Friday Chinese New Year - Young Ambassadors right here in Dayton!

Students took their spelling test to day and then we began the celebration of the Chinese New Year. We learned about the 12 year cycles. Most of the students in our class were goats or monkeys. 2014 is the year of the horse. Students drew pictures of their critter. Then in the afternoon each student made a dragon to represent the monster Nian who used to terrify villages.

In math we thought we thought we had met Nian with a worksheet that went a bit beyond the student's ability. We will revisit the problems on Monday when everyone has seen how it is done, and is fresh and ready to try again. Homework pages are due today and the new blue ones will be going home tonight. Please encourage your child to write the paragraphs correctly.

Remember, the Young Ambassadors will be coming tonight to the Dahle Performing Arts Center. This would be a great way to influence your child toward an interest in music. Studies show students more involved in music seem to do better in school.

Thursday - Sign homework pages due tomorrow

Today students showed the videos they made with their vocabulary words. We discussed what was good about each one and what they could improve. We will do this about once a month. I hope this will teach the students a new skill and help teach them the vocabulary words even better. Students discussed simple sentences, complex sentences and compound sentences in our Language Art books. In math we reviewed our multiplication strategy of partial products. We learned that one way to multiply 42 x 38 is first to decompose the numbers and end up with (40 + 2) x (30 + 8) Then we taught them the foil method, which is multiply the first numbers in each parenthesis, 40 x 30= 1200, then the outside two numbers 40 x 8 = 320, next the two inside numbers 2 x 30 = 60, finally the last two numbers 2 x 8=16. You get four different partial products and then add those products together and you have the answer. The "FOIL" stands for the order first, outside, inside and last.

Remember the Young Ambassadors are coming on Friday. For those with children who love music, or you want them to love music, this might be the way to get them interested.

Wednesday - Spelling words and Homework

blue team: boy, point, whole, soil, noise, soy, spoil, join, coil, joy, foil, moist, joint, boil, toy, voice, coin, broil, cloak, choke, oil, stole, choice, loan, bowl, because

green team: rooster, include, Tuesday, reduce, balloon, useful, cartoon, doodle, fewer, jewel, refuse, raccoon, toothache, excuse, noodle, beauty, shampoo, pollute, chewy, scooter, confuse, cocoon, cougar, amuse, because

yellow team: volcano, volcanic, compose, composition, conspire, admire, custodian, competition, serene, divine, conspiracy, custody, complete, admiration, invitation, define, serenity, divinity, invite, opposition, definition, reside, oppose, resident, because

Math: Monday Use the standard algorithm to calculate the difference between 4,281 and 9057 Tuesday : Circle the fraction that is greater: 10/6 or 5/4 (hint: you will need to get the denominators the same) Wednesday: Lucille needed to be at school at 8:00. If it takes her 57 minutes to get to school, what time would she need to leave to get to school exactly on time? Thursday: Add these mixed numbers: 4 5/8 + 3 6/8

Vocabulary: Write these words in complete sentences that show what they mean. chafing – befall – pursued – deserted - idly

Today students did something different. They recorded their vocabulary words using the IPads. They had to make up a story board showing the requirements and then come up with a way to film the vocabulary word. They are learning the words as well as how to edit on the IPad. In math the students are now using partial products to multiply two digit numbers. It was a bit tricky, but they are getting it. The tests from last week should have come home today.

Tuesday

We began reading the story of Matthew Hensen, the man who accompanied Robert Peary to the North Pole. It is a tremendously fantastic story of courage and determination. Then we decided to do something different with the vocabulary words. Students are going to use the iPads and iMovie to present our vocabulary words. In math we practiced our partial product multiplication.

There is a program coming up that you might want to attend. On Friday, January 31st the Young Ambassadors from Brigham Young University will be performing at the Dahle Performing Art Center. This should be a fantastic performance and something wonderful for the children to see. If you buy your tickets in advance it is $7 for students and $12 for adults. It is $40 for the entire family. If you buy tickets at the door it is $10 for students, $15 for adults and $45 for the family. You can come to the District Office to buy it or online www.wssd.k12.id.us

Monday

Students received their spelling lists this morning and we reviewed the spelling words with each group. Then we went to computers. We had to use key covers for some of the students as they are struggling not to look down the entire time. In math we added 1000s to our partial group multiplication. The students seem to be comprehending this new way to multiply very quickly. We were actually able to do two lessons today because they are moving so quickly. We will, eventually, teach the standard algorithm for multiplication. However, using this one makes it much easier for the student to actually understand what they are doing with the standard algorithm

Please work on addition, subtraction and multiplication facts with your students. They really need to feel more confident with these numbers.

