Thursday

Ask your child about today's Crime Scene Investigation!

This evening at home....

• finish the double flap vocabulary activity: each word should have a mini def, an antonym, an icon/picture/symbol and a caption or sentence.
• complete pages 107 and 108 in the R.N.
• complete the hw and practice for lesson 4.7

Way to Go Wednesday

Today has been a busy one. We......

• used the blog to learn about life cycles.
• edited yesterday's writing activity.
• corrected last night's grammar work.
• took the mid chapter checkpoint and did a quick review first.
• went to library.
• went to the Science Lab to continue our life cycles research.
• returned to the pod, where we have a better connection, to finish up our mini teaching posters.
• continued working on our vocabulary flap books.
• went to lunch and recess. We earned this break!
• finished up the day with multiplication madness, some esparks reading, and an Animal Project Q and A.

This evening at home....

• Use your book to make corrections on your mid chapter checkpoint. We will take a penalty free retake tomorrow morning.  Please do corrections on a separate sheet. If you are home sick today, work on the Mid Chapter. 
• read!
• complete the R N page using Dear Mr. Winston.

Animal Life Cycles

On Wednesday, we will be comparing and contrasting complete metamorphosis and incomplete metamorphosis. We will use this blog entry to guide us through tomorrow's learning. Feel free to get a sneak peek!

To begin, let's explore the meaning of the root morph-   Click here and record the meaning in your Science Spiral

It also might be helpful to understand the word nymph. Trust me. Which one of these definitions is the best fit for our topic?  Click here and select the "best fit" definition.

Some animals go through a process called metamorphosis. Yet not all types of metamorphosis are the same. 

Now, read below to see an example.  Look closely at the diagrams. Can you spot the differences between complete and incomplete metamorphosis?

Here is another example. In incomplete metamorphosis, note how to nymph stages resemble the adult stage.

Now you are ready to watch the brainpop on Metamorphosis. Click here to get it! Take the quiz too!

Times Tables Tuesday

Tonight, times table practice is mandatory! Tomorrow we will take a Multiplication Madness quiz.

Today we....

• worked on our U.S. Landscapes guided notes
• read some HP
• discussed this week's vocabulary words and began a double flap book.
• corrected last night's math homework and ran a q and a session
• worked on estimating quotients and problem solving
• wrote. We are working on making claims and supporting them with sound evidence and reasoning.
• discussed plant adaptations
• learned about complex and compound sentence.

This evening at home...

• get prepared for Multiplication Madness. Write out the tables for your target number.  All kids are working on different multiples.
• complete pages 103 and 104 in the Readers Notebook.
• READ and log it!

Parents, we need to volunteers to join us at the Chicago International Film Festival on December 15th. Please email me if you would like to attend.

Today we talked about plant adaptations. Ask your child about phototropism.

Making Inferences Monday

We truly, genuinely enjoyed today's story, Dear Mr. Winston. Ask you child to tell you all about it!

This evening at home...

• complete pages 99 and 100 in the Readers Notebook
• complete the homework and practice for lesson 4.5
• read and log it.

Parents, I need two volunteers to join us for the Film Festival on December 15. Please let me know if you are available.

Parents, do you know about the Animal Project?  I will be talking to kids about their animal selection today.

ReadWorks

Click here to log in to ReadWorks.  www.readworks.org/student

Our class code is...UXJVWM

Today, we will be reading the text called Wild Things.

Thankful Tuesday

Today we.....

• took illustrated notes as we explored the Great Lakes and Mississippi River
• participated in an "Augmented Reality" demo run by Google Expeditions. It was cool!
• read and discussed Harry Potter.
• took our Me and Uncle Romie test.
• worked on writing Short Responses to text.
• finished up our collages.
• lived through several test fire drills. Ouch!
• Dissected flowers and examined their reproductive structures.
• Went to Art.

This Thanksgiving Weekend....

• enjoy time with family and friends.
• offer to help around the house. Don't wait to be asked!
• read!
• show your parents the Animal Project. It is due December 18th!  We will discuss the project on Monday.  You must get your animal pre approved!

Flower Power

How does the Peruvian Lily reproduce? Use these slides to help you dissect the flower and identify the parts.

http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/indexmag.html?http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/artoct08/bj-peru.html

Mental Math Monday

Today we made a new BFF: basic fact. We used these BFFs to help us with division.  Many of the problems also involve subtraction and are multi-step.  Please look over tonight's homework to make sure that your child is on track!

