OOPS!

Dear Jewels,

I know I told you to check the blog for the answers to the Holiday Math problems, but my copy was left at school, and I don't have a key.  I apologize.  If I get there before school starts, and I plan to, I will get  my copy and post answers. 

I hope all of you and your families are having a great break!  Madison and I are enjoying ours.  We are playing games and watching late-night television!  We even made popcorn the old-fashioned way last night.  We used the kernels from a bag and cooked them on top of the stove.  It was great.  It was also funny when we realized we poured more than we needed.  The popcorn started spilling out from between the pan and its lid!

I can't wait to see you next year!

Ms. Jacobs

Have a great Christmas break.  See you next year.

Students finish nine-weeks tests in math, language arts

In math we finished our nine-weeks test. Tomorrow a sheet will be coming home with a few math problems.  There is a date on each one and after your child has done the problem, he/she may check the blog for the correct answer.  If he/she returns the assignment after Christmas break, he/she will receive a little treat.

We took our 9 weeks language arts test, and I was very happy with the results!  Most did very well.

Have a great evening!

Party tomorrow.  I have one container of cookies so farJ

Students take nine-weeks math test

We took our nine weeks test in math and it took up all of our homeroom time today.  It is such a long test and I do not want them to feel rushed. 

Our party is Wednesday.  We are still in need of paper goods and various snacks.  Thank you to those who sent their money today!



If you haven't sent money for our Christmas party, please send it tomorrow!



Students review for upcoming math test

In math we reviewed for our test next week. 

We took our spelling tests today.

In language we wrote 9 sentences, using a specific rule for each. 

We are still in need of paper goods and things for party.  Some brought their money today for the party.  Thank you.

Today in sixth grade: fractions, reciprocals, pronouns, antecedents, spelling ... and a party to come

In math we divided fractions and mixed numbers today.  We also discussed what reciprocal meant.  Your child’s assignments are WB 92-evens plus #21 and WB 94-evens plus #13.

In language we worked more with pronouns (possessive, subject, and object).  We also practiced finding the antecedents.

Text book spellers had to match the word to the correct sentence.  The Word Skills people did pages 137-138.

Notes about our Christmas party next week came home.  If your child has prepaid for the year, then he/she only needs to bring $1 to cover cost of prizes.  If not, he/she needs to bring $3.  All that will be provided is pizza, so your child may bring an individual drink.  You may also send chips, dip, cookies, or anything else you would like.  Thank you, in advance!

Great day of learning for 6th graders!

In math we continued multiplying fractions but added mixed numbers. The only difference is that we had to add a step. Before the mixed numbers can be multiplied, they must first be put into improper fractions. Their assignment for today was to do page 90 in the workbook, all problems.

For writing and spelling we had a special lesson today on expository writing. We looked also at other types of writing -- story, narrative, poetry. We looked at one of author Jerry Pallotta’s books to show an example expository writing. In the middle of the lesson the author, Mr. Pallotta, called our class. He was glad to see that his book could be used in the 6^th grade. He is also sending us a copy of his book that isn’t coming out until January!

Watch for a note that will be coming home about next week’s Christmas party.

Have a great Wednesday evening!

A full day of learning in sixth grade

In math we multiplied fractions.  We first did some examples together, then we had races with individual dry erase boards (in groups).  Our final assignment was WB page 88, evens plus #19.

I offered an extra credit opportunity in math today.  It's due Friday, and it won't be accepted after that due-date.

In spelling the Word Skills’ group did pages 133-136, which included reading a story and answering given questions.  The text group people had a page from Spelling City.

In language, we reviewed rules for using commas.  We then went over sentences that needed commas and decided which rule applied to each sentence.  We also worked with antecedents and pronouns.

Have a great evening with your family.

Classes work in computer lab

Today was my turn to take all the classes to computer lab so that we could do a math and reading lesson.  It is good for the children to get in these lessons, but it sure makes it a long dayJ

In spelling we started our new lists.  If your child is in the text spelling his/her words are on Spelling City.

In language we worked with commas and added some of the rules and examples to our folders.

