Week of September 20th

Hi Families! This will be an exciting week.  There will be lots of fun to look forward to!  Here is what it looks like:

Reading - We will finish Because of Winn Dixie on Tuesday. We have really enjoyed reading this wonderful story. On Wednesday, we will begin Literature Circles reading books matched to the children's reading levels. I hope that you set aside time each evening for your child to read.  Reading is so important!  You need to ask your child what his/her reading level is.  I wrote down each child's reading level based on an Accelerated Reading Assessment tool online.  I gave the children their level privately.  I want them to use this level when checking out books.  Many of my students are below grade level.  At the beginning of 4th grade they should be between a 3.8 to 4.2 level to be on level for beginning 4th grade.  Some are above, many are on level, but many are below.  The best way to become a better reader is to simply spend time reading.  In our busy world, I know that it's hard to find time to do that, but please make it a priority.  I can assure you it will pay off! :)

English - Verbs

Spelling - Consonant Diagraphs - I will post the words on spellingcity.com on Monday....List 2.  We will also begin enrichment spelling for those that want to participate.  I will post that list online as well.

Math - Rounding, Estimating sums and differences, Multiplication Facts....please continue to practice at home

Social Studies - Natural Resources of Oklahoma, Native Americans of Oklahoma

THINGS TO REMEMBER FOR THIS WEEK:

On Monday we will have our first payday! This is an exciting day!  Most of the children have been working very hard! If you haven't had a chance to check out the link, Economy System, on the right, please take a minute to do so. 

The children have earned a Behavior Bingo!  We will watch the movie Because of Winn Dixie as a reward!  We will compare/contrast the movie to the book.  We will do this on Thursday.  The children may bring a popped bag of popcorn and a soft drink.

On Friday, we will have Apple Day!  We will read the story Johnny Appleseed and do many learning stations and activities related to apples.  I need each child to bring an apple to school by Thursday.  If they do not bring an apple, they do not get to do the stations. 

I was very disappointed that 8 children forgot their flour/salt mixture last week for our dough map.  I really need family support to pull off many of the activities that I do throughout the school year.  I fined the children (a fine they will pay on payday) and mixed up 8 more bags for these children, but told them that the next time they forget, they won't get to participate.  4th grade is a HUGE year for learning about RESPONSIBILITY.  We talked about this in class and the fact that they are old enough to start doing for themselves.  Parents are busy often times, so it's time the children step up to the plate and take some responsibility.  They are old enough.  This is very hard for me as their teacher to even think about leaving anyone out of an activity, but if I coddle and always save them, they will not learn anything.  They will think, "Oh well, Mrs. Corderman will provide what I need and let me do it." I hope you understand and will help me to help your child become more independent and responsible this year. :)

I wrote a grant and submitted it to limeadesforlearning.com and donorschoose.org.  I'm hoping to get enough votes on limeadesforlearning.com to get this grant funded.  It goes with our Owl Unit in November.  The project is dissecting owl pellets!  The children love this project! I do this every year, but this year with budget cuts, we will not get to do it without outside funding. I'm so sad about this, but hopeful about the grant!  Please go to limeadesforlearning.com and follow these directions to help us win this grant! :)

On the right there will be a link called Find a project....click on it.
Next, in the middle area of the page, search by subject...math and science, then search by keyword: owl.
My grant is called, Hands on science right from the owl's mouth! 
If you vote on it, you have the option of getting a daily reminder to vote, I suggest this.
Please spread the word and if you are on Facebook, that is a great way to help out too.
Voting ends on September 30th. :O