Our guote for this week was: What great thing would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?" - Robert H. Schuller
The students had so many great answers. Some would be in the Olympics for swimming, running, and more events than I can remember. Some would be professional soccer players. I was surprised by how many of them knew exactly what their answer was as soon as I asked. I'm glad they're thinking.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
This Week in Class
Today we had our first Passport Club. Although students did not have a lot of time to study, most of them made it to level 2 or higher. They were so excited to take their map quiz that they interrupted a great math lesson to let me know we were late getting to the multipurpose room. I'm so glad they keep me on track.
During Explorers' Club:
This week we are brainstorming all the different topics we can write about, in our reading journal, after we read a book. This is important because writing about characters, settings, events, genres, and story plots (just to name a few things)makes us think about the story in more detail. While we're writing we may wonder why the author chose a particular setting or how the dialogue moved the story along. These thoughts may help us understand the story better. In addition, we may be able to use our understandings to write our own fiction narrative.
We will also discuss the attributes of poetry, fiction and nonfiction writing. How are they similar or different? What types of genres are there for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. We can apply what we know to choosing books that are just right for us to read.
Literacy:
This week we are reviewing nonfiction reading strategies. We are discussing the 3R's and 1A.
1. Read the text features of a selection and make a prediction about what we will find
in the article.
2. Read any questions we might have to answer later.
3. Read the selection. "CHUNK and CHEW"
4. Answer the questions.
These strategies are important because they include pre-reading and reading activities that will help us understand what we are reading. Looking at text features such as photos, titles, heading, caption, and maps (there are even more) helps get out brains focused on the article. When we "Chunk and Chew" we read a little and then write some of our thinking in the margins. This may include connections to other books, connections to self, or connections to the world.
Math:
In math, we have been completing several mental math activities that are a lot of fun! There's color it on the hundred's chart, weight logic, and mental math on the 100's chart. During Number Corner, we have been been following the patterns of ancient Egyptian numerals and learning about their place values. We are also collecting decimeters. We have learned 10 cm = 1 dm = 1 m 1 dm is 1/10th of a meter. Soon, we will start working with area models to represent multiplication facts.
During Explorers' Club:
This week we are brainstorming all the different topics we can write about, in our reading journal, after we read a book. This is important because writing about characters, settings, events, genres, and story plots (just to name a few things)makes us think about the story in more detail. While we're writing we may wonder why the author chose a particular setting or how the dialogue moved the story along. These thoughts may help us understand the story better. In addition, we may be able to use our understandings to write our own fiction narrative.
We will also discuss the attributes of poetry, fiction and nonfiction writing. How are they similar or different? What types of genres are there for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. We can apply what we know to choosing books that are just right for us to read.
Literacy:
This week we are reviewing nonfiction reading strategies. We are discussing the 3R's and 1A.
1. Read the text features of a selection and make a prediction about what we will find
in the article.
2. Read any questions we might have to answer later.
3. Read the selection. "CHUNK and CHEW"
4. Answer the questions.
These strategies are important because they include pre-reading and reading activities that will help us understand what we are reading. Looking at text features such as photos, titles, heading, caption, and maps (there are even more) helps get out brains focused on the article. When we "Chunk and Chew" we read a little and then write some of our thinking in the margins. This may include connections to other books, connections to self, or connections to the world.
Math:
In math, we have been completing several mental math activities that are a lot of fun! There's color it on the hundred's chart, weight logic, and mental math on the 100's chart. During Number Corner, we have been been following the patterns of ancient Egyptian numerals and learning about their place values. We are also collecting decimeters. We have learned 10 cm = 1 dm = 1 m 1 dm is 1/10th of a meter. Soon, we will start working with area models to represent multiplication facts.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Royalty of the Week Schedule
Here is the schedule for Royalty of the Week, through the school year. After the last student is Royalty of the Week, we will have a Royalty Ball to celebrate the wonderful Princes and Princesses of our class.
