Tuesday, June 4, 2013

This morning, we worked on finishing our kindness keys.  The students wrote compliments for each person on the keys, which they are bringing home today.  In Math, we worked on time.  This afternoon, the students shared their writing from the year with one another.  We also had a Wii Dance Party in the gym - super fun and a great workout!!! 

Tomorrow, we'll have a drawing for who gets to have Pearl.  I will contact the parents of the student whose name is drawn.  Only those students whose parents emailed me will be in the drawing.  We will have a movie and ice cream party tomorrow too!

Some students have books from the classroom or school libraries that they need to return tomorrow. 

Monday, June 3, 2013

This morning, we worked on volume in math.  The students also worked on putting their writing from the year altogether in their portfolios.  This afternoon, we painted our clay pots with acrylic paint.  They turned out great!  At the end of the day, we had our awards assembly.  Look for those certificates coming home today!

We will have our ice cream reward party for multiplication on Wednesday.

Thursday is a free dress day, the all-school picnic, and an early release.  Look at the Newslice for what to bring for the potluck. 

Friday is standard of dress, closing chapel, and an early release.

There is no homework today.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

We had Volunteer Recognition Chapel this morning and the band performed.  The band has a concert tomorrow night!  In Science, we focused on birds.  In Writing, the students worked on the final drafts of their stories.  Tomorrow, they will work on typing the titles for their covers.

Homework for today is...
Some students need to finish their final drafts and illustrations.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend!  I got to relax and get caught up on some things, which was really nice! 

In Math, the students worked with milliliters and liters.  They learned that 1,000 milliliters are in one liter.  Eric from Lutherhaven came to do activities and a bible lesson with the class.  In Science, we studied reptiles.

Volunteer Recognition Chapel is tomorrow at the normal chapel time.  If you ever helped out at school or chaperoning field trips, please come so that we can recognize you!  We GREATLY appreciate the time and effort you've given for us and the students!  We couldn't do a lot of things without you!

Move-Up Day is Friday at 9:00.  Third graders will be going to the fourth grade teacher to get to know her and what they can expect in fourth grade. 

I'm planning to have the students paint the clay pots they made on Monday.  I would love to have some help with distributing paint to the students and other tasks during that time!  Let me know if you would be interested in helping.  We will start shortly after 12:00.

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (Lesson 10-3)

Thursday, May 23, 2013

The students had Indoor Olympics practice today!  Tomorrow is the real thing!  Students should come to school wearing their team colors, and they will put their P.E. shoes on when they get here.  Tomorrow is also an early release day.

There is no homework today.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

In Chapel, we reviewed the full armor of God.  In Math, we practiced converting customary units of capacity.  This afternoon, the students started working on the final drafts of their stories and making the covers for them.

Spelling and memory tests are tomorrow!  Friday is a half-day and Indoor Olympics.

Hot lunch orders are coming home today and are due back tomorrow.
Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (Lesson 10-1)

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

In Christian Studies, we looked at the different parts of the church year.  In Math, we continued to work on customary units of capacity.  In Science, we read about amphibians and compared them to fish. 

Homework for today is...
Read for 20 minutes

Monday, May 20, 2013

In Math, we started in on capacity.  Math tests from last week are coming home today.  A worker for the Mid-Columbia Libraries came to share information with the students about the summer reading program.  You can sign up and find lots of information on the libraries' website. 

Friday is an early release day and Indoor Olympics.  Students should wear their team colors and they will put their P.E. shoes on when they get here. 

Homework for today is...
Read for 20 minutes

Friday, May 17, 2013

We had a great time at McNary Dam!  First, the guide talked to the students about the salmon that come through there and how they help them travel down through pipes and up the two fish ladders.  They load them onto barges and trucks to transport them past the other dams downstream.  We went to the powerhouse and over to the Washington side to see the fish ladder viewing windows on that side.  We got to see a couple bigger fish, but there were mostly smaller ones.  The students got to see the lock but didn't get to see a barge go through.  On the Oregon side, we ate lunch outside, and the students got to play.  We looked through the fish ladder windows on that side, and then went back to school.

Students are bringing home MAP Test results today. 

Thursday, May 16, 2013

We are going to McNary Dam tomorrow!  It is a free dress day, but students should wear shoes suitable for a lot of walking.  They may bring a picnic blanket, and wearing/bringing sunscreen would be a good idea.  For those who are driving, we will be leaving by 8:50 and be back around 1:30.  Bring a lunch - I will have coolers to put everyone's lunches in.  We're going to have a great time! 

Homework for today is...
Study spelling words and memory
Read for 20 minutes

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

This morning, we talked about the different jobs a pastor has and we prayed for Pastor Mark.  In Math, we reviewed for the test that will be tomorrow.  Students should study the vocabulary foldables they brought home yesterday since there will be questions over the information on those.  In Science, we talked about the different reasons people build dams.  We also read a story called A River Lost, which is about how the building of the Grand Coulee Dam affected the Arrow Lakes Tribe. 

Our ice cream reward party for learning multiplication facts is coming up!  We will have it the last week of school.  Check with your child to see which facts they have yet to pass!  They should be keeping track in their homework folders.  Let me know if you have a question on how they are doing!

We will be needing containers for our next chapter in math.  We need an empty gallon milk jug, quart-size bottle or carton, pint-size can or container, yogurt cup or container equal to about one cup.  If you would be willing to send any of these, that would be great!  We'll be going over units of measurement for capacity:  gallon, quart, pint, cup. 

