Happy last day of school in January! I can't believe it!
We worked to compare and contrast two myths today. Students used Pandora's Box and compared it to a Native American myth called Loo Wit The Firekeeper. We analyzed the similarities between the gods, the characters, what each myth was explaining, and the theme/message from the myths. We also discussed the allusions in each myth.
Students began working on a presentation explaining the branches of government. Using their iPads, students are explaining the separation of powers and checks and balances and why those are important to our country. They are explaining how this division of governmental powers connects to our central idea.
We worked on fluency with adding an subtracting fractions today. Students worked to add and subtract fractions with like denominators. They were able to decompose fractions greater than one and write their answers as a mixed number.
MATH-A-THON has started!! Have fun racking up your points throughout the weekend and next week. Don't forget that the class that is leading the grade level will be announced each morning. This is for a great cause, so earn as many points as possible!
Have a great weekend!
Friday, January 30, 2015
E-Mail Down
Good morning!
The CSD e-mail communication is still not working properly. If you have transportation changes or any other needs to communicate with the school, please call. 404-371-6680 I will let you know when our e-mail is working again. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
The CSD e-mail communication is still not working properly. If you have transportation changes or any other needs to communicate with the school, please call. 404-371-6680 I will let you know when our e-mail is working again. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Thursday, January 29th
Whew! What a busy day!
Students began analyzing and note taking from a passage about the telephone today. They will be using this passage in the coming days to assist them in writing a new opinion piece.
We began exploring sound today. Students listened to sounds and drew a picture of what they think that the sound looks like (not the object making the sound). After sharing, we then tried to guess what was making each sound. Students then split into groups and began dropping different materials behind a wall of card board. They were to draw a picture of what they thought the sound would look like and then attempt to guess the object making the sound. We came up with a definition for sound as a class. I will post pictures tomorrow. Our e-mail is down, so I do not have access to my pictures.
We took our mid term math assessment and then continued our work with finding the common denominator. Students used area models to create a common denominator and compare fractions.
We have a busy two weeks to finish the term. Thank you for coming to school on time and ready to learn!!
Students began analyzing and note taking from a passage about the telephone today. They will be using this passage in the coming days to assist them in writing a new opinion piece.
We began exploring sound today. Students listened to sounds and drew a picture of what they think that the sound looks like (not the object making the sound). After sharing, we then tried to guess what was making each sound. Students then split into groups and began dropping different materials behind a wall of card board. They were to draw a picture of what they thought the sound would look like and then attempt to guess the object making the sound. We came up with a definition for sound as a class. I will post pictures tomorrow. Our e-mail is down, so I do not have access to my pictures.
We took our mid term math assessment and then continued our work with finding the common denominator. Students used area models to create a common denominator and compare fractions.
We have a busy two weeks to finish the term. Thank you for coming to school on time and ready to learn!!
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Wednesday, January 28th
What a fun day! We worked in reading clubs this morning, and students worked to finish publishing their opinion pieces.
We began discussing the checks and balances that keep the branches of our government from having too much power.
The most exciting thing today was explorations!! I know that our class loved getting to go to different classrooms in the school, work with different students, and work with different teachers. They were able to experience a variety of different things today. I can't wait for our groups to share their experiences in the morning!
Please return your permission forms and money for the field trip. Friday is the due date for those items.
We are excited about the Math-a-thon, which starts Friday. The window will open as soon as school is over. Keep getting those pledges to help support our PTO.
Have a great evening!
We began discussing the checks and balances that keep the branches of our government from having too much power.
The most exciting thing today was explorations!! I know that our class loved getting to go to different classrooms in the school, work with different students, and work with different teachers. They were able to experience a variety of different things today. I can't wait for our groups to share their experiences in the morning!
Please return your permission forms and money for the field trip. Friday is the due date for those items.
We are excited about the Math-a-thon, which starts Friday. The window will open as soon as school is over. Keep getting those pledges to help support our PTO.
Have a great evening!
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Tuesday, January 27th
We had a very busy day!!
We worked in reading stations this morning. Students completed two stations and will complete the others during the remainder of the week. The reading clubs that worked with me today began analyzing the Greek myth Pandora's box. We analyzed the characters and discussed the plot. Students were able to identify specific descriptors in the myth. They were also able to come up with a theme or message from the story.
We continued publishing our opinion pieces. Students are typing their published pieces. They are turning them in through their Google Drive. I will be able to read and access them in their drive and provide feedback and notes. Students will be given the opportunity to revise their pieces one more time after I have provided feedback. About half of the students have turned them in at this time.
