Something to Tweet About!

Halloween

2014-11-01T08:12:00.001-07:00

Halloween was a blast. The kids had a fabulous time and our moms, Mrs. Odior, Mrs. Lemezis, Mrs. Farrah did a wonderful job preparing fun activities for everyone. A special thanks to Mrs. Farrar who planned an organized a great event. Truly wonderful! I hope everyone had a spooktacular Halloween!

Exciting month of October

2014-10-28T17:14:00.001-07:00

We have had a lot of exciting things happening this October. Our students got to attend their first field trip. The weather was absolutely gorgeous. Our students learned so much about Native American life. Which ties perfectly to out social studies unit. We have been learning about the Native American tribes of each region of the U.S.. Students will either present a PowerPoint or take a test to demonstrate their learning for the unit.

We finished up our science unit micro words. Students learned about lenses and magnifiers. They learned the parts of a microscope and how to use it to view real live organisms. They also used a science notebook to record their observations and findings with words and pictures. The kids had so much fun with this unit. Next we will learn the important aspects of the scientific method and create our own experiments.

We completed our narrative writing unit! Yeah! The kiddos did a wonderful job. Finding story ideas from our own lives. Writing mini movie scenes. Developing characters inside and out. I was so impressed with the depth of the stories that emerged through the process. Top notch!

Students continue to learn about parts of speech. Students have learned about common and proper nouns as well as singular and plural nouns. Students are learning root and affix meanings. Students keep a vocabulary journal that helps students continually practice these skills.

We have begun our second theme for reading. We are studying the realistic fiction genre. Students have been focusing on main idea and details as well as making inferences. We will begin literature circles soon.

We have worked very hard to develop number sense in math. Students have learned place value, rounding, addition and subtraction. We are in the middle of our multiplication unit. Keep practicing those facts. Our new series has plenty of vocabulary and problem solving. Which is a great thing. But it can be challenging for our kiddos. I have previewed the new state assessment and it is very challenging. Students will need to be able to apply their knowledge and understanding utilizing math vocabulary and problem solving skills.

Students had fun at our mini dance party Friday.

I can't wait to see what the children will dress up as for Halloween this Friday!! So much fun.

News from Mrs. Fisher's Classroom

2014-09-18T15:44:00.001-07:00

We have had a wonderful school year so far. Our kiddos have been working hard to achieve success. As I am sure many of you may know our school motto this year is "Lead the pack, excellence is a habit". One of our first steps to achieving this is focusing on accuracy. Striving for accuracy is defined by Habits of Mind a book by Authur L. Costa, as: Checking for errors; Measuring at least twice; Nurturing a desire for exactness, fidelity & craftsmanship. This school year we will continue to help students to strive for accuracy in their work. A great book on this topic can be found here: http://www.habitsofmindinstitute.org/shop/raising-caring-capable-kids/

Our skills continue to build in math as we explore our new series. Students are learning about place value, rounding and how to compare numbers. We have just begun to delve into Chapter two which explores the concepts of addition, subtraction and estimation.

In Social Studies students are learning about regions, resources and how the land impacts the way we live. Students will have a test on Chapter 1 on Monday 9/22.

Our science unit is about magnifiers and micro-organisms. Our special order of micro- organisms are on the way. Students will explore the characteristics of magnifiers as we use our microscopes to focus on the tiniest creatures.

We are on our third story in reading. We are currently reading an excerpt from the Little House on the Prairie series called By the Shores of Silver Lake. Students are learning to focus on the details in the story to help improve comprehension. Students will have a test on this story next week.

We are just about ready to finish our stories in writing. Students have been working tirelessly on develop brilliant fictional stories inspired by small moments and experiences from their own lives. I am so thrilled and filled with anticipation with what our students have created. I love how students are making connections between developing their stories and the authors craft they see in the stories they read.

Students are getting the routine of WTW. Each day I work with a small group of students to give a test on the previous weeks word sort and introduce a new sort for the next week. Each group's rotation takes approximately 5 days.

Students are loving the opportunity to explore their personal style as they earn privileges with Class Dojo points.

