Welcome to Mrs. O'Steen's Fifth Grade Class!

Updates January 23-27, 2012

2012-01-22T18:44:00.002-05:00

We will now be entering the third nine weeks. Wow how time flies:-) Grades are in and report cards will be coming home shortly. Please remind students that new grades start now!

Reading
This week our focus will be on problem solving. Students will read many texts, determine the problem of the character, how the character is trying to solve the problem and then evaluate how the character solved the problem. Students may also compare how the character solved the problem to how they would have solved the problem.

This week's focus story is Mariah Keeps Cool. Students have a focused vocabulary list as well as question to answer from the textbook. Ask your child what the problem was in the story and how the character solved it.

This week's spelling focus is VCCCV pattern. This is when a word has a consonant paired with a cluster. Students will recognize how to split the word between the syllable with the 3 consonants and cluster. Ask your child for an example from their spelling pretest.

Writing
We have finished the persuasive genre study and are moving on to narrative procedural writing. This is where students will write directions for something they are the expert on. Ask your child what directions they are going to write.

We also are beginning a book publishing project. Many students have participated in this project in previous grades so they are familiar with it. They are very excited to publish their stories in a real book format. It is a great example of the real publishing process. Ask your child what they are writing their book about.

Important dates

January 23..............first day of 3rd nine weeks
January 25..............early dismissal

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Last week of the 2nd Nine Weeks

2012-01-16T20:32:00.003-05:00

This week not only marks the end of our reading Theme 3 but also the end of the 2nd nine weeks. We will be wrapping up many things this week.

Reading
This week students will not have a focus or story as we will review skills and strategies we have studied this theme. We will review following directions and cause and effect. Students will have a performance task on each skill as well as their theme 3 benchmark test on Thursday.

Students also need to make sure their reading logs are up to date as they will need 33 completed reading logs in order to attend the reading celebration for the 2nd nine weeks.

There are no vocabulary or spelling words this week.

Writing
This year students will get to publish their own book in Writer's Workshop. This is a great opportunity for students to see the actual book publishing process from beginning to end. This week students will begin brainstorming and planning what they want to publish for this project. Ask your child what they are thinking about writing.

Upcoming dates:
January 19............end of 2nd nine weeks
January 20............Planning day...no school
January 25............Early dismissal

Until next time,
R.O'Steen

Updates January 9-13, 2012

2012-01-08T20:54:00.002-05:00

We had a great first week back! The kids were ready to jump right back into Reader's and Writer's Workshop!

This week in Reading....

We will focus on Author's Viewpoint. This is the way the author thinks or feels about a subject. The author's viewpoint reflects his or her attitude and assumptions of their topic. Students will read many texts and practice determining the author's viewpoint. The textbook story we will use is And Then What Happened Paul Revere? Students will read about Paul Revere and determine what the author's viewpoint or thoughts and feelings about him were.

Vocabulary words for this week are on page 260 in the text along with the added words: cargo, liberty, and sentries.

The spelling focus for this week is the er and el sound spelled with different patterns. Look for a corrected pretest for your child to be studying through the week.

This week in Writing...

We have concluded our study on persuasive writing and will begin a study of letter writing. Students should have turned in their persuasive essay by now.

Important dates

Early dismissal................Jan. 11
Martin Luther King day.........Jan. 16 No school
End of grading period..........Jan. 19
Planning day...................Jan. 20 No school

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates January 3-6, 2012

2012-01-02T18:20:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year!!! Hope everyone had a great break and is ready to get back to the grind! We are now finished with our mid-year assessments and will be returning to our regular workshop routine: spelling list on Monday, vocabulary on Monday, new story and focus on Monday with tests on Friday.

Reading
This week we will focus on cause and effects in reading. Students will read Katie's Trunk and look for causes and effects. Students also have new vocabulary words to define and study through the week.

Writing
We have finished up our study of persuasive writing and will work this week on writing a friendly letter. Ask your child who they wrote their letter to.

Spelling
Students will have the spelling words called out this Tuesday with their test on Friday.

Upcoming dates:

Early dismissal...........January 11
Student Holiday...........January 16
End of grading period.....January 19
Planning day no school....January 20
Early dismissal...........January 25

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates December 12-16, 2011

2011-12-11T18:44:00.002-05:00

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

Updates December 5-9, 2011

2011-12-07T16:46:00.002-05:00

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

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2011-11-21T19:29:00.001-05:00

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

Update Novemeber 14-22, 2011

2011-11-13T20:44:00.004-05:00

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

Updates November 7-11, 2011

2011-11-06T21:19:00.002-05:00

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

Updates October 24-28, 2011

2011-10-23T18:28:00.002-04:00

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

Update October 17-21, 2011

2011-10-16T21:39:00.003-04:00

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

Updates October 3-7, 2011

2011-10-05T16:43:00.003-04:00

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

Update September 26-30, 2011

2011-09-25T19:59:00.002-04:00

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

Updates September 19-23, 20011

2011-09-18T18:31:00.003-04:00

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

Updates September 12-16, 2011

2011-09-11T17:42:00.002-04:00

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

Updates September 6-9, 2011

2011-09-07T20:44:00.002-04:00

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

Holiday Weekend!

2011-09-03T11:02:00.002-04:00

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

Update Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2011

2011-08-29T05:01:00.003-04:00

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

First Day of School!

2011-08-22T17:24:00.002-04:00

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

Smile for the Camera!

2011-08-21T09:10:00.002-04:00

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

Meet the Teacher!

2011-08-19T15:49:00.002-04:00

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

Mark Your Calendar!!

2011-08-10T07:47:00.006-04:00

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

Dog Days of Summer!!

2011-07-27T11:48:00.002-04:00

"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

Updates May 9-13

2011-05-08T20:18:00.003-04:00

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

Updates April 26-29, 2011

2011-04-25T18:56:00.002-04:00

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

Updates March 14-18, 2011

2011-03-13T20:42:00.002-04:00

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

Updates February 28-March 4, 2011

2011-02-27T17:38:00.003-05:00

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

Happy President's Day!

2011-02-20T17:08:00.002-05:00

No school Monday, February 21, 2011.

Hope everyone has a great long weekend!
R. O'Steen

Week of February 14, 2011

2011-02-14T15:19:00.002-05:00

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

Thank you for your patience!

2011-02-06T18:26:00.002-05:00

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 Language Arts Updates Week of November 29

2010-11-28T18:38:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone had a delicious Thanksgiving! It is hard to believe but we only have 3 weeks before Winter break! Due to a field trip, benchmark testing, and other planned activities at school, our normal Friday tests will change to other days. Please check your child's planner to know when the tests will be given.

Reading
This week our focus will be author's viewpoint. Students will be able to explain how the author feels or thinks about the subject they are writing about. Students will need to infer the author's viewpoint from facts and opinions that are stated in the text. Due to Monday's field trip and up coming benchmark testing I will be postponing tests on vocabulary (pg 260 in textbook), spelling and the selection story until Wednesday of next week.

Language
We have finished the narrative writing standard and will be moving on to the informational standard. In connection with our school theme, Traveling the World in 180 days", students will be studying and learning about the state of Virginia. This will be a class report that will be presented at our USA Tour on December 16 at 6:30p.m.

This week we will also be studying subject verb agreement and regular and irregular verbs.

Spelling
Our spelling focus for this week are words with a final "er" sound spelled with er, or, ar. Look for a focused list in the planner.

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Time Has Flown!

2010-11-21T18:28:00.002-05:00

We have been very busy this first quarter! We are now already soon going to be in midterm of the second quarter. Students are settling in to the rituals and routines of the classroom well. With the holidays fast approaching our schedule will try to stay as normal as possible but look for test reminders in the planners as we will have short weeks and days off November through January.

