Wednesday - Math test tomorrow???

We re-read our story today and talked about what the different meanings and feelings in the story. We reviewed our vocabulary words by having each person present the word they prepared yesterday. We had our review spelling test and then went to a pep assembly for the basketball team.

Students went to science and learned about planets and space. Then Mrs. Smith came in and gave each student a pledge to help our school stamp out all bullying. She read them a very good story about not giving into the temptation of bullying, even when there is a cause for it. After recess we practiced writing cursive R and B.

Tuesday - No math test tomorrow

Today we practiced finding the main idea and details in a paragraph. Students went into teams and practiced the skill. Then we got out our definition cards and worked on the definitions of our vocabulary words. In math we had a big review for our math test tomorrow. Most of the students finished their work. Those who did not stayed in until they were done. Anyone not finished was to take it home for homework.

Just to let you know, we had an assembly yesterday and will have another one tomorrow. Our class was absolutely wonderful during the assembly. They used good manners and were very respectful to the speakers. They deserve a pat on the back for their excellent behavior.

I just re-read the schedule for tomorrow. It appears that our pep rally will take place right in the middle of math. So the test will be postponed until Thursday. I know some families will be out of town for that. I will try and make arrangements so those students can take the test early.

Monday

We read a story about music and slavery today. We will be singing some of the songs and I will teach the students what the words hid from the slave owners. Students reviewed spelling and vocabulary words today. They took home their homework sheet. In math we reviewed how to compare fractions. We are preparing for a fraction test on Wednesday.

Today we had an excellent assembly to encourage the children to stop the bullying. Afterwards some of us began talking about some unruly behavior during the assemblies. We are going to get a practice sheet so students can learn the difference between behavior in a nice auditorium, a basketball game inside, a football game outside and a rodeo. We hope to improve the behavior so when people come to our auditorium they will be impressed with the good behavior of our students.

Friday

Today students took their reading tests. We discussed the test before to make sure that those who have been gone would understand the information. In math, after a quick multiplication test, we practiced turning decimals into fractions. We will finish that page on Monday. Then we worked on making geometric shapes. Following directions seemed to be the most difficult part of that assignment. Some students stayed in at recess to see if they could get it done.

Don't forget the Hoedown tonight. It starts at 6:30 and lasts until 8:30. It has a $1 entrance fee and it is $3.00 for dinner. Come and watch your children do their line dances. They have been practicing for weeks.

Thursday - Spirit Day tomorrow - Wear your colors

This morning students took their spelling test. Then we re-read the Anne Frank excerpt. Students worked on homophones. In math they were given a worksheet, with information they knew but presented in a different way. I told them to read the instructions and do the work. Later, I told them that often we will be given tests and we need to learn how to read the directions and look at the paper and figure out how to get it done. We started learning about how decimals and fractions are related as we move forward adding decimals.

In social studies, each team was given a section to read and then report about it to the class. Students reported on agriculture, ranching, sheep vs cattle, and how Idaho became a territory. At the end of the day we looked at some pictures from the 1940s, we talked about how grateful we should be for the things we have.

Tomorrow evening is the Hoe Down. Please come and help support the school.

Wednesday

We will have our spelling test tomorrow. The words are fairly simple this time. Today we learned about homophones. We listed as many as we could on the board. Then we read through and discussed our fluency words. We talked about what it must have been like for people living during the days of the Gestapo. Some of the children had interesting ideas about what it would be like to live then. Students finished their workbooks for their spelling words.

In math class we finished our estimation papers and then played multiplication bingo. That was fun for students. In Social Studies we studied about games that the homesteaders children would play. In our story last week, Mr McBroom and the Big Wind we learned that the children jumped rope and played marbles. Other games the homesteader children played were jacks and dominoes. Then we got out these games and the students took turns playing.

Please remember to attend the Hoe-Down on Friday from 6:30 to 8:30. Entrance cost is $1.00 for anyone not a student at HBL. Dinner is $3.00 per person. There will be line dancing and a silent auction for items brought by parents. Please help out if you can.

Tuesday - Spelling test on Thursday

We learned a little about Anne Frank today. We read a short excerpt from her diary. Then we talked about how racism can hurt many people. We reviewed our spelling and vocabulary words, but we will not have the pre-test until Thursday. Those who don't get 100% will take it again on Friday.

In math we were evaluating how to recognize if the sum of two fractions would be greater than one, equal to one, or less than one. Students who did not finish today's assignment are required to do it for homework. It is due at the start of class tomorrow.

In Social Studies we learned about the problems Native Americans had when the settlers came in. We talked about how ideas and values have changed, but that we shouldn't judge people long ago by our ideas of right and wrong.

/

The school's Hoedown is coming on Friday. Please find the orange paper that your child brought home today to understand what is happening that evening. All the money earned is to be used for the field trips this year. Other funding just isn't there. It should be a lot of fun. If you have something for the auction, you can bring it into Amy or bring it that night. If you would rather just give some money, I am sure that would happily accepted too.

Wednesday

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Students are very excited. Many have already brought their valentines in to share. We will have our party at 2:15.

We took our spelling test today so that all we have left tomorrow will be the reading test. We re-read the story today and discussed the questions that might be on the test. We also worked on personification and conjunctions. We had our math test yesterday and most students did fairly well. I will be taking groups tomorrow to work on the problem areas. Tyler Cahoon earned 100% on his test.

We ended the day discussing bullying. Mrs. Smith came in and talked to the students about things they might not see as bullying, but really were. Before she came, we had a class discussion, trying to help students understand how important it is to take care of each other. I hope it has a positive effect.

Tuesday

This morning we finished reading the story about Mr. McBroom and the Big Wind. We quite enjoyed it. We also reviewed our vocabulary and spelling words. Students need to study these on their homework sheets.

The math test was taken today. It is still in the process of being corrected, but most of the students finished on time. These students used the laptops and played fraction games at the site, Thinking Blocks. It is a good place to practice math.

In social studies we continued our study of mining in Idaho. Tomorrow we will learn more about the environmental effects. Students will determine how to still use our resources, but to do it while taking care of the earth. Remember, it is a short week this week. There is no school on Friday or Monday.

Monday Math test tomorrow

We had such a fun time reading this morning. We began the story, Mr. McBroom and the Big Wind. The students really enjoyed this Tall Tale. We read through and discussed our frequency words. I believe these words will help the students learn to read better and understand the meanings of more words. I ask the students to mark the words they don't know and then at the end of a column, we go back and discuss the meanings. Students also completed pg 96-97 in spelling

In math we reviewed for our test tomorrow. I will include some problems at the end of this blog. Then students were taught about Circle Graphs. Some will have taken it home as homework.

In Social Studies we are learning about the gold rush in Idaho. We are watching a short movie that explains about the goldrush, boom towns, and ghost towns.

