Don't worry...we're still working!

Although this week is filled with a few celebrations, assemblies, plays, and extra activities...we are still working!  Here is a break down of this weeks happenings:

Language Arts

Word Study

This week's words focus on the -ing and -ed suffixes.  Along with the normal word work of defining, identifying synonyms, and using them in sentences, we continue to work on what part of speech each word belongs to (Noun, Adjective, Verb, Adverb).  The final word study quiz of 2015 will be on Thursday.  Here are the words for the week.

Reading

We are continuing with our Nonfiction unit; reading and analyzing text that informs (reference), tells a story of a person's life (autobiography/biography), and tells a story using informational facts (literary nonfiction). Within these passages we are taking notes about the significance of the text features, as well as how the author organizes the writing (text structure).  This week we are focusing on Cause/Effect and Compare/Contract text structures and writing an essay to explain our understanding.

Writing

Our bulletin board will be changed to accommodate our newly-published persuasive essays regarding the topic of children being paid to do chores.  By Friday the extended responses that were previously posted will be sent home for you to see how your child's writing is progressing.

Math

Monday we had a center-based review of Chapter 3 involving similar questions to those that will be on the test.  Please look over all problems and review with your kids Monday night.  The test will be Tuesday, unless I see an issue with the homework/classwork from Monday.  I am attaching a link to all the practice problems for Chapter 3 in case you would like some extra.  These also have the answers!

Science

Last week we weathered some chalk and it was a lot of fun (and a little messy).  Tuesday we will chemically weather some more chalk to compare how pollution can weather rock and soil differently than wind and rain.  It should be interesting!  We will finish off the week with studying natural resources and their importance.

Have a great week!  As always, let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Sub Links - For Tuesday, 12/7

These links are for the substitute to use on Tuesday, December 7th (they will be deleted after Tuesday)

• Here is the link to the Bill Nye Video

• Here is the Link to the Math Video

Two weeks left...we can do it!

This week will be a little different than expected due to my absences on Monday and Tuesday.  My absence on Monday was unexpected, so the scheduled Social Studies test and Word Study Test will be postponed to Wednesday.  With this in mind, this gives the students two more days to make sure they are prepared for both assessments.  Here's what else is going on this week:

Language Arts

Reading

This week starts our Nonfiction Unit.  We will be focusing on the reasons we read nonfiction, the characteristics of nonfiction writing, and text features that appear in informational text.  Our independent reading will also include nonfiction books; where the students will be connecting and reflecting what was taught daily with their personally-chosen nonfiction book.

Word Study

Due to my absences, the Word Study test will be postponed until Wednesday.  The words from last week shared an ending ar/or/er spelling pattern.  The test on Wednesday will have a stronger emphasis on spelling than most weeks, so make sure to review these words with your student a little extra in the next few days.  Here are the words from last week for your review.

The kids will get their new words (List 13) on Thursday, and that will be the final list before we go on break.  I will post the words on Wednesday when I get back to school.

Writing

Our persuasive essays were composed and published last week.  Some students still need to complete the typing process; but for the most part, we will be moving on to a new persuasive topic this week. In addition, we will be writing another expository essay (constructed response) based on one of our nonfiction read-alouds next week.

Math

On Monday and Tuesday, the students will be reviewing and practicing the three multiplication methods learned last week (Area Model, Partial Products Method, and the regrouping Method).  I will assign homework on Tuesday with the substitute, so expect some computation and word problems.  We have one more official lesson until the end of Chapter 3, so we will plan to take the end-of-the-chapter test on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.  I'll keep you posted as we get closer.

As for this week, we will be working on Problem Solving with 2-digit multiplication.  A majority of the students have chosen a multiplication method that works for them, so now we will work on transferring that knowledge to real-world problems.  Homework on Wednesday and Thursday may only be a few problems, but they will involve multiple steps that will require some careful reading.

