Where have you been Mrs. Carroll?

Crazy computer-that's where I've been....but I'm back and I plan on using this blog every week.  Midterms are just around the corner.  I will be sending them home on Tuesday, Oct. 16.  If your child does not get one, then they are fine.  If they do get one it is to let you know how they are doing and what improvements we need to make.

BARF-great idea, but I just don't think all of us are getting the importance of this.  Did you know that 50% of our students that are now in the fifth grade did not pass reading last year?  We must come together as a team and get these children reading-SILENTLY!!!!  That's the problem...they love to HEAR a good story but we must get them reading silently.  Please join me in this endeavor.

Harry Potter book club-are you interested?  This is optional and will take place during our lunch twice a week.  The children will need to pack a lunch on this day because we will stay ing the room to read.  What do you think?  Let me know and look for a letter.

The football game was amazing!!!!  Congrats to the following kids that made it to the game...Alondre, Colby, Asheligh, Marisa, Mason, Jonathan, Delaney, Kuper, and Bailey.  They made their BARF goal this past 6 weeks-I LOVE YOU!!!!

Happy Fall!!!!

Weather web sites!!!

weatherwizkids.com

This is a lovely weather web site that you can use at home. 

Interims!!!

Happy first interim!!  I hope everyone survived-ha ha.  It might have been painful but I'm glad I took the time to get everything in order for you.  NOW what can you do to help out?  Make your children accountable.  Help them out and encourage them to read daily.  It will all work out, I promise.  Please make sure your child is reading their Reader's Theater at night.  They will be writing about it the next day. 

I need a few things...

#1  Water

#2  Snack

#3  Copy paper

#4 A faithful volunteer who can come once a week to file papers for me. 

#5  A faithful volunteer who can come from 12:25-1:00 a day or so every week to help with centers. 

Thanks for everything!!! 
 
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”
― Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

Spelling Update

This is how spelling works...

#1  On Monday we will go over the new words of the week. 
#2  We will talk about the new prefix which this week happens to be post.
#3  We will talk about our science content words of the week and add them to our Reading/Writing Journals.
#4  Homework will always be...Monday-study with your parents not only the spelling but the definitions.  Tuesday-worksheet with the prefix.  Wednesday-Practice spelling test from an adult-test must be signed and all words fixed and spelled 5 times each.  Thursday-TEST
#5  Please give the practice test in the form of a definition test.  That's how I will do it.
#6  Parents sign notebook and planner every night for spelling.  It's a small part of the homework but a BIG grade.
#7  Any questions message me please.

Spread the word...Look at the BLOG!!!!  It's got a lot of info.  Have a great night!

Do You Know Your Multiplication?

http://www.multiplication.com/games

Memorize these please.  This site looked pretty cool.  Practice makes perfect!!!

This is an oldy but goodie-enjoy!

I found this two years ago and I thought it was very good.  I think we all need to follow this "Bill of Rights" every day.  Our children's future depends on it.  Check it out.   

http://www.scholastic.com/readeveryday/read.htm

2 weeks down and 35 more to go

Well, we made it...It's been a great week but super busy!!!  I'll be grading papers all weekend so you can see what kind of work your children have been doing.  If there is not much in the folder, then they haven't turned in much.  I will send home interims Friday, August 31 in the blue and white folders. 

Sell, sell, sell.  Pizza money is due Sept. 21 or earlier.  The more you sell, the more you make,  

Washington DC...Here we come!!!!!!

Where did the summer go?

Here we go...Another year of fun, excitement, learning, reading, laughing, crying, and LOVING being a fifth grade teacher.  This year will bring about a lot of changes with the Common Core and teaching with 2 new fifth grade teachers.  I am excited but actually a little nervous.  I look forward to the days ahead.

TONIGHT...Make sure all papers are filled out, planner is signed, homework is complete and a little reading is done.  

                                                   HAPPY MONDAY MY LOVES!!!! 

It's A New and Exciting Year in Mrs. Carroll's class

I am looking forward to an amazing year in fifth grade.  I can't wait to meet everyone at open house!!!!

WELCOME TO MRS. CARROLL'S CLASS!!!!

End of the 4th six weeks

Can you believe it's the end of the 4th 6 weeks?  Time is flying by.  The benchmark testing is over and we survived!!  The scores on math and reading were OK.  I look at a grade of 75 or higher on math and reading to be a good indicator of who needs help.  Mrs. Trantham and Mrs. Rorrer are my tutoring helpers and they are amazing.  They are pulling kids any moment they are in the room to help out.

Please continue to encourage reading at home.  I hope everyone is liking the READO. 

I also hope everyone is liking the NEW spelling.  I think it is a good step for these ALMOST 6th graders to be responsible for their spelling.  If your child has spelling homework written in their planner it means they failed the test the previous week.  They are responsible for everything-the list, the studying, the test and the grading.  It makes more sense for them to spell words they don't know.  We'll see how it works out :)

Parent Mtg. for chaperones March 1-it's hard to believe it is almost here.  I'm pumped!!!!

Have a great break-it's SPRING cleaning time in Mrs. Carroll's class-it will look totally different when the kids come back.  Love ya'll!!!

