Click HERE for this week's vocabulary slide show on Dear Mrs. LaRue.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Lessons & Assignments Monday, October 31st
No homework tonight - have a fun and safe Halloween!
We spent our morning catching up on stuff from our missed day of school Friday. We took our reading, spelling, and vocabulary tests. This afternoon students will be doing some Halloween themed math review games. I will be gone this afternoon for a doctor's appointment, and apologize for missing the party!
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Junior Achievement
Mrs. Reed talked to the kids today about revenue and expenses while running a business. The kids played a fun game, pretending they were running a hot dog stand, while calculating expenses and sales.
Lessons & Assignments Thursday, October 27th
Math - None - We finished our lesson on dividing using partial quotients. We did the assignment together in class, so there is no homework.
Science - None - We listed learned behaviors in our science journals today, and started learning about fossils, and how animals are different today than they were in the past.
Language Arts - None - We had JA during our language arts time today. We also reviewed a writing project that we did yesterday, and continued identifying details in our writing. Students took a practice vocabulary test, and completed a spelling and grammar page independently.
Social Studies - None - We read about the Illiniwek Confederacy today. We discussed the similarities and differences between a wigwam and a longhouse.
Science - None - We listed learned behaviors in our science journals today, and started learning about fossils, and how animals are different today than they were in the past.
Language Arts - None - We had JA during our language arts time today. We also reviewed a writing project that we did yesterday, and continued identifying details in our writing. Students took a practice vocabulary test, and completed a spelling and grammar page independently.
Social Studies - None - We read about the Illiniwek Confederacy today. We discussed the similarities and differences between a wigwam and a longhouse.
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Lessons & Assignments Wednesday, October 26th
Math - None - We started a lesson on dividing using partial quotients. We will continue practicing this concept tomorrow.
Science - None - We read about instincts such as migration and hibernation today.
Language Arts - None - We reread our weekly story, and completed a spelling and grammar page in class together. We read an expository article about snakes, and wrote a response to compare the two stories.
Social Studies - None - We did not have social studies today.
Science - None - We read about instincts such as migration and hibernation today.
Language Arts - None - We reread our weekly story, and completed a spelling and grammar page in class together. We read an expository article about snakes, and wrote a response to compare the two stories.
Social Studies - None - We did not have social studies today.
Classroom Visitor
Madilyn's dad visited our classroom today to tell us about his job with the Village of Erie. We were really excited to learn about how he is currently flushing the fire hydrants, and what it looks like inside of a water tower. We also enjoyed hearing about his hobby of racing in demo derbies!
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Lessons & Assignments Tuesday, October 25th
Math - 4.7 - We learned how to use repeated subtraction to divide today. We started by modeling the procedure with cubes, then used subtraction. It took us a long time to divide 93 by 4 when we were subtracting 4 over and over again. To speed up the process, we used multiples of 4, subtracting 40 instead.
Science - None - We read about how animal behaviors can help them survive today. We read about instinct, and watched a Discovery Education video on how animals use instincts such as eating to survive.
Language Arts - None - We had JA today during our language arts block. Afterwards, we spent some time finishing up our snake research projects and posters and reading AR books.
Social Studies - None - We did not have social studies today.
Science - None - We read about how animal behaviors can help them survive today. We read about instinct, and watched a Discovery Education video on how animals use instincts such as eating to survive.
Language Arts - None - We had JA today during our language arts block. Afterwards, we spent some time finishing up our snake research projects and posters and reading AR books.
Social Studies - None - We did not have social studies today.
Reminder: Wear red tomorrow
Monday, October 24, 2016
Lessons & Assignments Monday, October 24th
Math - None - We tossed a lesson in the trash today. Sometimes you just have to do that. I explained to the students that the method we were using to divide was a good one, we just didn't have the correct materials to use it properly. It involved using base 10 blocks, and I don't have enough for the class to use, making it difficult. But no worries, we will learn several other strategies! We also took our mid-chapter quiz, and previewed tomorrow's lesson on repeated subtraction to divide.