Have a fantastic week!  If you have any questions of concerns, please feel free to let me know.

Welcome back...now let's get to work!

Welcome back!  I hope you all had an enjoyable week off with your precious children...now it's time to work!  Here is a break down of what is going on in Room 25 this week:

Social Studies/Science
This week will be a busy one in terms on these two subjects.  We will be finishing up our Social Studies Chapter (the Southeast) with a project regarding the importance of international trade (imports and exports), as well as a test over all the content on Thursday.  I will give the students a study sheet on Monday that we will review in class on Tuesday together.  Look for the study sheet to be signed on both Tuesday and Wednesday for preparation for the test.  Here is the study sheet for your convenience.

We will also be starting our next Science Unit this week:  The Rock Cycle.  On Monday we will create our own sedimentary rock models for better understanding of how these rocks are formed (and they will be edible!).

Math
We are now fully engaged into Chapter 3:  Multiplying Two-Digit Numbers and more strategies are yet to come.  As I explained in our conferences, the students will be exposed to many different ways to solve a multiplication problem; where a strategy that works best for them will be covered.  I'm including some videos this week to help them (and you) with at-home support.  The strategies we are covering this week are:

• Monday/Tuesday:  Multiplying using the Area Model:  Kahn Academy Video
• Wednesday:  Using the Partial Product Method:  Everyday Math Video
• Thursday:  Multiplying using Regrouping:  Kahn Academy Video
• Friday:  Review and Quiz

Language Arts

Word Study

Monday we will take a little time reviewing our List 11 words from before break (compound words) and have a quiz over them on Tuesday.  Without skipping a beat, we will start our new words the same day and begin our in-class word study activities on Tuesday as well.  This week's words focus on the end spelling patterns /er/, /ar/, and /or/.  Many of these words do have some tricky spellings, so I will expect correct spelling on a portion of the test next Monday.  Additionally, the students will be incorporating their understanding of the part of speech each word belongs to (noun, verb, adverb, or adjective).  I'm adding Mad Libs to our Reading Workshop to support this (as well as have a little fun).  Here are the words for the week.

Reading Comprehension

By the end of this week, the fourth grade will take the assessment associated with our Fiction unit we have finished as a grade level.  In preparation for this, your students will have many opportunities this week to review all of the amazing topics, ideas, strategies, and skills learned throughout the past few months.  I am proud of all of the students' progress in regards to our Fiction Unit.  The writing, note-taking, discussing, and strategy practice has supported them throughout the Unit and I look forward to the upcoming Nonfiction Unit.  This week in particular we are focusing on Theme, Conflict, and Mood/Tone.  

So...while you sign your child's assignment notebook this week, a few questions to break the silence could be:

• "What type of conflict is going on in your book?"
• "What's the tone of what you read today?  Find some evidence in text to prove it to me!"
• "Give me an example of another story/movie/show that has a similar theme.  Why?"

Writing

As I discussed at our conferences, we will be doing much more writing this marking period.  We will be finishing our persuasive essay this week to be put on display on our newly-acquired hallway bulletin board (it's a pretty big deal!).

Have a great week!  As always, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me.

The countdown is on!

Including this week, we have four more instructional weeks of learning until Winter Break!  No worries...your kids will be working hard between now and then.  Here is a breakdown of what is going on this week:

Math

Friday we took our Chapter 2 tests.  Due to the schedule being slightly interrupted today with the power-outage, our activities were bumped back a little bit.  A few students needed to finish their tests today, so the graded tests will be returned to the students tomorrow.

Chapter 3 builds on the strategies learned from the previous chapter, and continues onto multiplying two-digit numbers.  This week we will cover multiplying by multiples of ten, as well as estimating products.  Due to the early dismissal on Wednesday, there will be no Math homework that day.

