The Fabulous World of 4S!

Second Quarter Reading Stars!

2012-01-23T15:17:00.000-06:00

All these 4Sers met their reading goals last quarter!

Yay!

And this young lady, she did something no 4Ser has done in the past.

Can you guess what it is?

What do those five fingers stand for?

She reached her goal more than five times over!

FIVE TIMES!!

Impressive.

Missing from the above photo are Kilian and Brian who also met their goals but were absent today.

Good job to all my goal attainers.

New goals were shared today, the first day of third quarter. ALL students CAN meet their goals.

I believe in you!

Our Student Teacher

2012-01-12T11:54:00.001-06:00

Miss DeLine is doing fine!

Right now, she's teaching math.

She's worked with writers in workshop and readers in small group.

We are so fortunate to have her here teaching and learning with us!

Partial Quotients

2012-01-05T08:13:00.000-06:00

Mac's Tree

2011-12-27T10:42:00.000-06:00

See, I told you moms like to display this kind of thing...

Made by Mac

1994

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T09:44:00.000-06:00

I found Mac's third grade tree, and it's on the fridge.

Cookies are made.

Elfing continues.

Church tonight.

Spending tomorrow with the Normal Stewarts.

And I found this, remember when we talked about this?

May your Christmas be filled with as much fun as an empty wrapping paper tube will bring!

Independent Reading Time

2011-12-22T08:20:00.000-06:00

A calming way to begin our days!

Transfer of Energy

2011-12-20T08:15:00.000-06:00

Gifts and a party!

2011-12-17T07:32:00.000-06:00

First things first, I am still working on (work I truly enjoy) writing my thank you cards. You have been so giving this season, "here, near, and far." Without naming names, thank you for the gifts you have shared with me, Batavia's food pantry, Aurora's food pantry, and a family far away--who was given three ducks to provide a sustainable food source (eggs) for their family.

Any time I think of our OCC gifts being opened, I want to cry, and I have, at your generosity.

Thank you for sharing your blessings.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you to:

Mrs. Burrows

Mrs. Burkeen

Mrs. Colucci

for...

Merry Christmas to you.

OCC Videos!

2011-12-15T18:08:00.000-06:00

Check out these joy filled videos, and think about the gift you gave to someone far away!

You were part of a very special gift.

Thank you.

Meet Your Pen Pals!

2011-11-22T15:59:00.000-06:00

Layla

Julia

Madison

Jacob

Shaye

Renee

Elizabeth

Chase

Freddy

Shaye

Chan

Siearra

Layla

Chase

Jackson

Lindsay

Chandler

Robert

Jordan

Destiny

Haley

Brianna

John

It was very hard to type your names under our pictures, but I think I did it right for everyone!

For Our Pen Pals...

2011-11-17T13:14:00.000-06:00

Can you guess which 4Ser is yours ?

The answers are coming soon...

And then some...

2011-11-15T21:14:00.000-06:00

This week has barely started and we've, collected our 11th box for Operation Christmas Child, collected coins for A to Z (continues through Friday), collected slips for VIP day, and made cards for active military service members.

Oh yes, we've also done some reading, writing, math...

Coming up later this week, a read in on Thursday, VIP's in the lab on Friday, and the Thanksgiving Mix will be made to share right before break...

GOAL: $1000

2011-11-10T09:38:00.001-06:00

In the center of the group of children (before the video is played) is Mal Keenen, founder of A to Z Literacy Movement. Last year, LWS students and families raised over $600 for this organization that promotes literacy in the very poor country of Zambia.

Mal came and spoke with us near the end of the year, and the kids asked such good questions. We learned that a year round teacher in Zambia makes $1000. So this year it is our goal to collect change (and bills, or checks!) all next week to raise enough money to pay for a teacher.

Also, we'd like to collect new non-fiction and fiction books from the book fair for the schools served by A to Z.

Can You Solve This ? (Parents)

2011-11-08T10:38:00.001-06:00

My grandma likes coffee, but not tea.

She likes roads but not streets,

bushes but not trees, bridges but not tunnels,

poison ivy but not plants.

Why?

Do not leave a comment,

your child knows the answer.

Check with him/her!

Thank you Mrs. M!

2011-11-04T14:44:00.000-05:00

Brian's mom took the cute fabric I purchased and made these for our formerly boring classroom windows! Red and white (for LWS) and the Peanuts gang! They are adorable.
I apologize for the quality of the photo, but I just couldn't wait to post this any longer. Mr. Beckers deserves a thanks too. He went above and beyond in getting them up as soon as he could.

Operation Christmas Child BOY List

2011-10-28T10:18:00.002-05:00

We're shopping for kids in the 10-14-year-old age range. Gifts may be brought to school November 1-11, not sooner! (And it turns out we cannot use the boot boxes we have, so if you have a more "standard" sized box, feel free to share it.)
When you have purchased an item, please leave a comment. We'll treat this like a gift registry, so we don't have many duplicates.

We will put a class picture and letter in each box.

