EVERY DAY, EVERY NIGHT: Be readers and writers. Readers read, think about what they read, let ideas grow in their minds and hearts, then talk about them with others. Writers observe the people and the world around themselves, notice little things, and write about them in their writer's notebooks. And writers read. Be readers and writers.
Writing: Use your Writer's Notebook regularly. I will set expectations for the number of entries each week.
Independent Reading: You are expected to read regularly (books you choose) outside of class. Write down ideas you want to talk about (with me or classmates) on sticky notes, Thinkmark bookmarks, or in your Reader's Notebook. Be prepared for scheduled reading conferences. I expect you to read outside of school for at least a half hour a day, at least five days a week.
In your Reader's Notebook, write deeply (about a page) three times a week about ideas you have about your reading. In your notebook, you have a list of some ideas for this kind of reading response. I will read these about every two weeks and give them a grade based on your thinking and writing.
When you read a book you love, give a book talk (a sales pitch) to recommend the book to other readers.
(NOT ASSIGNED THIS YEAR) I may ask you to write a “Reader’s Letter-Essay” that will show your deep thinking about a book. Click here to see a sample letter-essay. Some guidelines are below.
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Guidelines for Letter-Essays
Here are some guidelines for writing a letter/essay about a book you have read.
It’s a first-draft, final copy;. That means it’s informal and unrevised, but it's not sloppy. Use your best spelling, capitalization and punctuation.
About two pages in length.
It should be addressed to your teacher (or to a classmate, if you have been given permission to do so) and use letter conventions (Date the letter, use the standard greeting Dear Mr. Hoh and a polite closing such as Sincerely or Your student. Sign the letter.)
Write about your experience as a reader.
Here's a basic structure:
First paragraph – a brief introduction. Include the title (underlined and properly capitalized) and the author.
Second paragraph – Start with a significant, important idea you have about this book (see the “starters” below). Write a substantial paragraph about that idea.
Third and fourth paragraphs (or more) – Same as second, but each a different idea.
Wrap it up with a closing paragraph – Do you look forward to the sequel, something else by this author, another book in the same genre. Would you recommend the book to a friend? Who and why? Or something else that makes the essay feel finished.
For one of your middle paragraphs, quote a short passage from the book that illustrates what you are saying about the author’s style, a character, or a theme.
A really good letter-essay is one that teaches you something you didn’t realize about the book or yourself before you wrote it. That is something to work toward this year.
Possible paragraph openers:
I was angry/shocked/incredulous/moved by ….
I liked the way the author....
I noticed how the author....
I’m confused about....
This novel (or character) reminded me of....
I didn’t agree with....
I wish that....
This book was written in an interesting way. (then describe it and how that affected the reading experience.
I think the book could have been better if.... (perhaps it had a different narrator, or a different ending)
I was struck by this passage”….” It shows ______about the author/book.
Assignment adapted from Nancie Atwell’s The Reading Zone.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
150th Day of School
Dear Parents,
It is the 150th day of school. We still have lots to learn.
In reading/writing the children are preparing for a special event. They are researching an individual and will be presenting their first person reports following our student-led conferences. Please make plans to be there for the conferences and the presentations. Student-led conferences will take place the week of May 18-22. We'll let you know soon of the specific time and date.
In writing the children are developing a portfolio piece for Response to Literature. You will get to view and discuss these very special writing pieces during your child's student-led conference.
In science we are exploring force and motion through science stations. Ask your child what force was acting on the tennis ball when it dropped into the water. We will also be exploring balanced and unbalanced forces and motion.
In math we are calculating distances on a grid based on paths along grid lines. Children are also naming and locating pints on the coordinate grids. Have you seen the parent packet for Sunken Ships and Grid Patterns? Next week I will ask you to play the game Sunken Ships with your child for homework.
In social studies we are working on Atlas/map skills. We also continue our study on the history of Florida. We look forward to our trip to St. Augustine the 29th of May. Permission slips will be going home soon.
