Archive for March, 2006

Class activities for Monday, March 27

Monday, March 27th, 2006

Reading: Today we read our shared book, Esperanza Rising, but did not have Literature Circles due to getting new seats. 

Language Arts: We had a mini-lesson on rereading for correctness, to make sure that what we write makes sense and is readable. A piece of writing was due into portfolios today. This is the final grade for the report card.

Spelling: Students received their graded spelling tests and completed a Words to Learn list. This is their new spelling list for the next test. The Level Four Core Word list contains all the spelling words students are tested on this year.

Math: Based on the results of Friday’s MiniQuiz, students were placed into groups for enrichment, error-checking, or further instruction on multiplication methods. Homework tonight is to complete Puzzle page 23 or 25, based on what the student needs to work on.

Note that some students are making mistakes on their multiplication problems due to not knowing their math facts. Have your students practice math facts at home; one way is for them to play math games at Multiplication.com.

Science: Students finished the last of four mini-experiments on pitch and sound. Homework is to make sure the drawings and explanations are correct and have enough details.

Social Studies: We journaled in our First People of Michigan mini-books about the Paleo-Indians, Old Copper People, and the Hopewell. We also started learning about the Three Fires people.

Notes:

  • Pie orders will be available for pick-up TODAY from 5:00 to 7:30 pm. Orders should be frozen, so pick up as soon as possible.
  • Conferences are April 10-12. Reserve your appointment at the office windows.
  • HELP WANTED: Mr. Keilitz is looking for parents willing to help with Field Day, which is at the end of May. If you are willing to help, please fill out the form below. Thanks!
  • MORE HELP WANTED: A large collection of pop cans has been donated to the fourth grade and we are in need of someone willing to redeem them. Fill out the form below if interested.

[CONTACT-FORM]

Safety Net (Internet task for the week of 3/27/2006)

Sunday, March 26th, 2006

The Internet can be used for many wonderful activities, including talking to friends, learning about new things, and practicing skills like math problems. But the Internet is like a knife: use it the right way and its helpful, use it the wrong way and you can get hurt.

So let’s refresh our memories about Internet Safety. Do these things this week:

    1. Visit the links.
    2. Answer the questions in your Internet journal.
    3. Post a comment to this blog. You can work with your partner to come up with a comment.
    4. Reply to someone else’s comment. In other words, say something about one of the comments you read.

First, get your refresher Web License by clicking here: https://pbskids.org/license/

Next, go to Disney’s Surf Swell Island and test your Net safety knowledge:  https://disney.go.com/surfswell/index.html

Answer these questions in your Internet journals:

  1. Why should you keep your last name, email address and phone number off the Web?
  2. What could happen if you post your email address or phone number on our class blog?
  3. What is it about the Internet that makes it easy for people to lie about who they are?
  4. How is using the Internet (with its good and bad) like swimming in the ocean? How is it like driving a car? (Think safety).
  5. What else did you learn about Internet safety?

Now post a comment about our Internet task this week. Talk about what you think about Internet safety, some of the dangers, or how to stay safe. Give your ideas or ask others in class a question about Internet safety.

If you have time, check out these links, too:

https://www.fbi.gov/kids/k5th/safety2.htm

https://www.netsmartzkids.org/indexfl.htm

 

Class activities for Friday, March 24

Friday, March 24th, 2006

Reading: Today was a discussion day with our magazines. We also had our “paper and coffee”. The Read-a-Thon was this afternoon. We read for 45 minutes and watched a movie version of The Legend of Sleeping Bear

Technology: We learned how to post comments to this blog, and practiced typing on Dance Mat Typing.

We also had a workshop discussion of our weekly Internet task about spring, the vernal equinox and why the seasons happen.

Spelling: No spelling today.

Math: None due to the Read-a-Thon. A MiniQuiz was taken over multiplication.

Science: None due to the Read-a-Thon.

Social Studies: None due to the Read-a-Thon.

The Fourth Story newsletter for 3/24/2006. Click to download.

Notes:

  • Thanks to the friends and families who donated $386 for our Mackinaw Trip. We are now at about 75% of our goal.
  • Pie orders will be available for pick-up on Monday, March 27, afterschool.
  • A piece of writing is due into portfolios this Monday, March 27

Class activities for Thursday, March 23

Thursday, March 23rd, 2006

Reading: Today was a reading day with our magazines. We also had WEB.

Language Arts: We continued to work on test writing today. Students concluded their writing to the following prompt: Tell about the best day you ever spent with your family. What made is the best day? A piece of writing is due into portfolios Monday, March 27. Students can select their writing to any one of the three prompts to revise and submit.

Spelling: No spelling today.

Math: We learned a new method of multiplication called the lattice method. This is demonstrated in the SRB. Math homework is found in the journal, pp. 131-133.

Science: We observed the relationship between pitch and length of the vibrating object. Students also experimented with instruments to test how pitch can be changed.

Social Studies: We reviewed the homework from last night and then read an edition of the Michigan Mitten about the Hopewell Indians.

Notes:

  • The Read-a-thon is this Friday. Please bring all donations on Friday.
  • Pie orders will be available for pick-up on Monday, March 27, afterschool.

Class activities for Wednesday, March 22

Wednesday, March 22nd, 2006

Reading: Today was a discussion day with our magazines. We also had WEB.

Language Arts: We continued to work on test writing today. We planned our writing with a new prompt: Tell about the best day you ever spent with your family. What made is the best day?

Spelling: Students completed the Unit 10 spelling and skill test.

Math: We used the peer practice strategy to work on multiplying with the partial products method. Homework is to complete 6 partial products multiplication problems, check with a calculator, and then have a parent sign.

Science: We reviewed the concept of volume, then watched a video clip to learn two new concepts: sound source and sound receiver. We also introduced pitch.

Social Studies: We finished up learning about the first people of Michigan: the Paleo-Indians, the Old Copper People and the Mound Builders (the Hopewell). Homework is to complete the review questions on p. 65.

Notes: The Read-a-thon is this Friday. Please bring all donations on Friday.