Haiku Review: Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

by Jeff Kinney
[grades 3-6]

Are you a fan of this series? If so, who is your favorite character?

Fraction Action!

Stuff we've learned about fractions...

The denominator is on de-bottom.

Pizza is good.

A fraction means...

When multiplying fractions...

When multiplying a fraction by a whole number...

Improper fractions have big heads and poor manners.

Mixed numbers are confused.

Proper fractions do volunteer work.

Ninjas like math.

Today in class we learned the difference between a proper fraction, an improper fraction, and a mixed fraction (or mixed number). 

We also practiced simplifying fractions and turning an improper fraction into a mixed number. If you missed it, be sure and watch the recording and send Mrs. Sol your Quick Check before Friday. 

Here is a look at this week's notebook pages...

Make sure you have the "I Can" statement written down correctly and the vocab cards glued in. 

Here's the Quick Check, if needed!

[click on any picture to enlarge it]

Now, where can I get 3/4 of a chocolate cake?

A Novel Idea

In Literature this year, you will notice four "Choose a Novel" units. These units give students the opportunity to choose a novel from a list. As they read, students complete online comprehension questions every 2-3 chapters. In order to make these assignments more enjoyable for avid readers and for the creative kids out there, I've decided to offer another choice.

You can either complete the online lessons as you read each novel OR you can create a book report project when you are done with each book. When you turn in your final project, I will grade it. If you get a 80% or higher, I will mark the entire "Choose a Novel" unit complete. That way, you can read your novel of choice independently (in the car, before bed, etc.) while working on your other Language Arts lessons during your school day. 

You will still read four chapter books this school year to complete the Literature course. Two must be from the K12 Novels List and two can be any chapter book that you choose. Just make sure it's interesting and at your reading level (not too easy or too hard). You can complete the projects any time between now and June. If you want to do book reports for a couple of the novels and then do the others online, that's fine! You can pick and choose. Click here for tips on how to P.I.C.K. a book that's right for you!

BOOK REPORT PROJECT:

Choose a project. Make sure it includes the following information. Each category is worth 5 points (5 x 9 = 45 total points possible). Your project must be neatly done and easy to read. Extra credit will be given for additional items and creativity. Don’t forget your name!

 Book Title & Author

The Setting of the Story

Favorite Character

An Important Event

A Memorable Quote

Would you recommend the book to a friend? Why?

Your Book Rating

A problem in the story, and its solution.

Include colorful images that relate to the story.

Choose one...

Book Reflection Sheet

Fill in the Book Reflection sheet. Make sure it is neat, colorful, complete and creative!

(click here for a printable version)

Slide Show Presentation

Create a presentation using Power Point or Key Note. Include a title slide with your name.

Glogster

Go to edu.glogster.com. Choose “Create a Glog.” Design a poster for your novel. Add images to bring your poster to life. Send your final Glog link to Mrs. Sol.

Movie

Create a short movie or book trailer with all of the information listed above. Upload it to You Tube or send the file to Mrs. Sol.

Prezi

Create an animated presentation using Prezi. Send the link to Mrs. Sol. Click on the Prezi below to see how it works.

Song, Rap or Poem

Write a song, rap or poem that includes the nine items listed above. Record your masterpiece on You Tube, Vocaroo (or create an audio file) and send the link to Mrs. Sol.

Diorama

Create a diorama of your novel and send Mrs. Sol photos of it. Bonus points if you’re in the picture dressed as a character!

Other Awesome Idea

Your choice! Present the information in a way not listed above. Write a play, use digital media, make a scrapbook, write a letter, create a collage, etc. Just make sure you include all 9 items listed at the top of this page.

...and please don't turn in a book report on your favorite movie.

That would be a movie report. ;)

Happy Reading!

Multiplying Fractions

Thank you for entertaining me with your Cookie Monster impersonations yesterday. Hee hee. I knew you were good at math... but those grumbly voices were quite impressive too!

Me think you are funny.

