With the completion of our ecosystems unit we need to re-home our fish before the break. If you are able to "adopt" a fish please send in a note that you are able to pick it up either Monday or Tuesday. The fish are very low maintenance and do not require a filter or heater.
A reminder also that tomorrow we will have our winter celebration. In you are sending in food, drink, or paper goods you can send it in with your child or drop it off at the office.
Happy holidays!
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Tech Stretch
I am excited to finally share with you a few of our food chain presentations. This project combines several components; research, google slides and WeVideo. The students are all at different points in the learning process as you will see from the links below, however the experience with the various tools provides them with starting point for further learning. The best part about these components and projects is that students can work on their own level, growth may be different for every child. Some students are working on developing their understanding of content, while others are developing their technology skills, still others may be working on both at the same time.
If you do not see your child's project below that means they have not yet shared their link with me. I will add their link to the technology page as soon as I receive it.
Click a link to view the video presentation:If you do not see your child's project below that means they have not yet shared their link with me. I will add their link to the technology page as soon as I receive it.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Homework reminder
As a reminder students have two assignments due tomorrow 12/15. The first is their daily weather tracker and the second is their explorer wheel for social studies. As homework due on a Monday is unusual please help your child remember.
Monday, December 8, 2014
Quick updates...
Technology:
- Today your child brought home a letter explaining our optional pilot program to help students develop keyboarding skills. "Keyboarding Without Tears" is a sister program to the writing program "Handwriting Without Tears" that is used in the lower grades. The letter contains all of the information for implementing the program as well as a personal access code for your child. Please click this link to submit your participation decision form on line.
Science:
- As we begin our newest Science unit on weather I am asking all students to keep a weather tracker over the next week. We completed the first day together in class as a sample. This information will be used to create graphs and analyze data during our technology block so it is important that data is taken everyday.
- The weather tracker should be brought to school with your child on Monday December 15th.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Ecosystems Review
Friday, November 21, 2014
Happy Thanksgiving!
What a great way to end a fabulous week, Community meeting and Sports Spirit day!
We are wrapping up our first round of book talks. I am SO proud of how brave all of the students were at getting up in front of the class to present alone for the first time. It is amazing to me how natural many of them are up there and it is apparent that they all put in their best effort. Thank you for all you do to prepare your children for these assignments at home. I know it isn't easy work :)
I also want to mention how well this class is working as a team. I attended a workshop recently that required me to be out of the classroom and leave the room to a "guest" teacher. The glowing review that I came back to the next day was wonderful. Every adult that comes into this room comments on how great this class is and I have to agree.
As an end of the term assignment I asked students to reflect on the term 1, I could not have been more impressed with how thoughtful every student's reflection was. They are truly a reflective class and they take their time to think about their experiences. I am excited to share them with you at conferences.
I am looking forward to seeing you all next week at Parent Teacher conferences. All of the students had a chance to review their report cards with me today and clarify anything they didn't understand. If, after viewing the report cards this afternoon, you have specific questions or concerns you would like addressed at the conference please feel free to email me ahead of time as 15 minutes can go by very quickly.
The holiday season is upon us now and the next several weeks before December break will be very busy:
We are wrapping up our first round of book talks. I am SO proud of how brave all of the students were at getting up in front of the class to present alone for the first time. It is amazing to me how natural many of them are up there and it is apparent that they all put in their best effort. Thank you for all you do to prepare your children for these assignments at home. I know it isn't easy work :)
I also want to mention how well this class is working as a team. I attended a workshop recently that required me to be out of the classroom and leave the room to a "guest" teacher. The glowing review that I came back to the next day was wonderful. Every adult that comes into this room comments on how great this class is and I have to agree.
As an end of the term assignment I asked students to reflect on the term 1, I could not have been more impressed with how thoughtful every student's reflection was. They are truly a reflective class and they take their time to think about their experiences. I am excited to share them with you at conferences.
I am looking forward to seeing you all next week at Parent Teacher conferences. All of the students had a chance to review their report cards with me today and clarify anything they didn't understand. If, after viewing the report cards this afternoon, you have specific questions or concerns you would like addressed at the conference please feel free to email me ahead of time as 15 minutes can go by very quickly.
