Chets Creek Elementary Heroes Empowering the Future

Destinations

2012-01-16T08:38:00.001-05:00

Students are encouraged to use our Destinations Learning Management site.

Check it out:

https://success.duvalschools.org/lms

Compass Odyssey

2012-01-16T08:19:00.001-05:00

Compass Odyssey

We have an amazing program available to students online called Compass Odyssey. Go to www.duvalschools.org and click on students. Then click on Student Software. Scroll down the list until you come to Compass Odyssey. Student's have their username and password in their planner.

You may click on the link below to check out this amazing resource.

https://odyssey.duvalschools.org/clologin.aspx

Fraction Action

2011-11-21T12:32:00.001-05:00

By using words, charts, numbers, pieces of paper or other models and/or anything else you can think of…

Prove or Disprove the following:

1/2 + 1/3 = 2/5

Try this out with your child and see what they come up with!!

Visit Scholastic

2011-10-09T14:51:00.000-04:00

Can't visit the Book Fair at school? You can still support the Chets Creek Book Fair by purchasing books from Scholastic using the link below :)

http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bookfairs/cptoolkit/publish/chetscreek

The last day for the online Book Fair is October 10th.

Secret Message

2011-10-07T06:43:00.001-04:00

*Get to know your PLANNER and use it as a great resource.

If you have read my Math page on our 5th grade website, write the words: "Math Rules" in your child's Planner in the "Comment Section". Students know to put any notes in the apple box. I wonder how many planners I will see!!

Compitable Numbes are Easy to Compute Mentally

2011-10-07T06:42:00.000-04:00

Compatible Number Division Problems:

We like to call Compatible Numbers numbers that "get along" with each other, much like compatible people. In math, we're talking about one number that is easily divisible by another number. These numbers are useful for determining an estimate of the actual answer to a division problem. You will see three different types of Compatible Number problems in homework and on tests:

Type 1: 3792 ÷ 6 = n

The divisor in this problem is 6. Because we know the multiples of 6 without having to work them out, we want to make the dividend (3792) into a number that "gets along" or works easily with the divisor 6. We know that the two largest place values create the number 3700. This number is not a multiple of 6, but 3600, which is very close, is. In this case, we would round the dividend to 3600 and keep the divisor 6 as it is:

3600 ÷ 6 = n
This problem is quickly solved when we use the inverse operation, multiplication: 6 x 6 = 36, so 6 x 600 = 3600.

The actual answer to this problem is 632, so our estimate of 600 is reasonable.

Type 2: 3792 ÷ 60 = n

Much like the problem above, the divisor, 60, is easy to use. Since we know the multiples of 6 without having to work them out, we can also determine the multiples of 60 without much effort. Again, we will keep the divisor the same and round the dividend to the nearest landmark multiple of 60.

3600 ÷ 60 = n

Using the inverse operation, we know that our estimate would be

60 x 60 = 3600.

The actual answer to this problem is 63.2, so our estimate of 60 is reasonable.

Type 3: 3792 ÷ 63 = n

In this problem, we do not readily know the multiples of 63. In this case, we must first round the divisor 63 to the nearest landmark number, which is 60. Now, we can look at the dividend to think of a landmark multiple of 60 that is close to 3792. Of course, the number would be 3600. Using the inverse operation, we can quickly determine an estimate for our actual problem:

60 x 60 = 3600

Again, our estimate would be 60. Since the actual answer is 60.19. Our estimate is very close to the actual answer.

Chet the Eagle

2011-09-17T09:16:00.002-04:00

We have a new school blog that is being written by Chet the Eagle. Chet is going to help us highlight some school wide events and positive happenings that go on every week. Parents and kids are encouraged to leave comments for Chet. This is a great way to access photos from school events.

http://cheteagle.blogspot.com

Split It

2011-09-15T08:07:00.004-04:00

Split It

This is an easy strategy to split a number like 7,758 in half.

What I look for is a way to make splitting the number easy by using simple mental calculations. Usually, the first step is to decompose the number into its place values. So, 7,758 becomes

7,000 + 700 + 50 + 8 .

Then, I ask that a student rewrite any number that they cannot readily split. Usually, these numbers start with odd numbers. We'll look at 7,000.

7,000 could be rewritten as 6,000 +1,000 (both of which are easy to split).

After that, it's all down hill.

The whole number could be rewritten as
6,000 + 1,000 + 600 +100 + 40 + 10 +8,

and finding half of these numbers should be EZ!
3,000 +500 +300 + 50 +20 +5 +4 = 3,879!

Try it!!

Power Tower

2011-09-08T16:04:00.001-04:00

Here's how to build a Power Tower:
A Power Tower is a list of the first nine multiples of a number, which can be very helpful when beginning multi-digit division. To be super efficient, there is a strategic way to build the tower so that it doesn't take much time. Here's the top secret strategy:

Example: Let's build a Power Tower for 37 so that we can solve the problem 2886 divided by 37.

1 - 37 (This is the number we are dividing by)
2 - 74 (Double the first multiple, 30 + 30 = 60; 7 + 7 = 14; 60 + 14 = 74)
3 - 111 (The sum of the first 2 multiples, 30 + 70 = 100; 7 + 4 = 11; 100 + 11 = 111)
4 - 148 (Double the second multiple, 70 + 70 = 140; 4 + 4 = 8; 140 + 8 = 148)
5 - 185 (Split the tenth multiple in half, 37 x 10 = 370; 1/2 of 300 = 150; 1/2 of 70 = 35;
150 + 35 = 185)
6 - 222 (Double the third multiple, 100 + 100 = 200; 10 + 10 = 20; 1 + 1 = 2; 200 + 20 + 2=
222)
7 - 259 (The sum of the sixth and first multiples, 222 + 30 = 252; 252 + 7 = 259)
8 - 296 (Double the fourth multiple; 140 + 140 = 280; 8 + 8 = 16; 280 + 16 = 296)
9 - 333 (The sum of the eighth and first multiples, 296 + 30 = 326; 326 + 7 = 333)

Note: Complete the green multiples first, the orange second, the red third, and the blue last.

Looking at our tower, we know that the 7th multiple of 37 is 259, so the 70th multiple will be 2590. This is the closest we can get to 2886 without going over, using a landmark multiple of 37. The difference in 2886 and 2590 is 296. Looking at our Power Tower, we can see that the 8th multiple of 37 is 296. So, 2886 divided by 37 equals 70 + 8 = 78.

Entertainment Books - PTA Fundraiser

2011-09-02T08:54:00.000-04:00

Entertainment Books - PTA Fundraiser

Everyone should have received their book this week. The sale of these books goes through September 9th. 50% of the sales goes directly to your PTA to help sponsor anti-bullying programs, Internet Safety training, and other activities all year long.

All books that are not sold should be returned to your student's teacher by Monday, September 12th. All orders placed will be filled & returned to your student promptly. If they are large & too heavy for the child to carry, we will notify you of their availability so that you can stop in to pick up the books for your customers.

Thank you for your support.

Great Common Factor

2011-08-24T08:00:00.001-04:00

Greatest Common Factor

Our math class is learning about GCF. Here is some information that will help.

The highest number that divides exactly into two or more numbers.
It is the "greatest" thing for simplifying fraction (putting fractions in lowest terms)!

Greatest Common Factor is made up of three words

Greatest,
Common and
Factor

What is a "Factor" ? Factors are the numbers you multiply together to get another number:

2 X 3 = 6 2 and 3 are factors

Sometimes we want to find ALL the factors of a number:

The factors of 12 are 1,2,3,4,6 and 12 ... because 2 × 6 = 12, or 4 × 3 = 12, or 1 × 12 = 12.

What is a "Common Factor" ? Let us say you have worked out the factors of two or more numbers:

The factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12

The factors of 30 are 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 15 and 30

Then the common factors are those that are found in both numbers:

Notice that 1,2,3 and 6 appear in both lists?
So, the common factors of 12 and 30 are: 1, 2, 3 and 6

It is a common factor when it is a factor of two or more numbers. (It is then "common to" those numbers.) Example: What are the common factors of 15, 30 and 105?

The factors of 15 are 1, 3, 5, and 15

The factors of 30 are 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 15 and 30

The factors of 105 are 1, 3, 5, 7, 15, 21, 35 and 105

The factors that are common to all three numbers are 1, 3, 5 and 15

In other words, the common factors of 15, 30 and 105 are 1, 3, 5 and 15

What is the "Greatest Common Factor" ? It is simply the largest of the common factors. In our previous example, the largest of the common factors is 15, so the Greatest Common Factor of 15, 30 and 105 is 15

The "Greatest Common Factor" is the largest of the common factors of two or more numbers

Why is this Useful? One of the most useful things is when we want to simplify a fraction:

Example: How could we simplify ¹²/₃₀ ?

At the top we found that the Common Factors of 12 and 30 were 1, 2, 3 and 6, and so the Greatest Common Factor is 6.

This means that the largest number we can divide both 12 and 30 evenly by is 6, like this:

12 ÷ 6 = 2

30 ÷ 6 = 5

The Greatest Common Factor of 12 and 30 is 6. And so ¹²/₃₀ can be simplified to ²/₅

Finding the Greatest Common Factor Here are three ways:

1. You can:

find all factors of both numbers (All Factors Tool to help you),
then select the ones that are common to both, and
then choose the greatest.

Example:

Two Numbers	All Factors	Common Factors	Greatest Common Factor	Example Simplified Fraction
9 and 12	9: 1,3,9 12: 1,2,3,4,6,12	1,3	3	⁹/₁₂ » ³/₄

And another example:

Two Numbers	All Factors	Common Factors	Greatest Common Factor	Example Simplified Fraction
6 and 18	6: 1,2,3,6 18: 1,2,3,6,9,18	1,2,3,6	6	⁶/₁₈ » ¹/₃

2. You can find the prime factors and combine the common ones together:

Two Numbers	Thinking ...	Greatest Common Factor	Example Simplified Fraction
24 and 108	2 × 2 × 2 × 3 = 24, and 2 × 2 × 3 × 3 × 3 = 108	2 × 2 × 3 = 12	²⁴/₁₀₈ » ²/₉

3. And sometimes you can just play around with the factors until you discover it:

Two Numbers	Thinking ...	Greatest Common Factor	Example Simplified Fraction
9 and 12	3 × 3 = 9 and 3 × 4 = 12	3	⁹/₁₂ » ³/₄

But in that case you had better be careful you have found the greatest common factor.

Math Rules!!

Blessings In A Backpack

2011-08-18T10:21:00.001-04:00

Hello Superheroes!! We are trying to bring a program called Blessings in a Backpack to Chets Creek this year with the help of Chets Creek and Beaches Unites Methodist Churches.

Blessings in a Backpack is a results oriented program. This unique program is designed to feed elementary school children who qualify for the free and reduced meal program and may not have any or enough food on the weekends. Every Friday, students receive a backpack filled with food to bring home. They return with their empty backpacks on Monday fed and ready to learn. The process is then repeated every Friday during the school year.

In conjunction with a local grocery partner, it takes $80 to feed a child for the entire school year. We have over 100 children at Chets who would benefit from this program. Please spread the word to any friends and family who might help us be Superheroes for our children. They can donate directly to Blessings in a Backpack and earmark their donation for Chets, or write a check to Blessings and I will get it to the local chapter. Thank you for your support! I KNOW we can make this happen.

To find out more visit:

http://www.jaxblessingsinabackpack.org/about.html

Thank you fellow Superheroes!!!!

CCE Heros Empowering the Future

2011-08-13T12:38:00.001-04:00

Chets Creek Elementary – Empowering the Future! from Melanie Holtsman on Vimeo.

DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEED YOUR HELP!!

2011-03-08T16:00:00.000-05:00

DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEED YOUR HELP!!

We are asking you to use your voice to advocate for every child in our community. Now more than ever, our school system needs a sustainable source of funding and cannot afford any more unfunded legislative mandates. Yes, the State of Florida is facing an overwhelming budget shortfall; however, we need to stress that education must be funded first so that we are investing in the future.

With just a few minutes of your time, you can ensure that our legislators know that public education is important. If you are unsure as to which of the legislators is a representative of your area, you can logon to www.myflorida.com. There is a small box at the bottom right of the page that you can use by typing in your zip code to get a list of your respective legislators. Each call, letter or email to our legislators counts! Our united efforts will send a strong message throughout our community and to our elected officials that we value public education!

Fun Interactive 3D shpes

2011-02-25T16:20:00.002-05:00

Try this out:

http://www.learner.org/interactives/geometry/index.html

3 Dimensional Geometry

2011-02-25T11:30:00.004-05:00

In our math classes we are currently working on identifying attributes of three dimensional figures (space figures), and most of that work focuses on pyramids and prisms.

We do need to become familiar with some basic 3DG vocab like: bases, faces, edges, and vertices. We also need to be able to find the surface area of said figures. So, I found a couple of links to basic info that might help.

http://www.math.com/school/subject3/lessons/S3U4L2GL.html#

http://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/pyramids.html

2011-01-25T09:38:00.007-05:00

Please visit:

http://www.floridastandards.org/Standards/FLStandardSearch.aspx

to take a look at the new 5th grade math standards. The standards are very different from those that have been used in the past.