Science - None - We read about adaptations today and natural selection. Students taped up their thumbs and tried to write to figure out how thumbs were an adaptation.
Language Arts - None - We reread our weekly story and answered some comprehension questions. We also rewrote the story from another character's point of view today. The students worked in groups and shared their stories when they were finished. We also started researching snakes and making a poster on snake facts.
Social Studies - None - We finished a DG packet, and created our timeline foldables for the arrival of humans in Illinois.
Science - None - We read about adaptations today and natural selection. Students taped up their thumbs and tried to write to figure out how thumbs were an adaptation.
Language Arts - None - We reread our weekly story and answered some comprehension questions. We also rewrote the story from another character's point of view today. The students worked in groups and shared their stories when they were finished. We also started researching snakes and making a poster on snake facts.
Social Studies - None - We finished a DG packet, and created our timeline foldables for the arrival of humans in Illinois.
Humans Arrive in Illinois
We been reading about the first humans to arrive in Illinois. We learned that they started as hunter-gatherer societies, then developed permanent settlements, and finally created societies with governments and laws. Today we made timelines of the arrival of humans.
Point of View Stories
We've been reading the story When I Went to the Library by Ken Roberts. This is a humorous story written from a young girl's point of view as she is apologizing for bringing a snake into the local library. Our class worked in groups today to rewrite the story from another point of view. They wrote it from the point of view of the other kids in the library, Mr. Winston (library employee), the ambulance driver, Cara's parents, and the snake. Each group presented their finished stories to the class. I was impressed by their creativity and use of details in their stories. Way to go 4th grade!
Adaptations
We've been reading and learning about animal adaptations in science. Today we taped up our dominant hands, and tried writing and eating. We learned that thumbs are an adaptation that help us meet our basic needs.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Lessons & Assignments Thursday, October 20th
Math - 4.4 - We practiced dividing by tens, hundreds, and thousands today. The easiest way to do this is to identify the basic fact, and count the number of zeros.
Science - None - We did a lab activity on adaptations of bird beaks today. Students took different tools (pliers, forceps, pencils, spoons, clothespins) and tried to pick up various types of food (rice, spaghetti, gummy worms, raisins, sunflower seeds). They were able to figure out that birds' beaks are adapted to the types of food that they eat.
Language Arts - None - We had JA during our language arts time today. We also completed a spelling and grammar page in class, and reread our weekly story. We practiced identifying when, where, and why details in writing, and wrote our own sentences that included those details.
Social Studies - None - We worked on our DG, and read about the early inhabitants of Illinois. We read about the Cahokia Mounds, and watched a quick Discovery Education clip about the history of the mounds.
Science - None - We did a lab activity on adaptations of bird beaks today. Students took different tools (pliers, forceps, pencils, spoons, clothespins) and tried to pick up various types of food (rice, spaghetti, gummy worms, raisins, sunflower seeds). They were able to figure out that birds' beaks are adapted to the types of food that they eat.
Language Arts - None - We had JA during our language arts time today. We also completed a spelling and grammar page in class, and reread our weekly story. We practiced identifying when, where, and why details in writing, and wrote our own sentences that included those details.
Social Studies - None - We worked on our DG, and read about the early inhabitants of Illinois. We read about the Cahokia Mounds, and watched a quick Discovery Education clip about the history of the mounds.
Junior Achievement
Mrs. Sara Reed from Country Insurance visited our classroom today for a Junior Achievement (JA) lesson. She will join us for lessons over the next 5 weeks. Students will learn about regions, including entrepreneurship skills.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Lessons & Assignments Wednesday, October 19th
Math - 4.3 - We practiced interpreting the remainder in division word problems today. We learned about problems that could be answered in fraction form, those using just the quotient, those using the quotient plus one, and those requiring just the remainder.
Science - None - We took our chapter test today.
Language Arts - None - We used part of our LA time to finish our science tests today. We completed a spelling and grammar page in class today, and finished our selection story and graphic organizer.
Social Studies - None - We did not have social studies today.
Science - None - We took our chapter test today.
