Tuesday

We reviewed our spelling words today. We talked about why the different words were spelled the way they are. The students will have a spelling test tomorrow,and the next test will have to be on Thursday as we have no class on Friday. Math was simple, we worked on reading and writing more 6 digit numbers.

In the afternoon we played a Lewis and Clark game. It is online and your student can go to it by going to www.usmint.gove/kids/games/lewisclarkadventure/ I hope you allow them to take advantage of this learning game.

Monday

We read the funniest story today, McBroom and the Big Wind. It is a tall tale, and it makes me smile. We went to the computer lab to type our patriotic essays. Following directions is a skill the students are still learning, but I daresay that as adults, we often struggle with that too. In math we are writing and comprehending 6 digit numbers. It is fairly simple and we should be able to get through this first part of module 8 very quickly. In social studies we learned about Sacajewea. Then students went to P.E.

We will be making Valentine Boxes this week. If your child has anything they want to use to make one, send it by Wednesday. Our party will be on Thursday as there is no school on Friday.

Friday

It was a day of testing. Students took their spelling test, followed by a reading test, followed by a math test. Sometimes it just works out that way. They did have time to work on their Patriotic Essay, read, and finish their vocabulary words. Students seem to be in a big rush to get AR points, now that the semester is closing soon. Please encourage your student to read everyday, and not just cram it all in at the last minute. It will be easier, and they will be reading at their level.

Remember the Hoedown is coming on the 21st of February. Businesses are being so helpful by putting items in our silent auction. If you have anything for the silent auction, please bring it to the school. And I apologize that these will be close to the same time, but our class auction will be on the following Friday. So if you can think of a thing or two for the class auction, that would be great too.

Thursday

We reviewed capitalization and punctuation this morning. Students began work on a new paper; Patriotism, What Does Red White and Blue Mean To Me. In math we reviewed for our test tomorrow. Then we worked on using fractions in word problems. In social studies we learned about what supplies were taken on the Lewis and Clark expedition. It might surprise you some of their required supplies. Then students went to P.E. where they learned one of the dances they will be doing at the Hoedown on February 21st. We are getting some nice items for the silent auction. You should have received a handout for the Hoedown.

Homework this week is: Math: multiply 32 x 48 using the partial products method of Foil. Math: Write this in expanded and written form: 234,568 Math: Shirlene had 423 cards. She got 14 more from her grandmother, then she gave 25 to her little sister. How many cards did Shirlene have left? Math: Agatha wrote twice as many mysteries as Dr. Watson. Dr. Watson wrote 35 mysteries. How many mysteries did Agatha write?

Vocabulary words this week are: expedition, arctic, glacier, constellation, insulation.

Blue spelling words are:soon, good, cool, crook, fool, wood, could, noon, groom, hood, root, stood, tool, hook, troop, route, hoop, should, brook, stool, proof, wool, would, soot, roost.

Green list is: needle, feather, succeed, season, increase, leather, compete, repeat, defeat, feature, heavy, freedom, pleasant, meaning, indeed, extreme, fifteen, sweater, eastern, steady, healthy, people, reader, thirteen.

personal, personality, hostile, brutal, mentality, general, hostility, fatality, mental, fatal, formality, local, mobile, generality, brutality, locality, original, formal, individual, originality, mobility, fertile, individuality, fertility.

Wednesday

Today we finished the story of Matt Henson. It was a good biography, it teaches us to work hard. It also teaches the students that in the face of great disappointment, they can still do what needs to be done without carrying on. We had our spelling test today. In math we learned out to subtract fractions that required borrowing a one from the whole number. We used number-lines and the standard algorithm. We will just touch on this briefly and revisit it later in the year. In social studies we watched a fun video about Lewis and Clark. Then students played a game to test their understanding of the trip. Finally, we wrote supplies that we think would have been taken on the trip. Students went to music today.

Tuesday

Our Internet was down yesterday so I didn't get this written in. Today the students took the Direct Writing Assessment. We have worked on this all year, and will continue to do so. In math we learned how to subtract mixed numbers on the number-line. This shows students exactly what we are talking about when we say 3 3/4 - 2 1/4. We have nearly all of the students on the Khan Academy. I have gone in and given them recommended work so they are ready to keep moving forward. In Social Studies we learned about Lewis and Clark. We will continue learning about them for the next few weeks.

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!

Friday, Merry Christmas!

We had a great day today. We finished, A Christmas Carol, made gifts and opened presents. The students did very well on their two songs at the program. May you all have a blessed Christmas. We will see your children on January 2nd, 2014.

Thursday - gift exchange is tomorrow

Students enjoyed seeing Christmas around Cache Valley. Different people came in and had the students join them in various activities about Christmas. Then in the afternoon we went over to practice for our Christmas program. Hope to see you there.

Wednesday

We finished our second, A Christmas Carol movie today. The class seemed to like it. On Friday we will watch the last one. We are hurrying to finish the book too. In math we learned how to recognize acute, obtuse and right angles. Then in the afternoon students practiced for the program set for Friday afternoon. Please make sure to be there early. Also, students need to get their gifts for the exchange here tomorrow. It just saves a lot of grief if the gifts are here a day early.

Tuesday

Students studied their vocabulary words today, tomorrow we will review. Then we started the second of the, "A Christmas Carol." This one is the "Muppet Christmas Carol." Again, we are comparing similarities and differences between the movies and the books. Math was a bit of a challenge today as students began using protractors. I think the most difficult part is remembering where to place it so you can use both angle arms. We worked diligently on the page, and will continue to do so. Students then went to science and library. We finished the day cleaning and reading, "A Christmas Carol." Please remember to send a gift with your child by Thursday. It will make everyone's life calmer. And at this time of the year we seem to all need that.

