Friday, May 25, 2012

5/25/12

The last day of school is finally here.  Graduation last night was awesome!  The kids looked great!

I just wanted to take a minute to let you all know how proud I am of all of you!  You are hard workers and great kids.  You will all go far in life.  I am going to miss each and everyone of you next year.  I hope some of you will stop by to say hi every once in a while.  I also want to thank all of the parents.  You guys have been a great support this year.  You have helped to make it all happen.  Thank you!  I hope everyone has a great summer!  Good luck next year in middle school!

Today we will be having field day, a lunch outside for the kids, yearbook signing, and finishing up anything they are working on.  Great job kids!  I will miss you!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

5/24/12

2 days left!!!  It is graduation day!  Yeah!

The kids are excited about graduating and should be very proud of their accomplishments!  They worked hard this year and they deserve it.

Most of them seem to be having a fantastic time creating their music videos.  I hope a few of them finish today so that I can record them and they can be played on the news on Friday.

Awesome job 6th graders!  Congratulations!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

5/23/12

3 days to go!!!

Don't forget that we get out of school early today at 2:25.

The kids really seemed to like the idea of creating the music videos that we talked about yesterday.  It is a stress free and fun way to end the year.  I am excited about this project and can't wait to see what is in store for me.

We have a short field day on Friday from 9:30-11:00.  We will be competing against the 5th graders.  It should be a lot of fun.  Also, starting at 11:00 we are going to have a picnic with all of the 6th graders outside.  We are requesting that not a whole bunch of parents come, it is just a time for the kids to talk, hang out, and sign yearbooks.  If they want to pack a lunch and bring a towel or blanket to sit on, that would be awesome.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

5/22/12

4 days left!!!  We are getting closer to being done.

Yesterday, we took our end of the year math test.  The kids did not do quite as well as I expected, but it is the end of the year and most of them are checked out to middle school already.

We have one more presentation in social studies in Mr. Cohen's class and that is it.

Today, we are going to be watching food wars this morning that the gsp kids are putting on.  It will be fun.  Also, we are going to be beginning a fun music video project that we will be working on for the next few days.  I think the kids will have a blast with this.

That's all for today!  2 more days until graduation!!!  Yeah kids!

Monday, May 21, 2012

5/21/12

Last 5 days of school!!!  Keep working hard!

Today is Monday and the big day for the end of the year math test.  I know everyone has all of the skills necessary to do well.  I can't wait to see how much they have improved throughout the year.

Tomorrow we are going to be starting a fun project in class.  I think the kids will like it.  It is not for a grade, just for fun!

Have a marvelous Monday!

Friday, May 18, 2012

5/18/12

Woohoo...it is Friday!  6 more days of school and counting!

Today we will be taking our chapter 12 math test and finishing up the rest of our social studies projects.  I should have final social studies grades soon!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

7 more days to go...

Today we are taking our district social studies test and filling out our study guide for the math test.  It is going to be a busy day.  I hope everyone is focused out there.

Only a couple more social studies presentations and then we are done with those as well.  Can't wait to be done.  I know more about ancient cultures and civilizations than I could ever have imagined.  Excellent work kids!

Have a thunderous Thursday!!!

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

5/16/12

8 days and counting...

Well, we have finished everything in chapter 12 and are getting close to the end of all of our social studies projects.  

In math, we will be doing one more section of problem solving today.  No homework!

In social studies, we will keep chugging on presentations and review just a little bit for the end of year test.  That is tomorrow, so study those DBQs!!!

That's all for today.

Congratulations to all of those students receiving an award yesterday!  Way to go!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

5/15/12

9 days and counting!!!  It should be another terrific Tuesday at WMSS!!!

Today in math we are going to be learning how to solve algebraic equations that have rational numbers in them.  This is combining many of the skills that we have learned so far this year.  Please make sure you are reviewing this information with your kids at home.  On Thursday, we are going to be doing a test review for the Ch. 12 math test on Friday.  Please make sure you study these concepts with your children at home.  There are only 2 math test grades this nine weeks and some of them didn't do too well on the first one.  We will be taking the end of the year math test next Monday.  This is a test that is difficult to study for.  They should already be prepared to take this test.

The end of the year social studies test is coming up on Thursday.  The kids should be studying their DBQs to help them with this test.  The DBQs that are on the test are: The Silk Roads, Asoka, Hammurabi, The Nile.  If they have lost one of these I do not have extra copies.  The kids are telling me that if you search the internet, you can find them.  We only have a few more presentations left to go.  Due to the difference in group sizes, Mr. Cohen's class is going to be taking more quizzes than the other two classes.  That being said, when I post new social studies grades at the end of the week, there will be many columns for Mrs. Fielder and Mrs. DeLuca's classes that will have an X as the grade.  This is not anything that counts against them, but the only way I can give Mr. Cohen's class full credit for their work.  Thank you for your understanding in advance.

Just remember...9 more days and then you can stop working so hard!!!



Monday, May 14, 2012

5/14/12

10 days left!!!  Keep on chuggin' along!

Today in math we are going to be working on dividing rational numbers.   Same rules apply as when they are positive.  You keep the first one the same, change it to multiplication, and use the reciprocal of the second.  Then you cancel and multiply.  Not too bad.  Don't forget to use the smiley face rules to determine if your answer should be negative or positive.

In social studies we are going to continue presenting our projects.  Excellent job so far!

Up to date grades are posted for both math and social studies!

Have a magnificent Monday!

Friday, May 11, 2012

5/11/12

Good Friday morning!

Well, math competition yesterday was awesome.  Our math team, consisting of Caleb, John, Muhammad, Calista, and Garrett placed in both the math bowl and the written test.  They placed 7th in the bowl and 9th on the written portion!  Way to go team!  There were 51 teams there, that is quite an accomplishment!

Today in math we will review yesterday's assignment and be moving on with the next section in the book.  We also we be having a few more groups present their social studies projects.  So far, the projects have been great and the quiz grades have been good.

Two more weeks of school!  I can't believe it is almost over.  Keep working hard, then you can have a nice summer off.

Have a fantastic Friday!

Thursday, May 10, 2012

5/10/12

Good morning!

I will not be in school today due to the math competition.  But, I have left a new lesson for the sub to teach.  The kids will be adding and subtracting fractions with like and unlike denominators.  Sounds easy right...here's the catch.  It will be including negative ones as well.  So...don't forget these rules.  When you are adding integers or rational numbers:
1. negative + negative = negative
2. positive + positive = positive
3. negative + positive =  you subtract the smallest number from the biggest number and keep the sign of the one with the greatest absolute value.  ***this works no matter which one is positive and which one is negative.

The other thing you need to remember is that when adding and subtracting fractions, you must first get a common denominator.

Have a thoroughly awesome Thursday!

