5th Grade Info

Happy New Year

2011-01-03T13:55:00.000-08:00

It is so good to be back. The kids were wonderful today and went right back to working as if they had not been gone for two weeks. We started off the morning with AR tests and letting kids make up their tests from the Friday before the holidays. Several, not all, took advantage of this and have much better grades now. However, 3 more points need to be made by Friday, 1-7-11. So, off to the Library we went to get books for this week.

This brought us up to Math time. We are finished with 1-13 in Review and Problem Solving, but are only to #6 in Skills. So, I taught the lesson and gave them #7-#11 to do before tomorrow. They had about 45 minutes to work on it at the end of the day. I hope I answered all the questions they had.

Tomorrow morning we are going to start off the day with a Unit Assessment in Reading. It will cover listening, comprehension, grammar, and writing. I hope they take their time and do well. Then it is on to Math and 3D figures. Science is going to consist of Measure Up Lessons/Science Vocabulary, and lots of it. We are going to be studying Martin Luther King, Jr. and writing our own I Have a Dream speech. I love this lesson.

Finally, I hope your New Year starts off as wonderful as mine did. I love what I do and I love where I am.

later--
Danna B

I am Back!!

2010-12-08T13:17:00.000-08:00

It has been many days since I posted a blog. I was out the entire week before Thanksgiving break while my mother was not doing very well. She passed on Thursday, November 18th, about 2:30 in the afternoon. We were not able to have her funeral until the following Tuesday. My family was with me all two weeks, and that helped me get through a very tough time. I was ready to come back to school to see my students on the Monday following Thanksgiving. I was barely in my room when I was informed about the sudden death of Bethany's uncle. His name was Dace Brandt and some of you probably remember Logan and Josh. Both of his boys graduated from ATISD. I had to leave Monday to go be with Bethany. His funeral was Thursday. I was only out in the morning and returned to school to finally teach my children.

This week has been great. We are catching up with all the things we are behind on. I am reteaching a lot of the subjects so I will know they know!!!! Looking forward to another good day tomorrow.
Later--
db

Wednesday--Only 2 days left until the end of the 2nd 6 weeks!!!

2010-11-10T13:44:00.000-08:00

Today has been busy, of course. We are really doing pretty good in Reading because I will not start a new selection until next week. So, no Spelling, Grammar, or Vocab. However, we are going to work in the Word Explorer workbook. It is excellent practice in Vocabulary. We also are spending time writing the historical fiction story they will have published by Thanksgiving. I am also allowing a few retest over a book I read out loud to them. Some kids just need to read the book silently to get the full meaning. So, I am letting those student that want to retake the test do so.

In Math, I was kinda disappointed in the test grades for adding and subtracting decimals until I realized that we had practiced with the decimals lined up for us vertically. The test had the students line the numbers up vertically. The problems were presented to them horizontally. When I realized what the problem was, I decided to revisit this concept again later and retest them. I been at this a long time, but every child is different. I do know when I have to reteach and just how to get the learning across. That is because I have been at this so long.

I had my first Oral Reading practice today. The kids are doing very well. They need to practice on everything they are contestants in. This is a lot of work, but it will pay off in the end.

We also have a Veteran's packet and a Weekly Reader we are working on. Not homework--yet. AR is always a priority.

See ya--
DB

Tuesday--4 days until the end of the 2nd 6 weeks!

2010-11-09T08:42:00.000-08:00

Things have been just too busy. I was at Sharon Wells on Friday morning and came back to catch up with all the Friday things we do. Yesterday I was getting the UIL Listening group tested and determining the ones that will go to Pawnee, as well as, all the regular curriculum.

I introduced the students next writing assignment. Historical Fiction. They are to write a story based on the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving. They have to use true facts and put themselves into the action. It is something they really have fun at. I have read them two thanksgiving books that they will have for a reference. Plus, they took AR tests on the two books and can use them for their AR points this week. Of course, if they didn't listen while I was reading, they may not want to use the points.

UIL is keeping us all hopping. I have students leaving for practice at all times during the day. Tomorrow I will start working with my Oral Readers during P.E. They are not going to like that, but I have no other time. I am tutoring every afternoon between 3:30-4:00 and your child is free to stay if she/he is having any trouble.

More later--
db

Thursday Again!

