We are still continuing this week with our mid-year assessments. On Monday students will write to a district writing prompt. On Tuesday students will take the F.A.I.R. assessment on the computer and on Wednesday students will retake the FCAT state practice test. Therefore students will not have spelling, vocabulary words or a reading selection this week. We will resume our regular routine when we return from Winter Break.
Reading
This week students will focus on the skill of following directions. They will continue to read and log in each night this week. As stated above there will not be any vocabulary words or selections story from the textbook. However students will have a skill test on following directions on Thursday, December 15.
Language
On Monday students will participate in a District writing prompt. The rest of the week they will continue to write their persuasive essay on the topic of their choice.
Spelling
There will not be a spelling list this week.
Friday will be our class winter party. Students are to bring in a food they like as part of our celebration. Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday and New Year!!!
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Updates December 5-9, 2011
Well we are already heading into that time of year to reassess. This week students will be taking the Reading, Science and Math benchmark tests, therefore we will not proceed in the textbook this week.
Next week we will not work in the textbook either as we will be taking the F.A.I.R test and FCAT sample tests as part of our second wave of assessments.
We will begin Theme 3 in the textbook when we return after the holiday. As well as the DRA assessment.
Until next time,
R.O'Steen
Next week we will not work in the textbook either as we will be taking the F.A.I.R test and FCAT sample tests as part of our second wave of assessments.
We will begin Theme 3 in the textbook when we return after the holiday. As well as the DRA assessment.
Until next time,
R.O'Steen
Monday, November 21, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Hope everyone enjoys their Thanksgiving Holiday!!! Students will be assigned a Monday and Tuesday reading log this week. See everyone Tuesday, November 29.
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Update Novemeber 14-22, 2011
This post will be an update for this week as well as next since it is only a 2 day week.
This week is a little different due to not testing Main Idea last week as well as coming up on the end of our Theme.
Reading
This week in reading we will not have a new focus or story. On Monday and Tuesday of this week we will continue to focus on topic, main idea, and supporting details. 'The skills test will be given on Wednesday. I will also introduce our study of Poetry on Wednesday. Students will have a vocabulary list for poetry words come home on Wednesday. We will read and study poetry from Wednesday through Friday. Monday the 21st students will have their vocabulary and test on poetry.
Reading logs will continue every night this week (Monday thru Thursday) as well as next week (Monday and Tuesday)
Language
We will begin persuasive writing on Monday. This is where students write to convince or persuade their audience to think or feel the same way as they do. We will be choosing a topic this week. Ask your child what their topic is for their persuasive paper.
There will not be a spelling list this week or next.
Important dates:
November 16.............Early dismissal
November 16.............Topic, Main Idea, Details test
November 16.............New vocabulary list for poetry comes home
November 21.............Poetry and vocabulary tests
November 22.............Sportsfest
November 23-28..........Thanksgiving Holidays
November 29.............School resumes
Until next time,
Hope your Thanksgiving is delicious!!
R. O'Steen
This week is a little different due to not testing Main Idea last week as well as coming up on the end of our Theme.
Reading
This week in reading we will not have a new focus or story. On Monday and Tuesday of this week we will continue to focus on topic, main idea, and supporting details. 'The skills test will be given on Wednesday. I will also introduce our study of Poetry on Wednesday. Students will have a vocabulary list for poetry words come home on Wednesday. We will read and study poetry from Wednesday through Friday. Monday the 21st students will have their vocabulary and test on poetry.
Reading logs will continue every night this week (Monday thru Thursday) as well as next week (Monday and Tuesday)
Language
We will begin persuasive writing on Monday. This is where students write to convince or persuade their audience to think or feel the same way as they do. We will be choosing a topic this week. Ask your child what their topic is for their persuasive paper.
There will not be a spelling list this week or next.
Important dates:
November 16.............Early dismissal
November 16.............Topic, Main Idea, Details test
November 16.............New vocabulary list for poetry comes home
November 21.............Poetry and vocabulary tests
November 22.............Sportsfest
November 23-28..........Thanksgiving Holidays
November 29.............School resumes
Until next time,
Hope your Thanksgiving is delicious!!
R. O'Steen
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Updates November 7-11, 2011
Well here we are already in November and into the second nine weeks. This week will be a short one but we will continue on in our reading textbook.
Reading
This week we will focus on Topic, Main Idea and Details in Reader's Workshop. Our selection is Mae Jemison: Space Scientist. Vocabulary words are on page 208. In addition students will also need to study: mission, reusable, specialist, weightlessness.
Students are doing a wonderful job of reading and logging in! Many students we able to go to the Tricky Dog Show Friday because of their diligent reading through the first nine weeks. Keep up the GREAT work!!!