We worked, again, to compare fractions. Students spent the day working to multiply the denominators to find a common denominator and equivalent fractions. Most felt much more confident after math today.
We have explorations tomorrow afternoon and field trip forms are due by the end of the week!
Have a wonderful evening!
We worked in reading stations this morning. Students completed two stations and will complete the others during the remainder of the week. The reading clubs that worked with me today began analyzing the Greek myth Pandora's box. We analyzed the characters and discussed the plot. Students were able to identify specific descriptors in the myth. They were also able to come up with a theme or message from the story.
We continued publishing our opinion pieces. Students are typing their published pieces. They are turning them in through their Google Drive. I will be able to read and access them in their drive and provide feedback and notes. Students will be given the opportunity to revise their pieces one more time after I have provided feedback. About half of the students have turned them in at this time.
We worked, again, to compare fractions. Students spent the day working to multiply the denominators to find a common denominator and equivalent fractions. Most felt much more confident after math today.
We have explorations tomorrow afternoon and field trip forms are due by the end of the week!
Have a wonderful evening!
Monday, January 26, 2015
Monday, January 26th
Happy Monday!
Students were able to sign up for our Colleges and Careers Explorations this morning. We are very excited to participate in these on Wednesday. Ask you child which exploration they signed up to participate in!
We began publishing our writing pieces. Students are working to type their final drafts on their iPads. We will have an author's chair on Wednesday.
Students worked to compare fractions in math. This was an incredibly challenging activity. While homework is focused on this activity tonight, it should not become a stressful time. Students should try their best to complete what they can. We will regroup and reteach tomorrow.
Please be reminded that field trip forms and money are due on Friday. Also, the Math-a-thon will begin Friday after school.
See you tomorrow!
Students were able to sign up for our Colleges and Careers Explorations this morning. We are very excited to participate in these on Wednesday. Ask you child which exploration they signed up to participate in!
We began publishing our writing pieces. Students are working to type their final drafts on their iPads. We will have an author's chair on Wednesday.
Students worked to compare fractions in math. This was an incredibly challenging activity. While homework is focused on this activity tonight, it should not become a stressful time. Students should try their best to complete what they can. We will regroup and reteach tomorrow.
Please be reminded that field trip forms and money are due on Friday. Also, the Math-a-thon will begin Friday after school.
See you tomorrow!
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Thursday, January 22nd
We had a very hard working day!!
Students worked in reading stations today. They did practice and review of figurative language, worked on compass learning, did independent reading, and reading clubs met with me. We worked to examine a poem for it's characteristics and figurative language. Students worked to use context clues to determine the meaning of unknown words, and expressed their interpretation of the ideas presented in the poem.
We complete peer review and feedback of our opinion pieces today. Students did a wonderful job of being active listeners and provide constructive and helpful feedback to their partners.
Students worked to understand the 3/5 compromise about the slavery population that was created during the Constitutional Convention. Ask your child to tell you more!
The end of our day was filled with our regular specials and making up our art class from yesterday.
Don't forget that your child can work on Compass Learning and Sumdog at home. These are great places to practice and review standards already covered this school year.
Students are excited about the upcoming events at school. Thank you for your support of these activities! Don't forget to check out the post from earlier today that provides information about Math-a-thon!!
Students worked in reading stations today. They did practice and review of figurative language, worked on compass learning, did independent reading, and reading clubs met with me. We worked to examine a poem for it's characteristics and figurative language. Students worked to use context clues to determine the meaning of unknown words, and expressed their interpretation of the ideas presented in the poem.
We complete peer review and feedback of our opinion pieces today. Students did a wonderful job of being active listeners and provide constructive and helpful feedback to their partners.
Students worked to understand the 3/5 compromise about the slavery population that was created during the Constitutional Convention. Ask your child to tell you more!
The end of our day was filled with our regular specials and making up our art class from yesterday.
Don't forget that your child can work on Compass Learning and Sumdog at home. These are great places to practice and review standards already covered this school year.
Students are excited about the upcoming events at school. Thank you for your support of these activities! Don't forget to check out the post from earlier today that provides information about Math-a-thon!!
Math-A-Thon
First Ever FAVE Math-A-Thon Under Way!! Get Sponsors/Pledges NOW!
