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5th Grade Team
 

Hello and welcome back to school! I hope you had an incredible Summer filled with fun and adventures. My name is Mrs. Schiff and I am delighted to write to you as your child’s Math, Science and Social Studies teacher. We're going to learn, explore, and grow together in our wonderful classroom.

 

A little about myself: I have been married for 21 years and have lived in Libertyville for 23 years. I have four children: Amanda, who has been married for almost a year now; Olivia, who is a Freshman at Indiana University Kelley School of Business; Ty, who is a Junior at LHS and recently made the Sophomore Basketball team; and Audrina, who is in 4th grade here at SJCS.

 

Throughout my 12 years at St. Joseph Catholic School, I have been furthering my education. I earned my Education degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2019. Last year, I assumed the role of 5th - 8th grade Middle School Resource Teacher and worked with students who hold ISP’s and 504 plans. I am currently working towards earning my Special Education credential as well.

 

As this new school year starts, I will be working closely with each student to ensure their success. During my time as the 5-8 Resource Teacher, I gained a strong understanding of the Middle School Math, Science, and Social Studies curriculum. I will continue to work closely with these teachers to ensure the 5th graders are prepared for 6th grade.

 

I am grateful for your trust and support as their teacher, and feel free to contact me with any questions.

 

Many Blessings!

 

Also...I have created a new Amazon wish list of items that will help grow our library of knowledge and also improve my new way of teaching math and ensuring that each student continues to grow and learn in many different ways. We will also be learning study skills and I need supplies from my wish list to make this happen as well. Any donation is greatly appreciated. Link is here or under Amazon tab on the side... thank you!

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RS691H76HBK0?ref_=wl_share

 

 

Posts

2/5/24 to 2/9/24 Week at a Glance

Math : Chapter 8 on Fractions and Decimals (one lesson per day) - we will be skipping around in this chapter to go in a better flow

  • Lesson 5 - Least Common Multiple (learning objective: use equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract fractions)
  • Lesson 7 - Use Models to Write Fractions as Decimals (learning objective: apply and extend previous understanding of multiplication and division to multiply and divide fractions)
  • Lesson 8 - Write Fractions as Decimals (learning objective: students will use fraction equivalence to write fractions as decimals)
    • Key points....apply and extend previous understanding of multiplication and division to multiply and divide fractions AND use equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract fractions

Science: Growth & Survival (one lesson per week)

  • We will be creating our own study guide as we get ready for Chapter 3 Test
  • We will be working on answering specific questions in the book that relate to our Chapter 3 test
  • Chapter 3 Test will be on 2-14-24, but I will students overly ready for it

Social Studies: The American Revolution continued and finished ...

  • We will continue working on our country's project in class. 
  • We will work on some more State Capital worksheets in class
  • Since it is a shortened week, we are ending the American Revolution unit with a great Disney movie that I watched with my dad when I was younger. I think it was made back in the 1950's and it is called Johnny Tremain. Basically, Johnny Tremain is drawn into the Revolutionary War, and becomes a patriot fighting to free the colonies from England. Along the way he learns about life and about himself. We will be watching on Monday and Wednesday.

*Please note that The Week at a Glance is very broad. Please check my nightly Edlio posts to read about what we specifically did in class that day.*



Friday, February 2, 2024 Homework

Please sign up for February virtual Parent/Teacher conferences to discuss iReady Math scores. Here is the link: https://www.schoolbookings.net/code/ecyum 
 
 
Math - NONE (Today we worked on comparing fractions...greater than, less than or equal to. I showed them a shortcut trick my dad taught me when I was younger and minds were blown with how easy it is to compare fractions. Have them show you at home. We worked out many examples and all homework and worksheets were done is class and turned into me.)  
 
Science - NONE  (Today we used our Science time to do a packet on ALL the key people throughout the Revolutionary War. We learned a lot an answered many comprehension questions based on the reading. Ask you child to name at least three people that had important roles during this war.)
 
Social Studies - NONE (Today we did our open book/open note test on the book, I Survived the American Revolution 1776. Like mentioned, they were allowed to use their packets and books to find answers. They did very well. Also...I have already provided many resources (songs, games, etc..) in Google Classroom for students to start practicing their state capitals for our test on 2/29/24. Please practice and we will practice with worksheets in class as well starting this week.)
 
Reminders:
 
- I offer office hours Monday - Thursday if your child needs me to reteach something in Math, Science or Social Studies. Please email me for assistance and we will meet via google meet link. 
 
- I offer afterschool Math group tutoring on Thursday's of every week until 3:15pm. Some weeks we review and some weeks we go ahead and learn the next lessons. We will also work on strengthening our math facts in multiplication. It is $30 per week if you'd like to join. You can come and go from week to week, but it is very beneficial. Contact me with any questions. 
 
- Amazon wish list, if you can donate to our classroom... https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RS691H76HBK0?ref_=wl_share
 
Upcoming events:
 
~ Field Trip on May 2nd to Kenosha Public Museum to learn about Native American tribes that lived in Wisconsin and also dissecting Owl Pellets. We also have another Field Trip on May 22nd to the Civil War Museum in Kenosha. More info to come for chaperoning by our Room Parent's. Field Trip forms to come home in April. So excited for these opportunities of enrichment. 
 