Writing
We have finished up the narrative writing genre for now and will move onto persuasive writing. This where students will write to convince an audience to their way of thinking. Ask your child what they are writing about.
Important dates
Monday, November 7................report cards go home
Thursday, November 10.............reading, vocabulary and spelling tests
Friday, November 11...............Veteran's Day Holiday-No School
Until next time,
R.O'Steen
Reading
This week we will focus on Topic, Main Idea and Details in Reader's Workshop. Our selection is Mae Jemison: Space Scientist. Vocabulary words are on page 208. In addition students will also need to study: mission, reusable, specialist, weightlessness.
Students are doing a wonderful job of reading and logging in! Many students we able to go to the Tricky Dog Show Friday because of their diligent reading through the first nine weeks. Keep up the GREAT work!!!
Writing
We have finished up the narrative writing genre for now and will move onto persuasive writing. This where students will write to convince an audience to their way of thinking. Ask your child what they are writing about.
Important dates
Monday, November 7................report cards go home
Thursday, November 10.............reading, vocabulary and spelling tests
Friday, November 11...............Veteran's Day Holiday-No School
Until next time,
R.O'Steen
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Updates October 24-28, 2011
Here we are at the end of the first nine weeks already! Students are doing a great job completing their reading logs nightly. Keep looking at and signing planners and reading logs nightly throughout the second nine weeks.
Reading
This week is a short one for many reasons. Wednesday students are scheduled to go on a field trip for Music to the Symphony Orchestra. Then Friday the 28th is a planning which means the students don't have school. However, we are going to go ahead in reading with a new focus since this week's skill is one that students should be very comfortable with. We will discuss and work with story structure this week. That is identifying characters, setting and plot from a story. We have discussed this in depth through our narrative focus in writing so this should be pretty easy. Their story is La Bamba and the vocabulary words are in the textbook on pg 160-161. In addition to those words we added debut, duo, embarrassed, and rehearsal. Since it is a short week tests will be given on Thursday.
Language
Students are still focusing on the narrative genre of writing. They should have turned in their second piece, a tall tale, by no later than Monday the 24th. We will be sharing stories in class as well as focusing on prompt reading. Students will participate in the CSE writing prompt on Tuesday of this week.
Students should have a focused spelling list from a pretest given in class to study throughout the week for spelling.
Important Dates:
Last day of 1st nine weeks.........Monday, October 24
Field Trip.........................Wednesday, October 26
Monster Mash Dance 6-8p.m..........Thursday, October 27
Planning day-No School.......................Friday, October 28
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Reading
This week is a short one for many reasons. Wednesday students are scheduled to go on a field trip for Music to the Symphony Orchestra. Then Friday the 28th is a planning which means the students don't have school. However, we are going to go ahead in reading with a new focus since this week's skill is one that students should be very comfortable with. We will discuss and work with story structure this week. That is identifying characters, setting and plot from a story. We have discussed this in depth through our narrative focus in writing so this should be pretty easy. Their story is La Bamba and the vocabulary words are in the textbook on pg 160-161. In addition to those words we added debut, duo, embarrassed, and rehearsal. Since it is a short week tests will be given on Thursday.
Language
Students are still focusing on the narrative genre of writing. They should have turned in their second piece, a tall tale, by no later than Monday the 24th. We will be sharing stories in class as well as focusing on prompt reading. Students will participate in the CSE writing prompt on Tuesday of this week.
Students should have a focused spelling list from a pretest given in class to study throughout the week for spelling.
Important Dates:
Last day of 1st nine weeks.........Monday, October 24
Field Trip.........................Wednesday, October 26
Monster Mash Dance 6-8p.m..........Thursday, October 27
Planning day-No School.......................Friday, October 28
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Update October 17-21, 2011
Well we are right at the end of the first nine weeks. It is hard to believe 1/4 of the year is already over! The last day of the nine weeks is October 24 therefore, last week's theme 1 benchmark test will be the last grade recorded for this 1st nine weeks. I will be sending home a current grade update on Wednesday of this week.
Reading
This week in reading our focus will be fact and opinion. A fact is a statement that can be proven true or false. An opinion is a statement of how someone believes or feels. Students will be reading the text Michelle Kwan Heart of a Champion as the selection to practice recognizing facts and opinions in a text.
Vocabulary words for the selection are located on page 136 in the text book. Students should understand the words well enough to be able to use the word in context. Finding a connector word is a great way to help remember what the word means. For example for technical the student could pair the word skilled which is a more familiar word to them.
A round of applause...students are doing a great job of keeping up with their reading logs!!!
Language
Spelling words for this week are compound words. Students should have a pretest which they have checked and corrected for a focused study list. I have told them to keep these (vocabulary and spelling) lists in the front pocket of their reading log folder.