The FAVE PTO is excited to kick off FAVE's first-ever MATH-A-THON! The Math-A-Thon will encourage all the students of FAVE to excel in math while also raising funds for Field Experiences and other programs/materials. Students will be using a fun math game called "Sum Dog" www.sumdog.com to earn points at school and at home. The kickoff for this school-wide event started January 20th. Kids brought home their sponsor sheets in their folders. NOW is the time to call or email Grandma and all those out of state relatives and ask them to sponsor you during Math-A-Thon. Parents, family and friends can sponsor their child and pledge to donate based on the number of points a child earns or for a flat fee amount.
More details on the PTO website at www.FAVEPTO.org/math or in the info packet sent home with your child.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Wednesday, January 21st
Hard to believe that the week is already half way over!
We continued our exploration of poetry, prose, and drama. After reading a poem about Harriet Tubman yesterday, students read a prose about her today. They were able to help create a venn diagram, comparing the two pieces. We were also able to determine what the purpose of each piece is.
We explored and utilized some "acting" to explain the Constitutional Convention and The Great Compromise. Students were able to understand why the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey plan were not fair for either side, and thus a compromise was made. Ask your child to tell you more!!
We worked to create number lines to decompose fractions and determine equivalent fractions today. Students have been working on this already using tape diagrams and area models. This provides them with another tool for decomposing and comparing fractions. Visit www.learnzillion.com and enter quick code LZ1245 for a refresher lesson to assist with homework.
We are only 7 students away from having all of our permission forms and money turned in for the Alvin Ailey field trip. Thank you so much for getting your materials in so quickly! They are due by January 31st.
We are looking forward to a busy end of the week!!
See you tomorrow!
We continued our exploration of poetry, prose, and drama. After reading a poem about Harriet Tubman yesterday, students read a prose about her today. They were able to help create a venn diagram, comparing the two pieces. We were also able to determine what the purpose of each piece is.
We explored and utilized some "acting" to explain the Constitutional Convention and The Great Compromise. Students were able to understand why the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey plan were not fair for either side, and thus a compromise was made. Ask your child to tell you more!!
We worked to create number lines to decompose fractions and determine equivalent fractions today. Students have been working on this already using tape diagrams and area models. This provides them with another tool for decomposing and comparing fractions. Visit www.learnzillion.com and enter quick code LZ1245 for a refresher lesson to assist with homework.
We are only 7 students away from having all of our permission forms and money turned in for the Alvin Ailey field trip. Thank you so much for getting your materials in so quickly! They are due by January 31st.
We are looking forward to a busy end of the week!!
See you tomorrow!
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Tuesday, January 20th
Happy Tuesday and welcome back! I hope you enjoyed your long weekend and the beautiful weather.
As we continued drafting our opinion pieces, students began to revise their papers for transitional words or phrases. After reviewing our mentor texts, students were able to identify the transitional words or phrases used in their papers, or identify places where they would like to add them.
We went deeper into the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation today. Student learned of Shays' Rebellion and how it reenforced the need for change.
We worked in math stations today. Students worked to model fraction equivalence using pattern blocks. They were able to use benchmark fractions as a guide to determine a variety of equivalent fractions. They also worked on Compass Learning, Sumdog, and multiplication of a digit number by a two digit number.
Red communication folders came home today. You will find your child's report cards, information about Math-a-thon, and a small white paper used for ordering class pictures (which were taken this morning).
Many of you have already sent in your permission forms and money for our field trip to see the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater at The Fox Theater. Thank you so much! They are due by January 31st. Because we are going to the theater, we have encouraged students to dress a bit nicer for our field trip.
Have a wonderful evening!
As we continued drafting our opinion pieces, students began to revise their papers for transitional words or phrases. After reviewing our mentor texts, students were able to identify the transitional words or phrases used in their papers, or identify places where they would like to add them.
We went deeper into the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation today. Student learned of Shays' Rebellion and how it reenforced the need for change.
We worked in math stations today. Students worked to model fraction equivalence using pattern blocks. They were able to use benchmark fractions as a guide to determine a variety of equivalent fractions. They also worked on Compass Learning, Sumdog, and multiplication of a digit number by a two digit number.
Red communication folders came home today. You will find your child's report cards, information about Math-a-thon, and a small white paper used for ordering class pictures (which were taken this morning).
Many of you have already sent in your permission forms and money for our field trip to see the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater at The Fox Theater. Thank you so much! They are due by January 31st. Because we are going to the theater, we have encouraged students to dress a bit nicer for our field trip.
Have a wonderful evening!
Friday, January 16, 2015
Friday, January 16th
Happy Friday!
We continued to add information to our reading journals regarding figurative language. Students are preparing to complete a project next week.
