn the process. Feel free to pull this up at home when working on homework. Please continue to practice working on multiplication facts.
Important Dates:
11.21-11.22 - Helping Hands: Personal Care Items
11.23-11.24 - Thanksgiving Break: No school!
Here's what's happening:
Writing: The students will continue drafting their persuasive essays. The essays are due next Wednesday.
Reading: We will wrap up our non-fiction unit this week! We will move back to fiction after Thanksgiving break.
Word Study: Their test is scheduled for Wednesday, November 29. We have many days off/altered schedules coming up, so this is the earliest we could fit in the test.
Science: We will continue to learn about how static electricity works. Today, we did an experiment which showed the process of static electricity!
Math: We are still plugging away with long division. I've posted a picture of the chart the students use to learn the process. Feel free to pull this up at home when working on homework. Please continue to practice working on multiplication facts.
Important Dates:
11.21-11.22 - Helping Hands: Personal Care Items
11.23-11.24 - Thanksgiving Break: No school!
Social Studies Review
We played Kahoot to review for the social studies test! The students worked with a partner to correctly guess the right answer for each problem. The team who could answer the fastest and correctly won!
Monday, November 14, 2016
Weekly Happenings
Hello! I hope everyone had a good weekend! I can't wait for a full week of learning!
Here's what's happening:
Writing: The students will be working on developing evidence for their persuasive essays. They will use personal stories, stories from their peers, and quotes.
Reading: The research presentations were amazing! Everyone learned so much about their natural disaster! They will now research a different natural disaster. They will work on comparing and contrasting the two natural disasters.
Word Study: Their test is scheduled for Wednesday, November 29. We have many days off/altered schedules coming up, so this is the earliest we could fit in the test.
Social Studies/Science: We will wrap up chapter 4 this week. Their test will be on Wednesday. They got their study guides today and we will review in class tomorrow. We will move to an electricity unit in science next.
Math: We are moving on to division! It is crucial the students know their math facts. Please encourage them to practice their math facts at home! One way they can practice is to get on Quicktables, which is on the ALEKS programs.
Important Dates:
11.14-11.18 - Helping Hands: Cleaning Supplies
11.18 - Flyer Families: wear their family shirt
11.23-11.24 - Thanksgiving Break: No school!
Here's what's happening:
Writing: The students will be working on developing evidence for their persuasive essays. They will use personal stories, stories from their peers, and quotes.
Reading: The research presentations were amazing! Everyone learned so much about their natural disaster! They will now research a different natural disaster. They will work on comparing and contrasting the two natural disasters.
Word Study: Their test is scheduled for Wednesday, November 29. We have many days off/altered schedules coming up, so this is the earliest we could fit in the test.
Social Studies/Science: We will wrap up chapter 4 this week. Their test will be on Wednesday. They got their study guides today and we will review in class tomorrow. We will move to an electricity unit in science next.
Math: We are moving on to division! It is crucial the students know their math facts. Please encourage them to practice their math facts at home! One way they can practice is to get on Quicktables, which is on the ALEKS programs.
Important Dates:
11.14-11.18 - Helping Hands: Cleaning Supplies
11.18 - Flyer Families: wear their family shirt
11.23-11.24 - Thanksgiving Break: No school!
Natural Disaster Presentations
The students presented the research they found on their natural disaster!
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Weekly Happenings 11/9-11/11
Hello! I hope everyone had a good long weekend! We have a short week of learning this week!
Here's what's happening:
Writing: The students have finished their personal essays! I am blown away by their work! This week we will move on to persuasive essays. They will be developing their thesis statement and supporting reasons.
Reading: The students will work with their research groups on presentations. They will use the information they've researched to create a slideshow presentation. They will present to the class on Friday.
Word Study: Their test is scheduled for Wednesday, November 29. We have many days off/altered schedules coming up, so this is the earliest we could fit in the test.
Social Studies: We've been learning about the Lewis and Clark Expedition! They've learned about all the important contributions that came from their expedition. They will take a social studies test next Wednesday.
Math: We will continue learning about multiplication this week. We will focus on multiplication word problems. Their test is this Friday. Please continue practicing their multiplication facts at home.
Important Dates:
11.9-11.11 - Helping Hands: Paper Products
11.11 - Veteran's Day Assembly 9:00
11.13 - Academic All-Stars
Here's what's happening:
Writing: The students have finished their personal essays! I am blown away by their work! This week we will move on to persuasive essays. They will be developing their thesis statement and supporting reasons.
Reading: The students will work with their research groups on presentations. They will use the information they've researched to create a slideshow presentation. They will present to the class on Friday.
Word Study: Their test is scheduled for Wednesday, November 29. We have many days off/altered schedules coming up, so this is the earliest we could fit in the test.
Social Studies: We've been learning about the Lewis and Clark Expedition! They've learned about all the important contributions that came from their expedition. They will take a social studies test next Wednesday.
Math: We will continue learning about multiplication this week. We will focus on multiplication word problems. Their test is this Friday. Please continue practicing their multiplication facts at home.