Here's something I copied from the Operation Christmas Child Website, if it's too small click here to see it larger. PLEASE read it carefully, especially the "do not include" portion.

Just another reminder, OCC sends boxes all around the world. We do not know what climate our box will be going to. There are great videos on youtube about this organization, do some searching.

The 4S boys brainstormed a list of things to include in the boy box(es) and here's what they came up with

superballs
~~a yo-yo~~
~~Lego~~
~~Hot Wheels/Matchbox cars~~
socks
A T shirt
~~fun pencils~~
~~paper~~
erasers
~~colored pencils~~
~~a pencil sharpener~~
candy (no chocolates)
~~toothbrush~~
~~toothpaste~~
a watch
~~soap~~

OCC is part of Samaritan's Purse, it IS a Christian organization, and there will be Christian information in each box (in the child's language), but boxes are not only given to Christian children.

Also, if your family would like to fill a box at home and send it in with $7, I will deliver it with the others during national collection week!

Operation Christmas Child GIRL List

2011-10-28T10:11:00.005-05:00

Here's something I copied from the Operation Christmas Child Website, if it's too small click here to see it larger. PLEASE read it carefully, especially the "do not include" portion.

Our girls brainstormed a list, and here's what they came up with:

~~socks~~
ball
~~cute pencils~~
~~pencil sharpener~~
~~colored pencils~~
~~markers~~
paper
~~toothpaste~~
~~toothbrush~~
candy--no meltable chocolates!
hair barrettes
~~pony tail holders~~
Beanie Baby
T shirt
~~lip smackers or chapstick~~
flash cards
hairbrush
comb
necklace
~~gum~~
calculator
a cute washcloth
puzzles
~~soap~~
~~crayons~~

Just another reminder, OCC sends boxes all around the world. We do not know what climate our box will be going to. There are great videos on youtube about this organization, do some searching.

My Unbirthday Treat

2011-10-26T16:00:00.000-05:00

Since my birthday is Friday, and you don't have school that day, this is what we're making tomorrow. Just wondering if anyone is reading the blog...

;)

They're witch hat cookie treats.

Yes, we'll eat them too!

And so we begin...

2011-10-26T06:39:00.002-05:00

Another Video, for you American Idol fans!

2011-10-22T08:01:00.000-05:00

Operation Christmas Child

2011-10-18T19:58:00.000-05:00

We'll be talking about details very soon, but please take three minutes to view this video.

It was new to me, and I cried.

In order for full disclosure, you must know OCC is a Christian organization, but the gifts are not shared with only Christian children.

Our goal is to pack a number of boxes, and one box (at least) will be a "Jack Box" in memory of my son Anna's friend Jack who died last month.

OCC was his favorite charity.

So to honor him...

This weekend...

2011-10-16T17:45:00.001-05:00

This weekend, I graded papers, read a whole book (Every Soul a Star), did some walking and running, memorized some text for an audition, thought about science, and tried something new (for me):

What did you do this weekend?

Take a chance...

2011-10-13T15:30:00.000-05:00

Show your school spirit, and wear red and white on Fridays!

Art with Mrs. H!

2011-10-08T11:00:00.000-05:00

Friday was just an all about fun day, we did work, but it was fun work.

Independent reading.

Small group reading tasks, with some candy corn thrown in. ;)

Music.

Math, Factor Captor!

Math facts--only takes a few minutes.

Lab, for Free Rice and Matthew's blog post (coming soon!)

Recess!

Then Ian H.'s mom came to share a lesson on Claude Monet.

It was a beautiful day to savor, so she taught outside.

First a book about Monet:

Then the kids created landscapes using the scenery around them:

Long marker strokes with many colors were then watered down to look like Monet's art:

Thanks Mrs. H. for a lovely presentation!

We couldn't have had a better day to be Monet!

Factor Captor

2011-10-07T21:10:00.000-05:00

Factor Captor is a great game that I used to play often with my fifth graders. This week, we've been talking about factoring and prime numbers, so I decided it would be a good time to share this game with my fourth graders.

They liked it, had fun, and there was a lot of math happening in the room today.

Loved it!

Belated Birthdays

2011-10-07T21:07:00.000-05:00

My September boys!

Read a Book. Give a Book.

2011-09-28T06:05:00.000-05:00

I wrote about this site over the summer when I found it, but since you all weren't looking at the blog then, I'm sharing it again.

To use this site, at least the first time, you will need a parent's help.

It is www.wegivebooks.org. Each time you read a book on the site, they will give a book to a child/school/program in need. You have to choose a campaign so they will know where to send your books.

It's a pretty amazing place doing some pretty amazing stuff to help kids with less access to books than we have. There are some really good picture books, non-fiction books, and others on there. I have read almost all of them! I love visiting with old friends like Max and Ruby, Corduroy, and learning new things about schools around the world and bike tricks.

Spend some time here, spend some time on Free Rice, and YOU could change the world!

An Easy Way to Do Something Good

2011-09-26T15:00:00.001-05:00

Have you ever visited Free Rice?

I hope to go there when we go to the computer lab, but until then check it out.

