After two years in sixth grade, I am moving back to third, where I have taught for most of my career.  I'll still be here at Broadmoore.  To follow my third grade blog, click here.

Broadmoore open from 10 to noon Thursday

I wanted to let my sixth graders and their families know that Broadmoore will be open on Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon.  This way you may pick up backpacks, say good-bye to teachers and classmates, and I get to see each of you!  I hope to see you there!

For more on Moore schools closing this week, click here.

All safe at Broadmoore following tornado

The good news from Broadmoore is that all of our children are safe.

I have been teaching for 29 years in Oklahoma, and today was the first time that my school was ever in imminent danger.  We took the safety precautions we have practiced, and our procedures worked like they are supposed to.

Our prayers go out, of course, to the two schools that were hit.  We hope that you and your family are safe.

For those friends of this blog around the nation and the world, here is a link to the tornado story.  Despite the awful devastation, Broadmoore was spared.

Sixth graders learn what it's like to work with younger children

Today was Super Kids Day. Our sixth graders manned the stations all day for the students at Broadmoore. Here were some interesting statements made by our 6^th graders that made me laugh.

 

“The little kids didn’t listen.”

 

“I had to repeat the directions several times. I am only saying them once for the older kids.”

 

“The kids wore me out.”

 

“My kids didn’t follow directions!”

Science students write alphabet book

For spelling we played Sparkle.

In language we worked on our 6^th grade books. We also added pictures to them today. I printed off 155 pictures yesterday!

In science we are making an ABC book about our year in science. There will be a book from each class. Each student chose a letter to write about and is responsible for a page in the book.

Students have "catch-up" day because of large classes.

Today there was no sub for Mrs. Cook again today, so we divided her class up.

We did a practice page in spelling.

In science we had a “Catch-up” day, as we couldn’t do what I wanted to do in science with such large classes. This was a perfect opportunity for any children to catch up on missing assignments, AR points, and any other work not done.

Below are some pictures of our poetry we did yesterday.  Students had fun arranging the spines of books so that the titles made a short poem.

 

 

Students experiment with poetry, science

We did another type of poem today.  It is called book spine poetry.  We aligned the spines of books and read from top to bottom.  I then took pictures  and will get them printed off.  I also had the children write them down so that we may match the pictures to the person.

In science we did more with chemical and physical changes.  We experimented with baking soda, Kool-Aid type mix, vinegar, milk, lemon juice, and water.  It was great entertainment, as well as educational!

Today in sixth grade: spelling, books, and dancing popcorn

We took our last spelling pretest for the year this morning.

Dancing popcorn?

We are continuing to work on our books this week.

In science we made popcorn dance. It was a great lab and we discussed what caused the dance.

With the end of the year winding down some of the children are getting a little rowdy. Please remind them that they need to remain on their best behavior. I would hate for them to miss out on some of the end-of-year activities because of behavior.

Today in sixth grade: spelling quiz, work on books, computer lab

We took our test in spelling today.

 

We continue to work on our books in writer’s workshop. I am getting some pictures taken throughout the year printed so that they may be added.

 

In science we went to computer lab.

Students enjoy science newspapers

In spelling today we did pages 113 and 115. These are practice pages using our spelling words.

 

In writer’s workshop we continued with our books.

 

In science we started a new newspaper with articles and activities. This one continues with motion. The newspapers are a great hit and I see children that normally don’t enjoy reading just absorbing these newspapers.

Sixth graders start work on memory books, work on science activities

In spelling we played Sparkle.

 

In writer’s workshop we started our 6^th grade memory books.

 

In science we finished our index card activity and an inertia lab.

Oklahoma author visits Broadmoore

We had a great treat today with an author visit from Oklahoma’s own Tammi Sauer. She has written several picture books and a big thank you goes out to our librarian, Mrs. Testerman! This was our language time. It was great, as the children looked at me when she repeated things they have heard from me all year about writing.

 

In science we read our newspaper and did an activity with some of the key vocabulary words from this week’s newspaper.

 

Don’t forget to send pictures for the slide show. Also, book orders are due this Thursday!

Students freewrite in writer's workshop

In spelling we took our pretest and corrected them.
 

In writer’s workshop we did a freewrite that will be continued tomorrow. Freewriting is a teaching technique that allows students to write continuously without regard to spelling, grammar, or even topic.  It helps young writers to get in touch with their thoughts and ideas, rather than stopping to worry about mechanics.  It's sort of like brainstorming in print.  Frequently we use freewriting as an introduction to other pieces.

