Winter Party

We will have our winter party this Wednesday at 10am.  Thank you to the families who have donated items for our party.  As of right now, I don't think we have juice for the party.  If you are interested in donating a drink, let me know.  I tried to make a google.doc for sign-ups, but it doesn't seem to be user-friendly at the moment.  (no one has signed-up).  I will work on the google.doc and hopefully our families will be able to sign up easier in the future.  I am so sorry for making this so complicated!

MAPs results

We have been celebrating our improvements in reading and math.  Recently, we took our winter MAPs tests for both math and reading.  The students took the test seriously and worked very hard on the test.  All students that made growth in the reading MAPs test earned a Wii party!  It was so much fun!!  Many of you brought in remotes and games - thank you so much for that!  Also, the students voted for a sundae party for all students who made growth in math.  We will have to do that party after break....just too much to squeeze in before break!

Math Homework

Hi Families!

Please remember to use the online resource that correlates with our math series.  Here is the link, once again.
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mthexp/g4/index.html

Here is some help with our triangle homework. 

A triangle can be named by it's angles or it can be named by it's sides.  For angles, and triangle can be an acute triangle (all acute angles), an obtuse triangle (one obtuse angle -two acute angles), or it can be a right triangle (one right angle - 2 acute angles).

When looking at a triangle's sides, a triangle can be named an isosceles triangle, equiliateral triangle or a scalene triangle.  An isosceles triangle has two congruent sides.  An equilateral triangle has all three sides equal to each other (congruent).  A scalene triangle has three different lengths for sides.

Living Museum - Due Dates

It's almost time!  We are excited to start presenting our Living Museum projects.  All projects will be presented in the afternoon, after our lunch recess.  They will begin at 12:35pm and all family members are welcome to join us. 

I sent a reminder on the back of our math homework today with each student's due date. 

Goodbye, Ms. Korkus!

We sent Ms. Korkus off with tear-filled eyes:(  We proudly gave her our personalized class book with all of our wishes, hopes and advice for her teaching career.  Thank you to all that made a donation for her sweatshirt.  The PTO advised me that it will be in this week, so I will be making a trip to see her soon.   We all wish her the best in her final semester at NIU.

Math Study Guide

This was passed out last week, but I thought I would post it just in case!

Unit 2 Study Guide

This unit focuses on addition and subtraction word and number problems.  Please practice the following concepts with your child before our test on Tuesday, December 6, 2011. 

Addition:  Remember to regroup your place values when you are adding multi-digit numbers.  Regroup TO the LEFT. 

Subtraction:  Remember to regroup your place values when you are subtracting multi-digit numbers.  Regroup FROM the LEFT.

Commutative Property:  Addition can be done in any order.

       Example:  3+9+6 = 9+6+3

Inequalities:  When two equations do not equal one another we use the < (less than) or > (greater than) sign.

       Example:  8+9 > 8+3          8 x 9 > 8 x 3

Equalities:  Using an = or = sign to show if an equation is equal.

       Example:  8+9 = 9+8                 8 x 9 = 9 x 9

                   8+8+8+8 = 8 x 4          2+2+2+3 = 2 x 4

Break Apart Drawings:  These help us see that addition and subtraction are the inverse of one another.  2 addends equal our total.

Place Value:  Know the name of the place value of each number.

       Example:  777,298,433

7 hundred millions  (700,000,000)

7 ten millions  (70,000,000)

7 millions thousands  (7,000,000)

2 hundred thousands  (200,000)

9 ten thousands  (90,000)

8 thousands  (8,000)

4 hundreds  (400)

3 tens  (30)

3 ones  (3)

Writing Numbers:  Know the different ways to express numbers.

      

       Examples: 

Standard Form:  7,349

Expanded Form: 7,000 + 300 + 40 + 9

Word Form:  Seven thousand three hundred forty nine

Write Equations/Solve for the unknown variable:  Given word problems be able to determine whether or not they are addition or subtraction and what number is missing.  (Using break-apart drawings is very helpful to solve these!!!!) 

       Example:  Henry walked for 90 minutes on the weekend.  He walked for a total of 140 minutes for the week.  How many minutes did he walk on the weekdays? 

