Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday break! It should be much easier since everyone is now caught up with their work except me:) I plan to finish my grading one of these days!
Don't forget that the next literature project is due on January 9. The genre: informational text-any nonfiction book that is NOT a biography or autobiography.
Also, Jan. 9 is the end of the quarter which means that report cards will come home the next week on Jan. 16. Are you ready?

Monday, December 15, 2008

Transformations

Transformations
Brainpop

Math and Science Tests

On Thursday's science test, students will be asked to identify which foods should be on the menu at The Chemical Change Cafe. The Chemical Change Cafe only serves food which has undergone a chemical change. When analyzing whether or not a food can be placed on The Chemical Change Cafe's menu, students must give evidence to support their ideas. For example, trail mix can not be placed on the menu because it is a mixture and has not gone through a chemical change. Trail mix is not a new substance because it can be sorted into its orginal ingredients. Buttermilk biscuits can be served at The Chemical Change Cafe because they go through a chemical change. Evidence of a chemical change in biscuits includes bubbles formed by gas when the biscuits bake, an odor (aroma) produced by baking, and most importantly, a new substance is formed. Once the biscuits are baked, you cannot remove the individual ingredients used in the biscuit batter so the change is NOT reversible. Evidence of a chemical change always includes A new substance being formed and may also include one or more of the following: An odor; Bubbles which indicate a gas has formed; an unexpected Color change; a Different temperature; and Energy in the form of light or heat given off/taken in. Chemical changes cannot usually be reversed. The key difference between a chemical change and a physical change is that in a physical change no new substances are produced.
Other foods to consider:

biscuits
strawberry smoothie
cottage cheese
scrambled eggs
trail mix
orange juice
orangesicle
toasted marshmallows
toast
fruit salad

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Quadrilaterals

Polygons-click here
Shape Sorter-click here
Quadrilateral Rap-click here
Powerpoint-click here
Quadrilateral Classification-click here
Matching Game-click here
Geometry Games-click here
Jeopardy-click here
Quadrilateral Quest-click here

Monday, December 8, 2008

Science Conference Refreshing!

I'm back!
Following are some links that will help in the further development of our current science content: Matter-What is it and how does it change?

Gases Around Us
States of Matter Particles
Changing State
Gases, Solids, and Liquids
Grouping and Changing Materials
Characteristics of Materials

We will spend 4 days doing centers on changing matter and creating a foldable that shows what we have learned on the topic.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Our December reading will focus on The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson. We will read the first 5 chapters this week.

Online Questions and Activities Click here

FYI: Mrs. Lee will be subbing in our classroom Wednesday-Friday as I will be attending a science conference. Please encourage your children to be on their best behavior.

Geometry

We will spend December learning about geometry.
Fourth graders should know and understand the following math vocabulary:
point
line
line segment
parallel lines
intersecting lines
perpendicular lines

In addition, we will review some of the geometric concepts learned in third grade.

For more information and/or games, check out the following sites:
General Geometry Click here
Geometry Lessons Click here
Geometry and more Click here

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Short Week

Although this week is a short one, we have a lot going on! On Monday, we will take a test on multiplication, read Molly's Pilgrim and finish the science contracts. Tuesday is the day for biography literature projects and some Thanksgiving writing.
Don't forget to order Market Day. All December profits go to the third grade classes!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Reading Test

  • Tomorrow is the reading test on Adelina's Whales.
  • We will take the spelling test on Friday. Also on Friday is our trip to the UDF plant in Norwood. All permission slips and money must be turned in before we leave.
  • Literature projects are due Tuesday UNLESS your child will not be in school next week. If that is the case, the literature projects are due this Friday.
  • Please continue reading for 30 minutes at home each day. Most students seem to be participating in both the reading and the journaling, but there are a few who are not doing so.
  • Congrats to Lydia and Katherine who are both on their 11s!
  • Congrats to Nick, Courtney, Katherine, Dominic, Kayley and Kyra who have already reached their November reading goals!

Monday, November 17, 2008

Adelina's Whales and more

Students still need to practice their multiplication facts. Congratulations to Lydia and Katherine, the only two students to have made it to their 10s so far.

Math is Fun is a website for multiplication patterns and review.

Get free multiplication worksheets by clicking here.


Our story this week is Adelina's Whales.

Study Stack has vocabulary practice.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Conferences

Thanks to all of the parents who came to conferences. It is always nice to meet those responsible for the children with whom I spend my days.

In science we are continuing to work on our matter contract. Math is brimming with multiplication-please continue to work on memorizing the multiplication facts with your child.

The next literature project is due on Tuesday, November 25. The genre this month is biography. Please remind your child NOT to wait until the last minute to complete this project!

Guaranteed homework each night: Read for 30 minutes and complete one entry in the reading response journal.

The fourth grade spelling bee will be December 19. The top spellers in each classroom will compete to see who travels to downtown Cincinnati for the regional bee. More information coming soon.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Magical Matter

Introduction
This is a Science quest about matter. Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. There are three states of matter: solid, liquid, gas. Matter can be changed either chemically or physically. Studying matter is important because it is all around us.

The Task
Your job, as a magician, is to successfully perform all of the 'matter tricks' we have assigned. While completing these tricks you will learn about the states of matter. While completing these tricks you will be working with a fellow magician. We hope you have a magical experience!

Resources

Websites:
What is Matter? http://www.nyu.edu/pages/mathmol/textbook/statesofmatter.html
Chem 4 Kids www.chem4kids.com/
Harcourt States of Matter http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/states_of_matter/
States of Matter http://www.chem.purdue.edu/gchelp/atoms/states.html
Web Videos:
You Tube-States of Matter http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2KZmRIKea8

The Process
Trick One: Complete the Scavenger Hunt worksheet using any of the web sites listed above. Turn in the scavenger hunt worksheet.

Trick Two: Watch the Brain Pop video States of Matter http://www.brainpop.com/science/matter/statesofmatter/preview.weml
Take the quiz online.

Trick Three: Go to the following website
After completing the online activity, take the quiz online.

Trick Four: Choose at least one of the AR books on matter.
Read the book and complete the AR test.
Show the teacher your test score.

Trick Five: Write a plan to separate iron filings from sand.
Describe in detail how your plan worked.

Trick Six: Write a plan to separate poppy seeds from sand.
Describe in detail how your plan worked.

Trick Seven: Complete at least one of the versatiles on matter.
Show your teacher the completed versatile.


Trick Eight: Get the basket marked 8. Sort the items in the basket into at least two groups. Draw a diagram showing what you would put together. Explain what those items have in common. Sort the items again, this time into three groups. Draw a diagram showing how you grouped the items. Explain how you decided to group the items. What did they have in common?