Important Dates:
11.9-11.11 - Helping Hands: Paper Products
11.11 - Veteran's Day Assembly 9:00
11.13 - Academic All-Stars
Monday, October 24, 2016
Weekly Happenings 10/24-10/28
Hello! I hope everyone had a good weekend! I look forward to meeting with you at conferences this week!
Here's what's happening this week:
Writing: The students will continue drafting their essays! This week we will focus on adding transition words to our piece. We will also work to write introductions and conclusions for our essays!
Reading: This week we will practice summarizing their non-fiction text! We will work to find the main idea and supporting details which will help when writing the summary.
Word Study: Their test is scheduled for Wednesday, November 2.
Social Studies: The students will learn about the different Native American tribes we had in Missouri. They will spend time comparing and contrasting those tribes. We will have a social studies test Wednesday. They filled out their study guide today.
Math: We will continue learning about multiplication this week. The students will multiply larger digits. We will also work on multiplication word problems. Their test is this Friday. Please continue practicing their multiplication facts at home.
Important Dates:
10.24 - Conference Night 1
10.26 - Conference Night 2
10.31 - Pumpkin Run/Halloween Parties
11.7 - Conference Compensation Day - No School
11.8 - Election Day - No School
Here's what's happening this week:
Writing: The students will continue drafting their essays! This week we will focus on adding transition words to our piece. We will also work to write introductions and conclusions for our essays!
Reading: This week we will practice summarizing their non-fiction text! We will work to find the main idea and supporting details which will help when writing the summary.
Word Study: Their test is scheduled for Wednesday, November 2.
Social Studies: The students will learn about the different Native American tribes we had in Missouri. They will spend time comparing and contrasting those tribes. We will have a social studies test Wednesday. They filled out their study guide today.
Math: We will continue learning about multiplication this week. The students will multiply larger digits. We will also work on multiplication word problems. Their test is this Friday. Please continue practicing their multiplication facts at home.
Important Dates:
10.24 - Conference Night 1
10.26 - Conference Night 2
10.31 - Pumpkin Run/Halloween Parties
11.7 - Conference Compensation Day - No School
11.8 - Election Day - No School
Friday, October 21, 2016
Arcade Game Creations
In library, the students created their own arcade games! Then they helped the first grade students play the games!
Monday, October 17, 2016
Weekly Happenings 10/17-10/21
Hello! I hope everyone had a good weekend! We are officially in the second quarter of school!
Here's what's happening this week:
Writing: We will spend this week gathering evidence for their essays! They will gather a variety of evidence such as lists and stories. We will focus on angling our stories to support their bullet reasons.
Reading: This week the students will work on note taking. We will use text structure, or how the information is organized, to help us find the main idea and supporting details. At home, if your child is reading non-fiction, ask them to tell you the text structure!
Word Study: We will get new words this week! Their test is scheduled for Wednesday, November 2.
Social Studies: The students will learn about the different Native American tribes we had in Missouri. They will spend time comparing and contrasting those tribes. We will have a social studies test next Wednesday. They will have a study guide coming home soon.
Math: We will continue learning about multiplication this week. The students learned the traditional algorithm for multiplying 1-digit numbers by 2-digit numbers. We will expand this knowledge by solving similar problems that require regrouping. Please continue practicing multiplication facts with your child! Their math test will be next Friday.
Important Dates:
10.18 - Field trip to Sheldon
10.19 - Early Release
10.24 - Conference Night 1
10.26 - Conference Night 2
Here's what's happening this week:
Writing: We will spend this week gathering evidence for their essays! They will gather a variety of evidence such as lists and stories. We will focus on angling our stories to support their bullet reasons.
Reading: This week the students will work on note taking. We will use text structure, or how the information is organized, to help us find the main idea and supporting details. At home, if your child is reading non-fiction, ask them to tell you the text structure!
Word Study: We will get new words this week! Their test is scheduled for Wednesday, November 2.
Social Studies: The students will learn about the different Native American tribes we had in Missouri. They will spend time comparing and contrasting those tribes. We will have a social studies test next Wednesday. They will have a study guide coming home soon.
Math: We will continue learning about multiplication this week. The students learned the traditional algorithm for multiplying 1-digit numbers by 2-digit numbers. We will expand this knowledge by solving similar problems that require regrouping. Please continue practicing multiplication facts with your child! Their math test will be next Friday.
Important Dates:
10.18 - Field trip to Sheldon
10.19 - Early Release
10.24 - Conference Night 1
10.26 - Conference Night 2
Missouri Brochures
The students used their knowledge about the Missouri Regions to create a Missouri Region Brochure!
Salt Maps
On Friday, the students painted their salt maps! They painted the five different Missouri Regions. We also drew Missouri's border states. Their maps look amazing!
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Monday, October 10, 2016
Hello! I hope everyone had a good weekend! This will be the last week of 1st quarter! We have a lot of great things going on!
Here's what's happening this week:
Writing: The students have chosen their thesis statements (opinions) for their essays. This week we will work on coming up with their reasons and begin collecting evidence!