~ After much research on my end, I have decided to end this year in Science with a bit of Biology. I surprised the students and told them that we will be dissecting a crayfish and an earthworm in May sometime. I would say 99% of them were so excited about this. A couple were not thrilled with the idea. Please know that this will not be graded, nor would I make any student do something they do not want to do or feel comfortable doing. This is strictly for fun and is totally optional. If they choose to not participate, they can come to the Science lab with us and read a book in the hallway. I'm very excited about this opportunity for the students.
 

Thursday, February 1, 2024 Homework

Please sign up for February virtual Parent/Teacher conferences to discuss iReady Math scores. Here is the link: https://www.schoolbookings.net/code/ecyum 
 
A huge thank you to all the parent volunteers that attended Feed My Starving Children today. We had a great time together and the students really enjoyed this service project that provides and gives love, nourishment, and peace to children around the world. 
 
 
Math - NONE (Today we worked on taking fractions and bringing them done to simplest form. For example: 6/8 = 3/4 if we divided top and bottom by 2. We worked out many examples and all homework and worksheets were done is class and turned into me.)  
 
Science - NONE  (Today the students did their Lesson 4 Check quiz. They were allowed to use their books for help and I provided the pages the answers were on.)
 
Social Studies - NONE, but D.O.G. is due by Friday (We did not have Social Studies today, as we were at Feed My Starving Children. Also...I have already provided many resources (songs, games, etc..) in Google Classroom for students to start practicing their state capitals for our test on 2/29/24. Please practice and we will practice with worksheets in class as well starting this week.)
 
Reminders:
 
- I offer office hours Monday - Thursday if your child needs me to reteach something in Math, Science or Social Studies. Please email me for assistance and we will meet via google meet link. 
 
- I offer afterschool Math group tutoring on Thursday's of every week until 3:15pm. Some weeks we review and some weeks we go ahead and learn the next lessons. We will also work on strengthening our math facts in multiplication. It is $30 per week if you'd like to join. You can come and go from week to week, but it is very beneficial. Contact me with any questions. 
 
- Amazon wish list, if you can donate to our classroom... https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RS691H76HBK0?ref_=wl_share
 
Upcoming events:
 
~ Field Trip on May 2nd to Kenosha Public Museum to learn about Native American tribes that lived in Wisconsin and also dissecting Owl Pellets. We also have another Field Trip on May 22nd to the Civil War Museum in Kenosha. More info to come for chaperoning by our Room Parent's. Field Trip forms to come home in April. So excited for these opportunities of enrichment. 
 
~ After much research on my end, I have decided to end this year in Science with a bit of Biology. I surprised the students and told them that we will be dissecting a crayfish and an earthworm in May sometime. I would say 99% of them were so excited about this. A couple were not thrilled with the idea. Please know that this will not be graded, nor would I make any student do something they do not want to do or feel comfortable doing. This is strictly for fun and is totally optional. If they choose to not participate, they can come to the Science lab with us and read a book in the hallway. I'm very excited about this opportunity for the students.
 

Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Homework

Please sign up for February virtual Parent/Teacher conferences to discuss iReady Math scores. Here is the link: https://www.schoolbookings.net/bkyXVH0/step1
 
Tomorrow is our pillow drive collection for the bed ministry. Please consider donating brand new standard sized pillows at drop off. Thank you!
 
Tomorrow is our Field My Starving Children field trip. Please refer to the email sent a couple of days ago about jewelry and sickness policy to attend. Thank you!
 
 
Math - NONE (Today we started working on finding the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) of numbers or sets of numbers. We worked out many examples and all homework and worksheets were done is class and turned into me.)  
 
Science - NONE  (Today I used our Science time to rent out the Koenig Center to have a Social Studies reenactment of the Revolutionary War by playing Capture the Flag with each class. We had rules and reasonings behind how we were playing. The red team was the British, the blue team was the Americans and the white team were the French. For example: in Round 1 I had red team warm up while I had blue team do nothing...Why? It shows how the British was better trained then the American forces. The white team was cheering on the blue team and not the red team...Why?...France sent financial aid and supplies to the Americans early on in the war. We had lots of fun and was a great visual and interactive way to end our unit on Revolutionary War. )
 
Social Studies - NONE, but D.O.G. is due by Friday (Today I assigned a Key Vocabulary Quiz in Google Classroom. Each student had to write the definition of each key word used throughout the Revolutionary War and resubmit their doc back to me for a final grade. All definitions had to be put into their own words...no copy and paste was allowed. Also...I have already provided many resources (songs, games, etc..) in Google Classroom for students to start practicing their state capitals for our test on 2/29/24. Please practice and we will practice with worksheets in class as well starting this week.)
 
Reminders:
 
- I offer office hours Monday - Thursday if your child needs me to reteach something in Math, Science or Social Studies. Please email me for assistance and we will meet via google meet link. 
 
- I offer afterschool Math group tutoring on Thursday's of every week until 3:15pm. Some weeks we review and some weeks we go ahead and learn the next lessons. We will also work on strengthening our math facts in multiplication. It is $30 per week if you'd like to join. You can come and go from week to week, but it is very beneficial. Contact me with any questions. 
 
