It is a brand new year, welcome 2011.
Our school year in January comes with many changes too. It feels like a fresh start to fourth grade. I am looking forward to talking with the students about the changes to come for the rest of the fourth grade year. The following should help us all understand the new routine. Thank you for your support through all the changes as we learn and grow.
Your child will attend my classroom for instruction, except Reading and all specials. (art, music and pe) During the second hour of the day, your child will attend a reading class that will help focus on their skills and what is needed. A reading calendar for the month will be introduced to keep track of their 30 min. of reading.
I will teach all other academic subjects. Math homework will still remain M-TH. Spelling will be introduced, with quizzes on Thursday and Friday. Spelling homework will be M-Th too. Writing will be taught with the 6 traits of writing to help shape the student into a creative writer. Grammar and editing skills will also be a daily occurrence. I will pickup Arizona studies where Ms. Ronnie ended. I will start chapter 6 in the Arizona book. This will be the Spanish influence on Arizona. A review will always come before the test. Finally, Science will also continue from Ms. Gaff's instructions and we will move into an exciting subject, electricity. Again, a review will always come before a test. I will still do a book report a month and will always give your child a month's notice of the due date and what is required.
Everyday I will list the assignments on the white board and notate homework with a "HW". Your child will write the homework ONLY in their planner. This way you can stay informed. (Basically it will be Math and Spelling M-Th and 30 minutes of Reading M-F.) I will also list the goals for the day of what we need to accomplish each day so your child will understand why we need to learn the information.
Other information you may want to know...I hope to give a study hall period at the end of the day. This will help your child get started with homework and I can help.
At the end of the week on Friday, your child will be able to have a recess reward if they kept up with all the expectations. If not, your child will attend a study hall for missed work or behavior.
I hope to post grades on line for you this semester. However, with all the changes in the Amphi grading system, I need to see if this is possible.
As you can see, I have a very defined day and hope to get into a routine so we all know our expectations. Please contact me if their is a problem or how I can help.
Needed: Baby wipes for desk cleaning
Looking for a parent volunteer on Fridays
I hope all this information helps! Mrs. Wilson
Dates to Remember:
January 17...........Martin Luther King holiday
January 28...........Book report due
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Happy Holidays!
I can't believe it is December already! This is a busy month!
If you have not heard, starting January 3 all fourth grade classes will be taught by their homeroom teacher only. (except your child will attend a different leveled reading class) We hope to get this organized and start on Jan. 3, 2011. In the future, when you have a problem please email me as I will be the advocate for your child. As always, I promise to create an environment that will be conducive to learning and end our year on a successful note. I will work hard to create this. Please contact me with any concerns.
ON December 14th, we will build graham cracker houses and spend the entire day on holiday activities. It will be a fun day and parents are welcome to attend and spend the day with your child. Your child may need a ride home this day, as the graham cracker houses will not be allowed on the bus.
Congratulations to Connor and Charly, the spelling bee winners of our classroom.
This month we will not have a book report due. However, in late January we are going to do a book report on a biography. Your child will have to read and study about a famous person and report about this person. More details to follow!
On December 7th, Tucson Electric Power will be a guest speaker in our class. We will be studying magnets and electricity.
DATES to remember:
Dec. 6.........Band Concert for students
Dec. 7.........TEP to visit
Dec. 14.........Holiday party in all of 4th grade
Dec. 16 .......Pajama Day
If you have not heard, starting January 3 all fourth grade classes will be taught by their homeroom teacher only. (except your child will attend a different leveled reading class) We hope to get this organized and start on Jan. 3, 2011. In the future, when you have a problem please email me as I will be the advocate for your child. As always, I promise to create an environment that will be conducive to learning and end our year on a successful note. I will work hard to create this. Please contact me with any concerns.
ON December 14th, we will build graham cracker houses and spend the entire day on holiday activities. It will be a fun day and parents are welcome to attend and spend the day with your child. Your child may need a ride home this day, as the graham cracker houses will not be allowed on the bus.
Congratulations to Connor and Charly, the spelling bee winners of our classroom.
This month we will not have a book report due. However, in late January we are going to do a book report on a biography. Your child will have to read and study about a famous person and report about this person. More details to follow!
On December 7th, Tucson Electric Power will be a guest speaker in our class. We will be studying magnets and electricity.
DATES to remember:
Dec. 6.........Band Concert for students
Dec. 7.........TEP to visit
Dec. 14.........Holiday party in all of 4th grade
Dec. 16 .......Pajama Day
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Happy Turkey Month!!
