Week of 1.7.19

Highlights for the Weeks of 1/7/2019
in Mrs. Bell's Classroom

Spelling -  Unit 14 - Soft "g"

This week's list will consist of words that contain the soft "g" sound like fragile and giant.  The final TEST for this lesson will be on Friday, 1/11

Reading - Unit 1 - "Courage" - Profiles in Courage Culminating Project

Students will begin the research and the slideshow for the Profile in Courage project. They will be given time in class to work, however, they should expect to also work on it at home. The tentative due date for the slideshow is Thursday, 1/17. Presentations will begin that day.

The mythology projects were a huge success! It was a joy to watch students work together to create their presentations. I was amazed by their creativity and enthusiasm, and proud of their effort and collaboration.  I'd also like to thank parents for the support that you provided for the children with this project. From an amazing cave to special wardrobes to fun props and at home rehearsals, the students were well prepared to give their best. I appreciate everything that was done outside of school so that they could rock this project! Below are some photos of students presenting...

Cyclops

King Midas

Echo & Narcissus

The Labyrinth

Psyche & Eros

The Trojan Horse

Atlas

Pandora's Box

Perseus & Medusa

Social Studies - The Cherokee
We will begin our study of the Native Americans of the Southeast, The Cherokee. We will take a look at how their culture and traditions began and how they continue to keep them alive in modern times.

Science - Energy Conversions

Our focus in Science this week will be on how to support a claim with evidence. We will look at how to gather evidence through a simulation activity and with a reference book. Then, we will work to write a design argument to help Ergstown solve its blackout problem.

Mrs. Bell's Math Class - Unit 4 - Multiplying & Dividing Whole Numbers and Decimals
The concepts we will cover in math this week look at multiplicative relationships using fractions as operators and applying our knowledge of multiplication with fractions to decimal multiplication. A CHECKPOINT is scheduled for Friday, 1/11.

FYI...
1/7 - Winter Break Ends - Back to School!

1/21 - No School - Martin Luther King Day

We had a VERY busy week! Below are some photos from our recent adventures.

On Friday, 12/14, we had a presentation in fourth-grade titled, Women of Courage. The presenter dressed up as women from the past who were courageous.  One of our classmates even got to participate in her presentation! 

Clara Barton - Founder of the American Red Cross

Amelia Earhart

Watch out, Nana...a plane is about to land!

The trip to the Tivoli is a favorite tradition at Prairieview. We loved the movie, "Elf".  

Bus ride selfie!

Bowling buddies...

Wishing you & yours a safe and happy winter break!

Mrs. Karen Bell

Week of 12.17.18

Highlights for the Weeks of 12/17/2018
in Mrs. Bell's Classroom

Spelling - None

There will be no Spelling lesson this week...enjoy the time off!

ELA / Reading - Unit 1 - "Courage" 
The Greek Mythology Project is due on Thursday, 12/20. Students will present their projects that day. It's been a pleasure to see their excitement over this project. I'm looking forward to seeing their final products. 

After winter break we will conclude the Courage unit with an independent project called, "Profiles in Courage" which each student will complete and present individually. Look for information about the project to come home the week of 1/7.

Mrs. Bell's Math Class - Unit 4 - Multiplying & Dividing Whole Numbers and Decimals
In Unit 4 students will study and practice a variety of strategies for multiplication and division. We will begin with the Half-Tens Facts and Doubling and Halving strategies.

FYI...

12/18 - PV trip to see "Elf"
12/19 - 4th Grade Bowling Trip
12/24 - Winter Break begins

Mrs. Karen Bell

Week of 12.10.18

Highlights for the Weeks of 12/10/2018
in Mrs. Bell's Classroom

Spelling -  Mythology Words
We will continue our study of mythological words with an emphasis on allusion in myths. The spelling test for mythology words is scheduled for Friday, 12/14.

Reading- Greek Mythology

On Monday I will introduce a mythology project that focuses on personalized learning. Students may choose to work individually or in a small group to complete a project from a given list. Each group will be assigned a different myth. The project will include a written piece and a presentation. Students will be given time in class the weeks of 12/10 and 12/17 but should expect to do some work outside of class as well. The mythology project will be due on 12/20. I will be posting the project on Google Classroom on 12/10 if you are interested in viewing the details.  

Social Studies - The Southeast

The chapter 6 TEST is scheduled for 12/12. A study guide will be sent home on 12/7. Students should review their textbook, workbook pages, note pages, and review pages to prepare for the test.

Science - Energy Conversions

Investigating how energy works in a system is the focus of our Science activities this week. Close reading is a skill that crosses curriculum. Below are some photos of students partner reading a text about energy in the past and present in order to synthesize the ideas they are reading with the concepts they have observed in our classroom simulations.

Mrs. Bell's Math Class - Unit 3 - Place Value & Decimals / Unit 4 - Multiplying & Dividing Whole Numbers and Decimals

The Unit 3 TEST is scheduled for Tuesday, 12/11. Students should review their practice pages and spiral notes to prepare for the test.

We will then spend two days looking at multiplication and division of decimals.

In Unit 4 students will study and practice a variety of strategies for multiplication and division. We will begin with the Unit 4 Pre-Assessment which will I use as a tool for guiding instruction.

FYI...

12/18 - Tivoli Field Trip 

12/19 - Bowling Field Trip

12/24 - Winter break begins

On Friday, 12/14, fourth-grade students will participate in a presentation titled, "Women of Courage". This in-school "field trip" coincides with the theme of the first unit in our reading curriculum. 

Mrs. Karen Bell

Week of 12.3.18

Highlights for the Weeks of 12/3/2018
in Mrs. Bell's Classroom

Spelling -  Mythology Words
This week's list contains words pertaining to Greek Mythology. We will study the definitions of the words as they are used in myths and also look at several myths and their messages. Because this unit has many valuable activities, we will study it for 2 weeks. The spelling test for mythology words is scheduled for Friday, 12/14.

Reading- Unit 1 Courage - Greek Mythology



We will begin our study of Greek Mythology with a look at the myth of Hercules.  We will also focus on the skill of summarizing. A summary is a shortened version of a story that retells all the important parts of the story in sequence. We will work as a team to summarize the Hercules myth. On 12/10, I will be introducing a mythology project that focuses on personalized learning.

Social Studies - "Wildlife & Resources"
The final lesson on the Southeast will focus on the resources and the wildlife of the region. The chapter 6 TEST is scheduled for 12/12. Students should review their textbook, workbook pages, note pages, and review pages to prepare for the test.

Science - Energy Conversions

Use of energy in the past and present will be the topic in Science this week.

Mrs. Bell's Math Class - Unit 3 - Place Value & Decimals


Metric conversions, place value patterns and writing division problems will keep us busy this week. The Unit 3 TEST is tentatively scheduled for the week of 12/10. Students should review their practice pages and spiral notes to prepare for the test.

Below are some pictures of mathematicians working together to use base ten pieces to plot decimal numbers on a number line...

FYI...

The pictures below show students working on problem-solving during one of our morning meetings this week. Ask your child how the team worked together to untie a "human knot"...

Some photos from our marble celebration. So much fun!

Mrs. Karen Bell