2010-11-04T05:30:00.000-07:00

So much for my writing everyday. First, I was out on Tuesday and yesterday was hectic trying to get caught up with all I needed to do. However, it was a good day--very busy. First, we finished the Spelling packet, due today and test today; grammar test today over combining sentences; went over Vocabulary and will have that packet finished today; read "The Night of San Juan" with reading partners; went over the Math test and began the review that will be due today before they complete the Benchmark--a reallllly big test. Along with all that, we took a Science test over charts and graphs, did AR, and went to UIL practices. In fact, if you are concerned about the amount of homework your child is having, it is because they are leaving class to meet with their UIL coaches. During the time they are practicing is usually the time they have to work on independent practice or homework. I know it seems like a lot, but I have to keep covering ground in class. Since the 5th graders have done so well in the tryouts, I have several that are out for practice in several events. Today are the Oral Reading tryouts and I will add my practices to those already going on. However, my practices will be after school or during Music and/or P.E. Well, it is 7:30 am and I need to get busy.

Write more later--
db

Laid Back Monday

2010-11-01T12:45:00.000-07:00

I think the kids are as tired as I am. We have accomplished a lot but at slow speed. Spelling #5, Grammar #4, Vocabulary #4 and Problem/Solution #1 is due tomorrow, as well as, finishing the Decimal Place Value packet. Tomorrow we will test over Decimal Place Value and begin our new composition. This will be an historical fiction composition that the kids really enjoy doing. We started our new novel Indian in the Cupboard. I am reading it even though I have it on tape. I really enjoy reading to the kids and can stop and explain the vocabulary words they do not know. Lynn Reid Banks is the author and she is British. She talks about "biscuit tins"--which are cookie jars--and having "tea". Our kids have no idea of the cultural difference between England and America, even though we both speak English. Finally, Weekly Reader is also due. Only a few have not finished it.

Don't forget to practice your oral reading poem. Try outs on Thursday 3:30-4:30. Study for all your other events too.

Later--
db

Real, Real Late!

2010-10-30T09:58:00.000-07:00

I am real, real late. In fact, it is Saturday morning. Friday went by so fast and furious that I hardly had time to breathe. We started off our morning trying to get all 3 points for AR. Since, Halloween comps. were also being typed, those that did not have their points had the opportunity to keep on reading and taking tests. It worked out very well for a few that were not prepared with all 3 points for Friday. However, please don't count on this happening too often. It just worked out that way today.

All but 3 Halloween comps. were completed--written, typed, edited by me, and published. They are very good. Monday, we will share them with the class, and I will assigned their grades. The 3 that still need to complete theirs will just have to share when they finish. Hopefully, on Monday.

Kinder trick or treated our class, and of course, we gave them treats. They performed a song, a poem, and a rhyme. They were all so cute and my 5th graders were very attentive while they were in the room. We gave each one of the 8 little gobblins a treat bag--there were no tricks for them. This is a favorite activity that we do each year. Thanks Ms. Neves.

Later in the day, we finished George Washington's Socks, our class novel. We also completed the Story Shield that teaches setting, point of view, rising action, conflict, conflict resolution, and falling action. It is a form I use to teach children the basic elements in the plot of all the novels we read. They then took the AR test for the book. This will be on their AR reports, but does not count towards the 3 points they need each week. I use this grade in Reading. Out next novel is Indian in the Cupboard, also a favorite of 5th graders.
We should finish this in a couple of weeks. Then our next writing assignment will have to do with Thanksgiving--historical fiction.

Finally, we ended the day with our pizza party for snapshot day. This is the day TEA looks at our enrollment for the next year's financing. It is a very important day for school districts. I am happy to say all my students were here today. I also had treats for them. In fact, I had so much, I will be able to treat them a little next week too. I gave them their treats right before school ended. Sorry, if they were a little hyper!!!

UIL update: 2 out of the 3 Spelling contestants are 5th graders--Yea. I sent home a note with all the oral readers to be prepared with their practice poem for next Thursday, 3:30-4:30 p.m. That is when my judges will decide on the top three contestants and 1 alternate. Study that poem.

See you all Monday--
db

A Little Late

2010-10-28T16:37:00.000-07:00

I am at home now and remembered I did not blog today. We were very busy with all the work going on, UIL practice, and putting our play on for 4th grade. The class divided into two groups to put on two Greek plays. The first group went today and was a big hit with the lower grade. We also did Spelling, Grammar, Vocabulary, and Math. The next page(s) in their packets are due tomorrow. In Math, Decimal Place Value, the next two pages are due. They deal with the "hundredths" place. So far, everyone is going great.

Most of our day has been spent writing, editing, and typing our Halloween Expository compositions. I am introducing Google Docs to the kids, a few at a time. What this means is that each child has his/her own google doc account. They can access their documents wherever they are that has the internet. So, they will be able to work of compositions--typing and editing them--from home. When they need help or want me to look over their work, they can email it to me. If you don'g have internet at home yet, the time is coming where it will be a must for all children in school. I have Wild Blue, which is a satallite system through Dish. I have had it for a long time so I am sure there are other options out there if you are interested. Ms. Sessions is a good resource for those types of questions.