Language Arts - None - We used part of our LA time to finish our science tests today. We completed a spelling and grammar page in class today, and finished our selection story and graphic organizer.
Social Studies - None - We did not have social studies today.
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Lessons & Assignments Tuesday, October 18th
Math - None - We had reviewed division with remainders today, and had Ag in the Classroom.
Science - None - We played a review game for tomorrow's open book test.
Language Arts - None - We completed a spelling and grammar page in class today. We learned about Memory Moment Signposts today, and practiced identifying them in a few picture books. We read the first half of our selection story, and started an inference web graphic organizer. We also started working on a new writing packet, where we will focus on adding "who" and "what" details to our stories.
Social Studies - None - We did not have social studies today.
Science - None - We played a review game for tomorrow's open book test.
Language Arts - None - We completed a spelling and grammar page in class today. We learned about Memory Moment Signposts today, and practiced identifying them in a few picture books. We read the first half of our selection story, and started an inference web graphic organizer. We also started working on a new writing packet, where we will focus on adding "who" and "what" details to our stories.
Social Studies - None - We did not have social studies today.
Reminder: SIP early dismissal tomorrow.
Monday, October 17, 2016
Lessons & Assignments Monday, October 17th
Math - 4.2 - We started chapter 4 today on division. Today we learned about remainders. We practiced drawing models to represent equal groups and remainders, but eventually the students will be doing this more fluently, and won't need the drawings.
Science - None - We read about metamorphosis today, and completed a booklet on the life cycle of a frog for our science journals.
Language Arts - vocabulary packet - We introduced our new vocabulary and spelling words today. Students that were not able to complete their packets in class today need to finish it for homework tonight.
Social Studies - None - We previewed unit 2 today on the early people of Illinois. We completed a vocabulary worksheet together in class, and continued working on our daily geography packet.
Please note - PARCC score sheets from last year's tests were sent home today. Please check your child's folder, and let me know if you have any questions.
Science - None - We read about metamorphosis today, and completed a booklet on the life cycle of a frog for our science journals.
Language Arts - vocabulary packet - We introduced our new vocabulary and spelling words today. Students that were not able to complete their packets in class today need to finish it for homework tonight.
Social Studies - None - We previewed unit 2 today on the early people of Illinois. We completed a vocabulary worksheet together in class, and continued working on our daily geography packet.
Please note - PARCC score sheets from last year's tests were sent home today. Please check your child's folder, and let me know if you have any questions.
Vocabulary Slide Show
Click HERE to view this week's vocabulary slide show for When I Went to the Library.
Friday, October 14, 2016
Lessons & Assignments Friday, October 14th
Math - None - We had fire safety presentations during our math time this morning.
Science - None - We used our science time to finish our social studies test from yesterday.
Language Arts - None - We took our unit assessments today.
Social Studies - None - We did not have social studies today.
Science - None - We used our science time to finish our social studies test from yesterday.
Language Arts - None - We took our unit assessments today.
Social Studies - None - We did not have social studies today.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Lessons & Assignments Thursday, October 13th
Math - None - We took our chapter 3 test today. I was so proud of the results on this test - way to go 4th grade!
Science - None - We read about human growth and development today, and drew pictures to predict what we would look like at age 50.
Language Arts - None - We reread our selection story, and studied spelling and vocab on Spelling City. We also wrote a paragraph to describe our favorite place to read. Students switched papers, and drew a picture of the description so we could determine whether or not we added enough details. We also played Sparkle to review spelling words.
Social Studies - None - We started our unit 1 test today.
Science - None - We read about human growth and development today, and drew pictures to predict what we would look like at age 50.
Language Arts - None - We reread our selection story, and studied spelling and vocab on Spelling City. We also wrote a paragraph to describe our favorite place to read. Students switched papers, and drew a picture of the description so we could determine whether or not we added enough details. We also played Sparkle to review spelling words.