Social Studies

Last week we took a practice Southeast Region states test that was returned today.  I did not put this in the grade book, but rather gave it back to the students with the understanding that many of them need to prepare for the "real test" on Wednesday.  Wednesday's test will include all 14 Southeast states and their capitals.  A study sheet can be found right here.  Keep in mind that Maryland and Delaware are a part of this map as well (above West Virginia).  You can also access Sheppard Software for an interactive game to practice at home as well.

Language Arts

Word Study

Tuesday we have a quiz over List 9 words (see last week's post for the words).  We have been focusing on the use of synonyms and antonyms to help define words and use them in sentences.  The quiz will focus on antonyms and synonyms, as well as spelling a few of the tough ones.  This week's words are all compound words.  This list will spill over into the week after Thanksgiving break, but I wanted to get them started on it this week.  We will be focusing on synonyms and antonyms, as well as parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adverbs, and adjectives).  Here are the new words for the week.

Reading

We plan to perform our play, Pandora's Box, tomorrow after lunch.  This will conclude our Greek Mythology study.  Our next focus moves on to Mood and Tone.

Writing

We will be writing another persuasive essay this week focusing on an article entitled, "Should Kids Get Paid to do Chores?"  We read the article today, and tomorrow we start debating our positions.  I apologize in advance if anyone gets hit up for $10 this week for making their bed or doing the dishes.  Just make sure to encourage them to provide evidence to support their ideas!

Remember that we have early dismissal on Wednesday (12:30).  Also, please fill out and return your conference sheets that were sent home last Friday.  You keep the top copy and return the yellow copy to me.  Thanks, and have a great week!

States, Capitals, and a Math Test!

This week marks the third week of the new marking period, and we are working hard in Room 25! Don't forget that we have Wednesday off for Veterans Day.  Here is a breakdown of this weeks news:

Math

Monday and Tuesday we will be focusing on the last lesson in Chapter 2 - Using Algebra to Solve Word Problems.  Most of this lesson targets the Order of Operations; where the students need to know how to solve a problem with multiple operations (addition, subtraction, and multiplication).

This will call on a many of the skills they have focused on during this chapter, as well as give them the opportunity to solve multi-step word problems.  The test for Chapter 2 will be on Friday, and we will have a thorough review on Thursday for preparation.  Look for homework on Tuesday and Thursday targeting all the skills from Chapter 2.  Take advantage of Think Central, especially the Student Edition for the Chapter 2 review problems.

In addition to the test on Friday, we will continue to focus on our Math Facts as a class.  We have used Sheppard Software to practice in class.  This can be used at home as well.

Language Arts

Word Study

We took the List 9 Word Study quiz on Monday.  This weeks words are focusing on r-controlled vowel sounds.  I am also introducing the students to antonyms (a word that has an opposite meaning) this week to further their understanding of some new words.  Due to the Wednesday holiday, we will have our Word Study quiz next Tuesday.  Here are the words for the week.

Reading

The past few weeks we have really targeted making inferences through character analysis and using text evidence as support.  Last week we finished a constructed response using a short story and the class did an amazing job!  These will be posted in the classroom for you to see at conferences.  This week we will continue studying character traits within the context of Greek myths.  Another book report will come home next week to work on over the Thanksgiving break.

Writing

Most of our writing this month will be constructed responses.  Along with filing-out graphic organizers and taking Cornell Notes during reading, the students will be expected to write a 4-5 paragraph essay each week; answering questions from a common passage, using evidence from the text to support the ideas presented.  I hope to make sure their hands hurt by the end of each week!

Additionally, we have been reading the play Pandora's Box this week and last and are preparing for two performances this week on Friday.  Some of your kids may ask you for some props or costumes to make their performances more professional.  I will video tape the performances on Friday and post them to the blog for your viewing pleasure!

