Week of 1/5/15

Highlights for the Week of 1/5/15

in Mrs. Bell's Classroom

Spelling - Words with the final / ē / Sound
The final test for this lesson will be on Friday,1/9. Workbook pages & the cursive page OR challenge work will also be collected that day.

Reading - Unit 1 - Courage
The final story that we will read in the Courage unit is a biographical piece about baseball player Lou Gehrig. While studying this text we will continue to hone our close reading skills and focus on identifying statements that are facts and statements that are opinions. A statement of fact can be proven by looking it up in a reference source. A statement of opinion tells what a person thinks, believes or feels.

English - Explanatory Essays

Students will work in partners to respond to the prompt, "What Would You Have a Robot Do?". They will use the techniques of brainstorming and organizing ideas that we practiced as a group. Then, they will use the explanatory organizer to format their ideas and to write their rough drafts. Finally, they will conference with teachers before writing their final copies.

Social Studies - Native Americans of the Southeast

We will begin our study of the Cherokee people. Students will learn about the traditions and culture of this Native American group that originated in the Southeast. On Tuesday, we will have our "Southeast Feast" when students will sample the resources of the region, including peaches, corn, rice & orange juice.

Science - "How do the Bodies of Animals Help Them Meet their Needs?"

Animal adaptations is the next topic that we will study in Science. We will begin with an investigation that takes a look at how the shape of a bird's beak  determines the type of food it eats.  

Mrs. Bell's Math Class - Topic 7 - Number Sense: Multiplying by 2-Digit Numbers
Our new unit begins with a look at using arrays and mental math to multiply 2-digit by 2-digit numbers. Then, we will move on to using rounding and compatible numbers to estimate and how to solve a problem that has multiple steps. This is a short unit, and I am anticipating that students will take the Topic 7 TEST the week of 1/12.

Don't Forget...

Students will be taking the MAPS test during the week of 1/5. Our class will take the reading test on Wednesday, & the math test on Friday. Please encourage your child to do his/her best on the test, and be sure that he/she comes to school well rested. Thank you!

Wishing you & your family a happy, safe & relaxing 
holiday break!

Mrs. Karen Bell

Week of 12/15/14

Highlights for the Week 

of 12/15/14 in Mrs. Bell's Classroom

Spelling - Words with the /k/, /ng/ & /kw/ Sounds
The final test for this lesson will be on Friday, 12/19. Spelling homework on Google classroom is also due that day.

Reading - The 12 Labors of Heracles
It has been such a pleasure for me to watch students create the slides for their presentation on the Labors of Heracles. They have learned a great deal about how to use the Presentation software to create interesting slides. I look forward to the presentations, which will take place on Monday, 12/15.

English - Explanatory Writing - "What Type of Animal Makes a Good House Pet?"
We will continue writing our first explanatory essay together. After studying types of support and transitions, we will write the final draft of the essay. We will continue this unit after winter break.

Social Studies - The Southeast

The Southeast slide presentations are scheduled for Wednesday, 12/17. Students will be graded on the content of their slide presentation, and on their presentation skills. Ask your child to see the copy of the rater for details. We will also work together to complete the Southeast portion of our United States maps.

Science - "How do the Bodies of Animals Help Them Meet their Needs?"

Animal adaptations is the next topic that we will study in Science. We will begin with an investigation that takes a look at how the shape of a bird's beak  determines the type of food it eats.

Mrs. Bell's Math Class - T6 - "Developing Fluency: Multiplying by 1-Digit Numbers"
The Topic 6 TEST is scheduled for Thursday, 12/18. We will review for the test on Monday by taking the online version of the test in the classroom.

I often assign videos from the Pearson website as homework. Having students preview concepts by watching a video ("Flipping the Classroom") enables us to spend more time in class practicing the concept. Students should consider watching the video as important as completing any other homework assignment. I am able to monitor who does and does not watch the video. If your child is unable to watch a video due to an issue with technology (slow to load, lost internet connection, etc.) please send me an email/note to let me know that he/she was unable to to complete his/her homework due to circumstances beyond his/her control. Late slips will be given to students who do not view the assigned video for any other reason.

Don't Forget...

