October 10th through 14

Vocabulary Hat Day!

 Keenoy Koala News

                                                  October 14, 2016

Dear Families,

I hope that everyone had a terrific week.  I was disappointed that the Cardinals did not make it to the playoffs this year, but the St. Louis Blues just started their season on Wednesday.   My father in law shares season tickets and I’m lucky enough to go to several games each year.  I hope they bring home a Stanley Cup this year!

The Keenoy family will be making a trip to Springfield, MO this weekend for Caleb’s soccer tournament.  Our kiddos are excited to see their uncle and cousins who live there.  It should be a great weekend!

***Last week I had the wrong dates listed for the Fall Party and Flu Shots.  I made the corrections this week in the Reminders section. 

Vocabulary Hat Day

Thank you for your assistance with the vocabulary hats. We had a great time parading around Paxton showing off our hats to students and adults. The creativity is amazing! Hopefully, all of the 5^th graders learned a plethora of new wordsJ 

Parent Teacher Conferences

Please complete the Blue or Green conference form and return by Tuesday.  On this form, you will indicate the day and time range you prefer.  Every effort will be made to accommodate your request.

Fall Party

Thank you for those willing to volunteer time or items for our classroom party on October 28^th. 

Math

We are continuing our work with division. This week students:

*Solved problems with one-digit divisors (with and without remainders.

*Analyzed word problems to determine what to do with remainders depending on the context of the problem

Writing

Our focus continued to be on elaboration and craft. We also examined how to use paragraphs and dialogue in our narratives by looking at mentor texts. Our last two lessons will revisit endings and beginnings.   These two lessons will wrap up the whole-group instruction for this genre of writing.  During the last week of October, students will write a final draft.  During this entire process, I will continue meeting with individual students to offer support, advice, and suggestions for improvement.

Reading

We will continue focusing on the comprehension strategies listed below during read aloud, independent, and book group reading.

Context Clues *Determining the meaning of words and or phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language (simile and metaphor).

*Using context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding, rereading as necessary. 

Inferring *explaining the interactions between individuals, events, ideas, or concepts.

*Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says when drawing inferences from the text)

*Determine the meaning of phrases as they are used in the text

Theme *Compare and contrast stories in the same genre on their approaches to similar themes and topics.

Social Studies-Native American Regions

Students have investigated/researched information about how Native Americans lived in each of the four regions.  The regions discussed included Southwest, Northwest Coast, Plains, and Eastern Woodlands.  The big idea that I want students to understand is the resources that they used depended on where they lived.  Also, that each group had to adapt to their surroundings and use ALL of the resources available to survive. 

Science - Space Systems

This week’s lessons have continued focusing on……..

*Understanding that because of gravity, everything falls downward or toward the earth’s center.

*Explaining why and how the earth, moon, and sun revolve.

*Demonstrate that the earth rotates on its axis once every 24 hours to cause day/night.

Reminders

Oct. 18            Parent/Teacher Conference Forms Due

Oct. 19            Early Dismissal (12:50)

Oct. 28            Student Flu Shots (parents had to send in permission form ahead of time)

Oct. 28            Fall Room Party 2:15-3:00

                                                                                               

Sincerely,

                                                                                                Dan Keenoy

October 3rd through 7th

A former student of mine now plays football for the University of Arkansas.  Caleb and I both bought an Arkansas jersey to show support, but I felt like a traitor on Friday.  I  think that wearing the scarf  somewhat made up for it!  The class got a kick out of it and used the moment as a photo opportunity:)

Mr. Keenoy and Mrs. Gilliland's Class Buddy Activity Pictures

Keenoy's Koala Newsletter 

Dear Families,

I hope that everyone had a wonderful week.  As always, ours was jam packed with after school kiddo activities.  Thank you to anyone that was able to donate their time and/or efforts to the Comet Carnival last Friday. This is such an enjoyable event for children and could not take place without volunteers!  Have a wonderful week and thank you for everything that you do.

iPads News

*Students will learn how to share a Google Docs document with me.

