LITERATURE for Week of December 12-16

Well, me mateys. . .

We've just about reached the end of the rope in Jim's story. Just a few more chapters to go.

You won't have a spelling test this week. Your reading assignments are below for our last 3 chapters. Remember, you are to read Chapters 29-31 over the weekend (December 10-11) and be ready to discuss those chapters in class on Monday. You also have your last spelling test of the semester on Monday, December 12.

Monday--we'll read Chapter 32 in class. HOMEWORK: Read Chapters 33 and 34 for our last discussion over Treasure Island on Tuesday.

During the rest of the week, we will be watching the film of Treasure Island, and getting on a National Geographic Kids website where you can be a virtual pirate!

Be working on your Book Report over this novel. These are due on FRIDAY, December 16--no exceptions!

Have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

December Outreach Update

Thank you for your generous gifts for Rebecca, our adopted foster child. Between 4th and 5th grad, so far, she will be receiving arts sets, board games, an MP3 player, book, and a Barbie doll. Below is her updated wish list of items that have not been donated. All (unwrapped) gifts need to be at school by Wednesday.

Christmas Wish List for Rebecca (female, age 9)
Favorite Color: Pink

Clothing sizes (childrens):
8 Pants
10-12 Shirt/Blouse
10-12 Jacket
3 Shoes

Other ideas: Pillow Pet, American Doll and American Doll Cat Costume, Books

December 5-9: Bible/Science/Latin II

Bible: Jesus Turns the Water Into Wine (John 2:1-12)

• Memory verse--John 2:11-12
• Test on Friday

Science: Life in the Desert

• Monday--desert plants and ecosystems; research plants that survive by dormancy
• Friday--share research about plant dormancy; "Desert" episode from Planet Earth

Latin II: 2nd declension neuter nouns

• Tuesday--chapter 7 worksheet due + ch. 7 quiz

LITERATURE: December 5-9

It's been an exciting week with our mates on the Hispaniola! The story is only going to get more exciting from now on, too. If you want to read the prayer of a REAL pirate, Sir Francis Drake (who sailed for Queen Elizabeth I), just click on the link below.

http://acts17verse28.blogspot.com/2010/09/pirates-prayer.html

You will have your spelling test over last week's words this Monday, December 5. YOU NEED TO BE WORKING ON YOUR BOOK REPORT AT HOME! Don't put this off--be working on it little by little so that your last week before the Christmas Holidays begin is calm and fun. Your report is DUE on Friday, December 16.

Below are your reading assignments for this week, and your new spelling list for a spelling test on Monday, December 12.

Monday, December 5	Quiz over Chapters 13-16 Read Chapter 17	Read Chapters 18 & 19 (pp. 150-164) Work on Book Report
Tuesday, December 6	Quiz over Chapters 17-19 Read Chapter 20	Read Chapters 21 & 22 (pp. 173-192) Work on Book Report
Wednesday, December 7	Quiz over Chapters 20-22 Read Chapter 23	Read Chapters 24 & 25 (pp. 200-214) Work on Book Report
Thursday, December 8	Quiz over Chapters 23-25 Read Chapter 26	Finish Chapter 26 Read Chapters 27 (pp. 215-235)
Friday, December 9	Quiz over Chapters 26-27 Read Chapter 28	Read Chapters 29-31 (pp. 250-277) Work on Book Report

SPELLING WORDS for MONDAY, DECEMBER 12

Those words with * must be written with their definitions.

1. dislodge

2. apparition*

3. circuit

4. marooned*

5. ammunition

6. assailant

7. demolish

8. particular

9. cavalier*

10. enclosure

11. consciousness

12. bulwark*

December Outreach Project

Our outreach project for December is to provide gifts for four foster children in Bell County. 3rd-5th grade classes have been assigned 9-year-old Rebecca. You will find her wish list below. Money to go toward purchasing an item on the list is also a giving option. Gifts need to be unwrapped and at school by next Wednesday, December 7. Thank you for giving as you are able!

Christmas Wish List for Rebecca (female, age 9)

Favorite Color: Pink

Special Interest: Board games

Clothing sizes (childrens):
8 Pants
10-12 Shirt/Blouse
10-12 Jacket
3 Shoes

Dream Gift: MP3 player with headphones

Other ideas: Pillow Pet, Hi Ho Cherries (board game), American Doll and American Doll Cat Costume, Books, Drawing/Art sets

Nov. 28-Dec. 2: Bible and Science and Latin II

Bible: This week our story is Jesus Calls Andrew and Simon Peter found in Luke 5:1-11. The memory verse portion is Luke 5:8-10. The test will be given on Friday--remember to practice the memory verse a little each day.

