Wed.

PJ Day tomorrow!!

Party - 1:30-2:15!

Tuesday!

2 More Days until the Break!! :)

FYI:
*Tomorrow is wear your favorite Christmas/Holiday outfit! I'm hoping to see some CUTE dressed up kiddos tomorrow!!
*Thursday is PJ Day! And Party day!! Hope to see you all there - 1:30
*Happy Feet (the movie) is rated PG.  It says for rude behavior.  We are only allowed to watch G rated movies unless we have parental consent.  So, we have a note in the planners. Please sign if you are comfortable with us watching this movie.  If you are not, no big deal! Just do not sign or send me in a note.  I will have another option! :) If you'd like to read about the movie, click HERE from CommonSenseMedia.org webpage.  

Literacy Letter's were due today.  Kids have notes in planners if they didn't turn them in today. PLEASE get them to me tomorrow!

No Vocab. this week.  We will start fresh when we get back from the break.

Science LO: I can explain uses for fossil fuels.  I can explain what renewable sources of energy are.
Activity:  Students looked at several different renewable energy sources through an interactive site on the Smartboard.  Then, each student in a group had a different article to read about Hydro Energy, Wind Energy, Fossil Fuels, and Solar Energy.  After they read their articles, the students had to explain to their group about the energy power they read about/its uses/etc.  I ended up finding out a lot of kids didn't know about the Hoover Dam. So, with a few clicks I found a great video from National Archives to play for the kids about the making of Hoover Dam.  I learned so many new things, too. The kids loved it and all took wonderful notes!
No HW

SS:  We ended up talking a lot about the Hoover Dam and how it really helped transform our country with it's irrigation system and all the man-power it took to build the Dam.
No HW

Reading LO: I can explain specific parts that help me understand scientific texts.
Activity: We read about the Gold Rush of 1949.  Students used this article to find specific facts and understand the how and why of the importance of this text.
No HW

Writing LO: I can use progressive verbs in my writing.
We began to read Snowflake Bentley.  We are not finished, but we will be tying in our connections with this story to our own lives and then using a progressive verbs to help us write about the connection we have to Mr. Bentley.
No HW

Math LO: I can analyze patterns.
Activity: Students worked on geometric patterns.  We did some with shapes and some with logic questions.  Then students created their own tessellation patterns.
No HW

RtI Math
Cars & Stars

Monday!

Glad to see almost all my kids here today! :) Hoping to make it a great week! :)

FYI:
*Literacy Letters DUE TOMORROW
*Winter Party at 1:30 on THURSDAY
*No School on Friday
*Movies! We need Lunch Bunch movies! If you have any G rated movies and you can let your child bring them in for a short period that would be great! We are also in need of a movie for Thursday.  Something wintery but not with Christmas or Santa in the movie.  Any ideas?! Happy Feet??

**Please let me know if your child will not be here on Thursday so they can still get their gift from me!!!

Science LO: I can identify uses for fossil fuels. 
Activity: We learned about fossil fuels and how they are natural resources.  Along with this, we talked about our environment and how to conserve energy.  Students watched a couple cool Brain Pop videos with this.  Then as small groups, students started designing our new school as an energy efficient school.  The ideas the kids were coming up with were great! Excited for them to present tomorrow!
No HW

Reading LO: I can identify important statements in scientific texts.
Activity: Students read from a scientific text on different types of earth materials we use in every day life.  Then we dissected how to really understand all the information a scientific text gives us.
No Vocab. this week
HW: literacy letter

Writing LO: I can use research to help in my writing.
Activity: Students continued to look up information about our Secretary of State.  We will eventually be writing her a persuasive letter to actually persuade her to come and speak with out 4th grade! Hope it happens!
No HW

No SS today

Math LO: I can analyze patterns found in the real world.
Activity: Students worked on word problem patterns today and found how it can actually be useful to know how to analyze patterns!  Students did a great job. 
*We also reviewed some of our geometry terms from Calendar Math by making a Snowman Geometric picture.  They are coming home today for you to see.
No HW
*Challenge Group - quiz over 5th grade Algebra on Wed.

RtI Reading
New Cars and Stars groups

Friday!

Whoops! We did not write in our planners today! SORRY! We went from one thing to another ALL DAY LONG!! :)

Here's a look into our day...

First, we completed math groups -
Analyzing Patterns
Analyzing Input/Output Table Functions
Double digit division
Multiplication Fluency
calculator numeracy

Then we took our vocab. tests.  I hope to have those in the gradebook next Tuesday!

Next, we read out of the year in review issue of Time for Kids.  There were some really cool things...but the neatest thing was our UK Basketball team was in the issue!

We then created 1st grade reading level books for our 1st grade book buddies.  We helped them read the book and let them decorate it.

We had our CARS and Stars reading groups and finished up our last day of the current skill. 

In the afternoon, we had Health with Mrs. Embry, Recess, and our KPrep Awards ceremony from Mr. Brehm on last year's scores.

Have a good weekend! 4 more days until family time!!

Thursday

FYI:
*We are still collecting:
items for Refuge Clinic
$$ for Wed.'s play

Literacy Block:

Science LO: I can explain helpful uses for earth materials in our world today.
Activity: We tied in learning about how Daniel Boone's use of flint with our 3 properties of classifying rocks.  We also used a few Kagan Strategies and were very good with cooperative group work.  Students brainstormed several uses for different earth materials and then we read about diamonds. 
No HW

SS LO: I can explain the need for political parties.
Activity: Students learned more about how our statehood came about. We learned today about the Democratic Party and the Whigs party.  We learned all about the different laws and rules people were angry about.  Students then watched a cool historic video on the old capitol in Frankfort and how/why our state's capitol is there.
No HW

We also began learning about one state representative.  We did some research about Allison Lundergran Grimes.  Students will eventually be writing her a letter persuading her to come to our school! I hope she does!

Writing LO: I can use progressive verbs in my writing.
Activity: Students worked in Rally Coach groups to complete progressive verbs.  We will be taking a quiz over this tomorrow.
HW: complete the packet from today if not in class

Reading LO: I can make connections with what I see and read.
Activity: Students worked more on connections with text to text, text to self, text to world, and text to media.
No HW

Math LO: I can analyze patterns.
Activity: Students worked on number patterns, symbol patterns, and more.  Students created their own as well and then answered each others!
HW: 2 problems on a sheet
Challenge Group: Analyzed patterns within a word problem.
HW: 2 problems in their workbooks

RtI Math
Cars & Stars Groups

Have a good night,

Wednesday

FYI:
*Wed. Folders are coming home tomorrow. Sorry!
*Ms. Wilham's last day was today! We wished her well!!

HW today:
write vocab words (spelling) on the back of the vocab. packet

Have a good night,

Tuesday

Quick Post - Faculty Meeting Day!

*FYI:
Field Trip $$ due tomorrow!
Still collecting items for our community service project

LO's & HW

SS: I can explain early life on the frontier.
NO HW

Science: I can explain uses for earth materials.
NO HW

Reading: I can make connections when I read.
HW: Vocab - write sentences on back of vocab. packet

Writing: I can use verb tenses correctly.
NO HW

Math: I can explain algebraic equations.
No HW

Our Morning time and Math time was SUPER fun this morning! Ask your child what all we did!!! :)
~ Mrs. Burton

"This morning I learned and ton and everything was awesome!" - Annika

Monday

FYI:
Science Fair paper due Wednesday
Multiplication Bee on FRIDAY
KPrep Awards on FRIDAY
*New Units began today!!

Literacy Block:

Science LO: I can describe ad classify properties of earth materials.
Activity: Today we participated in a rock classifying activity. Students were experts at knowing how to find different properties of rocks.  Ask your child the 3 ways to classify properties of earth materials!! (color, luster, hardness)
No HW

Reading LO: I can make connections when I read.
Activity: Students watched a video of the story Thank you, Mr. Falker, being read.  Students then made connections that we had previously talked about.  We made a human web out of these things and realized how much more engaged we can become when we are reading and making these connections.  Ask your child to tell you the 4 ways to make connections (text-text, text-self, text-world, text-media).
No HW
*Literacy Letters due NEXT Wed.

