Sunday, February 1, 2015

Classroom News for the Week of February 2nd

News and Upcoming Events: 

* Your child can take the Smarter Balanced Practice (SBAC) test at home.  This is a preview of the test your child will be taking later in the spring. For the real SBAC your child will take the test on an iPad with an external keyboard. At home you may use a tablet or a computer, although the tablet will allow the student to manipulate the screen in a manner closer to the actual test.

Log on using "guest" (Confirmation Code and State SSID) at SBAC Practice Test. No score is given for the practice test.

Volunteers Needed: This Friday from 9 to 10 a.m., the students will be working on a sewing project. We need volunteers to work with small groups of students to assist in threading needles, tying knots, etc. Please email me at slc5001@lausd.net if you would like to assist us. Thank you!

2/12 - Grade 4 Spelling Bee - Students who have chosen to participate should continue to study the word list. We will have "Bee" practice in class this week.

2/13 Valentine's Day - Students can bring valentines to pass out to their classmates (1:30). Small treats attached to cards are fine, but please do not send cupcakes, cookies, donuts, etc. Thank you! Students will bring home a class list this Thursday.

2/16 President's Day Holiday - School Closed

Reminders:
* Tardies - Please make sure your child is at school and in line by the 8:06 bell. We try to start the school day at 8:11 promptly. Thank you for your help!

* Please check your child's Homework Log nightly and sign or initial after the work has been completed. Remind your child that completed homework and the HW log are due in class daily. 

What's Going On This Week In Class:

Health:

Lesson Focus: Your Character; Making Positive Self-Statements

Math: 
Improper Fractions & Mixed Numbers; Adding & Subtracting Mixed Numbers

Multiplication Madness (Fact Practice) 

Accelerated Math (Individualized Practice)

Reading:

Bud, Not Buddy - This week we will continue to look at Author's Tools and Techniques: Foreshadowing, Flashback, Showing not Telling, Use of Vernacular Language; Figurative Language.
Students will also examine main events in the book so far.

Evaluating Primary Sources


Writing:
The students will begin choosing a piece of their writing to develop for the school's annual book project. Students will also begin writing the book's dedication and "About the Author" section.

Mission Project: Students are working in pairs to research and write about a California mission. Students are using websites and several text sources to gather information and take notes. Students will be typing their reports in the computer lab. They will also be making a simple line drawing of their mission. This project is being completed at school. Due date is 2/13.


Social Studies/Science:

Earth Science- Rocks and Minerals

Social Studies: The End of the Mission Era
Arts:

Line Drawing of Missions

Valentine's Day Sewing Project