Reading: This week the students will work on note taking. We will use text structure, or how the information is organized, to help us find the main idea and supporting details. At home, if your child is reading non-fiction, ask them to tell you the text structure!
Word Study: The students will take their spelling test this Thursday October 13.
Social Studies: The students finished their amazing Missouri Regions brochures! This week we will create a model of Missouri! They will paint their maps once the mixture dries!
Math: We are starting chapter 4 this week. The students will learn how to multiply bigger digits. This week the students will use estimation to solve problems. We will also start using models to show how the algorithm works.
Important Dates:
10.14 - 1st Quarter Ends, 1/2 Day
10.19 - Early Release
Here's what's happening this week:
Writing: The students have chosen their thesis statements (opinions) for their essays. This week we will work on coming up with their reasons and begin collecting evidence!
Reading: This week the students will work on note taking. We will use text structure, or how the information is organized, to help us find the main idea and supporting details. At home, if your child is reading non-fiction, ask them to tell you the text structure!
Word Study: The students will take their spelling test this Thursday October 13.
Social Studies: The students finished their amazing Missouri Regions brochures! This week we will create a model of Missouri! They will paint their maps once the mixture dries!
Math: We are starting chapter 4 this week. The students will learn how to multiply bigger digits. This week the students will use estimation to solve problems. We will also start using models to show how the algorithm works.
Important Dates:
10.14 - 1st Quarter Ends, 1/2 Day
10.19 - Early Release
Salt Maps!
Today we mixed flour, salt and water and created maps! The students formed the mixture into the shape of Missouri. Then they marked the rivers, big cities, and mountains. Their maps look amazing!
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Reading King
Gavin is our reading king of the month! He read the most minutes in September! Gavin read over 1,000 minutes outside of class! 
Monday, October 3, 2016
Weekly Happenings 10/3-10/7
Hello! I hope everyone had a good weekend! Can you believe we are already in October?! We are ready for another month of amazing learning!
Here's what's happening this week:
Writing: We started a new writing unit this week! The students will be writing opinion essays. We will spend this week generating ideas for an essay.
Reading: We've also begun a new reading unit! This unit will teach the students how to read non-fiction. They will be working in groups to conduct a research project over a natural disaster.
Word Study: The students will take their spelling test October 13.
Social Studies: We have moved on to social studies! They students will be learning about the five different Missouri regions! To show their knowledge, they will create a Missouri Region brochure!
Math: We are continuing to learn about multiplication and division! Please start working on learning the multiplication facts at home. You can use cards, quiz them in the car, use Quicktables (through the ALEKS site), or a variety of applications. Knowing their multiplication facts will be essential in the upcoming chapters. Their chapter 3 math test will be Friday, October 7.
Important Dates:
10.7 - Family Trivia Night
10.14 - 1st Quarter Ends, 1/2 Day
10.19 - Early Release
Here's what's happening this week:
Writing: We started a new writing unit this week! The students will be writing opinion essays. We will spend this week generating ideas for an essay.
Reading: We've also begun a new reading unit! This unit will teach the students how to read non-fiction. They will be working in groups to conduct a research project over a natural disaster.
Word Study: The students will take their spelling test October 13.
Social Studies: We have moved on to social studies! They students will be learning about the five different Missouri regions! To show their knowledge, they will create a Missouri Region brochure!
Math: We are continuing to learn about multiplication and division! Please start working on learning the multiplication facts at home. You can use cards, quiz them in the car, use Quicktables (through the ALEKS site), or a variety of applications. Knowing their multiplication facts will be essential in the upcoming chapters. Their chapter 3 math test will be Friday, October 7.
Important Dates:
10.7 - Family Trivia Night
10.14 - 1st Quarter Ends, 1/2 Day
10.19 - Early Release
Reading Celebration
To wrap up our reading unit, the students created Facebook pages for their favorite book characters. They then presented their characters to the class. Each student knew their characters like they were their best friends!
Writing Celebration
The students celebrated their realistic fiction stories! We had a gallery walk where they got to read each others' pieces! They wrote compliments on pieces of a "s'more" as they read each piece! We even had a campfire playing on our screen to make it a real s'more experience!
Minecraft Ecosystems
The students got to present their amazing ecosystems and food webs to the class! They all did an amazing job!
Monday, September 26, 2016
Weekly Happenings 9/26-9/30
Hello! I hope everyone had a good weekend! I can't wait for another great week of learning!
Here's what's happening this week:
Writing: We will wrap up our realistic fiction unit this week! Their pieces will be due on Wednesday. We will celebrate on Friday! I am so excited for the students to share their amazing work with each other!
Reading: We will also wrap up our reading unit. The students will be reading informational texts next unit. They will work in research teams to gather information about a natural disaster. They will then present their information at the end of the unit!
Word Study: The students will get new words this week. The tentative test date is Thursday, October 13th.
Science: The students have been working together to create a Minecraft ecosystem! They will also create food webs to go with their ecosystems! On Thursday, they will present their work to the class.