Our field trip to McNary Dam is on Friday.  Students wear free dress that day and need to wear shoes suitable for walking.  They may bring a blanket for the picnic lunch.  I will be emailing parents who signed up to drive just to confirm that you are still able to drive! 

Indoor Olympics is May 24.  Ask your child which team they are on and what their team colors are to wear that day! 

Homework for today is...
Math practice test
Some students need to finish revising their stories. 

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

This morning, we had chapel and an indoor olympics meeting to sign up for obstacle course events.  In Math, we worked on telling temperature and comparing temperatures.  In Reading, the students started reading the book Stone Fox.  They read chapter one and kept their own personal vocabulary and list of questions as they read.  After they finished the chapter, they wrote responses to the chapter in their journals and discussed with their groups.  In Science, we started talking about dams a little more.

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (Lesson 9-8)
A few students need to turn in their book projects. 

Monday, May 13, 2013

We had such a neat assembly for the gym opening today!  Students from each class got to shoot baskets and all the students got to do a "snowball fight" with socks.  We took a school picture around the eagle on the gym floor. 

In Math, we worked on finding the area of figures and creating figures with certain areas.  We are to the end of our reading books, so we will be starting a unit on a novel called Stone Fox.  I chose spelling words from the book that the students will be tested on Friday.  There will be no vocabulary or grammar homework. 

We are taking our field trip to McNary Dam this Friday.  Thank you to those who signed up to drive!  It is a free dress day that day.  Students should wear shoes suitable for hiking.  We will be eating our lunches in the nature area, so students can bring a blanket for the picnic. 

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (Lesson 9-6)
Book projects are due tomorrow!

Thursday, May 9, 2013

In Math, we worked more with finding perimeters.  In Social Studies, we started talking about immigration to America and read a story called Grandfather's Journey.  P.E. shoes will be needed for Monday.  They don't have to be new, but they need to have non-marking soles.  Book projects are due Tuesday!

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (Lesson 9-5)
Vocabulary p. 68
Adverbs p. 70

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

This morning, we started working on finding the perimeter of different objects.  The students continued working on revising their stories.  In Science, we started making the life cycle of salmon:  egg, alevin, fry, smolt, adult, spawner. 

Homework for today is...
Read Visitors from Space during 20 minutes of reading

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

This morning, we talked about absolution in Christian Studies,  In Math, we worked more on metric units of measurement.  This afternoon, the students worked on revising their stories.  In Science, we talked about how fish use their gills to breathe.  We started looking at the life cycle of salmon.  We looked at five species of Pacific Salmon.  In Art, the students started working on self-portraits.

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (Lesson 9-4)
Spelling p. 107-108

Monday, May 6, 2013

This morning, the students took the MSP Math Test.  This afternoon, we went over our vocabulary and spelling words as well as how to use adverbs to compare.  After P.E., we had a school assembly to announce the Indoor Olympics teams and come up with team names!

Book projects are due on May 14.

We still need drivers for our field trip to McNary Dam on May 17.  It will be a really fun trip!

Homework for today is...
Read for 20 minutes

Thursday, May 2, 2013

This morning, we talked about sins of commission and sins of omission.  In Math, we did problem-solving where you have to work backward.  In Social Studies, the students shared what they had learned about the Northwest Native Americans.  At the end of the day, we prayed in the sanctuary for Prayer Day. 

Homework for today is...
Vocabulary p. 64
Adverbs p. 66

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

We worked more today on customary units of measurement.  The students converted measurements and chose which units would be appropriate to use for different items.  In Writing, the students went back through their stories to try to add more adjectives and descriptive sentences.  In Science, we talked about vertebrates, invertebrates, cold-blooded animals, and warm-blooded animals.  We discussed how vertebrae make up our backbone and give us flexibility and support. 

A note is coming home today about our field trip to McNary Dam.  Fill out and have your child return the bottom part of the note if you are interested and able to drive!  Thanks!

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (Lesson 9-2)
Spelling p. 105-106
Read The Armadillo from Amarillo during 20 minutes of reading

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

In Christian Studies, we talked more about Law, Gospel, confession, and absolution.  In Math, we worked with customary units of measurement:  inches, feet, yards, and miles.  This afternoon, we discussed adverbs and did a charades game to show that adverbs describe how a certain verb is done.  We also talked about adverbs telling where or when a verb is done.  In Science, we are starting a unit on animals.  We will be looking at different groups of vertebrates and their life cycles.  We'll also be focusing on the salmon life cycle and how humans have had an impact on it. 

Students just need to read for 20 minutes today for homework.

Monday, April 29, 2013

This morning, we practiced measuring to the nearest half inch, and we did some more research on the Northwest Native Americans.  This afternoon, the students took the MSP Reading Test. 

We will be using the gym soon for P.E. and Indoor Olympics.  Students will need to bring shoes for P.E. that will not leave marks on the floor. 

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet

Thursday, April 25, 2013

This morning, we had a dress rehearsal for the spring musical.  Tomorrow we have a performance at 2:00.  On Sunday, we have a performance at 4:00.  Students should get to school at 3:30 on Sunday - that is when the doors will open.  Students need to bring their shirt tomorrow that they will change into for the performance.  They need to wear khaki pants for the performances. 

