Monday

FYI:
Wed. @ 1:30 Awards Program
New Book Logs will be coming in the Wed. Folder
Still need: vanilla ice cream or 2-liter of cola if you are able to by Thursday!

Math:
Today we began our new Fractions unit.  We worked on simplifying fractions, adding and subtracting fractions, and seeing how fractions are alike.
HW: 1 sheet with add/sub fraction problems, please sign
Tests should be ready by Wed. for the folders

Reading:
Today we began working on different text structures. We worked on 4 out of the 5 we will learn this week.  Students made up sample examples for each text structure.  Next, we had partner fluency reads on Adelina's Whale and found/defined our vocab.  Lastly, we focused on sequencing with today's text.
HW: finish defining vocab, finish sequence chart of Adelina's Whale

Science:
We continued our weather unit with learning the 3 states of matter.  We learned about the movement of particles in each of these states by showing their movement with our bodies as well as wrote a description and illustrated a picture to help us remember these. We also played a version of Simon Says with these movements!
No HW

Solid: fixed shape and volume

Liquid: particles moving slowly

Writing: No writing due to Health with Ms. Timaji

Have a great night,

Friday!

Wow! We haven't gone to school this long in a while! :) Here's hoping to a full week next week!

Congrats again to our Science Fair winners - Jenna, Julia, and Ashley! Way to go!!

FYI:
Next Thursday we will need the following items for a science experiment. If you are able to bring an item in that would be great! *2-liter of cola, *vanilla ice cream
Today was picture day! Thanks for getting your money turned in on time! Hopefully the picture will turn out well!
Book Logs were due today. I made several reminders on the blog as well as the student's planners.  If your child did not turn in his/her book log today they have until Monday to turn it in for credit.

We began today working on our own individual skills levels on math and reading.  Students were actually able to use a computer website to help advance their skills that is related by research to help improve their MAP scores and KCCT scores! They had a good time and were working really hard! 

Next, we had our very first class meeting ran by the students.  The President and Vice President did a great job as well as the students who listened wonderfully!

the meeting in action:)

Then students finally were able to work more on their Native American tribes power point projects.  We loved using the mini-laptops all morning! Although we didn't get finished, students worked very hard.  We will finish these next time and present the information we found!

Students worked on money and adding/subtracting with our Math Buddies.  They both enjoyed the practice.

Lastly, we worked on an On-Demand prompt for Ms. Borders to read.  This time, students had to complete the on-demand all on their own.  She will score these and give us feedback.

Have a wonderful and safe weekend,

Thursday

*Students can wear a hat tomorrow! It is $1 and will go towards the 5th Grade Washington, D.C. field trip! :)

We take pride in this article in 4th Grade!!! :) http://www.kentucky.com/2011/01/25/1611375/kentucky-4th-graders-and-8th-graders.html
FYI:
Principal's Newsletter did not get finished in time for Wed. Folders. It will be coming home today in your child's red folder.
TOMORROW is class PICTURE DAY! :)
Reading LOG is due TOMORROW
Chik-Fil-A Night is tonight! Come support GSE PTA by eating at the Harrodsburg Rd. Chik-Fil-A!
**Need by Thursday: If you are able to bring in one of the items, we'd appreciate it! 2-Liter of Cola, Vanilla Ice Cream, plastic cups

Math:
Students took their Ch. 5 test today.
No HW
We will begin Fractions on Monday.

Reading:
Students took vocab. test, read in lit. books, and began hybrid article.

Reading was cut short due to a very special assembly honoring Ms. Betty! She is retiring and we had a wonderful time saying goodbye and thanks for all her help in the Library!

Science:
Today we completed a weather open response on predicting weather on a map.  Students also compared weather in different states.
No HW

DEAR: Students read in their AR books, took AR tests, and completed Lexia/Successmaker.

Writing:
Students finished up their research on their article topics and began writing their 'hook' sentence and created their headlines.  Students also decided on what text features they would use in their articles.

Have a great afternoon,

Infinite Campus

*As a reminder for you and to make it easier, I've included the link to take you to Infinite Campus to view your child's current grades.
You can find this under the Grading Scale Tab to the right.

*Don't forget to read today's post below!!