- Amazon wish list, if you can donate to our classroom... https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RS691H76HBK0?ref_=wl_share
 
Upcoming events:
 
~ Field Trip to Feed My Starving Children on Thursday, February 1st for our service project for Catholic Schools Week from 11:15am to 1:15pm. Also, please make note that all jewelry must be removed prior to attending the facility...earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. Thank you!
 
~ Field Trip on May 2nd to Kenosha Public Museum to learn about Native American tribes that lived in Wisconsin and also dissecting Owl Pellets. We also have another Field Trip on May 22nd to the Civil War Museum in Kenosha. More info to come for chaperoning by our Room Parent's. Field Trip forms to come home in April. So excited for these opportunities of enrichment. 
 
~ After much research on my end, I have decided to end this year in Science with a bit of Biology. I surprised the students and told them that we will be dissecting a crayfish and an earthworm in May sometime. I would say 99% of them were so excited about this. A couple were not thrilled with the idea. Please know that this will not be graded, nor would I make any student do something they do not want to do or feel comfortable doing. This is strictly for fun and is totally optional. If they choose to not participate, they can come to the Science lab with us and read a book in the hallway. I'm very excited about this opportunity for the students.
 

Tuesday, January 30, 2024 Homework

Don't forget that Thursday is our pillow drive. Please donate standard sized pillows if you are able to.
 
Please sign up for February virtual Parent/Teacher conferences to discuss iReady Math scores. Here is the link: https://www.schoolbookings.net/bkyXVH0/step1
 
 
Math - NONE (Today we started divided fractions, so 1/3 would be 1 divided by 3. We worked out many examples and all homework and worksheets were done is class and turned into me.)  
 
Science - NONE - Schiff Only  (Today my class started reading about the life cycles of some animals or insects...example: how a butterfly goes through metamorphosis. They had to answer questions along the way. Miss Bubis's class read this lesson yesterday.)
 
Social Studies - NONE, but D.O.G. is due by Friday (I passed out our Country Project/Presentation to the classes. I went over all the details and the rubric for grading as well. Can't wait to see these presentations in about a month. We do all this work in class for the project. Also...I have already provided many resources (songs, games, etc..) in Google Classroom for students to start practicing their state capitals for our test on 2/29/24. Please practice and we will practice with worksheets in class as well starting this week.)
 
Reminders:
 
- I offer office hours Monday - Thursday if your child needs me to reteach something in Math, Science or Social Studies. Please email me for assistance and we will meet via google meet link. 
 
- I offer afterschool Math group tutoring on Thursday's of every week until 3:15pm. Some weeks we review and some weeks we go ahead and learn the next lessons. We will also work on strengthening our math facts in multiplication. It is $30 per week if you'd like to join. You can come and go from week to week, but it is very beneficial. Contact me with any questions. 
 
- Amazon wish list, if you can donate to our classroom... https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RS691H76HBK0?ref_=wl_share
 
Upcoming events:
 
~ Field Trip to Feed My Starving Children on Thursday, February 1st for our service project for Catholic Schools Week from 11:15am to 1:15pm. Also, please make note that all jewelry must be removed prior to attending the facility...earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. Thank you!
 
~ Field Trip on May 2nd to Kenosha Public Museum to learn about Native American tribes that lived in Wisconsin and also dissecting Owl Pellets. We also have another Field Trip on May 22nd to the Civil War Museum in Kenosha. More info to come for chaperoning by our Room Parent's. Field Trip forms to come home in April. So excited for these opportunities of enrichment. 
 
~ After much research on my end, I have decided to end this year in Science with a bit of Biology. I surprised the students and told them that we will be dissecting a crayfish and an earthworm in May sometime. I would say 99% of them were so excited about this. A couple were not thrilled with the idea. Please know that this will not be graded, nor would I make any student do something they do not want to do or feel comfortable doing. This is strictly for fun and is totally optional. If they choose to not participate, they can come to the Science lab with us and read a book in the hallway. I'm very excited about this opportunity for the students.
 

Monday, January 29, 2024 Homework

Thank you to all the families that attending Catholic Schools Week Open House yesterday. It was a joy to see your faces. and a great way to start the Week. Don't forget that Thursday is our pillow drive. Please donate standard sized pillows if you are able to.
 
Also, all Feed My Starving Children field trip forms were due back today, so if you haven't turned them in...please do so ASAP! Thank you 
 
Math - NONE (Since we took our Chapter 7 test on this past Friday, I had the students play math games on Chromebooks, decks of cards or math board games. A little mental break before we start Chapter 8 tomorrow.)  
 
Science - NONE - Bubis Only  (Today Miss Bubis's class started reading about the life cycles of some animals or insects...example: how a butterfly goes through metamorphosis. They had to answer questions along the way. My class will be reading this lesson tomorrow.)
 
Social Studies - NONE, but D.O.G. is due by Friday (Today we focused on finishing our I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 books by reading chapters 17 & 18 and finishing our comprehension packets. I will give all students until Wednesday to turn it in if not finished today. I will be passing out our Country Project/Presentation to the classes tomorrow. I will go over all the details and the rubric for grading as well. Can't wait to see these presentations in about a month. We do all this work in class for the project. Also...I have already provided many resources (songs, games, etc..) in Google Classroom for students to start practicing their state capitals for our test on 2/29/24. Please practice and we will practice with worksheets in class as well starting next week.)
 
