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Mrs. Chartoff 's Fifth Grade



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FAQ

Still under construction some may change --Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
  1. What should I do if I left my Writer's Notebook in school?
  2. Question #2 (blank)
  3. What is the best way to contact Mrs. Chartoff?
  4. Question #4 (blank)
  5. What kinds of drinks may I send for my child to drink in the classroom?
  6. What kinds of snacks may I send?
  7. Question #7 (blank)



What should I do if I left my Writer's Notebook in school?

A parent should write me a note letting me know that their child  forgot 
their notebook.  I will make sure the child is prepared the next night by 
checking their folder.  Meanwhile, the student should still write on another 
piece of lined paper for 10 minutes and staple it into their notebook the 
next day.
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Question #2 (blank)

I am looking at the content, not the amount.  During September and October, 
I 
want children to write personal narratives (about what they know--their 
lives). In class, we will do the same focusing on verbalizing a plan or 
mapping it (5 minutes). At home this may be a few minutes to tell in detail 
what happened at a playdate, scouts, soccer practice...    Then the child 
should write all about it. If it helps use picture prompts from your latest 
pictures or have child draw a picture and write about it. Write for 15-20 
minutes. Next night, reread and add more details or fix any words by adding 
more letters of sounds you hear.  Spend no more than 15 minutes. At this 
point, the personal narrative (also referred to as "Tiny Moment" 
or "Treasured Moment") is ready to share with Mom and Dad. They may recall 
some details described during the planning stage, take the time to add 
the details and turn in.

Most importantly, do not write on a separate page and copy into the journal. 
I do not expect final, completely edited drafts.  If parents offer 
help,please use a pen to write the period or fix a name.  Parents are 
encouraged to use the journal as a way to communicate to me any concerns or 
questions about their child's writing.
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What is the best way to contact Mrs. Chartoff?

Send a note with your child or email me using the email link on the 
homepage. 
pchartoff@ebnet.org
FYI:
I will always reply to your email as soon as I see it(checked daily). I may 
not have time to answer a question completely, but will at least 
reply "Thank 
you" or "I got it." Last year, I had a few problems with the districts SPAM 
filters holding parent emails, so please assume I did not see the email if I 
do not reply.
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Question #4 (blank)

Sound familiar. Well, although writing can be a deeply satisfying activity 
for kids, it is also tough.  Let's try to use this wonderful vehicle of 
personal expression in the Home Journals as an outlet for children's 
creativity.  

First of all, as I mentioned above children should write about what they 
know 
if they are having trouble getting started. Simply starting on the blank 
page 
is not the way children should get started. They need to use the writing 
process.  It's too discouraging and frustrating for many children to look at 
the blank page and think of how to get started. What to write about. How to 
spell. How to form the letters. Stay on topic. Not to mention all the other 
things one could be doing instead.  In the classroom, we often plant an 
idea, 
a seed, that all will help get the juices flowing. ows for their 
imaginations 
to create.  

That's the purpose of the prompts being assigned at first. Think of them as 
a 
way to get started.  We all need ideas to get started.  

In Writer's Workshop we start the year by writing about what we have 
experienced--Tiny Moment Stories or personal narratives. When your child 
begins to choose their own topic talk with them about what has happened in 
their life recently. Ask your child if they can picture it in their head. 
Then have them go write otherwise the child may sit at the table saying 
he/she doesn't know what to write. It may be about a gift they received or a 
trip to the park. Otherwise, get a picture from your family album or out of 
a 
magazine and have your child use it to get started. 

Writing Process Basics:
Make a plan-chose a topic.  
Then encourage your child to brainstorm/web or list the phrases that remind 
them of their ideas. (5-7 minutes) 
Next, the child should use the web as a guide to stick to the topic as they  
write for about 15 minutes.  
Then stop and review making sure all Word Wall Words are spelled correctly. 
Capitals are used correctly.  Etc... sometimes parents may need to 
say, "Find 
the 2 places you left out a capital letter."  You don't have to fix every 
error.  
The next day, have your child reread what they already have before writing 
another 10-15 minutes to add details or continue writing,if needed.  Review, 
proofread and turn in.  If it is not "done" then write work in progress and 
finish the following week. See handout sent in Back to School Night packet 
about how to complete the journal entries.
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What kinds of drinks may I send for my child to drink in the classroom?

I prefer water bottles. On really hot days Gatorade is also a great idea. 
Juice boxes are okay with snack.  Please write your child's name on the 
container with a Sharpie before sending it to school. Bottles are kept all 
together (Water Station) not on desk. 
No glass. 
No soda will be allowed.
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What kinds of snacks may I send?

Apples, any fruit or vegetables, pretzels, cereal bar, granola bar, yogurt, 
crackers...small healthy snacks. 
NO CANDY, CHEESE DOODLES OR ANY POTATO CHIPS.

I do have a small refrigerator in the classroom if a child needs to store 
something such as a yogurt or cheese snack they may do so. 

We have snack daily. At Back to School Night, I will have a monthy sign up 
sheet for anyone who would like to donate snacks. I like to keep snacks on 
hand for those students who forget to bring one. We have snack every day mid-
morning.
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Question #7 (blank)

Keep in mind that a web is a great graphic organizer for writing about one 
topic.  However, we use Venn Diagrams to compare similarities and 
differences. We use a T-chart which is two columns to organize and compare 
two topics.  In October and November, we will also practice using a Four 
Square graphic organizer to organize our paragraphs.
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Last Modified: Thursday, May 07, 2009
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