Our STUCO announced that next week we will have a special week.  Monday will be Pajama Day, Tuesday will be Who Day (wear your hair like the Whos), and Wednesday is Christmas Day (wear your Christmas things).

Have a great day!

Tell my students that I missed them today and that I am looking forward to being back in the classroom on Monday!

Ms. Jacobs

Students work on estimating and rounding fractions

In math we worked with estimating/rounding fractions. We discussed two different ways and how to choose the one that best fits a problem.

In spelling some took their tests today. The text book group did a sentence matching activity from Spellingcity.com.

In language each child presented his/her favorite game and answered questions.

Tomorrow I have personal business in Enid. Hopefully it will be the last time I have to attend to this. Please remind your child how important it is to be on his/her better-than-best behavior for the substitute.

Have a great Thursday!

Sixth graders develop skills in math, spelling, and writing

In math we continued working with adding and subtracting fractions.  Today we threw in mixed numbers.  They seemed to do well.  The only one that we had to really go over several times was when one of the numbers was a whole number. 

An example:  5 – 3 ½.  The 5 has to be changed into a mixed number: 4 2/2, then the problem can be solved. 

But as a whole they seemed to grasp today’s lesson.

In spelling we did 128-139 in Word Skills.  For the other group we made a chart, labeled each of the 3 sections, and then wrote each spelling word where it belonged according to the number of syllables.

In language we continued working on writing to explain.  Your child had to choose a game (school-appropriate) and then write what was needed, how to play it, and the objective of the game.  We have been getting in front of the class and explaining math problems and other things.  What the children are seeing is that sometimes it isn’t as easy as it seems.

Have a great Wednesday!

Sixth graders put in another busy day of learning

In math we worked with adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. Again, this lesson showed us how knowing how to get the least common multiple helped us in solving for these problems, as today we had to find the least common denominator. Your child’s assignment for today is WB 82, all problems. We did two on this page together. We used scrap paper and dry erase boards to work the ones on page 81.

In spelling some did word skills pages 123-126, with part of it being a story to read. And the other group did page 55 in the text. I typed it up and printed it off, as it seemed easier for them to do it this way.

In language we did an oral language activity. Since we need to be able to do expository writing, it is important to be able to explain or give directions orally. The reason for this is because we write as we speak. We got back-to-back with a partner. Each person in each group had the same items. They then took turns making something out of the given items, and explained to his/her partner how to make the same item. Then they checked. The objective was to give such good instructions that the other person ended up with the same thing.

Next Monday the cookie dough orders will be in. A note is coming home Thursday with the times they need to be picked up.

Have a terrific Tuesday!

6th graders work with adding fractions

We checked our Friday’s math today, and they seemed to think they have adding and subtracting fractions with the same denominators under control. Tomorrow we will try it with unlike denominators!

In spelling I have changed things up a bit. Just as when a person buys a pair of shoes, he/she looks for a pair that is a perfect fit. That is how I choose to do my spelling, as well. The spelling we switched to fit some perfectly, and others not so much. So from now on there will be two different lists. If I see the need I will add another list. Your child knows which one he/she is on.

In language we discussed reflexive pronouns, as well as worked with some confusing ones.

We are having a toy drive for the less fortunate. It was announced in Rise ‘n Shine this morning. Your child will receive 5 tickets for bringing a toy for the drive.

Have a great Monday!

Progress reports sent home

Your child’s 5 week progress report came home today rather than yesterday, as my sub didn’t remember to hand out the rest of the items in the tray. You may see that some of the grades went down in math. If your child is missing an assignment he/she either turned it in late or not at all. I have some late papers I still need to grade this weekend so if they are in, their grade will be updated. We worked with adding fractions with the same denominator.

In spelling we took our test.

I had such a good report from the sub yesterday that we took time out and did some Christmas art.

Have a great weekend!

I was out of class today at a math workshop for teachers.  Can wait to be back with my Jewels tomorrow!

Revisiting some math concepts

In math we revisited the GCF (greatest common factor) and the LCM (least common multiple).