Science: We will learn how animals that live in extreme climates survive. On Monday we'll experiment with blubber gloves to understand how an animal's body fat aids in its survival.

Latin II: This week we begin chapter 7, which will focus on 2nd declension neuter noun endings.

LITERATURE: November 28-December 2

We are about to embark upon a great adventure--one of the greatest in fiction literature! This week, we begin to read Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. You will be thrilled and chilled at what the narrator, Jim, encounters as he finds himself with Captain Long John Silver looking for pirate treasure. I think this is a book you will put in your top 10!

Tomorrow, you will get a packet that will guide you through the whole novel, and will help you

decide on the way you want to present your book report over this novel.

The reading assignments are below, as well as our spelling words. The spelling test will be on Monday, December 5, with several words you will need to be able to also define. As you read each day in class and each evening, I want you to take notes. This will help you greatly as you read for comprehension and to better remember the details of the plot and the characters you will "meet." You will also do better on your daily quizzes!

So, get ready to sail land-lubbers!

SPELLING/VOCABULARY for Test on Monday, December 5

* signifies that you must learn and be able to write the definition for this word

1. connoisseur *

2. seafaring

3. abominable *

4. annoyance

5. villainous

6. assize *

7. shoulder

8. peculiar

9. fierce

10. trinket *

Date	In Class	HOMEWORK
Monday, November 28	Read Chapter 1	Read Chapters 2 & 3 (pp. 12-29) Work on Book Report
Tuesday, November 29	Quiz over Chapters 1-3 Read Chapter 4	Read Chapters 5 & 6 (pp. 39-55) Work on Book Report
Wednesday, November 30	Quiz over Chapters 4-6 Read Chapter 7	Read Chapters 8 & 9 (pp. 67-82) Work on Book Report
Thursday, December 1	Quiz over Chapters 7-9 Read Chapter 10	Read Chapters 11 & 12 (pp. 91-105) Work on Book Report
Friday, December 2	Quiz over Chapters 10-12 Read Chapter 13	Read Chapters 14,15,16 (pp. 117-143) Work on Book Report

HISTORY: Week of November 28-December 2

This week in history, we begin to study the Native Americans of MesoAmerica--that area between North and South America, or Middle America. The oldest culture found in this area is the Maya, whose descendants are still alive today.

Each of you will have part of their history to research, an invention or something the Maya were known for having accomplished, a legend to read and tell, and one of the ancient cities to investigate. Your research will be "told" to the class--you may take notes as you go, and make a few PowerPoint slides with pictures you want to show the class. There will be no written component to this research project.

It will be due on Monday, December 5. Then, we'll move on to the Aztecs.

You will receive your research packet in class tomorrow. Here are some websites that may help you find some information.

http://www.jaguarstones.com/LinksMaya.html

http://www.oneworldjourneys.com/jaguar/history.html

http://mayanruins.info/mayan-civilization/mayan-history/

http://www.mayankids.com/

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank you for your food bank contributions last week and for providing apple juice for the Sharing Feast. Enjoy your Thanksgiving break and know that your CCS teachers are thankful for you!

November 21-22: Latin II

On Tuesday we'll take our chapter 7 quiz. Prepare by studying with your chapter 7 packet (and don't forget to be ready for review words!).

November 21-22: Science

On Monday we will be moving some science supplies downstairs to the new 4/5th grade math and science room. Once we're all moved in we'll be equipped with a sink and more space to spread out during hands-on science lessons.

November 21-22: Bible

We are taking the Temptation of Christ test on Monday, moved from last Friday. Memory verse is Luke 4:3-4.

LITERATURE: November 14-22

Literature Assignments and Spelling for November 14-22

These next 7 school days will take us to the end of our study of Columbus’ voyages to the Americas. We will also begin one of the most enchanting novels in the English language—Treasure Island by the Scottish author, Robert Louis Stevenson. More sailing, but this time, mateys, with lots more adventure, a few pirates, and even some treasure!

Your assignments are below, as well as your spelling words for test on Tuesday, November 22.

