Friday, January 29, 2016

Finding Fractions Friday

 I will post more later...

This weekend at home...

  • finish the rough draft of the MLK Essay. We will be ready to publish on Monday. Most kids are finished with this. Please check the green folder.  The rough draft should be there.
  • complete the homework and practice for lesson 7.2.

Jacob, thanks for the post title.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Thinking Fractionally Thursday

Don't worry parents, I have the Gold Cards!

This evening at home....

  • complete the Maniac Magee activities for Chapters 1-5
  • add finishing touches to the Riding Freedom questions. Think: text evidence
  • finish Go Math 7.1
  • we will have a Reading Test tomorrow, but no spelling test!

Tomorrow we will.....
  • Go to an Urban Gateways performance in the CAC. \
  • Work on our MLK drafts
  • Finalize our Adaptation Creation diagrams
  • Take the Riding Freedom Test
  • Espark

MLK Mix Up

Hello Parents!  The MLK graphic organizer and prompt is classwork, not homework!  Students have already done this research and have notes to support their writing.  We will draft in class today, and will publish tomorrow.  I apologize for the confusion! I was sick yesterday and there was a miscommunication about the homework.  






Tuesday, January 26, 2016

That's the Power Tuesday

In today's Math Minute, we learned about exponents.  We also spent a great deal of time on the Math Review.  Tomorrow, we test!


This evening at home....

  • complete the Analyze Text questions for Riding Freedom
  • complete the Readers Notebook pages 199-200.
  • STUDY for the Math TEST!!!

Monday, January 25, 2016

Museum Monday

201 has been transformed! We have polar bears next to cheetahs, pink dolphins coexisting with arctic hares. We have poachers and live plants, predator and prey.  We have hand -crafted trees and rocks, repurposed- plastic bag- waves!  Thank you so much for all of your hard work and for following the project guidelines. The reports read very well, and the extra time that was take to give a "polished" finish is apparent!  I hope that the work at home on this project was a positive experience for your child.


This evening at home.....

  • complete the Chapter Review/Test for Chapter 6. We will review tomorrow and take the test on Wednesday.
  • complete the vocabulary practice sheet, both front and back.
  • please read a book of your choice and record the reading session on your log.

Friday, January 22, 2016

FReading Cocoa Friday

I will admit that today's title is a bit of a stretch.   Today's big surprise was a rewarding cup of hot chocolate. We celebrated  our participation in the Winter Reading Challenge with a frothy cup and some "get into the new book" time.  Kids received a copy of our next novel, Maniac Magee and we almost finished up The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe. We did not take the MAPS test, and will do so on Monday.  As soon as the Science scores are in, I will send home Winter Data reports and can make recommendations for your child.  Right now, I urge students to spend time on both ST Math and IXL Math at home.
* Kids, did you notice that I made revisions? I added some adjectives to add "zing." I corrected an apostrophe error. I uploaded some pictures and added captions.   Editing and revising are life skills!

This weekend at home...

  • Finish that Animal Project. I am looking forward to receiving 31 reports and 31 dioramas on Monday! This place will be wilder than the White Witch's courtyard!  
  • Read through chapter 5 in Maniac Magee. You may read ahead, but be prepared to reread.
  • We will be ready for the Chapter 6 Math test on Tuesday!
  • IF you finish 6.8 homework this weekend, you won't have to do it Monday morning and will be able to go straight to IXL or ST Math.  I realize that many will be busy with the Animal Project.
  • PLEASE spend some time on ST Math and IXL math.  On IXL, focus first on the Chapter 6 skills: Comparing Fractions. Feel free to move ahead.

The Sun- Tolerant Sand Cat

Iberian Lynx on the prowl.....

Slow and Steady: The Sloth Claws Really Hang On!

Amazon Adaptor: The Amazing Anaconda

P.S.: Ian J., if you send me the "whale" link, I will post it on the blog.

Thursday, January 21, 2016

That's the Idea Thursday

Hey Team 201 Families,

This week we are working on Main Idea and Supporting Details. We will spend lots of time tomorrow focusing on this important skill.

This evening at home....

  • complete the homework for Go Math 6.7. If you need a tutorial on comaring fractions using the LCM/LCD, just scroll back to last weekend's post.  There are two great videos there.
  • complete the "Analyze Text" questions for Ecology For Kids.  Please use details from the text to support your responses! Show me your best!
  • Add details to your Adaptation Creation graphic organizer. This was last night's homework.  Get specific! How will your animal's features help it survive in the environment?

F.Y.I.