10 Things You Can Do to Raise a Reader-Food For Thought

10 Things You Can Do to Raise a Reader

1. Read from day one. Start a reading routine in those very first days with a newborn. Even very young babies respond to the warmth of a lap and the soothing sound of a book being read aloud.
2. Share books every day. Read with your child every day, even after he becomes an independent reader.
3. Reread favorites. Most children love to hear their favorite stories over and over again. Rereading books provides an opportunity to hear or see something that may have been missed the first time, and provides another chance to hear a favorite part.
4. Send positive messages about the joys of literacy. Your own interest and excitement about books will be contagious!
5. Visit the library early and often. Public libraries are great resources for books, helpful advice about authors and illustrators, story times, and more. Make visiting the library part of your family’s routine.
6. Find the reading and writing in everyday things. Take the time to show your child ways that adults use reading and writing every day. Grocery lists, notes to the teacher, maps, and cooking all involve important reading and writing skills.
7. Give your reader something to think and talk about. There are many different types of books available to readers. Vary the types of books you check out from the library, and seek out new subjects that give you and your reader something to think and talk about.
8. Talk, talk, talk. A child’s vocabulary grows through rich conversations with others. No matter your child’s age, narrate what you’re doing, talk in full sentences, and sprinkle your conversations with interesting words.
9. Know your stuff. Parents don’t need to be reading specialists, but it is important to understand the basics about learning to read.
10. Speak up if something doesn’t feel right. Parents are often the first ones to recognize a problem. If you have concerns about your child’s development, speak with your child’s teacher and your pediatrician.  It’s never too early to check in with an expert.


Look for new books and authors that your child may enjoy.
Organize an area dedicated to reading and writing tools, including paper and writing utensils
Visit the library for story time and book recommendations
Encourage your child to talk about what he’s read

Talk to your child, and sprinkle interesting words into your conversation.
Offer a variety of books to read.

Read with your child every day.
Expand your home library to include magazines and non fiction
Ask questions if you’re concerned about your child’s development.
Decide to raise a reader!

Mrs. Carroll is doing her part!  Are you doing yours?

DARE graduation, interims, and grounding, READO-OH MY!!!!

DARE Graduation date has been changed to Wednesday, March 7.  The ceremony will take place at 9:00.  There will be refreshments after the awards.  All family members are welcome to attend.

The reading of the DARE essays went very well.  The kids did an amazing job and now we wait to hear the big news about who our class winner will be. 

INTERIMS  freaked everyone out-GOOD!!! That's what they are supposed to do.  It is just a wake up call for the KIDS and you to encourage them to do better.  READING JOURNALS should be up to date-4 books and entries by the end of the week.  We will concentrate on having 30 minutes per day to read in school.  Please make sure your child brings their book to school so their reading can be consistent.  Too many books spoil the soup!!!

MY THOUGHTS ON GROUNDING AND SPORTS-PLEASE DO NOT GROUND YOUR CHILD FROM SPORTS OR ANYTHING PHYSICAL!!!  They need the release in the evenings.  PLUS sports teach team work, listening skills, following a leader (the coach), and hard work.  I will not be able to support you in this area.  Take the cell phones, video games, give early bed time, no TV, but please don't take away the sports.  I am a firm believer in team sports!!! Thank you, I will now step off my soap box!!! :)

NO READING LOGS FOR 2 WEEKS-READO is something new we are going to try.  It will increase communication and parent involvement.  Take time to talk with your child about reading.  They will explain the new reading plan for the next 2 weeks.

NO SPELLING THIS WEEK!!!  We need a break and want to concentrate on our reading. 

Have a great week!!!  Love ya, Mrs. C

DC-Interims-Geometry

Payment reminders went home today for DC.  Make sure final payments are in by Feb. 1

Math test for Geometry part 1 is on Friday.  Topics covered-lines, angles, triangles, polygons, quadrilaterals, inside measure of triangles and quadrilaterals, missing angles of triangles and quads.  Geometry part 2 test will be next Friday.

We are working hard in class.  Make sure you are reading and filling out your reading journals.

Interims will come home on Thursday for everyone.

Enjoy the winter months!!!

DOUGHNUTS & DC

SELL, SELL,  SELL!!!  Turn in your money on Tuesday.  Delivery will be on Friday.  We will also sell doughnuts out front that morning if you need extra.  The doughnuts will be ready for pick up by 7:30.  I love doughnut day!!

Final payment sheets will come home on the 23rd and final payment is due by Feb. 1.

FEB. 8  The circus is coming and I can't wait.  My birthday is Feb. 4 and this is one of my five year treats-to go to the circus.  I love the smells, sights, and sounds of the circus.

I haven't posted a calendar yet because there wasn't much to tell you about.  This is all I have for you right now.  If it changes, I'll let you know.

Monday, Jan. 16 HOLIDAY

Tuesday, Jan. 17-DOUGHNUT MONEY DUE (This is a change in date)

Friday, Jan. 20-Doughnut delivery-Pick up your doughnuts starting at 7:30.  We will also be selling doughnuts in front of the school that day.  

Monday, Jan. 23 Final DC payment letter will come home.   

Thursday, Jan. 26 Interims for students at risk

Thursday, Jan. 26  9:30-11:30 Reading Rainbow video/dessert party.  Families are invited to attend and watch our Reading Rainbow videos on Landforms.  Everyone will bring a dessert to snack on while we enjoy our creations.  I will send home a separate note soon. 

Monday, Jan. 30 Easter Bunny and Almond fundraiser begins.

Feb. 1 Final payment for DC

That’s all for January….until further notice J. 

I will put test dates and any other info. in the planners. 

.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Welcome 2012!!!  I hope everyone is as excited about the new year as I am.  I've had a great year as a teacher, wife and mother and I thank God every day for all of my blessings.  The break has given me a much needed rest and time to reflect on what I want to do in the new year.  This break hasn't been rushed or crazy but relaxing and enjoyable.  I hope it has been for you too.

NOW LET'S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS....

Doughnuts...are you selling them?  I hope so.  This is a wonderful fundraiser to help our families.

Reading...are you doing it?  Did you get your 200 minutes in?  I hope so.

I'll post tomorrow with news of the week.  Remember that report cards go home next week.

WELCOME BACK!!!