Last week of September 2011

Thanks to all the wonderful parents who made sure my students had a healthy snack each day of testing week.  Thanks to Mrs. Pellicano for organizing us so well!!! Please read all of the blog because I am trying something new with how I post the week's work.  It will be organized by subject then by day rather than day then subject.  Hope this works ok....Thanks for your patience.

******If your child doesn't already have watercolor paints (was on the class list) We need them Monday
for a watercolor project in art.  Thank you. 

Upcoming this week:
Writing- final draft due this Tuesday
Spelling unit 5 test Friday
Reading test- "Kettle of Hawks" Friday


Upcoming next week:
Science Ch A/2 test will be on Tuesday10/4
We will begin another writing unit - Indian legend stories

1-Monday, 2- Tuesday, 3- Wednesday, 4-Thursday, 5-Friday

Religion

1. ch 1 read pages 27-29, FJ p 29
2. pgs 30-33, FJ pg. 33
3. ch 1 ws
4. preschool reading
5. music

Science-Test next Tuesday 10-4- students should study a little each day, not just the night before the test!!!!!

1.  finish lesosn 3 notesheet, do wb pg 27
2. Ch A/2 review pgs A62-63  #1-25
3. Start study guide
4. finish study guide
5. Quiz game - review for test

Math

1. pgs 42-43 evens, homework wb pg 7
2. pgs 46-47 , homework wb pg 8 evens only
3. pgs 48-49, homework pg 9
4. pgs 50-51
5. wb pg 10

SS

1. library/computers
2. finish lesson 1 outline sheet
3. wb pg 13
4. Begin lesson 2 outline, may have some for homework
5. finish lesson 2 outline

Spelling

1. unit 5 -3x each
2. pgs 36-37
3. pgs 38-40
4. study and review
5. test

English

1. writing- rewrite final draft essay-DUE TOMORROW!
2. none
3. none
4. nouns- pgs 78-79 all
5. nouns- pgs 80-81

Reading- test friday on story- review pkbk pgs especially pg 53 with the vocab that is half the test!

1. writing
2. read "Kettle of Hawks", do pkbk wb pgs 53-54
3. pkbk wb pgs 57-59
4. pkbk wb pgs 60-61
5. reading test on story

Art /PE
Art- watercolors, they need to finish their Indian coloring sheet at home- by WED.

ITBS TESTING WEEK!!!!

It's that time again-----to see all your child knows.  This test is very important because it is used to plan curriculum for effectively.  Please have your child get to bed early and make sure they eat breakfast.  I have parents bringing in healthy snacks for our break, but this is not a substitute for a good breakfast!

This blog will not be a detailed day to day plan because we will be working on activities in class that will not go home as homework. 

Things you should know

• Friday is a 12:30 dismissal 
• my students are in great need of practice with their multiplication facts---Wow we need work on this .  It would be great to drill them at home, in the car, at the dinner table....anywhere you can catch them.  Haha.  Yes I know that on regular nights( not during testing)  there is homework, but some nights there isn't math......... There should be.  This is where that drilling comes in.  To help your child, this is to be done regularly at home. Thank you for helping your child!!!!

Here is what we will be working on this week in class:

Science- lab activities, and lesson 3 notes

SS- I will begin teaching outlining using the next chapter in social studies.  I have a fill in outline to start with so they can see what it should look like.  We will read, discuss the main points, then add them to our outlines.  Again this will be done in school this week.

Writing- we will learning how to write a 3 paragraph essay.  It will be about an event they have experienced.  In order to teach them this narrative essay I will give them a easy topic that we can group write a sample in class, then I will guide them in other steps in the writing process.  By the end of the week they will bring home the rough draft for you to read.......and help them improve their technique.
Thank you in advance for this reinforcement at home!

Handwriting- we will continue to practice our cursive in class.  Starting 2nd quarter, all work will be in cursive.

PLEASE REMIND YOUR CHILD ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD SLEEP AND EATING A GOOD BREAKFAST EACH MORNING!!!!

A SHOUT OUT AND THANK YOU TO THE PARENTS WHO BRING IN SNACKS THIS WEEK!!!!