*Students have installed a dictionary app on their iPad. This app has some great features and    enables students to be more independent when needing to check their spelling.

*At times, students are able to work on ST Math, game-based instructional software for K-12 and is designed to boost math comprehension and proficiency through visual learning.

*During Media time, students have been learning about iMovie. Students are creating an iMovie about digital safety.

Vocabulary Hat Day

I reviewed each vocabulary word that was submitted on Wednesday and was very impressed.  I think that we will have a wonderful collection of hats to show off on Friday, October 14^th.  Again, please do not go out and buy any supplies.  I have told students that they are welcome to all of the supplies that I have in the classroom. I also have a lot of art supplies at home, since that is Natalie and Gabby’s favorite thing to do.  

Math

Students are off to a very good start with solving larger digit division problems.  We will continue practicing solving these problems each day next week.  Our focus has been using multiples of 10 and 100 to get to the target number (dividend) quickly.  So far, so good! 

*Students divided two and three-digit whole numbers by one-digit divisor.

Writing

This week we continued reading other author’s narratives.  Our purpose is to look for tricks that these authors use to help us raise the quality of our own story.  We call these texts mentor texts.  Students wrote a first draft this week.  I plan to conference with each student next week to set goals for improvement. 

Reading

Students took an assessment today to assess their progress with the comprehension strategies that we have been focusing on.  Students read a short story called “Slower Than the Rest,” by Cynthia Rylant.   After reading this short story, students answered questions that were developed to match each of the story element skills taught.  The results of this assessment will help guide my small group instruction.  Students who could use the extra help will be supportedJ

In our next reading unit we will be focusing on:

Context Clues

*Determining the meaning of words and or phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language (simile and metaphor).

*Using context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding, rereading as necessary. 

Inferring

*explaining the interactions between individuals, events, ideas, or concepts.

*Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says when drawing inferences from the text)

*Determine the meaning of phrases as they are used in the text

Theme

*Compare and contrast stories in the same genre on their approaches to similar themes and topics.

Social Studies

Students are learning about the first civilizations and Native American regions in chapter 3.  My uncle hunts for arrowheads.  We texted him a few questions that connect with what we are reading about.  The class enjoyed looking at the picture of the 10,000 year old lance point that he found.  This tool was used to kill the mammoth during the “Ice Age.”  He also sent us a picture of his amazing display case filled with Native American tools/arrowheads.  These pictures have sparked great conversations and peaked interest.

Science

We started the unit, Earth and Space Systems this week.  Students learned about gravity and how the moon, sun, and earth interact. I have also modeled how these interactions, combined with the earth’s tilt, affect the seasons.  During our discussions of tilt/seasons I found this terrific site.  http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/Dur_OneYear.php

We typed in Barrow, Alaska and the kids were amazed that a city in the United States has over 2 months of complete darkness and in the summer 2 months of 24/7 light.  We will continue our investigation of Earth and Space Systems next week.

Reminders

Oct. 13            Picture Re-takes

Oct. 14            Vocabulary Parade (hats due!)

Oct. 19            Early Dismissal (12:50)

Oct. 30            Student Flu Shots (parents had to send in permission form ahead of time)

Oct. 30            Fall Room Party 2:15-3:00

                                                                                   

Sincerely,

                                                                                    Dan Keenoy

September 26 through 30th

Keenoy Koala News                                                  September 30, 2016

Dear Families,

    Thank you for all of the families that are volunteering their time during the Comet Carnival tonight.  This fun event would not be possible without all of the help from families. Have a wonderful weekend and week.  Thanks for all of your support at home and everything that you do to support your child's learning.  Remember, if you ever have any questions, please do not hesitate to email or call.

Vocabulary Day Hat Parade-October 14th

This will be a fun activity to help us celebrate the power of words and Dictionary DayJ  Students will be selecting a word and creating a hat.  The hat will match the meaning of the word and students are asked to design this at home.  Students are welcome to ALL of my art supplies and parents should not have to buy ANYTHINGJ  More detailed information will be sent home today. 