The third graders took the math test over division today.  Tomorrow we'll start a new chapter on measurement!  This afternoon, we prepared for the MSP Reading Test.  The students took a practice test in the computer lab today.  The MSP Reading Test for third grade is on Monday. 

We have a game day tomorrow as a reward from Fall Fest!  Students may bring a game that is not a personal electronic game. 

Book orders are due tomorrow!

Homework for today is...
Vocabulary p. 58
Contractions p. 62
Bring shirt for musical if you haven't yet!

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

In Christian Studies, we read about Peter denying Jesus three times.  We talked about how our sins can weigh us down, but Jesus took those sins upon himself on the cross and gave us the gift of eternal life!  In Math, we worked on dividing by 11 and by 12.  In Science, we went over the last two simple machines:  wedges and screws. 

Our spring musical performances are on Friday at 2:00 and Sunday at 4:00.  Students need to wear khaki pants and a shirt that is one of the colors that matches their hat.  The shirt does not have to have a collar.  You could turn a shirt inside out if you have one that is the right color but has a picture on it.  Students can bring their shirt on Thursday and I can hang on to it or they can bring it with them on Friday.  Let me know if you have any questions!  The musical is going to be SO good! 

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (Lesson 7-6)

Thursday, April 18, 2013

In Christian Studies, we continued our study on prayer.  We talked about God walking with us in life and listening to us any time we talk to him.  In Math, we worked on dividing by eight and by nine.  In Social Studies, the students did research on the Northwest Native Americans. 

Tomorrow is a free dress day and an early release day.

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (Lesson 7-5)
Vocabulary p. 53
The Verb Be p. 56

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

The students took the math portion of the MAP test.  Some of them will finish it on Friday.  This afternoon, we went over how to write a thank you letter.  In Science, we talked about inclined planes.

Homework for today is...
Spelling p. 99-100
Read Alejandro's Gift during 20 minutes of reading

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

This morning, we went over our memory verse for the week, which I realized is wrong on the homework sheet!!  I had the students write the correct verse to memorize on the back of the sheet:  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.  Ephesians 4:32.  In Science, we learned about wheel-and-axle simple machines and pulleys. 

Tomorrow is the math part of the MAP test.

Homework for today is...
Finish rough draft of story and read it to your parents.

Monday, April 15, 2013

This morning, we took a trip over to Kennewick High to watch "It Happened at the World's Fair," which was really good!  In the afternoon, we tried to get some more academic stuff done!  In Math, we worked on dividing by six and by seven. 

Please make sure your child brings a jacket or sweatshirt to school.  The weather could change so they might need one for recess.

The students have the math part of the MAP test this Wednesday.

Friday is midterm, a free dress day, and an early release day!

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (Lesson 7-4)

Friday, April 12, 2013

Today we decided which animals we will be for the spring musical.  We have a variety of animal hats from which the students could choose from.  Your child is bringing home a note that says which animal they are and which color of shirt they should wear to match the hat.  The shirt does not have to have a collar.  All students need to wear khaki pants - no skirts.  This will be for both performances:  Friday the 26th at 2:00 and Sunday the 28th at 4:00.  Feel free to contact me if you have questions about it.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Thursday, April 11, 2013

In Christian Studies, we read about Daniel and the lion's den and talked about praying for God's protection.  In Social Studies, we touched on the Great Basin, California, and Plateau Native American cultural areas.  The students made lots of connections to other Native American groups and noticed where we get a lot of names for cities in our part of the state!  In the computer lab, the students started typing the poems they wrote in Microsoft Word.

Homework for today is...
Irregular Verbs p. 51
Vocabulary p. 49

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

The chapel message today was about prayer.  Mr. Goldgrabe shared this acrostic with us:

Praise
Remember
Ask
Year Long

In Math, we worked on using tables to solve problems.  The students took part of the MAP test today.  In Science, we went over the three classes of levers. 

Thank you so much to those of you who donated items for the BLSEF Night of Entertainment movie basket!  It's a huge help!  We could still use some more DVDs for the basket.  We still have a week before it needs to be put together. 

Also, our class needs more empty 2-liter pop bottles for a project. 

Homework for today is...
Spelling p. 95-96
Read I'm in Charge of Celebrations during 20 minutes of reading
Some students need to finish their poems

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

In our Christian Studies lesson, we read about Jesus being tempted by the devil three times in the wilderness.  We discussed temptations we have and how we can use God's Word to help us resist temptation.  In Math, we worked on dividing by four.  I talked with the students about setting a short-term goal by choosing one set of multiplication facts to work on tonight and every day until they pass the test over those ones with me.  A lot of kids have kind of hit a wall and haven't been moving forward much with memorizing their multiplication facts. 

In Reading, the students read a poem called "I'm in Charge of Celebrations."  The main character discovers things in nature to celebrate.  After the students read it, they worked on short poems of their own about a season or something in nature.  In Science, we talked about what simple machines are - they have few or no moving parts and help make our work easier.  We focused on the lever today.  The students handled different kinds of levers and had to identify the fulcrum, effort, and load on each one. 

MAP testing is tomorrow!

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (Lesson 7-2)
Work on multiplication facts

Monday, April 8, 2013

I hope everyone had a great Spring Break!  I had a great time with my parents and grandma, who came out to visit for the week!  We drove down the Oregon coast, walked in the redwoods, and came back by Crater Lake and through Bend. 

I gave the students a summary and opinion worksheet today for their last book project that's due in May.  They also have an April Exercise Log for P.E.

