Social Studies, Science and Sarah, OH MY!

What a packed week it has been! The class and I have been so hard at work this week and I am really proud of them.

PE
PE started this week and the kids were thrilled. I am really excited to have the students work with Coach F! Some of them may have also mentioned that teachers are working out with Coach F after school. Many of them have seen us running, doing push ups and working hard to get in shape. I think it is so important for them to see this! In fact, 5 teachers are running the Color Me Rad run this weekend and the kids can't wait to see pictures. I will try my best to post some tomorrow after the run so have them checked back!

Math
We began our unit of study on place value. This week we focused on the different ways you can write numbers –word form, expanded notation, and standard form. Students practiced reading and writing whole numbers through the millions. Next week we’ll be comparing and rounding whole numbers and will begin to look at where decimals fall on the place value chart, as well as how you can compare and round decimals.Our favorite activity was putting the class in order based on the number each student had on an index card. It was great to see them work together to get all 28 of them in the right place!

Language Arts

We started reading Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan. Sarah takes place in the late 1800's so the first thing we did was make a K-W-L chart. Students told me things the knew about that time and things that want to learn about that time. When we are finished with the book we will fill in the things we learned. We have spent a time working on comprehension questions and writing answers in complete sentences. 

Social Studies

I quickly learned this week that Social Studies isn't this class's favorite subject. I hope to change that feeling because not only do we get to study California history, but it is also one of my favorite subjects! Students worked on being able to read a text for information. They also spent time using a glossary to look up vocabulary words.

Science

The class is just starting science and our first focus is on animals and adaptations. I am really trying to figure out how to get a regular time in the science lab so we can do a lot more hands on activities with science. The best way for kids to learn science is to DO IT!

Homework

Homework is supposed to take students about 40 minutes a night. They should also read for 20 minutes each night. Of course, some nights there will be more and some there will be less. I am trying to find the right balance but I would love feedback. Parents-- Has homework been too much? Too little?

Next Wednesday is Back to School Night and I am looking forward to seeing you all. As a head's up, I will be out of the classroom on Thursday attending a writing training.  As always, please email me any questions or concerns you might have.

Have a great long weekend!

Homework for 8/27

Math:  page 6 # 6-26 even

LA:  read for 20 min

Spelling: Write all works missed on the pre-test 3 times each

Other: Please sign and return the Emergency Card and Technology Agreement by Wed

     Please purchase one black/white marbled composition book and one 5-subject notebook

If you have any questions please email me at lfreitas@catholicacademysun.org

Whew!

What a fabulous first week! I must say that I am so thankful that we had half days all week because I am EXHAUSTED!  I loved getting to know each of your children and think I even have everyone's name down.

Although there wasn't much homework this week we did start to jump into curriculum. Students completed their first math assessment as well as a writing assessment. We talked a lot about standards of work. I will be doing a lot of scoring using rubrics this year so students completed drawings using a rubric. Stop by and see them on our wall!

Today, the class finished Venn Diagrams of themselves. Students worked in partners to discuss how there are alike and how they are different. When done brainstorming they drew and compared themselves using venn diagrams. We lucked out having half our class from St. Cyprian's and half from St. Martin so it was easy to blend and have kids get to know someone they didn't know last year.
Speaking of getting to know new people, 4th grade was called out at prayer service this morning for having 100% participation for getting to know new people! Great job!

I am really excited to see what next week brings. I didn't give homework over the weekend as we are still sorting out textbooks, etc. so enjoy this last weekend of NO homework! If you have a chance though, I would love for students to leave me a comment answering the following question:
What is ONE thing you would like to learn about this year?

Questions, Questions

Thank you so much for all your questions! I am feeling just like all of you....I just want the school year to start and all the confusion to be over.

1. Several of you have asked about the summer assignment that was given. I will be honest, I don't know if the assignment was given to both campuses or just to St. Martin.  The most important thing is that your kids have been reading.  I really want everyone to have read The Small Adventure of Popeye and Elvis because I plan to do something with it the first week of school. If this is a problem or you have an issue just shoot me an email.
2. There have been some changes in regards to supplies. Our class now has a supply list that you will need to purchase and send with your student on day 1. I will include that list here for you at the bottom and there should be something coming out on School Speak.
3. Many of you have asked about meeting me. I will be at the parent meeting next Tuesday as well as in my classroom the later part of next week. Feel free to stop and say "hi" by BUT this isn't a time to discuss your student. I have a TON of stuff to do to get ready for the year to start! If you want to chat about your student with me please send me an email and we can set time up.

Just a few more days until the year starts. I am getting more and more excited!

Supply List for 4th Grade

2 pks of #2 pencils sharpened

1 box Crayola washable markers

1 box Crayola 24 ct. crayons

1 box Crayola 12 ct. colored pencils

2 thin black Sharpies

1 homework folder

1 yellow hi-lighter

1 green hi-lighter

1 pink hi-lighter

3 pink erasers

1 pair of scissors

1 set of watercolors

2 reams of copy paper

2 packages of wide ruled lined paper

2 packages graph paper (2 lines per in.)

1 computer jump drive

1 pencil box

3 rolls of paper towels

2 boxes of tissues (2 additional boxes will be needed in January)

2 packages of baby-wipes for daily cleansing (NOT the antiseptic type.)

2 packages of Clorox wipes

2 large bottles of Purell hand sanitizer

1 backpack

School Supplies

There have been some questions about what you will need for school supplies this year.

This year, we (K-4 teachers) will purchase the initial classroom supplies for your child in bulk.  We have found that this enables us to begin the year with all of our ‘tools’ ready to go.  Additionally, by purchasing in bulk, we can get high quality materials at a lower cost than what you can find individually.  The anticipated cost for the materials will be $125 per student. This is an anticipated total as of now...I promise more info soon!

Each student will receive crayons, markers, highlighters, colored pencils, erasers, scissors, glue sticks, correcting pencils, journals, folders, ruler, craft supplies and classroom supplies.  These supplies will be used in the classroom and will need to be kept at school.  

You will need to provide your child with the following items to bring to school on the first day:        

3 rolls of paper towels

2 boxes of tissues (2 additional boxes will be needed in January)

2 packages of baby-wipes for daily cleansing (NOT the antiseptic type.)

2 packages of Clorox wipes

2 large bottles of Purell hand sanitizer

1 backpack

Finally, while preparing for the new year, please provide supplies for your child to use at home.

I will be putting together a wish list of things we would love to have in our classroom. If you are able to help donate that would be amazing!