We continue to march forward in our Social Studies building of background knowledge for The American Revolution. Be sure to ask your child what is happening in the county each day as we will move quickly through the years :)
Reading
Students will focus this week on analyzing the structure and author chooses for the text they have written. There are four main ways to organize or structure text. They are: cause and effect, compare and contrast, sequence of events and main idea with supporting details. Students will notice through the week the connection between the author's purpose for their writing and the structure they used when writing about their topic. Students will also take note of text features such as pictures, maps, charts, etc and how they impact and/or enhance the meaning of the text. Students will take their test on Friday on text structure. You should be seeing these tests come home each Friday.
Just a reminder, students are still being assigned to read and log in nightly. You should still be signing their reading logs nightly.
Language
Students will be making journal entries into their writing journal based on the topics in Social Studies.
Spelling
We will have the classroom spelling bee test next week so you should be seeing your child studying their spelling bee list.
Dates to remember:
November 20.........................Early dismissal
November 27-December 2....Thanksgiving Holiday
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Monday, November 11, 2013
Updates Week of November 11-15, 2013
I hope everyone had a nice Veteran's Day. I truly thank anyone who has served to make our county the great place it is. With that, however, we will be moving forward even though it is a short week.
Reading
Students will focus on cause and effect this week during their reading block. We will continue to use the Social Studies textbook and build our background knowledge up to the American Revolution. Once students have the needed background knowledge we will move into the reading textbook and begin the unit Voices of the Revolution. Ask your child what they are learning about he development of the Americas.
Writing
Students will begin thinking about someone they would like to know more about. This week we will add some "People Worth Knowing" to our wall. Ask your child who they have learned about in history so far.
Spelling
Students should be studying their spelling bee list at home in preparation for our classroom bee. We will have our class written spelling bee test on November 22.
Dates to remember:
November 20.........................Early dismissal
November 22.........................Classroom Spelling Bee test
November 27-December 2....Thanksgiving Holiday
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Reading
Students will focus on cause and effect this week during their reading block. We will continue to use the Social Studies textbook and build our background knowledge up to the American Revolution. Once students have the needed background knowledge we will move into the reading textbook and begin the unit Voices of the Revolution. Ask your child what they are learning about he development of the Americas.
Writing
Students will begin thinking about someone they would like to know more about. This week we will add some "People Worth Knowing" to our wall. Ask your child who they have learned about in history so far.
Spelling
Students should be studying their spelling bee list at home in preparation for our classroom bee. We will have our class written spelling bee test on November 22.
Dates to remember:
November 20.........................Early dismissal
November 22.........................Classroom Spelling Bee test
November 27-December 2....Thanksgiving Holiday
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Updates Week of November 4-8, 2013
We are coming up on many holidays here shortly which means that students will have short weeks or even weeks where we begin a focus one week and continue the focus and test the next week. I am going to continue to remind students to write down homework and test reminders from the board. Be sure to ask them what they are studying and when upcoming tests are. If they are copying reminders from the board they will know.
Reading
We will focus this week on comparing and contrasting information read in a text. We will be utilizing the Social Studies book and continuing our study of Exploration and Settlement of the Americas. This is building background knowledge for our study of the American Revolution and stories in the textbook coming up in a few weeks. Ask your child what they are learning about explorers and trading between the countries.
Spelling
Students should still be studying their words for the classroom spelling bee. A date is still to be announced.
Dates to Remember
Wednesday, November 6...................Early dismissal
Thursday, November 7......................FCAT Parent Night 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Friday, November 8..........................Veteran's Day Assembly
Monday, November 11......................Holiday, Veteran's Day
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Reading
We will focus this week on comparing and contrasting information read in a text. We will be utilizing the Social Studies book and continuing our study of Exploration and Settlement of the Americas. This is building background knowledge for our study of the American Revolution and stories in the textbook coming up in a few weeks. Ask your child what they are learning about explorers and trading between the countries.
Spelling
Students should still be studying their words for the classroom spelling bee. A date is still to be announced.
Dates to Remember
Wednesday, November 6...................Early dismissal
Thursday, November 7......................FCAT Parent Night 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Friday, November 8..........................Veteran's Day Assembly
Monday, November 11......................Holiday, Veteran's Day
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Monday, October 28, 2013
Updates Week of October 28-Nov. 1, 2013
We have now officially ended the first nine weeks. I can't believe how it flew by. The students finished reading Percy Jackson and the Olympians-The Lightning Thief last Wednesday and took and end of the book test on Thursday. I am very pleased with the test scores. I think the students really enjoyed the book. There are 5 more in the series. I would encourage students to continue reading the series as it is a great level for students to learn new vocabulary.
Reading
Since we have finished our first nine week novel study you will start seeing the reading textbook coming home throughout this nine weeks. We will continue with the reading logs nightly, however we will begin focusing on content in Social Studies to build background knowledge for The American Revolution which will be the theme we begin reading in the textbook-Voices of the Revolution. Just as we have to build background knowledge for The Lightning Thief in Greek Mythology, students will need to understand how North America was discovered, explored and then settled. Ask your child what they have learned each day about the beginning of our continent and country.
Writing
This nine weeks students will write a report on a person they want to know more about. Students will read about many people through time and decide who they would like to learn more about. I will send home a rubric or guidelines for the report when it is closer to the time it is due. Ask your child who they would like to learn more about.
Spelling
Students have received their study guide for the classroom Spelling Bee. They should be studying at home and we will have practice bees in the classroom. Ultimately I will call out 25 random words from their list and they will write the words down on paper. From that spelling test the top 2 scoring students will move on to the school spelling bee. The dates for the classroom and school bee will be announced when they have been set. The students have until the end of November to study for the classroom test and the school bee will be in January of 2014.
Dates to remember
Oct. 28-Nov.1.......................Red Ribbon Week
(M-Crazy Socks, T-Wear Red, W-Hat, Th-book character, F-Team shirts or jersey)
Oct. 30..................................Drama Club Meeting
Nov. 6 & 20..........................Early Dismissal
Nov. 11.................................Veteran's Day-No School
Nov. 13.................................Drama Club Meeting
Nov. 27-Dec. 2......................Thanksgiving Holiday-No School
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Reading
Since we have finished our first nine week novel study you will start seeing the reading textbook coming home throughout this nine weeks. We will continue with the reading logs nightly, however we will begin focusing on content in Social Studies to build background knowledge for The American Revolution which will be the theme we begin reading in the textbook-Voices of the Revolution. Just as we have to build background knowledge for The Lightning Thief in Greek Mythology, students will need to understand how North America was discovered, explored and then settled. Ask your child what they have learned each day about the beginning of our continent and country.
