From the Desk of Mrs. Collins'

Students are thoroughly enjoying the books that we are reading for our Book Clubs.  It is always fun to talk about the books that we read with others who are reading the same book.  Because of the Book Clubs and play practices, I have decided not to introduce new word stems this week for Word Wall.  So next Wednesday, the students will not be assessed on Word Wall.  This will allow students to focus on their Book Clubs and prepare for the Valentine program.  Remember, the reading unit test will be next Friday, the 24th.


Earlier this week, the students were given information about the Celebrate Literacy contest.  Every fourth grader must participate and their book will be entered in the contest and graded as a Grammar project, too.  Read and follow the guidelines and the rubric carefully.  The students will be able to share their books with class.


Yesterday, we began the magazine sale which is a big fundraiser for us.  During the kick-off assembly, the students were so eager to begin selling.  

Tomorrow, the students need to wear their blue Goodpasture shirt for the field trip.  When we return, we will be eating our lunch in the classroom.  Everyone needs to bring a lunch from home that doesn't need warming in the microwave.  Also include plasticware, if needed, as we will not be going to the cafeteria at all.



Thank you to those of you who volunteered to send doughnuts and milk on Valentine's Day.  The students may bring individual cards/treats to pass out that morning while we enjoy our snack.  We look forward to seeing you at 1:00 p.m. for "Friends Forever", the fourth grade program.  After the performance and reception, you may sign your child out and take him/her with you.


  

Book Clubs Are Here!

For the next two weeks in Reading, the students will be participating in Book Clubs.  Today, we briefly discussed Book Clubs in class and the students are so eager to get started!  I have divided the students into four groups and selected a different book for each group.  In trying to find "good fit" books for each group, I considered interest, reading level, and strength in reading skills.  These groups are not permanent.  Students can move between groups throughout the year.  Each group will meet at least twice a week to discuss what they read.  Students will be assigned to read a certain number of pages and they will have a writing assignment too.  One thing to remember is the students cannot read ahead.  I know that will be difficult for some.  

I was able to meet with two groups in each class today and handout their novels.  They were so EXCITED!  I even saw a few students reading their books during dismissal.  (Needless to say, that made my day!)  I will meet with the other two groups tomorrow and give out their novels.  

In addition, we are wrapping up Unit 4 in our textbook.  The students will be tested over the unit's vocabulary next Thursday, February 9th. The vocabulary words and definitions are located in their reading section of their notebook.  Also, the students will take the reading unit test Friday, February 17th, which will test them on the skills we have learned.  While they can't study for this test, they can practice using those skills with their Book Club novel.  The skills to be tests are comparing/contrasting, drawing conclusions, fact/nonfact, steps in a process, prefixes, root words, and using graphic aids (graphs, charts, etc.).

We have been studying about weathering and erosion in science this week.  We have one more lesson in this section about "Earth's Features," before we have a test.  I know the class will be excited when I take out my collection of rocks and minerals next week when we study the lesson entitled, "Earth Materials in Tennessee."  Several have already mentioned to me that they have a special rock collection at home.

Last week in connection with the graph chapter, we took a survey in Math class about our prediction of the 46th Super Bowl winner. It was fun hearing all the many reasons why they voted for the particular team. Ask your child who their class had the highest vote for, or come see the graphs in our hallway. Go team!

On Friday, we will have a special Spirit Day. The students may wear their favorite NFL /College/GCS Football Team jersey. Wear your jeans and jersey!

From the Mrs. Collins' Desk

We have been busily reviewing for the chapter six social studies test which was today.  All students have a study sheet, and with a little extra effort, all students will do well.  Today, a new science chapter, entitled "Earth's Features and Its Materials," was introduced with an experiment on how running water shapes the land.  Ask your child to explain what happened in this experiment and what was learned.  Here's a little trivia for you.  Did you know that the Mississippi River is the 2nd longest river in the United States?  Do you know which is the longest?


