Week 10

The first quarter has ended and I am so proud of all my students.  They have adjusted to fourth grade very well.  Parents and students give yourselves a pat on the back!!!!! Thanks to all the parents who drove for the class last Friday to Hampshire and Emeritus.  Thanks to all my students for having such great behavior.  I was very proud of you!

*2nd quarter- all work will be written in cursive starting now.  Work may take a little longer now- so keep that in mind when they are doing homework.

**If you are reading this blog, please give me a high five Monday morning!!! I realize that just the parents are reading this.  However, please have your child read the blog too.  It is a great habit for them do go over the work for the week. 

***This week will busy.  We have an English test (Nouns) on Tuesday.  The math test is Wednesday.  We will also have a spelling and reading test on Friday.  As you can see I have spread them out so that they are not on the same days, except for spelling and reading. 

Thanks to Mrs. Hobbs! for coming in several weeks to teach the class more about good nutrition habits----that was very enlightening!!!!!

Thanks to Mrs Bryan!  She will be teaching the class a Scottish style dance for the FALL PROGRAM.  I will need help with a simple costume idea.  If you would be willing to help, please come see me soon.  We will need to make simple sashes (plaid) for the students to wear.  It will be a traditional accessory like a Scottish clan would wear----- We will be part of the OLM clan.  

HOMEWORK HELP- MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY

Monday 10-18
Rel- Rosary lesson 
Sci- begin lesson 2 Note sheet
Math- rev pg 66
library and computers
English- rev for test
Spelling - cursive unit 8 2x each
PE


Tuesday
Rel- write The Apostles' Creed in FJ
Sci- finish lesson 2 notesheet and rev questions; Homework- do wb pgs 33,37
Math- test rev
SS- wb pg 21; ch rev in the wb pgs 22-23 **Next test will be next Wed. 10-27
Reading - read "Mom's Best Friend"; do PKBK pg 62 (these are the vocab words that will be on reading test)
English- Noun Test
Art


Wednesday
Rel- rosary group activity
Sci- lesson 3 lab activity; Homework- read lesson 3
Math- Test
SS- skills lesson - read pages 74-75 and do wb pgs 18-19
Spelling- do pg 55
PKBK pgs 64-65
English- poetry- Cinquain- (they might have to finish at home); handwriting page
PE


Thursday
Rel- Rosary; preschool reading
Sci- begin lesson 3 notesheet
Math- go over test; take a Math facts test
SS- ch rev in the textbook , do pg 91 # 1-13
Sp- pg 56-57
Reading- PKBK pgs 66-67
English- final draft Cinquain poem; handwriting pg
Finish art project


Friday
Rel- music practice
Sci- finish lesson 3 note sheet; do wb pg 41
Math Begin ch 2 pgs 68-69 and wb pg 14
SS- begin study guide
Spelling test unit 8
Reading test - "Mom's Best Friend"
Writing - begin Compare and contrast writing packet
PE


Remember:  Conferences are next week.  I hope to see each parent.  Please be on time so that each parent has their full time!

The end of the first quarter is this Friday 10-15-10

So Far this year has been a very positive one.  My students show such excitement for everything they are learning, and for any teacher, it fills my heart with pride.  Fourth grade is the year that students must learn more about working independently as well as in a group.  They do this very well.  Students......... you make me so PROUD!!!!! 

AS FOR HOMEWORK:  I have looked closely to the amount and type of work that has been assigned.  All work we do in class starts as guided and then they are required to finish the assignments independently.  This will help them to be more independent.  Please have your child work on their own, unless they have questions.  You may check their work after, but do this with them so they can see what they miss and can correct it with help.  This will reinforce the concepts being taught.  As always reading and math facts are very beneficial, however, if your child has more than enough homework for the night, don't worry about this.  I WILL NOT REQUIRE THIS AS NIGHTLY HOMEWORK OR NEED FOR YOU TO SIGN THE PLANNER- FOR THESE ACTIVITIES.  As a parent and a teacher these are important-------when you have time.  It is always encouraged!

