Monday-Tuesday

Short Week!

FYI -
Holiday Party is TUESDAY at 1:15-2:15.  Please come if you can, we'd love to have you here.  If you can help bring anything, please contact Mrs. Cruz at thecruzesrock@gmail.com
Students are also allowed to wear PJ's and bring a Santa hat (they begged??!!). If anyone has The Polar Express DVD, could you bring it in for the morning? Thank you!

Students should be reading over the break! It's a long one and I don't want them to regress too much!! :) Car time? Reading Christmas books? Have a family reading game night?!



**********************************************************************
Students will take a Factors and Multiples Mini-Quiz tomorrow. They've been working on this for the past 2 weeks and have been doing the study guide all week last week.  The test will have about 10 questions.

Science Fair Student Questionnaire is due TOMORROW.

Thursday

HW -

Math: #2 and #3 on worksheet (same from yesterday)
Reading: Weekly packet due TOMORROW
Science: MAY need to finish Solar Energy paper

*Shark Tank project due on MONDAY

Wednesday

FYI:
*Wed. folders coming home today
*Make sure to look in RED folder for Holiday Party note
**MAP Reading test - TOMORROW.  Please remind your kids to do a good job and get a great night's sleep tonight!


HW:
Math - one problem on the sheet - Orlando problem
Reading - weekly packet due Friday
Science - Shark Tank project, due Monday

Tuesday

FYI:
Holiday Party sheet is coming home TODAY in the Red Take Home Folder
Science Data, Results, & Conclusion sheet is due tomorrow

HW:
Reading Packet - due Friday
Math - Mixed Bag sheet (I think 4 questions in all)
Science - work on Shark Tank Ultimate Insulator for Monday

Monday

FYI:
*Christmas Party is NEXT Tuesday at 1:15pm. All Parents welcome! There will be a letter in the Wed. folders about items.
*Reading Packet this week instead of Literacy Letter

Learning Outcomes for the Week:
Math: I can determine patterns with factors and multiples.  I can determine GCM, LCM, GCF, LCF of numbers.
Literacy: I can interpret information orally and explain how it helps me understand the text.  I can draft my procedural text using content specific words. I can determine author's purpose in a text.
Science: I can identify light and how it travels.
SS: I can compare the KY Regions according to land use and natural resources using an iPad.

HW for TONIGHT:
*begin working on reading packet
*1 math sheet - parents please look over it and sign it
*Science Fair Data, Results, & Conclusion due WEDNESDAY
(boards can be bought at WalMart)
*Shark Tank - this is for Science. It is due on Monday. Your child will have a sheet in their red folder explaining this.

Weekend Events

*All FCPS Weekend events have been cancelled for Fayette County tonight and this weekend.

Have a safe weekend!

Wed

Wed Folders are coming home today! Thanks Mrs. Coleman!!

HW:
Reading Packet - due Friday
Math: What are 2 multiples of 26? Write in planner, have parent sign
Reading: finish Twister reading and questions on back

**Permission Slip for Anansi the Spider is due!! The play will be Monday.

Monday

Welcome Back! Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

FYI:
*NO Science Fair papers are due this week
*NO Literacy Letters this week - instead I have created a reading review on your child's individual learning level. This packet is due FRIDAY
**MAP MATH testing is this week! We usually don't take Winter MAP until January, but because of the primary move to their side of the building, we need to go ahead and begin testing.  I have started the goal setting for the kids this AM and will get the rest of their goals set tomorrow. PLEASE help your child do his/her best by providing a healthy breakfast Thursday morning and making sure they turn OFF electronics and get some good rest the night before!! :)

Learning Outcomes for the Week:
Math: I can find factor pairs for whole numbers 1-100.
Literacy: I can explain events in scientific and technical texts using specific details from the text.  I can write my own procedural text.  I can read with good accuracy.
Sight & Suffix Words - yes, clear, equation, yet, government, -dom, -phone
Science: I can identify types of heat and how heat travels.
SS: I can explain resources that are important for KY.

HW for TONIGHT:
* begin on reading packet
*math card to find factors of 25

***Christmas Party is DEC. 17th at 1:15. PLEASE contact me if you'd like to help and I will direct you to the parents who are helping to plan!***

December Orchestra Schedule

Tuesday, December 3  Burton, Yingling

Wednesday, December 4 Jordan, Layton

Tuesday, December 10 Jordan Layton

Thursday, December 12 Burton, Yingling

Monday, December 16 Jordan, Layton

Tuesday, December 17 Burton, Yingling

 

Please let your kids know. I have a calendar, but not everyone got it.

Cindy

 

Cindy Higgins

Beaumont

Garden Springs

Meadowthorpe

Orchestra Director

Monday

Math:
We took a pre-test for our new unit on multiples and factors.  We also played a game on different computation methods.

Reading:
We read about JFK's assassination.  Students read an article and worked on cause and effect as well as used the iPads and Freedom Flix to read more about it.

Writing:
Students used signal words and trial-and-error research for their procedural texts.

SS:
Students presented their culminating project on a choice region from the US.


Looking Ahead-
Tomorrow students will present their RtI projects and we will get to watch Mr. Popper's Penguins.  We will also have a quick KPrep Awards Ceremony for 4th and 5th grade students who scored Proficient and Distinguished on the KPrep last Spring.

Thursday

HW:
*Work on Math Study Guide (re-work problems) and practice multiplication problems and division problems (make up with numbers/use cards/use dice, etc.) for TEST TOMORROW
*Literacy Letter Journal
(parents, please read notes I make to then help your child get better at writing their letters!)

FYI:
We WILL be watching Mr. Popper's Penguins on Tuesday! Yay! Don't worry, we WILL be doing lots of work still on Tuesday! (I'm not that fun to have a 'free for all' day. HAHA)  Does anyone own the movie? I have found it on rent off Amazon.com just in case!

I have not received my PTA Homeroom Parent.  Would anyone like to volunteer? If not, would a group of parents like to 'be in charge' for our holiday parties?  Or, I can organize things if I could get some help with sending notes to parents, etc.  Please let me know if you'd like to help! THANK YOU!

