Dear Parents,
I had a couple concerns from parents about the 52 Math problems that were sent home for homework this past week. In response to them, I told them that these problems were assigned as review IN class and that students were given over an hour to complete them. It was the students' choice to work on the Math or to work on their Science Fair Projects (which they had also been given time to work on in class). Some students chose to do Science. Many students chose to talk and fool around with their peers.
Last night, while grading their last Social Studies test, I noticed many students were not answering the questions correctly, which resulted in only a few A+s, Many As, and several A-s and Bs. Since we had used the lesson as a group Interactive Editing piece, and individual Interactive Editing piece, AND played a review game, I assumed most students would do well. Today I asked the class to please answer honestly... "How many of you honestly took home your Social Studies notebook and sat down to study for the test?" 4 students raised their hands. I then asked how many took their books home to study for TODAY'S test. 8 raised their hands.
I am very concerned, as although we only have 1 month left of school, this is the critical month where their grades count as their FINAL grade in all subject areas. Students seem to have given up and don't seem to be putting up the effort to achieve success.
Today in class they were again given time to work independently, finish homework, and ask for help. Only a handful of students actually did this effectively. Most had to be reminded on several occasions to use their time wisely and get to work.
Please talk with your son/daughter about the importance of trying their best, especially in these last weeks, as these are the weeks that truly count and I wish for all the students to succeed.
Thank you,
Ms. Willett
P.S. Plato testing is also this week (and next) and students would benefit GREATLY from studying old concepts via the links on the blog.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Literacy Homework: Thursday, April 29th
a)Go to http://www.dogonews.com/
b) Read three articles of your choice.
c) Write two interesting facts you read on each one.
b) Read three articles of your choice.
c) Write two interesting facts you read on each one.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Great Math Resources!
Students will be starting their Plato test for Math this week (tomorrow) and conclude next week. In order to review old concepts that students may have been struggling with, I am including this useful website for parents and tutors to use.
Please click on the textbook for 4th grade, then browse the chapters and lessons to find the topic of your choice. For each lesson there are activities/games, extra practice, online tutoring, as well as practice tests to check for understanding.
http://www.mhschool.com/math/mathconnects/index.html
I have also posted new links in the "Math Websites" section of the blog (on the right hand side) of useful sites to see.
We started decimals today (and how they relate to fractions). Some students showed struggle with this and so practicing at home would benefit them greatly. New decimal links have been posted at the side as well.
Happy practicing! :)
Please click on the textbook for 4th grade, then browse the chapters and lessons to find the topic of your choice. For each lesson there are activities/games, extra practice, online tutoring, as well as practice tests to check for understanding.
http://www.mhschool.com/math/mathconnects/index.html
I have also posted new links in the "Math Websites" section of the blog (on the right hand side) of useful sites to see.
We started decimals today (and how they relate to fractions). Some students showed struggle with this and so practicing at home would benefit them greatly. New decimal links have been posted at the side as well.
Happy practicing! :)
Family Literacy Workshop!
Please read the invitation to the upcoming family literacy workshop. This one is held during school hours, so your child will still be in classes and will not be in attendance with you at the workshop. This is a very helpful workshop about reading aloud with your children!
Please RSVP to homeroom teacher ASAP.
Thanks!
Literacy Homework: Wednesday, April 28
a) Go to http://www.dogonews.com/
b) Read three articles of your choice.
c)List two important facts about each one.
d) Did you like each article? Why or why not?
b) Read three articles of your choice.
c)List two important facts about each one.
d) Did you like each article? Why or why not?
Monday, April 26, 2010
Week of April 26-30
MATH:
Last week we were supposed to have our Math test of dividing with remainders, but due to the Earth Day assembly that went longer than expected, we had to move the test to this week. In order to give an extra day of review, I've scheduled the test for tomorrow (Tuesday).
Wednesday we will begin our next unit in decimals. This week we will focus on reading and writing decimals, decimal place value relationships, and ordering and comparing decimals.
Timed Test: This week will be division with 6 as a divisor.