The holiday season is upon us now and the next several weeks before December break will be very busy:
- Ecosystems benchmark will be given the week students return from Thanksgiving break, Wednesday December 3rd. A study guide with material to review was sent home today. This study guide lists the topics that the test will cover but it is the student's responsibility to use their notes and Science folder to review this material. I have asked them to review their notes and folders this weekend and to be ready to ask me clarifying questions on Monday.
- Students will be receiving a new book talk due date when they return from break. Please be watching for this date in their agenda books.
Friday, November 14, 2014
This week went by VERY fast!
The students enjoyed their field trip to the Museum of Science which focused on the Mayan Empire. Students watched an IMAX presentation about the Mayan and were then able to explore and interact with a hands on special exhibit about the Maya. It was a perfect wrap up of their recent Social Studies unit on early civilizations.
I am looking forward to seeing you all at conferences in a little over a week. If you have specific concerns that you would like to address or areas where you would like the conference to focus please feel free to email me ahead of time so we can use our time together well as I know 15 minutes can go by very quickly.
Enjoy the weekend!
The students enjoyed their field trip to the Museum of Science which focused on the Mayan Empire. Students watched an IMAX presentation about the Mayan and were then able to explore and interact with a hands on special exhibit about the Maya. It was a perfect wrap up of their recent Social Studies unit on early civilizations.
I am looking forward to seeing you all at conferences in a little over a week. If you have specific concerns that you would like to address or areas where you would like the conference to focus please feel free to email me ahead of time so we can use our time together well as I know 15 minutes can go by very quickly.
Enjoy the weekend!
Friday, November 7, 2014
Museum of Science
Attention
Room 105 Parents!
This is a friendly reminder that your child will
participate in a FIELD
TRIP on Monday, November 10.
Destination: Museum of Science
(Boston)
Please Note:
- · Please do not send valuables, including cameras or cell phones, with your child.
- · Picture taking IS NOT allowed by students.
- · We WILL NOT visit the gift shop or buy lunch at the cafeteria – please don’t send money with your child.
- · Please pack a FULLY DISPOSABLE lunch for your child. Make sure to label it with your child’s name as they will all be placed in the same bin.
- · Lunch will be outside. Please check the weather report to ensure proper outerwear.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Conference Forms
Conference sign up forms were sent home today. All students should have them in their binders. Conferences will be assigned as a first come first serve basis. They are due on Friday, but you are encouraged to send them in as soon as you know when you would like to meet. I am looking forward to having a chance to touch base and update you on your child's progress.
Happy Halloween
I hope you all had an enjoyable Halloween Weekend! The students all had a fabulous day on Friday. In the morning we explored pumpkins and experimented with comparing the different properties of the pumpkins from our "patch". The students learned a few surprises about pumpkins that stimulated their scientific inquiry.
In the afternoon we all attended the "open mic" at our poetry cafe. The students all performed and I was very impressed by the courage it took from all of them to get up and recite their poem in front of the class. It was good practice for our book talks which start this week.
After our Cafe the students enjoyed a craft and game hosted by Mrs. Wizst and Mrs. Simas. Thank you both for an enjoyable Harvest celebration!
This week will be a quiet week as we prepare for our next busy week when we go to the museum of Science on November 10th.
In the afternoon we all attended the "open mic" at our poetry cafe. The students all performed and I was very impressed by the courage it took from all of them to get up and recite their poem in front of the class. It was good practice for our book talks which start this week.
After our Cafe the students enjoyed a craft and game hosted by Mrs. Wizst and Mrs. Simas. Thank you both for an enjoyable Harvest celebration!
This week will be a quiet week as we prepare for our next busy week when we go to the museum of Science on November 10th.
Monday, October 27, 2014
October Happenings
Happy Halloween!
There are so many exciting things happening in room 105 that I can't keep up with it all.
Friday will be our Harvest party celebration. We will be enjoying crafts and games at the end of the day. The students will also have fun investigating pumpkins in the morning and relaxing at a poetry cafe with a snack in the afternoon. Each child is responsible for memorizing a Halloween poem which was assigned in class last week. Please assist your child on practicing their poem at home.