Miss McKinney had a Solo Teaching day to get more prepared for her upcoming solo week. Please ask your child what behavior color they landed on (it should be written in planner, too!).

Wednesday

FYI:
No Wed. Folders Today - they will come home tomorrow!

HW:
Math - explain problem #1 to parent, have parent sign
**If parent does not have time to do this, please write a note and the child can explain to me in the AM

Reading - read 20 minutes, tell parents about the Sit-Ins and Ruby Bridges


**New Reading Learning Outcome for rest of week:
I can explain events and ideas in a historical text drawing on specific details.

Tuesday

HW
Science Study Guide - complete and have a parent sign AFTER they have gone over it with you
Read 20 minutes

Science Fair Experimental Design due TOMORROW

Mr. Popper's Penguins Permission Slip - please have back by tomorrow


Have a good night,

Monday

FYI:
There is a Permission Slip for a movie in the Red Folder...please sign either way by Wednesday!
Cashbook Fundraiser is coming home today - there is a slip that explains it.
Experimental Design for Science Fair is due Wednesday

Upcoming Tests:
Reading - Tues.
Math - Fri.
Science - Wed.

Learning Outcome:
Math: I can solve multi-step problems using a strategy with multiplication and division.
Literacy: I can determine plot, theme, character, setting, and summarize fiction texts. (We will begin a new unit with comprehension on Wednesday)
I can explain what a procedural text is.
Science: I can determine fast and slow changes.
SS: I can compare resources with the US Regions.

HW for Tonight:
 *SOME kids have a math slip with multiplication problems - it is written in their planner
Reading Study Guide packet - if you go over the answers with your child, please sign so they can receive extra credit.
Science Packet on Weathering & Erosion

Marathon Day 1 & 2

hi! I will not be blogging today or tomorrow.  I'm sorry for any inconvenience it will cause.

We have our next 2 days of Kagan Training from 3-6:30.  So, I will not be around my computer after school to answer emails, either. If we get breaks I will check my work email on my phone.  I know many of you email after the kids have gotten home so I apologize I won't be able to get back with you until about 7. 

I do get here at 6am each morning, so if I haven't emailed you back the night before, I will do so in the morning.

Thanks for understanding! :)

Tuesday

*I apologize for not writing the blog yesterday. I was out with my daughter!

So, today I will have a full Monday note!

FYI:
Science Fair Project Proposal is due WEDNESDAY
Needed items for Tuesday: oreos, colored marshmellows, toothpicks, m&m's, napkins   Please let me know if you're able to send any in!

FYI:
Upcoming Tests - NEXT WEEK
Tuesday - Reading
Wednesday - Science
Friday - SS assessment project

Learning Outcomes for the Week:
Math: I can solve multi-step word problems using trial and error, draw a picture, or make an organized list
Literacy:  I can distinguish between key details and irrelevant details.  I can summarize fiction texts.  I can read with good rate. I can write a complete sentence using subject and predicate.  I can use quotation marks in my writing.  I can use frequently confused words in my writing (too, to, two, there, their, they're, your, you're)
Science: I can explain fast changes to the earth's surface.
SS: I can compare resources from different regions of the US.

Wednesday

FYI:
*Wednesday Folders
*Wednesday Newsletters from kids in Red Folder
*we need packets of hot chocolate, please! We are having a classroom crawl to publish our pieces...similar to a coffee pub :)

HW:
Math Journal - kids have 1 of 2 things to complete -
1. explain MJ prompt to adult and how to answer the word problem
or
2. complete the MJ prompt

Read 20 minutes

Check out our You Tube site today for Erosion and Weathering chants! :)

Tuesday

*Whoops I forgot to write yesterday!!

FYI:
SCIENCE FAIR CONTRACT DUE WEDNESDAY (TOMORROW)
Friday - we are publishing on Friday with a fun activity! If you can send in some hot chocolate packets for our kids that would be great!!

Learning Objectives:
Math: I can solve multi-step problems using a strategy - make an organized list.
Literacy: I can determine between key details and irrelevant details. I can summarize a fiction text.
Science: I can explain why erosion is a slow change.
SS: I can explain the climate difference between US regions.

HW tonight:
2 problems on division in math ( in planner)
read 20 minutes
science fair contract -- just writing down what you've decided on

Book Character Day Pictures!

The kids did such a great job with Mix-Pair-Share and their book summaries!! :) Here are a few pics from our Book Character Summary activity!! :)

*the rest of the day was the same - this just took place of Fluency time and part of Writing! :)

**Trick Or Treating has been moved to tomorrow!!! (FYI)

Mix Pair Share -

Thursday

TOMORROW - kids can dress up like their Book Character for Book Character Day

HW:
Math - some kids have HW on an index card if they didn't pass the exit slip in math today
Reading - finish book character summary page  *NO Lit. Letter

Tuesday

Quick Post! :)

We are SO proud of Morgan and Isabella for winning the PTA Reflections contest! They had a wonderful reception in honor of their work today!


HW:
Read 20 minutes
Complete Claudine's Tack Attack passage and questions
Be working on the book summary for the Thursday Character Day
Math - 2 division problems located in the planner in the math box


See you at the Fall Festival tonight in the Library!!! :) :)

Monday

FYI:
*Red Ribbon Week:
Tomorrow is HAT DAY!

*Character Day is THURSDAY. Students will be doing this in leui of their Literacy Letter for this week.  It will be due on Thursday so they won't have Thursday night HW. :)  Students have a sheet to fill out about a book they really liked.  They will write a summary on this book and are able to dress like a main character on Thursday for school.  Nothing scary, please. :)

*We need flashlights to help make our fluency time more engaging! We will return them on Friday, please!

*Today we talked a lot about the level of expectation I need to see from ALL students! So, this week on their behavior charts (located in yellow portion of daily planner) they are writing down which level they were on due to their Intentional Learner Level.  Ask your child about it!