Writing LO: I can identify and use verb tenses in my writing.
Activity: We tried a new Kagan learning technique today.  We used Rally Coach where students had a partner and one partner did a problem while the other was coaching them on, and vice versa. It really seemed to work well and students did a great job with this!  We used different verb tenses - past, present, future.  I did seem to have a few still confused on this (hoping this would have been a review skill) based on the Daily Dog assessment, so we will continue doing more lessons on this skill.
No HW

Math:
*Math tests from Ms. Wilham have been graded.  She has passed back a few tests with xtra credit work attached to help bring up their grade.
Our new mini unit before the break is to analyze patterns and more algebraic expressions standards.
LO: I can create a rule for algebraic patterns.
Activity: Today we worked on input/output patterns and boxes.  Students tried out a few on the smartboard first.  Then we each created out own boxes without telling the rule.  We used Rally Coach again and worked with different partners to find out their rules.  Students did a great job.
HW - practice sheet - circled questions are the ones they complete
Challenge Group: I can analyze patterns.  Students worked out of the 5th grade Algebra standards.  They are similar to what the students learned last week, but more complex.  These students will take their Algebraic Thinking test next week - Wed.
HW: none, they finished in class


*Cars and Stars - new groups, ask your child what skill they are working on this week!
*RtI Reading

Friday!

FYI:
*Literacy Letters due DEC. 18th!
*We are still collecting items for our class community project for December
*Our Class Party is on Dec. 20th from 1:30-2:20.  There will be a letter going home about this soon. I'd love to have everyone attend if you can! The More the Merrier!! :)
*See you all at the GSE Bazaar tomorrow! We are going to be there from around 9-10!!


We had a great Review Friday! Your kids need extra play time after the amount of assessments we had to do!! :)  This was definitely our assessment week with ending our Literacy Block unit.  We will begin new Science, SS, and Writing/Reading standards next week!

**The assessments look weird!! :) We are beginning to model them like the new state test will be - KPrep.  There is an answer booklet and a test booklet for Science!!

*Science Fossils Assessment: Students were given their tests back today. Overall, I was SO impressed with the scores!! I told the students if they wanted to earn extra points for the questions they missed, they can make it up and re-do those questions.  It is due to me on MONDAY.

*Reading Assessment: Whew! This one was tricky! There were only 2 multiple choice questions and they were very 'involved' questions! There was also an Extended Response.  Those are graded, and entered, so I will be passing those out today as well.  Students have a note on the bottom of their test if they need to FIX their test. It is DUE BACK on Monday.  If you aren't sure if your child should re-do his/her test, you can check Infinite Campus.  The grades are posted under TRLI4.6.  Anyone who scores a low B or below should be expected to correct their test.

*Writing Assessment: We didn't finish this!!! The writing standards were tested inside of reading texts! So, there was a lot of reading and we did not have time in our day to finish! Whoops! We will finish up on Monday.

*Math Test:  Ms. Wilham concluded her unit on Algebraic Thinking and gave students their tests.  These will be given back on Monday.

Today we did not get to have Math Groups :( so do not be looking for a slip to sign this weekend!
We did participate in our last CARS & STARS groups for this week.  Next week students will rotate to another group/teacher and review another reading skill. 

Students also met with their Reading RtI teacher for a quick assessment for data.  If your child is in MY RtI Reading group, you will receive a little informal note about their performance.  If your child returns this with a signature they can eat in the room on Monday.

We finally got to complete our Thanksgiving Community Service project today! WOW. The kids were really putting so much thought and effort into decorating the flip flops with love and care.  We talked all about how fortunate we are and how we really need to remember that this time of year! Maybe, just maybe, you won't hear "I want that, I need that" too much this weekend! hehe :)  I will be delivering the flip flops to the appropriate people at Southland Christian Church who will be going to Haiti over the Holiday Break.  With giving these flip flops, children will get to attend school.  Students cannot attend school unless they are wearing shoes! So crazy for us to talk about in here, but so proud of the conversations that occurred during it.

cute little baby ones!!!!!

Lastly, we participated in helping our 1st grade Book Buddies reading and taking AR tests.

Have a great weekend!! ~ Mrs. Burton

Literacy Letter Help!

Literacy Letter Help!
Dear Student,
Here is a guide to help you make your literacy letter better and get the best grade possible while learning the most! Use this template as a guide for the next letter.

Dear Mrs. Burton,

1^st Paragraph:
book title
main characters
what is going on in the chapter(s) you are reading

2^nd Paragraph:
choose something we’ve talked about in class and relate it to your book -
point of view, main idea, 1^st hand/2^nd hand account, inferencing, etc.

3^rd Paragraph:
Predict what will happen next in the story.  Give me 1 or 2 details about why you think it’s going to happen.

End your letter with:
Your Friend,
your name

*Of course, you need to show me that you can use SPELLING, PUNCUATION, SENTENCE STRUCTURE well, too!! :) :) :)

Wednesday

FYI:
*Change for Change boxes are coming home today!!! We want to win!!!
*Dec. Community Service project sheet is coming home in the Wed. folder
*We will do our Flip Flop service project on Friday
*In School Field Trip permission form is coming home today

Literacy Letter's were due today! Students who brought it got a surprise reward - lunch in the room!
The next Literacy Letter is due Dec. 18th.  Some students will be getting an organizer to help with the quality of their letter.  I will give those by Friday.

Literacy Block:
SS: I can describe a conflict or compromise early KY settlers had.
Activity: Students and I read and discussed a text.  We found several different conflicts and compromises.  Students then answered an Extended Response.  We used our language standards as well in this answer.  This will be graded as a test.
No HW

Reading:  I can compare 1st and 3rd POV in texts.  Today we worked on several different reading texts - short and long.  Students compared and found key words for picking out the correct POV.
No HW - we will be testing over this on Friday

Science:  I can describe fossils and how they help explain our environment today.
Activity: We worked on a study guide for our test tomorrow.  Students were soo good! I know they are going to rock the test! We also watched a review clip of fossils and played a jeopardy game with fossils.
HW: study with the study guide for test tomorrow

Math:  I can create and explain a multiplicative comparison problem. (Ms. Wilham)
Activity:  Students created their own multiplicative comparisons in small groups.  They not only created a problem, they also had to create a visual for how to answer these word problems.  Then students taught their peers about how to answer the problem.  Lastly, students played a game with multiplicative comparisons.
HW: students will be testing on this on Friday

*Cars & Stars
*RtI Reading
*PLEASE be asking your child where he/she lands on for the behavior chart! I do not have this week's print out yet!

Tuesday

FYI:
*Literacy Letter's due TOMORROW
*Reading Test & Math Test on Friday
*SS Extended Response on Wed.
*Science Fossils test on Thursday
*Jan. Book Club letters were sent home yesterday. Your child needs to return those to me to participate if they want.  When they return, they will get the book choice list.  Students will circle the book of their choice and then I need another signature of the student and parent. Thanks!
Literacy Block:
Science: We did not have science today
SS: I can explain conflict and compromise during early KY settlements.
Activity: We did several things this morning with SS.  First, we brainstormed some ways we've seen both in our reading and learning.  Then we read about Daniel Boone's capture and students worked in cooperative groups to determine different questions on conflict and compromise.  Next, we watched a video about early KY settlers and students broke up into 4 different groups and researched more on education, resources, children, and clothing.  Students did a great job presenting their findings to the class.
HW: come students did not finish the questions - they need to finish for HW

Reading: I can determine the POV of a text.
Activity: Today we went over as a class the sample test they were given yesterday.  We re-worked some problems the students were having.
No HW

Math:  I can solve multiplicative comparison problems.
Activity:
HW - finish Multiplication Fun sheet for Ms. Wilham


*RtI Math
*Cars and Stars Reading Groups

Monday!

FYI:
*new vocab this week, test will be Dec. 14th
*literacy letter due WEDNESDAY
*Book Club letters are coming home today - please sign and return if your child wants to participate
*I am back to teaching! Ms. Wilham will conclude her math unit this week.

This morning was a bit crazy! We had our school wide spelling bee! Malak represented our classroom wonderfully and stayed in the fight through 11 tough rounds! In the end, a super spelling in 3rd grade won!  This took up much of our morning - an hour and a half to be exact! So, we did not get science or SS in today and just a little bit of reading!  Don't worry, we will catch up this week!