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

5/9/12

Yesterday, the math lesson went well.  Some of them needed a refresher on how to convert fractions to decimals, but for the most part, they all had remembered how to do it.

In social studies, they did a great job with the first rounds of presentations.  I was thoroughly impressed with the amount of information they were able to retain.  Most of the kids did a great job on their quizzes as well.

Today in math, we are going to be comparing and ordering rational numbers.  This is the same as comparing and ordering fractions and decimals, but it adds in negative numbers.  With this they just need to remember that the bigger the fraction or decimal is, if it is negative, it is actually a smaller value.  I know it will be confusing at first, but with enough practice, I think that they can get it.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!!!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

5/8/12

The test went pretty well yesterday.  It was obvious that some kids did  not use the study guide to help them study for the test, but others did and it paid off.  Overall, most of the kids were very successful.  This is a great thing because we are moving in to rational numbers, which are positive and negative numbers that include fractions and decimals.  This concept is a little harder to grasp, but if they have the foundation, it shouldn't be too hard.

Today will also be the first day of presentations for social studies.  There will be many social studies grades getting posted for the next couple of weeks, so if your child was needing some new grades, they are coming soon.

Have a terrific Tuesday!!!

Monday, May 7, 2012

5/7/12

What a wonderful Monday it is...

Today we will be taking our test on Chapter 11.  The kids should know everything we  have gone over about integers in order to be successful on the test.  They will have the rest of the period to work on their final touches before presentations begin tomorrow.

Have a Marvelous Monday!!!

Friday, May 4, 2012

5/4/12

Yesterday we had an awesome day at Islands of Adventure!!!

Today we are going to be reviewing chapter 11 for our test.  The kids will be completing a study guide to take home to study off of.  The whole chapter is on integers.   They will need to be able to plot coordinates, find the absolute value, and add, subtract, multiply, and divide integers.  Please make sure you practice the subtraction problems!!!

In social studies we will begin presentations on Tuesday.  I am sure at this point that everyone is ready to go!

Have a fantastic weekend and see you all on Monday!!!


Wednesday, May 2, 2012

5/2/12

It's Wednesday!!!  Big field trip tomorrow!!!

The kids are getting excited about the field trip tomorrow.  I hope they can stay focused in class today and get some work done.

In math, we are going to be reviewing many of the previously taught concepts.  We are going to be going over subtracting integers again.

In social studies, just keep chugging...presentations start next week!

Have a Wonderful Wednesday!!!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

5/1/12

It is May already...unbelievable!

Well, today in math, we are going to be reviewing addition, subtraction, and multiplication of integers.  We also are going to  be working on dividing integers.  Some of the kids are still struggling with subtraction.  If you would practice with them at home it will get better.  We have a test on Monday on everything we have learned about integers including adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, ordering, and absolute value.  These are all of the things in chapter 11.

In social studies we are still chugging along on our projects.  Everyone has signed up for their presentation dates, and has it written in their planners.  All planners have been filled out for math and social studies for the rest of the school year.  If your child is busy like mine, they can go ahead and get started working ahead.

I am collecting all math and social studies books this week and next.  We will not be using the social studies text book for the rest of the year and the math book can be found online, so please send them back in ASAP.

Thanks...and have a terrific Tuesday!

Monday, April 30, 2012

4/30/12

It's Monday again!

This week we are going to be continuing our study of integers.  We will be reviewing adding and subtracting them as well as moving on to multiplying and dividing them.  The latter is easier than adding and subtracting.  We will be testing on this chapter soon.

In social studies, we will be wrapping up our projects soon as some people will be presenting next week and the rest of them the following week.  They will be writing in their planners today when their presentation dates are.

Field trip on Thursday!!!  I can't wait!  Don't forget to bring  money for food and anything you want at the gift shop!!!

Have a marvelous Monday!

Friday, April 27, 2012

4/27/12

What a wonderful day!!! It's Friday!

Yesterday we learned how to add integers.  Everyone seemed to catch on quickly.  Today we are going to learn the rules to subtraction.  Then we are going to play a game to practice both.  With this skill, the more you practice the better you get at it.

I am doing a project check today in social studies.  I know they have been working hard as we are coming closer to presentation day.  This is the last thing we are doing in social studies until the end of the year test.  The test is mostly on those DBQs that we did earlier in the semester.  There are only a couple other questions, but it is information we have gone over before.

Spring Fest is tomorrow at 1:00.  I hope to see everyone there.  One of the most exciting events that will be new this year is the dunk tank.  Kids can come out and dunk one of the teachers or administrators that are signed up!!!  How much fun is that!

See you all again on Monday!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

4/26/12

Well it is already Thursday...so much to do and so little time!

Next week is our field trip to Islands of Adventure.  The kids are getting excited and so are we.  You can expect some emails with any pertinent information throughout the week.

In math yesterday, we were working with coordinate planes again.  I think the kids are starting to have a firm grasp on this concept.  They are in the middle of a project in which they are going to use a coordinate plane to create their own dot to dot.  This will be due next Friday, May 4th.  They will have more time to work on it in class next Wednesday as well.

Today in math class we are going to continue our work with integers.  We are going to be working on adding them which can get a little bit confusing.  We will work it all out in class.

In social studies, they will have some more time again today to work on those projects.  I am hoping to see a lot of progress on Friday.  Friday, they are signing up for their presentation dates.  Presentations will begin on May 8th and go until all students have presented.  I have some that have already volunteered to go first because they are almost done already.  Great work!

Well, have a wonderful Thursday!   Talk to you all tomorrow.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

4/25/12

Wonderful Wednesday!!!

Yesterday was a great day back.  All of my kids at school are awesome and made me feel so good to be back at school.

We learned about coordinate planes yesterday.  This is something we had talked about and worked on before.  I gave them a set of written directions of how to plot some points that I created.  When they were finished plotting the points, they had to do a connect the dots to see what my picture came out as.  It was a simple picture of a music note.   It helped to reiterate how to plot coordinates.  Today in class they are going to begin to create their own dot to dot with directions for a friend to complete.  I have asked them to please make sure their pictures are something simple, not too detailed so that their directions are not too long.  We are going to be working on that today as well as next week on Wednesday.  They will not be due until next Thursday, but hopefully will be able to finish them in class unless they are in GSP.

In social studies we are continuing work on their social studies projects.  I am going to be doing another project check on Friday to see what progress is being made.  Also, the kids will be signing up on Friday for their presentation dates as well.  Hopefully everyone will be ready  by the Tuesday after the field trip.  That is when presentations are going to begin.  Some of the kids have been procrastinating and not using their class time wisely, so I am going to suggest that they begin working on it at home some as well.  Again, the rubric that we all created is on Edline and on here if they need some guidance.

Have a fantastic Wednesday!