Plato Testing: beginning this week, students will be completing the final Plato test during their computer periods - concluding next week.
SCIENCE:
Today was the last class period given to students to finish their science fair projects. This is also the last week that students get to work on their projects at all, because projects are due next Monday to homeroom teachers. Next Tuesday I will be handing them in to the Science Fair people. Judging will take place May 5-6 and the fair will be open to students and parents May 7th. All students have completed their projects and should be showing me their written reports so that I may check the spelling before they put the good copy on their boards. Information may be printed from the computer if I have already checked the rough copy of the report, then the printed sheets may be brought into school to be glued onto the board. Some students may need to stay at recess or lunch this week to finish.
SOCIAL STUDIES:
Today we reviewed last week's lessons on the landforms of the West. Tomorrow (Tuesday) will be the test. This week we will be learning about the resources of the West. Students will be quizzed Friday. All lessons have been taken from their Social Studies textbooks but turned into interactive editing handouts that students have been given. To study, please review these sheets.
Last week we were supposed to have our Math test of dividing with remainders, but due to the Earth Day assembly that went longer than expected, we had to move the test to this week. In order to give an extra day of review, I've scheduled the test for tomorrow (Tuesday).
Wednesday we will begin our next unit in decimals. This week we will focus on reading and writing decimals, decimal place value relationships, and ordering and comparing decimals.
Timed Test: This week will be division with 6 as a divisor.
Plato Testing: beginning this week, students will be completing the final Plato test during their computer periods - concluding next week.
SCIENCE:
Today was the last class period given to students to finish their science fair projects. This is also the last week that students get to work on their projects at all, because projects are due next Monday to homeroom teachers. Next Tuesday I will be handing them in to the Science Fair people. Judging will take place May 5-6 and the fair will be open to students and parents May 7th. All students have completed their projects and should be showing me their written reports so that I may check the spelling before they put the good copy on their boards. Information may be printed from the computer if I have already checked the rough copy of the report, then the printed sheets may be brought into school to be glued onto the board. Some students may need to stay at recess or lunch this week to finish.
SOCIAL STUDIES:
Today we reviewed last week's lessons on the landforms of the West. Tomorrow (Tuesday) will be the test. This week we will be learning about the resources of the West. Students will be quizzed Friday. All lessons have been taken from their Social Studies textbooks but turned into interactive editing handouts that students have been given. To study, please review these sheets.
Literacy Homework: Monday, April 26
a) Go to http://www.dogonews.com/
b) Read two articles of your choice. Write a brief summary of each on your Reading Journal.
b) Read two articles of your choice. Write a brief summary of each on your Reading Journal.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Very Important! Earth Day Activity!
Today each student received a young plant tree to take home. Please make sure it is handled properly and it is planted at home. If you do not have a place to plant it please send it back to school. It is very imporatnt than no young tree dies! Let' s all go green!! Let's protect our amazing and special planet, it is the only one we've got!
Literacy Homework: Thursday, April 22
Go to http://www.tooter4kids.com/classroom/earth_day_poems.htm to read great poems about Earth day.
Answer the following questions for each poem (not all poems are included)
Read Earth Day Badge
1)How does the author take care of Mother Earth?
Read Earth Day
2)What is the message of this poem?
Read Our Earth
3)According to this poem, what should we keep our planet free from?
Read Planet Earth and Save the Earth
4)Which poem do you like the most? Why?
Read Working on the Trash
5) List 2 ways we can recycle
List 2 ways we can reduce
List 2 ways we can reuse
Answer the following questions for each poem (not all poems are included)
Read Earth Day Badge
1)How does the author take care of Mother Earth?
Read Earth Day
2)What is the message of this poem?
Read Our Earth
3)According to this poem, what should we keep our planet free from?
Read Planet Earth and Save the Earth
4)Which poem do you like the most? Why?
Read Working on the Trash
5) List 2 ways we can recycle
List 2 ways we can reduce
List 2 ways we can reuse
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Literacy Homework: Wednesday, April 21
Go to http://skaneatelesdesign.com/2008/05/02/the-lorax-dr-seuss/ to read The Lorax. Read all of it, try to read it with rhythm! It is fun!
