OCTOBER
October is here, and we are "falling" into many
exciting new learning opportunities!
MATH Students in grades 3-5 math had a busy and
productive September. We built a strong foundation by reviewing and
reinforcing place value and numeration skills. Some favorites were:
THIRD--Our third graders loved reading Math
Curse by Jon Scieszka. You might even say that they have the "math curse"
because they see math everywhere they look! They also have loved learning
about the Egyptian Number System. Third graders are now working on
multiplication skills, and will soon be planning the "Teacher Restaurant"
which is set for October 29. Stay tuned for more information about this
exciting project!
FOURTH--Fourth graders really enjoyed the "Me in
Numbers" project. Who knew that numbers could be so fun and interesting? They
have also enjoyed Math Rules!, number riddles, the Roman Numeral System, and
HAPPY FRIDAYS! Fourth graders are
now learning all about prime and composite numbers, as well as factors and
multiples.
FIFTH--Fifth grade math students were absorbed
by One Grain of Rice and the awesome binary system. And, they have been
working diligently on independent math projects as well as planning the school
store which we hope to open very soon. Fifth graders are now studying prime
and composite numbers and will soon be experts on orders of operation!
LANGUAGE ARTS
THIRD/FOURTH--These students have been "thinking
about their thinking" by studying Bloom's Taxonomy--the levels of thinking.
They will soon present a ME BOX which will incorporate their understanding of
these levels as well as allow us to gt to know them just a bit better.
FIFTH--Our fifth graders read a novel of their
choice and "stood in judgment of the text" as they produced insightful and
honest reviews. We are now reading Star Girl by Jerry Spinelli--a
beautifully written novel that is heartfelt and compelling. They are also
writing their own stories--a narrative about a special memory. And---5th
graders are ready to blog.........to podcast........and to film..........we
can't wait!!
HOMEWORK LAB ( grades 3-5) is open on Tuesdays from 2:45--3:30. You do not
need to let me know in advance if your child will be attending; however, I do
ask that you come to the TAG portable to pick your child up when it's over.
SPECIAL NOTE: Conferences are scheduled for October 12. Because of the large
number of TAG students and the various conference formats offered in different
grade levels, I am unable to attend all of them. However, I will attend as
many as possible. I will be available for parents and students to come by
that day from 8:00-9:00, 10:30-12:30 and 2:30-3:30. Parents who would like a
private conference are invited to call or email to set up a time.
PRIMARY GRADES
Our second graders have all become detectives!!
And they are on the lookout for clues! They are reading stories, analyzing
information, and solving logic matrix puzzles as they search for "whodunnit".
These sleuths are having a fabulous time!
First grade TAG students have been working on
our "If You Were" project. They have really let their imaginations soar!
October is going to be so fantastic that it's
scary!!!
SEPTEMBER
Welcome! We are
off to a great start, and I am looking forward to the many new learning
experiences ahead. In
TAG, students will develop critical, creative and productive thinking skills;
study advanced-level content; develop skills necessary for self-directed
learning and research; and gain an understanding and respect for each person’s
abilities.
In language
arts, students will experience and examine a variety of genres of literature,
as well as utilize research resources to create original products related our
studies.
Our studies will
include:
Novel
Studies whole
class, group, individual
Short Stories whole class, group, individual
Mythology/legends whole
class, group, individual
Research
guided,
independent
Plays
Poetry
Writing
Workshop
In math, we will
use our problem solving skills to “break the codes” of ancient number systems,
as well as explore and investigate basic math functions, probability and
statistics, fractions and decimals, measurement, geometry, and algebraic
reasoning. Our
studies include:
Numeration
/Other Number Systems
Investigations
and Explorations of Prime Numbers
Surveys
and Statistics
Investigations
of Fractions and Decimals
Geometry
Explorations
Probability
and Logic Games
Algebraic
Thinking
Hands-On
Equations
In TAG math,
students will work independently and in cooperative groups to master advanced
content, identify mathematical patterns, and apply mathematical thinking to
real world situations. Students
will be asked to explain their thinking orally and in writing.
