Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Sea Otters
Sea otters figure prominently in the novel we are reading in fourth grade, Island of the Blue Dolphins. A Russian ship carrying Aleutian hunters, comes to Karana's island to hunt sea otters. This leads to conflict between Karana's tribe and the Aleut hunters.
Sea otters are sleek, furry, streamlined marine mammals that live along rocky Pacific Ocean coasts, bays, and kelp beds. They are found from the coast of California through Alaska and along the eastern coast of Russia to northern Japan. They were hunted for their beautiful fur.
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 309-310.
Mrs Thompson: No homework.
Ms. Nuzum:p. p. 268.
2. What is the best present you have ever gotten? What made it the best?
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Slow Changes on Earth
As part of our fourth grade earth science, fourth graders are learning about the processes of weathering, erosion and deposition.
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 303-304.
Mrs Thompson: No homework.
Ms. Nuzum:p. p. 265-266.
2. How has the earth changed over time?
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Monday, December 14, 2015
Using the Distributive Property to Multiply
Let's say you want to multiply 14 x 6. You can break 14 into 10 + 4.
Then, multiply (10 + 4) x 6.
That is the same as (10 x 6) + (4 x 6.)
(10 x 6) + (4 x 6) = 60 +24 = 84
Simple!
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 297-298
Mrs Thompson: Review Chap. 5 Test
Ms. Nuzum:p. p. 265.
2. What would it be like to be only one inch tall? What would be good about it? What would be bad?
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
You're Invited to the Rio Vista Winter Program!
Fourth graders will sing four songs tonight at our annual Winter Program:
Simple Gifts, Home Again, When the Snow Begins to Fall, and Cowboy's Christmas. Second year band and fifth grade will also perform. Please come out and support our students and enjoy the show. Refreshments will be available as part of our Fort Tejon trip fund raising.
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 289-290
Mrs Thompson: no homework
Ms. Nuzum:p. 259-260.
2. Come with your family to the Winter Program
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Satwiwa Trip
We had a great field trip to the Satwiwa Cultural Center in the Santa Monica Mountains today. Thank you to all the parent volunteers!
Don't forget: 4th and 5th Grade Winter Program tomorrow at 6:00.
No homework today.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Field Trip Tomorrow
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 281-282.
Mrs Thompson: no homework
Ms. Nuzum:p. 252
2. Write five rules for a field trip.
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Permission Slips
Please fill out and return the field trip permission forms going home today.
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 267-268.
Mrs Thompson: no homework
Ms. Nuzum:p. 245-246.
2. Write about the best field trip you have ever gone on.
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Memories
Our new novel, Island of the Blue Dolphins, is a first person narrative. It is told as the memories of the Native American girl Karana. What are your earliest memories?
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 253-254.
Mrs Thompson: no homework.
Ms. Nuzum: multiples of 9
2. Write about your earliest memory.
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Monday, November 30, 2015
Island of the Blue Dolphins
We are starting our next novel, Scott O'Dells' great Island of the Blue Dolphins. It is the story of the the Native American girl Karana and her life on an island off the coast of California in the 19th century.
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 259-260.
Mrs Thompson: p. 313-316.
Ms. Nuzum: p. 233-234.
2. Describe your Thanksgiving.
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Monday, November 23, 2015
Happy Thanksgiving
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: no homework
Mrs Thompson: p. 309-310.
Ms. Nuzum: p. 227-228.
2. Describe your family's Thanksgiving traditions.
3. Get parent initials.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Parent Conferences Week
We are wrapping up our week of parent conferences. I have really enjoyed talking to all the parents.
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 251-252
Mrs Thompson: p. 303-304.
Ms. Nuzum: p. 219-220.
2. Read for half an hour.
3. Get parent initials.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
What Is Important to You?
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: no homework
Mrs Thompson: 297-298.
Ms. Nuzum: 213-214 (1-8)
2. What are the three most important things you have learned so far in fourth grade? Why are they important?
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
More of The Big Wave
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 243-244.