Do the following:
1) Wite a few sentences explaining the author's purpose.
2)What advice does the Dr. Seuss give the reader.
3) Write three examples of allietaration you read in the poem.
4)Write two examples of onomatopeia you found in the poem.
5) Write one simile from the poem.
6)Write words that rhyme in stanza 6
Do the following:
1) Wite a few sentences explaining the author's purpose.
2)What advice does the Dr. Seuss give the reader.
3) Write three examples of allietaration you read in the poem.
4)Write two examples of onomatopeia you found in the poem.
5) Write one simile from the poem.
6)Write words that rhyme in stanza 6
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Literacy Homework: Tuesday, April 20th
Today, your only homework is to complete the worksheets Come in and......
Week of April 20-23
MATH:
Last week we introduced 2-digit division (long division).
For students who don't understand, or parents who would like to see how we are doing this, please visit this website to get extra assistance from a personal tutor:
http://www.mhschool.com/math/mathconnects/assets/asset_view.html?s=mcg4_8_5_1&type=PT
I have also posted new links under the Math links at the side of the blog. Please visit these websites to assist your child, as this is a concept that is very difficult for students and students would benefit greatly from extra review/reinforcement at home. There are great self-check and readiness quizzes to help make sure students understand this concept. Visit the links!
Tomorrow (Wednesday) we will be looking at 3-digit division, which is done in the same way, but is with one extra digit. Thursday we will again review these types of questions and on Friday, students will be tested on 2 and 3-digit division.
Timed Test: This week will be division of numbers from 1-5 as divisors.
SOCIAL STUDIES:
This week we start our new unit for Social Studies. We will be focussing on The West of the United States. Today, students completed a map of the West. This week we will be looking at the landforms of The West. We will review these concepts next Monday, then students will be tested next Tuesday.
SCIENCE:
Students were given all of last week to work on their Science Fair projects. Some students made good use of their time, while others wasted time fooling around. Students were told they were not going to be given anymore class time, and since this is an assignment that must be completed at school, students who are not finished will need to use parts of their recess or lunches to complete the assignment. They may also work on it during class time using the time they are given during Math or Social Studies to complete their homework - instead saving that homework for home.
LITERACY
This week we will celebrate Earth Day! Most of our activities will be related to this special day.
Read Aloud
The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss, focus on using picture clues, features of poetry (rhyme, stanzas, lines, etc.), and alliteration.
Explore Antartica, focus on features of non fiction text (table of contents, glossary, index, etc.)
Shared Reading
A World in Danger, TFK article, by Melissa Kong, focus on identifying the main idea.
You Wouldn't Want to be a Polar Explorer, we will take an expedition to icy Antartica, focus on using context clues and drawing conclusions.
Interactive Editing
Students will continue to work in pairs to pepare the Oral Presentation - My Favorite Rainforest Animal. They are summarizing text and writing ideas on their own words to later present about the topic to an audience.
Independent Writing
We are working on a Mother's Day Gift! We will focus on ideas and voice.
Students will also participate in Book Clubs, Guided Reading, and Independent Reading.
Last week we introduced 2-digit division (long division).
For students who don't understand, or parents who would like to see how we are doing this, please visit this website to get extra assistance from a personal tutor:
http://www.mhschool.com/math/mathconnects/assets/asset_view.html?s=mcg4_8_5_1&type=PT
I have also posted new links under the Math links at the side of the blog. Please visit these websites to assist your child, as this is a concept that is very difficult for students and students would benefit greatly from extra review/reinforcement at home. There are great self-check and readiness quizzes to help make sure students understand this concept. Visit the links!
Tomorrow (Wednesday) we will be looking at 3-digit division, which is done in the same way, but is with one extra digit. Thursday we will again review these types of questions and on Friday, students will be tested on 2 and 3-digit division.
Timed Test: This week will be division of numbers from 1-5 as divisors.