This student is enjoying wearing a hat. 😊

Class Dojo is great for student behavior and a communication tool for parents.

Important papers are sent home each Friday in your student's Friday Folder. Please check and have your child return the folder to school on Monday. Students are working on developing portfolios that they will present to you during conferences so some papers may be saved to be kept in the portfolio.

With a few exceptions for make-ups, most students have completed their MAP testing for fall. Scores will be shared with you soon. Your child's 3rd grade ISAT scores will be sent home this Friday in Friday Folders.

I loved having the opportunity to meet some of you during our Curriculum Night. Thanks to all who were able to come out.

Homework and Assignment Notebooks

2014-08-21T16:02:00.003-07:00

Hi Parents,

I really try to do my best to make sure the assignment notebook is a communication tool. I want you to know about homework but I also want you to know what classwork is being worked on at school. I have told students to write down everything exactly the way I have written it for them and to check it off if it is finished. I still want students to bring it home so parents can see it and guide their child's learning as needed. That being said, it has come to my attention that it may be hard to tell what should be coming home and what is still in progress at school. I think a good solution would be to have students circle items that are truly homework. I will start this tomorrow. I don't want parents to feel confused.

The only true homework for tonight is the WTW homework that is in the back of the WTW spiral notebook. The WTW homework sheet has 6 options for practice. Students need to complete one boxed option per night. We are still working on our "Summer Writing" in class but drafts will be sent home tomorrow for final drafts to be turned in on Monday.

While we are on the topic of homework I thought it might be nice if I give you a preview of what to expect. Honestly, most homework will be minimal and routine as we get all our subjects rolling. Typically, Students will need to complete one WTW activity from the homework sheet glued to the back of their WTW spiral each night. Students may have one "My Homework" page in their math workbook to complete each night depending on how quickly students gain mastery of each concept. If I need to, I may split one lesson into two in which case, a student might not have homework for Math one night. Although practicing their multiplication facts is always a great thing to do. I will be sending home a sheet that explains how to have students log on for http://xtramath.org/ . Students may have an occasional worksheet to complete for reading. When we begin literature circle discussions students will have assignments once a week to prepare for their discussions. Students should be reading 15-20 minutes each night but this is not homework. Story time with a parent before bed would be a great time to improve reading skills. We will have the occasional projects throughout the year as well.

I know life can be crazy. I know how busy a student's after school schedule can be. I have had many discussions with colleagues about the potential effectiveness of homework and we are often torn in our feelings about the subject. We do our best to accommodate our students needs in this area. I always give students time in class to get started on homework whenever possible. I try my very best to be mindful of how much I am assigning for home and whether or not it is effective or meaningful practice. However, I also believe very strongly that developing a responsible work ethic in students is equally valuable. All of our students are hard workers! I want to continue to develop that with your help. I know together we will find the right balance for our kids. I want to do my very best to keep you informed so our amazing students can continue to grow and learn.

It has been a wonderful week and our kiddos have made me very proud. Thank you for entrusting me with them this year. I know we will have fun and learn many new things.

Thank you so much for all you do,
Mrs. Fisher :)

Welcome to Our Class!

2014-08-18T15:27:00.001-07:00

We are starting a new 2014-15 school year. If you have subscribed to this blog as a parent of a 2013-14 student and you no longer wish to continue to receive classroom updates from this blog, please unsubscribe. Thank you.

Welcome students!! I am so excited to begin a new year!! I will be using multiple ways to keep you informed of what will be happening in the classroom. This blog will act as a newsletter. This will be the place to find updates about fun happenings. Our classroom historians will help contribute to our blog regularly. I will also be using Class Dojo as a motivational management tool. Signing up to Class Dojo will enable you to see weekly updates of your child's classroom behavior. In addition I will be using a program called Remind 101. Signing up will allow you to get last minute reminders and updates via email or text message. Our most important communication tool will be the assignment notebook. Students will be required to fill it out at the end of every day. Students are required to bring all work home to be seen and checked by you nightly. Students are responsible for writing down all assignments and bringing home the essential items for completion. Please be sure to sign the assignment notebook nightly so I know that you have checked in with your student. This will be critical for each and every student's success. Students will be expected to accept logical consequences for irresponsible behavior. I am confident that all of our kiddos will do their very best each day. I hope all of these methods of communication will help us accomplish our goal of awesome student achievement this year!! Thank you for being dedicated awesome parents and students.