Reading

We are wrapping up the second theme in our reading series. You should have received a nine weeks overview for the curriculum for the second nine weeks in the report card envelope.

Language

We just finished the narrative standard or story writing. Students were to turn in a published story for a language grade this past Friday. We will be moving to report writing when we come back from the Thanksgiving holiday. We will be writing about the state of Virginia as part of our travel theme throughout the school. Mark your calendars for the United States Tour on December 16 to come and see what our students have learned about the fifty states.

Up Coming Dates
November 23 Sports Fest
November 24-26 Thanksgiving Break
November 29 Marine Science Field Trip

You should see a weekly progress report coming home in the Friday Folder. Please review your child's work and sign the report and folder then return on Monday.

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Weekly Updates September 27

2010-09-26T21:30:00.002-04:00

We have had a week of WOW! Our quail have hatched over the past two weeks and it has been quite exciting. If you would like to see them come out to our Science Night Tuesday from 6:00-7:00 p.m. There will be many experiments and other presentations going on throughout the school with a chance to win a bike!

Reading
This week our reading focus is categorize and classify. Students will use the story Volcanoes this week as the selection to practice their skill and strategies. Students also continue to have a reading log that should be completed as part of their reading grade.
Students also have a list of vocabulary words that can be found in their textbook one page prior to the weekly story. There is a weekly test that is also part of their reading grade.

Language
This week's phonics focus is long o and long u vowel patterns. We will also begin reviewing basic sentence structure. For example complete thought, capital letter at the beginning punctuation. Students will be editing incorrect sentences looking for mistakes.

A BIG THANK YOU!!!
Thanks to all the parents who have sent in snack for the classroom store! It is a huge help and GREATLY appreciated!!!!!

Final note: You should have seen a progress report come home last Thursday. Please sign and return them this week if you haven't already.

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates Week of September 20th

2010-09-19T21:32:00.002-04:00

We have been extremely busy the past two week with Reading, Math and Science benchmark testing. These are assessments the students will take multiple times throughout the year to show progress as well as their strengths and weaknesses so we can better focus our small group instruction.

Students also turned in their reading logs and took their first tests for grades toward their report card last week. There were many students who did not have their reading logs complete. Please check with your child and make sure they are reading and logging in daily as this does count as a grade.

Reading Focus:
This week students will focus on text organization. We will look at different texts and determine if the author used main idea and details, sequence or cause and effect as a way to organize their text.

The weekly story is Eye of the Storm. Students will need to define and study the vocabulary words at the beginning of the story as well as read the story and answer the questions at the end. Look for homework reminders in their planner as to know which nights these activities are assigned.

Language and Spelling:
This week the Spelling focus is long vowel words and the various patterns they can have as well as syllabication.

Important dates:
Progress reports go home Thursday September 23rd

Until next time,
R.O'Steen

Week of August 30-Sept. 3

2010-08-29T18:04:00.002-04:00

The first week of school went very well! We spent our time on rituals and routines of the classroom and school. You should have seen two very important papers go home in their Friday folder. One addressed classroom conduct rules and consequences. Once signed and returned this paper will be stapled into the front of their planner which should be signed nightly. Students were doing an excellent job of this the first week! The second paper was a fifth grade contract that is an expectation of conduct throughout the entire fifth grade. Student behavior and responsibility is very important to a child's success in school. I look forward to a fun and educational year! Please remember if you have any questions jot me a note in your child's planner.

Reading Updates
This week we will begin reading logs. We will study the reading strategies good readers use to help understand text. Look for you child to have a chapter book they have chosen to read and log in daily. At first they may have time in the classroom to complete their logs however when we begin using the textbook they most likely will have to complete their reading log for homework. Ask your child what their book is about!

We will also begin a fun class project and read aloud for the first nine weeks. We will be reading Jeremy Thatcher Dragon Hatcher by Bruce Coville aloud in class. In connection with the book and science we will attempt to hatch quail eggs. Look for pictures to come. It will be an experiment and adventure all at the same time!

Language Updates
We have not and will not begin any grammar or phonics focus until we get into the reading textbook which will be next week. So no spelling this week.

Writing Updates
This week students will set up their writers notebook and begin narrative writing. Narrative writing is telling a story whether it is fiction or true.

Important Dates

Monday September 6......Labor Day Holiday

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Welcome!

2010-08-21T15:02:00.003-04:00

I was so happy to meet all the parents and students that came on Friday! I am very excited about this year and I hope you are too! On this blog I will give weekly updates for Reading and Language along with any upcoming events and important dates to remember.

Reading and Language
This week we will focus on the rituals and routines of the classroom. By fifth grade most students know the basics of what is expected but we will focus on specifics in the classroom along with the expectations for each subject.

We will be doing lessons and activities in the classroom to get the students familiar with the reader's and writer's workshop model along with baseline assessments in reading and writing over the next two to three weeks.

Communication
Students will receive a planner that will be used daily to write down reminders, homework and upcoming events. The planner will also be the way I will communicate any problems or concerns that I have and the way you can ask any questions you have. The planner needs to be signed nightly and I will check it each morning.

Supplies
A supply list has been sent home with all the necessary supplies your child will need for my class. We will be setting up notebooks and folders this week. If you didn't get a supply list here it is:

*2 2" binders
*3 8 pack dividers
*1 package of erasable pens
*1 package small index cards
*1 spiral notebook
*1 pocket folder with prongs
*1 package post-it notes
*1 package notebook paper
*1 package cap erasers
*1 ream copy paper

Wish list:
*tissues
*soft soap
*oil plug in air fresheners

Important Reminders
First day of school Monday August 23rd-8:30-3:00

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Summer Reading!!!!

2010-06-25T07:44:00.002-04:00

One of the things you will hear me say time and time again is....

To become a better reader you must...READ!!!!

Well Duval County has put some WONDERFUL activities for the summer on their website to help students keep their reading skills sharp during their break. Go to duvalschools.org and click on Summer Packets and Reading lists link, then click on intermediate and you will find a very focused guide for summer reading.

Also the last page is a summer reading list log. Be sure to print it out, keep track of your reading and bring it to school for summer reading credit toward your reading habits grade!!!!

I am starting a book to read this summer I hope you will too!

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

End of Year!

2010-06-17T15:02:00.001-04:00

Well, wow... somewhere the time flew....

It is now summer and I would like to say I have enjoyed teaching all my students this year...it truly was a GREAT class!

Hope everyone has a safe and fun summer...keep reading everyday and see ya next year!

Until next time,
Mrs. O'Steen

Reading Updates for March 8-12, 2010

2010-03-07T14:11:00.003-05:00

This week students will take the FCAT in Reading and Math. I feel they are definitely ready and excited! Please remind your child to do their best each day and read everything carefully!

Here are some tips and reminders for the week:

get a good night's sleep
eat a good breakfast each morning
be encouraging and remind to not worry...do your best
be on time

This is the testing schedule for the week.
Monday-no test
Tuesday-reading session 1
Wednesday reading session 2
Thursday- math session 1 and 2
Friday- no test

A final note...there will not be spelling or vocabulary words or tests this week. Also the students will not have any homework..no reading log or reading practice passages during FCAT testing week.

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Reading Update for the week of March 1, 2010

2010-03-02T05:17:00.003-05:00

Well one week until the FCAT!!! This week we will continue practicing reading for understanding and test taking strategies. Yesterday Mrs. Watson came and had lunch with the class and had a wonderful discussion on being prepared for the test which also applies to tests in general. Here were her main points:

1. Study
2. Exercise
3. Eat right
4. Get plenty of rest

These are all very good points! Next week we will begin testing on Tuesday and will continue through Thursday. Students may bring in a snack for after testing each day (Tuesday through Thursday)

Please continue to monitor and read with you child every night! This week's practice is the 2006 FCAT released test from the state. It will give you a peek into the expectations of the test they will take next week.