PS:  I have asked a few kids for some supplies for SpringFest.  If they don't bring them in today, I may be in need of some other help in this department.

Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to help make SpringFest a smooth, fun day for all!!!

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

4/24/12

Well I am back and ready to rock and roll!!!  FCAT seemed to go very well for almost everyone.  I have been told it was much easier than my classroom tests, which is an awesome feeling.  I know that everyone had the skills they needed to succeed.  Great work guys!

We are working on integers now and will be learning how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide them.  This is a necessary skill in the sequence to learning algebra.  This will be easier than the previous geometry chapter that we did before FCAT.  I am hoping it will help with some of their grades before the end of the nine weeks.

In social studies, we will be signing up for our presentation dates soon.  I met with all of the kids on Thursday before I left to see how they were doing on their projects.  With the amount of class time they have had to work on them, I was a little disappointed to see how much some of them had done.  I had some kids who hadn't even started and have given over 3 hours of class time to work.  I hope everyone has been using their class time wisely this week.  I will be doing another project check on Friday to see if progress is being made.  They will be graded on whether or not they have anything new to show me.

I am looking forward to the presentations as well.  I think that some of them are doing some pretty awesome things.  Don't forget the rubric is posted here on the blog as well as on Edline if they need any guidance on what should be included.  This is a big part of their 4th nine weeks social studies grade.

Have a fantastic Tuesday!!!

Monday, April 16, 2012

4/16/12

Good morning!

I am just posting to let you all know that I will not be posting this week due to FCAT and my wedding.  Have a great week and I will talk to you all on Tuesday the 24th!

Friday, April 13, 2012

4/13/12

Yeah it's Friday the 13th!!!

Well, today is the last day of review for the FCAT.  I feel as though the kids are thoroughly prepared for their tests on Monday.  Please make sure they get a good night's sleep and eat a good breakfast.  No need to worry.  I know I am not worried...I know they will do great!

Have a wonderful weekend!  See you all on Monday!

Thursday, April 12, 2012

4/12/12

Terrific Thursday here we come!!!

Yesterday most of the kids finished their games.   We did not have time to play any of them to review for the test.  Those of them that did not finish were supposed to finish last night for homework.  That being said, we will be playing a few of the games in class today to help them review for FCAT once again.  We also will be working on our social studies projects.  I am excited to see what the kids are going to come up with this time.

Have a great day!!

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

4/11/12

Happy Wednesday!

The kids seem to be doing a great job on their game boards.  They will be finishing them up today in class and then we will begin reviewing some of the skills that will be on FCAT for the rest of the week.  I think this is a stressless way to continue reviewing.  We also will be working on our social studies projects.

We have some upcoming events that we need your help with.  Parents' Night Out is this Friday the 13th. We have a lot of volunteers and are getting in a lot of snacks as well.  Thank you all for your help with this event.  The one thing that we do need is more kids to attend.  If you know anyone in the WMSS family that is not coming that night, please encourage them to purchase a ticket.  It will be a great time!!!

Also, we have a FUNTOWN night coming up on the 20th of April.  Tickets are on sale now!!!  If every 6th grade student comes and gets 2 other people to come, we will sell over 180 tickets.  That would raise over 1800 dollars that would all benefit our 6th grade field trip.  We really need your help with this.  The kids that are going to FUNTOWN don't even have to be from our school.  As long as you send in the money with the slip, we will send the tickets home with your student to give to the kids that ordered them.  Thank you in advance for all of your support with all of the recent fundraisers!!!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

4/10/12

Good Tuesday morning!

Well, yesterday was a success.  I didn't get to do everything I wanted to do, but we got a lot done.  I think everyone had fun playing one of the review games and are looking forward to creating their own game.  We will be doing a 4 square, creating our games, and working on social studies projects today in class.  We also will be working on surface area and volume of composite figures together as a class.

Have an awesome Tuesday!!!

Monday, April 9, 2012

4/9/12

Today begins the last week before FCAT!  At this point I feel as if everyone is ready and will do just fine on the test.  There is no reason to get stressed out, you have all of the tools necessary to be successful!  This week in math, we are going to continue reviewing by playing review games on some basic skills that you will need when taking this test.  This should be a good review for you all.  We also will continue our work on our social studies projects.  We will be watching the fun-filled, thrilling, power point on how to bubble in the grids on FCAT as well.  I can't wait!!!

Have a fabulous Monday!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

4/5/12

Last day of the week!!!

We are getting closer to FCAT.  I know all of the kids are very well prepared and need to relax and they will do fine.  If they are feeling nervous, have them work through some of the problems on FCAT FOCUS.  I think they will do just fine.  We are going to continue reviewing today as well as all of next week for the FCAT.  Next week, we are going to be playing some games and having fun so they realize they can do it!

In social studies we will be continuing to work on our projects.   We will not begin presentations until after the field trip in May!

I am looking forward to the field trip and hanging out with all of the 6th graders in a less stressful environment.  It has been an awesome year so far and I can't believe it is starting to culminate already!

Have a wonderful day and an awesome weekend!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

4/4/12

Good morning!

I am sorry about last night's homework.  I did not think it would have as many problems on the page as were there and take as long as it did to solve them.  I don't think the problems were that hard, just long and tedious.  I am giving extra credit to anyone who took the time to finish the entire assignment and will be more considerate tonight so that they won't have to do so much work.  If they did not finish, but worked on it, they will be graded on whatever is finished.   Again, sorry about the inconvenience.  That being said, we are going to continue reviewing for FCAT today and keep working on our social studies projects.  The math assignments for the next few days will be worked on in class.  I want the kids to concentrate on working through FCAT FOCUS.

Have a great Wednesday!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

4/3/12

Yesterday we reviewed some of the skills that will be seen on FCAT.

We also continue with surface area and were able to calculate the surface area of rectangular prisms.  Today we will review some more and work  on the surface area of cylinders.  In order to find the surface area of a cylinder, you find the area of the circle and multiply by two.  Then you find the circumference of the circle and multiply by the height of the cylinder.

In social studies we are going to continue working on our group projects.

Please encourage your child to work through the modules on FCAT FOCUS as this is the last week that we can use it.

Have a fantastic Tuesday!

Monday, April 2, 2012

4/2/12

Good morning and welcome back from Spring Break.   I hope everyone is ready to begin reviewing for FCAT.  I was on FCAT FOCUS today and noticed that there are only 3 of you that have been doing the modules.  This is a great way to practice the skills you need to be successful on the FCAT.  I opened the second assessments for everyone, so those of you that have finished, there are some other assessments for you to try.  I encourage the rest of you to get on this week and work through the problems.  It may not be used next week as we will only be one week away from FCAT.