December 16 - Early Dismissal - Students dismissed at 11:00

January 5 -- Classes Resume after Winter Break

The Fourth grade BOWLING field trip is the afternoon of Wednesday, 12/17.  Students may bring a small amount of money to purchase snacks while bowling. Brunswick is offering a concession special of 2 slices of cheese pizza and a 16 oz. drink for $3.00. 

The "all-school" field trip to the TIVOLI Movie theater will be the afternoon of Friday, 12/19. Students will enjoy watching "Miracle on 34th Street". No money is necessary; snacks will not be available.

Mrs. Karen Bell

Week of 12/8/14

Highlights for the Week of 12/8/14

in Mrs. Bell's Classroom

Spelling - Review Lesson
This week's spelling list will contain 30 words from the second theme in our reading text. Words will be chosen from lessons 8-12. Students must score 100% on the pretest to earn challenge work for the week. The final test will be on Friday, 12/12, and will cover 20 words from the list. Homework will also be collected on Friday.

Reading - Courage Unit - The 12 Labors of Hercules
We will be digging deeper into mythology with a project about the labors of Hercules. The twelve labors will be divided between students, and they will be responsible for creating a slide presentation about the labor, and for presenting it to the class. Some students will work with partners, and others will work individually. Presentations will take place the week of 12/15.

English - Nouns

The nouns TEST is scheduled for Tuesday, 12/9. The textbook is a helpful resource when preparing for the test. The nouns chapter is found in the text on pages 63-94. Included in these pages are lesson specific reviews. We will be taking a break from parts of speech with the next unit in English, which will be Explanatory Writing. Explanatory writing is text written to give information, or to explain a topic. We will begin exploring this topic by writing an essay about what type of animal makes the best house pet.

Social Studies - The Southeast

We will wrap up our study of the Southeast with a slide show project. Students will collaborate with partners to create a slide show/scrapbook that highlights information about the land forms, climate and resources of the Southeast. Students will be given time in school to work on the project, but will also have to complete work at home. The slide show presentations are scheduled for Monday, 12/15.

Science - Chapter 2 Test / "How do the Bodies of Animals Help Them Meet their Needs?"
Students will take the science TEST on Monday, 12/8. The test will cover chapter 2, lessons 2-3. Tests in science are not open book/note. Your child was given a study guide to help him/her prepare for the test. The next unit in Science will focus on Animal Adaptations.

Math - Mrs. Bell's Math Class - Topic 6 - "Developing Fluency: Multiplying by 1-Digit Numbers"
Using expanded and standard algorithms for multiplication and multiplying 2-, 3- and 4-digit by 1-digit numbers will be our topics for next week. Look for the TEST for Topic 6 to be scheduled the week of 12/14.

Don't forget...

Field Trip forms & fees are due on 12/12.

"Collaborating with Chromebooks"

Pictures of students working together to create responses to 

text-dependent questions from the myth, "Athena & Arachne"

Mrs. Karen Bell

Week of 12/1/14

Highlights for the Week of 12/1/14

in Mrs. Bell's Classroom

Spelling 
This week's lesson contains words with the the patterns of  ôr/ ür / yŏŏr, which sound like "more", "hurt" & "pure". The final test for the lesson will be on Friday, 12/5. Cursive and workbook pages OR challenge work will also be collected that day.

Reading - Greek Mythology

The myth of Arachne and Athena will be our focus this week. After a teacher-led cold read of the text, students will work in pairs to close read and annotate as they have previously practiced. At the end of the week, students will write a short essay comparing and contrasting the heroic deeds of Athena and Gloria Estefan.

English - Nouns
We will finish our study of nouns with a look at singular and plural possessive nouns. Students will independently complete a chapter review in preparation for the chapter TEST, scheduled for Tuesday, 12/9.

Social Studies - The Southeast

The final lesson of chapter 6 focuses on the wildlife and resources of the Southeast. Ask your child how the extinction of the alligator has been avoided in this region. The chapter 6 TEST is scheduled for Friday, 12/5. Look for the study guide to come home on 12/1.

Science -  Life Cycles of Plants and Animals
We will complete our study of life cycles with an open note/textbook QUIZ on chapter 2 / lesson 3, scheduled for 12/2. The TEST for all of chapter 2 will be on Monday, 12/8.

Math - Mrs. Bell's Math Class

We will finish Topic 5 with a look at using rounding to estimate multiplication and the problem solving skill of checking for reasonableness.  The Topic 5 TEST is scheduled for Thursday, 12/4.

