Happy Holidays!

Here's hoping everyone is enjoying the time away from school!  When we return to school next year :-), we will have one week of school before the end of the second quarter.  On Friday, January 10, students will present their fourth literature project of the year, this one on a fantasy book.  

The definition of this fictional genre could be described as something that contains elements that are not realistic, such as magical powers, talking animals, etc. Make-believe is what this genre is all about.  Another description of a fantasy novel is any book that contains unrealistic settings, or magic, often set in a medieval universe, or possibly involving mythical beings or supernatural forms as a primary element of the plot, theme, or setting. Something magical is almost always part of fantasy and magic may be seen in the setting or in the plot. It may even be practiced by the characters.

Fantasy usually describes those stories that could not happen in real life. 

Over break would be a great time for students to check their ProgressBook accounts to see how their grades look.  They could even make corrections on graded assignments in order to turn the corrected work in upon their return to school and earn a better grade.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The Stranger

This week's reading selection is The Stranger by Chris Van Allsburg.
The Stranger
Chris Van Allsburg

In science we are beginning a unit on energy and electricity.
Electric Energy 
Electric Energy
Who Can Resist?
BrainPop Current Electricity
BrainPop Electricity
How electric currents work
Revisewise Electical Conductors

In math we are continuing with multiplication and division and reviewing geometry from third grade.

On Friday, we celebrated the first quarter Circle of Excellence by creating crazy caramel apples.  After several students expressed displeasure with the name "Circle of Excellence", they were encouraged to write persuasive letters to Mrs. Greene about changing the name back to Rocket Club.  Apparently the letters were very persuasive; the Circle of Excellence will henceforth be known as the Rocket Club!

So You Want to Be President

This week's selection is So You Want to Be President.

 Each child will spend the next two week's researching one of our nation's presidents.  Students will be given some time at school to work on this project, but time will need to be spent on this at home as well.  The project is due Friday, November 6.

We are collecting food and toiletry items for the school Harvest for Hunger.  So far, our class has collected 11 items.  We need to collect a lot more in order to win the school-wide contest!  Right now, Mrs. Pendleton's class is winning because they have brought in the most canned goods.

We are getting ready to start our unit on electricity.  Donations of C and D batteries would be greatly appreciated.

The next literature project is informational nonfiction due on November 22.  A rubric and graphic organizer to aid in the process were sent home last Friday.

What Jo Did

Our reading selection this week is What Jo Did.  To view a powerpoint of vocabulary and skills, click here.  For other What Jo Did activities and resources, click here.  To watch cause/effect video, click here.

In science we are practicing the scientific method as we study conservation of matter.  For the steps of the scientific method, click here.  To watch a video of the scientific method, click here. (Email me for the username and password).

In math we are still working on number sense and operations.  This week is a review of addition and subtraction, but students are now being asked to find their solutions in multiple ways and to explain those solutions.  We are moving beyond simple computation and into pulling out the important information from a word problem.

Subtraction Algorithm game

Algorithm explanations
Subtraction algorithm examples

Walkathon

Don't forget, our walkathon is Thursday, September 26!  It's not too late to donate to this worthy cause.  The funds generated by the school walkathon go directly to the students in the form of Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math technology.  Without the walkathon, we would not be able to support this amazing source of individualized instruction.  If each student collected $20, we would surpass our goal!

This week's reading selection is Letters Home from Yosemite, a nonfiction text about one of our country's most famous and beautiful parks.
Letters Home Powerpoint
Vocabulary flashcards
Games
Vocabulary Practice
Comprehension and vocabulary review

Conservation of Matter

In science we will begin to study conservation of matter, the principle that, in a closed system, matter cannot be destroyed or created.  It can only change frrom one substance to another.

• Brainpop: Conservation of Mass
  
• Heating and Cooling
  
• Characteristics of Matter
  
• Changing State
  
• Reversible and Irreversible Changes
• Law of Conservation of Energy and Mass

The Horned Toad Prince is this week's reading selection.

Vocabulary

Powerpoint

Estimation

We are practicing our estimation skills in math.
Thanks to mathworkshopadventures.blogspot.com for their estimation anchor chart idea.  We made our own today.


Estimation lessons and practice
Games, activities and videos
Rounding game

Grandfather's Journey

This week's reading selection:

Book Trailer
Vocabulary
Grandfather's Journey powerpoint


Internet agreement forms must be returned in order for your child to have access to the internet while at school as well as to participate in Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math.

Scenes from last week's observation vs. inference lesson:

  

Lewis & Clark & Me

Lewis and Clark and Me is the reading selection this week.
Links to try:
http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/
http://www.lewis-clark.org/
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/lewisandclark/
Vocabulary Quiz
Powerpoint

The reading and spelling tests will both be on Friday this week (regular schedule).

Don't forget to collect Box Tops for Education!!!

Because of Winn Dixie

This week's reading selection is Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo.
For more information about the text and/or the author, click the links below.
Because of Winn Dixie review powerpoint
Because of Winn Dixie game
Because of Winn Dixie page

In math we are reviewing multiplication facts and place value.

Science has us practicing safe lab rules and learning about scientists.

Parent Information Night is tomorrow evening at 7:30 p.m. in the elementary gym.


 

Studyladder

Our class is using Studyladder, a web-based educational program that covers math and literacy among other subjects.  Your child has been given a username and password which can be used to access Studyladder both at home and at school.

Your child does not have to use Studyladder at home, however regular access will help your child to reinforce what they have learned in school.  It will also help to build their confidence through practice.

Studyladder is designed to prevent bullying and does not allow student access to social networking.  Your child will NOT be able to chat with anyone via Studyladder.  However, we encourage you to supervise your child at all times when using the Internet.

Parents have the option to sign up for a free home account with the same limited access that the school has.  Please ask your child for the full letter explaining this program or check out the website at www.studyladder.com.

First Day!

What a great first day!  100% attendance on the first day of school is a great start! Tonight's homework includes multiplication, math review, parent paperwork, and covering the social studies book.  Please check to be sure your child has mastered his/her multiplication facts.  If he/she hasn't, it's time to start studying.  Look to the right side of this page for multiplication practice.

Back to School

Going back to school after a long, fun-filled summer is always bittersweet.  While many of us are excited about the new school year and all that it promises, we are still enjoying the fun activities of summer.  I know that I will miss swimming, Kings Island and spending time with family and friends!  Since we can't stop time though, might as well jump right into this school year!
Upcoming Dates
Open House:  August 20 6-7 p.m.
First Day of School: August 21
Parent Information Night: August 27

If you haven't been practicing your multiplication facts, now is the time to get started.  We will begin mastering those facts right away!
Can't wait to see you at Open House!!!