 

In science we finished testing our flyers.

Teachers eat .... drumroll ... crickets!

Today started out quite interesting. The first thing was that a child brought an edible cricket (Yes, it is an oxymoron.) and asked the 6^th grade teachers to eat one. Why we agreed is still a wonder to us all. But we did, and so far have survived, but we have been trying to get that nasty taste out of our mouths all day! The kids said we should do it again and take pictures but we all agreed that it was a one-time occurrence!

In spelling we took our test.

In writer’s workshop we did a quick write about the cricket incident.

In science we tested our flyers that we made.

Have a great weekend!

Authors type and illustrate poems

We typed and illustrated our poems today in writer’s workshop.

 

In science we finished boats and awarded the first place winners. I am currently working on second and third place prizes. The boats were absolutely wonderful! If your child didn’t bring his/hers yet, he/she still needs to bring one, as they are worth 3 grades when you include today’s notebooking activity.

 

I also sent home the last book order. Our online ordering code is J34XP if you want to order online. This is the last book order of the year and is due next Thursday, the same day that all library books are due!

More poetry for sixth graders

Today we wrote more poetry . Your child had a choice of either writing a cherished item poem or an alliteration one. I showed them examples that my third graders wrote a few years ago on the “Write-on” blog.  That blog, which I used to publish the writing of my third graders when I taught in Enid, can be found here.

 

In science we almost got everyone’s boats tested. Note to self: Next year I will call on some parent volunteers so that we can set up multiple testing stations! The kids have been so good and have thoroughly enjoyed this activity!

'Happy to survive' day in sixth grade




Sixth graders loved their boat project in science.  They learned so much!



 

Today was one of those days where you are happy to survive! There was no sub for Mrs. Cook, so her class was divided among the rest of us. It went better than I had expected but it did mess up some plans. The children learned the true meaning of flexibility today.

In spelling we did some practice activities with our spelling words.

 

In science we watched a Safari video about water ecosystems and continued testing our boats. They did a great job on their boats!

Students test boats they built in science

We will be back to normal this week. Thank goodness! We took our pretest today in spelling.

Many are still missing some poetry assignments. As some of you could tell, one zero or more can really hurt a grade.

In science we tested our boats. They did an awesome job! Those that had them turned in on time will get to participate in the contest for the class prize.

Sixth graders finish math testing

We finished our math test today. I was so proud of our class. Each student took his/her time and seemed to concentrate. We are all glad it is over!!!!

 

In science, we did what yesterday’s classes did, since we only had two rotations. I am anxious to see all four classes each day next week!

 

Enjoy your three day weekend!

Class finishes poetry project, begins science project

Today we only had one rotation and that was in the afternoon to math. 

While in class we finished poetry.  We also did some activities with words and worked as teams.  

In science we watched a Safari video about the Wright Brothers.  We also started on our flying straws. 

Tomorrow our homeroom will be testing.  Then we have Friday off! 

Another busy day in sixth grade

Today we did some art. We also did some activities that that used the forces of flight to work. We made what AIMS calls “super tubes” out of paper. Ask your child about these. It was too windy to test these outside, but we were able to fly them a bit inside. They can’t break anything.

We also went outside and allowed those who brought Diet Coke and Mentos to race their geyser cars. Some had forgotten theirs last week.

Tomorrow our class will begin testing. Please send a healthy snack with your child for in the morning. We will have it before we go to the lab for our test. You may also send a juice or Gatorade drink with your child. Please remind them that all they need to do is their best. That is all we can ask of them.

If you haven’t sent your letter of encouragement please send them first thing in the morning.

In writer’s workshop those of us who weren’t finished with Poetry Ringo, or another poetry assignment, worked on those. There is no reason why anyone should have any missing assignments. Mid Terms come home Thursday.

Poetry Ringo presentations start in sixth grade

Today students performed their poems they memorized from Poetry Ringo. Those that weren’t prepared will do so next week but points will be deducted.

 

In science we reviewed chemical changes and started a lab.

 

Our class will begin testing on Tuesday. Since the tests are online now, only two classes a day may test. If you have not sent your child’s letter of encouragement, please do so.

 

Have a great weekend.

Test practice means kids miss writing workshop

We had to go to computer lab to take the math practice test.  Fortunately, it worked today. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to write today.  Tomorrow we will make up for it!

In science we finished our projects.  I hope everyone is working on his/her boats.  For those who left their diet sodas and Mentos at home Wednesday, we will be doing them again tomorrow, weather permitting.

