Mrs. Thompson

Welcome to 4th grade!!

2011-08-15T17:11:00.003-04:00

Hello! Welcome to 4th grade! Hopefully you all received your letters from me welcoming you to 4th grade! I will be using this blog to send updates on what is going on in class and other important information. I hope to see everyone at the Open House on Thursday the 18th from 6-7pm!!

Week of Sept. 27th

2010-09-26T22:52:00.001-04:00

We will continue to read Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing this week. The students really seem to be enjoying it!

Literature projects are due Wednesday. Students should begin looking for the books for their next project. They will be reading mystery books.

Week of Sept. 20th

2010-09-19T14:50:00.002-04:00

We will be starting a novel unit on Monday. We will be reading Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume. This will take the place of our weekly reading test.

The due date for their first literature project is fast approaching. I have extended my due date to Sept. 29th.

Realistic Fiction is

a form of fiction (not true)

accurately reflects life as it could be lived today

everything in the story could happen to real people living in our natural physical world

the characters have normal human powers

story may be set in real places, but the story is NOT based on history, nor does it contain elements of science fiction

Do NOT choose Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing or Because of Winn Dixie as we will read them in class.
Click here or here for a list of titles that fit this genre.

Remember, picture day is Thursday!!!

2010-03-29T11:47:00.002-04:00

The high school student senate is selling Earth Day shirts for $10 each. Orders must be turned into Mrs. Stegemann at the high school by Thursday. You can call her if you have questions, 625-1211 ext. 125.

Literature Projects

2010-03-18T09:22:00.002-04:00

Only two literature projects are left this year. Historical fiction is the genre due on March 26. Do not choose a book we have read together (i.e., Pink and Say.)
The historical fiction you choose should:
*present a well-told story that doesn't conflict with historical records,
*portray characters realistically,
*present authentic settings,
*artfully fold in historical facts,
*provide accurate information through illustrations, and
*avoid stereotypes and myths.

Students will be given an project they can complete on Friday. It is a flip book. They can do something to go with their flip book if they'd like (for example, dress like a character, play a game the character played, bring in an artifact that goes with the book).

List of historical fiction books

More ideas for historical fiction
The final literature project for this year is the student's choice, but it MUST be a chapter book.

Mrs. Thompson's Homework

2010-03-08T12:24:00.003-05:00

As many of you know, I am working on getting my masters in biology and zoology from Miami. This semester I am taking a class called Conservation Biology in the Age of Technology. Like the title suggests, it deals with how to use technology to learn about and communicate conservation topics.

My first big assignment is to develop an ecology project with the kids. I have set up a blog that the kids will be able to take polls, add comments, and even create posts of their own. We will do most of this at school, but I will give the students extra credit if they decide to do additional work on their own.

We started today talking about water conservation and endangered species. The blog address is:

http://cneecocorner.blogspot.com/

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

Meeting at the Movies!!

2010-03-04T10:23:00.002-05:00

We will be meeting at the Milford Showcase cinemas on SUNDAY, March 7th at 3:30 to see The Lightning Thief. The movie starts at 3:45. Parent are welcome to come or feel free to drop your kids off with $$. The movie is approximately 2 hours, so please be there by 5:45 to pick them up.

Please email if you have any questions.

John Gumm Visits CNE

2010-02-26T22:22:00.007-05:00

Lots of changes!

2010-02-18T23:47:00.003-05:00

Well, we have had an unexpected little winter break these last 2 weeks. There has been quite a few changes to our schedule due to this posted on the 4th grade website. Here are the highlights...

Valentine's Day party will be tomorrow afternoon.

Mrs. Thompson's literature projects have been postponed to next Friday. An outline of a possible project will go home in Friday Folders tomorrow.

Conferences are going to be Tuesday and Wednesday next week. If you requested a conference, I will send you confimation on the Friday Folder report. If you would like a conference, please let me know.

Our field trip to Pattison Park has been postponed to March 3rd. Please send in permission slips.

D.C. money is due tomorrow.

For any other changes, please check the Friday Folder report.

Check out this video of Clara explaining our science learning contracts

2010-02-03T22:12:00.004-05:00

In this video, Clara will tell you how our learning contracts work in science class.

Week of Feb 1st.

2010-02-02T10:59:00.003-05:00

This week we will be starting a unit on the Olympics. We will learn about modern and ancient Olympics and talk about the winter events. Students will be ready to cheer on the USA when the games start next week. There are several Olympic links found on the right side of the page.

In science, we are finishing up our Water Cycle contract. Next we will move onto a unit on measurement.

Next week we will be having a Valentines party. Volunteer forms went home on Friday. Please return them ASAP so Mrs. Johnson can organize the items coming in.

Conferences are on Tuesday and Wednesday next week. I have received a few forms back. If you would like to schedule a conference, please send the form back to school.

Pics from Local 12 Visit Today

2010-01-27T18:13:00.006-05:00

Short week

2010-01-19T11:36:00.003-05:00

This week is a short week due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Below are links for students about Dr. King.

Fact Monster on Dr. King
Fill In the Blank on the "I have a dream speech..."
National Geographic's Life in Pictures
Crafts/Activities

This week we will be reading My Brother Martin from our reading book.

In science, we will be learning about the water cycle. The learning contract we will be doing can be found by clicking here or visiting the fourth grade course on the district website.

OAT Test Practice

2010-01-12T10:33:00.003-05:00

This week we will be doing an OAT practice test. We are using tests given to students in previous years. This year 4th graders will be taking a reading and math test. These tests will not be graded, but will be used to help us target our instruction in these weeks leading up to the test.

We will continue to read The Great Kapok Tree in reading and use the same spelling words this week due to last week's snow days. Be sure to check out the fun rainforest links in the post below.

On Thursday students will have a science test over erosion and weathering. Students will receive a study guide to help them prepare for the test.

Permission slips went home this week for the Local 12 field trip on January 27th. Please return them back to school signed with the $5 transportation fee.

Welcome back!

2010-01-04T10:16:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful winter break! We are back to work on our erosion unit in science. We should have a test sometime next week.

We will be reading The Great Kapok Tree in reading for the next 2 weeks. Here are some fun activities to go along with our story.

Online concentration game
Count the rainforest animals
Learn about rainforest animals
Label the reainforest animals
Life in the Strata information

Getting ready for the holidays

2009-12-14T11:54:00.003-05:00

We are busy getting ready for the holiday break. We just finished reading The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. We will compare the text version with the movie version as well as complete a learning contract with grammar, writing, art, and reading activities.
Online Questions and Activities

In math we are continuing to progress in our study of multiplication. Students who do not have their multiplication facts memorized yet will fall behind as we move into double digit multiplication and long division, so please spend time helping your child practice the facts at home. We do not spend much time at school practicing facts as it is expected that the children will learn their facts in third grade.

We have been working on our first science contract as we continue learning about Earth's changing surface.

Thanks to all who have volunteered to send in supplies for the Christmas party on December 18. Mrs. Johnson has taken over the planning and should be contacting you. Feel free to send in any treats, especially healthy ones like fruit and salami roll ups.

Don't forget the spelling bee Friday morning at 9:30. We will be cheering on our 3 girls!!

Hockey Day

2009-11-17T18:18:00.003-05:00

A great time was had by everyone at the hockey game today. Here are a few pics from today's game.