Dear Parents,
The fourth grade will go on a field trip on November 12, 2010. This is sponsored by Tucson Water and the students will learn about the water cycle. It is at Brandi Fenton Park and transportation will be provided. We will leave at aproximately 10:30AM and return at 2:30 PM. Students will need to bring a sack lunch for the day.
The book report for this month is due November 30th. Students will have to make a poster about their book persuading others to read the book. We have talked about the power of persuasion. The book will need to be in the correct lexile level for your child. We will NOT have a book report for the month of December due to a busy month.
The next book report will be in January.
Important Dates to remember:
November 11.......No School
November 12.......Water field trip
November 25 and 26....No School Thanksgiving holiday
November 30...........Poster Book Report due
Deceber 4............Night of Lights
December 14...........4th grade Graham Cracker House day (more info to follow)
The fourth grade will go on a field trip on November 12, 2010. This is sponsored by Tucson Water and the students will learn about the water cycle. It is at Brandi Fenton Park and transportation will be provided. We will leave at aproximately 10:30AM and return at 2:30 PM. Students will need to bring a sack lunch for the day.
The book report for this month is due November 30th. Students will have to make a poster about their book persuading others to read the book. We have talked about the power of persuasion. The book will need to be in the correct lexile level for your child. We will NOT have a book report for the month of December due to a busy month.
The next book report will be in January.
Important Dates to remember:
November 11.......No School
November 12.......Water field trip
November 25 and 26....No School Thanksgiving holiday
November 30...........Poster Book Report due
Deceber 4............Night of Lights
December 14...........4th grade Graham Cracker House day (more info to follow)
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Happy September and October 2010
Parents,
Happy Fall! I will soon be meeting with some of you for conferences. Conferences are scheduled Oct. 4-8. You will get an information letter home soon. We do have a new report card for fourth grade and hopefully you have been able to attend one of our report card information meetings. If not, you need to know that it is a standard based report card. I will be reporting on how your child is meeting the state standards of Arizona.
If you have not visited the Math News on my website, please do. This is where I will address Math concerns for the the students and the parents.
Our homeroom class has "buddies". These are kinder friends and our class is helping them to accomplish some goals. Ask your child about helping their buddy on making a Skittles graph and teaching their buddy to write their name.
Please be aware that I have sent home information on a program called Ticket to Read.
Your child has a password and may use this program at home on a computer to increase reading. We will use the program at our computer lab too. Your child can count their 30 minutes of reading by using the computer program. It is a great way to help your child to advance in reading. The stories get more difficult as they go own. Let me know if you have trouble getting this as it is a great program!
Our days are very busy and we are getting into a routine. I look forward to talking with you at conference time. I will send home a pre-conference form for you to fill out and return.
Mrs. Wilson
Dates to remember:
Oct 4-8 Conferences. School will have early out Oct 5-8 Report cars go home.
Oct 11-15 Fall Break
Oct 26 Next book report due. This is a Book Jacket design.
Happy Fall! I will soon be meeting with some of you for conferences. Conferences are scheduled Oct. 4-8. You will get an information letter home soon. We do have a new report card for fourth grade and hopefully you have been able to attend one of our report card information meetings. If not, you need to know that it is a standard based report card. I will be reporting on how your child is meeting the state standards of Arizona.
If you have not visited the Math News on my website, please do. This is where I will address Math concerns for the the students and the parents.
Our homeroom class has "buddies". These are kinder friends and our class is helping them to accomplish some goals. Ask your child about helping their buddy on making a Skittles graph and teaching their buddy to write their name.
Please be aware that I have sent home information on a program called Ticket to Read.
Your child has a password and may use this program at home on a computer to increase reading. We will use the program at our computer lab too. Your child can count their 30 minutes of reading by using the computer program. It is a great way to help your child to advance in reading. The stories get more difficult as they go own. Let me know if you have trouble getting this as it is a great program!
Our days are very busy and we are getting into a routine. I look forward to talking with you at conference time. I will send home a pre-conference form for you to fill out and return.
Mrs. Wilson
Dates to remember:
Oct 4-8 Conferences. School will have early out Oct 5-8 Report cars go home.
Oct 11-15 Fall Break
Oct 26 Next book report due. This is a Book Jacket design.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Happy August 2010!
