It is hard to believe that the school year is already half over, and that we begin the year 2013 in such a short time. The year has really flown by so far.
Here is a look at our week ahead:
In Math on Monday, we will review for our test on Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday will be used to review concepts that we have already covered, rather than begin a new unit right before break.
In Social Studies, we will finish our chapter on Missouri's economy on Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday will be study guide and review days. Thursday will be our chapter test.
In Reading, we will focus on fact and opinion, following directions, summarizing, and reading poetry. All of these activities will be focused on different winter aspects.
In English Language Arts, students will apply their skills they learned last week with figurative language by creating a four poems to go into a poetry book that we will finish up later in the year. The poems we will be working on this week are Cinquain, 5 Senses, Haiku, and the 5 W's poem. Students will use these poems to work through the drafting process.
Friday is a half day that is rather packed. At 8:30, we will have our monthly character assembly. At 9:30, our winter parties begin. We will have lunch at 11:10, and dismiss at 12:00.
Grades and AR points are due on December 21. Grade Cards will be sent home on January 8, the student's first day back.
I hope that all of you enjoy a much needed break, and that you and your families have a Blessed and merry Christmas and new year.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
December 10- 14
Wow! It is cold outside! I suppose winter is making its appearance. We did not go outside today because of the cool temperatures, but keep in mind that we will go out if it is above freezing. Dress your children accordingly. My policy is, if your parents sent you to school in it, you must wear it outside.
In Math this week, we will divide by one-digit numbers, discussing the remainder, and having zeros in division answers. Continue practicing those multiplication facts.
This week, we will get back into Social Studies. We will be discussing Missouri's economy and work industry. We will have several assignments and a test next week.
In Reading, we will be discussing myths using several stories, and compare and contrasting each of the myths.
In English Language Arts, we will be discussing Figurative Language. Among the types of Figurative Language we will be learning about are, similes, metaphors, idioms, adages, and proverbs. We will be identifying the different types and discussing their meanings. Next week, we will be applying these skills in several forms of poetry. Our writing strategy for the week is a "Poetry Pass". We will study several types of poetry and make comments on each poem to discuss the writer's style.
As a reminder, the students 10 AR points are due on Friday, December 21. Have a great week!
In Math this week, we will divide by one-digit numbers, discussing the remainder, and having zeros in division answers. Continue practicing those multiplication facts.
This week, we will get back into Social Studies. We will be discussing Missouri's economy and work industry. We will have several assignments and a test next week.
In Reading, we will be discussing myths using several stories, and compare and contrasting each of the myths.
In English Language Arts, we will be discussing Figurative Language. Among the types of Figurative Language we will be learning about are, similes, metaphors, idioms, adages, and proverbs. We will be identifying the different types and discussing their meanings. Next week, we will be applying these skills in several forms of poetry. Our writing strategy for the week is a "Poetry Pass". We will study several types of poetry and make comments on each poem to discuss the writer's style.
As a reminder, the students 10 AR points are due on Friday, December 21. Have a great week!
Monday, December 3, 2012
December 3- 7
It is hard to believe that December is already here! This is a busy month, so I will try to keep this site as up-to-date as possible.
Here is a look at our week ahead:
In Science, we will be comparing and contrasting our school's ecosystem from dates earlier in the year. We will also take a closer look at birds that are commonly found in Missouri. We will complete a short research project throughout the week. On Friday, we will have a quiz over the Unit Two activities we have conducted.
In Math, we will be looking at multi-step problems on Monday. On Tuesday, we will prepare for our test that will be on Wednesday. As a reminder, we will be taking and grading the 5 minute multiplication fact test. Please study at home with your child if this is still a challenge for them to complete. On Thursday and Friday, we will explore division.
In Reading, we will be focusing on non-fiction text features, To do this, we will compare and contrast fiction to non-fiction. We will work on predicting non-fiction, as well. We will play some review games to check for understanding. We will also look at non-fiction to apply our new skills.
In English Language Arts, we will be studying subject-verb agreement, and irregular verb forms. We will also take a closer look at adding suffixes to verbs. Our writing strategy for the week will be to write from different genres. To do this, students will need to think about their purpose as authors and what each genre of writing has in it to try and mimic it. for example, they may be asked to write something that happened to them over the weekend as a fairy tale, or a newspaper article. They may write, "Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess who went to a basketball game. She dribbled down the royal court and shot a knightly layup." The twist this week is that the students will be asked to continue writing their brain dump and switch the genre as they write. It should be fun and promote thinking about author's purpose.
