Free Time Friday

Right Now, your children are singing!   We are enjoying a bit of free time, our first of the school year.

This week at home:

• Work on your Animal Project.  It is Due January 11 and there will be regular homework next week.
• Read for pleasure.  Keep a log of your minutes in your journal and get a parent signature.  There will be a prize for the top readers!
• ST Math at home.  Log on as much as possible. All students should exceed 45%

Have a wonderful and relaxing break!  I will look forward to seeing you all next year!

Winter Concert Wednesday

Yes, today 201 attended the Winter Concert.  Congratulations to Ms. Ahern, Mr. Fahrenbach and Ms. Smith!  Your students were amazing.


Today we.....
-Held our classroom Spelling Bee. Congratulations to Farheen, our winner and Leona our alternate.  It was quite a competition!
-Worked on our Fact and Opinion pieces....We made some corrections, compared our work and published
-Complete the publication of our Peace Poems.  I hope that you will see them in the hallway.  They are inspirational.
-Worked on Math fact families.  We will be moving forward quickly.  Make sure that you know those facts!

Tonight at home:
-Complete the math sheet
-Read a book of your choice for 30 minutes and write a response
-Finish Science pages 168-170 which was classwork


-Progress Reports are coming home today.  Please sign and return them.  Note that these are not final grades.  Your child has four more weeks to improve averages, or  hand in missing work.

Winter Celebration

I want to write a quick note to clear up a few things about Friday's celebration.  We didn't really have time to answer questions about it today.

Students are asking about treats.  Parents, please don't feel "treat pressure!" It is fine if children want to bring a small token to pass out, but it is completely unnecessary! I will not be preparing "treat bags" as we did for Halloween.  If your child does bring something, I will let them pass it out to their classmates.  Because we are not eating during this celebration, please do not send cookies or cupcakes. Thank you!

The emphasis on Friday will be on relaxing and  spending time together and to appreciate  all that we have accomplished in 201 thus far!  We are so fortunate to be able to spend time learning together at Disney each day!  Students may bring in games, cards, or board games to play with their classmates.  The Disney rules about electronics do apply.  Please do not bring them to school.

I will allow time tomorrow morning to answer any questions that students may have!   Thank you for all of your support.

Best,

Mrs. Ginn

Tornado Tuesday

Hello Team 201 Families,

Today we.....

• learned more about the Midwestern climate, natural resources, monuments and industry...Yes, we did talk about tornadoes.
• practiced for a code red and talked about safety
• looked at images of peace, talked about visualizing peace, and brainstormed images that feel, smell and look like peace
• we used these images to draft poems, and created similes and metaphors
• worked with partners to investigate this week's story: Mimicry and Camouflage
• went to lunch and indoor recess
• took our Elapsed Time test and began working on Chapter 9: Relating Multiplication and Division

Tonight at home.....

• Read the Wild Times article and complete the Fact and Opinion organizer.  Each opinion should be based on a fact.  Make sure that your facts are detailed!
• Complete the double sided math sheet
• Get ready for the Spelling Bee.  It is tomorrow!
• Please note the note about our Winter Celebration, which will be held at the end of the day on Friday.  Students may bring board games, or similar games to enjoy with their friends.  

Mimicry Monday

Tonight at home...

• Study for your math test using today's practice test
• Mimicry and Camouflage questions provided by Mrs. Ginn (Your are welcome!)
• Begin your two menu activities
• Don't forget that the final due date for the Animal Project is January 7.  Please follow the format provided!
• Classroom Spelling Bee: Wednesday!

Ticking Thursday

That's right! We are still working on Elapsed Time. 201 students should be ready to test on Monday!

Today we...

• Discussed the purpose of Billboards, and worked on our Adaptations project.  After our discussion, we decided to adapt the project a bit.
• Went to Library with Ms. Fitzpatrick
• Spent 15 minutes reading for pleasure after Library
• Completed a "Quick Shot" to help us think about our texts in a new way...We created a new title and chapter titles for our books.
• Took two sections of the Theme 2 test.  We had time to correct and go over these two sections.
• Corrected and answered questions about the homework...We worked with partners to investigate a problem about elapsed time and sequencing events.
• Went to lunch and Recess
• Spent time researching our animals in the computer lab.  We discussed how to take notes using bullet points, and how to organize notes by sub-topic.

Tonight at home.....

• Study that Study Guide!  We will take the vocabulary, spelling, and grammar portions of the Theme Test tomorrow.
• Complete pages 162-164 in Science Fusion
• Complete  the math sheet.

Announcements:

• Billboard help needed!  We are looking for help next Friday to prepare for our January board.
• Spelling Bee: Our class Bee will  be next Wednesday. the list went home today. The school wide Bee will be in mid January.
• Progress Reports go home next Wednesday.
• We will have a "Winter Celebration" at the end of the day next Friday.

Winter Wednesday

Greeting 201 Families, As usual, we were busy today! Once again, the formatting isn't working, and the post is all jumbled together. Perhaps this is a teachable moment about paragraph structure and text features.

  Today We:
 *Discussed hibernation, watched a Brain Pop, and worked in groups to discover the answers. *Performed our Readers Theater. Your children were amazing! Their reading was clear, and conveyed the speaker's meaning. I am so proud of them!
*Went to music with Ms. Ahern
 *Corrected our math homework. We discussed various strategies for calculating elapsed time. Our new skill is "creating a sequenced scheduled."
 *Worked hard in ST Math. Many students have achieved or surpassed their 41% goal.
*Began creating our our Adaptations Billboards. We are researching examples of physical and behavioral adaptations.

  Tonight at home:

• *Complete the double sided math sheet. 
• *Read the Wild Times article and do the crossword. Bring the entire article to school tomorrow. It will help you complete your Adaptations project! 
• *Make sure that you are studying your vocabulary and spelling words. We will take this portion of the Theme Test on Friday.

Time Tuesday

Good Afternoon Team 201 Families, It is getting pretty chilly out there, and it is starting to finally feel like Chicago in December! Recess was indoors today, but students should be prepared to be outside, even in the cold. Our rooftop is exposed and those Lake Michigan winds are chilly. Tonight at home: -Read the Science handout and write a reflection about what you learned -Do the double sided math sheet

Making- Billboards- About- Animal- Adapations- Monday

Hello Team201 Families! I am having some technical issues. Please excuse the confusing formatting! I will try to change it from home later this evening.

Today we...... *Took a quiz on the NE and SE regions *Read the Play Emerald's Eggs and worked in our Readers Theater groups. *Worked on our Super 6 strategies...Today's focus was on Clarifying and Questioning. *Practiced telling time with analog clocks. We used vocabulary such as: half past, quarter to, ten minutes until... *Discussed the differences between physical and behavioral adaptations and used our Science text and the internet as research tools *Went to Computers with Mr. Hoffman Tonight at home... *Complete the double sided math sheet *Read the adaptations article and complete a written response * Study the words for the Theme Test: Menu activities are due Friday

Family Friday

Today we..... *Watched and played with the Science Fusion digital lesson entitled Animals and their Adaptations. *We discussed the Animal Project that is due on 1/7/13 *took our math test and corrected it *Observed the animals on loan from the Field Musuem and took notes * Went to Gym *took our Reading test and corrected it *went through our portfolios and selected a piece of work to hang up *went to lunch and Science Art This weekend at home *complete the Math text book page about Time "Check What You Know" on page__115__ *Finish your SE region postcards and study for Monday's Quest. I am allowing students to bring home their blue folders to study. They MUST be returned, intact, on Monday! -Locate (color in) the Ne and SE regions. -Locate the Appaliation Mts, the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean -name two natural resourced from each region -name three landmarks from each region

Ticketing Thursday

Today we.... -Got ready for our Math test -Went to ST MATH -Worked on our California Weaving text dependent questions -Discussed behavioral and physical adaptations -Worked with independent and dependent clauses Tonight at home....,. -Complete the Math sheet to prepare for the test tomorrow! These are short, open responses. -Finish your California Weaving questions. -ST MATH at home -Read for pleasure Tomorrow we will... -Remember to clean out our work folders and bring home papers -Take our weekly reading test -Take the Chapter 6 math test and begin working on Estimating Time -Discuss the upcoming Animal Project -Work futher on our study of Animal Adaptations -Go to Gym and Science Art I will post the MealWorm Hop song later this evening. It will be on Edmodo. See you all tomorrow!