Parents and Students,
Hello and welcome to my information blog. Please check this every new month with new information about Mrs. Wilson's class.
Painted sky is piloting an exciting new instruction model this year. Your child will receive focused instruction from all members of the fourth grade team. Each teacher will teach a subject area and the students will rotate through each class. Your child will begin and end each day with me in homeroom. I will teach the Math, Mrs. Bertram will teach Reading, Mrs. Gaff is Science, Ms. Ronnie is Social Studies, and Mrs. Eldridge is Writing.
Open House will be August 24. A-L will be from 6-6:45 and M-Z is 6:45-7;30. I looking forward to see you then. You can sign up to volunteer at that time.
Math Information: By now your child should be coming home with math papers for homework. Please know that I grade the homework as a pass or fail. If your child receives a "1" it is 50% or more wrong and thus a failing paper. If it is a "2", it is 50% or more correct. Your child may correct any "1" papers.
Also, I will be sending home a math answer key to ALL fourth grade homework. This is meant for the parents and the parents ONLY. This is to help you so you may help your child with homework. Please note on my website, there is a link called Everyday Math Fun. There are lots of games and review coordinated with the chapter we are on in class. Your child can play this at home by clicking on the Everyday Math Fun.
Important dates to remember:
August 24.........Pictures and Open House
September 14.......Book Report due for Mrs. Wilson's homeroom class. (Ask your child about this)
Hello and welcome to my information blog. Please check this every new month with new information about Mrs. Wilson's class.
Painted sky is piloting an exciting new instruction model this year. Your child will receive focused instruction from all members of the fourth grade team. Each teacher will teach a subject area and the students will rotate through each class. Your child will begin and end each day with me in homeroom. I will teach the Math, Mrs. Bertram will teach Reading, Mrs. Gaff is Science, Ms. Ronnie is Social Studies, and Mrs. Eldridge is Writing.
Open House will be August 24. A-L will be from 6-6:45 and M-Z is 6:45-7;30. I looking forward to see you then. You can sign up to volunteer at that time.
Math Information: By now your child should be coming home with math papers for homework. Please know that I grade the homework as a pass or fail. If your child receives a "1" it is 50% or more wrong and thus a failing paper. If it is a "2", it is 50% or more correct. Your child may correct any "1" papers.
Also, I will be sending home a math answer key to ALL fourth grade homework. This is meant for the parents and the parents ONLY. This is to help you so you may help your child with homework. Please note on my website, there is a link called Everyday Math Fun. There are lots of games and review coordinated with the chapter we are on in class. Your child can play this at home by clicking on the Everyday Math Fun.
Important dates to remember:
August 24.........Pictures and Open House
September 14.......Book Report due for Mrs. Wilson's homeroom class. (Ask your child about this)
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Happy May!
Welcome May and all of its business! It is the end of the fourth grade year!
The students worked on MAP testing in the computer lab for Reading, Writing and Math. I hope to put the scores in your child's report card. Reading and Language showed growth. Math showed large growth. These typical parallel the AIMS tests, which you probably will receive at the beginning of next school year.
The last day of school, the fourth graders will walk down to Wildlife Ridge Park and play a tournament kickball game. I will be sending home permissions slips for this. It will be from about 9-12 on May 20. It is just an end of year celebration
to conclude our fourth grade year.
Thank you to the volunteers who regularly helped out in the classroom and made such a difference in our students. Thank you to ALL the parents who have made this year successful.
All grades are posted on line and have been updated today, May 6, 2010. Please take a look at this with your child so you know the grades. A few grades will continue to enter over the next couple of weeks.
Have a wonderful and safe summer!
Mrs. Wilson
The students worked on MAP testing in the computer lab for Reading, Writing and Math. I hope to put the scores in your child's report card. Reading and Language showed growth. Math showed large growth. These typical parallel the AIMS tests, which you probably will receive at the beginning of next school year.
The last day of school, the fourth graders will walk down to Wildlife Ridge Park and play a tournament kickball game. I will be sending home permissions slips for this. It will be from about 9-12 on May 20. It is just an end of year celebration
to conclude our fourth grade year.
Thank you to the volunteers who regularly helped out in the classroom and made such a difference in our students. Thank you to ALL the parents who have made this year successful.
All grades are posted on line and have been updated today, May 6, 2010. Please take a look at this with your child so you know the grades. A few grades will continue to enter over the next couple of weeks.
Have a wonderful and safe summer!
Mrs. Wilson
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Welcome April
Hello April!