For Monday, November 14—Be ready for your spelling test (last week’s words) & for your test over Native American cultures & regions. You are also to have read pps. 31-43 in Columbus book

For Tuesday, November 15—Read pages 44-57 in Columbus book and fill out study questions.

For Wednesday, November 16—Read pages 58-70 in Columbus book; fill out study questions.

For Thursday, November 17—Read pages 71-87 in Columbus book and fill out study questions.

For Friday, November 18—No Homework

For Monday, November 21—Read Chapter 2 of Treasure Island

For Tuesday, November 22—Read Chapter 3 of Treasure Island

No Homework over the Thanksgiving Holidays! Happy Thanksgiving!

SPELLING/VOCABULARY WORDS for Tuesday, November 22 (* = definition is needed)

1. conversation

2. certain

3. current * (as it applies to the sea)

4. presence

5. Gloria in excelsis deo—you must be able to spell the Latin, and translate into English

6. affirmation*

7. feigned*

8. vessel

9. boatswain* (as it applies to the sea)

10. forecastle* (as it applies to the sea) This word is pronounced like [folk-sel]

11. believed

12. temperate*

13. continent

14. encouraged

15. sovereign*

LITERATURE: November 7-14

Happy Sunday, 5th Graders!

I hope you had a great day off on Friday! We had a great time at the convention, and learned lots of new ideas!

Don't forget that tomorrow, you have a spelling test and 4 vocabulary words to learn, as well as a quiz over the characteristics of Native American mythology.

Our next book will be The First Voyage to America by Christopher Columbus. It is a re-writing of the original log that was kept by Columbus on his first trip to "discover America." Actually, he thought the whole voyage that he and his sailors and admirals were headed to India for spices and silk. He even mentions another sailor wanted to continue on to Japan from India once they would arrive. What a shock it must have been to realize that they had landed somewhere totally unexpected!

I will give you your book on Wednesday, with some questions that will guide your reading AND help you pass your reading quizzes. Below are your reading assignments for this coming week. Your spelling words and vocabulary are also included in this post.

Happy sailing!

READING ASSIGNMENTS:

To be read by Thursday, November 10: pages 3-15 and pp. 88-91, with study guide

To be read by Friday, November 11: pages 19-30,, with study guide

To be read by Monday, August 30: pages 31-43, with study guide

SPELLING and VOCABULARY: Test on Monday, November 14 during Lit class

1. testament (be able to write the definition)

2. Gospel

3. character

4. Christopher Columbus

5. league (be able to write the definition)

6. caravel (be able to write the definition)

7. admiral

8. uncharted (be able to write the definition)

9. reckoned (be able to write the definition)

10. amplitude (be able to write the definition)

11. commencement (be able to write the definition)

12. apparently

EXTRA CREDIT: You will need to be able to spell these 2 words, and recognize their correct definition.

stationary—holding steady or still; not moving

stationery—letter writing paper (remember that the “er” in this word matches the “er” in letter and in paper)

Math October 31 - Nov. 3

Sudoku has become very popular in our classroom. It is a great problem solving skill and helps keep your brain active. It is fun for all ages. Some online Sudoku sites are : http://www.sudokukingdom.com/ and/or http://www.dailysudoku.com/sudoku/ .

This week we will be going over our test we took last week. Watch for that to come home. We will review subtraction with 0's. Our lessons will focus on rate, ratio, and adding and subtracting fractions that have common denominators.

October 31-November 3: Latin II

This week we'll add 2nd declension masculine nouns to our repetoire. Remember to study the new vocab on your own.

October 31-November 3: Science

This week we're taking a few days to learn about the science mystery of the Bermuda Triangle.

October 31-November 3: Bible

This week we are studying the Baptism of Jesus, using accounts found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Our memory verse is Matthew 3:16. Because we will not have school on Friday, the Baptism of Jesus test will take place next Monday.

LITERATURE & HISTORY: October 31-November 4

This is a short week because there is no school on Friday! So, your spelling test will be next Monday, November 7 over the words and vocabulary below. We will be finishing our study and presentations of the Native American Regions, and reading a play, some poetry, another legend or two, and two non-fiction articles about Native Americans. Your assignments for the week are below:

MONDAY, October 31: Your last day to research and/or work on your PowerPoint for your Native American Region. Presentations begin tomorrow. Today in class, we will do a Reader’s Theater play called How Coyote Brought Fire to the People. HOMEWORK: Read Buffalo Hunt from Collections for Young Scholars, Vol. 5, Bk. 2 pages 135-157. Fill out the analysis handout while you read.

