December Update

Here's what's happening in Room 49!

12/6 Report card day -please sign and return the envelope by the end of the week

12/8 Pajama day!  Thank you for the pajama donations.  We will continue to collect them until Friday.  Students are also encouraged to wear their PJ's to school on Friday.  

12/14 Parent/teacher conferences -I look forward to meeting with each of you to discuss your child's progress.

What we're learning:  

Math - Division -the class will learn how to divide with large numbers, problem solve with division, and interpret remainders.  

Reading - Today the students chose biography books to read, which will guide our transition into nonfiction reading.  Students will identify text features and text elements using a "Who was..." book.  

Language Arts - This week the students began planning their first imaginary narrative story.  The inspiration for this story is from a short story called "The Noise".  Students will incorporate multiple-paragraphs, dialogue, and figurative language into their stories.  

Social Studies - The Southeast -the class is learning about the 12 states of the southeast.  This region offers unique landforms, climate, and culture.  

Check out the students' solar planes!

Click HERE for photos!

Room 49 Update

Here's what we're learning in Room 49!

Math -Double digit multiplication strategies.  Students have been working very hard learning how to solve these problems using the area model, partial products, and the standard algorithm.  There will be a Topic 4 Assessment after the break.  Coming soon...long division! 

Reading - Because of Winn Dixie -students are meeting in book groups to read and analyze the story elements in this heartwarming tale.  We are also practicing our inferencing skills using a variety of short stories and Pixar movie clips.

Language Arts - Figurative language -a part of becoming a better writer means incorporating detailed and creative language into your writing.  So far the students have been working on adding similes and metaphor to their stories.  The class is also writing perspective stories pretending they are a scarecrow.  They loved using the traveling Chrome Cart to type the stories in class.  This week they are putting the finishing touches on a scarecrow craft project.

Social Studies - We have packed our suitcases and are ready to travel to the Southeast Region.  During the next few weeks, the students will be visiting the 12 states in the South.  

Science - Energy -the class has enjoyed building circuits and this week they are working with a team to construct and test a solar powered airplane.  We will be ready for take-off Tuesday afternoon!

Report cards -Grades close for the first trimester next Wednesday, 11/29 and report cards will be handed out Wednesday, 12/6.  

Haunted House STEM Challenge

Click HERE to check out the students' final haunted houses!  Everyone planned, constructed, adjusted, and decorated amazing houses out of recycled materials and craft supplies.  A job well done!

Haunted House STEM Challenge!

On Tuesday, 10/24 at 1:30, our class will participate in a Halloween STEM challenge.  

Using recycled cardboard, they will work with a team to plan and build a haunted house.  

Parents are invited to help with the construction.  

See you then!

Enjoy a beautiful Fall weekend.

Happy October!

Warm days and cool nights... 

and a great time to update you on what we're learning in Room 49!

Math -students have been strengthening their addition and subtraction skills using the standard algorithm.  Next week we will begin learning how to multiply larger numbers.

Reading -last week we finished reading Frindle, and the students shared when they learned about story elements by creating a storyboard.  We played Frindle Jeopardy on Thursday, which was a fun way to wrap up the unit!  This week we have been learning about theme.  The students have enjoyed identifying the theme in Pixar movie shorts.  

Language Arts -during the past two weeks we have been learning "be a better writer" strategies.  This includes adding rich adjectives, replacing verbs, and using adverbs in our writing.  The class just finished brainstorming for their next writing workshop assignment: "Fall Favorites". 

Social Studies -students are putting the finishing touches on their Treasure Islands.  We will wrap up our map skills unit with a test next Tuesday.  Then we will travel to our first region: The Northeast!

Check out the "Remind" app

This year I am going to start using the REMIND app.  Please follow the attached directions to get the app and join my class.  Now you can receive classroom updates directly to your phone.  I will send assignments, reminders, photos, etc.  I will also send home a flyer with instructions on how to join -it's quick and easy!  

A busy week ahead!

*Back to School Night is Tuesday, 9/19 starting at 6:15 in the cafeteria.  I look forward to sharing information about our classroom and curriculum with you!

*School pictures are tomorrow.

*Final drafts of Summer Sunglasses stories are due tomorrow.  You may print and send a copy to school OR share it with me via Google Drive and I will print it.

*Please send the Storyworks magazine subscription money to school by the end of the week.  You may also bring a check to BTSN tomorrow.

*Book Fair is this week -our class will shop during Library on Friday.   

*Please send in a large poster board by Friday.  The students need this for a Social Studies project.

Thank you for your support! :) 

Our first full week is here!

I hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful Fall weekend!  

Here are a few reminders to help you and your child plan the week:

1. Math homework is assigned M-Th nights -each night there is a "challenge" component to the homework, which is optional.  I do ask that the kids try the challenge at least once a week.

2. Word Study begins this week.  Tonight the students will bring home the word list and homework assignment.  Their flashcards are due tomorrow and the sentences/pictures are due on Friday.  On Friday the students will be tested on the spelling AND meaning of the words.

3. Reading -it is expected that students read for at least 20 minutes, 4 nights per week (if not more).  

4. Agendas -please sign your child's agenda M-Th nights.  They do not need a signature over the weekend . 

5.  Back to School Night is next Tuesday starting at 6:15 in the cafeteria.  See you then!  

As always, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!  

Off to a great start!

We had a FANTASTIC three days this week!  

It is going to be an amazing year.  

Next week the students will start receiving math and reading homework.  We will begin word study the following week.  Please remember to check and sign your child's agenda Monday-Thursday nights.  If you ever have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.  Enjoy the long weekend!  