It's a site on which you may practice your math facts skills and your vocabulary skills, and for each right answer, you earn 10 grains of rice that gets shared with someone hungry somewhere in the world.

Click on this link or go to the side of the blog here and click on the Free Rice picture. It always stays there for you to use.
(Ask your parents permission first, but I promise it is a safe site!)

Remembering someone special...

2011-09-24T09:02:00.001-05:00

This weekend, along with yard work, attending a baby shower, going to church, grading papers, reading, and looking at the new science unit, I'm walking in memory of my friend
Vicki
on Sunday night.

I miss her. I hate cancer.

What are you up to this weekend?

How to Check Your Goals and Progress in Independent Reading (AR, RR)

2011-09-23T09:43:00.000-05:00

Go to www.bps101.net
click on "schools"
click on "Louise White School
click on "LRC"
click on the side where it says "Find a Book"
click on "RR HOME CONNECT"
Log on just like you do at school to take a quiz
Ta da!

Operation Christmas Child

2011-09-20T20:36:00.000-05:00

I have a friend whose son died.

His name was Jack, and he was 12.

Two weeks ago, he was playing in his friend's backyard.

He slipped into a rain swollen creek and drowned.

I have been very sad for my friend.

I haven't known what to do to help her.

It turns out though that Jack's favorite charity was

Operation Christmas Child.

Last year, my class put together three boxes for this great charity.

This year, in honor of Jack, I hope this year we can do more.

Then I will write to his mom to tell her.

We aren't going to work on this until later in October,

but she'll still be missing Jack then (and always), so she will want to know.

We'll be giving to kids far away and we'll be giving to a family who is missing their son and brother.

That's important, don't you agree?

Belated Circle Constructions

2011-09-16T21:07:00.000-05:00

Inscribed hexagons? Yep, we made them. Concentric circles? Yep, we made them. Gorgeous circle constructions? Yep, we made them. Kids having time for a photo shoot while working with compasses. Nope!

Enjoy these few pics:

An inscribed hexagon!

Congratulations!

2011-09-09T19:57:00.000-05:00

Eleven 4Sers stood up today and conquered their nervousness

as they spoke and asked to be elected to student council.

Only four could be "winners."

But I'm finding as I reflect on this tonight,

that all eleven are winners--I'm proud of you all.

I'm certain the reps you voted for will serve our class well,

but you, all of you, are true winners.

I'm blessed to have you as my students.

And for all who voted, you had to make a hard decision, and I'm proud of you to.

Here's a to a serve the school kind of year!

Running for Student Council

2011-09-06T13:26:00.001-05:00

We're going to have our speeches and poster sharing this Friday to elect our student council 4S reps. There will be four from our class. Since fourth graders are new to the idea of student council, we collected some ideas today about what we think would make a good class rep.

Students who care about many things.
Students who can make important things fun.
Students who are respectful of teachers, adults and other students.
Students who are not afraid to speak up (we say the pledge!)
Students who can be at the Friday morning meetings
Students who can come up with good ideas!
Students who are responsible.

   Student council reps say the pledge, empty juice pouches, share ideas with the council and their class, make posters for Wacky Wednesdays, help with flower sales after school, and work on other service projects. Meetings are on many Fridays @ 8:15. Attendance is mandatory unless you're sick.
     To be considered for student council, you must make a poster. Paper will go home today. On the poster, list you name, make an illustration, and think about listing why you'd be good as a rep for 4S. No gifts may be given to classmates to influence votes!
     You also will have to make a short speech this Friday telling the class why they should vote for you. It's important to get up and talk to the whole class.
     As a voter, you will get to decide who would be best to represent our class. This is an important decision.

This Weekend...

2011-09-02T19:09:00.001-05:00

READ!

August Birthdays! (One Day Late)

2011-09-01T17:37:00.000-05:00

Seven August birthdays!

WOW!

For those of you who had your special day before the new school year started, feel free to bring a treat for your half-birthday in February. :)

How to Post a Blog Comment!

2011-08-31T10:11:00.000-05:00

Go to the bottom of the post you'd like to comment on, and click "comment."
Write your thoughts in the comment box.
If your parents have an I.D., they may use that or have you use it. (If you don't know what that means, no worries.)
Or, click on "Name/URL" and type only your first name.
Or, click on "Anonymous," but make sure your name is in the body of the comment.

If you want to see older posts, click on "older post" at the bottom of the current post.

If there is a certain subject you'd like to look for, go along the right side and look for the labels, click on one and it will list all the posts with that label!

Ring that Bell!

2011-08-28T17:35:00.001-05:00

Hello Again Sydney

2011-08-23T14:32:00.002-05:00

Miss Stewart posted photos of us below, and here's what we did and learned on our first day:

We spent a lot of time organizing school supplies

In P.E. we started a unit called "The Presidential Fitness Test"

We found out specials are longer

We made cards for you

We read a little bit

Lunch recess was inside because it rained

We missed the bell assembly because of the rain (so listen for it tomorrow!)