Writing
This nine weeks students will write a report on a person they want to know more about. Students will read about many people through time and decide who they would like to learn more about. I will send home a rubric or guidelines for the report when it is closer to the time it is due. Ask your child who they would like to learn more about.
Spelling
Students have received their study guide for the classroom Spelling Bee. They should be studying at home and we will have practice bees in the classroom. Ultimately I will call out 25 random words from their list and they will write the words down on paper. From that spelling test the top 2 scoring students will move on to the school spelling bee. The dates for the classroom and school bee will be announced when they have been set. The students have until the end of November to study for the classroom test and the school bee will be in January of 2014.
Dates to remember
Oct. 28-Nov.1.......................Red Ribbon Week
(M-Crazy Socks, T-Wear Red, W-Hat, Th-book character, F-Team shirts or jersey)
Oct. 30..................................Drama Club Meeting
Nov. 6 & 20..........................Early Dismissal
Nov. 11.................................Veteran's Day-No School
Nov. 13.................................Drama Club Meeting
Nov. 27-Dec. 2......................Thanksgiving Holiday-No School
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Updates Week of October 14-18, 2013
This week students will show what they have learned thus far in the first nine weeks. All week students will take the quarterly CGA's (curriculum guide assessment). These tests will assess what the students have mastered in the first nine weeks. These are an assessment only and will not be used toward their 1st nine weeks grade on their report card. Students will continue to complete assignments and tests towards their report card grade over the next 2 weeks.
After a 70 minute testing block and break, students will continue to work in class on reading and writing.
Reading
This week students will continue to read The Lightning Thief. We will begin chapter 15 on Monday. Students are tracking important story elements on a story map in their reading journal as well as tracking Percy's quest across the United States on a map in their reading journal. Ask your child what is happening in the story and where the characters are on the map.
Writing
Students are continuing to work on their Camp-Half Blood newspaper article. They will have until the end of the week to complete their section.
Spelling
Crystal Springs will participate again in the Scripts Spelling Bee. Students will receive a list of words to study. A date will be forth coming when a classroom test will be given. From the classroom test the two top scoring spellers in each class will go on to the school spelling bee in January. Then, the school winner will go to the county level. You should see the spelling list coming home this week.
Important Dates
October 14....................Reading CGA
October 15....................Math CGA
October 16...................States and Capitals test
October 17...................Science CGA part 1
October 18...................Science CGA part 2
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
After a 70 minute testing block and break, students will continue to work in class on reading and writing.
Reading
This week students will continue to read The Lightning Thief. We will begin chapter 15 on Monday. Students are tracking important story elements on a story map in their reading journal as well as tracking Percy's quest across the United States on a map in their reading journal. Ask your child what is happening in the story and where the characters are on the map.
Writing
Students are continuing to work on their Camp-Half Blood newspaper article. They will have until the end of the week to complete their section.
Spelling
Crystal Springs will participate again in the Scripts Spelling Bee. Students will receive a list of words to study. A date will be forth coming when a classroom test will be given. From the classroom test the two top scoring spellers in each class will go on to the school spelling bee in January. Then, the school winner will go to the county level. You should see the spelling list coming home this week.
Important Dates
October 14....................Reading CGA
October 15....................Math CGA
October 16...................States and Capitals test
October 17...................Science CGA part 1
October 18...................Science CGA part 2
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Updates Week of September 30-October 4, 2013
Well, the Fall weather sure came and tickled the senses this weekend. It is hard to believe that October begins this week! Students are still working in their novel study of The Lightning Thief.
They are getting to some exciting parts of the story. Ask them about Percy's problem in the story.
You should have also seen your child's progress report last week. I am still waiting on the results of one final pretest. If I see any concerns I will be contacting parents for conferences to make a plan to help your child be successful in fifth grade.
Reading
This week students will continue to read their novel furthering their understanding of the problem in the story. We will wrap up our focus on story structure and the elements of story with a test on Tuesday. Students will then continue in their novel and using the maps and setting along with the visualization strategy to understand why authors use certain text features and how they can enhance and help understanding of the story.
Students should be continuing to read and log in nightly. This is their reading practice as well as the way they will meet their reading goal of 25 books this year. Students can still earn their reading ball cap by reading 10 books. Remember books need to be on the students reading level and every 100 pages equals 1 book. So a book with 275 pages would earn them 3 credits toward their goal. Ask your child how they can earn a pin for their hat!
Writing
Students began planning with their chosen groups articles, pictures, features for a Camp Half-Blood newspaper. Students will use events from their novel study to write from the perspective of a character in Camp Half-Blood or the book. They are having fun planning their section of the newspaper. Ask your child what section they chose and what articles and features they are putting in their section.
Spelling
This week students will have an opportunity to go to rotations during reading class. One of which is Spelling. This week students will take words from their novel and write the base word and then try to make other words with the base word adding prefixes and suffixes.
Dates to remember:
Oct. 9.........................Early dismissal
Oct. 23.......................Early dismissal
Oct. 25.......................No School -Planning Day
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
They are getting to some exciting parts of the story. Ask them about Percy's problem in the story.
You should have also seen your child's progress report last week. I am still waiting on the results of one final pretest. If I see any concerns I will be contacting parents for conferences to make a plan to help your child be successful in fifth grade.
Reading
This week students will continue to read their novel furthering their understanding of the problem in the story. We will wrap up our focus on story structure and the elements of story with a test on Tuesday. Students will then continue in their novel and using the maps and setting along with the visualization strategy to understand why authors use certain text features and how they can enhance and help understanding of the story.
Students should be continuing to read and log in nightly. This is their reading practice as well as the way they will meet their reading goal of 25 books this year. Students can still earn their reading ball cap by reading 10 books. Remember books need to be on the students reading level and every 100 pages equals 1 book. So a book with 275 pages would earn them 3 credits toward their goal. Ask your child how they can earn a pin for their hat!
Writing
Students began planning with their chosen groups articles, pictures, features for a Camp Half-Blood newspaper. Students will use events from their novel study to write from the perspective of a character in Camp Half-Blood or the book. They are having fun planning their section of the newspaper. Ask your child what section they chose and what articles and features they are putting in their section.
Spelling
This week students will have an opportunity to go to rotations during reading class. One of which is Spelling. This week students will take words from their novel and write the base word and then try to make other words with the base word adding prefixes and suffixes.