So, now we are moving on to fractions. You will build on skills you learned in the past. First stop is multiplying fractions. Here is a video that I find very helpful and I think that you will too.

The completed 5.NF.4 notebook pages are shown below. You can use these images to make sure your notebook is complete. Next week we will add more information. 

If you are new, or if you missed a week, check our classroom website. All of the printable pages are there!

[click on an image to enlarge]

Whether you are a fraction expert or you need a little extra practice, 

these lessons and games will come in handy...

Multiplying Fractions

Multiplying Fractions with Whole and Mixed Numbers

Soccer Shootout

Multiply Fractions and Whole Numbers Practice


Here's the Quick Check for this week's lesson too!

See y'all soon!

Happy Hierarchies

hi·er·ar·chy

ˈhī(ə)rärkē/

noun

1. a system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority.

As we learned in math class yesterday, a hierarchy in geometry is very similar to the definition above. Except instead of talking about people (like military ranks), we are classifying shapes based on their properties. You start with a broad category at the top of the chart, like "Polygons." As you add branches, you split off to define specific properties of shapes. 

Here is the example we used in our math notebooks. In the chart below, "Quadrilaterals" is at the top of the hierarchy. As you branch off from that general term, you get more and more specific. I enlarged the chart on this page, so you can use it to complete your math notebook page, if needed.

Here is another hierarchy chart I found online. I know how you like happy shapes, so you may want to add this chart to your math notebook. That's what I'm going to do! Click on the image for a printable version. Thanks Ms. BBZ!

Awwwww... Such a cute and happy polygon family!

Here are four fun and interesting math resources that have to do with this week's math concept.

Quadrilateral Shape Game

Exploring Shape Classification

Quadrilateral Hierarchy Diagram Activity

5.G.4 Video Lesson

If you did not complete this week's Quick Check, please send me the answers to the 3 questions below by Friday, October 17. 

Click here for a few flashcards to help you remember the geometry vocabulary you learned in Chapter 2 and in Class Connect. 

Now, on to fractions!

Classifying Polygons

Hey kids!

This week we are continuing our study of polygons in math class. If you need a refresher as to what a quadrilateral is, check out this movie. I apologize in advance if it gets stuck in your head for, like, ever.

Woooaaahhh...Woooaaahhh... Quad-ri-later-als... Quad-ri-later-als...

During our last class we learned some important vocabulary words we could use to describe a polygon:

Plane, parallelogram, congruent, quadrilateral

to name a few.

Below you will find  our lovely Polygon Brainstorm.

As with all images on this site, click on the picture for a larger view.

Now, we will take the info we already have in our brains (and notebooks), and learn to classify polygons. Here are a few images to help you get started. 

This chart shows the hierarchy of Quadrilaterals. Cut out the shape names and glue them in the correct spot. When you are done, your hierarchy chart should make sense as you follow the branches. 

Our 5.G.3 notebook pages include vocabulary words and three handy charts. You may need several pages to fit all of the information. Check your k-mail for printable pages! Take a look at my notebook pages (above) to make sure you have everything you need. 

Check back for more info, movies and games related to Classifying Polygons after today's Class Connect!

Math Dojo

Hey Math Ninjas!

If you need help with math this year...

Send me a k-mail and tell me what concept is giving you trouble.

I will reply with helpful resources, like tutorials, games and movies.

I will send you clever math songs that will get stuck in your head. FOREVER.

Right, Jaelynn?

If you still need help, join me on Thursdays in Class Connect.

We'll talk about math.

We'll solve problems.

We'll be awesome and work together, like this...

[Awesomeness by Mrs. Sol & Bryson D.]

It will be our very own math dojo.

 Ninja!

Haiku Review: Henry Huggins

Henry Huggins

by Beverly Cleary

[grades 3-5]

What's your favorite Beverly Cleary book?

One more for the road...

Nice job on division this week. Here is your reward!

First you must divide, then you multiply and sub-tra-act!

Happy October!

Here is our October class calendar!

Check your k-mail for a printable version (with field trip info).

[click image to enlarge]

What's your favorite thing about October?