Hey students, tell me what you think!

Source: smallshopstudio.com via Kim on Pinterest

Click on "comments" to post your response. Don't forget to proofread before you publish! :-) Mrs. Ginn

Weaving Wednesday

Tonight at home....

• Read a book of your choice and respond in writing
• Math text book page 112

Notes:

• We will correct last night's math homework tomorrow.
• We will make up today's ST Math time tomorrow.
• We wll take our Math test on Friday, and tomorrow we will review. Our next unit is on Elapsed Time.  Start studying those clocks!
• Fantastic work last night!  The Adaptation Fact Finders are wonderful!
• I will hand out and explain the Animal Project tomorrow.

Have a wonderful afternoon and evening.  Because I will be in meetings all day, I will have plenty of time to plot and plan new ways to torture you with learning!  Beware!

:-) Mrs. Ginn

Technology Tuesday

Tonight at home...

• double sided math sheet
• Read Science Fusion pages 151-161.  Do a Fact Finder Response on the paper I gave you.  Select one topic and give 8-10 facts.  Use diagrams, headings, captions and pictures to show what you know

Mono Tribe Monday

 Happy Monday 201 Families,


Today we...

• worked on our spelling and vocabulary words
• revisited the Southeast region and discussed important features and landmarks
• worked on our regional mini postcards
• discussed text features such as sidebars, diagrams, headings, and captions
• read Weaving, a California Tradition
• worked on the data analysis skill: Select the Appropriate Graph
• checked out the Create a Graph website.   I will add a new tab so that you can find it easily.
• read about and discussed Animal Life Cycles.  We focused on complete and incomplete metamorphosis. 
•  went to Computer Class with Mr. Hoffman.  He reminded students that their goal for the end of the week is to have completed 39% of the ST Math syllabus.   

Reminders...

• Wednesday is a 1/2 day. Dismissal is at 11:30.
• We need clear plastic cups, colored yarn and tissues!

Tonight at home...
*Complete the Family Traditions questions
*Read The Wonder Weaver in Storytown and answer the Compare Texts questions.  Don't forget to use complete sentences and to use details from the texts to support your ideas.
*Complete the two-sided math handout
*Spelling and Vocabulary work: one spelling and one vocabulary activity are due by Friday.

Final Friday....

....in November


Today we....

• Took our weekly language arts assessments.  The average grade is a 95%!
• We completed our unit on Plants and took a test.  These will go home next week.
• Created Newspaper articles about our "escaped" turkeys...We worked on catchy headlines, wrote detailed paragraphs, and added pictures and captions.  The headlines are fantastic: Turkeys on Ice...Turkeys, Home for the Holidays....Turkeys on the Loose....Turkeys in the Toy Aisle.... This fantastic work is on display in the fourth grade hallway.
• Awarded students for Perfect Attendance, Honor Roll, and Good Citizenship. Our Citizenship Awards went to Elijah and Fatima.  Congratulations!   

This weekend at home....

• Read the November/December issue of Super Science and complete the back page.  Bring it to school on Monday. We will be using the magazine all week.
• Think about an animal that interests you. I will send home an Animal Research and Art project next week.  This project will be due right before the Winter Break.  If you click on the Globio tab and search for "animal" you will find information galore.
• Think about your family/cultural traditions.  This will help prepare you for next week's activity.

Next week.....

• Wednesday is a 1/2 day.  School is over at 11:30.
• We will begin our study of Animal Life Cycles and Adaptations.
• We will read: Weaving a California Tradition  .
• We will weave our own traditions into a special art and writing project.
• We will continue to analyze graphs and we will be ready for our Chapter 6 math test by Tuesday or Wednesday.
• I will hand back the graded math tests.  Students know their scores, as we corrected them together.
• We will finish our Southeast region focus.

Requests.....

• "Aaaachooo!"  201 is out of tissue.
• We need multicolored yarn and clear plastic cups for our weaving project

Thank you....

• To today's Bulletin Board crew.  It was a fantastic team effort!  Alana's dad, Skye's mom, Issac's mom and Lilah's dad put together three beautiful displays.  Thank you so very much!
• 201 students for being such an amazing team!  Thank you to this week's classroom helpers for helping our day run smoothly. 

Thursday Thoughts

Hello 201 Families,

Tonight at home....

• Complete the Line Graph/Problem Solving page.  There is graph paper on the back.  Remember to use the lines, not the open spaces!
• Read write a response in your journal
• Science activites to prepare for tomorrow's test: 128-132

Wonderful Wednesday

Tonight at home...

• Read and complete the 5 Looks on a Book page.
• Math page: Double Bar Graphs.  Use the graph paper on the back.  Use a ruler!
• Science test on Friday
• Vocab and Spelling due Friday ( two activities)

Today we......

• Learned more about plant reproduction and plant growth
• Took a  Math test and corrected the test.  I will hand tests back as soon as I enter the grades.  The average score is a 90%.
• Went to ST Math
• Worked on individual math skills and played Versatile math games
• Met with our guided reading groups
• Watched and discussed another 007 Maths Detective segment about Decimals

Notes:

• Our awards assembly is this Friday at 9:00 a.m.
• Can you help us assemble our December bulletin board?  Please send me an email!
• Last night's Reading Responses were amazing!  Thanks, students for your hard work.  Thanks, parents, for your support.
• We need tissues!
• Thank you Sean, for the wipes.
• Many students in 201, and in the school, have been ill.  If your child has been fighting a cold for a while, it might be time to call the doctor.  Strep Throat, fever, and flu have been reported!

Think Central Information

Hello 201 Families,

It seems that my Think Central Class list was deleted.  This is why so many students did not have access to the library.   I have now fixed the problem and Team201 should be up and running.  Some of the resources that are available are:

• animated math models that "show" math concepts in action
• remediation activities for those needing extra support
• advanced work for those ready to pick up the pace
• the Science Fusion text
• Interactive Science Fusion online labs.
• The Storytown text
• Storytown grammar practice worksheets
• Storytown spelling practice worksheets
• Storytown practice workbook (grammar, spelling, vocabulary and focus skill work)

There are so many resources here, and we clearly can't get to every single one of them in class!
Please note the the Go Math book is not the book we use in class.  This is a newer edition that reflects the nation's new Common Core Standards.  It is a great resource!

Remember, your username is your student id number, and the password is chicago.

If you are having problems logging on, please let me know!

Taking Apart Plants Tuesday

Today we....

• dissected flowers in the Science Lab.  We identified the stamen, anther, pistil, stem, petal and leaf.  We were able to extract chlorophyll from the leaves and observe this green pigment.  Some of the students observed the tubes in the stem that show that these flowers are vascular plants. Thank you Caitlyn and Whitley for bringing in the ferns.
• participated in reading workshop.  Some students met with Mrs. Ginn, others finalized their "escape plans" or created mini-books in response to reading non fiction text about plant and animal life cycles.
• took a trip to the Southeast.  Most students noticed that this region's highlights contain more natural landmarks and less industry than the northeast.  We will continue our note taking tomorrow.
• shared our Super 6 reading strategies Artful Expressions.  Some students created houses.  Another wrote about here strategies in the shape of a brick.  Another students put her work inside the letters PIG.  There we so many creative ideas, and they all reflected the events in the story.  
• prepared for our chapter 5 math test, which is scheduled for tomorrow!

Tonight at home:

• Complete a Reading Response Journal entry using a book of your choice.  Use the new template to guide you.  Think about the Super 6 strategies as you read and reflect.
• Complete work in  the Math Text book page  96
• Finish last night's Artful Expression.  You know who you are.
• Check out the assignments on Study Island, if you have computer access.

Mayflower Monday

Yes, we took a virtual tour of the Mayflower today!  Thanks, Marshe, for coming up with today's heading.  Thanks, Leona, for your contributions.  I am sorry that I forgot about you!

Tonight at home..