  • We will NOT have a regular Reading/LA test tomorrow.
  • We WILL be working on this week's focus skill tomorrow. The content will not be lost, we just don't have time to test!
  • We will take the Winter MAPS Science Test tomorrow.
  • Be prepared to turn in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe tomorrow.
  • Animal Projects are due Monday.  The paper should be 8 paragraphs.  Please scroll back on the blog to see tips and examples.  

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Wolvamite Wednesday

How is the Wolvamite uniquely adapted to survive in the Majestic Mountains?  This is the question that Ian O. will be answering this evening.   Today, we are creating fictional creatures that are adapted to survive in fictional habitats.  Some of the ideas are pretty inventive.  Ruby's creature has retractable claws that help her creature catch prey.

Check out Jordan's Vocabulary Draw for the word affect :


This evening at home....

  • complete the Go Math homework and practice for 6.6. Please also complete the classwork. We will go over it all tomorrow.  
  • finish the graphic organizer and a rough sketch for your Adaptation Creation project that we began today.
  • in the Readers Notebook, complete pages 187 and 188
  • Read and record!

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Tough It Out Tuesday

Today's math problems are difficult.   We really had to roll up our sleeves!

This evening at home....

  • Please use Ecology For Kids to complete the Vocabulary/Comprehension work.
  • Complete Go Math 6.5. Breathe.
  • Don't forget that Chapter 5 Math Corrections are due tomorrow.  Please rewrite the questions and show me every step needed to reach the solution. Many students have raised their scores dramatically.   Please contact me if you are having difficulties!
  • Read and record!
  • Do you know where your copy of The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe is?  If you borrowed a class copy, I will collect it at the end the week. Maniac Magee, here we come!
  • Don't forget that Animal Projects are due on Monday, January 25.  Please see the project packet for guidelines.
AAAAACHOOOO! 201 has a case of the sniffles and we are out of tissue!   Help!

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Sunny Saturday

It's getting cold out there, but it sure is great to see the sun shining on this Saturday. I hope that 201 families will get a healthy dose of vitamin D today!


There are a few things to do this weekend.  Kids should have written down the homework yesterday.

  • Please complete the 6.4 Go Math Homework.  We are finding Common Denominators! Yesterday we talked about the LCM and using it to create the LCD.  We spent LOTS of time practicing. There was some struggle, but we came out of the fog intact and a bit more knowledgeable.  So please, get this practice done by Monday.
  • Creature Feature and Adaptations Fact Finders are due on Monday. Most kids finished this work last week.
  • Read something and record on your log. 
  • Don't forget that the Animal Project, which includes both a diorama and written report, are due January 25th.  Please refer to the Project Packet for detailed instructions.  Scroll back to last Friday's post in this blog to see a sample of the writing and FAQs.
  • Chapter 6 Math Corrections must be in by Wednesday. I am extending this due date, which was Monday.  When you look on Think Central, you will notice that the correct answer is given.  To receive credit, rewrite the problem and show me every step needed to arrive at this correct answer. No extra credit will be given for providing answers only.  Please let me know if you need help.
  • We will formally finish The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe next week.  Students, be prepared to return your book!
  • Our next novel will be Maniac Magee.  I almost have a full class set. If you able to purchase the book, this would be a great help!

Parents, if you are looking for extra help, please go to IXL Math or ST Math! I have assigned each of the CCore 4th Grade goals to 201 students.  IXL is aligned with our Go Math curriculum. So, if you want extra help with fractions, simply go to this IXL section!  Why not move ahead to skills we haven't yet formally cover, such as Time, Measurement, and Geometry?

I will have Winter MAPS results for you next week.  Students' goals will be reset based on Winter data.  Students in 201 want to know their target skills and how to improve.  I will share the information with each student and with you.


Are you looking for something new to read? The tabs on this blog are a great resource.  Wild Times is one of my favorites.  This link takes you to the New Hampshire Department of Natural Resources site for kids. Wild Times is a full color magazine that you can read on your computer or print.  If you like animals, nature, or science, your will love Wild Times.

Are you curious about current events, or the way things work?  Dojo News, Tween Tribune and Wonderopolis are three other great sources to explore.  You can read the articles online, and can even post your favorites to Edmodo. If you think a topic is interesting, chances are that your classmates will too! Please share the link on Edmodo and add your comments.




Check out these two videos from Math Antics. The first shows how to find a Common Denominator quickly. This method is a great one, most of the time!  The second video shows how to find the Least Common Denominator. Sometimes, this method is better. Watch both! Remember, keep it simple!







I have to repost this gem from Mr. Lee. Keep Calm and Multiply On!

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Timeline Thursday

Thanks,Mahlet< for providing today's title!
Today we...