Monday - Christmas is coming

This morning students read their stories and we finally got to watch Mr. Magoos's A Christmas Carol. We will be watching two other versions and compare those with the actual story by Charles Dickens. In math we struggled with measuring angles. It was new, we redid the paper and some students will have it as homework tonight. Make sure they are putting the lines together and the point of the measuring tool is on the point of the angle. We will continue this tomorrow.

On Thursday we will be doing Christmas around Cache Valley in the morning. On Friday we will have our Christmas Party from 11:00 to 11:45. Before that we will be finishing our last A Christmas Carol, movie. We will be doing a gift exchange. Your child can bring an inexpensive store bought gift or something homemade. Please make sure the gifts are here by Thursday so we don't have to fret on Friday. Thanks!

Friday

Our Hour of Code on Wednesday went really well. Some of the students have already started on the Khan Academy lessons for coding. Some are just reviewing the first lesson to relearn the information. I really would like to use the Khan Academy for all students to help them in the areas they are weak. If you will send me permission, I will put your child in my class. Thursday we learned about adding fractions and Friday we learned how to do word problems with fractions. Students needed to understand which information was necessary. We took reading and spelling tests today and started on our first, "A Christmas Carol" movie. Unfortunately the school Internet did not cooperate. We will be comparing the movies to the book, which is a skill listed under the common core to compare and contrast.

The Christmas program is next Friday at 1:30 in the auditorium You are invited to watch your child in this activity. It is a good idea to arrive early as last year there was standing room only. Also Scrooge is being presented in Preston tonight.

Tuesday, please let me know

This morning we practiced making sentences more exciting. Students had fun adding words to their sentences so the sentences would be more exact in meaning. Then we read our fluency words for the story, "The Bridge Dancers." Then we read the story. In math we are learning to add fractions. This is fairly simple for the students who add well. For those who do not, it is a trial. Please practice basic math facts with your children regularly. It is one thing that parents can do that will help students so very much.

Tomorrow, during math time, we are going to do something very different. We are all going to go on Khan Academy to learn a little computer coding. We will just do it for the one day. Students that find it interesting can continue with Khan Academy lessons. I would like each parent's permission to register their child on Khan Academy. I have sent home an email asking for that permission. If you do not want to do that, they can do this without registering. Please let me know as soon as possible as it does take the parent's email to do this and I need to set a password up. So it will take some time. This should be an eye opener for the children as to how easy basic coding is. Many jobs in the future will either depend on farming or coding.

Monday

Today students reviewed their spelling words. We sat at the table and the students were able to see the connections in the words that they are spelling. Then we went to the computer lab. Students that can type more thatn 20 words per minute with 95% accuracy are being allowed to type stories. We will be getting into power point after Christmas.

In math we learned how to multiply denominators together to get a common multiple. Some students really struggled with where to put which number. We will continue to review, or you can help them at home. Then they went to Science where there are learning about how animals use camouflage

We are having a food bank at the school. Students are encouraged to bring food for those without. Canned food is the best to bring. Thanks for your help. Also, we need any book orders in right away. Please get this done so I can send it in. Thanks!

Friday

So sorry for the lack of posts, my mom has been having some health issues and I had to be gone today. Students should have taken their reading and spelling tests. Some students will be in different spelling groups and their homework pages were handed to them before I left school today. They also had an art activity this afternoon. Our Scholastic reading orders need to be places as soon as possible. If you could please get online and post your order. The password to do so is L8J7V. Thanks

Wednesday

We read the most interesting story today. It was about the first doctor who opened a chest to sew up a heart. The story told how dangerous it was for the doctor, but he knew the man would die if he did not operate. Students then started on their third story. This one is a narrative. They are to tell a story. It is required for the 4th grade common core. This story must have conversations in it. In math we came one step closer to the mathematical way of finding equivalent fractions. It will be nice to get here.

In Social Studies we learned the dance "Mayim" to got with our Hanukkah study. It is a fun dance and the students appeared to be having a great time. Then we sang "Hava Nagila." Students went to choir, they are getting ready for the Christmas Program which will be held about 1:30 on December 20th. If you plan on coming, come early. Scholastic book orders will be due on December 6th. That way we will get the books back in time for Christmas. You can order online. Our class's code is L8J7V http://www.scholastic.com/parents/

Monday and Tuesday

This week we are learning about Hanukkah. On Monday we listened to a Hanukkah story and today we watched a movie and each student made a menorah. As students learn about different cultures, they will learn to appreciate other people. The story of Hanukkah tells how the Jews fought against the Greeks who were trying to destroy the Jewish faith by encouraging the people to give up their beliefs.

We took a math test yesterday and today started anew on equivalent fractions. Up to this point we have just compared models. But tomorrow we will begin seeing the mathematical way to find equivalence.

In reading we reviewed the new words in our reading selection. There were many words that the students were unfamiliar with. We will not be doing normal vocabulary this week, and the first spelling test will be Thursday instead of Wednesday.

Friday

Today students took their reading and spelling tests. They also worked on their fences page. During math we started learning a new strategy in multiplication called decomposing. We took numbers apart and then divided them. We will work more on this on Monday. Then we started our auction and had a great time figuring out how much money we needed and had, and could be buy what we had bid for. I think the auction itself was quite the learning experience. Homework papers are coming home that will go from this Friday until next Sunday. That way the students can still read during Thanksgiving and have a paper for you to sign off.

Thursday Auction tomorrow!

We celebrated another birthday today and finished reading our story. Tomorrow will be the spelling and reading tests. In math we practiced relating connection between multiplying by tens, hundreds, thousands etc. In Social Studies students gave their last native american reports. Almost all of the students were prepared.

