Thursday, January 29, 2009

All Taken Care Of

Homework:
Read 20 minutes
Division math sheet
Work on book report

The Valentine's Day Party is all taken care of! Thank you to all of the wonderful parents I have!

Today Thursday Thoughts went home and a bunch of papers I have graded. Please humor me and dont recycle right away. Look through them, maybe put a few on the fridge and enjoy. Then toss until your hearts content :0)

Have a great evening!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Homework:
Read 20 minutes
handwriting
math whizz (if you have it)

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Homework:
Read 20 minutes
Math sheet
Reading sheet


Homework policy add on…
I have been noticing a number of students are not turning in their homework. From now on if they choose not to turn in their work they will need to complete it during their recess time. If the trend keeps up I am going to be seeing a lot of some students during their recess.

Please make sure to go through book orders with your students. This is a great way to build up your library at an affordable price.

Mr. Jorgensen and I thought it would be fun to have a book exchange. This is how it works. Each student who wants to participate brings a book they have read and don’t want any more (please remember the grade level we are at. No little kid books.) Then they bring it to school February 13th. Each student who brings a book can swap with another student. Instant new book to read! My plan is to just lay out all of the books and have kids walk through the room and pick a book. I just want to remind kids that once you swap a book, its not yours anymore. The book swap will be Feb. 13th. We will do it before our Valentines Day party.


Valentines day party:
If you can bring something to the party please let know. We need: cups, napkins, 2 things of juice, 26 cookies or cupcakes, one other fun snack. If you have any other ideas please let me know. I am out of ideas J.

Email me and I will update you as people tell me what they can bring.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Exciting happenings

Homework:
Read 20 minutes
Finish blue math sheet

We had a special guest today. Our student teacher Erika Tucker came in to meet the kids and observe for the day. She is super nice and so excited to get started. She will start Feb. 2. For the first week she will observe and work with small groups of kids. Then she will start teaching a subject or two. Then she will move into her three weeks of teaching everything. She will be working closely with me the whole time. We will give you more information as the weeks go by.

Some exciting news!
An author will be in Silverton this Thursday! His name is Roland Smith. He wrote Peak, Elephant Run, Peak, Cryptic Hunters, Z is for Zookeeper, Zach's Lie, B is for Beaver, Thunder Cave, Jaguar, Sasquatch, The Captain's Dog and countless other books. We are currently reading The Captain’s Dog as a class. If you are interested in seeing Roland Smith he will be at Robert Frost Elementary school in Silverton, January 29th at 7pm. Go to rolandsmith.com for more info about this author.

Book orders:
I am sending home book order forms today. You now can order books from the forms on line. I am sending home a parent letter explaining how to order the books online. You can also still order them through me. Just send the filled out order form, with cash or checks made out to Scholastic book clubs.

Website for online orders:
www.scholastic.com/parentordering

class user name: mrsbrownc3
password: brownc3

Placing a credit card order online is safe. I have used this website a number of times with my credit card and have had no problems.

Important dates:
February 2- Student teacher starts
6- book reports due, speeches are presented, spelling test
13- Heifer money due, valentines party
16- NO SCHOOL
19- Science Fair Projects due and presented

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Science Fair is here!!

I want to send a huge thank you to every one who has brought in stuff for our store at the end of the month. One mom has really gone above and beyond! Thank you so much!

I am sending home science fair materials today. If you have any questions please let me know. I will go over everything with the kids today. I also sent yellow poster board for the kids to use.


I am also sending home materials regarding the Heifer project Forest Ridge does every year. The papers sent home explain everything. If you have any questions please let me know.

Homework:
Read 40 minutes
Finish math sheet from class
Work on book report
Figure out what to do for Science Fair

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Crazy Times

It has been a crazy couple of days. My daughter has had a double ear infection, my husband and I have been sick, and yesterday I had to take Abby back to the Dr. because the antibiotics they gave her for the ear infection was not working. I think things are heading in a better direction! Your students were great for the substitutes! It’s always great to know that I can leave them with another teacher and know things are going well.