Reminders:
 
- I offer office hours Monday - Thursday if your child needs me to reteach something in Math, Science or Social Studies. Please email me for assistance and we will meet via google meet link. 
 
- I offer afterschool Math group tutoring on Thursday's of every week until 3:15pm. Some weeks we review and some weeks we go ahead and learn the next lessons. We will also work on strengthening our math facts in multiplication. It is $30 per week if you'd like to join. You can come and go from week to week, but it is very beneficial. Contact me with any questions. 
 
- Amazon wish list, if you can donate to our classroom... https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RS691H76HBK0?ref_=wl_share
 
Upcoming events:
 
~ Field Trip to Feed My Starving Children on Thursday, February 1st for our service project for Catholic Schools Week from 11:15am to 1:15pm. Room Mom's have sent a volunteer request form as we need 4 volunteers for each classroom. Also, please make note that all jewelry must be removed prior to attending the facility...earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. Thank you!
 
~ Field Trip on May 2nd to Kenosha Public Museum to learn about Native American tribes that lived in Wisconsin and also dissecting Owl Pellets. We also have another Field Trip on May 22nd to the Civil War Museum in Kenosha. More info to come for chaperoning by our Room Parent's. Field Trip forms to come home in April. So excited for these opportunities of enrichment. 
 
~ After much research on my end, I have decided to end this year in Science with a bit of Biology. I surprised the students and told them that we will be dissecting a crayfish and an earthworm in May sometime. I would say 99% of them were so excited about this. A couple were not thrilled with the idea. Please know that this will not be graded, nor would I make any student do something they do not want to do or feel comfortable doing. This is strictly for fun and is totally optional. If they choose to not participate, they can come to the Science lab with us and read a book in the hallway. I'm very excited about this opportunity for the students.
 

1/29/24 to 2/2/24 Week at a Glance

Math: Chapter 8 on Fractions and Decimals (one lesson per day) - we will be skipping around in this chapter to go in a better sequence

  • Lesson 1 - Fractions and Division ( Learning objective: solve word problems by interpreting a fraction as division of the numerator by the denominator)
  • Lesson 2 - Greatest Common Factor (learning objective: determine the common factors and the greatest common factor of a set of numbers)
  • Lesson 3 - Simplest Form (learning objective: generate equivalent fractions by writing a fraction in simplest form)
  • Lesson 6 - Compare Fractions (learning objective: compare fractions by using the least common denominator)
    • Key points....apply and extend previous understanding of multiplication and division to multiply and divide fractions AND use equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract fractions

Science: Growth & Survival (one lesson per week)

  • What are the life cycles of some animals?
    • Learning Objective: Students will model the life cycles of some animals and will investigate how some animals go through metamorphosis.
  • Key words this week - metamorphosis, molt, and life cycle

Social Studies: The American Revolution continued...

  • I will introduce and start working on our country's project. This will all be worked on in class only on Tuesday's.
    • Learning Objective: open our minds to different cultures around the world, use different resources and use an online google slides program for presentation
  • We will finish reading our "I Survived The American Revolution, 1776" book on Monday
  • Finish pages 9 of the Comprehension packets and turn them in
  • Play Capture the Flag to demonstrate the American Revolution War
  • Key Vocabulary - words are provided on google doc and they need to look up their definitions as a Quiz grade on Wednesday
  • Taking an open book test on our "I Survived the American Revolution, 1776" book on Thursday
  • Learning about all the "Key People" in the American Revolution on Friday with packets of text and questions
  • Start worksheets on State Capitals to practice and be ready for our test on 2/29/24

Learning Objectives of American Revolution: 

  • be able to explain the causes and effects of the Revolutionary War 
  • be able to identify both sides of conflict 
  • analyze background information in the story and identify additional questions 
  • be able to identify main idea and theme of the novel 
  • be able to analyze Nate’s character and growth while coming of age 
  • learn new vocabulary and be able to use it in writing 
  • identify major events in the novel 
  • make inferences 
  • be able to quote and properly cite text based evidence

*Please note that The Week at a Glance is very broad. Please check my nightly Edlio posts to read about what we specifically did in class that day.*

Friday, January 26, 2024 Homework

Field Trip forms went home the other day for Feed My Starving Children. No money is needed for this field trip. Please just sign the form and send it back in to me...Due by Monday, January 29, 2024.
 
Catholic Schools Week Open House is this Sunday, January 28th. 9am Mass and then enjoy pancakes & sausage in the Gym before coming to visit our classroom and I encourage a visit to all the middle school classrooms as well for next year. Also, don't forget to stop by the Book Fair for some amazing books! Please note that our elevator does not work incase you plan on bringing any elderly people that can't handle stairs.
 
Math - NONE (Today we took our Chapter 7 math test. All grades are in PowerSchool and tests are coming home today.)  
 
Science - NONE  (Today we did a little Brain Pop Science lessons as well as doing some major housekeeping...cleaning out desks, lockers, wiping down desks, dusting, etc...getting ready for Catholic Schools Week Open House this Sunday.)
 