Summer resources

2014-05-28T12:50:00.001-07:00

SUMMER RESOURCES, 2014

Oswego Library Calendar of Events:

http://www.oswego.lib.il.us/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp

Oswegoland Park District Website:

http://www.oswegolandparkdistrict.org

Website link to local parks:

http://www.oswegolandparkdistrict.org/Trails-Parks/parks.htm

Oswego Community Calendar Link:

http://www.oswegolandparkdistrict.org/Calendar/calendar.php

Village of Oswego:

http://www.oswegoil.org/visit-us.aspx

Fox Valley Park District:

http://www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/

Aurora Public Library:

http://www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/

Calendar of Events 2014:

• June 7th: Celebration of Quilts

• June 1st-September 28th: Oswego Country Market

• June 4, 18; July 16; August 6: Movies in the Park

• June 12th-15th: PrairieFest

• June 21st, August 2nd, September 5th: Cabernet Cabaret at Arranmore Farm

• July 4th: 4th of July Fireworks

• August 17th: The Art of Oswego

Concerts in the Park– live music on the Fox River:

Take in a beautiful breeze on a summer evening all while listening to some terrific tunes! Pack your cooler and meet your friends and neighbors at these parks. Each park has a playground for the kiddos and we have planned some great music for you! Concerts are compliments of the Oswegoland Park District.  

Concert Schedule:

Waverunners ~ Saturday, June 28 at 5:00pm  This Beach Boys cover band will be rocking the Community Pool Party at the new Winrock Park!

Back Country Roads ~ Wednesday, July 9 at 7:00pm  The freshest Top 40 Country cover band in the Midwest is coming to Hudson Crossing Park.

Oswego Summer Band Night ~ Wednesday, August 13 at 7:00pm  Beautiful music performed by students of Murphy, Traughber, and Thompson Junior High will be filling Hudson Crossing Park.

“Movies in the Park”

Located at Oswego Village Hall (new location) – FREE!

June 4 – “Frozen”

June 18 – “Up”

July 16 – “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2”

August 6 – Despicable Me

*All movies are rated PG and are open to the public.

蜉

Fox Valley Special Recreation Association

The Oswegoland Park District is a memberof the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (FVSRA). FVSRA provides recreational opportunities for children and adults with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities in cooperation with other area park districts including Fox Valley, Batavia, St. Charles, Sugar Grove and Geneva.

The FVSRA will arrange for accommodations so that residents with special needs may participate in programs offered by the Oswegoland Park District, coordinating services needed such as physical assistance, adapted equipment, communication tools and/or aids. When enrolling in a Park District program, please make a note in the "Special Needs?" area on the registration form. A special needs coordinator will contact you and arrange to meet with you prior to the first day of the program.

FVSRA also publishes a seasonal catalog of programs available to residents with disabilities. Catalogs are available at the Oswegoland Park District, or call 630.554.1010 to have one mailed to you.

More information about FVSRA is available online at www.fvsra.org or contact them at 630.907.1114.

Any questions regarding accommodating individuals with disabilities may be directed to Ginny Bateman at 630.554.1010 or gbateman@oswegolandpd.org.

Bittersweet

2014-05-28T12:46:00.001-07:00

I have had such a wonderful year with our group of kiddos. We have had so many special moments. I am so truly grateful to all of you for making this year amazing. It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye. I'm so lucky to get to see you around The Wheatlands for one more year. Please come and visit often. :) Mrs. Fisher

Ms. M.