This month I have added something new to my website. If you go to my website there is a link on my page called EVERYDAY MATH FUN. Click on this link and it will take you to math games, worksheets, ect. The interesting thing about this site, is that it is coordinated to which chapter we are on in math. For example, this month we are starting chapter 11 about weights and volume. If you click on chapter 11 this will let your child play interactive games and worksheets about this particular chapter. This certainly makes learning fun! Take a peek.
This is also the month of AIMS testing. We have been reviewing in class this week. Ask your child about the "clickers" they used in class. This was fun for all.
AIMS will be April 12-19. (4th grade starts Tuesday, rest of school starts Monday)
I sent home a schedule of testing so hopefully appointments can be scheduled around AIMS. If any parents would like to send in snacks for the class on the week of AIMS, we would truly appreciate this. (pretzels, crackers, ect)
The following are some things happening in our class:
In Reading, we are starting the novel unit Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. We will do projects around this book, learn about 1st person, imagery, writing techniques, difficult vocabulary, and much more.
In Math, we are starting chapter 11 about weights/measurement( grams, gallons,ect) and volume. Students will learn the mathematical formula. V=L X W X H. We will learn how to draw 3 dimensional cubes.
In Spelling, we have changed back to the paragraph dictation test. Paragraphs will be given every Monday and the test will be on Friday.
In English, we are reviewing parts of speech and we will learn to write an autobiography. Everyone in class will be expected to write an autobiography, however stories will be voluntarily shared as some information is personal. I am looking forward to these as it tells me how much your child has progressed as a writer.
In Science, we are starting weather. Your child will be able to identify various clouds and interpret weather symbols on a map.
In Arizona, we will study about the territorial days in Arizona. This is chapter 7
Questions for students:
1. Give the mathematical formula for Volume.
2. What is an autobiography
3. What is a rain cloud called?
Important Dates to remember:
April 12-19..........................AIMS testing
April 26.............................Field Trip to the movies called Oceans. More information to follow.
May 7th..............................Last Book Report of 4th grade.
This month I have added something new to my website. If you go to my website there is a link on my page called EVERYDAY MATH FUN. Click on this link and it will take you to math games, worksheets, ect. The interesting thing about this site, is that it is coordinated to which chapter we are on in math. For example, this month we are starting chapter 11 about weights and volume. If you click on chapter 11 this will let your child play interactive games and worksheets about this particular chapter. This certainly makes learning fun! Take a peek.
This is also the month of AIMS testing. We have been reviewing in class this week. Ask your child about the "clickers" they used in class. This was fun for all.
AIMS will be April 12-19. (4th grade starts Tuesday, rest of school starts Monday)
I sent home a schedule of testing so hopefully appointments can be scheduled around AIMS. If any parents would like to send in snacks for the class on the week of AIMS, we would truly appreciate this. (pretzels, crackers, ect)
The following are some things happening in our class:
In Reading, we are starting the novel unit Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. We will do projects around this book, learn about 1st person, imagery, writing techniques, difficult vocabulary, and much more.
In Math, we are starting chapter 11 about weights/measurement( grams, gallons,ect) and volume. Students will learn the mathematical formula. V=L X W X H. We will learn how to draw 3 dimensional cubes.
In Spelling, we have changed back to the paragraph dictation test. Paragraphs will be given every Monday and the test will be on Friday.
In English, we are reviewing parts of speech and we will learn to write an autobiography. Everyone in class will be expected to write an autobiography, however stories will be voluntarily shared as some information is personal. I am looking forward to these as it tells me how much your child has progressed as a writer.
In Science, we are starting weather. Your child will be able to identify various clouds and interpret weather symbols on a map.
In Arizona, we will study about the territorial days in Arizona. This is chapter 7
Questions for students:
1. Give the mathematical formula for Volume.
2. What is an autobiography
3. What is a rain cloud called?
Important Dates to remember:
April 12-19..........................AIMS testing
April 26.............................Field Trip to the movies called Oceans. More information to follow.
May 7th..............................Last Book Report of 4th grade.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Happy Spring!
Hello March.....Where does the time go?
In Math, we finished perimeter and area. We will move on to fractions, decimals and percents. Remember on homework if your child receives a "2", it is a passing paper.
A "1" can be corrected and I will take an average of the grades. Some students are not taking advantage of this. Parents if you are struggling with helping your child with math homework, I did send home an answer key for parents to help out. If you need one let me know.