  • worked on our MLK timelines
  • went to Art
  • corrected the Math homework and practiced using division to reduce and simplify fractions.
  • learned about the G.C. F..

This evening at home...
  • please sign and return the bottom portion progress report, if you haven't done so already.
  • please indicate that you have seen the Chapter 5 Math test on Think Central.  A quick note on the Gold Card will do!
  • please do the homework and practice for lesson 6.3
  • please read The Dove  and the Ant in Journeys. Complete the Text to Text.
  • please do Readers Notebook pages 175, 176, and 177.
  • Don't forget that we have  the Ant test tomorrow! The test will cover vocabulary, comprehension, and grammar.

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Where's the Post Wednesday

Sorry about the late post.  We wrote down our homework "the old fashioned way" today.  The school was experiencing technical difficulties at the end of the day.

Today we....

  • Logged in a few minutes of ST Math
  • Took the MAPS Math assessment
  • Took a break! Kids had about 15 minutes to either read, finish the Creature Feature or Fact Finder, Espark, or do ST Math. We needed to decompress post test!
  • worked on The Life and Times of the Ant. We traded some facts, shared some ideas, and worked individually on reading comprehension.
  • Kahooted, 1.5 times.  The first Kahoot reviewed this week's vocabulary words. The second was a mix of participle practice and Ant content.
  • reviewed last night's math homework.  Most kids had a few corrections to make. Kudos to the kids who attended the "extra help" review session: Andrea, Giselle, Ian O., Elizabeth, Lydia and Daniel. 
  • Generated equivalent fractions using multiplication.  


This evening at home, I hope that you have already.....
  • completed the Go Math homework for lesson 6.2
  • read for 20 minutes and written a "just right" summary: not too long, and not too short! 
  • finished up the Ant comprehension questions
Today's Homework Shout Outs go to......

Franco, Mahari, and Giselle! You rocked last night's Science Homework. Your answers were complete and filled with detail. Thanks for going the extra mile!


Notes to parents....

  • Have you seen your child's  5 week progress report? It was sent home Friday. Please sign the bottom portion and return it to me!
  • Don't forget the the Animal Project is due January 25th. This leaves just two more weekends! Please feel free to write me a note, call, or email if you have any questions about the project.
  • Seen the results of the Chapter 6 Math Test? They are available on Think Central. I will add points to your child's score if incorrect answers are rewritten. Please show all work and do the problems on a separate sheet of paper.  If your child is having difficulty with a problem, please let me know. We will look at it together. Test corrections are due next Monday.

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Taking Another Test Tuesday

Hello Team 201 Families!

This evening at home...

  • Read the Science Fusion Lesson 5 packet: How are Living Things Adapted to Their Environment?  Record it on your log.
  • Complete all of the activities contained within the Science Packet
  • Complete the Homework and Practice for Lesson 6.1

Other Stuff

  • Tomorrow we will take the Winter MAPS assessment.  
  • I will not enter the Math Scores into Gradebook right away.
  • Please do Math Corrections on a separate sheet of paper and show all work.
  • Corrections are due next Monday! You will find the results on Think Central.
Don't forget to check in with your child regarding the Animal Project.  Papers and dioramas are due January 25th.

Monday, January 11, 2016

Math Test Tomorrow Monday

Today we spent time going over problems in the Chapter Review. Tomorrow we will take the Chapter 5 Go Math test.  We are ready!


This evening at home...

  • Readers Notebook page 171 and 172
  • Vocabulary Math
  • Read and record on your log.
  • Study for the Math test!
  • continue to do research for your Animal Project
  • Spend some time on Xtra Math or with Jiji

Friday, January 8, 2016

Friday Forecast

The report is looking good.A front of fairness and honesty will move into our region.  These characteristics will be mixed with a health doses of " doing- the- right- thing- even- when- no- one- is- looking."  The result? Expect loads of Integrity.  With any luck, this trend will continue through the weekend and for a lifetime.   We'll check back in  with another Integrity Report next week.


This weekend at home....

  • finish the Chapter 5 Review Test. We went over several problems today and kids should have made a good start on the problems.  We will review on Monday and will take the Chapter 5 Math Test Tuesday.
  • continue to work on the Animal Project. This may include research, writing, or the diorama.  All written reports and dioramas are due January 25
  • Check your child's progress report. They were sent home today. Remember, the 5 week report is simply a "snapshot."   Some of the grades have already changed!
  • If you didn't get to finish today's Arctic Journal test on Think Central, feel free to finish it at home this weekend.  If you don't have time, you can finish it on Monday. We had lots of connectivity problems today!
  • As always, READ!
  • Check your ST Math progress! Are you close to 45%? You should be! Don't forget that XTRA math is another great way to boost skills.
  • We will take the MAPS Math next Wednesday. The following week, we will take the Science portion.
Animal Project News
Many students and parents have questions about the Animal Project.  I will answer some of them here.