We are now focusing on geometry. Specifically the standards we will address include:

MA.5.G.3.1: Analyze and compare the properties of two-dimensional figures and three-dimensional solids (polyhedra), including the number of edges, faces, vertices, and types of faces.

MA.5.G.3.2: Describe, define, and determine surface area and volume of prisms by using appropriate units and selecting strategies and tools.

MA.5.G.5.1: Identify and plot ordered pairs on the first quadrant of the coordinate plane.

MA.5.G.5.4: Derive and apply formulas for areas of parallelograms, triangles, and trapezoids from the area of a rectangle.

MA.5.G.5.3: Solve problems requiring attention to approximation, selection of appropriate measuring tools, and precision of measurement.

MA.5.G.5.2: Compare, contrast, and convert units of measure within the same dimension (length, mass, or time) to solve problems.

Already, all students should be able to apply the formula, b X h = Area, to all parallelograms in order to find the area of a parallelogram.

For triangles students show know that 1/2 of b X h = area.

For the area of trapezoids students should be able to use the formula 1/2 of (base 1 + base 2) X h.

All students should have an FCAT Reference Sheet with all kinds of conversions and formulas in their Source Book in the Math section. It is super critical that they have this information with them daily.

The reference sheet in question can be viewed at:

http://fcat.fldoe.org/pdf/specifications/MathGrades3-5.pdf

The link above is also a great place to see the style of questions that will be asked on a typical Chets Creek math quiz. The State of Florida places a huge emphasis on the complexity level of the questions. Therefore, you will see many questions that include charts, graphs, multiple operations, patterns, and other higher order questioning components.

It's Not Just a Multiple Choice Test!

2011-01-10T10:11:00.006-05:00

It's Not Just a Multiple Choice Test!

Years ago, most standardized math tests were using rather low complexity questions. That's not to say that the questions were easy. Some may have been very difficult, but knowing what to do was pretty straight forward.

A test might have asked simply asked for the sum of 3/8 + 1/6, and then given four possible answers.

Today, the state of Florida is putting a heavier emphasis on the cognitive complexity level of questions on tests like the FCAT.

As an example, a test might ask how much pie was eaten if the shaded portion of the first pie represents the pie before dessert, and the shaded portion of the second pie represents the amount after dessert.

This turns a very simple problem into a more cognitively challenging problem.

So, what fraction in its lowest terms represents how much pie was eaten?

A. 4/12 B. 7/12 C. 1/4 D. 1/3

Fraction Action

2010-12-08T15:13:00.001-05:00

Lately, our math classes has been involved in answering questions involving the addition and subtraction of fractional amounts.

Some of the typical equations might look like:

2 1/4 + (1 1/3 -5/6) or

4 3/10 - (2 3/5 + 7/10) or

(3 3/4 + 2 1/8) - 2 2/7

While you might expect for me to be interested in the correct answer as my primary goal, I am actually much more concerned that kids are looking at the amounts and using appropriate strategies based on each unique circumstance.

We have studied several models that allow students to quickly create common denominators by thinking of such things as equivalent fractions on a clock, equivalent percents, and/or a good old common denominator. The trick is to know when to use each model.

The first problem is a great opportunity to use a clock model as all of the fractional amounts can be expressed as twelfths. Students should be familiar with clock fractions from the game "Roll around the Clock". 2 3/12 + ( 1 4/12 - 10/12)

The second problem is perfect for using percents as all of the amounts are very easily converted into percents that are easily added and subtracted. 430% - (260% + 70%)

The third problem is probably best solved by finding a common denominator as the fraction 2/7 is not easily represented on a clock, because 12 hours and/or 60 minutes cannot evenly be split into seven whole number pieces. Also, without a calculator, finding and using the percent that is equivalent to 2/7 is not practical. (3 6/8 + 2 1/8) - 2 2/7.... 5 7/8 - 2 2/7... 5 49/56 - 2 16/56...= 3 33/56

Of course, this post leaves out many steps, but the most important step is choosing the best strategy with which to work.

Scholastic Book Clubs Online

2010-10-11T14:46:00.001-04:00

Scholastic Book Clubs Online

Hi Families,

You can now place your Scholastic Book Club orders online. Ms. Beaudreau just added new book catalogs filled with high-interest literature selections.

Online Ordering Information
Web address: scholastic.com/bookclubs
Class Activation Code: GMRR6

Now it's easier than ever to find the right books for your child and help us earn FREE books for our classroom library at the same time!

With new online ordering from Scholastic Book Clubs, you can choose from a much wider selection of books than in the printed flyer. Plus, you can send your orders directly to me online and use your credit card.

Best of all, our class earns a FREE book every time a parent places their order online.

It's so simple! Here's how it works:

• SIGN UP at www.Scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, click the "Don't have a User Name and Password?" link, then register for your own username and password. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code: GMRR6
This code ensures that your order is sent to me.

• SELECT the books you'd like to order from over 500 titles available online...and take advantage of online-only specials and discounts.

• SEND your order to me ONLINE by the due date. Books will be delivered directly to our classroom, as always.

Ordering online is fast, easy, and secure. Plus our whole class benefits thanks to the FREE books we'll earn with every parent online order.

Go to www.Scholastic.com/bookclubs now to get started. Class Activation Code: GMRR6

Book Club Order Due Date : October 29th

To Read or Not to Read

2010-10-11T14:13:00.005-04:00

Many of my colleagues know that I don't "like" to read. I must really concentrate in order to read especially if I have other things to do. I feel like reading for pleasure comes last, if at all. When I read over the summer, it is usually when I have finished all my chores and have plenty of extra time. I can read a novel if the first few pages grab my attention, other wise I abandon it.

I absolutely will read through a cookbook and marvel at all the possibilities. I do love to read magazines, usually back to front. The newspaper is fun since I can read the first few sentences in an article and get the gist of what is being said.

I actually love to read "how to articles" and then give it a try.

I read a lot of emails, professional development articles and books, and personal information like insurance policies etc...

To read or not to read, that is my dilemma.

Battle of the Books

2010-09-11T08:43:00.001-04:00

Hi Families,

Chets Creek 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders are participating in a reading competition called Battle of the Books. The purpose of the Battle of the Books is to encourage students to read quality literature, promote critical thinking, and to enhance book discussions. These high-interest books are part of the Sunshine State Young Reader’s Award Program and are included in our classroom and school library. Many students already selected one of the books, and we are currently reading one together called The Gollywopper Games.

We NEED your support!!! Please consider purchasing one of these wonderful books for our classroom library so that we have enough for all of our eager readers. Right now, we only have about one complete set for 75 readers who are anxious to read these interesting books. If you prefer to donate a gift card for a local bookstore, teachers receive a 20% discount for classroom materials. Thanks for your support!

Starting soon, students may take comprehension tests to measure their knowledge of the individual Battle books. If students pass the tests, they will receive credit on their Reading Bingo cards, which go toward their reading goals each nine weeks. Additionally, the students who read and pass the most tests will also be eligible to be on our own Battle Teams that will compete against other classes.

Below, please find a description of each of the 15 titles for this year's Battle of the Books.

Battle of the Books 2010 - 2011 Titles

Sunshine State Young Reader’s Award Program
Master List of Titles
2010 - 2011
Grades 3- 5

Avi. The Seer of Shadows. HarperCollins, ©2008.
In New York City in 1872, fourteen-year-old Horace, a photographer's apprentice, becomes involved in a plot to create fake spirit photographs in order to swindle a wealthy client who is grieving for her dead daughter. Unfortunately, Horace accidentally frees the ghost of a dead girl bent on revenge. Horace feels honor bound to try and stop her from seeking revenge. Intrigue and suspense will pull readers into this ghostly tale. (Grades 3-6) (AR 5.2)

Beaty, Andrea. Cicada Summer. Amulet Books, ©2008.
Two very different girls, each hiding deep secrets, meet in a small, rural community. The summer has been quiet for 12-year-old Lily until a new girl, Tinny, comes to town to spend some time with her aunt. Lily has been living in a self- imposed silence for two years, causing great concern for her father and neighbors, even fears that she has serious brain damage. However, Lily observes everything going on around her and smells trouble brewing from the odd behavior of Tinny. But why does Lily read her favorite mysteries, the Nancy Drew stories, only in secret? Try unraveling the clues in this realistic fiction story that shifts between past and present.
(Grades 3-6) (AR 4.7)

Broach, Elise. Masterpiece. Henry Holt and Co., ©2008.
Eleven-year-old James is disappointed when he receives a pen and ink drawing set from his father for his birthday, but it brings him a true friendship. Marvin the beetle, who lives with his family in the kitchen of the Pompaday apartment, senses James’ depressed mood and uses the art supplies to create a drawing for him. The miniature artwork delights the boy, but his mother mistakenly assumes it is James’ work. A friendship grows between the boy and the beetle when they visit a museum and somehow get involved in the world of art forgery and theft. The two reluctantly forge the artwork of Albrecht Dürer to help the Metropolitan Museum of Art stage a heist to recover the artist’s other stolen work. Readers will willingly enter this fantasy world of human and arthropods which is filled with joy and humor. (Grades 4-8) (AR 4.8)

Delaney, M. C. Obi, Gerbil on the Loose. Dutton Children’s Books, ©2008.
Rachel is crazy about her pet gerbil Obi, and the feeling is entirely mutual. When the family goes on vacation and the neighbor boy neglects to feed Obi she must channel her “inner- Jedi knight” and become a brilliant problem solver in order to survive. Obi’s adventures include encounters with a tarantula, boa constrictor, and sneaky cats. (Grades 3-6) (AR 4.8)

DiTerlizzi, Tony. Kenny & the Dragon. Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing, ©2008.
The villagers in Roundbrook hear that a dragon is running loose across the countryside and the folks get the wrong idea. Now, in the typical dragon story style, it is time for a fight to the death. But wait a minute! This dragon is special and the friend of Kenny Rabbit. What should Kenny do? How will he save the day and give the villagers front-row seats to the famous battle between St. George and the dragon? Does Kenny succeed? Join other readers in the front-row seats to watch this enticing tale unfold. (Grades 3-6) (AR 5.4)

Feldman, Jody. The Gollywhopper Games. Greenwillow Books, ©2008.
Join the fun of these promotional games to solve puzzles and win physical challenges with Gil, who enters the games to improve life for his family. Since his father lost his job in a complex series of events, 12-year-old Gil has experienced difficulties at home and school. Now these games offer a chance to turn things around if he can beat out the other contestants in a series of brainteasers. The plot invites readers to work out answers to puzzles as they follow the fast-paced action of this suspenseful story. (Grades 4-7) (AR 3.9)

Forester, Victoria. The Girl Who Could Fly. Feiwel & Friends, ©2008.
Piper McCloud is not your ordinary girl. From the time she was a baby, she is aware that she has a special talent. Piper is able to fly! Unfortunately, her ordinary family and the folks of Lowland County are not able to cope with Piper’s special talents. Piper jumps at the opportunity to enroll at Dr. Hellion’s top secret school, I.N.S.A.N.E. There she meets other children with extraordinary talents like telekinesis, X-Ray vision, and the ability to create their own weather. Will the special school be a safe haven for students with unique talents, or possibly the most dangerous place in which they can find themselves? Read The Girl Who Could Fly to find the answer to that question. (Grades 3-6) (AR 6.0)

Giff, Patricia Reilly. Eleven. Wendy Lamb Books, ©2008.
In his grandfather’s attic, eleven-year-old Sam MacKenzie finds a mysterious newspaper clipping that appears to be about him. Unfortunately, Sam cannot read. However, he recognizes his name and manages to decode the word “missing.” Sam’s curiosity about his identity leads him to an unlikely friendship with Caroline, a new girl in his class. Sam is talented with wood and Caroline can read and write. Together, they build a wooden castle for a school assignment. During this collaborative project, Sam eventually finds out where he belongs and Caroline, whose family moves around a lot, gains a friend—something she never expected to happen. Readers will eagerly join the duo in this fast-paced mystery. (Grades 3-6) (AR 4.1)

Henkes, Kevin. Bird Lake Moon. Greenwillow Books, ©2008.
Mitch, 12-years-old, and his mother are spending the summer with his grandparents in their lake house. Since his parents are divorcing, Mitch has a secret plan for the empty house next door. When ten-year-old Spence and his family move into the vacant house, Mitch is motivated to stage some ghostly events in an effort to scare away the family. Fortunately, Mitch’s plan doesn’t work. He and Spence become friends who help each other begin to cope with their own family problems. With chapters written from the alternating point of view of the two boys, Henkes delivers a story about the power of friendship that you will not want to miss. (Grades 5-8) (AR 4.9)

