Sunday, March 6, 2011

Week of March 7, 2011

Vocabulary Words 

1. burst – When a person feels ready to burst if he or she doesn’t say something, it means that the person is very excited and cannot wait to say that thing.
2. opportunities – Opportunities are chances to do something you want to do.
3. huddle – When people huddle together, they gather close to each other in a tight group.
4. comforted – If a person comforted a friend, he or she helped that friend feel better about something.
5. recognizes– If someone recognizes you, it means that they know who you are when they see you.
6. journey – A journey is a trip from one place to another that usually takes a long time.
 7. The sum is the answer when addends are added together.
8. The difference is the answer to a subtraction problem.
9. Product is what you get when you multiply factors.
10. Quotient is the answer to a division problem.
11.Factors are numbers you multiply together to get the product.

Spelling Words: incomplete, indirect, indent, instead, include, inexact, infamous, outbid, outbreak, outcast, outdated, outdoor, downfall, downhill, downpour, downstairs, update, upfront, uphill, upwind

Weekly Objectives
4th Grade ELA Study Guide --- Lesson 22-O
MAIN STORY: “My Diary from Here to There”
                      By Amada Irma Pérez
         2nd STORY: “Moving” By Eileen Spinelli   and 
                              “There’s an Orange Tree Out There” By Alfonso Quijada Urías      
Reading Skill:
Character, Setting and Plot
Genre:
Diary
Poetry
Grammar Skill:
Action and Linking Verbs
Writing Skill:
   Form: Diary Entry
   Trait:  Word Choice
Spelling Skill: Words Parts: in, out, down, up


Math: Fractions and Decimals (Chapter 19 - 23 - textbook)

Science: Solar System, Cycles and Patterns, & Phases of the  
Moon (Chapter 1 & Chapter 2- textbook)
Social Studies- Chapter 9
Test Schedule

**4 Minute Timed
Test (basic facts)                   Daily

Monday 3-7-11                    Vocabulary Test for lesson 21 words

Tuesday 3-8-11                    Parts of Speech / Comprehensive Math
                                           Test over previously learned math 
                                           content

Wednesday 3-9-11              Chapter 9 Social Studies Vocabulary 
                                             Quiz 


Thursday 3-10-11                Chapter 22 Rounding, Adding & 
                                             Subtracting Decimals Quiz


Friday 3-11-11                     Reading Comprehension Test (See 
                                             Above for text titles) / Spelling & 
                                             Vocabulary Test
              
                                            

**The test schedule is tenative and is subject to change. The information listed here is intended to make parents aware of the upcoming test, quizzes, and materials covered in class.

What Students Should Know:

Math
* Basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts
* Whole number and decimal place value
* Rounding whole numbers and decimals
* Multiplication of 2 by 1-digit numbers, 2 by 2-digit numbers, and 3 by 2-digit numbers
* Division of  2 by 1-digit numbers, 2 by 2-digit numbers, and 3 by 2-digit numbers
* Polygons and Quadrilaterals
* Lines, line segments, rays, parallel, perpendicular, and intersecting lines
* Graphing / Order of Operations
* Identify and reading fractions, simplifying fractions, changing improper fractions to mixed numbers and mixed numbers to improper fractions, comparing and ordering fractions, adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators, adding and subtracting mixed numbers with like denominators, and comparing and ordering mixed numbers

Science
* Parts of Ecosystem (Chapter 7)
* Matter and Energy in Ecosystems (Chapter 8)
* Adaptation and Extinction (Chapter 9)
* Weather and Weather Data (Chapter 3)
* Our Solar System (Chapter 1)
* Cycles and Patterns in Space (Chapter 2)

Reading
* Reading fluency and comprehension
* Vocabulary recognition
* Word Attack (phonics)

E.L.A.
* Parts of speech (noun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition,etc.)
* Types of sentences (declarative, imperative, interrogative, & exclamatory)
* The writing process (Pre-write, Rough Draft, Edit-make corrections, Final Copy, & Publish)

Social Studies
** Map Skills
** Native Americans (Inuit, Nez Perce, Kwakiutl, Pawnee, Seminole, & Hopi Native Americans)
** Explorers (Juan Ponce de Leon, Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan) 
** Colonization (New England, Middle, and Southern Colonies) 
** The French and Indian War
** Revolutionary War 

Reminders:
The blue Godley Station Communication folder will is scheduled to come home every Wednesday. Parents please review the contents in the folder, and sign and return to school the following day. 


