I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! The winter holidays will soon be upon us, so I hope your children are gearing up for a whirlwind 3 weeks before our Winter Break! We were so proud to have won the WalkAround trophy for most money raised in the 4th and 5th grade classes - thank you for your great support of our school and your children! Here are some of the things we are working on:
In language arts, we are almost at an end to our "Nanowrimo" novel-writing experiences! Most of the students have had alot of fun writing their novels and improving their writing skills. During the month of December, we will work on revising and editing our novels before they are published. Hopefully, all students will be able to reach their word count goals! We will have a special party next week to celebrate our long, hard work in completing the novels! Over the next few weeks, we will be reading selections from our reading textbook and also working on summary writing.
In math, students are speeding through our math curriculum. I am very lucky to have such a bright group of children who learn so quickly and are able to master new concepts easily. For the fifth graders, we are now working on decimals (multiplication and division) while the 4th graders are working on long division with 3-digit dividends. Interspersed with these lessons, we also work on problem-solving tasks (MARS, Problem of the Month). Next Saturday, Mrs. Kamath and I will attend a math conference down in Monterey in order to refresh our own math repertory. We hope to use some of the lessons from the conference with our students the following week!
We will embark this week on a new Science Unit for 4th grade - The Solid Earth- which reviews rocks and minerals and properties of the earth. 5th graders will begin "The Water Planet" which will include astronomy, the planets, and other concepts. On Friday, 4th grader will bring home their science notebook from our first unit "Environments", so be sure to put it somewhere safe so that they can review it in 5th grade before the STAR science test, which covers science concepts studied in both 4th and 5th grade.
The Holiday book fair will run all week long in our GLC - students will be allowed to shop at recess and lunch time. If you send money to school with your child, be sure they keep it some where safe so that they don't lose the money. The book fair will also be held next Sat., 12/3 for adult holiday shoppers!
Finally, we have begun a pen pal correspondence with high school students from Lynbrook - the class was very excited to receive their first letters from their new pen pals this month! We have almost completed our response letters and will be sending them off this week. We hope to meet our pen pals at the end of the school year as well!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Week of November 7
Room 17 is off to a quick start on their novels that they are writing during the month of November. The entire concept is part of "National Novel Writing Month", or NaNoWriMo for short. Students have done alot of work planning their characters, settings, and plots. We spend at least twenty minutes every school day working on our novels - students are also encouraged to write at home. Each student has set a word count goal for November - ask them about their goal! In addition to working on their novels, students are working on writing summaries over the next few weeks.
Having finished out last class novel, "From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler", students will now read selections from our textbooks until Thanksgiving. Our next class novel will be "The Watsons Take Birmingham", which is an historical fiction book.
In science, we are now working on our Drug Education Unit which places a great deal of emphasis on students setting goals for themselves and learning to avoid situations involving drugs, along with making the best choices for meeting their goals. After the Thanksgiving break, we will start a new science unit, "The Solid Earth" which is all about rocks and minerals.
In social studies, 4th graders are working on a Native American project in small groups - they have each been assigned a California tribe to research and create a poster which illustrates all aspects of the tribe's lifestyle. This project is due Monday, Dec. 5.
In math, 4th graders are learning how to multiply numbers by double digits and use division as an inverse operation. 5th graders are learning how to multiply and divide fractions. Please practice these skills at home with them also.
Just a reminder - students are expected to practice online with Spelling City for the weekly words at least 30 minutes per week. I am able to track online which students are completing their weekly activities, and will be talking to students who are not completing all their online activities each week.
Just a reminder - there is no school on November 11 - Veteran's Day!
I
Having finished out last class novel, "From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler", students will now read selections from our textbooks until Thanksgiving. Our next class novel will be "The Watsons Take Birmingham", which is an historical fiction book.
In science, we are now working on our Drug Education Unit which places a great deal of emphasis on students setting goals for themselves and learning to avoid situations involving drugs, along with making the best choices for meeting their goals. After the Thanksgiving break, we will start a new science unit, "The Solid Earth" which is all about rocks and minerals.
In social studies, 4th graders are working on a Native American project in small groups - they have each been assigned a California tribe to research and create a poster which illustrates all aspects of the tribe's lifestyle. This project is due Monday, Dec. 5.
In math, 4th graders are learning how to multiply numbers by double digits and use division as an inverse operation. 5th graders are learning how to multiply and divide fractions. Please practice these skills at home with them also.
Just a reminder - students are expected to practice online with Spelling City for the weekly words at least 30 minutes per week. I am able to track online which students are completing their weekly activities, and will be talking to students who are not completing all their online activities each week.
