4C Updates/Reminders

Good Afternoon Parents,

First, let me start by saying what great kids you all have! Today we were supposed to go to the middle school for a music demo, but only one of our buses showed up. We made the tough decision as a grade level to not go because the program had already started and the second bus still had not arrived at 9:15. The kids didn't get upset. They accepted our explanation and we went back to the classroom. We made 3D snowflakes that turned out just perfect! Thank for being so flexible!! This email is for just a few notes as we get ready for our last week (4 1/2 days exactly) before Winter Break.

Homework this Weekend

Our Unit 8 Math test is on Wednesday morning. This weekend students are going to start working on the the review. They do NOT have to finish the whole review. They can start on 5-10 problems, and we will complete it on Monday as review. Also, students are completing their Lewis & Clark journals. Today I showed them an example of an "aged" cover that they will make for their Yahoo Answers had some good ideas about how to get the aged look. The journals are due on Wednesday. 

4th Grade Musical

Our musical is on Tuesday. Please have students at school Tuesday evening between 6:20 - 6:40. They are to go directly to the music room for warm-ups. They are to wear black or dark pants and tops to contrast against the bright colors of our props.

Dojo Auction

Class Dojo Auction is coming! We finally get to spend all the Dojo Dollars we've been earning since August! The auction on Thursday at 1:30. If you would like to donate items for the auction, student can begin brining in items on Monday. Past favorites have been games, book sets/series, pens/pencils/stationery sets, & notebooks. It can be items from home, but if you want to buy donations the dollar store and 5 Below are reasonably priced, fun items. 

Holiday Party

The holiday party is Friday @ 10:30 am, after the Winter Program. Please contact our room parent Barbara Barrett bbarrett9740@gmail.com to volunteer. 

Please let me know if you have any questions. Have a great weekend!

4C Update 12/4/15

Good Afternoon 4C Parents,

We've hit the ground running after a wonderful 5-day Thanksgiving Break! We ended units and started new units in Reading/Social Studies, Math, and Science. Here's what we're working on...

Reading/Social Studies: Lewis & Clark and the Corp of Discovery

We are learning about the purchase and expedition that changed the course of history for the United States. Students are reading "What's the Lewis and Clark Expedition?" and completing an accompanying workbook of vocabulary, comprehension questions, and map skills. Beginning Monday, students will begin working on keeping a journal as though they are with Lewis & Clark. We are also working in our reading groups on non-fiction text structures.

Coming up after Winter Break: WESTWARD EXPANSION 

Math

We are continuing to learn strategies for solving multiplication and division problems. Now we are solving 2, 3, and 4 digit by 2 digit multiplication. Below are the strategies and a link that you can to help you understand the work we're doing. 

*Box/Array Method https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=d0-a4GLXT-Y

*Lattice https://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/multiplication-division/lattice_multiplication/v/lattice-multiplication

*Partial Product https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=leykN5g6kj8

*Traditional Algorithm https://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/multiplication-division/multi_digit_multiplication/v/multiplying-whole-numbers-and-applications-2

This weekend they have lattice multiplication strategy to practice. 

Science

This week we began our Mixtures $ Solutions unit. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS UNIT! We get to do experiments! We are learning about the states of matter, chemical & physical change, and the differences between a mixture and solution and ways to separate each. 

Dates to Remember

Dec. 11 - Early Release @ 1:15p

Dec. 15 - 4th Grade Musical @ 7p

Dec. 16 - Walk in the Park @ 10:10p

Dec. 18 - Winter Performance @ 9:30a

                Winter Party @ 10a

                Early Release @ 1:15p

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me. Have a great weekend!!

Sent from my iPad

OB's Giving Assembly 2015

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 4C!!

We have had a busy week and a half in 4C, and an amazing day to bring it to an end! Last week we completed our Doodles for Google and had our first S.T.E.M. session with Mrs. Brown! Look for pics on the blog of everything!

We beat our goal of 300 canned goods! Thanks for all of your contributions. Every item makes a real difference. All of the 4th grade students and parent volunteers hard work in collecting, organizing, and counting along with the entire school's generosity, there were 2,800 canned good/non-perishable food items! 

The bittersweet part of our day was saying goodbye to our friend and classmate, Diori. He's headed to Reed Elementary. It was sad to say bye, but the kids are all looking forward to seeing him again at the Fifth Grade Center. We wish him "Good Luck."  

I hope each of you and your families have a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Hook 'Em In

This link will take you to Learnzillion's lesson on writing a hook or lead to start your argumentative essays. 

https://learnzillion.com/lesson_plans/8268#fndtn-lesson

Fall Partying!!

A BIG "THANK YOU!!" to all the parents for making today's party awesome! Here are a few pics from the fun! We even got a chance to go outside for a little vitamin B break!

Riddle Me This

Click the link below and choose one riddle to include in your letter to your pen pal.

Riddle Me This

BYOD Day Websites

Good Morning 4C! I know you are all excited about our 1st BYOD Day!! Some of your work will still be on paper, while others you will share and submit to me through Google Drive. 

We have some websites that we will use throughout the day. As we transition from subject to subject, I will introduce any new websites we've not used on the SmartBoard before you use it independently or with partners. 

Remember the expectations for the day:

• Your device is used for school-related activities, assignments, and work.
• You are to keep and use your device in the classroom ONLY.
• Your earbuds/headphones are to be used by you only.
• You can access school and teacher approved websites during free-choice time.
• You will loose the privilege of using your device if you are unable to follow the expectations.