Pink and Say

2009-11-12T17:23:00.003-05:00

This week, we have been reading a wonderful story called Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco. It is a story about 2 young boys who find themselves as soldiers during the Civil War. The story deals with very serious issues and I thought that Veterans Day week would be a great time to talk about these things. You can click here for a game on the vocabulary from the story.

Our Cyclones field trip is next Tuesday. I still have a few students who need to have their permission slips turned in. Please do so immediately.

We have finished our unit on plants in science and will be moving on to weathering and erosion of rocks and soil. Watch the Friday Folder reports for any materials we may be requesting help on for science labs.

Our next literature project is a biography report. The "hero sandwich" project was sent home Friday afternoon. Students may complete an additional project on their own for extra credit.

Thanks to all those who made it out to conferences and the program this week!!

Story Skeleton Confusion

2009-10-19T11:27:00.002-04:00

Apparently there was a little confusion about the story skeletons. I told the students they could do the story skeletons as their mystery literature projects. They can choose to do something else instead, I just wanted to give them this as an option.

Also, we have 2 field trips coming up. The first is next week's trip to Chiloh Lock. The second is the Cyclones hockey game. Make sure you return the permission slips and fees ASAP.

Important papers in Friday Folders

2009-09-16T12:52:00.002-04:00

Parents, please look for some important papers in your child's Friday Folder this week. First, the information about the Washington D.C. trip will be coming home on bright pink paper. The paper includes a sample itetnerary on one side and the deposit form on the back. The cost is $399 per person. A $50 deposit per person is due by October 26th. No deposits will be accepted after this date. Deposits will be taken on a first come, first serve basis. Last year we had to turn some people away because we had too many for one bus, but not enough for 2 buses. Deposits will be numbered and dated as they come in. Any questions, please let me know.

We are also planning a field trip to the Museum Center for Wednesday, September 30th to see the Lewis and Clark movie and the Natural History Museum. Information about cost and chaperoning will be on the form.

Sept. 11th

2009-09-11T15:18:00.002-04:00

Today we had a moment of silence to honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001. I also read a book about what happened that day so the students knew why we had taken a moment of silence.

Friday Folder reports are going home today. Some students have some missing work from this week written on the form. Also, several graded papers are going home. Students are permitted to correct and return papers they earned a D or F on. We will record the average of the 2 grades. Several papers I have requested students correct and return. Students will have one week to correct and return a paper.

Walk a thon collecting kicked off today. Students will be coming home with information about that.

Have a great weekend!!

AR up and ready to go

2009-09-10T11:03:00.002-04:00

Today we finished our STAR testing to help determine reading levels, so students are ready to begin taking AR tests. Students will be expected to complete one AR test each week unless otherwise discussed with me. Students are given 30 minutes each day at school for AR reading.

Just a reminder there will be a spelling and reading test tomorrow.

Fun Lewis and Clark links

2009-09-02T09:32:00.002-04:00

We are reading Lewis and Clark and Me in reading class. This story is told from the point of view of Seaman, a dog Lewis bought before his journey west. Here are some fun links to go along with the story.

Lewis and Clark go west
Journal entries
Lewis and Clark Coloring Book
Kid Activities

Ordering Book Clubs Online

2009-08-31T12:12:00.001-04:00

You can now place your Scholastic Book Clubs orders online!

Browse all the great monthly Book Club selections at low prices and order online. Plus, our class earns a FREE book every time a parent orders online.

Here’s how it works:

1. Use the information below to access the Scholastic Book Clubs Web site.
2. Browse the titles with your child and place your order with your credit card.
3. Your order will come to me, and your credit card payment will go directly to Scholastic’s secure server. There’s no need to send money to school.
4. After I submit the entire class order to Scholastic, your order will be delivered to our classroom for your child to take home.

To get started, go to the Web address below and enter our class’s personalized user name and password in the sign-in fields on the right side of the page. Note: You do not need to create your own user name and password.

www.scholastic.com/bookclubs
User Name: cnethompson
Password: rocket

Ordering online is the most convenient way to use Scholastic Book Clubs. You can order anytime, right up until the online order due date. You’ll also get instant access to over 500 additional titles plus online-only specials and discounts.

And don’t forget: Every time a parent places an order online, we earn a FREE book for our classroom library!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Great first day!!!

2009-08-26T15:20:00.002-04:00

We have come to the end of a great first day!

Please remember to bring these things tomorrow:

signed forms
water bottles
healthy snacks
pictures/magazines/stickers to decorate journals

Homework folders and planners should be returned to school each day.

Schedules

2009-08-25T14:24:00.002-04:00

This year our special schedule will be:
Monday: Music
Tuesday: Art
Wednesday: Gym
Thursday: Library and Music
Friday: Gym

Our lunch will be at 1:20 which is very late! You are welcome to bring a healthy snack each day with you to school.

Welcome Back!!

2009-08-23T20:20:00.002-04:00

Well, it is hard to believe that our summer is over and we are already looking at a new school year. You will be getting lots of information this week. Please be sure to read over everything and let us know if you have any questions.

Remember that we have an Open House on Tuesday from 5-6pm. We will have a Parent Information Meeting next week on September 1st. This will be an opportunity to hear about what your child will be experiencing in 4th grade.

I am attaching a picture of one of the great things I got to do this summer. I have been working on my masters degree and I got to take a field trip to the zoo. We got to go into the elephant exhibit. IT WAS SOOOOO COOL! The elephant rubbed her trunk on my leg and got mud all over me. I didn't wash it off all day!!

Looking forward to seeing all of you this week!

Happy Summer

2009-07-22T14:48:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. I am looking forward to meeting all of my new 4th graders next month!!

Field Day

2009-05-29T14:42:00.002-04:00

I am so proud of our class. We did a great job today and earned 3rd place overall in field day! Best of all, we had a great time (as you will see in some of the conditions of your children when they get home). There will several muddy places in the field and some of our students seemed to find them easier than others!!

As we are winding down the school year, we have some things to look forward to next week. On Tuesday, our 4th quarter Rocket Clubbers will be having their celebration. On Wednesday, the students who earned Rocket Club all year (Chey, Renee, and Caleb) will get a special treat at Country Crus'n. Thursday is our last day of school and the PTO will be providing a hot dog lunch for everyone.

It has been my pleasure to spend the year with your children. We had some great characters in the class this year and they made things interesting (and fun) each day. I look forward to peeking in on them as they move to the middle school next year.

Thanks for a great year!!!!

2 weeks left

2009-05-26T14:50:00.002-04:00

Hard to believe we only have 2 weeks left. There is a lot going on in those 2 weeks. Our weather is getting much warmer, especially in the classrooms. Students are permitted once again to bring water bottles.

On Thursday we will take the students to the middle school for a short tour so they can get an idea of what to expect next year. Permission slips are coming home today and need to be returned immediately so that students can go on Thursday.

Friday afternoon is our field day. Make sure you are dressed appropriately so our class can do well!

Next Tuesday is the 4th quarter Rocket Club. Wednesday the students who have made it in Rocket Club all year will get a special celebration. Students last day is Thursday the 4th.

Big Week

2009-05-18T14:59:00.002-04:00

This week there is a lot going on!! We will have students going in all different directions. A good time is sure to be had no matter where you end up!

Washington DC travelers need to be sure to be at the school by 4:45 am. The buses will leave promptly at 5:00am with or without you! Be sure to wear your red t shirt on Wednesday.