Tomorrow I will be sending home science fair information. Every 4th and 5th grader is required to participate. This will be a fun way to learn about science as a family. When you get the information please let me know if you have any questions.

Homework:
Read 20 minutes
Math sheet
Read Scholastic News complete page 8

Friday, January 16, 2009

Homework:
Read 40 minutes
finish reading work from class
work on book report

I will be sending home Science Fair information next week. All 4th and 5 grades will be participating in the fair. If you want to get a head on this google "science fair" or "science projects" I will be talking to the kids about this next week. We have not talked about it yet.

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Half day

Yesterday seemed to go really well. The kids really liked the Substitute. I am taking a half day today. Now I am sick. I am hoping tomorrow I feel better and can survive the whole day. We are finishing up our state math tests and will be starting our state reading test next Tuesday.

important dates:
Jan. 15th Choir concert
Jan. 19th No School MLK day
Jan. 23rd No School-Teacher In service
Feb. 6th Book Reports due

I will also be sending home Science Fair information soon. Keep a look out. I will put it in my blog when I do.

It sounds like students are starting to finish up reading the books for the book report. Keep up the great work!

I also wanted to let you know that I am hosting a student teacher from Feb. 2- April 17th. There will be a time when she will be teaching the class without me for three weeks. I will be in the building to help when needed. This is such a great experience for me, the student teacher and the class. I will send out more information as I get it.

Homework:
Read 20 minutes
math sheet-- no calculator!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Gone Wednesday

I will not be at school Wednesday. My baby is sick so I am going to take care of her. Here is the homework for today and Wednesday.

Homework, Tuesday:
Read 20 min.
reading sheet
math sheet--calculators ok

HOmework, Wednesday:
Read 20
handwriting sheet
multiplication sheet--no calculators!

Monday, January 12, 2009

Zombie Teacher

I hope everyone had a great weekend. We were very busy. Saturday I was in a wedding and yesterday my little girl was sick. I have been running on only 3 hours sleep today. However, being a space cadet and a klutz is really nothing new for me. So the kids had know clue :).

Homework:
Read 20 minutes
Graphing math sheet. I told the kids to do their best. If its too hard just write me a note.

Please have students turn in their book report slips at the bottom of the parent letter.

Have a great night!

Friday, January 09, 2009

Book Reports

DATE: January 9th, 2009

TO: PARENTS
FROM: Mrs. Brown
RE: ANIMAL BOOK ORAL REPORT

YOUR CHILD HAS SELECTED AN ANIMAL BOOK THIS WEEK. ATTACHED PLEASE FIND THE ORAL BOOK REPORT FORM TO GUIDE YOUR CHILD THROUGH THIS BOOK REPORT SPEECH. IN AN ANIMAL BOOK, THE MAIN CHARACTER IS AN ANIMAL THAT MAY ACT LIKE A PERSON OR PERFORM SOME AMAZING DEEDS. YOUR CHILD CAN LOOK FOR SUCH TRAITS WHILE READING.

A goal for all the students this year is to learn to give oral reports WITHOUT the aide of the written report. . . that’s right, MEMORIZATION. This is our second book report this year, I expect that many children will have it memorized, however even the President of the United States needs some help. Note cards are recommended for a reference for the students. I DO hope that they will use their note cards as a GUIDE for their speaking and not just read straight from it. Delivery skills including making eye contact with the audience will be stressed.

PLEASE DISCUSS A REASONABLE TIME-LINE WITH YOUR CHILD TO FINISH THE AMIMAL BOOK, PREPARE THE ORAL BOOK REPORT, AND PRACTICE THE SPEECH SEVERAL TIMES.
THE DUE DATE IS BELOW. PLEASE RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THIS SLIP WITH YOUR SIGNATURE.