In writers workshop students are still working in the narrative genre for writing. They will be publishing and presenting their tall tales with the class this week. Ask your child who their character is and what wild tales they can tell you about them.
Important Dates:
Early Dismissal................October 19
Last day of the nine weeks.....October 24
Monster Mash Costume Dance.....October 27
Planning day...................October 28
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Reading
This week in reading our focus will be fact and opinion. A fact is a statement that can be proven true or false. An opinion is a statement of how someone believes or feels. Students will be reading the text Michelle Kwan Heart of a Champion as the selection to practice recognizing facts and opinions in a text.
Vocabulary words for the selection are located on page 136 in the text book. Students should understand the words well enough to be able to use the word in context. Finding a connector word is a great way to help remember what the word means. For example for technical the student could pair the word skilled which is a more familiar word to them.
A round of applause...students are doing a great job of keeping up with their reading logs!!!
Language
Spelling words for this week are compound words. Students should have a pretest which they have checked and corrected for a focused study list. I have told them to keep these (vocabulary and spelling) lists in the front pocket of their reading log folder.
In writers workshop students are still working in the narrative genre for writing. They will be publishing and presenting their tall tales with the class this week. Ask your child who their character is and what wild tales they can tell you about them.
Important Dates:
Early Dismissal................October 19
Last day of the nine weeks.....October 24
Monster Mash Costume Dance.....October 27
Planning day...................October 28
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Updates October 3-7, 2011
I hope you have been enjoying the weather as much as I have!!! This week we have been finishing up our beginning year assessments. Now we can begin to really work on strengths and weaknesses in our Readers and Writers Workshop.
Reading
This week students have been studying the genre of tall tales. Tall tales are stories with exaggerated events and characters. There are four examples of tall tales in their reading textbook. They have been assigned Paul Bunyan and Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind to read this week. There will be a test on these stories on Friday.
Students were also given a vocabulary study guide with the words and definitions for this week.
There is no spelling list for this week.
Writing
Students should have finished their first story and turned it in to me. We are now going to try our hand at writing a tall tale of our own. Ask your child who their character is and what their tall tale qualities are.
Important dates:
Wednesday/Early dismissal........Science benchmark
Thursday.........................M.A.P. test
Friday...........................vocabulary and reading selection tests
Reading
This week students have been studying the genre of tall tales. Tall tales are stories with exaggerated events and characters. There are four examples of tall tales in their reading textbook. They have been assigned Paul Bunyan and Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind to read this week. There will be a test on these stories on Friday.
Students were also given a vocabulary study guide with the words and definitions for this week.
There is no spelling list for this week.
Writing
Students should have finished their first story and turned it in to me. We are now going to try our hand at writing a tall tale of our own. Ask your child who their character is and what their tall tale qualities are.
Important dates:
Wednesday/Early dismissal........Science benchmark
Thursday.........................M.A.P. test
Friday...........................vocabulary and reading selection tests
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Update September 26-30, 2011
I was very pleased with the progress reports that went home last Thursday. So many of the students are really putting forth their best effort everyday in class. We are beginning to get our schedule down as students should now be organized with their materials and know the routines and expectations in the classroom. Please remember if you ever have any questions write them in the planner as I check it every morning and can answer questions quickly then!
Reading
This week our focus in Reading will be categorizing and classifying. This is a skill most used in nonfiction texts to help students keep up with facts in the passage. However it can be applied in fiction by listing facts about characters that fall into categories like how they look, how they act, things they like etc.
The text we will use this week is Volcanoes in the reading textbook. Students will be assigned the vocabulary on pg 82-82 along with the words eruption, magma, and summit. This week students will answer the questions at the end of the story on pg 100 for homework on Wednesday night. This can be completed in their reading log folder as their read and log in response.
Language
Spelling
This week's focus is the long o sound and the oo sound as in boo. Look for a pretest from Monday with a focused list of words to study that they missed.
Writing
This week students will continue the narrative writing genre. We will focus on the editing and publishing steps of the writing process. By the end of the week students should have a narrative piece of writing to turn as the first of two narratives due.
Please continue to monitor your child's planner and reading log folder for assignments and sign it nightly.
September 30......reading tests and published story due
Reading
This week our focus in Reading will be categorizing and classifying. This is a skill most used in nonfiction texts to help students keep up with facts in the passage. However it can be applied in fiction by listing facts about characters that fall into categories like how they look, how they act, things they like etc.
The text we will use this week is Volcanoes in the reading textbook. Students will be assigned the vocabulary on pg 82-82 along with the words eruption, magma, and summit. This week students will answer the questions at the end of the story on pg 100 for homework on Wednesday night. This can be completed in their reading log folder as their read and log in response.