Tomorrow, along with being spirit day, is our class auction. Students will bring different items form home and auction them off. It is a reward for good behavior. I am also trying something new. Each student has, on their desk, a little piece of paper. If I have to get after them for calling out, not following instructions, being off task, etc., they put a mark on their page. Anyone with less than three marks at the end of first recess, gets $5.00 of our class money. This rewards those who are doing what they should. I appreciate ideas from parents that make our class move along better. Thanks!

Wednesday

This morning the class reviewed all of the vocabulary words and took spelling tests. In math student practiced multiplying and noticing that relationship between numbers as they are multiplied by tens, hundreds and thousands. In the afternoon two of the groups gave their Native American reports and showed the dioramas. Most did a great job. The last part of the day, after music, we went to see a little play put on at the auditorium. It was very good. Remind your children to bring things for the auction on Friday. We are getting a few things in and we all want them!

Tuesday

We practiced finding the subject and predicate in sentences this morning. Students then started their fluency list. Then they started the reading. It is quite fascinating, things that people used to believe before there were microscopes. In math we are working on division with remainders. We did it in an odd, way, figuring out the multiplication problem that would lead to the division problem. The purpose in this is to make it easier for the students to connect the two operations. We also took a 3x multiplication page. Students took it home. Please help them learn the ones they are not fast on.

In Social Studies students were supposed to bring the assigned parts of their diormas. Many forgot the parts. They can come in before school and during first and second recess to take care of this tomorrow.They will start the reports tomorrow also.

Monday

This Friday will be our Big Bucks Auction. Students have been earning 4B dollars throughout the school year. They earn this by their behavior, work and attitude. To make this auction work, each student needs to bring something to auction. It can be a small toy that the student no longer uses, but is still in good shape, a treat, a craft, anything like that. This is not to be anything expensive, so please help them use wisdom in what they bring.

We did our spelling words this morning and then worked in the computer lab. We hope to work on a short Power Point presentation after Thanksgiving. In math we dealt with the relationship between division and multiplication. In the afternoon students worked on their Native American project. This will be due on Wednesday and Thursday. They need to be working on their diorama too.

Friday

Student took their reading and spelling tests today. Those students who missed spelling words were required to write them ten times. The hope is that they will spend a little more time studying next week. Then the students began on their writing assignments. In math we did story problems that required adding and subtracting. That was startling to some of them. They asked why they needed to learn this. I pulled out my check book and showed them how important it is to know how to add and subtract so you don't get overdrawn. In the afternoon we did some science supporting the information students are learning in Miss Lu's class. We talked about vertebrates and invertebrates and then watched some videos showing the different animals. We watched how a sponge takes food in, we saw jelly fish, and watched a sand dollar move.

On Friday the 22nd we will be having our class auction. Each student is to bring an item to auction off. It is not to be anything expensive, a liter of pop, homemade cookies, a toy in good condition that just isn't used anymore, a book that has been read and put aside. All children must have something to add to the auction so they can participate.

Thursday - School Colors tomorrow and read!

Students wrote a short paper concerning their reading assignment for the week. They also presented their vocabulary words to the class. They are getting very good at this. Each student also re-read the story. Tomorrow there will be a spelling and reading test. In math we worked on word problems using subtraction. Most of the students did quite well on this. In the afternoon students went to science and then headed to the auditorium for an assembly. Ask them about that. We ended the day reading, A Christmas Carol.

Tuesday

This morning students reviewed how to put paragraphs in a logical order. They need to do this for their reports. Next we went over the fluency words and then read our story. It is a folktale called, "Salt." After recess students practiced subtracting and regrouping. This is something that is often a bit of a struggle as students try to understand about zeroes and subtraction. Students then went to science and library. Mrs. Maw said that our class was exceptionally good going to the new middle school library. I gave them all gold cards for good behavior. After the room was cleaned we went back to reading our book, "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. In December we will be watching movies of the Christmas Carol and compare them to the book.

Monday Veterans Day

This morning we learned about Veterans Day. We listened to the poem, "In Flander's Field" by John McCrae, "In Flanders field the poppies grow. . . " Then we made poppies to remind us of the many sacrifices that have been made for us. We hurried on to do our Language and spelling and then went to the computer lab to type. In math we worked on subtraction. At 11-11 at 11:11 all of the school stood and said the Pledge of Allegiance. This was the time that the armistice was signed that was to end all wars. In the afternoon students went to science and then we had the Veterans Day assembly to honor those who gave so that we could have freedom.

Anyone who still wants to order books, please do so now. We only have two orders in.

Friday

We did our math and spelling tests today. Those who missed more than two had to come in and re-take the test at lunchtime. It seems to me that some of the students aren't studying their words and I hope that this encourages the students to do better. We worked on our writing, then some students read their paragraph on why we shouldn't use drugs. In the afternoon we worked on an art project. In our story this week we learned about stencils, so the students made stencils and colored them in. Then the sheriff sent a few officers to encourage our kids to stay off drugs. We ended the day with the Walk of Fame.

If you have anything you want to order from Scholastic Books, please do it before Monday as I will be sending things off in the afternoon. Thanks!

Thursday - wear red tomorrow

This morning we reviewed our vocabulary words. Students should be able to write their sentences on their homework. Then we worked on writing a thesis statement for an essay and how to write the sentences to explain topic sentences. In math we worked on the subtraction algorithm with three digit numbers. If your student talks about regrouping, it is just the old borrowing, just with a different vocabulary.

