You'll find tonight's homework logged-in here every afternoon.
PARENTS: Please ask to see your child's completed homework. This might become an evening routine (if you're not already doing it). Checking for quality -- depth and thoroughness -- with help maintain consistency.
SUMMER 2012
Dear boys and girls: I so hate to disappoint you, but you have no homework for the summer, save to play and have fun. See you in August!
June 4th-LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
THREE PROJECTS:
WEEKEND
May 31st
Puzzle Project (due Tuesday). Here is the assignment sheet.
Paper For He-Who-Cannot-Be-Named (due Wednesday). Here is the assignment sheet.
May 30th
Puzzle Project Planning!
Due next Tuesday BEFORE (hint: BEFORE) Field Day.
Here is the assignment sheet.
May 22nd-29th
NO HOMEWORK
May 21st
NO HOMEWORK (5A field trip)
WEEKEND, May 19-20th
5A: Complete reading (from handout).
5B: No Homework!
May 16th-18th
NO HOMEWORK!! Woo-hoo!
May 15th
May 14th
PETER GOSTELOW - TRANS-AFRICAN CYCLIST
Check out Peter's website.
Look for the RECENT POSTS box to the right with the pull-down menu for blog entries by month and year.
May 10th - WEEKEND May 11-13th
May 8th, 9th
STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES
Prepare as necessary.
5B: Complete planner for sections 1, 3, 5. Our notes for these sections are here.
EXTRA CREDIT
Recommend a favorite book or books to the ISM Scholastic Book Fair taking place next week. You'll find sample forms here and here. I suggest you create your own form, something attractive, using ideas from these two models.
May 7th-13th
Note: With two field trips and student-led conference upcoming this week, homework will be light. Focus on preparing for and conducting your conferences at home with your parents. Try to have the rubrics in to Mr. Jonas and I as soon as possible.
5B CONFERENCE (in the classroom)
Be prepared to focus on the following three areas in the classroom:
WEEKEND 5.5-6
Dear boys and girls: I so hate to disappoint you, but you have no homework for the summer, save to play and have fun. See you in August!
* * *
June 4th-LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
THREE PROJECTS:
NEW: Letter of Introduction (to 6th grade teachers, due Thursday). Here is the assignment sheet.
Puzzle Project (due Tuesday, a hot glue gun will be available). Here is the assignment sheet.
Paper For He-Who-Cannot-Be-Named (due Wednesday). Here is the assignment sheet.
* * *
WEEKEND
Puzzle Project (due Tuesday). Here is the assignment sheet.
Paper For He-Who-Cannot-Be-Named (due Wednesday). Here is the assignment sheet.
* * *
May 31st
Puzzle Project (due Tuesday). Here is the assignment sheet.
Paper For He-Who-Cannot-Be-Named (due Wednesday). Here is the assignment sheet.
* * *
May 30th
Puzzle Project Planning!
Due next Tuesday BEFORE (hint: BEFORE) Field Day.
Here is the assignment sheet.
* * *
May 22nd-29th
NO HOMEWORK
* * *
May 21st
NO HOMEWORK (5A field trip)
* * *
WEEKEND, May 19-20th
5A: Complete reading (from handout).
5B: No Homework!
* * *
May 16th-18th
NO HOMEWORK!! Woo-hoo!
* * *
May 15th
STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES
Prepare as necessary.
May 14th
PETER GOSTELOW - TRANS-AFRICAN CYCLIST
Check out Peter's website.
Look for the RECENT POSTS box to the right with the pull-down menu for blog entries by month and year.
* * *
May 10th - WEEKEND May 11-13th
STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES
Prepare as necessary.
EXTRA CREDIT
Recommend a favorite book or books to the ISM Scholastic Book Fair taking place next week. You'll find sample forms here and here. I suggest you create your own form, something attractive, using ideas from these two models.
* * *
May 8th, 9th
STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES
Prepare as necessary.
5B: Complete planner for sections 1, 3, 5. Our notes for these sections are here.