Final Trick: Create a product that shows what you have learned about matter. It could be a poster, a brochure, a song, a poem, etc. Be sure to include the following vocabulary: matter, solid, liquid, gas, and properties.

Ohio Indicators
Describe objects by the properties of the materials from which they are made and that these properties can be used to separate or sort a group of objects (e.g., paper, glass, plastic and metal).
Explain that matter has different states (e.g., solid, liquid and gas) and that each state has distinct physical properties.

Chris Van Allsburg

Vocabulary Game
The Stranger Powerpoint
Another Powerpoint
Author Study

Persuasive Writing Assignment:
After reading The Stranger by Chris Van Allsburg In groups of two they decide just who/what the stranger might be. Using index cards the children write a sentence telling what they think the stranger might be (white index card). They give three reasons for their answer (yellow post-it) Each reason is written on a separate index card. They then must find a detail from the story to support their reason. Then they write a concluding sentence (blue post-it). Next, they take the index cards and use them as a graphic organizer to write their persuasive essay.

Matter

What is Matter?
Matter
Song about Matter
Changing State


Movies
Brainpop-Changing States
Brainpop-States of Matter
Brainpop-Measuring Matter

Friday, November 7, 2008

Arrays

Websites for Multiplication Practice
Making Arrays
Teacher Tube: Using Arrays in Multiplication
Math Cats
Multiplication Arrays (to be printed and colored)

Reading

Every student should be reading 60 minutes per day and completing the reading response journal that I provided. Thirty minutes will be completed at school and thirty minutes need to be spent reading at home. I will be meeting with a different group each day to conference and monitor their progress.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

So You Want to Be President

This week's reading selection is So You Want to Be President by Judith St. George.
So You Want to Be President powerpoint
WebQuest

We are beginning our unit on multiplication and division in math. According to the Ohio benchmarks and indicators in math, third grade students are expected to be fluent in knowing the single digit multiplication facts. This means that we will not spend much time on memorizing these facts as the students should already know them. If you find that your child does not have the facts memorized, please spend some time practicing the facts each day. I have listed various math links on the right side of this page.

Our focus in science will be matter.
Some sites to visit:
What is matter?
What is Matter?
States of Matter


Timeline Maker

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Photos




The students had great fun measuring, weighing and gutting their pumpkins. Surprisingly, the pumpkin with the most seeds was not the biggest in terms of weight or height. Terra's medium sized pie pumpkin won the contest!
The concert is behind us and the kids worked really hard to do such a great job. I hope everyone enjoyed the show:)

Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween!



Cookie Dough Fund Raiser: The PTO would like you to know that this fundraiser is the BIG fundraiser for the PTO grades K through 4. This fundraiser does not include the middle school. So please push, push, push!!!!
The sale is through November 14th and the orders will be in on December 16th.

Spirit Wear Sale: One week only! All orders must be turned in by next Friday!

Thank you so much to all who supported our students' efforts in both the Walk-a-thon and the Harvest for Hunger! With the economy affecting everyone, it's nice to experience the generosity that the CNE Elementary community has offered. Our class was the top collector for the school in the Walk-a-thon and placed second school-wide for the Harvest for Hunger:)

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Analogies

The class asked for this website to be posted since they had such fun playing it today: Analogies Jeopardy.
We have been working very hard getting ready for our programs today. We will be performing for the other classes at school and of course the grandparents! I hope everyone can attend the evening performance. We have asked the students to look their best, so everyone can take great pictures to remember one part of their fourth grade year.

In math class we have completed and tested on chapter 2. Some of the students are still struggling with addition and subtraction with regrouping. Please continue to work on this at home in the evening. If you can only spend 15 minutes it still will help! We will be moving on to multiplication next week, but will review other concepts frequently.

This week in reading we have been incorporating a bit of Spanish with a historical fiction story entitled Coyote School News. The students have enjoyed listening, reading and learning a little bit of Spanish every day!

Reminders!

*Market Day orders have to be placed by this Saturday at noon. All profit will go directly to the fourth grade classrooms. This is one of the best ways you could help out our classrooms and you don't have to do anything, but order great food to eat! We can also use parent volunteers to help unload the trucks and sort the food:-)

*We are beginning to finalize pricing for the extended day trip to Camp Campbell Gard on May 20, 2009. The estimated cost of the trip is $50.00. This includes lunch and dinner. We will leave at approximately 8:45 and return that same evening at approximately 8:00.

*Washington D.C. deposits are due to Crosswell by December 1!

Monday, October 27, 2008

Math Day

Thanks to Mrs. Maciag, a former CNE teacher, our students in grades 1-4 were able to participate in Math Day. Stations were set up around the school for students to practice their math skills using hands-on activities. Our class's favorite activities were problem solving with fruit loops and making a scarecrow after figuring out how much it cost to build one. Thanks too, to the volunteers who worked with our students today, especially Mr. Browning.

We recently received more postcards from Washington D.C. (Terra), Sterling, Kentucky(Haley) , Cottonwood, Arizona (Casey) and Seattle, Washington (Abbey).

Congratulations to Westin, Hailey and Terra for moving up in multiplication times tables.

This week's spelling words are irregular plurals. For more practice with irregular plurals, click here or here or here or here or here.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Coyote School News


This week's story is Coyote School News. For helpful study guides and other information, check out the links below.
Powerpoint on Coyote School News
Vocabulary Study
Vocabulary Quizlet
Coyote School News Hangman

Biography Literature Project

This week every student made a literature project kit with all of the materials and instructions to make a hero sandwich. This project is optional-if a student would rather create his/her own project, that is great! Projects can be presented at any time before the due date-ask Lydia how good it feels to have hers finished!

On Thursday, the fourth grade students will perform their show "All About Ohio" three times-once for the second and third graders, once for their grandparents and in the evening at 7:00 for their families. Please take the time to come to one of the performances-the students have really been working hard to learn their parts and songs.

We will have a math test on Wednesday. It will cover addition and subtraction with regrouping, rounding and estimation, beginning algebra and properties of addition and multiplication.
Commutative Property
Commutative Property video
Distributive Property
Distributive Property video
Associative Property
Associative Property video

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

For math flashcards to practice basic facts, click the following link: Math Flashcards. You do NOT have to fill out the personal information for this link to work.
For all kinds of math practice activities, click the following link: Math Activities.
For more information on mass, weight and capacity, check out the following links:
How Stuff Works
Weight and Capacity

Monday, October 20, 2008

Second Quarter

This week we will be back to the reading book and reading What Jo Did. To the right are some resources that go along with this selection.
In science we will continue to learn about measurement. We will focus on weight and capacity this week. Here are some links to some fun activities to help with capacity:
Which Holds More?
Count Us In
Weigh It Up
Your Weight on Other Planets
Weight and Capacity Video

Remember there is an early release day on Wednesday. Students will be released 2 hours early.