This morning, we discussed gentleness.  We talked about what that would look like and sound like.  That will be our focus for the next several weeks!

MAP testing will be this Wednesday for the third grade class.  This week, they will be taking the reading portion.  Next Wednesday, they will finish with the math. 

Homework for today is...
Read for 20 minutes
Get started studying spelling and memory

Thursday, March 28, 2013

In Christian Studies, we talked about counting our blessings.  We read the story of the paralytic, who was lowered down through the roof of a building to see Jesus.  Jesus showed mercy to the paralytic and healed him.  In Math, we worked on dividing by three.  The students started working on plans to write fictional stories. 

Tomorrow is an early release at 11:15.  We have Good Friday Chapel at 8:40. 

I have two parents signed up to help chaperone our trip to Kennewick High.  I could still use two more, so let me know if you are interested. 

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (Lesson 7-1)
Vocabulary p. 44
Irregular verbs p. 47

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

The students took the math test today.  They also worked on finishing their poems.  They have done a really good job with using adjectives to make their poems more descriptive! 

On Monday, April 15, the whole school is going to go see a musical production at Kennewick High School.  We will be taking buses, but I need four chaperones to ride and watch the musical with us.  The buses will get here at 9:00, and the show starts at 9:30.  Let me know if you are interested in being a chaperone, and I'll take the first four who contact me! 

Homework for today is...
Spelling p. 91-92
Read If You Made a Million during 20 minutes of reading

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

We reviewed for the math test tomorrow over division.  In Reading, we went over main idea and details and practiced figuring out the main idea of a passage.  In Science, we talked about what work is to a scientist - work is done when force is used to move an object.  Soloists have been chosen for the musical.  They actually are going to be singing in trios.  I'll try emailing those students' families with the song to practice at home. 

Homework for today is...
Some students still need to choose a book for their next project. 
Read for 20 minutes.

Monday, March 25, 2013

In Math, we worked on dividing by 0 and by 1.  We worked on a couple of the songs in our musical.  This afternoon, the students took their P.E. quiz. 

We could still use some empty 2-liter pop bottles for an activity, so if you have any, we'll use them! 

This week, we have chapel on Wednesday and a Good Friday chapel on Friday!  Both are at 8:40.  Feel free to join us! 

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (Lesson 6-8)
Choose book for last book project

Thursday, March 21, 2013

In Christian Studies, we talked about the petition "Thy will be done" from the Lord's Prayer.  We discussed why we pray for God's will to be done - he knows everything, loves us, and wants what is best for us!  In Math, we worked on dividing by five.  The students worked on smoothing the surfaces of their clay pots after they dried out some overnight.  They also burnished them with slip and a spoon! 

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (Lesson 6-5)
Vocabulary p. 39
Past-Tense Verbs p. 42

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

In Christian Studies, we read the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel and talked about the meaning of "Thy kingdom come."  In Math, we did some problem-solving together in which we had to decide whether to use addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.  This afternoon, we went over what it means to paraphrase something.  The students read the first half of their story Cocoa Ice and will finish the rest tomorrow.  At the end of the day, the students started making their coil pots.  They've been doing a really good job with them! 

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (Lesson 6-3)
Choose book for next book project (due next Tuesday)

Monday, March 18, 2013

This week, the students are memorizing all the books of the New Testament in order.  In Math, we related multiplication to division and wrote fact families.  We also went over what the dividend, divisor, and quotient are.  We will be working on past-tense verbs this week.  We are also starting our pottery project!  On Friday, we had watched a video of different techniques some Pueblo Native Americans use to make their pottery.  The technique the students will be using is coiling.  Today, I demonstrated how to make a coil pot.  The students will get to start making their own tomorrow at 1:45.  Feel free to join us if you would like to help out! 

Photos from Grandparent's Day are coming home today!

Homework for today is...
Book project (due tomorrow!)
Math worksheet (Lesson 6-2)

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

We had Chapel and SOAR awards this morning.  I am so proud of the hard work and improvement I've seen from the students since the beginning of the year!  This afternoon, we had an awesome visit at Chenoweth House!  One group performed Jack and the Beanstalk, and then the students made shamrocks with the trinity on them for the residents.  After that, the last group performed three of Aesop's Fables.  They did a great job performing and visiting with the residents! 

We have a few projects coming up for which we will need certain materials.  We are in need of 2-liter bottles and magazines.  Also, if your child hasn't brought in an old shirt for a paint shirt, he or she should bring one in for our clay and painting project. 

Homework for today is...
Read Boom Town during 20 minutes of reading
Spelling p. 85-86

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

In Christian Studies, we watched a short video about St. Patrick.  Tomorrow, the students are going to make shamrocks with the trinity to give to the residents at Chenoweth.  In Math, we worked on dividing cubes to find the number of groups or the number in each group.  This afternoon, I introduced similes and metaphors.  The students worked on brainstorming ideas for a simile poem on a certain color. 

Book projects are due in one week.  I gave the students a summary and opinion worksheet today.  Sorry I didn't realize until yesterday that I hadn't given that out yet! 

Some students need to bring their Reader's Theater scripts back to school still.  Students just need to read for 20 minutes and continue working on spelling and memory tonight!