Types of questions we will have on the test are: 1. Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division Problems 2. Place value; 3,914,078 using the number what digit is in the hundred thousands place. What is the value of the 7? The digit in the hundred thousands place is 9. The value of the 7 is 70. 3. Given a number line with whole numbers and fractions, be able to identify where fractions and mixed numbers would go. To help students with this, use a ruler. Find 3 3/4, or 2 5/8, students often forget to look at the whole number. 4. Change improper fractions to mixed numbers. 4 5/7 multiply the 4 times the 7 and then add the five to the product. That number is the numerator. The denominator is the same denominator in the original fraction. So 4 5/7 would be 33/7. Then be able to change an improper fraction into a mixed number.We do this by dividing the numerator by the denominator. Students have to be able to compare fractions. One way is the obvious way. 1/2 is less than 3/4. And 1 1/2 is less than 2 1/2. Those should be obvious. But if it is not obvious, find a common denominator, and then multiply each fraction by 2/2 or 3/3 or whatever identify fraction which will give you a common denominator. Then students must list them as 1/2<3/4 or whatever the problem is. Students will also have to identify fractions. They will look at a picture and tell what fraction is shaded. They will need to be able to put fractions in simplest terms, such as reducing 8/12 to 2/3 I hope this helps.

Friday

We took tests on our reading and spelling today. Then for math we used the laptops and practiced fractions. Finally, students made their valentine boxes, Chinese lanterns, and fortune strips to celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Snake. Students got to attend a Star Discovery program in the library today.

Thursday - making Valentine boxes

Tomorrow the students will be making Valentine boxes or envelopes. Students need to bring any supplies they want to use. We do have construction paper to make envelopes. Thanks to the parents who have volunteered to help next Thursday afternoon with our party.

Today we finished our story about, The Big Wave. It was excellent. Now we are reading the entire book as the students want to know what happened. We also studied prepositions and prepositional phrases. We will work a little more on those tomorrow. Also we have reading and spelling tests tomorrow.

In math we continue to work on ordering and comparing mixed numbers. We had a problem today that kind of surprised me. But we decided that with some critical thinking skills, looking at the different fractions and what they really meant, we could still put them in order without finding the same denominators. As we hadn't dealt with the before, it was a bit of a wake -up call to use our critical thinking skills when we aren't sure of an answer. In science the students are learning about the different states of matter. It is a fun lesson.

Remember, book orders need to be in by Tuesday. The code is LJ87V if you want to order online.

Wednesday

We read a sad story today. It is called, The Big Wave. A young boy in Japan loses his entire family to a tsunami. He is taken in by a kind family. It was very touching, especially as a tsunami just hit the Soloman Islands yesterday. We also took our spelling test.

During math we are moving forward comparing mixed numbers and improper fractions. It is exciting to see how quickly the students are understanding this.

Our Valentines Day party will be February 14th from 2:15 until 2:50. Any parents willing to help by bringing treats and possibly coming up with a short game, would be appreciated. Please let me know. I think we just need two or three parents or grandparents to help. Thanks for all that you do.

Book orders are going home today. You can order online using the code LJ87V. The family needs to make an account and use a credit card to order. Or you can always send the money and order form to school.

Monday

We finished reading the story about Matt Henson today. We read in our groups. Tomorrow, we will start a new story. Students studied their spelling words to prepare for the test tomorrow.

In math we reviewed how to change mixed fractions to improper fractions and improper fractions to mixed fractions. If the students did not finish, they had the paper as homework.

Tomorrow is our first spelling test. Please study hard so you don't have to take the test on Friday!

Monday

We started reading our new story today. It is about a man named, Matt Henson, who went to the Arctic. We reviewed our spelling and vocabulary words and checked our Language Arts practice.

In math we are doing more with fractions. The students are learning about mixed numbers and improper fractions. We are learning how to move them around, and changing the mixed to improper and the improper to mixed. There is no additional homework today.

Friday and tests

I am re-thinking our Friday test schedule. Most of the students do very well with what we are currently doing, the change will not hurt them. But a few students are really struggling by the time they are taking the math test. I am seriously contemplating changing our math test to Tuesday. This will give us Monday afternoon to review and remember the information and then on Tuesday, first thing in the morning (which is usually reading time) we will test. I hope this will allow the students to be fresh and alert during this time. If anyone has thoughts on this, please share it with me.

We did the tests yesterday. We also did our art project combining groundhog day, Presidents Day, and Valentines Day. We will spend more time on the Presidents later, but we now have some very creative projects in the hall.

Thursday Tests tomorrow

Today we learned about comparative and superlative adjectives. We compared the Forty-niners to the Ravens. That was interesting. We will have our reading test and our spelling test tomorrow.

It is our math test tomorrow. Students should have brought home a paper to practice. We went over the information in class today. Then at the last recess I invited anyone who wasn't getting it to stay and get help.

Remember, tomorrow is maroon and white day. Wear your colors!

Wednesday

We re-read our story today. Students went into different groups and Mrs. Reeder read with one group while I read with another. The other two groups did the reading on their own. We took our spelling tests. Students also worked on their spelling pages 88-89

In math we corrected last night's homework. Students who did not turn the paper in will get a zero until it is turned in. We continued to work on fractions and figuring out how to find common denominators. This is a skill that comes with practice and with a knowledge of the multiplication tables.Students who didn't finish today's assignment pg 525 1-9 have that as homework tonight.

Tuesday Homework and Spelling Test

Students read a short excerpt from the book, "Island of the Blue Dolplins." We also studied spelling words, which are all plurals, and our vocabulary words. I have kept a few students in for a few minutes of recess so we can read parts of the story again to help with reading fluency.

In math class we continued working on equivalent fractions and ordering fractions. Students are understanding this, but they do have a homework sheet that went home to help them understand the concept. They must show all of their work showing how they figured out the answer.

We will have our spelling test tomorrow.

Spelling words:tomatoes, countries, dollars, eagles, inches, leashes, monkeys, numbers, smudges, taxes, relishes, sandwiches, umbrellas, bicycles, ferries, arrows, ages, times, tides, cliffs

Monday

The snow kept us from starting school on time today, so our reading and language arts time was shorter. I decided to give a multiplication test and have the students take STAR tests this morning. For math we reviewed ordering fractions. Students need to find a common denominator and then find an identity fraction to multiply so they can figure out which fraction is larger. It will take a few more days to get this, so we will be patient.

Thursday - Tomorrow no math test

We will have our reading and spelling test tomorrow, but we are going to skip the math test and use our time on figuring out fractions. Many of the students are understanding, but there are some who are really struggling with order fractions with different denominators. We reviewed it today, but it isn't strong with them yet.

We reviewed our story and worked on metaphors in class. One group had to come up with a metaphor and another group had to guess what it meant. We discovered that it was easier to determine the intended meaning of a simile than a metaphor.

In Social Studies we continued telling our own family's story of migrating to Idaho. Those students who didn't have their paper in were given a paper to take home so that parents would know to help them.

Tomorrow is 100 days of school so the children will have a party at 2:00 to celebrate that event.

To help your child with ordering fractions: They need to be able to see the least common multiple (we haven't used that phrase yet) or the lowest number that both numbers can divide into evenly. So if you have a fraction of 2/6 and 3/4, what is the lowest number that 6 and 4 divide into evenly. That would be 24. Next, what identify fraction (a fraction that equals 1 like 2/2, 3/3, 4/4 etc) can you multiply 2/6 by to give it a denominator of 24. That would be 4/4 and you would have 8/24. Then what identity fraction can you multiply 3/4 by to give it a denominator of 24. You would multiply it by 6/6 and have 18/24. Then it is easy to see that 18/24 is larger than 8/24.