Important Dates

Wednesday Early Dismissal......March 3
Spirit Week................................March 1-5
FCAT testing..............................March 9-11

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Reading Update February 22-26, 2010

2010-02-23T05:27:00.003-05:00

Reading Updates
We now have two week before the FCAT Reading and Math tests. We will continue to review on all skills taught throughout the year and focus on FCAT type reading passages and questions. You will not see a reading log going home for the next three weeks. This week and next students will have FCAT practice reading passages to read and practice for homework. We will check and discuss them in class the following day.

You will also not see any vocabulary or spelling words over the next few weeks due to FCAT review.

Language Updates
In Writers Workshop we have started on a book publishing project. This will be about a four week long project that will count toward the student's Language grade for the third nine weeks. Ask you child what they are writing their book about.

Important Dates
Progress reports went home on February 22
FCAT begin March 9th

Until next time,
R.O'Steen

Reading Week of January 25

2010-01-24T18:21:00.002-05:00

This week begins the start of the 3rd nine weeks. Students will continue to read and log in, use their textbooks for their weekly reading vocabulary and skill focus. This week we will be wrapping up the 3rd theme in the textbook. Students will have their spelling, vocabulary, skill and selection test on Wednesday this week and then take their big Theme test on Friday.

Next week I will collect this first reading textbook and students will be issued the second reading textbook. It follows the same pattern; vocabulary, story and weekly skill focus.

We are drawing near to the FCAT which begins early March. Please make sure your child is reading nightly to build their vocabulary, fluency and stamina for this very important test.

Thanks for all your support!
Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Reading Week of January 18

2010-01-20T18:25:00.002-05:00

We are wrapping up the end of the 2nd nine weeks. Can you believe it??? This week we will begin our reading, spelling and vocabulary focus but won't have tests until next week, Wednesday, January 27 due to the short week.

Reading

This week's story is The Garden of Abdul Gasazi. Students will be focused on story structure. Story structure is identifying the characters, setting and plot (problem and solution) of a story.

Students should be reading the weekly textbook selection at least 3 times throughout the week as these are solid third grade level texts.

Students should also be studying vocabulary words that are in the textbook one page before the weekly story.

Writing

We have now finished the informational standard and students should have turned in their report that we were working on in class. If they weren't finished in the class time allowed they were assigned to take it home to finish it. Ask you child what they learned about in their report.

Spelling

This week the spelling focus is homophones. Students will need to know the meaning of the words as well as the spelling to differentiate which word to write on the spelling test next week.

Important dates:

No School Friday January 22 Planning day
Tests next Wednesday January 27

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Reading Week of December 14, 2009

2009-12-13T19:01:00.002-05:00

The holidays are right around the corner. I hope everyone has a safe and happy winter break!

This week we will not have a spelling list, vocabulary list, or reading focus due to the short week.

I will be reassessing students in reading at this time to measure growth from the beginning of the year. They will be completing a DRA2 reading assessment along with the FCAT practice test. We we return in January students will take the F.A.I.R. test to also show growth. After all the reassessments have been completed I will be looking closely at where students are and if growth has been shown from the beginning of the year. This will also be a time that if I have a concern I will be contacting parents for conferences.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to let me know! A note in the planner is a quick and easy way!

Until next time...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

R. O'Steen

Reading Week of Decemeber 7

2009-12-06T18:18:00.002-05:00

We have now completed Theme 2 in our textbook series and are moving into Theme 3 Incredible Stories. Students will continue to have vocabulary, spelling and weekly reading focuses along with reading logs.

Reading

This week our focus is realism and fantasy. A realistic story tells about characters and events that can happen in real life. A fantasy story has features and events that can and cannot happen in real life . Through the week we will be reading stories and listing events as real or fantasy.

The selection story is Dogzilla in their student textbook. Vocabulary is on page 308. Students will have reading and vocabulary tests Friday.

Language

Students have been studying singular and plural nouns. We will continue to practice this week with a test on Friday.

Spelling

This week our spelling focus in to ow and aw sound like in clown and lawn. Look for their words in their planner.

Writers Workshop

We have moved into the report writing standard. We are writing a class report on the Statue of Liberty. Groups have been assigned individual topics. We are moving through the writing standard together to complete the first report in class. Ask your child what their topic is for their group and what they have learned about it.

Important dates to remember

Wednesday December 9.........early dismissal
Thursday December 17.......first day of winter break
Monday January 4.............first day back to school from winter break

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Reading Week of November 23

2009-11-22T17:15:00.003-05:00

This is a short week to say the least! But the learning must go on :-)

Reading

Due to the extremely short week the students will not have a reading focus, reading selection from their reading textbook, or vocabulary list this week. There will be no tests toward their reading grade this week either.

Monday we will take our third reading monitoring progress assessment. These are county scheduled assessments and are not part of the students reading grade. They are to be used to help determine which students are still have difficulties with FCAT type questions and standards.

Tuesday I have planned some fun yet still educational activities for the class during reader's workshop.

Students will still have a new reading log for this week. I have told them I expect them to read and log in everyday except Thursday they may skip if they want or need to.

Spelling

None this week

Language

We will start a study on singular and plural nouns. Comparing them to the common, proper and pronouns we have already learned.

Writer's Workshop

We will continue working on our narrowed patriotism reports in class.

Important Dates to Note:

Wednesday November 25-Friday, November 27.......No school Thanksgiving Holiday

I hope everyone has a safe, fun and yummy Thanksgiving holiday!
Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Reading Week of November 16

2009-11-15T18:58:00.002-05:00

We are already at the end of Theme 2...I can't believe it! Time is just flying! Since we are at the end of the theme we are at a point called Monitoring Student Progress. Because of this there will be no new spelling list or vocabulary words this week. Our week will go something like this:

Reading
Monday we will review and finalize our focus on Main Idea and Supporting Details which we started last week. Tuesday we will take our skill and selection test on Main Idea and Dancing Rainbows.

Wednesday and Thursday we will read aloud and discuss the next two stories in the text; Miss Rumphius and Celebrating the Chinese New Year. Friday students will take a comprehension test on these two stories.

Language
As noted before there will not be a spelling or vocabulary list or test this week or next. We will work on various grammar skills through the week with a focus on singular and plural nouns.

Writer's Workshop
We have been focused on the Narrative standard in Writer's Workshop all year so far. We will being this week to move to a new standard-Informational Writing or Report writing. We will be working on a class project. Ask your child about his or her topic!

Students have been doing a great job of keeping up with their reading logs for their reading practice!!! Please continue to read with your child or ask about what they are reading at school and at home.

Important Dates to Note:
*Wednesday Nov. 18 early dismissal
*Friday School Fall Dance...parents must attend with their child
*Friday Sports Fest

Reading Week of November 9

2009-11-08T19:34:00.003-05:00

We are already well into our second theme in Reading. Most students are doing very well. I am very proud of them! Just remember to ask your child what their spelling and vocabulary words are weekly.

Reading
This week's focus is Main Idea and Supporting Details. Main idea is the most important idea in a passage and supporting details are examples and bits of information that support the main ideas.

This is one of the more challenging skills for students to grasp. We will be using the story Dancing Rainbows in the textbook to practice determining main idea and details within the story.

Due to the holiday Wednesday, I have moved the reading tests to Tuesday, November 17. However spelling and vocabulary tests will still be on Friday, November 13. Students will have this noted in their planners too.