Remember: Poetry Ringo books are due tomorrow, and sixth graders should be ready to perform their poems.

Class studies Newton's Third Law of Motion by racing geyser cars

Getting ready to race...

...and they're off!

 

We had to go to computers today to take the math practice test.  However, our lovely technology didn’t cooperate.  So we came back to class.

In science we worked with textures and we raced our Steve Spangler cars.  Ask your child about this!  They were a hit and I have told them we might do them again if time allows.

The cars demonstrate Newton's Third Law of Motion -- For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.  When the Mentos geyser erupts out of the two-liter bottle in one direction (action), the car rockets off in the other direction (reaction).

Students experiment with poetry patterns

We aren’t doing spelling this week or next, due to testing and preparation. 

In writer’s workshop today we worked with another poem pattern.  We chose the ABAB pattern.  In this pattern, lines 1 and 3 rhyme and lines 2 and 4 rhyme in a stanza.  I gave 2 lines and each child wrote the next 2 and those that wanted shared theirs.  Then each child wrote all four lines of a stanza and shared, if so desired.  This was done quickly and I was impressed at how quickly they were able to do this. 

In science we did a lab, handed out boat information, and did an art project to relieve a little pre-test stress.

Students can make 'geyser cars' -- if parents send 2 liter plastic soft drink bottle

The video above of the Geyser cars was shot at Science Museum Oklahoma.  Look closely

at the first of the video and you'll see your teacher!

Today we found out we had to go into the lab to take the practice test before next week’s actual test. We had a few glitches, but all were fixed easily. I think since the children have grown up on computers and technology they will do fine.

 

It even took up almost all of our time in science. However, we were able to do a lab in homeroom that we did last week, but we did it incorrectly. Other classes finished their quiz.

 

I sent home a note about Wednesday. I have managed to come into some Steve Spangler Geyser cars. But with 100 students I cannot supply a 2 liter diet Coke and a package of mentos for everyone. So anyone that brings their own on Wednesday will get to participate in a race. It has to be diet! 

Students finish poems, do science lab experiment

In spelling we took our weekly test.

In writer’s workshop we either finished one of our ongoing poems or illustrated our two-worder poem.

In science we had a quiz and did a lab that involved baking soda and vinegar.

Students write in science, prepare for labs tomorrow

Students write about the wonders of the universe in science.

 

In writer’s workshop we worked on our ongoing poetry project.

In science we wrote about marvels of our universe. We also got to read another science newspaper. Tomorrow we will be doing a couple of labs.

 

Sixth graders continue to work on Poetry Ringo project

Today the sixth graders continued to work on their poems and their Poetry Ringo project.  It's exciting to see sixth graders turning on to poetry.  So often people approach poetry with a negative attitude and they're just predisposed not to like it.  But when sixth graders see how much fun it is to read and to write, their perspective changes.  If you haven't yet, ask your student what she or she thinks about poetry.

We played Sparkle in spelling and in science, they read and discussed their science newspapers.

Young authors write "two worder" poems

We used one of our words to add to our lexicons. We chose the word doubtful.

In writer’s workshop we wrote another poem. We used the “Two Worder” format. We did a couple of these as a class before students wrote their own. Here is one we wrote about Abraham Lincoln.

 

Abe Lincoln

Tall hat

Poofy beard

Sixteenth president

Civil War

Lincoln memorial

Loved books

Honest Abe

Had children

Real nice

Gettysburg Address

He wrestled

Ended slavery

Was assassinated.

In science we read the next section in our text then worked in groups to answer questions.

Students finish poem, work on biome unit

In spelling we took our pretest and corrected the missed words rainbow style.

 

In writer’s workshop we finished our blackout poems. They are considered late if they weren’t turned in today. Starting tomorrow, ten points will be deducted from the grade each day.

 

In science we looked up words that are important to our biome unit. We also discussed making boats. There will be more information about this later.

Class finishes poems, begins studying biomes

 

We took our spelling test today, and most did very well!

 

In writer’s workshop we finished up our “Blackout Poems.” These are on display in the hall, along with our other poetry.

 

In science we started chapter 12. I am excited about this chapter, as it is about ecosystems and biomes. We will be doing a research project over biomes but will work around testing.

Students experiment with new form of poetry

We tried something new today in writer’s workshop.  A poet has put out a book with newspaper pages that have been blacked out except for the words he wanted left on the pages.  These words formed a poem.  So we took pages from discarded library books and tried our hand at it.  I can’t wait to read them. If you want to check out a video of what we're doing, click here.