A FINAL OBSERVATION: THE STUDENTS THAT ARE MOST COMFORTABLE AND PREPARED FOR THEIR SPEECHES ARE THE ONES WHOSE PARENTS LISTENED TO THEM PRACTICE AND ENCOURAGED THEM TO DO THEIR BEST.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
YOU ARE THE BEST!

Animal Book Report Poster

After students have read their book, and prepared their speech, the next step is to create a poster to go along with the book. They pretty much have free choice of what they want to do. They could draw and describe the setting of their book. Draw and describe their favorite scene from the book, or character. Be creative and enjoy! * Please make sure the title and author of the book is included.



Animal Oral Book Report
Grading Sheet for: _________________________

Due Date: ____________ Today’s Date: ____________


____ Book title is read and book is displayed: ___________________________________

____ Author and Illustrator are identified.

____ The setting is described with details and the time the story takes place is identified.

____ Several main characters are identified with details about each one.

____ The animal is identified: ___________________________ with a detailed description.

____ Human qualities are identified: ____________________________________________________

____ Normal animal qualities are identified: ______________________________________________

____ The big problem needed to be solved in this book is identified with details.

____ Funny/Naughty/Brave or __________________________ actions are identified.

____ Poster is colorful and neatly done, using the entire poster paper.

____The details of the favorite part are explained and clearly match the poster.

____ Detailed recommendation is given.

____ Possible locations of the book are given.

____ Student used a clear, loud voice that could be heard in the back of the room.

____ Student was prepared for the oral book report. He/she had obviously practiced giving it aloud several times because there were very few mistakes, hardly any pauses with “ums” or “uhs”, and the student did not lose his/her place during the report.


FINAL GRADE: 4 = skilled and confident in oral presentations 1 = late or incomplete written
3 = most of the skills mastered, needs practice on others report, no oral report prepared
2 = incomplete report, still uncomfortable speaking aloud 0 = no book report was prepared
*State of Oregon scoring guides identify 3 as passing. It translates to a 4 on report cards.

COMMENTS:

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Important News

Homework:
Read 20 minutes
Math Sheet
Scholastic weekly---read through it and complete pg 8

Planners and homework folders:

It is very important for students to keep track of their planners and folders. We do not have any more planners to replace lost ones. If your child looses a planner then they need to make their own, or I believe office supply stores should have some. They will be different, but it will allow students to stay organized.
Students will have similar planners next year as well.

The yellow homework folders are beginning to fall apart. If your student needs a new one I have a few I can give out. You can find yellow folders at Wal-Mart, Target…. I would like them to be plain yellow because it’s easy for me to tell it’s their homework folder.

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Very busy:

This week has been pretty interesting. Hopefully you will get your parent Christmas gifts before Valentines day J. We are still working on them. Its been hard to fit them in because we are playing catch up. I love the snow, but it sure puts a cramp in things J.

Subject Areas:
This month in Social Studies we are going to be studying Lewis and Clark.
In Science we will be covering the water cycle.

A Big Thank you:
I have to give thanks for two things. First of all thank you to families who have donated things to our store. I am so excited for this. The kids are too!

Also….Today I was in line at Star Bucks and the person in front of me paid for my coffee! If it was one of you thank you so much! It made my whole day.

Homework:
Read 20 minutes
Math sheet
Handwriting

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Another great day!

Homework:

Read 20 minutes
Math sheets from class
Reading sheet

Math Whizz:
Attention parents who have student with Math Whizz. I am sending home a usage and improvement sheet with your student. Its an updated sheet I gave you at conferences. Make sure students are using Math Whizz at home. I only have a small chunk of time during the school week.

Monday, January 05, 2009

Happy New Year!

A lot of stuff!
What a crazy time of year it has been! I hope all of you enjoyed the holidays and did not go too crazy with the kids home an extra week. I love January because it’s the time of year we can all start fresh! I get that same feeling in September too! I know….its a teacher thing. Here is a ton for you to read. I hope you don’t fall asleep while doing it.