Math: We are continuing to learn about multiplication and division! Please start working on learning the multiplication facts at home. You can use cards, ask them in the car, use Quicktables (through the ALEKS site), or a variety of applications. Knowing their multiplication facts will be essential in the upcoming chapters. Their chapter 3 math test will be next Friday, October 7.
Important Dates:
9.28 - Picture Day
10.7 - Family Trivia Night
10.14 - 1st Quarter Ends, 1/2 Day
Here's what's happening this week:
Writing: We will wrap up our realistic fiction unit this week! Their pieces will be due on Wednesday. We will celebrate on Friday! I am so excited for the students to share their amazing work with each other!
Reading: We will also wrap up our reading unit. The students will be reading informational texts next unit. They will work in research teams to gather information about a natural disaster. They will then present their information at the end of the unit!
Word Study: The students will get new words this week. The tentative test date is Thursday, October 13th.
Science: The students have been working together to create a Minecraft ecosystem! They will also create food webs to go with their ecosystems! On Thursday, they will present their work to the class.
Math: We are continuing to learn about multiplication and division! Please start working on learning the multiplication facts at home. You can use cards, ask them in the car, use Quicktables (through the ALEKS site), or a variety of applications. Knowing their multiplication facts will be essential in the upcoming chapters. Their chapter 3 math test will be next Friday, October 7.
Important Dates:
9.28 - Picture Day
10.7 - Family Trivia Night
10.14 - 1st Quarter Ends, 1/2 Day
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Weekly Happenings 9/19-9/23
Hello! I hope you all had a great weekend!
Writing: The students should be finished with their drafts early this week. The students will focus on revising and editing their piece this week! Their pieces should be finished by next Wednesday.
Reading: The students will begin writing about how and why their character has changed. They will look for specific evidence in the text to support their ideas. We will also look how the character change helps determine the theme. Please make sure your child is completing their reading log each night.
Spelling: The students will have their first spelling test this Thursday. You can find their words in their expanding file.
Science: To wrap up our ecosystem unit, the students will be creating a virtual ecosystem. They will be using Minecraft to create a ecosystem. They will place appropriate plants and animals in their ecosystem. They will also create a food web with their ecosystem. This project will take the place of a final test.
Math: We will wrap up our addition and subtraction unit this week. We will review Monday and test Tuesday. LEAP students can test Monday or Wednesday. Our next unit will review the basics of multiplication and division.
Important Reminders:
9/23 - No School
9/28 - Picture Day
Writing: The students should be finished with their drafts early this week. The students will focus on revising and editing their piece this week! Their pieces should be finished by next Wednesday.
Reading: The students will begin writing about how and why their character has changed. They will look for specific evidence in the text to support their ideas. We will also look how the character change helps determine the theme. Please make sure your child is completing their reading log each night.
Spelling: The students will have their first spelling test this Thursday. You can find their words in their expanding file.
Science: To wrap up our ecosystem unit, the students will be creating a virtual ecosystem. They will be using Minecraft to create a ecosystem. They will place appropriate plants and animals in their ecosystem. They will also create a food web with their ecosystem. This project will take the place of a final test.
Math: We will wrap up our addition and subtraction unit this week. We will review Monday and test Tuesday. LEAP students can test Monday or Wednesday. Our next unit will review the basics of multiplication and division.
Important Reminders:
9/23 - No School
9/28 - Picture Day
Minecraft Ecosystems
We are using Minecraft to create ecosystems. The students will create their ecosystem then create the living and non-living things that belong in their ecosystem!
Monday, September 12, 2016
Weekly Happenings 9/12-9/16
Hello! I hope you all had a great weekend! I can't wait to hear about all the fun things the kiddos did this weekend!
Writing: The students will continue working on their realistic fiction stories! The students will focus on adding setting to our stories. We will also work on revising our endings to show character change.
Reading: We are continuing to grow ideas about the characters in our stories. We will work on using precise adjectives to describe our characters. We will also look for complications in our characters!
Spelling: The students were given their spelling words last week. They have a set that has been cut up to use and sort in class. They also have a whole list which they can keep at home to study. Their tests will be next Thursday.
Science: We will continue learning about ecosystems this week! We will learn about how food chains are linked together to form food webs. We will also attend our field trip, where the kids will get to interact with a pond ecosystem!
Math: The students did great on their math tests! This week the students will review addition and subtraction with regrouping. Our test is scheduled for Tuesday, September 20. The LEAP students can take the test Monday or Wednesday.
Important Reminders:
9/14 - Early Release
9/15 - Field Trip to Shaw Nature Reserve
9/16 - Movie Night
9/23 - No School
Writing: The students will continue working on their realistic fiction stories! The students will focus on adding setting to our stories. We will also work on revising our endings to show character change.
Reading: We are continuing to grow ideas about the characters in our stories. We will work on using precise adjectives to describe our characters. We will also look for complications in our characters!
Spelling: The students were given their spelling words last week. They have a set that has been cut up to use and sort in class. They also have a whole list which they can keep at home to study. Their tests will be next Thursday.