Royalty of the Week Schedule:
Student Dates
Luke 9/14-9/18
Daniel 9/21-9/25
Jonah 9/28-10/2
Riley 10/5-10/9
Theo 10/12-10/16
Jesus 10/19-10/23
Nathan 10/26-10/30
Savannah 11/2-11/6
Sophia 11/9-11/13
Luz 11/16-11/20
Ariela 11/23-11/27
Carsen 11/30-12/4
Alex 12/7-12/11
Megan 12/14-12/18
Luis 1/4/10-1/8
Darrell 1/11-1/15
Jaqueline 1/18-1/22
Veronica 1/25-1/29
Ricky 2/1-2/5
Joel 2/8-2/12
Ashlynn 2/15-2/19
Brenden 2/22-2/26
Starla 3/1-3/5
Julissa 3/8-3/12
March 3/15-3/19
Royalty of the Week Schedule:
Student Dates
Luke 9/14-9/18
Daniel 9/21-9/25
Jonah 9/28-10/2
Riley 10/5-10/9
Theo 10/12-10/16
Jesus 10/19-10/23
Nathan 10/26-10/30
Savannah 11/2-11/6
Sophia 11/9-11/13
Luz 11/16-11/20
Ariela 11/23-11/27
Carsen 11/30-12/4
Alex 12/7-12/11
Megan 12/14-12/18
Luis 1/4/10-1/8
Darrell 1/11-1/15
Jaqueline 1/18-1/22
Veronica 1/25-1/29
Ricky 2/1-2/5
Joel 2/8-2/12
Ashlynn 2/15-2/19
Brenden 2/22-2/26
Starla 3/1-3/5
Julissa 3/8-3/12
March 3/15-3/19
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Volunteers Wanted
Volunteers Wanted
Anyone who would like to volunteer in the classroom, or go on field trips, must first attend the volunteer training with Mrs. Garcia. I will let you know when her next meeting will be help.
Book Order Volunteer:
I’m looking for a parent volunteer who can help me with book orders. I would get the book orders to you, you would then go online to order the books and send the money to the Scholastic Club. There is no “in the classroom” time necessary.
Typing Volunteers:
Throughout the school year, the students will be “publishing” many stories and other writings. In the past, I have typed up the stories myself, but this takes a lot of time and not everything was “published” or it did not get back to the students in a timely manner. I also like to use the “published” writings to create a classroom book that goes home at the end of the school year. I would love to have several parent volunteers who can type student writing on a computer, at home or in my classroom if you do not have a computer at home, for me. Again, this is not a job that requires time in the classroom, but has great benefit to the students and me.
“Tutelage” Market Volunteers:
This year, students will learn about decimals and the value of money by earning a “weekly” paycheck for completing classroom jobs and various activities. At the end of each month, students will have the opportunity to spend their “paychecks” in the classroom store. If you are interested in organizing merchandise and running the store, as well as helping students check-out their “purchases,” please let me know. This will require time spent in the classroom.
If you would like to volunteer, please call me at school.
Thank you, Mrs. Jagla
Anyone who would like to volunteer in the classroom, or go on field trips, must first attend the volunteer training with Mrs. Garcia. I will let you know when her next meeting will be help.
Book Order Volunteer:
I’m looking for a parent volunteer who can help me with book orders. I would get the book orders to you, you would then go online to order the books and send the money to the Scholastic Club. There is no “in the classroom” time necessary.
Typing Volunteers:
Throughout the school year, the students will be “publishing” many stories and other writings. In the past, I have typed up the stories myself, but this takes a lot of time and not everything was “published” or it did not get back to the students in a timely manner. I also like to use the “published” writings to create a classroom book that goes home at the end of the school year. I would love to have several parent volunteers who can type student writing on a computer, at home or in my classroom if you do not have a computer at home, for me. Again, this is not a job that requires time in the classroom, but has great benefit to the students and me.
“Tutelage” Market Volunteers:
This year, students will learn about decimals and the value of money by earning a “weekly” paycheck for completing classroom jobs and various activities. At the end of each month, students will have the opportunity to spend their “paychecks” in the classroom store. If you are interested in organizing merchandise and running the store, as well as helping students check-out their “purchases,” please let me know. This will require time spent in the classroom.
If you would like to volunteer, please call me at school.
Thank you, Mrs. Jagla
Homework
Homework is so important to the support of your child's academic growth. Below, you will find our homework expectations and suggested strategies for a successful homework time.
For your child to be successful with homework, he or she needs:
-A place to do homework. If possible, your child should do homework in the same place each day (an uncluttered, quiet space). Please don’t let your child study in front of the TV.