Dates to remember:
Oct. 9.........................Early dismissal
Oct. 23.......................Early dismissal
Oct. 25.......................No School -Planning Day
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Update Week September 23-27, 2013
Progress reports went home Friday. At this point I am very proud of the grades students are achieving in their Language Arts class. We have had a test on characters from our novel study The Lightning Thief which was not reflected on the progress report. Students will continue to have more tests, reading logs, and class assignments due which will effect their grade. Please continue to check the planner nightly for important reminders students should be copying from the board. If there is nothing written in the planner then he or she is not copying reminders as everyday I write something for them to copy.
Reading
This week we will focus on story structure. Students will use the elements of story: character, setting, problem/ solution, rising action, climax and resolution to help them understand what they are reading. Students will read stories in class and work on story maps to show their understanding of the story they read. By the end of the week we will move to the theme of a story. Ask your child what stories they have read and what it was about.
Student have also begun a vocabulary project. This project is connected to the novel study. Students will make a glossary of words they don't know while reading The Lightning Thief. Most of the work will be completed in class, however they may need to look up words or complete glossary entries at home. This will be due by the end of the nine weeks. Ask your child what words they have learned so far!
Writing
Students have been writing in their writing journals so far this year. We will soon begin writing a narrative or story soon.
Spelling
Students worked with prefixes and suffixes last week and will continue to work with base words, suffixes, prefixes and root words in class rotations. Ask your child what the difference between a base word and a root word is :)
Dates to remember:
Wednesday, September 25..................Early dismissal
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Reading
This week we will focus on story structure. Students will use the elements of story: character, setting, problem/ solution, rising action, climax and resolution to help them understand what they are reading. Students will read stories in class and work on story maps to show their understanding of the story they read. By the end of the week we will move to the theme of a story. Ask your child what stories they have read and what it was about.
Student have also begun a vocabulary project. This project is connected to the novel study. Students will make a glossary of words they don't know while reading The Lightning Thief. Most of the work will be completed in class, however they may need to look up words or complete glossary entries at home. This will be due by the end of the nine weeks. Ask your child what words they have learned so far!
Writing
Students have been writing in their writing journals so far this year. We will soon begin writing a narrative or story soon.
Spelling
Students worked with prefixes and suffixes last week and will continue to work with base words, suffixes, prefixes and root words in class rotations. Ask your child what the difference between a base word and a root word is :)
Dates to remember:
Wednesday, September 25..................Early dismissal
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Open House
What a great turn out for Open House tonight!! I thank all those parents (and students :) that came out to see what our class is all about! What an awesome group of parents and students we have this year. I can tell this is going to be a GREAT year!
Please remember if you have any questions or concerns just let me know. Thanks again for coming out to the school!
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Please remember if you have any questions or concerns just let me know. Thanks again for coming out to the school!
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Updates September 9-13, 2013
I can't say how proud and impressed I am with both classes this year. The students continue to move right along with our daily routine. They had their first reading journal and reading log check this week and I think just about everybody had theirs and were doing great! Keep checking reading logs nightly and ask your child what they are reading about everyday.
Reading
We have begun our reading in our novel, The Lightning Thief. Students will continue to read in class and read their choice of book for their reading log. Students will have in-class activities and quizzes on the novel.
You should have seen the reading log coming home this past week. Students are assigned to read 5 times throughout the week. Most students did very well on their summaries this week and kept up with their reading.
Writing
Students have been working on details, elaboration and conventions of writing for the last couple of weeks. We will begin narrative writing soon.
Spelling is incorporated into their grade through application in their writing. Students will also have other spelling activities during class throughout the year.
Dates to remember
Early Dismissal.............Wednesday, September 11
Open House...................Thursday, September 12
Late night book fair.......Thursday, September 12th 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Reading
We have begun our reading in our novel, The Lightning Thief. Students will continue to read in class and read their choice of book for their reading log. Students will have in-class activities and quizzes on the novel.
You should have seen the reading log coming home this past week. Students are assigned to read 5 times throughout the week. Most students did very well on their summaries this week and kept up with their reading.
Writing
Students have been working on details, elaboration and conventions of writing for the last couple of weeks. We will begin narrative writing soon.
Spelling is incorporated into their grade through application in their writing. Students will also have other spelling activities during class throughout the year.
Dates to remember
Early Dismissal.............Wednesday, September 11
Open House...................Thursday, September 12
Late night book fair.......Thursday, September 12th 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Monday, September 2, 2013
Updates Week of Sept. 2-6, 2013
I can't believe we are already beginning our third week of school! I can tell already this year is going to fly!! Students are settling in nicely and I am very proud of the progress they have made learning the school and classroom rituals and routines. Students have also been putting forth tremendous effort on their beginning of the year assessments. These assessments are of great value to me because it will let me know how to better plan for my lessons and how to help the students become better readers this year in fifth grade. And I have to brag and say, they have also already impressed me with their first group project! I can tell this is going to be a great group of students :)
Reading
This week in reading students will set up their home learning reading logs. They will be expected to choose a book on their independent level. I will go over in class how they can choose a just right book. You should start seeing the reading logs coming home as of Tuesday, September 3. Students will be expected to share their logs with a parent and get a parent signature each night.
We will also begin our novel study, Percy Jackson and the Olympians-The Lightning Thief. Students have spent the last week building background knowledge on the Greek gods and goddesses so they will better understand the characters and plot of the story.
Writing
Students have been participating in quick writes and descriptive paragraphs so far this year. We will begin shortly with narrative writing.
Dates to remember-
Stay tuned for the Open House date and time
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Reading
This week in reading students will set up their home learning reading logs. They will be expected to choose a book on their independent level. I will go over in class how they can choose a just right book. You should start seeing the reading logs coming home as of Tuesday, September 3. Students will be expected to share their logs with a parent and get a parent signature each night.
We will also begin our novel study, Percy Jackson and the Olympians-The Lightning Thief. Students have spent the last week building background knowledge on the Greek gods and goddesses so they will better understand the characters and plot of the story.
Writing
Students have been participating in quick writes and descriptive paragraphs so far this year. We will begin shortly with narrative writing.
Dates to remember-
Stay tuned for the Open House date and time
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Monday, August 26, 2013
UPdates August 26-30, 2013
Well, last week students worked really hard on learning and practicing classroom and schoolwide rituals and routines. They have also taken one of many preassessments with a few more to come hopefully over the next couple of weeks. I was so proud of the students and all the effort they poured into the Math baseline test on Friday. I also appreciate all the student and classroom supplies that parents have sent into the class. They most definitely will be put to good use :)
Even though I believe this year the report card will go to a combined Reading and Language grade I will still break the Reading and Language assignments into seperate catagories here for ease of understanding what is expected in each subject.