This evening at home....

• complete the hw and practice for lesson 4.4 in Go Math
• complete page 87 in the R. Notebook.
• complete ONE of the Vocabulary Choice Board Activities
• Read!!

Weekend Update

Hello 201 Families-

We had a great time at the North Park Village Nature Center. Thank you so much to our two volunteers, Mr. Ruff and Mr. Jones. We were able to observe several Illinois habitats: the Woodland, Wetland, Grassland and Oak Savannah.  We saw snakes, deer, a heron and squirrels. It was a great day out. Many kids expressed  interest in revisiting. The Nature Center has many fantastic programs for families. Here is the link:
North Park Village Nature Center

This weekend at home...

• Collect artifacts for Monday's art project. We will be creating "Gratitude" mixed media collages inspired by Romare Bearden, the artist who inspired our Journeys story, Me and Uncle Romie.  Kids should bring in about 5 artifacts that they can glue on to the collage. They may find words in magazines, pictures, a photo, or any other image that reflects them and the parts of their lives for which they are grateful.   We will be using an 8.5 x 11 paper, so keep them on the smaller side.  I created a flyer/sheet for this project and handed it out on Friday. Check the green folder!
• Read and record!

Next week...

• is a short one. We are in school Monday and Tuesday.
• we will take our Reading Assessment on Tuesday. I do not plan on giving a spelling test.
• Pod 200 classrooms will participate in a special pilot program called Google Expeditions. Kids and teachers will meet with the Google team trainers on Tuesday morning. Get ready for a virtual reality field trip!

Field Trip Notes and First Quarter Awards and Homework

Tomorrow, we travel to the North Park Village Nature Center! Here are some important reminders:

• We will eat lunch, during our regular lunch period, at school. There is no need to bring a special lunch.
• Dress for an outdoor activity. We will be walking on a short trail to explore and observe varied landscapes and habitats.
• Students should bring a clipboard and a sharpened pencil.  I will provide colored pencils.

Notes:

• Awards Assembly: Students who have all As and Bs, with no more than two checkmarks, are invited to tomorrow's Awards Assembly.  We will also honor those students who had perfect attendance in the first Quarter and will award two students with a Citizenship Award.  Parents are invited to attend. Please note the Disney policy regarding siblings under 5. Please join us at 8:30.
• We will take the Me and Uncle Romie test next Tuesday, the day before the Thanksgiving break.

This evening at home...

• Go Math hw for lesson 4.3
• read for 20 minutes or longer. Log it.
• complete the comprehension activity for Me and Uncle Romie.

Parents, thank you so much for coming to school yesterday. I know that getting here in the middle of the work day is not easy! I also understand that our conference times are very short! Please feel free to reach out to me if you have follow-up questions or if there is any unaddressed question! Ten minutes is not enough time!

Time to Meet Tuesday

I can't wait to meet with you all tomorrow! Parents, please note that I will be leaving Disney at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow to attend my own child's parent/teacher conference. If you happen to be at school after 5, you can find your child's report card in the level office.

This evening at home....

• read!
• complete the homework for Go Math lesson 4.2
• make a vocabulary/concept Mind Map for the words in Me and Uncle Romie. Use color, pictures, mini definitions, synonyms or symbols to enhance and provide detail. Include each vocabulary word and the ideas from the story. The center of your Mind Map will read: Me and Uncle Romie

Here is a visual:

Math Test Monday

Greetings 201 Families,

I am looking forward to seeing you all on Wednesday.   Please note that conferences times are pre arranged. If you can't find a time that suits your schedule, please reach out to me!   Haven't signed up up for a conference time? Click here!   http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0b4ba4a82babf85-mrs


This evening at home....

• In the Readers Notebook, complete pages 85 and 86.This work is based on the story, Me and Uncle Romie.
• Complete "Show What you Know" in Go Math chapter 4. You only need to do page 195.
• Read!

Check out these links to learn about the real Uncle Romie, celebrated artist Romare Bearden

http://www.beardenfoundation.org/artlife/biography/biography.shtml

https://multiculturalkidblogs.com/2015/02/02/art-romare-bearden-kids/

Book Fair Tomorrow

Don't forget that Team201 will visit the Scholastic Book Fair tomorrow!  This is the only time that we are on the schedule.   Of course, the Book Fair will be open on Parent Teacher Conference Day this Wednesday!

First Snow Friday

This weekend at home...