Here is a look at our week ahead:
In Science, we will be comparing and contrasting our school's ecosystem from dates earlier in the year. We will also take a closer look at birds that are commonly found in Missouri. We will complete a short research project throughout the week. On Friday, we will have a quiz over the Unit Two activities we have conducted.
In Math, we will be looking at multi-step problems on Monday. On Tuesday, we will prepare for our test that will be on Wednesday. As a reminder, we will be taking and grading the 5 minute multiplication fact test. Please study at home with your child if this is still a challenge for them to complete. On Thursday and Friday, we will explore division.
In Reading, we will be focusing on non-fiction text features, To do this, we will compare and contrast fiction to non-fiction. We will work on predicting non-fiction, as well. We will play some review games to check for understanding. We will also look at non-fiction to apply our new skills.
In English Language Arts, we will be studying subject-verb agreement, and irregular verb forms. We will also take a closer look at adding suffixes to verbs. Our writing strategy for the week will be to write from different genres. To do this, students will need to think about their purpose as authors and what each genre of writing has in it to try and mimic it. for example, they may be asked to write something that happened to them over the weekend as a fairy tale, or a newspaper article. They may write, "Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess who went to a basketball game. She dribbled down the royal court and shot a knightly layup." The twist this week is that the students will be asked to continue writing their brain dump and switch the genre as they write. It should be fun and promote thinking about author's purpose.
Monday, November 26, 2012
November 26- 30
Happy Monday! I trust that all of you had a blessed Thanksgiving, and enjoyed time with family and friends.
Here is a look at the week ahead:
In Math, we will continue looking at multiplication. On Monday, we will focus on patterns in multiplication. Tuesday we will look at multiples of 10. Wednesday and Thursday we will begin multiplying two-digit by two-digit numbers. This concept will require fluency in basic facts. If your son or daughter struggles with these, please continue practicing basic fact recognition at home. Constant practice is one of the best ways to improve fact recognition.
In Science, we will focus in our ecosystems and taking a deeper look at them, and preparing for our Eagle Days Field Trip that will be on Friday.
In Reading, our concepts we will focus on are Main Idea and Details, Author's Purpose, and Flashbacks. To practice these concepts, we will be using the story Finding the Titanic which is in our Reading book.
In English Language Arts, we will focus on verb tenses/ On Monday, we will focus on present tense. Tuesday we will focus on past tense, and Wednesday we will focus on future tense. As a strategy, we will look at writing using different genres to help focus in on an author's purpose.
As a reminder, our field trip is on Friday. We will leave right after the bell (around 8:00 or 8:05), so please ensure that your child is here on time that day. Your child will need to bring a sack lunch with a drink that has a lid. Please ensure that your child is dressed appropriately. We will be walking a lot, and the weather looks to be rather cool. If your child has not yet turned in their permission slip, please make sure it is turned in promptly.
Here is a look at the week ahead:
In Math, we will continue looking at multiplication. On Monday, we will focus on patterns in multiplication. Tuesday we will look at multiples of 10. Wednesday and Thursday we will begin multiplying two-digit by two-digit numbers. This concept will require fluency in basic facts. If your son or daughter struggles with these, please continue practicing basic fact recognition at home. Constant practice is one of the best ways to improve fact recognition.
In Science, we will focus in our ecosystems and taking a deeper look at them, and preparing for our Eagle Days Field Trip that will be on Friday.
In Reading, our concepts we will focus on are Main Idea and Details, Author's Purpose, and Flashbacks. To practice these concepts, we will be using the story Finding the Titanic which is in our Reading book.
In English Language Arts, we will focus on verb tenses/ On Monday, we will focus on present tense. Tuesday we will focus on past tense, and Wednesday we will focus on future tense. As a strategy, we will look at writing using different genres to help focus in on an author's purpose.
As a reminder, our field trip is on Friday. We will leave right after the bell (around 8:00 or 8:05), so please ensure that your child is here on time that day. Your child will need to bring a sack lunch with a drink that has a lid. Please ensure that your child is dressed appropriately. We will be walking a lot, and the weather looks to be rather cool. If your child has not yet turned in their permission slip, please make sure it is turned in promptly.
Monday, November 19, 2012
November 19-20
Happy Thanksgiving!! I hope all of you enjoy your long weekend. Here is a look at our short week.
In Science, we will be looking at the living and non-living things in pond, forest, and prairie ecosystems.