Learning Outcomes for the Week:
Math: I can solve multiplication and division word problems by using a strategy (draw a picture).
Literacy: I can determine the theme in a fiction text.  I can read with good fluency on grade level.  I can draft  a book review.
Science: I can determine fast and slow changes. I can explain weathering.
SS: I can describe landforms of the US regions.

Sight Words:
plane, system, behind, ran, round
sub-, under-

Questions to Ask Your Kids this week:
What is Math Workshop and how are you 'piloting' this for the school?
How was Jot-Thoughts used?
What are Kagan Buckets?

Thursday

FYI:

Thanks to everyone who has donated to our God's Pantry collection! Tomorrow is the LAST DAY so if you have any extra cans at home please send them in with your child!



HW:

Reading:
*read 20 minutes
*finish "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs" AND write 5 events and 1 corresponding detail for each event on the pig worksheet
*Literacy Letter

Math: none

FYI: Please continue to bring in cans for God's Pantry! Thank you to those who have contributed! :)

HW:
Reading: read 20 minutes
Math: index card problems - have students explain the steps to you!

Have a great night!

Miss McKinney

Parent Volunteer??!!!

Hi! I am in need of a parent volunteer every Friday to help lead a math group. The time will most always be 8-8:40.  I will always have something for you planned - most of the time it will be a multiplication facts activity.  If a few parents would like to share the job, that would be fine, too! We could make a schedule so you wouldn't have to come every Friday.

Please let me know by emailing me! :)

Thank you!

Tuesday

HW:
Math: index card math problem
reading: 20 minutes

Science Fair Due Dates!

Science Fair Due Dates! They are also in the front of the Science Fair Project Packet

Nov. 6 - Contract
Nov. 13 - Project Proposal
Nov. 20 - Experimental Design
Dec. 11 - Data, Results, and Conclusion
Dec. 16 - Student Questionnaire
Jan. 10 - Completed Science Fair Project

FYI:

We are collecting canned food for God's Pantry this week! The box for our class is right next to our door! Our class goal is 80! If our class meets the goal we will have a reward! :)

Sight Words/Suffix Words:
1. less
2. machine
3. base
4. ago
5. stood
suffixes: "-ness" and "-ment"

Learning Outcomes for the Week:
Math: I can divide one digit (divisor) by two digits (dividend).
Reading: I can describe events in a story using specific details from the text.
Science: I can classify Eearth materials based on their properties.
Social Studies: I can identify the regions of the United States and their resources.


HW for TONIGHT:

Math: index card problem (note: We started long division today and it was tricky! Please feel free to help your child with their problem.)
Reading: 20 minutes



A little note from Miss McKinney:

Today began my first day of my solo week! While I will be teaching your children all week, I am sure I will be learning a lot from them as well!

Field Trip Day!/Thursday

We had a great all day field trip despite the rain! Kind of made it fun! :)

*We did work on a Kagan strategy this morning - Rally Coach! Ask your child about it!

Tomorrow: I will be out of the building with the other 4th grade teachers attending a PD. 

Next Week: My student teacher, Miss McKinney will have her first solo week.  This means she will teach all lessons this week.  Miss McKinney and I have worked very hard to foster good engaging lessons that are on our current core content standards.  I will of course be in the room the entire time and be pulling some small groups during this time, too.

Tonight: Chik-Fil-A night is tonight! I WANT TO WIN! :) :) :)

HW:
Literacy Letters due TOMORROW

Wednesday

**Science Fair Parent Meeting - tonight at 6:00 in the Cafeteria! It is not mandatory! We went through the packet today and talked about each page.  I will also be creating a video for you to view that may help explain in case you can't make the meeting! :)

**Field Trip TOMORROW! Please have your child wear YELLOW Walk-A-Thon shirt!
Students can wear a baseball cap, please wear tennis shoes

HW:
visual division page with two 2 digit by 2 digit multiplication problem at the bottom

Tuesday

FYI:
I still need some permission forms, please!! :)

Math Videos - Take a look! We explained how to double digit multiply!
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdYlxMqVOSR4-jw-hv2ayKQ

HW Tonight:
Math 2 problems
Read 20 minutes

Monday

FYI:
*I need some help copying/cutting with some items.  If you are able to help please let me know! :)
*Field Trip is THIS Thursday! Students are to wear their yellow shirts from Walk-A-Thon day and tennis shoes as we will be doing lots of walking! Students are allowed to wear baseball caps if they want.
*Science Fair Parent night THIS Wednesday!!

Learning Outcomes for the Week:
Math: I can make comparisons between multiplication and division.  I can multiply with up to 3 digits on top and 2 digits on bottom. 

Literacy:  I can describe character's actions through specific details in a fiction text.  I can read with good accuracy, rate, and punctuation.  I can use transition words in my writing. I can use adjectives to enhance my writing. I can use punctuation for effect.

Science: I can observe earth materials based on their properties.  I can classify earth materials based on their properties.

SS: I can read a map for directions.

HW for Today:
Math: 3 problems on paper
Reading: finish William Tell and the questions on back, read 20 minutes

Tuesday

SuperHero Multiplication Day was great! We are getting SO good!

HW: one problem for math
write literacy letter

Monday

FYI:
Fall Break - Thursday and Friday
Literacy Letter Journals - due WEDNESDAY
**Field Trip forms due back BY WEDNESDAY**  I can take 2 parents, please let me know if you'd like to go! First come gets! :)

Sight Words:
rest, carefully, scientists, inside, wheels, -ly
(test will still be Wednesday)

**Kids are to wear their super hero capes or masks tomorrow for Zero's the Hero in math!**
Learning Outcomes for the Week:
Math: I can multiply two digits by two digits.
Reading: I can describe the setting in a fiction story.  I can describe character's actions in a fiction story.
SS: I can read a resource map.

