A Note on Homework

Parents and Kids,

There seems to be some unclear questions about homework.
First, incomplete or missing homework will result in a strike on a green slip, even if it is finished later. Three strikes on a green slip, for various reasons results in a green slip to be signed by parents.  Three signed green slips result in a lunch time detention. Three detentions result in an after school detention.

After getting a strike for missing/ incomplete work, students have the option to do their homework at recess that day. The assignment is ABSOLUTELY due the next day, or they will not get credit for the assignment. The only exception to this rule will be essay papers, and projects, in which points will be taken for each day it is not turned in.

I hope this clears up any confusion. As of now the green slips continue through middle school, except  the first offense results in a green slip to be signed in middle school. In fourth grade students get 9 chances prior to detention instead of three. It does prepare them for what is to come gradually.

Think Through Math
Students log in using the first letter of their first name and the first 4 letters of their last name. If the user name does not work, try capitalizing the first letter of their first name.
The password is go irish, no space.

A.R
A.R tests are done at school. We have a volunteer Monday-Thursday available in the computer lab/ library beginning at 7:30. Time is also given in class. Students have til the end of the 9 weeks to complete their goal. 100 points will be assigned for the percent of the goal earned, and 100 points will be assigned for the percent of comprehension over all tests for a total of 200 points.

Homework 8-29

Test in Spelling

Open Book Test in Reading Horned Toad Prince

Casto Math Thinkthroughmath.com lesson

If time permits John Smith

Homework 8-28

Reading: Please finish your final modern fairy tale or your part two of The Horned Toad Prince. Two class periods given in class.

Math
Wagner Worksheet
Casto 10 Fact Families Anything your choose.

S.S 
John Smith Interactive Video/ Games

If you didn't get this the first time, please try again. The site is on yesterday's homework.

We have a Spelling Test Friday.

Thank You!

I want to send a big thank you to Leo and Addison's family for sending in wish list items. They will be used! We are so appreciative for your support. Thank you, Thank you, Thank You!

Homework 8-27

Reading: Finish morning work. Run on Sentences

Math
Casto finish magic squares
Wagner p. 7-8

Spelling Finish vocab. half hour given in class

S.S Play this game! Explore Jamestown  YOU only need to do the first 4. The first half. 
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/games/interactiveadventures/john-smith/

Homework 8-26

Reading: Use your book to list activities Reba Jo did in the story. Use the site I posted on cowboys to list activities they do in real life. We will compare and contrast the two tomorrow in class.

Science Cross Word 

Math: Casto Handout p. 4
Wagner Hardback book top only Page 3

I will not always get to post Religion. 
Rel. Pg. 30 1-9, and ongoing puzzle

Spelling words for this week...

1. colony
2. cash crop
3. sauntered 
4. gawk
5. organism
6. biology
7. bargain
8. shrieked
9. offended
10.  prairie

Interactive Jamestown

As we learn about colonization by European settlers, I will update our blog with many fun sites. Please make use of each one.  Use this site to discover Jamestown and the Werowocomo Village.

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/05/jamestown/jamestown-standalone

Be A Cowboy

This site goes along with the modern fairy tale we are reading in class, The Horned Toad Prince. This interactivity, part of the web site for the PBS series TEXAS RANCH HOUSE, provides users with the opportunity to be a Trail Boss on a 19th century cattle drive.
Make sure to click on other links on the left hand side of the page. 


http://www.pbs.org/wnet/ranchhouse/history_grit_q1.html

Have a Great Weekend 8-23

Our week went super fast again! I am sorry I didn't put the Math homework on this week. Normally when I just want you to finish a page I will not necessarily add it on here. If you are in my Math class, you will need to finish a full lesson in Think Through Math.

Words we are working on in Science...
organism
biology
biologist
cell
microscope

Percy Jackson is really getting interesting. He just found out that he is a half blood. What made him lord supreme ruler of the bathroom?

We did not get time to work on our Mythology project, but we will continue next week. You are all working hard.
Thank you to Doria, Grace, Addison, Josh, Alex, Jake, Leo, and Blake for their 7 habits presentations. Well Done! Your hard work was the highlight of my day!