In Math, we will review and have a test on Tuesday.
In Language Arts, we voted on our persuasive color papers and the winner is... BLUE! Our class was persuaded by the blue papers! Way to go Blues! We will publish and hang our drafts in the hallway. Encourage your child to wear as much blue as possible on Tuesday!
In Reading, we will look at chapter three of the Fairy-Tale Detectives and complete various comprehension activities.
No Spelling this week due to the short week.
Progress Reports went home today.
Have a blessed holiday weekend!
In Science, we will be looking at the living and non-living things in pond, forest, and prairie ecosystems.
In Math, we will review and have a test on Tuesday.
In Language Arts, we voted on our persuasive color papers and the winner is... BLUE! Our class was persuaded by the blue papers! Way to go Blues! We will publish and hang our drafts in the hallway. Encourage your child to wear as much blue as possible on Tuesday!
In Reading, we will look at chapter three of the Fairy-Tale Detectives and complete various comprehension activities.
No Spelling this week due to the short week.
Progress Reports went home today.
Have a blessed holiday weekend!
Monday, November 12, 2012
November 12- 16
Happy fall! I hope that all of you had a great weekend, even though we experienced our first taste of fall weather this Sunday! On that note, please be sure and make sure that your child is dressed appropriately for recess. We will go outside unless it is raining or snowing! BRRRRRRRRRRR!
This week in Math, we have a test scheduled over multiplication using two digit by one digit numbers, and estimation. Students can work through the review on page 215 to study for the test. Again, practicing and knowing our multiplication facts are essential the further we get into our school year. We will begin grading and recording the 100 fact tests, as well. After the test, we will continue multiplying bigger numbers, and work with problem solving using patterns.
In Science, we will continue our unit in conservation looking into organisms, populations, communities, living and non-living things, and ecosystems. Most of these activities we go outside and observe the ecosystem around us.
In Reading this week, we will continue using our Fab 5 with their independent reading book. Again, this is just a 5 sentence summary. The only catch is that the summary can only, and must be 5 sentences. We will complete Fab 5 every time we begin reading to refresh our memories over what they have read. We will evaluate our Reader's Notebook entries today and have the students notice any trends in their responses, as well more guided questions. We will be reading The Cranky Bear as a class, and evaluating comprehension and character analysis.
In Language Arts, students will begin and finish a short research project through next Tuesday. Students will focus on how to take double column notes, looking at main idea and details. Each student will be researching facts about a certain color, that will be chosen by taking a personality test. The students will then develop an opinion piece about their color using at least three facts as to why students should choose their color. We will present our papers and vote on the most persuasive color on Monday, November 19, and wear the chosen color on Tuesday, November 20. Short research projects and argumentative or persuasive writing are a big push in the new teaching standards. Be looking for more of those.
In Spelling, we will begin using cross-curricular lists. This will hopefully promote a better understanding of the words and concepts in the other areas of the curriculum. This weeks words focus on math.
This week in Math, we have a test scheduled over multiplication using two digit by one digit numbers, and estimation. Students can work through the review on page 215 to study for the test. Again, practicing and knowing our multiplication facts are essential the further we get into our school year. We will begin grading and recording the 100 fact tests, as well. After the test, we will continue multiplying bigger numbers, and work with problem solving using patterns.
In Science, we will continue our unit in conservation looking into organisms, populations, communities, living and non-living things, and ecosystems. Most of these activities we go outside and observe the ecosystem around us.
In Reading this week, we will continue using our Fab 5 with their independent reading book. Again, this is just a 5 sentence summary. The only catch is that the summary can only, and must be 5 sentences. We will complete Fab 5 every time we begin reading to refresh our memories over what they have read. We will evaluate our Reader's Notebook entries today and have the students notice any trends in their responses, as well more guided questions. We will be reading The Cranky Bear as a class, and evaluating comprehension and character analysis.
In Language Arts, students will begin and finish a short research project through next Tuesday. Students will focus on how to take double column notes, looking at main idea and details. Each student will be researching facts about a certain color, that will be chosen by taking a personality test. The students will then develop an opinion piece about their color using at least three facts as to why students should choose their color. We will present our papers and vote on the most persuasive color on Monday, November 19, and wear the chosen color on Tuesday, November 20. Short research projects and argumentative or persuasive writing are a big push in the new teaching standards. Be looking for more of those.
In Spelling, we will begin using cross-curricular lists. This will hopefully promote a better understanding of the words and concepts in the other areas of the curriculum. This weeks words focus on math.