HW:
Math: one problem - do with parent
Reading: read The Raft on pg. 112 in Treasures book

*Come look at our new hallway display! We made Instagram's with our story settings! :)

Tuesday

HW:
math worksheet
20 minutes reading

TOMORROW: Wellness Wednesday - dress like a PE teacher
THURSDAY: PTA Walk-A-Thon
wear workout pants/shorts and a top with tennis shoes (a t-shirt will be given to you on Thursday)

As I stated last week in the post, I was out yesterday with my daughter so I am getting caught up on answering emails from today and yesterday.  If I haven't gotten back to you I will soon!

Thanks!

Friday

FYI:
WE ARE SIIIIIICCCCCKKKKK!!!!!!(including me!)
Really, we have had LOTS of kids out being sick!  I am trying my best to remind kids to cough in their elbows, wash their hands lots, and sneeze in elbows! We are also using Lysol every evening and cleaning desks.  So, I just wanted you to be aware of the Germfest going on in our room but that we are trying hard to fix it!

*Monday I will be out (and hopefully NOT because I'm still sick!). My daughter turns 2 this weekend so I will be out taking her to her yearly and dentist appointments.  Mrs. Yeary will be the sub and the day will go as planned!

Thanks and have a great weekend!

Wednesday

HW:
read 20 minutes
finish MATH classwork if needed (1 sheet)
practice Mult. facts

Tuesday

HW:
read 20 minutes
study multiplication facts
correct test if needed

Wellness Wednesday TOMORROW- wear work out clothes!

Monday

FYI:
Energy Club on Wednesday has been cancelled.
Comic Creators is THIS Thursday
Reading Test this FRIDAY
**KY Kids DAY is THIS WEDNESDAY!!!

Sight Words:
decided, contain, course, surface, produce
Suffixes:
-ed, -ing

Learning Outcomes for the Week:
Math: I can add/subtract multi digit numbers.
I can multiply two two digit numbers.

Literacy:
I can determine the main idea and key details of a non-fiction text.  I can summarize a non-fiction text.
I can write a final draft of my narrative.

Science:
We finished our letters to the editor of the Herald-Leader! I hope some letters get published!!
They will be mailed tomorrow morning!

SS:
I can use longitude and latitude to help determine points on a map.  I can read maps to help me understand my world.

HW TODAY:
*20 minutes reading
*SOME kids have math homework based on a quiz we took today - it will be one sheet with circled problems to complete

Common Core For Parents!

Below is just a little light reading for you in case you were wondering more about the new Common Core standards! :)

What do these standards mean for my child?                 
What a parent can expect from the Common Core
(Kentucky Core Academic Standards)

Common Core better prepares your child for success.
The new standards – what your child should know
and be able to do at each grade level – are aligned to
college- and career-expectations so when your child
graduates from high school, he or she will be ready to
take the next step into a college/career and be successful.

The Common Core establishes clear expectations for students, including the ability to:

·         apply math in real-world situations

·         read and analyze both literature and informational text

·         construct viable arguments and critique reasoning of others

·         solve problems

·         communicate effectively

 

Common Core is one of many changes in Kentucky public schools that when combined are designed to provide a world-class education for all students. 
Rigorous standards, aligned assessments, teacher and leader effectiveness, and professional learning and growth of our educators all work together to maximize student potential and ensure college/career-readiness for all students.  The system promotes:

·         deeper understanding of the key concepts students need to succeed as independent thinkers

·         students’ ability to apply knowledge to real-world situations

·         instruction that places more emphasis on understanding and application as opposed to memorization and test taking

The standards are structured so that students build upon what they learn. Concepts become increasingly complex as the student moves from grade to grade. 

Your child will be prepared to compete for the best jobs.
Because the standards are on par with what is being taught in other states and leading countries around the world, your child will be ready for the newest 21st-century jobs and to compete in the global economy.

The Common Core allows for local decision making.
The standards provide a framework for learning expectations; they do not dictate curriculum.  The Kentucky Board of Education is responsible for establishing standards in the various content areas.  Local school boards, administrators and teachers are responsible for determining how to teach the standards, including selection of instructional materials and instructional practices.

Common Core saves you money.
Because the standards are more rigorous and aligned with college/career expectations, your child is less likely to need remediation in college – courses that cost money but don’t count toward a degree.  Students who don’t have to take these remedial courses are more likely to complete college and earn a degree. 

Even if your child doesn’t go to college, he or she should be better equipped with the skills they need to land a good paying job and become financially independent at an earlier age.

 

Common Core is working!
Since implementation of the Common Core (Kentucky Core Academic Standards), we’ve seen
improved college/career-readiness rates, improved graduation rates, lower remediation costs and more
successful transitions to college and career.

 

Common Core assessments more accurately reflect student preparation than previous state tests.

·      Test scores dropped the first year under the Common Core, because the standard changed from basic proficiency to college- and career-readiness, which demands more of our students.

·      Scores will be low for a few years but start improving the longer the standards are taught. Remember we’ve raised the bar. Just like a high jumper who is used to clearing six feet, if the bar goes up to 12 feet, it takes them a while to learn what they have to do to clear it.  They have to train and refine their technique. It will take time for teachers and students to get used to the more rigorous standards and the kind of teaching and learning they demand. Scores should start to rebound as students build a stronger foundational knowledge based on the standards and educators gain greater experience teaching them.

·      The college- and career-readiness standard is aligned with postsecondary expectations and requires more than rote memorization for tests.  Students are required to think creatively, critically, reason and solve problems – skills they must learn and that will serve them well in the long run.

·      With new state tests, parents should be able to tell as early as 3rd grade if their student is on track for college/career-readiness, and if not, inquire what is being done to get them back on track.

·      The results of the Kentucky tests are more closely aligned to results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), known as the nation’s report card. This national assessment measures student success at a much higher level than most state tests have in the past.  

·      This is the first step on a path of continuous improvement for districts, schools, teachers and students.

·      Stay the course and don’t get discouraged by lower test scores.  This is the right thing for kids to ensure they are ready for college/career and to compete in a global economy.

·      The results from K-PREP and high school End-of-Course exams are crucial to planning and progress.  Our schools, districts and the state all review the data when determining how to improve.

·      Remember, our focus is on college/career-readiness for all students.  Progress toward that goal is being made as reflected in our college/career-readiness rate.