Parents you should have an envelope with information about our annual Carnival on The Block! Please make sure to read through all information and send back any forms that need to be returned.

Biology

We are biologists in Science! Check out these amazing sites!

Click on me to get to cells alive.

click on me to try games and quizzes.

Scholastic Book Odering Online

You can order a larger selection for your child online if you simply go to this site.

https://orders.scholastic.com/GRY7J

Think Through Math

Students, when you do not have homework in math, please work Think Through Math.
http://www.thinkthroughmath.com/

More Greek Mythology Sites

Ancient Grecian Life http://resources.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/homework/greece/dailylife.htm

Greek Myths for Kids http://greece.mrdonn.org/myths.html

Camp Half Blood

Check out this great interactive site! You can also click on

More Fun Activities! on the bottom of the page.

http://www.rickriordan.com/my-books/percy-jackson/welcome-to-camp-half-blood.aspx

Spelling Test Thursday 8-22 Homework: Define these words with parts of speech

1. dangerous
2. miserable
3. expelled
4. museum
5. remember
6. disappointed
7. defeated
8. immortal
9. suspenseful
10. undigested 

Use www.spellingcity.com to help you study. Just type in the words, study, test, and play games. Most of it is free!

Intro to Mythology

http://www.adifferentplace.org/mythology.htm

Start on section one. Use your copy of Greek Mythology to fill in the answers. We will make paper folders.

First P.T.O

First P.T.O and hot dog sale and open house Aug. 20th.

First Week!

What a whirlwind week! We have done so much this week. We have read 3 chapter of Percy Jackson, and compared the first two chapters of the movie. Congratulations to Caroline and Mia for finding the most similarities and differences. :) Thank you Caroline for sharing the movie with the class. You did a wonderful job on your "about me" boxes!
We have also worked hard on the 7 habits, with focus on the first habit, being proactive.
You have worked really hard on your projects, and I am proud of you.
Next week will be much more like school as you are accustomed.

• We will begin switching for Math and Religion. 
• We will begin the Nancy Larson Science.  
• We will also getting into our Reading book. 
• We will dive into mythology. Woo Hoo!!

Mid-week Update 8-14

We have had a great start to this new school year. Everyone is working hard on their 7habits project. Percy Jackson is just starting to capture us. We are almost through start of the year tests, and routines are falling into place. I'm very pleased to have a great group of eager learners.

Next week we will begin switching for Math. You will also start going to Religion class with Mrs. Moore. Next week will be a small transition, but I know you will do well. I'm so proud of you already. :)

Day Two

We had a great day. We were so busy that we ran short on time, and since nothing else was due I told the kids they did not need to get their planners signed.
They do need their "about me" box by Friday and any Summer work they have not turned in. The most important summer work items are...

• The book Report
• The summer paragrpah
• 5 Lessons in Think Through Math

Fourth Grade!

7 Habits of Happy Kids

Welcome to fourth grade! You are in for a special year. No longer are you the little kids of the school! You are directly in the middle. This year we will be preparing you for the third floor...not to mention helping you gain the skills you will need as a college student, and even as an adult. As you come in to fourth grade, it will be similar to the end of third grade, but when you leave us :,( you will be ready for fifth! How can we do this? One way you can be successful and let your greatness shine in fourth grade is by following these habits.
Please click in the link above for more information.

 1. You're in Charge.
 I  am a responsible person. I take initiative. I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods. I do not blame others for my wrong actions. I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking.

2. Have a Plan

I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision. I look for ways to be a good citizen.

3. Work First, Then Play

I spend my time on things that are most important. This means I say no to things I know I should not do. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am disciplined and organized.

4. Everyone Can Win

I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want. I make deposits in others’ Emotional Bank Accounts. When conflicts arise, I look for third alternatives.


5. Listen Before You Talk
I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints. I listen to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas. I look people in the eyes when talking.

6. Together Is Better
I value other people’s strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even people who are different than me. I work well in groups. I seek out other people’s ideas to solve problems because I know that by teaming with others we can create better solutions than anyone of us can alone. I am humble.

7. 
Balance Feels Best
I take care of my body by eating right, exercising and getting sleep. I spend time with family and friends. I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school. I find meaningful ways to help others.