Social Studies

Last week we started our next Social Studies chapter, which focuses on the Southeast region of the United States.  This chapter consists of two sections:

1. The States and Capitals:  The students created puzzle-maps last week as a preview of the region.  I have dedicated a little bit of time each day for the kids to review the states and capitals.  The quiz for this map will be Friday (for the states and locations only) and next Wednesday (the 18th) for the states and capitals all together.  The students have been having fun competing with each other using the quizzes on Sheppard Software.  A copy of the region with blanks for the capitals is here for your reference as well (they don't need to know Texas or Oklahoma).
2. The history of the region:  This includes the Native American tribes, the European settlements, the Civil War, and Reconstruction following the war.  We will be watching many videos to build background knowledge, as well as reading some additional informative articles about slavery and important abolitionists.

I will be sending home reminders this week for your scheduled conference times.  Please let me know if you are still able to attend during your slot, or if you need to reschedule for any reason.  For those parents and family members that are veterans, I want to thank all of you for your service and sacrifice.  Have a great week! 

A New Marking period is here!

This week starts the beginning of our second marking period.  I'm excited that we have made it through the first 9 weeks, and I look forward to all the incredible things to come in the next nine weeks.  Here is a rundown of what's going on this week:

Math
Last week we analyzed four different methods to multiply.  Although I give the students choice to solve problems in the method that makes the most sense to them, I want to make sure that they are aware of how problems can be solved in other ways.  The "powers-that-be" that create tests are always checking to make sure students can identify different ways to solve problems and calculate answers in a variety of ways.  I am pleased to see that most of the students in my class have latched on to a method that works for them as well as understand other ways to figure out these problems (quizzes from Friday will come home tomorrow).

This week, we dive into using mental math strategies to solve multiplication problems.  We will spend both Tuesday and Wednesday working on these four strategies.  Again, these strategies are taught so the students can understand different ways to reach the same answer as a strategy that they already find comfortable.  Click on the strategies and you can watch a tutorial of the lesson for Monday and Tuesday.

• Using friendly numbers
• Use halving and doubling
• Use addition
• Use subtraction

Keep in mind we only have 2 days of Math instruction this week due to Wednesday's early dismissal, my absence on Thursday, and Friday's Halloween festivities.

Science

We are deep into our Science Unit of Animal and Plant Classification.  This week we move from plant comparisons to animal classifications.  Tomorrow there will be a study sheet going home that covers all information for the test on Friday.  Here is a copy in case your child "misplaces" theirs.

Language Arts

Word Study

This week we focus on words with the /aw/ and /ou/ sound patterns.  Students are now required to use the words in sentences on the test, so I am going to add sentences to homework on Thursday.  Please check their sentences on Thursday to make sure they make sense.  The test will be next Monday so we can have a little fun with a review game on Friday.  Some students may have started/finished them in class.  In this case, please just look them over and sign the bottom.  Here is the list of words for the week.

Reading

Continuing the strategies from last week, we are continuing our study of character analysis this week.

This connects perfectly with the Character Project sent home last Friday that is due by October 30th (this Friday).  I am allowing students to bring the project to me early throughout the week for conferencing and pointers for improvement.  I look forward to seeing the final products this Friday.

Writing

Character trait writing will be a main focus this week and next as well.  During our writing time this week, we will be writing an extended response focusing on how a character changes throughout the story.  Here is the story we will be focusing on for the essay (pages 1, 2, 3, and 4)

As I stated earlier, I will not be at school on Thursday.  Friday will still have instruction happening for the first half of the day.  We will be finishing our essays, taking a Science Test, and reviewing Word Study.  I look forward to a fun-filled party and parade on Friday afternoon!  Have a great week! 

This Week in Room 25

The new set-up for the classroom is fully-functional and working fantastically!  Many of the students were a little curious how I would actually teach while they faced the white board...but I think I've convinced them it is possible!  Much of the whole group instruction is still done on the carpet with the aid of the SMART board, but turning the classroom sideways has opened up a lot more space for moving around and small group work areas.  Here's what's going on this week:

Language Arts
Word Study
This week's words are focusing on the /oo/ sounds and spelling patterns.  The students are learning that there are a variety of spelling combinations that make this sound, as well as different sounds that the /oo/ spelling pattern make.  This week the Word Study quiz will be on Friday.  The words can be found here for at-home studying.