• Use your Super 6 Strategies to complete the Artistic Expression.  This activity is based on the Harcourt Selection entitled The Three Little Pigs Revisited.  We went over this activity in class today.  All students are bringing home a sheet of paper to use for this activity.
• Cancelled due to copier malfunction: Math sheet: reading and creating graphs
• Spelling and Vocabulary Tic Tac Toe/ Menu: Today I sent home the new words, and a list of new activity choices.  Students are responsible for two activities, one spelling and one vocabulary, and these activities are due on Friday.  Students may select activities from the Menu (posted on edmodo) or the new Tic Tac Toe board.

We will take a Math test on Chapter 5 on Wednesday.
We will take a Science test on Plants on Thursday.
Don't forget the the awards assembly is this Friday at 9:00

Can you come in to help out on Friday?  We could use an extra set of hands!

Wonderful, Wacky Wednesday

Today we....
....were invited to a surprise performance in the CAC provided by Chinese Acrobats
......discussed how to select a reasonable scale and interval when making graphs
.......took a test on Justin and the Best Buscuits in the World.  The results were amazing.  Tests have been graded and were sent home today.
.....took a "pop quiz" on plant structures
....learned that the farmer has rejected our pleas and plans to eat turkey tomorrow. We devised escape plans


Homework

• Read for pleasure every day!
• Enjoy your long weekend.
• Some students were asked to revise last night's homework on Justin and the Best Buscuits in the World.

Other notes
..We will take the Chapter 5 Math test on Tuesday or Wednesday
..I would love a parent volunteer on November 30 to help with our December bulletin boards
..The first quarter Awards Assembly is next Friday, November 30.  Students who have earned Perfect Attendance, Honor Roll and Citizenship Awards will be honored and parents are welcome to attend.
..There are lots of assingments posted on Study Island!
--If your child would like extra credit to boost a low score on the Chapter 4 Math Test, complete the Expressions and Variables assignment on Study Island

I am so thankful for the wonderful students in 201!  I hope that you all enjoy a wonderful and warm holiday together.

See you next week,

Mrs. Ginn

Thinking about Turkey Tuesday

Hello 201 Families,


Today we.....

...Visited the Northeast and wrote about a special landmark
...Corrected last night's homework,  and learned about line plots
....Worked on finding details and examples in this week's story
....Corrected and answered questions about the Chapter 4 math test, which should be in your child's backpack today.  Please sign and return!
...Logged on to Study Island.  I have set up extra assignments for Team 201


Tomorrow we will...
...vote for our favorite Turkey Disguise
...take the Justin reading test. 
...learn about scale, interval and bar graphs
...talk about plant reproduction


Tonight at home.....
....Complete the math page: Line Plots
.....Finish your reading questions.  Use the text to help you.
.....Watch the Brain Pop on Plant Reproduction that is linked on Edmodo, or preview this segment on Science Fusion online

Funtastic Friday

This weekend at home:

• Complete all of page 87 in the math text book. 
• Finish your Turkey Disguise.  Add accessories, gadgets, etc.  Prizes will be awarded for the best disguises.
• Please complete another copy of the "Compact" form if it was sent home with your child today . Thank you for your patience with this!
• Read for pleasure.

Thank you to all of the parents who helped make yesterday's trip such a success!  I was so sorry to miss it.  Your children will tell you why I had to stay home yesterday.

Today we published our Turkey in Disguise essays and began disguising these desperate birds.  Next week, we will find out if they were able to persuade the farmer.  If not, we will begin planning and plotting the great escape!

Next week, we begin our unit on Plant growth and adaptations.  We will continue our study of graphs and data. 

Have a great weekend!

World Map Wednesday

Tonight at home...

• Read and reflect: use the new template/guide that we discussed at Report Card pick up ( I did explain this in class today)
• Science reveiw sheet: this will prepare you for the Science Test on Friday.
• Math text book: page 84-85  Do problems 13-33

Reminders:

• If you do not have a signed form, you will not go on the trip.
• Bring a bag lunch: no cans, metal containers, or glass bottles
• Please read the note regarding purchases that was sent home today.

Summer-like Saturday

Hello 201,

I hope that you are all outside today, enjoying the unseasonable weather.

Reminders:

• If you have not turned in your permission slip for the Circus, just bring me a note that includes your parents written permission, a signature, and an emergency contact.  This must be in by Wednesday!
• If you volunteered to go on the trip, I will contact you this weekend to confirm.   Thank you!
• Due to the short week, there will not be a Weekly Study Guide or a test on Friday.  We will focus on the writing process this week.
• Our half days are so hectic.  We will take last week's spelling test on Wednesday!

Thanks for reading!  I will post here again to let you know about any extra credit or enrichment work that I may post on Edmodo this weekend.  I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday!

Best,

Mrs. Ginn

Freedom Friday

This long weekend at home:

• Complete the packet! 
• We will take a test on Electricity next week
• Please note that the Math question in the packet is an EXTENDED RESPONSE
• Read for pleasure each day.
• Bring two Reading Responses by Wednesday

Thinking about Magnets Thursday

Hello 201 Families,

Thank you for sending in the conference form.  Your child was given a written confirmation. If you have not signed up for a conference time, please send me an email so that I can put you on the schedule.

Don't forget:
-Tomorrow is a 1/2 day. We begin dismissal at 11:15
NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE IS VERY DIFFERENT:
-There is no school on Monday, in honor of Veteran's Day.
-There is no school on Tuesday.  It is Parent Teacher Conference Day.
-Wednesday is just Wednesday.
-We go to the Circus on Thursday.
-Friday is still Friday!

Tonight at home:
-Complete page 72 in the Math book.
-We will test on Chapter 4 tomorrow. 201 students are ready to forge ahead.
-Read and respond in your journal

Working Wednesday

Today we:

• Analyzed the Electoral College vote and discussed the election
• Added information to our Election Foldable Project
• Went to the Book Fair
• Completed our Variable Machine Math Investigation and worked on the strategy Make a Model
• Discussed Magnetism and explored the Science Fusion online lesson

Tonight at home....

• Complete the Vote page.  Include a self-portrait and words or icons that will represent your platform
• Create the My Platform paragraph for your project.  All students were given a sheet of paper.  Use your very neatest handwriting.   Create a campaign slogan.
• Finish the Math Problem Solving page.

Tomorrow we will:

Worked on a writing assignment: Obstacles on the Prairie

Complete our Math Variable Machine Investigation

Go to the Science Lab to create ElectroMagnets

Write about Obstacles on the Prairie

Reminders:

• Friday is a 1/2 day.  Students will be dismissed at 11:30
• Please sign up for a Parent-Teacher Conference time.  A revised time sheet was sent home with students who have not yet reserved a time.  
• Please bring in the Circus Field Trip form.  Many parents have volunteered to go on this trip.  Thank you!  I will contact parents to let them know about chaperoning this trip.
• We will take our Chapter 4 math test on Monday.   

Post Script

P.S.

-We will go to the Book Fair tomorrow at 9:20.  This will be our only classroom visit.
-There are extra math assignments posted on edmodo
-Electoral College Homework:

• You were given a lavender sheet of paper
• Fold it like a hamburger
• Cut it in half
• Fold each new sheet in half
• The title goes on the outside
• The information goes inside
• The first flap book answers the question : What is the Electoral College
• The second flap book gives your opinion. What do you think of the Electoral College?  Is it fair?  Why or why not?  What do you propose?

Tricky Tuesday

Well, this was tricky Tuesday, because the time played some tricks on the teacher! Mrs. Ginn "lost" an hour, and we did not make it to the Science lab.  We will get there this week!



Homework:

• Read the Electoral College handout.  Create two flap-books for your Election Foldable.  

1)What is the Electoral College?
2)The Electoral College: My Educated Evaluation
I have provided the paper to create the books.

• Math Problem Solving page: Creating Balanced Equations
• Finish your Energy Comic: fully colored
• Bring in the Report Card Appointment Request form.  Please indicate your first, second and third choice.  I will write a note to confirm your appointment time.
• Bring in your Field Trip permission form. 