Wednesday

Students took their spelling tests today. The tests are graded and should be back to the students so they can study tonight and tomorrow night. Students also re-read the story, Shadow of the Bull, Those who have missed school have been asked to take it home and read it.

In math we are comparing fractions. Students are learning that fractions compare very differently to whole numbers. They still need practice on equivalent fractions.

Students were supposed to bring in information about who, why, and when their families came to Idaho. Those that brought in the information did a good job.

Tuesday Spelling test tomorrow

In Social Studies today we learned more about the first groups that came to Idaho. Students are supposed to go home and ask these four questions: 1. When did our family first come to Idaho (generationally so this could include grandparents and great-grandparents) 2. Who came first? 3. Why did they come? 4. What nationality is your family? This will be a part of our lesson tomorrow.

In our math class we began comparing different fractions and deciding which fraction is larger. First we used our fraction blocks and then we did a work sheet to see if we could understand the difference. Tomorrow we will be going over our math test so the students can learn from their mistakes.

Our spelling test is tomorrow. We reviewed the spelling and vocabulary words today. Then we talked about our story from yesterday. Students who were absent were asked to take the book home to read it.

Lastly, a packet went home today. Students are to fill out as many of the postcards as they can and then return the entire packet tomorrow. This project helps get money for the school, so if you can help the students do this, please do.

Monday

Homework pages went home today. Please encourage your student to do the work. I am counting it for a homework grade. We read, Shadow of a Bull, today and worked on our math. Then we stopped to watch the swearing in of the President and listen to his speech. I am just thinking, the next time this happens they will be in 8th grade and much more aware of what is going on in the world.

In math we are still working on equivalent fractions, but it is going one step further. Students are given two fractions that are equivalent, however either the numerator or denominator is missing on one of the fractions. They must show their work, how did they get the answer. By showing their work they can logically recognize if the answer makes any sense. We also are doing the simplest fraction which basically is, how far can you reduce the fraction. Most of the students did not finish in class and should have worksheets to take home.

On Friday, at 2:00, we will be celebrating the 100 days of school with a short assembly. As it is Martin Luther King day today, students received a little booklet about him today. I encouraged them to talk about it with their parents.

Friday

We took our tests today. We also learned a little bit about bacteria. Did you know that if you don't follow the directions on your bacterial soap, you could be killing good bacteria? After our math tests students were allowed to play the multiplication game with dice.

After Show and Tell, and since Martin Luther King Jr day is Monday, we watched a movie and wrote down some of the quotes of Martin Luther King Jr. We discussed the importance of being kind to everyone around us and treating them respectfully.

Thursday - tests are tomorrow

We studied for our math and reading tests tomorrow. Some students asked if they could take their reading books home and I assured them it was fine. Some students will also have a spelling test. Please study. We also finished reading about invertebrates. We learned quite a lot. Did you know sea stars eat mussels by pulling the shell apart and then putting their own stomach on the mussel and sucking it up? That was quite intriguing to the students.

Our math test will only be about fractions. Students will need to be able to show if a fraction is equivalent to another fraction. If shown a picture, they will need to be able to write the fraction for the picture. Then if given a fraction they will need to be able to draw a picture to represent the fraction. On a number line, students need to be able to identify how many parts are shown, and then identify which part, labeled A, B, or C is a specific fraction. These all have been reviewed with the students.

Students who did not finish their math papers in class are taking them home to finish as homework. They will be allowed to check their work as they come into class tomorrow so they can quickly see if they did it correctly and get help if they did not.

Wednesday - fix math test and return

Students took their spelling tests today. The tests are corrected and students were asked to take them home. We read more about invertebrates today. We also reviewed our math test today. Students are to correct their mistakes and to return the math paper tomorrow all corrected. We will continue to review the missed problems so students will conquer the material.

In Social Studies we are studying the counties of Idaho and learning the song. Students did pretty well with that. I am starting this early so they can get the song deep into their heads.

Wednesday

After finishing our story today, we learned about cause and effect. The students wrote sentences to practice. Then we started reading about invertebrates. Students will start writing a five paragraph on the article.

We worked on fractions again today. The students are understanding them, but they are struggling trying to make sense of 1/2 is equivalent to 2/4 and how to get it there. It will come in time. This is a very new concept.

In Idaho History the students got into groups to decide what they would be able to take along if they were settlers moving west on the Oregon Trail. Listening to the actual supplies was quite a surprise for some of them. I think it was the bacon that surprised me. I would have taken the trip just so I could eat bacon everyday!

Monday

Students took home the Scholastic Book orders last week. They need to be either turned in or done online (LJ87V is the online code for our class) by tomorrow.

Homework went home today. The spelling words, reading, math, vocabulary and writing assignments are included on that page. Please make sure that is completed and turned in on Friday morning. In spelling we are learning the spelling of the /sh/ sound. It is spelled with "sh" at the beginning and the end of words. The /sh/ sound is spelled with "ti" or "ci" in the middle of the words. We also covered the meaning of the vocabulary words which are: reservation, ominous, desolately, physician and maneuvered

Today we read about a Native American doctor in Nebraska. It is interesting how things have changed in just the last few years medically. We are still learning about fractions. Today was the first day we did the math to find equivalent fractions. Students learned that 1/2 and 3/6 were equivalent. Then they learned that by multiplying or dividing, we can prove the fractions are equivalent.

In Social Studies we began learning about the homesteaders that came into Idaho.

Spelling words are: shawl - attention - shelter - education - information - shatter - addition - publish - ambitious - shoulder - social - special - delicious - official - ancient - physician - vicious - instruction - directions - accomplish

Friday Tests and tests

Students took a reading, spelling and math test today. The spelling test grades are up on Gradebook. In the afternoon the students wrote posters showing their New Year's resolutions. They were to take them home and share them with their families. Have a safe week-end. This afternoon was the walk of fame for our AR readers. Kajsia, Elyse and Kori all got to walk today.

Thursday

We are preparing for tests on Friday. We reviewed out story, took fluency tests and reviewed our division skills. It went well.

Wednesday

We looked at the sliver of the moon this morning, fortunately, we could still see it. We write the weather everyday. We took our spelling test today, then we moved on to learning how to write a business letter.

In math we are continuing fractions. I think the students are understanding so far. Today we talked about Benchmark Fractions. Those are the ones easily recognizable like 1/2, 1/3, 2/3, 1/4 and 3/4. I am sending home the papers everyday so you can see what we are covering. A few of the students will have homework tonight as they didn't finish their work in class.

Tuesday Spelling Test tomorrow

We finished reading our story. It was very interesting and generated a lot of discussion. We also studied for our spelling test tomorrow. There is a mistake on the homework handout on the spelling list. The last word should be "cheek," not "reach."

We are still working of fractions in math. I sent home a paper that should help the students prepare for math test on Friday. It does not have to be returned, but it would help if the students work through the problems.

In science the students are learning about biomes.

Monday

Homework pages went home today. Students should do all of the requirements, spelling, reading, math, writing and vocabulary. It shouldn't take longer than 40 minutes each night, 20 minutes to read, five minutes to write about their reading, five minutes a night on math and 10 minutes a night on vocabulary. This homework grade will be added to the report card this trimester. It will help prepare the students for the ISAT tests they will be taking. Completing their homework will also teach them responsibility. At first, they need a little encouragement.