Beginning next week we will have completed the narrative standard in Writer's Workshop and will be moving on to the Informational Standard or report writing. This will give students another opportunity to work with main idea and details when writing their report. Their first report will be completed in class. Look for information for the second report to come later.

Vocabulary
Students are assigned the words on page 234 to know for the test on Friday. Study definitions from the glossary in textbook.

Spelling
The spelling focus this week is long i vowel patterns. Students will have their pretest Monday so they can focus their study to the words on their pretest that they missed.

Language
We have been focusing on the differences between common nouns, proper nouns, and pronouns. We will continue to have practice this week with a test on common nouns and proper nouns on Friday the 13th. Students have examples of this focus in their Language notebook that they can bring home to study and review throughout the week. Another way to study with your child is to ask them for examples of common nouns and proper nouns from their chapter book, reading textbook...anything they have read.

Reading Logs
Students are doing a GREAT job keeping up with their reading logs!!! I am so happy to see this as this is their time to practice their strategies and skills they have been introduced to in reader's workshop. It is also the way they will move their reading level throughout the year.

Please continue to monitor your child's reading logs, spelling words and vocabulary words. You should also see your child answering the questions at the end of the textbook story during the week. Look for homework reminders for exact assignment dates in their agenda planners daily.

Important Dates
Wednesday, November 11...no school in honor of Veteran's Day

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Reading Week of October 19

2009-10-18T20:37:00.002-04:00

Due to scheduled county assessments...our classroom schedule has gotten a little off our usual Monday introductions and Friday tests.

This week we will finish up our focus on Author's Viewpoint. Vocabulary and comprehension tests on The Keeping Quilt will be on Tuesday. Along with skills test and grammar test on compound words.

Students will receive Spelling words on Monday as usual and test on Friday.

Wednesday we will begin our new story, Grandma's Records with a focus on categorizing and classifying. Vocabulary, skills and selections tests on Grandama's Records and vocabulary will be on Thursday October 29.

Please continue to monitor your child's reading at home. They are assigned to read and log in everyday including the weekend. This is part of their reading grade.

Important Dates to remember:

October 21 Early Dismissal
October 23 End of the 1st nine weeks
October 26 Planning Day no school for students
October 30 Character Parade Day and report cards go home

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Reading Week of October 4th

2009-10-04T19:31:00.002-04:00

Reading

We are ending theme 1 this week. I can't believe how fast the nine weeks are flying by! Since we are ending our theme we do not have a specific focus. I use this week to reteach skills that the class did not do as well on throughout the unit. We will be reviewing sequence during this week. We will also be practicing comparing and contrasting characters and stories.

Students will have a selection test on Radio Rescue and Midnight Ride on Thursday. On Friday students will complete their first Theme test. The theme test will be different than their weekly tests. First of all there will be two passages they will read completely on their own. I call these a cold read because they have never seen the passage before and no one will read it to them or with them. Also the theme test is 20 questions long instead of 5 like the skills tests or 10 like the week selection tests.

Vocabulary

There will be no focused vocabulary words this week or weekly vocabulary test.

Spelling

There will be no focused spelling list or test this week due to the end of the theme.

Reading Logs

Don't forget to make sure your child is completing their reading logs each night. I grade them every Friday as part of their reading grade. The way to become a better reader is to read!

Dates to remember:
Fall fundraiser began Friday October 2
Early Dismissal Wednesday October 7

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Reading Week of September 28

2009-09-27T19:38:00.004-04:00

I am sooo pleased with the students' progress so far this year!! Here is an outline of what we will be focused on this week in Reader's and Writer's Workshop:

Reading focus this week: students will practice using sequence in a story...throughout the week they will find words that show sequence such as first, next, after that, finally and also use those words to put story events in the correct order that they happened.

Our story this week is The Lost and Found. Read the story with your child and ask question such as what happened after...___________(give an event in the story) Or ask what happened before __________ in the story. You can use any of the books they are reading for practice. Students are also assigned the question on pg 116 # 2-5 to complete for comprehension practice.

Students are also assigned vocabulary words on page 90. They should define them in their readers notebooks and study them throughout the week..test on Friday.

Language focus this week: students will practice identifying the 4 kinds of sentences...statement, question, exclamation and command. You should find activities that they have completed in class in their language notebook...test will be on Friday.

Spelling focus this week: students are studying words with the long vowel sounds spelled with the vowel-consonant-vowel pattern...specifically the silent e...such as hope. Test will be on Friday.

Writer's Workshop: students will choose a piece of their writing..a story...that they want to take through the writing process. They will chose a piece of writing from their writers notebook, revise, edit and publish their story using the chart that we create in the classroom as their guide.
This piece of writing will be scored and added as a grade toward their Language grade.

Final Thoughts:
Please continue to monitor your child to make sure they are completing their reading logs daily. These are a part of their reading grade and zeros can begin to hurt their grade if they get too many. I collect the folders every Friday and grade them. If they are behind they can complete the log over the weekend and still earn their points.

Many times parents ask me how can I help my child do better in reading? My answer...have them read...with you or independently...the way to become a better reader is to read!!!

Until next time,
R.O'Steen

Reading Week of Sept. 22

2009-09-20T20:44:00.003-04:00

Curriculum Notes for this week:

Spelling

This week our Spelling focus will continue to be short vowel stand alone with our list using the o and u. Words will be in the planner.

Language

This week we will focus on types of sentences: statement, question, command, exclamation.
We will also continue to focus on the narrative standard and write our own stories in writer's workshop.

Reading

Our reading focus this week is making inferences. This is when students have to use text clues and what they know from real life to figure out something in the story. This skill along with main idea will be one of the hardest we work on this year.

Our story is Mulan. Students will be assigned the vocabulary words on page 52 and questions at the end of the story.

Students should be bringing home their reader's notebook, reading textbook and reading log to complete assignments and study throughout the week.

If you have any questions please let me know. A note in the planner is the quickest.

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

1st Midterm Update

2009-09-20T20:27:00.002-04:00

What a great start to the year!!

We have now completed the first story in the reading textbook. You should have seen your child defining vocabulary words, studying spelling, reading the story Cliff Hanger and answering the questions at the end of the story. We took our first Reading, vocabulary and Spelling tests Friday. I was very pleased with the scores! If the students continue to read and practice as they have so far, they should continue to do well.

We will now be on track with Spelling and vocabulary word introduction on Mondays. Students need to study and learn the words through the week. Students will also get their reading focus and story for the week on Mondays. We will work with the story and skill all week and have our tests on Fridays. They will have a Spelling, Vocabulary, Reading Skills test and Reading comprehension test every Friday.

I encourage students to read the story many times through the week so they do well on the test on Friday.

Just some friendly reminders:

Please make sure your child is reading every day and logging in their weekly reading log. Some students have time in class to finish their daily log however as we add to our workshop more and more of the logs will have to be completed at home for homework. This reading log is also part of their reading grade.

Progress reports go home on Tuesday the 22nd. Please review, sign and return within three days.

Early dismissal on Wednesday.

Thank you for checking your child's planner nightly and signing the Friday folders. So much important information goes home this way!

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

First Day of School!

2009-08-24T20:52:00.007-04:00

We had a wonderful first day! The children were great listeners and followed directions well! You should see their planners coming home tonight for the first time. Please review each night and sign.

Thanks to all the parents who brought in supplies today!! We appreciate all you do!

Students received a code of conduct book today. There is a page in the back that needs to be signed and returned to school. Also please don't forget about the information packet sent home in the dolphin folder.

Here are a few pictures of the classroom for those who might not have been able to come in yet!

Until next time...keep treasure hunting!
R. O'Steen

Welcome to Our Class!

