What's New in 4th Grade?

It has been a long time since I added to the blog and so much has happened.  I am so excited about all the reading the kids have done. So far this year our 4th graders have read over 1,000 chapter books and have written book talks on all of them! Who knew they could read so much? All that reading has really helped them improve their reading comprehension and fluency. Right now, we are having a "chapter book challenge". The class that reads the most books, the boy and the girl who read the most books, and the grade level that reads the most books will all get some really good prizes. Each week we have a drawing with all the book talks turned in that week and those people win a prize. We are giving books away left and right! It is all our way of keeping the kids reading.

We have some more great news. Our class is getting a $1,000 garden grant from Syngenta. We will be adding more garden boxes and making an outdoor classroom area so we can study out plants right outside near the garden. We are really excited to see what great thing we can get growing. Our fall garden started off badly. We learned that our soil was not very good and our plants just didn't grow. We finally got some fertilizer and things began to do better. We now have some really nice broccoli growing along with some beautiful flowers. We have some seeds started for spring. It is great to have the kids get to see how things grow from seed. Our next project is raising chickens! Yes, our eggs are on the way and will be started in the incubator next week. They will get to keep our rabbit company for about a week when they hatch. I think our class is the fun one, don't you?

Here is Amigo. He is a bunny that visits class each day. He lives at my house over night and on weekends. We think he is a boy, but he might not be. If not, her name is Amiga!

We are also adopting a "Hero Rat". This is a special rat trained to detect land mines in Africa. We sold slime to raise money to adopt the rat. We will be donating to a non-profit organization called Apopo which trains the rats. Land mines are a huge problem in many countries around the world and our donation will help make life safer for adults and children in Africa. I am proud of the kids wanting to support this organization. We learned about them through our reading. 

Here we are at the State Capitol. Last week we took a field trip and really learned a lot. We got to tour the museum and the Senate chambers. The kids had a great time. Before we went, we watched videos and read about the capitol and our state history. 

Welcome Back to School

     What a great start of the school year we have had! This 4th grade class is just the best. The kids are so well behaved that we have been able to do all kinds of fun things. We have been getting to know each other by doing tons of great cooperative learning activities. We have done some art, learned a dance, decorated tissue boxes with fun facts about ourselves, and have all taken on responsibilities in our classroom with class jobs. The thing I am most excited about is how willing the kids are to read. Many of the kids have already finished a chapter book or two and have written "book talks" to share with the class. Whenever we have a spare minute, I see kids reading! It is fantastic. If you missed the first newsletter, you need to know that the kids are required to read a chapter book every week. Books that are 200 pages or more can count for two weeks. This is a great way to get the kids practicing every night. The kids should have  their book with them every day in class and at home. Just have them keep it in their backpack so it is easy to find and so it comes back to school.

Here are some pictures from the activities we have done this past few days.

Here we are doing the "Boot Scootin' Boogie". Thanks to my daughters, Bethany and Millie, for coming to school and teaching us about going to college and how to dance. 

I'm not sure that this video has uploaded correctly. I hope you can see it!

Arizona Animals Report

It is time for our Arizona Animals Report! This is an exciting project that will teach you to research a topic, write about it, and create a visual display to let everyone in our class know about what you have learned. Please read all the directions and follow them carefully. Have fun learning about your animal!

Project requirements:

1. You must research the animal you are assigned. Use the internet, books or other sources to find out all you can about the animal.

1. Use the form to write up the information you have learned for the “foldable” display portion of the project.

1. Make a mini-diorama with a model of your animal in its natural habitat. Make sure to make it as real looking as possible. It must fit in the tray you were given.

PROJECTS ARE DUE ON THURSDAY, MAY 15TH

Foldable Display Directions

Things to include:

1. Use the report pages to write the animal. You MUST write a full paragraph for each section, not just a sentence or two. (Note: the sample below does not have writing on purpose. I don't want anyone copying!)
2. Glue the report pages on the correct spots on the foldable. 
3. Add pictures to the other blank places on the foldable. Pictures may be printed or hand drawn. 
4. Add a title to your foldable display. 
5. Please make your project looks like the one pictured below. It should have pictures as well as a diagram of your animal and a map of the areas your animal lives in. If you have extra pictures, they may go on the back of the foldable. Don't forget to put your name on the project right under the title.

