2nd quarter is winding down and we are only a short week and a half from Christmas break! There are so many things to remember to help wrap up a great semester!
Reminders:
*Christmas Concert is tonight at 6:30. Mr. Goodlet would like the students there around 6:20 so we can organize them and have them ready to go at 6:30.
*AR points are Due December 19 (Tests taken after this will go toward 3rd quarter.
*Book projects are due Friday. If your child needs wrapping paper please let us know!
* Holiday mart is this week in the library
*Social Studies test on Wednesday- students may use their packets for part of the test
In reading this week, we wrap up our Best Christmas Pageant Ever discussion. We will continue working on theme and begin studying drama. We will use A Christmas Carol to study drama and theme together. This will be fun as they will get to act the story out and watch the movie during their AR parties next week!
In writing, we will continue working on our Christmas Around the World projects. Students are working on researching, citing sources, and presenting. This is always such a fun project as they learn about how other cultures celebrate Christmas, the teachers always learn something new too!
In math this week, we will study perimeter and area. We will work on this with word problems and also compare the two concepts to each other. We will practice these two skills all week.
In spelling, our list focuses on plurals this week. Our plurals follow the "add -es" rule on this list. The test will be Friday.
In Social studies we will wrap up our unit on The First Missourians. We will have a test on Wednesday over this unit. Then we will begin a quick review of the Scientific Method before break.
Have a great week!
Monday, December 12, 2016
Monday, December 5, 2016
December 5-9
Dear Fourth Grade Parents,
We are drawing near to winter vacation, with only 12 1/2 days to go we are busy getting things done. We are currently reading The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson. It is a very funny story about a family called the Herdman's and their experience of being in a Christmas Pageant for the first time. In writing this week we are starting a new in class project called Christmas Around the World. The students will each get a country from around the world that will research to discover their Christmas traditions, gift giving methods, day that they celebrate, the way that they dress for Christmas and more. The students usually really enjoy this project. Make sure to ask your student what country they are researching. Math is all about patterns this week. We are looking at input and out put tables where the students must follow a math rule to complete a pattern. Then, as we lead up to Christmas break we will be looking at area and perimeter as a review before we start fractions when we return in January. Last, but not least, we are working on a social studies unit currently. The students are learning about Native Americans. We are looking at the things they did when our country was being founded as well as looking at the artifacts they left behind. We are discussing the importance of both primary and secondary sources as well. We are having a great fourth grade year and looking forward to the fun leading us into break. If you have any questions or concerns please contact your students teacher!
Sincerely,
Fourth Grade Teachers
We are drawing near to winter vacation, with only 12 1/2 days to go we are busy getting things done. We are currently reading The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson. It is a very funny story about a family called the Herdman's and their experience of being in a Christmas Pageant for the first time. In writing this week we are starting a new in class project called Christmas Around the World. The students will each get a country from around the world that will research to discover their Christmas traditions, gift giving methods, day that they celebrate, the way that they dress for Christmas and more. The students usually really enjoy this project. Make sure to ask your student what country they are researching. Math is all about patterns this week. We are looking at input and out put tables where the students must follow a math rule to complete a pattern. Then, as we lead up to Christmas break we will be looking at area and perimeter as a review before we start fractions when we return in January. Last, but not least, we are working on a social studies unit currently. The students are learning about Native Americans. We are looking at the things they did when our country was being founded as well as looking at the artifacts they left behind. We are discussing the importance of both primary and secondary sources as well. We are having a great fourth grade year and looking forward to the fun leading us into break. If you have any questions or concerns please contact your students teacher!
Sincerely,
Fourth Grade Teachers
Monday, November 28, 2016
November 28- December 2
Welcome back! We hope you all had a great Thanksgiving break!
This week in reading, we will introduce our new book projects. Please look over these and let us know if you have any questions. We want to reemphasize that you do NOT need to purchase anything for these projects. The items can be things around your house, encourage your child to get creative! We also have wrapping paper at school if you don't have any to use for this project. We will also begin learning about Theme this week in reading. We will practice determining theme in several different contexts with this unit.
In writing this week we will finish up our final drafts of the How To projects. Remember the presentation dates will be December 1st and 2nd (this Thursday and Friday). Your child should have gotten a note about when your child presents. Please help them to remember all the materials they need for their presentation. It also might not be a bad idea to practice at home!
In math we will begin a short unit on patterns. We will review and practice both numeric and non-numeric patters in this unit.
In spelling this week, our words are a review of several of the lists and rules we've studied in the past few weeks. Test Friday!
We will begin a new Social Studies unit this week about The First People of Missouri. The test over this unit is tentatively set for December 12th.
Reminders:
Book project for this month is due December 16th
AR points due December 19th
Have a great week!
This week in reading, we will introduce our new book projects. Please look over these and let us know if you have any questions. We want to reemphasize that you do NOT need to purchase anything for these projects. The items can be things around your house, encourage your child to get creative! We also have wrapping paper at school if you don't have any to use for this project. We will also begin learning about Theme this week in reading. We will practice determining theme in several different contexts with this unit.
In writing this week we will finish up our final drafts of the How To projects. Remember the presentation dates will be December 1st and 2nd (this Thursday and Friday). Your child should have gotten a note about when your child presents. Please help them to remember all the materials they need for their presentation. It also might not be a bad idea to practice at home!
In math we will begin a short unit on patterns. We will review and practice both numeric and non-numeric patters in this unit.
In spelling this week, our words are a review of several of the lists and rules we've studied in the past few weeks. Test Friday!
We will begin a new Social Studies unit this week about The First People of Missouri. The test over this unit is tentatively set for December 12th.
Reminders:
Book project for this month is due December 16th
AR points due December 19th
Have a great week!
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
November 14-18
Reminders:
Book Projects due Wednesday, November 16
1/2 AR points goal is due Friday, November 18
Progress reports will go home next Monday, November 21
Spelling bee (individual classrooms) is Tuesday, November 22 at 1:30
In writing this week, we will begin drafting our "How to" projects and continue working on the trait of Organization in our writing. Please have the notes back with their selected topic by Tuesday, November 16. This note was sent home Friday to explain about the project and help you and your children come up with an idea.
In science this week, we will continue to discuss Ecosystems and the living things/relationships in them. The test for this unit will be next Tuesday, November 22. It will be an open book, open note test.
In math we will continue working on division. We have a test scheduled for next Tuesday, November 22nd. We will do a lot of repetition and reviewing of division this week to prepare for it.
In spelling, our list this week focuses on contractions. The test will be Friday. We will continue on using cursive to practice spelling these words correctly.
In reading this week, we will begin the non-fiction book, Pilgrims. We will use this to study the origin of Thanksgiving as well as work on reading non-fiction text.
Have a great week!
Book Projects due Wednesday, November 16
1/2 AR points goal is due Friday, November 18
Progress reports will go home next Monday, November 21
Spelling bee (individual classrooms) is Tuesday, November 22 at 1:30
In writing this week, we will begin drafting our "How to" projects and continue working on the trait of Organization in our writing. Please have the notes back with their selected topic by Tuesday, November 16. This note was sent home Friday to explain about the project and help you and your children come up with an idea.
In science this week, we will continue to discuss Ecosystems and the living things/relationships in them. The test for this unit will be next Tuesday, November 22. It will be an open book, open note test.
In math we will continue working on division. We have a test scheduled for next Tuesday, November 22nd. We will do a lot of repetition and reviewing of division this week to prepare for it.
In spelling, our list this week focuses on contractions. The test will be Friday. We will continue on using cursive to practice spelling these words correctly.
In reading this week, we will begin the non-fiction book, Pilgrims. We will use this to study the origin of Thanksgiving as well as work on reading non-fiction text.
Have a great week!
Monday, November 7, 2016
November 7-11
Dear Fourth Grade Families,
I hope everyone has their clocks turned back and enjoyed the extra hour this Monday morning. We are headed into a busy week. The students have finished their presidential opinion pieces and we will be voting in the fourth grade tomorrow. The students will create a voter registration card, they will cast their ballot in our voting booth and submit it to our ballot collector. The votes will be tallied and the students will receive the results before they leave tomorrow.
