Tuesday, September 30

COME JOIN THE FUN THIS SATURDAY

We worked hard today! We also had a lot of fun doing it!  Students really seem to be doing well with their Jingles on Prepositions and Prepostional Phrases! Today we focused on er and est words.  We learned that er is a suffix that can be used to compare two things and est is use to compare 3 or more things.
We also learned two rules for adding these suffixes:
1. change the y to an i
2. drop the e

If you would like to have a conversation with your child about their school day.  Ask them to explain these rules to you.  The review will also help with their homework.

ATTENTION: PLEASE COME JOIN THE FUN!!!
This Saturday is the Franklin Fall Festival Parade and Needham wants to be a BIG part of it.  Please plan on wearing as much purple as possible and joining us this Saturday at 12:30 in the Middle School parking lot.  For more information please see the PARADE FLYER.  We can't wait to see you there!!

Monday, September 29

There are lots of updates today.  I know this post is a little longer than usual, but please take time to read it carefully so you do not miss any important information.

UPDATES: 

This week is College-Go-Week. Tuesday we will dress for success. (It's picture day, so dress up.) Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday we will wear college t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, jersys, etc.  I graduated from Indiana State Universiy with a bachelors degree and Indiana University with a masters degree. Please take time to talk to your child this week about your college choices and why you made them.  

Tomorrow is Picture Day!  In celebration of College-Go-Week we are asking that sutdents and Dress for Success!  Please send in picture order forms with you child. 

Johnson County Library Card Challege: We are in 1st PLACE!!!!
All students need to return the handout. If they do not have a library card, they need to apply. If they have one, they need to mark that and return the form. If your child needs a new form, just let me know we have extras! Check out how we are doing in the competition: http://www.pageafterpage.org/library-card-challenge/ 

Saturday, Oct. 4, is the Franklin Fall Festival Parade. We need students to walk with us to hold our school banners and show their purple bulldog pride. Parents and family members are welcome too!  We will meet at the Franklin Middle School parking lot starting at noon. Wear lots of purple! The parade will start promptly at 1:00. The parade route is approximately 1.1 miles in length and will end at Home Ave. and South Street, by the skate park. Parents should pick students up there. Fourth graders are allowed to decorate and ride their non-motorized scooters in the parade. Candy donations are appreciated but not required and can be sent in to school or brought to the parade.

Thursday, Oct. 9, is our mini-field trip to Bargersville to visit the Bicentennial Train. I appologize but no parent chaperaones are allowed to this ticketed event.

The Johnson County Coat Drive is in progress. A donation box for new or gently used coats is just outside the office door. Help keep  Johnson County warm this winter. Predictions are for another long cold winter.

Report Cards come home on Friday, Oct. 10.  Remember you can check student grades ANY time with a link at our TEAM 33 website.


Saturday, Oct. 11, begins our Fall Break. Back to school on Monday, Oct. 20.


Homework is posted on our TEAM33 website for the week. Thanks for eveything you did to get us off to a great week!

Friday, September 26

Students ROCKED the assessment today!!  Our study habits are really shining through!  Please talk with your child about their assessment score and reward their hard work with a huge hug!!

Students should have their Lexile book at home to read EVERY NIGHT - yes that includes weekends.  Reading is not homework, it is a way to a better life.

Enjoy your weekend and READ!

Thursday, September 25

Tomorrow is assement day.  I am very excited for students to have to opportunity to show what they have learned.  The assessment will cover all of the following Learning Objectives:

• Identify Adverbs, Adjectives, and Article Adjectives in complete sentences.
• Correctly use a or an as noun markers.
• Identify, read and understand the purpose of a biography .
• Use word parts to become better spellers and readers.
• Use reading strategies.

To prepare studnets should:

• Study the spelling and meaning of Lesson 2 word parts and words.
• Practice this weeks 3 new jingles: Article Adjective, Adjective, and Adverb.
• Identify nouns that use the article adjective a or an.
• Review the features of a biography.

Wednesday, September 24

Today we focused on biographies.  We reviewed the features of biographies and we found these features in the biography of Ceaser Chavez and Marian Wright Edelman.  Tonight students are supposed to compare and contrast the two biographies.  They also need to make corrections on their 50 Facts test in Math.

If you want to start a conversation with your child about what they learned in school today, ask them to tell you the features of biogrophies.  They should be able to include the following.

Features of Biographies:

• A "hook" to catch the reader's interest.
• Information about the subject's birth.
• Information about the subject's family and childhood.
• Information about the impact the subject made.
• Quotes from or about the subject.

Students should also be able to explain the difference between a biography and an autobiography. Ask them.

Tuesday, September 23

Today flew like a jet down a runway!  It was a great time - it just went way too fast.  We did accomplish a lot though!  We worked on identifying parts of sentences in our Workstation center.  We worked on meeting our goals in Teacher's Choice center.  We worked on out Lexile book in Reader's Workshop. And, we worked on the features of biographies in Think Tank center.  We even read a biography about Ceaser Chavez.