Social Studies - NONE (Today I gave them their key person of the week packet to learn about... Abigail Adams, wife of President John Adams.. What a remarkable woman throughout the American Revolution. Ask your child what they learned about her. I will be passing out our Country Project/Presentation to the classes on Monday instead. I will go over all the details and the rubric for grading as well. Can't wait to see these presentations in about a month. We do all this work in class for the project. Also...I have already provided many resources (songs, games, etc..) in Google Classroom for students to start practicing their state capitals for our test on 2/29/24. Please practice and we will practice with worksheets in class as well starting next week.)
 
Reminders:
 
- I offer office hours Monday - Thursday if your child needs me to reteach something in Math, Science or Social Studies. Please email me for assistance and we will meet via google meet link. 
 
- I offer afterschool Math group tutoring on Thursday's of every week until 3:15pm. Some weeks we review and some weeks we go ahead and learn the next lessons. We will also work on strengthening our math facts in multiplication. It is $30 per week if you'd like to join. You can come and go from week to week, but it is very beneficial. Contact me with any questions. 
 
- Amazon wish list, if you can donate to our classroom... https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RS691H76HBK0?ref_=wl_share
 
Upcoming events:
 
~ Field Trip to Feed My Starving Children on Thursday, February 1st for our service project for Catholic Schools Week from 11:15am to 1:15pm. Room Mom's have sent a volunteer request form as we need 4 volunteers for each classroom. Also, please make note that all jewelry must be removed prior to attending the facility...earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. Thank you!
 
~ Field Trip on May 2nd to Kenosha Public Museum to learn about Native American tribes that lived in Wisconsin and also dissecting Owl Pellets. We also have another Field Trip on May 22nd to the Civil War Museum in Kenosha. More info to come for chaperoning by our Room Parent's. Field Trip forms to come home in April. So excited for these opportunities of enrichment. 
 
~ After much research on my end, I have decided to end this year in Science with a bit of Biology. I surprised the students and told them that we will be dissecting a crayfish and an earthworm in May sometime. I would say 99% of them were so excited about this. A couple were not thrilled with the idea. Please know that this will not be graded, nor would I make any student do something they do not want to do or feel comfortable doing. This is strictly for fun and is totally optional. If they choose to not participate, they can come to the Science lab with us and read a book in the hallway. I'm very excited about this opportunity for the students.
 

Thursday, January 25, 2024 Homework

Field Trip forms went home yesterday for Feed My Starving Children. No money is needed for this field trip. Please just sign form and send it back in to me...Due by Monday, January 29, 2024.
 
Catholic Schools Week Open House is this Sunday, January 28th. 9am Mass and then enjoy pancakes & sausage in the Gym before coming to visit our classroom and the middle school classrooms as well for next year. Also, don't forget to stop by the Book Fair for some amazing books. 
 
Math - NONE (We continued practicing for our Math test that is tomorrow, Friday, in class...I also gave optional test practice worksheets for each student to take home as well.)  
 
Science - NONE  (Today my class worked on a packet of fun facts about animals and how they adapt to certain environments. Both classrooms did their Lesson 3 Check quiz as well in class with the support of their textbooks too. I provided the pages to use.)
 
Social Studies - NONE (Today we caught up to chapters 14 -16 in our American Revolution book and answered our questions in the comprehension packets. Ask your child what they read about today and share at least 3 facts. If caught up, I gave them their key person of the week packet to learn about,,, Abigail Adams. What a remarkable woman throughout the American Revolutions. I will be passing out our Country Project/Presentation to the classes on Monday instead. I will go over all the details and the rubric for grading as well. Can't wait to see these presentations in about a month. We do all this work in class for the project. Also...I have already provided many resources (songs, games, etc..) in Google Classroom for students to start practicing their state capitals for our test on 2/29/24. Please practice and we will practice with worksheets in class as well starting next week.)
 
Reminders:
 
- I offer office hours Monday - Thursday if your child needs me to reteach something in Math, Science or Social Studies. Please email me for assistance and we will meet via google meet link. 
 
- I offer afterschool Math group tutoring on Thursday's of every week until 3:15pm. Some weeks we review and some weeks we go ahead and learn the next lessons. We will also work on strengthening our math facts in multiplication. It is $30 per week if you'd like to join. You can come and go from week to week, but it is very beneficial. Contact me with any questions. 
 
- Amazon wish list, if you can donate to our classroom... https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RS691H76HBK0?ref_=wl_share
 
Upcoming events:
 
~ Field Trip to Feed My Starving Children on Thursday, February 1st for our service project for Catholic Schools Week from 11:15am to 1:15pm. Room Mom's have sent a volunteer request form as we need 4 volunteers for each classroom. Also, please make note that all jewelry must be removed prior to attending the facility...earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. Thank you!
 
~ Field Trip on May 2nd to Kenosha Public Museum to learn about Native American tribes that lived in Wisconsin and also dissecting Owl Pellets. We also have another Field Trip on May 22nd to the Civil War Museum in Kenosha. More info to come for chaperoning by our Room Parent's. Field Trip forms to come home in April. So excited for these opportunities of enrichment. 
 