We are still working on division in math, writing and reading we are still looking at opinions and facts as well as using these to compare and contrast topics. In spelling we are on list 10 and will be preparing for the spelling bee on November 22. In science we are looking at living things and matter. Book projects are due Wednesday, November 16. Please check with your child to make sure that their assignment will be ready to be turned in on that day!
Lastly this Friday is Veteran's Day. We will be having a district wide assembly at 9am in the high school gym. This is always a very special occasion where we all come together at Mid-Buchanan to acknowledge and celebrate those that have and are currently serving for our freedom. You are welcome to join us if you would like to.
Sincerely,
Fourth Grade Team
I hope everyone has their clocks turned back and enjoyed the extra hour this Monday morning. We are headed into a busy week. The students have finished their presidential opinion pieces and we will be voting in the fourth grade tomorrow. The students will create a voter registration card, they will cast their ballot in our voting booth and submit it to our ballot collector. The votes will be tallied and the students will receive the results before they leave tomorrow.
We are still working on division in math, writing and reading we are still looking at opinions and facts as well as using these to compare and contrast topics. In spelling we are on list 10 and will be preparing for the spelling bee on November 22. In science we are looking at living things and matter. Book projects are due Wednesday, November 16. Please check with your child to make sure that their assignment will be ready to be turned in on that day!
Lastly this Friday is Veteran's Day. We will be having a district wide assembly at 9am in the high school gym. This is always a very special occasion where we all come together at Mid-Buchanan to acknowledge and celebrate those that have and are currently serving for our freedom. You are welcome to join us if you would like to.
Sincerely,
Fourth Grade Team
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
November 2-4
It's hard to believe it's already November! Let's hope this beautiful weather keeps up!
This week in writing we will finish up final drafts of our presidential opinion pieces. We are so excited to present our opinions next week and do a mock presidential election! It has been a lot of fun and we've had great discussions and debates with this unit!
Since we only have school 3 days this week, we will not have a spelling list or test this week.
In math, we are switching over to division. We will begin by using our basic facts to divide numbers and then build into harder division. If your student will continue working on their basic multiplication facts, division will come much easier to them!
In science, we will begin a unit on ecosystems. We will learn about how each organism in an ecosystem is important and how they work together to survive. We will also learn about different adaptations living things have they help them to survive. There will be a test over this unit, that date is TBD.
In reading this week, we will wrap up our Sleepy Hollow book discussion and move on to election coverage. This will be a fun way to work on reading non-fiction texts, while also learning about something relevant. This will also work well to blend social studies and our opinion writing together.
Reminders:
Character Assembly is today at 2:00 in the multi
BOOK PROJECTS DUE November 16- let us know if you need a cereal box
1/2 AR points are Due November 18th
No School November 23rd-25th
Have a great week!
This week in writing we will finish up final drafts of our presidential opinion pieces. We are so excited to present our opinions next week and do a mock presidential election! It has been a lot of fun and we've had great discussions and debates with this unit!
Since we only have school 3 days this week, we will not have a spelling list or test this week.
In math, we are switching over to division. We will begin by using our basic facts to divide numbers and then build into harder division. If your student will continue working on their basic multiplication facts, division will come much easier to them!
In science, we will begin a unit on ecosystems. We will learn about how each organism in an ecosystem is important and how they work together to survive. We will also learn about different adaptations living things have they help them to survive. There will be a test over this unit, that date is TBD.
In reading this week, we will wrap up our Sleepy Hollow book discussion and move on to election coverage. This will be a fun way to work on reading non-fiction texts, while also learning about something relevant. This will also work well to blend social studies and our opinion writing together.
Reminders:
Character Assembly is today at 2:00 in the multi
BOOK PROJECTS DUE November 16- let us know if you need a cereal box
1/2 AR points are Due November 18th
No School November 23rd-25th
Have a great week!
Monday, October 17, 2016
October 17-21
The end of the quarter is here! We had a great time celebrating with those who met their AR goals today. We got to watch Ramona and Beezus (some of our students had read this book with their Literature Circle groups so it was really fun for them to make connections from the book to the movie!)
Reminders:
Tomorrow is a 1/2 day
Parent/Teacher conferences are next week. If you need to change your appointment time please call the office ASAP!
Report cards will be given out at Parent/Teacher conferences.
In reading this week, we will continue working on vocabulary and inferencing with out story Bunnicula. They are really enjoying this funny story about a "vampire bunny" and the crazy cat/dog pair who investigate him.
In writing this week, we are going to begin working on opinion writing. Ultimately, they will be writing an opinion piece on the 2 presidential candidates (this has made for some interesting conversations already, as you can imagine!) We will discuss using facts to support our opinions. They will present their papers on November 7th and then the whole 4th grade will vote for a president on the 8th.
In social studies, we will continue our unit on government. In this unit we'll study the 3 branches of government. We will also look at federal government vs. state government. This unit and our writing unit blend really well with the election coming up!
In spelling, we're working on the suffix -able and -ible. Please help your student study and understand their rule for this week. This will help them with their test Friday and with other words with this suffix.
In math, we will continue focusing on multiplying multidigit numbers. We will also move on to multiplying 2 digit numbers times 2 digit numbers. We teach and study the "turtlehead method." If your student is struggling with these types of multiplication problems. Here is a link to the video we watch to introduce this method. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hcKERTnNi0
Have a great week!!
Reminders:
Tomorrow is a 1/2 day
Parent/Teacher conferences are next week. If you need to change your appointment time please call the office ASAP!
Report cards will be given out at Parent/Teacher conferences.
In reading this week, we will continue working on vocabulary and inferencing with out story Bunnicula. They are really enjoying this funny story about a "vampire bunny" and the crazy cat/dog pair who investigate him.
In writing this week, we are going to begin working on opinion writing. Ultimately, they will be writing an opinion piece on the 2 presidential candidates (this has made for some interesting conversations already, as you can imagine!) We will discuss using facts to support our opinions. They will present their papers on November 7th and then the whole 4th grade will vote for a president on the 8th.
In social studies, we will continue our unit on government. In this unit we'll study the 3 branches of government. We will also look at federal government vs. state government. This unit and our writing unit blend really well with the election coming up!
In spelling, we're working on the suffix -able and -ible. Please help your student study and understand their rule for this week. This will help them with their test Friday and with other words with this suffix.
In math, we will continue focusing on multiplying multidigit numbers. We will also move on to multiplying 2 digit numbers times 2 digit numbers. We teach and study the "turtlehead method." If your student is struggling with these types of multiplication problems. Here is a link to the video we watch to introduce this method. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hcKERTnNi0
Have a great week!!
Sunday, October 9, 2016
October 10- 14
Happy Monday! We hope that all of you have enjoyed your weekend and the cooler weather.
A few reminders before we let you know about the week:
Conference slips should have went home. Please get those back as soon as possible so we can schedule your child's conference at a time that works for you. We will need to have our finalized schedules in to the office by this Thursday, October 13.
Mrs. Kountz will be leaving for maternity leave on October 19 (Hopefully not before then!). She will be back for conference evenings, but if you would like to schedule conferences with her prior to the 19th, that would be greatly appreciated! You never know what could happen, so meeting earlier may be better! Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
Now on to the week ahead!
In reading, students will be working on the reading strategy of making inferences- using what you already know (schema) and what the text says explicitly, to make an educated guess about the book or story. We will begin a class read of the book Bunnicula to help us work with this strategy, and also a vocabulary study.
In writing, students will finish working on their expository paragraphs. With these, students should be writing facts about things that they know. We will soon begin studying the elections to work on finding voice and persuasive writing.
In math, we will work on multiplication as well as factors and multiples. We are continuing to work on basic facts, but please try to help your child if they are still struggling with knowing the facts quickly. As this math unit progresses, students will be asked to multiply 2 by 1 and 2 by 2, making basic math fact knowledge important to their success!
We will move students back to social studies this week. In class, we will take a look at how government works on all 3 levels- federal, state, and local.
Look for a new spelling list to the right side of this BLOG and at home.
Have a great week!
A few reminders before we let you know about the week:
Conference slips should have went home. Please get those back as soon as possible so we can schedule your child's conference at a time that works for you. We will need to have our finalized schedules in to the office by this Thursday, October 13.
