9/29/17

It is hard to believe that the first month of school concluded today. The fifth graders did a great job in completing their final beginning of the year math assessment today. These tests will give myself and some of the other teaching personal a nice idea of where the students are in regards to various parts of the fifth grade math curriculum.

Today was also a reading day during our ELA time. I have enjoyed getting to discuss the novel Bud, Not Buddy with my students. They are doing a commendable job in working with one another to respond to some comprehension questions as we move deeper into the novel.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.

The fifth graders also received paperwork concerning the fifth grade trip to science camp in early December. There are a number of forms that need to be signed and returned to school as well as information for parents at home. In addition, the fifth grade team is on the look out for chaperones to stay over different days down at the Alton Jones camp. If interested or if anyone has questions please contact me at:  dallen@arlington.k12.ma.us

9/28/17

The fifth graders put the finishing touches on a science lesson that involved chalking the outline of their shadows on the sidewalk. The students then looked to complete some energizers concerning the placement of their shadows. This segued into answering some focus questions involving sources of light and shadows. Avery productive lesson.

The fifth graders also received paperwork concerning the fifth grade trip to science camp in early December. There are a number of forms that need to be signed and returned to school as well as information for parents at home. In addition, the fifth grade team is on the look out for chaperones to stay over different days down at the Alton Jones camp. If interested or if anyone has questions please contact me at:  dallen@arlington.k12.ma.us

Homework

Writing - On https://kidblog.org/class/mr-allens-class-2017-2018/posts , students should respond to this prompt in at least a one paragraph reponse:

Based off of our early reading of Bud, Not Buddy, what is one character trait that Bud has shown evidence of. Use evidence from the text to support your response.

9/27/17

The fifth graders had the chance to look at a number of different resources in regards to their opinion writing today. The fifth graders paid special attention in looking to compile sources from reputable sources that will serve to bolster their points of view. I look forward to continuing this work with the students during our next few writing lessons.

The fifth graders also received paperwork concerning the fifth grade trip to science camp in early December. There are a number of forms that need to be signed and returned to school as well as information for parents at home. In addition, the fifth grade team is on the look out for chaperones to stay over different days down at the Alton Jones camp. If interested or if anyone has questions please contact me at:  dallen@arlington.k12.ma.us

Homework

Writing - On https://kidblog.org/class/mr-allens-class-2017-2018/posts , students should respond to this prompt in at least a one paragraph reponse:

Based off of our early reading of Bud, Not Buddy, what is one character trait that Bud has shown evidence of. Use evidence from the text to support your response.

9/26/17

The fifth graders continued deeper into Bud, Not Buddy today. I was happy with the participation during our kick off discussion. The students are doing a nice job of analyzing the text with one another. I look forward to reading the blog posts that students are going to be writing this week about our main character.

The students were also an attentive audience for a representative from the Alton Jones science camp.

The fifth graders also received paperwork concerning the fifth grade trip to science camp in early December. There are a number of forms that need to be signed and returned to school as well as information for parents at home. In addition, the fifth grade team is on the look out for chaperones to stay over different days down at the Alton Jones camp. If interested or if anyone has questions please contact me at:  dallen@arlington.k12.ma.us

Homework

Writing - On https://kidblog.org/class/mr-allens-class-2017-2018/posts , students should respond to this prompt in at least a one paragraph reponse:

Based off of our early reading of Bud, Not Buddy, what is one character trait that Bud has shown evidence of. Use evidence from the text to support your response.

9/25/17

The members of M102 began to look at evidence to support their opinion writing positions during our writing block today. The students looked at a few articles that spoke to either side of the argument on whether or not chocolate milk should be served in schools.

Later in the school day, the fifth graders worked on some multiplication strategies during math class.

The fifth graders also received paperwork concerning the fifth grade trip to science camp in early December. There are a number of forms that need to be signed and returned to school as well as information for parents at home. In addition, the fifth grade team is on the look out for chaperones to stay over different days down at the Alton Jones camp. If interested or if anyone has questions please contact me at:  dallen@arlington.k12.ma.us

Homework

Writing - On https://kidblog.org/class/mr-allens-class-2017-2018/posts , students should respond to this prompt in at least a one paragraph reponse:

Based off of our early reading of Bud, Not Buddy, what is one character trait that Bud has shown evidence of. Use evidence from the text to support your response.

9/22/17

It was good to return to the classroom with my students for one more day this week. The students have begun to read Bud, Not Buddy. Special attention was paid to crafting thoughtful reader's responses in their journals today. This next few weeks will see the fifth graders working collaboratively within their reading groups with this great piece of historical fiction.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and I look forward to seeing students on Monday.

The fifth graders also received paperwork concerning the fifth grade trip to science camp in early December. There are a number of forms that need to be signed and returned to school as well as information for parents at home. In addition, the fifth grade team is on the look out for chaperones to stay over different days down at the Alton Jones camp. If interested or if anyone has questions please contact me at:  dallen@arlington.k12.ma.us

9/20/17

The fifth graders began the first chapter of Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis today. The students have had a few lessons grounding the novel in its historical place and today was a great first day. The students are going to be using sticky notes and three-step journals to organize their thoughts and ideas about the book. I can't wait to progress deeper into the story.

The fifth graders also received paperwork concerning the fifth grade trip to science camp in early December. There are a number of forms that need to be signed and returned to school as well as information for parents at home. In addition, the fifth grade team is on the look out for chaperones to stay over different days down at the Alton Jones camp. If interested or if anyone has questions please contact me at:  dallen@arlington.k12.ma.us


Homework

Reading - students having a reading log to fill out on a nightly basis and is due to be passed in on Friday the 22nd

9/19/17

The fifth graders undertook the first portion of their new iReady reading assessment today. This new testing method takes the place of the written part of the DRA. The students were attentive and patient as this was being implemented and I commend them for putting their best foot forward.

