Winter Packet

For the two week break, students have two assignments to complete.  Also, I had a few students ask for extra credit.  My policy is to offer extra credit to EVERYONE not just those who ask and it seems only fitting to give extra assignments while we are not on a regular homework load.

See the Winter Packet here and download your copy via Google Docs.

If you have questions, leave a comment or email me.

Mrs. Siegel

Science Unit 7 Review

Today in class we reviewed this worksheet.  It is quite similar to the test which is tomorrow.  Each student was expected to copy the answers written on my example.  In case your child was absent or did not record the information accurately, here it is ;)

Ready...Set...Study!!

Benchmark Testing this week

This week all students will participate in Broward County's Benchmark Testing (also know as BAT).  These assessments in Reading and Math will provide all stakeholders with information about each student.  Once the results are shared (usually in January), we can identify strengths and weaknesses to drive instruction before the FCAT in April.

There is no "preparing" for this test as it is solely to identify each student's current level BUT, please consider the following:

1. Students should have ample sleep
2. Students should NOT come to school sick (Friday is a makeup day) - scores are better when students are working at their optimum potential
3. Students should eat a healthy breakfast - protein is great brain food ;)
4. Students should NOT engage in any serious family conversations (i.e. illness of family member, divorce, etc. unless necessary)
5. Students should refrain from engaging in "arguments" with siblings or family members  
6. Parents should give pep-talks NOT threats

Again, this just a snap shot of each student's current levels.  When we receive the data, we can move forward.  In the meantime, make sure your child is reading for enjoyment (including nonfiction like magazines) and practicing math in daily life situations when possible.

Summyr Siegel

Math Notes 11/13

Today we forged ahead in math.  We completed two lessons.  First, we set our objectives:

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For lesson 5.4 we learned how to use a model to represent mulitplication equations.  Parents, this is different than what WE learned in school - so please use your patience when using this method.  And YES, the kids need to know this!

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In addition to the model, 85% of the students (those who were able to prove their knowledge of the first part of the lesson) were able to stay for the second part of the lesson which was the algorithm.  Parents, THIS is the one WE learned in school!

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Students may use either method when solving multi-digit mulitiplication problems.

Math Notes 10/29

Below are the math notes students took in their notebooks.  I've heard it a bajillion times how "difficult" the math is for the parents.  I hope you find the notes (my shortened version of the book) helpful.

The book teaches several strategies for solving multiplication.  We (meaning the adults) learned the algorithm.  The book teaches that as well as "Partial Product".  WE know Partial Product as the Distributive Property.  It's also referred to the "Break Apart" method - where you break apart the larger number, multiply it by the single digit and add the products together.  See the notes for examples:

First Quarter Grades Close Thursday

The last day I can accept late work is this Thursday October 25th.  Check Engrade often.  Anywhere there is a Zero or "M", the student can make up that work and turn it in.  THURSDAY is the LAST day!  Report cards are being printed Friday.

Tonight's Homework (10/6)

Below is some clarification for two of tonight's assignments.  One is a Social Studies Project and the other is the Writing Worksheet.

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Tonight the children have a Social Studies project to finish at home.  Projects are worth the same weight as tests (35%) so if they choose not to do this, their grade will be effected greatly.  I explained the assignment and the children started it in class. 

On page 37 of the Social Studies book (see below) they are to follow the check list to complete the display map of Florida.  I went through each part and wrote which page they can use to find help.  If your child forgot their book, they will need to rely on the Internet.

Here is page 37.  One thing that is NOT explicitly stated that IS in the illustrated example, is that each "region" of FL is colored.  That is a nice touch ;)

Here is one I started with them in class.  They are to finish it using the checklist on page 37.  This part is taped at the top on the panhandle and the northeastern part of FL so it will fold up.

Here is the under part of the FL map.  This is glued onto the blue paper. Students are to write what they learned in Unit 1.

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Also, students were to write three introductions from some a pulled from last Friday's writing prompt.  All three had mistakes.  The first just has spelling and grammatical mistakes.  The other two have structural mistakes.  They need to rewrite these introductions.

The 4th grade model introduction goes like this:

          It doesn't take much thought for me to figure out who is special to me.  That's easy!  It's my mom because she takes me to great places and helps me with anything.

The parts that are crossed off are the parts that change depending on the prompt.  On Friday the students were asked to write about why they like school.  So where is says "who is special to me", the student writes, "why I like school".  Then they are to look at the three student samples on the worksheet they received to fill out the two reasons why the writer likes school.  Also, they need to correct the spelling and grammar.