We also did not have RtI time due to our Chorus Concert! GREAT JOB to Ryleigh and Hannah.  They perform tonight at 6:30, too! :)

We are also coming to a close on our unit.  This was the first unit in which we made the changes to our schedule and the way we were teaching. I can't say enough of how much I have valued this process.  I think the students are learning so much more in ways I didn't even know possible! We will have our tests this week (see below) and begin our next unit on Monday.

SS Test - Wednesday (extended responses, no study guide)
Fossils Test - Thursday (study guide will be provided)
Reading/Language Test - Friday (students have their 'new unit vocab.' sheet to look/practice from)

HW for tonight:
Vocab. - finish section A unless finished in class
Reading Packet - finish unless finished in class
Math - finish exit slip if not in class

Friday

Happy Friday!

We had a wonderful day today!

Math: *In their planners, students should have their Math Center strip from today. If they bring it back in on Monday with a parent signature, they will receive extra credit in math.*
LO:
       I can identify different multiplication properties.
       I can solve mixed computations.
       I can solve division problems that have a remainder.
       I can identify the rule when given two numbers.
       I can identify the patterns in a number sequence.
Activity: Today we did Math Learning Centers. There were five different centers, each working on a different skill. Students had seven minutes at each center.

Reading:
LO: I can draw conclusion and answer comprehensive questions from the text.
Activity: Students read individually or with a partner from their TIME for Kids magazine. We then discussed the main article, Four More Years, then students wrote some challenges they think President Obama may face in the next four years as President.

Science:
LO: I can recreate the possible environment from a time period on the geologic time scale, using inferences about that time period from the types of organisms that were alive.
Activity: Students were given a time period from the Geologic Time Scale randomly. After reading about that time period and studying the pictures, students made inferences about what the invironment may have been like during that period, and illustrated their time period on construction paper.

Writing:
LO: I can explain why I chose to illustrate the environment from my assigned time period the way I did, using full sentences and content language.
Activity: Time period activity described above.

We had a very busy day. In health, students learned about the heart, arteries and veins, and learned how to find their pulse. In guidance, students talked about recognizing emotions. We finished the day with book buddies.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! I cannot wait to see all of their bright, smiling faces back here Monday morning!

Ms. Wilham

Thursday

Happy Thursday! Today has been a good day. I am so excited for one more day of learning before weekend!

Just a reminder, we will have our vocab quiz tomorrow. The only homework from today is to study.

Science:
LO: I can make inferences about different fossils, and use my background knowledge of fossils to help read a geologic time map.
Activity: We started out with a fossil activity. Each student received a back with a mock fossil in it. In their science journals, students wrote a description of their fossil and made inferences about what type of organism it may have been from, where it might have lived, etc. Students had an opportunity to share their fossil with their neighbors, and their inferences with the class.
We then watched a short video about geologic time, and how you can tell the relative age of a fossil from what rock layer it was in. After the video, we read the geologic time scale/map and students answered comprehension questions with partners.

Reading:
LO: I can explain the differences between points of view.
Activity: We started this lesson by reviewing points of view. I read three different paragraphs and students identified what point of view each paragraph was, explaining how they know. Students then read, round-robin, in their groups from Coretta Scott King, and students answered comprehension questions, comparing and contrasting this reading to My Brother Martin, which we read yesterday.

Writing:
LO: I can identify how commas can change the meaning of a sentence.
Activity: We went through a short paragraph with some humorous sentences that show how using commas can make a big difference in the meaning, even when the sentences have all the same words.

Math:
LO: I can ideantify and explain different multiplication properties.
Activity: We started this lesson with a video that explains the identity, associative, and commutative properties of multiplication. We then did a quick activity with notecards, where students were given a problem and had to identify with their group which property the problem represented. We worked through a hand out together, then students worked independently on an exit slip. We ended the class with an online computer activity as a review.

I have had a wonderful time teaching your children and am so excited about these next couple of weeks! Have a wonderful Thursday evening!

-Ms. Wilham

Wednesday

FYI:
*Wednesday Folders
*Students who are participating in Book Club - there is a note with a transportation change form attached. please return tomorrow!

Ms. Wilham was back today so she will be teaching Wed-Fri of this week.

Literacy Block:
SS LO's: I can make inferences about what life as an early Kentucky settler was like.
Activity: Reviewed what they learned while doing their Fort Boonesborough Web Quest, then read from their Social Studies Kentucky book, about the life of an early settler in Kentucky and discussed. Students then wrote a journal entry from the point of view of an early Kentucky Settler.


Reading LO's: I can compare different points of view.
Activity: We discussed the point of view their text book was written in and how it was different from the journal entries they would be writing. We also discussed whose point of view the story, My Brother Martin, was written in, and why this first person even though Martin Luther King was not the one that wrote it.

Writing LO's: I can write, using complete and correct sentences, from the point of view of an early Kentucky settler.
Activity: Students wrote journal entries from the point of view of an early Kentucky settler, talking about their day.


Math:
LO:I can identify different multiplication properties.
Activity: We did whole group discussion, and worked problems out together. Students then worked in pairs, creating their own problems that fit each of the four multiplication properties we went over. We finished with a handout that students worked on with their neighbors, then went over as a class.




RtI Reading today
Cars & Stars today
No science today :)

Tuesday

**Ms. Wilham was out again today, so I taught the kids! I loved having them all to myself! haha :)

Literacy Block LO's:
SS: I can explain early daily life of KY settlers.
Activity: We completed the Webquest today. WOW, I mean, WOW! The kids were SO good during this.  They really enjoyed the Ft. Boonesborough website.  It really is a neat one! Kids also worked very well together.  On everyone's personal "Partner Grading Scale" almost all the kids scored each other perfect.  Is that a feat or what?! :)  We also tied in our SS with our writing today...
No HW

Writing: I can use proper sentence structure to create a Dear Diary journal entry.
Activity:  Through using the website, students read, watched videos, and looked through pictures about all kinds of jobs and daily living early KY settlers did.  Students used their imaginations along with their creative writing skills and created a journal entry as if they were an early KY settler living in the time.  They used their editing skills wisely today and most of the kids only needed 1 revision before writing on our 'old' paper!
No HW

Reading: I can compare 1st and 3rd point of views and relate those to 1st and 2nd hand accounts. 
Activity:  We used a few different text to help find key vocab. words for us to spot when we detect a 1st POV or 3rd POV.  The kids did great and I helped a lot and then a little towards the end.  They were wonderful!
No HW
VOCAB - spell words tonight!!

We did not have science today.

Math: I can correctly complete a multiplicative comparison.
Activity:  Today we worked on a Smartboard lesson with multiplicative comparisons.  Students were AMAZING with this! We did several word problems with drawings and I was impressed.  Students also created one of their own.
No HW

*RtI Math today
*CARS & STARS reading groups

Monday! {and last week!}

Hi Everyone! I hope you enjoyed your time with your families!!!! I am SO thankful to work with your children every day.  They bring true joy to me.  I'd love to spend time with my daughter, but knowing I get 23 wonderful school 'children' is almost just as good! ;)

I was unexpectedly absent on Tuesday of last week. So sorry for not writing a post! On Monday we found that Harper had a high temp that turned into one we could not get to go down! Of course as new parents, we totally freaked out!! :)  She ended up with a 103 temp with the stomach virus and her first ear infection. Whew! I can figure out students...but this baby thing is something! hehe
Today I was so happy to see your kiddos!

So, we did not get to do our Thanksgiving Community Service project. But we WILL complete this next week! The kids are looking forward to it as much as me! I appreciate those of you who were able to send in flip flops for us to use! The Mission Trip is not going until Holiday break, so we will have plenty of time!!

**This Week** is Ms. Wilham's Solo Week where she will be teaching all day every day. HOWEVER, she was absent today...so I got to have the kids all to myself! :) They were very patient as I created our rigorous learning lessons today!!