Today we read half of our story, reviewed the spelling words and then introducing the vocabulary. Tomorrow we will finish the story and then start writing a business letter.

In math, we are having fun with fractions. As the students get the concept, they will be able to use these fractions in the things they do everyday.

Friday

Friday is test day and we took our reading and spelling tests. We didn't take a math test as we have just begun a new section on fractions. We did review the test we took before Christmas so the students could recall what we learned so long ago. Every morning we review these concepts and the language arts concepts. This should help the students be prepared for their ISAT tests as well as learn the information they need to write and speak well. We still have a lot of sickness so make sure everyone gets a lot of sleep and healthy food this week-end.

This afternoon, after show and tell, we learned about Kwanzaa, a holiday that celebrates the African American culture. We watched a short video, talked about the origins of Kwanzaa and then made a little mat that teaches the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The mats were a bit of a challenge, but they turned out nicely.

Thursday

It has been cold the last couple of days. We had all but the last recess inside today. We have been studying hard for our spelling test, which will be tomorrow. It will be the type of test when students circle the correctly spelled word. We played, "Sparkle" today so the students could better prepare for their test. Those that were out were asked to finger-spell the words so they could continue practicing.

We reviewed our reading story so the students will also be ready for their reading test. We are working on fractions, currently just identifying them. We also practiced typing today. We had the computer lab in our room and so the students were able to use Mavis Beacon. Hopefully it will warm up a bit tomorrow.

Wednesday

We had an interesting day as the children learned about Christmas around the world. This afternoon students practiced for the Christmas program.

Students will have their Christmas party tomorrow at !0:45 and then we will have the program in the afternoon at the Dahle Performing Arts Center. This begins at 1:30. Hope you are able to come.

Tuesday

This morning we used Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol, to compare and contrast two different versions. Students wrote the setting, characters, plot, conflict, and resolution. We will watch one more and then compare the movies to see which parts are the same and different. It is seasonal and meets the requirements for the Common Core Standards. We also worked through divisibility rules again today.

Tomorrow will be Christmas around the world and practice for the Thursday Christmas program.

Monday - Christmas reading papers went home

Today, as students asked questions about the tragedy in Connecticut, we talked about it as a class. We discussed the emergency procedures that our school has in place, we talked about how to be a helper instead of a hurter. I hope that we were able to calm any fears students might have had.

A homework reading sheet went home today, it is Christmas green. It explains what is happening this week, and it has a place for parents to sign as students read over the holidays.

Friday Test Day - Tragic Day

Friday has turned into a very tragic day with all of the heart-break and heroism in Connecticut. By Monday, most of the children will know about it, and if they don't their friends will make sure they do. I would encourage you to discuss it with them so that they don't first hear about it on Monday. Mr. Rogers, one of my heroes, said that when something bad happened when he was little, his mother said that he should look for the helpers. She told him that there were bad people, but there were many more helpers and that most of the people are helpers. I thought it was a good way to explain insanity to a child and still give them hope.

Next week we will be having some party time, but students still need to stay on task and get their work done. Wednesday is Christmas around the world and practice for Thursday's program. Thursday we will have reading in the morning, party after first recess, (10:45) where children will exchange gifts, and then the program in the afternoon. May you have a very Merry Christmas and may our country be blessed with peace throughout the new year.

Thursday - Tests and White and Maroon day

We went to the auditorium today so the students could do a quick run-through of their Christmas program. The students did pretty well. We are singing, "I'm Getting Nothing For Christmas," and signing and singing, "Away in a Manger." The children did pretty well. The program will be next Thursday at 1:30 p.m. in the Auditorium.

Today we talked about Coming of Age, meaning a time in your life when you must make a good decision and by making it you grow up, even just a little. The students then wrote a story of a time that they made a good decision, even if it was difficult. Then we played jeopardy to help students study for the reading, spelling and vocabulary tests tomorrow.

In math we studied for our test tomorrow. It will cover the normal things and also include double digit division. We will also have a six times table test. The students have got to put the time in to get these down. I am explaining to the children that doing a division problem is a lot like a video game, you have to guess the best way to go, sometimes you go the wrong way, then you have to back up and try again. The test is tomorrow.

Finally we had a treat for Hannukah, learned the dance Hava Nagilla and danced Mayim too. They did a lot better today and seemed to enjoy it more.

Wednesday

We took our spelling test today. Then students got in groups and re-read the story aloud together. This team reading should help with fluency. In math students has a pre-test on their 6 multiplication tables. We need to continue working on these so we can move on in math.

In math we also started using two digit divisors. The students worked on their white boards and then in teams to figure out the answers. We will continue with this tomorrow and then do a worksheet, while I take students aside to work on the questions they missed on their tests.

As we have been celebrating Hannukah this week, we learned the dance, "Mayim." It is a traditional Israeli dance and is quite easy to learn and fun to do. We also lit the fifth candle on our menorah.

We will be having our Christmas party on Thursday, next week at about 10:50 p.m. If your student wants to participate in the present exchange, please have them bring a wrapped gift. If it is something specifically for a boy or a girl, please make sure that is marked on the gift so our boys don't get hair bows.

Tuesday - Spelling test tomorrow

Today we learned about Hannukah and why the Hebrew nation celebrates it. Tomorrow we will be learning a dance and Thursday and Friday we will taste some of the food used to celebrate Hannukah as we continue to learn about the holidays of different cultures.

We covered the spelling words to prepare for tomorrow's test. Students then worked in their workbooks. We learned about metaphors like, "His stomach is an empty pit," or "She has an iceberg for a heart." Next we reviewed the story that we read on Monday and students wrote about one of the characters in the story.

In math students continued working on dividing by multiples of ten. Students should have taken their Friday tests home yesterday. Parents were to sign these and then make sure I get them back. This way I can keep track of where each student needs help and parents can see what we are doing.

Monday - book orders due tomorrow

We read a new story today called, "Bridge Dancers." It told how a younger sister, who had paid attention, was able to help her older sister when she cut her leg. It is a good story. We also started working on our spelling words.

Homework pages went home today. Students will be learning their 6 multiplication tables this week. They must get these down. We are also learning about dividing with multiples of ten. It is fairly easy, and the children seem to be getting it.

If you want to order a book for your child online, you can use the code L8J7V to order.

Friday - Book orders due Monday L8J7V

We took our tests today, made snowflakes and learned Spanish. It was fun. Christmas is coming soon. Students are asked to bring a wrapped gift to exchange with another student. Please keep the gifts inexpensive.

Book orders need to be in on Monday. This can be done online using the classroom code L8J7V. If you do not want your child to know you have ordered a book for them, let me know through email or a phone call and I will keep the book for you to come and pick up. My email is cwinward@wssd.k12.id.us

The Christmas party will be at 10:45 December 20th. In the afternoon the children will do their Christmas program at the Dahle building at 1:30.