Language
Spelling
This week's focus is the long o sound and the oo sound as in boo. Look for a pretest from Monday with a focused list of words to study that they missed.
Writing
This week students will continue the narrative writing genre. We will focus on the editing and publishing steps of the writing process. By the end of the week students should have a narrative piece of writing to turn as the first of two narratives due.
Please continue to monitor your child's planner and reading log folder for assignments and sign it nightly.
September 30......reading tests and published story due
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Updates September 19-23, 20011
Last week students took the Reading and Math benchmark tests. The Science booklets didn't come in so they will still need to take that test when it is rescheduled. Students will also be taking the F.A.I.R test this week as well as their DRA. This should conclude beginning assessments.
You should see your child bring home their reading textbook from now on reading a text selection to practice the weekly focus. Students should reread this text through the week as they will have a comprehension test on the text at the end of the week.
Reading
This week students will focus on the text organization authors use when they write their stories or articles. Text organization in the way an author chose to present their writing. The different ways to organize text we will be studying are: main idea and details, sequence, compare/contrast, and cause and effect.
They will use their independent reading book as well as the text selection Eye Of the Storm to practice identifying how the texts are organized.
The vocabulary words for the week are located on pg 54 of the text along with these extra words: jagged, prairies, severe. Students need to define their words and study throughout the week for the test on Friday.
Spelling
This week students will work with long vowel patterns in words. A pretest will be given on Monday so they will have a focused list to study for the test on Friday.
Writing
We will continue our study and writing of narratives or stories. Ask your child what they are writing their story about.
Important Dates
Progress reports.......Thursday, September 22
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
You should see your child bring home their reading textbook from now on reading a text selection to practice the weekly focus. Students should reread this text through the week as they will have a comprehension test on the text at the end of the week.
Reading
This week students will focus on the text organization authors use when they write their stories or articles. Text organization in the way an author chose to present their writing. The different ways to organize text we will be studying are: main idea and details, sequence, compare/contrast, and cause and effect.
They will use their independent reading book as well as the text selection Eye Of the Storm to practice identifying how the texts are organized.
The vocabulary words for the week are located on pg 54 of the text along with these extra words: jagged, prairies, severe. Students need to define their words and study throughout the week for the test on Friday.
Spelling
This week students will work with long vowel patterns in words. A pretest will be given on Monday so they will have a focused list to study for the test on Friday.
Writing
We will continue our study and writing of narratives or stories. Ask your child what they are writing their story about.
Important Dates
Progress reports.......Thursday, September 22
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Updates September 12-16, 2011
Last week we began working in the reading textbook with Theme 1 Nature's Fury. Students had their first Spelling, Vocabulary, Skills, and Reading selection tests. Look for those tests to come home Friday in their yellow Friday folder this week. Please be sure to sign the folder, keep any informational handouts, and return all tests the follow Monday.
This week we will not be working in the reading textbook. Students will be taking the Reading, Math, and Science benchmarks on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Therefore I will not be giving the spelling and reading tests on Friday. Students will however still need to read and log in nightly Monday through Thursday.
Reading
This week we will focus on writing good summaries using relevant details from the text. Students will also learning how to write a good topic sentence for the summary through an IVF statement. Ask you child what and IVF statement is...they should be able to explain it to you by the end of the week.
Writing
Students will continue to focus on the writing process using the narrative writing. We will be practicing the rough draft step through the week. Ask your child what their story is about.
Important Dates:
Monday.........Reading benchmark
Wednesday......Math benchmark
Thursday.......Science benchmark
Friday.........No tests this week
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
This week we will not be working in the reading textbook. Students will be taking the Reading, Math, and Science benchmarks on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Therefore I will not be giving the spelling and reading tests on Friday. Students will however still need to read and log in nightly Monday through Thursday.
Reading
This week we will focus on writing good summaries using relevant details from the text. Students will also learning how to write a good topic sentence for the summary through an IVF statement. Ask you child what and IVF statement is...they should be able to explain it to you by the end of the week.
Writing
Students will continue to focus on the writing process using the narrative writing. We will be practicing the rough draft step through the week. Ask your child what their story is about.
Important Dates:
Monday.........Reading benchmark
Wednesday......Math benchmark
Thursday.......Science benchmark
Friday.........No tests this week
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Updates September 6-9, 2011
What a great Open House!!! I was so glad to meet all the families who were able to come out last week to learn more about what we will be focusing on this year in fifth grade.
By now you should be seeing planners, reading logs, and reading textbooks coming home nightly. Students should be reading a book of their choice and logging in responses from assigned reading activities in a reading log folder. Parent signatures are required and part of the grade.
