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!