Lunch is at 12:30

We learned we can pretty much snack whenever we want
At the end of the day we played Cat and Mouse and Silent Ball

Tomorrow we start math

Tomorrow we have music AND art

AND WE MISSED YOU A LOT!

Love, your 4S classmates :)

Can you tell what's happening in each photo?

Hi Sydney!

2011-08-23T06:43:00.000-05:00

Here's what the room looks like this morning. I'll post some more pictures later today so you can see all your friends! Your seat is at the end of the middle table. I'll get a better picture of it when all your friends are in class.

HELLO!

2011-08-15T09:18:00.000-05:00

I know with Power School, many of you already knew you'd be in 4S,

but I hope you still read the letter I sent you!

Welcome to 4th grade!

Bring all your materials and a healthy, filling snack for the first day.

We'll spend a lot of time getting organized,

and our hard work will make us hungry.

I can't wait to meet you!

Books!

2011-08-06T10:23:00.001-05:00

This spring, I set a goal for myself to read 50 books in 2011. I am almost there. I have five more books to read, but instead of giving myself until the last day of the year, I am hoping to read five more books by the first day of school.

Can I do it?

I think so! I also have a lot of work to do to get 4S ready for everyone. It will be up, fresh and bright for the first day of school.

I hope you set some goals for yourself for the rest of the summer AND for the upcoming school year!

Class Lists

2011-07-30T10:04:00.001-05:00

Hey all! Hello? Anyone there?

I know a few of you or your parents were able to access Power School and looked at the 2011-2012 class lists. Exciting, right? But...the classes are still changing. Don't count on a thing until you receive a letter from your new teacher, okay?

Until then--it's summer. Look forward to school, but savor these days, okay?

Love you all!

Reading news and fun!

2011-06-21T21:28:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking about all the kids in Zambia and the difference LWS made through in their lives through our donations to the A to Z Literacy Movement. If your parents are on facebook, ask them to like A to Z, okay? If they do, you can see pictures from Mal's trip.

Last week, I found the coolest website It's like FreeRice but it gives books. All you have to do is sign-up (with mom or dad's help and permission), select a campaign, and each time you read a book, the foundation GIVES a book to a child or a school in need.

Seriously, it's that easy. I've read over fifty books so far. I decided to give books to the Chicago Public Schools, but there are other charities to choose from.

Go to www.wegivebooks.org and start reading! It's another way to help kids here, near and far!

Here, Near and Far

2011-06-09T12:42:00.000-05:00

Having the A to Z Literacy Movement teachers here this morning made me realize it's time to share this list with you. At the beginning of the year, we talked about helping people "here, near, and far." Through class projects, student council projects and PTO events, you've made a difference!
Here's how we've touched the lives of many all around the world...

Here:

Recycling juice pouches for Terracycle (the money helped our school and we put less trash in a landfill!)
Visiting the clients at the Elderday Center
Collecting Box Tops for Education (to get supplies for our school)
Food drives for Batavia Food Pantry
Movie night (to help a LWS family whose house was destroyed by fire)
Flower sales (to benefit our after school reading program)

Near:

Pen Pal letters
Collecting pop tops for Ronald McDonald House
Red Cross dollar drive
Make a Wish cap day
Super Sibs cards
Jump Rope for Heart

Far:

Operation Christmas Child
A to Z Literacy Movement change drive
Feed My Starving Children
Free Rice

Wow!

No Elder Day Center...

2011-06-07T13:10:00.002-05:00

Our Instead Day:

Hobby Day

Board Game Day

Lunch from BK delivered to the room!

Don't forget your money...

AND art with Mrs. Ross!

Wow, right?

;)

Wednesday, June 8 is going to be a good day.

Your Illinois Reports

2011-06-05T19:46:00.000-05:00

     So, I went into school today to read your reports and work on report cards. I will admit, I was dreading all the work I had to do, but once I settled in with your reports? I was amazed! So many good things were done. All your hard work was evident. I learned things about Illinois that I didn't know!
     Just like we had three former 4Sers' reports to look at this year, I want you to keep your report safe and sound so you can share it next year. Oh, there were so many good pictures, drawings, facts, ideas!
     Be proud of yourselves. You did a lot of thinking. You did a lot of researching. You looked at a lot of information and decided what was best to use. You were creative. You did some wonderful drawings. You shared a lot of ideas. I was blown away!
     I am proud of you! Feel good about this!

Go Play Outside

2011-06-03T19:09:00.000-05:00

Check this out...

Read This Summer for a Free Book!

2011-06-01T21:07:00.000-05:00

Go here for details and a log for your reading: http://media.bordersstores.com/pdf/formDoubleDogDare.pdf

There's still a thriving Border's on Rt. 59 in Naperville. Read ten books, keep track, and bring the form in for a free book!

Lab-In for the Illinois Report

2011-05-31T09:39:00.000-05:00

Right now, we're all in the lab (for two hours). Some kids are working on pages. Some kids are working on covers. Some kids are still researching. Some are done and working on a timeline project on the history of Illinois, pre-1818 (the year we became a state).
You would be proud at how hard your child is working. I'm proud at how hard my students are working. This is a big project, and right now, all are headed for success!