Thursday - Tests tomorrow

Students took the Star test again today to see where they are in reading. All students were told the color dot that fits with their score. However, I am encouraging them to make sure they are reading books they find interesting. Dot colors are a good indicator, but enjoying your reading is more important. We played Jeopardy today to give the students the opportunity to study for their reading tests tomorrow. Students started reading the story, then they asked each other questions, finally we played Jeopardy. In math we reviewed dividing with a three number dividend. The students practiced dividing with a multiple of ten divisor. This will not be on the test tomorrow as we just started doing it. Adding and subtracting four digit numbers could be something you could work with to prepare your students for their tests. In Idaho History we wrote a diamante poem and finished our limerick about Louis and Clark. It was fun, then the students ran to music. The school is having a food drive asking students to bring in canned foods for the hungry. If you feel you are able to help, please send a can of food with your child.

Wednesday

Students took their spelling test today and did quite well. We also started on our next five paragraph essay. If they didn't finish these, they are homework. Ask your child and see if they brought it home.
In math today we returned to dividing three digit numbers, 345 / 4 = The students are mostly getting this. However, if you have a few minutes, you might be able to sit down with your child and ask them to do a similar problem just to make sure they are comprehending the process. In Social Studies we read about the Spauldings and Whitmans as they traveled west. It must have been a difficult trek for them.

Tuesday

Today in reading we finished the story, "Sewed Up His Heart." It is a very interesting story. We then reviewed our spelling words. Remember there is a spelling test tomorrow. In math we are talking about what a remainder really means. One problem we did was: If you have 86 students to move in vans with 6 seats each, how many vans will you need? The answer is a surprise to the students because the actual answer is not the answer to the division problem. The quotient is 14 with a remainder of 2. But if you have two students left over, you need one more van, hence the answer, instead of being 14 remainder 2 is 15. Some of the children didn't finish their work and they need to do it as homework. The page is 385 doing problems 3-10. In Social Studies we learned about the different groups of missionaries that came to Idaho. Then the children went to P.E. We are working hard on our A.R. reading. Please encourage your student to take tests on the books they read. Cole has fixed the problem so this should be working at home. Make sure your child is reading books they enjoy. Reading at their level is important to progress, but also reading something pleasant and not as difficult is important to enjoying reading. As the year is coming to a close, we need to thank the parents that come in every week to help. If there are any others who want to come, let me know and we will figure out a schedule for you. Thanks for all you do.

Monday - Homework - fix test

In reading today, we read about the first heart surgery. The story was interesting and the children saw a movie based on the life of Daniel Hale William. We reviewed the spelling words. These have gone home as homework. In math we reviewed the math test. Students took their math test home to fix the problems they got wrong. Then they need to bring the tests back so I can put it in the evidence file for each student. In Social Studies we learned a limerick about Lewis and Clark. Then the students were supposed to make up their own limerick about Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery.

Thursday - report cards tomorrow - finish essay

Students will be taking home a regular report card and a new type of math report card. These reports are based on individual areas that the students are required to learn. We think we have figured out how to best do this and hopefully we will see improvement in all of the areas. Today we reviewed our stories and vocabulary words. We also worked on doubles in multiplication. Did you know that if you take 2 x 6 = 12 and 4 (double of 2) x 6 = 24 (the double of 12) You can also double the 4 to eight and the answer doubles again! This also works with 3 and 6. It makes it a fast way for students to be able to figure out multiplication answers. We are learning two songs for the Christmas program. We are singing with the other 4th grade, "I'm gettin' nothin' for Christmas," and then signing, "Away in a Manger." Students need to finish their essay tonight.

Tuesday - spelling test tomorrow

Students had time to re-read our story this morning. If they brought the book home we are reading pg 208-221. Then they worked on their spelling and learned how to figure out what words meant using context clues. Some students got started on their essay about thankfulness. In math students reviewed division. More are getting it everyday. We just keep doing problems until the light goes on. The hard part is that the students are still struggling with their multiplication facts. Once they get those down, division is much easier. Remember, tomorrow is the spelling test.

Monday

We were back to work today. We read an interesting story about how medicine has changed over the past. We started reviewing our spelling words. In math we began working on division again. I have sent home problems for all four operations. The children are struggling with all of these. Please help them, there are just four per night. If you watch what they are doing, perhaps that one-on-one will get them through this struggle. All is going well. We will start grading the homework pages this week. Please encourage the students to write on their reading, it is required. Thanks!

Tuesday Happy Thanksgiving

Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Remember to be grateful and to read, read, read.

Monday

We got a lot of reading done today. Students also got to go to the gold card store. We reviewed five great rules in math that help in dividing by 2, 3, 5, 9, and 10. Then the students practiced doing this. We also wrote our spelling words in cursive. Students will take a test tomorrow which reviews past spelling words. Tomorrow afternoon we will have a little Thanksgiving Party. I hope to encourage them to pay attention, more to their blessings, and not so much on getting out of school.

Thursday

We had our Direct Writing Assessment today. The students worked very hard. We reviewed for our math test tomorrow and will also take the spelling and reading test. Then we will discuss Thanksgiving, figure our AR points for next trimester, and set goals. Discuss these with your child and see what they need to do to set a goal that will stretch them, but not be too difficult.

Wednesday - Direct Writing Assessment tomorrow

Thursday all 4th and 5th grade students will be doing the Direct Writing Assessment. We have been diligently practicing, and hopefully, all will go well. If you want to practice with them, use the paper I sent home last week and have the student talk through an idea for an essay. Today we took our spelling test, practiced vocabulary words and worked on how to brain-storm for a five paragraph essay. In math we are starting division. We separated students out into groups of two, three, four etc. to see if we would have a remainder. Next we did the same thing with blocks. Tomorrow we will start the dividing on paper.

Tuesday - spelling test tomorrow

Students are working hard to prepare for the Direct Writing Assessment on Thursday. I sent home a paper last week, if you want to help your child with this, go through the paper with them, and ask them to "talk out" a five paragraph essay. You can choose any subject and then see if they can talk through it with you. We are beginning to work on division. Monday we divided tens, hundreds, and thousands. That was pretty easy. Today we estimated division. Tomorrow we will start dividing and finding remainders.

Monday - Picture retakes are tomorrow!

Just a reminder that picture retakes will happen tomorrow. Today we read a folktale called, "Salt." Then students wrote paragraph one and two about Gratitude and Thanksgiving. Their Direct Writing Assessment will be this Thursday. We have had quite a few children ill. We are starting to insist that students wear their coats outside. In math we are learning how to divide multiples of tens, hundreds and thousands. It is pretty easy, but it is starting their section on division. It is absolutely imperative that children know their multiplication families so division is easier.

Friday

The children did a wonderful job singing at the Veteran's Day assembly today. They were very enthusiastic. After the assembly was over we went back to class and read the stories about Veterans that the children brought to class. It led to a good discussion. We had reading, spelling and math tests today. Grades come out just before Thanksgiving so these last two tests are really important. I sent home a practice test and will again this next week. Hopefully that will help you, as parents, assist the children at home to comprehend the concepts.

Thursday Veteran's assembly tomorrow

We had our AR walk yesterday. Some of our students are doing extremely well. We prepared for our math and spelling tests for tomorrow. We also did our 4th paragraph in our five paragraph essay. Tomorrow is our Veteran's Day program. We are asking students to wear red white and/or blue tomorrow. The children have been practicing our songs and are ready to go. The assembly will be at 1:30 at the Dahle Fine Arts Center.

