Today was a "work" day.  Students were given all day to work on their projects/assignments.  We corrected yesterday's math and learned "factoring" and prime numbers, and the rest was given to complete assignments.
Challenge algebra was given (binder: back of bridges)  Optional...due Tues. or Wed. if you plan on doing it. The students loved factoring and prime numbers.  Ask them how we do it!

FYI: I have a handful of students that are neglecting to record resets (numerous) and not marking the correct color on their DAILY!  This is an honor system and students are asked to mark it immediately (so they don't forget...as they say)  This gives you as parents a false sense of whether or not your child is on-task and/or following rules like do not interrupt, voices off during work time, etc...  This is also a tool to tell you whether or not your child is wasting valuable work time...thus adding to the homework at night.  When time is calculated for class work time, I do not calculate in extra time for students to be off-task.

Went through additional examples of how to do:
*"My Life In Numbers"  (paper was provided)...birthday, address, phone, weight, height, etc...Photo in the center and the title of the project on it! (example was done in school....creative methods are ALWAYS welcome and you can veer off and do it your own way!
*Measurement Booklet   (6 two inch rectangles on the front and inside both...example with pictures, definitions, charts, calculations were discussed and on the board)

Study STATES!

Continue collecting trinkets and ideas (and a box) for the "Simple Machines" peek box.  (info. was given out on How To Do This)
7 Stations required...6 simple machines and simple machines in general.  Numbers have to be strategically placed for each station (with an explanation and details about each station...3-6 sentences)

Valentine's Day is coming. Student names were on the information provided at the beginning of the year.  Students are asked to sign up to bring an ingredient for our activities.  Have your child volunteer 3 possible things for our Chex Mix Love Potion, 3 different kinds of cereal, Cheez-its, peanuts, etc..  (The extras ...candy, etc... can be red and pink M & M's, heart candy, etc...nothing gooey... as it will stick to the chex mix, pretzels, etc...)  Then I will assign "1" item for you to bring.  We will be combining this with math and measurement, and Science, as mixtures and solutions, and area with the Cheez-its.  We will also need some different types of liquids to drink for our solution.

Am I done with???
Saint report for the month?
Puppet for Three Billy Goats Gruff (template in school or use your own...optional ...we'll be sharing these with the kindergarteners)
Are the 8 writing types done for my apron?

List 18 spelling

Math for Next Week:  Challenge Math
M: 216-217
T: 218-219
W: 221
Th: 223
no school Friday
M: 225-226

The students are busy building bridges for our competition. Our Civil Engineer will be here Tuesday!  I love how they are busy completing their work to jump onto their teams to complete and compete...and research ways to make the strongest bridge!