Week of 9-12-11

Welcome Back!! I have enjoyed teaching your children very much.  Many are working so hard.  Planners are signed, homework/classwork is completed each day, and so many are great helpers.  I can tell that some students are having a bit of trouble with the daily responsibilities.  This is where you, that parents, must step in.  Fourth grade is the year that we MUST help your child go from a dependent to an independent learner.  They will need help by going through their planners and checking that all work is completed.  If you are not sure, check the blog.  All unfinished and finished work/homework MUST  be in their homework folder.  Please do not sign the planner unless all work has been check for completion, especially if your child is having trouble with remembering to complete their work.  It really doesn't help to just sign a contract without reading through it, right.  The planner is like their work contract. Yes, red cards are given for their planner not being signed, but they are also given for unfinished work.  So please sign the planner when you have checked the work.  That would help them see the importance in being responsible and truthful.  When they complete their work on time they will a great sense in pride and accomplishment that only they can give themselves!!!!!!!
The ITBS test will begin next week and go through Thursday.  I would like to serve yummy and healthy snacks during a break each day of the test.  I need volunteers to sign up to bring a snack.  Holly Pellicano is our head room mom so please call to set this up with her.  Thanks again.  The kids love this and will really appreciate it too!

 
This week:
Tuesday- We will be visiting Cherish to entertain - We will leave at 10:45 and return by 11:30
Wed- SS test on vocabulary
Thurs- English test- on types of sentences etc
Fri-BOOK PROJECT IS DUE
      Unit 4 spelling test
      Seal Journey reading test

PROGRESS REPORTS GO HOME ON FRIDAY

Monday 9-12

Rel- saints pgs 372-373; FJ pg 373
Sci- finish lesson 1 and do the rev#1-5 on notesheet, draw a diagram of photosynthesis on their notesheet
Math - place value wb pgs 5-6
library & computers- in the library they will need to check a new book and do sp unit 4 3x each with pg 30 for homework
Reading- read "A Seal's Journey" and do pkbk pg 34 (vocab for the test!)
Art- finish seal painting and start watercolor color wheel

Tuesday 9-13

Rel- pgs 374-375; FJ pg 375
Sci- wb pg 19 together, Lab- we will be planting plants to watch as they start to grow
Math - rev
SS- Quiz game- STUDY FOR TOMORROW'S TEST
VISITING CHERISH
Eng- finish reviewing for the test Thursday- do pg 35
Reading do pkbk? ( if an assignment is given it will be in their planner.
PE- Cooperative games- we are working on good sportsmanship

Wednesday 9-14

Rel- pgs 376-377
Sci- begin les 2 notesheet
math- rev
SS- Ch 1 test
Sp - pg 31
Eng- practice pretest
Reading- pkbk 35,36,37, handw "F"
Art

Thursday 9-15

Rel- reading tho preschool
Sci- finish lesson 2 notesheet
math- rev
SS- begin ch2 vocab cards-I will give them the words, so remind them to get them all down today
English- Test
Sp- pg 32
Reading-Begin narrative writing unit- they will be doing work from a packet in class
PE

Friday 9-16

Rel- Music
Sci- wb pg 23, drawing of parts of a plant on notesheet
Math- rev
SS- finish ch 2 cards
Sp- unit 3 test
Reading- Test, work on writing packet in class
              BOOK PROJECT DUE

Art or PE


******IF YOU AND YOUR CHILD HAS READ THIS BLOG- HAVE THEM GIVE ME A SIGNAL FOR ONE OF OUR SS VOCABULARY WORDS!!!!! THIS IS FUN!!!!!************

short but busy week 9-6 to 9-9

This will be a few busy weeks to come.  Please jot down the following dates so you can help your child stay organized and up-to-date.  Print out the blog and make sure the dates are written in their planner to help. If you have read this put dates in the planner and ask your child to make up a signal for "done" and have them show it to me to let me know they have done it and read the blog!!!!! Two raffle tickets for the students who have this done by Tuesday!!! Fun Fun fun!!!

***We are going to begin a canvas painting project.  Each child will need to buy a very thin brush from Michael's or other craft store.  If you can't provide a brush, please let me know ASAP.  We will hopefully begin this project Wed of this week if we get enough brushes.  ***


This week

WED. 9-7 AND 9-8 ARE PICTURE DAYS- WE COULD BE EITHER DAY
Wed. 9-7 science vocabulary test ch a/1 test
Fri 9-9 spelling test on unit 3


Next week:

Tuesday 9/13 is our visit to Cherish.  I have sent home a letter listing the parents who will be driving.  Please be at school at 10:40. We need to be there by 11:00.  Thanks for your help!!!
 