Wednesday

Our school is preparing for our Veteran's Day program. We are singing all of the songs from the Air Force, Navy, Army, Coast Guard and Marines. It is wonderful to hear them sing with such heart. I have sent home two papers today. One is to practice for the math test on Friday. This is last week's test, but the problems will be very similar. Also, I sent home an outline for how to write the five paragraph essays. I am not asking you to have your child write one at home, but you could help your child talk through an essay. When they learn to start thinking that way, the test will be easier for them.

Tuesday - Election Day

We are diligently working to prepare for our direct writing assessments. The children are writing everyday. We are also still working on double digit multiplication. Thanks to all the children that wrote the paper about veterans. That took a lot of work.

Monday

The tests students took on Friday will go home tomorrow. Please go over them with your student. I am reviewing any math problem they got incorrect, I hope to have that done tomorrow. Some of them are reading errors, when a student just didn't pay attention to the instructions. We are continuing to work on double digit multiplication. If you could help your student practice these at home, that would help too. Students do have one each day on their homework. We are practicing for our Veteran's Day program on Friday. Students are supposed to find a veteran and interview them. It is good to know what was suffered for our freedoms. Oh, I nearly forgot, we celebrated Guy Fawkes Day today. I told the students that we would celebrate holidays from different country. In 1605 Guy Fawkes was part of a group who tried to blow up the Parliament. He was caught and punished and the people still celebrate the preservation of the Parliament and King James. We watched a few little videos and ate sausages to celebrate the day. Remember, remember the 5th of November, gunpowder, treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder and treason should ever be forgot.

Friday

We took all three tests today. Students were grateful for the afternoon when we made art creations depicting the Lewis and Clark expedition. Remember, Sunday is the end of daylight savings time. Enjoy the extra hour in the morning.

Thursday

We had an exciting assembly today. Three young people danced, acted and sang and taught the children about eating right and exercising. It was good. In math we worked more on multiplying by double digit numbers. Students are still struggling. In their homework next week they will have a problem every night. Hopefully this will help them understand. We just learned that our direct writing assessment will be in 15 days! That is not happy news. We will continue to work on perfecting their writing skills until then, and then we will not stop so that next year, they will feel more confident. In Idaho history we learned more about the Lewis and Clark expedition and Sackagawea.

Wednesday Happy Halloween

We had our pre-test in spelling today. We worked on writing a good sentence. This concentrated on making sure there is a subject and a predicate. Then we used our vocabulary words to do some dictionary work. Next, students came up with sentences with adverbs and adjectives to dress the sentences up. It was fun. In math, we attacked the multiplication algorithm. The biggest problem that I am seeing right now is carrying. The students want to write the entire number in the answer instead of carrying the tens over. We will continue to work on this until they are all more comfortable with it.. I do need to share a nice thing. I am fasting from chocolate till next week, so when the children encouraged me to get the dessert at lunch, I told them it was chocolate so I could't. They told me that the cake always had a marshmallow candy pumpkin on it. I said it would be too tempting to eat the chocolate so I better not. So, your sweet children gave me five pumpkin marshmallows so I could have a treat. What very nice children we have in our class. We went to the play at the auditorium. I have to tell you, our class was very well behaved. Finally, thanks to Mrs. Evans and Mrs. Reeder for their treats today. The children so enjoyed them.

Tuesday

We finished reading our story today. Students made a chart showing the different things that happened in the story. Next we reviewed our spelling words and practiced commas. Finally students worked on their five paragraph essay on transportation. In math we worked, again, or arrays and multiplication. Today I gave the students a problem and had them draw the array that went with the problem. Then we did it in long multiplication fashion. Tomorrow we will begin work on the algorithm that we all recognize when doing two digit multiplication. In Idaho History students wrote all the things they thought Lewis and Clark would be taking with them on their journey. Then we played the game, Go West Across America With Lewis and Clark, an online game on National Geographic. Students had to do some re-thinking on their list. Today was P.E., afterwards we cleaned the room and read our book. We also talked about AR points. If your child wants to take the test online just go to the school website and then to Renaissance Place. Right now 4B is nearly in last place. I know students have been reading.

Monday

We started a new story today, students read it in teams. The studied their spelling words and then started on a new essay about cars. In math we are still trying to master arrays and multiplication. I think they are getting closer. During Idaho History we learned about the Lewis and Clark expedition. We will do a little more tomorrow.

Friday Halloween Party

Thanks so much to Mrs. Ballif, Mrs. Cahoon and Mrs. Parrish who came in to help with our Halloween party. Mrs. Ballif had some great games for the children to play. We all had a really fun time. This morning we did our spelling and reading tests. Then for math we did our arrays again. I think they are getting them a little better. Don't forget the carnival tonight from 6 - 8 at the elementary school. See you there!

Thursday pumpkins tomorrow!

We will have our spelling and reading test tomorrow morning. And then, instead of a math test, we are going to work on our arrays again. We will be doing it with dice and disks. I hope that they find this more enjoyable while still getting the idea. Here is a link that demonstrates the basic idea of arrays. But we are doing it using graph paper to show the actual sizes of each section. We put the numbers inside of each rectangular box. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMLf6sQLa40&feature=related Our Halloween party is tomorrow afternoon. Please make sure your child has a pumpkin to decorate. We will decorate the pumpkins after lunch recess at 12:35 and then there will be the parade at 1 and then we will have our treats. Here are the dioramas from our Idaho Native American presentation:

Wednesday - wear red tomorrow for drug week

Thanks to all of you who were able to make it to parent-teacher conferences. I know it is a hard thing with work and time schedules. Tomorrow is wear red day - it is part of our anti-drug week. Also we are having our Halloween party on Friday. Make sure your child has a pumpkin there.

Tuesday Parent Teacher conferences tomorrow

We are enjoying Red Ribbon Week. Students are wearing their red ribbons and learning how to stay away from drugs. Today we worked on writing a Halloween poem and did our second paragraph in our five paragraph essay. We had a great time with the snow today. In math we re-taught some concepts. In Social Studies students are working on their Native American projects. They are making dioramas and planning reports. Please make sure your child brings their supplies. Parent teacher conferences are tomorrow. The book fair is also going on this week so come and buy some Christmas gifts for your family.

Monday

There is a lot going on this week. It is Parent Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, Thursday students are to wear red for anti-drug week, Friday we can wear costumes and decorate pumpkins. Please make sure your child has a pumpkin to school by Friday morning. We started on a new story today. It was about an entrepreneur and how he stared his business. It was quite interesting. We worked on spelling and then started our new five paragraph essay, What I like (or dislike) about Halloween. Students got off to a great start on these. I know that the more we do them, the easier they will become. In math we learned that if you do doubles of the two multiplication facts, you get the answers to the four multiplication facts. It is a new strategy to help you be able to multiply. We also worked on multiplying by multiples of tens. We traced leaves and hung them around the room. Then the students finalized the plans for their Native American dioramas and projects. They will do their reports on Thursday (we hope.)