       Solution:  90 + x = 140        140 – 90 = 50 

                   Henry walked 50 minutes on the weekdays.

Comparison bars:  These help us compare numbers in word problems.

       Example:  At the zoo there are 12 lions.  There are 9 more tigers than lions.  How many tigers are at the zoo?

Multi-step word problems:  Understand when there is more than one operation that is needed to solve a problem. 

       Example:  Miguel gave the clerk two $20 bills for a hat that cost $16.50 and a shirt that cost $12.00.  How much change should Miguel receive? 

Step 1:  Two $20 bills = $40.00

Step 2:  How much did he spend on his items altogether?  16.50+12.00= 28.50

Step 3:  Set up an equation to show how much change he should get back.  40.00 – 28.50 = $11.50

Rounding:  Know how to round numbers to the place value given. First, underline the place value that you are looking at.  Then, draw an arrow to the number to the right.  Ask yourself if that number is 5 or higher or lower than 5.  If it is 5 or higher round up and change the rest of the number to the right to zeros.  If it is 4 or lower then round down and change the number to the right to zeros.

       Example:

Round 237 to the nearest ten:  240

Round 87,938 to the nearest thousand:  88,000

Know your multiplication and addition doubles!!  You will be tested on these!!

Ex:   2 x 2 =     3 + 3 =     4 x 4 =

       2 +2 =      3 x 3 =     4 + 4 =

Ms. Korkus

Ms. Korkus' last day is fast approaching.  She has been a wonderful addition to our class!  We will miss her dearly.  Her last day is Thursday, December 8th.  We will be giving her a zip-up Mary Endres Sweatshirt along with a personal book that we created for her.  Each student created their own page with well-wishes, memories and advice for Ms. Korkus when she has a classroom of her own.  We were so lucky to have her work with our class!  A small donation for the sweatshirt would be appreciated if you are able ($0.50 - $1.00).  Thank you! 

PTO Party Sign Up

The party sign-up is filling up ....(round 2).  Thank you so much for your support!

We need your help! PTO Party Sign-Up

Well, I feel terrible admitting this....BUT....I cannot find the PTO party sign-up that we had at our Open House.  On the sign up, I had many of you write down that you would graciously donate an item or your time to come in and support our classroom   I feel terrible that I can't find the original.....

But to move forward, I created an electronic one that I won't be able to lose:)  It is in a form of a google.doc.  I shared the link below.  If you would like to sign up for something for our Winter Party or Valentine's Party, please click on the link and add your name.  You may have to sign up for access into google docs.  Please note that you do not have to have a google email in place.  My school email worked for me.  Let me know if you have any questions, and as always, thank you so much for your generosity!

http://docs.google.com/demo/edit?id=scAA50x11nMTiRiS6Pgp9-jTt&dt=document#document

Poster Examples - Video

Here are a few examples of posters that former students created.  They are on display in the library.

Biography Project Letter - sent home today:)

Here is the information that we sent home today.  The students are viewing a variety of biographies in class with me today.  The biographies featured in class today are:  Princess Diana, Thomas Edison, Ludwig van Beethoven and Neil Armstrong.  I am just getting their brains thinking of an important historical person that would interest them to do their project on.

November 15, 2011

A Special Biography Project

Dear Families,

            Here is your chance to share some quality time with your child while learning together about a famous historical person who has made a positive impact on our world.  Below you will find the directions for this exciting activity.  You can share your enthusiasm for learning by helping your child complete this project.  The minutes you spend reading together can count for your child’s nightly reading.

