This week in Reading we read "Baseball Saved Us" which talks about prejudice during World War II. Class A had to do a detailed summary of the story, which I hope will allow them to practice writing in a way that makes sense.
Class B did the corresponding workbook and grammar pages. In grammar we practiced writing singular and plural possessive nouns.
For Science we did 2 lessons this week: 1) Development and Reproduction and 2) Animal Survival. We talked about the different ways animals reproduce and how animals adapt to their environment to survive. Both classes did the corresponding workbook pages and made their corrections. As there will be more science lessons to cover each week, I expect the students to be more diligent in studying and reviewing their work.
We also learned a new song called "Independent Women" by Destiny's Child. I explained that this song is from a movie and that it talks about how it is hard to be independent and also what it means to be independent.
I did not give the students new vocabulary this week as we have a major vocabulary exam coming up next Wednesday! Units 1-13 will be covered (all of the vocabulary learned to date). Please make sure the kids study their vocabulary this weekend!!
We had a review in class and also had a vocabulary competition.
We also reviewed the additional grammar sheets I gave out last week. It is imperative that the students memorize and study the 8 major parts of speech as they are very important.
INDIVIDUAL COMMENTS:
Class A:
Ryan needs to read workbook directions more carefully and also learn to study himself in class. He has definitely improved in taking his time when doing his work. He's not as rushed and thinks more carefully now. Like I mentioned, I hope Ryan can learn to respect other students and not put them down during a friendly competition.
Belinda didn't do a very good job on her take home reader homework. She had one week to do it but did not complete the questions. In class she is asking more questions and I can tell she is really thinking about the materials taught.
Livia asks questions but needs to participate more in class, instead of me always having to pick her to answer. Like the other students, she also needs to read workbook directions more carefully and not rush to finish her work!
Jay needs to practice reading a bit faster and with more emotion. He needs to read workbook directions more carefully as well. Jay is participating more in class now and I can tell he is thinking about the questions more carefully.
CLASS B:
Brian sometimes gets lazy and does not read the workbook directions carefully. He needs to write in FULL SENTENCES and copy correctly!! Brian is still a great student and most of the time he is always on task. I love it when he tries really hard in singing the songs!
Sydney needs to read workbook directions more carefully!! She does great work and the only mistakes she makes are the ones that she didn't read carefully on. I am impressed that Sydney memorized the entire song from last week! Next week I will probably do public speaking again, so I hope she is prepared this time! ;)
Richard did great work on his take home reader homework. However, he needs to read questions more carefully in the workbook and practice writing stories that flow better. I can tell he is singing a lot harder now! ;)
Tiger did great work on his take home reader homework. His reading has improved! He also memorized the entire song from last week - very impressive! Tiger concentrates very well and is usually always on task.
This Fun Day we are having Thanksgiving Dinner! Too bad not many of the kids stay for Fun Day though! =(
Friday, November 27, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Week 12 Transformers class!
This week in reading we read "Leah's Pony", which talks about a family who has to sell things on their farm because of a bad harvest. The students learned about helping out neighbors and also not owing the bank any money!
In Science Teacher Tom taught the class about the different systems in the body: Ex: digestive system, nervous system, skeletal system, muscle system,and circulatory system. I was out of the country for 3 days, that is why my Monday and Tuesday classes were filled by substitute teachers. I must apologize for any inconveniences that my absences may have caused.
Both classes finished the corresponding Science and Reading workbooks and made the corrections. I gave the kids week 13 vocabulary (29 words). There are more words to study for this week so I hope they can spend more time on the words this weekend.
We learned a new song called "Complicated" - by Avril Lavigne. All the kids loved this song! Although it was hard to sing, they tried hard to get the words and rhythm right. This song talks about a boy who pretends to be someone else and can't be himself. His girlfriend finds it unnecessary how he has to act different in front of other people.
In class B, the students wrote on what they're thankful for. They also thought about and wrote on the unfortunate things that are happening in the world right now.
In class A, I gave the kids grammar sheets to study at home. This will be reviewed in class next week (Class B will be doing the same next week).
INDIVIDUAL COMMENTS:
Class A:
Livia makes excellent sentences and draws lovely pictures. Sometimes though when she's doing the workbooks, she will do it really fast. Her writing tends to become messy and then she'll start making careless errors. I must remind her that it is not a race to see who finishes their work first. Also, I would like Livia to practice reading and speaking a bit louder! =)
Belinda didn't finish doing her vocabulary homework this week. However, I can tell in class that she is trying hard and trying to get good marks. When I ask questions in class she is able to think and provide thoughtful answers! I hope everything gets sorted out at her Chinese school!
