Unbelievable!! I cannot believe it is time for Thanksgiving already. Time flies by so quickly that we all need to be reminded to slow down and enjoy each moment we have with friends and family. Especially during Thanksgiving we are reminded of all the things we are thankful for and I just wanted to say how thankful I am to work with a great team of teachers and students at Highland.
In Social Studies we have begun our unit on The Colonization of North America. So far we have learned about The Lost Colony at Roanoke in North Carolina. This colony was unsuccessful and the colonists mysteriously disappeared. Students read the story and studied evidence to form their own opinions about what happened to them. Then we learned about England's first settlement at Jamestown. This colony was a success thanks to the leadership of John Smith and the help given to them by Pocahontas and the Powhatan people. Next we will learn the facts and the myths surrounding the story of the first Thanksgiving as we read about the Plymouth Colony.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Veteran's Day 2011 at H.E.S
Highland will have a short Veteran's Day program on November 11th at 7:50am in the gym. 3rd grade will be singing and other students will be sharing their writing. We will also announce the winner of the Patriotic Poster Contest. All family and friends of Highland are invited!!
Thank you!!
I just want to extend a personal thank you to all veterans and current men and women who serve in the military. We owe you so much for your dedication to our country and for the sacrifices you make for the people of the U.S.A. My father was a veteran and my brother as well and my heart beams with pride when I think of how they served their country. I hope all americans will take a moment today and say thank you. It is a simple gesture that can mean so much.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Let's Get it Started!!!
Well, our wonderful fall break is coming to an end and it is time to get back to school!! I am so excited as we continue our unit on Early Explorations of North America. During this unit we will be learning about the many explorers who risked their lives in hope of finding land and riches in the New World. As Monday is the National Holiday of Columbus Day, we will start with him and continue with other explorers from Europe. Explorers such as, John Cabot, Amerigo Vespucci, Ponce de Leon, Ferdinand Magellan, Hernando Cortez, Jacques Cartier, Francisco Coronado, Sir Francis Drake, Sir Walter Raleigh, Samuel de Champlain, Henry Hudson, La Salle, and our favorite Daniel Boone will be studied. Of course this list of explorers spans a time of about 275 years so we will learn as much as we can in the next 2 weeks.
Since our field trip to Frankfort is coming up on Oct. 27, we will be doing extensive research on Daniel Boone before we visit his gravesite. Students will be given time in class to research about the life of explorer, Daniel Boone. Then, they will create an essay about him using the information they have found and recorded. Each student will be given a format for writing this essay that will help them and they will be responsible for their own research. We will be using the standard writing process of brainstorming (research), write a rough draft, revise, edit and publish. This Essay will count as 2 grades for the 2nd nine weeks. Students will not only be learning about Boone but also how to apply proper research and writing skills.
Since our field trip to Frankfort is coming up on Oct. 27, we will be doing extensive research on Daniel Boone before we visit his gravesite. Students will be given time in class to research about the life of explorer, Daniel Boone. Then, they will create an essay about him using the information they have found and recorded. Each student will be given a format for writing this essay that will help them and they will be responsible for their own research. We will be using the standard writing process of brainstorming (research), write a rough draft, revise, edit and publish. This Essay will count as 2 grades for the 2nd nine weeks. Students will not only be learning about Boone but also how to apply proper research and writing skills.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Happy Fall!!!!
Fall has come so quickly!!
We have finished our geography unit for now but we will revisit some of the skills and vocabulary learned throughout the school year.
This week we will be studying and classifying different cultures. Obviously we are learning about our own American culture, but to take us into the study of early explorations of North America we are learning about the cultures of West Africa, England, France, and Spain.Then, we will begin our unit on Early Explorations.
In addition to class, we will be researching Daniel Boone. All 5th grade students will be writing an informational article about Boone. I will be looking for strong evidence of research, organization and appropriate text features for an article. This article will be due on October 26th, the day before we travel to Frankfort to visit Boone's gravesite as well as the Old Capital and current Capital building.
YES!! We are going on a field trip to Frankfort, KY onThursday, October 27th!!Permission slips and information will be coming home this week!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a very special trip that involves us leaving before school starts and returning after school has dismissed.
We take 5th grade on this trip every year. All students will learn about our state government and how it works as well as learning about the history of our state capital.
We have finished our geography unit for now but we will revisit some of the skills and vocabulary learned throughout the school year.
