Friday, March 8, 2013

Marching on...

Not that the State Writing Test is behind us, we are marching to the CRCT.

In math we have 4 more topics to cover and then the big review begins.

In reading we have nothing new to discover. It is time to start doing some heavy vocabulary work before the big test.

In social studies we are covering modern wars and the review begins.

In language arts we have 2 more chapters to cover in Shurley English. We will also be looking at editing and writing as it will be covered on the CRCT.

There are 5  weeks until the test with a week off for spring break, and we will be making it count.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Writing Test

Good Morning and Happy Friday!

It has ben an eventful week and there is more to come next week.

The Georgia State Writing Test is next Wednesday. We have been preparing for this all year. Recently we have been talking about how to use the prompt and how to start a prewriting. The most important element of their paper is their IDEAS. If the ideas are strong the spelling and mechanics will even out.

We have talked extensively about how to be sure students are answering the questions posed in the  prompt and providing reason, evidence, details, or examples to support their writing.

What can you do to help? 
1. Just relax - I know that the writing folder that came home was alarming for some, but I do feel that we understand the test and how to succeed. There are some sample papers that we will be looking at on the Georgia Department of Education website.
2. Be to school on time the day of the test with a good nights sleep and a positive attitude. The test starts at 7:55 on Wednesday, March 6.

Thank you and have a blessed weekend.










































Monday, February 11, 2013

February 11, 2013

I was trying to think of something clever to title this week's website update, but I was unable to come up with anything.

The biggest thing coming up in our lives is the State Writing test in March. We have been writing like crazy people in all of our classes.
       In math we are always explaining why.
In science I hear that there is a big writing assignment being completed at home.
      In social studies we have finished writing about the atomic bomb and WW II.
In reading we are working on our literature circles and comparing and contrasting personal accounts for the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
      Finally in english, we are working on narrative writing.

I have been collecting our writing from throughout the year. This portfolio will be coming home next week with our latest 2 practice writing tests. Please look over the hard work your child has completed and return the folder to school. 

I will also be posting tips to help writers in the weeks before the test. 
Thanks, 
Mrs. Kennedy


Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Classroom Needs...

Dear Parents,

As most of you know we were hit pretty hard in Room 102 with the stomach bug! YUCK! All but my son was ill last month in our home. In order to prevent any more germs we need antibacterial wipes for the classroom. I wish that I could supply these all on my own, but  I need your help. If you could please send in a container of wipes this month - any brand will be welcomed.

We also could use more candy in our candy basket. I do not reward with candy often, but I do like to walk around with a treat during a long test or strong work session. Send in your sweet treats!

Thank you for visiting the classroom website. I hope that it has helped you to feel more connected and informed. It is not always the easiest thing for me to keep up with, but I am going to continue to work hard. Please email me any concerns or questions you may have.

Thank you for your support,
Mrs. Kennedy


Thursday, January 31, 2013

MATH STUDY GUIDE

This is the study guide - your child will have examples and explanations written on the copy they are bringing home.

The test is the is same exact sheet the new problems written in for the students to work out.

These fractions are key to the next step in our study - word problems. Students need to know how to do these things in isolation very well, so they may do them in context with multi-step problems in the very near future.

Please email me any questions or concerns.


Fraction Study Guide                                                Test on Friday, February 1, 2013

1.     Define the parts of a fraction and write a definition of a fraction

2.     Simplify fraction using the GCF (greatest common factor)

3.     Add and subtract fractions with like denominators

4.     Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators

5.     Change a mixed number into an improper fraction and explain

6.     Change an improper fraction into a mixed number and explain

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

What's happening?

Homeroom - We have already collected money! Our class pledged $27 per lap. All students ran 35 laps!   The first collection and counting of FunRun money is Thursday, January 31.

Math - We have a pretty big fraction test on Friday. I am working on a study guide that I will post here later today or tomorrow.

Reading - We have been working hard to learn the different organizational structures that authors use in nonfiction or informational writing.  If your child is in my reading class, the test will be TOMORROW. They have a study guide, examples, and notes to study tonight.

Science - Ms. Dodd has started her unit on electricity. Students have already started exploring and learning with experiments and centers. If you have any toys with moving parts that they can take apart, please send them in as soon as possible.

English & Writing  - We are learning about narrative writing. Writing a story with characters, setting, plot, and conflicts that are solved. We are also adding another pattern to our Shurley English in Chapter 9. Look for a test sometime next week.

Thank you for your support.


Friday, January 25, 2013

Ice Day...

As I sit on my couch with my own kids on this 'ice day', I am thinking about all the changes that need to be made for one unexpected day off.

Tests & Quizzes and Projects: Student WW II projects were due first thing on Friday morning. Part 2 of the WW II test was going to be given on Friday as well. Starting on Monday, students will be going to Miss Dodd to start a 3 week science unit. So, I will be collecting all projects not yet turned in the Social Studies basket when I return on Tuesday. But Students should be ready to finish the test during Shurley English time on Monday. Topics: German aggression, Japanese aggression, role of women & African Americans, and the American household (gardens, rationing, working)

Reading Bowl: If you are on the Reading Bowl Team or you can get in touch with any members, please note that the system competition that was scheduled for today will be rescheduled for Monday.

Boosterthon: I am hoping that we will have at least part of our team for the first part of next week. I know that many of you brought in pledges the day of the FunRun. They need to be entered and any additional pledges need to be tallied. Remember that the first collection day for money is Thursday, January 31.

Monday: I am going to be out of town on Monday working with the PAGE Academy in Atlanta. Normally when a teacher is out, they will spend time gather materials, cleaning up, and writing plans of the substitute. Unfortunately, I was tied up on Thursday afternoon and had to leave quickly. I know that my classes will be well behaved and cooperative for the Mrs. Beall as she maneuvers a slightly different room on Monday morning.

Enjoy your day off! See you all on Tuesday!

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