Holt, Kimberly Willis. Piper Reed: Navy Brat. Henry Holt and Co., ©2007.
Piper is sad about leaving her home and friends behind when her father, a Navy aircraft mechanic, is transferred yet again. With help from her often-annoying sisters and a surprise from their parents, she finds happiness in their new home in Pensacola, Florida. Readers will quickly join the family’s journey in this engaging, heartwarming story. (Grades 3-6) (AR 3.5

Lupica, Mark. Safe at Home. Philomel, ©2008.
Nick is a star catcher in junior varsity baseball at his school, but has trouble handling the pressure when he is called up to varsity. Nick’s 8th grade teammates resent having a 7th grader on the team and his new adoptive parents don’t understand his love of sports. Pressure mounts as Nick’s baseball skills, as well as his schoolwork decline. In this heartwarming story, readers will be rooting for Nick to get his life together both at home and on the field. (Grades 3-6) (AR 5.6)

Mass, Wendy. 11 Birthdays. Scholastic Press, ©2009.
Amanda and Leo share the same exact date of birth and happily celebrate their birthdays together for the first nine years of their lives. During the tenth party, Amanda overhears Leo making an unkind remark about her to another classmate. After avoiding Leo for a year, the two plan separate parties for their 11th birthdays. However, they find themselves in a weird time loop which forces them to relive their 11th birthdays over and over. Amanda discovers that by teaming up with Leo again, she can adjust her attitude and actions to achieve much better results. Read all about it in this witty story of friendship. (Grades 3-5) (AR 4.1)

Napoli, Donna Jo. Mogo, the Third Warthog. Hyperion Books, ©2008.
Like the third little pig in the folktale, Mogo is practical and smart. But this warthog also has a heart, and one day he feels as if his heart will break. His beloved mother tells him and his two brothers that they must leave the family and find their own solitary way in the world. It is the way of all boars. Now alone, Mogo must face the constant dangers of the African savanna. He uses cunning and intuition to evade Monster, a nasty wild dog who has made it a point to hunt him down. Through it all, Mogo manages to delight in the world around him and even make friends. And as he tries to survive, Mogo decides there’s more: “It’s not enough just to stay alive. Life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and enjoyed.” Readers will thoroughly enjoy this delightful, heartwarming story. (Grades 3-6) (AR 3.6)

Wolf, Joan M. Someone Named Eva. Clarion, ©2007.
The night after her 11th birthday celebration in 1942, blond and blue-eyed Milada and her family are taken from their home in Lidice, Czechoslovakia, by Hitler’s Nazis soldiers. Though not Jewish, they are caught up in Hitler’s plan for world dominance. Milada and her family members are separated and she is sent with other blond, blue-eyed children to Lebensborn, a training camp, to be immersed in the German language and Aryan culture. Milada is given a new name, Eva, and schooled to be a proper German girl. She is adopted by a wealthy German family and adapts to her new life with a loving mother and sister, though she never forgets her real identity and the family she left behind. This dramatic historical fiction story of World War II is based on a true account of events in Czechoslovakia. (Grades 5-8) (AR 4.1)

Yep, Laurence. The Earth Dragon Awakes: The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. HarperCollins, ©2006.
Eight-year-old Henry Travis is living in San Francisco in the spring of 1906. His friend Chin, nine, helps in the Travis household where his father, Ah Sing, is cook and houseboy. Nothing could prepare the boys for the fateful events of April 17, when the Great Earthquake and Fire hit the city, consuming houses and lives and practically destroying San Francisco. The friends, each with his family, try to make their way to safety amid the chaos and devastation. As they do, they learn to face dangers, make life-saving decisions, and understand the true meaning of courage. (Grades 3-6) (AR 4.7)

Book Orders

2010-08-30T15:52:00.005-04:00

Dear Families,

Great news! You can now place your Scholastic Book Club orders online! Ms. Beaudreau will take care of book orders for Mrs. Rabe's homeroom as well as for her homeroom. A big thank you to Ms. Beaudreau!!

Online Ordering Information
Web address: scholastic.com/bookclubs
Class Activation Code: GMRR6

Now it's easier than ever to find the right books for your child and help us earn FREE books for our classroom library at the same time!

With new online ordering from Scholastic Book Clubs, you can choose from a much wider selection of books than in the printed flyer. Plus, you can send your orders directly to me online and use your credit card.

Best of all, our class earns a FREE book every time a parent places their order online.

It's so simple! Here's how it works:

• SIGN UP at www.Scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, click the "Don't have a User Name and Password?" link, then register for your own username and password. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code: GMRR6
This code ensures that your order is sent to me.

• SELECT the books you'd like to order from over 500 titles available online...and take advantage of online-only specials and discounts.

• SEND your order to me ONLINE by the due date. Books will be delivered directly to Ms. Beaudreau's classroom, as always.

Ordering online is fast, easy, and secure. Plus our whole class benefits thanks to the FREE books we'll earn with every parent online order.

Go to www.Scholastic.com/bookclubs now to get started. Class Activation Code: GMRR6

Book Club Order Due Date : September 24

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Ms.Beaudreau. Thanks for your support!

Shea Beaudreau
5th Grade ELA
Chets Creek Elementary
904-992-6390 ext. 219
beaudreaus@duvalschools.org
http://cce5thgrade.com/readingspelling.cfm?subpage=399781

Highlights

2010-08-25T16:03:00.002-04:00

The Duval County website highlighted our school today. Whoo Hooo!!!

http://www.duvalschools.org/static/contact/communications/spotlight/2011/0825.asp

Become a Grocery Fairy

2010-08-21T16:15:00.000-04:00

http://site.groceryfairy.org/

2010-08-19T14:02:00.004-04:00

For 2010-2011; What math should your kiddo know?

Perhaps the most important, and also the least understood, information that a parent can have relates to the exact information that a student should be learning in their classroom. This is extremely important this year as Florida has adopted new standards in many subjects. For me as your child's teacher, the New Generation Math Standards should drive my instruction each day. For students and parents, these standards should provide a guide as well.

Really, every parent should expect a teacher to cover all of the concepts listed in these standards, and they should ask questions if they think something is being overlooked. The really cool thing is that these standards are not top-secret. In fact by logging onto

http://www.floridastandards.org/Standards/FLStandardSearch.aspx

anyone on the planet can find out what should be going on in the classroom. Having said that, this does not mean that all children will master all of these standards. Some kids will fly. Some kids will struggle, and most will do both, but at least the standards make the big picture a bit more transparent (not a pun, but it is great for parents). So, please look at these standards often.

Welcome

2010-08-19T13:58:00.002-04:00

Welcome 5th Graders and Families

On Friday the 20th of August, Fifth Grade Orientation is held at 2:00 P.M.. Please come by and see us.

School starts promptly at 9:00 A.M. on Monday, August 23rd. Please be sure that your student knows their plan for getting home.

All of the fifth grade teachers are looking to have an amazing year, and we thank you in advance for your concern and support!

Chets Creek Elementary School
Fifth Grade Supply List

2010-2011

Each fifth grader should bring the following items to school:

Supplies:

1 pack of wide-ruled notebook paper

3 composition notebooks

1 package of white copy paper

2 spiral notebooks with 120 pages each

1 package of white lined index cards (3x5 cards-100 in a pack)

4 plastic duo-tang folders with three prongs & pockets (1 red, 1 blue, 1 green, 1 yellow)

1” binder w/clear cover

1 ½ “ binder w/clear cover

1 package of 5 tab dividers

1 package of plastic pocket 5 tab dividers

1 package of page protectors (50-100)

1 package of sticky notes

1 pack of assorted highlighters

1 pencil sharpener with cover to catch shavings

1 pencil pouch

24 sharpened pencils

1 pack of 12 colored pencils

8 of large glue sticks

1 bottle of white Elmer’s liquid glue

Kleenex

Disinfecting wipes (non-bleach)

Hand soap

Hand sanitizer

Ziploc bags- gallon size

Ziploc bags – sandwich size

Boys- Avery labels 8160

Girls – Avery labels 8163

Calculator

Metal or flexible (not hard plastic) ruler (6 or 12 inch)

Chets Creek Elementary School- Cultivating a Community of Excellence

2010-06-13T18:04:00.002-04:00

Chets Creek Elementary School - Cultivating a Community of Excellence from Melanie Holtsman on Vimeo.

Chets Creek Elementary Students at Portside Receive New Media Center

2010-05-19T13:20:00.001-04:00

Chets Creek Elementary Students at Portside Receive New Media Center

Check out this site:

http://www.duvalschools.org/static/contact/communications/press%20release/2010_Press_Releases/pr0517a.asp

Wallwisher

2010-05-18T12:02:00.001-04:00

Try this out

http://www.wallwisher.com/embed/ZQKFaR7pcI"

What is a Normal Cat????

2010-04-26T11:52:00.004-04:00

What is a "Normal" Cat?

Please click on the thumbnail images to make them larger.
So, just what is a normal cat? How could a student explain what normal is? Is it easier if you have numbers? Why or why not? What do you do with nonnumerical or categorical data? Can a cat have a mean (average) fur color? If not, how would you describe "normal" fur color. What kinds of charts or graphs would help? Is a sampling of 14 cats enough to represent all of the cats in the world? If not, how many should be sampled?

VETO SB 6

2010-04-14T10:47:00.000-04:00

Hello all,

Please consider sending an email or calling Governor Crist asking him to veto the SB 6. You may copy and paste the information below.

Thank you,
Mrs. Rabe

Please email charlie.crist@myflorida.com
or call 850.488.4441 850.488.7146

SB 6 is a punitive measure that subjects teachers to being fired each year based on their students' scores on one annual exam.
SB 6 is an unfunded mandate that will cost Duval County up to $62 million to implement. (The mandatory 5% budgetary set aside is $42 million while development of end of course exams will cost between $12 and 20 million.)

Vetoing SB 6 will send a clear message to lawmakers that they must collaborate with all stakeholders--teachers, parents, and school boards--in order to create true education reform. Our state's failure to collaborate with stakeholders was a key reason we did not receive federal Race To the Top funds.

From Our Principal Susan Phillips

2010-03-18T11:09:00.009-04:00

Save Our Schools

Article IX, Section I of the Florida Constitution guarantees that:

"The education of children is a fundamental value of the people of the State of Florida.""It is, therefore, a paramount duty of the state to make adequate provision for … a uniform, efficient, safe, secure, and high quality system of free public schools that allows students to obtain a high quality education …."

Duval County expects to suffer from a $125 million budget deficit for the 2010-2011 academic year. All the facts tell us there is NO WAY to “trim the fat” and balance this budget crisis without affecting the classroom. In short, your child's school will suffer.Guidance and Media services could be reduced!Valuable resources like Art, Music and PE may be cut!

Essential supplies and materials could disappear altogether!It is important to understand that this problem, this CRISIS, is not limited to Duval County alone. This fiscal crisis is statewide. Regarding the total amount of funds allocated and spent on education, the state of Florida is ranked 50th in the nation. I ask you, does this represent your priorities? I doubt it. Are our legislators upholding the requirements of our state constitution?

As voters, we share a heavy burden. It is our responsibility to educate ourselves with accurate facts. It is our responsibility to make our voices heard. It is our responsibility to act. It is our responsibility to advocate for our children. It is our responsibility to fight for their rights, for today and for their future. If not us, then who? If we do not meet our duties, we cannot expect others to meet theirs.I urge you. Educate yourselves. Research the facts. Go to the source. Ask questions. Speak out. Make demands. Do not accept it as fact because others believe it to be true.

Ask yourself, is 50th good enough for your child? If the answer is NO - contact our state's legislative delegation and ask for immediate help from one of these short term solutions:

1. Please give flexibility to the school districts in the areas of categoricals, (SAI, Class Size, Instruction Materials, Reading, Safe Schools).

2. Please suspend unfunded mandates on the districts. (Examples: Transportation, Testing & Curriculum Requirements, Safety Nets, and Staffing Requirements.)

3. Please give flexibility of capital funds—so they can be used for General Revenue.

Ask them to find long term solutions to the critical funding situation in Florida and urge them to make public education a priority so that even our children's children can benefit from a right guaranteed them by our state constitution!

To learn more about how to get involved and about how to contact our legislators and ask them to make funding for public education in Florida a priority visit SaveDuvalSchools.

Susan T. Phillips

Principal Chets Creek Elementary

Chets Creek Needs Your Help!!

2010-03-08T13:44:00.001-05:00

A note from our principal Susan Phillips:

CHETS CREEK NEEDS YOUR HELP!!! If Florida’s legislature proceeds with expected cuts to public school funding in the state we will face the bleakest year financially to date. I have worked aggressively over the past years to maintain funding for teachers and classrooms and have held the overhead expenses for our school to 12.52% of our operating budget. If we don’t get the attention of our representatives now, I may be charged with cutting 20% (a whopping 1 million dollars) from our school’s budget. The impact this could have would be devastating. Each call, letter or email to our legislators counts!