Also, don't forget to order Market Day. This month all the profits go directly to 4th grade! To place your order online, click here. You can pick up the orders at the elementary school on November 6th.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Update

If you were unable to attend the meeting this evening about our Washington D.C. trip, don't worry! You can send in a note, or contact Mrs. Bower for more information. Email her at bower_b@cneschools.org, or call her at 732-0661 ext. 425. She is our expert coordinator for this trip.
If your child is unable to attend the Washington D.C. trip, another choice could be the extended day trip to Camp Campbell Gard. We are planning to go on the Wednesday of the D.C. trip.

Katherine's journal is now in the Middle East visiting some our country's heroes-the U.S. military.

Tomorrow marks the end of the first quarter. I can't believe how quickly the time has passed! Students who have no missing work AND have not earned a red card since interims have earned a ticket to a Good Attitude movie. They are permitted to bring a snack (doesn't have to be healthy) and a drink. Students who have missing work will spend the time catching up on their assignments. Those with red cards will contemplate the reasons for the poor behavior and hopefully decide to make better choices in the future.

Don't forget-literature projects are due tomorrow! The book must be a mystery!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Freebie


I have one free Ohio Achievement test preparation book that I will give to the first person who requests it. The answer key (for parents) comes with it. Value: $14.95. To order, click here. Holcomb's also carries them.

We finished reading Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing today. Tomorrow we will take an open book test on Chapters 6-10.

Lots of students have received postcards: Abbey from Germany, Zach from Iraq, Haley from Kansas, Amber from Mason, Casey from Washington, Terra from Korea and Courtney from Florida, Nashville, Georgia, Baton Rouge, Oklahoma and Texas.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Roar of the Tiger!

CNE Elementary has heart and Bengal spirit. Click the following link to vote for CNE to win Local 12's office party.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Homework

During the month of October each student will be responsible for creating 10 journal entries. Students were given a list of 20 writing prompts to help them start. The goal is for 3 entries to be completed per week so that we can spend October 27-31 taking one of the pieces through the writing process.
The mystery literature project is due on October 17. I am sending home the directions to make a story skeleton just in case you can't think of a project to do with your mystery. If you would rather do a different project, that is fine. If you can't decide on a book to read or need help making a selection, there are many people who can help. The Owensville branch of the Clermont County Public Library has a table devoted to our literature projects. Mrs. Fetter and Mrs. Sumner have access to lots of mysteries in the school libraries. Mrs. Lindsey and I also have books in our classrooms that we can share.
Today's assignments:
Read chapter 9 in Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and complete worksheet.
Complete the diagnostic assessment in the math text for chapter 2 (p. 60-61).
Complete the place value practice sheet "Artistic Find".
Weekly State Dailies is due on Friday.
Complete first entry in writing journal for October.
Rewrite edited paragraph answering the question "Would you like to spend the day with Fudge?" Use details from Chapter 6 of Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing to explain your answer.

Paragraphs

Although students begin writing paragraphs in second grade and should have mastered paragraph writing in third grade, our class needs much work on this skill. In order to write a good paragraph, students must first be able to write in complete sentences. Please encourage your child to always write and speak in complete sentences. Answering a question with, "No, because..." is not a complete sentence.
For more help on paragraph writing, check out the following sites:
Paragraphs: This site has all of the rules in paragraph writing, including grammar skills like punctuation and capitalization.
Paragraph Punch: This site offers one free tutorial that is very helpful.
Descriptive Paragraph: This site tells how to begin each sentence.
Sandwich Chart: This is a graphic organizer to use when writing a paragraph.
How to Write an Apple: This site goes through the writing process step by step.
Writer's Window: This is a fun way to get writing ideas.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Happy October!

We are beginning a measurement unit in science. Our focus will be on selecting the correct tools to use in measuring capacity(volume), length, weight, and temperature. For practice measuring, check out the following sites:


We will finish our measurement unit by estimating and measuring pumpkins. Each student will need to bring in a pumpkin by October 27 for these activities. (The pumpkin should not be bigger or heavier than a fourth grader can carry on the bus.) Our pumpkin science study will coincide with the reading aloud of the book Me and the Pumpkin Queen by Marlane Kennedy who visited our school yesterday.

We are extending our study of Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing for another week or so due to our very interrupted October schedule.

October 2: Math test

October 6: PTO meeting

October 9: Market Day

October 10: Picture Day

October 14: COSI on Wheels

October 15: Field trip to Sycamore Park (pack lunch, wear outdoor clothes)

October 17: Mystery literature projects due; Attitude movie; end of first quarter

October 22: 2 Hour Early Release

October 24: Report Cards

October 30: Grandparents' Day; Evening Program

October 31: Walk-a-thon


Monday, September 29, 2008

Interims




We received post cards from Santa Rosa, California and St. Louis, Missouri

I sent interims home on Friday attached to the Friday Folder Report. Please be sure to sign and return the bottom portion of the interim and the left side of the Friday Folder Report.

We are working on decimals this week. For fun decimal practice, click here.
The math test to be given on Thursday will probably take 2 days as it is a lengthy test. Things to know in order to do well:



  • How to write numbers in standard, word and expanded form
  • How to find the value of each digit in a number
  • How to order numbers from least to greatest
  • How to compare numbers using <>
  • How to round numbers to the nearest 10, 100, 1,000 or 10,000
  • How to estimate
  • How to decide whether an answer is reasonable
  • How to write money amounts using $ and .
  • How to find change
  • How to count money
  • How to name decimals in word form and standard form
  • How to compare decimals
  • How to order decimals


We read chapter 6 in Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing today.

Quiz tomorrow on the Scientific Method aka the Design Process.


