This last week was filled with many educational adventures!
In science and social studies we learned about time zones and the International Date Line! We also learned about the longest day by watching this link. We learned about earth's layers and how different mountains form. We finished the unit with a test on Friday. The day was buzzing with excitement, as we all counted down the minutes until our test so we could eat our M&Ms while taking our M&M test. Everyone did well on the test.
In math we are still reviewing concepts. We spent a couple days going over number lines and I think everyone enjoyed using a ruler to make our own number lines-making sure that each tick mark was an equal distance apart.
In Writing, we are getting closer to finishing our rough drafts for our first Opinion Paper. Our goal is to finish the whole writing process by September 24th so we can have a party on September 25th where we read our stories to each other. It will be a celebratory event! I am so excited for everyone to finish. I know the results will be fabulous because we have been working really hard in class.
For Reading, we have been learning about text connections. For our text-to-world lesson, we learned about deforestation and environmentalists. Then we read from The Lorax and made connections. I think the students felt really sophisticated when they used big words like deforestation and environmentalist correctly. I certainly thought they sounded sophisticated.
The reason this post is titled New Rotations is because starting Monday, all three of the 4th grade classes will be rotating to a new teacher for science and social studies. I am sad that I will have to say goodbye to my homeroom class but I look forward to meeting everyone in Ms. Myers' class. I will still see my homeroom class at the end of each day for "morning" meeting, cursive, and read-aloud.
Parents: I just want to take a moment and thank you for all you do. I am amazed at the sacrifices you make to help with our fourth grade class. Thank you to those who will be driving for our upcoming field trip. I look forward to getting to know you more. I have enjoyed getting to know your children. I almost cried when I stopped to tell them how much I love each of them. I love the jokes they tell, the stories they share, and the unique personalities they each have.
As a side note: I am looking for a parent volunteer to come in my math class from 9:00 until 9:25 to help with independent work and homework. You could come once a week, twice a week, every other week. Any day would be great! Please contact me if you would be able to come help.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Saturday, September 6, 2014
After Labor Day
Hi everyone!
I hope you had a great Labor Day and that the following days were filled with many accomplishments. In my various classes, we accomplished many things!
In math, we are still reviewing many basic concepts to prepare us for the new ones we will be learning soon.
In science and social studies, we finished our scientific method unit and are moving onto maps and mountains. One of my favorite lessons so far was when the students worked in groups to compare 3 different maps (Disneyland, Sundance Ski Resort, and a map of Alaska). While looking at the maps, they had to determine what they all had in common and to create their own definitions based on what they saw. My favorite definition of a legend comes from Logan:
"So, let's say you didn't know where the bathroom is and you're at Disneyland, and all you have is a map and Oh Look! Here's a legend. A legend shows you what parts of Disneyland there are bathrooms."
To demonstrate our knowledge of maps and legends, each student created their own Barefoot Island where they created a map in the shape of a foot and a legend to go with it. I really enjoyed seeing what they came up with. Feel free to stop by my classroom to see them. They are hanging outside my room.
In Language Arts, we have been learning about strategies that we can use before, during, and after we read. To help us remember these strategies, we used them with the following book: A Bad Case of Stripes. Before we read the book, we made predictions and then typed them on our class blog. Then they commented on each other's blog posts. Every single student was engaged during this lesson. They loved getting to type their predictions and then getting to leave comments on their classmate's posts.
This week we also started our first Opinion Paper on what we think is the best candy/treat. On Monday we will write our introduction paragraph and then on Tuesday we will type up our introductions.
Thank you students for all your hard work!
Thank you parents for encouraging them to work hard and do their best!
I hope you had a great Labor Day and that the following days were filled with many accomplishments. In my various classes, we accomplished many things!
In math, we are still reviewing many basic concepts to prepare us for the new ones we will be learning soon.
In science and social studies, we finished our scientific method unit and are moving onto maps and mountains. One of my favorite lessons so far was when the students worked in groups to compare 3 different maps (Disneyland, Sundance Ski Resort, and a map of Alaska). While looking at the maps, they had to determine what they all had in common and to create their own definitions based on what they saw. My favorite definition of a legend comes from Logan:
"So, let's say you didn't know where the bathroom is and you're at Disneyland, and all you have is a map and Oh Look! Here's a legend. A legend shows you what parts of Disneyland there are bathrooms."
To demonstrate our knowledge of maps and legends, each student created their own Barefoot Island where they created a map in the shape of a foot and a legend to go with it. I really enjoyed seeing what they came up with. Feel free to stop by my classroom to see them. They are hanging outside my room.