Should you move, your child can pick up where he/she left off.
With more than 45 states implementing the Common Core, if you move, your child won’t have to start over with standards based on different expectations at different grade levels leaving them vulnerable to learning gaps. The Common Core is portable.

Despite what detractors want you to believe, Common Core has a lot of support in Kentucky.
A recent poll by the Kentucky School Boards Association (KSBA) revealed more than 90 percent of school boards support Common Core; TELL KY Survey results show that 97 percent of teachers are teaching curriculum aligned with Common Core.  

 

 

Thursday

FYI:
Chik Fil A Night is TONIGHT! Please visit the Harrodsburg/Turfland location between 5-8 and help support GSE! Make sure to tell them you are from Mrs. Burton's class!! We want to WIN!

HW:
Literacy Letter Journal due TOMORROW


We had a great day! Ask your child about our letters to the editor about the development of Costco!!!!!

Tuesday

HW:
MATH review guide (both pages)
Reading article - ONLY numbers 6 & 8

FINISH science web activity if not finished in class

Monday

FYI:
PTA Chik Fil A Night is THURSDAY

Learning Outcomes this Week:
Math: I can add and subtract multi digit numbers. I can round numbers.
Acc. Group: I can multiply and divide multi digit numbers.

Literacy:
I can summarize a text.  I can determine the main idea and details of a text. I can infer details from a non fiction text.
I can draft a personal narrative.

Sight Words:
front, feel, fact, inches, street
Suffix:
-er, -or, -ful

Science:
I can determine beneficial and harmful changes to an environment based on a real world event.  I can determine the effects regarding food webs and habitats.


HW:
Math - one sheet (differentiated per groups so sheets will be different)
Reading - bring in 3 pieces of CLEAN trash if you can
Science - ask your parent, Do you want a Costco? Why or why not?

Have a great night!

Wendesday

FYI:
Thank you to Mrs. Coleman, your Wednesday folders have been updated! There are papers that have been graded and important info. from the office.
**There is also a DAILY MULTIPLICATION sheet log to do with your child.  I am expecting all Mult. facts are known by Sept. 30th!


HW:
Read 20 minutes
*Today we discussed Patriot Day/9-11.  We did this in of course a kid friendly way.  I used a video from BrainPop, a story book created by kids, and some awesome pictures from Mr. Bill (the para-educator in our room).  Your child has one thing to share with you or ask you a question from this topic.

**MAP Reading was cancelled today due to technical difficulties with the program.  We have not been rescheduled as of yet, but I will let you know when we reschedule.

Have a great night!

Tuesday

Meeting Day! Only showing HW!

Reading: Read 20 minutes, complete Panda text and questions on back

Math: one worksheet with 2 word problems

Monday!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! We had beautiful weather!

FYI:
Book Fair is going on!
MAP Reading and Math tests are this week - (Monday MATH, Wednesday READING)
You will receive a sheet soon telling you about your child's scores. 
Literacy Letter Journals will be due Friday


I Can Statements for the week:
Math: I can round numbers and fluently add the sums together.  I can round numbers and fluently subtract the sums together.

Literacy: I can make an inference in what I'm reading based on key details from the text.  I can create a summary of what I'm reading based on the main idea and supporting details from a text.
(We are focusing on The Hive Detectives non-fiction text)
*Sight Words:
shown, minutes, strong, verb, stars
*Prefixes:
Geo-, Phys-

Science: I can explain a food web and food chain in an ecosystem.

SS: I can determine points on a map through longitude, latitude, absolute/relative location.


HW:
TONIGHT students only have:
20 minutes reading
finish science paper

**MAP testing took a large chunk out of our day today!

Thursday

HW:
Literacy Letter - this is due TOMORROW and it is to be written in the journal the child was given as well as KEEP it in there! They will turn in the entire journal book and I will return on Monday.  This time, the letter needs to be written in a formal letter fashion, like the example on the first page of the journal

Math - pg. 27 (worksheet) this is an explanation sheet on rounding

Fluency - students are to read you the poem we have been practicing this week - it is titled Photosynthesis

Wednesday

HW:
Math pg. 30 (its a worksheet)
20 minutes reading

Have a wonderful night!

Tuesday! (fake Monday!

Hi sweet parents!  First, I am SO sorry I am late on today's blog post! My daughter has been sick all weekend, so the husband took off today until I got home and then he went to work...so I just haven't sat down to type it out yet!! {I'm quickly learning that every holiday weekend = my baby is sick! ha!}

FYI of the week:

Picture Day is WEDNESDAY

Literacy Letter Journals - students will now write the letters to ME in the journal...letter format, just like the example and due EVERY Friday
Daily Reading - 4th grade students are required to read 100 per week.  However, I am aware that LIFE HAPPENS and some days you don't have 20 minutes, and some days you have 45 minutes.  SO, I've made it clear to students that they need to read either 20 minutes daily OR get their 100 minutes in. Thank you for realizing this true fact and helping your child become task solvers and helping them get into a routine to get this done!

Objectives of the Week: (most of these will stay the same, so I am posting them here)

Math: I can round multi-digit numbers to any place.  (we started with tens today)

Literacy: I can determine key details in a text to help determine the main idea of an informational text.
I can build stamina in my writing.  I can create a personal narrative about a true event in my life.
I can read with accuracy and good phrasing.

Science: I can explain an ecosystem and determine a food chain and harmful/beneficial changes to the ecosystem.

Social Studies: I can determine latitude and longitude.

*Things to ask your child about today (again, I realize I am late...SORRY!) - 

Which ecosystem did you research today?  Who was your partner?

What did you read in literacy today? What was Walter beginning to dream about?

From your fluency poem, do you remember what photosynthesis means?

HW:

read 20 minutes ~

complete "show me" paper for a parent in math

**Feedback:

I would LOVE your feedback for the blog....

Would you like to see more conversation questions you can ask your child to get him/her to talk more about the day?

Would you like to just see homework/activities?

Would you like to see daily learning objectives?