In math, we are going to be reviewing for FCAT as well as working through the rest of chapter 10 on volume and surface area.  Everyone seems to be understanding these concepts pretty well, we just need to keep practicing.

In social studies we are going to begin working on our group projects in class.  The presentations will not begin until May, so the kids still have plenty of time to work on them.

Have a fantastic Monday!

Friday, March 23, 2012

3/23/12

This morning I have posted grades for the new nine weeks.  I have some kids that have not turned in their DBQ journals.  This was a test grade for them.  If I don't have them by the Monday we return from Spring Break, they will be required to write the essay at the end of the DBQ in order to receive credit.  This was  a very easy assignment and they had over a week to complete it.  It already is over a week late now.

Yesterday in math we worked on calculating the volume of a cylinder.  Because the homework was time consuming, I gave them most of the class period to get a head start on it.  When calculating the volume of a cylinder, you find the area of the circular base by multiplying the radius squared times pi.  Then you multiply that answer times the height of the cylinder.  If it gives you a diameter, don't forget the divide the diameter by two to find the radius before you get started.

Today in math we are going to be finding the volume of cones.  You would do that the same way as a cylinder, but divide by three at the end.  This is going to be an in class assignment.  I think they will all do fine as long as they check their work.

In social studies we are forming groups for our ancient civilization projects.  The kids in Mr. Cohen's class have already picked their group and culture to work on.  The other two classes will be doing that today.  I will be posting a rubric that the kids have helped create for what is expected in the project.  The kids can work on this for a while in class.  They will not be presenting their projects until after FCAT which will be in the beginning of May, so they have plenty of time to work on them.  There will be more information to come.

Have a wonderful Spring Break.  Rest up and be ready for more FCAT review when we return.  Please have your children work on FCAT FOCUS to get prepared for FCAT.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

3/22/12

It's Thursday!  2 more days until Spring Break.

Today we are going to continue working with volume.  We also are going to be making our groups for the social studies projects.  That's all for today.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

3/21/12

Today is a review day.  We will be reviewing how to calculate the volume of a triangular prism and any type of pyramid.
Yesterday, we didn't get a chance to work on creating the rubric for the social studies project, so we are definitely going to be working on that today.

No homework!  Happy Wednesday!

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

3/20/12

4 more days until Spring Break!!!  I am sure that everyone is very excited.

This week in math, we are working with volume and surface area.  These are standards that most likely will not be seen on FCAT, but are things we need to go over before seventh grade.  Yesterday, the kids learned how to calculate the volume of triangular prisms.  The lesson went well and everyone seemed to catch on quickly.  In order to calculate the volume of a prism, you find the area of the base, not matter what shape it is.  In this case, they were triangles, so you would do the base times the height, times 1/2 or divided by two.  Then you multiply that area times the distance between the two bases, or the height of the prism.  We did a few examples in class, and then they had about 10 minutes to work on their homework.

Today in math, we are going to be talking about how to find the volume of a pyramid.  It is very similar to that of a prism, but after you multiply the area of the base with the height of the pyramid, you must divide your answer by 3.

In social studies, I introduced a little bit about a project we are going to be working on in social studies.  This project will not be due until after FCAT and should mostly be done in class.  Students will be picking groups no bigger than 4 people.  They will be choosing an ancient culture that they want to know more about.  They are going to teach the class about their ancient culture.  The only requirement that I have is that they make some sort of assessment to assess whether or not the kids learned anything from their presentation.  We are going to be making a rubric together as a class on the expectations of this project.  There will be more information to come.

Friday, March 16, 2012

3/16/12

Today is Friday..Yay!!!

Today we are taking our District Assessment in math.  I have given the kids 24 problems in class to help them review for this test.  I think they are all well prepared.

I am currently heading up the St. Jude's math-a-thon fundraiser for the school.  I am offering extra credit for any kids that participate in this fundraiser.  It is a great way for them to practice their math skills before FCAT.  The extra credit is based on their participation on the math portion, not the money portion although, I do encourage everyone to donate to a great cause as well.

In social studies, the journal covers are due on Monday.  The kids have known about this all week and need to get it done on time.  It is a test grade in social studies and is replacing the end of the DBQ essay.   I think they have done a great job so far and look forward to seeing their finished products.

Have a great weekend!!!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

3/15/12

Yesterday we continued our review for the March Diagnostic on Friday.  We did 8 more review questions.   The students are supposed to be writing these questions down as their study guide for the test.  I have given them a total of 16 questions, and will give them 8 more today.  This is the final part of the study guide.

On Monday, their journal covers are due to me for their final test grade on this DBQ.  I hope everyone does a good job.

Have a fantastic Thursday!  I hope everyone can make it to Spring into the Arts tonight!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

3/14/12

Yesterday we began reviewing for the District Assessment coming up.  Today we will be doing the same again.  The kids should be writing down the questions in their journals to use as a study guide for the district test.

In social studies, we are finished with our last DBQ.  The final project is for them to make a cover for their journals and put them together.   This will count as their final test score in social studies on DBQs.  After that, we have a few more standards to meet and then I am going to let the kids decide on something they would like to discuss or know more about from Ancient civilizations and we will be doing projects with their interests.  It should be a lot of fun!

Have a great Wednesday!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

3/13/12

Good morning!

Yesterday, everything went very well with the chapter 3 test.  Everyone got either an A or a B on the test.  I was impressed!!!

Today we are going to be reviewing for the March Diagnostic test that we will be taking on Friday.  This is not a test that the kids will have a study guide for.  They should be working through some of the review sections of the book to help remind them of the types of problems they might see.

In social studies, we will be working on finishing up our journals as our final test grade in social studies for this DBQ.  So far, the journal entries have been excellent.

Have a great Tuesday!

Monday, March 12, 2012

3/12/12

Welcome back to another Monday!!!

Today we will be taking the chapter 3 math test.  I think the kids are going to do great on it.  We will then begin reviewing for FCAT.

If we have time, we will also be doing the last document in our DBQ and finishing up our journals.  I am looking forward to seeing a finished product from all of the kids.  So far, they have done a great job.

This week, the kids will be getting trained on how to do the reading FCAT on the computer.  It should be interesting.

Have a great week!

Friday, March 9, 2012

3/9/12

Sorry I was a slacker yesterday and didn't post anything.

We worked on choosing the correct type of graph to display given data yesterday.  This is a little fuzzy for the kids, but here is what we came up with.

Line graph - something that is changing over a period of time
bar graph - when the categories are not numbers and you want to compare data
line plot - when you have a small set of numbers and you want to compare data (easiest graph to see the range and median without calculations)
frequency chart - when you have a larger amount of numbers and you want to be able to put them in intervals instead of single numbers
pictograph - when you have a large amount of data for a few categories ( you can choose a picture and a value for the picture)

We did the homework together so that we could discuss the answers as  we went.