Tomorrow is our last day in anti drug week. Students have been asked to wear red. If they don't have an entirely red shirt, then help them find something that is red. We are also working hard to get 1/3 of their AR points by November 15th. Just as an aside, I have told them that next semester, this will not be acceptable. They must be reading the majority of their books at their reading level We will have the Walk of Fame tomorrow at 2:45 and our assembly is at 2:00.

Wednesday Book orders due on Friday

Students took their spelling tests this morning. Then we read, wrote more on our anti-drug essay and took AR tests. During math we took the 2nd half of the math test. I took some of the students this morning, before school, and during morning recess to work on areas they were struggling with the math test. In the afternoon students went to choir and to Miss Lu's class for science.

Remember that book orders are due on Friday. It is best if you order online. If you cannot, just sent the paper, filled out (last time I had two with no names on them) and the money and I will do the ordering. Tomorrow is hat day.

Tuesday

We read our new story today. It is about a visually impaired boy and his friend who start a business. We then did our fluency words and started on the vocabulary words. In math we took a test and corrected it in class. Then students went to the library and to science. Students have been taking AR tests in the morning and hopefully they will achieve their goals.

Tomorrow is wacky hair day.

Monday

Today was mismatched day. Tomorrow will be twin day. I told anyone that didn't have a twin to wear a sports team shirt and jeans and we would be matched. We did spelling and typing this morning. In math we prepared for our test tomorrow. The students seemed to understand the material. In the afternoon students took AR tests and then went to science.

Friday

This morning, after our spelling and reading tests, students started working on their writing. They are learning to add more information to their paragraphs, which is not as easy as it sounds. They are also working on their grammar, spelling and handwriting skills. After recess we reviewed rounding. Students were instructed to take their paper home. Please look at it and see if they need more help. We worked on equivalent fractions in class. Students struggled in following the instructions to write the numbers on the number line showing how many fractional parts were in each section. Once they followed that instruction, it was much easier for them to complete the assignment.

Next week is Red Ribbon week. We will be teaching the students the joy of staying away from addicting substances. Monday is mismatch hair day, Tuesday is twin, or triplet or . . . day, Wednesday is wacky hair day, Thursday is hat day and Friday is red shirt day. Please help your child participate in this activity and more importantly, talk to them at home about the need to stay free from addicting substances. Share with them how difficult it is to stop and how much control of their lives, their money and their freedom people lose by becoming addicted. Thanks for all you do.

Thursday

This morning students practiced their vocabulary words. We watched a power point presentation on the words and then we went through the class and each student had to come up with a good sentence using each word. They made some very interesting sentences. Then we reviewed linking and helping verbs. We started the lesson yesterday, but as we were working through the problems, I just realized we needed another try. So today, we went through the paragraph identifying all of the parts of speech so the students could understand that the same word, used in a different way, can be a different part of speech. I think it went much better.

In math we worked on probability dealing with candy (pictures) and then using a graph, and following specific directions, drew a pumpkin. In the afternoon we reviewed our songs, "Here We Have Idaho," "Idaho Counties," and "This Land is Your Land." Students also were given time to take AR tests.

Have a Happy Halloween

Tuesday parent teacher conference tomorrow

This morning we talked about staying on topic while we write. Students often get started and then veer off into a completely different subject. One of our goals is to help them write a coherent paragraph. We looked at paragraphs that had an odd sentence and figured out which didn't belong. We then reviewed the words for our reading assignment. I explained the meanings of the words students didn't know and then we started the story. During math we covered equivalent fractions. After lunch we rushed over to the book fair, then back to do Social Studies.

Monday parent teacher conference on Wednesday

We studied our spelling words this morning and then went to the computer lab to practice our typing. In math we learned a little about equivalent fractions. We used a number line with 4ths and 8ths. Then students were to look at the number-line and find out which fractions were equivalent. In Social Studies we began learning about the earliest people in Idaho. Then we discussed what archaeologist would find that we had left behind. Students then went to PE.

Friday and Carnival

This morning we took our spelling test and a short part of our reading test. Then the students worked on their writing projects. Students are finishing their "All About Me," and the "Fences" papers. The next project will be a personal narrative. They will be telling a story about their lives. After lunch we make fraction strips and then played a fraction game. Finally we played a game of patterns. It was fun, but it was difficult too.

In the afternoon our room mothers, Mrs. Moyle, Mrs. Henderson and Mrs. Henderson came in and led the children in games. Mrs. Barzee, Mrs. Campbell, and Mrs. Beutler brought treats. Thanks so much for all the people that helped make today fun.

Thursday Halloween parade, party and carnival tomorrow!

This morning students introduced their vocabulary words. They are getting much better on these presentations. We reviewed synonyms and how to write a good sentence using adjectives and adverbs. Students began their genre papers in which they write the genre our weekly story belongs to. Then they answer the questions; how does this story affect me, how does this story affect the world, and then they compare the story to other stories we have read. We also talked about how to use our "writing" paper. This paper should help the students write five paragraph essays without so many re-writes.

In math students started playing with fractions. Tomorrow we will make fraction strips to help students actually see what we are talking about. In Idaho History we finished the movie about the geology of Idaho.

Remember to bring pumpkins tomorrow and be ready for the parade by 12:30. If parents wish to come, come around 12:10 to help your child dress up. You are all invited to watch the parade. We will also be having the Walk of Fame at 2:45.

Wednesday

We read our story today. It is about an entrepreneur who built his own restaurant. It is interesting the things he had to learn, not just from schooling, but from hard work. Students also took their pre=spelling test. Those who studied all of their words did very well. In math we worked more on different ways to multiply numbers, how to re-arrange the factors to make the math easier.

In the afternoon students practiced their handwriting re-writing their spelling words. Then we watched a movie on the geology of Idaho. At the end of the day, students went to music.