Monumental Monday

Greetings 201 Families,

Thank you, Asia, for providing today's heading!  We were very busy today.  There is a great deal of excitement brewing about tomorrow's election.  We worked on our Election Presentation today in class, and will finish within the next few days. 
Reminders:

• We will go to the Book Fair on Wednesday at 9:20.  This will be our only classroom visit to the Book Fair.  
• I have posted several learning links and extra credit assignments on Edmodo.
• Don't forget that the reading text book, science text book, and many great math resources are available on Think Central.  To log on, use your student ID number, which can be found on any old report card.  The password is chicago.  Don't forget to select Chicago299 and Walt Disney Magnet 60613.  Ask your computer to remember these settings to save you time.
• Report Card Conference day is Tuesday, November 13.  I will send home a time preference sheet tomorrow.  Please indicate you 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice.  I will write a note to confirm your time.

Tonight at home:

• Complete the math problem solving sheet.  I have posted additional practice on edmodo.
• Menu activities: one spelling and one vocabulary activity are due by Friday. Our test will be Friday.  This week's story is On the Banks of Plum Creek.
• Read and Respond to Science Fusion pages520-523.  After reading, students should complete the activities in the book and may select one of the following responses:

1. Make your own Fact Finder:Fold a paper in 1/2.  Record 8-10 interesting facts about the topic.  Add diagrams and pictures to show what you know
2. Respond in paragraph form.  Write a paragraph to show what you learned.  Make sure to include details about the topic.  Your paragraph should be "thick" with information.

Theme Test Thursday

Tonight at home....
....Finish Math book page 62 and 63, including the Mixed Review and the Problem Solving
.....Finish any unfinished Guided Reading Center work: Comprehension Graphic organizer (at home book is o.k.)
2 Vocabulary Cartoons
10 Informational Text true false quiz
Colorful Words mini poster

If you finished all of the center work at school, please read and write a response in your journal.

Will Wednesday

This is a post-trick-or-treating post!

I hope that you believed your children when they exclaimed, "No homework tonight!"  They were telling the truth.

Today we....
...worked on publishing our Adventures of Conduction, Convection and Radiation comics
...went to see Will at the Film Festival.  It was wonderful!  Tomorrow we will trace Will's journey from England to Istanbul on the map.
... ate lunch in the pod
....heard Mrs. Ginn ask us to sit down multiple times!
....received large quantities of candy from our classmates at the end of the day.  Thank you!
....oohed and ahhhed at the amazing "green mask/hat" creations that our classmates invented.  I was so impressed with all of the entries!

Tomorrow we will...
..work on the reading comprehension portion of our Theme Test.
..go over and correct Tuesday's math homework and dive further into our work with expressions and variables
..complete our Science Comic Strips
..go to Library



Thank you 201 for your amazing enthusiasm!  I hope that everyone had a wonderful Halloween!

Best,

Mrs. Ginn

Today-is-the-day-before-Halloween-Tuesday

Hello 201 Families!

Field Trip tomorrow!  Don't forget to bring a bag lunch.  We will eat in the pod when we return from the Film Fest.
*Bring a bag lunch!
*Halloween treats are optional.  Recycled costume ( mask or hat) is optional.  The contest is tomorrow, after the trip.

Please ask to see the assignment notebook each night, and get a visual confirmation that the homework is done.  Several members of 201 came in "empty handed" today.  


Tonight at home:
-Finish your Character Graphic Organizer
-Complete the Math Problem Solving page
-Use your Science Book to help you: finish the rough draft of your Conduction/Convection/Radiation comic strip.  Remember, your work must show me that you understand each of these concepts.  We will work on our final drafts tomorrow.

Today we....
...watched a Brain Pop to learn about atoms, electron flow and electricity
...explored creating closed circuits in the Science Lab.  We tested and classified items as conductors or insulators.  It was so much fun!
....worked in our Guided Reading groups with Mrs. Ginn ( now known as Mrs. Root), worked on Vocabulary Cartoons, read picture books and responded, read non-fiction titles and created a true/false quiz, or worked with "colorful words."
..corrected portions of our math test
...talked about our "Dear Aunt Sally" and her order of operations

Math Test Monday

Today we....

• Worked in Guided Reading centers on informational text, picture books with strong characters, vocabulary cartoons, and Theme 1 Review
• took a math test and corrected it
• took notes about the three branches of government
• worked on the comic adventures of radiation, convection, and conduction

Tonight at home.....

• complete the math sheet
• complete pages 455 -457 in Science Book
• read for pleasure and respond: Make a list of 5 "colorful" words and their meanings in your book
• Extra: work on your Energy Comic strip

Example:
Glistening =shiney and sparlking
Postitronic= positive energy
Pungent= strong smelling
"Stuck out like a sore thumb" = very obvious

Funky Friday

Today we..

• discussed the ways that heat can be transferred: conduction (think: solids), convection ( think: liquids and gases), and radiation ( think: waves/space)
• watched a Bill Nye and took notes
• took a pop quiz on potential, kinetic, mechanical, and chemical energy
• worked on our Angel Island brochures
• played in  Mr. Meade's Halloween Gym
• took and graded our Kai's Journey test
• corrected the math homwork
• prepared for Monday's chapter 4 math test
• ate lunch and played outside
• went to the Lab for Science Art
• drew names from our overflowing bucket of goodness

This weekend at home....

-Finish the Angel Island Brochure.  Make sure to check for grammatical and spelling errors!
-Complete the Math practice sheet if you did not finish it in class.
-Study for the Chapter 4 Math Test
-Bring in the Film Fest trip form and the money.  The volunteer spots are filled.
-Work on your Recycled Costume if you are choosing to participate on Wednesday


Next week we will......

• prepare for Theme Testing on Thursday and Friday
• create a Foldable Election Project
• create comic strips featuring Energy Super heros : Radition Boy, Convection Girl and Baby Convection
• begin working with expressions
• go to the Film Festival on the 31st
• particapte in the Green Costume Contest 7th period on the 31st

Exciting Additions:
We have artifacts from the Field Museum in our classroom.   Come and see the Gold Mine Model, and the Muscrats.  Thank you to the Harris Loan Center for reopening its doors this fall.  I missed you last year!

Time-Keeping Thursday

Thank you Manuel, for being today's timekeeper.  He watched to clock, and kept us on track.

Today we....
*learned more about the election process
*went to Library, where the students were able to complete research about the election
*converted our Angel Island research into 4 paragraphs
*played a multiplication game with cards
*created our first JAM ( Journal About Math) entry. Today's focus was "problem solving."
*used strategies like "solve a simpler problem," "make a model," "write an equation"
* discussed heat and how energy can be transferred


Tonight at home...

• complete the pages in the Science Text and highlight important phrases
• complete the math problem solving page
• finish your Angel Island paragraphs ( most kids finished in school)
• complete this week's menu activities.  The words and menu are posted on edmodo.

Tremendous Tuesday

Tonight at home:
-BRING IN NEW MEDIA FORM!  ..OR NO CIRCUS FOR YOU!
-Math Problem Solving sheet
-Look on a Book: Read and Complete
-Science: Read and do pp 434-435

We will eat bag lunches in the CAC post-performance.  Bring your own, or have a school-made bag lunch.

Monkey Business Monday

Tonight at home......

• Complete the Problem Solving Estimation page
• Science text:: Read and do 429-433  Tip: the higlighted words are the vocab. words
• New Sp/Vocab words are :  packet, book, think central, edmodo: Menu due Friday
• Read for pleasure

Fantabulous Friday

This weekend.....
..Finish your Figurative Language quote/image/explanation project
...Finish your Science Flap book.  This poster should present all of the information on the Pre-test.  Think of it as a "teaching poster."

Picture Day is Monday!

Thinking Thursday

Once again, thanks to Ginelle for providing us with our daily dose of alliteration.  I will need more ideas for next week, so please send me some brain power!

ST Math Activation Code:  DIS4ODHHV48R74   Don't forget, that's the letter O!

Tonight at home....
-Complete the Estimating Populations page
-Finish the Presidential Candidate 1/2 page organizer.  Record 2-3 bits of information about each candidate's platform.  There is a wealth of information on scholastic.com.  Just run a search for "scholastic kids election."
-Finish this week's menu activities
-Work on unfinished Reading/Language Center work, such as Vocabulary Pumpkins, Character Tree, or the Figurative Language Table.  Most students have completed this work, but some need extra time.
-Read for pleasure and bring your book to school!