It was clear after a night of grading that many of us are getting the two confused. We only had 11 problems for an assignment today. Those who worked and used their time well were able to get it done in class. Also, I have found that when there is a sub, some of the students don’t do the work. For those that turned in his/her Monday’s assignment received 10 points added to his/her score.

In language and spelling we had a surprise lesson with Mrs. Troyer.

Have a great Wednesday.

Students begin to work on rounding fractions

It was nice being back. Although, I am still not feeling 100% like myself, I do feel better.

In math we started chapter 5, which begins with rounding fractions. We discussed what we already know about rounding and showed how the same rules could be used in rounding fractions. I gave those who didn’t do well on the chapter 4 test a chance to take another test over the same chapter. Some chose to keep original grade.

In spelling we continued with lesson 9 words in Wordskills. We did pages 112-115. It sounds like a lot, but two of the pages had a story that had to be read.

In language we showed how to ignore prepositional phrases between subjects and verbs so that we could still pick out the correct verb.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving break with your families!

I had some kind of post-Thanksgiving virus today.  Tell my Jewels I am hoping to make it to school tomorrow.

A day of music practice for 6th graders

With our program tomorrow, we had music practice for the most part of the day. Many had to be reminded to be quiet when it wasn’t his/her time to sing or talk. I hope we remember that tomorrow.

Tomorrow will be another crazy day, as well as the last day for book orders.  Note the book order icon in the column to the right.  You can click on that and be taken right to the order form.

Have a great Monday evening.

6th graders take tests in math and spelling today

We took chapter 4 test in math today.  Next week we will do some review math but will not be starting a new chapter.

In language we are still working on our stories over music. 

In spelling we also took a test.

Have a great weekend!

Coordinate pairs -- they're easy!

In math today we worked with coordinate pairs, and almost everyone seemed to enjoy this.  They kept saying how easy it was.  That is always good to hear, but something I don’t hear very often.  We will have a test over chapter 4 tomorrow.

In writing we continued working on our newest piece.  We also took an editing quiz.

In spelling we worked with words that are related in some way and word structures. 

There are notes about tomorrow’s lunch in the Thursday folders.

Have a great evening!

Sixth graders put in full day of math and language arts activities

In math we did the opposite of yesterday’s lesson.  Yesterday we took decimals and turned them into fractions.  Today we took fractions and turned them into decimals.  We are adding a lot of information to our spirals and folders.  Since your child is allowed to use these during lessons and test, he/she needs to make sure his/her spirals and folders are up to date. 

In spelling we worked with antonyms, synonyms, and analogies.

In writing we did a shared writing lesson.  We first gathered our thoughts in a web, then put those items in a time line.  We then started our first draft.  Also, on another writing note, information went home about a contest sponsored by the Oklahoma Writing Project.  Your child will receive a 100 to replace his/her lowest grade in language for entering.

Please remind your child to look for our book, Hatchet.  It has been misplaced. 

Have a great Wednesday!

Jewels win 'best behaved" award

My homeroom has won the traveling trophy for the best behavior in music class.  Congratulations to my well-behaved Jewels!

Today Mrs. Cook’s student teacher did a lesson on changing decimals into fractions.  Her observer needed to see her in a math class.  She did a great job.  I enjoyed watching her at work!  She will be a great teacher! 

In spelling we worked with using the correct word in a sentence.

In language, we made an acrostic for one of our paraprofessionals for tomorrow.  We also worked with words with multiple meanings.  We had to use one word for two different blanks.  An example of this is:  I didn’t notice the last notice that was posted.  In this sentence, notice is used as a verb, then a noun.

Don’t forget book orders are due next Tuesday, and you may order online.  Also, picture retakes are this Friday.

Have a great evening with your family!

Sixth graders have a full day of learning

In math today we worked on ordering fractions. We had to first find a common denominator, then we were able to put them in order or decide if one was greater than, less than, or equal to the other fraction.

In spelling we are reviewing the last four lessons.  We did pages 91-92. 

In language we worked with commonly confused words and worked on one of our individual stories.

Book orders came home last week.  Don’t forget:  You may order online.

Also, picture retakes are this Friday, November 18^th.