~ After much research on my end, I have decided to end this year in Science with a bit of Biology. I surprised the students and told them that we will be dissecting a crayfish and an earthworm in May sometime. I would say 99% of them were so excited about this. A couple were not thrilled with the idea. Please know that this will not be graded, nor would I make any student do something they do not want to do or feel comfortable doing. This is strictly for fun and is totally optional. If they choose to not participate, they can come to the Science lab with us and read a book in the hallway. I'm very excited about this opportunity for the students.
 

Wednesday, January 24, 2024 Homework

Field Trip forms went home yesterday for Feed My Starving Children. No money is needed for this field trip. Please just sign form and send it back in to me...Due by Monday, January 29, 2024.
 
Catholic Schools Week Open House is this Sunday, January 28th. 9am Mass and then enjoy pancakes & sausage in the Gym before coming to visit our classroom and the middle school classrooms as well for next year. Also, don't forget to stop by the Book Fair for some amazing books. 
 
Math - NONE (We started practicing for our Math test this Friday in class...I also gave optional test practice worksheets for each student to take home as well.)  
 
Science - NONE - Bubis Only (Today Miss Bubis's class worked on a packet of fun facts about animals and how they adapt to certain environments. My class had their monthly visit from Mrs. Han & Mrs. Walsh. We will do this animal packet on Friday as well.)
 
Social Studies - NONE (Today we read chapters 14 -16 in our American Revolution book and answered our questions in the comprehension packets. Ask your child what they read about today and share at least 3 facts. I will be passing out our Country Project/Presentation to the classes on Friday instead. I will go over all the details and the rubric for grading as well. Can't wait to see these presentations in about a month. We do all this work in class for the project. Also...I have already provided many resources (songs, games, etc..) in Google Classroom for students to start practicing their state capitals for our test on 2/29/24. Please practice and we will practice with worksheets in class as well starting next week.)
 
Reminders:
 
- I offer office hours Monday - Thursday if your child needs me to reteach something in Math, Science or Social Studies. Please email me for assistance and we will meet via google meet link. 
 
- I offer afterschool Math group tutoring on Thursday's of every week until 3:15pm. Some weeks we review and some weeks we go ahead and learn the next lessons. We will also work on strengthening our math facts in multiplication. It is $30 per week if you'd like to join. You can come and go from week to week, but it is very beneficial. Contact me with any questions. 
 
- Amazon wish list, if you can donate to our classroom... https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RS691H76HBK0?ref_=wl_share
 
Upcoming events:
 
~ Field Trip to Feed My Starving Children on Thursday, February 1st for our service project for Catholic Schools Week from 11:15am to 1:15pm. Room Mom's have sent a volunteer request form as we need 4 volunteers for each classroom. Also, please make note that all jewelry must be removed prior to attending the facility...earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. Thank you!
 
~ Field Trip on May 2nd to Kenosha Public Museum to learn about Native American tribes that lived in Wisconsin and also dissecting Owl Pellets. We also have another Field Trip on May 22nd to the Civil War Museum in Kenosha. More info to come for chaperoning by our Room Parent's. Field Trip forms to come home in April. So excited for these opportunities of enrichment. 
 
~ After much research on my end, I have decided to end this year in Science with a bit of Biology. I surprised the students and told them that we will be dissecting a crayfish and an earthworm in May sometime. I would say 99% of them were so excited about this. A couple were not thrilled with the idea. Please know that this will not be graded, nor would I make any student do something they do not want to do or feel comfortable doing. This is strictly for fun and is totally optional. If they choose to not participate, they can come to the Science lab with us and read a book in the hallway. I'm very excited about this opportunity for the students.
 

Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Homework

Math - NONE (We continued iReady diagnostic in class today. I'll discuss these results at the February Parent/Teacher Conferences. Thank you. We will start practicing for our Math test this Friday tomorrow in class...I will also give optional test practice worksheets for each student to take home as well.)  
 
Science - NONE - Schiff Only (Today we read about animal adaptations and focused on important bold words throughout our reading. We answered questions along the way. Miss Bubis's class did this yesterday.)
 
Social Studies - NONE (Today we read chapters 11 through 13 in our American Revolution book and answered our questions in the comprehension packets. Ask your child what they read about today and share at least 3 facts. I will be passing out our Country Project/Presentation to the classes tomorrow as we were missing many kids today. I will go over all the details and the rubric for grading as well. Can't wait to see these presentations in about a month. Also...I have already provided many resources (songs, games, etc..) in Google Classroom for students to start practicing their state capitals for our test on 2/29/24. Please practice and we will practice with worksheets in class as well starting next week.)
 
Reminders:
 
- I offer office hours Monday - Thursday if your child needs me to reteach something in Math, Science or Social Studies. Please email me for assistance and we will meet via google meet link. 
 
- I offer afterschool Math group tutoring on Thursday's of every week until 3:15pm. Some weeks we review and some weeks we go ahead and learn the next lessons. We will also work on strengthening our math facts in multiplication. It is $30 per week if you'd like to join. You can come and go from week to week, but it is very beneficial. Contact me with any questions. 
 