Wednesday

FYI:
*Comic Creators & Academic Team Clubs are CANCELLED for this afternoon*
TODAY I have the AR goals in the planners! Sorry about yesterday! Please sign both sheets (old goals and new goals) so that I know you've seen them.
Wednesday Folders will be coming home today.
Friday is Class Picture Day
Book Log is due Friday
Awards day is Feb. 2 @ 1:30
Orchestra Concert at Dunbar Thursday Night is CANCELLED

Math:
Today we reviewed lots for the test.  I pulled small groups and students worked on probability on their own.
PLEASE help your child study from the workbook pages.  MOST all the students need practice with mean, median, and mode.
HW: study for test tomorrow

Reading:
Today we practiced more with persuasion in writing/reading.  Students read a leveled reader and worked on this skill along with restating the question in their answer.  Students also review their vocab words and had lit. book reading time.
HW: finish question 1 from leveled readers (if not finished in class), finish reading a chapter in lit. book (if not finished in class), study vocab words for test tomorrow

Science:
We continued learning about weather and made weather comparisons and similarities with places in the USA and other countries.  We also included technology and looked at moving weather maps. (ours had lots of blue in it for snow! haha)
Here's the website we used to predict and report weather: http://www.edheads.org/activities/weather/
Let your kids play this on their next snow day! :)

DEAR: We enjoyed time to read our AR books and complete Lexia and Successmaker.

Writing:
Students continued working on researching information for their article.  Some students began drafting information. 

Have a good night, 

Tuesday

Well hello snow!! Anyone else getting sick of this?! We are up to June 3rd being the last day for kids.  I had to reschedule my family vacation!! haha
*Thanks again for being so patient with me calling each parent.  If this happens again (I hope not, it's so chaotic) than I will be using my cell phone again due to the lines being tied with the school phone.  I HAVE to reach every parent by phone or email, so thanks again for being patient with me calling your work numbers! :)
FYI:
Today we started with Day 1 for the week.
MONDAY will be our turn for Family Fitness PE time as long as there are no more snow days this week.
MUSIC tests need to be returned tomorrow for Mrs. Wagoner and signed by a parent.
MATH test for my class is rescheduled to Thursday instead of Wednesday due to the snow day.
New AR goals are in student planners along with the sheet with their old goals and what they made.
Book Log is due FRIDAY.
Class Picture day is Friday.
Awards Program has been moved to Feb. 2 @ 1:30...
Valentine's Day Party is Feb. 11 @ 1:30

Math:
Today we practiced hard for the test! I had kids 'star' pages in their workbooks that would GREATLY help them on the test.  A lot of the practice problems on these pages are similar to the test questions.  Students also got a study guide as well.  NO MATTER WHAT - our test will be Thursday. We've got to move on!!! :)
HW: complete pg. 111 in workbook

Reading:
Today we began our new skill - persuasion of the author in texts.  Students worked on fluency during partner reading today with Treasures.  They also defined their new vocab for the week.  It is located to the right if your child forgot his/her words tonight.  Students also had book talks with me or read more in their lit. books.
HW: read 1 chapter more of lit. book if not finished in class

Science: No science today because we had Class Elections! The students who ran were SO well prepared! It was awesome! We had one student absent, so once he votes I will reveal the elected president! :)
Writing:
Today we used the laptops to research our topic-of-choice for our articles.  Students chose a type of weather and will soon be writing all kinds of fun information! I was very impressed with how well students used their safe search engines to skim information and write down key ideas! :)
No HW

Have a wonderful afternoon,

Thursday

Elementary folks, please make sure all parents are notified before releasing any students.  Be Safe. Stu
(thanks for understanding! I HAVE to contact every parent before students leave)

Good Afternoon!
FYI:
~Book Log due next Friday (Jan. 28)
~PE Fitness Day - please make sure to check which day we are on due to snow days so you don't miss or come at the wrong time for our PE time! I will try my best to remind you!! :)
~Hopefully the snow days are coming to an end and I (along with the kids) can get back to some sort of normalcy!!! I've been trying to update the gradebook (I.C.) as quickly as I can.  I will update once a week. If you aren't sure how to get on I.C., you can look through the FCPS website or email me and I will send directions.
Chik Fil A night has been rescheduled for next Thursday, Jan. 27.
Please save stickers for next Thursday if you haven't given them out yet. If you have, we can probably get more.
If anyone DOES show up they WILL get credit for our school still, but because of the weather the official date is rescheduled. Please tell your students.