When work comes home, please go over it with your child.  Many times I will have them correct and return it, but they still need to go over it with you.  Many times seeing what they did wrong helps a lot.

Have a great Monday.

Thanks to Post-It Notes, class completes productive mini-lesson

In math we worked with LCM (lowest common multiple).  We used a number line on the board and Post-It Notes to do a mini-lesson.  I don’t know how we managed before Post-It notes were invented!  It is amazing how they can help a math lesson!

We took a test in spelling. 

In language we had to write about our favorite summer time activity.  They had to write so that I could picture it in my mind just by reading their writings.

There were a couple of notes that were left out of yesterday’s folders.  They are coming home today, along with book orders that are due November 22.  Our class gets a free book every time an order is placed online.

Have a great weekend.

Students work on word problems

In math today we worked with word problems and strategies to work them.  We took seven problems and worked them together.  Since all were different, we were able see several types.  We put them in our spiral notebooks so that we may refer to them when we come across similar problems.

In language we discussed indefinite pronouns and how they have to agree with the verb.  We then took sentences and decided if they were written correctly or not.

In spelling we did pages 83-84. 

I was under the weather today, but I should be back in class on Thursday.

Students work with proper and improper fractions

Today in math we worked with proper and improper fractions.  Ask your child about our index card activity that we did to introduce this lesson.  After working with both type of fractions, I asked the students to tell me what they thought a good definition of each would be, and they were able to give me the equivalent of the definition in our book.  This is a great skill and shows they knew how the fractions work.

We combined our spelling and language assignment.  We took sentences written yesterday with our spelling words and the children wrote correct by each number if the word was used correctly.  If it wasn’t correct, then they had to write a new sentence using it correctly.

I don’t know about all of you but this past weekend reminded me of songs like, “I Feel the Earth Move Under my Feet” and "A Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On.”  I hope you haven’t suffered any damage due to our earthquakes.

6th graders to participate in Sumdog competition

Well, today we went to the computer lab for all math classes.  This was a first, but some are not moving along as they should be.  Tomorrow I will be handing out work to those who need to correct it.  Also, we are signed up to participate in the Sumdog competition.  I just learned of this and the kids wanted to do this.  Each student has his/her user name and password.  They may do this at home.

Now it's a spelling word!

In language we continued to work with subject-verb agreement, as well as some writing.  There were choices, but we added the earthquake to our choices. 

In spelling we looked up our words and wrote sentences in groups.  Tomorrow we will share the sentences and see if the words are used correctly.

Have a great Monday!

Class words on division with decimals

Today we reviewed and practiced more division with decimals, but this time where both numbers were decimals.  We also worked a few word problems.

In language and spelling we worked on our Reflections Posters.  These are due Monday if your child didn’t finish. 

Have a great weekend!

Students work in writer's notebooks

Today in writing, our young authors worked in their writer's notebooks, extending pieces they were already working on or starting new ones.

In spelling, they worked with two prefixes that originally came from the Greek.  They learned that adding the prefix "neg" to a word makes it negative, and they also added "re" to words and used those words in sentences.

In math, students saw the importance of the greatest common factor idea we have been working with, as we turned to reducing fractions and dealing with equivalent fractions.

Tomorrow is popcorn day.  Send 50 cents for popcorn if your child wants to purchase any, unless you have previously paid for the entire year.

Students work on greatest common factor

In math today we worked more with the greatest common factor.  We turned it around and gave the greatest common factor and they had to find three numbers that had that number as the greatest common factor.  We also took an open book vocabulary quiz over chapter 3.

In spelling today we had a lesson with Mrs. Troyer and it went into language time, but we managed to have time to write in our writer’s notebooks.  The lessons Mrs. Troyer has been doing with us have been very thought-provoking.  So they had to write their thoughts, opinions, feelings, or whatever they wanted to write about the lessons.

Have a great Wednesday.

Students work with dialogue in writer's workshop

In math today we worked with the greatest common factor of two numbers.  We also placed the factors of the numbers we were comparing on a Venn Diagram. 

in spelling we did pages 72-74.  We used spelling words in analogies, to answer questions about a story that we read, and found the one word in groups of 4 that didn’t belong with the others.