Don't forget about our field trip next Thursday to the Florida Theatre where we will get to see The Color of Justice.
Your Partners in Education,
Michelle Goethe & Lara Norton
It is the 150th day of school. We still have lots to learn.
In reading/writing the children are preparing for a special event. They are researching an individual and will be presenting their first person reports following our student-led conferences. Please make plans to be there for the conferences and the presentations. Student-led conferences will take place the week of May 18-22. We'll let you know soon of the specific time and date.
In writing the children are developing a portfolio piece for Response to Literature. You will get to view and discuss these very special writing pieces during your child's student-led conference.
In science we are exploring force and motion through science stations. Ask your child what force was acting on the tennis ball when it dropped into the water. We will also be exploring balanced and unbalanced forces and motion.
In math we are calculating distances on a grid based on paths along grid lines. Children are also naming and locating pints on the coordinate grids. Have you seen the parent packet for Sunken Ships and Grid Patterns? Next week I will ask you to play the game Sunken Ships with your child for homework.
In social studies we are working on Atlas/map skills. We also continue our study on the history of Florida. We look forward to our trip to St. Augustine the 29th of May. Permission slips will be going home soon.
Don't forget about our field trip next Thursday to the Florida Theatre where we will get to see The Color of Justice.
Your Partners in Education,
Michelle Goethe & Lara Norton
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
www.tikatok.com
Tikatok is a free creative community for kids under 13 where they can write, illustrate, and share their original stories, and have them printed out into real hardcover and paperback books. It was developed by two mothers to encourage the imagination and creativity of their children and children everywhere. See it in a book: How it Works.
How it works
These are some of the ways Tikatok helps children unleash their creativity:
•Kick-start the imagination — Explore a fun collection of interactive story templates called StorySparks™.
•Build a book — Easily save your words and drawings with a book editor that opens right in the website. No extra software to download or install!
•Get social — Safely add friends, share favorites, and collaborate with other kids.
•Show off — See your books on the front page, email them to friends, send them to Tikatok book clubs, and even put them on your blog.
•Get real — Order any book as a real hardcover or paperback, even single copies! Now you’re a published author.
c. 2008 Tikatok Inc.
How it works
These are some of the ways Tikatok helps children unleash their creativity:
•Kick-start the imagination — Explore a fun collection of interactive story templates called StorySparks™.
•Build a book — Easily save your words and drawings with a book editor that opens right in the website. No extra software to download or install!
•Get social — Safely add friends, share favorites, and collaborate with other kids.
•Show off — See your books on the front page, email them to friends, send them to Tikatok book clubs, and even put them on your blog.
•Get real — Order any book as a real hardcover or paperback, even single copies! Now you’re a published author.
c. 2008 Tikatok Inc.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Dear Parents,
We are officially finished with the FCAT. Thank you so much for all of your snack and breakfast treat donations. Your children have enjoyed breakfast each morning and a healthy treat after the test. Thanks to all of the parents for their donations. It's been a special week. You should be very proud of your child. They all worked very hard solving problems and showing their work, re-reading questions, and thinking. I know that Mrs. Norton and I are very proud of their effort. Test results do not return to the school until late May or early June. Don't expect them any earlier.
We want to remind all of you that we still have lots to learn. Children will be engaged in units of math, science, social studies, reading and writing through June 5. We have an exciting unit on Force and Motion in science where we will be setting off rockets. We also have two terrific field trips; one in April and another in May. Please continue to have your child at school throughout the school day. Dismissal begins at 2:50.
We appreciate your continued support. If you ever have any questions or concerns please contact us. Michelle Goethe @ goethem@duvalschools.org or Lara Norton @ nortonl1@duvalschools.org.