Reading
This week students will set up their Interactive Reading Journals and the Reading Log folder. Most likely you will not see their journals coming home as most of the word will be completed in class. However if you do want to see it, they may bring it home as long as it is back in class everyday. You should however see the Reading Log folder coming home nightly, Monday-Thursday. Not this week though as we won't be setting it up until Wednesday at best, and that is if we don't have any baseline assessments scheduled this week.
Beginning Tuesday students will start building background knowledge in preparation for our first novel study Percy Jackson and The Olympians-The Lightning Thief. This story is based on Greek Mythology so we will be reading and learning about the Greek gods and goddesses to help them understand the characters and plot in the story.
There is a lot of information about the book and author at www.rickriordan.com You can go there to learn more.
If you have questions please let me know through note, voicemail, or email!!
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Even though I believe this year the report card will go to a combined Reading and Language grade I will still break the Reading and Language assignments into seperate catagories here for ease of understanding what is expected in each subject.
Reading
This week students will set up their Interactive Reading Journals and the Reading Log folder. Most likely you will not see their journals coming home as most of the word will be completed in class. However if you do want to see it, they may bring it home as long as it is back in class everyday. You should however see the Reading Log folder coming home nightly, Monday-Thursday. Not this week though as we won't be setting it up until Wednesday at best, and that is if we don't have any baseline assessments scheduled this week.
Beginning Tuesday students will start building background knowledge in preparation for our first novel study Percy Jackson and The Olympians-The Lightning Thief. This story is based on Greek Mythology so we will be reading and learning about the Greek gods and goddesses to help them understand the characters and plot in the story.
There is a lot of information about the book and author at www.rickriordan.com You can go there to learn more.
If you have questions please let me know through note, voicemail, or email!!
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Welcome to Fifth Grade!!
Well, if you are reading this then that mean just one thing....you are in Mrs. O'Steen's class this year for fifth grade. I hope you are ready for a fun and educational year!! I know I am! There will be an opportunity for you to come and preview the classroom (room 44) this Friday, August 16 at 10:30 a.m. I hope to see you there. Be prepared to walk the red carpet and get ready for some drama as we reach for the Stars of Hollywood this year.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Updates May 28-31, 2013
This week will be a very busy one!! As you know Monday was a holiday :) I hope everyone had a nice Memorial Day and was able to celebrate our wonderful country while remembering those who made it possible for us to be free to celebrate. Now we will begin our week with our end-of-the-year field trip to Diamond D Ranch. Students will get to feed cows, ride horses and learn about ranch life. Then, Wednesday this week students will be back to the grind as we will take the last assessment for the year...the M.A.P test. This is the final assessment for Music, Art and P.E. Students took this at the beginning of the year. This test will show their growth during their studies this year in Music, Art and P.E.. Then to end the week students will get to see the talent show on Thursday. Needless to say we will have a busy yet fun week. Please remember to continue to encourage and remind students to be on their very best behavior for the next couple of weeks of school. Students have been told their behavior is their ticket in to all the fun activities here at the end of the school year.
If you have any questions please just send me a note!
Important dates
Tuesday, May 28............................Diamond D Field trip
Wednesday, May 29.......................M.A.P. testing
Thursday, May 30..........................Talent Show
Wednesday, June 5.........................5th grade Award Ceremony 9:00 A.M.
Thursday, June 6............................5th grade/Faculty Kickball game/End of the Year Party
Friday, June 7.................................Last day of school 12:00p.m. dismissal
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
If you have any questions please just send me a note!
Important dates
Tuesday, May 28............................Diamond D Field trip
Wednesday, May 29.......................M.A.P. testing
Thursday, May 30..........................Talent Show
Wednesday, June 5.........................5th grade Award Ceremony 9:00 A.M.
Thursday, June 6............................5th grade/Faculty Kickball game/End of the Year Party
Friday, June 7.................................Last day of school 12:00p.m. dismissal
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Updates Week of May 20-24
Well, here we are at the final stretch of the year. I will have to say it has flown by!!! I can't believe we only have 3 weeks left! There will be many fun events and activities coming up for the students to enjoy here at the end of the year. They really deserve to have some fun because they have worked hard all year, however I have let students know that behavior is something that is still very important especially right here at the end of the year. I have let the students know that, like other subjects, I have expected them to become better readers and writers through the year, I have also expected their behavior to get better, too. Students know that if their conduct is not acceptable then they will not be allowed to participate in the end of the year festivities. I look forward to a fun end of the year and have enjoyed working with each of the students throughout the year.
Reading
Students should still be reading and logging in daily for reading practice. We are taking our tests on the computer so there have not been any papers to send home. You can check their grades through the grade portal on the duval county website. If you do not have your child's password, you can go to the main office to obtain it. I can not give out the sign in and passwords only the front office can. This is a great tool for keeping up with your child's grade and you will be able to continue using it when they go to middle school next year.
Writing
Students have been reading and learning about the Patriots and Loyalists in Social Studies. They were assigned to write a paper explaining which they would have been if they had lived back in colonial times. Ask your child which they would have been and why.
Spelling
We have not had a spelling list in language and will not have any for the rest of the year. Spelling grades are being taken from their writing assignments. Students are now being graded on their application of the spelling rules they have learned through their years in elementary school.
Important Dates
May 22................Last Early Dismissal
May 24................Sports Fest.*
May 27................Memorial Day-No School
May 28................Diamond D Ranch Field Trip*
May 30................Talent Show 6:00 p.m.
June 5..................End of the Year Awards Program*
June 6..................Faculty/5th Grade Kickball Game/End of the Year Party*
*please remember, if you plan on coming to school for any end of the end of the year events you will need to have filled out the volunteer application online through the duval county website. All adults have to be approved through the front office to come to the classroom. Just go to duvalschools.org and look for the drop down tab to find the online application. It will stay good for 2 years from the date you submit it.
June 7................Last Day of school-12:00 dismissal
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Reading
Students should still be reading and logging in daily for reading practice. We are taking our tests on the computer so there have not been any papers to send home. You can check their grades through the grade portal on the duval county website. If you do not have your child's password, you can go to the main office to obtain it. I can not give out the sign in and passwords only the front office can. This is a great tool for keeping up with your child's grade and you will be able to continue using it when they go to middle school next year.
Writing
Students have been reading and learning about the Patriots and Loyalists in Social Studies. They were assigned to write a paper explaining which they would have been if they had lived back in colonial times. Ask your child which they would have been and why.