Friday

Students took their reading and spelling tests this morning. Then they began to work on their persuasive essays. Some students are really moving along well on these. In math we took Thursday's idea and increased it by multiplying in the 100s place. This afternoon students had Lara Sant come and talk to them about staying healthy. Then they celebrated the 100th day of school in the gym playing games. Your students were so good they earned gold cards!"

Thursday

This morning we started out by learning a little more about similes and metaphors, the possessive form of nouns. Then we worked on how to get a good main idea in a paper and then back it up with details. Students at this age tend to want to wander a good bit and my goal is to help them learn to stick to the idea they started with. In math we learned a different way to multiply. First, the problem is 6 x 24. Draw a rectangle that has 6 on the width and 24 on the length. Next you "decompose" or break up the 24 into "friendly" numbers such as 20 and 4. Then multiply the 6 times the 20. Next multiply the 6 times the four. Add the two answers together and you have the answer to 6 x 24.

Wednesday

Students took their spelling pre-test today. We had three who got 100%. I am noticing that usually, when the students write their spelling words the three required times, they do much better on the spelling test. We discussed the setting, plot, characters, conflict and resolution from our story. Then students reviewed the vocabulary words and did their vocabulary pages.

We had our math test today and I hope to have those graded tomorrow. However, they will not get them home until I can catalog which questions were missed and that takes a little extra time. Finally students got onto Khan Academy. They went to music this afternoon.

Tuesday

I apologize for not writing yesterday, I could get Ask Teacher up, but I couldn't get the computer to let me type on it. Cole came and fixed it today, so that is great. Our new story is, "Shadow of the Bull." It is not my favorite as a young man is gored by a bull and the village men bring the son of the country's renown, though deceased, bull fighter in to see the injured man. The son wants to be a doctor, but sees no way out of the expectations of those around him. We talked a lot about pride, the kind that you are pleased when you do a job well, and the kind when you are just arrogant.

In math we began working on a pre-test to prepare us for the real test tomorrow. Students must be able to add fractions and do word problems and picture problems using the fractions. When students were finished, those who have parent permission worked on Khan Academy. This allows me to see where students are struggling, how long they have worked on the different problems, and who is really working. The best part is I can help students with areas they have difficulties, instead of doing a hit and miss kind of helping.

Friday

We started with the spelling test, moved onto the reading test, and then went onto math. We added mixed numbers where the fraction equaled more than one. Students had to add the whole numbers, add the fraction, recognize it was more than one, and then adding the new whole number to the previous whole number and include the new fraction. It was quite a stretch, but I think they understand it. In the afternoon we had our first Show and Tell and enjoyed that. Next week students will be going to Miss Lu for science and learning about our solar system.

Thursday Tomorrow is Show and Tell

We are going to have our first show and tell day tomorrow. If your child has something to bring or something to tell us about, please encourage that. We worked on our vocabulary words today. We also learned about inferences and the difference between drawing conclusions. The two are very similar. As the students do this I go around and make sure that they are writing good sentences.

In math we continued adding together mixed numbers, students seemed to do a good job on this. I sent home a book order catalog today. If you want to order online our classroom number is: L8J7V. Reading is a great way to gain knowledge. I am also reading individually with each child to see if they are able to read comfortably at a 4th grade level, another requirement of common core. I have the students read from the reading book and listen to see if they read easily, fluently and then I ask questions to see if they can comprehend what they just read.

Wear maroon or white tomorrow.

Wednesday

After our spelling test I took a few students out to listen to them read. One of the requirements of Common Core is to make sure students are reading at grade level. One way parents can help with this is to team read, that is both parent and child read aloud the same material at the same time, kind of like a choral reading. Students also worked on Language Arts and wrote the four basic types of sentences. In math we are starting to find different ways to represent mixed numbers, for example 2 1/2 can also be written as 5/2. Students are taught that the two is 4/2 and then we add that to 1/2. In social studies students made their posters, and watched a video of Rosa Parks. We discussed the need to be respectful of everyone. Then they went on to music time.

Tuesday

Today we followed along as we listened to our story read to us. I thought it would be an interesting way to change the pattern of doing things. Then students wrote their genre paper explaining the genre, how the story affected them, how the story might affect the world and then they had to related it to another story we have read. In math students worked on understanding mixed numbers. They learned to write mixed numbers in different ways. In social studies we learned about some of the civil rights history of the United States. Tomorrow we will watch a short clip on Rosa Parks and then make a poster. Students then went to the library.