In Writer’s Workshop we used dialogue.  A student and I had a conversation and then I put it on the board as a script.    Ex.  Ms. Jacobs:  Are you hungry?

                Nathan:  Yes.

                Ms. Jacobs:  What are you hungry for?

And so on.  We took that conversation and turned it into:

                Ms. Jacobs asked, “Are you hungry?”

                “Yes,” Nathan answered.

After that another student and I had a conversation and we put it in script form again.  The students then had to take it and write it in paragraph form.

I hope everyone has recovered after Halloween.  It is always difficult to come to school the day afterJ

Classes work on skills in math and language

Today we did an enrichment page from chapter 3. Fortunately, they kept saying it was easyJ

I also gave those who didn’t like their grades on skills pages 25-26 an opportunity to correct them. Some chose not to, and I put that on their papers so that parents would be aware. Tomorrow we start chapter 4.

In language we did a pretest for subject-verb agreement.

In spelling we looked up two words from our list in groups. We then went over them and assigned wb pages 70-71.

I hope everyone has a great night!

Students take another math test

We took our chapter 3 test today, after we checked the quizzes.  Some are still having trouble placing the decimal.  We will continue to work with this.

In spelling we took a test by choosing the correct words and deciding if a word was used correctly.

In language we worked with commas and apostrophes. 

Have a great weekend!

Students work on word problems

Remember word problems
when you were in school?

Today we worked in groups on individual word problems.  People either love word problems or hate them.  In all my years teaching, I have never seen anyone that thought they were “so-so.”  Since in math we are having to do more explaining when we solve a problem, each group had to present to the class how their group came up with the answer.  Your child has 3 mini quizzes coming home tonight.  If it comes back signed tomorrow, it is worth 5 bonus points.  Our chapter test is tomorrow, and if your child feels comfortable with these quizzes, he/she will do fine on the quiz.

In spelling we acted out our spelling word with a partner.  Not everyone got a turn so we will finish in the morning before our test. 

In language we had a special lesson with Ms. Massey on getting along.  She said something that I have always thought.  Our classroom is a family.  In fact, we spend as much, if not more, waking time with each other than our real family.  We discussed that sometimes we may not get along but there are good ways and bad ways to handle things.  We also talked about how teasing, or hitting lightly as a joke, can sometimes be taken too far, and thought funny only by the ones that are doing the teasing or hitting. 

Have a great Thursday!

Students review 9 weeks test

Today we went over our 9 week test and were allowed to correct their missed problems.  They had to correct them in class, though.  They were not allowed to take them away from class.  Our assignment for today was in our Skills Workbook -- pages 25-26, evens only, were assigned.

In spelling we finished this unit’s workbook pages with pages 67-68.

In language we used a text we have and we talked about double negatives and superlatives.  We discussed how we knew which one to use.  Often times, I told them, you just listen and see which one sounds correct. 

Have a great evening with your family!

Students are now working on division with decimals

We started division with decimals today.  It seemed to create some grief for some, but we did several together.  We will also continue working with them tomorrow.  If your child has trouble, he/she may come in at recess for help.  I know the district has us moving at a quick pace.  But I am willing to help your child whenever is a good time for him/her.  If you need my phone number, just call the office.  I don’t feel comfortable putting it on the blog.

In language we practiced the skill of listening, by reading more of Hatchet.  We are almost through.  I hope the children are enjoying it as much as I.  I had never read this book.

In spelling we worked with synonyms and words being used correctly.

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Back to work for 6th graders

Today went well, unless you count everyone saying they wish they had one more day of fall breakJ 

In spelling we started a new unit and used them to replace words in sentences and found the correct ones using context clues in a story.

In language we worked on editing, not to be confused with revision.  Editing is making sure the mechanics of a piece are correct.  Revision is improving a piece. For example:

                The day was Monday.  It was cloudy.  We had to stay inside. 

Now that is a piece of writing that is written correctly.  But I don’t think any of us would want to read a book filled with such sentences. 