MAP Testing Results

Please look for your child’s 4^th grade MAP Test scores in this week’s Friday folder.  Students should have received a score in Language Arts and Math from 4^th grade.  During the end of their 5^th grade year, they will be tested in Language Arts, Math, and Science.  Specific testing window dates will be shared later in the year. 

Math

As you know, I introduced a strategy of solving large digit multiplication problems using partial products.  I showed students how 344 X 7 is the same as (300 X 7) + (40 X 7)  +  (4 X 7).  The partial product strategy helps students understand the importance of using multiples of 10, and it also shows flexibility with breaking apart numbers. I like showing this strategy prior to teaching the algorithm (stacking method).   

Although I like starting off showing students the partial product method, the algorithm (stacking method) can be more efficient at times.  Therefore, I plan on taking a few days to teach the algorithm after the assessment on Monday.  Students who already show success and understanding of the algorithm will be given enrichment work so that they are not bored out of their mindsJ  Thank you!

*Students will take an assessment over Topic 3 (larger digit multiplication) on Monday.

*Next Topics 4 & 5 focus on division. In this unit students will divide multiplies of 10 and 100,   estimate quotients, divide by 1-digit & 2-digit divisors, and understand factors and prime/composite numbers.

*Students that are fluent with their basic math facts will be able to solve division problems more efficiently.

Writing

Students are entering the drafting phase of their personal narrative stories.  The focus of my instruction during this revision process will be: beginnings, middle, endings, figurative language, dialogue, and organization.  I will continue going over the scoring rubric with them during this process.  I also plan on showing students exemplar papers that match what the rubric is asking them to do.  Hopefully this helps students make sense of a somewhat wordy rubricJ

Reading

Students have now learned and practiced each of the following story elements: problem/solution, character traits (personality/physical), and settings.  We have also started thinking about how characters trait’s change as the story goes on.  I will be working with small groups who need more assistance with these comprehension strategies prior to our reading assessment next week. 

Science

Students enjoyed our first Earth and Space Systems lesson on Thursday.  Students experimented with gravity with the big idea being that the gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects is directed down.

Social Studies

Students took an assessment over chapter 1 yesterday.  The BIG idea of this chapter is explaining how the physical geography, resources, climate, and industry of the United States affects the way/where citizens live.  We will start learning about the First Americans in chapter 2 next week.

Have a terrific week and GO CARDS and TIGERS!

                                                                                   

Sincerely,

                                                                                                Dan Keenoy

September 19th Through 23rd

Keenoy Koala News                         9-23-16

Dear Families,

I hope that everyone had a wonderful week.  Overall the Keenoy family is doing well and staying busy as always.  Jessi and I feel like chauffeurs most evenings, but enjoy our kiddos being involved in so many activities.  Jessi and I often use the phrase, “Divide and Conquer!”  Gabby had her very first soccer game this week.  Watching three year olds try and play soccer made our hearts feel good.   

Unfortunately, I just found out that my 89 year old grandmother passed away.  I spent most of my Thursday evening on the phone with my sister and other relatives instead of working on Friday folder comments/marks.  Therefore, students will write their own work study habits on a reflection page.  ALL marks will be double checked by me for accuracy and will still need to be signed/returned.  Thank you for understanding.

 

Math

We began Topic 3 (Multiplying Whole Numbers) on Monday.

Students reviewed and applied commutative (order), associative (grouping), identity (6x1=6), and zero (6x0=0) properties of multiplication.  Students used partial products to multiply numbers by a one-digit number as well as a two-digit number.

*Knowing their basic facts fluently is essential for this unit.  Many of my students are fluent with their multiplication facts. Some are not and should be practicing on a daily basis at home.