Monday, November 5, 2012
November 5- 9
I hope that all of you enjoyed earning a much needed extra hour this weekend! It is hard to believe that November is already here.
This week in Math, we will begin taking multiplication to a new level. We will start with 2 digit by 1 digit multiplying, and move on to estimating products. We will also look into the associative property of multiplication. By Friday, we will start preparing for the next test, which will be next week. As you can tell, multiplication is still a large part of our studies, and additional work is still needed for some students. check out the websites on the sidebar to help your child practice math facts in a fun way at home!
In Science this week, we will begin our unit in Conservation. So far, the students seem to be very excited about this hands-on approach to learning about nature in Missouri. Our Spelling list actually comes from our first lesson in the conservation unit!
In Reading, we will work on locating the difference between fact and opinion in statements given. Our goal this week is also to help students to learn summarizing techniques. For example, we will introduce the Fab 5 to assist with summary writing. This strategy asks students to retell what they have read, but they must, and can only use 5 sentences. This encourages deeper thinking for those who choose to state only the bare minimum, as well as curbs some of our wordier writers! We will then move on to the 5 questions every summary must answer. Who? Wants what? But? (What happened, or gets in the way? Aka- The problem) So? (What does the character do to solve the problem?) Then? (How does it end? How is the problem solved?) Every summary will need to answer these important questions to be considered complete. We will use shorter stories that we have read earlier in the year, or that may be new to practice these strategies for summarizing.
English Language Arts piggy backs Reading. We will be working on Opinion Writing pieces. We will discuss what is important to students as individuals, to promote their feelings to show through in their writing. If it is not important to them, how can they persuade others to agree or disagree? We will be using the election, and TV commercials to help introduce the theory of persuasion. Students will be asked to write using three reasons, why they might make a good class president after reading the story Grace for President. We will also have a prompt at the end of the week that should promote strong opinion! Look for a note later in the week about this prompt! Opinion writing can be a tough task for students at this age, even if they are very argumentative by nature! The catch for most writer's is the usage of evidence or facts to back up their writing. Encourage your child to argue, but only if they can back it up with three strong facts! :)
As always, have a great week. Contact me with any questions or concerns.
This week in Math, we will begin taking multiplication to a new level. We will start with 2 digit by 1 digit multiplying, and move on to estimating products. We will also look into the associative property of multiplication. By Friday, we will start preparing for the next test, which will be next week. As you can tell, multiplication is still a large part of our studies, and additional work is still needed for some students. check out the websites on the sidebar to help your child practice math facts in a fun way at home!
In Science this week, we will begin our unit in Conservation. So far, the students seem to be very excited about this hands-on approach to learning about nature in Missouri. Our Spelling list actually comes from our first lesson in the conservation unit!
In Reading, we will work on locating the difference between fact and opinion in statements given. Our goal this week is also to help students to learn summarizing techniques. For example, we will introduce the Fab 5 to assist with summary writing. This strategy asks students to retell what they have read, but they must, and can only use 5 sentences. This encourages deeper thinking for those who choose to state only the bare minimum, as well as curbs some of our wordier writers! We will then move on to the 5 questions every summary must answer. Who? Wants what? But? (What happened, or gets in the way? Aka- The problem) So? (What does the character do to solve the problem?) Then? (How does it end? How is the problem solved?) Every summary will need to answer these important questions to be considered complete. We will use shorter stories that we have read earlier in the year, or that may be new to practice these strategies for summarizing.
English Language Arts piggy backs Reading. We will be working on Opinion Writing pieces. We will discuss what is important to students as individuals, to promote their feelings to show through in their writing. If it is not important to them, how can they persuade others to agree or disagree? We will be using the election, and TV commercials to help introduce the theory of persuasion. Students will be asked to write using three reasons, why they might make a good class president after reading the story Grace for President. We will also have a prompt at the end of the week that should promote strong opinion! Look for a note later in the week about this prompt! Opinion writing can be a tough task for students at this age, even if they are very argumentative by nature! The catch for most writer's is the usage of evidence or facts to back up their writing. Encourage your child to argue, but only if they can back it up with three strong facts! :)
As always, have a great week. Contact me with any questions or concerns.
Monday, October 29, 2012
October 29- November 2
Happy Monday! I hope that all of you enjoyed a nice, long weekend.