To do well, students should be able to:

  • correctly identify the steps of the design process IN ORDER
  • understand the concept vocabulary (inference, hypothesis, theory, variable, conclusion, observation)
  • explain how many variables should be changed during an experiment
  • explain what should be done if data does not support the hypothesis
  • make observations and inferences


Thursday, September 25, 2008

End of Units

This week we began reading Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume. The students really seem to enjoy hearing about fourth grader Peter Hatcher and the antics of his brother Fudge. We will take a quiz tomorrow on the first 5 chapters of the book.
In math we have spent our time counting money and making change. We will finish up this chapter on number sense next week with decimals and take a test on Thursday. The test will be the same format as Ohio's fourth grade math achievement test. To see what these look like, click here and scroll down to grade four. You can then choose to download the math tests that have already been given as well as the reading and writing tests.
On Tuesday students will take a science test on the scientific method. We have practiced using the design process (aka scientific method) on two labs and will continue to use it throughout the year. The test will reflect questions on the fifth grade science achievement test which can be accessed through the above link. Just scroll down to fifth grade and select science.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Black Out Over!

Thank goodness we are back in school! It seemed like most of the students and teachers were ready to get back in the routine.
Literature Projects will be presented this week with all of them expected to be completed by Friday. I'm sure everyone used the extra time last week to make their projects top notch!
We are reading Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing for the next two weeks, so there will not be a reading selection using the basal reader during that time.
In math we are working with money and decimals this week.
In science we continue to focus on the scientific method also known as the design process.
Don't forget that students are allowed/encouraged to correct graded work for extra points. This is the only type of extra credit that I offer, so please remind your child to take advantage of the opportunity.
Homework
Math-spiral review and workbook p. 9
Reading-draw the three main characters from Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing that were introduced in chapter 1
Science-review scientific method mini coloring book
S.S.-State Dailies (due Friday) and Weekly Reader

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Postcard Alert!



We received our first two postcards today from the Esteps in Bradenton, Florida and Ms. Judy Browning in Rising Sun, Indiana! Thanks for participating!

Another Day Off

If you are reading this, congratulations-you have power! I hate missing this much school, especially when the forecast this winter is for lots of snow. If we are lucky enough to have school tomorrow, I will expect everyone to have finished their literature projects-you certainly have had plenty of time. Hope to see you tomorrow!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

3 Days and Counting

This is for those of you who are lucky enough to have electricity right now and the time to check this site. We will NOT have a spelling test this Friday. We will begin reading Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing whenever school resumes, but there will not be a quiz on this book until we have finished reading up to chapter 5. We WILL still have our literature project presentations on Friday.
Hope to see you soon!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Spahr's Stars

Today many friends and family walked in memory of Mrs. Charleen Spahr. Mrs. Spahr was an inspiration as a teacher and as a person and is sorely missed.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Congratulations!

In AR news, both Courtney and Katherine have met certification goals and are invited to eat with their teacher on Sept. 30. It's not too late for the rest of the class-keep reading your accelerated reader books!

Four students really know their multiplication facts! Kyra, Katherine, Lydia and Terra have not missed a test yet and are all moving on to sixes. In order to pass a test, students must get 93% or better on a 2 1/2 minute 40 question test. Also moving on this week are Dominic, Courtney, Amber, Stephen, Lynzee, Hailey, Abbey and Westin!

I will no longer be sending home reading or math practice logs, but this does not mean that I don't expect students to be reading or practicing their multiplication facts. I encourage students to read more and practice their math skills each day in order to become more successful, but I will not be monitoring their practice at home.

Upcoming events:
Sept. 16-COSI on Wheels visits CNE (parent volunteers needed-contact the office)
Sept. 17: Two hour early dismissal
Sept. 19: Literature Projects due; interims coming home
Sept. 30: Author Marlane Kennedy visits
Oct. 9: Market Day pick up at the Elementary ($$$ goes to kindergarten)
Oct. 10: Picture Day
Oct. 15: Field trip to Sycamore Park "Fantastic Fossils"
Oct. 17: Literature Projects due; end of quarter
Oct. 20-24: Book Fair (parent volunteers needed-contact Mrs. Fetter)
Oct. 22: Two hour early dismissal
Oct. 24: Report cards coming home
Oct. 30: Fourth Grade program

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Market Day

Today was the first Market Day of the year and came with the expected glitches associated with a new time, new place, new day, and new committee. We survived them all and thank everyone who supported the students and teachers by purchasing quality food with all the profits going directly to the sixth grade teachers this month. You can order Market Day online or by sending in the paper form and support CNE teachers (thus the students) every month.

Don't forget to read each week for at least 2 hours. Students need to spend at least as much time practicing their reading and math as they do practicing a sport. We can't expect them to magically get it and succeed if they (with our support) don't put in the necessary practice time.

Homework:
Math-Spiral Review and workbook page
S.S.-State Dailies
Reading-StoryWorks "Lost in the Blizzard"
Spelling-worksheet

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Literature Projects are upon us

If your child has not selected a book for his/her literature project, you may want to take an active part in helping them make a selection. The genre for the project (due Sept. 19) is realistic fiction. What is realistic fiction? Click here for a very good explanation. In short, realistic fiction is a made up story that could really happen.

Authors who have written very good realistic fiction are Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary, Barbara Park, Robert Kimmel Smith, and Cynthia Rylant.

For other ideas and suggestions of realistic fiction, check out these online book lists.

Homework:

S.S.-State Dailies

Math-Spiral Review 1.5

Spelling-3x each

Keep reading and studying multiplication facts each night!

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Letters Home from Yosemite

This week's story is called Letters Home from Yosemite. To practice the vocabulary online, click here. We will have a reading comprehension test on Friday.

There will also be a math quiz on numbers and number sense. Can your child read a number correctly? Can they write it in standard form and tell the value of each number? For example, in the number 365,415 the digit 6 is worth 60,000 because it is in the ten thousands place. Having an awareness of numbers up to the hundred thousands was a third grade expectation. In the fourth grade students are expected to also know the millions period (one millions, ten millions, hundred millions).

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

93 Degrees...

In the spirit of science, we decided to measure and graph the temperature in our classroom. The highest temperature reached today was 93 degrees. We plan to continue our data collection tomorrow.
Homework:
Finish sentences-12 total using spelling words, 3 of each type: exclamatory (!), declarative (.), imperative (.), and interrogative (?). The difference between declarative and imperative=declarative is a statement and imperative is a command.
Finish writing prompt in journal.
Continue reading and practicing multiplication facts.

This week has been very difficult with the news of Mrs. Spahr's death and the heat. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Week 3

I can hardly believe we're already reached the third week of school. A few reminders are in order. Please don't forget to read for 2 hours each week and turn in the completed reading log each Friday. Also, remember to study your multiplication facts for at least 4 sessions of 10 minutes (or more) each and complete the practice log. I do take grades on multiplication timed tests since my students were expected (by the state of Ohio) to master the multiplication facts in THIRD grade.

