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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

More Red Ribbon Week

This is a Red Ribbon Week Picture from our old Sespe School site in 2013.

Today we took a Red Ribbon Week picture with the whole school.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.