SOCIAL STUDIES:
This week we start our new unit for Social Studies. We will be focussing on The West of the United States. Today, students completed a map of the West. This week we will be looking at the landforms of The West. We will review these concepts next Monday, then students will be tested next Tuesday.
SCIENCE:
Students were given all of last week to work on their Science Fair projects. Some students made good use of their time, while others wasted time fooling around. Students were told they were not going to be given anymore class time, and since this is an assignment that must be completed at school, students who are not finished will need to use parts of their recess or lunches to complete the assignment. They may also work on it during class time using the time they are given during Math or Social Studies to complete their homework - instead saving that homework for home.
LITERACY
This week we will celebrate Earth Day! Most of our activities will be related to this special day.
Read Aloud
The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss, focus on using picture clues, features of poetry (rhyme, stanzas, lines, etc.), and alliteration.
Explore Antartica, focus on features of non fiction text (table of contents, glossary, index, etc.)
Shared Reading
A World in Danger, TFK article, by Melissa Kong, focus on identifying the main idea.
You Wouldn't Want to be a Polar Explorer, we will take an expedition to icy Antartica, focus on using context clues and drawing conclusions.
Interactive Editing
Students will continue to work in pairs to pepare the Oral Presentation - My Favorite Rainforest Animal. They are summarizing text and writing ideas on their own words to later present about the topic to an audience.
Independent Writing
We are working on a Mother's Day Gift! We will focus on ideas and voice.
Students will also participate in Book Clubs, Guided Reading, and Independent Reading.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Literacy Homework: Thursday, April 15
a) Go to http://www.dogonews.com/2010/3/10/rare-all-black-king-penguin-spotted-in-the-antarctica to read about a rare(strange) penguin.
b) Answer the following questions:
1) What does ornithologist mean?
2) Who spotted this strange looking penguin?
3)What does it mean: He realized he was like any other prenguin-except without the tuxedo.
c) Go to http://www.dogonews.com/2009/9/23/british-kids-can-t-get-enough-of-spiderman-look-alike-pet to read about a strange looking pet.
d) Answer the following:
4) What is so fun and special about this pet? Would you like too have one? Why or why not?
5) What is this animal's habitat?
6) What is its diet?
b) Answer the following questions:
1) What does ornithologist mean?
2) Who spotted this strange looking penguin?
3)What does it mean: He realized he was like any other prenguin-except without the tuxedo.
c) Go to http://www.dogonews.com/2009/9/23/british-kids-can-t-get-enough-of-spiderman-look-alike-pet to read about a strange looking pet.
d) Answer the following:
4) What is so fun and special about this pet? Would you like too have one? Why or why not?
5) What is this animal's habitat?
6) What is its diet?
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Literacy Homework: Wednesday, April 14
a) Go to http://www.dogonews.com/2008/11/16/walking-with-dinosaurs-the-live-experience to read the article "Walking wth Dinosaurs- the Live Experience"
b) Answer the following questions:
1) What is Pangea?
2) How were the Himalayas created?
3) How long ago did the dinosaurs roam the Earth?
c) Go to http://www.dogonews.com/2009/1/14/a-flying-vehicle to read the article " A Flying Vehicle!"
d)Answer the following questions:
4) What does the word alleviating mean?
5)What is one good thing about thhis flying car? What is a problem?
6) What would you do if you had a day to travel on the Tearrafugia Transition?
b) Answer the following questions:
1) What is Pangea?
2) How were the Himalayas created?
3) How long ago did the dinosaurs roam the Earth?
c) Go to http://www.dogonews.com/2009/1/14/a-flying-vehicle to read the article " A Flying Vehicle!"
d)Answer the following questions:
4) What does the word alleviating mean?
5)What is one good thing about thhis flying car? What is a problem?
6) What would you do if you had a day to travel on the Tearrafugia Transition?
