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

3rd week of school !!!!!!

Welcome to the 3rd week of school! 

Everyone seems to be settling in to school now, even me!  I can tell they are getting relaxed because they are talking more!  Red cards will be given this week if they are talking after a warning has been given.  The work load has been light, but that will start to pick up.  Remind your child that when they pay attention and not talk they won't see a lot of homework because there is a lot of time given to complete work.  This week we will go to the library and  choose a book to read.  This book will need to be completed in 3 weeks along with some kind of project.  Each night along with practicing math facts, they will need to read for 15 min. Please sign the planner for the day, for math facts practice, and for reading independently for 15 min.  That means sign the planner (or initial it) for three things.  I hope that helps clarify things. 

Homework Help: 
Monday and Wednesday 2:45 to 3:30 no later
Please pick up your child by 3:30.  Students who are not picked up by this time will be checked into Extended Care and charged for the time they are there.  Thanks for your understanding!


Upcoming dates to remember:

This week
Spelling test-Friday
Reading Test-Friday

In the weeks to come:
Science vocabulary test-Next Wed. 9/8
Social Studies vocabulary Test- Wed.9/15

Religion
M- Safe environment lesson
T- the Bible pg 20
W- finish pg 20
TH- The Nicene Creed  in Faith Journal
F- Mass

Science- Ch 1 vocab test next week 9-8
M-Lesson 2 all- read and do notesheet
T- Lesson 2 rev #1-5.  Homework- do wb pg 9
W- Lesson 3 all-read and do note sheet
Th- Lesson 3 rev #1-5, Start ch rev pgs A34-A35
F- Finish ch rev pgs A34-A35


Math- We are still reviewing in Math - 3rd grade concepts.  Next week we will begin new concepts.
M- pgs 6-7
T- pgs 8,9,10
W- pgs 11-12
Th- pg 14
F- pgs 24-25

Social Studies- We will still be working on Ch 1
M- computers and library
T- Map skills- read pgs 26-27, do wb pg 5
W- begin reading lesson 3
Th- finish lesson 3, do wb pg 6
F- none


Spelling
M- computers and library
T- Unit 2 - write spelling words 2x each-BASIC AND CHALLENGE WORDS
W- pgs 18-19
Th- pgs 20-21
F- Test on unit 2 -BASIC AND CHALLENGE WORDS


English- We are working on the basics of proper sentences
M-computers and library
T- pgs 22-23
W- pgs 24-25
Th- Handwriting
F- none


Reading- Story of the week "The Lost Lake"
M- Read story do PKBK pg 18.  We will discuss the 1st book project handout
T- PKBK and handwriting D
W- PKBK and handwriting E
TH- PKBK and Handwriting F
F- reading test


Art/ PE- This week in art we will review the color wheel and start an art project
M/W- art
T, TH, F- PE
* These days may change

Week 2- August 23, 2010 to August 27, 2010

Hey 4th graders and parents!!! Welcome to the 2nd week of school.  So far all is well!  I can see the students are warming up to the daily schedule and doing work. We are getting a little chatty and will need to start settling down to business.  The noise level has begun to get louder, and we will need to get better at this.  Most students are getting work done and homework completed.  However, some have been leaving things at home or not completing nightly homework. This is a very important component to fourth grade.  This week will start picking up , so they might have more work to do at home.  As a reminder, please check the planner and the work so that all is completed.  I will start giving warning and then red cards when rules are not followed or homework is not completed on time.  This is part of their conduct and effort grades! When/ If your child receives 5 red cards, they will get a detention.  I know this seems harsh, but another crucial component to 4th grade is building independence and responsibility.  Please help them by going over the planner and their work to see that it is completed.  I go over the planner and uncompleted work is always circled in their planner.  All work for the day will be in their homework folder.

Homework Help:

This will start Next Week.  I will have it Monday and Wednesdays until 3:30.  If your child is not picked up at that time, they will be sent to extended care and you will be charged for the time they are there.  If you have an older child that has practice, they can not stay until that child is done with practice unless they are enrolled in extended care.  Sorry for the inconvenience.

 

New skill:

This week we will begin note taking in science.  We will do most of this as a guided assignment, but sometimes they will have to complete the days notes at home.  For the next chapter in Social Studies, we will begin outlining.  This too will be a guided activity.  They will keep these assignments in their homework folder as we work on it until we complete the chapter.  I will collect these assignments after the test for a grade--- so neatness counts!!!!

Absences:
When your child is absent, please check the BLOG for their work.  Please call early so that I can get their books to the office.

Religion

M- We will work on the ACTIVE FAITH-FILLED PEOPLE SLE  ; homework- rewrite final draft religion paragraph.  due Tuesday!
T- Poster of SLE ; write prayer to Mary
W- The bible pgs 18- 19
TH- finish bible activity
F- music practice or class meeting

Science:  We will begin guided note taking. This will include the review questions at the end of the lesson.  The test for chapter A/1 will be only on the vocab, so start reviewing now. Date to come.

 M- Discuss note sheet , read and notes on pages A6-A-8 only
T- finish lesson 1 pages A9-A11
W- Begin Lab- Bird Beaks
Th- finish lab and go over
F- Lesson 1 rev #1-5 on note sheet

Math: We are still reviewing basic 3rd grade math.  I have found that they really need this before we start the 4th grade concepts. 