Today we.....
* Watched a Brain Pop about subjects and predicates.  We learned that Yoda has perfect grammar. He simply reverses his subjects and predicates.
*Worked in Language Centers
*Took a Math Test and corrected.  I will send the tests home once I have recorded the grades.  Your child should know his or her score
*Took our Science Assessment.  I will work on getting these back to you soon.
*Worked on our math problem solving skills with Versatiles. I love Versatiles!

Don't forget.....
*You have a Reading/Vocab/Grammar/Spelling test tomorrow!

Wacky Wednesday

Don't forget:
Monday is picture day!
Progress Reports were sent home today.  Please sign and return them.

• Tonight at home.......
• Study for the Math test!
• Complete page 30 to help you prepare
• Study for the Matter test.  Hint: if you understand the pre-test, you will do well!
• Complete the double-sided Super Science sheet

Tango Tuesday

Thank you, Ginelle, for Today's blog title!



A note about Progress Reports.....

5 week Progress Reports will be sent home tomorrow afternoon.  Please note that these grades are not final!  There will be plenty of time to raise grades.  In math for example, we have taken just one test!  If your child earned "C" or below, this mark will have a strong bearing on their overall average.  For most students, a simple fix or intervention will help them get back on track.   Please do not hesitate to call me if you would like to set up a phone or in-person conference.  I am looking forward to meeting with you all, and we don't need to wait until Report Card Day!


Today we.........
-discussed candidates and debates, and watched the Ringling Brothers Boss Clown debates
-worked with vocabulary and the Greek and Latin roots: anti-, auto-, bi-, and multi-
-created Character Trees to help us think about character traits and "round vs. flat" characters
-continued our math investigation, focusing on several ways  to come up with accurate estimates.
-sang the Super Six Strategies song with Mr. Fahrenbach.  This is a song we co-wrote to help kids remember how to read strategically. 
-made corrections on our Matter pre-tests and began preparations for Thursday's final test

Tonight:
-Complete the Rounding problems
-Read ONE of the Articles in Super Science and report in the form of a Reading Response or...Create your own Fact Finder, using illustrations and captions to show 8-10 things that you learned or found interesting.
You may work with one of the following articles:
Deep Sea Plunge
The Mummy Doctor
Pumped Up Plants
X-Ray Vision

*Bring the magazine to class tomorrow!!

Enjoy the sunshine!

:-)
Mrs. Ginn

P.S.  I will get you the ST Math activation code as soon as possible.

Magnificent Monday

Thank you, Nazharri, for providing us with "Magnificent Monday."  Thanks Ginelle for your great ideas too!  They will soon be featured.

Today we.....

-had one real fire drill and two false alarms.  It was a bit alarming and more than a bit disruptive!
-read Danitra Brown Leaves Town
-worked on an open ended math investigation, which we will finish tomorrow
-tested how surface area affects buoyancy in the Science Lab
-finally got logged on to ST Math.  I will get you the at-home activation code soon.

Tonight....
-complete page 25 in the math text.  1-10
-read and respond

Tomorrow we will....
--meet with Guided Reading groups
-continue our math investigation and work on rounding large numbers
-correct last night's math homework
-discuss our Matter final assessment and begin creating a foldable study guide
-introduce our Election unit in Social Studies


Don't forget...
-Picture Day is Monday, October 22

Happy Birthday Kendall!

Grand Finale Friday

Bravo! Bravo!  Encore! Encore!

The curtain is closed and the reviews are in.  Everyone agrees: Pod 200's Family Matters is a smash hit! Thank you to all of the students, parents, teachers and staff that helped make our show a success.


This weekend.......
1.Read for pleasure
2. Prepare for your Monday Multiplication Madness.  If you are still on 3, 4, or 5, it is time to double down and study!
3. Pennies! We will definitely do our surface area experiment on Monday.  I promise!

Next week we will.......

• Finish chapter 2 in Math: Ordering and Comparing Numbers
• Prepare for our Matter final assessment
• Read: Meet Danitra Brown in our Harcourt text
• Get ready for our Ringling Brothers Clown Election.  
• Go to ST Math!  Yahoo!

Have a fantastic weekend 201!  I will look forward to seeing you on Monday!

:-)
Mrs. Ginn

Don't forget to send me your ideas for "Days of the Week Alliterations."  I am running our of ideas.  Wacky Wednesday?  Fabulous Friday?  I need new ideas and I need you to help me.  Post your responses here or on Edmodo. 

Theater Thursday

That's right 201 Families, it is almost showtime!

• Doors open at 9:15
• Show begins at 9:30
• The show is approximately 30 minutes
• All students will be given a special T-shirt and props at school in the morning
• Dancers should wear black pants, black leggings or dark jeans
• Dancers may want to wear an undershirt, depending on how your Show T shirt fits, and the movement required by your dance
• All other actors should follow suit: dark jeans, black pants, or leggings.
• If you don't have dark jeans or black pants, just wear dark, neutral colored pants or jeans.

We have all been working so hard. I am so proud of your children!  I hope to see you tomorrow in the CAC!

Homework:

• Work on your Matter Packet
• Some students did not finish last night's task: Take the Reading test.  Please complete this tonight, as we will correct the test and clarify tomorrow afternoon.
• If you have lost your Matter Packet, you should:
• 1. Read and write a reflection

Don't forget, tomorrow's pizza is a "snack."  We will be going to lunch, so bring your usual lunch or plan on getting a school lunch.

Wednesday...___________

Hi 201,

Help me fill in the blank!  Post your response below!

Tonight at home......
-Finish your Reading Test.  Remember these guidelines:
*You may use the book ( and should) for the comprehension and the writing
*Please reread the text to check your answers on the multiple choice.  Some of the questions are designed to trick you and to see if you are reading carefully!
*You may not use the book for the vocabulary
*Don't forget to write the "honor code" on the back of your test and sign it.
I have neither given nor received any unauthorized aid on this test.

Reminders:

• Pizza money is due tomorrow!  Please bring in $3.00 if you would like to eat pizza on Friday.
• Our CAC performance is this Friday at 9:30.  Doors open at 9:15

Thank you, thank you parents, for all of your time and donations!  We couldn't do this without your help!

Can you help us?

We need a few items this week:
-food coloring ( for Monday)
-clean, clear plastic bottles with caps ( for Monday)
-Pennies, lots of pennies, for an experiment ( for Tuesday)
- a grey granny wig ( for Friday)

Please Comment

Hi 201 Students,

Click on the "Quotes and Wonders" tab.  Here you will find  a new quote.  Please post your response in the Comments section of the "Quotes" page.  I want to hear from you!

Fall-Feeling Friday

Hello 201!

I can't wait for to share our CAC projects with you!   Your students have created some amazing content -based works!  I hope to post some photographs soon.

Today we:

• Finished making our comets
• Watched and discussed a Bill Nye the Science Guy segment on Buoyancy.
• Created oil pastel and water color diagrams of the Water Cycle
• Met with Focus Groups
• Went to Gym
• Went to Science Art

This weekend:

• graph your Multiplication Madness results.  
• Prepare your Monday's level.  If you are stuck, or if you are getting into the higher numbers, you should write out each fact several times.  
• Read a book of your choice and respond in your journal. 
• Extra Credit: Complete the experiment that I posted on Edmodo last week
• Extra Credit: Watch the Billy Nye Video that I will soon post on Edmodo.  Make your own Fact Finder ( use blank or lined paper) to show what you've learned. 

Next week:

• We will dedicate a great deal of time to our focus groups
• We will work on staging, blocking, and transitions
• We will create our Lava Lamps
• We will finish our Water Cycle Art 
• We will create Physical Change Origami art

Happenings ( and not happenings)

• We did not have a spelling, or any other type of Reading test today.  We will work these in next week.  Once the CAC is over, it will be back to normal!
• Our show is this Friday, October 12 at 9:30.
• Don't forget that dismissal time on Wednesday is 11:30!
• Parents, email me so that I can send you your Edmodo parent code.  You can then create your own account that is linked to the 201 account!

CAC News/Needs:

• We need clear, clean plastic bottles, with caps, for Monday's Lava Lamp project.
• We also need corn oil!
• Alka Seltzer tablets ( for the Lava Lamps)
• Do you have a grey "granny" type wig?  Old Mama Matter needs one for our show!
• We also need three hard hats or "construction worker" costume hats.