Mrs. Kountz will be leaving for maternity leave on October 19 (Hopefully not before then!). She will be back for conference evenings, but if you would like to schedule conferences with her prior to the 19th, that would be greatly appreciated! You never know what could happen, so meeting earlier may be better! Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
Now on to the week ahead!
In reading, students will be working on the reading strategy of making inferences- using what you already know (schema) and what the text says explicitly, to make an educated guess about the book or story. We will begin a class read of the book Bunnicula to help us work with this strategy, and also a vocabulary study.
In writing, students will finish working on their expository paragraphs. With these, students should be writing facts about things that they know. We will soon begin studying the elections to work on finding voice and persuasive writing.
In math, we will work on multiplication as well as factors and multiples. We are continuing to work on basic facts, but please try to help your child if they are still struggling with knowing the facts quickly. As this math unit progresses, students will be asked to multiply 2 by 1 and 2 by 2, making basic math fact knowledge important to their success!
We will move students back to social studies this week. In class, we will take a look at how government works on all 3 levels- federal, state, and local.
Look for a new spelling list to the right side of this BLOG and at home.
Have a great week!
Monday, October 3, 2016
October 3- October 7
It is October already and it is definitely starting to feel like fall out. We are busy here is fourth grade and the students are working hard. We are currently covering multiplication in math. We have been reviewing their basic multiplication facts 0-12 for the past week. We are now getting ready to move on to multi- digit multiplication starting two digits times one digit and working our way up.
Next, in reading we just finished our class read, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, and are continuing with our literature circle groups. The students are also authors. They are working on an expository writing assignment where they are informing about something that they know a lot about.
Since it is October the end of the quarter will be here before we know it. The students have until October 17 to meet their AR Goal for this quarter. Please ask your student about their goal and encourage them to meet or exceed that goal. We want all of our students to be successful!
Science we are studying a world of motion and force. The students are learning about how things like gravity and friction effect their daily life. This unit usually leads to some really neat conversations!
Finally, spelling is a review week this week. The students are not responsible for a rule and the 15 words that are on their main list are ones they have previously had. The other two words on their list this week are Missouri and America. It is important that students be able to spell these since they are the state and country in which they live.
If you have any questions please contact us. We are more than happy to help!
Have a great week,
Fourth Grade Team
Next, in reading we just finished our class read, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, and are continuing with our literature circle groups. The students are also authors. They are working on an expository writing assignment where they are informing about something that they know a lot about.
Since it is October the end of the quarter will be here before we know it. The students have until October 17 to meet their AR Goal for this quarter. Please ask your student about their goal and encourage them to meet or exceed that goal. We want all of our students to be successful!
Science we are studying a world of motion and force. The students are learning about how things like gravity and friction effect their daily life. This unit usually leads to some really neat conversations!
Finally, spelling is a review week this week. The students are not responsible for a rule and the 15 words that are on their main list are ones they have previously had. The other two words on their list this week are Missouri and America. It is important that students be able to spell these since they are the state and country in which they live.
If you have any questions please contact us. We are more than happy to help!
Have a great week,
Fourth Grade Team
Monday, September 26, 2016
September 26-30
We had such a fun/crazy week last week with our Homecoming festivities! Thank you for all you do to help make that such a successful week, we have the best community!
This week we will settle back down into our routine.
DON'T FORGET BOOK PROJECTS ARE DUE FRIDAY THE 30TH!!!!!!
In reading this week, we will finish up Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. We will continue working on our comprehension skills through various activities. We will focus on the elements of plot as well as problem/solution throughout this funny story.
In writing this week we will begin working on our published Expository/Informative pieces. This will be done completely at school. Students will select a topic to write 2 expository paragraphs on. This will be turned in on or before October 12th. We are working on conventions in writing as well as paragraph formation. These are the main two skills the final piece will be graded on.
In spelling this week, our list/rule focuses on the "ea" vowel combination. Words on our list use the "ea" combination to make the long or short /e/ sound. The test will be on Friday over this list. Be sure your child is also studying their rule!
In math this week we will focus on reviewing multiplication facts. We feel the need to go back and review the basic multiplication facts that were to be "mastered" in the 3rd grade. We've found that by taking the time to do this before moving into multi-digit multiplication, helps students be more successful with this unit.
In science this week we will begin a new unit on Motion. This unit focuses on push/pull, gravity, friction, and simple machines. There WILL be a test over this unit. The test will be open note, open book, BUT we still want to emphasize studying to prepare for the tests. We want to build their test taking skills this year so we will gradually take away the open note/open book tests.
This week we will settle back down into our routine.
DON'T FORGET BOOK PROJECTS ARE DUE FRIDAY THE 30TH!!!!!!
In reading this week, we will finish up Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. We will continue working on our comprehension skills through various activities. We will focus on the elements of plot as well as problem/solution throughout this funny story.
In writing this week we will begin working on our published Expository/Informative pieces. This will be done completely at school. Students will select a topic to write 2 expository paragraphs on. This will be turned in on or before October 12th. We are working on conventions in writing as well as paragraph formation. These are the main two skills the final piece will be graded on.
In spelling this week, our list/rule focuses on the "ea" vowel combination. Words on our list use the "ea" combination to make the long or short /e/ sound. The test will be on Friday over this list. Be sure your child is also studying their rule!
In math this week we will focus on reviewing multiplication facts. We feel the need to go back and review the basic multiplication facts that were to be "mastered" in the 3rd grade. We've found that by taking the time to do this before moving into multi-digit multiplication, helps students be more successful with this unit.
In science this week we will begin a new unit on Motion. This unit focuses on push/pull, gravity, friction, and simple machines. There WILL be a test over this unit. The test will be open note, open book, BUT we still want to emphasize studying to prepare for the tests. We want to build their test taking skills this year so we will gradually take away the open note/open book tests.
Monday, September 19, 2016
September 19- 23
Homecoming Week and So Much More
Good morning! This week is already off and running! We hope that all had a safe and fun weekend. The weather seems to be heating back up before fall actually arrives.
This week on Tuesday, we will have our Conservation Field Trip. This trip will be outside from 9 until 12:30. Students will need to dress for a walking field trip outdoors. If it is cool in the morning, layers are suggested. Please make sure they wear tennis shoes! Students will also need to bring a lunch in a closed container, and a drink.
This week in reading, students will be discussing characterization of characters while we continue with reading Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.
In writing this week, students will be learning about writing expository paragraphs. They will learn how to break the paragraph up and add appropriate details to support their main idea.
In math, students will finish up work with problem solving and addition and subtraction of multi-digit numbers.
This week in social studies, we will finish up our study of Missouri symbols and will have a fact quiz on Thursday, and a map quiz on Friday. Students should have been bringing home their packets to study, and should be doing so throughout the week.
A new spelling list will go home today. Expect a test in Friday.
Also, be looking for your child's progress report. These are going home today, and need to be signed and returned by the end of the week.
This is also Homecoming week. Check the right side of the BLOG for dress up day information. Have a great week!
Monday, September 12, 2016
September 12- 16
Welcome back for another great week!
In spelling this week, we have a new list of words. We will test over the new list and rule on Friday.
In math this week, we will continue building off of the place value and rounding skills we've been working on. This week we will be focusing on addition and subtraction. We will spend some time brushing up on these skills as well as looking at how we attack word problems involving these two operations.
In science, we will finish discussing energy and its different forms. We will start social studies tomorrow and discuss the symbols of Missouri. They will learn about rivers, important cities, our flag, etc.
In reading, the students should be working on our first book project! They need to take and pass the AR test for this book by 9/20. The actual project itself is due on 9/30. For this month's project, students will be creating a memory bag. They will have objects in the bag to represent the different story elements (characters, setting, problem, events, and solution. Your student will have a copy of the description of this book project in their Homework Folders. They may have time to work on this in class on certain days so leaving the paper in the homework folder, "return to school"/ "Projects" side, might be a great way to ensure they have it on these days.
We will also begin working with our literature circles this week. Students will be grouped based on their reading levels. Each group will be reading a different book and will meet every 3 days to discuss the book and share out their completed jobs. This should not be homework, as they have a lot of class time to complete these jobs. For their whole group reading lessons our focus is story and plot elements and we will be using several stories to outline these.