Mrs Thompson: 289-290
Ms. Nuzum: 209.
2. What will Jiya do now?
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Monday, November 16, 2015
The Big Wave
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 245-246.
Mrs Thompson: 283-284.
Ms. Nuzum: 207.
2. What is the difference between Kino and his family and Jiya and his family?
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
The Big Wave
We have started a new story, The Big Wave by Pearl S. Buck
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 237-238.
Mrs Thompson: 2.73-274.
Ms. Nuzum: 201.
2. What should you do if there is a flood?
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Monday, November 9, 2015
Mistakes
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: Write 3 word problems that involve multiplication and/or division and take at least two steps to solve.
Mrs Thompson: p. 265-266.
Ms. Nuzum: p. Practice Test
2. Write down three mistakes Palmer made. Explain why they are mistakes.
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Wringer
Today we came to the exciting conclusion of the novel we have been reading in fourth grade, Wringer. In the end, Palmer saves his pet pigeon, Nipper.
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: Lunch Wagon
Mrs Thompson: p. 253-254
Ms. Nuzum: p. 183-184
2. What is the most important thing you learned from reading Wringer?
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Weathering
As part of our study of Earth Science, fourth graders are learning about changes on the earth's surface. Weathering is the slow process of breaking down of rocks over time. Freezing and thawing, plants, wind, and pressure can break down rocks into smaller pieces.
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: worksheet.
Mrs Thompson: No homework.
Ms. Nuzum: p. 178.
2. Read for half an hour.
3. Get parent initials.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Pumpkins in the Cornfield Gold Against the Brown
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: no homework.
Mrs Thompson: Review Factors and Multiples.
Ms. Nuzum: p. 177.
2. Illustrate Pumpkins in the Cornfield poem. Work on memorizing it.
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Monday, November 2, 2015
The Spruce Goose
On this day in 1947 the Spruce Goose took its one and only flight. The Spruce Goose was a giant airplane made mostly of wood. It had the largest wingspan of any aircraft in history - 320 feet from wingtip to wingtip.
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: Lesson 5 Reteach
Mrs Thompson: no homework.
Ms. Nuzum: p. 172.
2. What did you do for Halloween?
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
More Red Ribbon Week
This is a Red Ribbon Week Picture from our old Sespe School site in 2013. |
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 233-234
Mrs Thompson: p. 251-252..
Ms. Nuzum: p. 171-172.
2. Choose one of your writings. Revise and rewrite it.
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Red Ribbon Week
This week we celebrate Red Ribbon Week, an alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign across America. The first National Red Ribbon Week was in 1988.
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 221-222.
Mrs Thompson: p. 239-240.
Ms. Nuzum: p. 165-166.
2. Would you be a wringer? Explain.
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Monday, October 26, 2015
Rocks and Minerals
In fourth grade science we are learning about the different kinds of rocks - igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic.
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 219-220
Mrs Thompson: p. 233-234.
Ms. Nuzum: p. 157-158.
2. Write down three questions you would like to ask Palmer.
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Bring back signed progress report.
5. Get parent initials.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Basket Making
Chumash Basket |
Chumash House |
In our study of the history of California we are learning how important baskets and basket making was for the Native Americans of California. The local Chumash Indians were particularly noted for their basket making skills. They used baskets for gathering, storing, preparing and serving food, holding water, keeping money and other valuables, measuring acorns for trade, carrying babies, in gambling, as gifts, and for ceremonies. Even the Chumash house was much like an upside-down basket.
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: no homework.
Mrs Thompson: p. 213-214.
Ms. Nuzum: p. 134
2. Describe three problems Palmer has.
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Columbus Day
Columbus Day will occur on October 12th, during our upcoming Fall Break. While it is true that Columbus did not really discover America, Columbus' voyages of discovery are still one of the most important events in world history. After Columbus, nothing would be the same for either the Old World (Europe, Asia and Africa) or the New World (North and South America.)