In English, we are close to finishing our research papers and I cannot tell you how proud I am of all the students. As they are being turned in, I am just amazed at how AMAZING they look. We all worked very hard on this! One day this month the students will share their research to the class. All students have a basic understanding of writing a 5 paragraph report. Next in English, we will start tackling some creative writing and how to become a better fiction writer. We will learn all the 6 traits of writing. Fluency, voice, editing, ideas,and word choice.
In Spelling, the 20 word test continues on Friday. Again, the class has about a 90-95% success rate with this in the classroom. Since this is true, we focus on more needed academics.
In Science, we will start learning about vertebrates and invertebrates. We will also talk about mimicry and camouflage in animals
In Arizona, we will study the Mountain Men of Arizona and how they played a role in our history. This is chapter 6 in our Arizona book. At the end of each chapter I send home a study review before the test.
In Reading, we are still reading a story a week from the the 4th grade reading book and will mix it up with a magazine called Storyworks. This magazine covers poetry, fiction and nonfiction stories. We are also working on how to be better writers. Please remember to take advantage of the home program called Ticket to Read. All students have access to this on a home computer. You can count this as your 30 minutes to read each evening.
Field Trips: The fourth grade is planning 2 upcoming field trips. We will go to Old Pueblo and participate in a archeology dig. This will be on March 31. Information will be sent home about this later in the month. We will also go to the Disney movie Oceans on April 26. More details to follow soon.
Student questions:
1. What is 1/4 in a fraction and in a decimal?
2. Explain what voice is in writing.
3. What is a vertebrate and in vertebrate?
Dates to remember:
March 5................all research papers due
March 12...............all powerpoint book reports due (to be completed in class.)
March 15-19............Spring Break (end of grading period)
March 31...............Field trip to Old Pueblo
In Math, we finished perimeter and area. We will move on to fractions, decimals and percents. Remember on homework if your child receives a "2", it is a passing paper.
A "1" can be corrected and I will take an average of the grades. Some students are not taking advantage of this. Parents if you are struggling with helping your child with math homework, I did send home an answer key for parents to help out. If you need one let me know.
In English, we are close to finishing our research papers and I cannot tell you how proud I am of all the students. As they are being turned in, I am just amazed at how AMAZING they look. We all worked very hard on this! One day this month the students will share their research to the class. All students have a basic understanding of writing a 5 paragraph report. Next in English, we will start tackling some creative writing and how to become a better fiction writer. We will learn all the 6 traits of writing. Fluency, voice, editing, ideas,and word choice.
In Spelling, the 20 word test continues on Friday. Again, the class has about a 90-95% success rate with this in the classroom. Since this is true, we focus on more needed academics.
In Science, we will start learning about vertebrates and invertebrates. We will also talk about mimicry and camouflage in animals
In Arizona, we will study the Mountain Men of Arizona and how they played a role in our history. This is chapter 6 in our Arizona book. At the end of each chapter I send home a study review before the test.
In Reading, we are still reading a story a week from the the 4th grade reading book and will mix it up with a magazine called Storyworks. This magazine covers poetry, fiction and nonfiction stories. We are also working on how to be better writers. Please remember to take advantage of the home program called Ticket to Read. All students have access to this on a home computer. You can count this as your 30 minutes to read each evening.
Field Trips: The fourth grade is planning 2 upcoming field trips. We will go to Old Pueblo and participate in a archeology dig. This will be on March 31. Information will be sent home about this later in the month. We will also go to the Disney movie Oceans on April 26. More details to follow soon.
Student questions:
1. What is 1/4 in a fraction and in a decimal?
2. Explain what voice is in writing.
3. What is a vertebrate and in vertebrate?
Dates to remember:
March 5................all research papers due
March 12...............all powerpoint book reports due (to be completed in class.)
March 15-19............Spring Break (end of grading period)
March 31...............Field trip to Old Pueblo
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Happy Valentine's Day!
Happy February! We will have a small Valentine party on February 12 at the end of the day. It is optional to bring Valentine cards, but please include all students in the class if cards are brought to school.
The following are things happening in Mrs. Wilson's class:
In Reading, we are finishing up our contracts. Please ask your child what novel they read. Most students enjoyed the time to read. We will move on to reading a story a week mixed up with important skills such as reading functional text (lists, menus, recipes, bus schedules) and intepreting them.
