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.