This week we will be studying and classifying different cultures. Obviously we are learning about our own American culture, but to take us into the study of early explorations of North America we are learning about the cultures of West Africa, England, France, and Spain.Then, we will begin our unit on Early Explorations.
In addition to class, we will be researching Daniel Boone. All 5th grade students will be writing an informational article about Boone. I will be looking for strong evidence of research, organization and appropriate text features for an article. This article will be due on October 26th, the day before we travel to Frankfort to visit Boone's gravesite as well as the Old Capital and current Capital building.
YES!! We are going on a field trip to Frankfort, KY onThursday, October 27th!!Permission slips and information will be coming home this week!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a very special trip that involves us leaving before school starts and returning after school has dismissed.
We take 5th grade on this trip every year. All students will learn about our state government and how it works as well as learning about the history of our state capital.
Monday, September 5, 2011
How will you remember 9/11?
This week we will continue our study of Geography but we will spend a few days learning about 9/11. Students today were so young and some not even born yet that they didn't share in this event so I want to teach them about what happened on that day and how it brought our nation together. I know it is a scary story but with all the terror and sadness it brings, I also want to bring out the stories of bravery, determination and acts of unselfishness that occurred on that fateful day.
I would like all families at Highland to think about this historic day and how you can remember all who gave of themselves to help others. We should think of it as a National Day of Service. So my question is: How will YOU remember 9/11? Go to http://www.911day.org/ and post your tribute and be added to the National Tribute Quilt in remembrance for all that perished, that were heroes, and the survivors of that day.
To study this event even further got to http://www.scholasticnews.com/ where you will find more articles and videos about 9/11. All students will be getting there own edition of Scholastic News starting in September. This is a current events magazine for kids that has richly engaging stories to keep the students interested in current events in the U.S.A and across the world. All 5th grade students will receive this magazine two or three times a month.
I would like all families at Highland to think about this historic day and how you can remember all who gave of themselves to help others. We should think of it as a National Day of Service. So my question is: How will YOU remember 9/11? Go to http://www.911day.org/ and post your tribute and be added to the National Tribute Quilt in remembrance for all that perished, that were heroes, and the survivors of that day.
To study this event even further got to http://www.scholasticnews.com/ where you will find more articles and videos about 9/11. All students will be getting there own edition of Scholastic News starting in September. This is a current events magazine for kids that has richly engaging stories to keep the students interested in current events in the U.S.A and across the world. All 5th grade students will receive this magazine two or three times a month.
Monday, August 29, 2011
GEOGRAPHY!! 8/29 thru 9/2
This week we are continuing our Geography Unit of study. The students are working hard learning all they can about the earth and the 7 continents, 5 oceans(Yes, there are 5 now. We have added the Southern Ocean to the list which is located just above Antarctica.), several countries located in these continents, latitude, longitude, 4 hemispheres, political map, physical map,elelvation map, historical map, road map, climate map and the compass rose. We will also be learning how to use latitude and longitude lines in order to find any absolute location on the earth. This can be difficult sometimes but the students are doing a great job.
I have listed below our learning targets for the first part of this unit.
*I can label the 7 continents and 5 oceans on a map of the world.
*I can locate what hemisphere a continent, country,or state is in using a map.
*I can use longitude/latitude to find an absolute location on the map.
I can give the definition of 4 kinds of maps.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Ready, Set, GO MULAN!!!
Just wanted to post a REMINDER about casting for Highland's next musical, MULAN!!! This is one of my favorite stories of courage and determination. If you are interested in being a part of this show whether its center stage or behind the scenes talk to Mrs. Taylor about playing your part!! Here's my favorite song from the movie below. Enjoy!!
BACK TO SCHOOL!!
The beginning of school is soooo exciting!!! We just completed our first full week of school and it has been great getting to know my students. Everyone seems to be settling in and adjusting to 5th grade quite easily.
In Social Studies we have learned about the Pledge of Allegiance and what we are really promising when we make this pledge. I hope that students now have a new understanding of this american tradition.
We also read Barack Obama's book, Of Thee I Sing, and we completed a writing activity modeled after the format of this book. As a class, we agreed that President Obama's book teaches us that we are all part of the history of this country and that we are the most important part...the future.
In S.S. class students will be using a journal frequently. This week each student got to collage the front cover to make it more personal to them. The kids used a lot of creativity to make these look awesome!!
Next week we will be reviewing 6 citizenship skills that are important in our society and beginning our Geography Unit. More to come!!