Just a reminder - there is no school on November 11 - Veteran's Day!
I
Monday, October 31, 2011
Week of November 1
We had a terribly busy week last week culminating in a wonderful Halloween parade and party! This is probably the most "look -forwarded-to" event of the school year! Students dressed up in some great costumes (I was "Dorothy" from the Wizard of Oz!).
You have probably been hearing your child use the acronym "NaNoWriMo" over the past week or two - it stands for National Novel Writing Month! As I mentioned at Back to School night, we are starting our goal of writing a novel in class (and at home) during the month of November. We have been learning about many writing techniques and helpful hints, and our pens and pencils are ready to start writing! Often times in the upcoming month your child will have Language Arts homework which consists of only working on their novel. They have already done a pre-write for the plot and characters, so they are ready to go! I will be monitoring the writing process as we go along, and asking to review excerpts from their novels. In addition, I will be writing my own novel along with them! Please supply plenty of encouragement and helpful advice to them as we embark together upon this great writing adventure - it will be challenging but alot of fun, too!
In math, we are just beginning Unit 5 which involves multiplication by 1-digit and 2 digit numbers for fourth graders, and multiplication and division of fractions for the fifth graders. Both groups did very well in Unit 4, and those tests have been sent home. Please let me know if your child is struggling with any of these new concepts that they will be learning.
We are completing our science kit, "Environments" this week - students will take their final test on Weds,11/2 and turn in their science notebooks. Their grade will be based on both their quizzes/ tests as well as the completeness of their science notebook. Next, we will start our "Too Good for Drugs" unit where we will be learning about legal and illegal drugs, and how they can choose to find healthier and safer alternatives to these practices. Please talk to your child at home about drugs - it is never too early to begin!
Remember - there is no school on Friday, November 11 due to Veteran's Day and we will have the entire week of Nov. 21 off as well. More to come later.....
You have probably been hearing your child use the acronym "NaNoWriMo" over the past week or two - it stands for National Novel Writing Month! As I mentioned at Back to School night, we are starting our goal of writing a novel in class (and at home) during the month of November. We have been learning about many writing techniques and helpful hints, and our pens and pencils are ready to start writing! Often times in the upcoming month your child will have Language Arts homework which consists of only working on their novel. They have already done a pre-write for the plot and characters, so they are ready to go! I will be monitoring the writing process as we go along, and asking to review excerpts from their novels. In addition, I will be writing my own novel along with them! Please supply plenty of encouragement and helpful advice to them as we embark together upon this great writing adventure - it will be challenging but alot of fun, too!
In math, we are just beginning Unit 5 which involves multiplication by 1-digit and 2 digit numbers for fourth graders, and multiplication and division of fractions for the fifth graders. Both groups did very well in Unit 4, and those tests have been sent home. Please let me know if your child is struggling with any of these new concepts that they will be learning.
We are completing our science kit, "Environments" this week - students will take their final test on Weds,11/2 and turn in their science notebooks. Their grade will be based on both their quizzes/ tests as well as the completeness of their science notebook. Next, we will start our "Too Good for Drugs" unit where we will be learning about legal and illegal drugs, and how they can choose to find healthier and safer alternatives to these practices. Please talk to your child at home about drugs - it is never too early to begin!
Remember - there is no school on Friday, November 11 due to Veteran's Day and we will have the entire week of Nov. 21 off as well. More to come later.....
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Update for Week of Oct. 17
Parents,
Thank you for attending the parent teacher conference this past week with your child - it was nice to meet with you one-on-one and discuss the goals that you and your child have for this school year - we have an amazing class!
We have several upcoming events to be aware of - on Tuesday, Oct. 18 is Student Picture Day - if you would like to purchase pictures, please be sure to send back the envelope that came in last week's Friday folder with a check. Pictures are taken of all Dilworth students who are present that day.
Friday, Oct. 28 will be our annual Halloween parade and class party - we are looking for parents who would like to plan and coordinate the party with other parents in the class. If you are interested, please let me know ASAP and I will contact you with further information.
Starting the week of Oct. 24, we will undertake a major project - my students will participate in "Nanowrimo" which is a novel-writing project in which students will eventually write a complete novel and have it published! This week will be the start of the brain-storming process and book discussions about the author's craft and how a novel is structured. They will have to work on this novel at home as well, and I will send home further directions next week.
Just a reminder - October book orders (paper or online) are due on Friday, Oct. 21! Have a great week!
Thank you for attending the parent teacher conference this past week with your child - it was nice to meet with you one-on-one and discuss the goals that you and your child have for this school year - we have an amazing class!