Spelling
We have not had a spelling list in language and will not have any for the rest of the year. Spelling grades are being taken from their writing assignments. Students are now being graded on their application of the spelling rules they have learned through their years in elementary school.
Important Dates
May 22................Last Early Dismissal
May 24................Sports Fest.*
May 27................Memorial Day-No School
May 28................Diamond D Ranch Field Trip*
May 30................Talent Show 6:00 p.m.
June 5..................End of the Year Awards Program*
June 6..................Faculty/5th Grade Kickball Game/End of the Year Party*
*please remember, if you plan on coming to school for any end of the end of the year events you will need to have filled out the volunteer application online through the duval county website. All adults have to be approved through the front office to come to the classroom. Just go to duvalschools.org and look for the drop down tab to find the online application. It will stay good for 2 years from the date you submit it.
June 7................Last Day of school-12:00 dismissal
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Week of May 13-17, 2013
Well we have reached the middle of the last nine weeks. You should have seen a progress report brought home last Tuesday. We will be bringing the year to an end so students need to be sure they are listening for due dates and deadlines coming up. I note these on the board for students to copy into their planner. Please continue to check their planner daily for homework, dates and deadlines coming up for the end of the year.
Reading
Last week students took the F.A.I.R test for the final time. I look forward to seeing their progress from the beginning of the year. We will continue to read aloud The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and end with comparing the original written literature to the movie version. Students have been assigned a new chapter book they should be reading daily and keeping a timeline in their reading logs.
Language
We will continue our practice with cursive handwriting through the next several weeks. Students will need to practice at home to become fluent with this skill.
Important Dates
Wednesday, May 15..................Human Growth and Development Lesson
Friday, May 17.........................End of FCAT Celebration Lunch
Wednesday, May 22.................Early Dismissal
Friday, May 24........................SportsFest
Monday, May 27......................Memorial Day Holiday
Tuesday, May 28......................Diamond D Ranch Field Trip
Thursday, May 30....................Talent Show
Wednesday, June 5...................End of the Year Awards
Thursday, June 6......................Faculty/5th Grade Kickball Game/End of the Year Party
Friday, June 7..........................Last Day of School-12:00 dismissal
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Reading
Last week students took the F.A.I.R test for the final time. I look forward to seeing their progress from the beginning of the year. We will continue to read aloud The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and end with comparing the original written literature to the movie version. Students have been assigned a new chapter book they should be reading daily and keeping a timeline in their reading logs.
Language
We will continue our practice with cursive handwriting through the next several weeks. Students will need to practice at home to become fluent with this skill.
Important Dates
Wednesday, May 15..................Human Growth and Development Lesson
Friday, May 17.........................End of FCAT Celebration Lunch
Wednesday, May 22.................Early Dismissal
Friday, May 24........................SportsFest
Monday, May 27......................Memorial Day Holiday
Tuesday, May 28......................Diamond D Ranch Field Trip
Thursday, May 30....................Talent Show
Wednesday, June 5...................End of the Year Awards
Thursday, June 6......................Faculty/5th Grade Kickball Game/End of the Year Party
Friday, June 7..........................Last Day of School-12:00 dismissal
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Monday, April 29, 2013
Updates Week of April 29-May 3, 2013
We are finally finished with FCAT testing!!! Hooray!!! I am very proud of the students and all the effort they put forth on their tests. We will only have one more assessment which is the F.A.I.R. test coming in May.
Now since testing is over you should see reading logs and vocabulary assignments resume. Please remember to check planners nightly for homework assignments and comments on conduct in the classroom. I have reminded students we still have lots of work to do before the end of the year.
Reading
This week we will begin a read aloud of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. We will track events and characters on a timeline in class then watch the movie to compare events from the book to the movie.
Students will be assigned a new chapter book to begin. They will practice using a timeline to track events and characters while reading. This will also be the book they will use when participating in battle of the books in the classroom at the end of the year.
Language
Students should have one essay turned in on their imaginary person,place, or thing. We will continue using writing throughout the subjects especially Social Studies.
Spelling
You will see spelling resume next week.
Upcoming events....
FCAT Picnic Lunch..................May 15
Sports Fest................................May 22-24
Talent Show..............................TBA
5th Grade Celebration...............TBA
Faculty/5th grade Kickball game....TBA
End of the Year Party......................TBA
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Now since testing is over you should see reading logs and vocabulary assignments resume. Please remember to check planners nightly for homework assignments and comments on conduct in the classroom. I have reminded students we still have lots of work to do before the end of the year.
Reading
This week we will begin a read aloud of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. We will track events and characters on a timeline in class then watch the movie to compare events from the book to the movie.
Students will be assigned a new chapter book to begin. They will practice using a timeline to track events and characters while reading. This will also be the book they will use when participating in battle of the books in the classroom at the end of the year.
Language
Students should have one essay turned in on their imaginary person,place, or thing. We will continue using writing throughout the subjects especially Social Studies.
Spelling
You will see spelling resume next week.
Upcoming events....
FCAT Picnic Lunch..................May 15
Sports Fest................................May 22-24
Talent Show..............................TBA
5th Grade Celebration...............TBA
Faculty/5th grade Kickball game....TBA
End of the Year Party......................TBA
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Updates Week of April 22-26, 2013
We have one more week of testing. This week students will finish up the FCAT with CBT (computer based testing) in Math. Our class has been scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday. Please make sure students are here on time as we will try to be in the computer lab and begin promptly at 8:45. During last week and this week students are not being assigned any reading logs or other tests due to FCAT testing. We will resume next week with reading logs and tests.
This week students will work out of the Social Studies text continuing reading to learn. We have picked up where we left off earlier in the year with the Revolutionary War. Students will be learning about the beginning of our great nation. They will have textbook assignments along with writing assignments to show what they learned from their reading. These assignments will count toward their reading grade.
Report cards went home Friday, April 19th. We still have lots of time to practice reading and writing so please continue to check planners nightly for notes or comments about conduct and assignments and tests coming up. We will be working right up to the end of the year in June.
Lastly, one test you should see your child studying for is their United States map of states test. I have not announced the day but study guides go home this week.
Dates to remember:
April 24.................return signed report card
April 30.................Symphony field trip
Week of May 6......Progress reports go home
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
This week students will work out of the Social Studies text continuing reading to learn. We have picked up where we left off earlier in the year with the Revolutionary War. Students will be learning about the beginning of our great nation. They will have textbook assignments along with writing assignments to show what they learned from their reading. These assignments will count toward their reading grade.
Report cards went home Friday, April 19th. We still have lots of time to practice reading and writing so please continue to check planners nightly for notes or comments about conduct and assignments and tests coming up. We will be working right up to the end of the year in June.