Language Arts
The past few days we have been focusing on analyzing a character's traits by using evidence from fictional stories.  This practice will lead up to an upcoming book report that will focus on a book's character.  The students will be given this report on Friday and will be due by November 6th.

Writing
During Writing this week we will be preparing for the upcoming district-wide Writing Assessment on Thursday.  The prompt will be based on a persuasive article we read together.  Luckily, I knew this in advance and have prepared the class for this test.  The Fall assessment will be used as a benchmark to show growth throughout the year, and be compared to a similar assessment in the Spring.

The 40 Book Challenge!
Recently I challenged all the students in Room 25 to complete 40 books this year.  The Challenge consists of many different genres of literature, and charts the students' progress throughout the year.  Ask your child about their progress and how they can earn a chance to be invited to the 40 Book Challenge celebration at the end of the year.  In case you would like to follow along at home, here is a copy of the template.

Science
Last week we focused on classifying living things into kingdoms, genes, and species.  This week we will dig deeper into the plant kingdom and do some investigations of our own.  This includes an photographic scavenger hunt through the North School playground and field, as well as classifying the actual plants found on the premises.

Math
So, Math this week is all about multiplication.  Each day I am going to introduce a strategy to multiply multi-digit numbers.  I have already told the students that if they find one strategy they like the best, they can use that one, but I am going to introduce them to FOUR different ways.  The students will also need to understand how these strategies work on assessments.  The four strategies are:

• Using the Distributive Property - 
• Using Expanded Form
• Partial Products
• and "old school" Regrouping

As always, examples of these can be found using your child's Think Central account, as well as using Kahn Academy video links.  Happy multiplying!

Have a great week!  I will be contacting some of you this week to set up conference times for the upcoming parent/teacher conferences at the end of November (those that did not sign up at Curriculum Night).  As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.  Thanks!

A new week, and a new look!

Over the weekend, I rearranged the ENTIRE classroom to make the small-group work spaces more accessible, as well as more space for all of us to move around.  I will post pictures of the redesigned Room 25 this week, so stop back sometime soon!  Here is what is happening this week:

Language Arts
Word Study
Coming home on Tuesday will be the graded Word Study quiz we took last week along with a packet of Word Study work completed during workshop time the past three weeks.  These were graded strictly on a participation-basis; where a "check-plus", "check", or "check-minus" were given based on the completion status and organization of the work.  From now on, this will be how I grade the Word Study work done in class.  Keep in mind we review and discuss these words on a daily basis before we start every Reading lesson.

This week's words will not change from last week.  The spelling pattern for all the words are /u/, /oo/, and /yoo/.  The students will have until Thursday to finish any Word Study work during workshop time in preparation for Friday's quiz.  Here are the words again to help support them at home.

Reading
This week we will be continuing our lessons revolving around theme, as well as comparing themes in similar stories.  I will be sending home a reflection sheet tomorrow for the kids to practice identifying the theme in a book they are reading at home or a television show they watch (I promise it's for practicing THEME!).  Along with theme, we will be focusing on characteristics of Traditional Literature (Myths, Legends, Folktales, Tall Tales), as well as beginning discussions about analyzing characters.  A book report will be sent home on Friday that will focus on this specific skill (due by the end of October).  I will post a link to the actual report in next week's blog.

Writing
Finishing up our persuasive essays by Wednesday/Thursday.  Next week we begin narrative writing!

Science
Science began last week with a observing onion cells through a microscope.  A graded quiz and a few work samples will be coming home on Tuesday.  This week we will be classifying living things (organisms) into Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species.  We will be focusing on this for the next few weeks.  Here's a diagram to jog your memory.