Wed 9-14 Social Studies ch 1 vocabulary test
Thursday 9-15 English test on sentences
Friday 9-16 Book Project is due
                    spelling test on unit 4
                     reading test on story of the week

Tuesday 9-6-11

Rel- pgs 364-365; do 365 in faith journal
Sci- Quiz game; study tonight
Math- measurement pgs 15,16,17,18 orally
Ss- Read lesson 4 and learn new vocab words** Ch 1 vocab test - next Wed.
sp- unit 3 3X each this week1
English- pgs 26-27
Reading- read "Sarah, Plain and Tall" start a practice book project sheet
PE

Wednesday 9-7-11
Rel- pgs 368-369; do pg 369 in FJ
Sci- test
Math-review geometry topics
SS- skills lesson read 38-39; do wb pgs 8-9
Sp- pgs24-25
English- 28-29
Reading- finish practice book  project, do handwriting "C"
Art?

Thursday 9-8-11

Rel- Mary, our mother's Birthday , write a poem to Mary
Sci- Ch 2 vocab cards all- due tomorrow
Math - begin place value pgs 36-37; #1-30, #32-39
SS- read lesson 5, do wb pg 9
sp- pgs 26-27
Eng- pgs 30-31
Reading - listen to Indian Legend stories, handwriting "D"
Pray the decade of the Rosary for Our Mother , Mary

Friday 9-9-11

Rel- Sept 11th prayer service
Science- Begin Ch A/2- lesson 1 notesheet- Check cards
Math- pgs 38-39- orally
SS- wb review pages 10-11
Spelling unit 3 test
Eng- pg 32, begin 34 - review for the test *****English test next Thursday 9-15
PE OR ART

Week 3 8-29 to 9-2

Welcome to the 3rd week of school.  I am very impressed with my students and how hard they are working.  I always set very high expectations and many of them are meeting or even exceeding them.  I believe whole heartily that when you set high goals for them, they will work for them!!! Go 4th graders!!!!! A few of my students, though, are not completing their classwork/homework.  My policy is that when work isn't finished, It must be completed as homework that night.  Unless we have just started a note sheet or project/ long term writing assignment another due date is given.  That will be on the blog and in the planner.  It is crucial to check both of these for the most up-to-date information.  I have allowed some to complete such work at recess, but because I have gone over this and it was in my parent letter, I will now start issuing red cards for each assignment not completed.  They must finish the work as well.  I know that it may seem harsh, but this is truly a student responsibility that they must learn this year.  If you need to talk to me about this issue or any other issue, my door is always open or you may write me a note.  You can call school at 722-7496 and leave me a message, or email me at lynnee73@sbcglobal.net

I have also found that many students don't know their basic math facts very well.  This is an essential part in improving math grades and for developing a strong background for the upper grades.  A good practice is 10 minutes a day-- in the car at the dinner table or after they have finished their daily work/ homework.  This is where you as parents come in.  Please help them to practice.  Trust me, you will see a huge improvement in their math scores when they know the basics!!!  We will be taking several math facts tests a week.  This week I will focus on addition.  Thanks for your help!

This weeks reminders: 

• Friday is a Mass day and 12:30 dismissal
• unit 2 spelling test - Friday
• Reading test on "The Lost Lake"- Friday
• Library and computers will begin.  Students will be checking out a book that they must finish reading and do a book project on (This will be handed out Monday) The Due date will be announced.  4th graders will be reading 2 books a quarter and doing some sort of project with the books they complete.  The types of books will change so they get an opportunity to try different styles of literature.

Coming up

• The science vocabulary test will be next week on Wednesday 9-7-11- This will only cover what's on their cards
• Their first book project will be due in 3 weeks- on Friday  9-16-11- That means they need to read the book and do the project by that date so it's turned in on time.  I give them 10 minutes a day to read and when they are done with an assignment they may read.  This project may require them to read at home as well.  Help keep them organized and help them pace the time to not have to do this at the last minute.  No extensions will be given. Thank you

****PE will depend on the air quality and heat this week*******

 Monday 8-29

Rel- pg 20

Sci- go over lab page 7; begin lesson 2 pgs A14--A16 only homework- finish notes for those pages

Math- pgs 6-7 evens only

library/ computers

Reading- read "The Lost Lake", do pkbk pg 18

Art

Tuesday 8-30

Rel- Keeping the promise/ safe environment lesson

Sci- finish note sheet for lesson 2 and do wb pg 9- finish for homework

Math- pgs 8,9,10 evens only

SS- map skills lesson -read 26-27; do wb pg 5

Sp- unit 2 2x each and pg 18

English pgs 22-23 #1-20

Reading- finish handwriting intro pages, pkbk pgs 19-20

Art

Wednesday 8-31

Rel- write the Morning Offering prayer in their faith journal (green)- will need to finish at home if not done in class.

