Mrs. Dotts » dottst

Happy New Year!

dottst — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:49:41 +0000

Welcome back!. This month is jam packed full of exciting learning.
Ask about the math goals with geometry. After we have I am learning to: classify quadrilaterals:
parallelograms, kites, squares, rhombi, trapezoids, and rectangles.

identify acute, right, and obtuse angles.
sketch acute, right, and obtuse angles.
measure acute, right, and obtuse angles.

identify triangles by angle measurements and the number of congruent sides.
describe triangles by angle measurements and the number of congruent sides.
classify triangles by angle measurements and the number of congruent sides.
determine the formula for the area of parallelograms and relate it to the area of a rectangle.
determine the formula for the area of a triangle and relate it to the area of a parallelogram.
determine the perimeter of a triangle.
determine the area of a triangle.
determine the perimeter of a parallelogram.
determine the area of a parallelogram.
draw quadrilaterals from information about sides and angles.
draw triangles from information about sides and angles.
determine the number of lines of symmetry on triangles
(equilateral, acute, obtuse, isosceles, and scalene).
determine the number of lines of symmetry on quadrilaterals (parallelograms, kites, squares, rhombi, trapezoids, and rectangles).
solve single- and multi-step word problems about perimeters for quadrilaterals and triangles and determine the reasonableness of my answers.
solve single- and multi-step word problems about areas for quadrilaterals and triangles and determine the reasonableness of my answers.

we will move on to fractions and decimals.

In Social Studies we are learning about the impact the British Parliament had on the colonies economy.
The causes of the Revolutionary War and about how individuals cause change in history.

Scientifically we are furthering our understanding of the scientific process with our Variables investigations.

We are using our reading skills to determine what is important from what is just interesting.

November down, don’t blink!

dottst — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:00:57 +0000

December is so short it flashes before our eyes!
Only 15 days of school this month. We study geometry. Triangles, quadrilaterals and formulas for finding their area. In Science we are continuuing our understanding of the process skills. The New England, Middle and Southern colonies are leading us to learn about the founding of our country.
Check the Calendar out for important dates!

Boo-Graphy!

dottst — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:56:55 +0000

Welcome to Arcadia Living Literature. . . or should I say, warmed up literature? I mean that the students are dressed up a sheroes that have passed on. They have researched, developed a speech, a backdrop and a costume for their Wax Museum presentations. This will take place from 10:45 to 12:15 on Friday October 30th.

October is filling up!

dottst — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:46:43 +0000

Wow, what a great week we experienced. Tuesday held Food Sense, from WSU. THis week we learned the reasons for and refreshed our method of hand washing. This is very relevant as our schools are community places where viruses and bacteria are easily spread. The kids loved the healthy burrito snack they made. Whole wheat tortilla, spread with a mix of fat-free cream cheese and light ranch dressing. Topped with sliced meat and lettuce. Wrap it up and enjoy!
The High School Science club came on Wednesday. We used the scientific process to study the force of gravity. Which falls faster, a steel ball or a ping pong ball? Which falls faster, a ball of paper or a flat piece of paper?
I took pictures! The kids looked so polished because they were ready for individual pictures that laso happened on Wednesday.

WooHoo

dottst — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:11:52 +0000

We are rolin’ now. Band is up and running. And the ‘non-band’ kids’ Have a new name! They are either taking their choice of Spanish, Reader’s Theatre or Reading Buddies. I am teaching the Spanish class. There are about 10 kids in each class. We will also be having those kids participate in the 5th Grade concert.

WooHoo

dottst — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:11:50 +0000

Are we behind yet?

dottst — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:04:19 +0000

Don’t worry. In an effort to prepare the students for life in the Middle School, I have been giving them work that they have a little bit of classtime to do, then they must manage the rest of the assignment on their own. I actually have plenty of classtime during the week for them to complete all of their work . . if they work diligently. If they ‘get on the wrong channel’ (think about lunch, talk to their friends or dig in their desks) then they will NOT have enough time to get their work done during class. If this is the case, they may take the work home and finish it at home. Some kids actually like to work on stuff at home. No problem. But there is homework too!. I will start the homework weekly packets soon, I just wanted to give the 5th graders a chance to get used to the ‘own time’ work thing. If assignments are not turned in on Friday, then they have recess and study club time to make it up. this week I have let them work on some of the work in class. But next week! If you are behind, there will be NO classtime for last week’s work! Yeah! Have fun!

Assessments Complete!

dottst — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 22:38:51 +0000

Yeah! Fall assessments are complete! I am readyto use the information to plan lessons for the students that will help them meet the State Standards! Lucky for us, I already know you and I really know the kids! A more consistent homework plan will start this week! You can learn more about it at Open House on Thursday!

Open house

dottst — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 22:36:45 +0000

We have a new way to experience Open House this year, in order to make it easier for families. Third grade already had their Open House. So, 4th Graders can meet their teachers From 5:45 to 6:15. Then the 5th Grade teachers will be welcoming you from 6:30 to 7:00. Please come in to learn more about 5th grade! There will be cookies served! (Bring me one, please?)

Getting in the swing of things!

dottst — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:58:32 +0000

Hey! I hope your weekend was great! Our family went on a wilderness pack trip again. LOVE IT!

Homework the last two weeks has been clunky. I have told the kids each day what their homework is. Then they write their assignment into their planners. I hope to get the regular homework underway this week.

Yeah for you!

Let me know what works best for you. Remember, since homework is individualized, then you can make suggestions.