THANK YOU! :)

Thursday

I am hosting a Women's Study group today after school so it will be short! :)

HW:
Math - your child has one equation to show you
Literacy - literacy letter due


Have a good night!

Wednesday

FYI:
Wednesday Folders are coming home today! Please look through them and return the EMPTY folder with your child tomorrow!

Thank you for helping your child remember to ask you to sign the planner!

Math: I can compare numbers to the thousands (and beyond) place.
HW: one sheet with 2 questions
Parents - if your child shows you the work, tell them this "gambit" - Hip, Hip, Hooray!! (while smacking each hip!) We have been doing this as a part of Kagan! :)

Literacy: I can determine the main idea of a text.  I can build my stamina as a writer. 
HW: read The Lorax poem aloud to YOU as a part of Fluency practice.
HW: read 20 minutes (more or less) to get your 100 minutes in a week
We did a COOL activity with a book titled Hey! Get Off Our Train!  Ask your child to tell you about the book and which animal they were. Then ask your child how it related to our science lesson!

Science: I can explore the habitat and food chain of my animal.  I can determine harmful changes to its environment.
Ask your child what happens when an animal's main food source is no longer available.

Have a WONDERFUL night!! :)

Tuesday

Just showing HW on Tuesdays! :)

HW:
Math-  page 9 in blue workbook

Reading - 20 minutes (or make up from another night) reading

**Boy Scout sheet coming home tonight - parent meeting on Wednesday at GSE
**Eco Club (Energy Club) sheet due TOMORROW if your child wants to participate

Have a great night!

Monday!

5 Day week!! :)

FYI:
Your child received their Literacy Letter today! This is due EVERY Friday! It is similar to a book log.  I have included an organizer sheet they are able to use this week.

Math:
Students took a placement test today. They will know results by Monday.
No HW

Literacy Block:
Literacy Letters (KEEP) - read 20 minutes
I can determine key details in an informational text. 
I can read with good punctuation.
I can read words with re-, un-, dis- prefixes.
I can build my stamina as a writer.
HW: read 2o minutes

Science:
I can classify and describe 3 types of consumers in a food chain.
*Ask your child to tell you what: herbivore, carnivore, omnivore means. If they get it right please place a STAR next to your initials in the planner.
No HW

Have a good night! :)

NEEDS: small spiral notebooks for each child - 23...anyone have any pulls with Wal-Mart or Staples?!?!?! :)  Would love to purchase these for CHEAP!!!

Wednesday

Hi! Sorry again for the delayed blog. Our Internet connection in the portable wasnt working its best so I am typing from phone again. Please excuse errors.

HW: finish math page and finish reading page

Thanks!

Tuesday

Quick post from my phone.... Tuesdays are staff meetings

HW: page 1 of spiral math workbook

Please ask your child about what we did!!

Thanks!

Monday!

*A few things:
I do not blog on Fridays! :)
Please help your child remember to ask you to sign planner (it is their responsibility, not yours!)
HW will begin tomorrow...Literacy Letters will begin next week after I have had a chance to meet with each student about choosing "Good Fit" books.
Snacks are allowed as long as they are healthy
Please send your child with an umbrella!! You never know!! :) :) :)

Math: I can read multi digit numbers in standard and word form.
Today we worked on the flow of math groups.  Students may move from groups from time to time, but they will usually work in these groups.  There is a teacher led group, activity group, and practice time.

Literacy:
I can explain the difference between inferred and explicit details. 
We worked a lot on this with finding evidence in our texts to support what our inference stated.
I can read with proper phrasing.
Students worked on reading and comprehending a poem about the pollution of trees.
I can describe my body language during writer's workshop.  I can make connections to myself from other texts.
Students listened to a story and made connections to important events and people in their lives. This will help us with writing a personal narrative later on.
**Sight Words and Prefixes:
Students were given 5 sight words this week. They wrote them in their ABC journals.  Students were also given the prefixes, pre- and post-.  We briefly discussed these words and wrote them in the planners.  Students will be practicing on these weekly in class.  Students will read and spell the words by Friday (sight words) and use the words correctly by Friday (prefixes).  Thursday for this week.

Science:  I can explain why the food chain begins with the sun.
We worked on Round Robin groups to create land and water food chains.  Please ask your child the Learning Target.  If they answer correctly, please place a star in the planner.

THANKS! :)

Thursday

Good Afternoon!

We had another great day! I won't go into all the details (I'd be typing for forever!) but please ask your child about them!

*played Fan N Pick and Rally Robin (more kagan strategies)

Math: I can relate numbers to myself.
Played a math numbers game where we saw that math is used every day!

Reading: I can brainstorm what good readers do.
We read from Hoot and practiced pre-reading and during reading strategies.  We also read a very neat article on Mars rover, Curiosity.  We picked out text features, related unknown words, and developed the essential need for all living things (to tie into science).

Writing: I can write a fiction passage based on a non-fiction article.
We created our own quick stories as if we were on the Mars rover.  Students wrote their answers on a astronaut helmet.  Come take a look - they are hanging outside our class door.

Science: I can explain a hypothesis.  Please ask your child about this and the experiment we did! It was fun!

**Because our lunch is SO late, I have told the kids they can bring in a snack for themselves.  Students know this must be a healthy snack and one that they can eat while completing their work.  If they are unable to complete their work at the same time, their snack time will be taken away.
**Please no peanut/tree nut foods.

Students worked again to get along with their team groups and work together!

DAY ONE

WHOOP WHOOP!

We made it! And as promised, the kids had a happy day! :)




We had a fabulous day, but as always, we did not get to half of what I had planned!

One thing we did practice was Dismissal.  We wanted to make sure your child knew exactly what to do and where to go!

Our Learning Outcomes for today:
I can describe the expectations of 4th grade.
I can determine important facts in my classmates.
I can learn great ways to teambuild and have fun!

We did a lot of our activities through the Kagan Models that GSE has adopted.  I've hyperlinked it HERE if you'd like to read more about it. (click on the word here)

**Please work with your child this week and next to help get them used to asking you to sign their planners.  Soon it will be their responsibility!