Remember to bring pumpkins for our Halloween party!!

Tuesday

Student practiced writing a paragraph today. We talked about what should be in a good paragraph and then we re-ordered sentences to make the paragraph make sense. In math we learned more about factors and prisms. Students used cubes and learned that if you re-arrange the dimensions of a prism, your shape might look different, but you have the same number of cubes. The purpose of this lesson is to teach students that by rearranging the factors, you can find an easier way to multiply. An example might be 5 x 18. We know that 3 x 6 = 18 so we write 5 x 6 x 3. 5 x 6 = 30 x 3 equals 90. That is a lot easier than 5 x 18 = 90. It uses information that the student knows.

Students also had their eyes tested during our Idaho History time. So we went upstairs and whisper sang the counties of Idaho. This helped some of the students learn the song better. Remember to bring a pumpkin before Friday. Our costume walk is about 12:30 and the class will have a party decorating their pumpkins after that.

Monday - Remember the pumpkins!

This morning we reviewed our spelling words, worked in the computer lab with our typing, and learned about the commutative property in math. In the afternoon we worked on our cursive writing, it is really improving. Then we reviewed the Idaho State song and the counties song too. We then moved onto geology of Idaho. Finally, students went to PE and we read from the book I survived.

Remember that the Halloween Carnival is this Friday. Students brought home a paper today to tell more about it. Also, tomorrow, look for the parent-teacher conference papers.

Friday

Today students took reading and spelling tests. The spelling tests are corrected and most of the students did quite well. In math we learned about factor trees. Most of the students seemed to get the idea. In the afternoon students finished their haunted house and made autumn leaves to decorate our classroom. Remember, next Friday is the Costume parade at 12:30, pumpkin decorating in our class at 1 and the party at 2:15. We will be contacting parents to help.

Here is a link to some fun math practice. http://www.topmarks.co.uk/flash.aspx?f=hitthebuttonv11

Thursday

Students took their spelling tests today. Some had not studied their word lists and were very unhappy. Fortunately, tomorrow they can try again. We re-read our story about Wells and Fargo and students were to write a question about the story. While studying math we learned about prime and composite numbers. We did most of the worksheet together so they would understand what to do. They finished it at their desks.

On October 25th we will have our Halloween party. All of the 4th graders will be decorating a pumpkin. Your student can bring a pumpkin at any time between now and then. They must have their names on the pumpkins so they don't get confused.

Wednesday

In English we studied capitalization of titles and places. Students worked on their vocabulary words and finally we read our story. We did not take our spelling pre-test today, but we will do that tomorrow. During math we did something interesting. We would take the factors 3 x 16 and then double one number and halve the other number. This made the multiplication easy to do. So, we took 3 and doubled it and took 16 and halved it and got 6 x 8 and then realize that both equal 48. It is an easier way to multiply numbers from difficult products to more manageable products.

This afternoon we went to see the middle school play. The actors did a good job and our class, most of them, behaved well.

Tuesday

In language we covered pronouns again today. Some of the students are getting the meaning of the word. We also covered writing topic sentences for paragraphs. We reviewed the fluency words for our story. We will read it tomorrow and Thursday. In math we learned about finding factors in multiplication. We learned that some numbers have a lot of factors. If you want to see a treat, come and visit the school to see the 4th grade bug collections, they are really well done. Tomorrow the students will be going to a play at the auditorium at 1:30.

Monday

This morning students worked on identifying and replacing irregular verbs. Then we began studying our spelling words by sorting them into groups. It might be a good idea, when your student is spelling words to ask them about the patterns. Finally we went over to the computer lab to practice typing. I am noticing numbers increasing, that is good. in math we started working on multiples which are numbers that can only divided evenly. We discussed factors, the numbers you multiply together to get a product. Then in the afternoon we watched a short movie on Columbus.

Friday

Today was a pretty normal Friday. We took tests, reviewed our math and fixed tests, and made a haunted pop-up house. We did have an issue with some students running through a door and hurting someone. Those were running, even those who did not cause the injury, wrote a letter and will do some service to make up for the injured person.

Wednesday-Teacher inservice Thursday - no students

Students took their spelling tests today. We also worked on our stories. Students should have finished their vocabulary word and we will review those for the test on Friday. I handed out an outline that should help with the essays. In math we reviewed and took an evaluation (the word test is too scary) to see what we need to review. We will review those items on Friday and then move on to module 3. Remember, the insect collections are due on Friday!

Students went to music and learned about playing recorders. Later in the afternoon we went to the middle school meeting room. Jackie Leavitt came and taught the students about the importance of balancing screen time with other activities. Students should have brought home a paper to discuss what they learned.

Tuesday - Walk of Fame on Friday

Our new student arrived today. She fits in nicely with the class. We reviewed our vocabulary words from the text. Then the students stared their fluency tests for the month of October. We are about half done with that. Then we ready the story, "Starting a Business." It is quite short but talks about different businesses students could start. In math we learned about seconds and how many seconds are in a minute. We played a game, students shut their eyes and then raised their hands when they thought a minute was up. Some did very well.

We will have our spelling tests tomorrow. Then at 2:30, our class will be going to the new middle school meeting room and be taught about the Isafe program. It is designed for children, about how to keep themselves safe. There is no school for students on Thursday though the teachers will be here for inservice. Friday we will have the Walk of Fame at 2:45. All students that have reached 50 AR points will be walking.

Monday - Book order is due tomorrow

We have a new student coming tomorrow. Her name is Samantha Kirby. We have been expecting her for some time, so it will be nice to have her here. We sorted our spelling words today, the students have their list and need to write each word three times. Please make sure they are writing neatly. Then we went to the computer lab, some students are at 2 words per minute and some are above 20 words per minute. In math we practiced changing hours from minutes and minutes to hours. I sent pages home with some of the students that were struggling with this.