Literacy Block LO's:
Science: I can explain a fossil's environment.
Activity: We looked at 2 different fossils and explained what we could tell and not tell about the fossil and it's living environment.
No HW
SS: I can explain early KY settler's daily life.
Activity: We used a website of Ft. Boonesborough and students started on a Webquest. The site is so neat and let's you try out different jobs!
No HW

Reading: I can identify different points of view in a text.
Activity: We used a comic to create different points of view in 1st and 3rd.  Then we had a chance to read a few fictional passages and pick out key words and details to help us tell if it was written in 1st or 3rd point of view.
HW: complete the last page in POV packet
Writing: I can create a correct sentence using subject-verb agreement.
Activity:  Today we watched a really neat robot video on Brain Pop.  Students then tried their hand at some sentences and non-sentences in their Writer's Notebook.  Lastly, we took a mini quiz over this skill.
No HW

Math:  I can complete problems based on number operations standards.
*The kids were to begin their new unit on Algebraic Thinking; however, since Ms. Wilham was not here, we used this time to work more on some of our spiral review skills.  Students did a nice job and I was happy to see we used this time to focus on some of the skills we haven't revisited since early Aug./Sept.!
No HW

*RtI Reading Groups Today
*CARS & STARS Reading Comp. groups today
**Your slip of paper telling you what your child is focusing on WILL be in the Wed. folders this week! PROMISE!! :) :)

Monday

FYI:
*Literacy Letters due tomorrow
*Flip Flops Activity tomorrow - bring ribbons and foam stickers

Literacy Block:
Science LO: I can infer an environment by looking at the found fossils.
Activity: We created 4 layers of sediment and had partners write about that they found using evidence based terms.
SS LO: I can explain what early KY settlers found when they came to KY.  I can explain conflict with the early KY settlers.
Activity: We read about different settlement patterns and used our speaking and listening standards to create a really good discussion!  Students also read different parts of the settlement pattern and answered some tough comprehension questions - as I explained to the kids, no more seek-and-find answers in intermediate!! :)  Students did a nice job explaining and discussing as a whole class.
Writing LO: I can create correct sentences using effective punctuation. I can take notes by listening to non fiction oral reading.
Activity: We wrote a lot about our inferences and opinions today with SS and Science.

HW: vocab. - write sentences with words

Math:
Today we took our Math test.  Some kids will finish tomorrow.
No HW

RtI Reading today
Morning Work: science inferencing questions
No CARS groups today

Thursday

FYI:
*Flip Flops! We need those on Tuesday, please! :) Neat idea!!
*Vocab. - since next week is NOT a full week, we will test on the words the following Friday
*Literacy Letter - due next TUESDAY
*Science Fair: IT IS MANDATORY for ALL 4th graders to participate.  Please let me know if you need another packet

Ms. Wilham taught the Literacy Block this morning.
Reading LO: I can identify 1st and 2nd hand accounts in non-fiction
Science LO: I can draw conclusions about fossils about what they ate, their age, what type of environment they lived in
SS LO: I can explain why explorers would want to settle in KY
Activities: Students read a real account of Dinosaur Sue and then a story about finding the first T-Rex.  Students discussed in small groups.  Students then read about early KY settlers and what types of fossils the settlers might have found.  Next, we read about Jemima Boone in a 1st and 2nd hand account re-telling and completed a character sketch.
Language: I can write complete sentences using homonyms correctly.
Vocab: Students worked on writing sentences and making notecards.

No HW

Math:
LO: I can explain and determine the outcomes for multiplication and division problems.
Activity: Today we worked in small teacher led groups or in pairs on mult. and div. facts and on our 2nd study guide for our TEST on MONDAY.
HW: study for the test on Monday!

RtI: Math Groups today
Morning Work: Cursive Letters
Prefix: Pre-

Wednesday

FYI:
*I lied. :) SORRY! I said I would have the new interventions with teachers ready for the Wednesday folders....but I don't! However, it's not totally my fault! haha  We are still waiting on a few of the pre-test assessments to get completed before we can create the groups.  I PROMISE to send home before Thanksgiving!!!
*Our Class President received a PERSONALIZED letter from the Governor of KY today! WOWZA! Are you as impressed as I am?  A very sweet little birdy was speaking with him and bragged on our election unit...Apparently Mr. Beshear was impressed and wanted to wish Ben "Good Luck"!!
*Class President - he has sent a letter home to you all today about a community service project our class would like to do for Thanksgiving!

Science:
LO: I can describe the environment in which a fossil was found.
Activity: We were the jury again Science Court! It's such a neat program! Ask your child about it!
HW: none

Literacy:
LO: I can explain 1st and 2nd hand accounts using evidence based terms.
Activity: Loved today! We moved all the desks out of the way and created a little carpeted learning space with us and the glow of the smartboard! :)  We practiced with the story, Encounter (1st hand), and a 2nd hand account of Christopher Columbus.  The kids also worked on their speaking and listening standards during this lesson, too! We then practiced with writing answers using our evidence based terms on other pieces of writings.
HW: 2 stories - kids have 3 questions to answer for each story and they MUST use their evidence based terms to answer the questions - we are growing SMARTIES in here!!! :)

LO: I can create complete sentences with homonyms.
Activity: We created sentences with subjects and predicates using our homonym words correctly!
HW: none

Math:
LO: I can explain using words multiplication and division word problems.
Activity: We used base ten blocks to answer word problems.
(same for Challenge group)
HW: None - for some kids they need to complete a "Fix-It" sheet after today's Entrance Slip.  The kids have a sheet of extra problems to practice and were able to practice with a teacher one on one today.
**Math Test on MONDAY!**

Morning Skill:
Learning Cursive
Prefix: Sub, Re

Tuesday

Quick Post:

Science:
L.O.: I can identify different types of fossils.

Reading:
L.O.: I can identify and describe a first hand account and a second hand account.
Writing:
L.O.: I can identify and use correctly frequently confused words (homonyms).

Math:
L.O.: I can multiply double digits and divide with 3 digits.
HW: complete study guide if not in class

*We began learning letter formation for Cursive today as well. 
*Students attended their first RtI Math groups this afternoon.

Monday

Our new schedule began today and it was AWESOME! The morning time went so smoothly.  The kids were engaged the entire time and I really felt like I was able to better teach them without things/people moving in and out!! The kids loved it, too!

FYI:
*Chik-Fil-A night is Thursday
Science:
I can use many sources to draw conclusions of fossils.
Activity: Today we used our science journals to make a chart with pictures of fossils and made observations about fossils.  We also watched an informational youtube video and made notes - it was very cool, the kids were detectives for finding fossils! 
HW: none

Literacy:
I can identify a first hand and second hand account.
Activity:  Students worked on different stories and comic strips to help see the 2 differences.  Then I was an actress for some of the time (haha) and they wrote accounts of what I was doing! So funny!  The paper we did in class will be coming home in their red take home folders.
HW: none
Vocab.: this was completed in class
I can identify and begin using correctly frequently used words - homonyms.
Activity:  Students practiced with "Mrs. B's Pet Peeves" words and then we used a smartboard activity to practice whole class.  Next, the students had manipulatives to put together for homonym words and then tell the meaning of each word.
HW: none

We did not have SS content today.

Math:
I can determine and answer real world problems using multiplication and division.
Activity:  Students used their desk tops with Expo markers to investigate a collection of numbers and how to make word problems and receive the correct answers.  Students also worked whole class to complete these.
HW: 1 division word problem - #5 on worksheet
Challenge Group: I can determine the answer to a double digit division problem.  I can create double digit division word problems.
Activity:  Students first took a quiz over this skill.
HW: 1 division word problem - #5 on worksheet

**CARS group and RtI/Enrichment Group: In the Wed. folder, you will receive a piece of paper telling you what skill your child is working on and who their teacher is for this time! **

Friday!

FYI:
*New schedule begins on Monday!
*PAC kids were out most of the day today! We missed them!