We have several upcoming events to be aware of - on Tuesday, Oct. 18 is Student Picture Day - if you would like to purchase pictures, please be sure to send back the envelope that came in last week's Friday folder with a check. Pictures are taken of all Dilworth students who are present that day.
Friday, Oct. 28 will be our annual Halloween parade and class party - we are looking for parents who would like to plan and coordinate the party with other parents in the class. If you are interested, please let me know ASAP and I will contact you with further information.
Starting the week of Oct. 24, we will undertake a major project - my students will participate in "Nanowrimo" which is a novel-writing project in which students will eventually write a complete novel and have it published! This week will be the start of the brain-storming process and book discussions about the author's craft and how a novel is structured. They will have to work on this novel at home as well, and I will send home further directions next week.
Just a reminder - October book orders (paper or online) are due on Friday, Oct. 21! Have a great week!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Week of October 3
Conferences begin this Thursday, Oct. 6 and continue through Friday, Oct. 14. Please make an effort to be on time for your appointment - we are very tightly scheduled throughout the conference period. Just a reminder - school will be dismissed at 1:00 PM on conference days, although students will eat lunch here between 12:00 and 12:30 during those days. I'm looking forward to meeting all of you and your students to review their goals for this year!
Many thanks to all the parents and students who showed up for WalkAround on Saturday! It was a perfect day for walking, and many of our students brought out their walking shoes! Several students walked over 100 laps in the 5 hour long walk, which was a mighty accomplishment! Woo hoo! Now, to see if we reached our goal to get a classroom trophy - stay tuned!
There has been some confusion about the 4th grade field trips that I wanted to clear up - on most field trips, I must split our fourth grade group in half and one group of 9 goes with Mrs. Horner's class and the other group of 9 goes with Miss To's class. Half of us went on the field trip to Deer Hollow Farm last Thursday, while the other half will go on Oct. 20. I hope that this clears up any misunderstandings.
This week we will begin reading a new class novel "The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" - this book won the Newbery Medal 25 years ago, and is still widely considered to be a great book for 4th - 5th graders. We have many comprehension and vocabulary activities planned for this unit, and students will be allowed to bring the book home as necessary.
In math, 4th graders will finish Unit 2 in our book and begin Unit 3 this week, which centers on multiplication/division facts and strategies. 5th graders are already working on Unit 3, which involves algebraic equations and other concepts. We have also been working on a "Problem of the Month" where students are trying to figure out a staircase problem using triangular numbers - very challenging! A pre-test will be given to 4th graders this week on Unit 3, in order to determine who is on independent contract for this unit.
In science, 5th graders continue to learn about the systems in the human body and 4th graders are learning about food chains and webs. Both science and social studies will be put on hold over the next 10 days during conferences.
Many thanks to all the parents and students who showed up for WalkAround on Saturday! It was a perfect day for walking, and many of our students brought out their walking shoes! Several students walked over 100 laps in the 5 hour long walk, which was a mighty accomplishment! Woo hoo! Now, to see if we reached our goal to get a classroom trophy - stay tuned!
There has been some confusion about the 4th grade field trips that I wanted to clear up - on most field trips, I must split our fourth grade group in half and one group of 9 goes with Mrs. Horner's class and the other group of 9 goes with Miss To's class. Half of us went on the field trip to Deer Hollow Farm last Thursday, while the other half will go on Oct. 20. I hope that this clears up any misunderstandings.
This week we will begin reading a new class novel "The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" - this book won the Newbery Medal 25 years ago, and is still widely considered to be a great book for 4th - 5th graders. We have many comprehension and vocabulary activities planned for this unit, and students will be allowed to bring the book home as necessary.
In math, 4th graders will finish Unit 2 in our book and begin Unit 3 this week, which centers on multiplication/division facts and strategies. 5th graders are already working on Unit 3, which involves algebraic equations and other concepts. We have also been working on a "Problem of the Month" where students are trying to figure out a staircase problem using triangular numbers - very challenging! A pre-test will be given to 4th graders this week on Unit 3, in order to determine who is on independent contract for this unit.
In science, 5th graders continue to learn about the systems in the human body and 4th graders are learning about food chains and webs. Both science and social studies will be put on hold over the next 10 days during conferences.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
As we embark upon the last week of September, we will be very busy in Room 17! First, here are some highlights from last week:
* Students took math tests on Friday (Unit 2 test for 5th graders, Ch. 4 test for 4th graders) We will now start a unit on algebraic expressions and equations.