May Birthdays!

2011-05-25T20:30:00.000-05:00

Three in one week, two on the same day!

Happy May!

ILLINOIS REPORT DUE DATE

2011-05-23T11:48:00.000-05:00

Your child's Illinois report is due to me first thing on Friday, June 3.

This is the very latest I can accept this report.

We have an hour a day or more to work on the research and report construction.

This, including today's time, will amount to a minimum of EIGHT hours.

The binding of the report must be done at home. If you do not own a three hole punch, consider binding the book in a report cover from any office supply store.

Hair Net Central!

2011-05-20T18:48:00.000-05:00

SuperSibs Cards and Sam!

2011-05-16T19:42:00.001-05:00

What I'm Wearing Friday

2011-05-15T11:35:00.001-05:00

Ever since I learned Annalise's new school's name, I've been teasing her that I wanted a T-shirt. Well, she and her mom just sent me one. Isn't it fun? And since Annalise is bummed she can't go to Feed My Starving Children with us this coming Friday, I'm going to wear this in her honor!
Go LWS! Go Tootin' Hills! Now, let's get ready to help some children far, far from us while we keep them close in our hearts!

Starting next week with service and ending it the same!

2011-05-12T10:49:00.000-05:00

     On Monday, we will be making cards for SuperSibs. We still need stamps and stickers! If you have any to donate for us to use, please bring them to school by Monday. SuperSibs is a great organization that pays attention to and nurtures siblings children with cancer.
     On Friday, we're heading to Feed My Starving Children. This is such an amazing experience, I can't wait to share it with another class--our class!
     Please feel free to visit the websites of these great organizations for more information.

For Robbie

2011-05-07T11:00:00.000-05:00

My blog friend's son Robbie loves BoxTops. So as student council worked to help PTO by trimming them up, I couldn't help but think of Robbie as we worked! See Robbie, when all your BoxTops are put together with the other kids' from your school. you'll have mounds of BoxTops! (We collect Labels for Education, too.)

Mr. Zimmer

2011-05-07T10:30:00.000-05:00

Well, the competition was stiff, and Mr. Zimmer didn't win an award last night.

But after the dinner, he told me, "I won where it's important, LWS!"

We love Mr. Zimmer!

Postage Stamps Needed

2011-05-03T09:56:00.000-05:00

The families at LWS and especially those of 4S have been so wonderfully generous this year. I'm cautious to make yet another ask, but soon we'll be doing a card making project for SuperSibs, and we will need postage stamps to send along with the cards.

SuperSibs focuses on helping the siblings of children with cancer. Those siblings are often "forgotten" as family focuses in on the child who has the illness. I know from being at Ronald McDonald House a few times now, that siblings are often dragged along for the ride, their lives are uprooted too. On Easter, there was a dad there feeding his four kids, while his wife stayed in the hospital with their terminally ill oldest daughter, Liza who is 8. Charlie, their three-year-old had fallen asleep on the bench seat as Daddy fed his almost two-year-old twins.

I know an LWS family who has been served by SuperSibs, perhaps you know them too?

We'll be making cards for the siblings. Eventually they'll need to be mailed (from SuperSibs H.Q.), and so we're asking for stamps!

Don't forget...

2011-05-01T21:45:00.000-05:00

...to think about making a dollar donation to our school's American Red Cross dollar drive to help the people hardest hit in our southern states.

This is a "near" we can make a difference in!

Updates

2011-04-27T19:13:00.002-05:00

Thanks to the families who volunteered to go to FMSC with us! We're all set.
We hope to go to the Elder Day Center at least one more time this year, stay tuned.
We also hope to do a card making project for SuperSibs!
Illinois report research has started and is going well! If your child needs an idea for a letter, feel free to give him/her a topic, that's not cheating, that's planting a seed!
MAP tests are next week. Arrive on time with a fully fully tummy.
The kids are great, but spring weather brings thoughts of freedom and summer. We have much to do yet, so let's stay focused.
What are you thinking of doing for your June How To speech?
We're working on functional writing in workshop.
Chapter 11 in math includes geometric solids and their properties along with volume.
If you ordered flowers, 1) thank you, and 2) pick up is next Friday, May 6 from 4-6.
We'll learn if Mr. Zimmer won KCTofTY later that night, and I will post it here.
If you haven't yet accessed your child's report card on-line, please do. One parent contacted me to see how I can tell since there isn't a signed envelope. I can research to create a report of what childs' cards have been viewed. Thanks for doing this.

Our April Birthday...

2011-04-21T19:44:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the doughnuts!

(Whoa, your hair was short at the beginning of 4th!)

And so the Illinois Report Begins...