In math we divided decimals by whole numbers.  Some had to come in and finish their 9 weeks test.  I didn’t feel it fair to them, as 45 minutes was not enough time for many to finish his/her test, so I had them come in at lunch. 

Have a great Monday!



Have a great break!  See you Monday.



6th graders take 9-week math test

Today we took our 9 week’s math test.  If your child didn’t finish, he/she will be allowed to finish next week.  However, the grade will not be included in this 9 week’s grades.

In language we finished assignments and read silently.

Have a fabulous fall break!

6th graders do excellent job leading Rise 'n Shine

First of all, our class did an excellent job at the Rise ‘n Shine this morning.  I love seeing the children perform. 

Today we went over Friday’s work in math and reviewed for tomorrow’s 9-week test.  There will be examples from all that we have covered since the first day of sixth grade.  If your child brought home his/her math book he/she may look over the practice tests for chapters 1 and 2 and up to lesson 7 in chapter 3.

In language we took our 9 weeks test.

There is no spelling this week because of fall break.

I look forward to seeing those who signed up for a conference.

Students work on multiplying with decimals, prepare for Monday's Rise 'n Shine song

We worked on multiplying with decimals in both numbers today.  We did a great “eye-opening” math lab with 100 blocks.  We colored 0.7 of it in one color.  Then with another color we colored 0.6 of it but the opposite way.  If the first was colored horizontally, then the second was colored vertically.  The outcome was that the overlapping area was the answer to the multiplication problem 0.7 x 0.6. 

In language we worked on our Rise ‘n Shine song for Monday.  I am going to try and learn how to use my flip camera and see if someone can capture it.  You are welcome to attend. 

In spelling we took our test that concentrated on antonyms and synonyms. 

Have a great weekend!

Multiplying decimals in sixth grade

We multiplied decimals by whole numbers today. After remembering to line up decimals in an addition or subtraction problem I had to reinforce that we do NOT line up decimals when writing the multiplication problem. Tomorrow we will multiply with both numbers being decimals.

In language we reviewed skills, such as using apostrophes correctly and finding the best way to write a sentence by choosing the best choice.

In spelling we worked with synonyms and analogies. They did quite well with the analogies. I was happily surprised. These can give students a very rough time!

We will be taking our 9-weeks math test next week, as well as our language test. We are reviewing the skills we have covered in both subjects.

Have a great Thursday!

A day in the life of your sixth grader

Here'a day in the life of your sixth grader:

• In writing workshop, students finished their "recipe for friendship" books.
• In spelling, we worked with synonyms.
• In math, we did a mid-chapter review.

Don't forget that book orders are due on Oct. 20.  You may order online by clicking on the Scholastic Book Order logo in the right-hand column.  The activation code for ordering is J34XP.

Have a great Wednesday evening with your sixth grader.

6th graders to lead Rise 'n Shine next Monday

We are in charge of Rise ‘n Shine next Monday.  We are working on a song to share. 

In math we went over some of the skills we have introduced in lessons 1-3.  Tonight’s assignment was Wb 45-all, and 46-evens only.

In spelling we did Wb 50 but your child only has to choose 3 words to write a sentence with.  We also did page 51 and the antonyms 1-15.

In writing we started our Recipes for Friendship.  Just like any other recipe your child is to list the ingredients first, such as a cup of kind words, 2 tsp. of caring, etc.  After the ingredients have been listed he/she is to then write the directions.  These will be on display in the hall for parent-teacher conferences.

Have a great Tuesday!

A great day in math; writers finish their books

Today was a great day in math. We did more with rounding but in different ways. We worked with rounding, rounding by clustering, and front-end estimation. The reason it was so great is because several of the students said things like, “Now, it makes sense!” That is always nice to hear in a classroom. We took a quiz over the first three lessons in chapter 3 and our assignment was the evens on WB page 44.

In spelling we are reviewing the words we used in units 1-3. The assignment was to do pages 48-49. It goes into page 50 for a very little bit, but not much.

In writer’s workshop we should have finished our books. These will be on display at parent-teacher conferences.

Have a great Monday!