1. Week of November 14:  Pick a biography of a famous person from history.  A trip to our wonderful Woodstock Public Library would be a great idea, yet your child will be given time in our school library as well.  (Mrs. Scott is aware of this project and will be supporting research & reading as well.)    See pictures and ideas on the back.  **Please have your child bring in the book they chose by November 21^st for approvalJ.
2. Weeks of November 21^st and 28^th:  Read the book with your child.  Perhaps you’ll want to take turns reading pages.  By reading together you will all learn about the famous person and be able to discuss ideas for a small speech.  It may be helpful to make a simple timeline of important events in the person’s life and the historically significant contributions of this person.
3. Week of December 5^th:  Using a large stiff piece of poster board or cardboard, cut out holes for your child’s face and hands;  then have your child decorate the board to look like a painted portrait of the famous person, dressed in clothing appropriate for the person and time period.  (Drawing, painting, or “building” a 3-D frame around the picture will complete the look.)  Invite your child to be creative, to use his/her imagination and have fun!
4. December 12^th – date of speech:  Have your child prepare and memorize a one-minute speech pretending to be that famous person, such as:  “Hello, my name is Eleanor Roosevelt.  I was born in…..I am famous because…, etc.  Then practice, practice, practice!
5. On December 15, 16, 19^th we will perform our Living Museums.  The date you will perform will be circled.

Thanks so much for your help with this special project.  It is sure to be an enjoyable and enriching experience for all.

Happy reading,

Mrs. Laidig and Ms. Korkus

Speech Planning sheet, use some or all of these ideas, add some of your own.

Hello, my name is __________________________________________

I was born on_________________________, in ____________________

When I was ____________________ I ___________________________

One important thing that I did was ______________________________

One thing that happened to me was _____________________________

I am famous because ________________________________________

People will remember me because ______________________________

I died on ___________________________________, but I will never be forgotten because _______________________________________________.

Living Museum

Stay tuned.....we will be beginning a biography research project in class.  The students will receive the guidelines to the project in class this week (and I will post the guidelines on the class blog as well).  They will be asked to research an important figure from history. . . . . details to follow.  stay tuned :)

Veteran's Day

Last week, our class read a Veteran's Day book from our school library.  As a class, we discussed what we already knew about Veteran's Day, including who a veteran is, etc.  During the story, the students offered their thoughts and feelings about serving in our armed forces and the bravery involved.  Ms. Korkus and I were touched by the thoughts and feelings the students shared.  In addition, the students did a fine job writing a personal thank you letter to Mr. Ryan (who is a Navy vet), Ms. Emily Scott (Mrs. Scott's daughter who is currently serving for the United States Airforce in Afghanistan) or to one of Emily's fellow Airmen.  It is such an honor as a teacher to work with students to help them think about and honor those who fight for our country.

Science Project

Here is the note that Ms. Korkus sent home with the students today:

Dear Parents and/or Guardians,                               November 14, 2011

          Our Earth Materials science unit is coming to an end!  We’ve learned lots about the ways that rocks and minerals are formed, properties of rocks and minerals, and the different ways that we can test rocks and minerals to determine what they are.  To conclude this unit your child will take a cumulative test and complete an independent project.  Your child chose their project on Thursday, November 10^th.  The completed project is due on Friday, November 18^th.  We will be working on these projects during Science in class but it is expected that your child is also working on their project at home to ensure its completion.  If you have any questions please let me know.  I can’t wait to see all the wonderful final projects! 

Thank you!

Ms. Korkus

4th Grade Music Concert Clip

Music Concert Video - just a little bit

Here is a tiny bit of our concert last night.  The students did a great job learning the lyrics and pulling off a great concert!  (I wish I could of recorded more!)

I am sorry, I am having technically difficulties!  I worked on this a lot today and it is just is not happening yet.  I will try again this weekend.

Music Concert

Our students sounded fantastic this evening.  We also had a performance during the day today, and I had teachers coming up to me praising how wonderful they sounded.  We are all so proud!  I took some video of one of the songs, I will try and post it tomorrow.

Campfire - After the Fact

Wow, last week's campfire was definitely the best one yet!  I was so impressed by our students' performances!   Thank you for working so hard in helping your child with their storytelling, not to mention their creative props they used as well.  Thank you all who helped in bringing in the s'mores ingrediants - they were delicious!
Ms. Jacobsen, who is working on this year's yearbook, came in and took pictures.  I hope that some of them turn out (as it was dark in the classroom) and make it in the final book!

Fall Campfire

Our fall campfire/storytelling event is almost here!  We have been working hard on memorizing our assigned poem, and are all do a fine job preparing ourselves for this exciting literacy event.  Each student will be graded within these categories:  preparedness, prop usage, enthusiasm, listening to others, and enthusiasm.  Please have fun at home preparing for Thursday!  I can't wait to see their creativeness!