In writing this week, we will continue with Non-fiction writing in writer's workshop. We will also begin working with the 6 traits of writing. We will continue with the Conventions trait focusing on Capitalization.
Have a great week and as always if you have any further questions please contact your students teacher!!
In spelling this week, we have a new list of words. We will test over the new list and rule on Friday.
In math this week, we will continue building off of the place value and rounding skills we've been working on. This week we will be focusing on addition and subtraction. We will spend some time brushing up on these skills as well as looking at how we attack word problems involving these two operations.
In science, we will finish discussing energy and its different forms. We will start social studies tomorrow and discuss the symbols of Missouri. They will learn about rivers, important cities, our flag, etc.
In reading, the students should be working on our first book project! They need to take and pass the AR test for this book by 9/20. The actual project itself is due on 9/30. For this month's project, students will be creating a memory bag. They will have objects in the bag to represent the different story elements (characters, setting, problem, events, and solution. Your student will have a copy of the description of this book project in their Homework Folders. They may have time to work on this in class on certain days so leaving the paper in the homework folder, "return to school"/ "Projects" side, might be a great way to ensure they have it on these days.
We will also begin working with our literature circles this week. Students will be grouped based on their reading levels. Each group will be reading a different book and will meet every 3 days to discuss the book and share out their completed jobs. This should not be homework, as they have a lot of class time to complete these jobs. For their whole group reading lessons our focus is story and plot elements and we will be using several stories to outline these.
In writing this week, we will continue with Non-fiction writing in writer's workshop. We will also begin working with the 6 traits of writing. We will continue with the Conventions trait focusing on Capitalization.
Have a great week and as always if you have any further questions please contact your students teacher!!
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
September 6-9
We hope everyone had a safe and restful Labor Day Weekend!
In spelling this week, we have a new list of words. We will test over the new list and rule on Friday.
In math this week, we will continue building off of the place value and rounding skills we've been working on. This week we will begin to use those skills to estimate in addition and subtraction. We will take a pre-test today (not for a grade) to see where we need to focus more for this group.
In science, we will continue discussing energy and its different forms. We will discuss the forms of sound and thermal energy this week. We will assess this unit of science with a performance task instead of a test.
In reading, we will introduce our first book project! We do a variety of monthly book projects to help students practice the reading concepts we're covering. Students need to have chosen a book in their zone to do the project over by 9/9. They need to take and pass the AR test for this book by 9/20. The actual project itself is due on 9/30. For this month's project, students will be creating a memory bag. They will have objects in the bag to represent the different story elements (characters, setting, problem, events, and solution. Your student will have a copy of the description of this book project in their Homework Folders. They may have time to work on this in class on certain days so leaving the paper in the homework folder, "return to school" side, might be a great way to ensure they have it on these days.
We will also begin working with our literature circles this week. Students will be grouped based on their reading levels. Each group will be reading a different book and will meet every 3 days to discuss the book and share out their completed jobs. This should not be homework, as they have a lot of class time to complete these jobs.
In writing this week, we will continue with Non-fiction writing in writer's workshop. We will also begin working with the 6 traits of writing. We will start with the Conventions trait and begin discussing parts of speech.
Have a great week!!
In spelling this week, we have a new list of words. We will test over the new list and rule on Friday.
In math this week, we will continue building off of the place value and rounding skills we've been working on. This week we will begin to use those skills to estimate in addition and subtraction. We will take a pre-test today (not for a grade) to see where we need to focus more for this group.
In science, we will continue discussing energy and its different forms. We will discuss the forms of sound and thermal energy this week. We will assess this unit of science with a performance task instead of a test.
In reading, we will introduce our first book project! We do a variety of monthly book projects to help students practice the reading concepts we're covering. Students need to have chosen a book in their zone to do the project over by 9/9. They need to take and pass the AR test for this book by 9/20. The actual project itself is due on 9/30. For this month's project, students will be creating a memory bag. They will have objects in the bag to represent the different story elements (characters, setting, problem, events, and solution. Your student will have a copy of the description of this book project in their Homework Folders. They may have time to work on this in class on certain days so leaving the paper in the homework folder, "return to school" side, might be a great way to ensure they have it on these days.
We will also begin working with our literature circles this week. Students will be grouped based on their reading levels. Each group will be reading a different book and will meet every 3 days to discuss the book and share out their completed jobs. This should not be homework, as they have a lot of class time to complete these jobs.
In writing this week, we will continue with Non-fiction writing in writer's workshop. We will also begin working with the 6 traits of writing. We will start with the Conventions trait and begin discussing parts of speech.
Have a great week!!
Monday, August 29, 2016
August 31- Sept 2
Welcome Back!
We are so very happy to have had a great start to our school year. Here is a look at what we will be doing in the classroom this week.
In Reading, students are learning about the different roles of Literature Circles and how to have quality discussions about the books that we are reading. Eventually, students will be broken up into small groups to have discussions on small group reads.
In Writing, we are launching our Writer's Notebook and Writer's Workshop. We are working on how to edit sentences and apply that to our own writing. Students will also work on writing from their senses this week, as well as working on nonfiction writing.
Students will also begin working on our first Science unit. We will launch our notebooks, and work on learning the Scientific Method as we navigate through a chapter on energy. We will NOT have a test this unit, but will have a few assignments to be completed throughout the unit to check for understanding.
Math will continue this week with comparing and ordering numbers, and completing a check to ensure learning.
We will have our first spelling list this week. Students will keep a copy in their Writer's Notebook as a spelling resource, and will bring a list home. Please work with your child on learning their rule, as well as the words, as they will be tested on both. A list will be posted to the right hand side of this blog shortly, in case a list happens to disappear!
Have a great week!
Welcome Back!
We are so very happy to have had a great start to our school year. Here is a look at what we will be doing in the classroom this week.
In Reading, students are learning about the different roles of Literature Circles and how to have quality discussions about the books that we are reading. Eventually, students will be broken up into small groups to have discussions on small group reads.
In Writing, we are launching our Writer's Notebook and Writer's Workshop. We are working on how to edit sentences and apply that to our own writing. Students will also work on writing from their senses this week, as well as working on nonfiction writing.
Students will also begin working on our first Science unit. We will launch our notebooks, and work on learning the Scientific Method as we navigate through a chapter on energy. We will NOT have a test this unit, but will have a few assignments to be completed throughout the unit to check for understanding.
Math will continue this week with comparing and ordering numbers, and completing a check to ensure learning.
We will have our first spelling list this week. Students will keep a copy in their Writer's Notebook as a spelling resource, and will bring a list home. Please work with your child on learning their rule, as well as the words, as they will be tested on both. A list will be posted to the right hand side of this blog shortly, in case a list happens to disappear!
Have a great week!
Welcome Back!
We are so very happy to have had a great start to our school year. Here is a look at what we will be doing in the classroom this week.
In Reading, students are learning about the different roles of Literature Circles and how to have quality discussions about the books that we are reading. Eventually, students will be broken up into small groups to have discussions on small group reads.
In Writing, we are launching our Writer's Notebook and Writer's Workshop. We are working on how to edit sentences and apply that to our own writing. Students will also work on writing from their senses this week, as well as working on nonfiction writing.
Students will also begin working on our first Science unit. We will launch our notebooks, and work on learning the Scientific Method as we navigate through a chapter on energy. We will NOT have a test this unit, but will have a few assignments to be completed throughout the unit to check for understanding.
Math will continue this week with comparing and ordering numbers, and completing a check to ensure learning.
We will have our first spelling list this week. Students will keep a copy in their Writer's Notebook as a spelling resource, and will bring a list home. Please work with your child on learning their rule, as well as the words, as they will be tested on both. A list will be posted to the right hand side of this blog shortly, in case a list happens to disappear!
Have a great week!
Monday, May 2, 2016
May 2-6
Reminders: Field Trip Permission forms are due this Friday! Teachers will notify the parents whose names were drawn to attend with us as soon as possible.
4th Grade Field Trip is May 13th.
Character Awards Assembly is tomorrow (May 3rd) at 2:15.
AR points are due May 11th
Book Projects are due May 13th.