Math:
Today we worked more on expressing possible outcomes as fractions.  Students did great with this! We also went over last night's HW...it's hard to check to see if kids are understanding when they don't do the practice work!!!!!!!  Students also worked on an ORQ as a whole class involving spinners, probability, favorable outcomes, and probability as a fraction. They did great! Lastly, we went back to mean, median, mode to review this skill.  Many students are still having trouble with this!So...
HW: pg. 123 in workbook, revisiting mean, median, mode (due tomorrow)

Reading:
Today we completed our drawing conclusions skill.  Students reviewed while in a game, then students used their skill in an ORQ.  I can't wait to read them and see!  We also read some more in our Lit. Books and I was able to meet and have book talks with 3 of the groups.  The Last Princess book group took their AR test and began their chapter lit. book.
HW: finish reading the next 2 chapter in Lit. Book if not finished in class

Early Dismissal -

Wednesday

Good Afternoon! :)
FYI:
~MAP scores will be coming home in the Wednesday Folders.  I do not have Science on there, but those will be coming shortly! Remember, MAP does NOT always ask questions on the core content directly related to 4th grade KY standards.  I am very proud of the kids - this test is HARD!
~4th Grade Awards are TOMORROW in the Gym at 1:30 (Honor Roll, Principal's List)
~Class Picture day is NEXT Friday
~THANK YOU for continuing to sign planners and HW. This helps a lot!!!!
~I need the brown envelopes from the Report Cards back and signed, please!

Math:
Today we worked more on probability and favorable outcomes.  We practiced with the SmartBoard for a little while and then did some hands-on activities with our spinners.  Students did a nice job during our in-class practice!
HW: pg. 116 in the workbook, students can use pg. 115 as a guide if they need help (we completed in class)
**TEST over Ch. 5 will be next Wednesday

Reading:
We continued working on drawing conclusions and making inferences based on what we read.  Students were placed in pairs on their Lexile levels and read correlating short stories that had our vocab words in the story.  Then they worked on making a test/conclusions chart to help them draw conclusions about the story.  Students also practiced their vocab words in small groups.  Lastly, we had just a little time to read in our Lit. Books
HW: finish text/conclusions chart (if not in class, students were to bring home book for this), finish reading the next 2 chapters in Lit. Book (read to the end of chapter 7), and
EVERYONE has to write their vocab. words in a sentence (this will take place of the quiz for the short week)

Science:
Today we worked on reading the map that is shown on a newspaper.  If you still have your newspaper at home, as your child some questions about it! :)  We also started charting the weather and learning to predict weather...I hope our predictions are NOT correct about Friday! ha!
No HW

Writing:
We started brainstorming questions we want to research for our next writing piece - an article.  We also worked on our grammar skills with Drops In The Bucket - either 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade level depending on your child's lexile score.

Have a great night,

Tuesday

Welcome back!
FYI:
4th grade Awards Program is Thursday at 1:30 in the gym.  Hope you can attend! :)
Please send your child back with his/her report card envelope only if not already!
Class Picture money is due next week - please send in as soon as you can! The Picture Day is next Friday.
I figured out how to 'subscribe' you to each post.  This will be easier for you to know when I've written a post and hopefully help remind you to look! If you would NOT like to be added to the 'subscription', please email me today or tomorrow.  I will not include your email! :)

Math:
Today we worked on probability and likelihood.  We played a neat activity on the Smart board with this.  We also did a hands-on activity with washers - the kids did great! :)
HW: pg. 113 in workbook - please check!!  Cut and Color spinners page and place in baggie (I provided one for them)