Monday, April 12, 2010
Math and Science for Apr. 12-16
MATH:
Today (Monday) students worked on review of dividing with remainders (started last week). Tomorrow (Tuesday) we will continue our review and practice of these concepts and then students will be tested on Wednesday. Thursday we continue with dividing, now extending our learning to include dividing with 3 digit numbers. This will be quized Wednesday of next week.
Timed Test: This Thursday will be our timed test of 5 as a divisor.
SCIENCE:
This week we continue work on our Science Fair Projects. By now, most students should be done writing their purpose, problem, hypothesis, research, materials, and procedure. Once this is completed, students may begin testing their actual experiment. Reminder: the students are performing all tasks of this project at school. Please send the materials to school if you have not done so already. This is very important. Also, students may need to bring a camera to school to take pictures of their experiment, as certain things cannot be displayed on/in front of their board for the judging. Please plan accordingly. All experiments should be finished by Friday at the latest, as students then need to write up their results and start putting together their board. Please send their boards to school this week as well. Thanks!
Today (Monday) students worked on review of dividing with remainders (started last week). Tomorrow (Tuesday) we will continue our review and practice of these concepts and then students will be tested on Wednesday. Thursday we continue with dividing, now extending our learning to include dividing with 3 digit numbers. This will be quized Wednesday of next week.
Timed Test: This Thursday will be our timed test of 5 as a divisor.
SCIENCE:
This week we continue work on our Science Fair Projects. By now, most students should be done writing their purpose, problem, hypothesis, research, materials, and procedure. Once this is completed, students may begin testing their actual experiment. Reminder: the students are performing all tasks of this project at school. Please send the materials to school if you have not done so already. This is very important. Also, students may need to bring a camera to school to take pictures of their experiment, as certain things cannot be displayed on/in front of their board for the judging. Please plan accordingly. All experiments should be finished by Friday at the latest, as students then need to write up their results and start putting together their board. Please send their boards to school this week as well. Thanks!
Literacy Homework: Monday, April 12
1) Print information about your favorite rainforest animal. 1-3 pages of information is more than enough. Pictures are not needed because you already have the displays.
2) Go to http://www.dogonews.com/ and read at least two articles. Be ready to discuss them in class.
2) Go to http://www.dogonews.com/ and read at least two articles. Be ready to discuss them in class.
Week of April 12th - 30th
Literacy
Read Aloud
"Miss Rumphius", by Barbara Cooney, focus on story elements and plot summary
Shared Reading
Text on Jaguars, focus on using different kinds of context clues:
1) Definition or restatement
2)Using synonyms
3)Contrast or antonyms
4)Example or explanation
5)Word Analysis-root words, preffixes and suffixes
Text on Tropical Islands, Ice-capped Mountains, Jungles, and Desserts to learn more about the places Miss Rumpiuhs traveled to, focus on the different types of contex clues.
Read the biography of Barbara Cooney and plot summary of the story Miss Rumphius
Interactive Editing
We will finish our IAE Sample on Jaguars. This will serve as a model when students work independently on their own text-their favorite rainforest animal! We will focus on using correct punctuation( periods, commas, hyphens, parentheses, etc. ) and on writing a variety of rich ideas (developing ideas like good wirtes do! )
Independent Writing
Students will summarize and write their own ideas for the oral presentation. They will be using Interactive Editing to summarize the information.
Students will also respond to the following prompts bases on the story, Miss Rumphius:
1) Where would you like to live when you grow up?
2)What would you like to do when you are older?
3) What would you do to make the world more beautiful?
Oral presentation
We will continue to work on our oral presentation skills. This week we will focus on the preparation phase- summarizing and knowing the topic well!
Students will also participate in Independent Reading, Writing Cycles, and Book Clubs.
Read Aloud
"Miss Rumphius", by Barbara Cooney, focus on story elements and plot summary
Shared Reading
Text on Jaguars, focus on using different kinds of context clues:
1) Definition or restatement
2)Using synonyms
3)Contrast or antonyms
4)Example or explanation
5)Word Analysis-root words, preffixes and suffixes
Text on Tropical Islands, Ice-capped Mountains, Jungles, and Desserts to learn more about the places Miss Rumpiuhs traveled to, focus on the different types of contex clues.