We continued exploring the Article of Confederation. Students worked to determine the powers that were given to the state and national governments under the articles and why that made for a weak country.
We voted today for our class seal. Congratulations to Ava Rose for creating a beautiful seal to represent our class' ideas and beliefs!
Equal part...or not? The great fraction debate occurred today. Students were challenged to fold their note card into four equal parts. We discussed how each of us express our mathematical ideas differently and hung our examples.
Students were then challenged to determine if these pieces were divided into equal parts. They chose a side, collected evidence, and presented their argument to the class. Ask your child to tell you more!
Don't forget that class picture day is Tuesday! Have a wonderful and restful three day weekend!
We continued to add information to our reading journals regarding figurative language. Students are preparing to complete a project next week.
We continued exploring the Article of Confederation. Students worked to determine the powers that were given to the state and national governments under the articles and why that made for a weak country.
We voted today for our class seal. Congratulations to Ava Rose for creating a beautiful seal to represent our class' ideas and beliefs!
Equal part...or not? The great fraction debate occurred today. Students were challenged to fold their note card into four equal parts. We discussed how each of us express our mathematical ideas differently and hung our examples.
Students were then challenged to determine if these pieces were divided into equal parts. They chose a side, collected evidence, and presented their argument to the class. Ask your child to tell you more!
Don't forget that class picture day is Tuesday! Have a wonderful and restful three day weekend!
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Wednesday, January 14th
WOW!!! Starting our day with a performance by The Atlanta Opera was so amazing! I am so grateful for the experiences offered to our students through our PTO. Thank you! Pictures will be posted tomorrow.
If you would like to support our PTO, so they can continue to provide these experiences for our students consider a donation during our Math-a-thon. Stay tuned for details....
Students continued to use area models and multiplication equations to demonstrate equivalence between two fractions. They looked for the common multiplier for the numerator and denominator. Students are doing a wonderful job with these skills!!
Don't forget that picture day is Monday, and field trip money and permission forms are due by January 31st. Our field trip will be on February 12th. We will depart at 9:00 and will return at 2:30. If you are interested in chaperoning, the cost is $15. I will need 1 or 2 more volunteers. Please contact me at csanders@csdecatur.net
Have a great day!
If you would like to support our PTO, so they can continue to provide these experiences for our students consider a donation during our Math-a-thon. Stay tuned for details....
Students continued to use area models and multiplication equations to demonstrate equivalence between two fractions. They looked for the common multiplier for the numerator and denominator. Students are doing a wonderful job with these skills!!
Don't forget that picture day is Monday, and field trip money and permission forms are due by January 31st. Our field trip will be on February 12th. We will depart at 9:00 and will return at 2:30. If you are interested in chaperoning, the cost is $15. I will need 1 or 2 more volunteers. Please contact me at csanders@csdecatur.net
Have a great day!
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Tuesday, January 13th
We had a very busy day!
Students worked to analyze texts to determine if they were poetry, prose, or drama. We utilized the text features to come up with characteristics of each type of writing.
We had a debate today! Our class came up with topics and students "took a side." Each side presented their opinion and gave reasons to support their opinion. Then....I threw them for a loop when I told each group that they now had to come up with a statement about their issue that both sides agreed on. Students worked hard to come up with a compromise. This is a great lead in for tomorrow when we continue are discussions about the foundations of the United States. Ask your child to tell you more!
Students had the opportunity to log on to www.sumdog.com. This site is great for math practice. Students can access it at home. They should have their log in information with them. This is the site that will be use during our week long FAVE Math-a-thon at the end of the month. Stay tuned for details!!
Thank you to those of you who have sent in your permission forms and payment for our field trip to Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. These items are due by January 31st.
Next Tuesday is class picture day! See you in the morning!
Students worked to analyze texts to determine if they were poetry, prose, or drama. We utilized the text features to come up with characteristics of each type of writing.
We had a debate today! Our class came up with topics and students "took a side." Each side presented their opinion and gave reasons to support their opinion. Then....I threw them for a loop when I told each group that they now had to come up with a statement about their issue that both sides agreed on. Students worked hard to come up with a compromise. This is a great lead in for tomorrow when we continue are discussions about the foundations of the United States. Ask your child to tell you more!
Students had the opportunity to log on to www.sumdog.com. This site is great for math practice. Students can access it at home. They should have their log in information with them. This is the site that will be use during our week long FAVE Math-a-thon at the end of the month. Stay tuned for details!!