Friday

Students should have had spelling, reading and math tests today. They also were supposed to finish their five paragraph essay and draw a Halloween poem with a picture to go with it. Our little grand-daughter was born yesterday afternoon weighing in at 8 lbs 14 ounces. She is just cute

For Wednesday

On Wednesday we took our spelling test, more and more students are passing it. I hope we can reach 100% on that. We are still working on our five paragraph essay. This is really a struggle for the students, but it is something they can do. There is a writing test in December administered by the state and our 4th graders have to know how to do this. Our goal is that by December our students can write a five paragraph essay without a second thought. Currently we are doing one paragraph each day. Our new math program is finally starting to move forward. As teachers we are trying to find out how to meet the state requirements - it is a new experience for all of us, but I believe the students are moving along fine. One of the new parts of the new program is how we grade students. A one in any area means the student has not understood how to do the requirement. A two means the students are beginning to understand and able to do the requirement. A three means they have it. A four is rare, it means, not only do students get the concept, but they are a few steps even beyond understanding. This trimester students will be graded normally, we think. But we are striving to find ways to correct to meet this new goal. If you have any questions about this, we hope to have a flier out to you soon. I will be gone on Thursday and Friday, and that should be the end of my missing school days.

Tuesday - Spelling test tomorrow

Today students wrote their second paragraph of their five paragraph essay. It will take awhile for everyone to learn how to do this, but, considering this is fairly new, they are doing fine. Parents are concerned about math grade. The math program has changed this year, things are different. When students do a paper, if they don't understand, we have them redo the paper, or do similar problems until they understand. This takes time, but we are all working to figure out how to make this work right. If you are patient, we will get it. Please remember to get the pumpkins for your children to decorate for our Halloween party on the 26th.

Monday

There is a lot coming up in the next few weeks. Parent/Teacher conferences are coming up on October 24th. Parents should have received the information on the schedule. Then, on the 26th, the school will be celebrating Halloween. There will be a carnival that night. Our class will be decorating (drawing on) pumpkins for our art project that Friday afternoon. Students need to bring their own pumpkin and drawing materials. If they would like, they can even bring "Pumpkin clothes" to dress their pumpkin. Today we continued working on multiple factors. The biggest problem is that some students multiply the first two numbers and then add in the third one. We are also practicing the five paragraph essay. Students will write one each week, a paragraph each day. I hope this will help them be comfortable with how essays are supposed to work. Spelling and reading are also being done each day. Please make sure students are reading for twenty minutes each night. I am telling the students that it is their responsibility to make sure it is signed.

Thursday Spelling Test tomorrow

This morning we reviewed for our tests tomorrow by playing jeopardy. Students do need to study their spelling words. There will be a substitute tomorrow as I will be finishing the math class that is required for me to take. We sent home papers about Parent Teacher conferences. Please put that on your calendar.

Monday

Today we started a new section in our reading, it will be about business. The last section was about risks and consequences. I guess learning about business could still fit in that area of thought. Students were given new spelling words and were asked to do the multiplication tables again. We did have a math assignment today, pg 282 7-17. Most finished it in class. Those who did not were asked to take it home as homework and get it done. There will be no school on Wednesday as teachers have meetings. Have a good week.

Friday

I was watching the clock to make sure I could get to the preshow at the football game, and suddenly, it was 7:30! Rats! Today we took our spelling and reading test. We didn't take a math test today, just worked on arrays. That is a new math word. It is just a table (or one and ten block manipulatives) that help students understand how multiplication really works. For example, a problem of 12 x 6. We separate the 12 into 1 ten and 2 ones. Then it is easy, in your head to think, well 10 x 6 is 60 (then you color in 6 rows of ten) and then you think 2 x 6, that is easy, 12 and you put dots in the 12 squares. Then you realize, hey, that is 7 tens now and 2 ones. Then you have the answer of 72. It is an interesting way to teach. Mrs. Aston came in again and taught us spanish. We really appreciate that. Thanks also to the other parents that come and help us during the week. It is very appreciated.

Thursday

We practiced story writing today. The children seemed to really enjoy it. Tomorrow the children will practice their performance at the pregame show for the football game. Remember, they need to be at the high school by about 6:40 and line up at 6:50. They need to wear maroon or white. We are working hard on math to make it easier and the students are hard workers. Spelling test is tomorrow - study hard and remember, reading must be done at least five nights a week.

Wednesday

We did something new in math today that caused a few tears, but I think they are starting to understand. The process is to teach them how to do multiplication in their heads. An example would be 74 x 3. Instead of trying to work out the problem on paper, students are asked how to separate 74 into easier numbers, like 70 and 4. Then multiply the 70 x 3 and then the 4 x 3 and then add the answers together. So you would have 210 + 12 =222. Students need to know how to do the regular problem, but this is a different way that allows them to do it in their heads. We did a our spelling test today, and we'll do the final test on Friday. Students are practicing for the pre-game show where they will sing their Flag song. Students need to be at the Westside Football game at 6:45. They need to meet at 6:50 on the north end of the stadium on the west side of the bleachers. Students will be admitted free and should wear a maroon or white shirt and dark jeans. If you have a senior, remember that senior night begins at 6:40, so it might be kind of crazy, and a good idea to come early.

Tuesday

We did the mile run today, everyone did it and everyone finished. On our way back to the school, we walked slowly through the sprinklers, it felt really great! In reading today we used the dictionary and the thesaurus. The students really enjoyed playing with the words. In math we finished our estimating product page and then the students began to work on posters showing a math concept. During Social Studies students were on teams that are working on different Native American tribes. They need to find information on culture, religious ceremonies, responsibility of men and women, traditional clothing and foods, and traditional housing. They also need to be able to identify where the different groups lived. We will be working on this for a couple of weeks.

Monday - help with mile run 1:20 tomorrow

Tomorrow at 1:30 4B is running their mile run. Mrs. Buttars is looking for parents to help her. If you are available, please call the school office 747-3764 and tell Amy. If you just want to help 4B, tell Amy that and then just come on over to our classroom and we will show you where to go. Today was a bit of a catch up. Students got their homework pages. I bet you are just sick of the multiplication tables, but, the students are starting to recognize them. Only a few students have them all down. We also sent spelling words home and reviewed them in class. We read the myth Daedelus and Icarus. We also watched a short movie about it too. Remember, students must have their reading signed by their parent, and for the Pizza for reading, students must read five days every week for a month.

Thursday - Remember tomorrow Spirit Day & Show and Tell

Students finished their fluency tests today. We will do that every couple of weeks so we can see how they are progressing. We worked on drawing conclusions, I think the students were upset when I told them it had nothing to do with art. In math we finished up chapter three with a review and test. They will be able to finish that tomorrow with the substitute. Students went to music today. Remember to wear white or maroon tomorrow. The shirt needs to mostly white or mostly maroon. Have a good week-end.

Wednesday (and Tuesday)

Yesterday we headed out from the class and went to the high school to watch the students run the track to earn money for the school. What great troopers they were - around and around that track until one would think they would drop and they kept going! Today we had our pre-spelling test. 1/3 of the students got 100%. We had our fluency tests and then we read our story about two slaves escaping. We are still working on multiplication, and we will until everyone is very good. We also finished up the chapter on how to solve problems. Then we began working on nouns and pronouns. In Social Studies the students reviewed the symbols of the State of Idaho. I will be gone on Friday this week and in a couple of weeks to attend a math class required for all of the teachers.