• Please read the new story, Me and Uncle Romie.
• Study for the Math Test
• read and record
• If I don't have your photosynthesis or root mini poster, I need to have them by Monday!

Right now, kids are working hard to finish the poster project. Some may be bringing it home!

Most parents have signed up for a report card conference. Please scroll back to find the sign up sheet!

Thunderbolt Thinking ( and pretty terrific) Thursday

Today we....

• began mini posters on this week's root words and photosynthesis
• went to gym
• read Harry Potter and continued our morning projects
• corrected last night's math homework
• began the Math Review and had the chance to work with Mrs. Ginn or Ms. O'Hara
• created "movie reviews" for our poster project
• sketched rough drafts and began our final posters

This evening at home...

• get prepared for spelling and vocab.
• finish the Math Review.
• read. Really read. Let's make it a double session!

Why Wednesday

Why Isn't An Onion Green Wednesday is more like it.   Today in the Science lab we asked this question. Onions are plants, right? Plants make their own food, right? Chlorophyll is a main ingredient in photosynthesis, right?  Chlorophyll is green, right?  So why isn't an onion green?  Ask your child about onions, and carrots, tonight!

This evening at home...

• Read the Science handout titled Plant Behavior/Basic Needs of Living Things. Complete the activities.
• Work on your "slogan/tag line" for your movie poster.
• complete the hw and practice for GoMath 3.7.
• Read and record! Don't forget that reading for pleasure should be a part of your nightly routine.

News to Know

• Parents, please sign and return the Mid Chapter Checkpoint. This will give you a good idea about where your child needs support.
• Field Trip money and forms are due tomorrow! If your child has lost the form, don't worry. Please see the previous post for instructions.
• 201 goes to the Book Fair next Monday!
• We will take the Chapter 3 Math test on Monday. Next chapter....Division. 

Parents, I can't wait to meet you!please sign up for a Parent/Teacher Conference. 

Movie Poster

Today, we will begin our Movie Posters. After reading Coming Distractions, we've learned a great deal about cinematography techniques and about how films are marketed or promoted.

Directions

Use what you know about movie posters/advertisements. Create a movie poster with your assigned movie.

Include the following: release date, slogan, movie title, three reviews,  and an illustration (must reflect the genre of the movie).

Steps:

1. Read the rubic so that you are aware of the expectations.
2. Scroll down to view the samples. Notice: What makes the poster eye-catching? What does the slogan reveal about the movie? How do the reviews describe the action, plot or acting?How is the poster arranged?
3. Brainstorm. Use your reading spiral. Record your ideas here.
4. Rough draft. Use another page in your reading spiral to create a rough draft of the poster. Make sure to allow room for all of the components, or parts. This is a pencil draft.
5. Check your draft for areas that might need work: spelling, spacing, word choice and grammar.
6. Publish your Poster! Get the special paper from me!

Create Your Own Movie Poster

Grading Rubric

___/5 Movie title is bold

___/10 Tagline/slogan

___/10    Three descriptive Reviews displayed

___/3 Picture showing what movie is about.

___/2 Date of release

___/5 Correct spelling and punctuation

• All work should reflect your very best effort and should show your very neatest writing!

Show pride!

1	Movie Title: The Eye Genre: Horror
2	Movie Title: Best Buddies Genre: Drama
3	Movie Title: Journey to King Tut’s Tomb Genre: Adventure
4	Movie Title: Fourth Grade: Lost on Our First Field Trip Genre: Adventure
5	Movie Title: Mr. Potato Head’s Wedding Genre: Comedy
6	Movie Title: The Legend of Zamster- the Rodent God Genre: Fantasy/Myth
7	Movie Title: Revenge of the Tomatoes Genre: Science Fiction
8	Movie Title: Trail of Trucks Genre: Action
9	Movie Title: The Haunted Treehouse Genre: Horror
10	Movie Title: Bad Hair Day Genre: Comedy
11	Movie Title: Dolphins in Danger Genre: Drama
12	Movie Title: The Cat Crystal Genre: Fantasy
13	Movie Title: Moby is Missing Genre: Mystery
14	Movie Title: Attack of the Moldy Bagel Genre: Horror/Adventure
15	Movie Title: The Three Little Pigs Go to Chicago Genre: Comedy

Movie Poster Samples

Examples of Critic Reviews

Your poster needs three.

Field Trip Forms

Good Morning!