Students went to science class today. They are learning about animals. Remember the insect collections need to get finished. We ended the day with another report and a birthday party.

Friday

Today we had our spelling and reading tests. Then we worked more on understanding time. This seems to be a real problem for a lot of students, reading analog clocks. It would be great if you could help them with this at home.

In the afternoon we learned about different ancestors. From Jesse James, to protectors of Joseph Smith, to a little girl whose father wouldn't let the doctors amputate her legs, we learned a lot. Most of our ancestors came from England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Germany and the Scandinavian countries, although there were a few Native Americans too.

Next week the students will go to Miss Lu for science. Remember to get the insect collections finished!

Thursday tomorrow Family History Day

This morning we learned how to use words in our writing that give place and location. Then we discussed things that need to be fixed on our tests. Students are expected to write complete sentences on their tests. We went through some ideas and talked about how to write the answers correctly. Students were warned that they will start losing points starting with tomorrow's test. We also reviewed the homework pages and how to do them correctly. In math we learned about elapsed time. Some students struggle with telling time on an analog clock and so we worked on that too.

Tomorrow afternoon students will be telling us about their families, where they came from (country), showing pictures and artifacts from their family and telling us stories that have been handed down in their family. This ties in with our study of Idaho history. Please help your student find something to tell or bring to class.

Wednesday

Tomorrow will be an interesting day. For the last month students have been earning $5/day in 4b money for their jobs. They have lost money for specific infractions. But we have struggled with behavior issues. So today, every time a student didn't follow instructions I warned, "Tomorrow you will lose $5 or $10 for that." And tomorrow, they will. We cannot learn when students are not involved in learning. Tomorrow, not being involved will be expensive.. I hope they will learn what is acceptable in 4th grade.

Today we learned about words that signal time order. Then we had our spelling test. Finally,students worked on their writing pages. In math we started working on word problems, that is always a little exciting. Then, in the afternoon we learned about timelines. Each student made their own. We talked about the purpose of learning history which is to teach us what works and what does not. Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it. Then the students went to music.

Book orders will be sent in on October 8th, which is next Tuesday. Please make sure all orders are in by that date.

Tuesday

Today we learned about the difference between nouns that are plural and nouns that are possessive. We talked about the difference between the aim, purpose, and audience when we are writing. We reviewed the fluency lists for Daedalus and Icaraus and then reread the story in teams. Finally students worked on finishing their vocabulary words.

In math we added multiple numbers together. The students are pretty familiar with this and it wasn't hard for them at all. We worked on making our handwriting legible. In social studies we learned about the geography of Idaho. Then students went to the library. Remember, there is a spelling test tomorrow.

Monday

It is hard to believe that tomorrow is October. We will add up the students days of reading for those who will get the pizza award. We can't do it till next week, but we will let you know. This morning we sorted and reviewed the spelling words. The students had to do one column in cursive. Then we went to the typing lab. Students are struggling to remember to keep their hands in home position, but once they do, their speed increases.

In math we added longer numbers, the students did just fine with it. Then, we played jacks. Many of our students struggle with hand-writing. Jacks and marbles are two games that help with actual eye hand coordination. While some of the class is playing, other students are at the table with me working on their handwriting. Then in social studies we reviewed our counties song. Finally we are learning America the Beautiful for our patriotic song. We reviewed that and what the words actually mean. In reading we are finishing the story, Sarah Plain and Tall We read part of this story in our reading book. Now the students can find what is happening.

Friday

Students took their "Mae Jemison" reading test today and also took their spelling test. In math students learned how to regroup to the thousand place. We played a fun, and frustrating game, but once they got the hang of it, it was fun. During art we painted pictures for our new story, a myth, Daedalus and Icarus.

Thursday

Students reviewed for the reading test today. We will do the vocabulary tomorrow morning before the test. We also have the spelling test tomorrow, so make sure that studying is done tonight. In Language Arts we discussed comparing and contrasting, a requirement in common core. We also are starting to work on the difference between plural and possessive nouns. In math we worked more on the standard algorithm of addition with three digit numbers. We covered regrouping (carrying) in the tens place. Tomorrow we will cover regrouping in the hundreds place. During Social Studies we practiced our Idaho and the county's song.

Students that did the Rock the Walk, got their papers back today. Those who have not collected the money need to collect it and return the paper with the money.

Wednesday

This morning we read the story about Mae Jemison aloud. Then we watched a short video on her life. Students took a spelling test today. They were given a paper yesterday to practice their words, but only a few got it done. I stapled it to their spelling test so they could remember to get it done before the final test on Friday. We are writing a new paper on "Fences." It is a five paragraph essay to help them prepare for their direct writing assessment. I will correct the essays again and again until the students get it right. It is a bit frustrating, but they will learn by doing it correctly, and learning that trying to squeak by means we have to write the paper again.

In math we got to do the math algorithm today. The students seemed happy to do it the old-fashioned way. I think though, that as they learn different and new ways to add and subtract that they will better understand what we are doing. Students might bring extra papers home today, if they didn't get papers done, I have asked that they be finished and turned in. In Social Studies the students are watching a movie about the geography of Idaho. It is taking a bit of time as they are learning how to take notes too.

Tuesday

Students finished studying their fluency words. Each student should have read the story about Mae Jemison. Students all received the worksheet for studying their spelling words. In math we discovered the importance of estimating. Most students seemed to understand this fairly well. During social studies we learned about the geography of Idaho. We will continue that tomorrow.