2009-08-23T16:02:00.003-04:00

If you are reading this then it can only mean one thing...you are in Mrs.O'Steen and Mr. Gardella's third grade class at Crystal Springs. We are so happy you are in our class and we are excited about a new year teaching together this year.

Mr. Gardella and I have been team teaching for the last 7 years but this year we will be co-teaching.
We will be working together to teach all of the subjects however I will focus on the Reading and Language Arts and Mr. Gardella will focus on Math, Science and Social Studies.

We will use this blog to keep you informed about important things going on in the classroom and school. Check in often!

Here are some important dates already to mark on your calendar:

September 9 Early dismissal
September 10 Open House for 3rd-5th grade

Basic classroom procedures

*Class will start promptly at 8:30 each morning.
*Students will have a planner to write homework assignments in every afternoon. Parents should review and sign the planner nightly. This will be the daily communication between home and school.
*Each Friday students will bring home a folder with important notices and a folder with graded work from that week to be reviewed, signed and returned to school the following Monday.
*Please not a new school policy which states that cupcakes, cookies, etc. will not be allowed in the class or cafeteria for birthday celebrations. Birthdays will be recognized monthly in the cafeteria and classroom.

Needed Classroom Supplies:

2 folders with prongs and pockets
2 spiral notebooks
1 composition notebook
1package erasable pens blue or black
1 package notebook paper
1 package post it notes
1 box of tissues
1 bottle soft soap
1 box large freezer zip lock bags

Wish list items for the classroom:

plug in air fresheners
stickers
chapter books

Ways to contact us:

*write a note in the planner
*leave a voice mail at 693-7645 ext 218
*email at osteenr@duvalschools.org

If you ever have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!!!

Update!

2009-03-28T06:22:00.003-04:00

Well the students worked very hard on the FCAT test! Now all we can do is wait for the scores. Unfortunately it takes a while. We probably won't hear anything until May sometime. If I hear anything sooner I will let you know.

We also finished our book publishing project. I'm sure you heard about it at home. Thanks to all the parents who responded by sending in the slips about the books! Our publishing date was March 19 so I am looking for the books to come in shortly after Spring Break!

You should still see your child bringing home their reading textbook throughout the week to define vocabulary words, read the weekly selection story, and answer questions in the text. Many students aren't doing well on the vocabulary tests so be sure to ask your child about their words for the week. Also, discuss the text story with them. They always have a test on that story at the end of the week.

Hope everyone has a great Spring Break!
Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Reading Update

2009-02-23T15:36:00.002-05:00

We are now at the end of Theme 4 in our reading textbook. That puts us in a review mode. Last week and this week students have not been assigned Spelling words. You should be seeing vocabulary words however for the two stories we are reading in the textbook; Alejandro's Gift and The Living Desert. I analyzed the grades in this theme based on spelling and reading skills. Based on that data we are reviewing fact and opinion, compare and contrast and test taking skills.

Students will have their vocabulary test on Thursday February 26 along with their selection test. On Friday students will take the Theme 4 test.

As far as their reading habits grade you should have noticed a weekly reading log and a book project so far. This week starting today you should see your child bringing home one passage a night from the FCAT released test. They will write their answers on the answer sheet that was given. By the end of the weekend they should have competed all 5 stories on the released test. This also will be counted toward their reading habits grade.

The FCAT is in two weeks. Be sure your child is practicing by doing their homework everynight.
Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Reading Update

2009-02-08T12:20:00.002-05:00

Well we are a little past the half way mark. I can't believe how the year is flying by! You should have noticed some changes in what your child has been bringing home for reading logs. They no longer have a nightly log in sheet. You should see your child logging in the weekly story from the textbook on a reading log in their reading folder each week. You should also be seeing your child working on a book project as part of their reading habits grade. It will be in either a turquoise or purple construction paper folder depending on which homeroom your child is in. They are to have the project completed by the end of the nine weeks. There is a paper in the front explaining the requirements as well as a signature.

Another project we have started is a book publishing project. This is part of their writing grade this nine weeks. Ask your child what their book is going to be about. When your child is finished with their kit they will bring home a slip with an offer to buy a copy of their book. You do not have to purchase a book, they will receive a free copy of their book even if you do not purchase. All you have to do is check the box "no I'm not interested" and sign the slip and the company will publish your child's book. I have done this project for the last 2 years and it has been a great experience.

Lastly, the FCAT is coming soon. Read with your child everyday. Rereading the stories in the textbook is good or books from the library are great too!

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Over the Break!

2008-12-29T07:05:00.002-05:00

Hope everyone is having a relaxing vacation! Remember...read at least a chapter a day (excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day!) Otherwise enjoy your time off! See ya on January 5, 2009!
Until next time, R. O'Steen

Next Grades

2008-11-17T19:34:00.002-05:00

This week again we do not have a focused vocabulary list. Students will be focused on a genre called Trickster Tales. Have fun discussing these stories with your child this week. On Friday they will have their spelling test (on words with the sound and pattern of oi and oy as in boy) and reading test on the trickster tales in the book.

Next week students will not have spelling but will take the Theme 2 test on Monday. Even though it will be a short week, students still need to read and log in over the break. When they return from the holiday, we will start a new theme and we will be back to weekly spelling and vocabulary tests. Students should be studying these words for a Friday test. If I were to say 2 areas most students can improve it would be in vocabulary and their reading logs.

Reading logs are part of their grade and a very important part of their reading practice. Students will not become better readers without practicing reading themselves. We do a lot of shared readings and read alouds in class so it is very important for students to read daily to practice that same reading on their own.

Until next time...Have a great Thanksgiving Holiday!
R. O'Steen

End of Unit

2008-11-09T20:00:00.002-05:00

We are wrapping up the unit starting this week. Students have been focused on Author's Viewpoint, Categorizing and Classifying, Noting Details, and Main Idea with Supporting Details. You can look in their readers notebooks to see classwork on these topics.You should have seen tests coming home on all of these focuses.

This week students will not have vocabulary words assigned, they will keep a list of words they don't know as they read the two stories for this week. I will collect the words on Friday. Their spelling list will be a review of all long vowels.

You should be seeing your child reading and logging in daily. Ask your child what they read and logged in to reinforce comprehension.

Starting this past Friday you should have seen their weekly reading assessment test stapled in their Friday folder. This is the test I shared at Open House. We can now tear them out of the book, so I will be stapling them in the Friday folder for you to see and review with your child. Students are allowed to bring home their reading textbooks any time they need to so feel free to read the story with your child then review the mistakes on the tests. Please leave them however in the folder as I need to file them in their portfolio throughout the year.

Lastly, report cards will be coming home on Friday, November 14 and we are already half way through the 2nd nine weeks, so the new progress report will be coming home shortly.
Thanks for all you do!
Until next time...R. O'Steen

New Reading Theme

2008-10-14T21:57:00.002-04:00

We have finished Theme 1 in our reading textbook. I have not finished grading the tests yet. I will write your child's score in their planner by the end of the week. We began Theme 2 on Monday. Students should be defining vocabulary words weekly. There were many in both classes that did not complete that assignment last night. There are vocabulary tests every Friday along with Spelling tests.
This week in Reading students are focusing on Author's Viewpoint. Students will determine how an author feels, thinks or believes (their attitude) about the subject or topic they are writing about. Students can also determine why an author wrote about the topic by the author's viewpoint.

The Spelling focus this week is patterns of long a and long e. We are also working on compound words. Students are also learning the directions for a language practice sheet called Drops in the Bucket. Once we finish 2 in class you will start seeing them coming home for homework.

We are coming up on the end of the first nine weeks. Next week will mark the end of the first grading period with school being closed Friday October 24 for planning day.