Q: Can I make a poster?
A: No. Please follow the directions on the sheet. The project includes a Written Report and a Diorama. We simply don't have the wall space to hang posters!

Q: I am finished with all of the research. Can I begin working on the Written Report at home?
A: Yes! Just make sure to follow the correct format.  Read on for more tips on formatting the Written Report.

Q: Do I have to write my report in sentences?
A: Yes!  Use bullet points to take notes and gather research.   The Written Report will contain paragraphs that are organized by subheading.

Q: Can I include illustrations, drawings, maps, and extra material in my Written Report?
A: Yes!  Just make sure to give credit to any photograph, diagram or image that you photocopy or print from other sources.

Q:  What about the Adaptations section?
A: Please include a section on Physical and Behavioral Adaptations.   You may insert it after the Habitat section.

Q: What should my written report look like?
A: Good question!   Sections will be organized by heading.  Here is an example.

Adaptations
Mrs. Ginn, Teacheamis Ginnis, has unique physical and behavioral adaptations. These adaptations help her survive and thrive in the Disney Magnet habitat.  Mrs. Ginn has developed sensitive ears. During a test, she can hear a student whispering from across the pod!  Another physical adaptation is Mrs. Ginn's seasonal wardrobe.  She uses bright colors and varied combinations to keep her prey engaged and interested.  Mrs. Ginn also has behavioral adaptations that help her survive. Over time, her species has learned how to rest and conserve energy during the warm summer months. This behavior is known as Summeration.  This helps the species gain key energy necessary to teach large groups of children during the school year. Bringing water to school is yet another behavior that  helps Mrs. Ginn survive in a sometimes harsh, and dry climate.  


I hope that this sample is helpful!  Have a wonderful weekend Team 201!




Thursday, January 7, 2016

That's a Pattern Thursday

This evening at home.....

  • Homework and Practice for Go Math lesson 5.6. Please also do any unfinished classwork.
  • Please write a mini definition for each of the Vocabulary words and use each word in a complete sentence. 
  • Read and record.
  • Finish the Greek Root Wheels, if you did not do so in class today.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Worst Woblem Wednesday

Today's last math problem did deal with Prime numbers, and it was kind of painful. Mentally. Thank you, Ian O. and Sydney for helping us devise today's title.


This evening at home...
Complete select problems in Go Math Lessons 5.4 and 5.5. These problems should be circled in your child's book
Readers Notebook pages 163 and 164
Read Cold Cold Science   and complete the Text to Text found page 401.

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

T_ _ L_ng Test Tuesday

Fill in the blanks to get today's title!

This evening at home.....

  • finish the Modal Auxiliary Foldable that we started this morning.  Use the model to write in examples and make these foldable pages complete. Add color!
  • answer the "Analyze Text" questions in Arctic Journal
  • show your parents the PARCC envelope that you received today

Shout outs to Henry, Jacob, Kaliyah, Jordan, and Destin for showing great improvement in writing. Last night's Arctic Journal homework showed me that you are working hard!


Monday, January 4, 2016

MAPS Tomorrow Monday

Happy New Year Team 201 Families,

I hope that you all  enjoyed a restful break.Thanks to all of the kids who participated in the Marshmallow Reading Challenge. We are just four students short of our 100% goal!  Let's get those mugs in by the end of the week, so that we can celebrate with our Hot Chocolate Read In next week.

Today we....

  • Discussed the Animal Report and Diorama Project that is due January 25th.
  • Spent some time collecting research on our animal. We discussed how to record sources and how to avoid plagiarism by taking good notes.
  • Worked on the strategy Make a List  to help us solve problems that involve common factors.
  • Read Antarctic Journal in Journeys
  • Did some ST Math
This evening at home...
  • Complete pages 157, 158159, 160 in the Readers Notebook. Remember, Antarctic Journal  uses a chronological, or sequential structure.
  • Complete the Homework and Practice for Math lesson 5.3.  We went over every problem in class today and your child should have solid notes!
  • Read and record your reading on the January Gold Card.

Yes, we are taking the Reading /Language Arts MAPS test tomorrow!

What's a Modal Auxiliary? It is a type of helping verb.  Sometimes they are called Modals.  A Modal Auxiliary shows a mood, condition, or possibility.  Examples include...shall, will, could, will, may, ought, should, would, and might... Watch the video. You will get it!

What is a Modal Auxiliary?