Tonight for homework students should list 10 nouns.  Five of them should have the article adjective A in front of them, and five should have the article adjective An in front of them.  Be sure to follow the vowel rule.
(Many students might have this done, but all should be able to show you their list and talk about the vowel rule.)

Monday, September 22

Today was a crazy busy day, but we made it!  We reviewed the new learning objectives; learned and applied 3 new jingles: Article Adjective, Adjective, and Adverb; began our study on biographies, and even got a good start on our Flashcard Foldable for Lesson 2 spelling test.

One thing we didn't do was pass out the Week 8 Literacy Link.  You can view it online now, but I will also send home a copy tomorrow.

Tonight there are a lot of little things that need to be done.  We listed them off before going home, but I wanted to go through the list again:

1. Math Homework

2. Feedback and Databinder review and  Reflection Page - There is new Math Data

3. Sing the Jingles -dont forget to get a signature on the Signature Page.

4. Finish Flashcard Foldable for  Lesson 2 Word Work

If you get a chance be sure to check out some of our incredible Week 7 pictures including Flat Rock!  Check back soon though, because more pictures are still being uploaded.

Wednesday, September 17

Tomorrow is the day!  Are you packed? Homework tonight is to double check that you have everything packed and get plenty of sleep.

Remember, students should be car riders tomorrow morning. They will not be able to take all their bags on the bus.  Students may arrive as early as 7:00, but should not be any later than 7:40. If you are unable to drop your student off in the morning, please drop their bags off at the school tonight.  I will be here until 5:30 for you to bring bags to the room.  If you are later than 5:30, you may leave the bags in the glassed in foyer and the custodian will bring them in periodically through the night.

Students will also need to be picked up on Friday afternoon around 1:45. Students can be picked up outside the Gym doors. Please do not park in the bus circle. Your child will be exhausted - I know it is a hardship for some, but if at all possible, please find someone to pick up your child at this time.  If they are not picked up by 2:20, they will ride home on the busses, without their belongings.  You will need to make arrangements to pick up their belongings the following Monday.

Reminder of Packing Tips:

• Put sleeping bag/blankets and pillows in a trash bag, marked with your name

• Put clothing and personal care items in a duffle bag or backpack, marked with your name

• Don’t forget a towel-maybe 2!

• Bring a set of clothes for Friday, and 2 extra sets just in case!

• Wear tennis shoes/hiking boots, but NO flip flops (except for shower use); bring an extra pair of shoes and several extra socks just in case!

• Bring plastic bags for wet clothes (Wal-Mart bags work just fine!)

• Bring rain gear... all activities are rain or shine

• If you’re bringing a camera, make sure your name is on it!! - and all other belongings.

• Don’t forget a coat or heavy sweatshirt for the night hike, it can get quite chilly

• Leave at home: knives, weapons, flammables, personal electronic items (BYOD is OFF for this trip)


Chaperones:
Please be at Needham by 7:40 am. We will need a few parents to help load the box truck. We will also be having a chaperone “meeting” in the 4th grade hallway at 8:00 am. We will be leaving Needham at at 8:15 am. We will need you to ride the buses. Be ready for two days of Flat Rock fun with our fourth graders! And SMILE - everyone feels better when you do ;)

Tuesday, September 16

Today we continued following Walter, a run-away slave in 1860.  He made it all the way to Ohio! Boy, we sure are proud that slavery is part of our past.  How these people were treated was just frightful!

Tomorrow we are going to reinact our own underground railroad.  Be sure to check in on Facebook and Twitter to see how is successfully freed and who becomes a captured slave.

Tonight's homework is to read Harriet Tubman: Follow the North Star at the back of their book is a writing activity for them to imagine three stops in the underground railroad - and then FREEDOM AT LAST! 

IMPORTANT: Please remember, students cannot bring their Flat Rock supplies on the bus.  You should plan on dropping them off Thursday morning.  You may drop students off anytime after 7:00am.  If you are unable to drop your student off in the morning, you may drop their supplies off at Needham on Wednesday evening and let them ride the bus in the morning.  You can put the supplies in the glass entry.  I will be here until 5:30 and will bring them in before I leave.  The custodians will watch for any late arrivals and bring those in also.  

Monday, September 15

Today was a great day!  We used the Scholastic Underground Railroad site to introduce our study of the underground railroad.  Today we met two slaves, Walter and Fannie.  They were from two different plantations, but they both shared similar stories.  If you would like to engage your child in a conversation about their school days, ask them some of the following questions:

What was it like to be a slave?
What were some of the rights slaves did not have?
What was one of the biggest fears of the slaves?

All of these questions can be answered on the Scholastic Underground Railroad site.

Feedback and Databinders are coming home today.  Please take time to go through the data with your student and fill out the reflection page together.