Amazing race

International Feast

2014-04-11T12:05:00.001-07:00

Our international feast was a huge hit!! Our kiddos had the wonderful and unique opportunity to try foods from all over the world. Our students were polite and stepped outside their comfort zones to explore new flavors. We were so proud of them! Many children were thrilled to see familiar cultural dishes on the tables and equally excited to discover some new favorites. Special kudos to our amazing parents who not only shared beautiful homemade dishes but also worked tirelessly to help serve our students. We are so fortunate to have so many cultures represented in our school. Today our students traveled the world through food and it was wonderful.

April

2014-04-10T08:53:00.001-07:00

This month we are going to try something new. I am going to have classroom historians write excerpts for our blog. This week Ali will be contributing our content. The following is written from her perspective.

"This week (April 7th—11th) Mrs. Fisher's fourth grade, the students went to music and got recorders. In Math RTI (the kids switch classes after math on Wednesday and Friday) they are all working on a unique project. As most of you know, a note was sent home in Friday Folders about our International Feast on Friday. We're very excited! Also on Friday, join us for the Kane County Cougars baseball game. By doing the Ozzie's Reading club, the kids got tickets. we'd love to see you there! As you all should know, we've started writing our American Revolutionary War papers. You can see the schedule of what they are supposed to do for the project. The packet was sent home when we first started the project."

Tomorrow is PJ day in support of Daniel. Students can wear pajamas and bring small donations for the Guzman family. Of course participation is always optional.

We continue to work on writing our research papers. Please be mindful of the target dates for completion. The original packet is posted on my website if needed. We will be sending work in progress home this weekend so students can continue to work on their papers. Any support is appreciated.

In Math students are applying knowledge of division and multiplication to complete problems on fractions, decimals and percentages. Fraction of _______ problems and percentage of _____ problems are challenging but an essential part of this unit. We are always available for help as needed.

We will begin learning about rocks and minerals in science this quarter. The kids are excited about putting on goggles and becoming junior geologists.

We finished up unit 7 in social studies on The American Revolutionary War. Students are now learning about the formation of our country. Students will learn about The Constitution and the formation of our government.

In reading we are finishing up questioning and will begin exploring the art of inferencing. Students should be able to apply past knowledge to textual evidence to make an inference about what is happening in the story. Making quality inferences helps student comprehension. Students should be able to do this effectively for both narrative and informational texts.

International Feast parent volunteers should arrive at 11:15 to help set up in the fourth grade hallway. When sending in a dish please make sure to attach paper tent card. The kids are so excited. Food is a wonderful and fun way to share our culture.

Mrs. M's last day in May 8th. We will be celebrating her successful completion of her student teaching experience on May 7th. She has done an amazing job and the kids have grown to love her. Please wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Open house

2014-03-20T10:05:00.001-07:00

Tonight is our 4th grade open house. Feel free to stop by from 4:30-6:30. Students will be your tour guides. They will share their portfolios and show you what they have been learning. We look forward to seeing you. Papers from the portfolios will be sent home in the Friday folders on 3-21. Have a great spring break.

ISAT Week

2014-03-03T09:46:00.001-08:00

We will be giving the ISAT Test in the AM Tuesday - Friday of this week and Tuesday - Wedneday of next week. Stay healthy by getting plenty of rest and eating a great breakfast.

Students are finishing up the story Salmon Summer this week. Students will review and test on this story this week. Next week we will begin our reading strategy "Questioning" with the story By the Shores of Silver Lake.

Final drafts of expository writing is due 3/10

We are continuing to learn about area and perimeter in math unit 8. Students are learning basic geometry vocabulary such as base, height, and formula. We also continue to review division and multiplication daily. Students can practice their multiplication facts daily at xtramath.org

Students should be completing WTW practice at spellingcity.com .

Our kiddos did a great job on their Planet PowerPoints.

Patriot selection 2/28/14

2014-02-26T13:26:00.001-08:00

The time has finally arrived for our American Revolutionary War Hero Project. The first step is for students to decide on a patriot to research. Please be on the lookout for a letter of explanation along with a list of patriots to come home tonight. Make sure your child has the list of their chosen patriots with them tomorrow. We will make our selections on Friday the 28th. Another packet with detailed instructions about the project will be sent home in the Friday folders. Please read it carefully. If you have questions please email me ASAP.