Monday

We reviewed our fluency words this morning and then went to the computer lab to work on our typing skills. In math we reviewed subtraction using the number-line. Then in social studies we began learning about the counties of Idaho.

Tomorrow is the "Rock the Walk," the children were to get pledges and then walk around the track to earn money for the PTO. It was really fun last year, but this year, make sure you bring a jacket, just in case. Parents are encouraged to come to cheer on their children.

Friday

I seemed to have missed yesterday. Today students took reading and spelling tests. Then we started subtraction on a number-line. It is a little disconcerting to them right now, but they will get it. The basic idea is to put the two numbers on the number-line, then using tens and hundreds jump your way to the next number. You use the ones to get you to the tens and hundreds. Students then made moon phase posters so they know which phase of the moon is coming. Then they went to PE.

Wednesday

We finished our fluency testing today. When you come in for Parent/Teacher Conferences, we will discuss this. We learned about "Point of View" in language arts and took a pre-spelling test. Students had a new experience in math today. We are learning to add differently. Just as an example, if you were to add 272 and 59, you would look for easy to add numbers. So you might (there are many options) take one away from the 322 and end up with 321. Then move that extra 1 over to 59 and you have 60. 60 is a friend, or easy to add number. Then you would "decompose" 371 to 300 + 20 + 1. Then add your 60 to the 20 in the tens place. You would end up with 300 + 80 + 1. Those are easy to add numbers and the answer would be 381. You can break numbers up in many different ways. It will take a bit of work to understand, but we can do it

Tuesday

Students started fluency testing today. They will do this once every month so that we are able to see how the students are progressing. We also learned about the Constitution today, as September 17th is Constitution Day. We reviewed the preamble, the first three articles, the Bill of Rights, and a few amendments. We will do a little more of this tomorrow.

We reviewed what we have learned in math and will move forward tomorrow. We will start adding large numbers.

Community learning center has begun. If your child is interested in being a part of this, contact Amy Lemmon or Lori Zilles to see what you need to do.

Monday

This morning as the students were reading in groups, I took a group at a time and discussed their tests with them. I am teaching them to write complete sentences as their test answers. We are also working on spelling and following instructions. The other students read, "Two Tickets to Freedom," a story about escaping slaves. It is an excellent story.

In math we took a pre-test to prepare us for our worksheet tomorrow. This worksheet is designed so that I can see if the students have learned about rounding, patterns, and learning to express numbers in many different ways. Those are the three Common Core requirements we have worked on these last three weeks.

Friday

I hope to have the spelling and reading test corrected by Monday. We learned more about recognizing patterns in math today. We practiced a few easy patterns, and then one that was a little more difficult. Students have to recognize the pattern, then they have to put in words what the pattern is. That is hard for many of them.

We re-arranged seats today. I am hoping it will help students stay on task. We also watched the movie, "Cipher in the Snow." We discussed bullying, and what we can do to help ourselves to not become a cipher. We also talked about helping others to feel important. Finally, we went to an assembly in the auditorium. This year we will be encouraging students to read at least 20 AR points per trimester. There will be a fun activity for those who accomplish this goal. We also began to learn the school song for the year, Neil Diamond's, "Their Coming to America." Each class is representing a state, ours is California.

Thursday

In our Daily Oral Language today we learned about comparative and superlative adjectives. We also worked on the difference between too and two. We reviewed for our reading test tomorrow and played a spelling game to review for the spelling tests. Then students came up and shared the information they had learned about their vocabulary words. Finally they did some writing on the story we just finished. In math we worked on patterns and at the end of the day we practiced writing the cursive lower case f.

Tomorrow we will have our spelling and reading tests. We also will be having an assembly at 2:15. This will be to introduce to the students the motivational plans we have for them. Today a note should have come home to tell parents about the insect collection. Please read through it. Also, please make sure that you return the medication release form and the information form for the students.

Wednesday

Today we discussed the heroes in 9-11. We watched a video to show why this tragedy happened. Then we read stories and learned about different people who worked to keep others safe. We also had pictures today and our spelling pre-test. Students who missed words need to write them five times. Some students need handwriting practice and were asked to neatly write their spelling words for practice. We also read "Sarah Plain and Tall."

Tuesday Picture Day tomorrow

Students reviewed the patterns for their spelling words today. We played a game to put each word in the correct category. Students will have a spelling pre-test to take tomorrow. We are also going to have a lesson about 9-11. Students weren't even born when this happened and they need to know what everyone is talking about.

Tomorrow is picture day. If you want your child to have pictures, please send the money for this. Also, the typing program is www.typingweb.com

Monday - Pictures on Wednesday

Students read an excerpt from Sarah Plain and Tall today. Then we went to the computer lab and typed. We went to a free site, www.typingweb.com where the students could put in their own username and password and have their own customized typing program. I hope this will help them all. Students can get on these at home too.

In math we worked more on rounding numbers. Students seemed to do quite well on it. They even were able to recognize their own mistakes. In science Miss Lu is teaching about the scientific method. Then everyone went to PE.

Remember, Wednesday is school picture day. Also, we will be learning about 9-11, and why it was an important day.

Friday

Students took reading and spelling tests this morning. Then we reviewed what the different genres are in our reading. During math we learned how to round five digit numbers. Some students are still struggling with this so it would be helpful if you could review it. One way we do this is to took at the place value we are rounding to. Then move to the right, to the digit in the next lowest place value. If it is five or more, we round the previous number up. If it is less than five we leave the previous digits alone. Then all the numbers following change magically to zeros.

In the afternoon we watched a short video about the book we will be studying next. We will be reading a short excerpt from the book, Sarah, Plain and Tall.

Next Wednesday we have school pictures.

