December 2018 Reading Survey

Click the link to take the survey:
https://goo.gl/forms/RmWWWeW5cHIQc5vA2

Louisiana Purchase Online Scavenger Hunt Link

Click HERE to go on your Louisiana Purchase Online Scavenger Hunt!

November Reading Survey

Click the link to take the November Reading Survey:
https://goo.gl/forms/vqX5d6tp1SHhNHDU2

PSA Announcements

The Narwhals have worked so hard to research, plan, and film their Public Service Announcements for their natural disasters. Please check them out!

Click here for our EARTHQUAKE PSA!
Click here for our FLOOD PSA!
Click here for our HURRICANE PSA!
Click here for our TORNADO PSA!
Click here for our VOLCANO PSA!

Math Unit 1 Review Videos

Expanded Form



Comparing Numbers



Rounding



Addition Algorithm



Subtraction Algorithm

Fossil Game

Click HERE to begin playing the game.

August Buddies!

Online Practice Buddy Steps

Remember we also assign Online Practice Buddies as optional homework.  Mrs. Wood is so awesome and created a step-by-step guide on how to access the Practice Buddies at home!  Although optional, these are great resources for students and parents to practice math concepts being taught at school!

Pearson Practice Buddies make for a great review of each day's learning. Follow the step-by-step guide to accessing this resource.

Accessing Pearson Resources from Home

Begin by clicking on the link to Clever.

Students should "Log in with Google" using their Parkway Google Login (the one we use in class).

Click the "Pearson Resources" icon.

Login with your Pearson Login (Username: Parkway Google Username, Password: welcome)

Click on the "Realize" icon.

Click on the "Classes" icon to view any open assignments.

On the class Blog there are specific learning tutorials and games based on the learning target we are working on. Students can access these resources by clicking the "Math" page on the blog.

Class Name & Mission

The class voted, and we are the Nagy's Narwhals!

Class Mission
We are the Nagy's Narwhals, and we swim together and use our individual strengths to help one another. We splash into our learning, making sure to work hard, be brave, be confident, and keep swimming when things get difficult. Our goal is to treat everyone with respect by being respectful and kind. We are one big herd!

Classroom Plant Expactations

Here is the presentation that will help facilitate our classroom discussion for WHY we have plants in the classroom.  Feel free to go over this again with your child and ask them questions!

Visit our GoFundMe Page!

Take a moment to read about the changes coming to our classroom on our GoFundMe page!

https://www.gofundme.com/green-space-in-the-classroom

Thank You!

A big thank you to the Kirkwood Farmers' Market (Summit Produce) for their generous soil donation to our classroom!  I can't wait to start potting the plants for our classroom!

Shout Out!!

A HUGE shout out to Sugar Creek Gardens in Kirkwood for their generous donation!  I am so excited to start adding plants and nature into our classroom for this upcoming school year!

End of the Year Letter & Video

“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying Goodbye so hard.” – Winnie the Pooh

Parents & Families,

As we pack up and leave for the end of this school year, I want to thank each and every one of you for all of your support and encouragement you have provided.  This year has been particularly special for me, as many of you know that I had this group of kiddos in first grade. I am amazed at how their personalities, behaviors, and academics had grown.  I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to teach some of your children twice. It’s an experience that does not come around often. Again, thank you for a successful year, and thank your love, support, and dedication to ensure the success for each child.

As I like to say at the end of the year, it’s not goodbye, it’s see you later.  I hope to see many of you in years to come. Please never hesitate to reach out in the future if I can be of any assistance for your child.  Have a fun, safe, and relaxing summer.

Sincerely,
Carrie Nagy

For the past few years I have spent time making an end of the year video for myself and our families.  I hope you and your child enjoy these memories as much as I do!

Summer Slide

Our fantastic reading specialist put on our annual Summer Slide event yesterday!  Students had the opportunity to bring home three books for the summer.  Reading daily is critical for students in order to sustain their reading abilities and reading level.  Check your child's summer slide bag for information and a reading log to complete over the summer.

Happy reading!

Fishing Day - New Photos Added!

Thank you for the extra photos!  Enjoy :)

Weekly Update - May 18

It's our last Friday of fourth grade.  It is so bittersweet.  I have absolutely loved watching all of our Ninjas grow and learn over the course of the school year.  As we begin to close down our classroom, here is what we've been up to...