Reading:
Today we read a realistic-fiction story in small groups.  Students did a great job drawing conclusions and making inferences throughout the story.  We also defined our vocab. words found in the story.  Remember, I have these posted on the ride side of the screen in case your child forgot his/her paper!  Students also read 2 more chapters in their Lit. Books and were able to continue practicing making inferences.  Lastly, students played in small groups of 4 on a inferencing board game based on 5th, 6th, and 7th grade inference questions.
HW: finish defining words if not finished in class, read through the end of Ch. 5 in Lit. Book
*Don't forget about the cool vocab games I added to the ride side of the blog! It will make learning vocab words more fun!!! :)
Science:
Today we started learning how to read different types of Maps.  We worked on precipitation maps and predicting the weather.  Students did a nice job with all the in-depth questions we were working on! :)
No HW

Writing:
We finished our whole-class On-Demand piece we started on Friday for Ms. Sharp to score.
No HW

Have a great night,

Friday

WOW! We had 3 students move on to the next round of the Science Fair!!! Congrats Jenna, Ashley, and Julia! I'm impressed!!! :)

Today we took our science MAP test (the questions were very hard, not at all 4th grade content...more on that later...), enjoyed adding money with our Math Buddies, and worked hard on beginning our next On-Demand piece for Ms. Sharp.
We also switched for Math this morning as we've been losing a lot of precious time lately!!
*I had our Math Test scheduled for next Thursday but I am not sure we will be able to do that since there is no school on Monday... I'll let you know.

Report Cards are coming home today.  Hopefully you've already checked I.C. and looked at your child's grades - they were posted on Monday afternoon.  I'm impressed with the grades, but every student went up from the mid-term! :) {Along with Wednesday Folder items!}

Have a wonderful long 3-day weekend! :)

***If you would like to start coming in on Fridays or during DEAR time and reading with students that would be great! Just let me know via email or note!

Thursday - Science Fair Day!

Science Fair Day! The students did a great job presenting!!
We also only had math and reading for a SHORT period as the entire morning was science fair stuff!

Reading: the vocab. packet given on Monday is due TOMORROW
Math: I will collect Monday night's HW tomorrow
Report Cards will come home TOMORROW
Not all of the teachers have finished their MAP data sheets, so I will wait until next week to pass those out.

Monday!

FYI:
-All Science Fair boards must be here by Wednesday of this week.
If we have a snow day Tuesday, they are still due Wednesday. If we have a snow day Wednesday they are due Thursday morning. We will have to go through the boards and number them and scratch off any names on the boards so we need this extra time before the judging begins on Thursday morning to prepare.
-The GSE Fair is scheduled for Thursday of this week from 8-11am. If you would like to come in the afternoon to view the boards you may do so after 12:00. It is mandatory that all students participate!!!!
-New Lexile scores have been given to your child. They are written in the planner unless your child didn't have their planner or hasn't finished the reading part of the MAP.
-Report Cards will come home in the Wednesday Folder
-new MAP scores will be in the Wednesday Folders {as long as your child has completed all the tests}
-Don't forget to read our student blog! Olivia wrote about today!

HW:
Math: pg. 189 in text book, the 2 pages before can be used for help as well as the sheet from class that should be in book

Reading: 20 minutes of reading, define vocab (there's a sheet coming home that should tell your child his/her HW for the next few days in regards to vocab)
*if your child forgets the vocab sheet, look to the right side tab for this week's words! :)

Have a great night!

Friday

We've made it through Testing Week!

I'm sure the kids are *almost* as excited as I am to get back to our regular schedule next Monday!

We had a great day reviewing multiples through a game called "Buzz", playing "Go Plurals" and "Hink Pink Think" while reviewing some grammar items.

The kids also enjoyed their Holiday Party and Movie. Thank you SO much to those of you who were able to send in items and come to enjoy lunch with your child today. I know they appreciated it too!

Have a wonderful weekend,

Thursday

Good Afternoon!
Today we completed our MAP testing!! For now anyways. :)  Students did well on the Reading test.  If students did not get finished they will tomorrow morning! I hope to have all their new scores and Lexile scores to you by next Wednesday. I will be including a guide to how to read the scores since I won't be meeting with everyone for a conference on these scores.

Word Study: Here's a neat website I found to help with word study! Of course, playing Scrabble together as a family will help just as much! :) http://www.hasbro.com/scrabble/en_US/scrabbleGame.cfm  I will also add this to the "Fun Learning Games" tab to the right.