FYI...
December 16 - Early Dismissal - Students dismissed at 11:00


Mrs. Karen Bell

Weeks of 11/17/14 & 11/24/14

Highlights for the Weeks of 11/17/14 & 11/24/14

in Mrs. Bell's Classroom

Spelling 
This week's list includes the spelling patterns of îr / är / âr , which are words that sound like "ear" &"glare". Cursive and workbook pages, as well as challenge work for the lesson will be collected on Friday, 11/22. The final test for that lesson will also be that day. There will be NO SPELLING the week of 11/24.

Reading - "Courage" / Greek Mythology
The story of Hercules continues to be our focus until Thanksgiving break. Students will examine this myth to determine the characteristics of heroes and the ways that they show courage. They will also work in partners to complete comprehension related tasks.

English - Nouns
The Nouns unit will begin with a look at what is a noun, common & proper nouns, and plural nouns. Students will independently complete a graded review on plural nouns on Tuesday, 11/25.

Social Studies - The Southeast

We will finish our study of the geography of the Southeast, and move on to a look at the climate in the region. Be sure to ask you child about the diverse climate in the Southeast, and why this lesson is named, "Sunlight & Storms".

Science -  What are Some Life Cycles of Plants? / Life Cycles of Animals
The life cycle diagram on Google Classroom is due on Tuesday, 11/18. Students will take an open note/book quiz on lesson 2 of chapter 2 on Wednesday, 11/19. We will begin studying the life cycle of animals on Thursday. Below are students making observations for our Sprouting Seeds Investigate which answers the question, "Do seeds need light to germinate?".

 

Math - Mrs. Bell's Math Class - Topic 4 Assessment / Topic 5 - Multiplying by 1-Digit Numbers



The topic 4 TEST is scheduled for Monday, 11/17. Multiplying by multiples of 10 & 1,000, breaking apart to multiply, and using mental math to multiply are the first topics that we will study in Topic 5.

FYI...

November 26-28 - Thanksgiving Break

We all enjoyed this morning's presentation by author Amy Logan. Here is a shot of our class wearing the "capes" provided by the PV PTO. We matter...so do you!

Mrs. Karen Bell

Week of 11/10/2014

Highlights for the Week of 11/10/14

 in Mrs. Bell's Class!

Spelling - The /ōō/ & /ŏŏ/ Sounds
The final test for this week's lesson will be on Friday, 11/14. Cursive and workbook pages or challenge work will also be collected that day.


Reading - Courage Unit - Greek Mythology
The heroes of Greek Mythology will be our next focus in reading. We will begin with the myth of Hercules, analyzing the characteristics of heroes, and determining whether Hercules qualifies.

English - Capitalization & Punctuation
The chapter 5 TEST is scheduled for Wednesday, 11/12. Students should review their practice pages, workbook pages & textbook to prepare for the test. There is a very helpful chapter review on pages 189-190 in the textbook. Also, pages 194-202 contain extra practice for each lesson. The next unit that we will study in English will be nouns.

Social Studies - The Southeast
The Southeast Map QUIZ is scheduled for Tuesday, 11/11. Students should be able to label the states and bodies of water for the region. A word bank will be provided. We will continue our study of the geography and climate of the southeast with a look at how the land of the southeast changes as you move inland, and how the warm climate and hurricanes affect those who live there.

Science - What are Some Life Cycles of Plants?

Photosynthesis and life cycles of plants are the first two topics that we will study in our new science unit. We will be conducting an investigate to find the answer to the question, "Does a Plant Need Light to Germinate?".  Students will record their daily observations, and then draw conclusions about the relationship between light and germination. They will also be creating their own diagram of the life cycle of a plant.  Look for the description sheet for the plant life cycle project to come home on 
11/12. We will begin the project in class, but it will be completed at home. The completed diagram is due on 11/17.

Math - Mrs. Bell's Math Class - Topic 4 - Addition & Subtraction of Whole Numbers

Students will take a QUIZ on Topic 4 / Lessons 1-3 on Monday, 11/10. Topics in math this week include subtracting whole numbers, subtracting across zeros and the problem solving strategy of draw a picture and write an equation. Look for the Topic 4 TEST to be scheduled the week of 11/17.




Don't forget...