******BOOK PROJECTS  are assigned every few weeks and will require them to read.  I do give them time in class, but some may need to be done at home.  Please keep this in mind.  The next project will be on a biography book.  We will check out a new book this Monday. It will be due Monday 11-1-10.  That gives them a few weeks to complete.  

*******ST. VINCENT LUNCHES- OUR TURN IS THIS FRIDAY, BUT I ENCOURAGE THEM TO, IF THEY CAN, TO BRING ONE EACH WEEK.  THIS IS ONE WAY TO PUT THEIR FAITH INTO PRACTICE-------ACTIVE FAITH-FILLED PEOPLE!!!!!

*********HOMEWORK HELP will be this Monday and Wednesday. When my students finish their work from the day I might cancel it.  I have them call around lunch.  If this will be a problem, please let me know.

********Mission trip- PLEASE TURN IN YOUR PERMISSION SLIP ASAP.  AND IF YOU STILL NEED TO TURN IN VIA BUS MONEY PLEASE DO SO.  iF THIS IS GOING TO BE A FINANCIAL HARDSHIP PLEASE LET ME KNOW.....ALL STUDENTS WILL GO REGARDLESS!  

*******COMMUNION SERVICE AT HAMPSHIRE AND EMERITUS WILL BE THIS FRIDAY 10-15-10.  Thanks to the parents who will be driving and helping with this.  Your help is  ALWAYS APPRECIATED!  Drivers need to be at school earlier than 9:45 so we can leave by 9:45 AM.  We should return by 10:45- Emeritus takes longer.  

Monday

Rel-  ch 3 pg 51 activity

Sci- lab in the garden; hw finish ch A/3 vocab cards

Math- pg 58-59 ****test will be Wed 10-20

Library and computers

English- pg 84-85 **** test will be Tues 10-19

Silent reading

Begin poetry- Haiku

Prepare for Communion Service For Friday

Tuesday

 Rel- ch 3 pgs 52-55; hw pg 58 in FJ

Sci- begin lesson 1 notesheet

Math-  in groups so pgs 60-61

SS- Finish lesson 4 Outline

sp- unit 7 2x each in cursive; hw- sp pg 48----Test Fridiay!

Eng- pg 86-87 

poetry- finish Haiku- type for extra credit

Art Warm and Cool color painting

Wednesday

Rel- pgs 56-57 ; do 59-60 in FJ

Sci- finish lesson 1 notesheet- do rev #1-5 on notesheet

Kinder reading

Math pgs 62-63 in groups

SS- begin lesson 5 Outline ; hw wb pg 20

spelling 49-50, Handwriting "K"

English 88-89

math facts test 

Art

Thursday

Rel- Rosary( bring one from home if you have one), preschool reading 8:40 to 9:00

Sci- Lab #2

Math - ch rev pgs 64-65 evens together; Hw do odds

SS- finish lesson 5 outline

handwriting "Joinings", math facts test

eng- pg 90 # 1-8; start rev pg 92 evens

Practice for Communion Service on Friday

Friday

Music practice 
Sci- go over lab, begin lesson 2 notesheet
9:45-10:45 communion Service
Sp- test unit 7
poetry- share poems
eng- finish rev pg 92-93 evens
PE

October 4th thru October 7th

My students have really been working hard and have impressed me very much!  Keep it up guys!  Please review the rubric for conduct and go over it with your child.  Many students are talking which really increases the load of work that goes home at night.  However, many are very quiet, but that won't ensure an "A" in conduct.  Students need to be looking for ways to help around the classroom and with other students.  They need to remember to do this along with participation while not being disruptive at the same time.  Students must be done with their work before they help around the classroom.  Please discuss this with your child, thanks for your support!

Whenever there is a writing assignment, I ask that you help them with proofreading.  This will reinforce what I am doing in the classroom.  Also when you have them correct errors right away, it will reinforce the correct way things should be. 

upcoming dates this week:

1. Science test on chapter A/2 - Tuesday 10-5-10
2. Nonfiction book project- due Thursday 10-7-10.  Please check over their work for spelling and complete sentences.  Also check for neatness.  This will count for a handwriting grade! 
3. NO spelling or reading tests this week!
4. Friday- no school for students! 