Science Fair is May 10th from 2-3 in the Multi-purpose room.
In reading this week, we will be getting into groups for a Fractured Fairy Tales project. Students will be comparing traditional fairy tales with a Fractured version. Then they will be working to present their fairy tales as a play, playing the different characters in their story. This will be a continuing project.
In writing this week, we will shift to reviewing persuasive writing. We will work on writing persuasive pieces all week in our workshop format.
In spelling, we will get a new list this week to study. The spelling test will be Friday.
In math, we will begin the Metric Olympics. Students will be in teams and compete in events that require them to estimate and measure several different things in order to be successful. This is a fun way to review the metric system. Each team will be a country and have their own flag.
In science, we will be wrapping up our science fair projects. We will be creating our boards and working on our presentations for next Tuesday.
Have a great week! Only 13 school days until summer!!
4th Grade Field Trip is May 13th.
Character Awards Assembly is tomorrow (May 3rd) at 2:15.
AR points are due May 11th
Book Projects are due May 13th.
Science Fair is May 10th from 2-3 in the Multi-purpose room.
In reading this week, we will be getting into groups for a Fractured Fairy Tales project. Students will be comparing traditional fairy tales with a Fractured version. Then they will be working to present their fairy tales as a play, playing the different characters in their story. This will be a continuing project.
In writing this week, we will shift to reviewing persuasive writing. We will work on writing persuasive pieces all week in our workshop format.
In spelling, we will get a new list this week to study. The spelling test will be Friday.
In math, we will begin the Metric Olympics. Students will be in teams and compete in events that require them to estimate and measure several different things in order to be successful. This is a fun way to review the metric system. Each team will be a country and have their own flag.
In science, we will be wrapping up our science fair projects. We will be creating our boards and working on our presentations for next Tuesday.
Have a great week! Only 13 school days until summer!!
Monday, April 18, 2016
April 18-22
Reminders: 4th Grade MAP testing will begin next week!
In reading this week, we will take a break from MAP review and begin reading Sarah, Plain and Tall. We will do a lot of vocabulary and critical thinking as we read.
In writing this week, we will review the use of apostrophes. We will begin by reviewing contractions and then review possessive nouns. We will work on applying these skills in our daily writer's workshop.
In spelling this week, we will get a new list on Monday and test over it on Friday. This week's words will be a review over the previous 5 lists we have worked on.
In math this week, we will continue reviewing and practicing multiple math skills with out morning work. Then for our lessons, we will do MAP test prep using test-like questions to review the concepts we've covered this year.
In science, we will continue working on our science fair projects. We are hoping to begin wrapping them up this week and next so that we can begin working on our presentations. Science fair will be May 10th, in the afternoon during school.
Have a great week!
In reading this week, we will take a break from MAP review and begin reading Sarah, Plain and Tall. We will do a lot of vocabulary and critical thinking as we read.
In writing this week, we will review the use of apostrophes. We will begin by reviewing contractions and then review possessive nouns. We will work on applying these skills in our daily writer's workshop.
In spelling this week, we will get a new list on Monday and test over it on Friday. This week's words will be a review over the previous 5 lists we have worked on.
In math this week, we will continue reviewing and practicing multiple math skills with out morning work. Then for our lessons, we will do MAP test prep using test-like questions to review the concepts we've covered this year.
In science, we will continue working on our science fair projects. We are hoping to begin wrapping them up this week and next so that we can begin working on our presentations. Science fair will be May 10th, in the afternoon during school.
Have a great week!
Monday, April 11, 2016
April 11-15
Reminders:
Wednesday is a noon dismissal
Friday, Progress reports will be sent home. Please sign and return those as soon as possible. 1/2 AR point goal is due Friday!
This week in reading, we will focus on MAP prep and test taking tips. MAP testing will begin April 25 for 4th grade. We will also introduce our new and final book project this week. Students will be making a game board to go along with their book.
In writing this week, we will continue reviewing grammar and language skills. We will review quotations, letter writing, and common homophones (there, their, too, to, etc).
In math, we will continue with our geometry unit. We will continue working on using our protractors to measure and draw angles. We will also work on using those measurements to help us classify shapes.
In spelling, we will get our new list on Monday. Test will be Friday.
In science, we will continue working on science fair projects. Many groups have begun testing while others are continuing to plan and prepare their projects.
Have a great week!
Wednesday is a noon dismissal
Friday, Progress reports will be sent home. Please sign and return those as soon as possible. 1/2 AR point goal is due Friday!
This week in reading, we will focus on MAP prep and test taking tips. MAP testing will begin April 25 for 4th grade. We will also introduce our new and final book project this week. Students will be making a game board to go along with their book.
In writing this week, we will continue reviewing grammar and language skills. We will review quotations, letter writing, and common homophones (there, their, too, to, etc).
In math, we will continue with our geometry unit. We will continue working on using our protractors to measure and draw angles. We will also work on using those measurements to help us classify shapes.
In spelling, we will get our new list on Monday. Test will be Friday.
In science, we will continue working on science fair projects. Many groups have begun testing while others are continuing to plan and prepare their projects.
Have a great week!
Monday, April 4, 2016
April 4-8
Thank you so much for all you did to help our Wax Museum be a success last week!
This week in writing, we will move to a more "Writer's Workshop" like approach. This will give students more freedom in topics during writing. We will use this approach to reteach several grammar concepts that we've covered this year. We will do a lot of reviewing to help them prepare for MAP testing. This week we will give them resources for coming up with new writing topics and we will review capitalization rules, the four sentence types, and the editing/revising process.
In reading this week, we will continue practicing identifying first and secondhand accounts. We will read several examples and use point of view and the focus to help analyze and determine if an account is firsthand or secondhand.
In spelling this week, we will work with words that have the suffix -er or -est. We will do several activities with these words throughout the week, including a cursive practice worksheet. The test for this list will be Friday.
In math, we will move to measuring area and perimeter. We will discuss how these are different. We will then move to geometry as we begin discussing and measuring angles. We will use these measurements to help classify angles.
In science, we will continue our work on science fair projects. Groups working with plants were able to get those planted last week. All other groups will do their experiments at the end of this week or beginning of next week. Again, the school is providing all the necessary materials for the science fair projects. We are sending home a note today with more information. Science fair will be May 10th in the afternoon during school! I don't know the set time yet, but we will get that information to you ASAP.
Reminders:
1/2 AR points are due next Friday, April 15. Progress reports will go home this day.
Character award assembly will be tomorrow, April 5th, at 2:15
Thanks and have a great week!
This week in writing, we will move to a more "Writer's Workshop" like approach. This will give students more freedom in topics during writing. We will use this approach to reteach several grammar concepts that we've covered this year. We will do a lot of reviewing to help them prepare for MAP testing. This week we will give them resources for coming up with new writing topics and we will review capitalization rules, the four sentence types, and the editing/revising process.
In reading this week, we will continue practicing identifying first and secondhand accounts. We will read several examples and use point of view and the focus to help analyze and determine if an account is firsthand or secondhand.
In spelling this week, we will work with words that have the suffix -er or -est. We will do several activities with these words throughout the week, including a cursive practice worksheet. The test for this list will be Friday.
In math, we will move to measuring area and perimeter. We will discuss how these are different. We will then move to geometry as we begin discussing and measuring angles. We will use these measurements to help classify angles.
In science, we will continue our work on science fair projects. Groups working with plants were able to get those planted last week. All other groups will do their experiments at the end of this week or beginning of next week. Again, the school is providing all the necessary materials for the science fair projects. We are sending home a note today with more information. Science fair will be May 10th in the afternoon during school! I don't know the set time yet, but we will get that information to you ASAP.
Reminders:
1/2 AR points are due next Friday, April 15. Progress reports will go home this day.
Character award assembly will be tomorrow, April 5th, at 2:15
Thanks and have a great week!
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
March 29-April 1
WAX MUSEUM IS THIS FRIDAY!! 1:45-2:45 in the Multi-Purpose Room
Please help your child put the final touches on this week so we can put on a great event Friday! I know they've worked very hard and are getting very excited/anxious.