In Math, we are finishing up fractions and probability. We will go into perimeter and area. If you have not heard, we took the student workbooks and inserted each page in a plastic sleeve and put into a 2 inch binder. The students have black erasable markers to do their work. The students are excited about it and the system seems to be working out very well. The purpose of this task is to save the worksheets for the next few years as our budget continues to have cuts.
In English, we are deeply involved in a large research project. As of today everyone has met their deadlines. February 5th is the deadline to have "notes" done on their project. We set aside time to work on this each day and I am personally involved in each project helping with notes, explaining words and phrases, and determining the importance of information. Eventually, I hope to have your child become an "expert" on their subject and share with the class. Again, the majority of the project will be done at school. You can help by typing the rough draft. It will be a major grade for English.
In Spelling, we continue with the 20 words per week, with the test on Fridays.
I have about a 90% success rate for this subject, and some students have bonus words.
Great Spellers!
In Science, we are still working on Magnets and Electricity. We had TEP come and talk to our class about electicity safety. They provided some magazine with more information. We also had a "Mad Scientist" visit our classroom. He was amazing and also emphasized electical safety. Ask your child about the electric buzzer toy they received. This was a big hit in the classroom.
In Arizona, we will finish up explorers in the Southwest and move on to Mountain Men.
The next book report will be combined to a Feb/March book report. The next book report will be due on March 12. This book report will be done at school as a power point presentation. Since, our class can only do this in the computer lab, we cannot complete this in one month (due to one lab visit a month). If you would just make sure your child has a book approved by me and have your student work on the reading, I will show them how to do a powerpoint presentation with their book. Each child will then share their project via the smartboard to our class. Fun!
Also, parents are you having your child take advantage of the program Ticket to Read? Students can access this on their computer at home. We do this once in a while at school, but I cannot dedicate enough time for this during school hours. It would be very beneficial to use this at home. Feel free to use this as the 30 minutes of reading each night! Your child should know how to do this at home. Please contact me if you are having trouble and we will get it fixed.
February 10 is an extra early release day to provide time to teachers for conferences. If you are not contacted, rest assured everything is going smoothly for your child. I will only contact you if it is necessary.
Student questions:
1. What is the difference between perimeter and area?
2. What is a stanza in poetry?
3. What is a fable?
Important dates to remember:
Feb. 3.......................pictures
Feb. 5.......................Mr. Dailey(parent) Magnet presentation
Feb. 10......................Early Release for parent teacher conferences
Feb. 10......................Nature shop viewing by 3rd grade
Feb. 11......................Nature shop buying (optional to send money)
Feb. 24......................Rough Draft of Research due
March 5......................Final Typed Research due
March 12.....................Feb/March Powerpoint book project due
The following are things happening in Mrs. Wilson's class:
In Reading, we are finishing up our contracts. Please ask your child what novel they read. Most students enjoyed the time to read. We will move on to reading a story a week mixed up with important skills such as reading functional text (lists, menus, recipes, bus schedules) and intepreting them.
In Math, we are finishing up fractions and probability. We will go into perimeter and area. If you have not heard, we took the student workbooks and inserted each page in a plastic sleeve and put into a 2 inch binder. The students have black erasable markers to do their work. The students are excited about it and the system seems to be working out very well. The purpose of this task is to save the worksheets for the next few years as our budget continues to have cuts.
In English, we are deeply involved in a large research project. As of today everyone has met their deadlines. February 5th is the deadline to have "notes" done on their project. We set aside time to work on this each day and I am personally involved in each project helping with notes, explaining words and phrases, and determining the importance of information. Eventually, I hope to have your child become an "expert" on their subject and share with the class. Again, the majority of the project will be done at school. You can help by typing the rough draft. It will be a major grade for English.
In Spelling, we continue with the 20 words per week, with the test on Fridays.
I have about a 90% success rate for this subject, and some students have bonus words.
Great Spellers!
In Science, we are still working on Magnets and Electricity. We had TEP come and talk to our class about electicity safety. They provided some magazine with more information. We also had a "Mad Scientist" visit our classroom. He was amazing and also emphasized electical safety. Ask your child about the electric buzzer toy they received. This was a big hit in the classroom.
In Arizona, we will finish up explorers in the Southwest and move on to Mountain Men.
The next book report will be combined to a Feb/March book report. The next book report will be due on March 12. This book report will be done at school as a power point presentation. Since, our class can only do this in the computer lab, we cannot complete this in one month (due to one lab visit a month). If you would just make sure your child has a book approved by me and have your student work on the reading, I will show them how to do a powerpoint presentation with their book. Each child will then share their project via the smartboard to our class. Fun!