2011-04-17T10:14:00.000-05:00

     Your son or daughter should have brought home a blue sheet of paper with TWO SIDES (wow, right?) of directions and guidelines for his/her Illinois ABC book. This sheet is meant to be kept in the social studies pocket of every 4Sers binder until the project is done. It must be signed by both of you by Wednesday. So, please, take a look at it.
     More details about and modeling of projects will be shared this coming week as we get ready to begin research in the lab and in class next week. Last year's kids thrived during this project. It's a big one, but it can be done.
     I can't stress enough though, the ONLY at home requirement is the binding portion. You're child is the fourth grader, you've been there, done that. So allow your child to shine while you watch and learn from all the Illinois tidbits that will be shared!

Report Cards and more

2011-04-13T08:59:00.000-05:00

Dear 4S Parents,
     Have you looked on-line to view your child's report card yet? I hope so!
     Also, I've suggested to the kids that you check their progress toward their independent reading goals at least once a week. Perhaps on Monday when the Monday folders come home?
     I hope paperless doesn't lead us to out of sight out of mind! (We've talked a little about idioms this week...)
Respectfully,
Miss Stewart

Binders!

2011-04-12T14:29:00.000-05:00

    I'm sitting in the room, and the students have gone to art. On their tables are their binders and their independent reading books. Some of the binders look really beat, and it's making me think. When you go shopping for school supplies for 5th grade, please consider paying a little more for a "Heavy Duty" binder. They're simply made for the wear and tear a fifth grader goes through.
     Many 4S binders are peeling and many have rings that don't meet. Heavy Duty binders (available at Office Max, Staples or similar) will hold up better than many of the forlorn binders now gracing our room's tables.
     File that away...
     :)

State Research--DUE!!!!!

2011-04-06T11:00:00.000-05:00

Hi All,

My expectation for all of you is that you have your state research collected when you come to school tomorrow. Please use your state book, Wikipedia, and World Book Online to find the rest of the information.

Use the slide format sheet to tell you exactly what you still need to find.

Tomorrow we will organize our cards/info, and on Friday we'll start making our Power Point slides!

Miss Stewart

Learning new things...

2011-04-03T15:25:00.000-05:00

...rocks. Okay in this case, this new thing goes on our class rocker. I am slowly teaching myself to sew. My mom tried to teach me when I was your age, and I hated it. I wish I had listen to her more. I think I thought I hated it because it didn't come easy to me, kind of like math facts!

We'll Need Stamps :)

2011-04-02T17:10:00.000-05:00

Click here to read about our next class service project...we'll do this during 4th quarter for sure!

It's April 1!

2011-04-01T13:51:00.000-05:00

I'm thinking about the SOAR flower sale, working in my tiny yard, going for bike rides, baseball season, Easter...too bad the weather is trying to make me suppress those thoughts!

Thanks Sammi and Charlie!

2011-03-31T20:48:00.000-05:00

I'm going to Ronald McDonald House to make Easter dinner, and I'll be bringing these.

Charlie's been bringing his pop tops in little by little.

Sammi, well, she brought hers in a big jug!

Thanks for this gift, it's an important one.

Egg hunt

2011-03-29T13:46:00.000-05:00

The top photo is kind of blurry, but still, can you find your egg?

They are all lovely!

Have you thought about:

2011-03-28T13:44:00.002-05:00

Band or orchestra?

Tell me...

2011-03-27T09:37:00.000-05:00

Are you enjoying your spring break?

What are you doing for fun? Are you away from home? Were you?

When I got home on Friday, I helped my husband install a ceiling fan. It's not what I expected to do, but he needed help. My arms were so tired!

Yesterday I walked three miles, read quite a bit, had lunch with a big group of friends, and then saw more friends at church.

Today is a quiet day...

Look for some 4S pictures as the week goes on, and tell me what you're up to!

State Reports

2011-03-20T13:06:00.000-05:00

I have a thought...I think we may do our state reports in the lab on Power Point. What do you think? I'll talk to Mrs. Hanrahan, we'll research before break, a little more after, and then create some great slides!

The Next Two Days

2011-03-16T10:01:00.001-05:00

We have a field trip to Mooseheart tomorrow morning! Wear a jacket, even if it's supposed to be nice, because we will be outside for a time.

Friday morning is our last read-in for this quarter. Come prepared with cozies--blankets and a pillow!

From Annalise

2011-03-11T19:00:00.001-06:00

Annalise left this comment on the TOPS Report, post, and so I'm sharing it here:

We don't have levels or quizzes here. I'm happy, but sad. I had a dream that we moved back because we hate Connecticut. Honestly I do hate Connecticut. Oops! Just overheard my mom. Just sold our home! Sad!!!!! I liked that house. Mostly I miss my family friends or friends that were like family. I miss friends and teachers too. I am going to send back lots of letters! Did you get my postcard? Winter, gonna be gone soon. Snow, gonna take a while to melt here. Of course, it's still warm here. I am in shorts and a t-shirt now with snow on the ground. School ends earlier here because it starts earlier. I am not used to getting up at 6:30! On Monday we lose an hour of sleep too! We are an hour earlier than you guys either way. I want to go back to Illinois! Write back on the blog! I'm glad it's Friday. I am so tired with the CMT'S here. We just started this Monday and we have more on this coming Monday. Some people are mean here and some nice (mostly mean.) I deal with it. I might visit sometime in the summer! Is there anything exciting coming up? I wish I could at least say goodbye again! This message is getting too long! I MISS YOU! (Riley, I will call you again don't worry)
PS Please share this with the class.