Read the biography of Barbara Cooney and plot summary of the story Miss Rumphius
Interactive Editing
We will finish our IAE Sample on Jaguars. This will serve as a model when students work independently on their own text-their favorite rainforest animal! We will focus on using correct punctuation( periods, commas, hyphens, parentheses, etc. ) and on writing a variety of rich ideas (developing ideas like good wirtes do! )
Independent Writing
Students will summarize and write their own ideas for the oral presentation. They will be using Interactive Editing to summarize the information.
Students will also respond to the following prompts bases on the story, Miss Rumphius:
1) Where would you like to live when you grow up?
2)What would you like to do when you are older?
3) What would you do to make the world more beautiful?
Oral presentation
We will continue to work on our oral presentation skills. This week we will focus on the preparation phase- summarizing and knowing the topic well!
Students will also participate in Independent Reading, Writing Cycles, and Book Clubs.
Literacy Homework: Tuesday, April 13
a) Go to http://www.dogonews.com/2010/4/11/13-year-california-boy-gets-ready-to-tackle-mt-everest
b) Read the article 13-Year California Boy Gets Ready to Tackle Mount Everest
c)Answer the following questions:
1) What is know as the Seven Summits?
2) What inspired Jordon to climb the Seven Summits?
3)In what 2 ways does he train or get ready to climb such high altitudes?
4) How does he keep up with his school work?
5) Would you like to have an extreme adventure like Jordon? Why or why not?
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Literacy Homework: Thursday, April 8
a) Go to http://www.dogonews.com/
b) Read at least 3 articles. Choose the ones you like the most!!!
c)No writing is required. Just be ready to discuss them in class and share with a peer!
d) Enjoy!
b) Read at least 3 articles. Choose the ones you like the most!!!
c)No writing is required. Just be ready to discuss them in class and share with a peer!
d) Enjoy!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Whiteboard Markers
We've had a big shortage of markers lately and have asked students to each bring in 2 markers from home. It was posted as homework, as well as in the blog. Only a few students have done this. PLEASE send along two whiteboard markers (of any colour) with your child this week.
Thanks a bunch!
Thanks a bunch!
Literacy Homework: Wednesday, April 7
a) Go to http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/space/solar-system
b) Click on each planet, the sun, meteroids, and comets to learn about them.
c) Answer the following questions:
1) How are Venus and Earth alike? How are they different?
2) Why do some scientist believe Mars used to have a wet, war, Earthlike climate?
3) When are there plans to visit Pluto?
4)What planet's blue hue (color) comes from methane?
d) Read the article " Our Cosmic Neighborhood" , below the diagram of the Solar System.
e) Answer the following questions
5) What were planets named after?
6) Describe Venu's atmosphere.
7)What did ancient astronomers believe regarding earth's position in the universe?
8) What planets have rings?
b) Click on each planet, the sun, meteroids, and comets to learn about them.
c) Answer the following questions:
1) How are Venus and Earth alike? How are they different?
2) Why do some scientist believe Mars used to have a wet, war, Earthlike climate?
3) When are there plans to visit Pluto?
4)What planet's blue hue (color) comes from methane?
d) Read the article " Our Cosmic Neighborhood" , below the diagram of the Solar System.
e) Answer the following questions
5) What were planets named after?
6) Describe Venu's atmosphere.
7)What did ancient astronomers believe regarding earth's position in the universe?
8) What planets have rings?
Science Fair Projects
In 4A, students are being required to participate in the Science Fair in order to achieve grades towards their understanding of the Scientific Method.
Please see the website listed below to view the slide-show presentation that was presented to students:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/29499641/Science-Fair-Parent-Information[1]
Any questions, please e-mail me (swillett@amschool.org)
Thanks!
Week of April 6th -9th
Literacy
Read Aloud
"Cinder Edna", by Ellen Jackson, focus on reading with expression and reading and writing dialogue (using quotation marks).