If you are able to donate any of these items, it will be greatly appreciated.  Costume items will be returned!

Thank you, 201, for another great week!  

Weird Weather Wednesday

Hello 201 Families,

I admitt that the weather is not that weird, but I couldn't find a better fit!  Ask you child to send me some ideas for this and the other days of the week.  They can comment right here!

Tonight...,.,
-prepare for tomorrow's Multiplication Madness!
- Complete the pages in the Science book. I know you wrote these down!  This is your job!

We need:
-clear, clean plastic water bottles
- clean, clear baby jars with lids

We will use the first material to create "lava " lamps. If we get enough jars, we can make "density glitter globes."

Do you have a crazy wig at home?  We need one for Cousin Plasma.

Tomorrow we will create our Jackson Pollack chemical change paintings.  Science + Artist of the Month= FUN!

Tuesday Thoughts

Hello 201 Families,

Today we......

• Read the Mighty Jackie and discussed details in the text
• Took our first Multiplication Madness Test.  If your child passed today, s/he is moving on to the next number.  If not, s/he will retest tomorrow.
• Worked on our Matter Family Trees
• Painted Identical paintings.  Tomorrow we will manipulate one of them to demonstrate Physical Change.
• Worked in our Focus Groups
• Practice our Grand Finale song: Family Matters
• Worked together to help the group meet work deadlines

Tonight......

• Read the first article in your Matter Packet.  Write a response in your journal. 
• Complete the Vocabulary page that corresponds with the article
• Write out your multiplication facts to prepare for tomorrow's test
• Work on Comparing and Ordering Numbers on Khan Academy if you have time
• Don't forget that your spelling/vocab menu is due on Friday

Have a wonderful evening! 

Molecule Movement Monday

Hello Families,

Ask your child why today was officially renamed Molecule Movement Monday in 201.  They should know.  Hint: It has something to do with today's arts-integrated project.

• A letter was sent home today that contains the TEAM201 edmodo group code.  Sign up today!
• The new Study Guide and Menu are posted on edmodo
• Studying can be fun! A link to learning games centered around Matter are also linked on edmodo.  
• We will be painting tomorrow.  Dress appropriately!

Homework:
1. Read The Mighty Jackie in Storytown.
2. Respond in your journal.  What character trait or traits would you use to describe Jackie?  Find evidence in the text to support your ideas.
3. Multiplication Madness begins tomorrow.  Prepare for the 2s by writing out the facts. The sky is the limit.  No need to stop at 12!



Parent Volunteers, we need you!   Please come in tomorrow if you can.  We will be painting!

Sunny Sunday

I hope that 201 families have enjoyed this glorious day.  We are all a bit under the weather over at my house, but we were able to get outside this morning.

Tomorrow is our first day in the CAC and our daily schedule will be quiet different.

• During this 2 week unit of study, we will begin our day in the pod with Language Arts and Math instruction.  Because most of our day will be spent participating in CAC activities, the classwork an the homework will be altered.
• In math, we will take part in Multiplication Madness. Each day, students will take a timed test.  If the table is mastered, students will move on to the next number.  Students will prepare by working on their facts at home.  There may also be additional problem solving sent home
• We will take the Weekly Reading Test this Friday.  The story is called The Mighty Jackie.
• Please note that it may be more difficult for me to post daily assignments while we are in the CAC.  I do not have access to a computer during the day, and I will also be working on CAC "stuff" after school.  By the time I get to my computer, your children may be in bed.  Students will copy the evening's homework into their agendas before we go down to the CAC each day.
• We will announce the CAC groups tomorrow.  We are trying to give all students their first choice.  It may be necessary to give some children their second choice, as we want to keep each group's size manageable. 
• We would love your help in the CAC!  Please come and join us!

Best,

MB Ginn

Thursday Thinkings

Greetings 201 Families,

Open House is this evening!  I will be here from 6:00-7:00.  I hope that you will be here too!

Today we....

• Finished our Bio Poems
• Worked with words and completed our "Windows of Words" project
• Admired the Physical Properties homework
• Created our Super Hero Diagrams and added descriptive captions
• Corrected the math homework and worked on the new strategy: Make a Table
• Practiced the new skill
• Met in small groups to go over the corrected Chapter 1 math test and troubleshooted
• Handed out CAC Preference Sheets 

Tonight, Please....

• Finish the spelling and vocabulary menu activities
• Get ready for tomorrow's spelling, vocabulary, and reading test
• Complete the math problem solving page
• Complete unfinished classwork: Vocabulary Windows, Superhero, and Language Packet
• practice for your audition if you plan on auditioning
• Come to Open House!!!

P.S.

A few more notes......

• We were not able to send home the CAC preference sheets and audition practice sheets today.  They will go home tomorrow.
• The chapter 1 Math test will be sent home tomorrow.  Your child should make corrections on a separate sheet of paper.  I will assign additional practice for those who need it or would like to raise their grade.  Many of the errors made were due to carelessness.  We will, of course, be working on test taking skills and problem solving strategies.   Please sign the test and return it. 

Wisdom-filled Wednesday

Hello 201 Families,

I hope that you all are planning on attending Open House this Thursday from 6:00-7:00. 210 students want to share the classroom with you!

CAC News:

• Our first day in the CAC is Monday, October 1
• The final performance is Friday, October 12
• Students were given a Preference Sheet today.  They should indicate their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices.
• Some students have decided to audition for a speaking role.  These students were given a poem to practice this evening.  Auditions will be tomorrow.  The poem does not have to be memorized!

Today We.....

• Had morning writing conferences
• Discussed the relationship between characters' actions, traits and motivations
• Created BIO Poems.  Come and see them at Open House
• Worked on comparing and ordering numbers using the symbols and terms: greater than, less than and equal to

Tonight at home.....

• Complete the math sheet
• Complete the Physical Properties activity: Find an image in a magazine, paper or flyer.  Cut it out and paste it in the center of the sheet.   Describe the image according to its physical properties: Hardness, Size, Shape, Color, Texture, Taste and Odor
• Read and reflect in your journal.  Most students are getting this feedback from me, "Less summary, more evaluation."   What can we infer  about a character's traits from examining their actions?  Sentences like, "This shows me that....." or, " When ____does _____ it shows______....." are good leads to examining character.

Terrific Tuesday

Today we.....

• Handed in the published drafts of our Super Hero Narratives
• Worked with our spelling and vocabulary words to find synonyms and antonyms
• Discussed Declarative and Interrogative sentences
• Participated in Guided Reading Work Stations: With the Teacher, Word Work, Reading to Self, Reading with a Partner, or Writing with Picture Prompts
• Used scales to measure MASS in grams (g).....used tape measures to record length in centimeters (cm)
• Participated in a Bus Evacuation Drill
• Went to see Mr. Farhenbach in Music Technology
• Took and corrected the Chapter 1 Math Test
• Completed Math Challenge work

Tonight at home.....

• Complete the Math Problem Solving Page
• Read and Respond in your journal.  In your response, discuss one of the  character's inner traits, actions, and motivations
• Do something helpful around the house and do it smiling! :-)

Marvelous Monday

  Tonight at home......

• Read the poem "Secret Talk" in the text or on Think Central found on pages 44 and 45.
• Complete the Comparing Texts questions on page 46.  Use examples from the texts and write in complete sentences.
• Menu Activities are due on Friday
• Math: Test tomorrow!   Complete page 14 to help you prepare.
• Finish the final, published draft of your Super Hero Narrative.  Remember to indent and use paragraph form.  Does your narrative have a beginning, middle, and end?  Are your SH's special powers and motivations described in detail?  I can't wait to read them!
• 3 Ring Binder: if you don't have one, please bring one in!

Fantastic Friday

Greeting 201 Families,

Today we.....