Science: We will continue learning about ecosystems this week! We will learn about how food chains are linked together to form food webs. We will also attend our field trip, where the kids will get to interact with a pond ecosystem!
Math: The students did great on their math tests! This week the students will review addition and subtraction with regrouping. Our test is scheduled for Tuesday, September 20. The LEAP students can take the test Monday or Wednesday.
Important Reminders:
9/14 - Early Release
9/15 - Field Trip to Shaw Nature Reserve
9/16 - Movie Night
9/23 - No School
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Weekly Happenings 9/6-9/9
Hello! I hope you all the chance to enjoy the amazing weather this weekend!
Writing: The students will continue working on their realistic fiction stories! They will focus on adding inner thinking, action, detail and dialogue into their piece! They will also work on writing interesting leads!
Reading: We are continuing to grow ideas about the characters in our stories. When your child reads at home, ask them what they can tell you about their character! Please make sure your child is completing their nightly reading. This will help in their academic success!
Science: The student will continue learning about how adaptations help animals survive. They will also learn about how food chains work in an ecosystem.
Math: We will wrap up our first chapter this week! We will review place value on Tuesday and test on Wednesday. Our next chapter will cover addition and subtraction.
Important Reminders:
9/9 - Field Trip to Shaw Nature Reserve
9/14 - Early Release
9/16 - Movie Night
Writing: The students will continue working on their realistic fiction stories! They will focus on adding inner thinking, action, detail and dialogue into their piece! They will also work on writing interesting leads!
Reading: We are continuing to grow ideas about the characters in our stories. When your child reads at home, ask them what they can tell you about their character! Please make sure your child is completing their nightly reading. This will help in their academic success!
Science: The student will continue learning about how adaptations help animals survive. They will also learn about how food chains work in an ecosystem.
Math: We will wrap up our first chapter this week! We will review place value on Tuesday and test on Wednesday. Our next chapter will cover addition and subtraction.
Important Reminders:
9/9 - Field Trip to Shaw Nature Reserve
9/14 - Early Release
9/16 - Movie Night
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Camouflage Fun!
Today the students learned the importance of camouflage! They hid camouflaged and non-camouflaged paper animals. They realized the camouflaged ones were much harder to find!
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Vertebrate Sort
We recently learned about the different types of vertebrates! Today the students sorted animal characteristics into the different vertebrate groups!
Monday, August 29, 2016
Weekly Happenings 8/29-9/2
Hello! We had a great first full week of learning! I'm looking forward to another great week!
Here is what's happening this week:
Writing: The students will begin developing their realistic fiction stories! We will focus on developing our characters and building scenes for our stories.
Reading: The students are doing a great job reading independently! This week they will be focusing on synthesizing their text, making predictions and understanding the characters in their books. After your child reads at home, ask them to retell the important parts. This will help ensure they are thinking about the text as they read it.
Science: We will begin our first science chapter this week! Our first chapter teaches about ecosystems. They will learn what an ecosystem is, how animals have different adaptations, and how food chains work! We will be attending a science related field trip September 9. We will be going to the Shaw Nature Reserve where they will get to see and interact with pond and prairie ecosystems! The permission slip will come home today!
Math: Our first math chapter reviews the place value. We will have a test this Friday. A study guide will come home early this week.
Important Dates:
8.29 - Leap Begins
9.2 - Bus Driver's Day
9.9 - Field Trip to Shaw Nature Reserve
Here is what's happening this week:
Writing: The students will begin developing their realistic fiction stories! We will focus on developing our characters and building scenes for our stories.
Reading: The students are doing a great job reading independently! This week they will be focusing on synthesizing their text, making predictions and understanding the characters in their books. After your child reads at home, ask them to retell the important parts. This will help ensure they are thinking about the text as they read it.
Science: We will begin our first science chapter this week! Our first chapter teaches about ecosystems. They will learn what an ecosystem is, how animals have different adaptations, and how food chains work! We will be attending a science related field trip September 9. We will be going to the Shaw Nature Reserve where they will get to see and interact with pond and prairie ecosystems! The permission slip will come home today!
Math: Our first math chapter reviews the place value. We will have a test this Friday. A study guide will come home early this week.
Important Dates:
8.29 - Leap Begins
9.2 - Bus Driver's Day
9.9 - Field Trip to Shaw Nature Reserve
Monday, August 22, 2016
Hello! We had an amazing first couple of days! This is a great group of kiddos and I'm looking forward to a great year!
I will update the blog each week with the Weekly Happenings. The Weekly Happenings will update you on what the students are working on in class, test dates, and other upcoming, important dates. I will also update the blog throughout the week with pictures!
Here is what's happening this week:
Writing: The students will be decorating their writer's notebooks! I assign 10 minutes of writing homework most nights. They can write about anything they want in their notebooks! If your child forgets their notebook at school, they should still write on whatever paper is available. We will also start our first writing unit this week! They will be writing realistic fiction stories!
Reading: We are working on building reading stamina! I can tell we have a room of passionate readers! We will also start our first reading unit. The students will be working on interpreting characters and determining theme during this unit! Please make sure your child is reading each night. This is crucial to their reading success!