Math
Last week was the introduction of multiplication and using models to solve word problems.  Hopefully the link to Think Central is helping support you at home.  Again, this site includes interactive games and access to the homework and student GO MATH! books.  Let me know if this is/isn't helping and I'll make adjustments on the blog.  This week we are focusing on:

• Lesson 2.3 - Multiplying by 10's, 100's, and 1000's
• Lesson 2.4 - Estimating Products (Wednesday and Thursday)
• Lesson 2.5 - The Distributive Property

Have a great week and please let me know if you have any questions of concerns about anything.

A short week...but some new things happening!

We have a short week ahead of us, but we have some new additions to Room 25...here we go:

Science

Yes...Science is here!  We finished up our Social Studies unit (the graded tests will go home Tuesday) and we are starting our first Science unit focusing on cells.  Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday will be jam-packed with research, discussions, observing, and modeling real cells!  We will spend a majority of the time discussing what we see under the microscopes.

Language Arts

Word Study

Due to the shortened week, both this week and next, we will be focusing on only one word study list, beginning on Wednesday. Here are the words for the next two weeks.

Reading

This week we will be focusing on Theme.  Look for some additional practice activities this week at home to help support our discussions in class.

Writing

We will be publishing our persuasive essays this week.  Look for graded essays to come home early next week.

Math

The Test

Hopefully you all received your student's graded Chapter 1 Math test Friday.  After grading them, and discussing with the other 4th grade teachers, I ended up turning two of the problems into extra credit.  I apologize for the initial grade being crossed-out, but the grade in black ink is the "official" one.   

What's new?

Chapter 2 focuses on multiplying one-digit numbers.  The first few lessons focus on using models to help support the reasoning behind how and why we multiply.  Click here for access to Think Central.  It's as online program that is linked to our GO MATH curriculum.  It has interactive games and digital versions of the homework and the student book that explains how I taught the individual skills.  This week we covered lesson 2.1 and 2.2.  There will be homework every night this week, including Thursday!

Remember to monitor your child's reading at home, sign the assignment notebook, and look over their homework throughout the week (so we can get that third scoop!).  Have a great week, and let me know if you have any questions or concerns. 

Busy week...and two tests!

Another busy week is upon us!  This is what's going on in Room 25 this week:

Language Arts

Word Study
This week's words are all homophones.  Homophones are words that sound the same, but are spelled differently.  We will be doing some fun activities during the week with these types of words along with the daily Word Study work during center time.  Remember to review the meaning of these words, as well as the spelling throughout the week/weekend in preparation for next Monday's quiz. Normally spelling isn't a top priority with the words, but with homophones, the students need to know the spelling differences between the pairs.  Here are the words for the week.

Reading
We are focusing on plot structure and story elements this week.  Guided Reading is now fully-functioning int he classroom, so everyone will have a chance to meet with me at least three times a week during our Language Arts block to work on plot structure at their own reading level.  Attached is a graphic organizer we will be using this week to support this focus and strategies.  You may see one of these coming home this week to work on with a short reading passage.

Writing
We are finishing up our 5-paragraph persuasive essays this week and will be publishing them on Thursday and Friday.  In case you are interested and want to talk it over with your child, here is the article we are using as a foundation.

Social Studies
We are finally finishing up our Northeast Region chapter.  On Tuesday, the students will begin reviewing for the test that will be on Friday.  A review sheet will be coming home on Wednesday to help in preparation for the test.  Along with the study sheet, the kids will be making flashcards for centers.  These will come home Thursday for last-minute practicing and reviewing.  I will post the study sheet tomorrow when I get to school.

Math
The Chapter 1 test is now scheduled for this Thursday.  During our math time this week, we will be reviewing skills and practicing vocabulary and strategies learned in the past five weeks.  Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday will be big days for homework in order to review at home.  Below I have broken down the skills with additional practice websites and videos to help out at home.