Math
In math, we continued to front-load some 5th grade math concepts such as...

• finding common denominators
• adding fractions with unlike denominators

We also started an end of the year math project.  Students are planning their own beach vacations!  They have been given $5,000 to spend and budget.  Be sure to ask them how their planning is going!

Social Studies
We wrapped up our Slavery, Civil War, and Reconstruction unit.  The major project for this unit was our Underground Railroad Webquests.  These went home on Wednesday and were graded.  Please be sure to check your child's folder!

Reading & Request - PLEASE READ
The 4th classes will be finishing the Mythology unit the last week of school. Our class will be viewing Percy Jackson & the Olympians:  The Lightning Thief movie on Wednesday, May 24.  We will be comparing and contrasting the myths with the movie’s plot, characterization, settings, conflicts, and symbols.

We have watched the movie from a teacher/parent point-of-view and found it appropriate for our grade. This movie is rated PG, if you do not want your child to watch the film please let me know by Monday, May 21.

Thank you,
Fourth Grade Teachers

Writing
We wrapped up our Historical Fiction writing unit this week!  Today we celebrated with a writer's buffet where students got to "sample" different writing pieces.

Upcoming Dates

• 5/21: Ms. Winzen & Ms. Seal Retirement Celebration
• 5/24: Last Day; 1:05 dismissal
• 5/30: Progress Reports go live
• 6/15 & 6/16: District Book Sale at South Middle
• This is a great opportunity to stock up on books for the summer!  There is NO admission fee, and books are only 50 cents!

Weekly Update - May 11

Good morning!  I felt very appreciated with all of the goodies and treats this week.  Thank you for helping to make this week special here at Barretts!  Take a look at what we've been up to this week...

Math
This week we focused on assessing end of year fourth grade math standards by taking our last math benchmark!  The rest of the week we have been front-loading some fifth grade math concepts including:

• decimal place value
• comparing decimals
• adding and subtracting decimals

Social Studies
In our Slavery, Civil War, and Reconstruction unit, students focused on...

• The Dred Scott Decision
• Kansas-Nebraska Act and Kansas Border War
• Causes of the Civil War
• Important People of the Civil War

Reading
We continued our Mythology unit this week.  Students are loving our read aloud, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief!  Concepts we focused on included...

• noticing how character changes can reveal lessons
• strong emotions can reveal lessons

Keep up the nightly 30 minutes of reading!  This is CRITICAL for reading growth, especially over the summer!

Writing
In our Historical Fiction writing unit we...

• developed believable characters for the time period
• drafted our stories
• annotated our thoughts by "being our own harshest critics"

Upcoming Dates

• Library books are due back!  Please send them back to school to avoid charges!
• 5/15: Mrs. Nagy out
• 5/15: Leadership Day **Wear class shirts!**
• 5/16: Mrs. Waters' Retirement Celebration, 4:00-5:00
• 5/24: Last Day; 1:05 Dismissal
• 6/15 & 6/16: District Book Sale at South Middle
• This is a great time to stock up on books for the summer!  There is NO admission fee, and books are only 50 cents! This is a GREAT opportunity.

Fishing Day Photos

Weekly Update - May 4

Good morning!  Today is Fishing Day!  The kids have been looking forward to this day all year.  Be on the lookout for pictures to come later this weekend.

Math
This week we reviewed Patterns and Measurement concepts and assessed our learning.  We reviewed concepts such as area and perimeter and conversions.  Next week we will be taking our last math benchmark, review fourth grade concepts, and begin to learn some fifth grade concepts!

Social Studies
In our Slavery, Civil War, and Reconstruction unit, we learned out some of the events that led up to the Civil War, such as differences between the North and the South.  Students were also assigned an Underground Railroad assignment through their Google Classroom.  They are welcome to work on these at home in order to complete them!

Reading
This week was all about mythology!  We immersed ourselves into Greek mythology by reading a variety of myths, learning what myths teach us, and learning different character archetypes.

Did you hear about the Amazon Prime Book Box? It's a subscription box for hardcover children's book!  Check it out!

Writing
We began our historical fiction writing unit!  This week we used a variety of brainstorming strategies to think of possible story ideas.  Many of us began making a plan for how our story will go.

Upcoming Dates

• 5/15: Mrs. Nagy out
• 5/16: Mrs. Waters' Retirement Celebration 4-5
• 5/24: Last Day; 1:05 dismissal
• 5/30: Progress Reports go live

Connect with Nature!