Sunday, September 14

Wow! I can't believe it is already FLAT ROCK week!  How exciting!!  The packing list has already been sent home, but I will post a new one in tomorrow's update.

One of the first adventures we will have at Flat Rock is a Living History reinactment of The Underground Railroad. To prepare for this incredible experience we will be studying the underground railroad.  All literacy block activiies this week will be based on the times and trials of the Underground Railroad.  We will be using Scholastic Undergrounds Railroad: Escape to Freedom as a guide for our learning.  Please feel free to preview the content and I encourage you to have nightly discussions about this serious issue in history as your student gains a deeper understanding of our past.
 

Thursday, September 11

Today we really studied and focused on our Learning Objectives to preper for our test tomorrow

Learning Objectives that will be assessed: 

• Identify Main Idea (P1) and Supporting Ideas(P2) 

• Focus on reading strategies: Questioning

• Identify nouns and verbs in complete sentences using question answer flow.

• Use word parts to become better readers.

• Identify and create personal narratives.

If you would like to help your child study at home tonight, focus on the Lesson 2 Word Work packet.  They will be tested over the meaning this week, and make up sentences to use the Question Answer Flow to identify the subject noun and verb.

I am confident that the kids are ready, so be sure to give them a big high five as they leave in the morning!

Wednesday, September 10

Today we shared another AMAZING book called Seven Blind Mice by Ed Young. The P1 Main Idea of the book is that the mice find something and don't know what it is. So they try to decide, "What is it?" The P2 Supporting Ideas of the book tell us that it is as sturdy as a pillar, as supple as a snake, as sharp as a spear, as wide as a cliff, as breezy as a fan, and as stringy as a rope.  The P1 Main Idea is then restated in the closer answering the question.

If you would like to have a conversation with your child about their school day, ask them to tell you the answer to Ed Young's riddle. For Homework they are supposed to make their own riddle. Look for our riddles soon on our KidBlog page.


Dear Parents,

This is a desperate plea for snacks.  More students are using the classroom snacks than are bringing them in.  We are quickly running out of snack, and the studnets work so hard that they get REALLY hungry.  Whatever you can send is is greatly appreciated, but here are some suggestions: Dry Cereal, grahm crackers, pretzels, raisins, animal crackers, fruit snacks.
Thank you for any donations you can make.

Sincerely,
Mrs. McCain and 27 hungry students.

Tuesday, September 9

Tonight's homework is a Math Study Links page and a worksheet for finding subject nouns and verbs in complete sentences using the Question Answer Flow.  Please ask your student to demonstrate the Question Answer Flow for you.  They should have it down, but if they need a little boost, let them watch our demonstration video as a reminder:
http://youtu.be/PFbtbCNkIAE?list=UUQ074hlQFdXXOwDFivO2SRg

Monday, September 8

Lots of important information is coming home today.  Students should be bringing home their Feedback and Data Binder with the Week 5 assessment information.  They should complete a Reflection Page with for tonight's homework.  Please help them think through detailed answers so they know what they need to focus on for the week ahead.

They should also have the Lesson 2 Word Part packet.  Remember, this week we focus on the word meanings.

Friday, September 5

Your students are SUPERSTARS!  They ROCKED today's assessment!  What I think I was most impressed with was how they helped each other be successful.  First they helped each other study as needed. Then I heard them encouraging each other with words like, "You can do this!" "Have confidence!" "I know you know this!"  As a teacher, I could not ask for anything more than the students ensuring each others success!  And boy we sure were successful!  Together we had a class average of 90% in both classess. That is a 5% increase from our average last week of 85% - and this weeks test was much harder!!

So proud! I can't wait for you to see the results in Monday's Feedback and Data Binder!

Have a great weekend!!

Thursday, September 4

Study, Study, Study!!  Test tomorrow on spelling, vocab, nouns, and verbs.

Wednesday, September 3

We learned A LOT today!  We focused on Nouns, Verbs, Complete Sentences, and 5 Reading Strategies.
If you would like to reveiw what we learned in class today, you could visit our Language Arts Jingles page, and our Reading Strategies page for some awesome multimedia examples.  You might even see a few people you know.

Tonight students should be studying their jingles and Lesson 1 Word Parts.  Remember, this week they will need to be able to spell the words and word parts.

Monday, September 2

Photo by Stephen

Wow.  I cannot imagine anyone having a better job than I do.  I love working with these students! It was great to hear all the exciting adventures that happened over the long weekend.

Today we learned how to make a Flashcard Foldable to help us study our Word Work.  The students did a great job getting started.  They will need to finish and study the foldable for homework along with reviewing their Feedback and Data Binder and completing a reflection page with you.

Today we also reviewed the Week 5 Literacy Link.  Please look it over and let me know if you have any questions about our week. You can also now view the Needham September Newsletter online.