EXTRA CREDIT
Recommend a favorite book or books to the ISM Scholastic Book Fair taking place next week. You'll find sample forms here and here. I suggest you create your own form, something attractive, using ideas from these two models.
* * *
May 7th-13th
Note: With two field trips and student-led conference upcoming this week, homework will be light. Focus on preparing for and conducting your conferences at home with your parents. Try to have the rubrics in to Mr. Jonas and I as soon as possible.
5B CONFERENCE (in the classroom)
Be prepared to focus on the following three areas in the classroom:
PART 1: The ISM Mission
PART 3: Language Arts (reading & writing)
PART 5: Project Work
Remember: I will need to shift around among families and cannot be with you for the entirety of your conference. I'll sit-in as time permits.
* * *
WEEKEND 5.5-6
STUDENT-LED CONFERENCE PLANNER
Final drafts due Monday, May 7th (with the exception of the project & writing reflection which we will complete on Tuesday).
* * *
May 3rd
STUDENT-LED CONFERENCE PLANNER
Final drafts due Monday, May 7th.
VIDEO PROJECT: JOURNAL
Let's begin digging into the song lyrics now. Think about and respond to the following questions:
5A
1. Nora Jones writes:
Well the man in there swings while
the silliest things, floppin around in my brain.
And I try not to dream but them possible
schemes, swim around, wanna drown me in synch.
What do you suppose she's talking about? Remember, she's a songwriter/performer. Google the word synch for a definition.
5B
1. Avril Lavigne writes:
How does it feel, to be different from me?
Are we the same?
How does it feel, to be different from me?
Are we the same?
How does it feel?
What do these lyrics mean? What might they mean? Have you ever felt this this way? Explain.
* * *
May 2nd
FIELD TRIP PERMISSION FORMS
Due tomorrow!!
STUDENT-LED CONFERENCE PLANNER
Final drafts due Friday, May 4th.
VIDEO PROJECT: JOURNAL
Let's begin digging into the song lyrics now. Think about and respond to the following questions:
5A
1. Nora Jones writes:
In your message you said, you were goin'
to bed, but I'm not done with the night.
So I stayed up and read, but your words
in my head, got me mixed up so I turned out the light.
Imagine that a friend in 5th grade just sent you an email and wrote these two sentences. What might be going on with your friend? Thoughts/ideas/guesses?
2. Nora goes on to write:
And I, don't know how to slow it down.
My mind's racing from chasing
pirates.
What is it that she wants to slow down? Why do you suppose her mind is racing? What could she mean by chasing pirates? Thoughts/ideas/guesses?
5B
1. Avril Lavigne writes:
I'm not afraid of anything
I just need to know that I can breathe
I don't need much of anything
Imagine that a friend in 5th grade just sent you an email and wrote these two sentences. What might be going on with your friend? Thoughts/ideas/guesses?
2. Avril goes on to write:
I'm young, and I am free
But I get tired, and I get weak
I get lost, and I can't sleep
If this was written by someone your age, what might be making them feel tired and weak? Why might they feel lost? Why might they be unable to sleep? Thoughts/ideas/guesses?
* * *
Mae 1st (or is it May . . .)
STUDENT-LED CONFERENCE PLANNER
Final drafts due Friday, May 4th.
JOURNAL
1. Why do artists create works of art? What motivates a painter to create a painting, or a choreographer to create a dance performance, or a songwriter to write a song? Describe at least three motivations, with examples.
2. Read over the lyrics of the song your homeroom will be working with (in GoogleDocs). What do you suppose was the motivation of the artist to compose those lyrics? What's your guess? Explain.
2. Read over the lyrics of the song your homeroom will be working with (in GoogleDocs). What do you suppose was the motivation of the artist to compose those lyrics? What's your guess? Explain.
5A lyrics (Nora Jones, Chasing Pirates)
5B lyrics (Avril Lavigne, How Does It Feel?)