This week we have begun Theme 1 in our reading textbook. The theme is Nature's Fury with stories centered around some kind of natural threat to the characters. You should see the reading textbook coming home from now on so the students can complete assignments throughout the week.
Reading
This week's focus is sequence. Students will practice reading and looking for sequence words in stories to help keep track of events in the text. Some examples of sequence words are: then, later, after that, as soon as, and, now, while.
Students also received their first vocabulary word list. They should have written definitions for the words on page 26 along with 4 others they copied from the board.
Students will have a test on their vocabulary words on Friday.
Spelling
Students also received their first spelling list this week. They were given a pretest so they would have a focused list of words to study throughout the week. This week's spelling focus is short vowels-short vowels that stand alone usually have a short vowel sound.
Writing
We are currently working on the narrative genre. Specifically students are learning how to write a story while using the writing process. Throughout the narrative genre study students will focus on characteristics of a good story.
Important dates
Classroom reading, vocabulary, spelling tests September 9
Benchmark testing begins September 12
F.A.I.R. September 21
Progress Reports September 22
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
By now you should be seeing planners, reading logs, and reading textbooks coming home nightly. Students should be reading a book of their choice and logging in responses from assigned reading activities in a reading log folder. Parent signatures are required and part of the grade.
This week we have begun Theme 1 in our reading textbook. The theme is Nature's Fury with stories centered around some kind of natural threat to the characters. You should see the reading textbook coming home from now on so the students can complete assignments throughout the week.
Reading
This week's focus is sequence. Students will practice reading and looking for sequence words in stories to help keep track of events in the text. Some examples of sequence words are: then, later, after that, as soon as, and, now, while.
Students also received their first vocabulary word list. They should have written definitions for the words on page 26 along with 4 others they copied from the board.
Students will have a test on their vocabulary words on Friday.
Spelling
Students also received their first spelling list this week. They were given a pretest so they would have a focused list of words to study throughout the week. This week's spelling focus is short vowels-short vowels that stand alone usually have a short vowel sound.
Writing
We are currently working on the narrative genre. Specifically students are learning how to write a story while using the writing process. Throughout the narrative genre study students will focus on characteristics of a good story.
Important dates
Classroom reading, vocabulary, spelling tests September 9
Benchmark testing begins September 12
F.A.I.R. September 21
Progress Reports September 22
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Holiday Weekend!
No school on Monday, September 5th! Hope everyone has a great three day weekend!
Student don't have their reading logs with them since I collected them on Friday to grade. I did, however, assign students to continue reading in their independent chapter books over the weekend practicing the strategies we focused on this week in class just in their head and not on paper. Reading for pleasure is something I want them to enjoy also :-)
Have a safe holiday weekend,
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Student don't have their reading logs with them since I collected them on Friday to grade. I did, however, assign students to continue reading in their independent chapter books over the weekend practicing the strategies we focused on this week in class just in their head and not on paper. Reading for pleasure is something I want them to enjoy also :-)
Have a safe holiday weekend,
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Monday, August 29, 2011
Update Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2011
Well we are off and running! Last week we spent our time focusing on rituals and routines in both Reader's and Writer's Workshop. Students learned how to use their supplies, expectations for behavior in school as well as how to manage and move about in the classroom.
Another focus the students began for the beginning of the year, are their baseline assessments. Students will take many assessments such as the FAIR test, DRA2, reading baseline and FCAT practice test along with the county benchmarks in Reading, Math and Science. All these assessments will help us know how to help students more specifically in their areas of weakness.
Reading
This week in reading students will begin reviewing and practicing strategies through the use of their reading logs. Look for a folder to come home with a focus each night and a book they have chosen to read and practice their strategies.
Writing
Our focus in writing this week will be using the writing process with narrative writing. Students will also participate in the CSE writing prompt on Thursday.
Spelling
Students will not have a focused Spelling list this week, however they will have one next week.
Vocabulary
Students do not have a focused vocabulary list this week, however they will have one next week.
Date to Remember:
Open House.........Thursday, September 1
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Another focus the students began for the beginning of the year, are their baseline assessments. Students will take many assessments such as the FAIR test, DRA2, reading baseline and FCAT practice test along with the county benchmarks in Reading, Math and Science. All these assessments will help us know how to help students more specifically in their areas of weakness.
Reading
This week in reading students will begin reviewing and practicing strategies through the use of their reading logs. Look for a folder to come home with a focus each night and a book they have chosen to read and practice their strategies.
Writing
Our focus in writing this week will be using the writing process with narrative writing. Students will also participate in the CSE writing prompt on Thursday.
Spelling
Students will not have a focused Spelling list this week, however they will have one next week.
Vocabulary
Students do not have a focused vocabulary list this week, however they will have one next week.