* Students read selections from our reading textbook, engaged in comprehension activities, and took a comprehension quiz.
* In science, 4th graders continued their study of environments by investigating isopod behavior, and took a quiz on the first section of our unit. 5th graders continue their study of the human body, focusing on digestive systems.
* In social studies, both 4th and 5th grade classes are studying geographic regions and map skills - 4th graders are working on a map project where they design their own island and include all the features found on a map. Unit 1 test for fourth graders will be on Thursday, 9/29.
WALKAROUND IS ALMOST HERE! You can feel the excitement building in Room 17 as students prepare to walk many laps next Saturday, October 1! Just a reminder - WalkAround goes from 1 PM - 6PM this year in order to accommodate families who have weekend classes on Saturday morning or sports activities. Our goal is to have EVERY student attend and reach our contribution goal of $225 per family! Remember - the money will go toward replacing outdated computers in our student technology lab! See you there!
Field Trips - I wanted to clarify how field trips are arranged - we take field trips by grade level. Typically, 5th graders will go with the 5th grade classes on their field trips while I stay with the 4th graders at school. Also, 4th graders will be split into 2 groups of 9 each and will attend 4th grade field trips with Mrs. Horner's and Mrs. Fosco's classes. This arrangement will allow me to stay at school with the other grade level group, unless I request a substitute teacher for that day.
* Students took math tests on Friday (Unit 2 test for 5th graders, Ch. 4 test for 4th graders) We will now start a unit on algebraic expressions and equations.
* Students read selections from our reading textbook, engaged in comprehension activities, and took a comprehension quiz.
* In science, 4th graders continued their study of environments by investigating isopod behavior, and took a quiz on the first section of our unit. 5th graders continue their study of the human body, focusing on digestive systems.
* In social studies, both 4th and 5th grade classes are studying geographic regions and map skills - 4th graders are working on a map project where they design their own island and include all the features found on a map. Unit 1 test for fourth graders will be on Thursday, 9/29.
WALKAROUND IS ALMOST HERE! You can feel the excitement building in Room 17 as students prepare to walk many laps next Saturday, October 1! Just a reminder - WalkAround goes from 1 PM - 6PM this year in order to accommodate families who have weekend classes on Saturday morning or sports activities. Our goal is to have EVERY student attend and reach our contribution goal of $225 per family! Remember - the money will go toward replacing outdated computers in our student technology lab! See you there!
Field Trips - I wanted to clarify how field trips are arranged - we take field trips by grade level. Typically, 5th graders will go with the 5th grade classes on their field trips while I stay with the 4th graders at school. Also, 4th graders will be split into 2 groups of 9 each and will attend 4th grade field trips with Mrs. Horner's and Mrs. Fosco's classes. This arrangement will allow me to stay at school with the other grade level group, unless I request a substitute teacher for that day.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Update for Week of Sept. 6
We had a great time in Room 17 last week! Thank you to all the parents who attended my presentation during "Back to School Night" - it was great to see all your friendly faces! I hope that I was able to provide you with a better understanding about the mechanics of a combination class and all the wonderful things we have planned for this year!
During our short week coming up, we will begin writing personal narratives and go through the various processes of pre-writing, editing, and revising before publishing our final drafts. This process will take about three weeks. We are also finishing up Unit 1 in math for both 4th and 5 graders - the Unit 1 test will be later this week. Students will also start bringing home their reading response logs which they should record their responses in from their nightly reading at home. Specific directions on how to complete these responses is pasted into the front of the response logs. Logs are due every 2 weeks for review by me, and I also check for proper grammar and sentence usage in the response logs. Response to literature is an important genre for both 4th and 5th grade standards, so this activity will give them much practice in this area!
I will be getting back to all parents who kindly offered to volunteer in our class during the upcoming week - I appreciate your willingness to help out the class! Have a wonderful week!
During our short week coming up, we will begin writing personal narratives and go through the various processes of pre-writing, editing, and revising before publishing our final drafts. This process will take about three weeks. We are also finishing up Unit 1 in math for both 4th and 5 graders - the Unit 1 test will be later this week. Students will also start bringing home their reading response logs which they should record their responses in from their nightly reading at home. Specific directions on how to complete these responses is pasted into the front of the response logs. Logs are due every 2 weeks for review by me, and I also check for proper grammar and sentence usage in the response logs. Response to literature is an important genre for both 4th and 5th grade standards, so this activity will give them much practice in this area!
I will be getting back to all parents who kindly offered to volunteer in our class during the upcoming week - I appreciate your willingness to help out the class! Have a wonderful week!
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