This week, we will begin a new fun project. Our science fair project groups will get started this week! We are combining groups between all 3 classes. This week we will introduce and choose ideas, then begin planning out our projects. We will send home a note next week to explain more. These projects will be completed at school. We will also provide all the materials necessary.
In reading this week, we will begin working on comparing first hand and second hand accounts. We will read through several non-fiction passages and practice determining whether they are first or second.
In writing this week, we are going to put the final touches on our projects and practice delivering our scripts. Let us know if you have any questions leading up to Friday!
In spelling, we will continue working from last week's list. The test for this list will be Friday.
In math, we will continue our measurement study. This week we switch to the metric system. We will cover length, capacity, and mass. We'll work on converting the measurements as well as estimating measurements.
Have a great week! Hope to see you Friday!
Please help your child put the final touches on this week so we can put on a great event Friday! I know they've worked very hard and are getting very excited/anxious.
This week, we will begin a new fun project. Our science fair project groups will get started this week! We are combining groups between all 3 classes. This week we will introduce and choose ideas, then begin planning out our projects. We will send home a note next week to explain more. These projects will be completed at school. We will also provide all the materials necessary.
In reading this week, we will begin working on comparing first hand and second hand accounts. We will read through several non-fiction passages and practice determining whether they are first or second.
In writing this week, we are going to put the final touches on our projects and practice delivering our scripts. Let us know if you have any questions leading up to Friday!
In spelling, we will continue working from last week's list. The test for this list will be Friday.
In math, we will continue our measurement study. This week we switch to the metric system. We will cover length, capacity, and mass. We'll work on converting the measurements as well as estimating measurements.
Have a great week! Hope to see you Friday!
Monday, March 21, 2016
March 21-23
Almost Spring Break! We have a very short week this week (no school Thursday, Friday or Monday)!
In reading, we will begin practicing Following Directions. We will do this by performing several different tasks that require students to really listen or read directions to follow them carefully. We will do this with oral and written directions. We will also follow a recipe to try to make our own butter!
In writing, we are continuing with our Wax Museum projects. Reminder that the wax museum is April 1st! In class, students should have a 1st draft of their script completed. This week we will begin revising/editing and typing them. There will be a note to sign and return back to school asking about your child's progress with this project, as there are a few pieces they'll have to complete at home. Please fill it out and return it on or before Wednesday, 23rd.
In spelling, we will begin working with a new list today. Our words focus on different consonant blends. The test for this list will not be until NEXT Friday, the 1st.
In math this week, we will continue studying and practicing measurement with the customary system. We have already covered capacity and length. This week we will look at measuring weight and time.
In science this week, we are going to study motion and the different things that affect an object's motion. When we wrap this unit up, it will be time to work on science fair projects! There will be information sent home for these, but all of the work for science fair projects will be done at school.
Reminder: Please return the light brown notes about the Hygiene or Puberty talks by this Wednesday. The talk will take place Wednesday afternoon.
Have a great week and enjoy your break!
Monday, March 14, 2016
March 14-18
It's hard to believe today is the first day of 4th quarter!
Progress Reports will go home today, please sign and return as soon as possible.
New AR goals and zones will begin today.
In Reading this week, we will finish up Little House in the Big Woods. We will continue doing activities to help build the skill of summarizing. Summarizing is such an important skill to master for students because it will help them in school and in life from now on. Our hope is that by showing them multiple strategies and guiding them through those, they will eventually master summarizing.
In writing, we will begin discussing our scripts in more depth. We have spent several weeks researching and organizing our ideas, now we will take that research and begin drafting our scripts. We will go over the writing trait of "sentence fluency" as we work on these. We will discuss grabber leads and how to vary sentences so that your writing flows and the reader is engaged.
In spelling this week, we will continue working with list 20 from last week. We decided that since last week we weren't able to work with the list very much, we would push the test to this Friday. This should allow us more time to work on the words and rule.
In math this week, we will continue working on decimals. We will show the relationship of decimals to fractions and work on comparing and ordering those decimals. Our next unit will be a measuring unit.
In SS this week, we will continue studying the Civil War and Missouri's role in it. We will wrap up this unit on Thursday before moving on to our next Science unit.
Have a great week!
Progress Reports will go home today, please sign and return as soon as possible.
New AR goals and zones will begin today.
In Reading this week, we will finish up Little House in the Big Woods. We will continue doing activities to help build the skill of summarizing. Summarizing is such an important skill to master for students because it will help them in school and in life from now on. Our hope is that by showing them multiple strategies and guiding them through those, they will eventually master summarizing.
In writing, we will begin discussing our scripts in more depth. We have spent several weeks researching and organizing our ideas, now we will take that research and begin drafting our scripts. We will go over the writing trait of "sentence fluency" as we work on these. We will discuss grabber leads and how to vary sentences so that your writing flows and the reader is engaged.
In spelling this week, we will continue working with list 20 from last week. We decided that since last week we weren't able to work with the list very much, we would push the test to this Friday. This should allow us more time to work on the words and rule.
In math this week, we will continue working on decimals. We will show the relationship of decimals to fractions and work on comparing and ordering those decimals. Our next unit will be a measuring unit.
In SS this week, we will continue studying the Civil War and Missouri's role in it. We will wrap up this unit on Thursday before moving on to our next Science unit.
Have a great week!
Monday, March 7, 2016
March 7-10
It's hard to believe this quarter is already wrapping up! Thursday is the last day of 3rd quarter. This means all AR points are due this day. Quarter 3 report cards will go home next week.
Also, Read In Day is tomorrow, the 8th! Thank you to Mariah Kirschner who will be coming in to read to our class!
Reminder: No school on Friday due to teachers' in-service
In reading this week, we will continue reading Little House in the Big Woods. We will also continue practicing summarizing as we read each chapter.
In writing, we will continue working on our Famous Missourian projects. Please let your student's teacher know if you have any questions so far. This Thursday, their timeline and tie to Missouri will be due. We've found that giving smaller due dates along the way are helping to prevent students from falling way behind.
In spelling this week, our rule focuses on plural nouns that end in f or fe. Our test for this list will be Thursday.
We will begin a SS unit this week on "The Growing State of Missouri." We will also study the civil war and Missouri's role at this time.
In math this week, we will continue to develop our skills with fractions. We will work on multiplying fractions by whole numbers. We will also begin showing the relationship between fractions and decimals.
Have a great week!
Also, Read In Day is tomorrow, the 8th! Thank you to Mariah Kirschner who will be coming in to read to our class!
Reminder: No school on Friday due to teachers' in-service
In reading this week, we will continue reading Little House in the Big Woods. We will also continue practicing summarizing as we read each chapter.
In writing, we will continue working on our Famous Missourian projects. Please let your student's teacher know if you have any questions so far. This Thursday, their timeline and tie to Missouri will be due. We've found that giving smaller due dates along the way are helping to prevent students from falling way behind.
In spelling this week, our rule focuses on plural nouns that end in f or fe. Our test for this list will be Thursday.
We will begin a SS unit this week on "The Growing State of Missouri." We will also study the civil war and Missouri's role at this time.
In math this week, we will continue to develop our skills with fractions. We will work on multiplying fractions by whole numbers. We will also begin showing the relationship between fractions and decimals.
Have a great week!
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
February 29- March 4
Good morning!
We are beginning to read Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder this week. We will practice what we learned about summarizing and the different strategies for summarizing fiction as we read.
In spelling this week, our rule focuses on the patterns "ir," "ur," and "er." We will work on understanding and applying these rules this week as well as writing the words in cursive correctly. The test will be Friday.
In math this week, we will work on adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers. We will do a lot of practice in class, but students are encouraged to practice at home. Remember they can access several games, videos, etc. on the McGraw-Hill ConnectEd website.
In writing this week we are continuing to work on and research our Famous Missourian projects. Students will need to turn in 2 sources with 3 facts from each this Friday.
In Science, we are going to continue learning about energy and different forms of it. We will discuss sound and thermal energy and do some hands on activities with both. There is no science test for this unit, we will do a review activity as a class instead.
Reminders:
Quarter ends March 10- AR points will be due this day!
No book project this month.
We are beginning to read Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder this week. We will practice what we learned about summarizing and the different strategies for summarizing fiction as we read.
