Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Wednesday in ELA
Slowly but surely, we are getting into the groove. Today was the first day that we were able to run through the program and hit almost all our requirements of the day. That means we are getting faster at doing our routine and that is a good thing... especially considering we are on day 13 of school... So I am happy with the progress... we still have to get moving a bit faster, but we are getting there day by day!
In ELA we read Chapter 8 with a focus of character traits and how character's actions reveal their motivation. After reading Chapter 8, we broke into groups. I met with my small groups of the day and others worked on identifying character traits and motivations using a graphic organizer and then did independent reading.
Our writing focus was to continue to work with narrative writing techniques. Our focus was still character traits and revealing a characters motivation through their actions and thoughts. Students were asked to add a new scene to their narrative where they had to react to a student walking up and saying something really mean to a student they were giving a tour of the school to. How would they react? What would they say? What would they do? Show it through your writing, don't just tell me.
Finally, we looked at the cover pages for our first unit in Social Studies which is about Geography. We then read and discussed the first two pages (10-11). We discussed the new vocabulary and how we will be studying the geography, people, and history of the Western Hemisphere (USA, CANADA, MEXICO, BRAZIL, and a CARIBBEAN ISLAND. The students really seemed to enjoy the first day of talking about geography!
Homework:
In ELA we read Chapter 8 with a focus of character traits and how character's actions reveal their motivation. After reading Chapter 8, we broke into groups. I met with my small groups of the day and others worked on identifying character traits and motivations using a graphic organizer and then did independent reading.
Our writing focus was to continue to work with narrative writing techniques. Our focus was still character traits and revealing a characters motivation through their actions and thoughts. Students were asked to add a new scene to their narrative where they had to react to a student walking up and saying something really mean to a student they were giving a tour of the school to. How would they react? What would they say? What would they do? Show it through your writing, don't just tell me.
Finally, we looked at the cover pages for our first unit in Social Studies which is about Geography. We then read and discussed the first two pages (10-11). We discussed the new vocabulary and how we will be studying the geography, people, and history of the Western Hemisphere (USA, CANADA, MEXICO, BRAZIL, and a CARIBBEAN ISLAND. The students really seemed to enjoy the first day of talking about geography!
Homework:
- Read first article in packet for third time, do third practice page (check tomorrow)
- Read for 30-40 minutes, fill out summary and reflection in RRJ
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Tuesday in ELA
I am excited to announce that we had a donorschoose.org project funded over the summer and because of that both of my ELA classes are lucky enough to get Time for Kids! We will be doing them as small group reading and whole group so make sure you look for them.
Homework:
- Reread the first text, do work page #2 (will discuss in class on Wed.)
- Read for 30 minutes, Summary and Reflection in RRJ
Monday, September 25, 2017
Long Weekend... We're back!
Monday Monday!
After collecting homework, I was shocked to see how many students "left it at home" or "forgot" or had another excuse for not doing their homework packet.
After collecting homework, I was shocked to see how many students "left it at home" or "forgot" or had another excuse for not doing their homework packet.
- Parents:
- Homework packets go out on Monday and are due back Friday. We go over one page each day so that by Thursday, they can do the last pages on their own for their weekly homework grade. If we are not in school on Friday - the packet is due on Monday.
- Each night (Monday - Friday) students are to read their independent reading books for no less than 30 minutes. If they read more, great! The more you read, discuss, and reflect, the more you grow. After reading, each night, they are to write a summary of their reading and then reflect on it. ONE PAGE should be added to their RRJ (Reading Response Journal) each night. Please check each night. Below is an example of what they should be doing each night.
Classwork:
Today we read Chapter 6 with a focus of looking at theme, using context clues to understand words and phrases in text, and looking at plot development. Today we started to see that the main character BEN is starting to change. Being able to discuss how the character changes and show examples and explain them is what we are looking for.
Students also had 30 minutes of independent reading time to work on their own level book. During that time, we pulled small reading groups to work on things like main idea, summarizing, and paraphrasing.
In writing we are developing a scene of what it would be like to walk a student around PS8 who was "unique" like the character in our class novel "WONDER". I want students to SHOW me instead of tell me.
Homework:
Read text, work on first page of packet (will go over on Tuesday)
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Chapter 1
Dear Family,
Throughout the next few weeks, our math class will be learning about place value, number properties, and numerical expressions. We will also learn to multiply by 1- and 2-digit whole numbers. You can expect to see homework that requires students to write and evaluate numerical expressions
*Activity *You can write numerical expressions to describe situations around the house. For example, “We bought a case of 24 water bottles and have used 13 bottles. What expression shows how many are left?” can be represented by the expression 24 − 13.