Please join me and show your support by attending an important Community Meeting regarding the perilous budget condition we face in public education to be held at Sandalwood High School on Thursday at 6:00 PM. I look forward to seeing everyone there as we stand together to fight for funding for Florida’s schools.
I urge each of you to attend this Thursday’s meeting. We simply must get the attention of the media, the public and our legislators – the proposed cuts this year are significant and will have far reaching effect if we don’t take action now. They have asked that those attending make signs saying “Save Chets Creek” or “Save Duval Schools”. Bring your kids, neighbors, anyone who cares about public education! This community united is a force to be reckoned with!

Ready for the FCAT

2010-03-05T09:55:00.004-05:00

Countdown to Math FCAT

You can do this!
Make sure you do the calculations.
There are only four operations in math: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Read and reread the question to make sure you are answering what has been asked.
Read every word, title, label, caption, hint and every inch of every picture for clues and information.
EVERYTHING in the problem is there for a reason.
It's all important.
Check every operation with it's inverse.
Don't let computational errors prevent well-deserved points.
If you know HOW to get the right answer, be certain you get it.
When answering multiple choice items, check every answer choice before making your final decision.
Answers are not as obvious as they appear.
Strategize!
When you get stuck on a problem, don't give up.
Dissect it.
One of the most helpful problem solving strategies is to draw a diagram.
When you can SEE the problem, it will surely make more sense to you.
Ask yourself each time you choose an answer, "Does my answer make sense?"
Use what works for you.

YOU CAN DO IT!!

Coordinate Grids Using Negative Numbers

2010-02-22T09:22:00.001-05:00

Coordinate Grids Using Negative Numbers

Please click on the thumbnail image to see a larger version.

In 5th grade coordinate grids go to four quadrants! Please see if you can locate points C and D so that you could create a square by connecting all of the coordinates.
Some hints:
Always start at the origin
Think (left or right, then up or down...plot a point)
Negative numbers on the X axis ask you to move left
Negative numbers on the Y axis ask you to move down
I reached point B by moving right 30 from the origin and then moving down to the -10 on the Y axis. I plotted a point at the intersection of the two line segment found at (30, -10).
Best of luck!

Share a Little Sunshine

2010-02-20T08:21:00.001-05:00

Share a Little Sunshine

Posted using ShareThis

2010-02-09T09:23:00.003-05:00

Guess My Rule....If you know Geometry!

One of the simplest, and yet deepest, ways to explore your knowledge of geometry is to play a game called Guess My Rule. It's simple. You put three or four polygons that follow a certain rule inside a circle and a couple that do not follow the rule outside of the circle. Then, you have someone "Guess My Rule".
So, what do think my rule is? Please don't say "polygons with less than five sides". While, the shapes inside the circle do have less than five sides (the ones on the outside do as well), my rule is a bit more complex :-}
Would you like a hint?? Well, I always investigate polygons by looking at their sides and angels.

Math Updates and Announcements

2010-01-25T08:39:00.001-05:00

A few important announcements:

The math web site has been updated.
http://www.cce5thgrade.com/math.cfm?subpage=913261

Fifth Grade's own Mr. Ruark was announced as one of the 15 finalists for the Duval County Teacher of the Year. Way to go Mr. R.!

Please bring all permission slips and payment for our upcoming trip to the Jacksonville Zoo. The due date was 01-21-10, but we can still take permission slips and money for a few days more. Thanks.

The PTA's Corporate Contributions Contest continues for grades 4 and 5. If you have any of the following, box tops, Campbell's Soup labels, empty ink cartridges, and/or cell phones please consider sending them in to be collected by homeroom teachers. The class that collects the most wins a fab prize!

PTA Family Night is Tuesday night. Dinner will be served from 6-7:00 P.M.. First and Third grades will have activities planned from 7-8:00 P.M..

On Friday the 29th of January, report cards go home. Please sign the parent signature portion and return that portion with the original envelope as quickly as possible.

Campus Clean UP takes place on Saturday the 30th from 9-11:00 A.M.. We would love your help :}

Week of January 25, 2010
Monday: Homework Sheet #19 will go home. We will continue our work on EDC (Every Day Counts-Calendar Math). We will continue with our new Math Investigation Unit Between Never and Always.
When you flip a coin, it should, in theory, land on heads every other flip or 50% of the time, but does that happen when we try it? Sometimes? Never? Always?
What if we flipped it 50 times? What should we expect?
Stay tuned!

Tuesday: We will continue our work on EDC (Every Day Counts-Calendar Math). We will continue our third investigation, Between Never and Always.

Wednesday: We will continue our work on EDC (Every Day Counts-Calendar Math), and we will continue our third investigation, Between Never and Always.
Thursday: We will continue our work on EDC (Every Day Counts-Calendar Math), and we will continue our investigation, Between Never and Always (BNAA).

Friday: We will continue our work on EDC (Every Day Counts-Calendar Math), and continue our investigation, Between Never and Always (BNAA).
We are also going to start looking at geometry a bit more by studying circles, finding the area of triangles[1/2 (b X h) ] , and finding the area of trapezoids [ 1/2 h (b1 +b2) ]. Sounds hard, but it's really easy-cheesy! This should be fun!

I was very productive on our planning day and look forward to our time together. I hope everyone has a great week.
Mrs. Rabe

How Do You Read That Decimal?

2010-01-11T09:37:00.004-05:00

The picture above tells a thousand stories! Well, actually it might tell a tenth of a story or a hundredth of a story or a thousandth of a story depending on where the decimal point is and what digits follow the decimal point!

Every time that TV reporters read decimals, especially weather forecasters, because they always say things like the barometric pressure is "29 POINT 92 inches", and these guys are scientists? I hate to think that scientists are not concerned with things like place value. 29.92 should be read as twenty-nine AND ninety-two hundredths. Maybe students do understand that 29 point 92 is almost 30, but maybe they don't. Anyway, reading decimal values using correct place value is a good place to start.

SO,

.7 is seven tenths.

.70 is seventy hundreds

.700 is seven hundred thousandths

Simple, say the number like a whole number, and then say the SMALLEST place value. (and thousandths are waaaayyyyy smaller than tenths-don't believe me? ---try cutting your pizza into 1,000 equal pieces versus ten equal pieces:-} )

However, we are not limited to looking at decimal numbers and only reading them as decimals. Huh? Well, .7, .70, .700 are all also 70%, and they can all be written as fractions as well.So, which way should we read a decimal?

In short, in whatever way makes the most sense for the problem. The work above shows three ways to read each decimal, percent or fraction. If I was trying to enter 1/8 on a cheap calculator, I probably would have to use .125. If I wanted to describe the same quantity to a person, I would probably say 12 1/2%, as I have learned that most folks have a pretty good "percent schema".

If I was trying to add 1/8 to a simple fraction like 1/4, I'd leave both as fractions (1/8 + 2/8 = 3/8 woohooo).So, for a fifth grader what is important to know?.5 or .50 or .500...is the decimal way to say 1/2So, .675 = 67 1/2 hundredths or 67 1/2 % or 67.5 %.33333333 is the decimal way to say 1/3.66666666 is the decimal way to say 2/31 whole = 100% 2 wholes = 200% .....So, 3 1/2 = 350% or 3.5

Be flexible, and remember that the word POINT is dead and buried!

Thank you Mr. Ruark!! Once again you amaze us!!

Upcoming Events

2010-01-04T15:23:00.003-05:00

Take a look below to see information regarding upcoming school events.

I hope that every family had an excellent holiday season. I am ready to get back to serious learning, and I hope all students are ready too.

I would like to express my deepest appreciation for the holiday gifts, cards and foods that were lavished upon me before the break. I truly am blessed to have such kind students and parents.

A couple of special notices need to go out to parents and students regarding two of our 5th grade team members. Mrs. Shannon underwent successful back surgery shortly before the winter break, and she is progressing very well, but she is quite sore as one would expect. She plans to return to school on Monday the 4th. Please resist the urge to give her a hug or a pat on the back :-}

On a more dire note, Mr. Montisano was involved in a VERY bad car collision while traveling over the holidays. He spent several days in the hospital and is healing well. His fiance was injured more seriously, and she continues to mend at her parents house in the mid-west. Mr. Montisano will not be back until Thursday the 7th. Please join me in wishing him a safe return as he drives home.

Please keep these awesome folks in your thoughts, and please rest assured that your children will receive a great education even if a teacher is out. We have fabulous substitute teachers.

A few important announcements:

Please be sure to return all field trip permission forms to the upcoming trip to the Marine Science Education Center.
There is no cost. So, all we need is your signature:-}

Wednesday the 6th is an early release day. Dismissal will begin at 2:00 P.M..

We are going to begin a very complete examination of decimals. We will learn to incorporate decimals as another way to express values that are not whole numbers.

The MOST critical thing to remember about decimals is the place value that each decimal number represents.
For example:
0.5 = five tenths or 5/10 or 50%
0.05 = five hundredths or 5/100 or 5%
0.005 = five thousandths or 5/1000 or 1/2%

Decimals are really easy to read. Read the decimal number like it was a whole number, and then say the smallest place value (the place value farthest to the right of the decimal).
0.633= six hundred thirty-three thousandths or 633/1000 2.47 = two and forty-seven hundredths or 2 47/100 or 247%

Many students will learn to add zeroes to the right hand side of decimal numbers in order to make them easier to add, subtract, and compare.

Thanks for all you do for our students,
Mrs. Rabe

Week of December 7th

2009-12-07T06:57:00.004-05:00

Week of December 7, 2009

No homework sheet this week!
I will be handing back the EDC November Quiz on Monday. Revisions will be due next Monday, December the 14th. The average score was really high :-} So, if you see a low score, it might be cause for some concern.

We should be ready to take the NTP Quiz 2A and the November/December EDC Quiz before the winter break.
For NTP 2A, knowing how to play the Fraction Tracks Game will be important. Students should be comfortable with "improper" fractions (like 12/8 or 9/6). Students will also need to know a bit about surveys. They need to recognize that all surveys that are valid need for the total number of "suggestions" to equal 100% (assuming everybody voted and only voted once).
So, if everyone got one vote and
1/2 of my class said that Mrs. R could improve class by only showing movies and
1/4 said that I could improve things by ordering Pizza Hut every day and
25% said that I could improve by playing hip-hop during tests and
12 1/2% said that I could improve by allowing 1 hour naps...
I know that the survey is not valid, because it adds up to more than 100%! (112 1/2%) Some students voted more than once, probably the nappers...

Monday: Chets Creek Math Diagnostic starts. NTP Quiz I revisions are due. We will continue our work on EDC (Every Day Counts-Calendar Math). We will continue our second unit, Name That Portion (NTP).
Tuesday: We will continue our work on EDC (Every Day Counts-Calendar Math). We will continue our second unit, Name That Portion (NTP).
Wednesday: Early dismissal starts at 2:00. We will continue our work on EDC and Name That Portion.
Thursday: We will continue our work on EDC (Every Day Counts-Calendar Math), and we continue our investigation, Name That Portion (NTP).
Friday: We will continue our work on EDC (Every Day Counts-Calendar Math), and we continue our investigation, Name That Portion (NTP).

Monday the 14th: NTP Quiz 2 revisions are due. We will continue our work on EDC (Every Day Counts-Calendar Math). We will continue our second unit, Name That Portion (NTP). Possible quiz date.

Tuesday the 15th: We will continue our work on EDC (Every Day Counts-Calendar Math). We will continue our second unit, Name That Portion (NTP). Possible quiz date.

Wednesday the 16th: We will continue our work on EDC (Every Day Counts-Calendar Math), and we continue our investigation, Name That Portion (NTP). Possible quiz date.

Important Announcements

2009-12-07T06:57:00.001-05:00

A few important announcements:

This will be a GREAT week to encourage students to get plenty of sleep and a good breakfast as we are going to be taking many important tests this week. (Chets Creek Diagnostics and the Benchmark Tests) Thanks in advance for helping out in this matter.

On Monday the 7th, Standards Snap Shots go home. These "Snap Shots" show work that meets the standard in reading , math and science. Please compare your student's work to work that is "at standard".

Wednesday the 9th is an early release day. Dismissal starts at 2:00 P.M..

Flag Raising takes place at 9:05 A.M. in the Community Courtyard on Friday the 11th.

Wednesday the 16th is the last day of school before the winter holiday. Students return on Monday, January 4th.

We do not want to sound at all negative (that is a really bad photography pun), but many students still have not returned their pictures and/or payment for pictures. Please check around the house, and try to round up the pictures if you do not plan on buying.

Progress reports went home last week. Please be sure to sign and return all progress reports.

All 5th grade teachers and students are in the middle of fulfilling a charitable activity. So, please try and help out your class if you can. If you need specific information as to what your homeroom or POD is doing, please email your homeroom teacher or jot a note in the planner. We will probably try to wrap these events up by the end of this week so that we can distribute donations to folks that are in need.

Updates

2009-11-30T06:38:00.002-05:00

A few important announcements:

On Wednesday the 2nd of December from 8-9:00 A.M. , there will be a Technology Coffee Talk for 5th grade parents held in room 102. If you are not a tech-savvy person, please don't be afraid to attend. These talks are intended for all levels of proficiency.