In spelling this week, our rule focuses on the patterns "ir," "ur," and "er." We will work on understanding and applying these rules this week as well as writing the words in cursive correctly. The test will be Friday.
In math this week, we will work on adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers. We will do a lot of practice in class, but students are encouraged to practice at home. Remember they can access several games, videos, etc. on the McGraw-Hill ConnectEd website.
In writing this week we are continuing to work on and research our Famous Missourian projects. Students will need to turn in 2 sources with 3 facts from each this Friday.
In Science, we are going to continue learning about energy and different forms of it. We will discuss sound and thermal energy and do some hands on activities with both. There is no science test for this unit, we will do a review activity as a class instead.
Reminders:
Quarter ends March 10- AR points will be due this day!
No book project this month.
Monday, February 22, 2016
February 22-26
Reminders;
Book projects due Fri. Feb 26
AR points due March 10 (end of quarter)
Character Awards assembly will be next Tuesday, March 1 at 2:15
In reading this week, we will continue our study of summarizing. We will switch to summarizing non-fiction and practice strategies for doing so. We will also present book projects at the end of the week.
In writing, we will begin working on our Famous Missourian Wax Museum project. We will do a small amount of research today so that each student can come up with a list of their top 3 choices. They will also have tonight to come home and brainstorm with parents/siblings on which Missourian they could choose. The Wax Museum date is set for April 1st from 1:45-2:45 in the Multi-Purpose Room.
In Social studies, we will finish up our unit on Becoming a State with a test on Wednesday. Students will be able to use packets and books on this test. We will then move into a new Science unit where will we study motion and energy.
In Spelling, we will continue working on learning rules and practicing cursive with our list this week. The test will be Friday.
In math we will continue working with fractions, ordering and comparing them. We will do several hands on activities and show different strategies to help them be successful with this.
Have a good week!
Book projects due Fri. Feb 26
AR points due March 10 (end of quarter)
Character Awards assembly will be next Tuesday, March 1 at 2:15
In reading this week, we will continue our study of summarizing. We will switch to summarizing non-fiction and practice strategies for doing so. We will also present book projects at the end of the week.
In writing, we will begin working on our Famous Missourian Wax Museum project. We will do a small amount of research today so that each student can come up with a list of their top 3 choices. They will also have tonight to come home and brainstorm with parents/siblings on which Missourian they could choose. The Wax Museum date is set for April 1st from 1:45-2:45 in the Multi-Purpose Room.
In Social studies, we will finish up our unit on Becoming a State with a test on Wednesday. Students will be able to use packets and books on this test. We will then move into a new Science unit where will we study motion and energy.
In Spelling, we will continue working on learning rules and practicing cursive with our list this week. The test will be Friday.
In math we will continue working with fractions, ordering and comparing them. We will do several hands on activities and show different strategies to help them be successful with this.
Have a good week!
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
February 16-19
Reminders:
Book projects due February 26th
100% of AR goal due March 10 (End of 3rd quarter)
In spelling this week, our list focuses on homophones (pear, pair). It will be important that they listen to the sentences we use to decide which homophone is the correct choice on their test. We will do some hands on review of the words as well as work with other homophones this week.
In math this week, we will continue working with fractions. Last week we focused on equivalent fractions. We will do the same this week, but also learn how to simplify fractions using a couple different strategies.
In social studies we will continue our study on how Missouri became a state. The test for this unit is set for next Thursday, February 25. Students have a packet to help them prepare for this test and they will be able to use it for a portion.
In reading we are beginning to discuss summarizing. We will begin this study by learning the difference between summarizing a story and retelling it. We will do several activities throughout the week that will focus on practicing this skill. Our literature circles will continue this week and we will integrate summarizing instruction into them as well.
Last week in writing, we finished up watching and taking notes on the movies. This week we will work on our first and final drafts of the opinion paper for them. Students had to identify the theme or opinion that their movie had and take notes on the evidence that supports that opinion. This is what their paper will focus on as well.
Have a wonderful week!
Book projects due February 26th
100% of AR goal due March 10 (End of 3rd quarter)
In spelling this week, our list focuses on homophones (pear, pair). It will be important that they listen to the sentences we use to decide which homophone is the correct choice on their test. We will do some hands on review of the words as well as work with other homophones this week.
In math this week, we will continue working with fractions. Last week we focused on equivalent fractions. We will do the same this week, but also learn how to simplify fractions using a couple different strategies.
In social studies we will continue our study on how Missouri became a state. The test for this unit is set for next Thursday, February 25. Students have a packet to help them prepare for this test and they will be able to use it for a portion.
In reading we are beginning to discuss summarizing. We will begin this study by learning the difference between summarizing a story and retelling it. We will do several activities throughout the week that will focus on practicing this skill. Our literature circles will continue this week and we will integrate summarizing instruction into them as well.
Last week in writing, we finished up watching and taking notes on the movies. This week we will work on our first and final drafts of the opinion paper for them. Students had to identify the theme or opinion that their movie had and take notes on the evidence that supports that opinion. This is what their paper will focus on as well.
Have a wonderful week!
Monday, February 8, 2016
February 8- 12
Reminders:
If you haven't already, please sign and return progress reports.
Friday at 2:00 will be our Friendship parties.
Wednesday is a half day.
This week in Reading, we will continue reading our Mr. Tucket book. The students are really enjoying this story about a boy traveling west in the 1800's. They are able to make connections to the information we've previously discussed in social studies. We are also doing vocabulary and comprehension questions after reading each day.
In writing this week, we will get deeper into opinion writing. We will do a few examples together before we begin our next paper. The next big writing assignment will be an opinion movie review. The students will watch different movies (depending on which of the 3 they selected) and will be taking notes as they watch. They will then write an opinion paper in class, supporting their opinion with evidence/facts.
In math this week, we are slowly moving into working with fractions. We will use a lot of visuals and hands-on manipulatives to get them familiar with this concept.
In science, we will finish up the Adaptations unit with a test on Tuesday. Students will be able to use their packets so they've been encouraged to correct any incorrect answers. We will begin Social Studies on Wednesday. Our unit will cover the process of Missouri becoming a state.
Spelling this week will focus on the prefixes "dis," "im," and "in." We will study the different word parts and discuss how this can help you to understand and spell unknown words.
Have a wonderful week!
If you haven't already, please sign and return progress reports.
Friday at 2:00 will be our Friendship parties.
Wednesday is a half day.
This week in Reading, we will continue reading our Mr. Tucket book. The students are really enjoying this story about a boy traveling west in the 1800's. They are able to make connections to the information we've previously discussed in social studies. We are also doing vocabulary and comprehension questions after reading each day.
In writing this week, we will get deeper into opinion writing. We will do a few examples together before we begin our next paper. The next big writing assignment will be an opinion movie review. The students will watch different movies (depending on which of the 3 they selected) and will be taking notes as they watch. They will then write an opinion paper in class, supporting their opinion with evidence/facts.
In math this week, we are slowly moving into working with fractions. We will use a lot of visuals and hands-on manipulatives to get them familiar with this concept.
In science, we will finish up the Adaptations unit with a test on Tuesday. Students will be able to use their packets so they've been encouraged to correct any incorrect answers. We will begin Social Studies on Wednesday. Our unit will cover the process of Missouri becoming a state.
Spelling this week will focus on the prefixes "dis," "im," and "in." We will study the different word parts and discuss how this can help you to understand and spell unknown words.
Have a wonderful week!
Monday, February 1, 2016
February 1-5
Reminders:
1/2 AR points are due this Thursday, Feb. 4th. Progress reports will also come home this day. Please sign and return those as soon as possible.
In reading this week, we will begin reading Mr. Tucket. Each day we will do a new activity with the chapters we've read to help build our comprehension skills.
We will also introduce this month's book project (due Feb 26th). This month they will use what they learned about poetry to write poems about their story. See their sheet for more information.
In writing this week, we will finish up with MLK quotations and begin discussing and practicing voice and opinion writing.
In spelling this week, the rule we are focusing on is the -igh pattern. Test will be Friday.
In math we are going to finish up this division unit with a test on Thursday. We will spend this week reviewing and practicing this skill.
In science, we will continue studying animal adaptations and threats to animals existence. The test for this unit is scheduled for Feb. 9th pending weather.