State Fair Fun!!!

The Fair was a HUGE success.  The students worked very hard on their research and floats.  I'm sure you were as impressed with their knowledge and creativity as I was!  

Click HERE to see photos of all 24 floats from Room 49!!! :) 

IMAX and Tie Dye!

Even though the weather didn't cooperate with us on Monday, we still had a great time at the Galapagos 3D IMAX movie!  Check out the kids (and adults!) in their cool tie dye shirts.

Fun Run is tomorrow!!!

So it looks like the rain is going to stick around for another day.  The 4th grade will be running in the gym from 9:40-10:25. 

Please make sure your child wears sneakers and comfortable running clothes for tomorrow!  

Thank you to everyone who has donated to the Fun Run...and there's still time left to submit donations online before the run!!!

Click HERE to see a pic of the Fun Run Ice Bucket Challenge!

Tsongas Industrial History Center

We had a great day learning and exploring!!! 

Click HERE to see photos from our fun-filled day! 

Upcoming Events in Room 49

Important Spring Dates!

5/2 and 5/5 Math MCAS

Students should arrive at school on time, bring in a morning snack, and books to read when they finish the test.

5/8 State Float Supplies Due

This week students will begin researching their state for the State Fair Project.  We will begin constructing float once the research has been completed and all materials have been brought into school.  Parents will be invited to help students begin their float construction in school.  Details to follow.

5/12 Tsongas Industrial History Center Field Trip

Permission slips and $10 transportation fee should be turned in this week.  Students will need to bring a bag lunch with them on the trip.

5/26 Boosterthon Fun Run

6/5 IMAX and Hopkinton State Park Field Trip

Details to follow

6/8 4th Grade State Fair 

Parents invited

Spring is here! (finally!)

Room 49 Update!

The sun in shining and the warm temps have finally made an appearance.  Please remember, it gets very warm in our classroom so I recommend dressing your child in layers and sending them to school with a water bottle.

MCAS Update: Tomorrow is the last day of the MCAS ELA test.  We will test again (Math) on May 2nd and 5th. 

The computer-based test has been a great experience for the students and they have done a nice job working with the tools on the testing program.  We will continue to practice using the computer prior to the Math MCAS test since there are many manipulatives involved with this portion of the test.  

 I hope everyone enjoys a wonderful April vacation with family and friends!  Fingers crossed this beautiful Spring weather continues!  

Tomorrow is the first day of the ELA MCAS test.  Here are a few reminders to help you and your child prepare for the day:

*get a good night's sleep tonight

*eat a healthy breakfast

*arrive at school on time

*bring a morning snack and drink to school 

(we will be eating later in the day on testing days)

*bring books to read 

(this is the only option for students when they finish the test)

There will be NO homework this week due to testing.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Immigration Day Preparation

"Immigration: Two Sides of the Story!"

Here is the You Tube link to our Immigration Rap song!  The students should practice and be prepared for our performance next Friday!

Valentines Day Party!

I hope everyone had a great Valentines Day!  

Here are some pics from our class party.  

February Update!

February is in full swing...complete with lots of winter weather! Here is a classroom update:

Math -We continue to explore fractions and mixed numbers.  After vacation we will begin to make the connection between fractions and decimals.  

ELA - Students have been reading a variety of nonfiction texts and exploring their text features and text structure.  This week we are traveling back in time to learn about Greek Mythology!  Students will learn about the main Greek Gods and how their stories are still referred to today.  Wow...he has Herculean strength!  I wouldn't tell anyone...you're about to open Pandora's box!  We continue to practice our writing skills.  This trimester we are focusing on incorporating multiple paragraphs, figurative language, dialogue, and strong mechanics into our stories.

Book Report -All nonfiction book reports are due by next Wednesday.  The students should be prepared to turn in their typed report (at least three paragraphs) and their notes/sloppy copy.  They should also bring in their project.  Any powerpoint shows or videos may be emailed to me or shared via Google Drive.  *Please have your child practice reading his/her report out loud BEFORE they turn it in.  We will be presenting all next week!  Thank you for your support at home.  

Social Studies -The students took their Midwest test last week and are currently putting the finishing touches on their Midwest pyramid project (focusing on famous landmarks located in the Midwest).  Next stop....The Southwest!

Science - The animal adaptations test has been postponed until THURSDAY.  

In our classroom...

Spotlight on Learning!

LOOK what we're learning in Room 49

Math- Fractions!  This week the students started learning about fractions.  Some of the fraction concepts taught include: equivalency, number lines, comparisons, mixed numbers, improper fractions, and more!  If you have an opportunity, point out fractions to your child in everyday life...cooking, measuring, telling time, and even counting money all involve fractions!  

Reading- Last week we started our nonfiction unit.  Students are completing a nonfiction book report at home.  In class we are studying text features, text structure, and main idea.  Everest: On Top of the World is the first topic we are studying (it's fascinating!).  

Writing: Students will be writing informative text while we study Everest.  They are also learning how to write a narrative in response to literature.  This week stories are being written based on the short story "The Noise", which we read on Tuesday.

Social Studies: We have traveled to the Midwest.  There are 12 states in this region.  They include the states bordering the Great Lakes and the Great Plains area.  

Science: The class is learning about animal adaptations with Mrs. Demartini.  They are currently working on animal reports.  

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.  

Happy New Year!!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday break with family and friends.  Thank you to the class for the generous Christmas gift.  I really appreciated it!  

Looking forward to a great 2017 with the kids in Room 49!