Newsletter2

Mr. Martin's Classroom 119** Newsletter 2, September 27, 2007 https://martinclassroom.wikispaces.com/Newsletter2
 * The Fifth Grade Expedition

We are beginning unit 2 this week. I am excited to inform you of a new technique that we are using. We have assessed students on the concepts in this new unit and have formed groups based on their learning styles. The feedback I have received from students and teachers has been very positive. I really enjoyed it, and look forward to this method helping all our students reach success in math.
 * Math News**

Two assignments are due today. One is the __Reading Letter__, and the second is a Spelling Take Home Task. The reading letter is an assignment where students write a letter to me about the independent book that they are reading. Good readers respond to books in many ways. We practice these skills in class daily, and the reading letter is a way to assess these skills. Every week, students will have a writing assignment such as this. It will alternate between the reading letter and a different writing assignment such as an essay or a story.
 * Weekly Assignments Due Today!**

The __Take Home Task__ is an interactive spelling activity. It is usually a simple task that can be done at home with you or with a partner. I have begun copying these one-sided homework assignments back to back, so one side is for this week, and the other side is for next week. Some students have decided to do both assignments this week, and that is fine, I always accept quality work, even if it is turned in early.

These are two really great online tools that you and your students can use. Go to Webgrader at http://www.clihome.com/wg/home.asp to look up grades and assignments. The program notifies students when there are missing assignments. Please ignore overall subject grades at this time, they will not be accurate. Near the end of the marking period, I will inform you when grades are more accurate. I have provided students with an in-class tutorial to help them use this resource.
 * Webgrader and Study Island**

Another great tool is Study Island at [|www.studyisland.com]. This is a place where students can play online games and take practice test questions that are aligned to our state standards (Grade Level Content Expectations). We can use this as a practice tool, and also to find out our students strengths and weaknesses in specific areas.

Fundraiser orders can be turned in on Wednesdays. Next Wednesday is the final turn in day.
 * Fundraiser Due Dates**

This is one of the most helpful classes that I have ever hadand I have to say great job students! When I have a helpful class, it leaves me more time for planning, setup, and assessing. When we left last Friday, I didn't have to move one scrap of paper, and I can't remember it ever being so clean before on a Friday. I hope that you are seeing this at home too.
 * Martin Bucks**

In fifth grade, one area of study is economics. I like to teach economic concepts throughout the year with the use of Martin Bucks, which is our classroom currency. Students can make up to 50 Martin Bucks a week at this time, 5 MB for homework turned in on time, and 5 for a signed planner every morning. Students will also get the opportunity too help out for classroom jobs, which we are just starting. So far we have hired students in payroll, library, dusting, and attendance. All students will have the opportunity to hold a job throughout the year, and even get some real world experience doing so.

So what can they buy? We usually have a monthly auction, and occasionally a classroom store. Students can purchase items I bring in, or items that students or parents have donated for this purpose. Students will also be able to buy school supplies when available, cold hallway drinks, and special passes. Overall it is a lot of fun, and it helps students understand economic concepts in a real world setting.

Planners have arrived. Please help your student by signing their planner every night. If they read 30 minutes, make sure to sign next to that number in the reading section of the planner page. Each night, the planner should have the day's date, a list of any assignments, and the due date. If there is no due date, assume that it is due the next day.
 * Planners**

This week, we begin a unit on Tall Tales. We will be reading and writing about many stories in this genre. One online example that I will be using is a Paul Bunyan online picture book. You can read it here at [|www.paulbunyantrail.com/talltale.html.] Another story students will read is a retell of Pecos Bill by Stephen Kellogg. Students will be able to read and understand the features of tall tale genre. Some main features are that they contain humor in the form of exaggeration. They have characters with larger than life characteristics, and the stories typically explain how something has occurred in history. Students will be assessed by writing a short tall tale of their own, showing the features of this genre.
 * Reading and Writing**

We just began an exciting new curriculum called //History Alive!// The first unit is the Geography of the United States. In this first week, students are learning the basic skills needed to understand the geography of the United States by creating a series of labeled maps. Students will work in pairs to examine overhead transparencies that will teach them several geography skills, such as determining location with lines of latitude and longitude and identifying physical features of the United States. After examining each transparency, students learn about each skill by reading passages in their new textbook and labeling a map as they answer challenging questions. Finally, students apply their knowledge in a Processing assignment, and Internet tutorial, and an in class assessment. Parents, feel free to use the internet tutorial with your student. The address is http://tutorial.teachtci.com/.
 * Social Studies Started This Week!**