Mini-Diorama Directions

1. Use clay, paper mache, or other materials to sculpt a model of your animal. 
2. Use natural materials like leaves, grass, rocks, etc. to make a natural habitat for your animal. 
3. Label your diorama with your name and the name of your animal. 

Make a Prediction and Earn Points!

This is your chance to earn some extra credit! Just post a response to the question below by clicking on "comments" then adding your answer. Click "publish" to up-load your reply. I will look at the blog and give 10 points to anyone who answers the question with a good answer. Don't forget to add your name to the post! Here is the question:

Now that you know a little about Jake Irons, The Prospector (Old Timer) and Brighty, what do you predict will happen next? Make a prediction and use the text to support your answer. 
  

You might start your prediction with, "Because I know that ________________________ and _______________________, I think _____________________________ will happen next." Please use at least four sentences to tell me what you think will happen and why.

Esta es tu oportunidad de ganar algo de crédito extra! Justo después de una respuesta a la pregunta a continuación, haga clic en "comentarios", añadiendo a continuación la respuesta. Haga clic en "Publicar" para arriba-cargar su respuesta. Voy a mirar el blog y dar 10 puntos a cualquier persona que responde a la pregunta con una buena respuesta. Aquí está la pregunta:

Ahora que sabes un poco acerca de Jake Irons, The Prospector (Old Timer) y Brighty, ¿qué predecir que sucederá a continuación? Hacer una predicción y usar el texto para apoyar su respuesta. 
  


Usted puede comenzar su predicción con: "Porque yo sé que ________________________ y _______________________, creo _____________________________ que sucederá después." Utilice al menos cuatro oraciones que me diga lo que piensa que va a pasar y por qué.

Here is the next assignment in reading/social studies. This week your child will be given a chapter to read form the novel Brighty of the Grand Canyon. Your child needs to write a summary of the chapter, answer a few questions, and give his or her thoughts about the story. Your child has a choice of methods for doing this. I am encouraging each students to use this blog as the methods for doing the home work. Your child can simply post a response to the blog entering in the required information. This way, your child can share what he or she thinks about the book with his or her friends in class. I will check the blog and give credit for the assignment as the posts appear.

Things to include:

1. Tell who the main characters are. Write at least two complete sentences about each.
2. Give the setting of the story (where and when is it taking place?) Write at least three sentences telling this.
3. Tell what happened (summarize) the chapter - at least 7 sentences.
4. Tell what you like about the story. (4 sentences)
5. Answer these two questions:
   a)  How can you tell that Brighty and the prospector are friends? (Use specific examples from the text to explain.)
      b) What does the prospector want do do with the money he will earn from his mine? What does this tell yo about his personality (what he is like)?

Use complete sentences to answer the questions. You may reply to this post to turn your work in or you can write your answers on the paper I gave you in class. Remember to type your name at the top of the post so I know whose work it is! No name = no points.

Your work is due on Monday, February 3rd. Start working now!

Aquí está la próxima asignación en lectura / estudios sociales. Esta semana su hijo recibirá un capítulo para leer forman la novela Brighty del Gran Cañón . Su hijo tiene que escribir un resumen del capítulo, conteste algunas preguntas, y dar a sus pensamientos acerca de la historia. Su hijo tiene una selección de métodos para hacer esto . Estoy animando cada uno a los estudiantes a utilizar este blog como los métodos para hacer el trabajo a domicilio. Su hijo puede simplemente publicar una respuesta al blog entrando la información requerida . De esta manera , su hijo puede compartir lo que él o ella piensa en el libro con sus amigos en la clase. Voy a revisar el blog y dar crédito para la asignación a medida que aparecen los mensajes .