Tomorrow, we are going to Chenoweth House.  Thank you to those who volunteered to drive!  I look forward to seeing you tomorrow!  :)

Monday, March 11, 2013

This morning, we had a practice with the fourth and fifth graders for our spring musical.  We talked a little more about the Southwest Native Americans.  I want to do a pottery project associated with that soon.  Let me know if you would be interested in helping out with that!  In Math, we started working on division.  The math tests from last week are coming home today.  This afternoon, the students worked on their Reader's Theaters some more so that they will be ready for performing on Wednesday at Chenoweth House!

Homework for today is...
Get started working on spelling and memory
Read for 20 minutes

Friday, March 8, 2013

This morning, we took our spelling, memory, and comprehension tests.  The students also worked on their Reader's Theaters, which are really coming along!  I am so impressed by how much a lot of the students have improved in reading!  This afternoon, we watched Charlotte's Web for Movie Day! 

Report cards are coming home today!  Have a great weekend!

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

After Chapel, we had a practice for our K-5 spring musical called "King of the Jungle."  In Math, we reviewed what we've learned this chapter.  The test will be tomorrow.  In Science, we finished talking about different kinds of waves and the parts of a wave.  The students worked more on their Reader's Theaters.

Homework for today is...
Math practice test
Read Yippee-Yay! during 20 minutes of reading
Spelling p. 81-82

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

We had a lockdown drill this morning.  The students did a great job staying quiet as we waited in the corner of our room away from the door and windows.  In Math, we went over the Associative Property of Multiplication, which states that the grouping of the factors does not change the product.  For example, (2x3)x4 has the same product as 2x(3x4).  The homework is pretty challenging today, especially on the ones where they have to find the missing factor.  This afternoon, we went over what main idea and details are, and we read Yippee Yay!  In Science, the students did an activity with observing two different kinds of waves with jumpropes and slinkies. 

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (Lesson 5-9)

Monday, March 4, 2013

The Concordia Chicago Choir came to sing for us this morning!  The students got to hear how high and low the different voices (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) could go.  They also heard some songs with up to 8-part harmony!  In Math, we worked on multiplying by 11 and by 12.  In Social Studies, we started learning about the Navajo Code Talkers. 

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (Lesson 5-8)

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

This morning, the school had an assembly to recognize the middle schoolers who competed at LEST.  This afternoon, the students worked on the Reader's Theaters they will present at Chenoweth House!  In Science, we talked about gravity and weight. 

Silverwood reading forms are due tomorrow!  The spelling and memory tests are tomorrow!

Homework for today is...
Read Leah's Pony during 20 minutes of reading
Spelling worksheet p. 79-80

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

In Christian Studies, we read about God speaking to Samuel as a boy and ways that God speaks to us.  In Math, we continued working on multiplying by nine.  This afternoon, we discussed facts and opinions.  The students looked for examples as they read Leah's Pony, which is a historical fiction story that takes place during the Dust Bowl.  I gave the students some information about the Dust Bowl and showed them some pictures from that time.  In Science, we talked about forces.  In Music, I played the song The Four Seasons: Spring and had the students draw a picture of what the song made them think of.  They are really creative with coming up with a story that goes with the song! 

Tonight is Re-Enrollment Night at 6:30.  Students can bring a game or puzzle to do with others in our classroom!  They can wear free dress or pajamas. 

Friday is Grandparent's Day!  Let me know if your child won't have someone to spend the day with them so I can pair them up with someone.

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (Lesson 5-6)

Monday, February 25, 2013

This morning, we worked on multiplying by nine.  We wrote all the facts in order and talked about the patterns and some tricks you can use to figure out the answer to a x9 fact.  We reviewed how to use a related fact to help you solve a multiplication fact.  In Social Studies, we did a review of the 50 states and shared information about what we've learned about the Southwest Native Americans. 

This afternoon, we started talking about action verbs.  Our spelling words this week are all compound words.  In Art, we listened to the song "An American in Paris" and came up with a picture of what it makes of think of.  We took a look at the painting Avenue du Bois and pointed out which parts of the painting match parts of the song. 

A note is coming home about a second field trip to Chenoweth House.  If you are interested in driving, fill out and return the bottom part of the note.  A note about Family Fun Night is coming home today too! 

Re-Enrollment Night is tomorrow at 6:30.  Third graders can bring a game to play in our classroom during that time!  Friday is Grandparent's Day.  Let me know if your child doesn't have a grandparent (or someone to act as one) so I can make sure they will be paired up with someone! 

Homework for today is to read for 20 minutes and to get started working on the memory and spelling.  The tests will be on Thursday this week because of Grandparent's Day on Friday. 

Friday, February 22, 2013

Since we've learned almost all of our multiplication facts, I taught the students a review game called Three in a Row. They seemed to have a really fun time with it! It really made them use some algebra to figure out which factors would get them the product they wanted! In Social Studies, I read a book to the students about the Southwest Native Americans, and I shared some pictures from my trip to Mesa Verde National Park. This afternoon, we watched the fifth graders' D.A.R.E. graduation.

Class and individual pictures are coming home today if you ordered them, as well as hot lunch order forms. Some students have to finish the final drafts of their how-to paragraphs this weekend.

Family Fun Night is coming up on Friday, March 1st from 6-8pm. This year we our theme is Sports! Invite your friends, family and neighbors! With only 30 minutes of your time you can help make this family night another great success. Help is needed in several areas including games, ticket sales, food helpers, store helpers, and cleanup. Can you bake? We are also having a cake walk at Family Fun Night and we need cakes, cookies, pies, cupcakes, and other treats! Home-made or store bought, whole desserts, a dozen or half dozen items, all would be appreciated. We are also accepting candy donations at the office to be used for prizes.