TUESDAY, November 1: Olivia and Christian will present their PowerPoints, while we fill out comparative charts and a map as we listen. HOMEWORK: Read In Two Worlds: A Yup’ik Eskimo Family from Collections for Young Scholars, Vol. 5, Bk. 1, pp. 246-267. Fill out short study guide as you read.

WEDNESDAY, November 2: Kelton will give his report; Andrew, his PPt, while we fill out chart/map as we listen. HOMEWORK: Read poetry and legend from Princess Island Legends, pp. 14-18. Learn the characteristics of a legend from handout for test on Monday.

THURSDAY, November 3: Daanish and Mrs. Horner will present their PPts, while we finish charts/maps as we listen. These will be graded, but will become study guides for our test over the Native Americans in North America which you will have on Tuesday, November 8. HOMEWORK (for Monday): Read Shin-ge-bis Fools the North Wind from North American Tales, pp. 1-10 and fill out study guide. Study for test over characteristics of a legend and spelling words for test on Monday; for Native American test on Tuesday.

SPELLING WORDS for test on Monday, November 7 (* = you must know the definition)

1. legendary

2. encampment

3. occupation

4. immense

5. congratulations

6. nutritious

7. temperature

8. aluminum

9. precarious *

10. tundra *

11. kerosene *

12. intricate *

October 24-28: Science

This week we are beginning a unit on life science. To start out, we'll discuss the seven characteristics of living things and the four things necessary for the survival of living things.

October 24-28: Bible

This week we are learning the story of the Ministry of John the Baptist, using John 1 as our primary text. Our memory verse for the week, due Friday, is John 1:6-8.

Monday

In class: Ministry of John worksheet.

Wednesday

In class: Ministry of John project 1.

Friday

In class: Ministry of John test and project 2.

LITERATURE & HISTORY: October 24-28

Hello, Students!

This week, our readings will be from three different books, each of which has a Native American legend or article in it. Your spelling words and vocabulary will be taken from these books, and you will have homework assignments for reading. Our new 9 weeks of Reading Log grades begins this week, so please make an effort to write down your reading and get your parents to initial these every week.

In History, you will be finishing your research on your Native region, and making your PowerPoint, which will be DUE ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 31.

For Tuesday: Be sure that you have finished writing your “key” short story from last week. These are due on Tuesday at the beginning of class. HOMEWORK: for Tuesday, read pages 150-170 of the story, The Last Great Snake from the Junior Great Books, Series 6, First Semester book that you will be given in class on Monday. Fill out study guide for story. Study for your spelling test.

For Wednesday: Be ready to turn in your study guide over the first half of The Last Great Snake. Be ready for class discussion over the ideas in the story so far, and any questions you had when you read. HOMEWORK: For Wednesday, read pages 170-192 of The Last Great Snake, and fill out study guide. Study for your spelling test.

For Thursday: Be ready to turn in your study guide over the second half of The Last Great Snake. After our discussion on Thursday, you will be asked to write an essay on one of the themes of the story in class. Study for your spelling test.

For Friday: You will share your essays with one another about The Last Great Snake. We will do a Reader’s Theater How the Coyote Brought Fire to the People. HOMEWORK: Read Buffalo Hunt and the two poems from Collections for Young Scholars, Volume 5, Book 2, pages 135-157. Fill out the study guide for this reading assignment. Study for your spelling test.

On Friday: Spelling Test. Your study guide for last night’s reading is due. Class discussion over the article and poems Buffalo Hunt and comparison to what you are learning about your native region. You will write a poem about the buffalo the style of the Great Plains Native American culture, and paint an illustration in that style.

SPELLING WORDS for Test on Friday, October 28.

1. abruptly

2. journeying

3. lusterless*

4. weather-beaten

5. ancient

6. stringy*

7. polishing

8. busied

9. uncanny

10. diligent*

11. resistant

12. indifferently

*you must know and be able to write the definition for each of these words (3)

October 17-21: Latin II

This week we will finish up chapter 4. On Tuesday we will begin translating simple SN/V sentences, as well as review for the chapter 4 quiz on Thursday. Remember to study the chapter 4 packet to prepare for the quiz and don't forget there will be a few review vocabulary words.

October 17-21: Science

This week we will share our Ptolemy/Copernicus paragraphs with the class so we can learn from each other. If you have not turned in your paragraphs, please do so ASAP. We will also discuss comets and asteriods together.