• Watched a Brain Pop about Dr. King and discussed how ordinary people can create change.  Some of the terms we discussed are: inequality, civil rights, universal rights, and community leaders.  This led us to a discussion of Mahatma Ghandi.  The students then responded in their journals to a choice of questions.
• Bridged this discussion with our Super Hero Project.  Our super heroes are fighting to end injustices.  This was a great connection.  The kids created narrative "episodes" that feature their superhero in action.  They then created storyboards that placed events in sequence.  This was a fun way to discuss main idea and details.   Next, we will revise and publish our narratives.
• In Math, we discussed our homework and worked with partners to solve open ended questions surrounding our place value unit.
• We went to Gym and to Science Art
• We said goodbye to our friend Loren.  Today was her last day!  We will miss you!

Homework:

• Read for pleasure
• Math: Finish the double sided sheet that we began in class.  We will be ready for our Math test on Tuesday!
• Science: Pages 391-397

Thursday Update

Hello 201,

Today we....

• worked with Roman Numerals
• Create Place Value study guides and worked on expanded notation and increasing numbers
• Learned about Physical Properties of Matter
• Continued our Super Hero Project
• Took our Fall Language Arts Performance Assessment

Tonight at home.....

• Complete the double sided Math Challenge page
• In Science Fusion: Read and complete the activities on pages 351-355.   Go ahead in write in the book.
• Read for pleasure for 25 minutes or more

Updates:

• Open House is scheduled for next Thursday from 6-7p.m.
• Please sign your child's Agenda nightly
• Each child will need at three ring binder by next week.  Most students have brought one to class.
• Our chapter 1 Math Test will be early next week, on Tuesday or Wednesday.
• Friday reading, spelling and vocabulary tests will begin next week.

A Welcomed Wednesday

What a joy it is to have these 30 smiling and eager faces beaming at me!  Today, we are jumping right back in to our learning.

Today we.....
-Read The Amazing Awesome Man.  This story got us thinking!
-Used bullet style notes to brainstorm ideas and begin the writing process
-Developed our own super heroes, complete with gadgets, catch phrases, and people-helping powers
-Read an informational narrative about Matter
-Practiced place value skills to the ten thousands place.  We talked about increasing and decreasing numbers too.
-Took the MAPS Math assessment.  This test will  be used a a benchmark to measure your child's growth this year.


Homework.......

• Read and Respond: Please use the sheet I provided for your response.  Students, please write using complete sentences, and use specific examples from the text.
• Math Problem Solving worksheet
• Please sign your child's Agenda to indicate that you have seen the completed homework 
• Please read the Edmodo contract, join our Edmodo group, and return the signed contract
• Please sign the Media Consent form 

Notes......

• We have one more MAPS test to go: Science
• 201 students will take the Fall Performance Assessment before week's end.  This is yet another test that will be used to measure yearly growth.  The assessment will be  given again in May.
• Our regular Friday Language Arts assessments will begin next week.  I will send home the Study Guide and Vocabulary and Spelling Choice Menu at the end of this week.  These materials are currently posted on Edmodo
• Our CAC Unit begins on October 1 and our final performance is on October 12.  I hope that you can volunteer your time.  The CAC is a team effort!  :-)

Team201 is back in action!

Hello 201,

I can't wait to see you all tomorrow morning, bright, early, and ready to get back to business!  Here are some of the activities that you can look forward to:

• Edmodo!  Tomorrow afternoon, I will send home a letter that contains our group code so that each student can join our Edmodo group.  I have already posted the Week 1 Study Guide and Vocaubulary/Spelling Menu.  These activities will be due next Friday.
• Fourth Grade Superheros are on the way!   This week we will embark on a creative writing and art project.  If you could use superpowers to help change the world, what would you do?  I can't wait to find out!
• Family Matters!   Pod 200 will dive into the study of all things Matter.  What is matter?  What are the physical properties of matter?   How can we define and compare physical and chemical changes of matter?   We will use these questions to drive our unit of study.  
• CAC!  The calendar may be revised slightly, but it is coming soon!  Our topic is.....Matter! The 200 teachers are planning some amazing arts-integrated activities and we can't wait to get started.
• Do you know your place.......value?  This week we will explore place value concepts in small groups, working with the teacher, partners, and playing problem- solving games.

Big News: My Donors Choose grant is now fully funded, and 201 students will reap the benefits!  Each student in 201 will soon be receiving their very own copy of Super Science, a monthly magazine published by Scholastic.  We will be using the magazines for projects in class and at home.  Thank you donors!  :-)

See you soon 201,

Mrs. Ginn

Data Day in 201

Good evening Team 201,

I hope that this "after dinner" post finds you well.  Thank so so very much for sending in the Lunch forms, the information cards, and the "buzz" sheets.  You parents had more homework that the kids! This afternoon, more forms went home.  Thank you for taking the time to fill out the Emergency Form.  Please fill this out, even if you have filled one out for a sibling.    Forms are organized by grade level.  This enables us to reach you more quickly.

Homework News:

• I really enjoyed reading our students' reading reflections last night!  I was able to have a brief dialogue with each student today.  Most students wrote strong summaries.  Several students recorded their responses a character's actions or to events. :-)  A few students even provided specific examples from the text to back up their ideas. Bravo!    
• Parents, please sign the Agenda each night to indicate that you have "seen" the homework.  Thank you!
• Don't forget that the Owl Project is due on Friday.

Parents, please don't hesitate to email me!  Have a wonderful evening.

:-)

Mrs. Ginn

First Day!

Welcome to the first day of school 201 Students and Parents,
We Made it!  Today went by so quickly. 100 percent of our members were in school today.  :-)

Today we.....
- completed our name glyphs and began collecting class data
- went to Music with Mr. Fahrenbach
- completed a student survey
-organized our supplies

Tomorrow we will.....
-take the fall Reading MAPS assessment
-continue to organize and learn routines
-collect and graph class "glyph" data
-learn about "bucket filling"

Today 201 students copied their homework into their agendas.  This will become part of our daily routine.   Here is a summary of what we wrote:
- read over the packet with a parent and fill out forms
- return lunch form ( if you received one)
- read a book of your choice and respond in your spiral
-Owl project due Friday.  The directions are in the packet

Thank you 201 families for all of the supplies. Please do not hesitate to email with any questions!   I will most likely post again later this evening.    It was a joy to meet all 30 of our team members today!

Students, don't forget to bring a book each day!  I want to know what you are reading.  Our voluminous classroom lending library will be open soon.  

Hello Future Fourth Graders,

Perhaps you were on the Disney website.  Perhaps you are wondering about your new fourth grade teacher.  Perhaps this curiosity led you to my blog. Welcome!  Thanks for stopping by!  You will have to wait a bit longer to find out about your homeroom, but I can assure you that all of the options are good ones.

I am looking forward to greeting all 179 of you on Tuesday, September 4.  I am the pod's Unit Leader.  You will find out soon enough that I really like the pod's microphone! Calm Classroom, jokes, riddles: I will find any excuse to use it. You'll see (and hear)!   I hope that you did some reading this summer, and that you had a chance to do the reading projects that we assigned.

I can't wait to meet you all and to share all of the fourth grade news!  Please send me an email if you have any questions. See you soon, and enjoy your week.

Best,

Mrs. Ginn

P.S.
Fifth grade former 201ers: you best not forget about me!  Please try to come by and say hello.  You know that I will be checking on you! :-)  Is anyone still signing the Roy G. Biv song? Ha!  Now you are! :-)

http://www.museum.state.il.us/exhibits/symbols/

Click on the link above to help you complete your IL packet.  There are lots of games to play on this site too!

Tonday we....
-Took an End of the Year Math test.  Your student will bring it home today.
-Shared our "powerful words" that describe last night's reading
-Listend to another Human Body Corportation Letter.
-Began an Illinois webquest

Tomorrow we will....
-Go to the Science Lab to design an experiment.  How can we build a tall and freestanding structure using only index cards and masking tape?
-Meet with our novel buddies to read and discuss our books
-Begin a unit on long division
-Work on our End of the Year Compliment books
-Continue to work on our IL webquest

Homework:
-Finish any pages for the Compliment books that you did not complete in class.  You should have a page for: Nathaniel, Kareemot, Shemar, Nyquera, Kyle, Tiara, Isabel and Joshua C.
-Read, record and get a signature.  Tonight, think about action verbs and be prepared to share them with the class. Record three action verbs that are important to your reading.
-Math:  Get ready for Long Division.   Do these problems: 67 divided by 4, 134 divided by 6, 125 divided by 5, 149 divided by 3 and 762 divided by 2.  Show all of your work.  We will go over them in class tomorrow morning.
-Index Cards: we need these to do our experiment tomorrow.  I will be goingto the store this evening.  If you can bring some, please do!!!!!