Progress reports should be coming home the during the first week of December. (Our goal is December the 2nd.)

The Chets Creek Giving Tree will be on display starting December 1st. The school is asking for donations of non-perishable food items and/or new toys that will be gifted to families in need.

We should be ready to take the NTP Quiz II by Wednesday. Student Sheet #11 (Clock Fractions) will play a very important role on this upcoming test. Students will be asked to show addition of fractions without common denominators on a clock model. For example, I might ask a student to add 1/4 + 1/3 on a clock. 1/4 would be shown as 3/12. and 1/3 would be shown as an additional 4/12, for an answer of 7/12. Student sheets 12 and 13 should be understood pretty well. The Roll Around the Clock game will need to be mastered as well.

Be sure that you are able to show 1/12, 1/6, 1/4, 1/3, 5/12, 1/2, 7/12, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6, and 11/12 on a clock face. Again, this is found on Student Sheet 11.

5th Grade Updates

2009-11-15T17:55:00.001-05:00

We all hope that everyone had a great weekend! Take a look below to see information regarding upcoming school events.

A special note of thanks goes out to all of the big folks that helped with our trip to IMAX. The kids had a blast, and we really were thankful to have some help.

Also, please note that we were thrilled to see so many 5th grade families at Chik-fil-A night last week. A good cause, a good meal, and good conversation; it does not get any better than that!

A few important announcements:

Tuesday the 17th is PTA Family Night at CCE. Gourmet Grocery will provide dinner for all folks that purchased tickets. Dinner is from 6-7:00 P.M., and it will be followed by a Walk and Talk related to our Native American dioramas. The Walk and Talk will be from 7-8:00 P.M., and it will be hosted by 5th grade students and teachers.

Wednesday the 18th Early Dismissal starts at 2:00 P.M.. Please know your plan ;-}

On Saturday the 21st, Campus Clean Up is held from 9-11:00 A.M..

The Thanksgiving Holiday Break begins on Wednesday the 25th. Students will return to school on Monday the 30th.

Parents/guardians should also be getting access to the Oncourse online grading system beginning on Monday the 9th. CCE will have someone at our front counter in the lobby from November 9th-24th during the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. to distribute this information. Identification is required, and parents may only pickup their own log on information.

Chets Creek Elementary is honoring the memory of Mr. Rogers with the annual Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive. The drive runs through November 28^th and accepts gently used sweaters, coats, blankets, pants, and shirts. Contributions may be dropped off in the lobby of the school. Contributions will be donated to St. Vincent’s Mobil Outreach, the Clara White Mission, and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.

Riverdeep

2009-11-12T08:35:00.003-05:00

Have you heard the buzz about Riverdeep?

During our math class, before and after school, students will have the opportunity to take turns using the computer to access this great resource.

The good news is that you can get to this site at home! Click here to visit the site. Students have their own username (firstnamelastname264) and password (4 digit number, birthmonthbirthday). Check it out and let me know what you think!

Fractions Are Insturctions to Divide

2009-11-10T06:50:00.002-05:00

Just how do you go about solving a question like: What is 3/12 of 36 penguins? There seems to be an almost endless list of strategies that don't work well. However, there is one strategy that works VERY well.

In my class, I have the kids repeat, "Fractions are instructions to divide."

Almost all kids can remember this. Many do not, however, know what needs dividing up, or into how many groups. In the problem above, the 36 penguins need to be divided into 12 even groups, and that puts 3 penguins in each group. 3 would be a fine answer to the question, "What is 1/12 of 36 penguins?", but is not a good answer for 3/12. We figure out what the total is, in this case 36 and divide it into groups of 12. 36 divided by 12 equals 3. Students can figure out 1/12 equal 3, then 2/12 equals 6 and 3/12 equals 9.

The work also shows an array of 36 "penguins", and it would be quite correct to say that 3/12 could be understood as 3 out of every 12. This is a great model for small numbers, but I would not want to split up 3600 penguins into an array!

So, "Fractions are an instruction to divide."

Two Important Announcements

2009-11-06T16:11:00.000-05:00

The My Grade Parent Portal (On-line Grade Book) will go live on Monday, November 9, 2009.

We have implemented an online grade book district wide this year called OnCourse. This web based system is a great tool for us to be able to engage parents in real time information about their child's performance. Each child's parent has a unique log on and password to be able to access their child's grades via the internet. For security reasons the log on information must be picked up in person. We will have someone at our front counter in the lobby from November 9-24 during the hours of 7:00 am and 6:00 pm to distribute this information. Identification is required and parents may only pickup their own log on information.

Chets Creek Elementary is honoring the memory of Mr. Rogers with the annual Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive. The drive runs through November 28th and accepts gently used sweaters, coats, blankets, pants, and shirts. Contributions may be dropped off in the lobby of the school. Contributions will be donated to St. Vincent’s Mobil Outreach, the Clara White Mission, and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.

Fraction/Percent Equivalents Strips

2009-11-05T15:54:00.002-05:00

The goal of the Fraction/Percent Equivalents Strips was to match about 20 landmark fractions to their equivalent percents. The goal was not rely on memory, but to strategically think about the placement of these fractions. For example, most students immediately know that 1/2 = 50%. They can use that knowledge to "discover" that 1/4 = 25%, and then to find that 1/8 = 12.5%. Even the more difficult fractions like 1/6 become easy to place when there are landmark percents already present. 16 2/3 % is easy to place if 10% and 20% are already listed. Look in your child's EDC notebook where we glued these in. :)

Fraction Action

2009-11-05T15:45:00.011-05:00

This story about fractional numbers is told from the bottom picture up.
In our EDC notebooks, we have been tracking equivalent fractions. We started on day 1 with the fraction 1/16. All students were able to understand that there were 16 pieces in the top row and if we were to shade one of those boxes it would equal 1/16 of the whole. On day 2, most students immediately realized that when we added another 16th, we created an area equal in size to the the 8ths row immediately below. When we got to 4/16, also 2/8, students saw that this was equal to 1/4 of the whole. It was at that point that students started to fill in percentages for the fractions that we had created. Most students knew that 1/4 = 25%, and they concluded that 1/8 was half as large so it must = 12.5%. A few students then realized that 1/16 must equal half of 12.5% or 6.25%. This knowledge of fractions and their equivalent percents will be a key component in adding, subtracting and comparing fractional pieces. Most students know several landmark percents like 25%, 50%, and 75%, and they can easily shade an object like a circle graph correctly with those amounts. Soon, students learn to represent other amounts like 30% (3/10) with accuracy based on their knowledge of the landmarks mentioned. Putting fractional amounts into percentages just makes life easier.

The next two pictures are the absolute most important concepts that we will cover in this unit. Students shade in portions of a 10 X 10 grid and report the percent (parts out of 100) that it took to cover the portion. One picture shows one fourth of a grid shaded (25 blocks and 25%). the shading is a bit "artistic" , and it probably led to the misconception about shading in 1/8 of the grid, which should be 12 1/2 blocks or 12.5% . The percent was listed correctly, but the grid does not have 12 1/2 blocks shaded. Still, I can tell that the idea of 1/8 being half of 1/4 is understood.
The top picture is most important for understanding fractions. All of the fractions listed are considered landmark (IMPORTANT) fractions in our number system. Understanding the percentages that go with each of these is a very critical conceptual step.

So, know the fraction. Be The fraction!
Know the percent. Be the percent!

Week of October 26, 2009

2009-10-26T14:51:00.003-04:00

Week of October 26, 2009

Sunshine Math continues on Tuesday for those that signed up. The worksheets will be due back on Friday.

No school for students on Monday! Have fun with your family on Monday while we plan.

The Fall Symphony of Fun Carnival was an unmitigated success due to the support of of the Chets Creek PTA and families like yours! Without you, nothing like this could ever take place. We are truly blessed to have an awesome PTA and awesome families!

On Friday the 30th, Flag Raising will be observed in the Community Courtyard at 9:05 A.M..

Also on Friday the 30th, CCE 5th grade students will attend a field experience to the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Buses will leave at 10:45 A.M..

Report cards go home on Tuesday the 3rd of November!
The first grading period officially ended on Friday, October 23. The 5th Grade Recognition Ceremony will be on Thursday, November the 5th at 2:15 P.M. in the dining Room.

Please turn in your permission slips for our IMAX double-feature scheduled for Friday, November 13. We will get to see a feature on spelunking (cave exploration) and on under-sea exploration. The cost of the trip is $12.00.

Thanks to those of you that have already turned in permission slips and money!

Just as a precautionary "heads-up", please note that our new grade reporting system will generate report cards that will not have plusses (+) or minuses (-) next to the letter grades. This is a change from prior years. The grading scale will be:
90-100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
Below 60 F
Parents/guardians should also be getting access to the Oncourse online grading system at the beginning of the 2nd nine- week marking period. We will keep you posted, as we are still a few weeks away from that date.

On Tuesday, I plan to return the BONYK PMA (Progress Monitoring Assessment). This was our "final exam" for the BONYK unit. PMAs are not revisable due to their nature (many multiple choice answers). I will also return many revised tests. Please sign and return all of these tests. We keep them so that if we have time we can review any tricky concepts.
I do not think that we will have any tests this week, but the following week I would be expecting the October EDC test (please be sure to review your triangle information).
I would also expect our first test from our new unit Name That Portion (NTP). Knowing all of the fraction-percent equivalents from student sheet 5 will be go along way to having a successful experience when taking that exam.

Tuesday: HW sheet #10 goes home. Please use your own judgment about working ahead. I know that many students have after school activities, and working ahead may be a very good plan.
We will continue our work on EDC (Every Day Counts-Calendar Math), and we will begin our next math investigation, Name That Portion: Fractions, Percents and Decimals.

Wednesday: We will continue our work on EDC (Every Day Counts-Calendar Math), and we continue our investigation, Name That Portion: Fractions, Percents and Decimals. We will review Monday and Tuesday's homework.

Thursday: We will continue our work on EDC (Every Day Counts-Calendar Math), and we continue our math investigation, Name That Portion: Fractions, Percents and Decimals.

Friday: We will continue our work on EDC (Every Day Counts-Calendar Math), and we continue our math investigation, Name That Portion: Fractions, Percents and Decimals. We will review Thursday and Friday's homework.

Have a wonderful week. :)

Week of October 19th

2009-10-18T10:42:00.002-04:00

Week of October 19, 2009

Sunshine Math continues on Monday for those that signed up. The worksheets will be due back on Friday.

Wednesday is an Early Release Day!!

Friday is our Symphony of Fun Carnival from 6:00 - 9:00. Thank you to all the parents and family members who have volunteered to work our Big Slide Booth. In addition, the front office is asking for candy donations for the Trick or Treating that evening.

We will have our final test on Building on Number You Know on Tuesday, October 20th.

For the BONYK final test, some of the concepts that are implied are an understanding of:

skip counting forward and backward by a given number

identifying properties of a multiple tower:

what number are we counting by

what will be the next multiple of ten

how many numbers are in the tower

how does the 3rd number in the tower relate to the 30th number

be able to divide and multiply

pick a "perfect pair"

and

Know what to do with remainders

If the remainders are kids we cannot make them into a fraction and spilt them up equally. That would be illegal and messy! If the remainders are pizzas, we probably will split the remainders up evenly. Say 8 kids want to share 9 pizzas, each kid would get 1 whole pizza and 1/9 of the last pizza.

Monday: HW sheet #9 goes home. Please use your own judgment about working ahead. I know that many students have after school activities, and working ahead may be a very good plan.
We will continue our work on EDC (Every Day Counts-Calendar Math), and we will begin our next investigation, Name That Portion: Fractions, Percents and Decimals.
Tuesday: We will continue our work on EDC (Every Day Counts-Calendar Math), and we will continue to work on our math investigation, Name That Portion: Fractions, Percents and Decimals. We will take our final test on Building on Numbers You Know on Tuesday.
Wednesday: We will continue our work on EDC (Every Day Counts-Calendar Math), and we continue our investigation, Name That Portion: Fractions, Percents and Decimals. We will review Monday and Tuesday's homework.
Thursday: We will continue our work on EDC (Every Day Counts-Calendar Math), and we continue our math investigation, Name That Portion: Fractions, Percents and Decimals.

Friday: We will continue our work on EDC (Every Day Counts-Calendar Math), and we continue our math investigation, Name That Portion: Fractions, Percents and Decimals. We will review Thursday and Friday's homework.

I noticed something worthy of mention while grading the BONYK (Building On Numbers You Know or Boink!) quiz. Students that are comfortable thinking of multiple towers as decomposed multiplication problems did very well on the test. For example, if a student was asked what number the 13th person would say if they were counting by 23s, students that saw that as (23 X 10) + (23 X 3) were very successful. Those that relied on actually adding 23 thirteen times were not as successful. By 5th grade, students should not be reliant upon adding up, as multiplication is much more efficient.

