...After Labor Day

Wow - 2 full weeks of school down!  Things are going well.  5th graders continue to learn where to be and when.  We continue to strive to get a little quicker at our lockers and off to class.  No worries - it will happen.

We have had our first social studies test and are on well on the way to finishing the read aloud novels in literature.

Here are some upcoming events and notes to know.

I have handed back the student's social studies tests.  They should bring them home and go over them with you.  We have talked about my correction policy.  Please look on this blog under social studies for an understanding of this policy.  There is a  great opportunity for students to make corrections on their tests and improve their grade.

We have begun chapter 2 in social studies focusing on Native Americans.  During this chapter we will complete our first group research and presentation.  Check back with the blog in a week for those directions.

5th grade literature:  We will be finished reading Maniac Magee next week.  We are using this novel to learn the elements of literature and practice completing reaction journals, comprehension questions and vocabulary.  Much of this work we are beginning and completing together in class.
There will be a final test for Maniac Magee.  I will notify you when the study guide comes home.

After we finish this novel, we will be doing a literature set.  There will be 4 available books in 5th grade for students to read.  They will choose 1 book.  I will post the books under Language Arts and a great website if you would like to look at a review of the books.  I also have copies available if you want to check out a book before your student makes the choice.
We will read these novels and incorporate all the elements we used while reading Maniac Magee.

6th grade literature:  We continue to read The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by AVI.  The students are so engaged in this awesome novel.  We are using it to explore the literary elements of setting, characters and plot.  We will investigate theme and symbolism as well.
We have completed reaction journals, comprehension questions and vocabulary.

This novel will springboard us into a class literature set.  There will be 4 books to choose from.  I read several of these books this summer and am excited about their content.  I will post the books on this blog under 6 lit and a website that allows you to look at a review.  Or you may borrow a copy of a book from me to look at.

I hope to see everyone Tuesday, September 2nd at Taste of Middle School.  I will have a syllabus for the year for each class I teach available and will go over some basic information.