Please remember to check your child's planner every night and check their reading logs for their reading practice daily.
Until next time...R. O'Steen :)

Are You Smarter Than a Third Grader?

2008-09-17T18:05:00.008-04:00

Next Thursday, September 25, third grade teachers will host a learning night for parents here at Crystal Springs in the multipurpose room. A flyer went home about it yesterday asking for an RSVP. There will be activities in Reading, Writing, Math, and Science. So come join us for a fun night of learning what it is like to be a third grader!

Ways to Help Your Child with Reading

2008-09-17T18:05:00.005-04:00

A very common question in third grade from parents is "How can I help my child in reading?"
The first way is to be sure they are reading every night and logging in on their reading log in their reading folder. This is a grade. There have been 2 collected so far.

Another way is to help them review reading vocabulary words and help them with the questions at the end of the story if they need help. You can look in their reader's notebook and see the focus for each week. Ask your child to explain the focus to you and how they use it in reading.

But really...the way to become a better reader is to read. So read with them, to them, or have them tell you about what they read.
Until next time,
R.O'Steen

Reading Vocabulary

2008-09-17T18:05:00.004-04:00

We are now on the story The Ballad of Mulan in the reading textbook. You should have seen vocabulary words in your child's reader's notebook for them to study. They were to define them from the glossary in their textbook and study them for a test on Friday.

This will continue each week with the introduction of the new story. They don't need to know how to spelling them. They need to know what they mean. They could make flash cards or a matching game out of them to study through the week at home. We also do activities with them in class for practice.

Another new assignment this week was for the students to complete the questions at the end of the story. I assigned only number 1,2, and 3 this week.

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

New Weather Make Up Days

2008-09-05T19:39:00.002-04:00

Since we had to miss 3 days of school, there is a change to the school calender. Students will come to school November 10 then be off November 11 for Veteran's Day. Students will come to school on October 20 originally planning day and the new planning day will be October 24. Students will still be off the three original days in November for Thanksgiving but miss the first 2 days of Christmas break. They will come to school December 18 and 19th.

Let's all hope that Ike and all of his friends stay away from Northeast Florida! :-)

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

New Reading Textbooks and Reading Log Grades

2008-09-05T19:16:00.002-04:00

Today the reading textbook was issued to the students. You should start seeing them come home on Monday. They will have assignments through the week such as defining vocabulary words, reading the weekly story and answering questions at the end of the story. These assignments should be completed in their readers notebook. They will have a vocabulary test on Fridays along with a weekly test on the reading focus for the week.

Your child should be able to tell you what we are focusing on in reading each week. They should have an anchor lesson in their readers notebook so you can see the focus for the week.

A reminder...students should still be reading one chapter a day and logging it in on their reading log. They received their first grade in their reading folder today. They are graded on a rubric or guide.

Students earn an A by reading everyday and logging in according to the log. For example right now they are making predictions.
Students earn a B by missing 1 or 2 days or not logging in correctly. For example summarizing when they should be making predictions
Students earn a C by missing 3 or 4 days or having vague details when logging in the reading log.
Students earn a D by missing 5 days or only logging in title date but no thinking or details about the book.
Students earn an F by not logging in at all or turning in an illegible log.

Students should be reading a chapter book working toward their 30 book standard.

Hope you have a great weekend! Until next time, R.O'Steen

What's New? Spelling!

2008-09-04T17:02:00.002-04:00

First off...glad so many of ya'll made it out to Open House this year. There are lots of new things to learn about third grade. If you were unable to make it please don't hesitate to write any questions you have in the planner. I check them every morning.

Now...
This week we started Spelling! Every Monday (or first day of the school week) students will have a lesson on their spelling focus then take a pretest in their planner. After the pretest they are to check their words and correct any misspelled words in the spelling column beside the pretest. This helps them focus on exactly which words they need to study through out the week.

I also had them write down 5 ways to study spelling during the week. They can choose one way each night or do the same way each night it is up to them as long as they are studying. I told them the proof will be on their test Friday if they studied or not.

One last note...part of the spelling test is the focus for the week. This should be written above the spelling list. Students should know what pattern they are studying so they can use it in Reading and Writing when they need to sound out words.
Until next time :) R. O'Steen

Open House

2008-08-27T18:48:00.003-04:00

Glad to see everyone made it through the storm. The children came right back like nothing ever happened! That was great! We have accomplished soooo much this week already. The storm has only put us a few days behind.

Tomorrow, August 28, will be our Open House this year. It will begin at 5:30 for grades 3-5. A note went home about it in the student's planner.

Please be sure to check your child's planner every night for notes, homework reminders, and up coming tests.

There will be no Spelling again this week. We will begin formal Spelling lists next week. We have however started putting our reading folders together. You should have already seen your child reading for homework starting Tuesday. This will continue until the end of the year. Ask your child to see their reading book bag. It should contain their reading folder with their logs in it, their readers notebook and a chapter book they chose on their level. This is a very important part of their reading practice.

Until next time!
R. O'Steen

School Closing

2008-08-20T14:44:00.003-04:00

Due to this...

there won't be any school Wednesday or Thursday.
So find a cozy spot, a good book to read and stay safe!
Hopefully school will be able to open Friday!! R.O'Steen

First Day!

2008-08-18T18:51:00.004-04:00

Well the first day is past! I was very proud of the class today. They came in ready to learn! They impressed me by how many classroom routines they carried over from last year. Please continue to encourage your child to listen and do their best every day!

Most students had their supplies today and that was great! A BIG thank you to all the parents who sent in supplies on the wish list!!!!

Keep your fingers crossed that the storm will change track so there can be school Wednesday!!! :)
Until next time, R. O'Steen

Welcome to a New Year!

2008-07-30T07:41:00.003-04:00

Hello and welcome to my class! I am Mrs. O'Steen your third grade Reading and Language Arts teacher this year. In this blog I will post classroom news, upcoming events, my thoughts or anything else I think will be of need or interest to students and parents. Please check in often!

I can't believe summer is already over and we are about to embark on a new year! I hope everyone had a fun vacation but remembered to read over the summer to keep those reading muscles strong!

Let me talk a little about supplies in my classroom. There aren't many supplies needed in my room but what is requested is very important. Students that don't have the needed supplies have a difficult time staying organized and focused in class. I also ask that if a supply is not on the list please don't let students bring them to school. Save those supplies for homework time.

The following is a list of needed supplies*. Student will be using these on a daily basis:

a single magazine crate. These can be found at most places like Wal-Mart, Office Depot. They now come in plastic or metal. Please do not buy cardboard or double size crates.
a composition notebook
2 spiral notebooks
3 pocket folders with prongs
notebook paper wide ruled
pencils or erasable pens blue or black ink only. If papers are turned in otherwise they will be handed back to rewrite.
zippered pencil bag. No supply boxes please.
box of 24 crayons
a package of post it notes
box of gallon zip lock bags
box of tissues
liquid soap, dispenser or refill
backpack...not rolling

* These supplies may be requested again if they get used up or worn out before the end of the year.

Wish list supplies for the classroom:

ream of copy paper
plug in air fresheners
wet wipes
playground equipment: basketball, playground ball, jump ropes
individually wrapped treats for white card days (positive behavior reinforcement)
stickers
any of the needed supplies

I would like to let you know ahead of time...any extra donations such as wish list supplies or donations for parties or classroom celebrations is very much appreciated!!!! I really look forward to working with you and your child this year.
Until next time! R. O'Steen

Good bye!

2008-06-15T08:07:00.002-04:00

Well the year is over! I can't believe it. Hope everyone has a great summer and remembers to READ! It is so very important to keep reading and practicing over the summer! See you next year in the halls!