This year for signing up to volunteer or bring a dessert for cakewalk we're using VolunteerSpot (the leading online signup and reminder tool). Please sign up for Family Fun Night - here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/RtvZDx
2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot)
3. Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!

Note: VolunteerSpot does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact Jeanette Allwardt to be signed up manually.

Contact Jeanette Allwardt at:
jallwardt@gmail.com
396-5822
BLS Parents page on Face Book

Entry Ticket Prices: $5 per person, $20 per family, kids 2 and under are free. Entry includes dinner of 1 Kosher Hebrew National Sausage, chips, and a drink. Additional sausages can be purchased for $1.50 each.

Tickets:
$2 – 6 tickets
$5 – 17 tickets
$10 – 35 tickets
$20 – 75 tickets

Games: Silly String (4 tickets – other games are 1 ticket per play), Bowling, Butterfly Garden, Cakewalk, Fishing Pond, Football Bean Bag Toss, Photobooth.

Free activity rooms include Stick Horse Racing, Coloring, Basketball and Golf, and the Movie room.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

This morning, we acted out the story of the ten lepers and talked about different kinds of prayers. We continued working on multiply by eight and solving word problems in Math. The students started doing research on the Southwest Native Americans. On Monday, the third through fifth graders can stay after school for activities with the staff from Lutherhaven until 4:00. On Tuesday, we have Re-Enrollment Night from 6:30 to 7:30. Students can come to the classroom during that time to play games. On Friday, we have a half day and Grandparent's Day! Homework for today is... Math worksheet (Lesson 5-5) Vocabulary p. 20 Adjectives p. 22

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

I hope everyone had a nice break!  I had a good time at LEST watching our middle schoolers do a great job in the competitions! 

This morning, we worked on multiplying by seven and solving problems by looking for a pattern.  This afternoon, we talked about adjectives that compare.  Our spelling words this week are all those kind of adjectives.  In Science, we continued our study of motion by talking about distance, direction, and speed.  We talked about distance and time being used to calculate speed.  In Art, we talked about another element of art:  texture.  The students came up with different adjectives that describe an object's texture.  Then they went around the room feeling and making rubbings of different textures.

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (Lesson 5-4)

Monday, February 11, 2013

In Math, we worked more on multiplying by six.  In Social Studies, we finished studying the Plains Native Americans.  This afternoon, I gave the students a spelling test over words we've already done this school year just for fun and review.  I started reading a story called The Prince's Poison Cup, which is an allegory of God's redemption story.  We worked on writing complete sentences to questions about the story. 

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (Lesson 5-2)
Some students still need to choose a book for their next book project

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Today, the students started working on a couple reader's theaters that I am hoping to have them perform at our next visit to the Chenoweth House!  They are working on Jack and the Beanstalk and Aesop's Fables.  We started working with articles (a, an, the).  We went over that we use "a" before a word that starts with a consonant and "an" before a word that starts with a vowel.  In Science, we talked about different kinds of motion and things that make those kinds of motion.  We defined motion as a change in position. 

Homework for today is...
Read Lon Po Po during 20 minutes of reading
Choose book for next book project (due Monday)

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

In Christian Studies, we talked about Conversation Hearts that are given on Valentine's Day.  We thought of some messages that we thought could be on Conversation Hearts if God were to give us some! 

In Math, I talked to the students about understanding what the story problems are about and what they are asking you figure out.  I've noticed some students taking whatever numbers they see and doing an operation with them without really thinking about what they are doing.  We did a couple problems from past homework assignments together so they could see what I meant. 

In Reading, the students compared and contrasted Lon Po Po and Little Red Riding Hood.  In Science, we started a new unit on forces and motion. 

Homework for today is...
Spelling p. 71-72

Monday, February 4, 2013

Today in Math, we worked on multiplying by three.  Students are bringing home array flashcards to start studying those today.  We finished our study of the Southeast Native Americans.  In Reading, I read Jack and the Beanstalk and Waynetta and the Cornstalk to the students and had them fill out a Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting the two stories.  Tomorrow, the students will read Lon Po Po in their reading books and compare and contrast it to Little Red Riding Hood. 

A letter is coming home today about our Valentine party.  Let me know if you are interested in helping out with the party. 

P.E. Exercise Logs are coming home today.

Tomorrow, we will be taking our class picture.  Students should bring the order forms and money with them tomorrow if you are interested in purchasing pictures. 

Homework for today is...
Book project

Friday, February 1, 2013

The students got to build forts with their blankets, desks, and chairs, and then read inside them!  They also got to share the books they wrote with one another. 

Book projects are due on Tuesday!  Students should work on those this weekend if they haven't yet so they aren't doing it at the last minute! 

Valentine's Day is coming up!  We won't have school that day, but we'll have a Valentine's Day party on Wednesday, the 13th at 1:45 to the end of the day.  If you are interested in helping out with that, please let me know!  I'll be sending home a letter next week about bringing Valentines. 

We will be taking class pictures next week on Tuesday.  Picture order forms are coming home today. 

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

In Math, we reviewed for the test tomorrow.  The students made vocabulary study guides that they are bringing home.  They also worked on their "If You Give a..." books.  They will be on display at Open House! 