In science we finished our newspaper in 3 of the classes.  Since my class takes them home, they will finish them tomorrow.  They get to actually write on the newspaper. 

Tomorrow is popcorn day.

Young scientists work with the Periodic Table

 

In spelling we played sparkle and did a practice assignment.

 

In writer’s workshop we continued to work on our Poetry Ringo.

 

In science we went over our test, corrected them, and worked with periodic table.

Writers begin poetry unit

 

Today was a great day in writer’s workshop. Not only did we get more time to work on our second argumentative piece, but we started our 2 week poetry assignment. It is called ‘Poetry Ringo.” It is due Friday, April 19^th. On that day your child should be ready to perform a poem of his/her choice by memory. We discussed the difference in reading the poem and performing it. This assignment is worth 4 grades.

 

In science we took our chapter 10 test.

Everybody ready to get back to learning after Easter break

I was glad everyone had a great Easter and seemed ready for another week of school!

 

In spelling we took our pretest.

 

In writing we finished (or should have) writing our piece supporting the other opinion.

 

In science we wrote down notes from chapter 10 so we would have a study guide. Our test is tomorrow.

 

Book orders are due Wednesday of this week.

Everyone does well on spelling

We took our spelling test today and every single person did well!

 

In writer’s workshop we started our argumentative writing for the other opinion. In argumentative, it is important to be able to argue both points. Earlier this week, they picked a side for an argumentative piece -- a piece that presents a point of view.  Once they had chosen the side they believed, I had them write the other side.  This helps young writers look at information from another point of view.  After those pieces were finished, I let them argue for the side they said they believed in at first.  I am eager to see if writing counter to their personal opinion makes their pieces stronger.

 

In science we were in the computer lab.

Writers finish argumentative pieces

 

In writer’s workshop today we had the opportunity to type our argumentative pieces, if we hadn’t already.

 

In spelling we played a game called “Sparkle.”

 

In science we reviewed chapter 10 and answered our questions we were to have finished yesterday. We will have a test next week. I am not yet sure of the day, but I do know it will not be Monday.

Writers finish argumentative pieces

We should have finished up our argumentative pieces today. Many were able to type it today.
 

In spelling, we took turns at the Smart Board on spellingcity.com.
 

In science we finished chapter 10 and if your child didn’t finish his/her assignment, he/she will have some homework. There are questions on page 343 that are to be answered.

Writers have to take positions they don't agree with to develop their argumentative skills

Today we worked on our argumentative piece. Each child took a stand on an issue, but the assignment was to argue for the other option.

 

In science we finished our drawing and writing notes from yesterday. We also read from a science newspaper. Ask your child about these. They are wonderful. We also added a wave diagram to our science notebooks.

 

Remember our spelling words are on spellingcity.com for your child to practice.

Students use writing and drawing to facilitate learning in science

We chose ten words from the first ten spelling lessons for a review lesson his week. No one made a 100 on the pretest, so we will be reviewing these words.

 

In writers’ workshop we continued with argumentative writing.

 

In science we did a lesson using writing and drawing to show what we learned from given sections of our text. Lessons such as these will help us with our reading skills as much as our science.

 

It was great to see everyone back from spring break!

6th graders 'energetic' as they look forward to spring break

The blog will be on spring break next week too.  See you back here
a week from Monday

Oh my goodness! The energy in today’s classes could keep a small country going! You would think next week is spring break…oh yeah, it is!

 

We took our spelling tests and worked on our writing.

 

In Science we finished our newspapers and did the crosswords. These newspapers are from a company in Utah and are for science. It is nonfiction reading and a great classroom tool. I am hoping to get them for 6^th grade. I am going to go to donorschoose.org and apply.

 

Have a great spring break!

Students do crossword, work on argumentative writing, and read article about space

In spelling we did a crossword puzzle using our words and their definitions.

In language we continued working with our prewrite lesson for our argumentative writing lesson.

In science those that didn’t finish their test yesterday were given time to do so. We also read an article about space, discussed it , and then did a Quick Write and Draw activity.

Class continues to develop skills in expository writing

Today we discussed expository writing and the class had to tell me what it was and where it was found. We then took a pretend situation and started a pre write on it.

We took our 9 week’s test in science.

Also, the book fair is open. We went as a class to preview it today.

9-weeks science test is tomorrow

It is great to be back. I am feeling a little better, and am no longer contagious.

 

We will be taking our spelling test on Thursday this week.

