Week of 1.6.20

Highlights for the Week of 1/6/20 in Mrs. Bell's Classroom

Spelling  - Unit 13 - Homographs

This week's list will consist of homographs. Homographs are two or more words that are spelled the same but have different meanings and sometimes different pronunciations. For example, the word pitcher is a homograph. A pitcher is a player who delivers the ball to a batter or a large container with a handle used for holding and pouring liquids.  The final TEST for the homograph lesson will be on Friday, 11/10.

Reading- Greek Mythology

On Tuesday 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 1/6 and 1/13, but should expect to do some work outside of school as well. The mythology project is tentatively due on 1/21. I will post the project on Google 
Classroom on 1/7 if you are interested in viewing the details.  

English - Explanatory Writing

We will begin our study of explanatory writing with a look at "hooks". Students will learn about different types of hooks and look for examples of hooks in literature. I will model how to write an original hook while writing a "whole class" essay on why Lou Gehrig is considered a hero. I will also introduce how to write key ideas. Students will then begin writing their own explanatory essay about who is a hero in his/her life.

Social Studies - The Southeast

The SE Feast is scheduled for Thursday, 1/9. Students will sample several resources that come from this region .

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

We do not have a specific Second Step lesson this week. We will read the book A Girl with a Cape which is the story of a child whose act of kindness spreads throughout a community. The book will be the springboard for activities that focus on kindness.

Math - Unit 4 - Multiplication and Division of Whole Numbers & 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 Monday, 1/13.

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

"The Polar Express" - Tivoli Outing

Visit to Oak Trace Senior Living Center

Bowling

Wishing you & yours a very happy holiday season and all the best in the new year!

Mrs. Karen Bell

Week of 12.16.19

Highlights for the Weeks of 12/16/2019
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, 12/20.

Reading - Unit 1 - "Courage" 




Our study of Greek Mythology continues 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. After winter break, I will introduce a mythology project that focuses on personalized learning.



Social Studies - The Cherokee

An open book/note QUIZ on the Cherokee is scheduled for Wednesday, 12/18. Students should review their textbooks and note-taking sheets to prepare for the quiz.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
No new lesson is scheduled for this week. We will spend our morning meetings completing team building activities.

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 Monday, 12/16.  Students should review their practice pages and spiral notes to prepare for the test. We will then spend one day 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 Half-Tens Facts and Doubling and Halving strategies.

FYI...

12/17 - Class trip to Oak Trace Senior Living Facility 
12/18 - 4th Grade Bowling Trip
12/23 - Winter Break begins 

Mrs. Karen Bell

Week of 12.9.19

Highlights for the Weeks of 12/9/2019
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, 12/20.

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. After winter break,  I will be introducing a mythology project that focuses on personalized learning.

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.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) - Emotion Management
This week I will be introducing the topic of emotion management. We will discuss that when you have strong feelings, it's hard to think clearly and how unmanaged, strong emotions can lead to negative behavior and consequences. The objective is for students to be able to describe what triggers their own strong emotions and what happens in their brains and bodies when they experience strong emotions.

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


Writing division problems will keep us busy this week. The Unit 3 TEST is scheduled for 12/16. Students should review their practice pages and spiral notes to prepare for the test.

FYI...

12/12 - All school field trip to the Tivoli to see The Polar Express
12/17 - Oak Trace Senior Living Center visit - permission slip coming home 12/6
12/18 - Bowling Field Trip
12/23 - Winter Break begins

Mrs. Karen Bell