Tomorrow is Tropical Day.  It is also Read-In Day.  Third graders may bring in one blanket, one pillow, and one stuffed animal, as long as they aren't really big! 

Homework for today is...
Read Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears during 20 minutes of reading
Math worksheet (Practice Test for Chapter 4)

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

In Christian Studies, we discussed adopting animals from animal shelters and how God has adopted us as his sons and daughters through the death of Jesus Christ.  In Math, we went over the Identity Property and Zero Property in multiplication.  Tomorrow, we'll review what we've learned so far, and the students will take the test on Thursday. 

This afternoon, we talked about cause and effect, and I read a couple books to the class that do a great job showing cause and effect:  The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash and If You Give a Pig a Pancake.  Then the students read the story Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears.  After that, the students started working on writing their own "If You Give a __ a __" stories, which they have an opportunity to share during Read-In Day! 

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (Lesson 4-8)
Finish "If You Give a..." story (It should be about 10 lines long with the last line ending the story in the same way the story started.)

Monday, January 28, 2013

Oh we have already had a fun start to our National Lutheran Schools Week!  This morning, Lutherhaven staff came to do songs, games, and a Bible lesson with the kids.  We also went to the book fair to check out the books there and write wish lists! 

In Math, we worked on multiplying by 10.  We talked about how you just add a zero to the end of the number you are multiplying by 10, and that's your product!  Tomorrow, we'll go over multiplying by 0 and by 1.  I won't be sending any flashcards home for multiplying by 10, 0, or 1.  I'm hoping that we will be in good shape to take the math test on Thursday over the vocabulary words and multiplying by 2, 4, 5, 10, 0, and 1.  Next chapter, we will go over the rest of the multiplication facts.  Students should be working on memorizing their facts at home.  We work on it here at school, but for a lot of students, it's the time spent outside of school that is really going to help them be successful. 

Tomorrow is Hat Day!  Students may wear free dress along with the hat that they choose. 

Book orders are due Thursday.

Book projects are due in a week! 

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (Lesson 4-6)
A few students need to finish their how-to paragraph

Friday, January 25, 2013

At the end of the day, we had a class party since our class raised the most money from the Scentsy fundraising!  The students had popcorn and game time. 

You are invited to Bethlehem Lutheran Church's 8:00 worship service on Sunday!  The kids will be singing a song we've been working on to kick off National Lutheran Schools Week.  There are different dress up days next week.  Students should either wear clothing that fits the day's theme (keeping to the free dress day guidelines in the handbook) or they should wear standard of dress. 

MONDAY - "I can't believe I have this in my closet!" day
TUESDAY - Hat day
WEDNESDAY - Royalty day
THURSDAY - Tropical day
FRIDAY - Superhero day

The book fair will be set up all next week.  Thursday is Read-in Day.  Each student can bring in a blanket or pillow and a stuffed animal for the Read-in.  Open House for families is Thursday night. 

This Saturday is the BLS Family Night with the Outlaws.  At 6:30 in the Toyota Arena, all BLS students and families will receive 15% off at the team store, get outlaws autographs after the game, and have a chance to compete during the intermission activities.  $1 from each ticket sold to BLS families will go back to the school.  Adult tickets are $8.  Student tickets are $7. Child (3-12) tickets are $6. 

Some students need to finish the math worksheet (Lesson 4-5) we did today and/or the reading test over Coyote Places the Stars.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

This morning, we worked on multiplying by five.  In Social Studies, we did some research on Southeast Native Americans.  Mrs. McCollum talked a little bit about her Cherokee heritage.  The students have been working on revising their how-to paragraphs and writing persuasive letters. 

This Sunday, the students in the whole school are invited to come to Bethlehem Lutheran Church for the 8:00 worship to sing together. 

Homework for today is...
Vocabulary p. 7
Adjectives p. 10

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

In Math, we worked on the multiplication facts we've done so far and did some problem-solving with problems that either were missing information or had extra information.  In the afternoon, the students read a Native American tale called Coyote Places the Stars.  They also worked on revising their how-to paragraphs. 

Book projects are coming home with the grade sheets.  The next book projects are due in a couple weeks!  Students should let me know soon if they need poster board, a shoebox, or anything else for their project.

Homework for today is...
Spelling p. 65-66
Read Coyote Places the Stars during 20 minutes of reading

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

This week, the students' desks are in groups, and we discussed what cooperation looks and sounds like.  In Math, we worked more on multiplying by four.  Students should be practicing each day at home!  This week, the spelling words are homophones, so we discussed what those are and came up with more examples.  I read aloud a couple books called I Wanna Iquana and Hey Little Ant, which do a great job showing how to be persuasive.  The students will be writing persuasive letters and finishing up their how-to paragraphs this week.

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (4-3)
Practice x2 and x4 facts

Thursday, January 17, 2013

We continued working on the four times table in math.  It's really important that students practice the facts at home daily.  That way, they will memorize them without falling behind as we keep adding more and more facts each week. 

Tomorrow is a half day.  Students will be released at 11:15. 

Homework for today is...
Spelling p. 61-62 (One side should be completed in cursive!)
Vocabulary p. 1

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

In Math, we started going over the four times table in multiplication.  Students are bringing home array flashcards to practice at home.  In the afternoon, we continued working with adjectives.  At the end of the day, we did some Native American activities!  Book orders are coming home today.