Lastly, one test you should see your child studying for is their United States map of states test. I have not announced the day but study guides go home this week.
Dates to remember:
April 24.................return signed report card
April 30.................Symphony field trip
Week of May 6......Progress reports go home
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Updates Week of April 15-19, 2013
Well, students have been working hard since we have returned from Spring Break getting ramped up for the FCAT. This week students have put their best foot forward on the Reading and Science sessions of the test. Next week students will be taking the Math portion of the FCAT on the computer. Their testing days will be Tuesday, April 23 and Thursday, April 25. We need to begin promptly at 8:45 so please make sure students are here on time :)
Friday, April 19th students will bring home their report card for the third nine weeks. Most students are doing very well and I hope they continue to focus this last nine weeks. We will continue working in Reading and Writing everyday. Please continue to make sure your child is reading nightly to move their reading level higher. You should see them looking for words they don't know while reading in their book and writing the definition for the words they don't know on notebook paper. This is a vocabulary grade toward their reading grade.
This year has flown by and I know the end will be here before I know it. Please check your child's planner for important notes home as well as important papers to be sent home on Friday's.
Important dates
April 19.....................report cards go home
April 30.....................field trip
Week of May 6th......progress reports go home
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Friday, April 19th students will bring home their report card for the third nine weeks. Most students are doing very well and I hope they continue to focus this last nine weeks. We will continue working in Reading and Writing everyday. Please continue to make sure your child is reading nightly to move their reading level higher. You should see them looking for words they don't know while reading in their book and writing the definition for the words they don't know on notebook paper. This is a vocabulary grade toward their reading grade.
This year has flown by and I know the end will be here before I know it. Please check your child's planner for important notes home as well as important papers to be sent home on Friday's.
Important dates
April 19.....................report cards go home
April 30.....................field trip
Week of May 6th......progress reports go home
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Updates Week of March 4-8, 2013
Burrrrrrr! Is it cold enough? It surely doesn't feel like March. However it is March already and we are half way through with the third nine weeks. You should have seen the mid-term progress report come home last week on Tuesday. Thank you to all that signed and returned them already. If you have not returned yours yet please send it in this week.
Reading
Last week students did not have a focus or story in their textbooks because I assigned groups chapter books to read for their reading logs. Students were to read a chapter each day and complete the assigned reading log. Many students were not completing this very important practice so hopefully this will help them to stay on target and complete their reading chapters and logging in each day.
This week students will focus on main idea and relevant details. Their story will be A Boy Called Slow. Students will read and practice in class along with continuing reading in their chapter book daily.
Students do not have an assigned list of vocabulary words. They are to find at least 2 words per day while reading in their chapter book. These could be words they don't know or words they thought were good word choices by the author. By the end of the week they should have at least 8 words.
Remember students need to practice reading just like they would anything else they are trying to become better at. Like any sport or hobby if you don't practice you won't improve.
Language
Students are beginning to work on their book publishing kits now. These will be the pages and cover for their published book. Ask your child what they are writing for their book publishing project.
Spelling
Students did not have a spelling list last week but you should see a spelling list for this week. Their test will be on Friday.
Important Dates
February 26......................Progress reports went home
March 6............................Early dismissal
March 18..........................Book publishing project due
March 20..........................Early dismissal
March 25..........................First day of Spring Break
April 2..............................Students return to school
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Reading
Last week students did not have a focus or story in their textbooks because I assigned groups chapter books to read for their reading logs. Students were to read a chapter each day and complete the assigned reading log. Many students were not completing this very important practice so hopefully this will help them to stay on target and complete their reading chapters and logging in each day.
This week students will focus on main idea and relevant details. Their story will be A Boy Called Slow. Students will read and practice in class along with continuing reading in their chapter book daily.
Students do not have an assigned list of vocabulary words. They are to find at least 2 words per day while reading in their chapter book. These could be words they don't know or words they thought were good word choices by the author. By the end of the week they should have at least 8 words.
Remember students need to practice reading just like they would anything else they are trying to become better at. Like any sport or hobby if you don't practice you won't improve.
Language
Students are beginning to work on their book publishing kits now. These will be the pages and cover for their published book. Ask your child what they are writing for their book publishing project.
Spelling
Students did not have a spelling list last week but you should see a spelling list for this week. Their test will be on Friday.
Important Dates
February 26......................Progress reports went home
March 6............................Early dismissal
March 18..........................Book publishing project due
March 20..........................Early dismissal
March 25..........................First day of Spring Break
April 2..............................Students return to school
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Updates Week of February 11-15, 2012
Well, this week will have a slight interruption due to Math Benchmark testing this Thursday and Friday. Students will be given their new focus and words, however tests will not be until next Friday, February 22. Students should also be working on their reports at home-final due date to be coming soon.
Reading
This week we will begin Theme 4 Give It All You've Got! The story is Mariah Keeps Cool. The focus is problem solving. This is when students determine the problem the character is facing, are able to recognize how the character is solving the problem and come up with other solutions for the problem if necessary. We will be working with this story throughout this week and next with the test on Friday, February 22.
This week since students will have extra time I am going to have them define their own vocabulary words this week. I reviewed context clues last week and modeled how to use context clues on the vocabulary tests. Students need to be able to read the word as well as explain what the word means.
Language
Students will receive a rubric to use as their guide for their report this week. Students should begin revising and editing their reports this week with a due date to come soon.
Students will also begin their book publishing project this week in class. Ask your child what they are writing their book about.
Spelling
Students do have a spelling pretest this week with a test next Friday, February 22.
Important Dates
Math Benchmark 1 and 2....Thursday and Friday, February 14-15
Book Fair.............................Thursday, February 14
Valentine's Day....................Thursday, February 14 Students may bring in Valentines
President's Day.....................Monday, February 18 No School
Reading tests........................Friday, February 22
Please remember if you ever have any questions don't hesitate to ask! :)
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Reading
This week we will begin Theme 4 Give It All You've Got! The story is Mariah Keeps Cool. The focus is problem solving. This is when students determine the problem the character is facing, are able to recognize how the character is solving the problem and come up with other solutions for the problem if necessary. We will be working with this story throughout this week and next with the test on Friday, February 22.
This week since students will have extra time I am going to have them define their own vocabulary words this week. I reviewed context clues last week and modeled how to use context clues on the vocabulary tests. Students need to be able to read the word as well as explain what the word means.
Language
Students will receive a rubric to use as their guide for their report this week. Students should begin revising and editing their reports this week with a due date to come soon.
