Friday, November 22, 2019

Nov 18-22 Weekly Update

Dear Parents and Guardians,
For the last two weeks, our class is learning how to work together to create a better solution. Habit 6 is Synergize-- Working together is better. We discussed some ways how to get along well with other people and work well in groups. Next is habit 7, Sharpen The Saw. Habit 7 reminds us that we are more productive when we are in balance; body, brain, heart, and soul. If one is being ignored or overused, the rest will feel the results. A good analogy for children is a car needing all four tires; as leaders of themselves, they need to take care of all parts of them.

In Math, we are learning factors and multiples of a number. When we get back from our break, our class will be learning how to multiply a 3 digit number by a 1 digit number using array models, area models and breaking apart numbers using their place value chart. I would highly encourage our students to practice their arithmetic skills using Khan Academy or Dreambox. If your child prefers math worksheet, you can download worksheets at https://www.commoncoresheets.com/

In reading, we are practicing our reading fluency and will be starting a new book. Our next genre will be Epic Fantasy. Please remind your child that reading for at least 20 minutes each day is a requirement in fourth grade. In writing, we are working on how to constructs our paragraphs better. Our students learned to use the R.A.C.E. (R- Restate the question, A- Answer the question, C-Cite the source, E-Evidence from the text that supports your answer) format.

Friday, November 1, 2019

Oct 28 - Nov 1 Weekly Update

Dear Parents and Guardians,
For the last few weeks, we have been talking about our feelings and feelings of others. We learned the importance of paying attention to feelings and having empathy. For the next following weeks, we will be learning about our own strong emotions and how to keep them under control. This week we started discussing that when we are able to regulate our emotions, we get along better with others and do better in school.

In Math, practicing continuing to explore different strategies on how to multiply and divide. Our students are practicing DreamBox Learning, so if you are having a hard time logging in, please let me know.

In reading, we identified the turning point of our book Shiloh and considered how the event changes the plot. Additionally, the students used the turning point as evidence of the author’s message. 

Reminder/s:
  • We will have a field trip on November 8th, at the Oxbow Farm and Conservation Center. Students will tour through the production fields where we will learn about and discuss the challenges of organic food production. Students will also have a chance to do fieldwork. Depending on the weather and what the farm needs, students get to try weeding, gleaning, transplanting, and mulching. 
  • Since our field trip will be outdoors rain or shine, please remind your child to come to school with their spirit wear, jeans, waterproof coat (with a hood), and rain boots. Since we will be out for most of the day, students will have to bring their own lunch.
  • Mr. Dresbeck will be holding his annual Class Candy Collection Competition next week. Students should bring Halloween candy from Monday, November 4th until Wednesday, November 6th. The class that collects the most candy per capita will win a bonus PE class. The collected candy will go to a local homeless youth shelter and to the Ballard Food Bank.








x


Friday, October 18, 2019

October 14-18 Weekly Update

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are learning about Habit 4: Think Win-Win. Think Win-Win is the belief that everyone can win. It’s not you or me, it’s both of us. It’s a belief that there are enough good things for everyone. It’s being able to be happy when good things happen to other people. 

To be able to Think Win-Win, it is important to be strong in Habits 1, 2, and 3 (Be Proactive, Begin with the End in Mind, Put First Things First).
Habit 4: Think Win-Win is the first of the three habits that address relationships. They teach us how to better interact with others. 
In Math, we are starting a new chapter: Estimation and number theory. Students will continue to practice different ways of estimation (rounding, front-end, and using multiplication facts). We are going to learn about finding factors and multiples of a number. Please encourage your child to review their multiplication and division facts
In reading, we just finished reading the second quadrant and working on identifying the themes in the story. Next week, we will discuss what is the author teaching us as we continue to read Shiloh.
In Writing, we started using typing.com, an online typing tutor, to teach your child about proper touch-typing techniques and improve their keyboarding skills. Learning to touch type helps students be more productive and better prepares them for success in school and beyond
In social studies, we will be started exploring the definition of culture and discuss how our own culture is at the same time different and similar compared to our other people.
REMINDER/S:

  • On Sunday, October 20th, 10:30 AM will be our Stewardship Mass. Please remind your child to wear their school uniform.

Friday, October 4, 2019

September 30 - October 4 Weekly Update

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The students presented their assignments for Habit 3: Put first things first. Our students shared that though it was challenging for them, it felt really good after they cleaned and organize a personal space at their homes. Ms. Knox, our guidance counselor will be meeting with our class twice a month to help us become more mindful of our surroundings. This week, we talked about what inclusiveness means and what it looks like at the playground, in the classroom, and lunchroom. 

In Math, we learned different ways of using our place value chart to find number patterns, add, and subtract multi-digit numbers. On Tuesday, October 8th we will have our first chapter unit test. I asked the students to take home their math textbooks to help them prepare for our test. 

In reading, we started reading the second quadrant of the book, Shiloh. For the next following days, we will increase our speed a little bit and reread less. We will become more involved in the story. We will identify central ideas and themes in the story.