M- division review worksheets
T- pg 1 place value 
W- pg 2 comparing whole numbers
TH- money pgs 3-4
F- related facts pg 5

Social Studies: This chapter's test will just be the vocabulary. Start reviewing now. Date to come. 

M- Ch 1 intro story
T- read all of lesson 1. We will do the lesson review questions together; homework- wb pg 1
W- Map skills - read pgs 16-17 & do wb pg 2
Th- read all of lesson 2; Homework- wb pg 4
F- correct and review


Spelling: We will do 2x each( basic and Challenge words only ) and unit by Thursday.  Tests will be on Fridays.

M- unit 1 2x each
T- pgs 13-14
W- pgs 15-16
TH- pg 17; homework - study!
F- unit 1 test ( basic and challenge words only )

English: We will be working on proper sentences and structure

M- Sentence worksheets
T- pgs 14-15 #1-20
W- pgs 16-17 #1-20
TH-  pgs 18-19 # 1-20
F- pgs 20-21 # 1-10

Reading: This week's story is "A Little Excitement" .  During the week we will read the stories and do practice book pages for review to be ready for the test.  Tests are Fridays. 

M- read story; Homework- prac book pg 10 ( The vocab on the tests are always in the practice book on the first page for each section/story. )
T-prac book 12,14;  Homework- handwriting "B"
W- prac book pg 16, and handwriting "C"
TH- reread story independently; homework- study for the test ( a good thing to do is review the practice book pages for that story )


Remember:

• Please remind your child to bring home graded work for the week- from their mailboxes. 
• Please feel free to come see me or call/write me a note if you have any questions or concerns. My door is always open!

First Week 2010-2011

Welcome students and parents to 4th grade!!!  This year will challenge your child to become an independent learner.  They will need your help, but in time they will learn that they can accomplish more responsibilities on their own.  This is our main goal. 

Parents:

• Please return all paperwork given out the first day by Wed. please!
• always check planners and sign each day
• remember to check on lunch and milk cards
• Please read over informational letter(some got this at the open house) and if you have questions or concerns please see me.
• ALWAYS REMEMBER I AM THERE IF YOU NEED TO TALK TO ME

Daily Schedule:

Silent Reading 8:15-8:30

Religion 8:30-9:00

Science 9:00- 9:40

Math 9:40-10:30

Recess----10:30-10:45

Social Studies 10:45-11:15

Spelling/Handwriting 11:15-11:30

English 11:30-11:55

Lunch----12:00-12:45

Reading 12:45-1:40

Art/ PE 1:40-2:15

Clean up 2:15 - Please do not come into the classroom early.  Please wait outside until the bell rings.  Many times we are going over homework and any other important things during this time. Thank You!

Homework help will begin next week- right now the days will be Monday and Wednesday from 2:45 (after my parking lot duty) until 3:30-NO LATER.  Please come to the door to pick them up by that time.  If your child goes to extended  care I will send them there at 3:30.  Thank you!

Monday we will start the day with Mass.  After Mass we will go over rules and expectations.  Students will write down things they will need to bring back to school this week. 

Religion:

Tuesday- we will discuss prayer and begin writing on a service topic
Wednesday- brainstorm topic and do a guided sample paragraph as a class
Thursday- begin writing
Friday- music or writing

Science: 


Tuesday- preview science text ; begin animal activity
Wednesday- finish animal activity
Thursday- begin ch 1 vocab flash cards
Friday- finish vocab cards

Math: Hopefully your child has practiced their basic math facts this summer, if not we will be reviewing them at least the first week of school.  This will be nightly homework- 10 min. of flashcards or first in math.  4th grade math depends on the basic facts tremendously! Also 3 or 4 days a week we will start class with basic math facts timed tests.  It is just for review and for improvement. 

Tuesday- practice addition review
Wednesday- addition review
Thursday- subtraction review
Friday- multiplication review

Social Studies:

Tuesday- geography review pgs 114-117, discuss pgs 118-119

Wednesday- reading maps pgs 120-121, finding locations pg  122

Thursday- Discuss 4 CA regions and begin Ch 1 vocab flash cards

Friday- finish vocab cards

Spelling and/or Handwriting:

Tuesday: practice cursive 1/2 unit 1 spelling unit

Wednesday- finish Unit 1 spelling words in cursive

Thursday- handwriting practice- intro to handwriting book.

Friday- work on writing or finish "ME" art 

English Grammar: bring in a book from home by Tuesday.  I can be one you have started and not finished over the summer.  This book must be a book on your level please.

Tuesday-discuss daily and nightly reading from individual books and how to choose the right book.
Wednesday- silent reading during class.  I will explain the process.  This will be done daily in class and and      night for 15 minutes.

Thursday-   discuss sentence structure will practice orally and on paper

Friday- finish Religion writing or "ME" art

Reading and Language Arts

Tuesday- Parts of speech review worksheet
Wednesday- go over the basic elements of a story. Begin reading "Rajah's Rice" in text. Start practice book pg. 8.
Thursday- Finish "Rajah's Rice" do prac. book pgs 1 and 8 together.
Friday- do practice book pages 3 and 9 together.

Art /PE-  These days may change due to band/color guard practices. Also this week's weather does not look great.  If the heat or Air Quality isn't good we will do fun activities in class.

Tuesday- "ME" activity
Wednesday- begin SPARK: Frisbee unit
Thursday- "ME" activity
Friday- Frisbee activity