This was the last topic in chapter 3.  We will be having a test on chapter 3 on Monday.  Today in class we will be doing a review sheet and the kids will have it to take home to help them study for the test.
 
We will not have time to do social studies today, but yesterday we arrived in the city of Marakanda.  It is a bustling city that is very prosperous and has a lot to offer to our travelers.  We will be leaving there on Tuesday and traveling to our last stop, which is Antioch.  So far, the kids are doing a great job with their journals.  I can't wait to see the finished products.

Next week will be a very busy week.  Monday, we are taking the chapter 3 test, Tuesday is a normal day, Wednesday, we will be training with the kids on the FCAT online reading test, Thursday we will have shortened periods due to the kids practicing for their "Spring into the Arts" performance, and Friday we will be taking our district March math test.  It will not count for this nine weeks as this nine weeks is over before Friday.

Have a great weekend and see you all on Monday!

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

2/7/12

Today we are going to be looking at the different types of graphs and which ones represent data the best. This will be an introduction to the topic.  I am going to break the class up into groups.  Each group is going to be assigned a type of graph.  They are going to make a poster to help us know when their graph is best used through and illustration with some words.  I hope this will help them remember in the long run.

In social studies we are going to be watching a video on an Ancient society.  It will tie in with our studies on all of the ancient cultures we have been studying.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

2/6/12

Yesterday went fairly well.  We were able  to do a fun activity to review how to make a frequency table and how to find the relative frequency of  a  specific line of data.  The kids are finding this chapter very easy, which is good after the last few chapter that were not so easy at all.  Today we are going to be discussing line plots.  This is where you draw a line that looks like a number line and put an X above thing as you count them.  It is very similar to a tally chart, but it is easier to use when comparing.

In social studies we worked through document B.  The kids had to write their second journal entries last night.  They did a great job on the first ones, and I am looking forward to reading the second ones as well.

Another great day lies ahead!

Monday, March 5, 2012

3/5/12

Another week and ready to get started.  This week in social studies, we are going to continue our journey down the silk roads.  We will be making 3 more stops this week on the silk roads and be writing in our journals to tell what we see.  The journal entries will be due the next day.  The kids will receive individual grades on each journal entry as they are due and then one big test grade at the end when it is put together.  Please make sure they don't throw them away after they are graded.

In math, we are going to be finishing up Chapter 3 this week.  We will be doing a review test on Friday that they can use as a study guide for their regular test on Monday.  The rest of this week is based on graphing and choosing an appropriate graph for a set of data.  We will be using FCAT 2.0 review questions as our 4 squares for the next few weeks, and this hopefully will give me a better idea of what areas they need to work on.  Next week will be a review week before we take the March diagnostic, which is their math diagnostic test.  It will be inclusive of everything they have learned so far this year.  I am excited to see the progress that they have been making.

That's all for today!  Talk to you all tomorrow AM!

Friday, March 2, 2012

3/2/12

Yesterday in math, we worked on finding which measure of central tendency would best describe a set of data.   Today we are going to be working on our problem solving strategies.
Also, yesterday, we read and answered the questions to the background essay in our DBQ.  It gave us a better idea of what we will be doing with this DBQ.

Today, we are going to be beginning our journey down the silk road and will be writing our first journal entry.  They will have time in class to begin their journal, and will have to have the entry finished by Monday so that they don't fall behind.

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

3/1/12

It is the first day of March...Yeah!!!

Today in math we are going to be reviewing the measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode, and range).  We are going to be deciding which one is the best to compare data.  This choice will depend on if there are any outliers, how far apart the numbers are, and if there are any numbers that repeat consistently.

Since we didn't get a chance on Tuesday to do the background essay and questions on our DBQ, we are going to be doing that as well.   I look forward to another great day!

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

2/29/12

Today is the last day of February!  I can't believe it is already going to be March.  This year is flying by.

Yesterday in class, the kids seemed to do very well with the mean, median, mode and range.
Today we are going to be working on a project that is due on Friday.  Everyone must participate either in a group or individually on the project.  They are going to be creating a poster for mean, median, mode, and range and illustrate them so that they can remember what they stand for and help other kids remember as well.  The grade level is going to be voting for them to see which one is the best.  I want them to be in color.  I will take them to a print shop and turn the winner into a colored poster and have it laminated and distribute it to the other math teachers in the building to hang up in their rooms for when they teach it as well.  I hope this motivates them to do a good job.

In social studies, we will be beginning the background essay tomorrow.  I am trying not to do anything new with them while the GSP kids are out of the room.  I will be giving extra credit for the posters.  It will go onto their DAILY grades.  The better they do, the more credit they can get.  Anywhere from 25 to 100 points, depending on the quality of work.  GSP kids are welcomed to participate in this contest as well.

Have a great Wednesday!!!

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

2/28/12

Today is another day.  Yesterday was a packed day and went relatively well.  The kids are still having a hard time with implementing the use of fractions when they are asked to apply them to word problems.  They have to keep practicing these old skills so that their daily grades begin to get better.  Today we will be doing a 4 square on percents.  One Thursday it will be on rates/ratios, and on Friday on comparing and ordering fractions.  Maybe taking 5 minutes to review these concepts the night before would be helpful.

Today, we are going to continue working with graphs and work on median, mode, and range of data.  Things  that you should remember are:
When working with data, make sure you always put it in numerical order from least to greatest before doing anything else.
Mean = average (add up all the numbers and divide by the quantity of numbers you added)
Median = the number in the middle (this is like the median of the road, and is done after they are in order)
Mode = the number that appears the MOST often (this can be more than one number)
Range = the data from the smallest number to the largest number

Tomorrow, we will be creating posters to help us remember what these words stand for and how we compute them.

In social studies, we are going to be reading over the background information and answering the questions.  This DBQ on the Silk Roads is going to be a little different.  The kids filled out a profile sheet yesterday on the type of traveler they are going to be as we take our journey.  They are going to be expected to make a journal and look through the eyes of the traveler they have created.  It should be a fun way to end our DBQ lessons for the year.

A quick reminder for all, parent teacher conference night is tomorrow night.  If you would like to set up a conference, please contact me via email and we will work out a time.

Have a fabulous Tuesday!

Monday, February 27, 2012

2/27/12

We have a huge day ahead of us today.  After a restful weekend hopefully, we are starting something new in math class today.  We are going to be learning about our favorite terms, mean, median, mode, and range and learning how to construct graphs and read them this week.  This chapter should be a pretty easy chapter for all of the kids as it should be a review for them.  We also are going to be going over the math test from last week.

In social studies we are beginning our final DBQ.  It is on the silk roads.  There will not be an essay at the end this time as the whole time we do it, they are to be keeping a journal.  They will know what is expected of them in the journal.  If they all do a good job on their journals, they will not have to write the essay.  If they choose to slack off and give me "slop" for work, then I will implement an essay at the end.  I know I will get some great things from all of them.