We worked a lot on grammar today as well.  Students used the laptops to help with editing and grammar.  Starting next week, we will be doing more grammar in our writing class than in our reading classes.

*Students brought in a few PG movies for tomorrow.  Students PROMISED they asked you (parents) if it was OK to bring in and made sure it used no cuss words.  However, I still must get a written consent from every parent to show the movie - Hotel for Dogs.Please sign your entire name (no initials please).  If you know this movie is not appropriate, please let me know and I have a fun back-up movie that is G to show! :)  Also, if you just don't think the movie needs to be shown here please let me know!! I usually view movies first but don't think I'll be able to have time tonight!! Thanks!
Hope you can join us for lunch in the classroom tomorrow!

Have a great night,

Wednesday

Good Afternoon!
Wednesday Folders will be coming home today!

FYI:
-All Parents are invited to eat lunch with us in the Classroom on Friday (10:55-11:20)
-Please be aware three make up days for snow have already been scheduled.
They are:
• Friday, February 11
• Friday, March 4
• Friday, May 27
-Valentine's Day Parties are scheduled for Feb. 11 at 1:30
-Report Cards will come home next Wednesday. I am catching up on putting in the rest of the grades I have from our snow week! Please be patient; I am not getting a planning period this week due to MAP testing! :)
-Do you have old books at your house that no one reads? We'd love to have them donated to our Classroom Library! The kids are reading maniacs and I'm running out of new titles for them to read!!

Today we took our last Learning Check - Science. Yay! The kids did really well on the ORQs so far!

We also took our MAP math test this afternoon.  Most of the students MADE or WENT OVER their 50% goals!! WOW! Let me tell you....this test is SO difficult!! Some of the questions on the test are much harder than things we are learning in Elementary school!!
Click HERE to find out a little more about the MAP test or look under the tab to the right titled "FAQ".

Students also wrote what they think life will be like in 2027! Their predictions were pretty interesting!! They will be hanging in the hallway for everyone to view soon!

HW: read 20 minutes and fill out reading log

Tuesday

We had a long day of testing!! :)  Followed by an extra 5 minutes of recess outside!

We took our Reading and Math District Learning Checks today.  Whenever those are graded and checked by Central Office I will send them home for you to see.

Tomorrow we begin our MAP testing.

Because of 5th graders taking their MAP test today we did not have our regular specials class.  The students stayed with me for that hour and played Math and Reading internet games on the laptops.

*Please refer to the blog post from yesterday below in regards to our Holiday Party.  If any parents would like to come for lunch on Friday we would love to have you! We will be eating in the classroom. :)

HW:
Read 20 minutes and fill out Book Log
Science Fair paper due tomorrow... SCIENCE FAIR IS NEXT THURSDAY!!! Project is due next WEDNESDAY!

Have a great night,

Welcome 2011!

Welcome back to a new semester!! :)
Hope you all had a great break with your kiddos! It was nice seeing them today and hearing about the fun things they've been up to!

*FYI:
*New book logs are coming home today. They DO NOT have their Lexile # listed since we are about to take our MAP test again and they will receive new ones. When they do, I will send the range home to you.
*MAP testing is this week. All 3-5th graders will have a block of time to take the Reading and Math test with me. Therefore I will miss a few planning periods this week so please be patient with me on getting back to emails quickly!
*Our MAP test times: Wed and Thur. Students have already set their goals for these tests.
*Holiday Parties--Mrs. Sharp has changed our original plan, so I will get with the homeroom parent and let you know what's going on
*Learning Checks from FCPS will be given this week. Therefore NO switching classes and NO new content will be taught this week.
*We will resume our normal schedule Monday
*Mon, Jan. 10 students have their Music Test that was to be in December

Math:
Today we reviewed skills from chapters 1-4. WOW! We really need to work on rounding and multiplication!! :)  We also worked on word form, expanded form, and division.

Reading:
Students had DEAR time while we worked on our individual MAP goals.  Students know exactly where they need to be for the tests!

Science: We were finishing up Earth-Sun Systems during the crazy snow week, so we reviewed this concept with our Science Court activity. I was excited what all the students remembered!
Have a great night!
~Mrs. Burton