Are you and your family looking for opportunities to connect with nature this month?  Our Missouri Department of Conservation has a wealth of opportunities!  Check out what's happening at Powder Valley this May...

Checkout more opportunities in our area HERE!

Missouri Spring Wildflower Walk 
May 5 • Saturday • 9:30–11:30 a.m.
(All Ages) Reservations begin April 21.
Join us on a hike on Hickory Ridge Trail as we enjoy a beautiful spring hike looking not only for these spring ephemerals but also birds and other wildlife. Hickory Ridge Trail is 1.2 miles in length and consists of steep hills. If there are mobility considerations, please let us know (shelly.colatskie@mdc.mo.gov) so accommodations can be made.

Babes in the Woods: Flowers 
May 10 • Thursday • 9:30–10:30 a.m.
(Ages 0–3) Reservations begin May 26.
It’s always a perfect time to enjoy nature. Join us for a stroller walk outdoors. Discover how nature appeals to our senses no matter what our age. Dress for the weather.

Scout Discovery Table: Bird ID/ Flyways 
May 12 • Saturday • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
(All ages) No reservations are required.
Discover the wonders of Missouri birds and the location of their migratory flyways in a self-led program. Discovery tables are also open to the general public.

Beginning Archery at Emmenegger 
May 25 • Friday • 9:30–11:30 a.m. (Adults)
May 26 • Saturday • 9:30–11:30 a.m. (Ages 10 and up) Reservations begin May 11.
Learn the basics of safe archery and practice your skills. All equipment will be provided. To get to Emmenegger Nature Park, go west on Cragwold Rd. (past the Powder Valley entrance), cross over the highway and go south (left) on Stoneywood.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center Bio-Blitz
May 11 • Friday • 6:30 p.m.–11 p.m. and May 12 • Saturday • 7 a.m.–2 p.m.
(All Ages) No Registration Required
Citizen science is a way for the public to assist in population and distribution monitoring for all species of plants and wildlife. Come join us as species experts from all over the state survey for the plant and wildlife species at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center. Friday night activities include bat mist netting, spider sniffing surveys, moth surveys, and a live owl from World Bird Sanctuary. Activities on Saturday include songbird mist netting and banding, hummingbird trapping and banding, small mammal trapping, camera traps and scent stations, tree identification walks, Missouri native plant surveys, insect surveys, pond study survey, reptile and amphibian surveys, and MORE! Contact Shelly Colatskie at shelly.colatskie@mdc. mo.gov for more information and be on the lookout for flyers with specific times.

Weekly Update - April 26

Good afternoon!  Checkout what we've been up to this week...

Math
In math we had our MAP state assessment.  There was no new curriculum taught.  When we return next week, we will be reviewing Patterns and Measurement and assessing on Thursday May 3.

If your child turned in their review packet signed, they have no more math homework for the school year!

Social Studies
Next week we will really be digging into our Slavery, Civil War, and Reconstruction unit!

Reading
In reading we had our MAP state assessment.  There was no new curriculum taught.  When we return next week, we will be beginning our Mythology unit!  Students are extremely excited, and this tends to be a very high interest unit.  Your child will come home with mini-books to share with you!

Please remember to continue to read 30 minutes nightly!

Writing
When we return next week, we will begin our final unit of study: Historical Fiction!  Students will love writing narrative stories based in a different time period.  We will focus on activating our knowledge of times we've already researched, and we will brainstorm possible stories!

Upcoming Dates

• 4/27: No School
• 5/1: Library Checkout
• 5/2: Chipotle Fundraiser
• 5/2: Patterns and Measurement Assessment
• 5/4: Fishing Day!!
• 5/15: Mrs. Nagy out
• 5/16: Mrs. Waters Retirement Celebration
• 5/24: Last Day; 1:05 dismissal

Weekly Update - April 19

Our classroom was very busy this week!

Math

In math this week we continued with our Patterns and Measurement unit.  Concepts we focused on included...

• converting from larger units to smaller units using the metric and customary systems
• finding the area and perimeter of  rectangle
• extending number and shape patterns

If your child completed 30 minutes of review practice with their packet, please make sure that it is signed and returned by Monday for no more math homework the rest of the year!

Social Studies

This week we began our Slavery, Civil War, and Reconstruction unit.  We introduced this unit with a read aloud book, January's Sparrow.