Camp Campbell Gard students will leave once they get to school promptly at 8:45. Please be sure to have a good breakfast. Be sure to dress for the weather. GYMS SHOES OR BOOTS ONLY, no flip flops or sandals. Lunch and dinner will be provided.

Students staying here this week can plan on lots of fun activities. Bring your beach towels on Wednesday for an outdoor silent reading time! Other fun activities are planned, so stay tuned!

What was I thinking!?!?

2009-05-12T13:55:00.001-04:00

No, your children are not fibbing. I forgot to send home interim reports on Friday and I was out yesterday getting tests done at the hospital (still having some trouble with that pesky salmonella). They will be going home today!!

Our school is having a Box Tops for Education contest. The class that collects the most Box Tops by May 22 will earn a popsicle and extra recess. Each box top is worth 10 cents. If each student brings in 10 box tops per week for the rest of the year, our class could collect almost $100. Just imagine if we had been collecting these all year! All money collected this year will be used to refurbish and replace our outdated library books.

Where oh where has Mrs. Thompson gone?

2009-04-24T00:48:00.003-04:00

Well, I am sure many of you are wondering where I have been. I can assure you I am not taking an extra week of vacation. I some how contracted salmonella poisoning have have spent the last week a very, very sick puppy. I have been to the hospital and doctor. I am happy to say that the symptoms are starting to lessen. I am hoping to be back at school on Monday for our first day of OAT testing.

Don't forget about our field trip to see the Disney Earth movie. For the trip to the theater on May 7 we will leave school at 9:15. The movie starts at 10 am with ten minutes of previews, and the show will be over at 11:40. We will come back to the Elementary school around 12:15 and eat lunch here as usual. The concession stand will be open! Yum! There is also a neat website and lots of activities at www.disney.com/earth.

I hope everyone enjoys this gorgeous weekend and is well rested for the big test next week. Please be sure to be at school every day on time.

Wow, where did the time go?

2009-04-08T13:07:00.002-04:00

I am such a bad teacher! I can't believe 2 weeks has gone by since my last post! Sorry about that!

Last week we finished our weather unit in science with some great air pressure activities. For explanations on those activities, visit Mrs. Putnam's blog at http://mrsputnam.blogspot.com/
She always has great math games on there, too. This week, we have been working on a mini unit on Ohio inventors. We have asked ourselves these questions:
Who was the inventor and what did he/she invent?
How did the invention(s) change the lives of people?
How did the invention(s) contribute to the growth of the nation?

We will be spending LOTS of time preparing (not cramming) for the OAT tests happening at the end of this month. We will be working on how to get the most points by answering questions correctly and completely.

When we return from spring break, we will spend some time on erosion and weathering of rocks in science. Watch the Friday Folder for possible items we might need for labs.

I hope everyone has a great, safe spring break next week!!

Happy St. Patricks Day!

2009-03-16T12:39:00.002-04:00

Hope everyone is enjoying the nice weather this week while it lasts!

Mrs. Putnam and I will be presenting at a national conference this week. We will be out of the building Wed. - Friday. We will have a great sub, Mrs. Radtke all 3 days. She has been here before and is very familiar with our class.

In science, we will work on contracts for 2 days and then review some weather concepts. We might even sneak in a game of Weather Bingo.

In reading, my reading group will finish Watson's and move onto the regular weekly story, Encyclopedia Brown.

Since I will be out this week, I am moving the literature project due date to Monday March 23rd. Students who finished this week will receive extra credit.

Updates

2009-03-09T23:00:00.002-04:00

Attention: Washington D.C. trippers-Trip money in the amount of $375 should be turned in by March 20. Do NOT send the money to school. It should be taken/sent to Croswell's.

Mrs. Thompson's reading group is still reading Watson's. Mrs. Wood and Mrs. Humble's reading selection this week is Seeker of Knowledge.

Seeker of Knowledge Matching vocabulary

Hieroglyphics

Seeker of Knowledge powerpoint

We are moving right along in science having started another contract, this time on clouds and precipitation.
Cool weather sites!
Online books:
Do You Know That Clouds Have Names?
Take a Cloud Walk
Songs:
The Weather Dude
Head in the Clouds
Why Is It Raining Raindrops?
Other:
Free Weather coloring book
Powerpoint-how clouds and precipitation form

Precipitation
Flashcards
Study Table
Matching
Bug Match

The next literature project will be due on March 17, 2009. The genre is historical fiction.

For more information:
The Best Kids Book Site
Historical Fiction in the Elementary Classroom
Guiding Questions
Project Ideas
More Ideas

Project Idea: Artifact Box
Purpose:
To create a box filled with (7 - 10) artifacts that help retell the story. Each artifact must represent an event in the story.
Directions:
1. Select a book for your report that fits the genre-historical fiction.
2. As you read the book, keep a list of (7 - 10) important events that the main character deals with in this story.
3. After you finish reading, look at your list and start looking for things around your house that you could use to as artifacts for the different events.
4. Once you have found your artifacts number each artifact in order that it happened in the book.
5. Next write a letter to the "Finder of the Box" explaining what each artifact is and what event it represents. Remember you are writing this letter as the main character from the book. Here is an example;
Dear Finder of the Box,
My name is Joey and I had an exciting adventure in my story titled, Little House on the Prairie. If you look at the artifacts, you'll see reminders of all the important events from my story. Artifact #1 is................
Continue writing your letter until every artifact is explained and the story is revealed. Remember to sign your letter with the character's name.
6. Place artifacts and letter in a box of your choice. The box should be decorated and reflect your story's theme. On the cover of the box include the title of your book, its author, and your name.

Back on schedule

2009-02-20T14:37:00.002-05:00

This week, we have worked hard completing the Stanford Achievement Test. Next week, we will hopefully be back on a regular schedule.

In science, we will wrap up our water cycle centers. Student have done a great job with these centers. When these are finished, we will move onto clouds. We will talk about the major types of clouds and the weather that accompanies them.

In reading, we will be working on a novel unit. My reading class will be reading Watson's Go To Birmingham, 1963. This is a great story set around the civil rights struggles of the 60's. It is one of my favorites.

Meet Lucy

2009-02-14T12:23:00.002-05:00

This is our new puppy, Lucy. My sister found her and her brother on the side of the road hiding under a rock. She found a home for the brother and we have adopted Lucy. I thought you all would like to see her!!

So much for normal!!

2009-02-03T14:16:00.003-05:00

Maybe we will get back to normal in May!!!

We are going to do the spelling and reading from last week this week. We are excited about having Local 12 meteorologist John Gumm coming to talk with us on Friday afternoon.

Here are some fun links for the water cycle.
Droplet and the Water Cycle Game
Make a Water Cycle Wheel
Thirstin's Question and Answer Game
Drinking Water Bloopers

Back to normal, maybe....?

2009-01-25T19:51:00.003-05:00

We are excited about getting back to our normal schedule this week. It looks like Mother Nature might put a crimp in our plans for a normal week. We will have to wait and see!

Last week we sent home the practice OAT tests the students took. They were the released tests from previous years. Please look over them with your child.

In reading we will be reading The Houdini Box. Our team will give the reading test on Friday with the spelling test.

In science, we will continue our unit on weather. We will be having an assembly next Friday with Local 12 meteorologist John Gumm. John has been to CNE for the last few years and is always very engaging and educational for the students.