-A schedule for completing homework. Find a time for homework that fits in well with your child’s after school activities. Your child has a homework folder, and each day your child will receive a page of homework to complete, front and back. You can also get a copy of this schedule on the fourth grade web site. There is no homework assigned on weekends, except for reading. We require that all homework be completed. If your child has not completed his/her homework he/she will be required to attend a homework room during the school day to get caught up. If the work is still not completed, a note will be sent home which you will need to sign and return. The homework will still be required to be finished. We do know that occasionally situations occur that prevent a child from completing his/her homework, so we will give each student one free homework pass for each trimester.
-Encouragement, motivation, and prompting. It is not a good idea to sit with your child and do homework together. Your child needs to practice independently, to apply what he or she has learned in class. If your child consistently cannot complete homework assignments alone, please contact us.
-Reasonable time expectations. If your child seems to be spending too much time each night on homework, please contact us. Homework should not take more than an hour each night.
-A bedtime. When it is time to go to bed, please stop your child, even if he or she has not finished the homework. He or she can either finish it before school in the morning, or during homework room. We will grade each homework assignment for content, and will try to send a progress report home each month.
For your child to be successful with homework, he or she needs:
-A place to do homework. If possible, your child should do homework in the same place each day (an uncluttered, quiet space). Please don’t let your child study in front of the TV.
-A schedule for completing homework. Find a time for homework that fits in well with your child’s after school activities. Your child has a homework folder, and each day your child will receive a page of homework to complete, front and back. You can also get a copy of this schedule on the fourth grade web site. There is no homework assigned on weekends, except for reading. We require that all homework be completed. If your child has not completed his/her homework he/she will be required to attend a homework room during the school day to get caught up. If the work is still not completed, a note will be sent home which you will need to sign and return. The homework will still be required to be finished. We do know that occasionally situations occur that prevent a child from completing his/her homework, so we will give each student one free homework pass for each trimester.
-Encouragement, motivation, and prompting. It is not a good idea to sit with your child and do homework together. Your child needs to practice independently, to apply what he or she has learned in class. If your child consistently cannot complete homework assignments alone, please contact us.
-Reasonable time expectations. If your child seems to be spending too much time each night on homework, please contact us. Homework should not take more than an hour each night.
-A bedtime. When it is time to go to bed, please stop your child, even if he or she has not finished the homework. He or she can either finish it before school in the morning, or during homework room. We will grade each homework assignment for content, and will try to send a progress report home each month.
Royalty of the Week
We have just completed our first Royalty of the Week. Our first Royalty was Luke F. and his squire was Jonah. Jonah did a wonderful job creating Luke's crown for the end of the week Royalty Crowning ceremony.
Each week, our class will celebrate one of our students. While your child is the Royalty of the Week (a Prince or Princess), each day will consist of an exciting event or activity to honor him or her.
Tuesday: Sharing Sack: During the week before a student is Royalty of the Week, a “Royalty Satchel” (bag) will be sent home with the child. Students have a week to collect 3 special items with which to fill the bag at home and bring it back to share with classmates on Monday. Students should also bring 12 photos of their choice to display on the Royalty of the Week bulletin board.
Wednesday: Parents will write a letter to the class telling us how special your child is to you. Send the letter in a sealed envelope to school with your child, and I will read the letter to the class at class meeting. The content of the letter is up to you, but you may want to choose from the following ideas: Describe special or funny stories about your child for the class to hear, write a silly or serious poem about your child, tell us some neat things we may not know about your child, send silly or special pictures with a letter describing the pictures, or write a short story with your child as the main character. You may also send a video, approximately 10 minutes or less in length, for the class to watch if you choose.
Thursday: If possible, join your child in the cafeteria for lunch on this day. You may also choose to invite a sibling or a favorite relative to be your child’s lunch buddy for the day. You can have the buddy be a surprise or let your child know ahead of time. Our lunch period is 12:15-12:45. Please let me know if you can be there so I can let the office know a head of time or if another day is better for you. You must check in at the office before joining your student.
Favorite Book: The Royalty of the Week brings one of his or her books to read to the class. Students can read the book aloud to the class if it can be read in less than 10 minutes or give a book-talk if the book is longer. Your child will receive a blank piece of paper to write the title, of their book and the author, on. They must also draw a picture of their favorite character or scene, or the cover of the book.
*Friday: Royalty Recognition: The student will be recognized by his or her classmates and presented with a "Royalty of the Week" crown.
• The events planned for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday can be swapped in order to accommodate your personal schedules if you are planning to be a lunch buddy during the week.