What we did:
organized supplies with sticky notes
played Quiz-Quiz-Trade
read from Hoot
created an All About Me pennant
worked hard to get to know the other people at our tables

*****If anyone is able to make some cheer gambits that would be great!**** (involves cutting, pasting, laminating)

Transportation on Day

Ok, I think I know how to answer your questions on this now...

There will be a bus lane similar to the one before and the car circle in the same as of now.  There will be MANY adults ready and outside willing to help! Kids will walk to the portables unless they need to eat breakfast in the cafeteria.  

*Students will be coming to the ROOM now at 7:15 until 7:45. There will be no more Gym holding area (because we don't have a gym, HAHA). 

YOU are more than welcome to walk your child to our room in the portable the first few days! Anything that will make you feel better is fine by me!! :)

I DO encourage you to try and stop by at some point on TUESDAY for the Open House Day.  I'd really appreciate you filling out your transportation forms so I can have that ready to go earlier rather than later! :)

THANKS!

Welcome x2

Hi! Is it just me or do you feel like the school year has already begun?!

Thanks SO much for those families who were able to make it to the Park night! Feedback seemed to be positive! I also enjoyed getting to some of your homes who didn't make it as well!

I'm up to my eyeballs in boxes galore out in the portable  multiplex.  I do have to say, it is much nicer than I anticipated! Our rooms are nice and clean, we have really big bathrooms, and 2 windows! Oh, the little things! :)  I will be working in my room every day until school starts getting it ready for your kiddos!

Several people asked me how exactly to get to the multiplex on the first day... I am still unsure of that answer! But I do know they are building a new bus circle and I am assuming there will be a car circle as well.  There is also a nice sidewalk being built from the school down to the multiplex.  No worries, I am sure Mr. Brehm will have all of this worked out and communicated for you all before next Wednesday!!!

I'm looking forward to seeing some of you drop by on Open House Day on Tuesday.

Thanks,

Mrs. Burton

New Year!!

Hi! Welcome to our Class Site!
I am assuming you are visiting our blog from the postcard your child should have recently received! My hope is that your Summer Breaks have been relaxing and fun filled with great family memories in the making!

My Summer Break has been great as well! My daughter, Harper, and I have truly enjoyed spending our days together! We visit the Library, have play dates, and definitely hang out at the pool a lot! She's become quite the water baby in her ripe old age of 21 months! :)

My Summer Break has also included getting ready for YOU or your KIDS to come back! I am excited for another wonderful year in 4th grade.  It is truly my favorite grade.  I just love the kids at this age and think the range of learning is incredible!  We will have a slightly different start this year since all intermediate will be located in the portables...but as long as we look at it as an adventure, it will be great!  If you are a part of the GSE PTA page on Facebook, you've seen lots of updates of the building.  If not, join! It's a great way to stay in touch! If you do not have Facebook, don't worry! There are some pics on the GSE website.

**Home Visits**
Very soon you will be receiving another postcard from me that is from our school. It will let you know about Home Visits and when you should be looking for me to pop by! :) If you'd rather just meet at a general location, that will be fine, too.  I will also send that information on the postcard as well.  I'm sure you remember from last year, but these are short little visits to once again say hi (and meet the parents for the first time!!) and try to ease any anxiety about coming back to school.  I'll also have a little goodie for you, too! :)

Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Mrs. Megan Burton

(If you'd like notifications that I've posted in the blog you can type in your email to the right and it will send each post to you in email form.  I'll also have more info about our communication and some new things I may try out soon!)

LaSt DaY!

Can you believe it? Can you really believe it? I feel like this has been the fastest year yet!! You know what they say... Time flies when you're having fun!

I'm so proud of this group! I've seen them grow, grow, grow! We've worked on so much and I am so happy for them to get a break this summer!

Thank you parents who have trusted me with your most precious gifts! I love them!

A few FYI's to end our year...
*Yesterday was move-up day where they met their 5th grade teachers.
*Report Cards and Wednesday folder items will come home TODAY
*Our school will be undergoing Phase 1 of renovation as soon as Tuesday night of next week! So, the building will be in a bit of a crazy time, but we are already all preparing for next year!  Nothing to worry about! :)

Have an AWESOME Summer!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Love,
Mrs. Burton

End of Year Movie :)

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTwSe0GJ-o0&feature=youtu.be



Please let me know if this works!!!!! I don't know how to upload a Movie Maker movie to the blog!! :)

Wednesday

*Wednesday Folders will be coming home on FRIDAY with all the student work and office papers your heart desires! haha :)

*Report Cards will be inside Wednesday Folders on Friday

*If your child is receiving an individualized summer packet, that is coming home TODAY. It will be in a manilla envelope.

*We are still learning this week and working on our standards! We have "I Can" statements, too! 
Monday:
I can feel special all day! :)  (writing, grammar, math)
Tuesday:
I can research about a topic of my choice using the internet. 
I can create an article poster using text features. I can present my ideas using good eye contact and speaking skills. 
I can showcase my talents by using prepared speaking and listening skills.
I can create a thank you note using friendly letter details.
Wednesday:
I can compare and contrast a play and a drama. 
I can comprehend a drama using character traits and explaining how a character changes from the beginning of a story to the end.
I can plot the story map of a drama.
I can showcase my manners and my maturity by walking to Chik Fil A.
Thursday:
I can participate in good team building skills and good sportsmanship skills by playing games with my classmates.
I can use my writing and grammar skills to create a summer bucket list for my family. 
I can complete math word problems.
Friday:
I can survive the day. (ha, just kidding! :) )
I can use speaking and listening skills with my friends to showcase how to listen well when others are talking.
I can use comprehension skills when following a story/drama.

Summer Reading Lists

On your conference form I have a recommended reading list, but here are a few more resources on books, too!