Treasure Chest

2009-10-18T10:41:00.000-04:00

We are in need of items for our Treasure Chest. The students really enjoy getting a big box of candy such as Lemon Heads, Sugar Babies, and Hot Tamales. Other items like bouncy balls, notepads or any thing a fifth grader would like to pull out of the Treasure Chest would be greatly appreciated.

Scholastic Book Club Online

2009-10-05T09:08:00.001-04:00

Dear Families,
You can now place your Scholastic Book Club orders online!
Browse all the great monthly Club selections at low prices and order online. Plus, our class earns a FREE book every time a parent orders online.
Here's how it works:
1. Use the information below to access the Scholastic Book Clubs Web site.

2. Browse the titles with your child, and place your order with your credit card.

3. Your order will come to me, and your credit card payment will go directly to Scholastic's secure server. There's no need to send money to school.

4. After I submit the entire class's order to Scholastic, your order will be delivered to our classroom for your child to take home.

www.scholastic.com/bookclubs

Class User Name: chetscreek5th
Password: readers

Ordering online is the most convenient way to use Scholastic Book Clubs. You can order anytime, right up until the online order due date. You'll also get instant access to over 500 additional titles plus online-only specials and discounts.

And don't forget: Every time a parent places an order online, we earn a FREE book for our classroom library!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Shea Beaudreau.

Update

2009-10-04T14:35:00.002-04:00

The main page of www.cce5thgrade.com has been updated.

On Monday, field trip permission slips for the Jacksonville Symphony will go home, and since the trip is 100% FREE, we can expect the signed forms back by Tuesday. Right? Thanks!

We also need all Sunshine Math permission forms for those wanting to participate back by Tuesday. Again, thanks.

Please note that Wednesday is an early release day. Dismissal will start at 2:00 P.M..

Art to Remember purchases are due back by this Friday the 9th. These do make cool gifts!

Also, Friday is Fall Picture Day

Double-Trouble and Split-It

2009-10-04T14:31:00.001-04:00

Recently we have added a "game" to our EDC notebooks. Double-Trouble and Split-It are games that are designed to get students to strategically think about doubling and splitting numbers. These skills are crucial if a student is to build great mental number sense.

For example:

When I ask kids to split 1,700, many kids balk, because they see 17 groups of 100 as an odd number of hundreds. Most kids are not seeing this as 8 1/2 groups of 100. However, most students can readily replace 1,700 with 1,600 + 100, and they can easily split these numbers to get to 850! This still may not seem important, but since the product of 17 X 10 is so easily calculated, it seems logical that 17 X 5 (half as big as 17 X 10) should be easily found if 1,700 can be easily split.

In a similar way, being able to double numbers with ease leads to being able to double small factor pairs into larger factor pairs. If 7 X 2 = 14, then 7 X 4 is twice as big. So, 7 X 4 = 28. Then, 7 X 8 = 56, and 7 X 16 = 112...likewise, 17 X 2 = 34, 17 X 4 = 68...17 X 4 = 68, 17 X 40 = 680, and 17 X 80 = 1,360 ...all done through doubling.

When doubling a number, many students find it easiest to double the largest place value first and then work through the smaller place values.

Doubling a number like 1, 486 might look like 1,000 + 1,000 = 2,000...400 +400 = 800 ...80 +80 = 160...6 + 6 = 12...added together, the sum is 2,972.

These are VERY important concepts!
Please practice.
It's the kind of thing you can do in the car.

Revisions

2009-09-21T16:41:00.008-04:00

Revisions Are Vital to Mastery!

Students in our class are able to complete "revisions" of tasks to insure that concepts that were missed are cleared up or at least made more clear. Students do have to prove that they understand why they were wrong, and they have to show new work that proves that they really have reached an understanding of the concept.

In the top photo, the student explains what went wrong in the problem in the bottom photo. In this case there was a fairly major misconception about the formula used to compute the amount of money to subtract ($1,000 X the date or $25,000) from the original balance ($712,000). This misconception made the problem impossible for the student to solve. However, it would not be correct to assume that the student in question did not know how to subtract. Therefore, this thorough revision provides equitable remediation. Revisions are hard work, but they are well worth the effort!

Originally posted by Mr. Ruark. Thank you Dr. Ruark.

DCPS Academic Looking Glass

2009-09-18T14:28:00.004-04:00

The DCPS Academic Looking Glass is a newsletter that is produced bi-weekly to assist parents, principals, teachers, and district staff as a quick reference guide about what students are learning during a sliding two week window.

The Looking Glass (including all back issues) can be found on the DCPS website (www.duvalschools.org) in the following places:

Clicking on the Riverdeep/Curriculum icon listed under the QuickLinks section

Clicking on the “Help Your Kid” menu link on the “Parents” section dropdown list

Selecting “Know what my child is learning?” in the “How Do I…” section dropdown list

OnCourse Grade Book

2009-09-18T10:10:00.000-04:00

A note from our principal:

Grade Book Portal
Parents will receive their log ins at the end of the 1st nine weeks and the portal will be available for them to view grades beginning the 2dn grading period.

Flu Like Symptons

2009-09-18T10:04:00.004-04:00

Parents please be aware of flu like symptoms and keep your children home if they are sick. Students should only return to school after 24 hours fever free with no fever reducing medications. About 98% of all flu right now is in fact to be considered H1N1 (Swine Flu). Prevention through hand washing, proper etiquette for sneezing and coughing and staying home when sick is important. Please notify me if your child has a confirmed case – it can now be confirmed just through a doctor’s diagnosis. We are doing extra cleaning of common areas and special cleaning of classrooms. The good news: the virus can only live on surfaces for 2 hours. Stay healthy!!

Dear Anonymous

2009-09-08T21:30:00.004-04:00

Dear Anonymous,

I would very much like to know what you have to say, but please let me know who you are when you leave a comment. I read all comments and I rethink, revise and revisit my posts/entries.

YOU are very important to me so let me know who you are.

Thank you for your consideration,
Mrs. Rabe

Scholastic Book Orders

2009-09-06T17:09:00.003-04:00

You can now place your Scholastic Book Club orders online!

Browse all the great monthly Club selections at low prices and order online. Plus, we earn a FREE book every time a parent orders online.

Here's how it works:

Use the information below to access the Scholastic Book Clubs Web site.
Browse the titles with your child, and place your order with your credit card.
Your order will come to Ms. Beaudreau, and your credit card payment will go directly to Scholastic's secure server. There's no need to send money to school.
After the entire class's order is submitted to Scholastic, your order will be delivered to Ms. Beaudreau's classroom for your child to take home.

www.scholastic.com/bookclubs

Class User Name: chetscreek5th

Password: readers

Ordering online is the most convenient way to use Scholastic Book Clubs. You can order anytime, right up until the online order due date. You'll also get instant access to over 500 additional titles plus online-only specials and discounts.

And don't forget: Every time a parent places an order online, Ms. Beaudreau earns a FREE book for their classroom library!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Ms. Beaudreau.

Can You Hear the Music??

2009-09-05T09:35:00.000-04:00

Are you learning the words to our school song? During our last flag raising, our principal challenged everyone to learn the words to the song we dismiss to every afternoon. It was written by the first music teacher at Chets Creek, Mr. Joe Bernat. Can you meet the challenge?

Here are the lyrics:

The Chets Creek School Song

We love our school caled Chets Creek,

Where we are free to dream.

Our teachers, they will guide us,

and help us to achieve.

With values we can live by–

the heights that we shall seek…

We’ll prepare for our future

at our school we call Chets Creek.

Chets Creek!

Counting Patterns

2009-09-05T09:29:00.002-04:00

The recent student sheets from our Math Investigation Unit, Building on Numbers You Know, that we have been working on in class are designed to stimulate thinking about counting patterns. Often, students fall back on methods of solving these questions that are far from efficient. For example, a student might simply list all of the multiples of 25 in order to get to 300 and then state, after counting the written numbers, that it takes 12 people counting by 25 to get to 300. However, many students quickly latch onto the idea that it is much easier just to figure out how many 25s are in 100 and then triple the amount to get to 300.

On the "What's in Between" page, students have to sort through a multitude of important concepts in order to find the answers to these puzzles. See if you can find the puzzle with answers that are not quite correct.

Presidential Address to School Children

2009-09-05T09:27:00.001-04:00

Presidential Address to School Children

The president will deliver a message to school children on Tuesday, September 8th at noon. This will broadcast on C-Span.
Sometime on Monday, Labor Day, the videotaped message will be uploaded to the following link for your viewing.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/mediaresources/
A letter was sent home on Friday, for families wishing to “opt out” of the viewing for their children. Please go ahead and complete the form if you would like to opt out as we may watch the address at a future date.

2009-08-22T13:25:00.004-04:00

Welcome to Fifth Grade!

I look forward to a wonderful year with each of you.
If you wish to contact me, one of the best ways is to email me at rabes@duvalschools.org ,
or call me at 992-6390 X 218

5th Grade Orientation
was a blast. It was great to meet so many of my fifth grade students. Your parents were terrific as well. :)

Remember to bring the following items to school:
2" white binder with clear plastic cover
1 package of dividers (5 tabs)
6 plastic duo tang folders (2 yellow, 2 red, 2 blue)
6 composition notebooks
1 package of clear plastic page protectors (50-100)
1 12-pack of colored pencils
24 sharpened No. 2 pencils
1 package white copy paper
2 glue sticks
1 individual pencil sharpener
1 package of labels (Avery 1860)
1 inexpensive calculator
*girls ~ 1 disinfecting wipes(non-bleach), 1 Ziploc bags gallon size, 1 soap
**boys ~ 1 box of tissues, 1 Ziploc bags sandwich size, 1 hand sanitizer
~Thank you for all your help with our supplies!!

Fifth Grade Rocks!!
Monday: Our first day will include some fun getting to know you activities, a look at our rituals and routines, and the ever popular practice fire drill! HW sheet #1 goes home.

Tuesday: We will sort and organize all materials. We will also start work on EDC (Every Day Counts-Calendar Math).

Wednesday : We will continue EDC, and check Monday and Tuesday's HW.

Thursday: We will continue EDC and start the CCE Math Diagnostic.

Friday: We will continue EDC, check Wednesday and Thursday's HW, and continue the CCE Math Diagnostic Test. HW sheet number 1 will be collected.

You can also study the 16 basic multiplication facts! You should know all of your 0s,1s, 2s, 5s, 10s, and doubles (like 8X8=64...6X6=36). When you read "know" that means like instantly, just like that. So, you can study the facts that are not in the list as well if you need to.

So, 16 Facts Coming Right At You:
9x8
9x7
9x6
9x4
9x3
8x7
8x6
8x4
8x3
7x6
7x4
7x3
6x4
6x3
4x3 Make flash cards. Mix them up.

If you want to get a head start on fractions here is a list!
1/8 = 12 1/2 %
1/6 = 16 2/3 %
1/5 = 20%
1/4 = 25%
1/3 = 33 1/3 %
3/8 = 37 1/2 %
2/5 = 40%
1/2, 2/4, 3/6, T/2T = 50%
3/5 = 60%
5/8 = 65 1/2 %
2/3 = 66 2/3 %
3/4 = 75%
5/6 = 83 1/3 %
7/8 = 87 1/2 %
1/1, 2/2, 3/3, T/T = 100% Know the fraction. Be the fraction!

Please bring a pen, and two sharpened pencils each day!

Calendar Math will continue on a daily basis with an emphasis on subtraction, patterns, and representations of fractions with denominators of 100. Example, the 8th day of school will be listed as 8%, 0.08, 8:100 and 8/100. We will then list all of the factors of 8 and 100 {8: (1,2,4,8) 100: (1,2,4,5,10,20,25,50,100)}. We will then divide 8/100 by GCF/GCF (GCF=Greatest Common Factor) in order to find the way to express 8/100 in its lowest terms. (8/100 divided by 4/4 = 2/25)

THERE IS NOT ENOUGH ROOM ON HOMEWORK SHEETS TO SHOW ALL MATHEMATICAL THINKING. SO, PLEASE SHOW ALL WORK ON SEPARATE PAPER.

Please complete all work in pencil.

We will correct work in pen, allowing misconceptions to be seen after correction.

WE WILL CORRECT HOMEWORK TWICE A WEEK, Wednesdays and Fridays.

YOU WILL HAVE A GUIDE IN YOUR BINDER THAT SHOWS EXACTLY HOW TO COMPLETE HOMEWORK. PLEASE USE IT :-}

Also please keep in mind the following rubric that explains how to correctly answer a word problem.

How to Create a Complete Answer to a Word Problem

> Write an estimate (estimates make sure that students are pre-thinking the question!)

> Write an equation Samples: 714 ¸ 2= n 47 + 52 = n 47 x n = 94

> Solve the problem using as much visual evidence as possible, especially if you are using a traditional “column form” strategy—This might include a chart, number line, graph, picture, or other visual aid

> Rewrite the equation with the answer--Samples 714 ¸ 2 = 357 47 + 52 =99

> Write the answer in a COMPLETE sentence that restates the question.