Thank you to those of you who have sent in your permission forms and payment for our field trip to Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. These items are due by January 31st.
Next Tuesday is class picture day! See you in the morning!
Monday, January 12, 2015
Monday, January 12th
Happy Monday! Welcome back!
Students continued working on their opinion writing pieces. Many students have been do a very rough draft of their opinion piece. Ask your child to talk to you about their opinion (thesis) for this term!
After comparing the United States and State of Georgia seals on Friday, students were challenged to create a seal that is representative of our class. Students worked diligently during class time today. Final voting will occur on Friday.
We continued our work with decomposing and comparing fractions. Students worked to create an area model representative of a larger fraction (i.e: 1/2) and decompose it into smaller fractional unit that represent 1/2 (i.e 3/6).
Please be on the look out for a field trip permission form in the red folders today. Our 4th grade students will be traveling to Alvin Ailey Dance Theater for a production. Permission forms and payment are due by January 31st.
Also, more information will be coming to the students and to you this week regarding the First Annual FAVE Math-A-Thon. This will be an amazingly fun fundraiser for FAVE PTO. Stay tuned!
Have a wonderful evening!!
Students continued working on their opinion writing pieces. Many students have been do a very rough draft of their opinion piece. Ask your child to talk to you about their opinion (thesis) for this term!
After comparing the United States and State of Georgia seals on Friday, students were challenged to create a seal that is representative of our class. Students worked diligently during class time today. Final voting will occur on Friday.
We continued our work with decomposing and comparing fractions. Students worked to create an area model representative of a larger fraction (i.e: 1/2) and decompose it into smaller fractional unit that represent 1/2 (i.e 3/6).
Please be on the look out for a field trip permission form in the red folders today. Our 4th grade students will be traveling to Alvin Ailey Dance Theater for a production. Permission forms and payment are due by January 31st.
Also, more information will be coming to the students and to you this week regarding the First Annual FAVE Math-A-Thon. This will be an amazingly fun fundraiser for FAVE PTO. Stay tuned!
Have a wonderful evening!!
Friday, January 9, 2015
Friday, January 8th
Happy Friday!
We continued working with our reading passage Eleven. Students discussed what lessons/themes are present in the story. They were able to support their theme with evidence from the text.
We completed a small experiment in science. Students used water, milk, and paint to identify and describe the properties of light. Ask your child to tell you more!
Students analyzed the United States and State of Georgia Seal today. They worked to identify symbols that represent the beliefs and ideas of our country and state. They are challenged to create a seal for our classroom. I am excited for these to be created on Monday!
We have a busy week ahead of us and busy term! Have a restful weekend!
We continued working with our reading passage Eleven. Students discussed what lessons/themes are present in the story. They were able to support their theme with evidence from the text.
We completed a small experiment in science. Students used water, milk, and paint to identify and describe the properties of light. Ask your child to tell you more!
Students analyzed the United States and State of Georgia Seal today. They worked to identify symbols that represent the beliefs and ideas of our country and state. They are challenged to create a seal for our classroom. I am excited for these to be created on Monday!
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Thursday, January 8th
Another busy day is in the books!
We had a great Village Gathering this morning! I love celebrating our learning and hard work!
Congratulations to Teagan! She is our class elected Superstar of the Month for December! We are proud of you!
Students worked to inquire into to our interpretation of beliefs and ideas by creating slogans to go with pictures. Small groups created a slogan to relate to six different pictures. We had a great discussion about how different groups interpreted the pictures in different ways. Ask your child to tell you more!!
We're off to a great start with decomposing fractions! I love the hard work and diligence of the students. They are demonstrating our inquiry and communicator IB learner profile traits to have a great foundation for fractions.
We are looking forward to many great events this term. Check out the upcoming events to learn more!!
See you tomorrow! Don't forget your coats!!!!!
We had a great Village Gathering this morning! I love celebrating our learning and hard work!
Congratulations to Teagan! She is our class elected Superstar of the Month for December! We are proud of you!
Students worked to inquire into to our interpretation of beliefs and ideas by creating slogans to go with pictures. Small groups created a slogan to relate to six different pictures. We had a great discussion about how different groups interpreted the pictures in different ways. Ask your child to tell you more!!
We're off to a great start with decomposing fractions! I love the hard work and diligence of the students. They are demonstrating our inquiry and communicator IB learner profile traits to have a great foundation for fractions.
We are looking forward to many great events this term. Check out the upcoming events to learn more!!
See you tomorrow! Don't forget your coats!!!!!
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