Week of April 9-13
AR goal is 18 points by May 21. APRIL 23rd IS THE HALFWAY POINT FOR AR----
YOUR CHILD SHOULD HAVE 9 POINTS BY THAT TIME!!!!!
Spelling: No spelling this week due to iLeap testing on Thursday and Friday
Hero myths: The students have been reading myths from many different cultures
and noting common characteristics including character traits and stages of a
hero's journey. They will create an original myth and convert it to Reader's
Theater script.
The Phantom Tollbooth: We are currently reading chapter 16 and will continue
after the iLeap.
2-28-12
Dear Parents,
Welcome Dexteny M.! Dexteny comes to us from Mrs. Cross’s class. She joined
our class very recently, and she’s doing a great job! We are all so happy to
have her!
The students are currently working on a compare and contrast essay. They have
written a thesis statement that clearly suggests the poetry they prefer and
why. They have composed an outline to organize their thoughts and have begun
writing the rough draft.
The AR goal for the 3rd 9-weeks is 18 points at 5.0 level or higher. March 9
is the last day to take quizzes for the third nine-weeks. I have calculated
the reading grades based on completion of 18 points. Please monitor your
child to make sure he/she is reading and working towards the AR goal at a 5.0
level or above unless teacher approved.
Students have been asked to one AR book that is either historical fiction or
realistic fiction. Each student will work on a home project related to the
book and due on March 14. Students will receive directions to complete the
project. These will come home soon!
Have a great week!
Ava Patton
2/7/12
Hey Parents!
Gateway students just began reading The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster.
Please consider buying your child his or her own personal copy. No digital
copies, please.
The AR goal for the 3rd 9-weeks is 18 points at 5.0 level or higher.
Students should include one book that is either historical fiction or
realistic fiction. Last nine weeks the top three students of each 5th grade
Reading class won a trip to Mr. Gatti’s Pizza. We will do something similar
this nine weeks. So students, keep reading!!
Students are currently working in pairs or small groups to complete the
objectives required for the “Poet Poster” project. Students are collecting
poems and biographical information. They will compare and contrast poets,
search for key poetic vocabulary, and complete other requirements for the
project.
9/22/11
Abel's Island
Chapters 1-2
verdure -a green vegetation
shimmered -glowed, shiny with light
impulsively- quick, sudden action or urge
mooring -to anchor
sallied -to leap out or burst forth
clambered-to climb awkwardly
unheeding -to pay no attention
maelstrom -a powerful, often violent whirlpool
indignantly -feeling or expressing anger
haven -a safe shelter
caromed -to hit or rebound
abide - to put up with
flailed - to wave about
vaulted -arched
whims - a sudden passing idea or desire
fortitude - strength of mind that lets one deal with danger
writhing -to twist or turn
Chapters 3 and 4
submerged cerulean crested speculated
rivulet subsided vaguely slumber
prominence survey cantata endurance
filament rudder diagonal helmsmen
ineptitude revulsion gnaw tamped
ingenuity caulking raiment catamaran
flotsam pennant fickle foundered
smug
Chapters 5 and 6
marooned modish descendants catamaran
plummeted nanny frivolous solemnities
methodically diversion bole foisted
fusty redoubt despair predicament
Chapters 7 and 8
stout fervently parabola bola
obstinate solitude catapult winch
miscarried equinoctial runnels melancholy
poignant din crypt castaway
Chapters 9 and 10
elated ecstasy prime rime
proliferated indulgent discern prodding
grooves instinct crevice talons
trespasser assassin sanctuary ominous
indignant encounter wary
Chapters 11 and 12
talisman incantation quill filament
forebodings foraged viands sentinel
resolute perilous winced carrousel
decorum composure imprecations
Chapters 13 and 14
despondently prolonged prelude stalwart
sequestration pantofles ensconced escritoire
somnolent crocuses harbingers burgeoning
recumbent freshets
Chapters 15 and 16
frayed reptilian opus modesty
vocation meditation lateral
Chapters 17 and 18
mystical torrid sustenance exulted
fettle minnow vague apprehensions
exile perspective cataract tarry
wiry
Chapters 19 and 20
culmination imminent contrived caterwauling
ravines exertions bounded cravat
9/13/11
Dear Parents,
October 15 is the final date for reaching the AR goal of 15 points. Many
students have far exceeded the goal and have attained “Pharaoh” status of 30
AR points! I will calculate their reading grades based on completion of 7
points on Sept. 20. Please monitor your child to make sure he/she is
reading and working towards the AR goal.
The students will soon finish reading and discussing Sounder. There will be
a test on Wednesday.
Our next novel study is Abel’s Island. Vocabulary development will be
stressed. We currently have enough books for everyone however, these are
previously owned books. Most are in excellent condition but some may have
writing or highlighted text. If you would prefer for your child to have
his/her personal copy please purchase one soon.
Our Vocabulary Workshop has arrived! Students will have the opportunity to
take a pretest on Monday of each week. If your child misses 2 or less they
will be exempt from the unit homework and the post test given each Friday.
This week we are working on unit 1.
I was very pleased to see how well your children write! The descriptive
writings were impressive. Students used metaphors and similes, highly
descriptive words, and a variety of sentences. I enjoyed reading each one.
We’re currently writing fictional narratives. They are evolving nicely!
Thanks to all of you who contributed to the Patton Gateway fund of $15.00.
It will be so helpful throughout the year.
08/25/11
Welcome 5th Graders and parents who belong to them!!
Novel Studies
1st Nine Weeks - Sounder, Abel’s Island
2nd Nine Weeks - The Egypt Game
3rd Nine Weeks – The Door in the Wall
4th Nine Weeks – The Phantom Tollbooth
Accelerated Reader Goals (Half due by mid 9-weeks)
1st Nine Weeks – 15 points – 4.5 level - Oct. 14th
2nd Nine Weeks – 15 points – 4.5 level - Jan. 6th
3rd Nine Weeks - 18 points - 5.0 level - March 9th
4th Nine Weeks – 18 points – 5.0 level - May 22nd
Book Reports
1st Nine Weeks: Biography
2nd Nine Weeks: Mystery
3rd Nine Weeks: Historical or Realistic Fiction
4th Nine Weeks: Fantasy or Science Fiction
Spelling and Vocabulary Workshop
Pre-test Monday for both Spelling and Vocabulary Workshop
(High pre-test score…no homework or Friday test.)
Homework due and test Friday on both Spelling and Vocabulary
Writing
Writing is highly emphasized in Gateway. Students will write, revise,
edit, and rewrite many various types of compositions.
Critical and Creative Thinking
Students will be involved in many critical and creative thinking
activities. They will play Chess, manipulate tangrams, and complete logic
puzzles, among other activities, that encourage and build thinking skills.
Supply Fee:
A supply fee of $15.00 is requested from each student. Thank you!!
IMPORTANT LINKS!
AR Book Finder: Find the AR book levels and points at the following website
http://www.arbookfind.com/
Spelling Lessons can be found at
https://www-k6.thinkcentral.com/ePC/start.do
(Check out our "Links" tab on the home page for more!)