Each week, our class will celebrate one of our students. While your child is the Royalty of the Week (a Prince or Princess), each day will consist of an exciting event or activity to honor him or her.
Tuesday: Sharing Sack: During the week before a student is Royalty of the Week, a “Royalty Satchel” (bag) will be sent home with the child. Students have a week to collect 3 special items with which to fill the bag at home and bring it back to share with classmates on Monday. Students should also bring 12 photos of their choice to display on the Royalty of the Week bulletin board.
Wednesday: Parents will write a letter to the class telling us how special your child is to you. Send the letter in a sealed envelope to school with your child, and I will read the letter to the class at class meeting. The content of the letter is up to you, but you may want to choose from the following ideas: Describe special or funny stories about your child for the class to hear, write a silly or serious poem about your child, tell us some neat things we may not know about your child, send silly or special pictures with a letter describing the pictures, or write a short story with your child as the main character. You may also send a video, approximately 10 minutes or less in length, for the class to watch if you choose.
Thursday: If possible, join your child in the cafeteria for lunch on this day. You may also choose to invite a sibling or a favorite relative to be your child’s lunch buddy for the day. You can have the buddy be a surprise or let your child know ahead of time. Our lunch period is 12:15-12:45. Please let me know if you can be there so I can let the office know a head of time or if another day is better for you. You must check in at the office before joining your student.
Favorite Book: The Royalty of the Week brings one of his or her books to read to the class. Students can read the book aloud to the class if it can be read in less than 10 minutes or give a book-talk if the book is longer. Your child will receive a blank piece of paper to write the title, of their book and the author, on. They must also draw a picture of their favorite character or scene, or the cover of the book.
*Friday: Royalty Recognition: The student will be recognized by his or her classmates and presented with a "Royalty of the Week" crown.
• The events planned for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday can be swapped in order to accommodate your personal schedules if you are planning to be a lunch buddy during the week.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Sept. 15, 2009
I'm excited to announce our classroom is now a part of the Adopt-a-Classroom program. Anyone interested in checking in to the program, and maybe becoming a donor, may go to the following web site by copying the web address and posting it into your browser window. http://adoptaclassroom.org/adoption/Locator_SchoolDetail.aspx?src=1&ClassroomId=112886&SchoolId=5715&Private=0&inter=0 With Adopt-a-Classroom, donors may help provide books, writing tools, and number of needed materials to support my teaching and student learning. This is my first time with the program, I hope it is a successful endeavor!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
August 18, 2009
Dear Parents and Students:
Are you getting ready for school? Well, Mrs.Alto, Mrs. Woodley and I are doing our best to get our classrooms ready for you. We are busy putting up new displays on the walls, preparing fun activities in reading, writing, math, and setting up our grade books-yes, you have to get grades.
On August 25, all the teachers in the Wenatchee School District will be meeting at the High School for a day of planning and Learning. Later that night, the Lewis and Clark teachers will be in their classrooms ready to meet our new students and parents. The fourth grade teachers know it's going to be a wonderful year!
On August 26th, my daughter Lexi turns 17, all the Lewis and Clark teachers are meeting at the school first thing in the morning then driving to an obstacle course in Leavenworth. We will be supporting each other, and working as a team, to complete special activities. Can you imagine your teachers climbing ropes and swimming from trees? I don't know if that's what we're going to be doing, but I hope someone takes pictures,
On Wednesday, Sept. 2, it's the first day of school! I'm sooo excited and I hope you are too. I'll see you then.
Are you getting ready for school? Well, Mrs.Alto, Mrs. Woodley and I are doing our best to get our classrooms ready for you. We are busy putting up new displays on the walls, preparing fun activities in reading, writing, math, and setting up our grade books-yes, you have to get grades.
On August 25, all the teachers in the Wenatchee School District will be meeting at the High School for a day of planning and Learning. Later that night, the Lewis and Clark teachers will be in their classrooms ready to meet our new students and parents. The fourth grade teachers know it's going to be a wonderful year!
On August 26th, my daughter Lexi turns 17, all the Lewis and Clark teachers are meeting at the school first thing in the morning then driving to an obstacle course in Leavenworth. We will be supporting each other, and working as a team, to complete special activities. Can you imagine your teachers climbing ropes and swimming from trees? I don't know if that's what we're going to be doing, but I hope someone takes pictures,
On Wednesday, Sept. 2, it's the first day of school! I'm sooo excited and I hope you are too. I'll see you then.
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