Reading 

This week we prepared for the MAP by reviewing concepts, test taking strategies, and the online MAP tools.

Please make sure that your child reads 30 minutes nightly!

Writing

In writing we wrapped up our Literary Essay unit!  We celebrated by sharing our favorite lines from our essays.  These were sent home, so be sure to have your child share them with you!  We also had two of our authors debate their claims over the Giving Tree.  The class had to decide between these two claims: (1) The Tree was weak, or (2) The Tree was strong.

Upcoming Dates

• 4/23-4/26: MAP Testing
• Please make sure your child gets plenty of sleep and a good breakfast!
• 4/27: No School
• 4/28: Barretts Blast!
• 5/4: Fishing Day
• Volunteers are still needed!  Please sign-up here!

Principal for the Day

Dean was principal for the day on Thursday, April 19!

Weekly Update - April 13

Happy Friday!  Last night was so much fun to watch our students perform their music and dancing!  I can tell they worked hard to put on a great performance for us.  We had a very busy week in the classrom.  Take a look at what we've been up to...

Math
We started our next unit of study, Patterns and Measurement!  Skills we focused on included converting from a larger unit to a smaller unit (i.e. miles to yards).  We did this with customary units of length, capacity, and weight!  Today we started working on converting units within the metric system. 

Please remember to spend 30 minutes weekly on the review packet for MAP.  All students who bring this packet back signed by a parent at the end of next week will have NO MORE math homework for the rest of the school year!

Science
In our Electricity unit we assessed our learning today!  Other skills we focused on included...

• understanding parallel and series circuits
• how to work with magnets 

Reading
This week in reading we are taking the time to practice test taking skills before the MAP test in a couple weeks.  This week we learned generic test taking strategies and also reviewed fiction and nonfiction concepts of reading.

Please remember to read 30 minutes nightly!

Writing
We are continuing to work on our literary essays in class!  This week we focused on...

• revising our conclusions
• revising to elaborate and add detail
• revising for transitions
• editing for grammar

Important Note About Fishing Day

Watch for permission slips to come home today!  These will need to be returned ASAP.  This year we will have a fish fry station for students to sample fish purchased at the grocery store.  If you would prefer your student NOT sample fish this day, please contact me.

Upcoming Dates

• 4/20: Pretzel Sale! 
• 4/20: Volunteer Appreciation Day
• 4/23-4/26: MAP testing
• 4/27: No School
• 4/28: Barretts Blast!
• 5/4: Fishing Day
• There's still a few spots left!  Sign up here!

Weekly Update - April 6

Hello and welcome back!  I hope our students enjoyed their spring breaks.  We had a full week of learning.

Math
This week we spent time reviewing geometry concepts such as...

• parallel and perpendicular lines
• classifying triangles and quadrilaterals
• angle measurement

Please remember to spend 30 minutes weekly on the review packet for MAP.  All students who bring this back signed after 3 weeks will have no more math homework for the remainder of the school year!

Science
In our Electricity unit this week scientists focused on...

• parts of a circuit
• troubleshooting a circuit
• diagramming circuits

We will plan to assess our unit on Friday, April 13.

Reading
We wrapped up our Historical Fiction unit this week by...

• identifying the theme of a text
• using minor characters to strengthen our idea about theme

Please continue to read 30 minutes nightly!  Students who have not yet finished their book club books may bring them home to complete their 30 minutes!

Writing
In writing we continued to draft and revise our literary essays.  This week we focused on plans and drafting.  We began to revise our introductions.

Upcoming Dates

• 4/10: Mrs. Nagy out
• 4/12: 4th Grade Fine Arts Night
• 4/13: Electricity Assessment
• 4/20: Pretzel Sale
• 4/20: Volunteer Appreciation Day
• 4/23-4/26: MAP Testing
• 4/27: No School
• 4/28: Barretts Blast
• 5/4: Fishing Day
• sign-up here

Weekly Update - March 23

Happy Friday!  I hope everyone is ready and excited for Spring Break.  If you would like to send pictures of your adventures, I would love to put them on the blog!  Please send them to cnagy@parkwayschools.net.

Math
This week we wrapped up our Ration Numbers unit.  We spent time reviewing major concepts, and students looked at their data in order to make responsible choices for their math workshop time.  We assessed our learning, and we will be beginning our Patterns and Measurement unit coming back from break.