Connections

2014-02-24T10:27:00.001-08:00

It is getting to be that time of year when all our learning is really building momentum.

We have learned multiplication, division, and applied both skills while solving fraction problems. This next unit will focus on area and perimeter. Please have students work on multiplication and division facts as they will continue to play a role in Unit 8. It is critical for students to complete their math boxes each night. These boxes review past skills, practice current skills and preview upcoming skills every night. Students who complete their homework and consistently have an adult check work at home, have a better understanding and ultimately perform better on the final assessment. We review the math boxes as well as essential skills, like multiplication and division, everyday in the classroom. Being able to identify student needs also helps us provide extra support for students through small group differentiation. We are currently providing focused differentiation for 25 minutes on Wednesday and Friday. Each group works on identified skills specific to their group. This is the very best practice for students.

We are finishing up our persuasive writing unit. Students have been working hard to develop all of the building materials for our drafts. This week students will begin to assemble their drafts. By the end of the unit students will have a completed essay. Be on the look out for due dates. In a few weeks students will be asked to apply what they have learned and write about an impromptu topic.

Last week students finished their projects on the colonies. Students read and gathered information on each region of colonies. Students then created posters presenting their understanding. Students also created and played games for each region. This week we have begun to learn about the events that led to the American Revolutionary War. We have many activities planned to bring this part of our history to life so stay tuned.

We are finishing up our Science unit on space. Last week students learned about constellations. If you haven't turned in the lunar chart please be sure to get it into me ASAP. Our next unit of science with be on rocks and minerals.

The kids loved the amazing character counts assembly last week. All the tricks really got them excited about good character.

Please remember that ISATs begin next week. This can be a very stressful for our students. It is so important for students to get a good nights rest and an awesome breakfast. Additional information about the test can be found on the ISBE website.

Catching up

2014-02-10T12:20:00.001-08:00

Wow our kids have started the new year off with a bang.

First let me start with a few reminders: February 19th is an early dismissal day. Classes will be dismissed at 1:30. Mr. Gerard has also asked that students not include any candy treats with their classroom valentines.

This week in Math students continue to work on fractions. Students are learning about equivalent fractions, adding and subtracting fractions, fraction of problems (1/3 of 12), and probability.

In Reading we are wrapping up the reading strategy of connecting. Over the past few weeks students have learned how to make text-to-text, text-to-self, and text-to-world connections to the story. Students have learned to make deeper connections that help them make predictions, connect to characters feelings, or connecting to themes with each story. Connecting helps students predict and make inferences. Next week we will begin the questioning strategy.

In science we continue to learn about our solar system. Students will begin researching planets in our solar system. Students will learn about planet order from the sun as well as specific facts about each planet.

In social studies students continue to work on their projects about the 13 colonies. Students are learning about the location, economics, and way of life in each of the colonial regions. Students will be building background knowledge that will help them understand preliminary causes of the American Revolutionary war.

We have been so busy learning these past few weeks. Here are some fun pictures showing what we have been up to.

Science projects

Christmas party!

Oreo moon phases

Daily five - listening to reading

Research

Fraction equivalents.

Fossil investigation

Rock star students!

2013-11-23T06:52:00.001-08:00

We had another productive week. Our kids were so excited about our fun run! Each day we learned about how to be a good friend and show positive character. Students exercised and celebrated their fundraising efforts. Thursday was the big day! Our kiddos had a blast running for 35 laps!! WOW! I am so proud of our children. They are awesome!

We started unit 5 in math this week. Students are learning about extending multiplication facts. They are practicing their skills while playing multiplication wrestling. Keep practicing those facts. We are also working towards developing our problem solving skills through extended response. Last week we had a very tough problem with seemingly multiple solutions. This led to a fantastic conversation about how to work through problems like this. Our students are amazing, picking up on the every slight nuance in the problem. "It is a race Mrs. Fisher, she would want the best time." Yes! Fantastic! I sent home a copy of our solution. What a wonderful challenge.