- Amazon wish list, if you can donate to our classroom... https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RS691H76HBK0?ref_=wl_share
 
Upcoming events:
 
~ Field Trip to Feed My Starving Children on Thursday, February 1st for our service project for Catholic Schools Week from 11:15am to 1:15pm. Room Mom's have sent a volunteer request form as we need 4 volunteers for each classroom. Also, please make note that all jewelry must be removed prior to attending the facility...earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. Thank you!
 
~ Field Trip on May 2nd to Kenosha Public Museum to learn about Native American tribes that lived in Wisconsin and also dissecting Owl Pellets. We also have another Field Trip on May 22nd to the Civil War Museum in Kenosha. More info to come for chaperoning by our Room Parent's. Field Trip forms to come home in April. So excited for these opportunities of enrichment. 
 
~ After much research on my end, I have decided to end this year in Science with a bit of Biology. I surprised the students and told them that we will be dissecting a crayfish and an earthworm in May sometime. I would say 99% of them were so excited about this. A couple were not thrilled with the idea. Please know that this will not be graded, nor would I make any student do something they do not want to do or feel comfortable doing. This is strictly for fun and is totally optional. If they choose to not participate, they can come to the Science lab with us and read a book in the hallway. I'm very excited about this opportunity for the students.
 

Monday, January 22, 2024 Homework

Math - NONE (We started iReady diagnostic in class today. We will finish tomorrow if needed. I'll discuss these results at the February Parent/Teacher Conferences. Thank you.)  
 
Science - NONE - Bubis Only (Today we read about animal adaptations and focused on important bold words throughout our reading. We answered questions along the way. My class will do this tomorrow.)
 
Social Studies - NONE (Today we read chapters 8 through 10 in our American Revolution book and answered our questions in the comprehension packets. Ask your child what they read about today and share at least 3 facts. Also...I have already provided many resources (songs, games, etc..) in Google Classroom for students to start practicing their state capitals for our test on 2/29/24. Please practice and we will practice with worksheets in class as well starting next week.)
 
Reminders:
 
- I offer office hours Monday - Thursday if your child needs me to reteach something in Math, Science or Social Studies. Please email me for assistance and we will meet via google meet link. 
 
- I offer afterschool Math group tutoring on Thursday's of every week until 3:15pm. Some weeks we review and some weeks we go ahead and learn the next lessons. We will also work on strengthening our math facts in multiplication. It is $30 per week if you'd like to join. You can come and go from week to week, but it is very beneficial. Contact me with any questions. 
 
- Amazon wish list, if you can donate to our classroom... https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RS691H76HBK0?ref_=wl_share
 
Upcoming events:
 
~ Field Trip to Feed My Starving Children on Thursday, February 1st for our service project for Catholic Schools Week from 11:15am to 1:15pm. Room Mom's have sent a volunteer request form as we need 4 volunteers for each classroom. Also, please make note that all jewelry must be removed prior to attending the facility...earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. Thank you!
 
~ Field Trip on May 2nd to Kenosha Public Museum to learn about Native American tribes that lived in Wisconsin and also dissecting Owl Pellets. We also have another Field Trip on May 22nd to the Civil War Museum in Kenosha. More info to come for chaperoning by our Room Parent's. Field Trip forms to come home in April. So excited for these opportunities of enrichment. 
 
~ After much research on my end, I have decided to end this year in Science with a bit of Biology. I surprised the students and told them that we will be dissecting a crayfish and an earthworm in May sometime. I would say 99% of them were so excited about this. A couple were not thrilled with the idea. Please know that this will not be graded, nor would I make any student do something they do not want to do or feel comfortable doing. This is strictly for fun and is totally optional. If they choose to not participate, they can come to the Science lab with us and read a book in the hallway. I'm very excited about this opportunity for the students.
 

1/22/24 to 1/26/24 Week at a Glance

Math: Operations & Algebraic Thinking (one lesson per day) - lessons 9 and then we will start practicing for our differentiated Chapter 7 Math test on Friday

  • Graph Patterns - graph points on the coordinate planes on Monday
  • Chapter 7 Review in book on Tuesday 
  • Practicing for test on Wednesday and Thursday
  • Chapter 7 test on Friday, January 26, 2024
  • Please note that we will start iReady on Monday, January 22, 2024 and only work about 15/20 minutes a day on it until we are done.

Science: Growth & Survival (one lesson per week)

  • How do adaptations help animals?
  • How do plants and animals grow and change?
    • Learning Objective: Students will also construct an argument based on evidence that animals can survive in different environments because of adaptations
  • Keywords this week - structural adaptations, extinct species, and instincts
  • Animal packet on fun facts about animals

Social Studies: The American Revolution continued (will take about 3 to 4 weeks to finish unit)

  • Hand out Country Google Slides project expectations to start taking notes and working on. This will all be worked on in class only on Tuesday's.
  • Read chapters 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, & 16 of the "I Survived The American Revolution, 1776" books on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
  • Finish pages 6, 7, & 8 of the Comprehension packets 
  • Learning about Abigail Adams who is a key figure as well during the American Revolution  on Friday with packets of text and questions

Learning Objectives of American Revolution: 

  • be able to explain the causes and effects of the Revolutionary War 
  • be able to identify both sides of conflict 
  • analyze background information in the story and identify additional questions 
  • be able to identify main idea and theme of the novel 
  • be able to analyze Nate’s character and growth while coming of age 
  • learn new vocabulary and be able to use it in writing 
  • identify major events in the novel 
  • make inferences 
  • be able to quote and properly cite text based evidence

*Please note that The Week at a Glance is very broad. Please check my nightly Edlio posts to read about we specifically did in class that day.*

Friday, January 19, 2024 Homework

Congratulations to Azalea and Kanika for their participation in the Spelling Bee this afternoon. They did a great job!! Very proud of you!
 