Monday

This morning we worked on our spelling words and then went to the computer lab to practice typing skills. The new test, the SBAC will require students to type our math explanations. The more quickly and accurately the student types, the shorter the test will be for them. In math we learned how to change fractions into whole numbers. For example 8/4 = 2. We talked about the relationships, that 8 divided by 2 =4. In social studies students learned about the ideals of Martin Luther King Jr. Students should be getting close to their second AR goal. We are encouraging them to read and test at school, the more students read, the easier school will be for them.

Friday

Students took spelling and reading tests today. We also reviewed vocabulary words. In math we did 6.5 which was using a tape diagram to differentiate between comparisons involving subtraction and division. This taught the students how to decide if the word problem involves subtraction or division. They also did 6.6 which is again using word problems by comparing things. I kept a few students in during morning recess to review some mistakes they made on 6.4 so that they will not fall behind. In the afternoon we finished most of our legends and then students went to P.E. Congratulations to Cooper, Parker and Tanner for being in the Walk of Fame this afternoon.

Thursday

The class finished the story "The New Doctor" and wrote their genre paper telling how this story affects them and the world. Then we began discussing different ideas we could come up with ideas to write a persuasive paper. We discussed things the students felt passionate about. I was interested to learn how politically aware this class is. In math we worked again on differentiating between how to read word problems that ask students to multiply and understanding word problems that deal with addition. Today's problems included division. Each student was given multiplication/division triangles and so we put the numbers in a triangle with the product at the top of the triangle and the factors in either lower corner. Students are continuing to practice addition facts at their tables. Once they show they can do these well, we will take out the multiplication cards and work harder on these.

In social studies students finished reading their legends. A few students had to start again as their story wasn't a legend, though they were interesting. Tests went home today as did a letter from me about the Khan Academy and a request to you as parents to contact me if you feel a need to discuss your child. The second paper that went home was about our upcoming Hoe Down. The money from this is used to allow students to have an end of year field trip. If you have anything to donate to the Silent Auction, please bring it to the school. The Hoe Down isn't until Feb. 21st so now is a good time to get started planning.

Wednesday

Monday's tests did not go home today. I still need to finish cataloging how students did on each question. This morning we took a spelling test, worked on our vocabulary words and then read more from our story. During math we worked on the difference between, "Jane bought a dress for $5. Her shoes cost twice as much as her dress, how much did the shoes cost? How much did she spend altogether." and "Jane bought a dress for $5. Her new shirt cost 3 dollars more than her shirt. How much did the shirt cost? How much did they cost together?" We also talked about learning to explain your thinking in writing. The SBAC test that is taking the place of the ISAT tests requires the students to explain their thought processes. In social studies we began reading the legends the students wrote. Some needed to try again as a legend has to explain why something is the way it is. It has been fun listening to their ideas. The students had music today.

Please make sure that your child has winter clothing. They are required to go out for recess and it is so cold out. Also, a paper went home today about free dental care. Please look over it and see if this is something your family could use. Thanks for all you do.

Tuesday

This morning students reviewed the words for our new story, "The New Doctor," and then we started the story. Next students wrote a story and had the other students do a peer review on it. In math students are learning how to recognize what to do with word problems. They will be learning when to add or multiply. In social studies students watched a Native American legend about why the rabbit has a short tail. Then students wrote their own legend. Afterwards they went to the library. After P.E. we reviewed some of the information from the test. I should have those back to the students tomorrow. We had a few who did not get them turned in and I wanted to grade them all before I passed them back. Be looking for the test tomorrow.

Monday

This morning we reviewed our new spelling words, then we headed to the computer lab to type. In math we took a test on Module 5. I will be grading those tonight and we will determine if anything needs to be re-taught. Then we will move on. In Social Studies we talked about Native American legends. Students were asked to pay attention as they drive home today and come up with an idea for their own legend. We will be writing legends tomorrow.

Friday

Today we practiced writing and correcting. Then we prepared for the math test on Monday. We will review, and the students who were gone today will stay in at morning recess so they can review also. In the afternoon we finished our Kwanzaa mats and had P.E.

Thursday - Happy New Year

It was an interesting start to school this morning as it was a bit cold. But we got to work and after a bit, all went well. We are starting a new unit in writing. The students have been writing all year, but we are now starting to peer edit. The students will have someone else read their work and determine what needs to change. This should encourage everyone to do a bit better because as you begin to critique another's work, you find the deficiencies in your own. We also worked on our angles again. Students are starting to make progress here. We also started a discussion about Kwanzaa in our social studies unit. Students learned why Kwanzaa got its beginning in the 1960s. Tomorrow we will talk a little more about this new holiday. Wear school colors tomorrow!