Your Partners in Education,
Michelle Goethe & Lara Norton
p.s. Please visit our Blog at www.goethe-norton.blogspot.com
We are officially finished with the FCAT. Thank you so much for all of your snack and breakfast treat donations. Your children have enjoyed breakfast each morning and a healthy treat after the test. Thanks to all of the parents for their donations. It's been a special week. You should be very proud of your child. They all worked very hard solving problems and showing their work, re-reading questions, and thinking. I know that Mrs. Norton and I are very proud of their effort. Test results do not return to the school until late May or early June. Don't expect them any earlier.
We want to remind all of you that we still have lots to learn. Children will be engaged in units of math, science, social studies, reading and writing through June 5. We have an exciting unit on Force and Motion in science where we will be setting off rockets. We also have two terrific field trips; one in April and another in May. Please continue to have your child at school throughout the school day. Dismissal begins at 2:50.
We appreciate your continued support. If you ever have any questions or concerns please contact us. Michelle Goethe @ goethem@duvalschools.org or Lara Norton @ nortonl1@duvalschools.org.
Your Partners in Education,
Michelle Goethe & Lara Norton
p.s. Please visit our Blog at www.goethe-norton.blogspot.com
Sunday, March 1, 2009
FCAT
Dear Parents,
FCAT is almost here. This week we're having different activities each day to get the kids psyched for the FCAT:
Monday, March 2
Turn Your BACK
on Test Stress
Wear your shirt backwards
Tuesday, March 3
SCORE Your Best
on the Test
Wear your favorite sports attire
Wednesday, March 4
Use Your HEAD
Wear your craziest hair
Thursday, March 5
Be CONFIDENT
Dress up in your best attire
Friday, March 6
SOCK IT To
the Test
Wear colorful socks
As you can see, it's all about making the test less stressful. Another way I'd like to make our three testing days (March 10,11,12) more enjoyable is to serve breakfast before the test and good snacks after the test. If you'd like to contribute to the snacks or breakfast treats please let me know by responding to this e-mail. I'd like easy snacks and a simple continental breakfast each morning.
Another need we have now is PENCILS. I can't seem to have enough available for the students. It would be helpful if each child brought in a pack of 24 to get us through to the end of the year. We sharpen them daily and they're available for all the students.
I'm so thankful for all of you. You seem to respond so generously to our requests. Get your child prepared for the test by planning on an early bed-time and encouraging words each morning.
Your partners in education,
Michelle Goethe & Lara Norton
(Mrs. Norton's e-mail is nortonl1@duvalschools.org)
FCAT is almost here. This week we're having different activities each day to get the kids psyched for the FCAT:
Monday, March 2
Turn Your BACK
on Test Stress
Wear your shirt backwards
Tuesday, March 3
SCORE Your Best
on the Test
Wear your favorite sports attire
Wednesday, March 4
Use Your HEAD
Wear your craziest hair
Thursday, March 5
Be CONFIDENT
Dress up in your best attire
Friday, March 6
SOCK IT To
the Test
Wear colorful socks
As you can see, it's all about making the test less stressful. Another way I'd like to make our three testing days (March 10,11,12) more enjoyable is to serve breakfast before the test and good snacks after the test. If you'd like to contribute to the snacks or breakfast treats please let me know by responding to this e-mail. I'd like easy snacks and a simple continental breakfast each morning.
Another need we have now is PENCILS. I can't seem to have enough available for the students. It would be helpful if each child brought in a pack of 24 to get us through to the end of the year. We sharpen them daily and they're available for all the students.
I'm so thankful for all of you. You seem to respond so generously to our requests. Get your child prepared for the test by planning on an early bed-time and encouraging words each morning.
Your partners in education,
Michelle Goethe & Lara Norton
(Mrs. Norton's e-mail is nortonl1@duvalschools.org)
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
80 to go!
Hello Fabulous Parents,
We can't believe that there are only 80 days of school left in this year. Today was the 100th day of school and the kids did such a terrific job decorating their t-shirts. We also wrote equations that equaled 100, had a 100-calorie snack, did 100 jumping jacks, and shared our t-shirts.