Cosas que debe incluir :

1 . Dígale que los personajes principales son . Escribe al menos dos oraciones completas sobre cada una .
2 . Dar el escenario de la historia ( dónde y cuándo se lleva a cabo ? ) Escriba por lo menos tres oraciones diciendo esto.
3 . Cuéntame lo que pasó ( resumen ) del capítulo - al menos 7 oraciones.
4 . Di lo que te gusta de la historia. ( 4 oraciones)
5 . Responda a estas dos preguntas :
   a) ¿Cómo puede decir que Brighty y el prospector son amigos? (Use ejemplos específicos del texto para explicar . )
      b ) ¿Qué significa el prospector quieren hacer ver con el dinero que va a ganar de su mina ? ¿Qué dice esto yo acerca de su personalidad ( lo que es similar) ?

Utilice oraciones completas para responder a las preguntas. Usted puede contestar a este post para dar vuelta a su trabajo o usted puede escribir sus respuestas en el papel que te di en la clase. Recuerde que debe escribir su nombre en la parte superior del poste , así que sé cuyo trabajo es! No name = sin puntos.
Su trabajo se debe el lunes 3 de febrero. Empezar a trabajar ahora!

Graphic Novel Page Assignment

Here is the latest assignment for the 4th grade reading class. The kids need to read the information on Marcos De Niza, Estavan, and Coranado. They should write and illustrate a "graphic novel" page telling the story of these men looking for the 7 cities of gold in the American southwest. The direction are given below. Have Fun!!!

1. The student must have a title at the top of the page (remember to capitalize the first letter of each word!)
2. All of the blocks must be colored and each one should have a caption or speech bubbles telling what was going on.
3. The graphich novel page must be a summary of the assigned topic. (READ the passages to know what to summarize.) DO NOT JUST COPY MY WORK. Write your own summary.
4. Your name must be on the bottom of the page.
5. You must color your work.
6. You should write in complete sentences and spell words correctly.
7. The project is due on Monday, January 27th. START NOW!!! NO LATE WORK!!!

Esta es la última tarea para la clase de lectura de 4 ° grado. Los niños tienen que leer la información en Marcos De Niza, Estavan y Coranado. Ellos deben escribir e ilustrar una página de "novela gráfica" que cuenta la historia de estos hombres en busca de las 7 ciudades de oro en el suroeste de Estados Unidos. La dirección se dan a continuación.

1. El estudiante debe tener un título en la parte superior de la página (recuerde en mayúscula la primera letra de cada palabra!)
2. Todos los bloques deben ser de color y cada uno debe tener un título o speach burbujas decirle lo que estaba pasando.
3. La página de la novela graphich debe ser un resumen del tema asignado. (Lea los pasajes para saber qué hacer un resumen.) NO Sólo tienes que copiar mi trabajo. Escriba su propio resumen.
4. Su nombre debe estar en la parte inferior de la página.
5. Debes colorear su trabajo.
6. Usted debe escribir en oraciones completas y palabras deletrear correctamente.
7. El proyecto se debe el lunes 27 de enero. START NOW! NO TRABAJO ATRASADO!

Here is a picture of the completed Arizona living symbols collage. Your project should look like mine except you may choose to arrange your symbols differently that I did. Just make sure you keep everything inside the Arizona outline. Notice that I colored everything inside the state. I also have a small caption for each picture. I looked the plants and animals up on the internet so I could see what colors they are so my pictures could be realistic. Have fun doing this project and remember to look at the rubric t help you.  I can't wait to see how yours comes out!

Aquí está una foto de la completado Arizona símbolos vivientes collage. Su proyecto debe ser similar a la mía, excepto usted puede optar por organizar sus símbolos de forma diferente que lo hice. Sólo asegúrese de mantener todo dentro del contorno de Arizona. Nótese que coloreé todo dentro del estado. También tengo un pequeño título para cada foto. Miré las plantas y los animales en la Internet para que yo pudiera ver qué colores son tan mis fotos podrían ser realista. Diviértete haciendo este proyecto y recordar a mirar el t ayuda rúbrica usted. No puedo esperar a ver cómo sale el tuyo!

Kids & The Capitol: On Victory's Watch

This video tells the story our state's capital. We will be going on a field trip to visit the capital soon.