 

In science we reviewed for our 9 week’s test we will be taking tomorrow.

 

I sent home notes with those who requested a conference. I am unable to be here Thursday evening, as my senior son has his last band concert Thursday night. I sent home times, as well, for Friday. I apologize for any inconvenience. If Friday’s time doesn’t work, I will work with you to reschedule.

Students review skills in writer's workshop

Today we worked with plurals as a skill review in writer's workshop.

In science we read and discussed more of chapter 10.

I will see everyone tomorrow.

Students raise money to tape assistant principal to the wall

In spelling we had to unscramble our words. This week’s list had some
words that were new to us.   

In science we read and answered questions over parts of chapter 10. We
will be taking our 9 weeks’ test next Tuesday. I am anxious to see how the
children do, as I helped write it this time.  Of course, I didn’t tell them
because I didn’t want them to think they had an advantage.  Since we
aren’t able to copy the test, I don’t remember what is on it.

 

Tomorrow is bring-a-dollar-to-tape-Mrs. Balderama-to-the-wall-in-the-
cafeteria day.  Broadmoore had had fun this week, but more importantly,
we have raised money for a great cause!

Writers do lesson on how to give directions on paper

In writer’s workshop today we did a class share lesson on writing instructions. I wrote one direction at a time, and the children did as it said. For example the first one was to get 9 shapes from our container. They were told to make what I had made. Of course, since they didn’t have enough information they couldn’t do it. In the end everyone came up with the shape I had made. 

 

This is an important competency for young writers -- how to take an idea and translate it into print.  If you have ever tried to follow someone's written directions on anything from how to cook to how to put together a piece of furniture to how to reach a destination by car, you know how confusing directions can be.  It's really hard to take an idea and reduce it to written directions
 

In science we took today to get caught up on any unfinished work. With report cards coming up, I wanted them to have some time to finish anything they were missing. Since I do duty almost daily, I rarely am able to have them come in at recess, and when I do, many forget to come in. They were allowed to work on any missing work from any class.

Tomorrow is deadline for finishing science posters

In spelling we wrote our words in rainbow style.

 

In science I gave the students the day to work on their posters. It will be the last day to work in the classroom on these.

 

Today we collected $7.25 for our service project, Pasta for Pennies. Tomorrow a child may sit where he/she wants for a dollar.

Friday: computer lab day for sixth grade

Today was computer lab day in science.
 

We took our spelling test. And some that were unable to type their poems yesterday did so today.
 

Have a great weekend!

Writers want more time to work on poems for their new poetry book

Even though I said yesterday was the last day we were going to work on the poems, many were almost through and wanted to type them.  So we did work on them for the last time in class today.  We will make a book out of the ones that are turned in by Tuesday’s a deadline.  If your child misses the deadline, he/she still has to turn it in for a grade.

In science we started on our OERB safety posters.  There are cash prizes involved, as well as getting winning posters on next year’s calendar that they send out to teachers all over the state. 

Next week starts our “Pennies for Pasta” campaign.  This is a fundraiser for leukemia and lymphoma.  Here is the schedule for next week’s extra incentives:

• Monday, March 4:  Bring $1.00 to wear a hat.
• Tuesday, March 5:  Bring $1.00 to sit anywhere at lunch.
• Wednesday, March 6:  Bring $1.00 for a Homework Pass/”Oops I forgot pass”
• Thursday, March 7:  Bring $1.00 to duct tape Mrs. Balderrama to the cafeteria wall.
• Friday, March 8:  Bring $1.00 for pajama day.

Writers work on poems using color

 

In writer’s workshop we were supposed to finish our color poems today. If your child didn’t finish he/she needs to do so and return it tomorrow.
 

In spelling we took our words and made an outline of an object.

In science we did three different activities dealing with density. Be sure to ask your child about these activities.

Writers work on poetry in writer's workshop

In writing today we took a day off from expository writing to work with poetry. I read several poems from the book Hailstones and Halibut Bones. It is a book that has a poem for several different colors. We then did a prewrite lesson where your child chose at least one color and wrote down objects, emotions, places, etc. that the color made them think of. 
 

In science we started chapter 10. We added notes and made vocabulary cards. Tomorrow we will be doing a few different labs.

Students were hoping for another snow day

With the weather today, everyone was a little anxious. I do believe there were many hoping for a snow day in our future.

 

In spelling our list is from words that many of us miss in our writing pieces. I think it is important to use words that are relevant to the children. We only have 15 words this week.