Ryan is progressing very well, his writing neatness is definitely improving (more so on class work, needs to improve more on his hw writing). Ryan provides good answers and thoughtful remarks during classroom remarks. However, Ryan should learn to not interrupt people when they're speaking and also not be complaining as much in class (Ex: he'll complain that Livia finished faster or that he had to sit in the 'bad seat' - which is the second row).
Jay is making good sentences and I can tell he's thinking more in class. He's answering questions much better now and is listening more attentively. I hope Jay can keep up his usual neat writing (this week his writing was extremely messy on his homework). Jay also needs to read more at home so that he can read a little bit faster and with more expression.
CLASS B:
Sydney's sentence structures are good and the content pretty creative. She works fast in class but needs to read the workbook directions more carefully. She's a great singer (she learns the melody and rhythm really fast!). However, she did not study for her vocabulary quiz this week!!
Tiger didn't do his homework sentences and did not study much for his vocabulary quiz this week. I hope this will not continue. He needs to read directions in the workbook more carefully as well. Tiger was sick on Thursday so I will teach the grammar lessons I've prepared for the class next week! =)
Brian need to pay attention to details when he's doing his workbooks. He needs to read the directions more carefully. Brian got the highest score on the vocabulary quiz this week! Great job! I can see that he's trying very hard to learn the songs too! =)
Richard needs to pay attention to details when he's doing his workbooks. He did a great job on the vocabulary test this week!!!!! I am so proud because he's made such a big improvement! I can tell he's trying harder, even at singing!
In Science Teacher Tom taught the class about the different systems in the body: Ex: digestive system, nervous system, skeletal system, muscle system,and circulatory system. I was out of the country for 3 days, that is why my Monday and Tuesday classes were filled by substitute teachers. I must apologize for any inconveniences that my absences may have caused.
Both classes finished the corresponding Science and Reading workbooks and made the corrections. I gave the kids week 13 vocabulary (29 words). There are more words to study for this week so I hope they can spend more time on the words this weekend.
We learned a new song called "Complicated" - by Avril Lavigne. All the kids loved this song! Although it was hard to sing, they tried hard to get the words and rhythm right. This song talks about a boy who pretends to be someone else and can't be himself. His girlfriend finds it unnecessary how he has to act different in front of other people.
In class B, the students wrote on what they're thankful for. They also thought about and wrote on the unfortunate things that are happening in the world right now.
In class A, I gave the kids grammar sheets to study at home. This will be reviewed in class next week (Class B will be doing the same next week).
INDIVIDUAL COMMENTS:
Class A:
Livia makes excellent sentences and draws lovely pictures. Sometimes though when she's doing the workbooks, she will do it really fast. Her writing tends to become messy and then she'll start making careless errors. I must remind her that it is not a race to see who finishes their work first. Also, I would like Livia to practice reading and speaking a bit louder! =)
Belinda didn't finish doing her vocabulary homework this week. However, I can tell in class that she is trying hard and trying to get good marks. When I ask questions in class she is able to think and provide thoughtful answers! I hope everything gets sorted out at her Chinese school!
Ryan is progressing very well, his writing neatness is definitely improving (more so on class work, needs to improve more on his hw writing). Ryan provides good answers and thoughtful remarks during classroom remarks. However, Ryan should learn to not interrupt people when they're speaking and also not be complaining as much in class (Ex: he'll complain that Livia finished faster or that he had to sit in the 'bad seat' - which is the second row).
Jay is making good sentences and I can tell he's thinking more in class. He's answering questions much better now and is listening more attentively. I hope Jay can keep up his usual neat writing (this week his writing was extremely messy on his homework). Jay also needs to read more at home so that he can read a little bit faster and with more expression.
CLASS B:
Sydney's sentence structures are good and the content pretty creative. She works fast in class but needs to read the workbook directions more carefully. She's a great singer (she learns the melody and rhythm really fast!). However, she did not study for her vocabulary quiz this week!!
Tiger didn't do his homework sentences and did not study much for his vocabulary quiz this week. I hope this will not continue. He needs to read directions in the workbook more carefully as well. Tiger was sick on Thursday so I will teach the grammar lessons I've prepared for the class next week! =)
Brian need to pay attention to details when he's doing his workbooks. He needs to read the directions more carefully. Brian got the highest score on the vocabulary quiz this week! Great job! I can see that he's trying very hard to learn the songs too! =)
Richard needs to pay attention to details when he's doing his workbooks. He did a great job on the vocabulary test this week!!!!! I am so proud because he's made such a big improvement! I can tell he's trying harder, even at singing!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Week 11
This week we had a chapter 3 Science test focusing on Animal Characteristics, Animals with Backbones and Animals without Backbones. We did an intensive review preparation for that and had an in class review competition. The kids were given time to take notes and test each other on the materials covered. There were a lot of information in chapter 3 so I gave the students a bit extra time to prepare in class for the test. Most of them did very well!