Please remember to practice math facts nightly!

Geometry
This week ends our flipped geometry lessons.  Thank you so much for your support and helping your child.  We will be reviewing geometry concepts after break and leading up to the MAP test.

Science
The Ninjas are loving the Electricity unit!  This week we investigated how to make a light bulb light with just one wire, one battery, and one light bulb.  Not only are they practicing and learning electricity concepts, but they are also learning how to cooperate and problem solve with others.

Reading
It was all about theme this week in our Historical Fiction unit.  We focused on how we can find big ideas within small details (ex. the Star of David impression in Annemarie's hand in Number the Stars).  We also talked about how to deepen our ideas about theme and characters.

Please remember to continue to read 30 minutes nightly, even over break!

Writing
The Ninjas worked to test their claims for their literary essays this week.  Many students have claims about their books, and they began to find, cite, and collect evidence from their books in order to develop reasons to support their claims.  When we come back from break, we will be reviewing the essay structure and begin to draft essays.

Upcoming Dates

• 3/26-3/30: Spring Break
• 4/3: Spring Pictures
• 4/4: Late start; 11:05 start
• 4/10: Mrs. Nagy out
• 4/27: No School
• 5/4: Fishing Day
• Volunteers are needed!  Please consider signing up here!

Weekly Update - March 16

Good morning!  Thank you all for the birthday wishes and generous gifts.  The Ninjas helped to make be feel special and appreciated today!  Check out what we've been up to this week...

Rational Numbers
This week in our Rational Numbers unit, we focused on solving word problems involving money, decimals, and fractions.  We will be assessing our Rational Numbers unit on Wednesday, March 21 of next week.

Geometry
This week in Geometry we focused on identifying lines of symmetry and symmetric shapes.  Week 10 is now assigned in your child's Google Classroom.  Next week we will focus on drawing shapes with line symmetry.

Science
We began our Electricity unit this week!  This time the Ninjas will stay with me for science!  This week we reviewed safety rules for electricity and discussed static electricity.

Reading
Our historical fiction book clubs are well underway! This week students focused on understanding how the setting can impact characters and plot.  We also started to think about how we can determine themes of a text.

Writing
In our Literary Essay unit, writers focused on reading a text "like a writer" to pull out evidence and state claims about a character.  We then wrote to grow our ideas about the characters in our texts.  Be sure to ask your child which book they chose to write their first literary essay over!

Upcoming Dates

• 3/19: Library Checkout
• 3/26-3/30: Spring Break
• 4/4: Late Start; 11:05 start
• 4/10: Mrs. Nagy out
• 4/27: No school
• 5/4: Fishing Day

Weekly Update - March 9

Good morning!  Take a look at what we've been up to this week...

Rational Numbers
In our Rational Numbers unit, mathematicians focused on...

• fractions written as decimals
• decimals on a number line
• comparing decimals
• adding fractions with denominators of 100 and 10

Please remember to practice math facts nightly!

Geometry
In our Geometry unit, students worked on classifying quadrilaterals based on their attributes.  Week 9 is now assigned in Google Classroom.  Next week students will learn about line symmetry.

Reading
Our Historical Fiction unit began this week!  Students were eager to get started in their book clubs based in a time period they had researched.  This week we focused on how to read intensely at the start of a text and read closely for details about the characters and setting.

Please remember to read 30 minutes nightly!

Writing
We began our Literary Essay unit this week!  Students will be writing an essay about a favorite book of theirs by stating a claim and supporting their claim with reasons and evidence.  This week we reviewed how to structure an essay and practiced pulling claims for texts.

Fishing Day Note

Hello Fourth Grade Parents,
Our fourth grade students will be enjoying a Fishing Day Field trip on Friday, May 4th.

We will be going to the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area in St. Charles, MO. 

The students will leave Barrett’s shortly after school starts and return around 2pm that afternoon.  

Please look for more information in the coming weeks including an email with plenty of volunteer opportunities.  

This is going to be a fun event but will take lots of folks lending a hand to make the day a huge success.

Thanks and look forward to getting out and enjoying Missouri’s outdoors together.

Regards,
Dusty Wright

Upcoming Dates

• 3/12-3/15: Book Fair
• 3/13: Mrs. Nagy out
• 3/13 & 3/15: Student-led conferences
• sign up here
• 3/26-3/30: Spring Break

Weekly Update - March 2

Welcome to March!  Here is what The Ninjas have been up to this week...