Science: We will use this time time to get to know each other better, build our classroom management, and get our Leadership Binders in order! Next week, we will begin learning about ecosystems!
Math: We are working on getting each child set up in ALEKS (the online math program). We are also practicing the expectations for our math workshop. The students will be in stations while the teachers pull groups based on their level.
Important Dates:
8.29 LEAP begins
9.2 Bus Driver’s Day
Please let me know if you have any questions! Have a great week!
I will update the blog each week with the Weekly Happenings. The Weekly Happenings will update you on what the students are working on in class, test dates, and other upcoming, important dates. I will also update the blog throughout the week with pictures!
Here is what's happening this week:
Writing: The students will be decorating their writer's notebooks! I assign 10 minutes of writing homework most nights. They can write about anything they want in their notebooks! If your child forgets their notebook at school, they should still write on whatever paper is available. We will also start our first writing unit this week! They will be writing realistic fiction stories!
Reading: We are working on building reading stamina! I can tell we have a room of passionate readers! We will also start our first reading unit. The students will be working on interpreting characters and determining theme during this unit! Please make sure your child is reading each night. This is crucial to their reading success!
Science: We will use this time time to get to know each other better, build our classroom management, and get our Leadership Binders in order! Next week, we will begin learning about ecosystems!
Math: We are working on getting each child set up in ALEKS (the online math program). We are also practicing the expectations for our math workshop. The students will be in stations while the teachers pull groups based on their level.
Important Dates:
8.29 LEAP begins
9.2 Bus Driver’s Day
Please let me know if you have any questions! Have a great week!
Stacking Masters
The class worked on teamwork by building cup pyramids without touching the cups with their hands. 
Monday, August 15, 2016
2016-2017 Class
Welcome to our class blog! I cannot wait to meet everyone! I know this is going to be an amazing year!
Here is our class list:
Giovanni B.
MacKenzie B.
Hannah B.
Charles C.
Gabrielle D.
Jotham D.
Michael D.
Cecelia H.
Lauren H.
Gavin H.
Mason J.
Amelia K.
Alexius M.
Daniella M.
Michelle P.
Kolton P.
Jason R.
Maya R.
Avery S.
Alana S.
Clayton S.
Justin S.
Henry Y.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Roller Coasters
The students worked together to build roller coasters! They could only use paper, masking tape, and scissors! The roller coasters turned out amazing!
Friday, May 20, 2016
Daniel Boone Home
We had a great day at the Daniel Boone home! We learned how pioneers made a fire, went to a one room school, went to the carpenter's shop, and took a tour of his home! 
Monday, May 16, 2016
Weekly Happenings
Hello! I hope everyone had a great weekend! As we approach the end of the year, we will have a small celebration each day! The celebrations will be a surprise for the kiddos!
Here is what's happening this week:
Writing: We will continue collecting evidence to support their thesis statements! The students will also work on writing introductions and conclusions to their essays.
Reading: The students have finished their book club books! We will have a last discussion this week! We will then look at how primary sources can help us build information on a historical period.
Science/Social Studies: We will spend the last couple of weeks learning about Missouri's government. The students will learn about our three branches of government and what each branch does.
Math: We are continuing to work on Genius Hour during math three days a week. The students will begin the research stage of their projects this week. Please continue to send in paper towel/toilet paper rolls, cardboard boxes, straws, paper cups, or any other recycled goods. Thank you in advance!
Important Reminders:
5/18 - Daniel Boone Field Trip
5/20 - Fun Day
5/24 - End of the Year Parties
5/27 - 1/2 Day - Last Day
Here is what's happening this week:
Writing: We will continue collecting evidence to support their thesis statements! The students will also work on writing introductions and conclusions to their essays.
Reading: The students have finished their book club books! We will have a last discussion this week! We will then look at how primary sources can help us build information on a historical period.
Science/Social Studies: We will spend the last couple of weeks learning about Missouri's government. The students will learn about our three branches of government and what each branch does.
Important Reminders:
5/18 - Daniel Boone Field Trip
5/20 - Fun Day
5/24 - End of the Year Parties
5/27 - 1/2 Day - Last Day
Grandparent's Day
The students taught their grandparents about all of the new technology we have at Concord. 
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Monday, May 9, 2016
Weekly Happenings
Hello! I hope everyone had a great weekend! I hope all you mothers had a great Mother's Day!
Here is what's happening this week:
Writing: We will create a thesis statement for their compare/contrast essays. We will also work on finding evidence to support our thesis statements.
Reading: The students are continuing to work in their historical fiction book clubs. We are continuing to work on finding the theme and supporting that with evidence from the text. We will also work on making our book club discussions stronger.
Science/Social Studies: We will wrap up our motion chapter this week. We will review Tuesday and Wednesday. The test is this Thursday. Next, we will switch back to our last social studies chapter. This chapter will cover Missouri's government.