Monday

Students are making their own spelling glossary to help them remember how to spell their problem words. I read the story, "Two Tickets to Freedom" to the students today. They will read it on their own this week too. We graded the math tests. Students are struggling on subtraction so we will be working on that with our multiplication facts. We started estimating products, which basically means rounding the number to be multiplied to the largest place and putting in zero and then multiply. It is useful when you don't need to know the exact number, or even better, to check and see if your answer in multiplication, makes sense. In Social Studies we are learning about geology while reviewing the symbols and song of Idaho. Please practice multiplication facts. It is vital that students not only understand why 7x9=63, but the actual fact matters too.

Friday

I have to tell you about something that happened today. Mrs. Sears, one of the students' music teachers, lost her husband on Monday. We explained to the children what had happened, and today they made cards for her. These children sat quietly for 30 minutes and created works of art for Mrs. Sears. The boys and girls all made some of the most touching cards I have ever seen. I know Mrs. Sears will truly be cheered and touched by the effort of these caring children. We had a spelling test, a reading test, and a math test today. The children are doing better on sentence writing. We still need more progress, but I saw some good changes today. Please remember to do the pledges for the Walk-a-thon on the 25th of September.

Thursday

Book orders went home yesterday. Please look through those and see if they can be ordered by Sept. 24th. We are working on our writing skills. Students tend to write, "bare bones," and we are working to put the meat back into the story. We are also working on our multiplication tables and making sure the students know their basic addition and subtraction facts. Until we have those down, higher math is nearly impossible. Please work on these at home, or when you are traveling. One example would be to do the fact family for 8 + 7 If the students will learn these fact families they will feel less frustrated. Also, we have the opportunity to allow students who might be struggling with a specific math concept to go to a class the day before which will help them be prepared for the next day's work. We need your written permission, so if you want to email me here at the school, we will know what you want. Also, it is time to start bug collections for Ms Lu's class. Lastly,the walk-a-thon paper also went home yesterday. Thanks for all you do!

Wednesday - Book Orders

The book orders went out today. If you want to order online, the number is L8J7V. We are really working hard on multiplication while staying on top of the other things we need to be learning. Today was a review day in math. We are reviewing all of the information we covered from the beginning of the year. Please review the multiplication tables with your students so they are fast. In Language Arts we took our spelling test. We had quite a number that got 20/20 and more that just missed it by one or two points. Now we must encourage the students to write the words correctly when they are not on a test. In reading, we re-read the selection about Mae Jamison. We read these aloud together in teams to encourage all students to participate. At first it is quite noisy, but after a short time, you just hear the voices in your group. In Miss Lu's class students are getting ready for their bug collection. A letter went home about that and a walk-a-thon.

Tuesday

We are working to learn all of our multiplication tables. There was much forgotten over the summer. If you have flash cards at home, please use them and know what the products of all the factors are as fast as you can. Tomorrow is our pre-spelling test. You can go to spell city and practice the words. You might also go there to do your multiplication fact families also. There are games there too that you can play. Enjoy!

Monday - Constitution Day

We started out the day with a new song, America the Beautiful, and new desk places. We learned about the Constitution of the United States, about the three branches of government and how a bill becomes a law. In math we started working on discovering rules when I discovered that a lot of our students have forgotten their multiplication tables. We will be working on a massive review. Those students that remember them will be working to understand the concepts behind them and then they will be given other learning opportunities. Homework went home today. You might notice that it had a lot of multiplication. These need to be turned in everyday. We are working on learning to read in teams, some of the teams mastered it, others need more time to practice. We are reading a story about Mae Jemison, an astronaut.

Saturday

I just added a new link, Mars Rover Landing. The landing part is computer generated, but the reaction in the lab and what actually happened is real. I hope you enjoy this.

Friday tests, tests, tests!

We took a spelling test, reading test and math test this morning. We were grateful for Mrs. Aston who came in and helped us learn a little Spanish. Then we went to an assembly to encourage our students to read more and study hard. We have a new school song and sang that today. Just a word about the math test. This test was to give us a starting point, something to let us know what the students know and don't know. Although I continued to emphasize this, some students were really upset. Please assure your child that this test is not a test to add to their grade, it is a test to find out what they need to learn in 4th grade.

Thursday Spelling test tomorrow!

We had an exciting math class today. Students were asked to write numerical expressions. This will take some time to help them understand, we will go over it regularly until everyone is more comfortable. School pictures were taken today, we read an excerpt from Charlotte's Web and are getting ready for our test on that tomorrow. Tomorrow, Mrs. Aston is coming in the afternoon to help teach the children a little Spanish. We will have fun doing that. Once a month, on Friday, I am looking for different parents who can come in and teach them what skills they needed to learn in school to prepare them for their jobs. Does anyone know a mechanic, engineer (train), or beautician that could come? That will take care of the first few months. Thanks for all you do.

Wednesday - Pictures tomorrow

Today students learned how to make tables to solve math problems. We also worked through our multiplication facts. Julie Nash came and taught the students how to do, "Step Up to Writing." This is a writing system that uses colors to help students learn how to write better. We also took the spelling pre-test. Students should have them at home with them and should study the words they missed, as well as review those they got right. In science our students learned about what vinegar would do to an egg. It is really interesting. Then students went to P.E. It is picture day tomorrow, please dress appropriately.

Tuesday

It is September 11th, so we took the students outside and had a flag ceremony today. Then 4B watched a short video called Brain Pop 911. It, in a child's way, teaches about the tragedy on 9-11. We talked about some stories, and then stressed the heroes, that we can all be heroes by helping others. In math we practiced subtraction and multiplication. In reading we practiced cursive writing of our spelling words, then the students did a couple of worksheets on how to spell the words. We are studying the sound long e. Please make sure you are studying your spelling words at home and do the rest of your homework. Mrs. Aston is coming on Friday to teach us a little bit of Spanish. That will be fun for all of us. Picture day is Thursday.

Thursday

Tomorrow is our spelling test. Students took a pretest today and we studied the words again. In math we are working on our 10, 11, and 12 multiplication tables and tomorrow we will review subtraction. In reading we are continuing to talk about risks and consequences. We watched a video on Idaho geography today. The students are cutting and putting together a map of Idaho.

Wednesday

Today students received a green paper for those who would like to be in the After School Program. It will be held Monday - Thursday from 3-5 p.m. Make sure we get the papers back signed. Also, we need the rest of the student information sheets back. Today is the last day I will send in book orders. If you want to send one from home, you need the code L8J7V. We talked more today about settings, character, plot, conflict and resolution. We just read a story about Toto an elephant and we discussed how we would fit the story into those literary devices. We studied spelling and did more with rounding numbers. The students are starting to get that. Picture day is the 13th of September. There will be no spring pictures this year, so this is it.

Tuesday

I hope you all had a good Labor Day. Our little grand-daughter was born early Friday morning and all is well. Today we read a new story about an elephant and a little boy. Students got their new spelling words, all use the long "a" sound. In math we talked about when to use calculators, mental math, or use a pen and pencil Most finished their assignment in class. In Idaho History we learned about primary and secondary sources to tell us about a specific time period. Picture day is coming up on the 13th of September. Also, because I was gone for Friday, I have extended the book orders until tomorrow. The class code is L8J7V.