This week in Math we will be studying missing factors (and fact families to help us with this), problem solving while working backwards, and expressions and equations. We will review for our test on Thursday, and test this unit of division and problem solving on Friday.
In Social Studies, we will continue our unit on government. This week, we will discuss local and state governments. We will work on our study guide on Tuesday, and test on Thursday. We do understand that the test falls the day after Halloween, which is a busty evening for everyone. That is why the review goes out on Tuesday, and we will review in class again on Wednesday.
In Science, we will begin our conservation unit on Friday with a pretest.
In English Language Arts, we will study relative pronouns and adverbs. These words include: who, whose, whom, which, that, where, when, and why. Our Writing Strategy for the week encourages choosing powerful, meaningful words. Our strategy is called 3-for-3. Students will have a prompt word and will write three word phrases about that word for three minutes. We will expand the strategy later in the week to a 4-for-4.
In Reading, we will work with students on finding the joy of rereading a passage to find clues that we may have missing the first time around. We will work on this strategy using Chapter 2 of the book The Sisters Grimm: Fairy Tale Detectives. Our strategy for the week is finding the theme.
This week in Math we will be studying missing factors (and fact families to help us with this), problem solving while working backwards, and expressions and equations. We will review for our test on Thursday, and test this unit of division and problem solving on Friday.
In Social Studies, we will continue our unit on government. This week, we will discuss local and state governments. We will work on our study guide on Tuesday, and test on Thursday. We do understand that the test falls the day after Halloween, which is a busty evening for everyone. That is why the review goes out on Tuesday, and we will review in class again on Wednesday.
In Science, we will begin our conservation unit on Friday with a pretest.
In English Language Arts, we will study relative pronouns and adverbs. These words include: who, whose, whom, which, that, where, when, and why. Our Writing Strategy for the week encourages choosing powerful, meaningful words. Our strategy is called 3-for-3. Students will have a prompt word and will write three word phrases about that word for three minutes. We will expand the strategy later in the week to a 4-for-4.
In Reading, we will work with students on finding the joy of rereading a passage to find clues that we may have missing the first time around. We will work on this strategy using Chapter 2 of the book The Sisters Grimm: Fairy Tale Detectives. Our strategy for the week is finding the theme.
Monday, October 22, 2012
October 23-25
It is conference week! It is hard to believe that we are already finished with the first quarter! I look forward to meeting with all of you this week.
In this short week, we will be working on editing, revising and publishing our Fictional Narratives. We will have class time to work on publishing our final draft, but the students are responsible for having their final drafts turned in by Monday. They should be finished by Wednesday, but they have until Monday if they take a little longer at writing!
In Reading, we will work on a strategy called "Leaning In". In this strategy, we will focus on a certain part, or sentence and "lean in" a little closer to see what they author may trying to be telling us without actually saying it. We will demonstrate this strategy with the book The Sisters Grimm: Fairy-Tale Detectives by Micheal Buckley.
In Math, we will begin division. We will start this week with dividing numbers into equal groups. We will continue our work with multiplication, so please encourage practicing your facts from home.
In Social Studies, our class will begin work with the government. We look at our three branches on national, state, and local levels.
Have a nice and enjoyable long weekend!
In this short week, we will be working on editing, revising and publishing our Fictional Narratives. We will have class time to work on publishing our final draft, but the students are responsible for having their final drafts turned in by Monday. They should be finished by Wednesday, but they have until Monday if they take a little longer at writing!
In Reading, we will work on a strategy called "Leaning In". In this strategy, we will focus on a certain part, or sentence and "lean in" a little closer to see what they author may trying to be telling us without actually saying it. We will demonstrate this strategy with the book The Sisters Grimm: Fairy-Tale Detectives by Micheal Buckley.
In Math, we will begin division. We will start this week with dividing numbers into equal groups. We will continue our work with multiplication, so please encourage practicing your facts from home.
In Social Studies, our class will begin work with the government. We look at our three branches on national, state, and local levels.
Have a nice and enjoyable long weekend!
Monday, October 15, 2012
October 15-19
In Writing, we will begin working on our fictional narratives. We will use a mentor text to demonstrate the different steps of the Writing Process. As a strategy, we will be taking a look at "Grabber Leads" from other texts as we try to mimic them in our writing. We will also focus on transition words to showing moving from one part of a text to another.
In Reading, we will continue our book study of Bunnicula. We will continue this using our Literature Circles, as well as sticky notes and Think Marks. I have encouraged the students to use these tools in their independent reading books, as well.