Homework for today is...
Read Papa Tells Chita a Story during 20 minutes of reading

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

In Christian Studies, we talked about the talents we have from God and how we can use them to honor God.  In Math, we reviewed the two times table.  I tested a lot of students and almost the whole class has those facts down!  In Reading, the students read a historical fiction story called Papa Tells Chita a Story.  This week, we are working on adjectives.  To introduce what adjectives are, the students had to come up with a list of words that described different pairs of shoes.  Then, each student drew a shoe of their design and had to come up with a list of adjectives that described it.  Tomorrow, I'll read each list, and the class will have to figure out which shoe the adjectives describe!  We'll be talking about why adjectives are important and identifying and using them in sentences.  In Science, we went over the parts of a flower and how they are helpful in pollination.

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (4-2)

Monday, January 14, 2013

In Math, we started working on our x 2 facts.  Students are bringing home a letter about how I'll be testing them on their multiplication facts.  They are also bringing home array flashcards to cut out and use at home.  In Social Studies, we learned more about the Northeast Native Americans.  In Art, we looked at the painting Christina's World by Andrew Wyeth and discussed space and perspective in art.  The students worked on drawing pictures that showed things close up and things in the distance. 

I would love to have some volunteers Wednesday afternoon from 1:45 to about 2:45 to help out with some Native American activities.  Let me know if you would be able to help out!  Also, I'm planning to have literacy centers on Wednesday and Thursday if you are a parent who helps out with that! 

Homework for today is...
Read for 20 minutes
Work on spelling and memory

Thursday, January 10, 2013

This morning, we read from Luke and discussed how God is a father to us and does the same sort of things our parents do for us.  In Social Studies, we started studying the Northeast Native Americans.  This afternoon, the students acted out the fables we read this week. 

Our librarian informed me that a lot of students in the class have overdue books.  I told the students today to make sure to check at home for those overdue books! 

Homework for today is...
Math worksheet (Lesson 4-1)
Read Sayings We Share during 20 minutes of reading

Some students need to finish...
Vocabulary p. 69
Object pronouns p. 71

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

In Chapel, we heard Pastor Mark share a message about our theme for the month:  Shield of Faith.  We learned a song that goes with that called "Jesus is the Rock."  In Math, we worked more on arrays and multiplication sentences.  In Reading, we talked about conflict, resolution, and the moral of a story.  Students read four fables and had to tell what the conflict, resolution, and moral of each was.  We are working on object pronouns this week.  In Science, we are finishing up learning about the parts of a plant and how plants produce food. 

We have practiced all the cursive letters (lowercase and uppercase)!  Pretty soon, students will be having spelling homework that they will have to complete in cursive.  During the time that we did cursive practice, we are now writing on Kindness Keys.  Each student has a big paper key with their name on it.  Each day, students have to write a compliment on one other students' key without using the words "nice" or "kind." 

Homework for today is...
Spelling p. 57-58

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

In Christian Studies, we read the story of Zacchaeus and discussed how we are both saint and sinner.  In Math, we went over the Commutative Property of Multiplication.  Ask your child to explain what that is and give an example!  We also discussed arrays and looked for examples of arrays in our classroom. 

This afternoon, I met with each student to talk about how they are doing with their reading goal.  We talked about ideas for a new reading goal.  Tonight, students need to come up with what they want their new reading goal to be and have it ready to share with me tomorrow. 

I showed the class how to take care of Pearl today.  The students will start taking turns now to clean her cage, feed her, etc. 

The art gallery that we took a field trip to is offering a children's art class this month!  It will be Saturday, January 26 from 1:00 to 3:00 at the gallery in Richland.  The cost is $20, and it is being offered for children ages 8 to 14.  The kids will get to paint winter landscapes with acrylic paints.  You can sign up online or at the gallery. 

Homework for today is...
Set a new reading goal

Monday, January 7, 2012

We started our day by going over our memory verse and theme verse for the month.  This month, we are focusing on the Shield of Faith.  In Math, we started working on multiplication!  The students are bringing home a letter today that includes the vocabulary they will be learning this chapter.  I highly recommend putting this up on the fridge or someplace to refer to as we go through this chapter.  I will be sending out more information later about how I'll quiz the students on their times tables! 

In Social Studies, we started a new unit on Native Americans.  Ask your students how people believe the Native Americans came to North America.  We talked about Columbus encountering Native Americans in the Caribbean as well. 

The next book projects are due February 5th.  The students got a summary and opinion worksheet on Friday. 

Homework for today is...
Read 20 minutes
Start working on spelling and memory

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Happy New Year!  It was great to see the kids today.  We had a good start to the new year together!  This morning, we went over rules for our classroom, and we reviewed some of the things we've learned in math so far this school year.  In Social Studies, the students are demonstrating their knowledge of maps by creating maps of their own imaginary states.  This afternoon, we went over some vocabulary words from a book we'll read tomorrow called Zin! Zin! Zin! a Violin.  In order to build some background knowledge, we talked about the different instruments in an orchestra and got to listen to what they sounded like. 

After library time, we decided on the class reward the students earned before break.  The students decided to have a hamster (Pearl) as their class pet!  If you have any concerns about this, please let me know as soon as possible.  Each student would have an opportunity to take her home on the weekends.  The students would take turns caring for her each day.  We'll have some special times to have her run around in her ball, but for the most part, she won't be taking much class time away. 

I am looking for someone to help with Scholastic book orders.  If you are interested in helping with that, please let me know! 

There is no homework today!