Conference forms were sent home with report cards. If you would like a conference with myself, Mrs. Humble or Mrs. Wood, please return the form ASAP. We are working on scheduling them.

OAT Practice Test Week!

2009-01-13T12:47:00.002-05:00

This week students are taking the practice Ohio Achievement Tests in Reading (Monday), Math (Thursday) and Writing (Friday). There is are released tests and a practice test accessible online if you visit the Ohio Department of Education website. The tests will be sent home after they have been scored. Students who earn a 4 on the testing rubric every day of testing will earn a reward on Friday. To earn a 4, students must write in complete sentences, use details from the selection in their answers, and use their time wisely among other requirements.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-04T12:56:00.002-05:00

Welcome to 2009! We are back to work tomorrow! Check out the 4th grade website for calendar updates and this week's spelling words.

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday break! Don't forget that the next literature project is due on January 9. The genre: informational text-any nonfiction book that is NOT a biography or autobiography. Also, Jan. 9 is the end of the quarter which means that report cards will come home the next week on Jan. 16.

Back from the conference

2008-12-08T11:26:00.002-05:00

Mrs. Putnam and I are back from our science teacher's conference and brought back lots of great ideas we will be using in the classroom.

In science we will continue our unit on physical and chemical changes. We will start a learning contract this week. There are links to the right that go with our unit that will be part of the contract.

In reading, we will finish The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and complete the activities that go with the story.

December already?

2008-12-01T21:50:00.003-05:00

We made some minor changes to the reading classes this week to better accommodate students. Our December reading will focus on The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson. We will read the first 5 chapters this week. My reading class will be completing a learning contract to go along with the book.

Online Questions and Activities Click here

FYI: We will have a substitute teacher in our classroom Wednesday-Friday as I will be attending a science conference. Please encourage your children to be on their best behavior.

Conference Week

2008-11-10T14:31:00.003-05:00

This week, all students in my reading class will be reading The Stranger by Chris Van Allsburg. We spent the first day reading the story and writing a persuasive paragraph about who we think the stranger in the story is. Here are some links about the author.

Chris Van Allsburg

Vocabulary Game
The Stranger Powerpoint
Another Powerpoint
Author Study

In science, it is all about matter. We will be learning about the properties and 3 states of matter. We will spend a few days talking about matter and our state indicators before we get into a matter webquest.
Ohio Indicators
Describe objects by the properties of the materials from which they are made and that these properties can be used to separate or sort a group of objects (e.g., paper, glass, plastic and metal).
Explain that matter has different states (e.g., solid, liquid and gas) and that each state has distinct physical properties.

Conferences are Tuesday and Wednesday this week. If you need to schedule or change a conference, please contact me ASAP.

Election week

2008-11-03T20:43:00.000-05:00

This week's reading selection is So You Want to Be President by Judith St. George.
So You Want to Be President powerpoint
WebQuest

We are beginning our unit on multiplication and division in math. According to the Ohio benchmarks and indicators in math, third grade students are expected to be fluent in knowing the single digit multiplication facts. This means that we will not spend much time on memorizing these facts as the students should already know them. If you find that your child does not have the facts memorized, please spend some time practicing the facts each day. I have listed various math links on the right side of this page.

Our focus in science will be matter.
Some sites to visit:
What is matter?
What is Matter?
States of Matter

2nd Quarter Already!

2008-10-19T18:40:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow begins the 2nd quarter. It is hard to believe we already have completed the 1st quarter!

If you were unable to attend the meeting this evening about our Washington D.C. trip, don't worry! You can send in a note, or contact Mrs. Bower for more information. Email her at bower_b@cneschools.org, or call her at 732-0661 ext. 425. She is our expert coordinator for this trip. If your child is unable to attend the Washington D.C. trip, another choice could be the extended day trip to Camp Campbell Gard. We are planning to go on the Wednesday of the D.C. trip.

This week we will be back to the reading book and reading What Jo Did. Here are some resources we found to go with the story.

In science we will continue to learn about measurement. We will focus on weight and capacity this week. Here are some links to some fun activities to help with capacity:

Remember there is an early release day on Wednesday. Students will be released 2 hours early.

Also, don't forget to order Market Day. This month all the profits go directly to 4th grade! To place your order online, click here. You can pick up the orders at the elementary school on November 6th.

2,000 Steps

2008-10-12T18:24:00.004-04:00

On Friday we went to Gauche Park and did some math lessons on estimating. We then got some great exercise and walked 2,000 steps around Gauche Park. It was a great activity and we took the chance to take a great class picture in front of the cabin.

Soggy, but great field trip!

2008-10-08T13:57:00.004-04:00

We had a great field trip today to Sycamore Park in Batavia. We reviewed soil and rock formation from 3rd grade. We spent a lot of time talking about erosion and weathering of rock, which we will learn more about later this year in science. We spent time looking for fossils in the creek and many of us found great bryozoans, brachiopods, and crinoids. Although we were a little muddy and soggy, we had a great time!

Meet Flo and Rio

2008-10-06T14:15:00.005-04:00

Mrs. Thompson was sucked in at the turtle booth at the Pumpkin Run and bought 2 of the small turtles they were selling. Rio is the lighter green turtle. It is a Rio Grande Red Eared Slider. Flo is darker and is a Florida Red Bellied turtle. The students will be tracking their weight and length changes this year as well as making observations on their changes in appearance.

Although students begin writing paragraphs in second grade, our class needs much work on this skill. In order to write a good paragraph, students must first be able to write in complete sentences. Please encourage your child to always write and speak in complete sentences. Answering a question with, "No, because..." is not a complete sentence.

For more help on paragraph writing, check out the following sites:
Paragraphs: This site has all of the rules in paragraph writing, including grammar skills like punctuation and capitalization.
Paragraph Punch: This site offers one free tutorial that is very helpful.
Descriptive Paragraph: This site tells how to begin each sentence.
Sandwich Chart: This is a graphic organizer to use when writing a paragraph.
How to Write an Apple: This site goes through the writing process step by step.
Writer's Window: This is a fun way to get writing ideas.

In reading this week, we are finishing our unit on Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. Students will be tested on Chapters 6-10 this week.

In science, we will continue working on measurement. We will review measuring length in English units (inches, feet, miles, etc.).

October 1st?!?!?

2008-10-01T18:18:00.003-04:00

How is it October already!! It seems like we just started school yesterday! Thankfully, we are all enjoying the cooler weather in class.

We are beginning a measurement unit in science. Today in class we broke down the Ohio 4th grade standard on measurement for science. According to the standard, students should be able to select the appropriate tools and use relevant safety procedures to measure length, weight, volume, temperature and area in metric and English units. This week we began length. Here are some helpful link for our unit:

The Ruler Game

Fun Brain Ruler Game

Measuring Pencils (they use the British spelling of centimetres)

Interactive Measurement Games

Measurement Powerpoints

We will finish our measurement unit by estimating and measuring pumpkins. Each student will need to bring in a pumpkin by October 27 for these activities. (The pumpkin should not be bigger or heavier than a fourth grader can carry on the bus.) Our pumpkin science study will coincide with the reading aloud of the book Me and the Pumpkin Queen by Marlane Kennedy who visited our school yesterday.

We are extending our study of Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing for another week or so due to our very interrupted October schedule. For a list of upcoming events, visit the 4th grade calendar.