Rational Numbers
This week was all about line plots!  Mathematicians learned how to...

• read line plots
• make line plots
• solve problems involving line plots

Please remember to practice math facts nightly!

Geometry
This week in geometry, mathematicians learned how to classify triangles.
Week 8 is now assigned in Google Classroom.  This next week students will be learning how to classify quadrilaterals.

Conference Prep
All this week the Ninjas have been working hard to prepare for their student-led conferences.  If you have not yet had a chance to sign up, please sign up here.

Reading
This week we are wrapping up our nonfiction writing unit and focused heavily on identifying the main idea of a text.  Students also learned how to interact with a text by annotating it.  Be sure to ask them about their new skill!

Next week will mark the start of our next reading unit, Historical Fiction.

Please remember to read 30 minutes nightly!

Writing
This week we also wrapped up our informational writing unit.  We spent time practicing our note taking skills and organization.

Next week we will begin our next writing unit, Literary Essay.

Upcoming Dates

• 3/7: Late start; 11:05 start
• 3/8 & 3/13: Mrs. Nagy out
• 3/13 & 3/15: Student-led Conferences
• sign up here
• 3/12-3/15: Book Fair
• 3/26-3/30: Spring Break

Weekly Update - February 23

Take a look at what we've been up to this short week!

Rational Numbers

This week in our rational numbers unit, students focused on rational numbers skills such as...

• comparing fractions
• finding equivalent fractions
• adding and subtracting fractions
• multiplying fractions

Please remember to practice math facts nightly!  Online Practice Buddies are also assigned as optional homework!

Geometry

Week 7 is now assigned in your child's Google Classroom.  Week 7 will focus on classifying triangles.

Science

The Ninjas wrapped up their Weather and Water unit with Ms. Hof!

Social Studies

This week we discussed Black History Month and why we celebrate it!

Reading

This week in reading we continued to research a new time period that our next book club books will be set in.  Readers reviewed how to identify main idea and how to preview a text.

Remember to read 30 minutes nightly!

Writing

As we are researching our new time periods, writers are focusing on their note taking skills.  I have taught how to take notes using the boxes and bullets strategy.

Upcoming Dates

• 2/28: Progress Reports go live
• 2/28: Six Flags Read to Succeed forms due
• 3/7: Late Start
• 3/8: Mrs. Nagy out
• 3/13: Mrs. Nagy out
• 3/13 & 3/15: Student led conferences
• sign up here

Weekly Update - February 16

There was a lot of love this week, especially on Valentine's Day (pictures to come)!  Take a look at what we've been up to in the classroom...

Rational Numbers

This week in our Rational Numbers unit, mathematicians focused on...

• multiplying a whole number by a fraction and a whole number by a mixed number
• solving problems involving time

Please remember to practice math facts nightly!

Geometry

This week students learned how to find unknown angle measures using addition and subtraction.  In Week 6, students will be learning concepts involving lines (parallel, perpendicular, etc).  The assignment is now open on the Math Google Classroom and in Pearson.

Science

The Ninjas will wrap up their Weather and Water unit with Ms. Hof on February 22 with the end of unit assessment.  Their study guides have been completed, and students should have brought them home to prepare for the assessment.

Reading

Students have continued to practice nonfiction reading concepts such as previewing texts, identifying main idea, and researching.  Our next reading unit is based in historical fiction.  Your child will prepare by researching a specific time period in order to gain background knowledge.

Read 30 minutes nightly!

Writing

We wrapped up our current writing pieces this week by...

• revising our conclusions
• adding purposeful text features
• editing and celebrating

Upcoming Dates

• 2/19: No School
• 2/23: Abilities Awareness Day & Hat Day
• 2/28: Progress reports are live
• 3/13 & 3/15: Student Led Conferences
• Sign-up Here

Weekly Update - February 9

Happy Friday!  Here is what the Ninjas have been up to this week...

Rational Numbers
This week in our rational numbers unit, mathematicians focused on...

• adding mixed numbers
• subtracting mixed numbers
• solve word problems involving fractions

Please remember to keep practicing math facts!  Also, Online Practice Buddies are assigned as optional homework!

Geometry
This week mathematicians focused on measuring and creating angles using a protractor.  Many students borrowed protractors.  Please have them return them when they are finished!