Sci- Begin lesson 3 note sheet  ******vocab test next Wednesday- start reviewing now******

Math- pgs 11,12 evens

SS- begin reading lesson 3

Sp- pgs 19-20

English - pgs 24-25 #1-20

Reading- handwriting "Aa"; pkbk 22-23

PE or Art

Thursday 9-1

Rel- reading to preschool (this will be every week.  The students will be assigned a preschool buddy to read to)

Sci- work on lesson 3 note sheet

Math- pg 14 fractions review

SS- finish lesson 3 and do wb pg 6

Sp- pg 21 & STUDY STUDY STUDY

We will play spelling baseball to review

Reading - handwriting "Bb" , pkbk pg 24- STUDY the story and review the vocab from pkbk pg 18

Art or PE 

Friday 9-2

Rel- Mass

Sci- finish lesson 3 note sheet, do review #1-5 on page A27 on the note sheet

Math- pgs 24-25

Sp- unit 2 test

Reading- "The Lost Lake" test

12:30 dismissal today!

Week 8-22-11

Welcome to the second week of school.  Now we will be in the full swing of things! Yeah!  If you are reading the blog, have your child read it too.  It gives them information on what they will be doing.  Have them give me a high five!  I like to know who is reading the blog.........And who isn't.  We will still be doing review in math, but the rest of the subjects will be beginning new units. 

My PE and Art days may change depending on how many will be attending Band/color guard.  If you and your child are considering participating in this activity, have the schedule up in my class.  If your child is missing work or grades begin to fall below a C- or  below a B- in conduct or effort (school policy) they will not be allowed to miss class time.

Dates to remember:

• On Friday- There will be a spelling test on unit 1.  They will need to know how to spell the basic and challenge words (25 words) I will soon include the review words (30 words)
• On Friday- we will have a reading assessment test on this weeks story A Little Excitement.  Half of the test is reading comprehension and the other half will be vocabulary from the story.  The vocabulary comes from the practice book.(Its always the first page on that story)
• On Sunday- We will have an open house from 11-1PM.  Please come and join us and see what we have been up to in the fourth grade classroom.  Also, you might want to see if their desk is neat and tidy.  I have been talking about the importance of being neat and organized. ****Remember if you want to discuss your child, please make an appointment if necessary.  We have many families who visit, and it is not fair to your child to discuss private matters in front of others.

 I have enjoyed the students this week.  They know the rules backwards and forwards.  However, many forget the classroom rules and procedures, so this week I will start giving red cards when the "Big Five" rules and procedures are broken.  Usually a warning will be given first.  The red cards will be stapled to the planner and are to be signed and returned the following day.  This is my policy, and it is one way for you to know why conduct grades fall. Thank you.

****** Urgent- all homework or unfinished work from the day must be completed at home and returned in the homework folder the next day unless it is stated otherwise in their planner.  They do not hand it in, I will call for it. Some students have not been doing their nightly work.  Please see that you check their planners each night for what needs to be done.  If it is circled in their planner, it needs to be completed that night.  Also, Please Do Not Remove any work from the homework folder!!! Some have said that the parent has taken or cleaned out the work.  I will handle the organizing and collecting of work.  Thank you for your attention and patience with this matter.

Monday 8-22
*** On this day I will be checking both ch 1 Science and Social Studies vocab cards for completion.  This is an assignment and will be a grade.

Religion- Active Faith-filled People activity
Science- begin note taking.  They will be taught how to do this and we will begin lesson 1 for pages A6-A8 only
Math- division rev worksheets
Social Studies- Ch 1 intro story
Spelling- Unit 1- write basic and challenge words twice(2x) each.  This can be in print for now until we get better at cursive.  These assignments are graded for neatness and handwriting as well as spelling.  The words must be spelled correctly.
English- pgs 16-17
Reading- Read A Little Excitement and do Practice book(PKBK) page 10- These are the vocabulary words on the test. 
Art

Tuesday 8-23
Rel- letter writing.  They will write a friendly letter to Jesus
Sci- finish lesson 1 notesheet pages A9-A11
Math- place value pg 1
SS-read lesson 1 all; Homework(hw)- do wb pg 1
Sp- unit 1 pgs 12-13
Eng-pgs 18-19
Reading- PKBK pgs 12,14; handwriting (handw) ws
PE

Wednesday 8-24
Rel- begin Pg 18-19 activity on the bible
Sci-Lab, wb pg 5
Math- pg 2  comparing whole numbers
SS- read pgs 16-17 , do wb pg 2
Sp- pages 14
Eng-pgs 20-21
Reading- pkbk pg 16; handw ws
Art

Thursday 8-25
Rel- finish pgs 18-19
Sci-go over lab results on wb pg 5; do wb pg 1
Math- pgs 3-4 on money and addition/subtraction
SS- read lesson 2
Sp- pgs 15-16; hw- STUDY
Eng- handw ws
Reading-reread weekly story ; hw- go over pkbk pgs, study vocabulary words , review story for test tomorrow.
PE
 
Friday 8-26- 12:30 Dismissal today!
Rel- music practice
Sci- do lesson 1 review questions #s 1-5 on notesheet of lesson 1
Math- pg 5 related facts
SS- do wb pg 4
Spelling test on unit 1
Reading test on A Little Excitement;  discuss Indian legend stories I will read a few to them.  We will be writing Indian legend stories soon!