Remember that we have our first field trip on Wednesday to Sycamore Park. Students need to dress for outdoor weather and wear appropriate walking shoes.

We have POWER!!

2008-09-22T22:06:00.003-04:00

The Thompson family got their power back this evening after 8 days! I know some of you are still waiting. It is hard to believe what an impact that storm had on all of us. I know it was a rough week for everyone and I am glad that we are back on schedule.

We started reading Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing today. We will be working on this novel for the next few weeks. Students will be completing a variety of activities for this novel.

We will use the same spelling words as listed on the last Friday folder. We will have out test as scheduled on Friday.

Literature projects are due this week. Students were given the windsock directions and 2nd time in their last Friday folder. Students who were prepared today will receive extra credit. All projects need to be turned in by Friday.

In science, we will continue to learn about the scientific method. We took a quiz last week and I felt that after grading them we needed to review another week. So I am not counting the quiz score. If students chose to redo them, I will give them extra credit.

Homework:
Reading: Literature projects
Social Studies: State dailies
Spelling: Test Friday

Big Blackout of 2008

2008-09-16T11:56:00.002-04:00

I hope that this finds all of you with electric. We are still waiting for the power gods to restore our service! I am hoping to see everyone on Wednesday! Don't forget it is an early release day. We will be dismissing 2 hours early.

This week in science, we will be continuing to focus on the scientific method. We will do an experiment. Last week we had a quiz on the scientific method.

In reading we will begin a novel unit on Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. To the right you can find links to some of the projects we will do in class. Students in my reading class will be working to complete a reading contract which will allow them to chose the activities they would like to finish.

Week 3

2008-09-01T23:50:00.002-04:00

This week in science we will begin our first investigation. We will try and answer the question what will make bread mold grow the fastest. We will also continue our discussions on science safety.

In spelling this week, we will write the words in cursive on Tuesday, use them in complete sentences (interrogative, imperative, declarative, and exclamatory) on Wednesday, edit on Thursday, and take an editing test on Friday.

Our reading this week will focus on the text selection The Horned Toad Prince. Students should also have chosen their realistic fiction book for the Sept. 19 literature project and have an AR book for our daily silent reading.

The language focus for the week will continue to be the four types of sentences.
Create your own worksheet by clicking here or take the Quia Quiz by clicking here Quia Quiz on sentences.

This week may be difficult, especially for those students who had Mrs. Spahr. Please let us know if you have any concerns.

Week 2: Back to work!

2008-08-25T21:26:00.002-04:00

Thanks to everyone who attended Parent Information Night!!

After easing into 4th grade last week, we started with our regular academic schedule. Students were grouped for instruction this week. They are in grouped for reading and math in order to best meet their needs. If you have any questions about how we grouped or which group they are in, please let me know.

Make sure you are reading every night and practicing your multiplication facts.

Homework: My group has a paper that is due Friday.

Happy 1st Day!

2008-08-20T20:42:00.002-04:00

We had a great 1st day today. Everyone was here and showed up on time and brought a great attitude! We enjoyed music class today and even had a little bit of classwork on the Ancient Olympics. Students work on this in class, but may need to finish it at home tonight. They only need to answer 5 of the questions. They can choose which 5 they want to finish.

Lots of important papers came home in folders today. The most important is the emergency form. Please fill those out and return them to school tomorrow.

Open House!

2008-08-18T17:33:00.002-04:00

We have been hard a work getting everything ready for school to start this week! We hope to see everyone at Open House on Tuesday August 19th from 5-6p.m. This will be a chance for us to meet and say hello before school starts on Wednesday. You can also bring your school supplies if you don't want to carry them on the bus.

We will have a Parent Information Night on Monday, August 25th from 6-7 p.m.. This will be a more detailed meeting about all things 4th grade!

Just to give you a heads up, we will be decorating our writing journals with stickers and pictures from home. You will be cutting up and gluing these onto your journal, so make sure you clear which pictures you bring with mom.

Looking forward to seeing everyone this week!!

Race for the Cure

2008-08-14T13:19:00.001-04:00

A much beloved teacher at CNE was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Although we can't help her fight her battle, we at CNE Elementary would like to support her by helping to fund cancer research. If you are interested in joining our team on September 14 or would like to contribute to our fundraising efforts, please click here.

Getting ready...

2008-08-11T21:34:00.004-04:00

Well, I am back from vacation and getting ready for the start of school next week. My family and I just returned from a cruise that went to Key West, Cozumel, and Belize. Above is a picture of a crocodile that popped up to say hello in Belize. It was un-BELIZE-able! The 2nd picture is a picture of Cincinnati from my seat on the plane. You can see the Ohio River and the 2 stadiums.
I want to welcome the 3 new young men to our class. I am sure you will find CNE a great place to be!

We will have a Meet the Teacher night on Tuesday the 19th from 5-6p.m. This will be a chance to come in and find our room and a quick hello. We will have a Parent Information night on August the 25th. This is when we will give more information about what to expect from 4th grade.

Have a great summer

2008-06-14T17:45:00.003-04:00

To my old 4th graders, thanks for the great year! To the new 4th graders, you'll be hearing from me soon!

Have a great summer!!!!

Back from DC

2008-05-24T22:57:00.004-04:00

We all got back safely from DC last night (actually early this morning). We had such a great trip. Our students were complimented everywhere we went. They made CNE very proud.

Hard to believe we have reached the last week of school. I will be busy entering report card grades this weekend. This week we will be getting things ready for the summer (and maybe sneak in a little fun). I have so enjoyed having your children in class this year. It has been my pleasure to have each and every one of them. I will miss them next year. I am so glad that I have a child in this group of kids so that I can keep in touch with them!

Only 4 weeks left!

2008-05-05T15:05:00.003-04:00

It is SO hard to believe we have only 4 weeks left of school. We have so much to do!

This week we will have our Health Talks. Permission slips went home last week. Please return them to school ASAP.

Our trip to the middle school is next week. Permission slips also went home for these last week. Please return those ASAP.

We began our unit on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. We will be working on this til the end of the year. Check out the learning contract on the 4th grade website to see what activities students can complete.

We also began our plant unit this week. We will be working on plant until the end of the year. Our plant activities will be due by May 20th due the the Washington D.C. trip and report card deadlines.

There will be no more spelling homework for the rest of the year. Students will still have weekly spelling tests. Homework packets will still be due as well.

What's up next?

2008-04-30T22:14:00.005-04:00

With our last OAT test tomorrow, we are busy planning our lessons for the end of the year.

In Science, we will begin our final unit. We we be learning about plants. Students will work towards completion of a contract which will require each student to do the following: 1 plant brochure, 5 inquiry stations (aka experiments), 5 information stations, 3 versatiles, and 2 AR books by May 23. The Ohio 4th grade indicators are:
1. Compare the life cycles of different plants including germination, maturity, reproduction and death. (ORC Resources)
2. Relate plant structures to their specific functions (e.g., growth, survival and reproduction). (ORC Resources)
3. Classify common plants according to their characteristics (e.g., tree leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, stems). (ORC Resources)
4. Observe and explore that fossils provide evidence about plants that lived long ago and the nature of the environment at that time. (ORC Resources)
5. Describe how organisms interact with one another in various ways (e.g., many plants depend on animals for carrying pollen or dispersing seeds). (ORC Resources)

In reading, we will begin a novel unit on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Students will work towards completing a contract for that as well. You can find the contract by clicking here. Check out the fun chocolate links found to the right.