Have a great BYOD Day! Below are the websites we'll be using today. I will add to the list throughout the day.

Old Bonhomme Website

Xtra Math

Factors vs Multiples

Factors & Multiplies Game

Kahoot

Opinion Checklist

Spelling Definitions

Ecosystem Project

http://www.mbgnet.net/index.html

Missouri Regions

Use the following sites to help your group complete the chart for your Missouri Region.

MO Regions with Other Links

Fact Monster

4C Update 9/25/15

Good Evening 4C Families,

I hope you all have had a good week. It's been another busy week for us, and we are all ready for the weekend! They do not have "work" homework this weekend, but I want them to share with you their first math post test; and reflect on how they did. The students have their post test, student data sheet, and four short reflection questions. Please help them complete the Reflection activity. (I have attached the activity just in case it gets misplaced.) 

We discussed percentage scores versus proficiency scores, so they should be able to talk about pretty well, but I will explain what you will see on their test and data sheet. 

The test has two sections - Multiple Choice and Constructed Response. Each section has a percentage score (e.g. 100%, 94%, 82%, etc.) and a proficiency score (e.g. 4, 3, 2, 1). The percentage is the traditional grading you may be most accustomed to seeing. The proficiency score indicates the consistency of your student meeting the grade level expectations.

• 4 (Exceeds Expectation) - The student consistently exceeds expectation; above level depth of understanding andflexible application of grade-level concepts.
• 3 (Meets Expectation) - The student consistently meets expectation; independent understanding and application of grade-level concepts.
• 2 (Approaching Expectation) - The student inconsistently meets expectation; incomplete understanding and application of grade-level concepts.
• 1 (Below Expectation) - The student rarely meets expectations; show minimal understanding and application of grade-level concepts.

There is a percentage score that is circled on the first page of the test. It also has an "= " and proficiency score. These scores is the overall indicators for the test as a whole. It does not represent your students' final grade for Unit 5 or for math this quarter. It is the score they graph in their Data Binders, so they can see their growth and progress from Pre-test to Post Test. I use various indicators and work throughout the course of the unit to include in their final proficiency  level. 

So, that brings us back to the reflection sheet. Please help them complete it. I have started each response for them with a sentence starter. I will discuss their reflections with them on Monday and will help them get practice work to help them with their goals. 

I hope it all makes sense. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for all the support and encouragement you give your child everyday. Have a great weekend!  

XtraMath Begins Today!

You will be using XtraMath.com to help you increase your fluency with your basic math facts. You will be able to do XtraMath at school and at home. XtraMath will work where you need to start and take you from there. Today you are going to set your starting point. Just...

• Click this XtraMath, 
• Type my email address, lcrawford@ladueschools.net, (you can copy/paste, or see it on the board)
• Enter your name and PIN #
• START

When you finish (about 15-20 minutes or less), sign out of the computer and tell the next person on the list at the board it's their turn.

4C Quick Updates

Hi 4C Families,

I just wanted to let you know that I introduced the kids to Ten Marks. It's an online math program that they can work on at school and home. They are able to move through lessons I assign them at their own pace. I give them new assignments when they earn 80% on each topic. They have a parent letter for you that has a sign in just for you, so you can see their progress. Also, I will send home a report that shows how they have done on each assignment. 

How's your fundraising going? Remember, the fundraiser benefits the OBPTO. Also, if you haven't turned in your information for the OB Buzz Book please turn in your information on Tuesday.

Upcoming Dates:

Mon., Sep. 7          Labor Day - NO SCHOOL

Fri., Sep. 11           Popsicles on the Playground for ELL and New Families

Wed., Sep. 16       OB Walk in the Park during PE @ 10:10 am

Fri., Oct. 2           OB Field Day

Have a great holiday weekend!!

CURRICULUM NIGHT

I can't wait to see you at Curriculum Night this evening at 6:30 pm. Parent's only. We'll start in the gym. Then we'll head to the class. 

WE ARE 4C 2015-2016 (Vol. 1)

Dear 4C Parents,

Welcome to an exciting year in 4^th grade! I am so happy to be your child’s teacher! I look forward to working with you. I’d like to give you a few tidbits of information that will help make everyone’s transition to school a little easier. Thank you for “brainstorming” for our first “On-Demand” writing!!

The Planner

In your child’s binder is their planner. They are responsible for keeping it in their binder and writing down homework each day.

I will initial their planner after they have written down the assignments, and I ask that you initial each evening when they have completed their assignments. It’s inevitable that as the school year gets along you may not initial each evening, but it’s important to start the first semester doing this to help the kids establish strong study and organizational habits.

Friday Folder

Each Friday the children will bring home a blue folder with graded work, notices and other important information. Please return the folder and completed forms each Monday.

 Open House

The OB Curriculum Night is Tuesday, September 1, 6:30 pm. At that time I will discuss curriculum and other expectations in 4^th grade.

You will be receiving the same letter in an email and it is posted on my website:  weare4c-ladueschools.blogspot.com/.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Crawford

Final 4C Update

Good Afternoon 4C Parents,

I've just checked out with Mrs. K and I've set up the room for the summer. Summer Break is officially started! I want to take a moment to say "THANK YOU' to each of you and the kids. Thank you for letting me be apart of your child's school experience. Thank you for the support you have given the kids and I. Thank you for the words of encouragement. Thank you for being incredible 4C Parents! Have an amazing summer and a great year at the FGC!