In spelling this week, we will write the words in cursive on Tuesday, use them in complete sentences (interrogative, imperative, declarative, and exclamatory) on Wednesday, edit on Thursday, and take an editing test on Friday.

In this week's math, we will continue expressing numbers in various forms: standard 12, 435; expanded 10,000 + 2,000 + 400 + 30 + 5; and word twelve thousand four hundred thirty-five. Short word is a combination of standard + word: 12 thousand 4 hundred 35. Students are also expected to understand the place value of any given number up to the millions place.
We are not working on decimals yet, but that is in the not so distant future!

Our reading this week will focus on the text selection The Horned Toad Prince. Students should also have chosen their realistic fiction book for the Sept. 19 literature project and have an AR book for our daily silent reading. We will also continue to work on reading fluency Monday-Thursday with our Six Minute Solutions.

The language focus for the week will continue to be the four types of sentences.
Create your own worksheet by clicking here or take the Quia Quiz by clicking here Quia Quiz on sentences.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. My contact information is available on the school website.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Great Week

We are really beginning to get into a routine that should last us through the year. This is a really positive group of students who seem eager to have school under way.

Homework:
Finish Math Buckle Down p. 8-12
Begin reading (2 hours by Friday)
Continue working on multiplication facts (at least 4 nights this week)-Quizzes will be given randomly.
Complete Kangaroo Grid (due Tuesday in Social Studies)
Bring back signed Friday Folder report.

Enjoy the long weekend!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Test Tomorrow

Homework:
  • Study for spelling test
  • Study for reading test "Lewis and Clark and Me"
  • Study for multiplication timed test (0-1s)
  • Finish State Dailies (if not already turned in)
  • Kangaroo Grid (due Tuesday)
  • Finish reading log
  • Finish multiplication log

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Day 2 Week 2

Homework:
  • Get science safety contract signed
  • Finish spelling worksheet
  • Finish social studies working sheet (boning up on directions)
Science Quiz on Thursday-must know safety rules and pass test to participate in experiments
Reading test on Friday-Lewis & Clark & Me
Spelling test on Friday

Monday, August 25, 2008

Week 2

Thank you so much to the many who attended Parent Information Night!

Literature projects were discussed in depth today and information was sent home specifying due dates and requirements. Please help your child select a book that is realistic fiction and at an appropriate reading level. The Owensville branch of the Clermont County Library is quite familiar with fourth grade literature projects and a good source of material. Mrs. Fetter also shared realistic fiction books with the class during library this morning. If you have any questions, please contact me as soon as possible since the first project is due Sept. 19.

Homework:
Spelling worksheet
Social Studies State Dailies worksheet

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Second Day

Our second day was very successful. Everyone was able to complete his/her STAR testing to determine individual reading levels for Accelerated Reader.

Homework tonight: Read for at least 10 minutes and practice multiplication facts.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Welcome Back!

The fourth graders dove right into the 2008/2009 school year. Although I was sorry to have missed so many of them at Open House, I was quite happy to be well enough to meet all of them today-100% were in attendance. We lost 2 students-Travis and Kein, and gained 3-Westin, Stephen, and Junior, so we're up to 24 (13 girls, 11 boys).

Most of tonight's homework is for parents with all of the forms that need to be read, filled out, and signed. Some students may have a bit of social studies work to complete as well. Books should be covered by next week-paper bag covers are fine. Each student has his/her own locker to hold book bags, lunch boxes, coats (in season) and desk overflow.

Water bottles are welcome as long as they hold WATER! Sorry, flavorings may discolor papers and/or leave sticky residue on desks and books.

Have a great evening-I'm going to get started filling out my son's paperwork:)

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Market Day

CNE teachers in grades K-8 have received an offer almost impossible to refuse, but we need your help. Each month CNE students bring a Market Day flyer home. Market Day is a fundraising company like no other. They sell restaurant quality food at reasonable prices that can be ordered via the flyers or online (click here to order) and then delivered to the Elementary. How can you help?
1. Order Market Day food.
2. Help at the sale by unloading the truck and sorting orders.
3. Call Mrs. Putnam for more information. 732.0661 ext 439
Our August sale begins 8/20 with orders due no later than 9/3 (phone and internet by 9/6). Pick up is on Thursday, Sept. 11 beginning at 3:30. All profits will go directly to the classrooms of the teachers who work that month's event.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Race for the Cure

A much beloved teacher at CNE was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Although we can't help her fight her battle, we at CNE Elementary would like to support her by helping to fund cancer research. If you are interested in joining our team on September 14 or would like to contribute to our fundraising efforts, please click here.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Multiplication Strategies

Strategies for Mental Math

I did not create the following information, but it is important so I have copied the text from Math Resources website.

The basic number facts are among the tools that students need to be successful in their mathematics program. In the past, students memorized the facts once they had been introduced to Multiplication as a faster method of addition.

Now it is recommended that students learn patterns and strategies for as many facts as possible so that they strengthen their understanding of the relationships between numbers and the patterns in mathematics. Then they begin to memorize. There are many strategies out there. Here are some that have been successful with many students.

Before these strategies are taught, students must gain a complete understanding of the concept of multiplication. They should actually make groups of things and relate these groups to the number facts. They should skip count and make arrays to gain a complete understanding of multiplication.

Multiply by zero
If you have zero groups of anything you have nothing. It is fun to teach this by offering several different groups of zero to students.

“Here, you can have zero Smarties. How many did you get? zero

Work through several examples. The idea is that it doesn’t matter how many numbers are in a set or group, if you have zero sets you have nothing. So 1 x 0 is 0 one group of zero and 0 x 1 = 0 zero groups of one = zero

Once students understand this they will never have to practice it.

Commutative Property (Turn around facts)
Students may as well learn this right away. If you have 2 groups of zero or zero groups of two, you have the same amount. Work through several examples with zero to be sure that students understand. Then, review this with all the other strategies as all facts have a turn around fact.

Multiplying by one
Again this is a concept that students need only to understand and then they will always know the one times facts. One times any number means one group of that number which is the same number.

1 x 6 is one group of six = six
Turn around fact; 6 groups of one = 6 x 1 = 6
If students do lots of examples to gain this understanding, they will not have to practice this.

Multiply by Two
This is just double numbers, which they should already be familiar with.

For example: 2 x 8 = 8 + 8 = 16
It would take a couple of lessons to work through examples where you relate the two ideas and give students a chance to practice. Then they should be able to use this strategy.

Multiply by Ten
A hundreds board works great for this as do base ten rods. Students need to make groups of tens. They will see the pattern fairly quickly but they need to see the number pattern of increasing by ten as well as the “adding zero” factor. Once they explore with groups of ten then they can use the rule of adding zero to multiply 10 by any number. Again, they should review the turn around fact as well.