Example :

Gidgi has 67 students, and Kay has 53 students. Who has the most students and by how much?

Estimate: Gidgi has 15 more students.

Equation: 67 - 53 = n

Work: 60 7
- 50 3
____________
10 + 4 = 14

Gidgi has 14 more students than Kay.

Ask yourself, "Does my answer make sense?"

Some easy concepts to practice in order to make our first unit more fun.

Combinations of ten, 100, 1000 etc.

10 +___= 10

9 +___=10

8 +___=10

7 + ___= 10

6 +___= 10

5 +___=10

4 +___=10

3 + ___= 10

2 +___=10

1+___=10

60 + ___= 100 ....

300 +____=1,000...

21 Basic Multiplication Facts:
(The other 79 facts are important, but most students have a pretty good ability to deal with 1s, 2s, 5s and 10s, if not, please work on skip counting by those numbers :} )

9 x 9 =____
9 x 8 = ____
9 X 7= ____
9 X 6 = ____
9 X 4 = ____
9 X 3 =____
8 x 8 = ____
8 X 7 = ____
8 X 6 =____
8 X 4 = ____
8 X 3 = ____
7 X 7 = ____
7 X 6 = ____
7 X 4 =_____
7 X 3 = ____
6 X 6 =____
6 X 4 = ___
6 X 3 = ___
4 X 4 = ___
4 X 3 = ___
3 X 3 = ___

Please also think about ways to look at a "difficult" fact like 7 X 7 in a new way. Perhaps, decomposing 7 X 7 into (7 X 5) + (7 X 2) can make these much easier!

After our first test, please check out the "How to Revise" page. There will be a revision rubric in each student's sourcebook.

If you have any questions, I am here to help!!

Welcome to Fifth Grade

2009-08-05T08:11:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Fifth Grade!

I look forward to a wonderful year with each of you.

If you wish to contact me, one of the best ways is to email me at rabes@duvalschools.org ,

or call me at 992-6390 X 218.

Fifth Grade Rocks!!

I hope you are having fantastic summer. However, you can still get ahead by studying some gold old classic math.

For example, you can study the 16 basic multiplication facts! You should know all of your 0s,1s, 2s, 5s, 10s, and doubles (like 8X8=64...6X6=36). When you read "know" that means like instantly, just like that. So, you can study the facts that are not in the list as well if you need to.

So, 16 Facts To Practice Right Now:

9x8

9x7

9x6

9x4

9x3

8x7

8x6

8x4

8x3

7x6

7x4

7x3

6x4

6x3

4x3 Make flash cards. Mix them up. Become a multiplying maniac!

Fractions and their equivalent percent! REEEEEAAAAAAALLLLLLYYYYY Important!

1/8 = 12 1/2 %

1/6 = 16 2/3 %

1/5 = 20%

1/4 = 25%

1/3 = 33 1/3 %

3/8 = 37 1/2 %

2/5 = 40%

1/2, 2/4, 3/6, T/2T = 50%

3/5 = 60%

5/8 = 65 1/2 %

2/3 = 66 2/3 %

3/4 = 75%

5/6 = 83 1/3 %

7/8 = 87 1/2 %

1/1, 2/2, 3/3, T/T = 100%

Know the fraction!

Be the fraction!

Welcome Fifth Graders

2009-08-04T12:53:00.001-04:00

Welcome 5th Graders and Families

The first day of school will be

August 24, 2009.

CCE PTA

2009-06-10T17:58:00.000-04:00

Check out the latest great idea from our wonderful CCE PTA!

Chets Creek PTA has sponsored 'supportchetscreek.com' for parents, friends and neighbors to use when shopping on the Internet. Businesses under this website, a branch of 'shoptoearn', will donate a percentage of your sale back to the school. Many popular businesses are connected with this on-line shopping mall, so please remember to use 'supportchetscreek.com' when looking for on-line merchandise! If you have any question how to use the site, please contact Pam Witt @ 821-8172.

Chets Creek Elementary: Orchestrating a Symphony of Student Success!

2009-06-08T06:53:00.002-04:00

Next year is about experiencing life through the moves of music.

Kindergarten will keep it simple as their little ones boot scoot and boogie into school on a Country beat.

First Grade will do the bump and hustle as they master reading and math in the glow a sparkling Disco ball.

Second grade will face the bright lights of Broadway and show their talents to the musical Showtunes.

Our Resources will hit the high notes like the masters of the everlasting Classics.

Third Grade will synthesize all learning styles into a sound as smooth as Carribean rhythms.

Fourth Grade will know their skills so well that they’ll be able to improvise like the great Jazz musicians.

And Fifth Grade won’t stop without Rockin' N Rollin' us all year long!

Imagine one person banging away day after day on an instrument trying to play a symphony. Imagine trying to make a piano sound like a guitar or a trombone like a flute. Imagine trying to figure out the melody when you should be playing harmony. H.E. Luccock said, "No one can whistle a symphony. It takes an orchestra to play it." It takes skilled musicians who have studied, and continue to perfect their craft working together to put each note in just the right place so that the sounds blend together into something so moving that the listener is changed forever. Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination,and life to everything. Next year at Chets Creek Elementary we’ll be orchestrating a symphony of student success. So join our Learning Conductors as we work on tuning our instruments, reading the score perfectly, moving our musicians to deliver each note with just the right timing and put together a beautiful masterpiece the likes of which no one has ever seen or heard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb5L9h4yObQ

Glogster

2009-06-01T11:02:00.001-04:00

Simple Machines

2009-05-31T15:53:00.000-04:00

Click HERE to explore four areas of a house and identify 40 different simple machines.

There are 10 in each room: Garage, Bathroom, Kitchen, and Bedroom.

Have fun!

Free-Form Concept Map of Sound

2009-05-12T12:29:00.008-04:00

You will create your own representations for Sound as a post-reading activity. Reference pages 406-415 in your textbook for help in building your map.

You will need to decide the important ideas from your reading assignment, organize the information and present it through words, pictures and diagrams. Be creative!!

Main ideas to include in your map:
definition of sound
wavelength
echoes
pitch
frequency
mediums through which sound travels
loudness
percussion instruments
string instruments
wind instrument
Optional: The Piano

This is due Monday, May 18th.

Here are some sites to get ideas on creating concept maps.

http://www.slideshare.net/jtneill/introduction-to-concept-mapping

http://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Concept_mapping/Gallery

Big Chickens

2009-05-04T09:46:00.001-04:00

Reading and Writing Week of May 4th

2009-05-04T08:47:00.002-04:00

This week will be a review of spelling words from last week. We will have a 10 wrod quiz on Thursday.
This week we will also have a D.O.L quiz on Thursday! Skills will be Monday- Wednesday!
We will take the Reading Diagnostic this week. We are looking for 80% mastery! The students will have plenty of time to finish the test.
Our author study of Chris Van Allsburg will resume later in the week. So far we have read The Stranger, The Wretched Stone, and The Garden of Abdul Gazazi.
In writing we will begin our genre study of persuasive writing. A published piece will be completed at the conclusion of the unit.

Language Links

2009-04-28T12:24:00.002-04:00

This year we have used varied ways of practicing grammar and language mechanics. Here are a few links I think you may find helpful and could just be fun for your child!
www.quia.com is a wonderful site. Just ask for the 30 day free trial. There are many subjects to choose from to study.
www.kent.k12.wa.us/curriculum.writing/elem_writing/Bib is another site with several activities.
Also, www.internet4classrooms.com/skills_4th_original is another site to try.
Reviewing nightly the work we've done in class will also be helpful. Encourage your child to double check their work and not to rush.

Don't Miss ARTS EXTRAVAGANZA 2009!!!!!!!!

2009-04-24T07:02:00.000-04:00

If you have never come to one of Chets Creeks ARTS EXTRAVAGANZA'S then you have a huge, family fun, evening waiting for you. Don't miss it this year, because we have lots of wonderful guest artists attending, and plenty of hands on art activities in which to participate for all age levels. NOT TO MENTION THE SCHOOL WIDE STUDENT ART EXHIBITION TO EXPERIENCE. Everyone is sure to have a fantastic time and see some awesome artwork. When is it, you ask????

Friday, April 24th from 6:00-8:00

We look forward to seeing you there!

Lady Liberty

2009-04-16T13:47:00.005-04:00

Today we had the opportunity to listen and learn from Lady Liberty. We learned many fascinating facts about the history of the statue. Did you know that the statue was actually the color of copper when she came to Liberty Island in May of 1885? Through weathering, she has turned green, which is called "petina."
The Statue of Liberty was sent to America in 300 pieces! Her base contains a copper box filled with a copy of the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, newspapers from the time she was built, and her story of how she was created.
After learning all these facts and having class pictures taken, the students went to four different "fun" stations that allowed them the liberty to choose their activities for the day. What fun we had!

Wild About Woolbur

2009-04-16T13:30:00.006-04:00

Our class had the opportunity to hear the story Wilbur by Leslie Helakoski before any other class in the building! Shhh! We ADORED the loveable Wilbur. We wrote powerful poetry about Wilbur(this is Elizabeth's poem!), we read and reread the story to see if the picture clues matched the text, we analyzed the picture clues to deepen comprehension, we learned rich and delicious vocabulary, and are now anxiously awaiting the arrival of Leslie Helakowski!

Help Us Make A Difference!!

2009-04-15T12:02:00.000-04:00

HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

As you know, this year Chets Creek will be hosting the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event on May 1st and 2nd! To get our kids involved in making a difference, we are holding a COIN COLLECTION DRIVE at our school. We will be collecting coins in our classroom. Students can bring in spare change to donate to cancer. You can help them earn change by letting them do chores around the house, by doing extra reading, and more! Students will also have a chance to earn change to put in our jug through positive behavior in our classroom. The coin drive will go until Friday, April 24th. Last year, we raised almost $3,000, so let’s do it again! As always, thank you for your support!

Save Duval Schools

2009-03-15T07:34:00.001-04:00

Here is a message from our Principal, Susan Phillips:

Save Duval Schools!

This week, a grassroots effort was launched to assist DCPS in raising awareness about how the budget shortfall is affecting the students in Duval County. The effort, named Save Duval Schools has a Web site http://www.saveduvalschools.org/ where our community can go to get information on the shortfall and find out ways to take action.

On Monday, March 16 at 7:00 PM there will be a special Budget Information Meeting for parents and our community here at Chets Creek in the Dining Room. I urge you to come, get educated and then take action in saving public education in your own neighborhood and in our state!

Is 50th Good Enough for Your Child?

2009-03-05T14:16:00.001-05:00

Is 50th Good Enough for Your Child?

“The right action of all of us is made up of the right action of each one of us. Unless each of us is determined to meet the duty that comes to us, we can have no right to expect that others will meet the duties that come to them.”
~ Calvin Coolidge
No one can deny that we are living in trying times. All around the country, our friends, relatives and acquaintances are suffering. On Monday, your friend was laid off. Last Friday, you heard about your relatives living without power and water as their homes are buried in ice. Two weeks ago, your neighbor left with his unit for a tour in Iraq. Your spouse is worried about their job security. Discount stores are advertising entire store clearance sales. We are all hurting in some way. If we are not yet hurting, we are just waiting for it to trickle down to our house, our job, our bank account. We know it is coming.
Your child’s school is not immune.
Duval County expects to suffer from a $150 million budget deficit for the 2009-2010 academic year. All the facts tell us there is NO WAY to “trim the fat” and balance this budget crisis without affecting the classroom. In short, your child's school will suffer.
Guidance and Media services could be reduced!Valuable resources like Art, Music and PE may be cut!Essential supplies and materials could disappear altogether!
It is important to understand that this problem, this CRISIS, is not limited to Duval County alone. This fiscal crisis is statewide. The state of Florida was ranked 47th out of 50 states in tax revenue prior to the passing of Amendment One, which served to further reduce our state taxes. Regarding the total amount of funds allocated and spent on education, the state of Florida is ranked 50th in the nation. I ask you, does this represent your priorities? I doubt it.
Article IX, Section I of the Florida Constitution guarantees that:
"The education of children is a fundamental value of the people of the State of Florida."
"It is, therefore, a paramount duty of the state to make adequate provision for … a uniform, efficient, safe, secure, and high quality system of free public schools that allows students to obtain a high quality education …."Are our legislators upholding the requirements of our state constitution?As voters, we share a heavy burden. It is our responsibility to educate ourselves with accurate facts. It is our responsibility to make our voices heard. It is our responsibility to act.It is our responsibility to advocate for our children. It is our responsibility to fight for their rights, for today and for their future. If not us, then who? If we do not meet our duties, we cannot expect others to meet theirs.
I urge you. Educate yourselves. Research the facts. Go to the source. Ask questions. Speak out. Make demands. Do not accept it as fact because others believe it to be true.
Ask yourself, is 50th good enough for your child?
If the answer is NO - contact our state's legislative delegation and ask for immediate help from one of these short term solutions:
1. One cent increase to the sales tax of Florida for just 3 years. It generates ten billion dollars over 3 years to plug the education funding cuts!2. Please give flexibility to the school districts in the areas of categoricals, (SAI, Class Size, Instruction Materials, Reading, Safe Schools).3. Please suspend unfunded mandates on the districts. (Examples: Transportation, Testing & Curriculum Requirements, Safety Nets, and Staffing Requirements.)4. Please give flexibility of capital funds—so they can be used for General Revenue.
Ask them to find long term solutions to the critical funding situation in Florida and urge them to make public education a priority so that even our children's children can benefit from a right guaranteed them by our state constitution!