Another exciting thing happening in room 105 is that each of your children was assigned a Google Account last week.This is not an email account, it will only be used to write documents and presentations through google drive which can be shared directly with me and other students. Your child can access this account from home so feel free to ask them to take you for a drive through what they are working on. Our current technology project will combine their new accounts and ecosystems to create a poetic video about the food chain! I can't wait to share them in a few weeks.
Next week, we will begin our first book talks. Make sure that you and your child are aware of their due date. All documents can be found under the homework tab on the classroom website. Please let me know if you need any assistance.
There are so many exciting things happening in room 105 that I can't keep up with it all.
Friday will be our Harvest party celebration. We will be enjoying crafts and games at the end of the day. The students will also have fun investigating pumpkins in the morning and relaxing at a poetry cafe with a snack in the afternoon. Each child is responsible for memorizing a Halloween poem which was assigned in class last week. Please assist your child on practicing their poem at home.
Another exciting thing happening in room 105 is that each of your children was assigned a Google Account last week.This is not an email account, it will only be used to write documents and presentations through google drive which can be shared directly with me and other students. Your child can access this account from home so feel free to ask them to take you for a drive through what they are working on. Our current technology project will combine their new accounts and ecosystems to create a poetic video about the food chain! I can't wait to share them in a few weeks.
Next week, we will begin our first book talks. Make sure that you and your child are aware of their due date. All documents can be found under the homework tab on the classroom website. Please let me know if you need any assistance.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Living Lab
Tomorrow we will attend our first living lab field trip of the school year. The students always enjoy the change of location and a hands on approach to learning. An important component of living lab is the time they spend outside. Unless there is immediate danger such as thunder and lightening, we will go outside even if it rains. Please watch the weather and dress your child appropriately.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
105 Updates
Team 105 Updates
I can't believe that it is the middle of October already! The year is already going by quickly and I am really enjoying spending time with your children. They are a lively and fun group. I look forward to the next few weeks with exciting projects, parties, and field trips :) Read below for a little information about the learning happening in the classroom and also to see some special requests I am looking for.
ELA: In reading we have been learning about Plot and Character development. The students have learned about how characters face conflicts throughout the plot of a book. The way that the character deals with these conflicts helps the reader to understand the character and their traits. We are now learning about figurative language. We will be learning about the types of figurative language and discussing how they help the reader to visualize a text. We will be using this information as we begin to analyze poetry over the next two weeks.
In writing we are working on our first personal narratives.
Science: I hope you enjoyed our recent comic life portrayals of the Seven steps. We are currently learning about ecosystems and how they remain in balance. Shortly we will begin constructing
eco-columns within the classroom so that we can closely study the interactions between living and non-living things.
Special Requests:
I can't believe that it is the middle of October already! The year is already going by quickly and I am really enjoying spending time with your children. They are a lively and fun group. I look forward to the next few weeks with exciting projects, parties, and field trips :) Read below for a little information about the learning happening in the classroom and also to see some special requests I am looking for.
ELA: In reading we have been learning about Plot and Character development. The students have learned about how characters face conflicts throughout the plot of a book. The way that the character deals with these conflicts helps the reader to understand the character and their traits. We are now learning about figurative language. We will be learning about the types of figurative language and discussing how they help the reader to visualize a text. We will be using this information as we begin to analyze poetry over the next two weeks.
In writing we are working on our first personal narratives.
Science: I hope you enjoyed our recent comic life portrayals of the Seven steps. We are currently learning about ecosystems and how they remain in balance. Shortly we will begin constructing
eco-columns within the classroom so that we can closely study the interactions between living and non-living things.
Special Requests:
- 2 liter clear bottles. Preferably with smooth flat sides. We will need three bottles for each eco-column we build so send as many as you have.
- Pumpkins! We will be doing a special lesson on Friday October 31st as part of a celebration for our poetry unit we started today. I need pumpkins of all sizes. Please feel free to send them in ahead of time with your student as they enjoy having them in the room.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
The Scientific Method in Comic form
Last week students completed a comic life portrayal of what they learned about the Scientific method. Follow this link to enjoy a sampling of the student work created during this unit. Enjoy!
Friday, October 3, 2014
Team 105 Updates
Lots of rainy days but that didn't slow us down in room 105.
This week we completed a "practice week" of our new spelling routines. We will be alternating each week between Spelling and Vocabulary. In spelling students are working in small groups on the rules that they need to focus on. At times the words seem simple but the goal is to learn the rules so that they can generalize to more challenging words. Please let me know if you have any questions about this.