In social studies we are learning about famous explorers while learning about informational text summarizing.

We continue to learn about scientific method in science. Students ask questions and perform experiments to find answers. The key concepts are testing one variable at a time, and controlling unforeseen variables through careful measurement. Documentation and observation is also extremely important. Students should understand to use their senses to observe and thoroughly document their experiments at home. We will continue to hone our skills at school to enhance their knowledge for their Extreme Science Project.

We read a biography this week in reading about Gloria Estefan. I even dusted off an old Miami Sound Machine track for the kids to listen to. In the process we learned to pick out the key ideas and make judgements about them based on evidence from the text. In addition students learned about object pronouns.

Our students are really taking our goal of increasing our vocabulary seriously. Many students are not only studying the meanings of WTW list words but are also finding meanings of unknown words in books.

Kids are building gaining knowledge about word roots and affixes everyday and applying that knowledge during our word work sessions

We just took our pre-assessment for persuasive writing and will begin that unit next week.

Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the quality time with your families over this Thanksgiving holiday.

Boosterthon Update

2013-11-15T10:04:00.003-08:00

Today’s Camp Challenge was FRIENDS DON’T BULLY. Bullying means hurting others on purpose, and it’s a big deal. If a student has ever bullied someone before, there’s good news—they can apologize and begin treating everyone like a friend.

After the third night of pledges, here are the grade leaders:

K: Coons PM ($6 PPL)

1: Ward ($15 PPL)

2: Maddox ($24 PPL)

3: Goodyear ($35 PPL)

4: Olson ($37 PPL) TOP CLASS IN THE SCHOOL!!! (this is awesome, but let's challenge them!!)

5: Maginity ($28 PPL)

As you know, today we issued the “Weekend Challenge.” Any student who gets $3 per lap or $90 flat donation over the weekend will receive a Boosterthon Hoop Set on Monday. The students are super excited to rise to the challenge!

Have a restful and relaxing weekend! We’ll see you on Monday!

The Booster Team

Extreme Science Project

2013-11-12T16:11:00.002-08:00

We had fun today introducing the scientific method. Students learned about forming a question and hypothesis. They listed materials and explained the procedure. Students made observations using all of their senses and drew conclusions about what happened during our egg drop experiment. We learned how important it is to control our variables and only change one variable at a time. Students will continue to work on these skills and will be asked to apply their knowledge by designing their own scientific experiments. I have included the instructional packet on my website on the science page. Just click on the Extreme Science Project link and the packet will download as a Word Document. I will also be sending a paper copy home in Friday folders this week.

We also began to revise our rough drafts of our realistic fiction stories. Because we become so attached to our own stories this process can be very difficult. One strategy is to see our stories through a different lens. We had fun with this idea today, making glasses to see our story with fresh eyes.

The Wheatlands Fun Run!

2013-11-12T15:33:00.000-08:00

Parents,

The Boosterthon Fun Run kicked off today with a thrilling Pep Rally and I am super excited about this year’s program. The Boosterthon Fun Run program involves all students in a fun, team building, fitness event while helping our school raise much-needed funds. The central focus of this year’s character program is FRIENDSHIP. This year’s character theme is CAMP HIGH FIVE, and the Booster Team will take students on a fun-filled journey teaching them the importance of friendship.

Through the Boosterthon, our entire school is raising support to go towards new iPads that can be used in the classroom! Our school wide goal is to raise $25,000+! We need your help!

Here’s how you can help:

1) LOG ON to your student’s website at www.FunRun.com using your student’s access code on the Pledge Book that cam home with them today. Log on each night to watch the Camp High Five character and music videos, and enter pledge information.

2) GET PLEDGES by connecting your student with 10 sponsors. The new funrun.com has many ways to use social media in the pledging process and pay online. Be sure to capture and record the e-mail address of each sponsor, as they will have an easy opportunity to pay for your student’s pledge by credit card online.