Destination Success

2009-03-05T14:04:00.001-05:00

Destination Success

Our blog now conatins a link to the Duval County supported website, Destination Success. By clicking the link and logging in, you will gain access to many games and activities focused on developing your reading and math skills. Then, the teachers can see what you have done and work with you on the things you need help with! This site is provided to our school free of charge, and we are encouraging everyone to utilize it!

http://duval.riverdeep.net/lms

To login:Username: firstname+lastname+264 (all lowercase and no spaces)Password: 2 digit birth month+2 digit birth day (no spaces)

Good luck explorers!

DCPS Academic Looking Glass

2009-02-19T14:22:00.000-05:00

In an effort to increase the access points for parents wanting to know where in the district curriculum their children are, the Looking Glass (including all back issues) can now be accessed on the DCPS website (www.duvalschools.org) in the following places:

Clicking on the Riverdeep/Curriculum icon listed under the QuickLinks section
Clicking on the “Help Your Kid” menu link on the “Parents” dropdown list
Selecting “Know what my child is learning?” in the “How Do I…” dropdown list

Four Day School Week

2009-02-19T13:54:00.007-05:00

Four Day School Week

What are you going to do with your child when the district goes to a four day school week? Now I must admit that I wrote this question to get your attention, but it could happen. Moving to a four day school week is one of the options currently being considered by our school board as a way to reduce the county’s school budget for next year.

To learn more check out these websites:

Powerpoint of issues affecting Duval County.

50th No More is a website to let your voice be heard.

Duval County Public Schools has budget services at your disposal.

Combining Fractions

2009-02-19T12:30:00.002-05:00

Combining Fractions

Hey kids.
Check out this site if you are still needing extra practice with finding common denominators in order to combine (add) fractions. It might really make grasping the concept easier for you. And, you might have fun in the process!
http://nlvm.usu.edu/

If you would like to practice finding the "Least Common Multiple" at a similar site.
http://www.aaamath.com/fra66i-lcm.html

Love,
Ms. Anderson

Edible Cells

2009-02-19T12:23:00.005-05:00

As an extension to our study in recent weeks of plant and animal cells, we built edible cells in Science Workshop Tuesday. After coating our sugar cookies with icing (cytoplasm), we added other similar features to both cells: a gum ball (nucleus), Twizzlers (cell membrane), Hot Tamales (mitochondria), a chocolate covered raisin (vacuole), and candy sprinkles (ribosomes).
We added additional distinguishing features to our plant cell, including green candy (chloroplasts) and Pretzel sticks (cell wall).

The students really enjoyed this hands-on experience. What a fun way to learn to distinguish between the two types of cells and to grasp all of the unfamiliar vocabulary related to cells as we prepare to transition our focus into learning about six major human body systems! Science is Fun!
Students, are you interested in a fun way to review for your Cells Assessment? Click this link for a virtual tour of cells:
http://www.cellsalive.com/cells/cell_model.htm

Report Writing

2009-02-18T17:49:00.003-05:00

We are in the beginning stages of our study of non-fiction. Your child is going to have the opportunity to select a report topic. Prior to their picking the topic, we wanted to expose them to the wonderful world around us. Frequenlty, children want to write reports on what they are familiar with. We want the children to write their reports on a topic they are unfamiliar with. We have been visiting the media center, and have looked at
www.nationalgeographic.com/animals and have had a wonderful time learning about new topics we didn't know existed.
We have discussed large topics like bears(eyes wide open) and narrowing the topic down to sun bear(eyes barely open).
Please take this opportunity to explore the world with your child and expose them to a landform, person, invention, or an animal that they didn't know existed. ( It doesn't have to be from that list)
We will begin writing in class soon!

Cells

2009-02-09T15:19:00.003-05:00

Check out this site on cells.

http://www.iknowthat.com/com/L3?Area=Science%20Lab

What We Know About Cells
Cells help your body.
Cells are some type of organism that lives in your body.
There are different types of cells.
There are white blood cells.
Cells are very important.
There are red blood cells.
There are bone cells.
Cells are very delicate.
Cells are in every living thing.
Bone blood cells can help you up.
Cells help you fight off sickness.
You have cells in your immune system.
Cells are both outside and inside your body.
Cells flow through your body like blood.
Some cells protect the inside of your body.
Not all cells look the same.
You need cells to live.
There are tissue cells.
Some cells are big and some are small.
Cells are very small.
You cannot see cells.
Cells are found around your body.

Expect to learn/ Want to learn
How do cells fight off diseases?
How do cells help your body?
How many cells are in your body?
What type of organisms are they?
How many types of cells are there in our body?
What do white blood cells look like?
What role do cells play in helping your body?
What are red blood cells and what do they do?
What do bone cells do in your body?
How are cells delicate? Are they fragile? If they bump into something will they break apart?
Does each cell do different things?
How do blood bone cells help you up??????????????
What kind of sickness can cells fight off?
What is an immune system?
Do they help the outside of your body?
Where do the cells flow through your body like blood?
How do some cells protect the inside of your body?
Do white cells and red cells look different?
What would happen if you didn’t have cells?
Can blood cell tissue hurt you?
How big and how small are they?
How small?
Why can’t you see them?
Where are cells found?

2009-01-24T17:40:00.001-05:00

Garage Sale!

This year Chets Creek Elementary will be hosting and participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event. The event will take place in May. To raise money for this fantastic event, Chets Creek will be hosting a Garage Sale. On Saturday, February 7th, from 8am-12pm, we will host a garage sale in the front of the school. You can help by donating gently used items and by attending the event! Donations can be brought to Chets Creek on Friday, February 6th.

Electromagnsic Induction Virtual Lab

2009-01-20T14:16:00.003-05:00

Electromagnetic Induction Virtual Lab

Use the simulation “Faraday’s Electromagnetic Lab” (in the Electricity, Magnetism, and Circuits section) on the website http://phet.colorado.edu/new/simulations/index.php to help complete this upcoming lab. Click the “Electricity, Magnets & Circuits” (in the left hand column), click on “Faraday’s Electromagnetic Lab”, click on the “Run Now” button to start.

Bar Magnet Tab – General Magnetism
Click on the Bar Magnet Tab and you should see a bar magnet and compass on the screen. Please note that the color red refers to North and white refers to South. Place the compass at the North end of the bar magnet and observe which way the “red tip” of the compass points. Move the compass to the South end and observe where the “red tip” of the compass points.

Practice using this site in preparation for this upcoming lab!

The Tale of Despereaux

2008-12-07T20:07:00.004-05:00

Before the winter holiday begins, we want to devour the read aloud
The Tale of Despereaux. Despereaux Tilling will scamper into theaters December 19th and we wanted to read the book first.
Visit http://www.katedicamillo.com/ to learn about this amazing author, and to get a sneak peek at the movie. In addition to hearing the wonderful story, we will review good reading habits and strategies as well as practice specific reading skills.

Series and Parallel Circuits

2008-11-30T15:04:00.007-05:00

In Science we have been learning about electrical circuits. We built series and parallel circuits in a recent lab and explored removing a bulb from each to observe what would happen.

We learned that in a series circuit, if one bulb burns out or is missing, then the circuit will open and none of the lights will remain lit. This is because there is only one path for electric current to flow with this kind of circuit.

We also learned that any bulb in the path of a series circuit receives the same amount of electrical current. With parallel circuits, on the other hand, there is more than one path for electrical current to flow. Therefore, if one bulb burns out, the other bulbs will still remain lit. What fun!! Check out this web site for some fun activities!!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks2bitesize/science/activities/conductors.shtml

Please leave a comment regarding this blog entry. Make sure you related your comment to electricity, series circuits, and/or parallel circuits etc. This will earn you five success tickets. :)

Fractions are Fun!

2008-11-12T06:31:00.009-05:00

Fractions are Fun!

Our current math unit, Different Shapes, Equal Pieces, concentrates on the use of an area model for fractions less than one whole. In this unit, we are also studying fractions in terms of "families". For example, one-half, one-fourth, and one-eighth are all in the same family. This is due to the doubling and halving relationship between these fractions. When the denominator doubles, the area of the fraction (in the area model) cuts in half.

Look at the visual.

One-half of 16 is 8 square units.
One-fourth of 16 is 4 square units.
One-eighth of 16 is 2 square units.

Through the use of this area model, we are also recognizing equivalent fractions as well as combinations of fractions and their sums.
One-half is equal to two-fourths and is equal to four-eighths.
One-fourth +one-fourth has the sum of one-half.
One-eighth +one-eighth has the sum of one-fourth.

The next "family" we will work with is one-third, one-sixth, and one-twelfth.

Can you determine, using doubling and halving, what the NEXT fraction in this family is?

Cafe of Learning Newsletter

2008-11-10T13:46:00.001-05:00

Nov 10 newsletter.doc

A Plump and Perky Turkey

2008-11-10T06:31:00.012-05:00

This week your child will find out about a clever turkey when we read November's Book of the Month, A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman. Go to www.teresabateman.com to learn about the author.
November lends itself to some humorous "turkey" stories. A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting and Diane DeGroat is one of our favorites. Visit www.evebunting.com to see her site. Turk and Runt by Lisa Wheeler is another holiday favorite. Who knows? This story may become a reader's theater!

Simply Shocking

2008-10-30T06:47:00.004-04:00

We have started our unit on Electricity. Look at what we will learn:

Students Will Know:

· Similarities and differences between static and current electricity.

· The flow of electricity requires a closed circuit (complete loop).

· Some materials conduct electricity and some do not.

· Similarities and differences between series and parallel circuits.

· Alternative ways to produce electricity.

Students Will Be Able To:

· Identify current electricity and static electricity as forms of energy.

· Compare and contrast static electricity and current electricity.

· Construct a simple circuit using insulated wire, a battery, and a miniature light bulb and trace the flow of electricity.

· Construct and diagram a simple series circuit.

· Construct and diagram a simple parallel circuit.

Explain that there are a variety of sources for electricity (for example, steam power, windmills, hydroelectric, geothermal).

Check out this web site for an introduction to Static Electricity. Click on view to see the demonstration and read the information below as well.

http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/phy03.sci.phys.mfe.zsnap/

Earth's Seasons

2008-10-20T19:04:00.003-04:00

Here is another great site.

What Causes Earth's Seasons?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuiQvPLWziQ

This link may not work, so just type this address in your browser and see if it will come up.

Can Someone please explain Read, Think, and Explains!

2008-10-19T17:30:00.002-04:00

Read, Think, and Expain questions give your child the opportunity to show their deep understanding of the question. The read, think, and explain questions are written at a higher order thinking level than the multiple choice questions, and should take more time to answer because of the thinking that is involved.
In class, we have worked on two point read, think, and explains, as well as, four point read, think, and explains. Your child should know the following about answering read, think, and explain questions:
1. Always restate the question stem as the first sentence in the answer. For example, if the question is how are Robert and James both alike in the story, their answer should begin with Robert and James are both alike in the story in these ___ ways. (Depending if it is a two point or four point problem.)
2. They must write proper nouns and not use pronouns unless it doesn't make sense to use the proper noun.
3. The question must be answered and then supported with proof from the text. Many times a student will answer the question, but then they won't supply the exact proof or detail from the text. To get full credit they must answer the question and supply proof.
4. When answering a question the student must be confident of their answer. The student can't write, "I think the answer is..."
5. Sentence structure, punctuation and spelling count. The answer must be written in a logical format, in complete sentences with proper spelling and correct punctuation.
6. If it is a two point question your child should answer the question using two specific details from the text. If it is a four point question, then four details are needed. Don't add extra details to fill up the lines. Just answer the question succinctly.
7. Close by restating the question. For example, "These are the two ways that Robert and James are alike in the story.

We will continue to practice these in class, and if you can review these questions on reading assessments, that would be appreciated. I am writing specific tips on how your child can improve their read, think, and explain answers and I can see such improvements!

Scarecrow Pete

2008-10-19T17:19:00.003-04:00

On Friday we read a wonderful story written in rhyme called Scarecrow Pete written by Mark Kimball Moulton. The story tells of a budding friendship between a young boy and a scarecrow. The scarecrow helps the young boy discover the world of reading. Over the summer months they spend time reading all the classics. Ask your child about some of the classic books the Scarecrow and the boy read together. Hopefully they will mention Moby Dick, Alice and Wonderland, and Peter Pan- just to name a few!