Thursday

Students took their spelling pre-test today. Those who did not get 100% need to write each word ten times so they will be prepared for tomorrow's test. They will only be given 15 of the words. We also prepared for the reading test tomorrow. In math we practiced comparing and ordering five digit numbers. We used the relationship of greater than and less than. Then we practiced multiplication facts on the laptops.

Many of the children are in the play, "The Wizard of Oz." This play will be put on Saturday night at 7 p.m. at the Dahle Performing Arts Center. It is free. It might be fun to bring your family for a good evening of fun. Also, Wednesday, September 11th is picture day.

Wednesday

We reviewed our spelling patterns today. The students took the words home and are to write them three times, twice in cursive if possible. We also read our story Toto. In math students learned different ways to write five digit numbers. We wrote them in written form, expanded form and standard form. We are using those words so they remember each form. We went to music and in social studies students reviewed the Idaho symbols by making folders for their social studies work and drawing on the folders.

Tuesday

It was kind of fun to get back to school today. Students started with their new spelling lists. We sorted the spelling words and the other spelling words that fit the pattern of the words. Students also read the story, "Toto." We will read it again tomorrow. Finally, students fixed their writing and spelling on our science page from the first week of school.

In math we worked on understanding how to say, write and understand five digit numbers. This is a review for some of the students, but not all of them. Those students who understood had another page to do that was a little more difficult. I had these students check their work against each other and explain how they got their answers. It was interesting to hear their discussion.

In Idaho History we learned all of the different symbols of Idaho. Ask your student and see what each one remembers.

Labor Day - No School

Hope you enjoy the lovely rain today. We will see you all tomorrow. Today would be a great day to read!

Thursday Scholastic Book Orders due tomorrow

We went to the Larsen-Sant library today. We were shown all through the library and learned a lot. The students were all given a free book. The good news is that if a parent takes the child back to the library and tells the librarian that the child came to the 4th grade library tour, the child will get another free book!

We worked on math today. Students were learning about less than and greater than. This new program has started with ordering four digit numbers, which for a few of the children is easy. But we will be advancing quickly to the million place. Also, I think I have figured out more about the math program we are using and should be able to give the advanced students more challenging work.

Although we missed language arts today, we still found some time to finish our vocabulary words. We will take our reading and vocabulary test tomorrow along with the spelling test.

Wednesday - Book orders by Friday

Tomorrow we will go to the Preston Library first thing in the morning. Students will learn how to use the library and all of its resources. Today students worked on their vocabulary words. We are practicing using a dictionary and a thesaurus. We also worked on our spelling words.

In math we continued reading and writing four digit numbers and the place value of each number. These activities should allow all students to catch up so we can move forward. Students went to music class today.

Make sure you get your book orders in this week. They need to go out on Friday morning. Reading to your child, at any age, helps them read better too. Even better, read together, both at the same time reading aloud. This helps children speed up to your level and to start recognizing words they already are familiar with, they just don't know how the words look.

Tuesday

This morning in our language arts block students learned how to fingerspell their spelling words. This will enable them to have a new way to practice their words. Then we read the excerpt from the story "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh." We read the story aloud, as a class. Each student is expected to read the story aloud with me. It is a little hard for the fast readers, but they also learn new words this way, instead of just rushing past them. After our reading was done we practiced writing a paragraph, as they are required to do in their homework, so they could practice how it is to be done. We will continue to do this so students will learn how to do their homework, and how to write a good summary paragraph.

In math we continued working on understanding larger numbers. Students used the blocks to make the number I wrote on the board. Then we did a worksheet together. The students should have taken it home. Please look at it and see if you can figure out the last problem. Our teams worked on it until finally they began to understand it. It was exciting to see how involved students became to get it right. In the afternoon students wrote a hypothesis as Mrs. Lindsey's class did a science experiment for us. Then we came back and wrote the conclusion. It should be interesting to check this.

Monday

Students took their Star tests this morning. They have set their AR goals. Parents, please talk with your student about this goal and help them attain it.

In math we finished our test and then moved on to place value. Students are learning place value and will be able to move up to the millions place. We used hundred, ten and ones blocks to actually see what each place value represents.

Students started learning the song, "Here We Have Idaho" in our Social Studies class. Finally the students were given their homework sheet. They are to read twenty minutes each day. Parents, you are asked to sign the reading. Then the student is to write a brief summary each day including setting, characters, plot, conflict and resolution. We are currently learning to understand first person and third person. They should understand this within the week.

Friday

Students took the first half of the math assessment test today. They will finish it on Monday. Then we learned how we will do our vocabulary words. It always takes longer the first few times. Children need to practice looking up words in the dictionary. We also study synonyms and antonyms while we do this assignment. We practiced doing our Daily Oral Language. The students had P.E. today. Please make sure all of the papers with signatures are returned by Monday.

Thursday

Welcome to 4th grade. Today in school we reviewed expectations in our class. Students learned why we say the Pledge of Allegiance and then we practiced saying it with allegiance. Next we talked about Patriotic Songs and we sang, "My Country Tis of Thee." We took an elementary assessment spelling test so that we can figure out where the children are and what they need in spelling.

I then told the students a little bit about me. They saw some pictures. Then they started writing a five paragraph essay about them. Each paragraph had to have a minimum of four sentences. By the end of this year we will be writing a good five paragraph essay. We then went out and learned the expectations for walking down the hall quietly and how to come in from recess acceptably.

After lunch students worked on their essays and made name tags for the outside wall. They went to the library and practiced, again, the correct way to go down the hall. At the end of the day we read from the book, "Poppy."

We have received most of the notes back. We still need a few more class room helpers and another room mother. Please contact me with that information. Thanks!