Tomorrow, February 3rd, the social studies projects for my homeroom class are due. On Wednesday, Mrs. Norton's Class projects are due. Remember that they may either complete a flag or a diorama.
Other Dates to remember:
February 3--Report Cards go home
February 4 --Early Release
February 10-- FCAT Writes
February 13--Valentine's Friendship Celebration (bring in your Valentine's)
February 13 – Flag Raising (President’s Day)
February 16 – President’s Day (No School)
FCAT Writing 4th Grade: It is important that students are in school for FCAT testing. Please have your child in school and on time for testing.
Report Cards: As you go over your child’s report card, help them set goals for the remainder of the year. Always look for their areas where they have improved first. Then, set goals with them.
Black History Month: February is Black History Month. All children will study an assigned individual from history and then complete a “float” on this person. Details to follow…
Human Body Systems: This month we are studying Human Body systems. Mrs. Dedicos and I will be co-teaching this unit for two hours a week in the media center. If your child is pestering you about smoking, it is because we have had some serious discussion about health issues related to smoking.
Money, Miles and Large Numbers: In Mathematics we are studying decimals. This is related to both money and miles. You can help your child by having them make change from $5.00, estimating totals at the store or out to dinner, and calculating mileage from your odometer.
OREOS: We are currently in an even month so we will not need Oreos again until March. Thank you for your generous donations in January. We have already assigned Oreos for the month of March.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call or e-mail us. We’re here for the success of your child.
Your Partners In Education,
Michelle Goethe
Lara Norton
p.s. Have you visited our blog lately?
www.goethe-norton.blogspot.com
We can't believe that there are only 80 days of school left in this year. Today was the 100th day of school and the kids did such a terrific job decorating their t-shirts. We also wrote equations that equaled 100, had a 100-calorie snack, did 100 jumping jacks, and shared our t-shirts.
Tomorrow, February 3rd, the social studies projects for my homeroom class are due. On Wednesday, Mrs. Norton's Class projects are due. Remember that they may either complete a flag or a diorama.
Other Dates to remember:
February 3--Report Cards go home
February 4 --Early Release
February 10-- FCAT Writes
February 13--Valentine's Friendship Celebration (bring in your Valentine's)
February 13 – Flag Raising (President’s Day)
February 16 – President’s Day (No School)
FCAT Writing 4th Grade: It is important that students are in school for FCAT testing. Please have your child in school and on time for testing.
Report Cards: As you go over your child’s report card, help them set goals for the remainder of the year. Always look for their areas where they have improved first. Then, set goals with them.
Black History Month: February is Black History Month. All children will study an assigned individual from history and then complete a “float” on this person. Details to follow…
Human Body Systems: This month we are studying Human Body systems. Mrs. Dedicos and I will be co-teaching this unit for two hours a week in the media center. If your child is pestering you about smoking, it is because we have had some serious discussion about health issues related to smoking.
Money, Miles and Large Numbers: In Mathematics we are studying decimals. This is related to both money and miles. You can help your child by having them make change from $5.00, estimating totals at the store or out to dinner, and calculating mileage from your odometer.
OREOS: We are currently in an even month so we will not need Oreos again until March. Thank you for your generous donations in January. We have already assigned Oreos for the month of March.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call or e-mail us. We’re here for the success of your child.
Your Partners In Education,
Michelle Goethe
Lara Norton
p.s. Have you visited our blog lately?
www.goethe-norton.blogspot.com
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Happy New Year
Welcome Back to a New Year!
It is so terrific to be back in school. Mrs. Norton and I are rested up and ready to teach our hearts out for the remaining 96 days of school. We need your child here every day. A quick reminder to all of you; school begins at 8:30 and your child needs to be in their seat by the 8:30 bell. We love to see all of the children in their places with bright shiny faces on time.
Please mark your calendars for Thursday, January 22nd. This will be the annual Twin Lakes Academy Elementary Spaghetti Supper/Math Night. I am encouraging all of my students to attend. They will use their noodles to have lots of fun with Mathematics. The fun starts at 6:00 p.m. Buy your dinner tickets early! You won't want to miss this night. I'm also giving extra credit in Math for the third quarter of school.