100% Homework:  make it happen!

Field Trip Reminders:

• Bring in those permission slips and money!
• Parents, please join us.  We need you!
• Bring a bag lunch.
• Dress for the weather

Homework Reminders:

• Reading Logs are being checked daily, and will be collected on Monday
• 5 Senses/Brain: Read and make your own fact finder that includes diagrams, and a minimum of 10 facts.
• Math 12.2: Make an estimate and choose a method to check.  No calculators allowed!
• Human Body Cooperation Writing is due on Monday.

Parents Needed!
Hello 201 Families,

If you have a hour or two, I could really use your help with....

• cutting out the silhouettes that we created during our CAC unit
• taking 201's art work off of the CAC wall and brining it up to our classroom

Let me know if you can help!  Thank you!

Homework:

1. Reading Log: Due on Monday. I will be checking for completion each morning. This week's focus is Making Inferences.
2. Math: use lattice method to complete problems in 12.1
3. Due Monday: Human Body Cooperation Persuasive Writing
4.Yellow, Discovering the Achotca project, including all artifacts, will be due on Thursday.
5.Field Trip forms and money are absolutely, positively due tomorrow.
6.We need more parent volunteers in order to make this a safe and successful trip.  Please join us!

Extra Opportunities:
1.Watch the BrainPop or Brain Pop Jr segments on the 5 Senses and complete the activity

Wednesday

News:

• Progress Reports were sent home today.  Please note that there is still time to raise your grades.  Some averages are low due to either incomplete work or a low weekly test score.  There will be time for corrections.  Please give me a call or send me an email, and we can devise a plan to help your child.

Today we.....

•  created "x rays" in the Science labs. 
• began our "inside the human body" project. Our focus today was the skeleton.  
• watched a BrianPop segment on the skeleton and used a new note taking strategy to help us organize our ideas.
• worked on finding patterns in multiplication.  Knowing your facts is a prerequisite skill!  Ask your child what the word prerequisite means.  They should know!

Homework:
Theme 6 Vocabulary: Write a sentence for each word or write a short story that uses all of the words!
Math workbook 11.1 Patterns in Multiplication
Get your progress report signed and bring it back
Reading log, cause and effect and signature

Today we....
-Began our Reciprocal Reading foldable project
-Took a math test.  Students know their scores.  I will hand the tests back as soon as I enter them into the grade book.
-Participated in a French and Indian War Readers Theater

Tonight Please...
-Complete your reading log entry
-Complete page  209 "Check What You Know" in the math text book
-Complete the Theme 6 Review Vocabulary section: write a mini definition for each word.  These are the words that will be on next week's Theme Test.
- Work on unfinished assignments such as Opal's Life Lessons and the Consumers and Producers Fact Finder.  These must be turned in by Friday.
-

Monday News

Today we.....

• Prepared for tomorrow's math test
• Read the last excerpt in our Harcourt Text and practiced some Reciprocal Reading
• Played some games on the lap tops to learn about the digestive system

Homework:

• Reading Log: read for 30 minutes and find examples of cause and effect relationships
• Math Test/Review Solid Figures page 518
• Math test tomorrow
• Read in Harcourt Text pp.785-789 and do a Fact Finder page about what you read.  Remeber that Fact Finders should be accurate, neat and complete.  This means that you include 10 facts, and that your diagrams/pictures are detailed.  If you do not have enough room to write all ten facts, use the diagrams to "show what you know."

It is Friday!

201 Students have just a few things to do in order to be prepared for Monday:

• Create your final draft of Opal's Life Lessons. If you did your homework on Thursday, this should be a snap!  See yesterday's post for those directions.  Now, add some decorations, symbols and icons that show what you know.  Here are some ideas: bottle tree, Gertrude(haha), The H.W. Block Memorial Library, books, Dump punch, a jar of pickles, a guitar...a certain special dog.......
• Finish your Science Lab handout.  You can use any watch or clock with a second hand to complete the extra assignment.  Don't forget to answer all of the questions and to make the bar graph.
• Reading Log: I will collect last week's RL on Monday.  Please make that paragraph worth reading! I have to read 30 of them, so don't put me to sleep!

Extra Learning Opportunity:

I also posted this on Edmodo, but I will post it again.  Next week, we will dive into our study of the Human Body.  Click on the link to play some Human Body games.  Write back and tell me what you think.  If you know of any other sites or games that you think 201 will find interesting, please send me an email.

On Monday afternoon, we will use these games to do some note taking with partners.

http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/bodyintro_34/index.html

Hi 201 Families,

Today we......

• Finished our Maps testing
• Finished the novel Because of Winn Dixie

Tomorrow we will........

• Test our resting and active heart rates in the Science Lab
• Work on problem solving strategies in math
• Take a reading and vocabulary test
• Discuss our Winn Dixie homework

Homework:

• Math 24.4
• Reading Log: read and get a signature
• Because of Winn Dixie reflection: What "life lesson" does Opal learn from each of the following characters?  Winn Dixie, Ms. Frannie, Gloria Dump, the Dewberry boys, Amanda and Otis.  You may write using a list format. 
• We have a reading test tomorrow.  Do you know your vocabulary words?

I will see you bright and early!

Greeting 201 Families,

Reading and Math Maps scores are in.  Most students are proudly seeing a dramatic increase in their scores.  Tomorrow we will take the Science test.

Homework:
Science Text Book Chapter 4 Human Body Systems

• Read A98-A101
• Answer the Red Check Questions and the Review Questions

Math workbook:

• Please do lesson 26.3
• We will review on Friday and the Chapter 26 test will be on Monday

Reading:

• Reading log due Monday
• Study the vocabulary words

Other News

• We did not go to the Science Lab today because we were MAPS testing.  We will go on Friday.  Students will compare their resting and active heart rates.
• I will post Some Extra Credit Brain Pop activities
• On Friday we will take our weekly reading test.  The study guide is posted on Edmodo.  Rereading the story on Thursday night is a good idea.  Study those vocabulary words!
• Volunteers needed!  I could really use your help one morning.  All the the CAC art work from our area needs to be taken down, "detaped" and brought up to the Pod.  We also need help cutting out the beautiful silouettes of your amazing children. 

Homework Correction Notice:
Tonight, please do 26.1, not 27.1.  Sorry about the confusion.  This week's study guide is posted on Edmodo.  
-We will use the "evidence" sheet in class tomorrow to do some partner work with the John Muir story.
-I will collect the new Reading Log page next Monday

:-)Mrs. Ginn

Hats off to 201 and Pod 200!  Your performance today was among the best I have seen.  All students were on cue, and sparkling!  Thanks for lending your natural light to today's show.  The compliments from teachers are pouring in.  Here are a few photos.  Please send me yours!

Showtime in.....2 days!

Parents, if you have a free hour tomorrow or Thursday, we could really use your help!  Come on down to the CAC!

Students, tomorrow morning we will...
-Finish our Op Art pieces
-Finish our Tim cut outs
-Work on a "top secret" project
-Meet with focus groups in the morning
-Run through the entire show 6th and 7th periods.  Bring your smiles, your songbird voices, and your jazz hands!

CAC Homework and News

Happy Monday!

 It is almost showtime! May 11 is the date and the doors will open at 9:15 for the 9:30 show.  Please note that Disney has a "no children under 5" policy for these performances.

Homework:
Reading Log: Today your child will come home with a new Reading Log template.  It asks students to record their reading each night and take notes on the graphic organizer. This week, we are focusing on "context clues." These are the other words, phrases and ideas that help us understand difficult words and passages.  At the end of the week, they will write a reflection.  This will be collected on Monday.

Math "Problem of the Day": These open ended problems are designed to sharpen students' critical thinking skills.  These problems are due on Friday.  All work must be shown, and all answers  clearly labeled.  While accuracy is important, mathematical thinking and the evidence of this thinking is equally important!

CAC Photos

What's on Tim's T-Shirt?

Step 1: Spectrum Art

Painting: Translucent, Transparent or Opaque?