Don't forget--3 AR points are needed tomorrow. Progress Reports need to be signed and returned. Practice UIL events. Oral reading tryouts will be one day next week after school. I will send a note home with the kids tomorrow letting everyone know when. It usually takes until 4:30, at the earliest.

No homework tomorrow night--just AR. It's Halloween and I want the kids to have a fun week end without worrying about anything else.

Later--
db

Wild Wednesday

2010-10-27T13:51:00.000-07:00

Today started out kinda wild and ended up even wilder. But, the kids loved the stickers and of course, if I had stickers, I was going to stick them on--everyone one. And, I think I had a few thousand!!!!

Anyway, our morning was fairly calm. We did our usual reading, spelling, grammar and math activities. Kids are seldom without their homework these days--Thanks parents. It is so much easier when we are all on the same page and not behind. This afternoon was hectic, especially after we read our class novel. It looks like we will finish G.W. Socks tomorrow. It is a great book. After reading, we started on the Halloween compositions. By the time music memory folks and dictionary folks went to practice at 2:55 p.m. I couldn't read another rough draft. However, there are two students finished and five more typing. That means there are 10 more students still writing or waiting for me to edit their drafts. Tomorrow is another day and we will be finished by Friday afternoon.

Tomorrow the kids are to bring baby pictures for Red Ribbon Week. The spelling try outs will be tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. and more dictionary try outs will be happening. UIL always keep us busy.

Progress Reports went out today. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. Remember I tutor from 3:30-4:00 and your child is free to stay.

Later--
db

Put A Cap on Drugs

2010-10-26T13:51:00.000-07:00

Today has been a good day. We started off with being able to wear our hats or caps all day because it is Red Ribbon Week. Tomorrow is going to be really fun because I get to put stickers all over my students when they do something good. They are to wear solid colored shirts so the stickers will really stand out.

Then, we started our morning. Spelling, Practice #2 is due tomorrow. Vocabulary, Practice #1 is due tomorrow. Grammar, Practice #1 is due tomorrow. And, our new Math lesson on Decimal Place Value went very well. They had about 25 minutes to work on homework because they picked up so quickly on the new math lesson I taught. Decimal Place Value #1, introducing tenths, is due tomorrow.

After lunch, we went to the Computer Lab where a few of the students worked on Read Naturally, a new reading program to help increase fluency, and others worked on Reading objectives in Study Island, another program introduced last year that will help in all subject areas. I always hit really hard on Reading at the beginning of the year because it is the most important part of learning.

I read for 30 minutes out of our novel and then began our lesson in Science. We are studying about data and how to organize it. So, our next project is to put out a survey through the internet and then chart and graph the results. It should be fun. We ended the afternoon continuing our study of the American Revolution. Art Smart contestants were finalized, and again 4 out of 5 contestants were 5th graders. I am so lucky. Ms. Woolsey is finalizing Maps, Graphs, and Charts. Spelling finals will be Thursday. Remind your child to study.

Our Halloween Expository Composition, 1st rough draft, is due tomorrow. They need to skip lines so I can edit it. Hopefully, we will start the typing process tomorrow so they can be published by Friday.

More later--
db

Marvelous Monday

2010-10-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

I am so sad that I did not get to go on the field trip Friday. I had a family emergency that I had to attend to, so I left the kids with Ms. Gyllendband. She said they were great. Of course, I knew that already.

Today has been hectic. Red Ribbon Week started today with I am a "Jean-ius" because I am drug free. Tomorrow the kids are to wear caps/hats. Wednesday they need to wear solid colored shirts. Thursday they need to bring a baby picture. Friday, is just Friday.

This morning we started off where we left off last Thursday. The kids that needed to take AR tests did so. We finally made it to the Library after lunch to get books for this week. I gave the Spelling Pre-Test and the students were to write their words in their Trackers. They also have Practice #1 due tomorrow. Handwriting, cursive D's are due Friday. Halloween Composition, first rough draft, is due Wednesday. They are working hard, but I really want them published by Friday.

The counselor did a presentation on the brain and how drugs/alcohol effect it. The canine patrol dog showed us how he is able to keep us safe here at school, along with a short presentation from his Master. The kids love this. Wouldn't that be a great profession? Training dogs?? I wonder if there are college courses for this?? Ha!ha!