Students will also begin their book publishing project this week in class. Ask your child what they are writing their book about.
Spelling
Students do have a spelling pretest this week with a test next Friday, February 22.
Important Dates
Math Benchmark 1 and 2....Thursday and Friday, February 14-15
Book Fair.............................Thursday, February 14
Valentine's Day....................Thursday, February 14 Students may bring in Valentines
President's Day.....................Monday, February 18 No School
Reading tests........................Friday, February 22
Please remember if you ever have any questions don't hesitate to ask! :)
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Updates Week of February 4-8, 2013
I was very proud of many students this past nine weeks!! Congratulations on achieving A and A/B honor roll. If you didn't this time make that your goal this third nine weeks. Parents you can help by checking the planner nightly for homework assignments. Students should have reminders written daily. If they are not writing something at least for reading daily then they are not copying their reminders from the board as instructed. This will be a very important tool and habit to have their up coming years in middle and high school.
Reading
This week students will review skills from theme 3 and take their first LSA (learning schedule assessment) on Friday. They will not have vocabulary words or a selection story this week. However, I will be reviewing written answers and using context clues on vocabulary tests this week to help students do better on their written answers on their selection test and vocabulary test.
Students should still be reading and logging in their reading log folder Monday thru Thursday nights. This is still a part of their reading grade.
The scholastic order has been put in...look for a new flyer in a couple of weeks!
Language
Students should have their information on their topic by now. This week we will go over text structure and students will decide how they plan on organizing their information. They will begin writing their rough draft. They should have their rough draft finished by next Monday. This needs to be completed at home.
Students will also begin a book publishing project in class this week. Students will decide what they would like to publish and then get to actually make a book, send it to a publisher and have it bound into a hard back book. We will be working on this in class. Ask your child what they are doing for their book.
There will not be a spelling list this week.
Dates to remember
Wednesday, Feb. 6....................Early dismissal
Thursday, Feb. 14.....................Valentine's day (students may bring in cards)
Monday, Feb. 18.......................President's Day no school
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Reading
This week students will review skills from theme 3 and take their first LSA (learning schedule assessment) on Friday. They will not have vocabulary words or a selection story this week. However, I will be reviewing written answers and using context clues on vocabulary tests this week to help students do better on their written answers on their selection test and vocabulary test.
Students should still be reading and logging in their reading log folder Monday thru Thursday nights. This is still a part of their reading grade.
The scholastic order has been put in...look for a new flyer in a couple of weeks!
Language
Students should have their information on their topic by now. This week we will go over text structure and students will decide how they plan on organizing their information. They will begin writing their rough draft. They should have their rough draft finished by next Monday. This needs to be completed at home.
Students will also begin a book publishing project in class this week. Students will decide what they would like to publish and then get to actually make a book, send it to a publisher and have it bound into a hard back book. We will be working on this in class. Ask your child what they are doing for their book.
There will not be a spelling list this week.
Dates to remember
Wednesday, Feb. 6....................Early dismissal
Thursday, Feb. 14.....................Valentine's day (students may bring in cards)
Monday, Feb. 18.......................President's Day no school
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Updates week of January 28-February 1, 2013
What can I say...we are already coming to the close of January. It seems that we just came back from Winter break! Report cards will be coming home this week and I have reminded students now is the time to begin working hard to start off the new nine weeks with great grades. Please ask your child what they are learning in the classroom and if they have any assignments due. Getting behind is hard to come back from easily and sometimes students have a way of letting things snowball and get far behind before they know it.
Reading
This week our focus will be on following directions in written text. Students will learn what they need to look for when reading in order to keep up with directions written within a text. Their story will be James Forten in the textbook.
Students will also be reviewing Main Idea and Details. This ties in well with our report writing that they are working on right now.
You should also still see their vocabulary study guide and reading log coming home nightly for them to study through the week.
Language
This week students will look at different types of text structures: sequence, main idea/detail, compare/contrast, question/answer, narrative/point of view and decide which text structure will works best with their topic and how they want to present their report. Students will begin writing their rough draft this week at home using the information they gathered last week.
Students have spelling words this week. The focus is words ending with the "el" sound as in sprinkle. The "el" sound can be spelled el or le.
Side Note
A special thank you to parents who supported the class by ordering books from the scholastic book order. This not only gives students books at a great price, but we can also earn free books for our classroom through student's orders. Also, a big thanks to parents supporting the school magazine fundraiser right now! This will help the school earn money to help buy technology for the classrooms.
Last but not least...Valentine's Day will be coming up before you know it. Students may bring in Valentine cards to pass out to their friends. However, I do tell students if they bring a Valentine for 1 person they need to bring one for everybody in the class. I don't mind if students bring candy to pass out with their Valentines either as long as there is enough for everyone and it is story bought and sealed. We will not be having a party- just a short time at the end of the day to exchange Valentines! If students want to bring a Valentine for just a couple of friends, then they will need to pass those out on their own time before or after school-not in class as part of our class exchange.
Again, thank you for all that you do and please if you have questions feel free to ask!
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Reading
This week our focus will be on following directions in written text. Students will learn what they need to look for when reading in order to keep up with directions written within a text. Their story will be James Forten in the textbook.
Students will also be reviewing Main Idea and Details. This ties in well with our report writing that they are working on right now.
You should also still see their vocabulary study guide and reading log coming home nightly for them to study through the week.
Language
This week students will look at different types of text structures: sequence, main idea/detail, compare/contrast, question/answer, narrative/point of view and decide which text structure will works best with their topic and how they want to present their report. Students will begin writing their rough draft this week at home using the information they gathered last week.
Students have spelling words this week. The focus is words ending with the "el" sound as in sprinkle. The "el" sound can be spelled el or le.
Side Note
A special thank you to parents who supported the class by ordering books from the scholastic book order. This not only gives students books at a great price, but we can also earn free books for our classroom through student's orders. Also, a big thanks to parents supporting the school magazine fundraiser right now! This will help the school earn money to help buy technology for the classrooms.
Last but not least...Valentine's Day will be coming up before you know it. Students may bring in Valentine cards to pass out to their friends. However, I do tell students if they bring a Valentine for 1 person they need to bring one for everybody in the class. I don't mind if students bring candy to pass out with their Valentines either as long as there is enough for everyone and it is story bought and sealed. We will not be having a party- just a short time at the end of the day to exchange Valentines! If students want to bring a Valentine for just a couple of friends, then they will need to pass those out on their own time before or after school-not in class as part of our class exchange.
Again, thank you for all that you do and please if you have questions feel free to ask!