In Social Studies we have learned about the Pledge of Allegiance and what we are really promising when we make this pledge. I hope that students now have a new understanding of this american tradition.
We also read Barack Obama's book, Of Thee I Sing, and we completed a writing activity modeled after the format of this book. As a class, we agreed that President Obama's book teaches us that we are all part of the history of this country and that we are the most important part...the future.
In S.S. class students will be using a journal frequently. This week each student got to collage the front cover to make it more personal to them. The kids used a lot of creativity to make these look awesome!!
Next week we will be reviewing 6 citizenship skills that are important in our society and beginning our Geography Unit. More to come!!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Welcome Back!
I am so excited about getting back to school and getting back to Social Studies. I hope everyone is well rested and is equally excited as I am to get back to school and begin what I call "The Final Stretch". Believe me, at Highland we work and learn until the final day and this last month and a half of school will go by so quick and is jammed packed with testing and many extracurricular activities as well as extra school day activities. Students need to get plenty of rest and eat healthy to reach their fullest potential during this busy time.
In Social Studies we will first review the U.S. government as well as our rights and responsibilites as citizens of the U.S. Then we will be studying The Westward Expansion where we learn about "Manifest Destiny" and the War of 1812.
In Social Studies we will first review the U.S. government as well as our rights and responsibilites as citizens of the U.S. Then we will be studying The Westward Expansion where we learn about "Manifest Destiny" and the War of 1812.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Can You Memorize the Beginning of the Declaration of Independence?
Sunday, March 13, 2011
3-14-11
Students have completed the extensive unit on colonization and the Revolutionary War. In the upcoming weeks we will focus on establishing the government for our new nation and westward expansion. Some key events and documents we will study are: The Constitution, Bill of Rights, 3 branches/3 levels of government, War of 1812, Lewis and Clark, and Manifest Destiny. This week we will be learning about how the framers of our new nation will work to establish a new government as well. It is very important that students are participating in class and completing assignments and all will be successful in understanding this important part of U.S. History.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Bring on the Four leaf clovers!!!
March is here! It is hard to believe that we are starting our 8th month of school. I love March because we know that springtime is just around the corner. The two things I love about spring is four leaf clovers and baseball. My father used to find four leaf clovers with me and my kids and he said they would bring you good luck if you carried them in your back pocket. I treasure the memories of searching for clovers together. So, if you have the time and need some extra luck, go searching through the grass for those four leafed, green treasures. I know the month of March is going to be GREAT!
Look at my next blog and watch how to fold 3 $1 bills into a lucky four leaf clover. Can you do it?
Look at my next blog and watch how to fold 3 $1 bills into a lucky four leaf clover. Can you do it?
Monday, February 21, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
CHANGE OF PLANS
Our Valentine's Day Parties and Jump Rope for Heart will be rescheduled for Monday, Feb. 14th. 5th grade parties will be from 9:00-9:45 and Jump Rope for Heart will be from 11:30-2:00.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
SNOW, SNOW, and more SNOW!
Can you believe it? More snow! What a crazy winter we are having here in Glasgow this year. I guess by now you all know we are out of school tomorrow because of poor road conditions.
I wanted to remind you about our Valentine's Day Party and Jump Rope for Heart on Friday. In my homeroom we are having a breakfast celebration and Valentine exchange from 9:00am-9:45am Friday morning. The class and I have discussed who is bringing what for our party. Please talk to your child about the party and their Valentines.
Later on we will be participating in Jump Rope for Heart from 11:30-2:00. Students may bring shorts to change into and water to drink during the Jump. Remember students have to have a signed permission slip to participate and at least raised $1.00 for the American Heart Association.
Congratulations to Conzada Harbison for having her letter read aloud on News Quiz . Every two weeks the host of the show gives an opinion question for students around the state of KY to respond too. Then they choose the most interesting responses to share with KY kids on their weekly television show broadcasted from Lexington on KET. Conzada shared who she admired most in American history. She chose Clara Barton and wrote a very nice letter explaining why she admired Clara Barton. This is quite an honor. We watch the show each week so all students have an opportunity to send in a response to the opinion question of the week. You can hear Conzada's letter on my January 25th blog!
I hope the snow is over and I see all of you on Friday for a great day!
Peace
I wanted to remind you about our Valentine's Day Party and Jump Rope for Heart on Friday. In my homeroom we are having a breakfast celebration and Valentine exchange from 9:00am-9:45am Friday morning. The class and I have discussed who is bringing what for our party. Please talk to your child about the party and their Valentines.