***** We have a communion service next Friday at Hampshire and Emeritus.  I will post the drivers who have signed up to drive next weekend.  Because I have to split my class I will need a parent willing to supervise at The Hampshire for me- any volunteers?  Please let me know ASAP


Monday
Rel - begin ch 2
Sci- rev and quiz game
Math- pgs 52-53
Library and computers
Writing/ Lang. arts- peer editing exercise; homework- write the FINAL DRAFT- DUE THE NEXT DAY!
Art or PE

Tuesday
Rel- finish ch 2
Sci- ch A/2 test
Math- pgs 54-55, HW wb pg. 12
S.S- Lesson 3 outline A&B ; HW finish that part if not done
Sp- pgs 42-43 (no 3X each)
Eng- pgs 78-79 all
reading - Read "Kettle of Hawks"  ; PKBK PGS 53-54
Art- Indian art sheet

Wednesday
Rel- ch 2 worksheet- both sides; write a pen pal letter to Ms. Costa's class
Math- Kinder reading 945-10, math wb pg 11
SS- finish lesson 3 outline
sp- pg 44 only
Eng- pgs 80-81 all
Reading PKBK pgs 57,58
Art Or PE

Thursday
Rel- Preschool reading
Sci- Ch A/3 vocab cards - please get rid of old cards and make sure that the outline for ch A/2 has been turned in.  That assignment goes for a grade.
Math- pgs  86-87 word problems in groups
SS- Begin lesson 4 outline sheet
English - pgs 82-83
Reading - PKBK pgs 59,60,61
Art or PE

Friday
Students have the day off, but the teachers have a convention!

7th week of school

We are done with testing, yes!!!!! This week we will be back to our regular schedule. 

• Homework help will be only on Wednesday due to appointments. . 
• Our field trip to San Juan Bautista on Friday, November 12, 2010.  A letter will be sent home  about the trip.  Another letter will be sent home concerning transportation- We want to take a VIA bus.  This will take a donation of 15 to 20 dollars per students.  We need to know how many parents will be attending.  Parents should pitch in a donation.  I love for any parents to attend.  If  you are attending for hours you must also  chaperone a group. 
• Our country for international night will be Scotland!  If you are Scottish, and have items for us to use that would be great !  Eventually we will be researching and doing activities to learn more about our country.  Each student will be given a topic to research for our class. 

9-27
Rel- ch 1 pgs 27-31; pg 31 in FJ
Sci- finish lesson 3 Outline; do wb pg 27 (Ch A/2 test will be next Tuesday 10-5)
Math- pgs 42-43; wb pg 7
SS- computers/library
spelling- unit 5 3x each in cursive-unit 5 test Friday
English- computers/library
Reading- writing- Indian legends> brainstorming and pre-writing
Art

9-28
Rel- pgs 32-33; do 33 in FJ
Sci- ch rev pgs a62-a63 #1-25
Math- pgs 46-47; do wb pg 8 evens only
SS- finish lesson 1 Outline sheet; do wb pg 13
Sp- pgs 36-37
Eng- pg 75-77- Nouns
Reading - we will be watching the 8th grade perform "The Miracle Worker"
PE

9-29
Rel- Kinder buddy reading
Sci- start study guide (ch a/2 test next Tuesday 10-5)
Math- pgs 48-49; do wb pg 9
SS- begin Lesson 2 outline sheet
English- writing Rough draft beginning, middle, end
Nutrition lesson
Art

9-30

Rel- preschool reading, homework- religion ws
Math- pgs 50-51; wb pg 10
SS- finish lesson 2 outline sheet
Sp- pgs 38-39
English- pgs 78-79
reading- finish rough draft legend

10-1

Mass @ 11:00 if you are bringing a pet please bring the pet at that time.
sci- finish study guide- Study over the weekend, use your cards, book , outline, and study guide!
SS- wb pgs 15-16
Mass at 11:00
12:30 dismissal

ITBS TESTING WEEK!

Hey 4th graders and parents!

All week we will be testing in the morning until 11:00 AM or so.  Please remember not to make appointments for the mornings this week. If you need to bring your child a lunch or something they have forgotten at home, please take it to the office, not the classroom.  Thank you for your understanding of this matter. 

