Thursday, December 16, 2010
New Social Studies Short Answer Rubric
Monday, December 13, 2010
Dr. Math
In math, we have started a "mathospital". Before class, we wash our hands to prepare for surgery, and we do our best to save as many patients as we can. Ask your intern for more information. The mathospital accepts most math insurance. 
Quizlet Vocabulary Sets
Brrr!
While it is cold outside, we can study for vocabulary!
Here is a link to Unit 6 Vocabulary on Quizlet. The test is on Wednesday.
Here is a link to Chapter 3 Social Studies Vocabulary on Quizlet. The test is on Thursday.
While it is cold outside, we can study for vocabulary!
Here is a link to Unit 6 Vocabulary on Quizlet. The test is on Wednesday.
Here is a link to Chapter 3 Social Studies Vocabulary on Quizlet. The test is on Thursday.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Studying for Social Studies
Next Thursday, you will have your Social Studies test over Chapter 3. This test is cumulative (that means that it includes all of the information in Chapter 3-- even the stuff we have already been quizzed over!). Make sure this weekend you spend some time looking over the flashcards as well as playing the explorer matching game that you cut out on Thursday! Also, a good game to play is below. Try to define the words and the people that are selected! You can even play against someone to see who can define the person, word, or event first! You could call up a friend on the phone and have them try to guess what word is on your screen by the definitions you give them! Try it out and post how you used the game below. Or post how you studied for Social Studies this weekend.
Shabbat Shalom!
Shabbat Shalom!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
This week's update
Hello everyone!
Tomorrow the book reports are due. Extra copies can be downloaded from the forms link on the side of the blog. We started a new vocabulary unit (Unit 6 in the orange vocabulary book), and we will have a vocabulary test next Wednesday before we leave for winter break.
The kids are actively working on their explorers project in class, and we want to get to the point where all they will have to do when they get back from winter break is type.
The states quiz (take 2!) will be on Friday.
Also, our class is collecting tzedakkah to help rebuild the forests that have been destroyed in Israel's recent wildfire. We will be collecting through Friday of this week.
Have a great Wednesday!
Tomorrow the book reports are due. Extra copies can be downloaded from the forms link on the side of the blog. We started a new vocabulary unit (Unit 6 in the orange vocabulary book), and we will have a vocabulary test next Wednesday before we leave for winter break.
The kids are actively working on their explorers project in class, and we want to get to the point where all they will have to do when they get back from winter break is type.
The states quiz (take 2!) will be on Friday.
Also, our class is collecting tzedakkah to help rebuild the forests that have been destroyed in Israel's recent wildfire. We will be collecting through Friday of this week.
Have a great Wednesday!
Monday, December 6, 2010
The Fifty Nifty States! (Take 2!)
Our 2nd quarter states quiz is this Friday! Students will be tested on both the location and the spelling on the fifty states (just like last time!) While there will be no formal Social Studies homework, students are expected to study throughout the week.
Some great websites to ease the studying are:
Some great websites to ease the studying are:
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Nouns on PhotoPeach
Today in Language Arts, the class went to the computer lab and created PhotoPeach stories on Nouns. Check out these awesome presentations!
Remy's nouns on PhotoPeach
Jack's Nouns on PhotoPeach
Taylor's Noun Slideshow on PhotoPeach
Remy's nouns on PhotoPeach
Jack's Nouns on PhotoPeach
Taylor's Noun Slideshow on PhotoPeach
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Explorers Project
Today we introduced our first research project. This is going to be an incredible learning journey. The project will be due after winter break. The research will be done in class, and the typing (it will be a five paragraph essay) will be done at home. Get excited!! The students will be researchers extraordinaire by January!
Monday, November 29, 2010
It's Beginning to Feel a lot like Chanukkah!
Here is a rundown for the big week ahead.
Book Fair: Our class went today and made "Wish Lists". We will have the opportunity to go back to the bookfair to buy books on Thursday afternoon.
Quarterly Birthday & Chanukkah PART-AY!: On Friday, you are all invited to our festivities! We have blocked off the last two periods of the day (1:38- 3:20) for the fun! Don't forget to send in a shoe box lid before Friday for our craft (We are making drip trays for our menorahs).