The Rock Cycle

We are learning about The Rock Cycle!!! 

In cooperative learning groups, students were asked to create a poem, song, or skit explaining The Rock Cycle!  Make sure to ask them about Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic rocks.

Think Pink Basket Raffle

Our PTO's fall fest is right around the corner.  Our class signed up along with Mrs. Briscoe's class to build a "Think Pink" themed basket.  Our basket will be raffled at the PTO fest on Friday, October 28th.  We are asking any families to make a small donation to our basket to help make it spectacular.  If you find anything great and PINK, please consider making a donation.  Many pink items benefit Breast Cancer Research and are easily found in October.  It would feel great to support such a wonderful cause!  Thanks in advance for your contributions!

Spelling Update

Look out for your child's recent spelling test.  There is a note attached to it explaining what to do with any words that were missed.  Our tests are cumulative, so words that are on this test could very well show up on future tests.  We are working through the units within 2 weeks, with a test at the conclusion of each unit.

Geometry Updates

We took our first geometry quiz last week from Unit A.  After Ms. Korkus and I analyzed the results, we thought it would be beneficial to reteach a few of the concepts and give the students an additional opportunity to increase their scores.  With that said, we will retake our first practice quiz tomorrow, October 18th to help solidify these very important geometry concepts.

Tonight's geometry homework is A-6.  This assignment reviews perimeter and area of complex figures.  We are learning and reviewing the concept of perimeter, and relating the fact that it is similar to building a fence around the shape.  We relate area to the number of units inside a figure, similar to imagining the shape being tiled like a floor.  It is important to remember that area is labeled in square units (i.e. square yards, square kilimeters, etc.)

Here are some freebies for this week's homework:
Tonight's math homework is page A-6.  Number 3 is a complex figure that looks like the letter "U".  ***Don't forget to add the missing 2 sides that are not labeled when finding the perimeter and area.  The perimeter ends up being 52 cm, with the addition of the missing sides, 6cm and 3cm.  The area totals up to 78 square cm.  Remember to divvy the complex figure into 3 shapes, find the area of each, then add the 3 areas all together.

Classroom Storytelling/Campfire

Our classroom campfire will be on Thursday, October 28th.  Each student will select a fall-themed poem to recite at our campfire.  This is an exciting day where students show off their performance skills.  Props will be expected, so please plan with your child to ensure they do their best!  Classtime will be given to work on memorizing their poem.   I will send home a rubric ahead of time so you know how your child will be graded.  Also, as an added treat, I like to have a traditional campfire snack, probably smores, for this day.  Let me know if you are able to contribute chocolate or graham crackers for our class.  Thank you for your support!

Field Trip - Creative Writing Event, Woodstock Opera House

Our first field trip for this year is scheduled for next week.  We will be going to the Woodstock Opera House next Tuesday, October 18th.  It is a half-day of school but we will be able to squeeze it in!  The 4th graders were asked to submit a creative writing piece last month.  Ten stories were turned in.  I wonder if any of our students will be represented on stage next week?

Xtra Math

Be sure to click on this link to practice math facts.  Each session is only a few minutes long.  Students' progress is reported back to Mrs. Laidig via the website.

Math Fact Support

Math Book Glossary

Looking for some help on math homework?  Click on the link to our 4th grade math book's online glossary.  You can look up hundreds of terms, including visual and audio help, that we study in 4th grade.
Math Book Glossary

8 Keys of Excellence

Check out a Timberwolf singing a portion of the 8 Keys of Excellence song.  The 8 Keys is our character education program tha tour school has embraced this year.

8 Keys of Excellence Character Education Program

The 8 Keys are:

Integrity Failure Leads to Success Speak With Good Purpose This Is It!

Commitment Ownership Flexibility Balance

Reading List

Be sure to check with Mrs. Scott for this year's Battle of the Books list!  I would highly recommend books from that list.  Please see a few of Mrs. Laidig's favorites below:

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
Esperenza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
Owls in the Family by Marley Fowlett
Matilda by Roald Dahl