Don't forget literature projects are due Friday. Students were given their presentation books this week.

Testing Week

2008-04-27T19:43:00.002-04:00

This week is testing week. We will be testing on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday this week. Attendance is SO important! There will be no homework this week!

We could use some snacks to help us get through the week. Please let me know if you can send anything in.

April 14th

2008-04-14T12:35:00.002-04:00

We are currently deciding when to go to see Nim's Island this weekend. It looks like Friday afternoon is when we will be going. Check back later this week for further details.

We will be extending the due date for the erosion contract to next week. We want to give the students a few more days to work on their projects and present them.

Washington D.C. t shirt orders are due Friday. The order forms went home last week. Please let me know if you still need to order.

Carnival is Saturday. You still have time to turn in items for our Candy, Crafts, and C.N.E Basket.

2 weeks and counting!

2008-04-11T08:13:00.003-04:00

We have 2 weeks left to prepare for the OAT. Attendance is VERY important these next few weeks. We will be reviewing lots of valuable information to help us do well on the state tests.

I have moved my date for literature projects to May 2nd. Students are making flip books and received their directions this week. They are more than welcome to complete an additional project to go with their flip book for extra credit.

We have started learning about erosion and weathering in science class. Students just finished making presentations to the class about a different erosion topic. Students are now working on completing a contract which includes a webquest activity. You can find a link to the webquest on the right.

Make sure and vote for when you would like to see Nim's Island next weekend!

Welcome back!

2008-04-02T14:18:00.004-04:00

Sorry for the delayed post. I am still recovering from my trip the the National Science Teachers Conference over spring break. I learned so many great things to use in class that my brain hurts. And I got to meet Bill Nye, which is WAY COOL!

We are working a little harder on preparing for the OAT tests coming at the end of the month. Good attendance is very important during this time.

We are began our weathering and erosion unit in science this week. We took time yesterday to break down the standards so we could see what we need to know when we are done. The standards are:

Earth Science B8: Describe how wind, water and ice shape and reshape Earth's land surface by eroding rock and soil in some areas and depositing them in other areas producing characteristic landforms (e.g., dunes, deltas and glacial moraines).

Earth Science B9: Identify and describe how freezing, thawing and plant growth reshape the land surface by causing the weathering of rock.

Earth Science B10: Describe evidence of changes on Earth's surface in terms of slow processes (e.g., erosion, weathering, mountain building and deposition) and rapid processes (e.g. volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and landslides).

Since our trip to the movies to see The Spiderwick Chronicles was so well attended and everyone seemed to have a good time, our class thought that we would like to see another movie together. We are reading Nim's Island as a class right now, and it comes to movie theaters soon. If you like the idea, please vote in the survey on the right of this page.

Walk A Thon kicked off yesterday. All students are working to raise at least $25 to meet our goal. Money earned in the Walk A Thon will be used for technology upgrades in the classrooms. Our class wants to be #1 in the grade level so Mrs. Thompson can throw a pie in Mr. Smith's face! :)

Have a great spring break!!

2008-03-22T20:31:00.000-04:00

Short Week

2008-03-17T20:37:00.003-04:00

We have a short, very busy week. Tomorrow we will record our commercials for our cereal box reports. I will try and figure out how to make them into a DVD for everyone.

After Thursday everyone will need a break. Students will have a science test on weather. Students will also have a social studies and spelling test. I am not having a reading test this week, but we will still read the story.

Don't forget the date to pay your Washington D.C. balance is approaching. Contact Mrs. Bower for questions.

Back to business

2008-03-10T21:23:00.002-04:00

I hope that everyone made the most of the winter storm this weekend. That was one to remember and looks like it will be gone soon. Here is the snowman my kids made this weekend. We should be back to business this week without interruptions.

Don't forget fantasy/fairy tale literature projects are due this week. We are all doing the same cereal box reports that I read about on another teacher's website. For a link to her site to download the forms, click here, scroll down, and click on 2007-2008 Classroom Happenings, and click cereal reports. We will be filming commercials next week.

Homework packets are due Friday as well.

Maple Syrup!!!

2008-03-04T12:29:00.002-05:00

We had a great time yesterday at Pattison Park tapping trees for maple syrup. We got to taste sap straight from the tree and fresh maple syrup and maple sugar. The weather was incredible (even though my allergies are suffering).

Don't forget tomorrow is early release. Students will be coming home 2 hours early.

Spring pictures are Thursday.

Yearbook order are due. They are $11.

Homework packets are due Friday.

Important dates

2008-02-28T22:00:00.002-05:00

Watch the Friday Folder for lots of important information. There is lots of things going ton next week.

Monday: We will be going on a field trip to Pattision Park. Students will learn about trees and maybe get to tap a tree for maple syrup. Please DRESS for the weather!!

Wednesday: Early Release day rescheduled

Thursday: Family Fun Night rescheduled

All students will have a spelling test tomorrow. My reading group will have a test on The Houdini Box. Students should be working on their literature project cereal boxes. Homework packets are due tomorrow.

We ALL learn about snow

2008-02-21T18:59:00.003-05:00

Well, we are enjoying our 2nd blast of winter weather this week. Here are a few updates.

Homework packets are due tomorrow. Students also have a spelling test tomorrow. If there is no school tomorrow, these will be due on Monday. Friday Folders will come home on Monday as well.

Conferences are rescheduled for next Wednesday. They will be held at the same times. Please let me know if you had a conference scheduled and you can not attend.

Jesse learns about hurricanes

2008-02-13T22:20:00.003-05:00

Today we had a visit from our favorite meteorologist, John Gumm from Local 12 News. Mr. Gumm does a great job helping us understand very complicated weather concepts. Here you can see him showing Jesse how hard it would be to read a forecast during a hurricane (Mr. Gumm looks like he is having lots of fun with his leaf blower). Be sure to ask your child to help to demonstrate for you what happens when a cloud can no longer hold its water!

Tomorrow is our Valentine's party. Thanks to all those who are sending in snacks and treats. We will be watching Hairspray since its story goes along with our recent novel unit. Please be sure to return the note giving permission to watch the movie since it is rated PG. Call if you have any questions!!

For those who are interested, we are going to meet at the movie theater on Friday afternoon at 4:50 to see the Spiderwick Chronicles. The movie is about an hour and a half long. The price of the movie is $7.00. Feel free to meet us there for the show.

Conferences are next Tuesday and Wednesday. Tomorrow I will send home the confirmation notes for those students who turned in their notes this week. Please call if you have not received a confirmation.

Enjoy the 4 day weekend. Mr. Gumm is calling for the possibility of snow on Sunday! Go out make Presidential Snowmen on Monday!

Good ole Punxsutawney Phil...

2008-02-11T15:05:00.000-05:00

Well, it looks like Punxsutawney Phil might have been right. Weather forecasters are calling for quite the storm tonight! We'll just have to wait and see what happens. Ask the kids about what kind of air masses are moving in!

There is no spelling this week. There is a homework packet that is due Thursday. Also, Valentine parties are Thursday. We will be watching Hairpsray. It's content goes right along with the novel unit. The movie is PG so students need to return the permission slips even if they are not bringing in snacks for the party. My 5 year old has seen the movie several times, I think our 4th graders should be fine to watch it.

