Sunday, September 21, 2014

Week 5 Update :)

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend! I am sorry this post was not up until late Sunday night. When I began to upload it from home, something went wrong, and my home’s internet connection was not working. Alas, here is the post. :)

A Peek At the Week
·         Math – In math this week, we will continue to work with understanding and using whole numbers with an emphasis on using them to organize data. Today, Monday, we will work with finding the median of a set of data, as well as how to use and read line plots. On Tuesday, we will focus first on the partial-sums algorithm used to solve multi-digit addition problems. Then, we will start to learn about the column method. This area of math is a bit different than the way they use to teach math. I am currently trying to find a great resource that might aid you if your student has questions about it. On Wednesday, we will be reviewing the trade-first and counting-up methods of subtracting, and then will move to the partial-difference method. Just like the day before, I am hoping to find a resource for this as well. On Thursday, we will work with displaying data with bar graphs. Friday, we will spend our day in rotations to review what we learned during the week so we can apply it!
·         Social Studies – This week we will be focusing on the Southeastern States. Throughout the week we will have many opportunities to learn about the states, and what makes them unique! On Friday, we will have a quiz over all of the states as well as the capitals.
·         Writing ­– This week in writing, we will continue to work on our personal narratives.
·         Grammar – In grammar this week we will continue to review and practice the different types of verbs and nouns.
·         Comprehension – This week we will really be putting out questioning strategy to work. Last week, your student had a lot of guided practice with this, and this week we will have the same opportunity with some independent practice as well.
·         Word Study – This week we are learning about hyphenated compound words. We will also start our second week of spelling with the spellingcity website.  I was very encouraged by the enthusiasm for spellingcity that all of the 4th graders had. It is really nice to be able to have everyone working on their specific areas of spelling, and I can tell that we will be able to see amazing growth as this year progresses!


Terrific Tidbits
·         Feel free to continue watching the videos links I provided last week for social studies. We really have enjoyed singing songs about the states, and I can’t wait to upload a video of us all jamming out to the “Tour the States” song. We sure do have a blast with it!
·         When you are using spelling city, make sure you go to www.spellingcity.com/MrsBecklund/ Practicing those words at home really does make a big difference!
·         Periodically throughout the week we will be watching some cool videos about the southeastern states. Each time we watch one, I will add it to the blog.
Your kiddos might talk about it, and it is true…. the staff at Independence Elementary participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge this past Friday. If your student really wants you to watch the video, you can check it out here:
·         http://youtu.be/_7cpK7tSPXw It was pretty chilly, but I sure had fun!

Need to Knows
·         Make sure to bring your books for library this week!
·         I will be gone for a district training on Thursday with the other 4th grade teachers.
·         Homework Room: You may have read about this on the newsletter, but I want to repost it here in case you missed it.
o   Independence Elementary will be starting an early morning homework room for students to get help with homework from one of our certified teachers. (I am actually the teacher for homework room on Fridays!) Homework room is open to any student, 1st-5th grade and will be held from 7:30 AM-8:00 AM in room 402. It will be a first come first service basis unless a classroom teacher recommends a student for homework room. IF that is the case, that student is guaranteed a spot for that morning. We will be limiting the capacity of the homework room to 25 students. If a student would like to eat breakfast at the school but would like to go to the homework room, they will need to get their breakfast first and then check in at the homework room. Whether the students need help to complete an assignment or a quiet place to add to their reading minutes, we hope that the Independence homework room will benefit our students. The homework room will start on Monday, September 22.
·         Independence Community Thank You & Open House is taking place this Tuesday, September 23rd from 5:30-7:00 PM with a short program starting at 6:30PM. If you are able to make it, feel free to stop by our home in room 214. I’ll be there.
·         Make sure you don’t forget to turn in fundraising  packets. I am excited to see how our school did!
·         This week, we will be sending out our first book order. If you have questions about it let me know!

Keep checking the blog throughout the week for more information. J


-Mrs. B

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