Querida familia,
Durante las próximas semanas, en la clase de matemáticas aprenderemos sobre el valor de posición, las propiedades de los números y las expresiones numéricas. También aprenderemos a multiplicar números enteros por uno y dos dígitos. Llevaré a la casa tareas con actividades para practicar la escritura y evaluación de expresiones numéricas. Este es un ejemplo de la manera en que evaluaremos expresiones numéricas.
*Actividad* Pueden escribir expresiones numéricas para representar cosas que suceden en la casa. Por ejemplo, “Compramos una caja de 24 botellas de agua y usamos 13 botellas. ¿Qué expresión muestra cuántas botellas quedan?”, se puede representar con 24 − 13.
Ms. Cruz
Throughout the next few weeks, our math class will be learning about place value, number properties, and numerical expressions. We will also learn to multiply by 1- and 2-digit whole numbers. You can expect to see homework that requires students to write and evaluate numerical expressions
*Activity *You can write numerical expressions to describe situations around the house. For example, “We bought a case of 24 water bottles and have used 13 bottles. What expression shows how many are left?” can be represented by the expression 24 − 13.
Querida familia,
Durante las próximas semanas, en la clase de matemáticas aprenderemos sobre el valor de posición, las propiedades de los números y las expresiones numéricas. También aprenderemos a multiplicar números enteros por uno y dos dígitos. Llevaré a la casa tareas con actividades para practicar la escritura y evaluación de expresiones numéricas. Este es un ejemplo de la manera en que evaluaremos expresiones numéricas.
*Actividad* Pueden escribir expresiones numéricas para representar cosas que suceden en la casa. Por ejemplo, “Compramos una caja de 24 botellas de agua y usamos 13 botellas. ¿Qué expresión muestra cuántas botellas quedan?”, se puede representar con 24 − 13.
Ms. Cruz
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Back 2 Cool!
Dear
Parents:
I am looking forward to the upcoming 2017-18 academic year. I am excited to begin working with your children to help them achieve their full potential not only as scholars, but by helping them become lifelong learners.
This year will be packed full of learning experiences and fun adventures that no one will want to miss out on!
I have very high expectations for the academic school year, and I am devoted to helping your child succeed!
I believe that all students are unique and capable of learning.Your child will also begin to prepare for the New York State Exams in the areas of English Language Arts and Math.That means that your child must dedicate time to his/her schoolwork to be better prepared and to achieve great success in these subjects areas.
I want your child to be happy and successful at PS. 08 and believe that as their parents, you play a key role.
I encourage you to contact me if you have any questions or concerns throughout the year. You can send mean e-mail at dcruz18@schools.nyc.gov a written note with your child, or call me at (212) 928-4364.
I am thrilled to be working with your child this year and I cannot wait to see all of the amazing achievements this year brings!
Warmly,
Ms. Cruz
I am looking forward to the upcoming 2017-18 academic year. I am excited to begin working with your children to help them achieve their full potential not only as scholars, but by helping them become lifelong learners.
This year will be packed full of learning experiences and fun adventures that no one will want to miss out on!
I have very high expectations for the academic school year, and I am devoted to helping your child succeed!
I believe that all students are unique and capable of learning.Your child will also begin to prepare for the New York State Exams in the areas of English Language Arts and Math.That means that your child must dedicate time to his/her schoolwork to be better prepared and to achieve great success in these subjects areas.
I want your child to be happy and successful at PS. 08 and believe that as their parents, you play a key role.
I encourage you to contact me if you have any questions or concerns throughout the year. You can send mean e-mail at dcruz18@schools.nyc.gov a written note with your child, or call me at (212) 928-4364.
I am thrilled to be working with your child this year and I cannot wait to see all of the amazing achievements this year brings!
Warmly,
Ms. Cruz
Thursday, September 7, 2017
Welcome Back!!!
I am so pleased to announce that the fifth grade team:
Class 501: Ms. Cruz
Class 502: Ms. Avalos, Mr. McDougall,
Class 530: Ms. Mirabal
Class 383: Ms. Hall
The first day was a great success!
We went over policies and procedures and had fun getting to know each other.
Homework:
There are many forms that must be returned:
- Blue Cards
- Walking Permission Slips
- Behavior Contract
- Lunch Forms
- Photo/Video Permission
- Mr. McDougall's Information Sheet
I know it is a lot all at once, but please sit down and take the time to fill them all out and get them returned ASAP.
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