Tests, Quizzes, and Stuff that is DUE: There will be a noun quiz on Friday and a math quiz on Tuesday, December 7. Book reports are due on December 9th.
Social Studies: The kids did GREAT on their social studies tests last week! We are moving forward on Wednesday with Lesson 3 in the Social Studies book.
Dress Up Days: *Please note that students need to either be in uniform or dressed according to the theme.
Let me know if you have any questions!
Date | Theme | Description |
Monday, December 13, 2010 | Western Wear | Get your boots, jeans, and cowboy hats ready. |
Tuesday, December 14, 2010 | Crayola Day | Monochromatic. Come as your favorite crayon. One color top to bottom. |
Wednesday, December 15, 2010 | International Day | Come in either the attire of an international city/country or with a piece of clothing from the country/city. (great for classroom meeting discussions) |
Thursday, December 16, 2010 | University Pride | Wear your favorite college sweatshirt, t-shirt, or Jersey. |
Friday, December 17, 2010 | Navy and White | As long as it is navy and/or white, you are right. (does not have to be the Davis Uniform navy and white) |
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving (Hooray Hooray Hooray!)
Before you chomp down on your turkey tonight, listen to these persuasive turkeys from our classroom!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Happy Hero Day!
Today, we had Dwight Howard, Hermione Granger, Jeff Foxworthy, multiple Matt Ryans, and many other fabulous heroes in our classroom.
The costumes were great, and the book fair is awesome! Our class will preview the book fair on Monday, November 29.
I have added links to the 2nd Quarter Book Report rubric, instructions, and outline on to the "Forms" page of the blog so the students can work on the book report during Thanksgiving break inbetween eating turkey legs and pumpkin pie. (MMMmmm! Pumpkin pie!)
The costumes were great, and the book fair is awesome! Our class will preview the book fair on Monday, November 29.
I have added links to the 2nd Quarter Book Report rubric, instructions, and outline on to the "Forms" page of the blog so the students can work on the book report during Thanksgiving break inbetween eating turkey legs and pumpkin pie. (MMMmmm! Pumpkin pie!)
Friday, November 19, 2010
Shabbat Shalom and Happy Friday!
Thank you all for leading such a beautiful service this morning!
This weekend, get ready for the Social Studies test. Everyone should have brought home their book and all of their notes and study guide. If you did not bring home your study guide, I have uploaded it here. I have also added it to the "Forms" page.
Some of the vocabulary words have been added to our Quizlet account (Thanks, Jacob R.!). You may play those games here.
Please remember some of the cool ways that you can study (make your own test, make flashcards, teach your stuffed animals).
This weekend, get ready for the Social Studies test. Everyone should have brought home their book and all of their notes and study guide. If you did not bring home your study guide, I have uploaded it here. I have also added it to the "Forms" page.
Some of the vocabulary words have been added to our Quizlet account (Thanks, Jacob R.!). You may play those games here.
Please remember some of the cool ways that you can study (make your own test, make flashcards, teach your stuffed animals).
Monday, November 15, 2010
Possessive a) Nouns b) Noun's c) Nouns'
Tomorrow we will have a quiz on possessive nouns. Remember our rules!
If it is singular possessive, there is an apostrophe s at the end (even if it ends in S like Chris's pencil!)
If it is plural possessive, there is just an apostrophe (if it ends in S) and an apostrophe s if the noun does not end in s (like the mice's shoelaces)
Many people (adults included) make mistakes when they use apostrophes. Many of these mistakes are related to possessive and plural nouns. There is even a whole website dedicated to finding the mistakes and sharing them with the world! Check out Apostrophe Abuse. Here are some pictures that I found on that site. Can you find the errors?
Here is a link to the game we played in class today. Comment to this post with a sentence using a possessive noun!
If it is singular possessive, there is an apostrophe s at the end (even if it ends in S like Chris's pencil!)
If it is plural possessive, there is just an apostrophe (if it ends in S) and an apostrophe s if the noun does not end in s (like the mice's shoelaces)
Many people (adults included) make mistakes when they use apostrophes. Many of these mistakes are related to possessive and plural nouns. There is even a whole website dedicated to finding the mistakes and sharing them with the world! Check out Apostrophe Abuse. Here are some pictures that I found on that site. Can you find the errors?