Have a happy Monday!

Friday, February 24, 2012

2/24/12

Due to science fair yesterday many kids did not finish their math tests.  I have extended it, and they have time to finish them today.  Then we are going to go over the questions and they will have the rest of the period to work on their DBQ essays.  The essays have been extended until Monday.  I did this as well because of science fair.  On Monday, we will be starting a new chapter on mean, median, mode, range, and graphing.  We also will be starting our last DBQ on The Silk Road.  This time, there will be a journal that the kids will be keeping as we go through the DBQ.  If they do a good job on the journal, they will not have to write an essay at the end.  I encourage them to do the journal, it will be more fun.  Also, there is NO MATH CLUB this morning.  I cancelled it due to the face we were already testing on the material and haven't started anything new.

Have a great day!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

2/23/12

Today is test day!!!  After working through the review sheet yesterday, I think the kids are well prepared for this test.  They need to take their time and work each problem step by step using the formulas and they will do just fine on this test.

Also today, students will be getting pulled for science fair presentations.  If they do not have time to finish their test, I will give them some time tomorrow if need be.

In social studies, DBQ essays are due tomorrow!  I hope the kids have been working on them a little each night so that they don't feel overwhelmed.

Keep up the great work!!!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

2/22/12

Today we are going to be doing a study guide for the test tomorrow in math. I will give the kids time to work on it independently and then fix their answers so that they have something to study from for the test.  I will be providing them with the formula sheet for the test as well.

While they are working on the study guide I will be grading the DBQs so that I can hand them back and they can use them to work on their essays.  They will have time today if they finish their study guide early and time again tomorrow if they finish their test early to work on them.  Hopefully with all of the practice we have had writing these essays, it won't take them too long to write.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

2/21/12

Welcome back from a three day weekend.

I hope we are all ready to finish up with our geometry unit.  We will be testing on the chapter on Thursday.  It will include calculating the perimeter of all objects as well as calculating the area of all object.  It will also include the new topic we are going to be working on today, which is calculating the volume of a rectangular prism.  This is done by multiplying the base times the height, times the width.  We are also going to continue reviewing area of composite figures.  Make sure your kids are practicing things like adding and subtracting decimals, multiplying decimals, and working with mixed numbers.  This is where they are making most of their mistakes.

In social studies, we are going to be reviewing the documents that we did not go over in class.  Their essay on this DBQ is going to be due on Friday.  I am not going to be giving an outline, but the rubric is still posted.  Also, they can look off of their outline from the last DBQ to make sure that they have all of the elements of a good persuasive essay.

Have a great day!!!

Friday, February 17, 2012

2/17/12

Yeah, it's Friday!!!

Well, yesterday went better than I thought.  I kids took good  notes and caught on quickly to a tough topic.  We are going to practice it some more today in class as well.  We are going to move on to documents E and F today so we can finish up this DBQ.  We only have one more to go after this one, then we can go back to project based learning in social studies.  I can't wait!!!

Have a great weekend and see you all on Monday!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

2/16/12

Well, yesterday seemed to go well.  The kids got quite a review on the skills that we have learned so far in geometry.  We are going to be testing on this area on Thursday of next week, so they still have a week to prepare.  If you would like to help them prepare, they can work through the test or the review problems in the book to make sure that they are understanding all of the information that will be on the test.

Today in class, we are going to be working on the area of composite figures.  This is a combination of what we have already learned and is a little tricky.  We are going to take our time and work through it today and tomorrow, but the kids really need to be focused today.  The composite figures are two or more figures that have squished together to make one.  They don't always give you all of the measures of the sides, so you have to combine what we learned with perimeter to find the measure of the sides, and then go from there with the areas.

In social studies, we are going to continue on with documents B and C in class.  Whatever we don't finish in class will be homework today.

Have another wonderful day!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

2/15/12

Another great day at school has come and gone.

Today we are going to be reviewing how to calculate the area of different shapes.  The GSP kids will be gone and I am not going to start something new without them.  It will be a day of review and catching up for those that have missing assignments.  I will hold short conferences with the kids about the areas that they need to work on as well.  Hopefully this will help guide them through studying for the FCAT.  Don't forget that I have posted the FCAT FOCUS modules online for you guys to start working on.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

2/14/12

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

I gave a little misinformation yesterday on my blog.  We did not do area of irregular shapes, but we did the perimeter of them.  When calculating the perimeter, you have to make sure that you add up all of the sides.  A few things to watch out for are that sometimes they don't give you all of the values, you have to find them first, and make sure that all of the units are the same as well, if not, you will have to convert them first.  A strategy that can be used to help make sure you have added everything is that if you highlight a line as you add it, then you will know if you have added every line or side to your total.
Today in math, we are going to be calculating the surface area of our boxes and decorating them as well.  When we are finished with that, we may move on to area of irregular shapes if we have time.  Otherwise, we will be just doing social studies.

In social studies, we are going to be examining the first two documents that will help us determine the type of ruler that Asoka was.

Have a "lovely" day!

Monday, February 13, 2012

2/13/12

Good morning!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

Today in math, we are going to continue our journey through the world of area.  We are going to be combining what we have learned so far and finding the area of irregular shapes.  This should be a fun one.

In social studies, we are going to be working through the background essay and questions from Friday.   We didn't have time to get to it.

That's all for today!

Friday, February 10, 2012

2/10/12

Yesterday in math we learned how to calculate the circumference of a circle.  We also learned some vocabulary words like: circumference, pi, radius, and diameter.  The formula for the circumference is
C = 2 x pi x r or C = d x pi.  The kids seemed to catch on to this pretty quickly.  We also reviewed rates/ratios again yesterday in a 4 square on the board.  This did not go that well.  We will continue to revisit old skills daily to help them for the FCAT.  I have uploaded all of the modules for FCAT FOCUS.   The kids can start working through them at home to help them prepare as well.

In social studies, we began our DBQ on Asoka.  We talked about the question, does the ends justify the means?   This was  a warm up to help us think about Asoka from all perspectives in making our decision on whether we think he was a ruthless conqueror or an enlightened ruler.

Today in math we are going to be learning the formula for the area of a circle which is A = pi x r^2 .  I think this will come easily to them.  In social studies we are going to be reading the background essay in the DBQ and answering the questions.  We will also be restating the question on the 3rd page, which should be in their introduction paragraphs when they write their essays.

Have a great weekend!  Talk to all of you on Monday!