Our day ended with Maps, Graphs and Charts; Dictionary; and Art Smart. The Art Smart team has been chosen. but there is a tie in Maps, Graphs, and Charts. So, Ms. Woolsey will have to retest several of the students. Ms. Anderson will be testing Dictionary contestants all week because she only has 5 dictionaries. Oral Reading contestants in 5th and 6th grade need to practice the poem I handed out, but I do not think I will have eliminations until next week.

Keep on keeping on,
DB

Fenessey Ranch--Here We Come!

2010-10-21T13:57:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow the 5th and 6th graders will go to Fenessey Ranch for their annual Monarch Madness celebration. There will be many educational opportunities for the kids. We will be walking in a hugh field most of the day. Please make sure your child wears long pants, long socks, and closed toed shoes. You may also pack additional snacks (the school will provide a sack lunch and milk), sunglasses, hats/caps, sunscreen, bug spray, camera, and a towel. These items are optional. They need to be packed in a back pack, please. I instructed the kids to leave their binders and other daily things at home tomorrow (trackers, etc.). They do need to bring their library books to school. We will get back in time to take AR tests, and get new books for next week.

Today, we are finishing up "Maya Lin", main idea and details, and long division. The students took an open book test over this selection and a final test over 1 digit into 2 digit and 3 digit numbers. Most of the grades have been very good, however, please help me get across to the children that they are to look up all the answers when they are given the opportunity to take an open-book test. I do not do reteaches/corrections on this type of test. The first grade they get is what goes into the gradebook. So, they are supposed to take their time and look up all the answers. They can even reread the whole story if they need to. I am trying to teach them to look up answers like they will do on the TAKS test. One low test grade can bring their Reading grade down a lot.

I also had students working to get their AR points today. There are still 9 kids that will need to test tomorrow. Be sure and have them read tonight and bring back their books tomorrow.

Don't forget the things for the field trip--be sure and wear the new shirt they provided for us.

Later--
DB

Wonderful Wednesday

2010-10-20T13:03:00.001-07:00

Today started off like all the other days. We graded our Vocabulary packet and worked on Main Idea. The students were having problems with the homework last night so we went over it again and again until they kinda understand what they are doing. I will see tomorrow when they bring tonight's homework back and we have graded it. Main Idea is hard and will get harder because 5th graders are expected to figure out the "implied" main idea also. This means it will not be stated in the selection. However, this is a bit further into 5th grade and we will worry about it then. Right now, they need to be able to pick out the main idea that is stated in the selection.

The long division mastery test went well today. Now, another test tomorrow with story problems using division. I hope they do as well on it as they did today. No new homework in Math.

This afternoon the students started trying to write their Halloween Expository Composition. There were quite a few reteaches for them to understand just what the assignment is. I will continue to direct them in the right direction until they all understand what they are to compose. T

The Maps, Graphs, and Charts people went to Ms. Woolsey's classroom today to find out about this event. Ready Writing papers were turned into Ms. Setterbo and I was discouraged to see how many signed up to try out and then did not write their papers. You can't be selected if you don't try. Music Memory folks are practicing every Wednesday at 2:55. I was very proud that 4 fifth graders out of 5 made the team. I hope all my students will go to Pawnee, especially since I have to go. Art Smart test is Monday at 2:55. Study!!! Tomorrow, Ms. Anderson will be meeting with those students trying out for Dictionary, and I sent home the practice poem for my 5th and 6th grade oral reading students. They will perform one day next week, after school. I will have more on this later.

Finally, AR. Keep on reading. 3 points by Friday. We are going on the field trip, but they will have time to do their testing when we return.

Have a good one--
db

Terrific Tuesday

2010-10-19T12:13:00.000-07:00

This morning started like a regular morning. We did Vocabulary, Reading, and Math. There is homework in all three, but most have finished at least part of it. I was so pleased that all of them caught on to 1 digit division into 3 digits. They are so smart, and Ms. Diaz gave them a strong background. Thank you, Ms. Diaz.

After lunch, we went to the Computer Lab and then read in our class novel--GEORGE WASHINGTON'S SOCKS. We are really enjoying this novel and are almost half way finished. We completed Lesson 3 in Science. It was mainly about measuring distance, time, mass, and temperature. The best way to learn this is to measure with the actual tools. So, if you are cooking, let your child measure the water that goes into the recipe, or measure the time it takes to bake a pie. Hands on is the best teacher.

Finally, at 1:50 p.m. All Stars began. They are making a Family Crest about themselves. It is pretty neat. After that, we will go into the room and begin our study of the American Revolution.

Please remember--Signed Paper Slips--sent out last Friday; t-shirt order form, and Fennessey Ranch permission slip--we will be going Friday, October 22, 2010 with the 6th graders. It is a lot of fun.