Two groups of ten = 20 10 groups of 2 = 20

Multiply by five
Counting by fives is a common factor in our society so multiplying by fi
ves can fit right in here. Use a clock to introduce the five times table.

We talk about 5 after, ten after, fifteen after – so this is one group of five, two groups of five, etc.
Have students count by fives and review the zero – five pattern 5, 10, 15, 20 (ends in zero, ends in five).

Work with examples like these to help children find patterns in the five times table and then remind them of the turn around facts.


Multiplying by 9
There are several ways to help students with this but the neatest one is that there is a nifty pattern to the nines. If students look at some examples: one group of nine is 9. Two groups of nine is 18, three groups of nine is 27 they can see that the answer adds up to nine and the tens digit is one less than the factor the nine is being multiplied by. Correspondingly the last digit, when added to the factor makes ten.
For example:
4 x 9 – the first digit is one less than 4 (the factor) and the
last digit will add up to 9 if added to the first digit. Also, the factor 4 and the last digit will add up to ten.

It is confusing until you try it out several times and then the pattern appears much more simple.

Those are some basic strategies that along with the turn around strategies help give students a solid base on which to build their multiplication facts. The Nelson program also teaches students to build new facts from known facts.

For example: If a child knows 5 x 3 = 15 they can figure out 6 x 3 = 18 (one more group of 3)

If a child knows 6 x 7 = 42 then 7 x 7 = one more group of seven = 49

Halving strategies
This can be used on facts with 5’s and 10’s.

If a child knows 8 x 5 = 40 she can halve and double to find 4 x 10 = 40. (half of 4 and double 5)

Another example; 4 x 5 = 20 half and double 2 x 10 = 20.

Multiplying by eleven
It quickly becomes very obvious that multiplying by 11 follows an easy pattern. If students do some examples 2 x 11 = 22, 8 x 11 = 88 etc. they soon see that it is taking the original number and multiplying it by ten and then itself. Make sure they understand the p
attern and then let them practice with other numbers. Again this pattern never changes.

Number Neighbours
A child who doesn’t know 7 x 6 = might know 6 x 6 = If so they can just add one more 6.

A child may not know 5 x 6 but they might know 5 x 5 so they can just add one more five.

Multiplication Table (lines crossed out represent use of strategies instead of memorization) The strategies we have discussed should have eliminated the need to memorize most of the facts.

On the chart above, all the facts that can be taught using a strategy, are covered, leaving only the facts that need to be drilled highlighted in blue.

Taken from http://olc.spsd.sk.ca/de/math1-3/p-mentalmath.html#basicmult

Monday, August 11, 2008

New Student


We already have a new student in our class and school has not yet begun! Welcome to Westin from West Clermont!
If you have been checking this space regularly, you may have noticed that I have added a multiplication link list. I hope that you will visit these links in order to practice your multiplication facts. It is a fact that math skills must be mastered in order to move on to new and more difficult skills. Ask your parents if they can do long division without knowing their multiplication facts or how to subtract without using a calculator! In order to be successful in fifth grade, we have to be sure that we have mastered the math skills of fourth grade. Start practicing your multiplication facts now-there will be a test the first week of school:)

Friday, July 18, 2008

Welcome to 2008-2009!

Yesterday I mailed my letters of introduction to the students in my homeroom for 2008-2009. Hopefully, if you are one of them you will be receiving the letter shortly or may have already received it.
Our Class List
Amber A.
Eric B.
Casey B.
Kayley C.
Johnny C.
Travis D.
Jessica D.
Abbey E.
AJ F.
Nick H.
Taylor J.
Kyle J.
Kyra K.
Katherine K.
Kein K.
Hailey M.
Dominic N.
Haley S.
Courtney S.
Lynzee S.
Lydia W.
Terra W.
Zach W.

Friday, July 4, 2008

Sunday, June 22, 2008

No Child Left Behind - Basketball Version


The basketball version of what is going on in education right now.

1. All teams must make the state playoffs and all MUST win the championship.

If a team does not win the championship, they will be on probation until they are the champions, and coaches will be held accountable. If after two years they have not won the championship their basketballs and equipment will be taken away UNTIL they do win the championship.

2. All kids will be expected to have the same basketball skills at the same time, even if they do not have the same conditions or opportunities to practice on their own. NO exceptions will be made for lack of interest in basketball, a desire to perform athletically, or genetic abilities or disabilities of themselves or their parents.

ALL KIDS WILL PLAY BASKETBALL AT A PROFICIENT LEVEL!

3. Talented players will be asked to workout on their own, without instruction. This is because the coaches will be using all their instructional time with the athletes who aren't interested in basketball, have limited athletic ability or whose parents don't like basketball!

4. Games will be played year round, but statistics will only be kept in the 4th, 8th, and 11th games. This will create a New Age of Sports where every school is expected to have the same level of talent and all teams will reach the same minimum goals. If no child gets ahead, then no child gets left behind. If parents do not like this new law, they are encouraged to vote for vouchers and support private schools that can screen out the non-athletes and prevent their children from having to go to school with bad basketball players.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

School's Out for Summer!

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone for such a great year! I am always sad at the end of the year because the relationship I form with my students is an important part of my life. This year's class is an exceptional group of students-bright, sweet, and very entertaining. I will miss them dearly. BUT, have a wonderful summer and stop by and visit me when you get a chance!

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Field Day

Luckily the weather held out and we were able to have field day. Our class won the overall day winning ribbons in every single event! We placed first in the running relay, sack race, over/under, chicken throw, and cone weave; second in hula hoop, 3 legged race, human tunnel, and single ball jump; and third in the cone throw and the four legged race. Even better was the sportsmanship shown by our class. They cheered for every class until the races were over. I am so proud to be their teacher!
The chocolate party will be tomorrow. We just weren't able to get it in today.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Celebration Time!

Camp Campbell Gard was a great success-students and adults alike seemed to have a great time! I enjoyed sending the kids off to get lost in the woods;)
Tuesday brings the fourth grade field day as well as our chocolate celebration. We plan to watch the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, so bring your favorite chocolate item to share with the class!
On Thursday we will celebrate our Walk-a-Thon win with Mrs. Porter's class from 9-11:30. We will also have our last AR lunch that day.
On Friday, we will celebrate the last day of school AND have our AR ice cream party.

So far, we're not celebrating anything on Wednesday...YET!