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p, 177-178
Mrs Thompson: p. 171-172.
Ms. Nuzum: Touch Math
2. What is something you would like to discover?
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Native Peoples of California
As part of our study of California history, fourth graders are learning about the early people of California. Pictured above is a recreation of a traditional Chumash dwelling.
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p, 171-172.
Mrs Thompson: no homework
Ms. Nuzum: Touch Math
2. Make up a brand new animal. Name it, draw it and describe it.
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Monday, October 5, 2015
The Properties of Muliplication
It is an important fourth grade math standard to understand the Properties of Multiplication.
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p, 165-166
Mrs Thompson: p. 157-158.
Ms. Nuzum: Dot page.
2. What is something you are proud of? Explain.
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Jerry Spinelli: The Author of Wringer
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p, 157-158.
Mrs Thompson: p. 151-152.
Ms. Nuzum: worksheet
2. What do you think of Palmer's plan?
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Daily 5
This year we are implementing the Daily 5 management program. Daily 5 is the structure we use to plan our language arts instruction. Children are busy completing meaningful literacy tasks. The choices are:
Read to Self
Work on Writing
Word Work
Listen to Reading
Read to Someone
Right now, we are focusing on increasing our stamina to work independently. While the students are completing their literacy tasks, I will be meeting with small groups and conferencing with individual students.
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p, 151-152
Mrs Thompson: p. no homework.
Ms. Nuzum: practice test.
2. How are Beans, Mutto and Henry different from each other?
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Monday, September 28, 2015
Descriptive Writing
It is an important fourth grade skill to be able to write vivid and accurate descriptions.
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 139-140.
Mrs Thompson: p. 145-146.
Ms. Nuzum: p. 106.
2. Write a description of your bedroom. It must be at least 100 words long.
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Relating Multiplication and Addition
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 127-128
Mrs Thompson: apology letter
Ms. Nuzum: p. 103-104.
2. Why did Palmer tell Dorothy? What will she say?
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Say No to Bullies!
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: no homework.
Mrs Thompson: no homework.
Ms. Nuzum: p. 91-92
2. Write a paragraph about a time you were bullied.
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Monday, September 21, 2015
Band Finally Under Way!
I'm happy to say that the Rio Vista band program is finally under way under the direction of our new band director Ben Morey. Here is the tentative schedule for band, subject to possible revision.
Flute Mon. 10:15, Wed. 12:30
Trumpet Mon. 10:45, Wed. 1:00
Clarinet Mon. 12:30, Wed. 12:30
Saxophone Mon. 1:00, Wed. 12:30
Percussion Mon. 1:30, Wed. 1:30
If your child has band, they need to bring their instrument to school Monday and Wednesday. They should take their instruments home at the end the day so they can practice. The best way to get better at an instrument is to practice.
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 117-118
Mrs Thompson: no homework.
Ms. Nuzum: p. 91-92
2. If you were Nipper, where would you go?
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 117-118
Mrs Thompson: no homework.
Ms. Nuzum: p. 91-92
2. If you were Nipper, where would you go?
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
More Metaphors
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 101-102
Mrs Thompson: 111-112
Ms. Nuzum: Rounding worksheet.
2. Metaphor worksheet.
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Perfect Pet
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 103-104
Mrs Thompson: 119-120.
Ms. Nuzum: Rounding worksheet.
2. Describe your idea of a perfect pet.
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Monday, September 14, 2015
OREO Writing
Fourth graders are learning how to write opinion essays.
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 91-92
Mrs Thompson: 81-82, 91-92.
Ms. Nuzum: p. 83-84.
2. Pigeon picture
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
9/11
Tomorrow is the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. This is a difficult topic to discuss with children. It can be scary, but it's an important part of American history. The basic facts are that a small group of fanatics hijacked four airplanes and used them as weapons to attack Americans. Since then our country has taken many steps to try to understand what happened and to keep us all safe.