Absences:
As a reminder; whenever a student is absent please send an excuse when he/she returns to school. 

Volunteer Opportunities:
We still desire volunteer help at Godley Station School. If you desire to read to a small group, tutor a small group or individual student; please email days that you are available.



Communication Folders:
Students will bring home their blue Godley Station School communication folder each Wednesday. Please check the folder as it is the method used to communicate important school activities, dates, events, news, etc. Additionally, the folder will contain the students graded papers. Please review the papers, sign the cover sheets, and return them to school with students the next day. If folders are not sent home on Wednesday due to a short week, busy schedule, or technical issues it should be sent home on Thursday.

Homework Agenda:

 Students are responsible for and expected to write their homework in the agenda daily. Parents please initial the homework agenda each night.

Timed Test:
 Continue studying the basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts!! It is extremely important that all students learn their time tables.


Students take a 4 minute timed test several times each week. All students started with addition timed test and will continue to move on to subtraction, multiplication, and division as they demonstrate mastery (95% correct out of 100). Students will receive a sticker on the math chart next to their name each time they achieve 95% or higher on their timed test. 

Basic Math Facts
All students need to write, study, practice, and learn their basic facts; which is directly related to their performance/progress in mathematics.  

Weekly Spelling Homework

Name _________________________         Spelling Tic-Tac-Toe
This board includes many different activities to help your child practice his/her spelling
words. Your child must choose at least three of the activities to complete for weekly  Lesson15 homework. The activities must make a tic-tac-toe line: horizontal, vertical, or diagonal three in a row. Please mark your choices with crayon, marker, etc. Parents, you are encouraged to assist your child as needed to make homework a positive learning       experience. This sheet should be turned in on Thursday. Have fun!                                       *NOTE: If flash cards or other items are created, these need to be attached with the
       papers. All materials will be returned after they are checked.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
Make a set of flashcards on index cards to study your words.Draw 25 different shapes. Write a spelling word inside each shape.Sort your words by the word’s parts of speech (noun, verb, adjective, other), or vowel patterns.
Write each spelling word 5 times.Put all spelling words in alphabetical order. Write each word once making the words that begin with word parts (in, out, down, up) red and the rest of the word blue.
Fancy Letters - Use old magazines, catalogs, or newspapers to cut out letters and glue them down to spell your words!Sort your spelling words: Sort your words by: number of syllables.  Write a sentence for 20 of the spelling words.
Upcoming: Students have received information about the Spring Science Fair. Fourth students must participate in the Science Fair. If you have not received any information about the Science Fair; please email me at erica.ross@sccpss.com. We will be utilizing class time to teach students the Scientific Method, how to investigate, research, record data, conduct an experiment, and how to set up a Science Fair display. 


4th Grade Class Trip to St. Augustine, Florida: 
 
           You should have received a flyer related to our field trip planned to St. Augustine.  During this trip we will take a train tour of the city as well as visit the Fountain of Youth and the Ripley’s Believe or Not! Museum. The price of the trip is $99.  This fee includes roundtrip transportation in a comfortable bus, museum and tour fees, snacks, and a boxed lunch.  We will leave the school at 7:30am and return at 6:30pm.  We are so excited about this opportunity and hope that all students will be able to join us. Parents are welcomed to attend for the same cost as students $99. We will be exploring fundraiser options over the next couple of weeks. Parents I welcome your ideas and suggestions for fundraisers.  

Parent-Teacher Conferences: I am still scheduling conferences; however feel free to contact me at any time to discuss any concerns. Additionally, please share any ideas or suggestions that you have that may help me provide a better learning experience for your child. Your feedback is warranted and greatly appreciated!


Access Books via the Internet: Students can access their Science, Social Studies, and Math textbook by visiting
www.eduplace.com  Directions: Once you reach the website click on eservices at the bottom of the page, and the option for username and password should be available.
(Username: chathamstudent4 password: password) 

Parent/Guardian Information
Thanks parents/guardians for your continual support! You all are terrific, and so are your darlings that I have the pleasure and honor of working with daily!!!