Don't forget-no school tomorrow!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Sweet Sorrow

As much as I hate to see this year come to an end, I must face the May 30 end of year date for the 2007-2008 school year. In the past, I have been very fortunate to have enjoyable, teachable, lovable classes, but either I'm getting older (obviously) and can't remember how good last year's (and the year before...) students were or this year's class is the BEST EVER! First grade teacher Mrs. Porter keeps telling me how great her class is, but I would put my homeroom up against any I've ever taught! They are smart, well-behaved, enthusiastic, loyal, and kind-and every other trait I hope to see in my own son.
50% of our class is in Washington D.C. as of this writing. In all fairness to those students, I can not/will not assign work to be graded while they are gone so all classwork assigned in their absence will not be graded. I do expect the students who remained behind to be honorable in their behavior and complete assigned work to the best of their ability.
Friday is the Camp Campbell Gard trip-yes, it is spelled correctly! Don't forget to pack a lunch and wear clothing suitable for the weather. We will spend lots of time outdoors, rain or shine!
On May 29, our class will celebrate our win for the Walk-a-thon top fourth grade $$ collector. Since so many of our students have siblings/relatives in the winning class from first grade, we have decided to celebrate together. The fourth graders could not decide whether The Bee Movie or Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium was the movie of choice (11-11 vote), so the choice was given to the first graders. Either way, I know the fourth graders are very excited about their guests!

Monday, May 19, 2008

Winding Down

Camp Campbell Gard: Please remember to pack a lunch on Friday. Pop is fine. Dinner and a snack are included in the amount paid, but there was a miscommunication and lunch will NOT be provided. Sorry about that glitch.

Washington D.C.: I have been informed that the bus will wait for no one. Be on time or early!

Because of the trips, all contracts are due tomorrow. There will not be a science test so that all students may fully utilize their time on contract completion.

Congratulations to this session's Rocket Club members!
Caitlin, Jared, Molly, James, Hunter, Jenna, Faith, Taryn, Holly Sa., Morgan, Jessica, Holly Su., Bryce, Lexie, and Tim are all in the final Rocket Club of 2007/2008!

Our last Friday folder came home last Friday (May 16). I have suggested to students that they may wish to check their mailboxes daily. All grades will be due by Tuesday, May 27 at midnight, so no late or missing work will be accepted after next Tuesday.

Coming up:
May 26: No School
May 27: Field Day
May 28:
May 29: Walk-a-thon party
May 30: Last day of school-Tug of War, Hot Dog Day
Not yet scheduled: AR ice cream party, chocolate party

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Cheap Physicals

On Tues. May 20th Batavia Family Practice will be giving physicals at the high school. The physicals will be good for ALL of next school year whether it be athletics, work permit, or anything else.

The physicals are a value of $100 plus dollars at the office but will be given for $10.00. ALL of the money will come back to Clermont Northeastern!!!!! The students will need to get a copy of the OHSAA physical form signed by their parents and bring with them as their release. (There are copies in both the middle school and high school office or they can get them from Mr. Tackett). No student with a signed form will be turned away, even if they don't have their money.

The physicals will be given at the High School from 10:00 to 2:00 p.m. They do not need to make an appointment, just show up. Middle School students will need to walk over. Don't send them w/o a signed physical form.

They can pay in cash or checks can be made out to Batavia Family Practice.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

13 more days of learning

I apologize for not blogging more frequently lately. The end of the school year gets very hectic with lots of interruptions.
As you may have realized, there is no spelling homework for the remainder of the year. This is also the last week for homework packets.
Upcoming events:
May 13 (tonight): Concert by the Lake-fourth graders are performing
May 14 (tomorrow): Fifth grade orientation-we will visit the middle school in the morning
May 19: Walk-a-thon-our class should wear green! Charlie test
May 20: Science and Charlie contracts due; Science test; Third Rocket Club party
May 21: Washington D.C. trip begins
May 23: Camp Campbell Gard trip
May 26: Memorial Day-No School
May 27: Fourth Grade field day
May 28: Mrs. Krebs for science
May 30: Tug of War/Last day of school

Congratulations to our Millionaire's Club members! Holly Su, Bailey, Nick, Jessica, Tim, and James got to go on a behind-the-scenes visit to Newport Aquarium today!

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Journal Journey

Today we began mapping our journal journeys that have returned. Hunter's, Abby's, Jenna', and Jared's travels were finished this morning with both cross country and international routes. Both Jenna's and Hunter's journals visited Spring Hill, Florida while Jared's went to Afghanistan, and Abby's went as far as Taiwan. We have received several other journals and will map their travels as well as create graphs representing the sites visited.

Market Place prospered today. The students really seem to enjoy both buying and selling.

In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, we read chapters 7-9 and worked on our contracts.

Math: worksheet
Science: life science contract-the radish seeds sprouted in one day.
Spelling: worksheet

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

What's Up?

In science we are working on a life science contract which includes Versatiles, inquiry stations, information stations, nonfiction reading, and a plant brochure. This contract is due on May 20 to accommodate those students who are traveling to Washington D.C.
In reading/language arts we are reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory together and working on a tiered contract. This contract is based on the same principles of interest-based student decision making, but is a bit different than our science contracts. Students must complete level 3 before moving on to work at level 4 which must then be completed to begin level 5. We are reading three chapters per day in order to complete the book before the Washington trip. Students will be expected to take the AR test on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on May 20. The contract is also due that day.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Testing Over

Thank you so much for your support of the Ohio Achievement Testing! We had 100% attendance on all three test days so everyone in the class earned a treat bag and is finished with the fourth grade OAT!

In order for your child to succeed on tomorrow's science test, he/she should be familiar with the following Ohio Science indicators:

1. Describe how wind, water and ice shape and reshape Earth's land surface by eroding rock and soil in some areas and depositing them in other areas producing characteristic landforms (e.g., dunes, deltas and glacial moraines).
2. Identify and describe how freezing, thawing and plant growth reshape the land surface by causing the weathering of rock.
3. Describe evidence of changes on Earth's surface in terms of slow processes (e.g., erosion, weathering, mountain building and deposition) and rapid processes (e.g. volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and landslides).


For a look at questions that may appear on the test, click here, then select Grade 5 May 2007 Released Science Test.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Next in Science

Our next unit of study in science will be life science. The fourth grade Ohio indicators tell us that fourth graders should learn about plants.

