Monday, March 31, 2014

Can you believe tomorrow is April! I sure can't, especially with this weather!

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A special part of 5th grade is the Memory Book! At the end of the school year, each 5th grader will have a memory book full of pictures and memories of their time in elementary school.  As part of your homework this week, you will write a paragraph describing your favorite memory at Happy Hollow.  Use the link below to submit your paragraph. Be sure to proofread before submitting - it will be published in the book!

5th Grade Memory Book Link

Monday, March 22, 2014

First of all, I have to give a big shout out to Happy Hollow's fifth graders for their hard work on the MCAS last week. They were focused and showed excellent perseverance - way to go! 

This week we are starting a new unit in Social Studies - Colonial American & the American Revolution. This is one of my favorite units to teach! Check out the website Mrs. Mattson and I made for this unit. It's under construction but will continue to be developed as we work through this unit.  It's full of resources for you!

Homework for this week:

Tuesday - No band lessons
Friday - No strings ensemble

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Who Wants to be a Colonist? Readers Theater
Who Wants to be a Colonist - Questions

DOODLE 4 GOOGLE

Ask your child about the Doodle 4 Google contest! This is an optional contest that gives kids across America a chance to design a Google Logo!  They were given a template for their design today and are required to create a doodle that includes the theme, "If I Could Invent One Thing to Make the World a Better Place..."  Submissions are due on Thursday! All submissions require a parent signature!

Check out the link for more information: DOODLE 4 GOOGLE

Steps for Answering an Open Response Question

1.             Read the passage. What genre is it? What is it about?

2.           Read the ORQ – Rephrase the question in your own words

3.           Reread the passage

4.           Underline evidence to help you answer the question

    5.    Plan your OR
    6.    Answer ORQ

ORQ Checklist

______ I understand the question

______ I answered the question accurately

______ I have a topic sentence

______ I have 4 examples of evidence from the text (in the text it says, in paragraph 7 it states, etc.)

______I elaborated with my own thinking (this shows, this means, this proves, this illustrates, etc.)

Multiple Choice Strategies

There are 3 kinds of Multiple Choice Questions:

Right there - answer is stated in the text

Inference - you have to use the clues in the text and your background knowledge for find the answer

My Mind - the answer is going to come from your own knowledge

Strategies for answering Multiple Choice Questions:

Monday, March 10, 2014

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Just a reminder that fifth graders will be taking their Reading MCAS Test next Monday, March 17th and Wednesday, March 19th. Testing will begin at 9:00 am. Students will have the whole day to complete their test. For the last few weeks, we've been working on strategies in class to help prepare for our upcoming test. This week, I’m giving you some suggestions for what can be done at home to set your child up for a positive testing experience. (While I am giving these as strategies for the MCAS, they truly are effective year-round!)

Catch some ZZzz's: Extensive research has been conducted on the effect sleep has on academics. In the interest of restful slumber, there will be less homework assigned next week. Please be sure your to help your child have a restful night's sleep.

Move it, Move it: Researchers have found that children who participate in vigorous exercise during the week score 10% better in school than their less-active counterparts. With Daylight Savings in effect, get those kids outside running around.  Enjoy the fresh air and warmer weather!

Breakfast is lmportant: Please encourage your child to eat a nutritious breakfast. Students who eat a healthy breakfast usually perform better on tests measuring math, reading, memory, speed and other cognitive abilities.  Spend some time planning ahead for some easy-to-prepare, yummy and healthy breakfasts.

* Encouraging Snacks:   In years past students have always been provided with snacks before and after their tests. (It's what the kids have looked most forward to during testing time). This year we are not permitted to hand out class snacks. So, I thought we'd try something a little different. Later this week, you will receive 2 paper bags along with 2 index cards.   I am asking parents to fill these bags with snacks for their favorite fifth grader, and to include a note of encouragement and/or pride.   We will snack before the test (healthy) and after the test (fun). You can send one bag on Monday and one on Wednesday.  I can say that notes from parents are treasured by students, and give them the encouragement and reassurance they crave when faced with their Big Test.  Please let me know if you have any questions.  

Thanks so much!