• Place Value - What is the value of the underlined digit? Here's an online quiz!
• Writing Numbers - Can you write the number in standard, expanded, and word form?
• Compare and Order - What number is highest? Lowest?  Can you order the numbers from greatest to least? A cool online challenge!
• Rounding - Can you round the number to the underlined place value?
• Renaming - How many __________ are in __________? Here's a fun survey to practice!
• Adding Whole Numbers
• Subtracting Whole Numbers - What do I do when I need to borrow?
• Problem Solving - Can I add/subtract using the numbers in a word problem?  How do I know if I should add or subtract? A chart to help out!

I will send home progress reports this week to give you all an idea of how your child is doing in each subject (by Friday).  Make sure to let me know if you have any questions or concerns.  Have a great week!

Another week of Awesomeness! (Sept. 21-25, 2015)

Another week is upon us and it is a busy one!  Here is what's going on in Room 25 this week:

Language Arts
Word Study
Remember that Word Study work is dome primarily at school during our Language Arts center time.
The class has brainstormed this past week to make sure the work can be completed in-class, and I believe we have come up with a system that will work for the rest of the year.  The quizzes will usually be on Mondays; which will be meaning and context-based, rather than purely spelling.  Last week's test was matching the words with their synonyms.  This week will be using the words correctly in sentences.  New words will be given on Tuesday.  Make sure to review the words with your students throughout the week and weekend in preparation for the quizzes.  The words for this week can be found here.

Writing
We are continuing our persuasive essays this week revolving around the argument of whether wild cats should be aloud to be kept as animals.  We read this article, and the students are choosing a side.  If your student tries to convince you on getting a tiger as a new pet...encourage the persuasion and let them explain!

Math
This week we are focusing on subtracting whole numbers, problem solving with word problems, and preparing for the Chapter 1 test on Friday.  Look for math homework every day this week for review of the Chapter 1 skills.

Social Studies
We will be wrapping up the Northeast Region chapter this week.  Each student has vocabulary flash cards to study from, and will have a review study sheet on Thursday to bring home for practice. The test will be Friday as well.

A few more reminders:

• Please sign your student's assignment notebook nightly for ongoing communication and as a way for me to monitor their daily 20 minutes of reading at home.
• There is a fundraiser kickoff assembly on Tuesday - look for the packet coming home!
• Early dismissal on Wednesday - kids get out at 12:30.
• Thursday is Curriculum Night - reminders will be sent home this week.
• Friday is Picture Day!

Have a great week!

What's Happening in Room 25? (Sept. 14-18)

Hello Parents!  Hopefully this blog reaches a few more parents than last week.  I will continue to add e-mail addresses to my list as they come in.  Here's what's going on this week:

Language Arts
Word Study
Last week we began Word Study, instead of the "old" Spelling work.  In order to keep a better handle on making sure my students are understanding the work associated with Word Study, we are now going to handle all of the "homework" in class, as part of our Language Arts centers.  Additionally, quizzes will now be mostly on Mondays, giving the kids time to study over the weekends.  If there is ever any changes to the schedule, it will be indicated in their assignment notebooks.  The quiz for this week will be Monday, and new words will be given on Tuesday.  There may be occasional word study homework, but not as frequent as in the previous weeks.  Click here for this week's new words!

Reading
This week we will begin guided reading and centers during our Language Arts block.  The students have worked hard to focus on the routines and strategies needed to make this process run smoothly!

Writing
We will be working to prepare for the Fall district Writing assessment this week.  Our focus will be argumentative writing; where we will be reading a passage that gives two sides of an issue and then writing to support one side.  If your child argues with you at home this week...make sure they give you evidence to support their side of the issue!

Math
Our topics of study for this week will be renaming numbers, and adding and subtracting multi-digit numbers.  Look for practice homework this week on Monday and Thursday.  We only have three days of Math due to MAP testing on Tuesday and Wednesday.