A very good day--
db

Monday Morning Madness

2010-10-18T13:42:00.000-07:00

Not really!! It has been a hectic morning because we used this time to finish those boats we have been working on. Several students are finished and making inroads into their Halloween Expository Composition. Most are still searching for background information using our newest web feature--Nettrekker. Ask your child how this is used. It is a real lifesaver for me and keeps the kids on task.

Today, field trip permission forms will go out for this Friday, October 22, 2010, for Fennessey Ranch. The school will provide a sack lunch and milk, but any extra snacks you want to send that day will be o.k. The students need to wear long pants and closed toed shoes. Caps/hats, sunglasses, sun screen are optional, but a good idea. A towel to sit on is also a good idea. Put all these things in a back pack that will stay on the bus until the child needs the items. It is a fun day and hopefully the weather will cooperate. Call me if you have any questions.

In Computer Lab, the kids began to use a new reading program we have called Read Naturally. It is used to improve vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. They seem to enjoy the stories and want to do this. That is a big part of the battle--getting them involved in their own learning.

In Math we started reviewing 1 digit divisors into 2 digits. They were taught how to do this last year, but long division is always a hard concept to master. We will be doing many problems on the board and on paper until I feel they have all mastered this. Next will be 1 digit into 3 digits. This is new for 5th grade and confuses many. Again, lots of practice and lots of patience usually does the trick.

Music Memory test was taken. The results will be posted soon. Those that make the team will meet every Wednesday at 2:55 p.m. Art Smart test will be Friday, October 22nd at 2:50 p.m. I am sure we will be back from the field trip in time.

No homework except AR. Yea!!!
Later--db

TGI Friday

2010-10-16T06:42:00.000-07:00

October 15, 2010

Hello again--
TGIF!!! It has been a wonderful day. The K., 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders all went to Corpus Christi on a field trip and there was no music today, so I had my kids until P.E. at 10:40. We accomplished so much.
First, everyone took AR tests that needed to take them. They went to the Library and checked out more books for next week and starting reading them. They also silently read our textbook selection, "Maya Lyn" so we can read it out loud on Monday. We graded our "Inflected Endings", but I assigned no more homework. Ms. Kelso took about half my class to practice a Greek play they are going to put on for the 4th graders next week. The others stayed with me, and we worked on make up work and reteaches. Some read and took AR tests. Ms. Sessions has fixed 3 laptops that Mr. Garza had in his room, and I have them now. So, I have 8 computers in my room for the kids to use. Some of the students helped me put all the web sites we use on the desk top of these computers. They know so much about new technology, I am constantly having to educate myself so I can keep up with them.

After lunch, we went to the computer lab and then I read to them out of our new class novel. They love it and I read past the usual time. Now, the kids are making their Columbus Boat because we did not get to do it yesterday. UIL practice took most of my kids out of the room yesterday. Monday, October 18th will be the try outs for Music Memory. Each student has a CD to study. So, make sure your child studies. Art Smart info was sent home yesterday, and the test will be given on Friday, October 22nd. The team will consist of 5 students. Spelling booklets went out at the first of the week. Ms. McCellan told them to study, but I do not know when she will be having try outs. It is going to get very busy in the next few weeks. 5th Grade/6th Grade have quite a few events to try out for. My class seems to be trying out for almost everything, and that is how I like it.

Signed papers went out today. Be sure and look over your child's grades for the week and return the slip, signed, on Monday. I am also sending home the URL address for this blog. Write me!!!

Have a great week end,
DB

What I Learned in School Today?

2010-10-14T14:33:00.000-07:00

While talking to parents during conferences, the comment was made that when asked, the child always answers, "Nuthin" when asked about what they had learned in school today. So, I decided I would blog about the activities and learning that is going on in our 5th grade classroom.
October 14, 2010
Today we have finished up our Combining Sentences packet and taken a test on it. We also finished up Place Value through the 100 billions and are taking a test on this also. I introduced "inflected endings" in Vocabulary and challenged my students to go home and ask their parents what an "inflected ending" is???? To tell you the truth, I didn't know until I read the lesson myself. Vocabulary is so hard at this level. Kids are not only expected to know how to do something, there are all kinds of special words to describe it. Oh well, that's education.

Anyway, AR testings is going on full swing. This week more than half my class have already taken their AR tests for this week and are reading for next week. Yea!!!

Later today, we will start our new novel George Washington's Socks, research for our Halloween Expository paper, complete Measure Up Lesson 3 about observations and data, and make Columbus's boat.

Busy day. Now, when you asked your child what they learned today, you might have a chance of engaging them in conversation.

Later--
DB