NO MORE TOPS REPORTS

2011-03-11T09:41:00.000-06:00

Miss Stewart's class is going green in the area of reading.

From now on, when a 4S student takes an AR quiz, and we'll be taking lots of them, no TOPS report will be printed. Instead, I am going to print a weekly report on on piece of paper, detailing how your child is "doing" toward his/her Accelerated Reader goals.

This will save, in our room alone, at least 40 pieces of paper each week. Times that by 40 weeks of school, and well, that's a few reams of paper!

Kids can still take quizzes, and kids can still check their progress after each quiz. But YOU will only see a slip of paper instead of one to many TOPS reports.

I'm loving this! There will be some reports in this week's Monday folder, 3-14, but after that, no more.

Some important dates

2011-03-08T06:22:00.004-06:00

ISAT make-ups all this week
Science starts in 4B today
Spring pictures tomorrow, 3/9
Field trip to Mooseheart, 3/17--one parent needed, leave a comment
Read In for March, 3/18
A special Wacky Wednesday, 3/23 (it will cost you...)
RMS field trip, 3/24
End of Quarter, 3/24 (reading goals must be met!)
Spring break begins 3/25, it'll be here before we know it!

Oh, I am missing you all!

2011-03-04T12:14:00.000-06:00

Dear 4Sers,
    Three days home sick has not been fun. I know that some of you know what that feels like. I really want to be back at school!
     Mrs. Hilliard tells me you've been great, and that makes me so proud of you. I hope to have a special treat to share with you on Monday--as a reward and as an "I'm glad to be back," gift.
     I look forward to switching seats, seeing our leprechaun families, finishing our fiction stories, starting science, and getting back to normal. The rest of the year is going to fly by, but I'm going to work to savor every moment!
     Right now, you would laugh if you could see me. My face is all red. I went to the doctor after school on Tuesday, and the medicine she prescribed did not agree with my system, and it gave me a rash. So, I had to stop taking it. This is why I haven't gotten better--I've been banned from medicine!
     I have been reading a lot and sleeping a lot, but I'm bored. You all make my days much more interesting!
See you soon,
Miss Stewart

Leprechaun Family Assignment--Due Friday!

2011-03-01T13:59:00.002-06:00

Hello O'Four-O'S O'Families,

Your 4Ser is bringing home index cards today. Each family member (even those of you who think this is uncool) is assigned to draw himself or herself as a (school appropriate) leprechaun on one card. (I threw in extras if someone makes a goof.)

On Friday, to celebrate the end of ISATs, we're going to turn these into O'Family posters to hang for March.

Too fun! Thanks for your participation.

Miss Ellen O'Stewart

P.S.--Drawings need to be "portrait" in orientation and can be done by markers, colored pencils, crayons, a #2 pencil or a pen.

Books and Why I Love Reading...the short version

2011-02-26T16:24:00.000-06:00

     During Friday's institute day, I attending two sessions. One was a technology session and the other was a book talk. I learned a few things about computer "stuff" and a lot about books. Funny thing, I was heading to the library after the meetings to pick up some books I had on hold.
     So, I looked for some of the books I learned about during the book talks. Since I already had five books on hold, I only grabbed one extra book, one from the talk. It's title is Extra Credit. I read it today, and the feelings I had after finishing it ran so deep, I had to write about it. Have you ever read a book like that? A book that makes you feel things as well as learn things and think about things? I hope so.
     I think I have found our next read aloud. I know you won't feel and think all the same things I did when we read this book, but I think you'll like it. Let's find out, okay?

February and March Happy Days

2011-02-26T10:54:00.000-06:00

February above

and

March below!

Our birthday kiddos!

My haven't we changed since these pictures were taken in August???

Two Things

2011-02-23T11:28:00.000-06:00

One: The students may bring gum to school for ISATs. The gum must be individual pieces (no bubble tape or Big League Chew). I will NOT be providing gum for kids who forget. ISATs are next Tuesday through Friday.

Two: The PTO needs you for the fun fair. Please consider helping this Friday, there are 25 slots that are still gaping open with no LWS parent to help...

Do you wonder...

2011-02-21T13:22:00.000-06:00

...how much kids in Zambia would like to have a Read In? Don't forget to bring your change to donate!

A to Z Literacy Movement

2011-02-17T07:12:00.000-06:00

Have you thought about making or made a donation yet to

A to Z?

It's a really need way to help kids who want to learn to read!

Change will be collected now through Monday, February 28!

Valentine's Day Party

2011-02-15T20:56:00.000-06:00

What is Symmetry?

2011-02-13T06:51:00.000-06:00

Symmetry is an exact mirror image divided by an imaginary line going right down the middle!

Thank you from...