Mrs. Ross Contact Information
Email: erica.ross@sccpss.com
Phone: 912-395-6000
Room: E-232 Godley Station School  
*** The site contains pertinent student information. However, if you need to contact or communicate with me please do so by phone, email, or letter not via blog

Quote: Problems would cease to exist if we are optimistic, and work together to offer solutions! 
 

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Week of February 28, 2011

Vocabulary Words 

1. consisted – If something consisted of several things, it was made up of those
                       things.
2. prideful – A person is prideful if he or she feels very satisfied because of
                    something he or she has done.
3. intends – When someone intends to do something, he or she plans to do it.
4. snatched – If you snatched something, you grabbed it or pulled it away
                      quickly.
5. recalls– When a person recalls something, he or she remembers it.
6. select – A select group is one that is special and among the best of it kind.
7.federal- In a federal system, the states share power with the central government.
8. A republic is a government in which the citizens elect leaders to represent them.
9. Laws that are unconstitutional do not follow the rules laid out by the Constitution.
10. A democracy is a government in which the people have the power to make political decisions.
11. A political party is a group of people who share similar ideas about government.
12. An inauguration is an official member to make someone President.
13. Interest is what people pay to borrow money.
14. A capital is the city where the government meets.
15. The cabinet is a group chosen by the President to help run the executive branch and give advice.


Spelling Words: assistant, consultant, coolant, defendant, radiant, disinfectant, ignorant, absorbent, confident, different, engineer, activist, cyclist, motorist, pianist, typist, comedian, electrician, librarian, musician Challenge Words: occupant, technician, relevant, pertinent


Weekly Objectives
MAIN STORY: “Because of Winn-Dixie”
                      By Kate DiCamillo
                                                2nd STORY: “Decoding Dog Speak”
                                                                   By Ruth Musgrave      
Reading Skill:
Character, Setting and Plot
Genre:
Realistic Fiction
Expository NonFiction
Grammar Skill:
Main and Helping Verbs
Writing Skill:
   Form: Narrative Paragraph
   Trait:  Word Choice
Spelling Skill: Words with Suffixes –ant, -ent, -eer, -ist, -ian.


Math: Fractions (Chapter 19 and 20 - textbook)

Science: Solar System, Cycles and Patterns, & Phases of the  
Moon (Chapter 1- textbook)
Social Studies- Chapter 9
Test Schedule

**4 Minute Timed
Test (basic facts)                   Daily

Wednesday 3-2-11              Science Test (Chapter 1 Our Solar 
                                             System)  / Parts of  Speech Review 
                                             Quiz


Thursday 3-3-11               Reading Comprehension Test  
                                                         Because of Winn Dixie / Spelling Test

Friday 3-4-11                   Student Holiday - No School
                                            

**The test schedule is tenative and is subject to change. The information listed here is intended to make parents aware of the upcoming test, quizzes, and materials covered in class.

What Students Should Know:

Math
* Basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts
* Whole number and decimal place value
* Rounding whole numbers and decimals
* Multiplication of 2 by 1-digit numbers, 2 by 2-digit numbers, and 3 by 2-digit numbers
* Division of  2 by 1-digit numbers, 2 by 2-digit numbers, and 3 by 2-digit numbers
* Polygons and Quadrilaterals
* Lines, line segments, rays, parallel, perpendicular, and intersecting lines
* Graphing / Order of Operations

Science
* Parts of Ecosystem (Chapter 7)
* Matter and Energy in Ecosystems (Chapter 8)
* Adaptation and Extinction (Chapter 9)
* Weather and Weather Data (Chapter 3)
* Our Solar System (Chapter 1)
Reading
* Reading fluency and comprehension
* Vocabulary recognition
* Word Attack (phonics)

E.L.A.
* Parts of speech (noun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition,etc.)
* Types of sentences (declarative, imperative, interrogative, & exclamatory)
* The writing process (Pre-write, Rough Draft, Edit-make corrections, Final Copy, & Publish)

Social Studies
** Map Skills
** Native Americans (Inuit, Nez Perce, Kwakiutl, Pawnee, Seminole, & Hopi Native Americans)
** Explorers (Juan Ponce de Leon, Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan) 
** Colonization (New England, Middle, and Southern Colonies) 
** The French and Indian War
** Revolutionary War 

Reminders:
The blue Godley Station Communication folder will is scheduled to come home every Wednesday. Parents please review the contents in the folder, and sign and return to school the following day. 