October 17-21: Bible

This week we are studying "Jesus As A Boy", using the scripture reference Luke 2:39-52. Due to the Canterbury Faire on Friday, we will take this week's test on Wednesday and it will be open-book. There will be no memory verse this week.

Monday

In class: Jesus As A Boy worksheet, Jesus As A Boy project 1.


Wednesday

In class: Jesus As A Boy test (open-book).


Friday

No Bible class due to Canterbury Faire.

HISTORY PROJECTS on Native American Regions

NATIVE AMERICANS by REGIONS: Research Sites

These websites are the ones that I want you to visit FIRST before trying Google searches of your own. Some are interactive—you can click on different parts of the map to have it take you to the correct location for your region of Native Americans.

REMEMBER: You are researching a group of Native American tribes that lived in a particular REGION of America—NOT just one tribe.

For ALL Regions:

http://www.ahsd25.k12.il.us/curriculum/nativeamericans/index.html

http://www2.needham.k12.ma.us/eliot/technology/lessons/na_regions/index.htm

http://www.kidinfo.com/american_history/native_americans.html

http://www.teamstraus.com/Native%20American%20Webquest.htm This one site will take you to many others for your region.

http://nativeamericans.mrdonn.org/index.html

Your PowerPoint should have:

1 Title Slide with the Title, your name, History, CCS, Date

1 Resources slide at the end, with your resources cited (copied from your packet)

1 slide on each of the MR. LIP questions answered = 5 slides

1 slide on each of the SMERFCAPS questions answered = 9 slides

1 picture per slide (about that slide’s topic) = 14 pictures

1 map of the REGION with a list of the major tribes from that region

That’s a total of at least 16 slides, 14 pictures, 14 summaries, 1 map, a list of tribes from your region—and if you can find a short movie or some of your tribes’s music, embed that into your PPt for extra credit.

You will only receive up to 10 extra credit points for animation, fonts, backgrounds—so 90% of your grade will be the information and pictures you present.

This project is due on Wednesday, October 26—unless we’re all working hard and can’t get it done. Then, I’ll extend the due date.

LITERATURE & HISTORY: October 17-21

This week is the last week of the first grading period this year. We will be finishing our study of The Secret Garden by reading the last few chapters, and with some fun activities, including our Tea Party.

You have accomplished so much this first nine weeks: you have read two novels, and applied the 5 Themes of Geography to one and the 9 Activities of Culture to the other. This has given you a great foundation on which to begin the study of American History. You will continue to research the Native American tribes of your region. Your PowerPoint on this research is DUE on Wednesday, October 26 if all goes as planned.

You will not have any spelling words this week—but just think. . .you have learned to spell and locate all 50 states in the US; both countries that share the continent of North America; all the continents and oceans in the world; the main rivers and mountain range of the US; and all of the regions of the US. This information will stay with you forever—who knows. . . someday, you may win Jeopardy with all that you have learned!

Your Secret Garden book reports will be presented on Monday. Your reading assignments to finish this novel are listed below:

MONDAY, October 17: Book Reports and presentations due. Come to class having read Chapters 24 and 25 in The Secret Garden. HOMEWORK: Read Chapter 26, pp. 323-336, for Tuesday.

TUESDAY, October 18: We will discuss Chapter 26 in The Secret Garden. You will be given class time to begin reading your assignment for tomorrow. HOMEWORK: Read Chapter 27, pp. 337-358—the end of the novel, for Wednesday.

WEDNESDAY, October 19: We will discuss the end of the novel. SECRET ASSIGNMENT!

THURSDAY, October 20: English Tea Party and film

FRIDAY, October 21: You will be helping to run the games and booths of Canterbury Faire. Early Out at 11:45.

October 11-14: Latin II

Tuesday: Begin chapter 4. Study 1st declension chant and new vocabulary.

Thursday: Con't. chapter 4.

October 11-14: Science

Friday: Ptolemy/Copernicus paragraph due.

October 11-14: Bible

Wednesday: The Flight to Egypt worksheet. No memory verse this week.

Friday: Open-book test over The Flight to Egypt.

Math October 10 - 14

This week for math we are all going to revisit subtraction with 0's. We will also be working on Lessons 16 and 17.
Lesson 16 focuses on Rounding and Estimating.
Lesson 17's objective is Numberline, fractions and mixed numbers.