Later on we will be participating in Jump Rope for Heart from 11:30-2:00. Students may bring shorts to change into and water to drink during the Jump. Remember students have to have a signed permission slip to participate and at least raised $1.00 for the American Heart Association.
Congratulations to Conzada Harbison for having her letter read aloud on News Quiz . Every two weeks the host of the show gives an opinion question for students around the state of KY to respond too. Then they choose the most interesting responses to share with KY kids on their weekly television show broadcasted from Lexington on KET. Conzada shared who she admired most in American history. She chose Clara Barton and wrote a very nice letter explaining why she admired Clara Barton. This is quite an honor. We watch the show each week so all students have an opportunity to send in a response to the opinion question of the week. You can hear Conzada's letter on my January 25th blog!
I hope the snow is over and I see all of you on Friday for a great day!
Peace
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Lights, Camera, Action!!!
4th and 5th grade students' hard work and dedication paid off this weekend as they presented Beauty and the Beast to a full house both days. The show is absolutely amazing and this performance is the talk of the community. The kids really came through as spectators cannot believe kids pulled off such an amazing and entertaining show. The show has moments that will make you laugh and cry. Hats off to Mrs. Amanda Taylor, Mr. Todd Woodward and all participants and helpers involved who made the show a huge success!!!!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Who Do You Admire Most In American History? 1-25-2011
In this weeks episode of News Quiz students were asked who they admire most in American History. The following students wrote their responses in their journals and several students wanted to share their entries with you!! These are amazing!!!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
1-20-2011
We began this week spending class on Tuesday learning about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was the leader of the American Civil Rights Movement. It is important that students can fully understand the significance of his life and his famous "I Have a Dream Speech".
This week we have been learning about how men, women and children worked in the colonies and we are studying the economy of the 13 colonies as well. Once we learn about the geography, economy, leaders, and everyday life and people of the colonial times we will be moving towards the rebellion that will begin between the colonists and mother England. This will lead to our study of the Revolutionary War.
Another snow storm for Glasgow, so everyone please be careful if you must be out on the roads. As you can see, my dog Jax loves this wintery weather !! Do you think he can build a snowman?!!
This week we have been learning about how men, women and children worked in the colonies and we are studying the economy of the 13 colonies as well. Once we learn about the geography, economy, leaders, and everyday life and people of the colonial times we will be moving towards the rebellion that will begin between the colonists and mother England. This will lead to our study of the Revolutionary War.
Another snow storm for Glasgow, so everyone please be careful if you must be out on the roads. As you can see, my dog Jax loves this wintery weather !! Do you think he can build a snowman?!!
Monday, January 17, 2011
We must keep dreaming the dream!!
Please watch the following video in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
1-11-2011
In our study of the 13 English Colonies we divided the 13 original colonies into the following regions: New England, Middle and Southern. Students were placed into cooperative groups and given one of these regions to research. These small groups then had to create a poster sharing the information they had learned about their region. The following video shows students working on the poster projects in Social Studies class.
What's your New Year's Resolution?
The following students wanted to share their resolutions with you!!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
WELCOME 2011 @)!!
We are off to a great start for the new year!
This week in Social Studies we have been reviewing Roanoke, Jamestown, Plymoth and the original 13 colonies. We will be reading about how the colonies thrived in North America. The students were placed into groups representing one of the 3 regions of the colonies. (New England, Middle, Southern colonies). In a peer group they will design a poster to share with the class that will explain the many aspects of the region. This project requires cooperation, creativity and research.
The students also did some journal writing about customs and traditions. We discussed New Year's Resolutions and students wrote some plans for their new year in their S.S. journal. Some students volunteered to share their response on video. I am working on a movie to put on the blog. SO, look for that soon!
This week in Social Studies we have been reviewing Roanoke, Jamestown, Plymoth and the original 13 colonies. We will be reading about how the colonies thrived in North America. The students were placed into groups representing one of the 3 regions of the colonies. (New England, Middle, Southern colonies). In a peer group they will design a poster to share with the class that will explain the many aspects of the region. This project requires cooperation, creativity and research.
The students also did some journal writing about customs and traditions. We discussed New Year's Resolutions and students wrote some plans for their new year in their S.S. journal. Some students volunteered to share their response on video. I am working on a movie to put on the blog. SO, look for that soon!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)