Math: We are continuing to work on Genius Hour during math three days a week. The students will begin the research stage of their projects this week. Please continue to send in paper towel/toilet paper rolls, cardboard boxes, straws, paper cups, or any other recycled goods. Thank you in advance!
Important Reminders:
5/12 - I Discover - Grandparent's Day
5/13 - No School
5/18 - Daniel Boone Field Trip
5/20 - Fun Day
Here is what's happening this week:
Writing: We will create a thesis statement for their compare/contrast essays. We will also work on finding evidence to support our thesis statements.
Reading: The students are continuing to work in their historical fiction book clubs. We are continuing to work on finding the theme and supporting that with evidence from the text. We will also work on making our book club discussions stronger.
Science/Social Studies: We will wrap up our motion chapter this week. We will review Tuesday and Wednesday. The test is this Thursday. Next, we will switch back to our last social studies chapter. This chapter will cover Missouri's government.
Important Reminders:
5/12 - I Discover - Grandparent's Day
5/13 - No School
5/18 - Daniel Boone Field Trip
5/20 - Fun Day
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Monday, May 2, 2016
Genius Hour
We will be starting Genius Hour! Some of you may have read about it, but if you have not, I will give you a run-down on what it entails. Genius Hour is one hour of class-time set aside each week where the kids have a chance to collaborate, work toward a common cause, use their talents and strengths, and get creative about something they are passionate about! The students will come up with an idea to research and share about. The possibilities are endless and totally driven by the kids. The goal of genius hour is to mold little innovators and creators- students who use inquiry and creativity to think for themselves and problem solve in ways they may not have before.
For some of the projects, students will have the opportunity to build/create something. I would love to have them create their projects using recycled goods such as cardboard boxes (tissues, cereal, shoe boxes, etc), paper towel and toilet paper rolls, straws, paper cups and really anything else they can think of or have on hand. Things like pipe cleaners, stickers, foam sticky shapes and things of that sort would also be great if you are interested in donating those as well. If you can save these items for us as you use them, we would LOVE it. Please send them in anytime during the next 2-3 weeks. The more the better!
I am so excited to start this with our kiddos- there's nothing better than watching their little minds light up when they get excited about something! This is SUCH an authentic way to get them excited about school, boost self-esteem, and get them researching and thinking outside the box about things! I can't wait to get started.
For some of the projects, students will have the opportunity to build/create something. I would love to have them create their projects using recycled goods such as cardboard boxes (tissues, cereal, shoe boxes, etc), paper towel and toilet paper rolls, straws, paper cups and really anything else they can think of or have on hand. Things like pipe cleaners, stickers, foam sticky shapes and things of that sort would also be great if you are interested in donating those as well. If you can save these items for us as you use them, we would LOVE it. Please send them in anytime during the next 2-3 weeks. The more the better!
I am so excited to start this with our kiddos- there's nothing better than watching their little minds light up when they get excited about something! This is SUCH an authentic way to get them excited about school, boost self-esteem, and get them researching and thinking outside the box about things! I can't wait to get started.
Thanks in advance for your support!
Weekly Happenings
Hello! I hope everyone had a great weekend!
Here is what's happening this week:
Writing: We will wrap up their first literary essays this week. After finishing their first essay, the students will write an essay comparing and contrasting two books with a similar theme. These essays will take us to the end of the year.
Reading: The students are continuing to work in their historical fiction book clubs. They will work on developing ideas for discussion. We will also work on finding the them of their text.
Science: We have moved onto the Force and Motion unit in science. The students will learn about the affect of force on objects. They will also learn how to find the speed of an object.
Math: With the end of MAP testing, we will be starting Genius Hour (more information to come). The students will work on their Genius Hour projects during our math time two to three days a week. On the other days, we will continue to review math concepts.
Important Reminders:
5/5 - MAP Celebration
5/12 - I Discover - Grandparent's Day
5/13 - No School
Here is what's happening this week:
Writing: We will wrap up their first literary essays this week. After finishing their first essay, the students will write an essay comparing and contrasting two books with a similar theme. These essays will take us to the end of the year.
Reading: The students are continuing to work in their historical fiction book clubs. They will work on developing ideas for discussion. We will also work on finding the them of their text.
Science: We have moved onto the Force and Motion unit in science. The students will learn about the affect of force on objects. They will also learn how to find the speed of an object.
Important Reminders:
5/5 - MAP Celebration
5/12 - I Discover - Grandparent's Day
5/13 - No School
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Monday, April 25, 2016
Weekly Happenings
Hello! I hope everyone had a great weekend!
Here is what's happening this week:
Writing: We recently started the literary essay unit! In this unit, the students will be writing an essay over an idea they developed about a text. This is tough work, but they are doing amazing!
Reading: The students will form historical fiction book clubs. They will be reading two different books on the same topic over course of the unit. They will be working on understanding characters, recognizing perspectives, and finding the theme.
Social Studies/science: We are wrapping up our Civil War unit. The students received their study guides tonight. The test will be on Wednesday. Here is a completed study guide.
Next, we will begin a force and motion unit in science.
Math: We will continue to review a variety of math concepts this week. We also have the first section of the math MAP test on Friday.