*If you opted to not have a conference, the form will be in your child's Report Card envelope! :)

Summer Reading Resource Lists

Garden Springs Media Center Reading Lists (K-5):

http://staff.fcps.net/ksnyder/Reading%20lists/readinglists.htm

2014 Kentucky Bluegrass Award (KBA) Master Lists (K-2 & 3-5):

http://kba.nku.edu/participate/master_lists.shtml

 

 

2013-14 Elementary Battle of the Books Title List (3-5):

http://staff.fcps.net/ksnyder/BOB%202012-13%20Title%20List.htm

Assoc. of Library Service to Children Summer Reading Lists (K-2 & 3-5):

http://www.ala.org/alsc/compubs/booklists/summerreadinglist

Monday!

AWESOME Special Day!! It was great! Below are some pics!

*Tuesday: Performance Clothes
*Wednesday: GSE gear and tennis shoes
*Thursday: Beach wear (not bathing suits, yes to hats)
*Friday: Favorite Outfit!

**If your child earned the points for the Good Faith Effort Checklist, the permission slip needs to be turned in TOMORROW! Sorry for the quick notice, we aren't allowed to talk about it until the tests have been shipped off! I was waiting to get the "ok" but the trip is on WEDNESDAY!! :)

 

Fun Day!

Fun Day was SUCH a blast!!!! Thanks for the extra prayers! The weather was great and the kids had so much fun!! You can thank me later when they collapse tonight around 7! haha  They are so worn out!! :)

I took several pics on my phone through the activities, so I will be sure to post those on the blog by Monday so you can share in what we did!

Hope you have a great weekend!!

Thursday!

FYI:
*We had the girl/boy puberty talks.  The girls had previously received a letter for the parents telling them we would be talking about puberty/getting periods.  The boys did not receive letters. They talked about general hygiene and wearing deodorant daily. :)  Nurse Jayne did the girl talk with the 4th grade teachers and Mr. Bill and Mr. Rogers did the boy talk. Please follow up with your kiddos tonight in case they have any unanswered questions!

*Fun Day:
TOMORROW!
Kids bring:
towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, play clothes, tennis shoes, water bottle

LETTERS! Please get those to me ASAP! :)

Have a great night and pray for NO RAIN for tomorrow! Our kids deserve a fun day!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday!

We're back!

*Good Faith Effort reward letters will be coming home tomorrow. More info. on that later.
*Fun Day is Friday. Kids will have items listed in their planners tomorrow about it.
*Remember our "special stuff" is due! Please have that by Friday to me! :)

This morning we worked on a research project regarding famous Kentuckians.  Students were able to choose who they wanted to research.  The projects were great and the presentations were awesome, too! I was impressed!

For math we did a mixed review and graded those together.

For our writing time we worked on some class meeting items for our special day on Monday...although they don't know what or why we did that yet!! :) :) :)

Hope you have a wonderful afternoon.  There is NO HW today but we wrote in planners so I would like those signed again.

Thanks! :)

Tuesday

SORRY!
Another quick day!

HW:
Reading - finish #5 in packet

Science - begin working on a hand-made instrument (not due until Thursday)

Literacy Letter due TOMORROW! :)

Monday!

Quick post...heading BACK to the doctor for poor Harper!! I feel like we live there right now!

Sorry for not blogging last week, I was hit or miss with the Internet! :)

HW:
Writing: 5 question on grammar standards
Reading: finish up problem/solution text if not in class
Science: practice with science journal review page and review packet for TEST tomorrow

:)

Tuesday

Only showing HW today!! :)

Science: Reading packet with 3 questions




**No Fluency Folder or Test Prep this week! :)



Ask your child all the fun stuff we did to learn today!

Monday

I'm back! I missed teaching your kiddos this week! :)

FYI:
The kids made their 40 PAWS compliment party! They've decided to have a pizza party per the Class President's request! :)  So we will have a pizza snack on Wednesday afternoon.  If you are able to help out, please bring in $1! If not, it's okay!

MAP testing is THIS week! We started off today at 8:00 taking our MAP Math.  Most kids finished. I will send home results once our Reading test is finished as well (Wednesday).  Remember - this is ONE measurement of how your child is doing this year! Not all kids are test takers and that is OKAY!

Thursday is Sonic Night!

Science: I can explain electric currents and circuits.
Activity: Students learned through playing with light bulbs, batteries, and switches.  We learned about open and closed circuits and why metal plays a big role in conductors! 
No HW

Reading: I can explain why text structures help me comprehend.
Activity: We practiced the different text structures for non-fiction texts.  Students had 2 different activities to work on this.  The kids are really starting to get it! We will begin reading longer texts tomorrow.
HW: place the text structure cards together and glue on lined paper

No Writing or SS due to MAP testing.

Math: I can determine the perimeter of irregular shapes./ I can measure different amounts of time and length.
Activity: Today I pulled small groups during math class to work on area and perimeter and measurement.  I also pulled small groups to work on a review of measurement they learned last week with Miss Kirk.  While I was pulling groups, students who were not with me were working on their math Study Island practice.  This is a FREE site your child can use, too!
HW: complete the area and perimeter sheet - each child has 1 problem to complete, please check!

Have a good night,
Mrs. Burton

Wednesday

Happy Wednesday!!

Science
LO: I can explain how light interacts with a variety of surfaces.
Activity: Today we talked some more about reflection and absorption. We predicted angles of reflection by drawing diagrams on individual whiteboards, and then we watched a short video about absorption. Students each had one Post-It note and wrote something they learned from the video on it. Then, we put our Post-Its on the board and shared with each other. Now we know why objects appear to be the color that they do!
No HW

Reading
LO: I can create a writing piece with the same theme as something I have read.
Activity: We read three short stories and students worked together with a partner to identify the theme. Tomorrow, we are going to write a new story based on one of those three themes, then we will compare our piece with the original to see how the same theme can be approached in different ways.
No HW

Math
LO: I can solve word problems involving time.
Activity: We started out with a fun SmartBoard activity where we were "Math Detectives" using time word problems to solve a mystery. Then, students worked on some word problems that involved elapsed time and time conversions. These are still a little tricky, but I can already tell that we are getting the hang of it!! :)
Homework: Students have a sheet with three word problems for homework