Field Trip forms are due this Thursday. Our two parent volunteer spots are filled. Has your child lost the filed trip form? No problem! Just write a note that includes your written permission, your emergency contact information, and your signature. Here is an example.

November 8,2017

Please allow my child _______to attend the Field Trip to the North Park Village Nature Center on Friday, November 16, 2017.

Emergency contact name and number______________________
Parent signature _______________________________________

The cost of the trip is $6.00

Tuesday Topics

Today we....

• spent a LOT of time on double digit multiplication. Parents, please check in on tonight's homework. We will take the Chapter 3 test on Monday!
• made MAP keys for in our Social Studies books to mark U.S. rivers and landmarks.
• caught up on some ST Math
• discussed this week's vocabulary words

Tomorrow we will....

• go to the Science Lab. We will view plant cells using the Microslides.
• begin our Movie Poster/Genre project
• work on Problem Solving with double digit multiplication
• read!

This evening at home....

• Go Math 3.6 homework. Parents, please check in with this homework. It is a new skill for most and the majority of kids will need support.
• Read! Record!
• get ready for your next multiplication madness quiz.  Practice orally, online or write out the facts.
• read pages 3 and 4 in U.S. Landscapes. Use the text to answer this question: Describe the different land forms, vegetation and climate in the Eastern Region.  

To answer, you may use a combination of sentences and graphic features. Make sure to include text details.

Parents, please reserve your time for a Report Card Conference! Click the link to view the available spots.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0b4ba4a82babf85-mrs

Multiplication Monday

This evening at home....

• Go math hw and practice 3.5. Yes, we skipped a lesson!
• Read! Record!
• Read pp2-3 in U.S. Landscapes. Bring this back tomorrow!!!!
• Create your own "facts" graphic organizer on the paper provided. Your graphic should include: 10 detailed facts....illustrations....a heading...

Photosynthesis Foldable Model

Hey Kids!  Use this photo as your "foldable" guide.

1. Cut out all of the materials.
2. Organize them on your notebook/workspace. Don't glue anything!
3. Clean up your scraps.
4. We will review photosynthesis together so you can properly arrange your leaf.
5. Glue and color!

Here is the link the the Study Jams that we watched in class last week.

http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/plants/photosynthesis.htm

Parent Teacher Conference Sign Up

Hello Parents and Students!

The Parent Teacher Conference sign up sheet is LIVE!   All conferences will be by appointment. Click on the link to select your spot. Don't forget to add both your name and your student's name. I can't wait to meet with each of you!

Sign Up Genius- Fall Conferences

Thinking It's Friday Thursday

Today we....

• prepped for the Science Lab by watching and discussing a short video: Why do Leaves Change Color.? You can check it out at home if you click here.
• went to Gym
• had a great time in the Science Lab. We used chromatography paper and acetone to extract chlorophyll and other pigments from leaves. First we ground them up with a mortar and pestle. While we waited for results, we experimented with extracting colors from water color markers. Which marker revealed the most colors? Black, of course!
• took a very short vocabulary and reading comprehension test.
• worked on using the distributive property to multiply double digit numbers.
• corrected last night's homework.
• published our Tall Tales.

Good To Know:

• I have room for one additional parent to join us on  the field trip. Please email me over the weekend if you are able to commit.
• There is no school for children tomorrow!
• Chapter 2 Math Tests are coming home tonight. Please indicate on the Gold Card that you have seen the test.  This score will be entered into the second quarter gradebook. To earn partial credit for incorrect responses, students may rewrite answers, show work, and include explanations. Please show this work on a separate sheet of paper.

This weekend at home...

• review the Math Test. Corrections are due by next Friday.
• read Coming Distractions in Journeys
• complete the "fact and opinion" activity.
• finish Go Math 3.3 homework. Use the boxes to help you!
• read, read, read!
• finish your Tall Tale! Most kids are done!

Wednesday

This evening at home...

• do some ST Math
• in Journeys, read The History of Radio and then complete the Text to Self activity.
• complete the Go Math hw for 3.2
• read and record!
• a few children need to finish today's PLOT activity.  The plot events should be written in sequential order, starting with Mr. Phillips reporting on the scene. This is not a summary. Numbers or bullet points are o.k..

Don't forget that there is NO SCHOOL  for kids on Friday!

Field Trip forms are going home today! Yay!

Parent Conferences are Wednesday, November 15. As soon as the main office confirms the times, I will be posting a sign up sheet online!

We need leaves!