3. Listen to the song that we'll be working with in your homeroom. Listen to it several times. Then read the lyrics to the song. Question: How might we divide the song into parts? Describe your ideas.
5A song (Nora Jones, Chasing Pirates)
5B song (Avril Lavigne, How Does It Feel?) <-- changed!
* * *
STUDENT-LED CONFERENCE PLANNER
Final drafts due Friday, May 4th.
* * *
WEEKEND 4.28-29
EXPLORER PROJECT
Projects due Monday, April 30th.
STUDENT-LED CONFERENCE PLANNER
Rough drafts due Monday (final drafts due Monday, May 7th).
STAR TEST (Optional)
For STAR Test practice questions see links on BOT.
* * *
4.23 - 27
EXPLORER PROJECT
Continue independent work. (Note the assignment form here.) Projects due Monday, April 30th.
STUDENT-LED CONFERENCE PLANNER
Begin work on your planner. Download or make a copy of it from GoogleDocs here. A copy was also sent as an attachment to your family in my weekend Class Update.
STAR TEST (Optional)
For STAR Test practice questions see links on BOT.
* * *
WEEKEND 4.21-22
EXPLORER PROJECT
Continue independent work. (Note the assignment form here.)
All preliminary research is to be completed by Monday, along with drafts of slides completed on paper (or PowerPoint/Prezi/GoogleDocs). Next week should focus on bringing your project all together, and following-up on any final questions.
Make this you finest project for the school year! All work due Monday, April 30th.
* * *
4.16-20
EXPLORER PROJECT
Continue independent work. (Note the assignment form here.) All research is to be completed by next Monday, along with drafts of slides completed on paper (or PowerPoint/Prezi/GoogleDocs). Make this you finest project for the school year! Do good work.
* * *
WEEKEND 4.14-15
EXPLORER PROJECT
Continue independent work. (Note the assignment form here.) Make this you finest project for the school year! Do good work.
OPINION PAPER
* * *
4.12
EXPLORER PROJECT
Continue independent work. (Note the assignment form here.) Make this you finest project for the school year! Do good work.
OPINION PAPER
* * *
4.11
JOURNAL WRITE
This assignment is continued from class. My PowerPoint is here. Complete/share on GoogleDocs.
1. How are you smart?
Why do you think so? What is your evidence?
2. Does the way you're smart influence what you'll explore?
HINT: Think back to Bill Gates, Mozart, Einstein, & the Zeidbergs.
EXPLORER PROJECT
Continue independent work. (Note the assignment form here.) Make this you finest project for the school year! Do good work.
OPINION PAPER
* * *
4.10
EXPLORER PROJECT
Continue independent work. (Note the assignment form here.) Make this you finest project for the school year! Do good work.
OPINION PAPER
* * *
4.9
DISTANT LANDS
Have resources ready for reading for tomorrow's first DEAR period.
OPINION PAPER
Complete planner and first paragraph (which will be shared tomorrow in class). You may share a Google Document with me, and I'll print it for you. My two model papers are here, and the list of arguments we brainstormed are here.
* * *
4.6-8 WEEKEND HOMEWORK (due Monday, and on-going)
Complete a search for books/articles/websites for your explorer. You might go to your local library and speak with the Reference Librarian. Completing an internet search for articles. Print them, and store them in a folder. In the next few weeks, we'll have 3 extended DEAR periods, giving you time to read, highlight, and record notes in class.
We are approaching the end of the school year. Do you very best, top-end work. You are responsible for contacting me if you're unable to find useful resources.
* * *
4.5
JOURNAL WRITE (complete/share on GoogleDocs, or handwritten)
Sometimes we notice behaviors in children that indicate that they may become explorers in whatever profession they may choose, be it in science, technology, business, or whatever. What are some of these behaviors? Describe what they might look like (at school and home)?
EDITING EXERCISE
Completed the editing handout. Don't recopy it. Just edit on the handout. Using editing marks is optional.
* * *
4.4
JOURNAL WRITE (complete/share on GoogleDocs, or handwritten)
Question: Why do people explore? What are the motivations?