Writing

I was happy with our writing progress this week. MANY students genuinely seem bummed when I asked them to stop writing each day!  They have a lot of great personal narrative ideas that they want to get down on paper.  We spent the end of this week analyzing papers and focusing on three aspects of the rubric (craft, elaboration, and beginnings).  Next week, students will create a story arc for several story examples shared.  The purpose will be for them to see the importance of slowing down in the heart of the story and speeding up during less important parts. 

Reading

I will continue to read aloud, Jackie’s Wild Seattle, by Will Hobbs each day.  We will continue discussing/modeling:

*how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges

*compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story

*explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals

*compare and contrast the overall structure (e.g. problem/solution) of events, ideas, concepts, or information in two or more texts

I have really emphasized quality student reading responses this week.  During a recent notebook check, I realized this is an area for us to continue working on.  It will be important for students to keep their notebook organized and completed each day.  A portion of their reading effort grade is based on this work. 

Social Studies

We finished our Chapter 1 review page in class on Thursday.  The assessment that I created will allow students to apply the information learned based on a real life situation/decision.  Students will take this assessment on Wednesday.

Science

Each of the five tables in our classroom helped create their own terrarium on Thursday.  The purpose of creating this model is to show how the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere interact with each other.  Over time, students will be writing about their terrarium observations.

Have a fantastic weekend and week!  Remember, if you ever have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.  Thanks for all that you do to support your child and me!

                                                                             Sincerely,

                                                                             Dan Keenoy

September 12th Through 16th Posts

Keenoy Koala News                                            9-9-16

Dear Families,

Thanks again for the great start to the year and communication.  Our class had a very busy week with the four days that we had together.  I greatly enjoy teaching them each day and appreciate their kindness towards each other.  Terrific week and thanks for all that you do to support my teaching.

Book Orders

Scholastic order forms are being sent home today.  If ordering, please include an order form and a check made out to Scholastic by September 16^th.   

Math

This week we continued practicing rounding numbers and solving addition problems using decimals (Topic 2).  Once students realized that they just line up the numbers based on place value, they were much more successful with decimal addition.

After the completion of Topic 2 next week, we will begin looking at multiplying large digit problems in topic 3.  Knowing their basic facts is essential to their success with this unit. If your child does not know their basic multiplication and division facts through the 12’s, they should be studying each evening.

Reading

We will complete DRA reading assessments next week.  Students will be reading the entire passage and then answering questions about the text.  Once these are completed, I will continue with my individual, group, and book club conferencing.

Students really seem to enjoy listening to the book, Jackie’s Wild Seattle, by Will Hobbs.  I will use this book to model comprehension strategies as I read aloud.  I will then ask students to practice these skills during independent reading time and at home.  We will be focusing on Story Elements for the next few weeks, and the standards that I will teach include:

*how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges

*compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story

*explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals

*compare and contrast the overall structure (e.g. problem/solution) of events, ideas, concepts, or     information in two or more texts

Writing

Students are starting to show good understanding about what personal narratives are.  We analyzed the similarities and differences between memoirs and personal narratives by reading, Up North at the Cabin, by Martha Chall.  Students realized that both genres are written about past experiences, but personal narratives focus in on a specific moment that stands out.  We have continued working on collecting ideas in our writer’s notebook.  The list of collecting strategies that we have covered so far are listed below:

1)         Listing special people and moments with them.

2)         First times, last times, and a moment they realized something important.

3)         List of Special Places and Moments at the place.

4)         Recent Moments That Stand Out

5)         Other authors’ ideas helping spark my own

Next I plan to have students analyze several past student writing samples of personal narratives.  We will score these 5^th grade narratives by using a rubric.  This is the same rubric that their own narratives will be graded from.   I enjoy these activities because they give students a much better understanding of how their own papers will be scored. 

Social Studies

Next week we will continue learning about North America in chapter 1.  Students will be learning about the regions in the United States.  We will also spend time discussing how the climate and resources affect the population and how people live.    

Science

*We used/explored our digital science textbook together

*Students started learning about the Earth’s 4 major systems: Hydrosphere, Geosphere, Atmosphere, and Biosphere.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dan Keenoy