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 83-84.
Mrs Thompson: 77-78
Ms. Nuzum: p. 77-78.
2. Talk to your parents and find three facts about 9/11.
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
I Love, You California!
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 77-78.
Mrs Thompson: 70-72
Ms. Nuzum: p. 77-78.
2. What are the three best things about living in California? Explain.
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Happy Labor Day
I hope you all had a good three day Labor Day weekend. There are some important forms going home with students today. Please make sure to fill it out and return it. Funding for the district is tied to this data.
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 71-72.
Mrs Thompson: 65-66.
Ms. Nuzum: p. 71.
2. What will happen with the pigeon?
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Thursday, September 3, 2015
More Wringer
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 61-62
Mrs Thompson: no homework
Ms. Nuzum: p. 65-66
2. Should Palmer tell everyone he doesn't want to be a wringer? Explain
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Wringer
Our first novel for the year in fourth grade is Wringer by Jerry Spinelli.
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 55-56.
Mrs Thompson: Practice Test.
Ms. Nuzum: No homework.
2. Draw and label four pictures that tell the story of Wringer so far.
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
More Geography
Fourth graders are continuing their study of geography. Did you know the world can be separated into hemispheres?
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: No homework.
Mrs Thompson: Practice Test.
Ms. Nuzum: No homework.
2. What is someplace you would like to go? Explain why.
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Monday, August 31, 2015
Expanded Form
Fourth graders are expected to understand the concept of expanded notation, writing a number to show the value of each digit. This is a fundamental idea underpinning our whole number system.
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: Chap. 1 Practice Test
Mrs Thompson: finish worksheet.
Ms. Nuzum: p. 50.
2. Write a description of Fillmore.
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Back-to-School Night
This evening we have Rio Vista's annual Back to School Night. Parents are invited to visit their child's classroom. Mrs. Lee will introduce the staff in the Multi-Purpose Room at 5:45. Parents can visit classrooms between 6:00 and 7:00. There will a short presentation in our classroom starting at 6:40.
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 45-46.
Mrs Thompson: no homework.
Ms. Nuzum: p. 47-48.
2. Come to Back to School Night.
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Sensory Details in Writing
Fourth graders are learning to add sensory details to their writing.
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 47-48.
Mrs. Thompson: p. 47-48.
Ms. Nuzum: rounding worksheet.
2. Write about some event in your life. Use lots of sensory details.
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials. This means you have done everything.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Rounding Numbers
Rounding numbers is an important fourth grade math skill.
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 49-50.
Mrs. Thompson: p. 41-42.
Ms. Nuzum: p. 41-42.
2. Illustrate a sentence from Wringer. Explain why you chose it.
3. Read for half an hour.
4. Get parent initials. This means you have done everything.
Monday, August 24, 2015
Read Every Day!
What is one of the easiest ways to get better at school and have fun at the same time? Read a book!
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 41-42.
Mrs. Thompson: p. 35-36.
Ms. Nuzum: p. 33-34.
2. In Wringer, Palmer's friends are very important to him. Write about your circle of friends.
3. Read for half an hour.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
School Band
We had a school band assembly to introduce students to band today. Start thinking about what instrument you want to play in the band this year.
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 33-34.
Mrs. Thompson: p. 27-28.
Ms. Nuzum: p.21-22.
2. Share Class Dojo info with parents.
3. Study world geography map. Quiz on Friday.
4. Read for half an hour.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Figurative Language
Fourth graders are learning about figurative language. In today's homework, students are illustrating both the literal the the figurative meaning of the phrase "he flew down the stairs."
Today's homework:
1. Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 27-28
Mrs. Thompson: p. 15-16.
Ms. Nuzum: finish p. 15-16.
2. "He Flew Down the Stairs" drawings.
3. Study world geography map. Quiz on Friday.
4. Read for half an hour.
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