Sunday, January 27, 2013

Hi All,

This Friday, the short book reports (summaries) on students' biography books are due. Please be sure your child takes time to thoughtfully summarize their book, and to recheck their writing for proper punctuation. Also, expect your child to use their book as a resource for the more challenging spelling words.  I don't want to see their subject's name misspelled.

Other than the biographies, this week's homework and routines are the usual.  We will have a timed multiplication test on Friday for the multiplication facts 0-6.  Please continue to review the facts daily.

Take care,
Carroll Mayer

Friday, January 18, 2013

Hello All,

We finally get to enjoy some warm weather.  Yeah! 

On Tuesday, January 22nd, students are expected to have chosen a "Famous American" and located a book about their person. The written book report is due on Friday, February 1st.  After students hand in the book report, we will further research their subjects, and prepare speeches in class.  We will give you plenty of advance notice before the speeches are due.

This week's Homework Packet is a review list.  It is formatted a little differently from the regular pages, but there are no new words to study.  Please be sure your child completes the packet, including the reading log.  They may note their biography, books they're reading for pleasure, or any other reading material on the log.

On Tuesday, we will wrap up our Geometry Unit and move into division.  Students will find it very handy to know their multiplication facts when they tackle this subject.  Please continue to practice the facts daily!

Our next field trip is scheduled for Friday, March 15th. We will be heading to the Santa Cruz MAH, to learn about local history.  This is an interesting, hands-on field trip.  I will send the permission slips home in early February.

Take care, and enjoy the weekend!
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Hello All,

Welcome back!  This week we will attempt to get back into our regular routines.  Students will bring home a Homework packet that will include spelling, a reading log, and multiplication practice.  At this point, your child should be reviewing multiplication facts daily, unless they are already proficient. This week's spelling list is homophones.  Please remind your child to memorize which meaning is associated with which spelling; simply knowing how to spell a word will not be sufficient on this test.

In addition, students must choose a "Famous American" for their upcoming research project, and locate a biography about that person. A book must be chosen by Tuesday, January 22.  Information about the appropriate candidates for research, and the book report that will be a portion of this project, was sent home just prior to the vacation.  If your child's handout has been misplaced, please have him or her request a second copy.

Have a great week, and stay warm!
Carroll Mayer