Absences:
As a reminder; whenever a student is absent please send an excuse when he/she returns to school. 

Volunteer Opportunities:
We still desire volunteer help at Godley Station School. If you desire to read to a small group, tutor a small group or individual student; please email days that you are available.



Communication Folders:
Students will bring home their blue Godley Station School communication folder each Wednesday. Please check the folder as it is the method used to communicate important school activities, dates, events, news, etc. Additionally, the folder will contain the students graded papers. Please review the papers, sign the cover sheets, and return them to school with students the next day. If folders are not sent home on Wednesday due to a short week, busy schedule, or technical issues it should be sent home on Thursday.

Homework Agenda:

 Students are responsible for and expected to write their homework in the agenda daily. Parents please initial the homework agenda each night.

Timed Test:
 Continue studying the basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts!! It is extremely important that all students learn their time tables.


Students take a 4 minute timed test several times each week. All students started with addition timed test and will continue to move on to subtraction, multiplication, and division as they demonstrate mastery (95% correct out of 100). Students will receive a sticker on the math chart next to their name each time they achieve 95% or higher on their timed test. 
Basic Math Facts
All students need to write, study, practice, and learn their basic facts; which is directly related to their performance/progress in mathematics.  

Weekly Spelling Homework

Name _________________________         Spelling Tic-Tac-Toe
This board includes many different activities to help your child practice his/her spelling
words. Your child must choose at least three of the activities to complete for weekly  Lesson15 homework. The activities must make a tic-tac-toe line: horizontal, vertical, or diagonal three in a row. Please mark your choices with crayon, marker, etc. Parents, you are encouraged to assist your child as needed to make homework a positive learning       experience. This sheet should be turned in on Thursday. Have fun!                                       *NOTE: If flash cards or other items are created, these need to be attached with the
       papers. All materials will be returned after they are checked.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
Memory Match: Write each word on two cards and play concentration.Put all 20 words in alphabetical order.Write all your words once using something other than pencil.
Take a practice spelling test with an adult. Write any missed word 3 times each.Make and complete a word search using Your choice!
Write your words three times, once in your best handwriting, once as small as you can, and once in funny or fancy letters.Practice the words out loud with an adult.Silly Sentences: Use all your words in five silly sentences.



      



















Upcoming: Over the next 2 weeks, students will receive information about the Spring Science Fair. Fourth students must participate in the Science Fair. Information about the dates as well as project ideas will be sent home soon.


4th Grade Class Trip to St. Augustine, Florida: 
 
           You should have received a flyer related to our field trip planned to St. Augustine.  During this trip we will take a train tour of the city as well as visit the Fountain of Youth and the Ripley’s Believe or Not! Museum. The price of the trip is $99.  This fee includes roundtrip transportation in a comfortable bus, museum and tour fees, snacks, and a boxed lunch.  We will leave the school at 7:30am and return at 6:30pm.  We are so excited about this opportunity and hope that all students will be able to join us. Parents are welcomed to attend for the same cost as students $99. We will be exploring fundraiser options over the next couple of weeks. Parents I welcome your ideas and suggestions for fundraisers.  

Parent-Teacher Conferences: I requested conferences on all report cards at the end of the 2nd marking period. Please don't be alarmed; I simply requested conferences to give yourself and myself an opportunity to discuss your child's progress, areas of concern, strategies for improvements, and current testing data. I am currently scheduling conferences; however feel free to contact me at any time to discuss any concerns. Additionally, please share any ideas or suggestions that you have that may help me provide a better learning experience for your child. Your feedback is warranted and greatly appreciated.


Access Books via the Internet: Students can access their Science, Social Studies, and Math textbook by visiting
www.eduplace.com  Directions: Once you reach the website click on eservices at the bottom of the page, and the option for username and password should be available.
(Username: chathamstudent4 password: password) 

Parent/Guardian Information
Thanks parents/guardians for your continual support! You all are terrific, and so are your darlings that I have the pleasure and honor of working with daily!!!


Mrs. Ross Contact Information
Email: erica.ross@sccpss.com
Phone: 912-395-6000
Room: E-232 Godley Station School  
*** The site contains pertinent student information. However, if you need to contact or communicate with me please do so by phone, email, or letter not via blog.