Remember to vote on the right hand side of the screen for which time you would like to meet at the movie theater to see The Spiderwick Chronicles.

Is it humid enough for ya?

2008-02-05T14:06:00.000-05:00

What a great time to be learning about weather!! What a lot of unusual weather we have had over the past few weeks to observe! The water cycle and clouds are this week's focus.

My reading class is continuing to work on Watson's Go to Birmingham-1963. This has been the most fun I have had teaching this book! The book will take a very serious turn next week.

Tomorrow is our field trip to the hockey game. Don't forget to pack your lunch. Concession stands will be open, but you know sporting concessions-the items are usually pretty expensive!

This week is count week, so be here to be counted! Students who have perfect attendance this week will earn some sort of treat from Ms. Davis on Friday. If your child must be absent, be sure to send in a note explaining the absence.

Due this week: spelling homework, homework packet

Next Literature Project: FANTASY (We will all be doing Cereal Box reports and commercials. More to follow about this.)
Due: March 14

Valentine's Party is next Thursday. I will be sending home a letter soon. Please let me know if you can bring anything in. I would like to watch the movie Hairspray, which is set in the time of Watson's Go To Birmingham-1963. I think it will be a very fun way to close a great story!

Upcoming Events:
2/6: Hockey game
2/8: Interims
214: Valentine's Day Party 2:30
2/15: No School
2/18: No School
2/19: Conferences 3:30-6:30
2/20: Conferences 3:30-6:30
2/20: 2 Hour Early Release
2/29: End of Grading Period
3/7: Report Cards
3/14: Literature Projects due
3/21: Good Friday-No School
3/21-3/30: Spring Break-No School

Spirit Week

2008-02-03T22:44:00.000-05:00

This week we will have Spirit Week. Each day student can show their school spirit. The schedule is:

Monday: Twin Day

Tuesday: Hat Day

Wednesday: Profession Day

Thursday: Mismatch Day

Friday: Blue & Gold Day

Happy February!

2008-02-01T20:54:00.000-05:00

Well, we didn't get our snow day today! We didn't even get a delay!!

Today the students who were prepared presented their literature projects. Everyone did a great job! I am eager to see the remaining projects.

Conference forms went home today. They will be scheduled 1st come, 1st serve. If you would like a conference with Mrs. Humble or Mrs. Bower, please mark it on the form.

Remember the Cyclones trip on Wednesday. Students need to pack a sack lunch. Concessions are available and students can bring money to purchase snacks.

Washington D.C. Trip

2008-01-29T22:42:00.000-05:00

Final payment for the Washington D.C. trip is due April 6, 2008. The tour total is $369.oo per person with a $50.00 deposit which has already been collected. The amount due by April is $319 per person. Checks should be made payable to and mailed to Croswell Tours.

If you have any questions, please contact me or Croswell at 724-2206.

Those students not attending the Washington D.C. trip will have the opportunity to take an extended day trip to Columbus to visit the state capitol building and COSI Science Center. Information will be coming home closer to the date.

January 28th

2008-01-28T18:49:00.000-05:00

Homework packets and spelling homework are due Friday. Don't forget those literature projects as well!

In reading we are still working on Watson's Go To Birmingham-1963. Tomorrow we will answer comprehension questions on the first 5 chapters.

Our field trip to US Bank Arena to see the Cincinnati Cyclones is coming up on February 6. If you have not already sent in your child's permission slip and fee ($10.00), please do so before next Friday, February 2. It is a fun and EDUCATIONAL opportunity.

Congratulations to Robby and Ciera who made their A.R. goals this 6 weeks!

No spelling this week

2008-01-23T19:02:00.000-05:00

We are canceling spelling this week. We realized after the Friday Folders were typed that we had already studied this list.

Homework packets are due Friday. Students should also be working on their biography literature projects that are due next week.

Please return the Cyclones permission slips. The cost per person is $10. It is a great field trip!

Report cards came home today

2008-01-18T14:00:00.000-05:00

Students brought home report cards today. Please be sure to review them and sign and return the envelope. Students are also bringing home a permission slip for the Cyclones field trip. Chaperones are welcome!!

In reading we will be working from one of my favorite novels, Watsons Go To Birmingham, 1963. This is a great story that I think the students will love!

Friday Folder reports will come home today with next week's homework packet.

I thought I would include this picture of the little newborn polar bear in Germany. How fun does this job look?!?

Be true to your school!!

2008-01-17T22:29:00.000-05:00

FOX19 is looking for some Cool Schools. Click here to visit the link to vote for CNE.

Tomorrow:
Spelling test
Turn in spelling homework and homework packet

Remember, biography literature projects are due on February 1st.

How about this week?!?!

2008-01-16T13:08:00.000-05:00

We have had quite the interesting schedule this week! Looks like more snow and cold weather ahead.

We have really started working on preparing for the state tests. Letters will be coming home to some students who are eligible to receive before school tutoring as additional test prep.

Homework packets are due Friday. There will be a reading test on Eye of the Storm for my reading group tomorrow.

End of the 3rd Grading Period

2008-01-12T11:33:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the end of the 3rd grading period. Students will be bringing home report cards next Friday.

We finished our practice tests on Friday. We know what things we need to be working on. Look for lots of writing activities over the next few weeks.

Our next field trip is approaching. Look for permission slips to be coming home soon for the Cyclones hockey game.

Way to go girls!!!

2008-01-10T18:59:00.000-05:00

I was very proud of my spelling bee girls today! They handled the pressure very well!

Make sure you are well rested and ready for the practice OAT writing test tomorrow. This will be our last practice test. Graded tests will be coming home in Friday Folders. Look for information about before school tutoring to come home to students who could use a little extra prep time.

Don't forget homework and spelling packets are due tomorrow. There will be a spelling test and an AR test on Adelina's Whales.

Remember, early release on Wednesday.

Practice Test Week

2008-01-07T17:48:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Room 222 Spelling Bee participants! Hannah, Josie, and Ciera will be representing our class on Thursday in the CNE Elementary Spelling Bee!

We will be giving the practice Ohio Achievement Tests (OAT) this week so it is especially important that students be present and on time each day. We give the practice test for three reasons: to familiarize the students with the format and feel of the test, to identify specific academic indicators that need to be covered more thoroughly, and to identify students who would benefit from before-school tutoring. The test that the students take is an actual OAT test given in a previous year. Today students took the reading OAT given in March 2005. Students can access, take, and print this test by visiting Ohio's portal to Ohio Statewide Testing. Each student has been given a userID (first initial, last name followed by 046326, example- Suzi Smith ssmith046326) and so is able to create a new account, log in, and see the assignments that I have chosen for my class to take. I will give extra credit for each test taken. The tests are long, but they are the exact OATs that have been given in the past, the answers are given immediately after the student posts a response, AND they do NOT have to be taken all at one time. Students may begin a test, do a few questions, and then, as long as they do not SUBMIT the test, come back to work on that test at a later date.

Later this week:
Wednesday: Math OAT
Thursday: Reading Quiz "Adelina's Whales; Spelling Bee 1:30
Friday: Writing OAT; Spelling test; Spelling homework due; Homework packet due

End of the grading period is approaching...

2008-01-04T17:18:00.000-05:00

Today we got back into the swing of things. Homework packets went home today along with a stack of graded papers. Students have one week to complete all missing assignments and turn in any corrected work.

