Enjoy a relaxing vacation!!

We have made it to vacation!! All of us, students, parents and teachers have been working hard and we must remember to take the time to enjoy ourselves and each other. Enjoy your holiday, if you haven't already, and be sure to take time to relax, smile and laugh. In a uncertain world, these times together mean so much. Until 2013, peace and love be with you all !!

                                    

Parts of speech challenge!

Here is another link to practice those pesky parts of speech! Try it out and prove what you did...

http://www.gamequarium.com/partsofspeech.html

Thanksgiving Practice!!

 

Need something to do over the Thanksgiving break?? Want to earn a few bonus points or extra tickets?? Try this link and have some fun practicing some United States geography. Have a parent sign off that you used the site and for how long you used it and bring it to school on Monday, Nov. 26. Let's get this social studies unit rolling!!!

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/web_games.htm

What are you thankful for?

We are thankful for... so many things! Our class is motivating the school to think about what they are thankful for, not just on Thanksgiving, but every day. We have a large list hanging outside our door, which students add to all the time. We have filled 3 sheets so far! Please stop by and add your thoughts of gratitude!

What type of rock is it??

As we wind down our pet rock project, one of our big questions is, "What type of rock do I have? "
To find out, click on the link below.

http://www.rockhounds.com/rockshop/rockkey/

This link will ask yes or no questions which will help you determine if your rock is igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic.

Conferences!

What a busy time! Parent-teacher conferences are under way. This week children will be dismissed early on both Wednesday, Oct 24th, and Thursday, Oct. 25th, in order for teachers to meet with families. Please bring your questions, concerns and thoughts about your child so we can discuss everything you want. This is the time to get together and get on common ground. It is essential for parents and teachers to communicate and share our common goals for the children at Swift River. It most certainly takes a village. Thanks for coming in to those I have already met with, and  see you soon to the rest!

This planet rocks! And so do my fourth graders!!!

As we learn about rocks and minerals, I am always searching for new, fun, and interesting ways to explore this "hard" topic. (haha) Technology is of course engaging, and for some, easy to get to, especially here at school with our classroom computers, iPad, and time in our computer lab. I found a great link that will help reinforce what we are studying, and will allow the kiddos to interact, and quiz themselves on what they know. I am curious to get some feedback and reactions. Let me know what you thought!

http://www.learner.org/interactives/rockcycle/index.html

Chocolate!!!

It’s that time of year again. Preparations are underway for our annual Fall Fest Celebration! That means our classroom theme basket is looking for your donations. The fourth grade theme basket again this year is…Chocolate!

Please feel free to be creative. Donations can include but are not limited to:
    * chocolate snacks    *chocolate/dessert cookbooks
    * chocolate drink mixes/coffee    * scented candles
    * novelty chocolate decorations    * chocolate books or movies
    * candy/chocolate making supplies        * chocolate treats

ANY chocolate inspired item will make our basket a great success.

Thank you in advance for your time and contributions.
The fourth grade is also looking for volunteers to help us with our game booth during the Fall Fest celebration. Any amount of time you can spare to help us supervise the fun event would be greatly appreciated. Please let me know below if you think you can help, even for a small amount of time.
Thanks for your help!!

Hopes and Dreams of Fourth Grade 2012

Spellography!

Spellography has begun!!Fourth graders are being introduced to a new spelling program and doing well!!! Ms. Putala has been joining us for spelling lessons and has been teaching us all a lot of rules and concepts that will make us all better spellers. Our first spelling test will be next Friday, September 21st.  This week's concept consonant blends. Check the spellography link for the current list and concept.

Welcome 2012-2013 School Year!!

  The new school year has begun. Our class has been busy creating cubby tags, a "Guess Who?" bulletin board, beginning our first math unit, and learning new routines. As part of the older grade team now, there are new expectations to learn and live up to. It's all quite a change!
   Please be sure to check out of the weekly schedule link above to remind yourself when we have specific specials each week. Also, continue to check out our blog for updates and news of what goes on in our classroom. It is such a busy place! Welcome back to school!!

The End is Near!

Wow! What a busy end of the year we have. Here are a few important dates to keep in mind.

• Most importantly. Career projects are due on Wednesday, June 13. Students have been working hard and are excited to share their research. I can't wait to see the final results!
• Potluck Supper with Bobby C - Thursday, June 7
• Talent Show - Mon. June 11
• Band Concert with Mr. Bender - Tuesday, June12
• Jump Up Day! - June 13
• Field Day - Tuesday, June 19
• Graduation and the last day - Wednesday, June 20

Come one, come all! It's time to have fun and enjoy our last few days before summer vacation!

Salmon Release May 17, 2012!!

Wow! What a successful day! With the help of some fantastic parents, hard working students, and beautiful weather we released 216 salmon fry into Osgood Brook in Wendell Depot. Students measured water depth in the brook, brought a water sample back to the classroom for ammonia testing, measured temperature and velocity, and took careful notes of their observations of the brook surroundings.
 After a busy morning, a trip to the Barrett Fish Lift in Holyoke topped our day. We watched the lift raise fish over the dam and watched them swim by the viewing windows. Our guide Pete, couldn't have been more kind or more informative. The slide show proves science in action = learning = fun!!

Math MCAS!

Thursday, May 10, and Friday, May 11, our class will take session 1 and 2 of the Math MCAS. We will begin these sessions right away, by 9:00 a.m. Please be sure children are in school on time, well rested, and have extra snack. These days can be tiring and every little bit of extra support goes a long way.

Egyptian Heiroglphics

How cool! Our story from Reading Street this week, Seeker of Knowledge,  has motivated us to look at codes a little more closely. We have "cracked" some codes and some are even creating new codes. Check out the links below to explore more.
http://egypt.mrdonn.org/hieroglyphics.html

http://guardians.net/egypt/

http://kids.discovery.com/games/just-for-fun/mummy-maker

Hello Parents!

Parent conferences are almost here. It's a great time to reconnect and talk about how our school year will wrap up. Short days this week and next, as well as April vacation, means our work load is busy, but kiddos are handling it well. I am proud of everyone's efforts to keep up the learning.

MCAS update!

Wow! We are zipping through March! Here we are in our last week of the third month. We have our last day of ELA MCAS on Thursday this week. Originally, we were scheduled to take it on Wednesday, but due to the short release day, we decided  to make sure everyone had the time they needed. Our last session of the ELA portion of the test will be this Thursday, March 29. Be sure to get to bed early, eat a great, healthy breakfast, and be to school on time.

Also, conference slips went home this week. Send them back as soon as possible. Scheduling is very difficult. We need everyone's feedback to help this process go smoothly. Thank you!!

What?! It's been how long???

How embarrassing! I am ashamed to look back and see how neglected this poor blog has been, but onward! With spring lingering in the near future, I'd like to say it's time for a fresh start! Unit pages, link lists, and video clips have been changed and updated with the hopes that new people will look, read and share. Enjoy being part of the learning in fourth grade, And if a question comes up as to why something appears on this blog, GREAT! Ask a fourth grader!