WRITING:
Third, fourth,
and fifth grade students will write for a variety of audiences and purposes,
and in a variety of forms. I
will be working with students and their homeroom teachers to conference and
discuss their writing progress. Third and
fourth
graders will have the benefit of a focused reading/ writing workshop in their
homeroom, and in addition, will participate in enrichment studies in the TAG
classroom. 5th
grade students will receive the majority of their writing instruction through
our reading /writing workshop which includes mini-lessons and individual
conferences. This allows me to structure lessons to fit each individual's
needs.
SPELLING:
Fourth and fifth
graders will receive from 10-15 spelling words every two weeks.
They will
be expected to know how to spell the word as well as its meaning.
Some
lists will come from the specific topic or novel that is being studied or from
the student’s own writing. Some
lists will come from Words on the Vine, a vocabulary program based on
common Latin and Greek roots. Some
lists will be a mixture of the two. Because
of limited class time, students will be expected to complete homework and
study on their own time.
TAG language
arts students will be expected to select quality literature and complete each
book. Your
child should read at least thirty minutes each day.
TAG
students will also work on drafting, editing, and polishing pieces of writing
and scripts for oral presentations.
SCIENCE/SOCIAL
STUDIES
Science and
social studies services are delivered primarily by the classroom teacher;
however, we will work closely together throughout the school year so that we
can both provide the most engaging, challenging,
and
productive learning experiences for students with strengths in these areas.
POLICIES AND
EXPECTATIONS
Brushy Creek Bluejays soar with RESPECT * RESPONSIBILITY
* INTEGRITY
TAG students are
expected to follow school and classroom rules.
Show Mutual Respect
Only Appreciations/No Putdowns
Attentive Listening
Right to Participate
GRADING
Grades are
weighted in the following manner:
3rd grade
daily
work 85% tests/projects
15%
4th grade
daily
work 85% tests/projects
15%
5th grade
daily
work 80% tests/projects
20%
HOMEWORK
Math:
Grades 3, 4, 5
Skill homework
will be assigned on Tuesday and due on Thursday.
Problem of the
Week will be assigned on Friday and due the next Friday.
Language
arts:
Grade 5
Spelling
homework will be assigned on Monday and due on Wednesday.
Reading/writing
homework will be assigned as needed.
Language
arts students will be expected to read quality literature outside of class.
Students
will be working on projects throughout the year in both math and language arts
that will take from 1-6 weeks to complete. It
is expected that homework and projects will be turned in on time.
Work that
is turned in late may have up to 15 points deducted.
(This
does not apply to students who have been absent or who may have unusual
circumstances which prevented them from completing work---parents, please
write a note of explanation if this should occur.)
Students will be
asked to write
assignments in their TAG homework folders. Parents,
please check this folder or my school webpage (Calendar) if you have questions
about when homework or projects are due. Also,
please send any notes to me via the homework folder or email me with any
questions or concerns. I
will respond ASAP!
NEW!! Students
have the option to come to the TAG HOMEWORK LAB
every Tuesday from 2:45 to 3:30.
I will be available to offer tutoring, assistance
with projects, or extra skill practice.
ABSENCES:
Students who
have been absent will be expected to complete all work in a timely manner upon
their return to school. Every
effort will be made to assist them. If
you know in advance that your child will be absent, please call or send a note
ahead of time and I will be glad to send assignments early if possible.
If you have
questions or concerns please call me at 428-3060.
My
conference period is 10:00-10:40 M-F.
My email address
is Kathy_lisauckis@roundrockisd.org
TAG Schedule
2008-09
7:50-8:40
4th math
8:45-10:00
5th
math
10:00-10:45
conference/planning
10:45-11:15 T-Th
4th language arts enrichment
T-W 3rd language arts enrichment
11:15-1:00
lunch/primary
enrichment
1:00-2:05
5th
language arts (reading/writing/spelling)
1:45-2:40
3rd math
WISH
LIST
We would love to
have these things for our classroom if you would like to donate.
*Tissues
Plastic
bags (sandwich, quart, gallon)
Compasses
Protractors
Folders with
pockets/brads (any color)
*We REALLY need
this item!!!!
.
.