Sunday, October 25, 2009

Reading Strategies

In case you were wondering how to help your child become a better reader or wanted to know more about reading strategies...
click here

The Stranger links
Another powerpoint for The Stranger.
Vocabulary practice

Busy Week

On Wednesday we will go to Chilo Lock #34. While there we will hike on the trail looking at native plants and looking for native animals. We will also learn the history of the Ohio River and its importance to the development of the Ohio River Valley.
We will continue to study plants this week using both print and internet resources to identify local trees.
What Tree Is IT?
Leaf Identification Guide for 88 Ohio Trees
A Guide to Deciduous Trees
Basics of Tree ID
Plant ID game
Tree Identification WebQuest
Meet Mama Greenleaf
I've Got My Leaf!
Leaf Finder
Leaf Identification
Trees are Terrific
What Tree is That?

Our reading selection for the week is The Stranger by Chris Van Allsburg.
The Stranger powerpoint

In math we are still working on addition, subtraction and estimation. There will be a test next week.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Caricatures

Caricature Slide Show

Shutterbug Information

Welcome to Shutter Bugs. Although many students and parents attended the informational first meeting of Shutterbugs on Tuesday, it is not too late to join. Following are the items discussed:
Shutter Bugs will meet approximately once a month. Students will be assigned a topic for their pictures. Students are encouraged to use their own cameras. Mrs. Thompson has a camera she can lend for one evening at a time, but it has very limited battery. See her to check it out LONG before the meeting date. On the meeting dates, students will bring in their photos on a CD or flash drive so they can download them to the computer. We will use a free photo editing software called Picasa to edit the photos. Once the photos have been edited students will upload them to our Shutter Bugs blog and will type a description of their photo and what they did to it underneath. Mrs. Thompson put up a sample post and it can be viewed by clicking here. Photos taken by the Photographers of the Month will be displayed outside the office. Mrs. Thompson's plan is to put together a coffee table book at the end of the year with the photos that parents can purchase.

Here are some frequently asked questions:

What time is Shutter Bugs over? Generally, students take about 30 minutes to edit and post their photos. Some take less time, some more. Students should be picked up between 4:15-4:25 and NO LATER THAN 4:30.

What if my child is absent/school is called off? If the meeting is canceled or school is closed, have your child bring their photos to school with them the next day and we will find time to edit them during the day.

What if we miss a month? No problem, come back the next month.

Do I need a note each meeting? No, the note you signed at the beginning of the year is fine for the entire year. Only send a note if they are going home with someone other than a parent.

Where can we view the pictures? On the Shutter Bugs page on the 4th grade website. Here you can also find a schedule of our meetings and the monthly topics.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to email Mrs. Thompson at thompson_d@cneschools.org.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing


We will continue to read Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing this week focusing on summaries, main ideas and character study.
Fun Trivia Quiz
vocabulary practice
Trivia Game

In Math we will continue to practice number sense by studying addition, subtraction and estimation. We are also taking weekly multiplication timed tests: 2 minutes for 40 problems.
Gamequarium
Kids' Math Games
Fun for the Brain

In science we are practicing using the scientific method in our botany study.
Primary Games
Test Your Science IQ
Life Cycle of Plants
Root Factory

For fun, try the virtual pumpkin carving link below:
Pumpkin Carving