Last Nine Weeks!

2008-04-04T19:50:00.002-04:00

Wow! I can't believe we are starting the last nine weeks of the year! We will be back in the textbook starting Unit 5 when we return Monday. I have told the students there are two standards I will be looking for achievement of 1) reading 30 chapter books by the end of the year and 2) read a level O book with comprehension. Students will be expected to read and log in nightly for homework.

I will keep you posted as far as receiving the results of the FCAT. There are rumors the scores will be late this year.

We are also anxiously awaiting the return of the book publishing project. The publisher said they should be arriving shortly after Spring Break.
Hope everyone had a fun and relaxing break! See you Monday!

Big CAT Excitement!

2008-03-08T21:55:00.009-05:00

Friday the students were pumped up by Jaxson deVille to get ready for the FCAT coming up this week. Jackson's advice to the students was great...it was:

Dream It
Do It
Believe It
Become It

He said the most important, though, was believe it. If students believe in themselves they will be more successful in school. Other important tips shared during the pep rally were:

Get a good nights sleep (remember time changes Sunday so get to bed a little earlier to make up for that lost hour)
Eat a good breakfast before school
Get to school on time. Late students will not be admitted to the classroom once testing has started. They will be sent to the library to test.

I know the students are pumped up and ready to go! So enjoy highlights from the pep rally!

The FCAT is Coming!

2008-03-05T19:51:00.002-05:00

We are wrapping up the book project. Just about all students are now working on their kit pages. You should see a paper come home offering an opportunity to order a book. Please either check yes and order or no and sign the bottom of the slip. This is the only way their book will be published.

Next week we will take the FCAT. Reading will begin Tuesday and continue on Wednesday. With the time change on Sunday students may need to get to bed early to catch up on missed sleep. They have been working hard in the classroom. We have been focused on the types of questions that will be on the FCAT but this week we are practicing time limits. The FCAT is a timed test so I am giving them a chance to feel about how much time they will be allowed to complete each session.

On FCAT testing days remind your child they can do it. They are ready! You can never under estimate the power of a positive word!

Book Publishing

2008-02-25T17:32:00.002-05:00

We have started our book publishing project. Each student will be given the opportunity to have their writing published in a book to keep. It will be a large part of their Language grade for the third nine weeks. You may see parts of the book being worked on at home. The kit, however will have to be completed in class. In early March you will be given the opportunity to purchase additional copies of their book. If you do not wish to purchase any please check no and sign the form. That is the only way the company will publish the one free copy students can receive. This is an awesome opportunity and I am already starting to see some really good writing! Ask your child about their book they are writing.

Also a quick note: I have not been assigning students to read and log in the past two weeks or this coming week. We have been FCAT focused. We will finish it up this week and be back to reading and logging in as usual next week.

New Reading Book and Report Writing News

2008-02-02T21:18:00.000-05:00

We have now finished the first of two reading textbooks. Students took the Unit 3 test Friday. We will begin Unit 4 on Monday February 4. You should continue to see your child defining the vocabulary words at the beginning of each story and studying them through the week for a test usually on Friday. Students will also continue to be assigned the questions at the end of the stories. Reading the stories in the textbook and discussing the questions with your child is a great way to see if they are comprehending the story.

I will be working with small groups on FCAT skill review in class. I will be sending home FCAT homework starting next week nightly. Students are to complete the assigned passage and questions, return it to class to check the following day. The FCAT is just around the corner...the beginning of March.

We have also begun a new writing standard-Informational or Report Writing. Each student was to choose a topic they would like to learn more about. Students will need to gather information (details and facts) about their topic either from the school library or public library. I told the students the internet is also a great source of information but they needed parental guidance and or permission first. We will be writing the report in class. If they use their class time correctly and wisely they should have plenty of time however if they don't finish in class I will send it home to complete.

Lastly, report cards will be sent home on Tuesday, February 5.

1/2 Down 1/2 to Go!

2008-01-23T18:44:00.000-05:00

Well, I hope everyone had a nice holiday! The students have come back and ready to work!
We have just finalized the grades for the second nine weeks and started collecting grades for the third. This marks the mid year point. We will be finishing up Unit 3 in our reading series with the Unit three test next week. Students will at that time turn in their current reading book and be issued a new reading text with units 4, 5, and 6.

Please be sure your child is still reading and logging in every night for homework. You should also see vocabulary definitions and questions answered at the end of each story being completed for homework throughout the week.

The FCAT is coming soon and I will be preparing students by working with small groups in the classroom and assigning homework practice packets.

In writing we will be moving to the Informational Standard next week. You should see your child reading a book on a topic they have chosen to write a report on. This report will be written and completed in class.

I can't repeat and stress enough...the way to become a better reader is to read! Please ask your child what they are focusing on in class in reading and what their chapter book is about. This lets you know if they are paying attention in class and will make them think about what they are reading.

Reading Updates

2007-12-03T18:46:00.000-05:00

This week we will wrap up Unit 2 in our reading series and take the Unit 2 test on Friday. The spelling focus is the sounds of ow as in grown and clown. In language students have been focused on common and proper nouns. A test will be given on Wednesday.

I will also be administering some assessments to see students' improvements from the beginning of the year. This week we will retake the NWEA and third grade placement test. Over the next two weeks I will readminister the DRA test.

We have also finished our study of the Narrative standard in writing and will be moving onto the Functional or How to writing standard.

Be sure your child is still reading every night for homework. Reading logs are collected and graded as part of the reading grade weekly.

The winter party will be next Friday. I will send home a note within the next couple of days. 21 shopping days until Christmas!! : )

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-18T12:58:00.000-05:00

This week is an extremely short one...two days! We will not have a reading focus or a spelling focus. However, we will be ending our study of the narrative standard in writing with a character develop and story assignment. Most students have already turned in their characters and have started working on their story. Ask your child about their character!

When we return from the break we will be finishing up Unit 2 in our reading series. Students can review the past reading focuses in their readers notebook. It will cover: realism and fantasy, graphic sources, context clues, fact and opinion, and main idea and supporting details. The week of November 26 we will study main idea. The following week we will take the unit test.

There has been a change in the date progress reports will go home. Look for your child's progress report on November 27. This will not include the Unit test unfortunately.

Have a safe and delicious Thanksgiving...and keep reading every night!!!!!

Important Dates in November

2007-11-01T20:36:00.000-04:00

Report cards go home November 9
Veteran's Day Holiday - No School - Monday November 12
Thanksgiving Holiday -No School - Wednesday November 21-23
Early Dismissal November 7 and 28

End of the First Nine Weeks

2007-10-18T18:18:00.000-04:00

Wow! Can you believe it is already the end of the first nine weeks? I find it hard to imagine but we are there. The classes took the Unit One test in Reading and I was pleased with the results! You should find the test in your child's Friday Folder tomorrow. We have gone over it in class however you can still have them reread the stories to you and discuss the questions they missed and ask them to explain the corrected answers to you. We will begin Unit 2 on Monday October 22.

Just a reminder...students are still assigned to read and log in their reading folders every night. I no longer collect folders overnight so you should see your child reading and logging in nightly. They should also read and log in at least once over the weekend also. This is extremely important for their growth in reading.

End of the Reading Unit and 1st Nine Weeks

2007-10-14T21:30:00.001-04:00

Well it's hard to believe this will be the last week of the first grading period. This week there will not be a reading focus or spelling list. Some students will have a spelling list to reteach and retest long a and long i. Look in your child's planner to see if he or she has to retest based on the past two spelling test grades.

This week in reading we will be focusing on building reading stamina and practice using different types of reading such as diagrams, maps, and learning different parts of books. Look for daily practice from class to come home in the planner for you to review with your child at home.