Social Studies - None - We started our unit 1 test today.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Lessons & Assignments Wednesday, October 12th
Math - None - Part of our math block today was spent taking our Star Math benchmark test, and doing our vision and hearing screenings with the school nurses. The other part was spent reviewing chapter 3. Our chapter 3 test will be tomorrow. An extra review sheet was sent home with students. This is optional, but students that complete it at home will receive a prize from the prize box.
Science - None - We read about plants that come from bulbs and tubers, finished our sprouting seeds lab, and started reading about the life cycles of animals.
Language Arts - None - We completed a grammar page in class, reread our selection story, and studied spelling and vocab on Spelling City. Since today was the last day to take AR quizzes for 1st quarter, the students were given time to finish up books, visit the library, and take quizzes.
Social Studies - Chapter 2 review sheet - We recently finished chapter 2. Students had time in class today to work on the chapter 2 review sheet. They need to finish this for homework tonight. Page numbers are included on the worksheet, and they need to use their books to look up the answers.
Science - None - We read about plants that come from bulbs and tubers, finished our sprouting seeds lab, and started reading about the life cycles of animals.
Language Arts - None - We completed a grammar page in class, reread our selection story, and studied spelling and vocab on Spelling City. Since today was the last day to take AR quizzes for 1st quarter, the students were given time to finish up books, visit the library, and take quizzes.
Social Studies - Chapter 2 review sheet - We recently finished chapter 2. Students had time in class today to work on the chapter 2 review sheet. They need to finish this for homework tonight. Page numbers are included on the worksheet, and they need to use their books to look up the answers.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Lessons & Assignments Tuesday, October 11th
Math - 3.7 - We worked on solving multi-step word problems today. For most word problems, we had to solve two 2-digit by 2-digit multiplication problems, then add or subtract to compare. This was our last lesson in this chapter. We will review tomorrow and take the chapter 3 test on Thursday.
Science - None - We read about plants that come from spores today (moss, ferns), and created a life cycle diagram for our science journals.
Language Arts - None - We completed a spelling and grammar page in class today, and reread our selection story. We also read two versions of the tall tale Pecos Bill. We continued our writing packets today, focusing on using a web graphic organizer to determine a topic sentence and supporting details.
Social Studies - None - We did not have social studies today.
Science - None - We read about plants that come from spores today (moss, ferns), and created a life cycle diagram for our science journals.
Language Arts - None - We completed a spelling and grammar page in class today, and reread our selection story. We also read two versions of the tall tale Pecos Bill. We continued our writing packets today, focusing on using a web graphic organizer to determine a topic sentence and supporting details.
Social Studies - None - We did not have social studies today.
Reminder: Crazy sock day tomorrow
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Lessons & Assignments Thursday, October 6th
Math - 3.6 - We combined both multiplication methods today, and students were allowed to use the one they were most comfortable with. Those students that weren't able to complete the assignment in class need to finish it over the weekend.
Science - None - We continued observing our plant project, and made a foldable life cycle diagram on plants that grow from seeds for our science journals.
Language Arts - None - We completed a spelling and grammar page in class, and the students reread their unit selection story. We answered some comprehension questions, and worked on identifying the main idea in our writing. In small groups, we reviewed vocabulary with our leveled readers.
Social Studies - None - We completed a foldable graphic organizer for our last lesson, and started our daily geography packet. Our current packet focuses on using a map grid.
Science - None - We continued observing our plant project, and made a foldable life cycle diagram on plants that grow from seeds for our science journals.
Language Arts - None - We completed a spelling and grammar page in class, and the students reread their unit selection story. We answered some comprehension questions, and worked on identifying the main idea in our writing. In small groups, we reviewed vocabulary with our leveled readers.
Social Studies - None - We completed a foldable graphic organizer for our last lesson, and started our daily geography packet. Our current packet focuses on using a map grid.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Lessons & Assignments Wednesday, October 5th
Math - corrections & word problems - We continued reviewing 2-digit by 2-digit multiplication today. Students have 6 multiplication word problems to solve for homework tonight.
Science - None - We continued observing our seeds in the light and dark today. We also read about the life cycle of plants that come from seeds.
Language Arts - None - We finished reading our selection story today, and completed our cause & effect graphic organizer. We also completed a spelling and grammar page in class. We played an "I have, who has" cause and effect game today too.