Indicators for grade 4
1. Compare the life cycles of different plants including germination, maturity, reproduction and death. (ORC Resources)
2. Relate plant structures to their specific functions (e.g., growth, survival and reproduction). (ORC Resources)
3. Classify common plants according to their characteristics (e.g., tree leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, stems). (ORC Resources)
4. Observe and explore that fossils provide evidence about plants that lived long ago and the nature of the environment at that time. (ORC Resources)
5. Describe how organisms interact with one another in various ways (e.g., many plants depend on animals for carrying pollen or dispersing seeds). (ORC Resources)

Premier Plant Publications is a webquest that will serve as the project for the life science unit. Students will also work towards completion of a contract which will require each student to do the following: 5 inquiry stations (aka experiments), 5 information stations, 3 versatiles, and 2 AR books by May 23.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Testing Week

The students got off to a roaring start yesterday with perfect attendance! Each student also earned a rubric score of "4" for effort on the test which gave them an extra recess at the end of the day. Today we blasted off again with perfect attendance for the math test! So far, so good on the effort as well.

Just a reminder that there is no homework this week, but literature projects are due on Friday.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Postponed

The final literature project is now due on May 2.

We are in need of clean baby food jars with lids.

There will not be any homework next week.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Testing Changes

Due to some changes in our testing requirements, we will now be giving the OATs on Monday (reading), Tuesday (math), and Thursday (writing). We will begin testing promptly at 9:00 and must turn in our tests by noon. If you must schedule an appointment during the school day, please try to do so in the afternoon. Studies show that students do better in testing situations that are familiar, so being in their homeroom with their classmates and homeroom teacher (me) is the optimal place for most students. Students may bring in healthy snacks and water bottles as usual, but thanks to the parents who volunteered, snacks will also be provided each day of testing.

Literature projects are due Friday. Students are expected to be prepared with text-to-text, text-to-self, and text-to-world connections as well as a well thought out opinion and recommendation. Students are also expected to be able to identify and explain the characters, the plot (problem and solution), and the setting. Finally, a project should accompany the oral presentation.

Earth science contracts are also due on Friday. Students have been provided ample time (three weeks) to complete 6 experiments, read 2 non-fiction books, and finish 2 Versatile puzzles. We will spend Thursday and Friday making final touches to their oral presentations and posters about erosion, weathering, and deposition.

Friday, April 18, 2008

What a Class!

Congratulations to Jessica who set a new school record in the chair sit. She stood against the wall knees bent to a 90 degree angle for 3 hours and 21 minutes!

Congratulations to James, Tim, Jessica, Bailey, and Holly Su who all made the Millionaires' Club special event! The top 12 students (by most words read) in fourth grade will go to the Newport Aquarium in May. James has read over 3,000,000 words this year setting a new school record. Tim read over 800,000 words, Jessica and Bailey more than 500,000 each and Holly over 400,000 words. Wow!

Congratulations to all of the CNE students performing in The Music Man! We saw a sneak preview of the musical and loved it! Bailey, Lexie, Abby, Bryce, Jenna, and Taryn did a great job and looked adorable too!

Homework:
Writing BuckleDown Form A
Packet

Don't forget: Carnival tomorrow RAIN or SHINE!
Please keep collecting money for the Walk-a-thon! Our school is halfway to our goal of $11,000.00!

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Happy Wednesday!

Movies: I'll be there Friday for the 5:00 show! There=Milford Showcase Cinema!

Students who are in the play: Don't forget to turn in your weekly homework tomorrow!

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Market Place Tomorrow

Yes, it is our turn for Market Place. Students may bring any school appropriate item that their parents have approved to sell. Please check the items so that little brother or big sister is not missing anything. The Market Place has turned out to be quite a success. Other classes have opened their own Market Place days as well. The students are really thinking about products that will sell and how to price their products competitively. They also put lots of thought into the location of their stores.

Math geometric cities are due tomorrow.

Spring seems to be busy for everyone. I would love to see everyone on Friday night at the movie theater, but I know that the kids and their families are involved in a little bit of everything. If I don't see you at the movie, have a great time and enjoy baseball, soccer, softball, play practice or whatever activity is filling your time. Holly Su said Nim's Island is really good!

Our class has 5 of the top 12 AR readers as of today. James, Tim, Jessica, Bailey, and Holly Su are #1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 respectively. Nick and Caitlin have a chance to break the top 12 if they read like crazy. The top 12 readers (by word count) will get to go on a behind the scenes tour of the Newport Aquarium in mid-May. The official count will be taken on April 17 and winners notified.

Our AR has a new parent feature. Several students chose to bring the letter home today that explains how parents can access their child's reading record and see quizzes taken, overall records, and goals. You can also sign up to receive instant email notification each time your child takes a test. I signed up with my first grader and was very pleased with all of the options available. The advanced search feature is really nice, but as the kids said, it's too bad this was not available earlier as it would have really helped with literature projects. If the letter did not come home today, look for it in Friday's folder.

Enjoy the break in the weather!

Monday, April 14, 2008

Scheduling

The science contract due date has been pushed back a week to give students ample time to prepare their presentations and complete the rather lengthy experiments. Presentations/projects are due on April 25 now.
Literature projects are also due on April 25, but students have known about this project for a very long period of time, so no extensions will be given. This month's genre is historical fiction. We will use the original rubric with the student's choice of project.
Scheduling a time to see Nim's Island and working around everyone's schedule is quite impossible, so I would like to change the date to Friday, April 18, to accommodate the majority. Since movie times for Milford Showcase Cinemas are not available as of this writing (movietickets.com), I am unable to tell you the time. Prices change at 6:00, so if there is a time close to 6:00, but a bit earlier, I thought we'd aim for that time. Any feedback is welcome!

Friday, April 11, 2008

And the Winner Is...

I will be at the Milford Showcase Cinema on Saturday at ______ to see Nim's Island. (Times have not yet been posted for Saturday's shows, but it will be around 5:30.) Anyone who wants to join me is certainly welcome. The more the merrier!

Our science contract/project is due next Friday with a test the following week. We will go to the computer lab on Monday and Wednesday to work on gathering information for the projects.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Voting for the Movie

Don't forget to vote for the day to see the movie. If your computer is not letting you vote, just send in a note with a vote. One vote per family please.

Today we reviewed for our reading quiz, discussed and practiced identifying and supporting generalizations, chose groups for math projects, and began working on our science projects. We also completed Buckle Down Lesson 12.

Tomorrow is our make-up day for book fair!

Six of the students in our class will be performing in the high school musical this year. The Music Man will be presented at UC Clermont's Theater on April 24 and 25. Lexie, Bailey, Bryce, Abby, Jenna, and Taryn all have roles as do many other students from various grades.

I can't wait to see them perform!

Don't forget Book Fair is this week!