Date to Remember:
Open House.........Thursday, September 1
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Monday, August 22, 2011
First Day of School!
Wow! What an awesome day! The students were so ready today for class. I couldn't have asked for better listeners. We went over tons of routines and rituals for the classroom as well as the school. I was very impressed by their responses and class discussion.
I appreciate all the supplies that parents have sent into the classroom! They will make the school year a much smoother one.
Today I sent home the first day folder, student code of conduct, fifth grade behavior contract and new school planner. Please make sure to go through the papers as there are many very important pieces that need to be completed, signed and returned. I will also be checking planners for parent signatures nightly.
Again all I can say is "Wow, am I impressed by these classes!" Keep up the great job!!
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
I appreciate all the supplies that parents have sent into the classroom! They will make the school year a much smoother one.
Today I sent home the first day folder, student code of conduct, fifth grade behavior contract and new school planner. Please make sure to go through the papers as there are many very important pieces that need to be completed, signed and returned. I will also be checking planners for parent signatures nightly.
Again all I can say is "Wow, am I impressed by these classes!" Keep up the great job!!
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Smile for the Camera!
Picture day has been set for Thursday, September 1, 2011. Students will have their pictures taken at 10:30a.m.
Order forms will be sent home soon!
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Order forms will be sent home soon!
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Friday, August 19, 2011
Meet the Teacher!
It was so nice to see all the smiling faces today! I'm glad so many families had the opportunity to come to the classroom to meet me, find their desks, and get their supply list. It was also nice to hear that everyone had a nice summer and is anxious to get back to school.
If you didn't get to come, that's okay, I will see you Monday morning bright and early!
(School begins at 8:30a.m. Students may arrive on campus at 8:00a.m.)
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
If you didn't get to come, that's okay, I will see you Monday morning bright and early!
(School begins at 8:30a.m. Students may arrive on campus at 8:00a.m.)
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Mark Your Calendar!!
Important upcoming dates at Crystal Springs:
Meet the teacher ......Friday, August 19, 2:00-2:55p.m.
First Day of School....Monday, August 22, 8:30a.m.
Open House K-2.........Tuesday, August 30
K-5:00-5:45p.m.
1st-6:00-6:45p.m.
2nd-7:00-7:45p.m.
Open House 3-5.........Thursday, September 1
3rd-5:00-5:45p.m.
4th-6:00-6:45p.m.
5th-7:00-7:45p.m.
Hope to see you there!!!
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Meet the teacher ......Friday, August 19, 2:00-2:55p.m.
First Day of School....Monday, August 22, 8:30a.m.
Open House K-2.........Tuesday, August 30
K-5:00-5:45p.m.
1st-6:00-6:45p.m.
2nd-7:00-7:45p.m.
Open House 3-5.........Thursday, September 1
3rd-5:00-5:45p.m.
4th-6:00-6:45p.m.
5th-7:00-7:45p.m.
Hope to see you there!!!
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Dog Days of Summer!!
"Dog Days" (Latin: diēs caniculārēs) are the hottest days of summer. In the northern hemisphere, they usually fall between early July and early September. In the southern hemisphere they are usually between January and early March. The actual dates vary depending on latitude and climate. Dog Days can also define a time period or event that is very hot or stagnant, or marked by dull lack of progress. The name comes from the ancient belief that Sirius, also called the Dog Star, in close proximity to the sun was responsible for the hot weather.
I certainly hope you are not having a "dull lack of progress" this summer. I encourage you all to find a good book and read. I am on my second book this summer and already have one to begin when I finish my current one. Be sure to answer the poll on your favorite genre...I will be anxious to see the results.
Have a great summer and Keep Reading!!
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
I certainly hope you are not having a "dull lack of progress" this summer. I encourage you all to find a good book and read. I am on my second book this summer and already have one to begin when I finish my current one. Be sure to answer the poll on your favorite genre...I will be anxious to see the results.
Have a great summer and Keep Reading!!
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Updates May 9-13
Reading:
This week we will continue to work in the text book on the story The Golden Lion Tamarin Comes Home. Students will read the text and complete a KWL chart on what they have learned while reading the selection. Students also need to complete the questions at the end of the selection.
Many students are falling behind in their reading notebook assignments. At the end of the week students should have the weekly anchor lesson for the week along with vocabulary definitions and comprehension questions for the story. These assignments could be completed at school however most of the time they will need to be finished at home for homework.
Writing:
We have moved onto persuasive writing. This is writing to convince or persuade another to think or feel as you do. Students have already completed one assignment for persuasive writing by making a poster of a favorite place in Jacksonville or favorite product. We will continue to work on persuasive writing until the end of the year.