Social Studies - None - We did not have social studies today.
Science - None - We continued observing our seeds in the light and dark today. We also read about the life cycle of plants that come from seeds.
Language Arts - None - We finished reading our selection story today, and completed our cause & effect graphic organizer. We also completed a spelling and grammar page in class. We played an "I have, who has" cause and effect game today too.
Social Studies - None - We did not have social studies today.
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Lessons & Assignments Tuesday, October 4th*
Math - None - We continued reviewing 2-digit by 2-digit multiplication using regrouping today. Students should have had plenty of time in class to complete their assignment for lesson 3.5.
Science - None - We started reading about life cycles today, and started a lab activity on sprouting seeds. We will be monitoring seeds in the light and seeds in the dark to compare the results over the next week.
Language Arts - None - We completed a spelling and grammar page in class today. We read the first half of our selection story, and started a cause and effect graphic organizer. In guided reading groups, we reviewed vocabulary words and previewed our books.
Social Studies - None - We did not have social studies today.
*These plans are tentative. I am in the Chicago area today for a reading workshop.
Science - None - We started reading about life cycles today, and started a lab activity on sprouting seeds. We will be monitoring seeds in the light and seeds in the dark to compare the results over the next week.
Language Arts - None - We completed a spelling and grammar page in class today. We read the first half of our selection story, and started a cause and effect graphic organizer. In guided reading groups, we reviewed vocabulary words and previewed our books.
Social Studies - None - We did not have social studies today.
*These plans are tentative. I am in the Chicago area today for a reading workshop.
Monday, October 3, 2016
Lessons & Assignments Monday, October 3rd
Math - None - I introduced 2-digit by 2-digit multiplication using "mom and dad" math today, or regrouping. This was very difficult for us, and we will continue to review it tomorrow.
Science - None - We skipped science today to practice multiplication.
Language Arts - vocabulary packet - We introduced our new vocabulary words today and worked on our vocabulary packets in class.
Social Studies - None - We read about the hills and valleys in Southern Illinois today.
Science - None - We skipped science today to practice multiplication.
Language Arts - vocabulary packet - We introduced our new vocabulary words today and worked on our vocabulary packets in class.
Social Studies - None - We read about the hills and valleys in Southern Illinois today.
Sunday, October 2, 2016
Language Arts 10/3-10/14
Reading: determine cause & effect - We will be doing repeated readings of the story Wild Horses by Cris Peterson over the next two weeks. This is an expository story about the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary in South Dakota. We will be discussing cause and effect in this story, and using evidence from the story to support our decisions. You can practice this at home by asking your child questions such as "Cause: You didn't tie your shoes...What is the effect?" (Possible answer, "I tripped.")
Phonics/spelling : r-controlled vowels /ar/ and /or/ - all spelling words for this unit are words with r-controlled vowels, or bossy r. Have your child look for these patterns in each word, and sort the words according to the pattern.
Grammar: possessive nouns - for this unit, we will be discussing possessive nouns, or nouns that show ownership (example: Kyle's dog, Alyssa's book). These are easily confused with plural nouns and contractions, so we will work on distinguishing them from other types.
Vocabulary: Our vocabulary words for this unit are descendants, sanctuary, threatened, fragile, habitat, and emerge. Students can review using Spelling City, their vocabulary packets, or the slide show posted on my blog.
Writing: We will be using writing packets for this unit to help develop ideas in our writing.
Grammar: possessive nouns - for this unit, we will be discussing possessive nouns, or nouns that show ownership (example: Kyle's dog, Alyssa's book). These are easily confused with plural nouns and contractions, so we will work on distinguishing them from other types.
Vocabulary: Our vocabulary words for this unit are descendants, sanctuary, threatened, fragile, habitat, and emerge. Students can review using Spelling City, their vocabulary packets, or the slide show posted on my blog.
Writing: We will be using writing packets for this unit to help develop ideas in our writing.
Our assessments over this unit will be on Friday, October 14th.
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