Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Homework:
Read 30 minutes---Reading logs due tomorrow!
Math sheet---Two sided


Over the break I will be sending home a reading record sheet. Each day students need to read 30 minutes and record the name of their book and the pages they read.

We will be having a Christmas party on the 18th (my daughter turns 2 that day! I can’t believe it!) If you would like to bring a treat for the kids let me know.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Homework:
Read 30 minutes --New reading logs are coming home tonight.
Math

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Homework:
Read 30 minutes--last day to turn in this weeks reading log
Everyday fractions, decimals and percents

Strategies for Parenting a Reader
Here are important reading strategies students can use before, during and after reading:
BEFORE Reading:
§ Predict what the book is about from the title or pictures.
§ Set a purpose for reading. Ex. I am going to read this book because I want to learn more about animals.
§ Take a picture walk through the book. Ask, What is happening in the pictures?
§ Establish a Routine: Similar to discipline, play time, and any other daily activity in a child’s life, reading should be a fun routine that engages a child each day.
DURING Reading:
§ Ask your child questions to monitor comprehension. As children learn to read, they are not only engaging in the plot of a story, but they are also learning how a book is held, how pictures align with the story and that words carry meaning.
§ If your reader is having a difficult time try these strategies:
o Use finger to point under each word to keep track of where you are reading
o Use beginning sounds to figure out words
o Use ending sounds to figure out words
o Use pictures on the page to help figure out a word
o Use word chunks (_at, _ack, _ight)
o Look for a smaller word within the word
o Read to the end of the sentence. Sometimes the word thatmakes sense pops right up!
o Make a prediction of what is happening in the story
o Reread the sentence or passage to increase understanding
§ While reading ask: "Does it make sense?" "Does it sound right?" "Do the letters match the sounds?" If the answers are yes, go on reading. If not, go back and try the process again.
§ Read books over and over again so your child feels confident in reading the story by them self!
§ Most importantly, when reading with your child remain positive and encouraging. Your support and optimism plays an integral role in your student’s willingness become a lifelong reader.
AFTER Reading:
§ React to the reading by making connections, ask: “What other story is like this one?” “Have you felt the same away as a character in the story?” “Did something similar happen to you?” “Does it help you think about something in real life not directly connected to you?” Summarize & talk about the sequence of events in the story to boost compreh

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Homework:
Read 30 minutes---Reading logs are due
4th grade finish science, do your best with finding the answers it may be challenging
Multiplication sheet—4’s, will need crayons.

It has been very cold as you probably all know. I have noticed that many kids are not wearing a coat, just a sweat shirt. I understand at this age it can be a battle to get kids to wear coats. Please continue to encourage them to wear a coat.

Monday, December 07, 2009

Homework:
Reading 30 minutes
Subtraction math sheet, Multiplication work sheet

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Context clues sheet (for kids that stay in my class for reading).
Cheer for the Beavers!

Canned Food Drive:

The canned food drive is under way. If you are able to donate cans or food, please make sure it is non-perishable. Make sure food has not been opened. Last year there were 16 jars of half eaten peanut butter donated. All cans need to have a label, no silver cans. Kids are also welcome to bring hygiene products, diapers, baby food, new books and toys.

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Math sheets—7’s multiplication and clocks
4th graders have a vocabulary project to complete. Due Dec. 8th

Students should be showing you their planners to sign every night. They get paid bonuses during random planner checks. They never know when Mrs. Brown will have a planner check.

5th graders need to dress warm and wear comfortable shoes for their field trip tomorrow.

Book orders are Due Friday the 4th. I will be placing the order around 9:30 Friday morning. I want to make sure I get it in soon, so books will come on time. This time of year always makes me nervous!

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Homework:
Read 30 minutes—reading logs are due tomorrow
6’s math sheet, time
Context clues sheet

A few of you are wanting to know how to order books on line. Here’s what to do:
Go to www.scholastic.com/parentordering

Class User Name: mrsbrownc3

Password: brownc3

Friday, November 20, 2009

Homework:
Read 30 minutes every day!
Book report
Come to conferences


Conferences

Please remember, conferences are Monday and Tuesday. If at all possible please have your child attend too. It is good for them to here how well they are doing, and what they need to work on.

This would also be a great week to check up on your student’s supplies and what they need. Pencils are always a need here.