We had another great Review Friday! Below are our I Can statements:

Reading/Writing:
I can respond using critical thinking and evidence based terms to informational texts.
Activity: We used our Time For Kids magazines and post-it notes to respond to 4 different questions.  It was great and all of the answers were VERY well thought out.
NO HW
I can create a play from a prose including characteristics specific to plays.
Activity: Some of the kids were able to perform today and they did great! Some students are finishing up typing their plays.  There will be a scoring rubric but I am hoping to get the plays out in the hallway.
No HW

Math:
I can practice my multiplication facts to memorization.
Activity: Students played Knock It Off using facts 2-12.
No HW

Science:
Health with Mrs. Embry
SS:
Guidance with Mrs. Moses
Book Buddies:
I can help my 1st grader read with better fluency while teaching them decoding strategies through 1st grade texts.
*Class Meeting*
We had a WONDERFUL class meeting today! Our new president, Ben, helped me run the meeting.  He had 4 specific goals he'd like to include in our class routine, so today we worked on making those happen.
1-Class Jobs: the class made up jobs together and we are excited for those to start today!
2-Community Service Project: There will be a letter going home early next week about our Thanksgiving Community Service project.
3-Newsletter every 2 Weeks: Ben will choose 4 people to write a student newsletter every 2 weeks.  They will then post to the blog and we will print for the Wed. folders.
4-Keeping the Room Cleaner: We will have Spy's (part of class jobs but they are secret) who will nominate kids who are going out of their way to help keep the room free of pencils on the floor, misplaced paper, pencil shavings, etc.
Aren't these wonderful goals! I was very impressed as the kids were, too! :)
We also discussed the new schedule that will start on Monday and the kids seemed to be excited about it.  I was glad!!

Have a wonderful weekend and Go CATS! :)

Thursday

****I need the Conference Sheets back that were sent home in the Wednesday Folders!! PLEASE! If you do not have it, I would love to have the conference packet back to copy the top page and I will re-send your packet home.  THANK YOU!****

FYI:
Vocab Tests tomorrow
New Schedule begins on Monday
Reading:
Today we worked more on determining the theme of a play, poem, or prose.  We were able to discuss more about characteristics and find the similarities and differences.
Students also played the game, Headbands, with their vocab. flashcards they made last night.
HW: STUDY for the vocab. tests

Writing:
Students began finishing their prose-to-play activities! They are sounding wonderful and I'm very impressed! We are hoping to finish those tomorrow and be able to present our plays!
No HW

Math:
Today we worked more on single digit division. Students worked with either me in a small group or worked in pairs, or with Ms. Wilham.
Challenge Group: double digit division
*Challenge group will have a quiz over double digit division tomorrow
HW: 2 problems on paper, please sign

SS:
Students took their SS Government test today.
No HW

Have a good night,
Mrs. Burton

Wednesday

FYI:
*Wednesday Folders today
*Kids received NEW GSE shirts today from the PTA! Yay! We are wearing them on Friday! :)

*Reading and Writing time were cut short today due to the Real Science Program in the gym.*

Reading:
We completed a pre-test for reading small groups next week.  Students also worked on their prefixes.
HW: make flashcards for vocab. words...kids were encouraged to bring home index cards to do so

Writing:
Students worked more on their prose to plays activity in their pairs.  I think they are sounding great!
No HW

Math:
We worked a LOT on division!! Students were split into 4 groups based on what they needed to focus on for division practice.
Challenge Group: "teacher dice" game with double digit divisors
HW: ALL - individualized 4 problems, please sign

SS:
Today we completed the second part of our review study guide for the government test TOMORROW.  Please go over the questions with your child tonight! :)
HW: study with the review guides

Monday!

Good afternoon!!

FYI:
*Election Day tomorrow - no school
*Our Class President - Ben!! :)
*Literacy Letter is DUE WEDNESDAY
*Science Fair Contract is DUE WEDNESDAY

Reading:
Today in reading we worked on long passages to describe the setting and character traits.  We worked mostly on this together modeling and what the best answers should include.  Students also worked on their vocabulary and we read from our class read-aloud, Hoot.
HW:
Vocab: FSK group: page 3, WW group: Section 3, SAT group: no HW
*Literacy Letters DUE Wednesday

Writing:
Today we reviewed our genre traits on prose and plays.  Students are taking a prose and turning it into a play.  Not an easy task!!! They are working very hard on these and hopefully they will be complete Friday.
No HW

Math:
Students worked on dividing up to 3 dividends in class.  There are a few students who are still having trouble with this rotation! Please watch them tonight for their HW! 
Challenge Group- students worked on word problems with double digit divisors.
HW: page with 2 different problems, please watch and sign

SS:
Students participated in their Town Hall Debate.  We had a moderator and several very well thought out questions! Then students voted anonymously.  Our class winner was Ben! Mrs. Maldonado's SS class winner was Sydney! Congrats to all who participated!!
No HW
**Extra Credit: IF your child votes with you, please have them place the sticker that says "I Voted!" in their Tuesday planner for xtra credit! IF your child can't vote with you but you explain the process of going with them and they watch the news...you can place your sticker in their planner or just mark a little note! Thanks! :)

Monday!

BRRR!
FYI:
*Please fill out and return ASAP the Early Release forms coming home today!
*Please return the Book Club permission forms by Thursday!
*We are still collecting cans this week! We WON last week as the school Hunger Hero!! We want to win both weeks!! :)
*In need of some items for Wed. if you can help - Borax Powder, green food coloring, silver glitter
*Class Spelling Bee is THIS Friday!

This week Ms. Wilham will be at another school observing and we have a student teacher from Veteran's Park here observing - Ms. Young.  She's already said several nice things about our classroom and what our kids are learning in comparison! Woo Hoo! :)

Reading:
Today we worked on characteristics of plays and poetry.  The kids played a fun 'room' game where they had to decide which characteristic went with which genre.  They did great! We also got into smaller groups and read a prose and play and decided on the similarities and differences!  Lastly, we received and worked on new vocab and read in our Lit. Groups.
No HW

Writing:
We worked on figurative language more and learned about puns.  The kids thought these were hilarious! Students wrote their own puns, too!
No HW

Math:
Challenge Group: students worked on order of operations review and worked on division
Reg. Group: students worked on different levels of division.  Some students are still having a hard time with this and THAT IS OKAY! Division can be tough! But we will keep working on this skill! Some students were ready to move on to 3 and 4 digit division with a single divisor! yay!
HW: individualized HW for each student

SS:
Today we talked about local government.  Students participated in a fun activity where they had to decide if certain names and things were local, state, or federal government.  It was a big eye opener for the kids!! We will work on this more tomorrow!
No HW

**All the 4th Grade Teachers will be out tomorrow! We will be working on creating more units that are TOUGH :) for our kiddos and reaching their highest potential while teaching them! I will have Mrs. Yeary for my sub.  If you have any transportation issues, please send that to the office! Thanks!  There will also not be a blog post tomorrow! Please refer to your child's planner!

Thursday

Good Afternoon! It was SO good to be back in front of the classroom today! I've missed them! We had a wonderful day together and the kids were just great! :)

*FYI:
*I'm starting a Book Club!! :) There is a letter in the kid's folder about it! Let me know if you have any questions.
*Food Cans - bring them in! We've collected so many!!
Reading:
Today we focused on play characteristics.  We read a play together as a whole class and really worked on each portion and each characteristic.  Then we answered questions about the play, again, going through each answer and deciding why it was wrong or right.  Next, the kids worked in small groups on a poetry/play quiz. They did soo well!! I was very impressed with their knowledge of the characteristics and terms. This stuff is tough! :)  Lastly, we worked in our Lit. Groups and worked on fluency and expression of words.
No HW

Writing:
Today we worked mainly on the different figurative language terms we've been learning in the poetry/play unit.  The kids know these terms but this time we took them out of their reading context to really tell what each word meant.  We also did a sticker game with different figurative language. It was so fun! Ask your child about what they had on their sticker!!
No HW

Math:
Part of the class worked more on double digit multiplication.  Some kids worked more on this with Ms. Wilham in a small group.  The other group of kids who passed their quiz worked on division with me.  Division is very difficult for new learners but the kids are really working hard and they are sticking with it with lots of positive praise!! We will continue both these skills next week.
Challenge Group: Using a calculator to correctly solve equations
HW: students have one of 3 pieces of HW:
1 - a multiplication problem
2- 2 division problems
3- workbook page with calculator usage

SS:
We discussed what would make a good class president.  Presidential hopefuls wrote me a persuasive letter.  I will be choosing the students to become our presidential candidates.  The rest of the students worked on their Town Hall Debate questions. 
No HW

Happy Wednesday!