I really want to thank all the parents who have brought or will be bringing in a snack this week!
Because it is testing week, our schedule will be different each day.  The work we do will be done in school.  No homework will be assigned.  Please check your child's planner to see what your child has done and sign it once for the day please, Thanks again!

Progress reports have gone out, and I want you to remember that it is just that---A progress report.  I have had a few questions or concerns about conduct and/or effort as well as handwriting.  For conduct,  we have a rubric that we are to follow. I sent that home at the beginning of the year.  Effort grades are based on their overall effort on daily work as well as completing homework every night .  Also learning how to be responsible to get their planners signed or returning the work the next day-complete- is important too.  Always remember you can come see me about any concerns or questions you might have.  Or if you need more than a min. please call the office to set up an appointment.  As for handwriting, we also have a rubric that we follow.  We will be practicing more and more with cursive and they will improve!


Some of the things we will be doing this week :

• science lab actvities
• writing- we will be working on each part of the writing process as we write narratives this week
• handwriting practice
• reading from social studies and science lessons & working on notes etc.

There will be no other tests this week !!!!

It's the middle of the first Quarter! 5th week of school, WOW!!!!

Dear parents and students:

This week will be a busy week with tests and projects due.  Please review these dates with your child at home.   

Social Studies vocabulary test (I gave them the words to focus on last Friday)- WED. 9-15
Book project handout- THURS. 9-16
English test on unit 1 in the book- FRI. 9-17
Spelling test unit 3 -FRI. 9-17
Reading test "A Seal's Journey"- FRI. 9-17

Progress reports will go home on Friday.  They must be returned signed on Monday!



Homework help this week will be on Monday and Wednesday from 2:30- 3:30.  If your child is struggling in any subject, they should attend to get extra help.


We are participating in buddy reading with two classes this year.  We will have kindergarten and preschool reading buddies that we will work with all year.  This is a great way for the fourth graders to improve their reading fluency while they act as positive role models for the younger children.  For our young buddies we will provide positive experiences in reading and concepts of print.  It is a win win situation!

MONDAY
Rel- Saints pgs 372-373, do pg 373 in their Faith Journal
Science - Work on ch A/2 lesson 1 outline sheet
Math- wb pgs 5&6 evens only
S.S.- computers and library
Sp/Eng- computers and library
Reading- Read "ASeal's Journey" , do pkbk pg 34( these are the vocabulary words that are on the reading test)

Art-finish Friday's assignment and start a new art lesson

Tuesday

Rel- pgs 374-375; find a picture and info on their saint for Wed.  We will be making a poster of our saint partners and class saint for the year.

Science- finish lesson 1 outlining

Math- Rev for ITBS

spelling- unit 4 3x each IN CURSIVE

English- rev pg 34

Reading- pkbk pgs 35-36

Pe

Wednesday

Rel- present saints; homework- read pg 376 & do 377 in faith journal

Science- begin lesson 2 outlining

Math- we will be reading to kinder

S.S. - Ch 1 vocabulary test

Spelling- pgs 30-31

English- rev pg 35

PE- Nutrition lesson given by Mrs. Hobbs; soccer

Thursday

Rel- Preschool reading 

Science- finish lesson 2 outlining

Math - Rev for ITBS

S.S.- Ch 2 vocab cards; finish for homework

Spelling pgs 32-33

English- practice test in class

Reading-(book project handout is due)- begin writing unit: narratives - read pages 48-52; do pg 52 #1-3, 54 A & B, and pg 56 #1-5

Art

Friday

Rel- music practice

Science- wb pgs 19, 23

Math - basic facts practice and review

S.S.- Read indian legends, read ch 2 pgs 52-54

Spelling- unit 4 test

English-unit 1 test

Reading- "A Seal's Journey" test, writing pgs 57-58 together

Pe or Art?

 REMEMBER PRACTICING THE BASIC MATH FACTS ON A DAILY BASIS WILL HELP YOUR CHILD BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION IN MATH.  WHEN THEY KNOW THEM, THEY ONLY HAVE TO LEARN OR WORRY ABOUT THE NEW CONCEPTS BEING TAUGHT.  THIS WILL HELP THEM BE MORE ACCURATE AND WORK AT A QUICKER PACE!!!!! PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT, RIGHT??!!

