Classroom Update

Reading:
This week during Reading, we discussed how to create a movie in your mind as you read, how to be empathetic with characters, and we noticed how author's change the image of characters throughout the text.  We finished reading Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, and we will begin reading Tiger Rising (during Reading) and The Whipping Boy (during Read Aloud).

Writing:
We finished publishing the Best Part of Me early in the week.  The rest of the week the students were allowed free writing time.  I wanted to give the students time to write without any stipulations.  I am impressed with how well the students have been working during independent writing time!

Math:
During Math this week, we talked about how multiplication relates to division.  We finished our first Math unit, and we will review and take the topic test on Wednesday.  On Thursday, we will start our second unit which focuses on patterns.  We will study both shape and number patterns.  I am eager for you to join our Math lessons during Mighty Math Week!  If you have not yet signed up using SignUpGenius, please do so this week.

Social Studies:
In Social Studies this week, students paired up and started a PowerPoint project.  The project covers urban, suburban, and rural areas.  Students are really excited about this project!  They will present their projects to their fellow students later this week. 

                            


I hope you enjoyed the beautiful weather this weekend with your family! 

We had another great week in Room 117!

Here is an update on what we are learning:

Reading:
In Reading this week, we worked on retelling stories.  We discussed retelling stories two different ways.  One way to retell a story is by starting at the beginning, and another way to retell a story is by starting with where you are at and backing up.  We also discussed how to be a good listener by listening intensely.  We created a list of ways to show you are a good listener.  We practiced these skills throughout the week in all subject areas.

Today, we met with our reading buddies in Mrs. Thompson's First Grade Class.  The students enjoyed eating skittles and getting to know their reading buddy. Here are some pictures from this morning:

Writing: 
All week, student worked on their Best Part of Me writing.  We brainstormed, drafted, revised and edited this piece of writing.  We started publishing, but we will finish next week.  The pieces of writing look great so far!

Math:
This week students reviewed the properties of multiplication (commutative, identity, zero, and distributive).  We discussed shape and number patterns.  Today, we talked about the meaning of division.  We will continue working on multiplication as it is related to division.

Social Studies:
This week in Social Studies, our emphasis has been on the four geographical regions of Missouri.  We have discussed the history, land, agriculture, and other facts about each region.  On Tuesday, the students will take a quiz on Missouri's cities, rivers, and regions. 


Have a great weekend! :)

Mighty Math Week

As we are beginning the new school year, I want to make sure you have had the opportunity to view our classroom's Virual Parent Orientation that I sent just before Back-to-School Night.

This year most elementary schools in Park Hill decided to try a "Virtual" Parent Orientation approach due to the significant decline in parent attendance maintaining an average of 60% attendance at English Landing during the past three years.  Before English Landing transitioned to this "Virtual" Parent Orientation approach, the English Landing Leadership Team facilitated two focus group meetings with PTA Executive Board members and spent much time in Leadership Team meetings preparing for this change collaboratively.

At the end of September we are excited to host a Mighty Math Week, so parents will have the opportunity to join their child for a math lesson in the classroom on September 30, October 1 or October 2.  Then on October 3 from 6:30-7:30pm, parents and their child are invited to come back to EL to participate in a math lesson if they were unable to attend the regular math lesson during the day.  Hopefully this event will give parents another reason to visit English Landing and spend time with their child in an academic setting.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Important Dates and Information

The following is a list of important dates and information:

4th Grade Musical

Mrs. Carney has asked me to share the musical's Sign-Up Genius with you electronically.  She will be sending home a hard copy of the link along with costuming information soon.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409084BACAC2FA46-4thgrade

 

 

Room Party Hosts



 

Our classroom is in need of at least one host for our Friendship Party on February 14th.  If you are interested, please sign up using the Sign-Up Genius link below.

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/409084CADA622A57-4thgrade/10688141

 

 

Room Parent

 

We are also in need of a Room Parent for this school year.  If you are interested, please sign up using the Sign-Up Genius link below.

 

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/409084CADA622A57-english/10688141