We had our first OREO day yesterday. An Oreo day is a day that falls on an Odd month, Even day and Odd Year. Tomorrow will be our second OREO day. All of the children have been assigned a day this school year to bring in a pkg of Oreo to share on Oreo day. This is a wonderful way to celebrate in Math. Each Oreo day I have planned a variety of Math activities related to Oreos.
We will also be celebrating next Thursday on the 90th day of school. We'll be drawing using only 90 degree angles, moving in 90 degree angles as well as a variety of other "square" activities.
On the 100th day of school children will wear a t-shirt that they have designed using 100 items. Brainstorm with your child 100 items that they could place on a t-shirt. Have fun with this activity. This t-shirt will be completed at home.
Middle School Fence: I’m sure, by now, that most of you have noticed the newly erected fence between the middle school and elementary campus. This fencing was ordered by the middle school four years ago for safety and security reasons. Each opening will have a gate attached with a locking mechanism. The gates will be secured during the school day beginning Monday, January 19th.
The next time our students have P.E. with coach Lopez they will be running the one mile run. Please make sure that they have good running shoes, a water bottle, and a good nights rest. I will let you know ahead of time when they will be running.
I will be sending home a social studies project to be completed at home in the next several weeks. Look for details coming your way. All children will also complete a Black History project for the month of February.
If you have any questions or concerns, e-mail is the most efficient way to get a response from either of us. Mrs. Norton e-mail address is nortonl1@duvalschools.org. You may reach me by replying to this message.
Your partners in education,
Michelle Goethe and Lara Norton
It is so terrific to be back in school. Mrs. Norton and I are rested up and ready to teach our hearts out for the remaining 96 days of school. We need your child here every day. A quick reminder to all of you; school begins at 8:30 and your child needs to be in their seat by the 8:30 bell. We love to see all of the children in their places with bright shiny faces on time.
Please mark your calendars for Thursday, January 22nd. This will be the annual Twin Lakes Academy Elementary Spaghetti Supper/Math Night. I am encouraging all of my students to attend. They will use their noodles to have lots of fun with Mathematics. The fun starts at 6:00 p.m. Buy your dinner tickets early! You won't want to miss this night. I'm also giving extra credit in Math for the third quarter of school.
We had our first OREO day yesterday. An Oreo day is a day that falls on an Odd month, Even day and Odd Year. Tomorrow will be our second OREO day. All of the children have been assigned a day this school year to bring in a pkg of Oreo to share on Oreo day. This is a wonderful way to celebrate in Math. Each Oreo day I have planned a variety of Math activities related to Oreos.
We will also be celebrating next Thursday on the 90th day of school. We'll be drawing using only 90 degree angles, moving in 90 degree angles as well as a variety of other "square" activities.
On the 100th day of school children will wear a t-shirt that they have designed using 100 items. Brainstorm with your child 100 items that they could place on a t-shirt. Have fun with this activity. This t-shirt will be completed at home.
Middle School Fence: I’m sure, by now, that most of you have noticed the newly erected fence between the middle school and elementary campus. This fencing was ordered by the middle school four years ago for safety and security reasons. Each opening will have a gate attached with a locking mechanism. The gates will be secured during the school day beginning Monday, January 19th.
The next time our students have P.E. with coach Lopez they will be running the one mile run. Please make sure that they have good running shoes, a water bottle, and a good nights rest. I will let you know ahead of time when they will be running.
I will be sending home a social studies project to be completed at home in the next several weeks. Look for details coming your way. All children will also complete a Black History project for the month of February.
If you have any questions or concerns, e-mail is the most efficient way to get a response from either of us. Mrs. Norton e-mail address is nortonl1@duvalschools.org. You may reach me by replying to this message.
Your partners in education,
Michelle Goethe and Lara Norton
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