2011-02-10T15:30:00.000-06:00

This is the photo that accompanied the thank you note I sent home today!

FMSC and Frindle!

2011-02-08T09:37:00.001-06:00

It will be here before you know it!

Please Save the Date

May 20, 2011

9-noon

For our field trip to

Feed My Starving Children

At least eight 4S parents are needed to allow us to take this trip.

Many of you will be welcomed to meet us at the facility.

More details to come.

Please indicate your intentions of accompanying us on this wonderful trip by leaving a comment.

We also need a parent to accompany us on our Tuesday trip to see Frindle.

How You Can Help

2011-02-06T10:19:00.000-06:00

This weekend, I was blessed to be part of a team that made and served brunch to the folks staying at a Chicago Ronald McDonald House. Ronald McDonald Houses are near hospitals. Parents and families of sick children stay there while their loved ones are in the hospital.
It was really neat experience, and I am going to do it again next month. Here's one way you can help, if you'd like. The House collects these, and when they get enough, they turn them in for cash.

Do you know what they are? They're pop tops from cans. My husband and I started collecting them years ago, I even collect them at school, but I didn't know why I was collecting them. I did know some people "turn" them into cash. Turns out Ronald McDonald House does! So if you'd like to start saving them to donate that would be great! I know someone who'd smile over that...

Mr. Zimmer for Kane County Teacher of the Year

2011-02-04T09:55:00.000-06:00

You heard it at school, but here's a reminder:

Mr. Zimmer has been nominated

to receive an award,

The Kane County Teacher of the Year!

The nominating committee needs your help.

They need a nicely written letter,

written by you or your whole family,

in which you share a special memory

of Mr. Zimmer
or

write about why you like him so much.

If you have a memory and one of your siblings does too,

please write two letters.

All the letters will go into a fancy book

that will be sent to a judging committee.

What's your favorite thing about

Mr. Zimmer?

I'm sure you already know...

2011-02-02T14:06:00.002-06:00

...no school tomorrow, Thursday. No field trip, either.
:(

SCHOOL IS CANCELED

2011-02-01T10:21:00.002-06:00

Feel free to verify this at the school district website: www.bps101.net

THERE IS NO SCHOOL on Wednesday, February 2, 2011.

We hope to see you on Thursday!

Blizzard watch?

2011-01-30T16:56:00.002-06:00

I just learning we might be getting some heavy duty snow on Tuesday and into Wednesday! Oh my! Stay tuned...
Check this out: blizzard watch

January boys!

2011-01-29T16:38:00.000-06:00

I hope your birthdays were happy!

And I am PUSHING!

2011-01-26T20:18:00.000-06:00

We all get where we're going with a push from someone who cares.

- Denzel Washington

Field Trip Parent Needed

2011-01-17T16:39:00.000-06:00

We need a field trip chaperon to accompany us to the play Frindle on February 3. It's pretty much an all day thing, as you can see from the permission slip. Please leave a comment if you're interested, and if more than one parent wants to go, we'll have a drawing!

Long recess on a "warm" day

2011-01-17T16:25:00.000-06:00

After two weeks of 9/10, 10/10 and even 11/10 behavior, 4S earned a 30 minute outside recess. I pictured us playing in the snow, alas, there was very little to play in. Still, it looks like you all had fun; I know I did! I wanted to make a snowman, but only made a grumpy little snowhead.

This was a lovely day compared to some of the weather that's coming! Looks like we may have a few inside recesses as the week progresses.
I hope you had a great three days off and return to school ready to show me what you know! It's testing week in math, reading, and social studies. You WILL SHINE!

Typing link...and an assignment

2011-01-13T09:55:00.000-06:00

See if you can go to today's typing program from home, but clicking here.

Now, for today's REAL BLOG HOMEWORK:

Do not leave a comment, but DO

open your homework assignment book to

June 15.

On that day write,

Fourth Grade Rocked!

I will be checking tomorrow to see if you followed directions.

How We're All Learning Division in Fourth Grade

2011-01-08T08:12:00.000-06:00

I borrowed this from an Everyday Mathematics site I found on the web, and the numbers are larger than what we're working with, but parents, I think this will give you a good idea of how we are learning to do long division!

Division

For division, Everyday Mathematics offers two methods: the "partial quotients method" and the "column division method". The traditional method of long division is not taught.

Partial Quotients Method

The Partial Quotients Method, the Everyday Mathematics focus algorithm for division, might be described as successive approximation. It is suggested that a pupil will find it helpful to prepare first a table of some easy multiples of the divisor; say twice and five times the divisor. Then we work up towards the answer from below. In the example at right, 1220 divided by 16, we may have made a note first that 2*16=32 and 5*16=80. Then we work up towards 1220. 50*16=800 subtract from 1220, leaves 420; 20*16=320; etc..

------  |
  16 ) 1220  |
      - 800  |  50
       ----  |
        420  |
      - 320  |  20
        ---  |
        100  |
      -  80  |   5
        ---  |
         20  |
      -  16  |   1
         --  |  --
          4  |  76

  ans: 76 R4