Other news:
Students are working on a class presentation of Japan for the World Tour Night on June 2. Ask your child what they are making for the presentation.
Important date reminders:
May 10..........progress reports go home
May 13..........Field trip to Diamond D Ranch
May 27-May 30...No School Memorial Day Weekend
June 2..........World Tour Night/Author's Night/Art Festival
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
This week we will continue to work in the text book on the story The Golden Lion Tamarin Comes Home. Students will read the text and complete a KWL chart on what they have learned while reading the selection. Students also need to complete the questions at the end of the selection.
Many students are falling behind in their reading notebook assignments. At the end of the week students should have the weekly anchor lesson for the week along with vocabulary definitions and comprehension questions for the story. These assignments could be completed at school however most of the time they will need to be finished at home for homework.
Writing:
We have moved onto persuasive writing. This is writing to convince or persuade another to think or feel as you do. Students have already completed one assignment for persuasive writing by making a poster of a favorite place in Jacksonville or favorite product. We will continue to work on persuasive writing until the end of the year.
Other news:
Students are working on a class presentation of Japan for the World Tour Night on June 2. Ask your child what they are making for the presentation.
Important date reminders:
May 10..........progress reports go home
May 13..........Field trip to Diamond D Ranch
May 27-May 30...No School Memorial Day Weekend
June 2..........World Tour Night/Author's Night/Art Festival
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Monday, April 25, 2011
Updates April 26-29, 2011
Well here we are in the last nine weeks of school. The students have completed the FCAT tests and I will say I believe they tried their hardest. I can't wait to see the scores! But...the year isn't over yet. There are many exciting things still to learn.
Here are some dates of some of the activities for the remainder of this year:
Olympic Day-April 28
Stillwell field trip-May 5
Diamond D field trip-May 13
Art Festival/World Tour/Author's Night-June 2
Students are working on a presentation of Japan for the World Tour...hope to see you there!
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Here are some dates of some of the activities for the remainder of this year:
Olympic Day-April 28
Stillwell field trip-May 5
Diamond D field trip-May 13
Art Festival/World Tour/Author's Night-June 2
Students are working on a presentation of Japan for the World Tour...hope to see you there!
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Updates March 14-18, 2011
The benchmark scores are in and I am extremely pleased with the students' progress!! They have been working hard! We will continue to practice reading strategies and building stamina until the FCAT in April.
Reading
This week the students will read the story A Boy Called Slow. We will focus and practice drawing conclusions.
Students should still be reading and logging in each night with their Roal Dahl chapter book. Many groups are finishing their books and will receive a new title this week.
Writing
Students have been working hard on a book project which will enable them to have a hardbound book when they are finished. They are choosing their own genre and topic to write and taking it through the writing process all the way to sending it off to a publisher. The books will be presented on author's day in June.
Important dates:
Thursday March 24.......last day of the 3rd nine weeks
Friday March 25.......Teacher planning day-No School
Monday March 28-April 1 Spring Break
Monday April 4 .......Classes resume
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Reading
This week the students will read the story A Boy Called Slow. We will focus and practice drawing conclusions.
Students should still be reading and logging in each night with their Roal Dahl chapter book. Many groups are finishing their books and will receive a new title this week.
Writing
Students have been working hard on a book project which will enable them to have a hardbound book when they are finished. They are choosing their own genre and topic to write and taking it through the writing process all the way to sending it off to a publisher. The books will be presented on author's day in June.
Important dates:
Thursday March 24.......last day of the 3rd nine weeks
Friday March 25.......Teacher planning day-No School
Monday March 28-April 1 Spring Break
Monday April 4 .......Classes resume
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Updates February 28-March 4, 2011
We are at the mid-point of the third nine weeks. You should have seen a progress report come home on Tuesday. If your student had a low grade (D or F) I sent an updated report on Friday with detailed assignments that were missing that would bring up their grade when completed.
Reading
This week we will focus on the genre characteristics of a Play. We will read a couple of plays throughout the week to give students practice reading them aloud and reading them independently. Look for vocabulary words to study and questions to answer at the end of the play, The Case of the Runaway Appetite page 460 in the reading textbook.
Writing
Students are working through the writing process by publishing their own book through a publishing company. All steps can be worked on at home except the actual kit. That must be completed in class. Ask your child what they are writing their book about.
There will not be a spelling list this week.
Important dates:
Wednesday....early dismissal
March 15.....book publishing project due
March 18.....all make-up work due for 3rd nine weeks
March 24.....end of 3rd nine weeks
March 25.....Planning Day
March 28-April 1...Spring Break
April 4.....school resumes
Reading
This week we will focus on the genre characteristics of a Play. We will read a couple of plays throughout the week to give students practice reading them aloud and reading them independently. Look for vocabulary words to study and questions to answer at the end of the play, The Case of the Runaway Appetite page 460 in the reading textbook.