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Monday, January 21, 2013
Updates Week of January 21-25, 2012
Last week we started our new story and focus-Cause and Effect with Katie's Trunk. Since it was a short week last week and another short week this week we are continuing with the same story, focus, spelling and vocabulary lists. Last week also ended the second nine week period. Grades are finalized and report cards will go out shortly.
Reading
Students will continue to work on cause and effect through the week using various texts to find cause and effect relationships. Students will also begin a series of research based lessons from the county which target 3 areas for review before FCAT this year. Ask your child what we are reviewing and what we are focusing on for the week.
Students will also take the second administration of the FAIR test this week. It is planned for students to take it on Thursday so remind them to do their best!!
The weekly spelling, vocabulary and reading tests will be this Friday. Students received the words and study guides last week.
Don't forget to ask your child what they are reading. Reading logs are assigned each night Monday thru Thursday.
Language
Students have chosen a topic for their report. They should now be researching and gathering information for their report. I will show students strategies and practice gathering information for their report without just copying from the text. Students may use the computer, library or other sources to gather information for their report. They need to have their information gathered by Friday.
Dates to remember
January 22...................beginning of Third Nine weeks
January 23...................Early dismissal
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Reading
Students will continue to work on cause and effect through the week using various texts to find cause and effect relationships. Students will also begin a series of research based lessons from the county which target 3 areas for review before FCAT this year. Ask your child what we are reviewing and what we are focusing on for the week.
Students will also take the second administration of the FAIR test this week. It is planned for students to take it on Thursday so remind them to do their best!!
The weekly spelling, vocabulary and reading tests will be this Friday. Students received the words and study guides last week.
Don't forget to ask your child what they are reading. Reading logs are assigned each night Monday thru Thursday.
Language
Students have chosen a topic for their report. They should now be researching and gathering information for their report. I will show students strategies and practice gathering information for their report without just copying from the text. Students may use the computer, library or other sources to gather information for their report. They need to have their information gathered by Friday.
Dates to remember
January 22...................beginning of Third Nine weeks
January 23...................Early dismissal
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Updates January 7-11, 2013
This week we will be getting back to our normal routine in our Readers Workshop. We also will be approaching the end of the second nine weeks already. I will be giving out reminders to students who are missing work. Students are responsible for getting in missing writing assignments and reading logs in time to be graded and entered into the computer before grades are due. I give daily reminders in class and on the homework board so students are fully aware of what they are missing and what they need to turn in. Ask your child if they have any missing writing assignments or reading logs that they need to complete.
Reading
This week students will focus on Author's Viewpoint. This is when they determine what the author thinks or feels about the topic they are writing about. Students will have a vocabulary list and reading tests on Friday. The weekly story is And Then What Happened Paul Revere? Students may bring home a textbook to reread the story at home.
We will also continue to read and log in nightly. Students will evaluate the text they read. This is when they share what they felt about what they read: did the author do a good job writing, for example. Students also need to share examples and give details to support their thinking.
Language
Students will be moving into the report or information writing genre. They will need to choose a topic from the time period we are studying which is The American Revolution. We will go over the requirements in class and most of the writing will need to be done at home. The due date will not be until the end of the month.
Students do have a spelling list this week. The focus is the final "er" sound spelled with er, or, ar. Some examples are pillar, scholar, and dinner. Look for their pretest in the front pocket of their reading log folder.
Dates to remember
January 9..........................Early dismissal
January 17........................End of the 2nd nine weeks
January 18........................Planning day
January 21........................Martin Luther King day
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Reading
This week students will focus on Author's Viewpoint. This is when they determine what the author thinks or feels about the topic they are writing about. Students will have a vocabulary list and reading tests on Friday. The weekly story is And Then What Happened Paul Revere? Students may bring home a textbook to reread the story at home.
We will also continue to read and log in nightly. Students will evaluate the text they read. This is when they share what they felt about what they read: did the author do a good job writing, for example. Students also need to share examples and give details to support their thinking.
Language
Students will be moving into the report or information writing genre. They will need to choose a topic from the time period we are studying which is The American Revolution. We will go over the requirements in class and most of the writing will need to be done at home. The due date will not be until the end of the month.
Students do have a spelling list this week. The focus is the final "er" sound spelled with er, or, ar. Some examples are pillar, scholar, and dinner. Look for their pretest in the front pocket of their reading log folder.
Dates to remember
January 9..........................Early dismissal
January 17........................End of the 2nd nine weeks
January 18........................Planning day
January 21........................Martin Luther King day
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Updates January 2-4, 2013
Welcome to 2013!!!! I certainly hope everyone had a nice Winter break! I know I did! Well, it is time to knuckle down and get back to work. I hope everyone rested, played, and is ready to come back to school. This is a short week but a very important one as we will be taking an assessment to show growth and studying to build up background knowledge for our new reading theme.
Reading
We will start off the week, on Wednesday, taking the state FCAT sample practice test. Students took this back in August. I will compare their performance from then till now. This will help me target students' weaknesses and form small groups to help remediate skills needed.
We will begin a new theme in our reading textbook called Voices of the Revolution. Thursday and Friday we will use the Social Studies book to build background knowledge about the American Revolution. Students will have in-class activities to help learn facts about this time period which will help them to better understand the stories they will begin reading next week in their reading textbook.
Students will not have vocabulary words or a textbook story this week, however they will have their reading logs each night. Students will read and write a summary about what they read. Students may borrow a Social Studies book if they like.
Language
Students will not have a writing assignment this week. However, we will begin to discuss informational or report writing. Students will choose a person or topic from the American Revolution that they would like to learn more about and begin thinking and researching for information to write a report.
Students will not have a spelling list this week.
Welcome back!
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Reading
We will start off the week, on Wednesday, taking the state FCAT sample practice test. Students took this back in August. I will compare their performance from then till now. This will help me target students' weaknesses and form small groups to help remediate skills needed.
We will begin a new theme in our reading textbook called Voices of the Revolution. Thursday and Friday we will use the Social Studies book to build background knowledge about the American Revolution. Students will have in-class activities to help learn facts about this time period which will help them to better understand the stories they will begin reading next week in their reading textbook.
Students will not have vocabulary words or a textbook story this week, however they will have their reading logs each night. Students will read and write a summary about what they read. Students may borrow a Social Studies book if they like.
Language
Students will not have a writing assignment this week. However, we will begin to discuss informational or report writing. Students will choose a person or topic from the American Revolution that they would like to learn more about and begin thinking and researching for information to write a report.
Students will not have a spelling list this week.
Welcome back!
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
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