The fifth graders also received paperwork concerning the fifth grade trip to science camp in early December. There are a number of forms that need to be signed and returned to school as well as information for parents at home. In addition, the fifth grade team is on the look out for chaperones to stay over different days down at the Alton Jones camp. If interested or if anyone has questions please contact me at:  dallen@arlington.k12.ma.us


Homework

Reading - students having a reading log to fill out on a nightly basis and is due to be passed in on Friday the 22nd

9/18/17

Today, the members of M102 kicked off both our first science and reading units. Our initial work in science will deal with the solar system, with a special focus on the planets. I was encouraged with today's work and look forward to pursuing this subject matter with the students.

Earlier in the school day, the students began to look at the novel, Bud Not Buddy. This work of historical fiction will serve as the foundation of our reading these next few months. The students spent time today looking closely at the cover of the novel and they made some predictions based on the image depicted there.

Today, the fifth graders also received paperwork concerning the fifth grade trip to science camp in early December. There are a number of forms that need to be signed and returned to school as well as information for parents at home. In addition, the fifth grade team is on the look out for chaperones to stay over different days down at the Alton Jones camp. If interested or if anyone has questions please contact me at:  dallen@arlington.k12.ma.us


Homework

Reading - students having a reading log to fill out on a nightly basis and is due to be passed in on Friday the 22nd

9/15/17

The students completed their first full week together. Many of the fifth graders were able to complete the first batch of the four clue math puzzles. I was encouraged throughout the week over the work that was done in math class. I think it is a positive indication of the efforts that will be shown throughout the school year.

I hope everyone has a nice weekend and I look forward to seeing students on Monday.

9/14/17

The students continued work on two fronts today. In social studies the students looked to apply their knowledge of the compass rose to a map of the United States. Later, in math class the members of M102 continued to work collaboratively on a series of math number clue puzzles.

During ELA time, fifth graders began their beginning of the year writing prompt. This assessment will give me a feel for writing ability at the start of the year.

The fifth graders were given permission slips for fifth grade patrols. If students are interested, a parent or guardian needs to sign the slip and return it to school. Slips should be returned by Monday September 18th. Patrols will start on Monday September 25. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

9/13/17

During our first official social studies lesson today, the fifth graders undertook an activity concerning a compass rose. Students were tasked with guiding a partner to a predetermined location on a map of the United States using directions from a compass. I thought that this was an enjoyable start to our year long exploration of social studies related topics.

The fifth graders also had one final lesson that tied into the nine core reading competencies that will frame our reading discussions this year. I appreciated how attuned to the lesson the students were.

The fifth graders were given permission slips for fifth grade patrols. If students are interested, a parent or guardian needs to sign the slip and return it to school. Slips should be returned by Monday September 18th. Patrols will start on Monday September 25. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

9/12/17

The members of M102 continue to impress me in the early going of our math classes. The students did a great job cracking some number puzzles today. I was pleased to hear students using out ever building math vocabulary to disassemble these problems. I look forward to digging into these upcoming lessons with students.

The fifth graders were given permission slips for fifth grade patrols. If students are interested, a parent or guardian needs to sign the slip and return it to school. Slips should be returned by Monday September 18th. Patrols will start on Monday September 25. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

9/11/17

As we began our first full week together, the members of M102 continued to expand their math vocabulary. The students had one more lesson pertaining to arrays. Fifth graders reviewed concepts from last week that tied in to factors, multiples and prime and square numbers.

Our ELA time was spent looking at different genres of stories that we will encounter this year. This segued into time using sticky notes to better focus on reading time.

Today, the fifth graders were given permission slips for fifth grade patrols. If students are interested, a parent or guardian needs to sign the slip and return it to school. Slips should be returned by Monday September 18th. Patrols will start on Monday September 25. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

9/8/17

Room M102 wrapped up a successful first week together today. The students took a beginning of the year math assessment during math class. This exam is to give me insight into where the fifth graders stand in relation to problems dealing with the four operations. I look forward to reviewing the results over the weekend.

Later in the school day, the students worked together to craft questions pertaining to some of their favorite books. This lesson began with a discussion of how teachers come up with questions to ask students that tie into novels that are being read. The students were engaged and I appreciated the spirited discussions that sprang up.

I enjoyed getting to better know the students that are in my room this first week. I couldn't have been happier with the way that week turned out. I hope everyone has a great weekend and I look forward to seeing students back at school on Monday morning.

9/7/17

The students continued to work on number sense using manipulatives during our math lesson today. I have been strongly encouraged with the level of discourse that I have heard between students these first few math lessons. The students did a great job of working through a series of increasingly difficult problems today.

Later in the school day, the members of M102 worked to come up with some academic and social goals for the upcoming school year. I appreciated those who were willing to share some of their hopes with their peers.

9/6/17

The members of M102 continued their positive momentum during their second day of school. We officially kicked off day one of our math unit that deals with number sense. The students were engaged and active participants during the whole lesson. I enjoyed getting to hear the students discuss their line of thinking with one another. A nice first step into our fifth grade math work.

Later in the school day, the students did some writing/drawing inside their reading notebook. The fifth graders were tasked with sharing some information about their favorite book. This lesson dealt with creating a positive environment in which to read and write about what they are reading.

9/5/17

It was a great first day of school for the members of M102. I enjoyed getting to meet the 19 students who will make up my class this year. The students spent time getting acquainted with one another, and that began with our first morning meeting together. Later in the school day, the fifth graders undertook an activity in which they had to share some of their likes and interests with their peers.

I can't wait to begin to get into some of the content areas with the the students over the next few days.