Thursday, February 9, 2012

2/9/12

We got through trapezoids yesterday.  The kids seemed to get it quickly.  I have assigned them an extra credit project.  They will get out of it what they put into it.  They are to design a city or world of some sort that has as many geometric things in it as possible.  They get points according to how many geometric terms that can put on it. They also get points for calculating the area of buildings, etc.  on their maps.  If they use decimals and mixed numbers they can get even more points.  They only get points if their calculations are correct.  I am then going to hang them up around the room when they are finished.  These points will count towards their daily grades which are the ones that are not helping them right now.

Today in math we are going to be starting something new.  We will be working on calculating the circumference of a circle.  We also will be beginning our DBQ finally.  Have a great day and talk to you all  tomorrow.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

2/8/12

The week is going by quickly again!  Today we are going to be reviewing trapezoids.  I think the kids are getting better at this the second time around.  You know what they say, "Practice makes perfect!"

Hopefully we will be moving on and starting the DBQ tomorrow.  I don't want to start it on GSP day.

Have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

2/7/12

Well, there was a new course of action taken yesterday.  When I began to review parallelograms, we needed more work that was expected, so we have slowed down a  bit.  Today we are going to be reviewing triangles and doing a lot more practice with them so that the kids get a great understanding of how to use the formulas.  We also didn't get a chance to start our DBQ yesterday, so we hopefully will be doing that today as well.

Have another great day!

Monday, February 6, 2012

2/6/12

Good morning all!  I hope you all had a great weekend and are ready to get back down to business.  This week we are going to continue our journey through calculating area, perimeter, and circumference by using the formulas provided.  We will keep practicing and hopefully will all be comfortable with it by the end of the week.

In social studies we are going to be beginning another DBQ on Asoka.  At the end we will be writing another persuasive essay on the type of ruler we think he was.  This one and one more and we are finished with DBQ's for the year.  Yeah!

See you all in a bit!  Have a wonderful Monday!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

2/3/12

Hello all.  Thank goodness it is Friday!!!

We had a good day yesterday.  The kids learned how to apply the area formulas for a rectangle, a parallelogram, and a triangle to real world problems.  They seemed to catch on quickly.  We are going to review the process in which they can find the base or height when given the area and one of the two.  That seemed to be the hardest part for them to understand.  They had an opportunity to get extra credit on both pages if they did both the evens and the odds last night for practice.  I am hoping this helps some of their grades.  Also, we are going to be learning how to find the area of a trapezoid as well.  They will be provided with a formula sheet to use on the test as well as on the FCAT, so we are practicing how to use it as we go.

In social studies we watched a video about ancient Egypt.  We will be watching another video again today.  Next week we start another DBQ on Asoka!  So far, the essays on the Nile are MUCH better than the ones on Hammurabi.  I am hoping this will boost their writing ability as well as their social studies scores.  Way to go kids!!! Great work!

Have a great weekend and will talk to you all on Monday morning!

2/2/12

Good morning again!

Yesterday was a productive day.  We reviewed how to write algebraic expressions from words as well as inequalities.  Today we are going to be starting something new in math.  We are moving into the geometry and measurement section.  We are going to be using formulas to solve different types of area problems.  The formulas will be given to them on a formula sheet, the part that gets sticky is when they add in decimals and mixed numbers into the equations.  The other tricky party is when there is a shaded area and a non-shaded and you have to subtract them to get the answers.  We will be chugging through so that we can get to everything before FCAT.  Keep working hard.

We worked on our DBQ essays yesterday as well.  I had about 15 kids who have already turned them in.  I will be getting them back to you ASAP, they take a while to grade.  I will be posting updated math and social studies grades this morning.  Keep working hard kids!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

2/1/12

Well, it is officially the first day of February.

I was so proud of the kids yesterday because for the most part they all did very well on their math test.  When they were finished they had about 30 minutes to work on their DBQ essays in class.  Today I am going to give them more time to work on their DBQ essays unless I notice them wasting my time.  When they all begin to get off task, I have a math activity planned for them to practice algebraic expressions and inequalities.  All in all, it should be a good day.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

1/31/12

Last day of January...February here we come!  Wow this year is going fast!

Yesterday we did a pre-test or study guide in class for the math test today.  Everyone did pretty well on it, so I am expecting some good grades on the math test today.  Also, I gave them an outline for their DBQ essay that is due on Thursday.

Today, everyone should be turning in their Document E and Document Analysis form.  This will be 4 grades that will get posted by the end of the week.  We just keep chugging through these DBQs.

Tomorrow in class, the kids will have the entire period to work on their essays and we will go over the test quickly if needed.

Other than that, had a great Monday and am looking forward to a great Tuesday!

Monday, January 30, 2012

1/30/12

Good morning!  I hope you all had a relaxing, fun weekend.  It is time to get down to business again.

I gave the kids the entire period on Friday to do a math worksheet in class as well as start their last document in their DBQ packet.  The document and the document analysis sheet are due to me tomorrow.  I am also going to be giving them a guide to help them write their essays today.  I went over it with them on Friday and the only thing that is being added to the rubric is that they need to write the restatement of the question in their introduction.  This can be found on the DBQ packet page that has the buckets.  The essay will be due on Thursday!

In math, we have a test tomorrow on chapter 8.  It includes input/output tables as well as inequalities.  There are also a couple of word problems that they might need to use the strategy guess, check, and revise in order to solve.  We are going to be doing a review sheet in class today that looks very similar to the test.  They are going to complete it independently and then check  their answers.  This should help them to know which type of problems that they need to study the most.

See you all in a bit!

Friday, January 27, 2012

1/27/12

This morning are the honor roll awards at 9:15.  We will be honoring all of the students that have made straight A and A/B honor roll for the second nine weeks.

In math, we are going to be working on 2-step inequalities.  The students will be able to solve them and graph them as well.

In social studies, the students will be independently working on Document E in their packet and filling out a document analysis sheet.  This sheet is a test grade and will be due on Tuesday.

The essay for this DBQ will be due on Thursday.  It uses the same rubric as the last DBQ, but there will be one thing added to the introduction.  I will be discussing all of this with them on Monday so that they know what is expected.  I am going to try to modify the document and repost, but since I did not create it, I am not sure if I can modify it.  I will have the students write down in their planners what the difference is if I cannot modify it.

See you all this morning!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

1/26/12

Yesterday we were able to do the first two documents in our DBQ packet.  Today we are going to be working on Documents C and D.  We will be discussing them and answering the questions.  The kids are getting good at this.  They are becoming seasoned professionals.

In math, we learned how to graph inequalities yesterday.  We learned that if it says less than or greater than, then we leave the circle and the beginning of our graphs opened, but if it could also be equal to, then we fill in the circle.  The arrow will point the direction of any possible solution to the inequality.  We also learned how to write inequalities based on the information given.  For example, if it says that the boy could eat no more than 10 pieces of candy before dinner, we would circle "no more than," think about what it means and then write our inequality as c is less than or equal to 10.  We would use the sign for less than or equal to though.

