HOMEWORK for February 25

Homework for February 25 – March 3

1) Spelling List
a. Do NOT do spelling dictation

2) Daily Language Review

3) Daily Academic Vocabulary
a. primary, dominant, prevalent

4) Daily Paragraph Editing
a. Social Studies Article ”An Extreme Continent”

5) Handwriting Practice

6) Daily Word Problems

7) Daily Math Practice
a. Do NOT do Monday #2
b. Do NOT do Tuesday #1, #2
c. Do NOT do Wednesday #1
d. Do NOT do Thursday #1, #2

8) Daily Geography
a. A Cultural Landmark

9) Reading Log
a. Choose a book and read every day. Log your ideas.

INTERNET HUNT: Research your state. Look up the address of the Chamber of Commerce and write a letter asking for information that pertains to your report. Be specific. Ask for things that you are going to use for your state report.

Be sure to put a return address for the mail to come back to you, and don’t forget a stamp on your envelope!

Monterey Bay Aquarium Photos

Check out our student-taken photos of the Monterey Bay Aquarium field trip!

HOMEWORK for February 18

Homework for February 18 - 25

1) Spelling List
a. Do NOT do spelling dictation

2) Daily Math Practice
b. Do NOT do Monday #2
b. Do NOT do Tuesday #2 and #3

3) Daily Language Review

4) Daily Academic Vocabulary
a. accurate, accuracy, precise, precision

5) Daily Paragraph Editing
a. Physical Science: “The Power of Magnets”

6) Daily Word Problems

7) Daily Geography
a. A National Symbol: Washington D.C.

8) Handwriting Practice

9) Reading Log
a. Choose a book and read every day. Log your ideas.

INTERNET HUNT: Read the poem “The Little Boy and the Old Man” by Shel Silverstein. What do you think the poem is about? Does the poem make sense to you? Why does the old man cry sometimes? Why do you think the two people in the poem have so much in common? How are they different?

Look up the poet Shel Silverstein. Write a two paragraph essay on him.

The Most Amazing Field Trip!

The kids had a long day yesterday, but it was worth it!  We boarded the bus with our terrific driver and set out for the Monterey Bay early at 9:00 a.m.  We made great time and arrived at noon, with just enough time to have a leisurely lunch in a picturesque area overlooking the ocean and the playful sea otters, who were also having their lunch!

The 31 kids that came on the trip were split into small groups of four and five.  We were fortunate enough to have seven chaperones on the trip, including Mr. Wong, Mr. Reed, Ms. Liz, Ms. Connie, Ms. Jay, and Ms. Suzanne.  All of our adults were very excited to show the kids around this amazing, world-famous aquarium.  

The groups didn't just tour the aquarium, however.  They were each given a packet of questions and partook in a scavenger hunt.  Most of the questions were easily found, but some of them were tricky.  But the kids were enthusiastic and really into winning for their group!  A part of the packet called "backatcha"  also included the kids creating their own questions to stump other group members.  At the end of the day, Mr. Reed quizzed kids with various questions.  Karen did amazingly well with several of them, showing that she was truly paying attention!

The sea otter feeding was extremely crowded, but most of the kids got a glimpse of our furry friends while they played and ate.  The jelly fish exhibit was a huge hit.  The kids had never seen some of the amazing jellies on display, and were mesmerized by the way they undulated and moved and glowed!

The giant octopus was hiding up at the top of the tank, unwilling to come out and show himself to the crowds of kids waiting to see his long tentacles reach out.  However, they were more than happy to touch the soft and slippery manta rays in their swim tanks instead.  The touch tank was, of course, a hugely popular stop.  Everyone loved touching the starfish and sea cucumber...although they may never eat another sea cucumber again, after hearing all about how they live!

The kids did an incredible job on this trip, and I couldn't be more proud or pleased with the class as a whole.  I was so happy to have this opportunity to take them on this journey!  Kudos to you, Room 11!  YOU ROCK!

Adventures in Music

In case you were wondering what your kids were doing in school, here's a little tidbit you may or may not know about.  AIMS concerts!  

They're just about the coolest free musical event planned by San Francisco's own fabulous Symphony, and they happen once every couple of weeks at various schools in the city.  

Room 11 has been to a few already, mostly classical.  However, today's was JAZZ, which is quite a departure from what we are used to hearing!  

The kids learned about all of the elements and instruments that make up a Jazz ensemble, including the alto sax, soprano sax, flute, snare drums, and the impressively large double bass.  

One of the questions asked: "How old are you?"  The answer:  "Older than we can count on all of our digits!"  Although the answer did not satisfy the question asker, the adults in the room knew very well what that meant!

Please be sure to ask your child questions about his/her day in detail...you may be surprised to find they've been on some adventures in music!

HOMEWORK for February 11

Homework for February 11 - 18

1) Spelling List
a. Do NOT do spelling dictation

2) Daily Language Review

3) Daily Academic Vocabulary
a. pattern, imitate, imitation

4) Daily Paragraph Editing
a. Earth Science “Space Science is Far Out”

5) Daily Word Problems

6) Daily Math Practice
b. Do NOT do Wednesday #1, #2 and #3
b. Do NOT do Thursday #1

7) Daily Geography
a. Regions of the United Kingdom

8) Handwriting Practice

9) Reading Log
a. Choose a book and read every day. Log your ideas.

INTERNET HUNT: Read the poem “Chicago Poet” by Carl Sandburg. Write a four paragraph essay on what you think the poem is about. Who is Mr. Sandburg writing about? Who is he describing? What descriptive words are used?

Look up the poet Carl Sandburg. Write a two paragraph essay on him.

Jeff Kinney Claims, "Best Signing Ever!"

One of our students managed to make it all the way out to Noe Valley with her family, and had two books signed by the famous bestselling author, Jeff Kinney! She purchased both Diary of a Wimpy Kid and his newest sequel, Rodrick Rules!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Jeff Kinney has a book signing coming up on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Cover to Cover Booksellers at 1307 Castro Street in Noe Valley!

Make sure you bring your book or purchase his new release, the Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules!

This has to be one of the most popular books to pass through Room 11 in a long time. Don't miss this rare opportunity to see the New York Times number one bestselling author in person!

HOMEWORK for February 4

Homework for February 4 - 11

1) Spelling List
a. Do NOT do spelling dictation

2) Handwriting Practice

3) Daily Academic Vocabulary
a. substitute, modify, modification

4) Daily Language Review

5) Daily Paragraph Editing
a. Historical Fiction “Mr. Brady’s Photography Studio”

6) Daily Word Problems

7) Daily Math Practice
a. Do NOT do Tuesday #1
b. Do NOT do Wednesday #2 and #4

9) Daily Geography
a. The Region of Central America

10) The Pony Express Crossword

11) Math Worksheet: Area

12) Reading Log
a. Choose a book and read every day. Log your ideas.