In Math, students will continue their study in multiplication. We will focus on solving word problems, and the key words that lead us to understand we need to multiply. We will also hit on square numbers. We will get ready, and have a test on Friday.
We will continue focusing on Main Idea and Details in RTI this week, and assess on Friday.
In Reading, we will continue our book study of Bunnicula. We will continue this using our Literature Circles, as well as sticky notes and Think Marks. I have encouraged the students to use these tools in their independent reading books, as well.
In Math, students will continue their study in multiplication. We will focus on solving word problems, and the key words that lead us to understand we need to multiply. We will also hit on square numbers. We will get ready, and have a test on Friday.
We will continue focusing on Main Idea and Details in RTI this week, and assess on Friday.
Monday, October 8, 2012
October 8- 12
Happy Monday! I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend, and that you stayed warm!
This week in class, we will be studying the following things:
In Social Studies, we will have a test on Tuesday. Monday will be focused on studying for the test. In Science, we will finish our unit up with deposition and mountain building. At the end of the week, we will work on a study guide to prepare for the first test, which will be on Monday, October 15.
In Math, we will begin our study of multiplication. It is important to encourage your children to study their facts at home, to help sharpen their skills. We will be graphing our daily progress on our fact tests, and we will hopefully see an improvement.
In English Language Arts, we will be focusing on quotation marks, and the punctuation needed. We will do this in a variety of ways in the classroom, including using comic strips. In reading, students will be focusing on thinking while reading, using think marks, and sticky notes. We will also begin studying the book Bunnicula in small groups.
As always, let me know if you have any questions or concerns!
This week in class, we will be studying the following things:
In Social Studies, we will have a test on Tuesday. Monday will be focused on studying for the test. In Science, we will finish our unit up with deposition and mountain building. At the end of the week, we will work on a study guide to prepare for the first test, which will be on Monday, October 15.
In Math, we will begin our study of multiplication. It is important to encourage your children to study their facts at home, to help sharpen their skills. We will be graphing our daily progress on our fact tests, and we will hopefully see an improvement.
In English Language Arts, we will be focusing on quotation marks, and the punctuation needed. We will do this in a variety of ways in the classroom, including using comic strips. In reading, students will be focusing on thinking while reading, using think marks, and sticky notes. We will also begin studying the book Bunnicula in small groups.
As always, let me know if you have any questions or concerns!
Monday, October 1, 2012
October 1-5
I can't believe it is already October! Time seems to be flying by! Here is a look at our week in class.
In Math, we will apply our skills using line plots by creating a survey for all fourth graders, and then plotting the information in a line plot. On Tuesday, we will review concepts and then we will have a test on Wednesday. By the end of the week, we will be covering different types of graphs.
In both Social Studies and Science, we will be preparing for a test. In Science, we will complete our study of rapid surface changes by reviewing landslides. Then, we will move on to study slow surface changes, such as weathering and erosion, with an investigation. You may mention to your child to bring home their packet and begin studying the material. In Social Studies, we will be discussing climates and resources specific to our state. We will begin reviewing material covered, and we will have a test next Tuesday. Students also have a packet of all material covered during this unit that they are encouraged to take home and begin studying.
In Reading, we will be launching our "Reader's Notebook". This will tie in closely with our "Writer's Notebook". The purpose in both notebooks is to encourage students to mimic good writing that they see in their reading, and also to develop life-long readers through strategies, and deeper thinking. In our Grammar mini-lessons for the week, we will cover conjunctions, the differences between adjectives and adverbs, noticing all parts of speech in our writing, and when to capitalize. Students will be introduced to a new writing strategy known as "Writing from a Word". This strategy helps to build writing stamina, and creativity.
Some notes for October: October 17 is the end of the first quarter. This date is when students should be at 10 AR points. Most students are progressing nicely to this goal. Let me know if you are curious about your child's point total.
In Math, we will apply our skills using line plots by creating a survey for all fourth graders, and then plotting the information in a line plot. On Tuesday, we will review concepts and then we will have a test on Wednesday. By the end of the week, we will be covering different types of graphs.
In both Social Studies and Science, we will be preparing for a test. In Science, we will complete our study of rapid surface changes by reviewing landslides. Then, we will move on to study slow surface changes, such as weathering and erosion, with an investigation. You may mention to your child to bring home their packet and begin studying the material. In Social Studies, we will be discussing climates and resources specific to our state. We will begin reviewing material covered, and we will have a test next Tuesday. Students also have a packet of all material covered during this unit that they are encouraged to take home and begin studying.