This week we started our unit on ecosystems and continued to use the scientific method of inquiry to get a hands on glimpse of what it means to be a living organism. Ask your child about the experiment we did in class.
We finished our read aloud The Liberation of Gabriel King, ask your child about the themes of this book. If your child enjoyed this author's style try some of KL Going's other works.
The Garden of Eve is a great book, though I will admit it can get a little spooky, and it deals with the loss of loved ones so please preview it before letting your child read it.
Enjoy the weekend!
Lots of rainy days but that didn't slow us down in room 105.
This week we completed a "practice week" of our new spelling routines. We will be alternating each week between Spelling and Vocabulary. In spelling students are working in small groups on the rules that they need to focus on. At times the words seem simple but the goal is to learn the rules so that they can generalize to more challenging words. Please let me know if you have any questions about this.
This week we started our unit on ecosystems and continued to use the scientific method of inquiry to get a hands on glimpse of what it means to be a living organism. Ask your child about the experiment we did in class.
We finished our read aloud The Liberation of Gabriel King, ask your child about the themes of this book. If your child enjoyed this author's style try some of KL Going's other works.
The Garden of Eve is a great book, though I will admit it can get a little spooky, and it deals with the loss of loved ones so please preview it before letting your child read it.
Enjoy the weekend!
Saturday, September 27, 2014
What's happening in Room 105
What a great week and what a fabulous way to celebrate it with this gorgeous weekend!
I enjoyed meeting many of you at curriculum night Tuesday. If you missed the night, your child should have brought home some information about the classroom to share with you. Let me know if you need an extra copy.
In the classroom we are finishing up our unit on the Scientific Method, we took our first online assessment on the iPad, and next week we will begin talking about ecosystems. In writing we started our first unit on personal narrative and discussed where writers get their ideas. In reading we are finishing our first read aloud, Liberation of Gabriel King by K. L. Going, and also learning how to respond to our reading in a journal format.
We had our first week of math switch. The students are enjoying the movement around the building and learning what it means to be prepared for going to a new room. It is a valuable lesson to figure out what they need to bring to each class.
As always please reach out to me if you have any concerns or questions.
Friday, September 26, 2014
First Technology Project
In case you missed our first computer lab project we looked at the "writing process" using Story Builder. You can watch a "video" of this process by clicking on the individual links below. The technology page will be under construction as we work to upload our newest projects.
Feel free to explore this new application on your own as well :) By clicking the link Below
Story Builder Website
| Going Painting | http://goo.gl/L88lTp |
| Surfboardin' | http://goo.gl/Q4AAbj |
| Chocolate | http://goo.gl/9Lbw7D |
| Playing Softball | http://goo.gl/Q1YPE6 |
| Soccer practice | http://goo.gl/HtTnL2 |
| Ice Cream! | http://goo.gl/ngc7ME |
| Music | http://goo.gl/cDBIQq |
| Science | http://goo.gl/jCi445 |
| Castle dodgeball | http://goo.gl/5396in |
| Video Games | http://goo.gl/RYv3tC |
| The anxiously Waiting Puppy | http://goo.gl/iW9kwo |
Feel free to explore this new application on your own as well :) By clicking the link Below
Story Builder Website
Sunday, September 21, 2014
A Busy Week
This is going to be a very busy week. Monday morning will be the first day of math switch. There is always much anticipation for this day and of course some first day jitters. Some students are disappointed by their placements, but I assure you that within days the students forget all about the levels and just enjoy the change of pace. It is a great opportunity for students to see other friends as well as learn from another style of teaching. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me or your your child's new math teacher.
Tuesday night is Curriculum night. I look forward to meeting many of you on Tuesday night at 6pm. Curriculum night is a great opportunity to see the classroom and learn a little bit about Team 105. You will also get a chance to meet your child's new math teacher and tour the IA wings.
We will be wrapping up our unit on the Scientific method this Friday by completing a comic life of the seven steps during our integrated technology block. The projects will hopefully be posted to our website when complete. We will also be having a "check-in" to see how students are able to apply what they have learned about the seven steps.