In class A we read the story "Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World" and did the according workbook pages. We also finished grammar and workbook pages for "Just a Dream" (that were not finished last week). In class B finished grammar and workbook pages for "Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World" and "Just a Dream". We also read about why chaining up a pet dog is a bad thing to do (pamphlet printed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals PETA).
We also introduced new vocabulary and gave them a verbal pop quiz on week 11 vocabulary. A reminder: next Wednesday there will be a vocabulary quiz for week 11 and 12 vocabulary words.
This week's song was : "Hero" by Mariah Carey. This popular classic talks about how there is a hero in everyone. Everyone should believe in oneself. When no one's there to help you or when you feel sad, be strong and don't give up on your dream.
In writing we wrote about what the future will be like in 100 years, according to the student's own imagination. We then had public speaking practice.
Individual Comments:
Class A:
Jay has done well this week. He's been concentrating in class and doing consistent work. During the science competition, I was proud that Jay knew many of the answers!
Belinda is great as usual. She studied hard for the science test in class and did well. She learns the song lyrics really fast and has a talent for singing! She loved the science competition and did quite well!
Livia worked hard this week as usual, although she seemed a bit tired (probably from being sick). I hope Livia can participate a bit more and speak louder when she answers questions. She concentrates very well and is just so well behaved.
Ryan loved the science competition and knew almost all the answers. However, he was very competitive and got a bit upset when the other team jokingly said something to challenge his team. I explained that it's just something fun and that he shouldn't be so upset. I've noticed he has taken a bit longer time to improve his writing and double check his work this week. Good job!
Class B:
Sydney finishes work fast and concentrates hard but would make careless errors! She needs to read directions on the workbook before asking the teacher. The directions are easy to understand. During the vocabulary pop quiz she knew most of the answers, but still needs to review the words. For public speaking, Sydney cried and didn't want to participate. I explained to her that she shouldn't be shy to go up to speak in front of the class and that she needs to develop that skill.
Brian wrote a very good story about the future in writing! He wrote about people being vegetarians and people driving power cars. It's very good for someone his age. He was a bit shy at first to do public speaking, but after seeing other student go first, he was able to do it quite well. His class work is excellent - just need to double check his answers before handing it in (making careless mistakes because of not reading directions carefully).
Tiger got a high mark on the science test! He never disappoints and is always working hard in class. He is careful with his work and he thinks before he writes. His ability to learn songs quickly is amazing! He really enjoys singing! Tiger has improved a bit in reading, as he is remembering to follow along with his fingers and not stopping in between a sentence. Also, Tiger is a great drawer!
Richard paid attention well in class this week. For workbook questions, he needs to read directions carefully and look for answers in the book in detail. He needs to improve on his sentence structures and should read out loud the sentence to see if it makes sense. Richard need to be studying vocabulary words everyday (for the pop quiz, he didn't know most of the words).
FUN DAY: Arts and Crafts! We'll be doing some fabric drawings! =D
Teacher Connie
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Week 10
This week in Class A we read the story "Just a Dream". It is a story about a boy who goes on a journey in his dream to the future. He sees how the world is affected by environmental pollution and realizes that he must take better care of the world now in order for a better tomorrow.
In Class B, the class read "Baseball Saved Us" with Teacher Brendon. They learned about some baseball terminology as well.
In Science we moved quickly and did 2 chapters, "Animals with Backbones" and "Animals Without Backbones". The students were able to catch on quickly, even though we moved at a faster pace. We also did the corresponding workbooks. Next week we will have a Chapter 3 Science test! Please remind the kids to prepare for that!
We also introduced new vocabulary and sang a new song called "Scream" - by Boa. This song had a lot of vocabulary that the students did not understand so we went over them as well. As I've reminded the students before, singing song is fun, but we are also trying to learn from the lyrics and practice our speech - so please practice at home as well~!
This week we had our vocabulary test (week 9 and 10) and I was very impressed! Many students exceeded their previous scores!! Study makes a difference and that was very apparent this week. Good job Transformers!
For fun day we had our science experiments. I taught the students how to poke toothpicks into balloons without popping it! They should be able to explain to you why! ;)
Individual Comments:
Class A:
Belinda got 97% on her vocabulary test this week!!! I am soo proud and so is she!! She is definitely one of the most improved in the class. Both her sincerity and study skills have gotten better - it really shows in her work. One thing to improve on is to watch the grammar mistakes that I have repeatedly told the class not to make!