Don't forget the very important practice OAT next week!

Welcome Back!

2008-01-03T23:57:00.000-05:00

Welcome to 2008! We used our shortened day today to get back into the swing of things. I hope everyone had a great break.

Today we began to work on our Buckle Down books. These books help us prepare for the upcoming Ohio Achievement Tests. Next week we will be doing our practice test. Please try and be present all week.

Tomorrow we will have our homeroom spelling bee. Words will be chosen from the official spelling bee website. Click here to access those words. Three students will be selected from each third and fourth grade homeroom to represent their classes in the CNE Elementary spelling bee next Thursday at 1:30 p.m. Guests are welcome to attend the bee. The winner of the bee will participate in the Greater Cincinnati Scripps Howard Spelling Bee.

*Students are not required to participate in the bee; however, once a student accepts a bid as one of the top three representatives in the class I expect that student to fulfill that responsibility and participate in the school bee.

Science Test Wednesday

2007-12-17T22:57:00.000-05:00

Before the break for the holidays students will have a test in math and science on Wednesday. We will review for the test tomorrow. Here is some helpful information to help prepare for the science test.

Evidence of a chemical change always includes A new substance being formed and may also include one or more of the following: An odor; Bubbles which indicate a gas has formed; an unexpected Color change; a Different temperature; and Energy in the form of light given off. Chemical changes cannot usually be reversed. The key difference between a chemical change and a physical change is that in a physical change no new substances are produced. On Wednesday's test, students will be asked to identify which foods should be on the menu at The Chemical Change Cafe. The Chemical Change Cafe only serves food which has undergone a chemical change. When analyzing whether or not a food can be placed on The Chemical Change Cafe's menu, students must give evidence to support their ideas. For example, trail mix can not be placed on the menu because it is a mixture and has not gone through a chemical change. Trail mix is not a new substance because it can be sorted into its orginal ingredients. Buttermilk biscuits can be served at The Chemical Change Cafe because they go through a chemical change. Evidence of a chemical change in biscuits includes bubbles formed by gas when the biscuits bake, an odor (aroma) produced by baking, and most importantly, a new substance is formed. Once the biscuits are baked, you cannot remove the individual ingredients used in the biscuit batter so the change is NOT reversible.

Are you and your child having trouble with multiplication? Try this site on lattice multiplication. It's not the way I learned multiplication, but sometimes it's easier for those who "don't get" traditional math.

Science is Messy!!

2007-12-14T14:16:00.000-05:00

Well, I hope everyone goes home and tells their parents about our outdoor science lab today. It was a great time! We will learn more about the science behind it next week!

Don't forget literature projects are due Monday on Informational Text.

Interims went home today. You may keep them. Please sign and return the Friday Folder.

Our holiday parties are Wednesday afternoon. Please let me know if you can donate anything for our celebration.

Twas the week before Christmas break...

2007-12-10T15:01:00.000-05:00

Reading: We are working on Best Christmas Pageant Ever. We will finish the book this week and have a test on Friday. We will work on Learning Contract activities this week and next week.

Spelling: No words until after the new year!

Language Arts: We will work on verb tenses and subject/verb agreement.

Science: We are still working on Chemical/Physical Changes. There should be some interesting demonstrations this week in class you may hear about. For a sneak peek, click here.

Homework: Packets are due Friday. Don't forget literature projects are due next week.

December already?

2007-12-02T23:32:00.001-05:00

How did it get to be December already?!? It is very hard to believe! We are starting one of my favorite novel units of the year for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. We will be working on this book until our Winter Break. We will be having our Christmas party on the 10th. Please look for information on how you can help to come home soon.

Students will have the opportunity to do a little holiday shopping in Santa Shop this week.

Homework and spelling packets are due Friday.

Week of the 26th

2007-11-27T14:52:00.000-05:00

This week students will be reading the fantasy story The Stranger. Students will have a test on the story on Thursday.

Spelling and homework packets are due Friday.

Also on Friday, we will celebrate Rocket Club. I had 5 exceptional young ladies who made it into Rocket Club this 12 weeks. I am hoping for more next grading period.

There will also be a good behavior movie on Friday for those students with no missing work and who had good behavior for the month of November. Students who did not qualify will spend some time in a work room.

Next week, students will have the opportunity to do a little holiday shopping here at school. Our day for Santa Shop is Wednesday. A letter will be coming home later this week with more details.

Happy Turkey Day

2007-11-19T20:39:00.000-05:00

No homework packets this week! Spelling is due next week. Report cards will come home next Friday. Make sure you have paid at least $20 towards your supply fee to get your report card! Shutter Bugs will meet tomorrow after school. Topic is "I am Thankful..."

Enjoy the holiday! See you Monday!!

Thank you Veterans!

2007-11-12T14:46:00.000-05:00

Today we had a very special treat! Staff Sgt. Woodard came and spoke with us about being a veteran. She told the kids about her 15 years of experience in the Army. They saw first hand a true patriot! Our students had great questions for her. We appreciate her visit and all she does for our country.

Homework and spelling packets are due at the end of the week. Our UDF trip is Friday. Please make sure students are dresses appropriately (warm clothes and gym shoes).

I will be out of the building tomorrow presenting at a conference in Columbus. Don't forget Wednesday is 2 hour early release and pajama day.

Evacuation Drill

2007-11-09T15:08:00.000-05:00

You students may tell you about a practice evacuation drill we held today. This is if there is ever a need to evacuate completely from the school grounds. Students did a great job today.

Monday will be honor Veteran's Day. Please be sure to wear your red, white, and blue.

Some students still need to bring in their UDF permission slip and $$ for Friday's field trip.

Have a great weekend!

November 8th

2007-11-08T11:23:00.000-05:00

In science we began our physical science unit. Following are the indicators which will be addressed:

Physical Sciences

1. Identify characteristics of a simple physical change (e.g., heating or cooling can change water from one state to another and the change is reversible).

2. Identify characteristics of a simple chemical change. When a new material is made by combining two or more materials, it has chemical properties that are different from the original materials (e.g., burning paper, vinegar and baking soda).

3. Describe objects by the properties of the materials from which they are made and that these properties can be used to separate or sort a group of objects (e.g., paper, glass, plastic and metal).

4. Explain that matter has different states (e.g., solid, liquid and gas) and that each state has distinct physical properties.

5. Compare ways the temperature of an object can be changed (e.g., rubbing, heating and bending of metal).

Don't forget spelling and homework packets are due tomorrow. Also, a few people still need to return their UDF permission slips and $5.

Reminder that next Wednesday is early release day AND more importantly pajama day! Students will be returning home 2 hours early.

Conference Night

2007-11-05T22:44:00.000-05:00

I want to thank everyone who made it to conference night tonight. Although it made for a long evening, I enjoyed meeting with all of you and talking about your children.

Tomorrow is a great day to get those homework packets done. They are due Friday with the spelling homework.

Don't forget to turn in the UDF field trip permission slip and $5 fee.

Enjoy the day off tomorrow!

"Ohio, Ohio, What a great state!"

2007-11-01T10:23:00.002-04:00

I have just come from the 9:30 show of our annual 4th grade program. Those of you coming today are in for a huge treat! Remember, grandparents show is at 12:00 and evening show tonight at 7:00. Kids should be here by 6:45.

Reminder, homework packets and literature projects are due tomorrow.