We will focus on our 4's multiplication facts.

Another cool website to practice your math skills is http://www.coolmath4kids.com/

LITERATURE: October 11-14

Hi, students! I hope you're having a great weekend--the rain has been wonderful. I'm sure you took advantage, and curled up with The Secret Garden to read your chapters for Tuesday!

Below are your new (and last) states for your spelling test on Friday, October 11. I have decided to postpone your book report projects on The Secret Garden. They will be due on Monday, October 17 rather than on this Friday. Enjoy your day off tomorrow, and I'll see you on Tuesday.

READING ASSIGNMENTS FOR THIS WEEK:

For Tuesday: Be sure you have read Chapters 15-18 carefully--pay special attention to the dilemma or problem that Mary finds herself dealing with. Work on your book report project!

For Wednesday: Read Chapters 19 and 20, pp. 228-255. Read carefully because I'll ask each of you questions orally. Work on your book report project.

For Thursday: Read Chapters 21 and 22, pp. 256-278. More questions to answer aloud tomorrow. Work on your book report project.

For Friday: Be ready for tomorrow's spelling test. Read Chapter 23, pp. 279-295. Work on your book report project, which are DUE ON MONDAY.

For Monday: Read Chapters 24-25, pp. 296-322. Be ready to present book report projects!

SPELLING WORDS for TEST ON FRIDAY, October 14--you will need to be able to spell these correctly and place them in the correct location on the US map.

1. Pacific Coast States

2. Washington

3. Oregon

4. California

5. Noncontiguous States--you will also be required to define noncontiguous

6. Alaska

7. Hawaii

8. PACIFIC OCEAN

October 3-7: Latin II

Tuesday: Correct ch. 3 worksheet.

Thursday: Ch. 3 quiz: vocab, mensa chant, grammar (don't forget there will be review vocab from ch. 1-2).

October 3-7: Science

Monday: Discuss "Moon" DVD seen on Friday. Read lesson 4.5 and answer questions.

Wednesday: Begin research for Ptolemy vs. Copernicus paragraph.

Friday: Continue work on Ptolemy vs. Copernicus paragraph (due Friday, Oct. 14).

October 3-7: Bible

Monday: Visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12) worksheet. Memory verse--Matthew 2:6.

Wednesday: Constellation project.

Friday: Visit of the Magi test. Project 1 crossword puzzle.

HISTORY: October 3-7

Students,

I wanted to let you know that you will be having two "unit tests" this week--one on Thursday, and the other on Friday.

For Thursday's test, you need to be able to write a short 2-3 word reminder as to what each of the SMERFCAPS letter means--you can use the paper I gave you several weeks ago called "What is Culture" to study. For the second part of this test, I will play a Spongebob cartoon, stopping it eleven different times. You are to analyze what you see on the screen, what you have just heard, or what is happening in order to choose the Activity of Culture best represented. It's one of the "funnest" tests you'll ever take!

On Friday, you will complete an assignment in class called, Trace it Forward. You will choose three major events that have happened to you in your life. You need to know the dates of these events so that you can put them in chronological order. Then, you will analyze each using the 5 Themes of Geography (MR. LIP), as well as the Nine Activities of Culture (SMERFCAPS.) You will list a specific primary source that would prove that event happened, and show cause and effect among the 3 events. Be sure you are familiar with what you are being asked to do, and go ahead and choose your 3 events and get those dates.

Math Class October 3-7

Last week we tried a rotating system where all 5th grade students were either in a guided math group, individual book work group, center activity group, or a problem solving enrichment group. It worked out well, so we are going to try it again this week. I think our favorite activity for last week was playing "Baby Snake" which is a game of mentally adding and taking risks. Ask your child how to play and play a game at home.

This week our lessons will include:

Problem Solving Strategies: Draw a diagram or make a table, and working backwards to find the answer.

Lessons: Number line with negative numbers and problems with equal groups.

Multiplication Facts: We will concentrate on 3's. I know that most 5th graders are experts with their times table but it never hurts to become quicker.

LITERATURE: October 3-7

I just found out this weekend that Bishop Andy Doyle and his wife, JoAnne are in Yorkshire as we read The Secret Garden! Bishop Andy is one of the Bishops of the Episcopal Church in this Diocese--he knows about our school. So maybe, we could talk him into giving us a photo-tour next time he comes to Temple! I'll look into it. But this past Sunday, he and Mrs. Doyle worshipped at the church in Yorkshire where his Great Grandparents x 11 were married in 1640! And that church is still standing today! Awesome!