Livia was absent for 2 classes this week. I hope she's feeling better!! She will be taking her vocabulary test and science test next week!!
Ryan has improved on "following directions more promptly". He is quite a funny character! He knows what he needs to improve on ;). Ryan's handwriting is still a mess! I've gotten him to rewrite many times in class. His "a, d, and u" are the worst. As usual, Ryan's comprehension skills and participation are excellent.
Jay really needs to improve his confidence and motivation levels. For awhile, he was doing really great and I could see that he was trying. This week, he just said that he didn't study vocabulary and kind of gave up on trying. This is something Jay really, really needs to improve on.
Class B:
Richard worked efficiently and fast this week. Overall, he's been improving over the weeks. One thing he needs to do is to not stray from the class topic. Often times, he would make jokes at the wrong moment and not take my words seriously. Richard's reading has improved, but still needs to read a bit more smoothly
Sydney did great on the vocabulary test this week. She is great at making sentences and comprehending new materials. When she concentrates, it is marvelous what she can accomplish. Sydney is a great efficient student! Sydney needs to practice reading louder.
Tiger is a hard worker and has given great, consistent work! He asks questions when he doesn't understand and is keen to learn. He is the most enthusiastic about learning the songs and lyrics. I am very happy with Tiger's performance in class.
Brian continues to impress me with how bright he is. He pays good attention and is a hard worker. Teacher Brendon commented on how much Brian knows about Baseball! Brian got great on his vocabulary test as well. I have no worries for Brian.
*I was very proud of Class B for being extra good in Teacher Brendon's class. I got many compliments about them. Good job guys! :D
Teacher Connie
In Class B, the class read "Baseball Saved Us" with Teacher Brendon. They learned about some baseball terminology as well.
In Science we moved quickly and did 2 chapters, "Animals with Backbones" and "Animals Without Backbones". The students were able to catch on quickly, even though we moved at a faster pace. We also did the corresponding workbooks. Next week we will have a Chapter 3 Science test! Please remind the kids to prepare for that!
We also introduced new vocabulary and sang a new song called "Scream" - by Boa. This song had a lot of vocabulary that the students did not understand so we went over them as well. As I've reminded the students before, singing song is fun, but we are also trying to learn from the lyrics and practice our speech - so please practice at home as well~!
This week we had our vocabulary test (week 9 and 10) and I was very impressed! Many students exceeded their previous scores!! Study makes a difference and that was very apparent this week. Good job Transformers!
For fun day we had our science experiments. I taught the students how to poke toothpicks into balloons without popping it! They should be able to explain to you why! ;)
Individual Comments:
Class A:
Belinda got 97% on her vocabulary test this week!!! I am soo proud and so is she!! She is definitely one of the most improved in the class. Both her sincerity and study skills have gotten better - it really shows in her work. One thing to improve on is to watch the grammar mistakes that I have repeatedly told the class not to make!
Livia was absent for 2 classes this week. I hope she's feeling better!! She will be taking her vocabulary test and science test next week!!
Ryan has improved on "following directions more promptly". He is quite a funny character! He knows what he needs to improve on ;). Ryan's handwriting is still a mess! I've gotten him to rewrite many times in class. His "a, d, and u" are the worst. As usual, Ryan's comprehension skills and participation are excellent.
Jay really needs to improve his confidence and motivation levels. For awhile, he was doing really great and I could see that he was trying. This week, he just said that he didn't study vocabulary and kind of gave up on trying. This is something Jay really, really needs to improve on.
Class B:
Richard worked efficiently and fast this week. Overall, he's been improving over the weeks. One thing he needs to do is to not stray from the class topic. Often times, he would make jokes at the wrong moment and not take my words seriously. Richard's reading has improved, but still needs to read a bit more smoothly
Sydney did great on the vocabulary test this week. She is great at making sentences and comprehending new materials. When she concentrates, it is marvelous what she can accomplish. Sydney is a great efficient student! Sydney needs to practice reading louder.
Tiger is a hard worker and has given great, consistent work! He asks questions when he doesn't understand and is keen to learn. He is the most enthusiastic about learning the songs and lyrics. I am very happy with Tiger's performance in class.
Brian continues to impress me with how bright he is. He pays good attention and is a hard worker. Teacher Brendon commented on how much Brian knows about Baseball! Brian got great on his vocabulary test as well. I have no worries for Brian.
*I was very proud of Class B for being extra good in Teacher Brendon's class. I got many compliments about them. Good job guys! :D
Teacher Connie
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