In Language Arts, we have been learning about strategies that we can use before, during, and after we read. To help us remember these strategies, we used them with the following book: A Bad Case of Stripes. Before we read the book, we made predictions and then typed them on our class blog. Then they commented on each other's blog posts. Every single student was engaged during this lesson. They loved getting to type their predictions and then getting to leave comments on their classmate's posts.
This week we also started our first Opinion Paper on what we think is the best candy/treat. On Monday we will write our introduction paragraph and then on Tuesday we will type up our introductions.
Thank you students for all your hard work!
Thank you parents for encouraging them to work hard and do their best!
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
September Newsletter
Today I sent home the September Newsletter.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Our first full week
This last week was our first full week. Meaning, we had school every single day.
The week flew by!
Here are some highlights from the week.
Lollipop Lesson: On Monday we used the scientific method to answer the following question: How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Blow Pop? Our answers ranged from 200 to over 1,000! We discussed that the reason for this must be due to the fact that some people took quick licks, while some took longer. We decided that doing our experiment didn't find the precise answer because it's different for everyone.
Creativity: On Thursday, the students worked in groups to create a skit, poster, or game to teach the rest of the class the steps of the scientific method. Our first group presented on Friday. Brooklyn R, Aralyn, Weslan, Tony, and Paige created a game show with Starbursts at the end. They did a really great job with including everyone and challenging the rest of the class if they knew the steps. Way to go!! I am looking forward to seeing the rest of the presentations next week!
Parents: Feel free to ask your child if they can remember the steps. Or, even better, use the steps to answer a question together as a family.
Happy Birthday Annie! On Friday, we celebrated Annie's birthday. Annie's mom came in at the end of the day and brought Creamies for everyone. I think we all really enjoyed those. I know I did! Thank you Annie and Happy Birthday! And thank you for not popping your balloon. :)
Happy Labor Day on Monday! I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!
The week flew by!
Here are some highlights from the week.
Lollipop Lesson: On Monday we used the scientific method to answer the following question: How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Blow Pop? Our answers ranged from 200 to over 1,000! We discussed that the reason for this must be due to the fact that some people took quick licks, while some took longer. We decided that doing our experiment didn't find the precise answer because it's different for everyone.
Creativity: On Thursday, the students worked in groups to create a skit, poster, or game to teach the rest of the class the steps of the scientific method. Our first group presented on Friday. Brooklyn R, Aralyn, Weslan, Tony, and Paige created a game show with Starbursts at the end. They did a really great job with including everyone and challenging the rest of the class if they knew the steps. Way to go!! I am looking forward to seeing the rest of the presentations next week!
Parents: Feel free to ask your child if they can remember the steps. Or, even better, use the steps to answer a question together as a family.
Happy Birthday Annie! On Friday, we celebrated Annie's birthday. Annie's mom came in at the end of the day and brought Creamies for everyone. I think we all really enjoyed those. I know I did! Thank you Annie and Happy Birthday! And thank you for not popping your balloon. :)
Happy Labor Day on Monday! I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!
Monday, August 25, 2014
UPdates
I have made some UPdates on this website. Check the tabs. The spelling list is up to date and the math assignments are up to date. If your child is in my math class, please encourage them to finish their math homework and to bring it in tomorrow. 4th grade is officially beginning and their assignments will go on their grade. After 5 days, they will receive a zero. Anything turned in late will receive a 5 point deduction each day. (Each assignment is worth around 26 points.)
For my homeroom kids:
Happy birthday today, Cristian! We had a lot of fun singing to him today. Unfortunately he popped his balloon, but it made for a good laugh. However, NO MORE POPPING BALLOONS. :)
** Today I sent home a reading calendar. I accidentally wrote that they need to read 100 minutes a month. That is incorrect. They need to read 100 minutes a week! So a total of 400 minutes per month. I will make sure to tell the students tomorrow about this mistake. Please help encourage your child to read, read, read! ***
Remember:
Adventure awaits within the pages of a book!
Thanks for all your support!
Friday, August 15, 2014
Welcome!
Welcome to 4th grade with Mrs. Lott!
I am so excited to meet each and every one of you!
Just a few reminders:
Back to School night is Monday, August 18th from 6:00 p.m until 7:30 p.m
First day of School is Tuesday, August 18th and starts at 8:15 a.m. (Students are welcome to come in my class beginning at 8 a.m.)
Here are some helpful documents:
My email is: llott@reaganacademy.org
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