It's the fourth week of school!!!!

 Dear Students and parents:

So far the 4th graders are working very hard.  They have welcomed the challenges of 4th grade with open minds! I am so proud of them, too.  We need to work on not chatting during transition time.  Changing tasks quickly will ensure that we have the required time for each subject.  When this happens we can get more time in to complete work so that it does not have to go home! I know that students AND parents will like that !

Saints:  This year our school is focusing on Saints as Prayer Partners.  Each class will choose a saint for their class.  We will also be choosing a Saint for each student in my class.  If your child's name is a Saint name they should choose that saint. If not they can choose a saint of their choice.  Start looking now.

ITBS Testing will be starting in two weeks.  PLEASE make sure your child gets to bed early to get a good nights sleep.  Also, make sure they have a full breakfast.  Thank you!

Homework Help will only be on Wednesday due to the Labor Day Holiday.

Upcoming dates:

This week:

********This week is our turn to bring in a St. Vincent Lunch. This helps our students to be active faith-filled people.  This is also part of their religion grade!

Science vocab test - WEDNESDAY 9/8- Turn in all Ch A/1 notesheets ( this is a big part of their science grade- It should be in their homework folder.

Spelling test on unit 3 - FRIDAY 9/10

There will not be a reading test this week.

****All missing work must be turned in by this Friday because Progress reports will go out Next FRIDAY- Please check Option C for this information .

Next week:

English test on unit 1: Wed 9/15
Social studies vocab test- WEDNESDAY 9/15

1st book Project sheet- DUE THURSDAY 9/16 NO LATER!

On-Site Service projects:  We will be reading buddies for Kindergarten and preschool once a week.  Both classes have really enjoyed this!

Class Service project:  We will begin writing letters to Ms. Costs's SDC class soon.  We will be writing to two classes this year - grades 1-3 and 4-6.  The word has gotten around and another SDC class In Los Banos  would like to participate because of how rewarding our project was for the children in Ms. Costa's class.  They are already asking for their friends to write to them.  I love this!!!!!!

 ************ If you have read the blog, please bring in a bag of candy for our class treat container.  I use this when we play quiz rev games!**************

 TUESDAY:
Rel- read about Mary pg 364, do pg 365 in faith journal
Science- review game
Math- read pgs 30-33, do pg 34
S.S.- Read lesson 4
Sp- 3X EACH
Eng- pgs 30-31
Reading- read Sarah, Plain and Tall, Start story elements sheet ( we are doing this as a practice for their individual book projects due next Thursday)
Art- finish color wheel painting, when done we will have study hall

WEDNESDAY:
Rel-for Mary's birthday we will write her a prayer
Sci- Ch A/1 vocab test- TURN IN CH a/1 NOTESHEET FOR A GRADE
Math- wb pgs 1-4
S.S.- Kinder buddy reading 20 Min., skills lesson read pgs 38-39 and do wb pgs 8-9; finish for homework
sp- pgs 24-25
English- pg 32 ****** Unit 1 test on unit #1 NEXT WEDNESDAY 9-15
Reading: none- We will have a nutrition lesson given by Jen Hobbs
Last Period before PE we will pray a decade of the Rosary in honor of Mary

THURSDAY:
Rel- read about Mary on pg 368, do pg 369 in faith journal
Sci- Preview ch A/2 and do vocab cards for the whole chapter
Math- Place value pgs 36-37 all
S.S.- read all Lesson 5 ; homework: do wb pages 7 and 9
SP- pgs 26-27; homework take home book to study for Friday's test
Eng- begin unit 1 rev, do pg 34 all
Reading- work on this week's story elements ws.
Art- begin new art project
******Bring in a St. Vincent Lunch tomorrow!

FRIDAY:
Rel- all school music practice
Sci- Begin ch A/2 lesson 1 notesheet
Math- pgs 38-39
S.S- wb pgs 10-11 (this is review)
Sp- Unit 3 test
Eng- review and do pg 35
Reading- finish story elements sheet- will collect today!
PE