I hope you are all having a wonderful week! It has been such a fun experience, teaching your students during the last week!

This week in reading, we worked on problem and solution in our plays, and how they relate to the plot, as well as theme. Today, students performed their plays for their classmates. They did a fabulous job!!!

In writing this week, we have been working more on poetry. Monday, we worked on using strong verbs in place of weaker ones to really aid in our imagery while writing poems. Today we did a review of different literary devices we have learned about in the last couple of weeks. For students who did not finish this review, it is homework.

In math, we are now working on division. This week, we have been working through problems using the regrouping method. Students received a handout with five problems in class today. Those problems are due to me tomorrow for those who did not finish in class.

Adv. Group- This group has been working on multiplication and division word problems, both solving and writing their own. This has helped them to think more critically about the wording of a problem, as well as choosing the most helpful method to use in solving these problems.

In social studies we have been learning about polls, surveys, and the importance of voting. Today we conducted our own elections, giving students a chance to vote for the candidate they would like to become President.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to teach you students! This past couple of weeks of teaching every day has been so much fun and I have learned a ton! I am looking forward to another couple of months teaching and working with your child!

=)  Ms. Wilham

Fri/Monday

Hi Parents! I was out on Friday and will be out on Monday as well.  I've been stuck in bed the entire time with the stomach flu. :( Man, I sure pray none of the kids get this! yuck.  I am hoping to return on Tuesday.  I think Mrs. Yeary will be my substitute and Ms. Wilham (student teacher) will continue her solo week teaching days Monday and Wednesday.

If we had a conference scheduled Monday, your child will be calling you to let you know it's been cancelled. I'm sorry as I know most of you plan off work for these.  I did not bring home my schedule so, again, the kids will be calling in the morning.

Thanks,

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!

This has been a wonderful week, full of learning for both your students and myself. Be sure to check for glow bracelets today. All student who were on outstanding each day this week received a glow bracelet for being a bright student. For those who did not get one today, there is still hope! Students who did not receive one today, but reach outstanding on Monday and Wednesday (We will be on a field trip on Tuesday) will be able to get a glow bracelet Wednesday afternoon.

We started out our morning with Math Centers. Students worked on geometric skills, multiplication skills, using a calculator, and finding the factors of numbers at the different centers. We also read some current event articles, learning about a new Mammoth discovery, underwater sculptures being made to offer new habitats for marine life, and air in a can. Students were very engaged in these articles, and had many questions.

As a science review, students created food webs or food chains, identifying the primary energy source, producers, consumers, and decomposers on their papers. We ended the day with guidance, where they performed short skits for their peers, showing how to correctly deal with different bully situations, and book buddies.

Overall, it was a wonderful day. I can't wait to see all of their smiling faces back here on Monday.

Have a wonderful week!
Ms. Wilham

Thursday

FYI:
*We are collecting cans!!!!!!!
*Chik-Fil-A PTA night!!!! TONIGHT! (I won't make it this time :( )

Happy Thursday! Be sure to ask if your student got a bracelet today. Students who got to Outstanding on the behavior chart received a bracelet. Each student who has been on Outstanding all week will receive a special bracelet tomorrow.

Please remind students that their vocabulary quiz is tomorrow. Also, if you get a chance, tonight is spirit night at Chick-Fil-A. Hope to see you there!

Reading- To practice vocab, students played headbands today with notecards they prepared yesterday during class. In reading today, we learned about plot, and how to make a story-plot map using their plays. Yesterday, using these same plays, students learned about setting and sets in plays, identifying the setting of their play and designing a set for it.

Writing- Yesterday in writing, students used sensory details to write a poem about the season they had drawn on Tuesday. Today, we learned about Alliteration, as well as assonance, and wrote three verses in their writer's notebooks using alliteration.

Math- We introduced regrouping in division today, as well as took a quick multiplication facts assessment to see what facts students still need to work on. We will be working more on division in the next couple of weeks, as well as retouching on multiplication of two digit numbers for students who need a little more practice.

Challenge group- They practiced multiplication and division, identifying the steps as they solved the problems, as well as any strategies they used to help them.

Social Studies- To help get to know our Presidential candidates a little more, the last couple of days we have been comparing Barack Obama to Mitt Romney, learning about some of their views.

Tuesday!

Hope you all had a fabulous Fall break!!!!

Ms. Wilham began her Solo Week this week.  She will be teaching all day until next Wed.

FYI:
*Hunger Hero's:

Let’s be hunger heroes at Garden Springs by getting started with our annual Thanksgiving food drive!

October 18^th-November 2nd
Beginning Thursday, October 18^th-Friday, November 2^nd, please bring in cans of food or boxed food to donate to help with our Thanksgiving food drive “Kids Helping Kids” here at Garden Springs. All food donations go to God’s Pantry!

Types of food to donate…

Instant Mashed Potatoes                                                Dressing Mix

Gravy Mix                                                                     Corn Muffin Mix

Dessert                                                                         Canned Yams

Cranberry Sauce                                                            Canned Fruit

Macaroni and Cheese                                                    Canned Vegetables

(or any other appropriate canned or boxed food item!)
**For every multiple of 3 items (3, 6, 9, etc.) a child brings in gets them a lunch date in the classroom with a friend!!!!

*Parent Meeting Tonight at 6:00 about SCIENCE FAIR
*Field Trip Permission Slips need to be turned in THIS week!! Is anyone available to come along? If so, please email me and let me know!!
*I need some help with making activities! If you are able to help at home please email me and I will send supplies and directions home with your child! Thank you!

***********************************************************
Ms. Wilham -

Reading: Today we began our unit on plays. Today's focus was on character. Students learned about the different types of characters they might encounter in a play, such as main characters, secondary characters, and background characters, and also learned what character traits are. We have four different small groups, each reading a different play this week. Students did a wonderful job reading their scripts today, acting out their roles and using great examples of voice while reading their lines.

Vocab: Students played Vocab Battleship or made notecards to practice memorizing their words. Their homework is listed under Monday on the vocab slip Mrs. Burton handed out last week with their assignments. The wordly wise group is to complete section C for homework. The antonyms group is to complete pg. 3 for homework. The SAT group does not have any vocabulary homework tonight.

Writing: Today in writing we learned about sensory details in poetry, and practiced using them, describing the different seasons using each of the five senses. Tomorrow, students will use their work from today to write a poem on the season they chose, using sensory details in their poem.


Math: Today we continued working on multiplication of double digit numbers. Students had time to practice as a whole group, individually, in pairs, and with me in smaller groups. For homework, they are to work through three problems they have circled on their handout, showing each step.

Challenge Group- This group finished their packets from last week, then did a math journal explaining why zeroes take place value in double digit multiplication problems.

SS: Today in Social Studies, we learned about the two main political parties and little bit of background on each. Students filled in a graphic organizer comparing and contrasting the Democratic and Republican parties, then wrote which party they think they may fall under, after reading about the two of them, and why they think this.

I had such a wonderful day teaching your children and cannot wait for the rest of the week, as well as the rest of the semester! Thank you so much for the opportunity to work with and learn from your child this fall! Have a wonderful evening!

 

Thursday (Fake Friday!)

FYI:
*Science Fair Parent Meeting - Tuesday at 6:00 in cafeteria
*No school Friday or Monday

Reading:
We continued with - I can write a prose explaining a poem.  WOW! This poem was SO difficult! But, the kids kept up and did a wonderful job! The kids worked in small groups and each had a teacher leading the group. 
Students also worked on their vocab. words with a logographic cue card
NO HW! Enjoy family time at home!!

Writing:
Students finished up working on their I Am poems (self portrait) using similes and metaphors correctly.  They are looking really good!
No HW! Enjoy family time at home!!

Math:
Challenge Group: students continued to work on multiplication and division rules, NO HW
Students worked on double digit multiplication. We need lots of work on this! :) So, we will be continuing it this next week as well! **Ask your child to show you the chant I showed them to remember! :)**
No HW! Enjoy family time at home!!