In Writing, we are continually learning how to be good digital citizens. This week, our class discussed how other online users might perceive us based on what we post online. Next week, our class will create and pledge to adhere to shared norms for being in an online community.

In social studies, we are learning different map skills. This week we studied the different parts of a map. With our third grade schoolmates, we created a map of our school community. 

REMINDER/S:
  • Fall Festival will be on Saturday, October 5th, 6-9 PM
  • Free Dress On October 7th and is our Language MAP testing. Please help your child be prepared by being well-rested and having a healthy breakfast.



Friday, September 27, 2019

Weekly Update September 23-27

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Thank you for all your support during our fun run this year! Our class had 100% participation and for our reward, we will have free dress on September 30th and October 7th.

This week we learned about Habit 3: Put First Things First.
Put First Things First means to decide what is most important and to take care of that first. Thinking about what needs to be done tomorrow or by the end of the week can be overwhelming, especially for children. Through practice, children can learn to think about which things are the most important and take care of them first. This allows children (and adults) to be less stressed. For example, if children can tell you they need a piece of poster board on Thursday or cupcakes on Monday, everyone can better prepare. Put First Things First becomes an important skill as your child advances grade levels. 
In Math, we are learning how to read and write large numbers in different ways, comparing & ordering numbers, and finding the rule in a pattern. Large numbers can be intimidating, but when their place-value structure is understood they are actually very simple. Encourage your child to draw a place-value chart like the one below. Place a few coins or other small household objects in each column (any number from 0 to 9) and have your child write the number that is formed. An example is shown:
Ask your child to make statements about the numbers using what she or he has learned about place value. For example, the digit 3 in 43,012 stands for 3 thousands or 3,000. You also have your compare three numbers using the words or phrases greater than, less than, greatest number, least number, more than.
In reading and writing, we just finished the first quadrant of our book, Shiloh. We were learning how to infer the characters’ feelings and think about what motivates them to do things. Thinking about the main character’s feelings and motivations to help us understand the main character better.

In social studies, we learn how to present our artifacts about social scientists effectively to our third-grade classmates.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Weekly Update September 16 - 20

Dear Parents and Guardians,


Our class started our Digital citizenship unit from the Common Sense Media Digital Literacy and Citizenship curriculum. My goal is to encourage our students to harness the power of the internet and digital technology for learning, and to become safe, responsible, and savvy digital citizens. In this set of lessons, your child will learn how to take responsibility for themselves and their community online.
In Reading, we are learning how to grow solid ideas that are grounded in books that we read. Students will relearn how to choose their "just right" books, figure out confusing parts of their chosen text, and noting important things to talk about with their reading buddies.
In Social Studies, we've been learning how different social scientists study human behavior and what artifacts tell us about the past. Our fourth-grade students will have to bring one artifact that represents for each social scientist. Below is the task sheet that was given to them last Wednesday. All artifacts are due on Monday, September 23rd and they will be presenting their artifacts to their third-grade classmates.



As we continue to learn the 7 habits of happy kids, the second habit we discussed this week is
Habit 2:Begin With the End in Mind.
Begin with the End in Mind means to think about how you would like something to turn out- before getting started. Reading a recipe before cooking or looking at a map before leaving on a trip is beginning with the end in mind.
For children thinking about what they want a picture or a project to look like before starting or looking at the cover of a jigsaw puzzle before putting it together is beginning with the end in mind. 
Expect your child to use words like begin with the end in mind, goals, choices, and “sticking with it” in their conversations this week. You can encourage your child by using some of these words at home. 

Thank you for all your support in our fun run. Way to go with 100% registration as well as exceeding our class goal!!!
REMINDER/S:
  • On Monday, September 23rd is our Math MAP testing. Please help your child be prepared by being well-rested and having a healthy breakfast.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Weekly Update Sept. 9-13

Dear Parents and Students,

This year, we’ll be using Khan Academy in class to personalize learning for all students!

Khan Academy is a free online resource that allows students to learn anytime, anywhere, with material that is uniquely appropriate for them.  Students can explore new topics and strengthen their math skills by using interactive practice and tutorials. As students learn, their activity feeds into reports that show important information such as strengths and weaknesses in a particular concept.  By using Khan Academy, I’ll be able to provide a more personalized learning experience for your child.

If your child is having trouble accessing their student account, please follow the instructions below:

This week we started discussing the 7 Habits of Happy Kids. Our class discussed how to be a proactive student. To be proactive means to take responsibility for your choices and behaviors.

Habit 1: Be Proactive, is the key to all of the other habits; that’s why it comes first. Be Proactive says “I am the leader of my own life. I am the leader for whether I’m happy or sad. I am the leader of how I react to other people or situations.”
Talk to your children about how they are the leader of taking care of themselves, taking care of their things, reacting/not reacting to other people’s comments, and planning ahead.
Expect your child to use words and phrases like choices, responsibility, proactive, and “stop and think” in their conversations this week. You can encourage your child by using some of this language at home.