November 11  -- Veteran's Day

November 26-28 - Thanksgiving Break

Mrs. Karen Bell

Week of 11/3/2014

Highlights for the Week of 11/3/14

 in Mrs. Bell's Classroom!

Spelling - None
We will not have a spelling lesson this week due to the short week.




Reading - Courage - Gloria Estefan

Students will take a QUIZ on the Gloria Estefan vocabulary and text on Thursday, 11/6. They will be asked to insert vocabulary words into sentences based on context clues, and to answer comprehension questions based on text proof. Students may click on the following link to access a Quizlet review for the vocabulary:

http://quizlet.com/54342506/gloria-estefan-flash-cards/ 

The culminating activity for this text will require that students write a newspaper article describing how Gloria became a star and why she deserves the title, "a star with a heart". The final copy of the article will be due on Monday, 11/10.

English - Capitalization and Punctuation





We will finish quotations on Wednesday, and move on to titles on Thursday.  Look for the chapter 5 TEST to be scheduled the week of 11/10.

Social Studies - The Narragansett
The Narragansett Village project is due on Wednesday, 11/5. Students will also take a QUIZ that day on lesson 1 of chapter 5 (The Narragansetts). We will begin the study of the Southeast by creating a map of the region. The QUIZ on the SE map is tentatively scheduled for 11/10.

Science -  How are Animals Classified?
Invertebrates are in the spotlight in science this week. The will take an open note/book QUIZ on lesson 1 of chapter 3 on Friday, 11/7.

Math - Mrs. Bell's Math Class -  Topic 4 Addition & Subtraction of Whole Numbers

This week we will tackle estimation of sums and differences and adding whole numbers. A QUIZ on lessons 1-3 of Topic 4 is tentatively scheduled for Friday, 11/7.





Don't forget...

11/3 - No School - Parent/Teacher Conferences
11/4 - No School - Teachers' Institute

Have a "Spook-tacular" Halloween!
Mrs. Karen Bell

Week of 10/27/14

Highlights for the Week of 10/27/14

 in Mrs. Bell's Classroom!

Spelling - The "ou" and “ô” sound 
The final test for this week's lesson will be on Friday, 10/31. Cursive and workbook pages or challenge work will also be collected that day.



Reading - Courage - Gloria Estefan

We will finish the close read of the biographical text piece about Gloria Estefan. My goal for this text piece is to have students begin leading their small group discussions by developing their own text-dependent questions. We will also evaluate responses to continue to hone our skills in that area as well. On Thursday, students will begin reading a Time for Kids magazine that focuses on technology and coding. The comprehension QUIZ for the TFK is scheduled for Friday, 10/31.

English - Capitalization and Punctuation
Students will complete a GRADED REVIEW for lessons 1-6 of chapter 5 on Tuesday, 10/28. We will finish out the week with a look at how to use quotation marks.

Social Studies - The Narragansett
We will begin our study of the Native Americans of the Northeast.  Students will learn about the culture and traditions of the Narragansetts. They will also learn about the Iroqouis Americans, and will compare and contrast their culture with the Narragansetts. On Thursday, students will receive guidelines for a project in which they will illustrate a Narragansett Village. The project will be collected on 11/5. The Northeast Feast is scheduled for 10/30. Chef Bell will be serving pancakes with syrup, dried cranberries & grape juice, all of which represent resources from the Northeast. 

Science -  How are Animals Classified?
We will continue our study of the classification of vertebrates by taking a close look at reptiles and amphibians. Students will close read a passage about these types of animals and compare/contrast they two types.

Math - Mrs. Bell's Math Class - Topic 3 Place Value & Topic 4 Addition & Subtraction of Whole #s

The Topic 3 TEST is scheduled for Tuesday, 10/28. Topic 4 begins on Wednesday with a look at using mental math to add and subtract, and estimation of sums and differences.

Don't forget...

Week of 10/27 - Parent/Teacher Conferences (Homeroom Students)

The Halloween celebration will be on Friday, 10/31. The traditional PV parade will begin at 1:15, and parties will start at 1:30. Students must be able to put on their Halloween costume in 5-10 minutes by themselves. Fourth grade will have designated classrooms for girls to change in and for boys. They will NOT be allowed to change in the bathroom. No props that resemble a weapon should be brought to school. THANK YOU to all the parents who are helping to make this a special afternoon for our classroom!

Have a "Spook-tacular" Halloween!
Mrs. Karen Bell