One way to answer this question is by googling the phrases "why do people explore" and "motivations for exploration." Do this search. Read a selection of the articles that come up. Share what you learn in writing.
EDITING EXERCISE
Completed the editing handout. Don't recopy it. Just edit on the handout. Using editing marks is optional.
* * *
4.3
JOURNAL WRITE (complete/share on GoogleDocs, or handwritten)
Respond to the follow two questions:
1. What do you think is the difference between looking, searching and exploring?
Explain with examples.
2. Some (but not all) explorers are also adventurers. Do you agree? Explain with examples.
EDITING EXERCISE
Completed the editing handout, as described in class.
* * *
4.2
NO HOMEWORK.
Recommended: Go to your local library (or begin an internet search) and find a biography/ies about your chosen explorer. Remember: We'll be doing DEAR more often over the next few weeks, giving you time to read about your explorer in class. (If you don't have your own book, I'll be assigning you to read one of mine.)
The Explorer's Project is due in 4 weeks, April 30th, with details forthcoming.
* * *
SPRING BREAK
OPTIONAL: Explorer Project Prep. See blog. I welcome your questions.
* * *
3.15
WRITING
Final drafts due tomorrow, Friday.
* * *
3.14
WRITING
Complete revised draft of the opinion paper. Focus on organization, using the planner and my model as guides. Due Thursday. We'll edit for spelling, punctuation, capitalization, etc., tomorrow.
* * *
3.13
WRITING
Complete rough draft, opinion paper. Due Wednesday.
* * *
3.12
WORLDLY CURIOSITY (all)
Discuss explorer candidates with your family. Be prepared to share your ideas with me.
For those of you who have selected your explorer (and checked with me), begin searching for resources (especially biographies from your local library).
5A only: Complete Morning Girl reflection handout. Due Tuesday.
* * *
3.9 & WEEKEND -- RECOMMENDED (but not required)
WORLDLY CURIOSITY
Begin searching for explorer candidates.
It's pretty easy to find lists of explorers. I've had great success using keywords such as "explorers North America" or "famous scientists" or "famous naturalists" or "famous writers".
Avoid choosing one and only one. Keep your list open, and aim for a number of possible candidates. I STRONGLY recommend that you discuss all this with your family. Invite their input and insight.
Email me your ideas. It's important for two reasons: First, I'd like to keep a running list of all projects, avoiding duplication (my goal is to have 50 students investigating 50 different explorers); and I'd like to be sure you will be able to find helpful resources (like a readable biography/ies).
As your time and interest permit, head to your local library, and check for resources on your explorer-candidates.
Of course, it's best if your GENUINELY INTERESTED and enjoying the process, rather than feeling burdened by someone making you complete another assignment. Choose thoughtfully; choose carefully; consult with your parents.
* * *
3.8
WORLDLY CURIOSITY
Complete handout. Due tomorrow.
Respond to the following questions electronically, or on lined paper. Do not rewrite the questions.
1. What do you think is the meaning of the word explore? What is a person actually doing when they explore? Make a list of synonyms for the word explore. Come up with at least 10 words. (You may use resources – the internet/parents/thesaurus to help you.)
2. What kinds of things do people explore? Make a list. Once you’ve completed your list, see how the ideas connect to each other, and how they might be organized into categories. Explain your thinking.
3. Are all explorers also adventurers? Are all adventurers also explorers? Do all explorers make discoveries? What are your thoughts about these ideas?
4. Discoveries often lead to a new understanding of the world, or how the world works. Do you agree? Support your answer with three examples.
EXTRA CREDIT
Use wordle to create a word map for explore. You’ll find wordle at http://www.wordle.net/
* * *
3.6/7
No Homework (so students can focus on science presentations)
* * *
WEEKEND 3.3/4
No Homework
* * *
2.29/3.1
ARTIST & THE ARTIFACTS
Complete reflection (due Friday)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ih6yVV3Isus&feature=related&noredirect=1