We will take the Unit one test in reading on Thursday. It counts as a part of your child's grade. There is nothing they can study for specifically however be sure your child is reading and logging in nightly. This is the best way to become a better reader. Rereading the stories in the text book is also a great way to build fluency.

At this point in the school year your child should have read 8 chapter books. If he or she is behind now is the time to catch up. Their goal is 30 by the end of the year. We have read one together in class that can be counted. It is Gooney Bird Greene. Ask your child what it is about!

Family Learning Night

2007-10-08T20:21:00.000-04:00

Thursday, October 11 is Family Learning Night. PTA is hosting a dinner at 5:00 and the activities will begin at 6:00. Look for a flyer your child should have brought home today detailing the dinner and learning night activities.

FCAT Explorer

2007-10-08T20:16:00.000-04:00

Today your child should have brought home their sign in name and password for the FCAT explorer. This is a great way to practice for the FCAT in reading. If you do not have the internet at your home, local public libraries have computers with internet access which the students can use. I highly recommend having your child make a goal to complete the FCAT explorer. They will get to work on it at school during computer resource however that is not enough time to complete it.

Current Reading News

2007-09-26T21:03:00.000-04:00

Hopefully by now you have seen the reading log folder coming home nightly (except Wednesday's when I collect it). Another part of our reading workshop you will want to review is your child's reader's notebook. Every week we will have a skill focus. In class I introduce the skill on Monday by making a chart together with the class. Students are to copy the chart in their reader's notebook. Other activities you should be seeing in the notebook are vocabulary words and definitions and answers to the questions at the end of the story in the textbook. Here are some pictures of a few of the charts we have done so far in class.

This is our current reading focus skill.

Students will have a test Friday Sept. 28 on Author's Purpose, weekly vocabulary and genre. Students should have brought home a study guide on genre (types of writing) to study.

Room Parent Needed!

2007-09-20T07:31:00.000-04:00

I sent home a flyer in the Friday Folder last week asking if anyone was interested in being a room mom or a room dad. So far nobody has volunteered. There really is not a lot to do. We have two parties a year: Winter Party and and End of the Year Party. Other times of need are during play day, field trips, and possibly book celebrations. If you would be interested in taking on this responsibility please let me know! Thanks

Upcoming Test Info

2007-09-19T05:37:00.000-04:00

We have now gotten into our reading textbook and skills. Last week the students focused on sequence in a story. Most did very well on the tests. We also started focusing on vocabulary in reading and had our first vocabulary test. Again most students did well! This week we are focusing on drawing conclusions. Students have to use clues from the story as well as what they know in real life to make decisions about the characters in the story.

One way you can review with your child at home is to go over the skill introduction page in the textbook. They should be able to show it to you as we use it in class every Monday to introduce the skill. Also they should be able to show you in their reader's notebook what we did in class that day to practice the skill.

From now on you should see the reading textbook coming home with homework assignments such as to define vocabulary or to reread the story and answer the question at the end.
Students should continue to read and log in from their chosen chapter book. Their goal is about one chapter book a week.

This Friday students will have a reading test on drawing conclusions
vocabulary test with words from the textbook story Goldilocks
grammar test on complete sentences (practice pg. homework
on Wednesday)
spelling test

To study for spelling and language tests students have a Language notebook with activities we have completed in class to use as a study guide or I will give a practice sheet to go home to do as homework. If they can do the practice page then they should have no problem completing the test. In Spelling they may have spelling rules at times to study and on the test they may have to apply those spelling rules to words as part of the test. All this would be introduced and practiced in their Language notebook which they are then instructed to take home and share with their parents as part of the test. Please ask you child what they are studying. They should be able to tell you if they have been paying attention in class.

Reading is Thinking!

2007-09-05T19:24:00.000-04:00

By now students should have brought home their reading folder with their reading log inside. This is how they will track what they are reading independently. As I tell them in class, since they will be doing their independent reading in their head this is how they show me what they are thinking while reading. They will also keep track of their 30 chapter books in this folder. These logs will change as the year goes on. Today students are to start practicing predicting and questioning while reading. You should see post it notes (or sticky notes as we call them in class) in their books showing what they are thinking. I call these reading tools needed to help them do a good job reading. We will be adding more to our tools in the next weeks. Ask your child what they are reading and thinking about in their book.

Open House

2007-08-29T19:45:00.000-04:00

Open House is tomorrow from 6:00 to 7:00 for Kindergarten through Second grade and from 7:00 to 8:00 for Third through Fifth grade. Hope to see you there!

Off to a Great Start!

2007-08-27T15:57:00.000-04:00

One week is over and I am glad to see just about everybody has their supplies and everybody is ready to learn! We have learned many classroom routines from how to organize our crates to reading behaviors during Readers Workshop.
Today we started Spelling. Students took a pretest in their planners to help focus their studying through the week. They will have a Spelling test on Friday. They were to write in their planners "Ways to Study Spelling" from a chart we created together in class. Throughout the week students are to choose a way to study their Spelling words for the test Friday. The ways to study Spelling are as follows:

1. Write words 5 times each (or more if needed).

2. Write word triangles. Example: if the student needs to practice the word stamp they would write the word triangle like this-
s
st
sta
stam
stamp

3. Look, Say, Cover, Write, and Check. Students look at the word, say the word, cover the word, write the word on a separate piece of paper, and then check to see if they spelled the word correctly.

4. Have someone call the words out to you.

Homework reminders will be written on the board and the students have to copy them into their planners daily. Students will have homework nightly in my class. You should see some reminder written everyday from today on.

Welcome to the Classroom!

2007-08-16T19:38:00.000-04:00

Glad your here,
Glad you came!

Take a peek,
and come again!

This is where we will Plant the Seeds of Learning!

Finished a Great Book!

2007-07-08T08:33:00.000-04:00

As you will hear me say quite often..."To become a better reader you must....READ!" Reading truely is the way to grow. So this summer my daughter and I went to the book store and purchased some books. I just finished mine last night. It was a great book! It was by one of my favorite authors, Nicholas Sparks. I hope you spend time reading and finding a favorite author of your own. It's like getting to watch a movie anytime you want! I will be hunting my new book to start today. I hope you will hunt for a book of your own! When you do... tell me about your book and your favorite author.

School Supplies

2007-07-05T12:42:00.000-04:00

Sometimes stores put on great summer sales on school supplies. I know there was a supply list in the report card, however it was a general list. I have found that students that have their supplies stay much better organized and are able to keep up with their assignments much better. The following is a complete list of supplies students will need to bring to class everyday:

*magazine crate-single size
*composition notebook
*2 spiral notebooks
*3 pocket folders with prongs
*loose leaf notebook paper
*erasable pens preferably
*zippered pencil bag
*crayons 24 count or smaller

The following are supplies needed for use throughtout the year:

*1 box large freezer zip lock bags
*box tissues
*bottle softsoap
*package loose leaf notebook paper
*1 ream copier paper
*wipes for cleaning

Please do not bring the following items as they are a disruption to the classroom:

*rolling backbacks
*trapper keepers or notebooks
*supply boxes
*toys
*snacks-we do not have snack time in class as there is not enough time in our schedule

We Are An A!!!!!

2007-07-02T16:50:00.000-04:00

WOW! Crystal Springs Elementary is an A school. Hope you are as excited as I am! What an exciting year coming up!

Welcome!

2007-06-13T16:06:00.000-04:00

Hello! If you are reading this then it most likely means you will be in my up coming class this year. I will be looking forward to seeing you at Meet the Teacher on Friday, August 17 from 2:00 to 3:00. You can come by, see the classroom and pick up a supply list for my class. Look forward to seeing you!