In Reading, we will be launching our "Reader's Notebook". This will tie in closely with our "Writer's Notebook". The purpose in both notebooks is to encourage students to mimic good writing that they see in their reading, and also to develop life-long readers through strategies, and deeper thinking. In our Grammar mini-lessons for the week, we will cover conjunctions, the differences between adjectives and adverbs, noticing all parts of speech in our writing, and when to capitalize. Students will be introduced to a new writing strategy known as "Writing from a Word". This strategy helps to build writing stamina, and creativity.
Some notes for October: October 17 is the end of the first quarter. This date is when students should be at 10 AR points. Most students are progressing nicely to this goal. Let me know if you are curious about your child's point total.
Monday, September 24, 2012
September 24-28
Happy Monday!
Our week looks like this:
In Science, we are studying how rapid changes affect the Earth's surface with an experiment, as well as some book review.
This week in Social Studies, we will discuss and apply information about Latitude and Longitude.
In Math this week, the students will review time and elapsed time (so don't worry if your child may be struggling with this concept!). We will also begin studies on Range, Median, and Mode.
In English Language Arts, we will continue our study on Sarah, Plain and Tall. We will finish the book this week, and have a literature discussion using our Literature Circle packets as a guide. Our mini-lessons in writing will be continuing our focus on the parts of speech. This week we will continue with pronouns, adverbs, and conjunctions. Our writing strategy will focus on observations, and using our 5 senses as writers. You may ask your child where we observed each day! We have five fun locations that should spark interesting observations!
As always, I appreciate your support in your child's education. We can work together to make this a successful year for your child.
Our week looks like this:
In Science, we are studying how rapid changes affect the Earth's surface with an experiment, as well as some book review.
This week in Social Studies, we will discuss and apply information about Latitude and Longitude.
In Math this week, the students will review time and elapsed time (so don't worry if your child may be struggling with this concept!). We will also begin studies on Range, Median, and Mode.
In English Language Arts, we will continue our study on Sarah, Plain and Tall. We will finish the book this week, and have a literature discussion using our Literature Circle packets as a guide. Our mini-lessons in writing will be continuing our focus on the parts of speech. This week we will continue with pronouns, adverbs, and conjunctions. Our writing strategy will focus on observations, and using our 5 senses as writers. You may ask your child where we observed each day! We have five fun locations that should spark interesting observations!
As always, I appreciate your support in your child's education. We can work together to make this a successful year for your child.
Monday, September 17, 2012
September 17-21
I trust that everyone had a great Homecoming weekend, despite that turnout of the game! The weather was great, as an upside!
This week looks pretty productive. Here is a look at what we will be doing.
In English Language Arts, we are beginning our review and study of the parts of speech. We will use various forms of literature to illustrate that these ordinary words are in extraordinary writing! In particular, we will be looking at nouns, verbs, and adjectives. In our Writer's Notebooks, we will have a new strategy to improve our writing. This week's strategy is called "Writing off of Literature". We will read several short stories to hopefully prompt student responses. We will begin reading the chapter book, Sarah, Plain and Tall; a most-loved historical fiction tale written by Patricia MacLachlan. We will be using the text to launch our Literature Circles. Literature Circles are a type of book study. Each student will be assigned a "job" to complete over the assigned reading. The Literature Circle will then meet and use their "jobs" to prompt discussion.
In Math, we will be covering time, elapsed time, and reading calendars. All of these can be difficult for students. Please look for these homework assignments to aid your child with any questions they may have outside of the classroom. On a side note, all students have a Math Notebook that they take notes in and have practice problems in from class instructions. These are separated into Math's "Domains" in accordance with the new Common Core curriculum. The students are instructed to take these home to assist with any homework questions. If you have not yet seen this notebook, you may ask your child about it.
In Social Studies, we are focusing on Missouri's 5 regions this week. The class has been divided into 5 groups of 3 students, and each have been assigned a region to present to the class. The groups will be working on these on Wednesday, and presenting on Friday. (Today they formed their plan of attack!)
Science this week will be a review of the concepts covered so far.
In RTI this week, we will finish up our work with Drawing Conclusions in fiction and nonfiction, wrapping it up with an assessment on Friday.
Look for Progress Reports in tomorrow's take-home pile!
As always, I appreciate all that you do!
This week looks pretty productive. Here is a look at what we will be doing.