Have a good week!
1/2 AR points are due this Thursday, Feb. 4th. Progress reports will also come home this day. Please sign and return those as soon as possible.
In reading this week, we will begin reading Mr. Tucket. Each day we will do a new activity with the chapters we've read to help build our comprehension skills.
We will also introduce this month's book project (due Feb 26th). This month they will use what they learned about poetry to write poems about their story. See their sheet for more information.
In writing this week, we will finish up with MLK quotations and begin discussing and practicing voice and opinion writing.
In spelling this week, the rule we are focusing on is the -igh pattern. Test will be Friday.
In math we are going to finish up this division unit with a test on Thursday. We will spend this week reviewing and practicing this skill.
In science, we will continue studying animal adaptations and threats to animals existence. The test for this unit is scheduled for Feb. 9th pending weather.
Have a good week!
Monday, January 25, 2016
January 25-29
This week in reading, we will wrap up point of view by looking at several books and comparing their points of view. We will then move to a genre study. Don't forget book projects are due Thursday the 28th!
In writing this week, we will begin with a poetry share to celebrate the hard work they put into their poetry books. We will then move to a short study on how to use quotation marks correctly. We will do this with a fun MLK quotations project using macaroni noodles.
In math this week, we will continue working on division. We are really slowing this unit down as we see our students are needing a lot of repetition and reteaching for this skill. The more repetition they get at home with division, the better!
In spelling this week, we will continue with last week's spelling list since it was such a short week. We decided we would push the test to Friday for last week's words. This will give us more time to study the rule and to practice spelling these words.
We are beginning our new science unit this week on animal adaptations. We will begin the week with a science experiment (Using "blubber"). This will also help us practice the different parts of the scientific method. There will be a quiz over the scientific method on Friday. Students will need to know what the different parts we have studied so far are (Question, Hypothesis, Materials, Procedures, Results, Conclusion) and be able to identify them in an example experiment.
Have a great week!
In writing this week, we will begin with a poetry share to celebrate the hard work they put into their poetry books. We will then move to a short study on how to use quotation marks correctly. We will do this with a fun MLK quotations project using macaroni noodles.
In math this week, we will continue working on division. We are really slowing this unit down as we see our students are needing a lot of repetition and reteaching for this skill. The more repetition they get at home with division, the better!
In spelling this week, we will continue with last week's spelling list since it was such a short week. We decided we would push the test to Friday for last week's words. This will give us more time to study the rule and to practice spelling these words.
We are beginning our new science unit this week on animal adaptations. We will begin the week with a science experiment (Using "blubber"). This will also help us practice the different parts of the scientific method. There will be a quiz over the scientific method on Friday. Students will need to know what the different parts we have studied so far are (Question, Hypothesis, Materials, Procedures, Results, Conclusion) and be able to identify them in an example experiment.
Have a great week!
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
January 99-22
We hope you had a great weekend!
This week in math we will get back to practicing division. We will move to division with remainders. We will learn what remainders mean and how to interpret them depending on what the problem is asking for.
In spelling, we will get a new list on Tuesday and test over it on Friday. Remember, the tests are now ALL in cursive so the more practice they have writing the words that way, the better!
In writing this week we will finish our poetry books and continue reviewing different types of figurative language. Each day we are writing a new type of poem. Our poetry share is tentatively set for this Friday.
In reading this week, we will begin studying point of view. We will look at 1st and 3rd person point of view in depth. We will read several examples in books and shorter readings.
In social studies, we will finish up our Lewis and Clark projects. Students have been having a great time "discovering" new plants, animals, and tribes while also map making just like Lewis and Clark!
We will begin a new science unit later this week. This unit will be on animal adaptations that help them survive in their environment. We will begin the unit with an experiment using "whale blubber" to study how it is an adaptation that helps whales. We will use this experiment to continue learning and reviewing the scientific method.
Reminder: AR tests for book projects need to be passed this Friday the 22nd!
Have a great week!
This week in math we will get back to practicing division. We will move to division with remainders. We will learn what remainders mean and how to interpret them depending on what the problem is asking for.
In spelling, we will get a new list on Tuesday and test over it on Friday. Remember, the tests are now ALL in cursive so the more practice they have writing the words that way, the better!
In writing this week we will finish our poetry books and continue reviewing different types of figurative language. Each day we are writing a new type of poem. Our poetry share is tentatively set for this Friday.
In reading this week, we will begin studying point of view. We will look at 1st and 3rd person point of view in depth. We will read several examples in books and shorter readings.
In social studies, we will finish up our Lewis and Clark projects. Students have been having a great time "discovering" new plants, animals, and tribes while also map making just like Lewis and Clark!
We will begin a new science unit later this week. This unit will be on animal adaptations that help them survive in their environment. We will begin the unit with an experiment using "whale blubber" to study how it is an adaptation that helps whales. We will use this experiment to continue learning and reviewing the scientific method.
Reminder: AR tests for book projects need to be passed this Friday the 22nd!
Have a great week!
Monday, January 11, 2016
January 11-15
Reminders for this week:
Wednesday is a noon dismissal
Friday is courtwarming on the HS end
This week in reading and writing, we will continue learning about poetry. We will discuss different types of figurative language and begin writing our own poetry. We will cover a lot of poetry vocabulary and practice using those words as we read a variety of poems.
In math, we are going to continue working on division. We will slow down and focus on basic division facts for the first couple days. We will practice in stations and small groups to give them a lot of repetition before moving on to multi-digit division.
In spelling this week we will have a new list on Monday which focuses on the /ow/ spelling pattern. The test for this list will be Friday. The spelling tests will now consist of all cursive writing.
In Social Studies this week we will begin taking a closer look at Lewis and Clark. We will start an in class project to study their exploration through research and map making.
Have a great week!
Wednesday is a noon dismissal
Friday is courtwarming on the HS end
This week in reading and writing, we will continue learning about poetry. We will discuss different types of figurative language and begin writing our own poetry. We will cover a lot of poetry vocabulary and practice using those words as we read a variety of poems.
In math, we are going to continue working on division. We will slow down and focus on basic division facts for the first couple days. We will practice in stations and small groups to give them a lot of repetition before moving on to multi-digit division.
In spelling this week we will have a new list on Monday which focuses on the /ow/ spelling pattern. The test for this list will be Friday. The spelling tests will now consist of all cursive writing.
In Social Studies this week we will begin taking a closer look at Lewis and Clark. We will start an in class project to study their exploration through research and map making.
Have a great week!
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
January 4-8
Welcome back! Sorry for the late post, it's always hard to get back in the routine!
We hope everyone had a great break!
This week in writing we are discussing how to use strong word choice in our writing. We are moving into discussing figurative language and creating poetry using these concepts.
In reading, we are beginning to close read poetry. When we close read, we read the same piece multiple times so that we are able to better analyze and understand the piece.
In spelling this week, we have a review list of words. Since there is not a new rule to learn, the test for spelling will be Thursday instead of Friday.
For Social Studies, we are beginning a unit on the European settlement of Missouri. We will discuss the exploration of Missouri and Lewis and Clark.
In math this week we will begin our division unit. We will start this out by discussing important vocabulary (divisor, dividend, quotient). It is very important that students have a solid foundation of basic multiplication facts in order to be successful with division.
Report cards will go home today for 2nd semester. Please make sure to sign and return them promptly!
Have a great week!
We hope everyone had a great break!
This week in writing we are discussing how to use strong word choice in our writing. We are moving into discussing figurative language and creating poetry using these concepts.
In reading, we are beginning to close read poetry. When we close read, we read the same piece multiple times so that we are able to better analyze and understand the piece.
In spelling this week, we have a review list of words. Since there is not a new rule to learn, the test for spelling will be Thursday instead of Friday.
For Social Studies, we are beginning a unit on the European settlement of Missouri. We will discuss the exploration of Missouri and Lewis and Clark.
In math this week we will begin our division unit. We will start this out by discussing important vocabulary (divisor, dividend, quotient). It is very important that students have a solid foundation of basic multiplication facts in order to be successful with division.
Report cards will go home today for 2nd semester. Please make sure to sign and return them promptly!
Have a great week!
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