Kids & The Capitol: Arizona's State Symbols

Here is a great video to help you remember the Arizona state symbols.

Welcome Back!

     Welcome back to school! I hope everyone had a great winter break. Now is the time of the year where we really get busy and make everyday count. For some of you all this means spending a little more time doing your homework. Right now, many of you are rushing through the work and not getting much out of it. Moms and dads can help by checking your child's work and making sure they have done things correctly.
     Now is also the time to get your math facts mastered. We have lots of peole who are getting close to making math facts club. Make sure you are practicing at home every night. For those who are struggling, you will have the chance to practice during recess to get you caught up. Remember there is a basket full of great Beenie babies for you to pick from when you make math facts club. I would love to give them all away this year.
    Hey parents! Want to know how your child is doing in class with behavior? Go on "Class Dojo" (www.classdojo.com) to create an account and check your child's progress. There will be weekly goals set for each student. We will have special rewards for those who are doing well or making progress. Good behavior is essential for learning. Please help your child to do his or her best.
     Mark your calender now for our school wide reading night coming up on Jan. 30th from 4:00 - 5:30. There will be a book fair, book exchange, student displays and lots of fun ideas for reading and writing. I'll be there waiting to see you!

Bienvenido de nuevo a la escuela! Espero que todos tuvieron un gran vacaciones de invierno. Ahora es el momento del año en el que realmente ponerse a trabajar y hacer recuento de todos los días. Para algunos de ustedes que todo esto significa gastar un poco más de tiempo a hacer los deberes. Ahora , muchos de ustedes se están apresurando a través del trabajo y el no hacer mucho fuera de ella. Las mamás y los papás pueden ayudar al control de trabajo de su hijo y asegurarse de que se han hecho las cosas correctamente.
     Ahora también es el momento de obtener sus datos matemáticos dominan . Tenemos un montón de playita que están recibiendo cerca de hacer club de matemáticas. Asegúrese de que usted está practicando en casa todas las noches. Para aquellos que están luchando , usted tendrá la oportunidad de practicar durante el recreo para que te atrapado . Recuerde que hay una cesta llena de grandes bebés Beenie para que usted pueda elegir cuando usted hace el club operaciones matemáticas . Me encantaría darles todo por la borda este año.
    Hey padres! ¿Quieres saber cómo va su hijo en la clase con el comportamiento ? Adelante "Clase Dojo " ( www.classdojo.com ) para crear una cuenta y comprobar el progreso de su hijo. Habrá metas semanales establecidos para cada estudiante. Tendremos premios especiales para aquellos que están haciendo bien o haciendo progresos. La buena conducta es esencial para el aprendizaje . Por favor ayude a su hijo a hacer su mejor esfuerzo .
     Marque su calendario ahora para nuestra lectura de la noche en toda la escuela que viene en 30 de enero de 04:00-5:30 . Habrá una feria de libros , intercambio de libros , exhibiciones estudiantiles y un montón de ideas divertidas para la lectura y la escritura. Voy a estar allí esperando para verte!

Our New Team Rocks!

Are we excited or what?!!! Our 4th/5th grade team rocks this year! Welcome to our staff Damon Timm. Mr. Timm will be joining our 5th grade team as the reading, writing and social studies specialist. Mr. Timm has been teaching forever and brings a wealth of ideas and experience to Hawthorne.  Moving up with her kids from 3rd grade is Mrs. Cluff. Mrs. Cluff has been at Hawthorne for 6 years and is so excited to be teaching reading, writing and social studies to all of the 4th graders. Mrs. Cluff will have a 4-5 ELD class for her homeroom. Our math and science specialists for next year are Mrs. Divine and Ms. Brimley. Mrs. Divine will be teaching math to all our 4th graders and Ms. Brimley will teach the 5th graders. Mrs. Brimley will have a 4th/5th class for her homeroom and Mrs. Divine will have 4th grade. Be sure to join us for "Meet the Teacher Night" to check out your child's new room and teachers. THIS YEAR WILL BE THE BEST!