Today we are going to be solving 1 step inequalities and graphing them.  That will relate back to our one-step algebraic expressions.

The test is still tentatively scheduled for Tuesday.  I will be doing a review sheet with them in class on Monday and having them grade it so that they know what parts they need to study.  If you want to get a head start this weekend on studying, you can do the practice test for chapter 8 in the book.  I believe it is page 247 or 472, or something like that, please don't hold me to that one.

See you all in a bit!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

1/25/12

Good morning!
Yesterday in class we read a little about the background of Egypt and understand a little more about the Nile River.   Today in class we are going to be discussing the first two documents together in groups and answering the questions.  Whatever they don't finish in class will be homework.

In math yesterday, we did a fun problem solving group activity.  Today we are going to be learning how to solve and graph one-step linear inequalities.  They are going to be solve the same way as an algebraic equation, and then graphed on a number line.  One thing to remember is that if the sign is less than or equal to, or greater than or equal to, the dot at the end of the graph is shaded in, but if it just says less than or greater than, then it is an opened circle.

Everyday this week, to start class, we are doing a 4 square of problems to review for FCAT.  Yesterday we worked on fractions and there were many kids that did not remember how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions.  These are things that you may want to be practicing at home with them to help get them prepared for FCAT.  I will be posting all of the modules on FCAT FOCUS this week so that they can begin practicing the types of questions that they may see.

Have a good day!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

1/24/12

Today in class we are going to continue our study of inequalities.  We will be learning how to solve them as well as graph them on a number line.  Yesterday's lesson went well and most kids finished their homework before class was over.  Everyone did well on the assignment.  I will be posting new grades some time today in both math and social studies, so be looking for them.

In social studies, we have started our next DBQ on How the Nile has helped shape Ancient Egypt.  We did a hook activity yesterday and the kids seemed very engaged.  Today we are going to be reading the background essay and working on our buckets, which is where they will find the thesis with road map that should be in their introduction of their essays.

Have a good day!  Talk to all of you tomorrow!

Monday, January 23, 2012

1/23/12

Today in math, we are going to begin working with inequalities and determining which answers would fit the inequality.  For example if it says that: x + 2 is great than or equal to 7; which of the following would make that true 3, 4, or 5 .   If you plug in each of the possibilities, the only one that makes it true would be 5, so that would be the answer.  By the end of the week, we will be able to solve these problems without having answers to choose from as well as graph them on a number line.  We also will be able to solve 2-step inequalities as well.  We will be finishing up the rest of the chapter this week and will be testing on it next week on Tuesday.

In social studies we are starting another DBQ.  This time it is on How the Nile Shaped Egypt.  We will be discussing things such as their transportation and trade routes.  I also am going to be going over the essays and the rubrics again.  I have been reading their persuasive essays on Hammurabi's Code and it is apparent that many students did not use the rubric that was posted on here or on Edline when writing their papers.  This will make them better writers by the end of the year.

Have a good day.  I will talk to all of you tomorrow.

Friday, January 20, 2012

1/20/12

Sorry I haven't posted in a while.  I got really busy with the new class that I am taking.

This week in class we have been working on functions and input output charts.  We are able to graph equations and figure out number patterns.  We will be testing on this chapter some time next week.  Last night's homework was on graphing equations.  We did a couple of them in class.  With this program, it is hard for me to show you an example on here, so you will have to look in the book this time if your child needs help.

I am looking forward to math club today so we can continue working with these functions and determining patterns.  I think the kids are catching on quite well.

In social studies, we have finished our DBQ on Hammurabi's Code.  I will be spending my weekend reading all of the essays that your children have written and getting them graded so I can post new grades by Monday.  We just started watching some videos on Mesopotamia so that we get an idea of how life was different for a hunter-gatherer society than it was for an agricultural society.  We are going to continue our studies of Ancient Civilizations next week as well.

If I don't talk to all of you again today...Have a great weekend!

See you all again on Monday!

Friday, January 13, 2012

1/13/12

The test went pretty well yesterday.  We are going to be going over a few of the tricky problems that were on the test so that everyone realizes what I was looking for.  We did our first document analysis form yesterday and the kids seemed to not have any trouble with it.  It will help them when writing their essays.

Today in math, we are going to be plotting points (x,y) on a coordinate plane.  I am sure they will not have any problems with that.  

In social studies we are going to begin writing our essays on whether or not we think Hammurabi's Code was just.

Class pictures today! No school on Monday!

See you all Tuesday!

Thursday, January 12, 2012

1/12/11

Today is the day that they are going to be taking their chapter 7 test.  I feel as though they are well prepared for it and will do fine.  Yesterday we reviewed all of the documents in the DBQ.  Today when they are finished testing, they will choose a document to do an analysis on and then begin writing their essays.  I am looking forward to seeing their viewpoints on the laws of Hammurabi.

Have a great day!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

1/11/12

Today we will be reviewing for the chapter 7 test.  I have given the kids an assignment that is due on Thursday.  I will be giving them time to work on it in class and they had some time yesterday.  This assignment should help them review all of the concepts that will be on the test.  It will include solving one and two step algebraic equations as well as writing them based on information in a word problem.  The kids have been doing fairly well with the algebra stuff, so I expect that they will do well on the test as well.

In social studies we are going to be looking through the last four documents in our DBQ and discussing them.  I think the kids are going to get a kick out of some of Hammurabi's Codes and it will spark some great conversations.  I am looking forward to a great day!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

1/10/12

Well, we had a successful day yesterday.  We worked on 2-step equations, and the kids did a good job with them.  We also began our next DBQ on Hammurabi's Code.  I think the kids are going to have fun with this one.  There are some interesting laws that we get to read about and discuss.  We are going to continue the DBQ today and keep on chugging through the math standards.

Talk to all of you in the AM.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Winter Break

I hope everyone had a great winter break and a Happy New Year!   It is time to jump back into another semester of learning.

Today we are going to review writing and solving one-step equations and learn how to solve and write two-step algebraic equations.  For example:  Johnny had 2 times as many marbles and Larry.  Kate had one more marble than Johnny.  Write and equation to show how many marbles Kate has.
L = marbles Larry has
K = marbles Kate has

K = 2L + 1
If Larry has 10 marbles, how many does Kate have?
K = 2(10) + 1   Solve using the order of operations.
K = 20 + 1
K = 21

In social studies we are going to begin learning about Hammurabi's Code and determining whether or not we feel that it is just.  This is another mini-q where you will be analyzing documents to formulate your opinion and then writing a paper to support your thoughts.  We are going to go through this one in a different manner than usual and a lot faster.  We should be finished with it by the middle of next week if all goes as planned.

Can't wait to see all of you this morning!