We are taking the MAP test from 1:00-2:15 on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Keep this in mind if you plan to take your student out for an early dismissal.

Have a great week and I look forward to seeing you all next Thursday, September 24th for Curriculm Night!

Room 25: What's new this week?

I hope everyone had an enjoyable long weekend.  Here is what's new and happening in Room 25 for this week:

Spelling/Word Study
Spelling is going to get a reboot in my classroom this year.  After last week's trial of the spelling homework, I've decided to change things up for the rest of the school year.  Starting this week, "Spelling" as you know it will now be referred to as "Word Study".  The emphasis will be more on using the words correctly in context, rather than simply spelling them accurately.  My philosophy is that simply spelling a list of words at the end of the week does not build a better reader and thinker; but if those words are used throughout the week in different contexts, the words will eventually become a part of the students' own everyday vocabulary.  With this being said, the pretest at the beginning of the week will be a fill-in the blank format; challenging the students to use new words correctly in context.  The test on Fridays will consist of the same format. Homework will still be expected Monday-Thursday (click here for this week's homework).  This week's theme is short and long e words.

Math
Last week we took our first Friday quiz over place value and comparing numbers through the hundred thousands place.  Those will come home on Tuesday.  For the rest of the week, we will be covering:  rounding, renaming numbers, and adding and subtracting whole numbers.  You can expect a short homework sheet daily for at-home practice (Monday-Thursday).

Social Studies
The focus in Social Studies this year is Our Nation: States and Regions.  The first region we are focusing on is the Northeast.  More flashcards will be created as we get through the chapter for upcoming quizzes.  Along with vocabulary, the geography of each region will be studied and tested upon.  On Friday, the states and capitals of each of the Northeast states will be tested.  Make sure to study with your students throughout the week in preparation for the test.  Click here for a map you can study from!

Reading
During our whole group instruction the past two weeks, we have been practicing strategies to help us during class discussions, read alouds, and independent reading.  A big focus for my 4th graders this year is the use of Cornell Notes.  This note-taking tool was introduced this week and will be a staple in the reading process for my students to keep track of what is being read, as a class and independently.  This week we will continue to practice these skills, along with beginning the rotation process for centers and guided reading groups.

Feel free to comment below about what a great job I'm doing!  Also, send me an email at pholmes@d45.org if you would like to get a hold of me personally.  Have a great week!

Welcome to another amazing year!

Welcome, welcome, welcome!

I am excited to start my 14th year in education as your child's 4th grade teacher at North School!  This is my fourth year at North, where I have been a Reading Specialist/Interventionist my first three years.  Prior to settling at North School, I taught 4th and 5th grade in Chicago Public Schools, as well as in Detroit (go Tigers!).

I won't bore you with going over the same rules and expectations that you and your child already know about being a student at North School, but I do want to make sure we have a mutual understanding of MY expectations this year for my students.  They are not difficult, and follow the same common-sense approach as many other teachers:

1. My students' success is my number one priority.  In the midst of so many expectations, standards, curriculum, assessments, and labels...all I care about is my students succeeding.  Whether through celebrating growth, tapping into likes/dislikes, analyzing challenges, or reteaching something differently; I will do all that I can to help my students succeed, as well as feel successful.
2. Keep on trying.  4th grade is going to be more difficult than 3rd (obviously!).  I know that we will all struggle at a certain point.  All I expect is to try.  If something is difficult, I will help.  If my students don't want my help, I will trick them into thinking I'm not helping...and then help them some more! 
3. Your involvement is essential.  We are a team in this.  Support at home is awesome; whatever you can give!  I will keep you updated on what is happening here in Room 25, and my door/phone/e-mail is always open for you to tell me what's going on with your child.

I look forward to an amazing year.  Our motto for our school and classroom this year is:  

I CAN, WE CAN!

It's going to take all of us, as a team, to conquer 4th grade...and I'm anticipating an extraordinary journey!  Thanks parents!