This afternoon we took a break from science/ss and worked on spelling bee words and multiplication.  Students held a practice Spelling Bee.  Our class winners were Malak and Lukas! :)
Students got to use their "Pop-A-Tops" today for multiplication.  Ask your child if he/she got to have a 'pop' or not!! :)  They should be studying these at home nightly! - they are the bottle caps

Have a wonderful few days off from school and reading the blog! :) My little family is off to try out the Zoo and just spend some time together with our new 1 year old!!! :)
Mrs. Burton

Wednesday

FYI:
*Wednesday Folders
*Please turn in Field Trip Permission Forms! We need 2 volunteers, please!
*Science Fair Parent Meeting this TUESDAY in the cafeteria - 6:00
*No School for Fall Break: Friday/Monday
*Spelling Bee information coming home TODAY in Wed. Folders!!!

Reading:
I can use structural elements in a poem and write a prose for reluctant readers.
We used the poem "Casey at the Bat".  We began doing a prose all together and the students had wonderful examples!
We also worked on our individualized vocab. groups.  We did not get to Lit. groups today!
HW: complete Casey At The Bat if not in class, complete vocab. assignment (check the tab that says vocab. for their weekly assignments)

Writing:
Ms. Wilham worked with the kids on more figurative language found in poetry.  Students worked on creating their own poems using imagery and personification. 
HW: complete poem if not in class

Math:
We did not have math time due to  our Technology Time today.  During TT we completed a Poetry WebQuest on Figurative Language.
No HW

SS:
Students created a new law to pass and then made the steps a bill takes to become a law in a game board fashion.
No HW

Tuesday

FYI:
*Please turn in the Field Trip Permission Slips for Oct. 23rd! I'd love to have 2 volunteers come along! You will be responsible for driving yourself to the trip as well as be in charge of a group of 5 students.  Please email me if you'd like to attend with us!


Solo day for Ms. Wilham-

HW: none

Monday

FYI:
*No School Friday/Monday for Fall Break
*Conferences will begin this week - may take longer to get back to you on emails since conferences will be during planning period
*Literacy Letter's due TOMORROW!

Showing HW only today:

Reading:
New vocab. packets were given today - some have HW to finished first page

Math:
individualized HW based on today's practice work

Have a good night,
Mrs. Burton

Review Friday!

What a fun day!

This morning we started out with an activity for a review science activity.  Students read an article on the life cycle of a pumpkin and then they had to create the life cycle in pictures and explain using the science terms the life cycle! Once they were finished, they received a baby pumpkin to actually re-plant the pumpkin seed in the pumpkin to grow! Here are some pictures from our activity:

Thanks to the sweet parents who tackled the pumpkin carving with me today!!!!!

Next, we read 3 current events articles and wrote responses for our Twitter board.  We read about the presidential debate, a new kid's movie coming out, and the Chicago Teacher's Strike.

We also took our vocab. tests today.  Grades should be posted next week!  *If you can't access Infinite Campus, please contact me to get you a password!

Students worked in small math groups as well.  They were not the centers we usually do on Fridays, but they were more on what the child has missed over the week or something they need more practice in.  Students were working on a variety of skills including multiplication, division, rounding, multiples, factors, and addition/subtraction.

Next students learned about the harmful uses of tobacco during health today with Mrs. Embry!

Lastly, we enjoyed our PAW party/Chik-Fil-A reward party this afternoon! It was great and we are now well on our way to another party with 35 PAWS!

FYI:
Literacy Letters due TUESDAY
Fall Break is NEXT Friday/Monday!!
As if our room could be any more Arctic.... Mr. Brehm announced our heating/cooling system will be out next week...so PLEASE dress your kids in snow suits!! :) Or just warm clothes! Thanks!

Thursday

FYI:
*Our Chik Fil A/PAW party is tomorrow! If you can, we'd love some drinks for the kids! Also - PJ day for the kids!
*Anyone able to help cut pumpkins tomorrow morning around 8:15??? Please email me if so!

Reading:
We continued working on poems.  Students found that poetry has a setting, theme, and sometimes a problem/solution.  Students worked on some really fun poems and a few difficult poems, too! They did a great job remembering and using their poetry characteristics terms while talking about the poems.  Students also had 20 minutes of word study with their vocab. words - test tomorrow!  Lastly, kids worked on lit. circle readings while I pulled fluency and comprehension checks.
HW: study for vocab. test tomorrow!!!

Writing:
Ms. Wilham continued with similes and added metaphors.  Kids made similes to model after themselves! They were really cute.  Students will be assessed on this Monday.
No HW

Math:
Today we worked more on 4 digit multiplication and adding in the 'why's' to the multiplication order.  Students rotated between meeting with me, Ms. Wilham, and working on a game called Roll & Multiply! You can play with your child if you have a dice at home!! Ask your kid! 
Challenge group: we worked a little more on order of operations and then we worked on estimating answers with multiplication
HW: leveled multiplication sheets
Challenge group - no HW

SS:
Students worked on finding the differences/similarities on the senate and house of representatives through reading an article and making a venn diagram with a small group.
No HW

Have a good night!!

Wednesday

FYI:
*A MAP envelope is coming home to you today. It is from Ms. Downs.  I will be going over the MAP information at our upcoming conferences.  If by chance your child did not bring back home the slip with your time on it, please email you and I will let you know!
*I need help! :) I would love 2 volunteers on Friday around 8:15 for maybe 30 minutes to help cut open small pumpkins for the kids! I obviously do not want them using the knife, but I want the kids to see the process since it will be in a science learning activity! Just email me if you are available!
*We'd love drinks for our PAW party for this coming Friday! Thanks!

PTA Wellness Walk-A-Thon!

Today was great! The kids and I had a wonderful time through all the stations! Thank you all!! It was very informational and fun!  We completed this from 12-2 today! So, no SS or science.

****************
Morning:
Our morning time was routine like normal.

Reading:
We continued with our new unit on poetry.  The kids are really loving this as am I.  They are remembering so well! We discussed different characteristics of poems today and practiced some of the terms on different poems.  Students also worked on their reading response journals from Lit. Groups.  I needed to model what I was expecting for answers in those journals to make sure everyone was giving their best.  Hopefully it helped! Vocab. groups also worked on sentences using the words correctly.
HW: vocab-
SAT: spelling the words
Ant.: writing words in sentences
WW: writing words in sentences

Writing:
Ms. Wilham taught today on similes.  Students learned why the use of those are important to poetry and they even tried their hand at writing a few in a poem form.
No HW

Math:
We began working on multiplication.  Students uses manipulatives to show how multiplication can be shown in groups, arrays, and in word form.  I was actually surprised at how many students were unable to do this task - so we spent more time on it than anticipating.  We also worked with products and finding the factors.  Lastly, students worked on 4 digit x 1 digit multiplication.
Challenge Group: Students worked on Order of Operations.  They also took their quiz on this.  If your child did not score perfectly, we went over it this afternoon and I let he/she correct it.
HW:  2 problems with thousands place multiplication, challenge group- 5th grade place value HW in workbook

We finished the afternoon writing in our writer's notebooks about what it means to be healthy.  Kids had SO many ways to include after the centers were over!

Have a wonderful night!

FYI:

From the PTA about our Fitness Day TOMORROW!

The on-line donation form is "live". Head on over to http://gardenspringspta.wordpress.com/garden-springs-into-health-walk-fundraiser/ to make a donation in support of your kiddos for the 1st (we hope annual) Garden "Springs" into Health Fundraiser.
We have only raised $1390- our goal is $18,000. Help make this the only fundraiser for GSE PTA this year. We heard your voice loud and clear that you didn't want your kids to sell stuff so please donate now. Show your school pride and wear a GSE t-shirt or red, white and blue Weds. for Garden "Springs" into Health Fundraiser.

Kids Need to Wear Tomorrow: tennis shoes, GSE shirt or red/white/or blue shirt, bring a towel to eat on, pack lunch

**HW:
Vocab - kids have what they need written in their planners!

**If you are able to send in mini cokes or 2-liters for the Chik Fil A/PAW party on Friday that would be great!! Thanks!!!!!

 

 

Friday!