Sunday  Open House 11-1 PM

Back to School 2011-2012

         It' that time again.......And I hope everyone is as excited as I am!!! If you are reading this blog, have your child bring in a small picture of him/herself for the bulletin board as soon as possible.  Thanks!!! Having school supplies the first day is important.  Some things will be sent home like:  the extra paper.  Most things should fit in the large school box.  The school box will be on a shelf not in their desks, so don't worry about it fitting in the desk.

There are a few important things for you to know or to do:

• Your child MUST have a planner by Tuesday if he/she doesn't already have one.
• Have your child bring a book that they want to read Tuesday for silent reading.  We do this daily.  This will help with their daily reading requirement.  We will not go to the library or computers for the first two weeks of school.
• PARENTS- PLEASE fill out and sign all paperwork sent home by Wednesday.  Thank you!  It should be sent in with your child.  This is an important step in learning responsibility. I will sort and get all paper that needs to get to the office ......To the office.
• for Math- please send in graph paper to use for their assignments.  This help tremendously with neatness!  Have graph paper by Monday, thank you.

 On Monday 15, 2011,  we will be having Mass.  No shorts may be worn.  Please remember the school rules when it comes to uniform attire.  Boys MUST wear a belt in 4th grade.   After Mass, we will be going over classroom rules and consequences.  I run a tight classroom where rules MUST be followed.  We will also be going over school rules.  We will also be filling out planners starting the first day.  Planners MUST be signed EACH DAY. Thank you.  This is a great way to get to know what your child has been doing throughout the day and what homework or daily work needs to be finished.  Please read the letter I send home for all the rules and expectations for parents and students.  Please fill out the parent questionnaire also.  This is very beneficial because it is the what you want me to know about your child.  It gives me some incite to what your child's strengths and weaknesses are so I can better help them succeed in school.


FYI: The work that I post on my blog is that day's assignments.  When they do not finish their daily work, they are to finish it at home.  sometimes I will list or assign follow up homework in class.  You will find this in their planner.  If you have any questions about this matter PLEASE SEE ME THANKS!

Tuesday 8-16
Rel- discuss religion topic for writing, do class sample paragraph
Sci- begin animal activity
Math- begin basic facts rev of addition
Soc St- begin introduction of geography terms pgs I17- I19
Lang arts- discuss choosing the right book, begin handwriting -cursive ws, & back to school fun handout
Reading- Begin story-"Rajah's Rice", begin prac book pg 8
Art- Begin "Me" activity

Wednesday 8-17
Rel- we will begin religion writing assignment .  They will learn the proper format of a paragraph, how to brainstorm and to put their ideas into sentences. They will be doing their writing in a packet I have copied for them and I want them to do their writing in class so I can better assess their individual skills in writing. They will begin their rough draft
Sci- finish their animal activity- This is due tomorrow!
Math- addition and subtraction review, complete worksheets
Soc. St. -Reading maps pgs I20-I22
Lang.arts- handwriting sheet, discuss daily silent reading requirement
Reading- finish story, do practice book{PKBK} pg 1,8
PE

Thursday 8-18
Rel- finish rough draft writing, proof read and rewrite on binder paper- Each student will present their writing to the class tomorrow.
Sci- begin ch 1 vocab cards, I will show them how to do this skill because in is one of the most crucial study skill they MUST learn.  They will do this all year and for years to come.
Math- double digit subtraction worksheets
Soc. St- begin ch 1 vocab cards- I will give them the words to know and define
English- rev parts of speech in grammar. Do handout
Handwriting?
Reading- work on PKBK pages, Silent reading [ssr]
ART

Friday 8-19
Rel- present Religion paragraphs to class
Sci- finish vocab cards
Math- multiplication review worksheets
S.S - finish vocab cards
Language Arts- play basic word spelling bee {words will be taken from sight word list and spelling workbook.}
Grammar- beginning English book / sentence unit--pgs 14-15 all
Finish Art assignment


Please remember that your child should read and be practicing their basic math skills nightly.