Tuesday night is Curriculum night. I look forward to meeting many of you on Tuesday night at 6pm. Curriculum night is a great opportunity to see the classroom and learn a little bit about Team 105. You will also get a chance to meet your child's new math teacher and tour the IA wings.
We will be wrapping up our unit on the Scientific method this Friday by completing a comic life of the seven steps during our integrated technology block. The projects will hopefully be posted to our website when complete. We will also be having a "check-in" to see how students are able to apply what they have learned about the seven steps.
Friday, September 12, 2014
Looking Ahead
It feels like we have been in school for a while now and the students are all becoming comfortable in the classroom. The fifth grade team is working on planning our fall and spring field trips. If you are interested in chaperoning this year please remember that we have a new finger printing procedure that you must complete. Our first field trip will be in early November.
Curriculum is almost in full swing and the students have already taken their unit 1 benchmark in math. We are continuing to explore the scientific method. Did you know that the surface of a nickel can hold over 20 drops of water without breaking? Check out our class results above and have your child explain them to you.
Next week I will be sending out check-ins just to let you know how your child is settling in. Please watch your email :) I hope you all enjoy the weekend.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Technology Integration and The writing Process
Our second week was very exciting!
We completed our first technology integration project combining technology and the writing process. I have added a new tab to the classroom website which allows you to explore the student work that they created. Ask your child to show you the one they created and have them explain to you what the writing process is.
In addition, the students all practiced entering their online reading log form. Students should submit a reading log on Thursday nights (or Friday Mornings before school). They are required to read a minimum of 20 minutes a night for at least 5 nights each week.
Please email me if you have any questions at jmoores@westfordk12.us
We completed our first technology integration project combining technology and the writing process. I have added a new tab to the classroom website which allows you to explore the student work that they created. Ask your child to show you the one they created and have them explain to you what the writing process is.
In addition, the students all practiced entering their online reading log form. Students should submit a reading log on Thursday nights (or Friday Mornings before school). They are required to read a minimum of 20 minutes a night for at least 5 nights each week.
Please email me if you have any questions at jmoores@westfordk12.us
Friday, August 29, 2014
Reminders
Happy Labor Day!
I hope you are all enjoying the long weekend. We are off to a great start already.
A few reminders for Tuesday:
- All forms for the office, including emergency cards and transmittal form, are due Tuesday
- Students should be bringing in pictures to decorate their writers notebook on Tuesday as well
Any questions please feel free to email. I have enjoyed getting to know your children this week.
- Ms. Moores
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
First Day!
Team 105 had a great first day! We loved getting to know our classroom and each other. We will be very busy over the next couple of weeks learning routines, setting goals, and making classroom rules that will set us up to reach our hopes and dreams! I look forward to keeping you all up to date as they start this new journey in 5th grade.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Dear Team Member,
I hope you are having a restful and relaxing summer because fifth grade will be a busy and exciting year! I am thrilled about the opportunity to get to know you, and I am looking forward to a happy and productive school year. This year we will work hard AND have tons of fun!
This is will be my 8th year teaching in room 105 at Crisafulli. Along with teaching I also am co-advisor of the student council and I direct the fifth grade play. I enjoy integrating the arts into the classroom and learning new ideas from my students. This year I will be trying to find new ways to integrate technology into the classroom as well. This will be the first year that I will be maintaining a class website. It will be a place for us to share ideas and collaborate throughout the year. Check it out at http://crisafulliteam105.blogspot.com/ this will be a great tool to keep up with current events and homework in the classroom. Please have your parents visit the website before the start of the school year so they can fill out a parent survey.
Our main focus this year will be on building a community within room 105. Through Team 105 meetings, cooperative activities and discussions, we will become a team of students with whom you can feel safe to share your ideas, concerns and talents.
I am getting anxious to begin our school year and I’m sure you have lots of questions about how to be ready for the fifth grade. All you will need for the first day of school is a healthy snack and a smile. We will spend most of our time getting to know each other and our classroom: room 105.
You do not need to purchase any school supplies this year, as all required items will be provided for you.
I would love the opportunity to meet you before the start of school. I will be in room 105 during the open house on Thursday. Please stop by to say hi!
Sincerely,
Ms. Moores
Optional Classroom Donations
- Large box of tissues
- Paper Towels
- Wipes
- Ziplock plastic baggies
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