In English Language Arts, we are beginning our review and study of the parts of speech. We will use various forms of literature to illustrate that these ordinary words are in extraordinary writing! In particular, we will be looking at nouns, verbs, and adjectives. In our Writer's Notebooks, we will have a new strategy to improve our writing. This week's strategy is called "Writing off of Literature". We will read several short stories to hopefully prompt student responses. We will begin reading the chapter book, Sarah, Plain and Tall; a most-loved historical fiction tale written by Patricia MacLachlan. We will be using the text to launch our Literature Circles. Literature Circles are a type of book study. Each student will be assigned a "job" to complete over the assigned reading. The Literature Circle will then meet and use their "jobs" to prompt discussion.
In Math, we will be covering time, elapsed time, and reading calendars. All of these can be difficult for students. Please look for these homework assignments to aid your child with any questions they may have outside of the classroom. On a side note, all students have a Math Notebook that they take notes in and have practice problems in from class instructions. These are separated into Math's "Domains" in accordance with the new Common Core curriculum. The students are instructed to take these home to assist with any homework questions. If you have not yet seen this notebook, you may ask your child about it.
In Social Studies, we are focusing on Missouri's 5 regions this week. The class has been divided into 5 groups of 3 students, and each have been assigned a region to present to the class. The groups will be working on these on Wednesday, and presenting on Friday. (Today they formed their plan of attack!)
Science this week will be a review of the concepts covered so far.
In RTI this week, we will finish up our work with Drawing Conclusions in fiction and nonfiction, wrapping it up with an assessment on Friday.
Look for Progress Reports in tomorrow's take-home pile!
As always, I appreciate all that you do!
Monday, September 10, 2012
September 10-14
In English Language Arts, we will be focusing on reviewing kinds of sentences and then using them in our own writing. In our new Writer's Notebooks, students will try to focus their writing using a new strategy known as the "I wonder..." strategy. Don't all of our minds wander at some time, or another??? To implement this strategy, we will be using picture books that spike our curiosity.
Some weekends can be so short! Happy Monday! I hope that everyone had a great and relaxing weekend. Here is a look of our busy week ahead.
This week in Math, the students will practice skills in estimating sums and differences, and problem solving using equations. We will review and then test these concepts on Friday.
In Science, we will begin our Science Notebooking.
This week in Social Studies, we will finally get to the regions and rivers in Missouri.
This week is also our first week of RTI (Response to Intervention). The fourth grade will focus on students drawing conclusions using different techniques and strategies. We will continue to work on this through next week.
Friday, August 31, 2012
September 4- 7
Finally! I am able to Blog! Now that all of the technology kinks are worked out, I can keep you informed! Sorry for the inability to update this page as I told you I would!
On to business! This coming week in our class, we have lots of things going on. Even with the short week!
In Spelling, we will get a new set of 15 words. The words are commonly misspelled words, like contractions. We will be working on writing these words in both print, and cursive.
In Language Arts and Reading, we will be introducing a "Writer's Notebook". We will use this as a resource throughout the year. We will place all grammar lessons in the back, and all strategy writing in the front.
In Social Studies, we will discuss Missouri's regions and rivers. We will be taking notes throughout the unit in a packet. (The packet is a great resource to study for tests!) This week, the students will also be working in small groups to study and complete a presentation about a region in Missouri.
In Science, we will begin studying rocks and their formations. We will complete a couple of experiments to reinforce these skills.
In Math, we will be addressing properties of addition and subtraction.
Thank you so much for being a supporter of your child's education! You are a huge piece of the educational puzzle!
Please contact me with any questions or concerns. Email is best!
On to business! This coming week in our class, we have lots of things going on. Even with the short week!
In Spelling, we will get a new set of 15 words. The words are commonly misspelled words, like contractions. We will be working on writing these words in both print, and cursive.
In Language Arts and Reading, we will be introducing a "Writer's Notebook". We will use this as a resource throughout the year. We will place all grammar lessons in the back, and all strategy writing in the front.
In Social Studies, we will discuss Missouri's regions and rivers. We will be taking notes throughout the unit in a packet. (The packet is a great resource to study for tests!) This week, the students will also be working in small groups to study and complete a presentation about a region in Missouri.
In Science, we will begin studying rocks and their formations. We will complete a couple of experiments to reinforce these skills.
In Math, we will be addressing properties of addition and subtraction.
Thank you so much for being a supporter of your child's education! You are a huge piece of the educational puzzle!
Please contact me with any questions or concerns. Email is best!
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