Writing
Students are working through the writing process by publishing their own book through a publishing company. All steps can be worked on at home except the actual kit. That must be completed in class. Ask your child what they are writing their book about.
There will not be a spelling list this week.
Important dates:
Wednesday....early dismissal
March 15.....book publishing project due
March 18.....all make-up work due for 3rd nine weeks
March 24.....end of 3rd nine weeks
March 25.....Planning Day
March 28-April 1...Spring Break
April 4.....school resumes
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Happy President's Day!
No school Monday, February 21, 2011.
Hope everyone has a great long weekend!
R. O'Steen
Hope everyone has a great long weekend!
R. O'Steen
Monday, February 14, 2011
Week of February 14, 2011
Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! The kids get sooo excited and enjoy passing out their Valentine's to all of their friends! It was a nice way to start off the week!!
This week we will not have our usual reading, vocabulary, and spelling focus since we are benchmark testing 3 out of our 5 days. The testing schedule is as follows:
Monday: Reading sessions 1 and 2
Tuesday: No benchmark testing
Wednesday: State practice test retake for Reading
Thursday: Math sessions 1 and 2
Friday: Science sessions 1 and 2
As you can see there will be lots of testing. Please be sure to encourage your child to do their best throughout the week!
Dates to remember:
Donuts with Dad: Monday and Tuesday
Early dismissal: Wednesday
Please be sure you are signing your child's agenda nightly, and Friday yellow and white folders weekly.
Thanks and until next time,
R. O'Steen
This week we will not have our usual reading, vocabulary, and spelling focus since we are benchmark testing 3 out of our 5 days. The testing schedule is as follows:
Monday: Reading sessions 1 and 2
Tuesday: No benchmark testing
Wednesday: State practice test retake for Reading
Thursday: Math sessions 1 and 2
Friday: Science sessions 1 and 2
As you can see there will be lots of testing. Please be sure to encourage your child to do their best throughout the week!
Dates to remember:
Donuts with Dad: Monday and Tuesday
Early dismissal: Wednesday
Please be sure you are signing your child's agenda nightly, and Friday yellow and white folders weekly.
Thanks and until next time,
R. O'Steen
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Thank you for your patience!
I have been trying to access my blog for weeks now and it kept saying the username and/or password was incorrect. I tried having it sent to my email but never received anything...so long story short I decided to try once again and voila it accepted the same username and password I have been trying (and knew was correct) and let me have access! Hooray!!!! Now I can continue :-)
Reading Updates:
We have now finished Theme 3 in our textbook and have moved onto Theme 4. This week students will focus on comparing and contrasting while reading. This is when students tell how things are the same or different in a story. This week's selection story is Yang the Second and Her Secret Admirers. Students will have a vocabulary list and questions to complete throughout the week. Look for reminders in their agenda.
Students are still being assigned a reading log. This is being completed with a Roald Dahl book that was assigned back in December. Their reading goal for the 3rd nine weeks is 6 chapter books at least 100 pages each.
Students are also being graded on keeping their Reading binder complete. Each week they should have the anchor or focus lesson for the week, vocabulary definitions and questions from the story in their binder. I grade them on Friday of each week.
Writing Updates:
We have finished informational writing and have moved on to procedural writing. This is where students write directions for something they know how to do. Ask you child what they are writing directions for.
After we finish this genre of writing, students will begin working a book publishing project. They will get to choose what they want to publish and have a hard cover book to keep.
Important Dates:
February 14: 3rd Benchmark tests begin
February 21: Holiday-President's Day
Reading Updates:
We have now finished Theme 3 in our textbook and have moved onto Theme 4. This week students will focus on comparing and contrasting while reading. This is when students tell how things are the same or different in a story. This week's selection story is Yang the Second and Her Secret Admirers. Students will have a vocabulary list and questions to complete throughout the week. Look for reminders in their agenda.
Students are still being assigned a reading log. This is being completed with a Roald Dahl book that was assigned back in December. Their reading goal for the 3rd nine weeks is 6 chapter books at least 100 pages each.
Students are also being graded on keeping their Reading binder complete. Each week they should have the anchor or focus lesson for the week, vocabulary definitions and questions from the story in their binder. I grade them on Friday of each week.
Writing Updates:
We have finished informational writing and have moved on to procedural writing. This is where students write directions for something they know how to do. Ask you child what they are writing directions for.
After we finish this genre of writing, students will begin working a book publishing project. They will get to choose what they want to publish and have a hard cover book to keep.
Important Dates:
February 14: 3rd Benchmark tests begin
February 21: Holiday-President's Day
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