Mrs. Moore's Newsletter

Mrs. Moore’s Newsletter “Make each day your masterpiece.” John Wooden

IMPORTANT DATES

Parent Science Fair Meeting – Jan. 14 Science Fair Proposal – Jan. 17 No School – Jan. 21 Math Test – Jan. 23 State Report Poster Due – Feb. 4th

WRITING

Every Thursday students complete a writing activity called Writing on Demand. Students watch a short Reading Street video on the topic. We also have a short class discussion on the topic. Students are given 3 minutes to write about the topic. A final grade of an “M”, “P”, or “N” is given based on their topic sentence and supporting details, capital letters, and periods. We are also working on our comparative essays in class. Students will complete these at the end of this week and work on their common writing next week.

iPADS IN THE CLASSROOM

Students have been using an app called Grammaropolis. This app focuses on the eight parts of speech. Students spend time watching short videos, reading books, and answering quizzes. Students spend 15 minutes once a week on one area during our reading center time. Below is a screen shot of the first page.

MATH

We are working through unit 6. Students are learning how to divide using the partial quotients method. If you are not sure how to solve division problems by using the partial products method, go to the Everyday Math site and click on the icon labeled Algorithms Animations at the bottom of the screen. You can watch videos that thoroughly explain any method that is taught in class.

January 13, 2013

Science Fair On Friday students took home a science fair packet. All fourth grade students are required to complete a science fair experiment. In the past, students could complete a science fair project. However, this year fourth grade students will need to conduct an actual experiment. Parent signed proposals are due on Jan. 17th. Email me if you have any questions. A parent meeting for the science fair will be held tomorrow night, Jan. 14th at Murphy.

SOCIAL STUDIES Students were sent home a book about their state and a packet containing their state report requirements and the notes they will use to help them type their report. The reports are due Feb. 4th and they will need to type or neatly write their information and put it on poster board. Look over the requirements of the state report with your child to make sure they are meeting the requirements. They will present their posters to the class on Feb 4th and 5th.

NOTE FROM MRS. MOORE It’s hard to believe it’s the year 2013. Where did 2003 go? Last week Monday my husband dropped me off at school and I told him the next five years will fly by. I know you will agree with me because so many things are coming your way. Try not to feel overwhelmed over the state report and science fair. Let me know if you are having any problems with either one of them. Students learn so much about our country from the state reports. Help your child neatly organize the material. I have told the students that they can use bullet points when presenting some of their information. When they share the important facts about their state, they should use complete sentences. I do have extra poster board and construction paper if your child needs any of these materials. Take time to discuss with your child a science fair experiment that they would enjoy doing. I know it takes time. I did a variety of science fair experiments with my own children. However, it is a great way of developing higher order thinking skills. Contact me if you have any questions.

Mrs. Moore