Week 5 Assignment is now available in Google Classroom.  This upcoming week, you will help your child use addition and subtraction to solve problems with unknown angle measures.

Social Studies
We wrapped up our Westward Expansion unit by reviewing concepts taught and assessing our understanding.  You should see their reflection come home this weekend.

Science
The Ninjas are currently in their Weather and Water unit with Ms. Hof.

Reading
This week readers worked to tackle complex texts by chunking and paraphrasing.  Students also worked to determine the main idea of a text.

Please remember to read 30 minutes nightly!

Writing
Writers are currently wrapping up their American Revolution history books by revising for introductions, chapter leads, and topic sentences.

Wonder Note

Parents,

The fourth grade team will be showing the movie Wonder to our students on Valentines Day.  Most fourth graders have read this inspiring book about acceptance independently or as a read aloud.  This movie is rated PG, so if you would prefer that your child NOT watch this movie, please let me know.

Upcoming Dates

• 2/14: Library Checkout
• 2/14: Valentine Parties; 2:40-3:40
• 2/16: No School; Records Day
• 2/19: No School
• 2/23: Abilities Awareness Day
• 3/13 & 3/15: Student Led Conferences
• Sign-up Here

Weekly Update - February 2

Welcome to February!  Take a look at what we've been up to in the classroom...

Rational Numbers
In our Rational Numbers unit, students worked to...

• compare fractions with unlike denominators
• construct mathematical arguments
• add and subtract fractions with like denominators

Please remember to practice math facts nightly!

Geometry
This week students learned how to measure with unit angles and pattern blocks!  Their Week 4 Assignment is available in Google Classroom.  Week 4 will focus on measure angles with protractors!

Social Studies
In our Westward Expansion unit, students studied what life was like on the Oregon Trail.  Students also worked to complete their study guide over the following concepts:

• location and discussing important cities to westward expansion in MO
• the Missouri Compromise
• dangers on the trails heading west
• the effects westward expansion had on Native Americans

Our Westward Expansion assessment will be Tuesday, February 6!  Please help your child prepare and study!

Science
The Ninjas will continue their Weather and Water unit with Ms. Hof.

Reading
Students prepared arguments and staged the Second Continental Congress to debate the question, "Should the colonies declare independence from Great Britain?" as either loyalists or patriots. Students prepared arguments, rebuttals, and responses!

Writing
In our nonfiction writing unit, writers focused on planning a new book about the American Revolution.  Plans included chapter titles, genres, and research that needed to be completed.

Upcoming Dates

• 2/7: Late Start; 11:05 start
• 2/6: Westward Expansion Assessment
• 2/9: Pretzel Sale
• 2/9: Daddy Daughter Dance
• 2/14: Valentine Parties; 2:40-3:40
• 2/16: No School; Records Day
• 2/19: No School
• 2/23: Abilities Awareness Day

January 26 Weekly Update

Happy Friday!  Take a look at what we've been up to and learning this week!

Rational Numbers
This week mathematicians focused on developing their understandings of equivalent fractions.  We found equivalent fractions by using area models, number lines, multiplication, and division.  We have started to learn about comparing fractions.

Please remember to be practicing your math facts nightly!

Geometry
This week you helped your children learn and understand angles and unit angles.  Please remember to watch the "Visual Learning" lesson and attempt the "Convince Me" at home.  On Fridays there will be a teacher lesson followed with skill practice.

Today students are assigned their Week 3 Assignment.  This week students will be learning about Measuring with Unit Angles.  Thank you for your help and support at home!

Social Studies
This week in our Westward Expansion unit, students focused on studying about Missouri becoming a state, the Oregon Trail, and important cities to Missouri during Westward Expansion.  Students also started an Oregon Trail journal!  Ask your child to view it from their Google Classroom accounts at home!

Science
The Ninjas are currently studying their Weather and Water unit with Ms. Hof.

Reading
In reading this week, we continued to focus on researching topics around the Revolutionary War.  Students celebrated their learning with skits about their subtopics.

We are now preparing for our reenactment of the First Continental Congress and debate!  Students will be taking the perspective of a Patriot or Loyalist and arguing whether or not the colonies should declare independence.

Writing
In writing this week, students continued to draft and revise their books about the American Revolution.  We focused on elaboration within our writing pieces.