This week, we continue getting more and more into The Secret Garden and begin to learn more about the characters of Dickon and Colin, and the problems that Mary faces as she learns to help Colin grow, and as she is taught about new growth from Dickon. You will choose your book report topics this week and will begin working on those during spare time at school. Your book reports will be due on Friday, October 14.

Don't forget that you have a spelling test tomorrow over the Southwest Region and the states, two rivers, Gulf of Mexico, and MEXICO that are in this region. Your next set of states are listed below--we're almost done learning the states of our United States, and I'm really proud of you! There are many adults (like me, before I studied them again with you) who don't know the names and locations of all of the states.

Your homework reading assignments are also below. You will continue to have a quiz or two to make sure you are getting the main ideas of the story, but you will also begin writing some of your ideas about the characters during class.

See you tomorrow--and it was great to see you, Olivia and Andrew, singing in the choir at Christ Church this morning! We missed you Kelton, Christian, and Daanish!

SPELLING for Test on Friday, October 7--you will need to be able to spell these places correctly, and put them in the correct location. You will also have to draw in the mountains.

1. Mountain Region

2. Montana

3. Idaho

4. Wyoming

5. Nevada

6. Utah

7. Colorado

8. Draw in and label the Rocky Mountains

9. Label the Great Salt Lake

HOMEWORK:

For Monday, October 3--be ready for your spelling test over the Southwest. Make sure you have finished reading Chapters 7 and 8, and completed your flower/animal chart with illustrations. 10 question quiz over your reading.

HOMEWORK: Read Chapters 9 and 10, pp. 93-122 for Tuesday. Make a labeled sketch of the garden as it is described on pages 93 to the middle of 96.

Tuesday, October 4--You will share your garden sketch with the class. You will write an introduction of the character of Dickon in class on Tuesday.

HOMEWORK: Read Chapters 11 & 12 (pp. 123-145) for Wednesday, keeping track of the similes and metaphors on a handout as you read.

Wednesday, October 5--10 question quiz over your reading. You will share your character summary of Dickon in class. Discussion over these two chapters will include the use and meaning of metaphors and similes.

HOMEWORK: Read Chapter 13 (pp. 146-164) for Thursday, paying close attention to the description of Colin.

Thursday, October 6--You will write an introduction of the character of Colin in class on Thursday. You will read Chapter 14 in class, working on a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting Dickon and Colin.

HOMEWORK: Read Chapter 15 (pp. 181-197) for Friday, and finish your Venn diagram.

Friday, October 7--You will share your character summaries of Colin with the class; discuss Chapters 14 and 15, and share your Venn diagrams as we compare and contrast the two characters of Dickon and Colin. SPELLING TEST over the Mountain Region.

HOMEWORK: Read Chapters 16-18 (pp. 198-227) noticing the PROBLEM that Mary begins to have as she is friends with both Colin and Dickon.

Math September 26-30

Fifth graders this week are concentrating on place value up to the trillions and comparing elapsed time.

Lessons 12 and 13

We are still continuing to master our multiplication facts.

LITERATURE & HISTORY: September 26-30

This week, we will begin reading The Secret Garden, a wonderful book about new beginnings from old roots. The story begins in India and takes

Mary Lennox, the

protagonist, to England to a medieval mansion on the moors of Yorkshire. As we read, we will be looking for THEMES, and for how this novel incorporates all of the Activities of Culture, which we will be studying in History class. There will be some very interesting book report topics and activities during this unit, which will take us into October.

Below are your spelling words for the next two tests, and your homework assignments for this week.

MONDAY, September 26: TEST over the states of the Midwest and the 5 Great Lakes HOMEWORK: Read Chapters 1 and 2, pp. 1-19 in Secret Garden, and fill out SMERFCAPS chart. LOOK for THEMES!

TUESDAY, September 27: Listen to Chapter 3 aloud in class. HOMEWORK: Read Chapter 4, pp. 28-49 and fill out SMERFCAPS chart.

WEDNESDAY, September 28: HOMEWORK: Read Chapters 5 and 6, pp. 51-71 and fill out SMERFCAPS chart.

THURSDAY, September 29: Spelling TEST over states of the Heartland Region, and the Ohio, Missouri, and Mississippi Rivers—spelling and location.HOMEWORK: Read Chapter 7, pp. 72-80. Keep a list on handout of flora and fauna mentioned in this chapter.

