Multiply & Divide by Powers of 10

Decimal Place Value

Are you feeling that you would like a bit more review of decimal basics?  Check out this Math Antics video as a fun way to review.


Would you like the review the basics of place value with whole numbers?  Check out this video.

Finding a Theme in Literature

The first video shows you how to find a topic which should be used to find the theme of a story.  Watch the video below to show you how to apply this knowledge to make a statement about the theme of a story.



Now read through this slideshare presentation to learn more about finding the theme.

Multiplying and Dividing Decimals by Powers of 10

This was one of the most amusing ways I've ever seen to teach this.  It had to be posted.
Try out this lesson if you still need help.

Multiplication Review

Watch the video above and try out some online practice.

Geography Introduction

Basic geography terms from Laura Salvador

Fantasy vs. Realistic Fiction

We will be exploring fantasy vs. realistic fiction in class as an introduction to The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.  Please read the following articles to help you understand the differences:

Fantasy vs. Realistic Fiction
Fantasy and Realistic Fiction Prezi
Children's Lit Fantasy
Children's Lit Realistic Fiction
What is the relationship between fantasy and fiction?

Practice Your Multiplication Facts Online

Practice your math facts until you have perfected them.  Try these out:

1.  Math Facts Pro
2.  Math Flashcards from Factmonster
3.  Math Playground
4.  Multiplication.com Games

Please spend at least 15 minutes practicing your math facts.

School Supplies 2016-2017

Here is a handy list of school supplies for the 2016-2017 school year:

1. 3 ring binder
2. Binder paper
3. 5 subject dividers
4. #2 pencils
5. One spiral notebook with at least 70 pages
6. Backpack
7. 2 book covers
8. Red pen

If you are looking to donate items to the class, we could use the following:

1. Graph paper
2. Colored copy paper
3. Kleenex
4. Pencils and binder paper

Welcome Back to School

Congratulations!  You found my teaching blog.  We will use this blog throughout the year for educational purposes.  Your first task is to leave me a comment so that I know you found me.

Check out ideas for books you should read during your free time.

Congratulations to all of my students who completed the Summer Reading Challenge!  I'll get you your certificates this week.  If you have left the school, you should email me your new address.

Summer Reading Challenge 2016 -- It's Not Too Late!

Hello to all of the fabulous readers that have been participating in the Summer Reading Challenge.  It's not too late to squeeze in a book or two before the end of the summer.  As always, leave a comment here with the title and author.

Books that I recommend:

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
The Black Stallion by Walter Farley
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
Honus and Me by Dan Gutman
The BFG by Roald Dahl
Matilda by Roald Dahl
The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snickett
Harry Potter #1 by JK Rowling
From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler by EL Konigsburg
Baseball in April by Gary Soto

The BFG

I just took my daughter to see The BFG today.  It was a decent movie, but I prefer Roald Dahl's book.  If you are looking for something to read for the Summer Reading Challenge, then you should give The BFG a try.

Summertime Field Trips

Don't just participate in the Summer Reading Challenge this year.  You should also educate yourself by trying out a few field trips with your family over the summer.  Try these out:

San Jose:
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
The Tech Museum
San Jose Museum of Art
Discovery Museum

SF Bay Area:
CA Academy of Science
Exploratorium
Oakland Zoo
SF Zoo
Aquarium of the Bay
Lawrence Hall of Science

Summer Reading Challenge 2nd Post -- Library Style

You can double up on the Summer Reading Challenge by participating in the library's program as well.  They offer cool prizes, activities and drawings.

Check it out:
SJ Public Library Summer Reading Challenge
Try a few of their book suggestions.

Don't forget to check your status in my Summer Reading Challenge.  Leave a comment on this post with your name, book title, and author so I can track your progress.

Announcement: THE SUMMER READING CHALLENGE OF 2016 IS HERE!!!

Announcing the Summer Reading Challenge of 2016!!!

Who?  Anyone from our school who likes to read.

What?  Read books over the summer and leave a comment telling me what you read.  A participant will read at least 5 good chapter books this summer.  A champion reader will read at least 10 books this summer.  An elite reader will read 15 or more books.

When?  The Summer Reading Challenge starts June 8 and ends on the first day of school.

Where?  That's the beauty of it.  You can participate from anywhere in the world!  Just leave me a comment for each book you read.

How?  As you complete chapter books this summer, leave a comment with the author and title of the book.  I will update you on the official SUMMER READING CHALLENGE PAGE.  You can track your progress and the progress of your friends too.

Why?  Do you really need to ask this question?  You should participate because reading is awesome!  I will also be recognizing students who participate and read at least 5 books when we return in the fall with award certificates.

Book lists:
American Library Association
Goodreads
Education World 5th Grade
Education World 6th Grade
Imagination Soup 5th Grade