3) COME TO THE BOOSTERTHON FUN RUN NEXT WEEK Thursday Nov. 21st! Remember, students will be running 30-35 laps and we would love to have lots of support for our team!

Thank you for supporting our classroom and our school!

I’ll see you next week at the Boosterthon Fun Run!

Boosterthon Fun Run

2013-11-05T18:34:00.001-08:00

We are excited to kick off the Boosterthon Fun Run at the Wheatlands next week.

The goal of the Boosterthon Fun Run is to raise funds while teaching the kids the importance of fitness, leadership and character. Our goal is to raise 20,000 for new iPads and we and we need your help to connect your child with sponsors! We are very excited to have the Boosterthon Fun Run Team on campus as they will be adding value in so many ways to our students and our school!

Spelling City

2013-11-03T11:14:00.000-08:00

I have fixed the problems with Spelling City. I had put in the lists for the whole quarter but because they post only the last 5 assignments, lists from January were showing up. Ahhhh Technology. I have deleted some lists so that the most current ones will show up first. I really like all the great practice this offers our students. Check it out at http://www.spellingcity.com/Log-yourself-in.html . Log in instructions come home each week on Mondays.

Self-portrait T-shirts

2013-11-01T06:58:00.001-07:00

Oh my goodness look what arrived today!!! Our kids are going to love these!!!

Halloween

2013-10-31T15:34:00.001-07:00

Of We had so much fun today for Halloween! We started our day with a Mystery Mansion!! We used our deductive and inductive reasoning to figure out who murdered Marvin the Millionaire. Kids acted out their roles in this interactive readers theater.

We also had a blast at our party! So many fun creative costumes.

Just look at these nerdy girls!!

Halloween bingo

We have also been working on our story Arc for our realistic fiction

This will be the structure for our stories. There is a direct tie between fiction summarizing and the organization for writing fiction stories. We will be writing scenes for our stories over the next few days. Our kiddos have been working so hard on these amazing stories. I can't wait to read them!

Have fun Trick or Treating tonight!!

Field Trip

2013-10-23T16:37:00.001-07:00

Today we were blessed with a sunny although chilly day for our field trip. It was the perfect conclusion to our Native American Unit. Our kids really learned a lot and enjoyed getting outside for some hands on learning. Thank you to all the wonderful parents who took the time to chaperon this trip.

Bow drills

Native American games

Meeting Red Hawk

Our nature walk

Learning about trade

October fun

2013-10-18T19:06:00.001-07:00

We had so many fun moments! We started the week developing motivations and struggles for the characters in our realistic fiction stories. Many of the students are beginning to see the connection between the development of our characters and the fiction summarizing we have been doing.

We also studied plays this week. We learned all of the key vocabulary that is associated with plays. Students cast, rehearsed and performed "The Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing". They did a great job and had a blast.

This week in Social Studies kids presented their research on various Native American Tribes. They became specialists on each tribe they researched. Our kids took notes on the presentations in preparation for a quiz on Monday. Students will be required to compare and contrast two tribes they learned about this week.

We finished up Math Unit 3 today. Students participated in a review if the unit and received a study guide to take home in preparation for the test on Monday.

We also completed our science unit on microorganisms. Our kids got to observe live organisms through their microscopes. They observed Volvox, blepharisma, and vinegar eels. Eeeewww was the general response. All the kids were super excited! Friday students were quizzed on the parts of a microscope and all students did very well. It was a very exciting week!

Next week will have many exciting things happening too. The Wheatlands will be celebrating spirit week. We hope students will bring in beauty supplies for the needy and wear red shirts for caring on Monday. We will be going on our field trip to Hoover Forest Preserve on Wednesday. A reminder will come home Monday. Please remember to check the Friday Folders this week. There are many important items in the folder today. Including a bright pink sheet with the access code for your child's report card. As well as a letter about our student led conferences. Have a wonderful weekend!

Writing can take you places!

2013-10-07T15:51:00.001-07:00

Did you know that we have a published book critic in our classroom?? Yep it's true! One of our very own wrote a book review for the Chicago Tribune! Check it out! Awesome job Becky!!