Upcoming Dates

• 1/26: PTO Movie Night
• 2/1: Library Checkout
• 2/7: Late Start; 11:05 start
• 2/9: Daddy Daughter Dance
• 2/14: Valentine Parties; 2:40-3:40
• 2/16: Records Day; No School
• 2/19: No School

Weekly Update - January 19

Happy Friday!  Here is what we've been up to this week...

Math
In our Ration Numbers unit, we continued to develop big ideas about fractions such as:

• the size of the whole matters
• the smaller the denominator the larger the piece
• fractions are like division

If your child has not yet mastered their math facts, be sure to practice nightly!

Geometry
We will have our first flipped geometry workshop today and will focus on lines, rays, and angles!  Week 2 is assigned in their Math Google Classroom, and the assignment can also be accessed here.  This coming week students will understand angles and unit angles.  It is imperative that students complete their homework prior to math workshop on Fridays!

Social Studies
This week we focused on MO becoming a state and the MO Compromise!

Science
The Ninjas continued in their Weather and Water unit with Ms. Hof.

Reading
Students continued to research the American Revolution and their subtopics.  Skills we focused on this week include:

• rereading sources for details
• synthesizing across texts
• planning skits to teach others about their subtopics

Please remember to read 30 minutes nightly!

Writing
In writing, we are using what we are learning from our research in reading to write informational books about the American Revolution!  Students wrote two chapters of their books this week:

• Chapter 1: All About the American Revolution
• Chapter 2: All About Their Subtopics

I have resources on the blog in our Reading and Writing tab if you are interested in helping your child to research more about their subtopics!

Upcoming Dates

• 1/22: Library Checkout
• 1/26: PTO Movie Night
• 2/1: Library Checkout
• 2/7: Late Start; 11:05 start
• 2/9: Daddy Daughter Dance (flier went home Thursday)
• 2/14: Valentine Parties 2:40-3:40
• 2/16: No School; Records Day

Weekly Update - January 12

Hello!  Check out what we've been up to this week...

Math
This week in our Rational Numbers unit mathematicians worked on investigating and problem solving dividing sub sandwiches into groups.  The big idea of fractions we learned about are:

• you can think of fractions as division
• when naming a piece, the whole matters (1/2, 1/3, 1/4...)
• the size of the whole matters

Please remember to practice math facts!

Geometry

Please refer to the parent letter that went home Thursday about our Geometry unit.  Students will be participating in flipped lessons.  The Week 1 assignment is due by next Friday.  Instructions on how to access Pearson were sent home as well.  All assignments will be located in Google Classroom and emailed out to parents.  This coming week we will focus on Lines, Rays, and Angles!

Social Studies
In our Westward Expansion unit, students reviewed the Louisiana Purchase and began to investigate and question why people move

Science
The Ninjas started their Water unit with Ms. Hof this past Thursday!

Reading
In our current nonfiction unit students are researching the American Revolution.  Skills we focused on included:

• how to launch a research project and list subtopics
• how to identify the structure of a texts
• how to take notes effectively

Please remember to read nightly!

Writing
We used our writing block to refresh independent reading expectations.  On Friday we launched our next writing unit.  We will be writing an informational text about the American Revolutions!

Upcoming Dates

• 1/15: No School
• 1/19: Geometry Week 1 Assignment due
• 1/22: Library checkout
• 2/1: Library checkout

Jar of Life

During our class meeting today we discussed making time for the things that really matter in your life.  To help facilitate this conversation, I showed our students this video.  You may find it interesting to watch and discuss it with your child at home.  I was impressed with a lot of the "big rocks" they shared at the end!

Weekly Update 1/5

Good morning!  It was a short week, and we spent a lot of time getting back into the swing of things.

Math
Mathematicians completed their second math benchmark.  They also started to learn how to add fractions mentally.

Social Studies
The Ninjas spent time reviewing the Louisiana Purchase before we begin our Westward Expansion unit next week.

Science
The Ninjas will be starting their Water unit with Ms. Hof on Thursday of next week.

Reading
Readers reviewed reading workshop expectations and ways to stay engaged by:

• choosing a perfect reading spot
• retelling to jump back in when they lose focus

Writing

Writers worked to review writing workshop expectations and completed the pre-assessment for our next informational writing unit we will begin next week.

Upcoming Dates

• 1/8: Library Checkout
• 1/10: Late Start; 11:05 start
• 1/15: No School