Book orders are due December 4th. If you want to bring them in during your conference that would work too!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Homework:
Read 30 minutes--reading logs are due tomorrow
Telling time to the quarter hour

I sent home a few Scholastic Book orders for your students. Books make great Christmas gifts! If you want to order online I sent the instructions home as well. If you do want to order books as gifts for your kids email me and I will let you know what I need from you. Orders are due December 4th. I think that will give them enough time to get to us before we leave for Christmas Break.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Time sheet

A fun website:
Northpole.com is a great website for all the kids in your family. It has fun learning activities and you can even write a letter to Santa!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Homework:
Read 30 minutes Friday, Saturday and Sunday

It felt so weird without the 5th graders here today. I can't wait to hear all about thier trip!
I really enjoyed hanging out with just the 4th graders today.

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Homework:

Read 30 minutes
Telling time math

Thursday Thoughts are coming home today.
Reading logs are coming home today.
A baggie to recycle crayons is coming home today.

5th grade field trip tomorrow. 5th graders need to be at school by 7:45.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

First I need to apologize for not staying on top of the blog. The last few days have been a bit crazy after school with meetings. I usually do the blog through out the day, but usually get it posted at the end of the day.

Remember, no school tomorrow

Homework:
Read 30 minutes Tuesday and Wednesday---Reading logs due Thursday
Telling time worksheet, multiplication worksheet

Supplies:
Please make sure your student has plenty of pencils. Students are starting to say they are out of pencils. I only have so many to lend out.

Conferences:
Conferences are coming up fast! They will be November 23 and 24th. Yesterday I sent home a conference confirmation form with your student. Please make sure you look at the date and return the bottom portion to me ASAP. I don’t have too many slots open, so if you need to reschedule let me know. I would also like to stress how important it is for your student to attend the conference as well.

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Homework:
Read 30 minutes. Reading logs need to be turned in Thursday if they were not turned in today.
Multiplication

Math:
We are working on telling time and elapsed time in math. Whenever you can please have your student tell you what time it is on a regular clock (no digital).

Picture retakes:
Tomorrow is picture retake day. If your student was absent they need to get their picture taken for our class photo. If you did not like your child’s pictures please bring back the picture packets and they can have retakes.

Monday, November 02, 2009

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Multiplication math sheet

Everyone in class needs to practice their multiplication facts. Please practice with flashcards each night. There is also a great web site multiplication.com that has games and practice sheets for kids.


Parent Teacher Club tonight 6:45pm

Reminders:
Reading logs and library books are Due Wednesday the 4th

No school the 6th

No school the 11th

Conference the 23rd and 24th

No School the 23rd-27th

Monday, October 26, 2009

Homework:
Accelerated math
Read 30 minutes

Books Fair:
The book fair is here! As your students are looking for books to purchase they can also look at my “wish list.” I wrote down some books that we need in our classroom. Students can donate these books to our class library if you are able to.

Flu:
Please make sure you encourage students to wash their hands often, cough into their elbows, and stay home if they are sick. Every day I have the kids wash with anti-bacterial soap and we wash our desks with disinfectant after school.

Organization:
Organization is a life skill that every child in this class needs to work on. You can help at home by making sure your student has their student planner and their homework folder at school everyday.

October 30th:
Character book dress up day is coming up. Please make sure if your student dressses up they have a book to go along with their costume. Remember this is character book dress up.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Homework:
Read 30 minutes—new neon orange reading logs were sent home today
Work on speech and be ready to present tomorrow!


Can you believe its conference time already!!
Today I sent home an important conference paper. This paper lets you know when conference times are. You will then need to select a time that is best for you. Please make sure you give me your top three choices. I will do my very best to choose a time that will work for you. If you do not send the conference form back, I am assuming you don’t mind where I stick you in the schedule.

Book Fair:
The Book Fair is here! Come enjoy great selections of books with your kids. It starts October 26-30.
Family Night is are Tuesday 10/27, and Thursday 10/29 6pm-8pm.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Homework:
Reading 30 minutes—turn in reading logs
5thgrade—ocean paper
Everyone needs to work on speeches—ready by Friday!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Math sheet
Work on speeches---Be ready to present this Friday!

Hello,

I am Nancy Ornee (Miss O to the kids) and I will be working in the classroom with Mrs. Brown for about 5 weeks. I am in the MAT program at George Fox University and am in the Student Teaching part of my program. I have been with Salem/Keizer Schools for 13 years, as an Instructional Assistant, and decided to get my certification to teach math at the middle school level. I have two grown children, and 5 grand-children and am not as young as I look! I hope to be a benefit to your child’s class.

I’m halfway through my first day here and am already enjoying your children. They are a great bunch of kids and I look forward to learning from them and helping them to learn!

Nancy Ornee