FRIDAY, September 30: Reading logs, DUE! HOMEWORK: Practice Spelling Words listed below for Test on Monday; Read Chapter 8, pp. 81-92. Use sketch pad to draw a picture of what you think the garden looks like from the chapter’s descriptions.

SPELLING WORDS/MAP for Test on Thursday, September 29--spelling & locations

1. The Heartland Region

2. North Dakota

3. South Dakota

4. Nebraska

5. Kansas

6. Minnesota

7. Iowa

8. Missouri

9. Missouri River

10. Ohio River

11. Mississippi River

SPELLING WORDS/MAP for Test on Monday, October 3--spelling & locations

1. The Southwest Region

2. Arizona

3. New Mexico

4. Texas

5. Austin (capital of Texas)

6. Oklahoma

7. The Red River

8. The Rio Grande River

9. The Gulf of Mexico

10. MEXICO

September 26-30: Latin II

This week we'll work through the chapter 3 packet. Make sure you are studying the vocab and chant on your own. No quiz this week.

September 26-30: Bible

Monday: Simeon Meets the Christ worksheet. Memory verse--Luke 2:29-31.

Wednesday: Simeon Meets the Christ project 1.

Friday: Simeon Meets the Christ test + memory verse.

September 26-30: Science

Monday: Article about galaxies, etc. Independent research in computer lab.

Friday: Share with class 3 facts learned from Monday's research.

LITERATURE & HISTORY: Wednesday, 21st-Monday, 26th

LITERATURE and HISTORY: Wednesday, September 21-Monday, September 26

You will have a spelling test on Monday, September 26. Your new words are below. You will also have to outline and label the region, label and place the states in the correct location on the US map, and learn the names and correct locations of the 5 Great Lakes. If you can name any of the capitals correctly, you will get extra credit!

(The Lakes, from west to east (or left to right) have the letters SMHEO = Super Man Helps Every One)

1. Midwest Region

2. Michigan (notice that it is on either side of Lake Michigan)

3. Wisconsin

4. Illinois

5. Indiana

6. Ohio

7. Lake Superior

8. Lake Michigan

9. Lake Huron

10. Lake Erie

11. Lake Ontario

CCS Parents Plus Spirit Night!

Papa Murphy's Pizza Fall FUNdraiser!

$2 donated to CCS Parents Plus for EVERY PIZZA SOLD

Return order forms & payment by Monday Sept. 26
Best Part: DELIVERY at School on Wed. Sept. 28
. . . in the drive through, on the foyer or at extended care!!!!

Take them home for an easy week night meal AND stock your freezer for fall parties, birthdays and family nights!

LIT & HISTORY: September 19-23

Hello, 5th Graders,

I wanted to remind you with this short post that I have made a few changes in our spelling test schedule, which we discussed on Friday.

Tomorrow, (Monday), you are only responsible for the Appalachian Highlands Region with its five states: Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

Thursday, September 22, you will be responsible for the Southeastern Region: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

You will need to be able to outline each of these regions, and name each state, spelling it correctly. If you can also name the capital, you will get extra credit. You should have a colored hand-out of these two regions, but you can look at last week's blog if you need to.

On Wednesday, you will be taking a test over the 5 Themes of Geography (MR. LIP) and how they applied to the plot and themes in King of the Wind.

Your Island Project is due next Monday, September 26. You will have to present your layered book and your journey map to your island. This is a major project, so please do your best!

I'll be posting new spelling words on Wednesday of this week, and giving you your new list. You won't have any reading assignments until next week when we begin The Secret Garden. Use your 30 minutes of reading each night for a book of your choice!

See you tomorrow!

Math September 19 - 23

This week we will only have one "Drops in the Bucket" Homework. If there are problems on the paper that we have not covered and you do not understand, just make a note, and we will work on it in class. Homework will be given on Monday and will be due on Friday.

This week we will not be working in the textbook and continue to work on multiplication. We are going to work on speed of basic facts 0-4 by taking speed tests. We will also be working on multiplying 2 digit by 2 digit, and 3 digit by 2 digit multiplication problems.

I suggest practicing at home by going to any of the following sites:


http://www.multiplication.com/
Zeus' Petals basic facts


Multiflyer basic facts


Sum Sense test your speed
MultipliACTION 2 digit by 2 digit practice