Shared Reading
Articles about Anacondas and Scarlet Macaws, focus on summarizing facts - interactive editing
Excerpt from Cinder Edna, focus on writing dialogue
Time for Kids Articles, "Tracking Tornadoes" , focus on identifying the main idea
Interactive Editing
Anacondas
Scarlet Macaws
Oral Presentation/Independent Writing
Students wil be learning and implementing oral presentation skills:
MATH:
This week we continue with our unit in division. Before the break students learned to explore division patterns as well as estimate quotients. This was reviewed again today and will be tested tomorrow (Wednesday).
Thursday we will begin division with remainders. This includes learning long division, which is sometimes a hard concept for students. We will not be starting to assessment on this topic until later next week.
Timed Test: This week will be division with 4 and 5 as divisors
SCIENCE:
We have completed our Rainforest Unit, and will now be working towards the Science Fair. Tomorrow we will look at the student package of all the information and students will begin writing out their purpose, problem, hypothesis, materials, and procedure. Friday we will begin actually conducting the experiments (in class) so please ensure that your child starts to bring the necessary materials to school as soon as possible (Friday by the latest!) as this will all be completed in class. I will be posting a special note to parents about the fair as well in a separate blog.
Read Aloud
"Cinder Edna", by Ellen Jackson, focus on reading with expression and reading and writing dialogue (using quotation marks).
Shared Reading
Articles about Anacondas and Scarlet Macaws, focus on summarizing facts - interactive editing
Excerpt from Cinder Edna, focus on writing dialogue
Time for Kids Articles, "Tracking Tornadoes" , focus on identifying the main idea
Interactive Editing
Anacondas
Scarlet Macaws
Oral Presentation/Independent Writing
Students wil be learning and implementing oral presentation skills:
- Preparation( summarizing & knowing the topic very well)
- Visual Aids(display, diorama, etc.)
- Practice
- Delivery (clear & audible voice, stand up straight, avoid reading, frequent eye contact)
Students will be using Independent Writing time to summarize the information about My Favorite Rainforest Animal.
Students will also participate in Book Clubs, Guided Reading, and Independent Reading.MATH:
This week we continue with our unit in division. Before the break students learned to explore division patterns as well as estimate quotients. This was reviewed again today and will be tested tomorrow (Wednesday).
Thursday we will begin division with remainders. This includes learning long division, which is sometimes a hard concept for students. We will not be starting to assessment on this topic until later next week.
Timed Test: This week will be division with 4 and 5 as divisors
SCIENCE:
We have completed our Rainforest Unit, and will now be working towards the Science Fair. Tomorrow we will look at the student package of all the information and students will begin writing out their purpose, problem, hypothesis, materials, and procedure. Friday we will begin actually conducting the experiments (in class) so please ensure that your child starts to bring the necessary materials to school as soon as possible (Friday by the latest!) as this will all be completed in class. I will be posting a special note to parents about the fair as well in a separate blog.
Literacy Homework: Tuesday, April 6th
a) Go to http://www.brickartist.com/print/time_for_kids_article.html to read an interview TFK interview of Nathan Sawaya, an incredible Lego artists.
b) To take a look at the amazing sculptures, portarits and logos Nathan's made, you may click on gallery.
c) Answer the following questions:
1) Since when has Nathan Sawaya been building with legos?
2) According to Nathan, which pieces are more difficult to create, big or small?
3) What does Nathan like the most about his job?
4)What advice does he give kids who want to become artists?
5) Take a look at some of the pieces in the gallery. Which two do you like the most? Why?
6)Click on one of the other articles in the right column (orange text) and read it for fun!
b) To take a look at the amazing sculptures, portarits and logos Nathan's made, you may click on gallery.
c) Answer the following questions:
1) Since when has Nathan Sawaya been building with legos?
2) According to Nathan, which pieces are more difficult to create, big or small?
3) What does Nathan like the most about his job?
4)What advice does he give kids who want to become artists?
5) Take a look at some of the pieces in the gallery. Which two do you like the most? Why?
6)Click on one of the other articles in the right column (orange text) and read it for fun!
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