In math, a new chapter began this week. The 8th chapter is on fractions and decimals. The students will be learning about equivalent fractions, tenths and hundredths as decimals, and renaming fractions as decimals. Have you gone to the GO MATH website lately? It is called "Think Central". Please don't forget this valuable tool. The Mega Math games and iTools can help to reinforce the skills being taught. Please continue to look over nightly homework and encourage your child in their efforts. They are doing great! 

From the Desk of Mrs. Collins'

Today was the talent show and we were so proud of Corynne and Marlee.  They did a tremendous job playing "Rocky Top" on their violins and clogging too!  Way to go girls!

There are two upcoming events in February that I wanted to make you aware of so that you can mark your calendar.  On February 10th, the fourth grade will be attending a performance at the Opry House that is entitled "The Freedom Train."  We will be traveling by car, and each class can have up to six adults (who will also be our drivers) to go with us.  Also, on February 14th, the fourth grade will be presenting a program at 1:00 p.m, our Valentine's Day program titled "Friends".  The students are busy practicing for our program. I hope you and other special loved ones will plan on joining us.  Mrs. Matherly always does a wonderful job with these musical productions.  More information will be coming home about both events in the near future.


The fourth grade hallways are full of colorful artwork and wonderful writings completed by our students.  If you have an opportunity, come and look at your child's work.  It's impressive!

Happy New Year and Welcome Back!

Students have chosen their Book Talk books and are eagerly reading them.  They were given about 30 minutes in class today to read and will be given time tomorrow to read, as well.  Earlier this week, the Book Talk calendar was given to students to show when each student would give their Book Talk.  They are scheduled for the end of January and beginning of February.  The students did such a great job last time that I am looking forward to hearing their talks!  Next week, the students will be assessed on Word Wall on Wednesday.   Students will be learning about fact/nonfact, comparing/contrasting, and identifying root words. Also, we will be reading Gluskabe and the Snow Bird and the story quiz will be on Friday.  

Social Studies/Science News from Mrs. Baugh:  Today, in social studies, we devoted the entire class period to honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Dr. King made such a powerful impact on American history, and I want fourth graders to be aware of the contribution that Dr. King made.  We watched a short film clip of one of his speeches, read a biography of Dr. King, did some role playing and creative writing, and also discussed how fourth graders can make a difference in making this country a better place.

Math News from Mrs. Drake:  The students are working diligently as we end the chapter on division. A quiz was given on Wednesday and will be in this week's signed papers. Most students did very well. I encourage you to take a couple of minutes over the weekend to check on their progress with dividing two and three digit numbers by a 1- digit number.  A test will be given on Tuesday.

Here are a few of the pictures from our winter celebration day when we returned back to school from the holidays.

From Mrs. Collins' Desk....

Thank you for your generosity!  Our fourth grade mitten tree is full of a variety of mittens and gloves!  ALso, the fourth grade hallway is stacked with can foods!  

In class, students have been busy reading their books for book reports that are due next Wednesday, December 14th.  Because the book reports are due on Wednesday, there will be no Word Wall next week.  This will enable the students to focus on the reports.  It is important for us to wrap this reading unit up prior to leaving for the holidays.  So, we will begin reading the short story "Twisted Trails" on Friday and the story quiz will be next Tuesday the 13th..  Finally, students will have their Reading Vocabulary Test next Thursday, December 15th.

Upcoming Dates in Reading:

Tuesday, Dec. 13th: "Twisted Trails" story quiz

Wednesday, Dec. 14th:          Book report with illustration due

Thursday, Dec. 15th:  Reading Vocabulary Test

Math News from Mrs. Drake:  In math the students are learning to use a variety of strategies and models to divide whole numbers up to 3 digits by 1-digit divisors both with and without remainders. The students are discovering the relationship between multiplying and dividing. I am so glad they have conquered the multiplication facts so well, as it has made the dividing of numbers so much easier on them. This Tuesday the students will have a division fact quiz. The format will be the same as the multiplication fact quiz. We will be unable to finish chapter 6 before the holidays. We will continue division after Christmas Break. 

Our class Christmas party will be on Friday, December 16th at 9:30 and it will last about an hour.  Mrs. Parrish has volunteered to organized this for the children.  If you can help in any way, please let her know.