Homework is starting up again! Please make sure students have their planners and folders when they come home, and they need to bring them back everyday.

Homework for January 5th, 2009
Read 20 minutes
Math sheet
Language arts

Something New:

I am going to try something new for the rest of the year. I have fake Ms. Hughes (my maiden name) money. Students will be able to earn this money by turning in homework, behavior in class and class jobs.
I want this to be a real world learning experience for them. They will need to pay rent for the space they live (their desks) and will be fined for inappropriate behavior. I am going to set up a banking system so they can learn to plan ahead and save money. This will be a topic of many discussions. I am sure regulations will be added to this. I did this with my first class at Lake Labish and it really got them thinking about how money works, what their parents have to deal with each month and so on. It was a great thing! I am hoping that kids will understand if they don’t perform and do their jobs then they will not get paid. At the end of each month I will have a store for the kids. This is where your help is needed. If you have any old toys, or games or books…..and you want to get rid of them, send them my way. I can sell those things at the store. If you would like to buy snacks or anything for me to sell that would be great as well. Here are some suggestions for snacks if you need them: Capri suns, individual bags of chips, candy, or anything you think is good. If you want you can check with me if you have a question. School supplies would also be good. I am going to go to the dollar tree and see what they have. Student will be able to but 2 things each. I know I ask a lot from you guys, but with out you I could not do it! I really appreciate all of your help and the willingness you all have! I think this will be really fun for the kids.

Homework is one way they can earn money. For everyday they bring their homework back they will earn $5.00. They can earn $25.00 a week on homework.


Fun January Events to do with the kids!

HOME DEPOT KIDS WORKSHOP
Sat. January 3rd 9-12 Free "Helmet Bookends"
Ages 5-12 503-587-7130

LOWES BUILD AND GROW
Sat. January 10th 10-11am "Build Your own Time Capsule" Free Register @Lowes.com

ALS GARDEN KIDS CLUB
Sat. January 3rd 11:00am Kids will plant a cactus and talk about they survive in dry conditions. Woodburn $5 (503)981-1245

MICHAELS KIDS CLUB
Sat. January 3rd 10-12am Create your own "CD Rack" $3

Sat. January 31st Free Family Event...'Valentine Card Making' 10-1


LANCASTER MALL KIDS CLUB
Thursday, January 8th 6-7pm Colored Sand Picture Frames

Saturday January 24th "Radio Disney" 1-3pm Live entertainment, games, prizes (Outside Sports Authority)

NORTHERN LIGHTS THEATRE
Sat.January 10th Double Play Saturday Doors open 11:45
Play: Mime Loud and Clear Movie: High School Musical 3
$10 per person includes....play, movie, pizza, drink and candy!

MISSION MILL
Sat. January 10th Family Fun Saturday..'Make your own Journal' modeled after one from the 1840's 11-1 free

YMCA FAMILY NIGHT
Tuesday Jan. 13th 5:30-7:30 Pirates!! Bring your Mateys!!
Dinner, Crafts, Door prizes....$3 Adult $2 Child Call 399-2796


GILBERT HOUSE
Monday January 19th 11-2
Visit six countries in one day..Multi-cultural Celebration! Games, crafts, hands on activities!

SALEM LIBRARY
Friday, Jan. 23rd No School! Come watch Wall-e at Loucks Lecture Hall 2pm

Friday January 30th THE GREAT LIBRARY CAMP IN !!! (Bring your sleeping bags, pillows and footy pajamas =)

"Let Your Imagination Soar" is this years theme! There will be an evening full of crafts, activities, and a bedtime story by a professional storyteller! Just PLEDGE to turn your TV OFF from Jan 25th-31st!! YES...YOU CAN ALL DO THIS!! Be a role model for your children=) Turn in pledge forms by Jan 25th or call the Library at 588-6088

HAPPY 2009 ALL!!!