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.