 

In writer’s workshop, we worked on our science acrostics, as many hadn’t finished theirs.

 

In science we took our test over chapter 9……finally.

 

Stay warm and safe!

A full day of learning for sixth graders

In spelling we took our tests.

 

In writer’s workshop we were to finish up with our autobiographies.

 

In science we spent the day in the computer lab.

 

A note came home today about our blog. Your child can earn extra credit for going to our blog and looking over it with you. It must have your signature.

 

Also, the information about the OERB safety poster contest came home today. It is a great contest. The 13 winners from the state will get to have their artwork as one of the months for next year’s calendar that OERB sends out. Also, they winners get to go to the state capitol for a day. There are also cash prizes.

Enjoy the day at home today.  All evening activities are also canceled for Moore Public Schools.

Students learn to use anecdotes in their autobiographies

In writer's workshop, we did a special lesson on using stories in our autobiographies.  We looked at different stages in the students' lives and what types of stories can be generated out of all those stages.  We modeled some of those in class and students began writing their own anecdotes to include in their autobiographies.  We also did some etymology with the word autobiography.

 

In science we played “I have…who has” over chapter 9. We will have a test tomorrow. We also wrote an acrostic using the “WATER CYCLE.”

Students watch special video

With the special video today, our schedule was changed. Our classes were shorter, the ones we were able to have.

In science we wrote questions and answers that were able to be answered from chapter 9. This was also considered our writing for today, as the students had to word their questions in such a way that they could be understood and only had one apparent answer. With the schedule change, our test in science will now be on Thursday.

Can you help us tomorrow by sending some items we need for our science lab?

We wrote our spelling words in rainbow style today. 

In science we did a worksheet, and checked it, over chapter 9.  Tomorrow there will be a list of items we need for our lab on Thursday.  These aren’t things that need to be purchased but everyday items you might usually throw away.

'Energetic' class enjoys Valentine's Day

We took our test today in spelling. I haven’t had time to grade them yet.

As, you can imagine, today was quite energetic. I think they enjoy Valentine’s more than Christmas sometimes! Please remind your child that our autobiographies are due next Wednesday.

In science we are still reviewing chapter 9. We will do a lab on Monday, and play “I Have Who Has” if there is time. Our test is Wednesday.

Math skills come in handy: students figure out teachers age

In writer’s workshop we continued working on our autobiographies.  I gave an example of my first 5, if I were to write one.  Using the year may have been a mistake, as they all figured out my age.  But at least they did some math!

In spelling we took turns on the Smart Board using spellingcity.com.

In science we went over our homework.  We will have a test next Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on how well our review goes.

Tomorrow is Spirit Day (wear red/pink/hearts).  Tomorrow is also the last day for book orders.

Classes have opportunity to get extra credit in science

We had several out taking tests this morning so our schedule was a little off. We did, however, continue writing on our notes for our autobiographies.

In science we finished chapter 9. Your child was given an opportunity for extra credit. All he/she has to do is the activity on page 300 and have you sign it. You may help your child if he/she needs help. We also took information from the chart on page 302 and answered a few questions, using it. Your child needs to have page 309, problems 1-20 done by class time tomorrow.

Students begin autobiographies

Due to last week’s spelling test grades, I have decided to keep the same words for this week.  Some did well and will not have to re-take the test, but they will do our daily assignments.  With this being a short week, the test will be on Thursday.

We started work on our
autobiographies in writer's workshop.

In language we started jotting notes about our lives so far, as each student is going to write an autobiography.  I reminded them of how we used a timeline before and that might help them when taking notes.

In science we checked our 9.2 questions and corrected them, if necessary.  We also checked on the cup of water we put out last week.  The students made predictions of how long it would take for the water to evaporate.

Book orders are due Thursday.

Students write thank you notes

We took our spelling test this morning.  Unfortunately, many didn’t study. 

In writer’s workshop we continued with expository writing by writing thank you notes to OERB.  We discussed that letters were an example of expository and why.  I received some great notes.  Students had been asked to do this on their own time, but I didn’t get many.  Since OERB does so much for our students, schools, and teachers, I felt it was important to let them know we appreciated it!

In science it was Friday, so we were in the computer lab.  Fortunately, those in my homeroom that were ready, used part of this time to type his/her thank you notes and “Guess Who” pieces.

Book orders are due next Thursday, Valentine’s Day.    

The 14^th is also a school-wide contest to see which class can wear the most red, pink, and/heart clothing.  The winning class will receive the spirit stick.