Math - NONE (We did homework pages 529 & 530 in class today. It was a continuation of our lesson of ordered pairs and coordinate planes. All work was done in class and turned into me.)  
 
Science - NONE (Today we did a packet on plant and animal adaptations to go with our lesson from the week. All work was done in class and turned into me.)
 
Social Studies - NONE (Today we learned about a key player in the American Revolution...Paul Revere. We read a text about him and then answered questions. This tested their comprehension of what they read. Please ask your child to tell you at least 3 facts that they learned about him. I think they were pretty blown away with the fact that he had 16 children.)
 
Reminders:
 
- I offer office hours Monday - Thursday if your child needs me to reteach something in Math, Science or Social Studies. Please email me for assistance and we will meet via google meet link. 
 
- I offer afterschool Math group tutoring on Thursday's of every week until 3:15pm. Some weeks we review and some weeks we go ahead and learn the next lessons. We will also work on strengthening our math facts in multiplication. It is $30 per week if you'd like to join. You can come and go from week to week, but it is very beneficial. Contact me with any questions. 
 
- Amazon wish list, if you can donate to our classroom... https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RS691H76HBK0?ref_=wl_share
 
Upcoming events:
 
~ Field Trip to Feed My Starving Children on Thursday, February 1st for our service project for Catholic Schools Week from 11:15am to 1:15pm. Room Mom's have sent a volunteer request form as we need 4 volunteers for each classroom. Also, please make note that all jewelry must be removed prior to attending the facility...earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. Thank you!
 
~ Field Trip on May 2nd to Kenosha Public Museum to learn about Native American tribes that lived in Wisconsin and also dissecting Owl Pellets. We also have another Field Trip on May 22nd to the Civil War Museum in Kenosha. More info to come for chaperoning by our Room Parent's. Field Trip forms to come home in April. So excited for these opportunities of enrichment. 
 
~ After much research on my end, I have decided to end this year in Science with a bit of Biology. I surprised the students and told them that we will be dissecting a crayfish and an earthworm in May sometime. I would say 99% of them were so excited about this. A couple were not thrilled with the idea. Please know that this will not be graded, nor would I make any student do something they do not want to do or feel comfortable doing. This is strictly for fun and is totally optional. If they choose to not participate, they can come to the Science lab with us and read a book in the hallway. I'm very excited about this opportunity for the students.
 

Thursday, January 18, 2024 Homework

My in-person book club starts this Sunday at my house from Noon to 1:30pm. I have a great book for us to read. Cost is $150 and it includes book to keep, snacks and end of book craft project. Please sign your child up by Friday so I can make sure to have enough books. Can't wait to start this. xoxoxo
 
Math - NONE (Today we worked on grids and map locations on the grids. We plotting on grids as well. All work was done in class and turned into me.)  
 
Science - NONE (Today we caught up with our Lesson 1 and Lesson 2 quiz checks...students used their books to find the answers from pages I provided.)
 
Social Studies - NONE (Today we read chapters 5 through 7 in our "I Survived the American Revolution, 1776" books and then the matching comprehension questions to these chapters. Ask your child what they learned today? What is a castaway or jeered means? Also, Nate decided to return to Connecticut but was unable to do so...why?)
 
Reminders:
 
- $1 Dress Down tomorrow - Friday, January 19th in support of St. Bede's school...wear BLUE...please donate whatever denomination you can. It is much appreciated!
 
- I offer office hours Monday - Thursday if your child needs me to reteach something in Math, Science or Social Studies. Please email me for assistance and we will meet via google meet link. 
 
- I offer afterschool Math group tutoring on Thursday's of every week until 3:15pm. Some weeks we review and some weeks we go ahead and learn the next lessons. We will also work on strengthening our math facts in multiplication. It is $30 per week if you'd like to join. You can come and go from week to week, but it is very beneficial. Contact me with any questions. 
 
- Amazon wish list, if you can donate to our classroom... https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RS691H76HBK0?ref_=wl_share
 
Upcoming events:
 
~ Field Trip to Feed My Starving Children on Thursday, February 1st for our service project for Catholic Schools Week from 11:15am to 1:15pm. Room Mom's have sent a volunteer request form as we need 4 volunteers for each classroom. Also, please make note that all jewelry must be removed prior to attending the facility...earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. Thank you!
 
~ Field Trip on May 2nd to Kenosha Public Museum to learn about Native American tribes that lived in Wisconsin and also dissecting Owl Pellets. We also have another Field Trip on May 22nd to the Civil War Museum in Kenosha. More info to come for chaperoning by our Room Parent's. Field Trip forms to come home in April. So excited for these opportunities of enrichment.