Important Reminders:
4/26 - Half Day LEAP
4/29,5/2 - MAP testing
5/4 - Junior Achievement
Here is what's happening this week:
Writing: We recently started the literary essay unit! In this unit, the students will be writing an essay over an idea they developed about a text. This is tough work, but they are doing amazing!
Reading: The students will form historical fiction book clubs. They will be reading two different books on the same topic over course of the unit. They will be working on understanding characters, recognizing perspectives, and finding the theme.
Social Studies/science: We are wrapping up our Civil War unit. The students received their study guides tonight. The test will be on Wednesday. Here is a completed study guide.
Math: We will continue to review a variety of math concepts this week. We also have the first section of the math MAP test on Friday.
Important Reminders:
4/26 - Half Day LEAP
4/29,5/2 - MAP testing
5/4 - Junior Achievement
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Civil War Quilt
Our class learned how quilts were used as signals to people traveling on the Underground Railroad. Our class made our own quilt. 
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Enjoying Spring
We went outside to create a Civil War quilt. Each part of our quilt has a meaning that helped those traveling on the Underground Railroad. 
Monday, April 11, 2016
Weekly Happenings
Hello! I hope everyone had a great weekend!
Here is what's happening this week:
Writing: We have wrapped up the poetry unit! I am beyond impressed at the poems each student created! This week, we are moving on to our literary essay unit. The students will be writing an essay over an idea from a text.
Reading: We are continuing to practice test taking strategies this week. To help get your child thinking while reading at home, ask them questions about the text. You can ask them about the plot, to explain the characters, make predictions, or tell about the theme.
Social Studies: We are learning about the reconstruction period after the Civil War. They are learning about poor working conditions and how people began to fight for better conditions. We will plan on testing next Friday unless we take the third day of ELA MAP testing. If that's the case, then we will push it to the following Tuesday (LEAP can take it Monday or Wednesday).
Math: We will wrap up geometry this week. Their test will be this Wednesday. For the rest of the week and next, we will be reviewing a variety of math concepts.
Important Reminders:
4/19 - MAP Testing Begins
4/20 - Early Release
Here is what's happening this week:
Writing: We have wrapped up the poetry unit! I am beyond impressed at the poems each student created! This week, we are moving on to our literary essay unit. The students will be writing an essay over an idea from a text.
Reading: We are continuing to practice test taking strategies this week. To help get your child thinking while reading at home, ask them questions about the text. You can ask them about the plot, to explain the characters, make predictions, or tell about the theme.
Social Studies: We are learning about the reconstruction period after the Civil War. They are learning about poor working conditions and how people began to fight for better conditions. We will plan on testing next Friday unless we take the third day of ELA MAP testing. If that's the case, then we will push it to the following Tuesday (LEAP can take it Monday or Wednesday).
Math: We will wrap up geometry this week. Their test will be this Wednesday. For the rest of the week and next, we will be reviewing a variety of math concepts.
Important Reminders:
4/19 - MAP Testing Begins
4/20 - Early Release
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Monday, March 28, 2016
Weekly Happenings
Hello! I hope everyone had a great Spring Break! The kiddos had so many fun things to share about their breaks!
Here is what's happening this week:
Writing: We will continue working on poetry. The students are learning a variety of different poems and poetic elements to experiment with in their writing. We will focus on using rhyme schemes and quatrains. They will also work on bio poems and prose.
Reading: We are continuing our test preparation unit. This week we will finish learning strategies for fiction passages. The students will learn to find the point of view, provide evidence for their answers, and make inferences about characters as they read. While your child is reading at home, encourage them to use these strategies.
Social Studies: This week we will be focusing on the events during and after the Civil War. The students will learn the similarities and differences between the Union and Confederate. They will also learn what life was like for civilians in Missouri during the Civil War.
Math: We will begin geometry this week! We will be focusing on different types of lines and angles. The students will learn to identify, draw, and measure angles. Their test is scheduled for Friday, April 8th.
Important Reminders:
3/31 - Conferences
4/1 - Half Day
4/4 - Major Saver Limo Ride
Here is what's happening this week:
Writing: We will continue working on poetry. The students are learning a variety of different poems and poetic elements to experiment with in their writing. We will focus on using rhyme schemes and quatrains. They will also work on bio poems and prose.
Reading: We are continuing our test preparation unit. This week we will finish learning strategies for fiction passages. The students will learn to find the point of view, provide evidence for their answers, and make inferences about characters as they read. While your child is reading at home, encourage them to use these strategies.
Social Studies: This week we will be focusing on the events during and after the Civil War. The students will learn the similarities and differences between the Union and Confederate. They will also learn what life was like for civilians in Missouri during the Civil War.
Math: We will begin geometry this week! We will be focusing on different types of lines and angles. The students will learn to identify, draw, and measure angles. Their test is scheduled for Friday, April 8th.
Important Reminders:
3/31 - Conferences
4/1 - Half Day
4/4 - Major Saver Limo Ride
Saturday, March 19, 2016
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