Also, parents are you having your child take advantage of the program Ticket to Read? Students can access this on their computer at home. We do this once in a while at school, but I cannot dedicate enough time for this during school hours. It would be very beneficial to use this at home. Feel free to use this as the 30 minutes of reading each night! Your child should know how to do this at home. Please contact me if you are having trouble and we will get it fixed.
February 10 is an extra early release day to provide time to teachers for conferences. If you are not contacted, rest assured everything is going smoothly for your child. I will only contact you if it is necessary.
Student questions:
1. What is the difference between perimeter and area?
2. What is a stanza in poetry?
3. What is a fable?
Important dates to remember:
Feb. 3.......................pictures
Feb. 5.......................Mr. Dailey(parent) Magnet presentation
Feb. 10......................Early Release for parent teacher conferences
Feb. 10......................Nature shop viewing by 3rd grade
Feb. 11......................Nature shop buying (optional to send money)
Feb. 24......................Rough Draft of Research due
March 5......................Final Typed Research due
March 12.....................Feb/March Powerpoint book project due
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Happy New Year 2010
Happy New Year everyone! It is hard to believe the year is nearly half over. The new year brings time for reflection and I will try to focus in on individual students who need help. If you have any input, I always welcome your thoughts.
Very special thanks to Mrs. Dailey (donating all the frosting bags)and Mrs. Gillette (making ALL the frosting!)for making our holiday party a success! Thanks to all other families for providing treats for the kids. We had a great and memorable day.
The following is a run down of some things happening in January in Mrs. Wilson's class.
In Reading, each child will be selecting their own book and doing an independent contract of work with the book. I will send this home for you to preview. It will be about a 2-3 week project.
In Math, we will be starting fractions. Your child will learn equivalent fractions and lowest term fractions. We will work with manipulatives for a clear understanding of fractions.
In Spelling, we are changing up the program and going back to the 20 word list for a more challenging words. (we did this at the beginning of the year)
In English, we will be starting a MAJOR project which is a research paper, complete with a bibliography. I will be sending home information for you and deadlines. It will be basically your child's responsiblity. I may ask you for help in some typing.
When the project is complete, it will be a master piece of many lessons put together. The students are usually very proud of this project.
In Social Studies, we are learning about the spanish influences in Arizona.
In Science, we are starting a fun activity about magnets and electricity. The Painted Sky Science Fair will be the end of January. It is optional for your student to join the science fair. However, all students in my class will receive extra credit in science if they are a participant.
Students:
1. What is a conductor in electricity?
2. Give another fraction for 1/3
3. What are you doing when you try to "persuade" someone?
Important dates to remember:
January 8................report cards go home
January 15...............spirit day Dress up formal day
January 18 No school Civil Rights Day
January 29...............Book Report due
Very special thanks to Mrs. Dailey (donating all the frosting bags)and Mrs. Gillette (making ALL the frosting!)for making our holiday party a success! Thanks to all other families for providing treats for the kids. We had a great and memorable day.
The following is a run down of some things happening in January in Mrs. Wilson's class.
In Reading, each child will be selecting their own book and doing an independent contract of work with the book. I will send this home for you to preview. It will be about a 2-3 week project.
In Math, we will be starting fractions. Your child will learn equivalent fractions and lowest term fractions. We will work with manipulatives for a clear understanding of fractions.
In Spelling, we are changing up the program and going back to the 20 word list for a more challenging words. (we did this at the beginning of the year)
In English, we will be starting a MAJOR project which is a research paper, complete with a bibliography. I will be sending home information for you and deadlines. It will be basically your child's responsiblity. I may ask you for help in some typing.
When the project is complete, it will be a master piece of many lessons put together. The students are usually very proud of this project.
In Social Studies, we are learning about the spanish influences in Arizona.
In Science, we are starting a fun activity about magnets and electricity. The Painted Sky Science Fair will be the end of January. It is optional for your student to join the science fair. However, all students in my class will receive extra credit in science if they are a participant.
Students:
1. What is a conductor in electricity?
2. Give another fraction for 1/3
3. What are you doing when you try to "persuade" someone?
Important dates to remember:
January 8................report cards go home
January 15...............spirit day Dress up formal day
January 18 No school Civil Rights Day
January 29...............Book Report due
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