FYI:
*Please get those conference forms to me on Monday so I can start scheduling them!
*We have pumpkins! Thanks Mrs. Andrews! - We are going to be doing a learning activity/craft with these on Friday.  I'd love a few volunteers to help cut the mini pumpkins! It would be around 8:10 on FRIDAY. Just let me know if you can help!
*PTA Fitness Day is next WEDNESDAY! More to come!! It is going to be GREAT!
*PTA - please join if you haven't!! I have!! They do so much!
*I will NOT be here on Monday.  I will have Mrs. Yeary as my sub, so there won't be a blog post.  My sweet baby turns 1 on Saturday!!! So I will be taking her to get her shots and check up on Monday!

Ms. Wilham had her second Solo Teaching day today and it went great! I was able to get in grades to IC while she taught! Thank you!

Here's what the kids worked on for Review Friday:

Math Centers:
Students rotated between centers that worked on - factors and multiples, long addition and subtraction, and multiplication.  Some students have grades in IC for the recent math test.  Others do not because they will be pulled this upcoming week to go over some missed concepts and have a chance to re-do parts of the test.

Reading- Current Events/Twitter Reading Response:
Students read 4 different articles on science related material, current events, and interesting ideas in their leveled small groups.  Then they responded to specific questions on our classroom twitter board.

Multiplication Folders:
Students created a fun mult. folder that should help with memorizing their facts! Take a look at it tonight!

Guidance with Mrs. Moses:
Today students learned more about bullying.  After the unit we did on this and Mrs. Moses' classes, we should have the nicest kids around!!! ;)

Book Buddies with our 1st graders!  Kids did a great job!

Reading Test:
We decided to work on this test as a whole class (some were in a small group) to make sure we all understood and had the same expectations.  The class all did well with helping and participating in creating an answer with our inference and details quiz.

Thursday

FYI:
We won the Chik Fil A party! yay! We will get to have a party with chicken trays on Oct. 5th!

Reading:
We worked on some hard texts today! We used our standards to answer questions in small groups on large paper! Check out the pics!


Students also worked in their lit. groups today and worked on inferencing and using details to support inferences.
Vocab HW:
SAT: write sentences with coordinating pictures
WW: complete D
Ant.: none :)

Writing:
We completed our complete sentences with subject and predicates.  Students worked on using these sentences by writing compliments on hallway work from other students.  We had all but 6 sticky's get to stay up because they were correct!
No HW

Math:
We completed our math test.
No HW

Science:
Students completed The Lorax environment unit.

SS:
We will be back to regular SS next week!

Wednesday

FYI:
*No Wed. folders today, will have them for you tomorrow! Sorry!
*Will NOT be able to accept picture money after today!
*PLEASE turn in the conference forms!

Reading:
We continued working on drawing conclusions using our inferences from non fiction text and fiction text.  Students worked well with this and their leveled assignments.  We also worked on vocabulary in small groups.  Lastly, we worked on decoding unknown words during our lit. groups.
HW: complete vocab. sheet

Writing:
For writing we played a review activity on our desks with expos for subject and predicate.  Students did well with this. We also took a quick quiz.
No HW

Math:
Students played a review game on items from the test they will be taking tomorrow.  The challenge group worked on their review guide.
HW: study for test!

Science:
Students explained why human interactions can be harmful to the environment.
No HW

Tuesday

FYI:
Picture Money is DUE TOMORROW! We cannot take late orders - so please get it in tomorrow!
Please have your child turn in the conference form! They received these on Friday. If you need another one please email me!
Anyone know where small pumpkins are? I haven't seen them out but need them for a project next Friday!

Reading:
Today in reading we continued working on drawing conclusions from inferencing with non fiction.  Students were placed in tiered groups to work on their reading levels with this skill.  We also took time out for our word study vocab. words and practiced using them in a sentence.  Lastly, we read in our Lit. groups and worked on fluency and expressions while decoding unknown words.
NO HW for KY Kids Day!

Writing:
Today we did a KY Kids Day activity where we did a few prompts and then worked on our new welcoming mat for our classroom. 
NO HW for KY Kids Day!

Math:
Students worked on completing their study guide for the test on Thursday.  Then they practiced for the test by doing sample questions in small groups.  The Challenge group worked on order of operations with larger digit numbers.
NO HW for KY Kids Day!

No SS this week. Mrs. Maldonado needs extra time to get in a unit using the movie, The Lorax. We will catch up next week!

Science:
Students participated in activities to learn about deforestation and why it is harmful to the environment.
No HW for KY Kids Day!

Have a great night,
Mrs. Burton

Friday!

FYI:
Literacy Letter Date:Oct. 9th
Tuesday is KY Kids Day and PJ Day!
Conference Forms were sent home today! Please fill out and have your child return on Monday!

Review Friday:

Math Groups: Students did a great job rotating to different centers with an adult at each. They worked on a variety of concepts. Please see your child's math slip for more information!

Vocab.: Students took their vocab. tests today. New words will be coming home next week and we will have a few switches of kids in groups.

Reading Centers: Students worked on context clues and multiple meaning words in small leveled groups. They did a great job!

Twitter Responses: We read our 4 current events articles and did reading responses on our Twitter board. They will be up until next Friday! Come check them out!

Health: Students had health today with Mrs. Embry. it is every other Friday.

Class Meeting:  Today for our class meeting we actually talked about our new student coming next week! She speaks no English so we discussed ways we could help her make new friends, feel comfortable, and how we can help her learn each day.  Students helped me label items in our classroom with words.  The students were very kind in their words today so I know our class will help her with the new transition.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday!

FYI:
*Chik Fil A Chow Night is TONIGHT!! Please come to support our school! We get money from this!! Also...the class with the most participants gets a FREE class party! Woo! We want to win!!! :)
*Vocab. tests are TOMORROW!
*Picture money is due Sept. 26th!

Reading:
We used inferencing to help us draw conclusions in informational texts.  We worked in small groups to do so and used leveled texts.  Students also worked on fluency and expression during lit. circles.  Lastly, we spent time in our word study groups on vocab. words.
HW: vocab. test TOMORROW!

Writing:
We continued to review subject and predicates of a sentence.  We also worked on knowing the difference of their, they're, and there and practicing with sentences.  The students ended writing letters to Ms. Wilham displaying the correct uses of the words.
No HW

Math:
Today we spent time on word problems involving factors and multiples.  Students know each but are getting a little mixed up on deciding which answer the question is wanting.  Students worked in small groups with 3 adults and got to play a multiples game after answering 3 questions correctly.
No HW

SS:
Today we completed our "If I Were the President" poems and activities.  They looked so cute! This was a great segway into our upcoming unit on Government! You can view your child's work in our hallway!
No HW

See ya at Chik Fil A TONIGHT! 5-7 Turfland Mall location

Wednesday

FYI:
*Tuesday Sept. 25^th is KY Kids’ Day - kids get to wear their PJ's to school!!
*Literacy Letters were DUE TODAY! If your child did not turn one in I have written it in the planner. They are due tomorrow for partial credit.  This is a 100% assignment for the Reading grade.  The NEXT Literacy Letter is DUE Oct. 9th.

WOO! Congrats to:
Katie
Ben
Lukas
Sarayah
for saying the Preamble that they MEMORIZED! great job!

We had a practice Lockdown today. The kids did a wonderful job! I was really impressed!!

Today Ms. Wilham taught all day as her "Solo Day". She did a great job with the kids! I'll let her write to you what they learned today and any HW the students have...

Reading:
Today we made inferences with fiction texts.  Students worked in leveled pairs to solve mysteries using clues.  For vocab. today students worked in groups finding the right word/sentence and then creating more sentences for their words.  We did not have Lit. cirlces due to the Lockdown!
No HW

Writing:
Today we introduced subjects and predicates.  Students worked in small groups/pairs on an activity where they determined the subject and predicate of sentences.
No HW

Math:
For Math today students worked with Factors and Multiples in centers.  Students worked in groups to complete the task at each center.  Students worked on the same idea but had different tasks/numbers to complete based on their abilities.
No HW

S.S.:
We learned about the role of the president.  Students created banners to help explain how a citizen becomes president and a little about their jobs.  Students read an informational article to find the major ideas of the president's description.
No HW