Here is a link to the game we played in class today. Comment to this post with a sentence using a possessive noun!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Explorers Galore...
We are about to start our unit on Explorers. In our Social Studies book, it is Chapter 3. We are going to learn about Marco Polo, Christopher Columbus, Prince Henry the Navigator, John Cabot, Amerigo Vespucci, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, and Ferdinand Magellan over the next week and a half. Over the next week, homework will be pretty light because every night you will be REQUIRED to study (that means read, make flash cards, make a fake test, quiz yourself, teach your stuffed animals, make up a song, etc.) for at least 20 minutes per night! Start making time during your busy schedules to allow for a productive 20 minutes each night next week.
This weekend, check out this website about explorers. See if you can find information about the explorers listed above. Comment to this post and let the class know what you learned! Be sure to use correct capitalization and punctuation!
This weekend, check out this website about explorers. See if you can find information about the explorers listed above. Comment to this post and let the class know what you learned! Be sure to use correct capitalization and punctuation!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Idiom Plays!
On Tuesday, each student worked in a group to perform plays based on different idioms. Here are all of the plays with our very talented students!
After you listen, please comment and share what idioms you heard. Don't forget to share what the idioms mean!
After you listen, please comment and share what idioms you heard. Don't forget to share what the idioms mean!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Can't Believe it is November!
Hello!
Thanks for great Parent/Teacher conferences last week! This week, we have a lot of fun stuff going on.
Social Studies: Instead of a regular SS test, our class gets to choose a project! We have been working on board games, plays, and Powerpoint presentations during Social Studies this week. The projects are due next Monday, November 8.
Language Arts: We have a spelling test on Wednesday, and the students are working on writing personal narratives. This will be an ongoing project for the next few weeks in order to get ready for the WrAP test. We are also learning about figurative language and possessive nouns!
Math: Double digit multiplication is still on our plate! We are continuing to practice accuracy.
Current Events: Tomorrow, we are handing out a new current events project. This article will have to be from a PRINT source, and it has to be about politics, business, or the economy. It can come from any newsprint-- even the Dunwoody Crier! The project is due on November 12.
Thanks for great Parent/Teacher conferences last week! This week, we have a lot of fun stuff going on.
Social Studies: Instead of a regular SS test, our class gets to choose a project! We have been working on board games, plays, and Powerpoint presentations during Social Studies this week. The projects are due next Monday, November 8.
Language Arts: We have a spelling test on Wednesday, and the students are working on writing personal narratives. This will be an ongoing project for the next few weeks in order to get ready for the WrAP test. We are also learning about figurative language and possessive nouns!
Math: Double digit multiplication is still on our plate! We are continuing to practice accuracy.
Current Events: Tomorrow, we are handing out a new current events project. This article will have to be from a PRINT source, and it has to be about politics, business, or the economy. It can come from any newsprint-- even the Dunwoody Crier! The project is due on November 12.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Kabbalat Shabbat Tomorrow
Tomorrow morning, 4th grade will present their rendition of "Man in the Mirror" for the entire Davis Academy congregation! Please get to school by 7:55, so we can have one more practice before Kabbalat Shabbat. Also, if folks from home are coming, have them sit behind us (we will be sitting on the side opposite of the stage, where 5th grade usually sits). See you tomorrow!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
States Projects! (Day 2 and 3)
We have had an amazing time traveling to all of these states in class! Some students have presented and fielded questions about their report, and we are slowly (but surely) getting to the rest of the class before the end of the week. Check out some of these awesome posters!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010
How to Write a Great Comment
Mrs. Yollis' Classroom blog has a great post on how to write quality comments. Check it out!
Whew! Our First Full Week!
We had a great week!
The students wrote business letters to their state's tourism departments. They addressed the envelopes, wrote the appropriate business letter format, and even proofread their peers letters before they went out in the mail yesterday. We also learned about how the mail works!
We learned about becoming better writers by varying our sentence types. Now, we can correctly write compound sentences and simple sentences!
We practiced the reading comprehension skill, Understanding Sequence, and we recognized word that are often found in "time order" reading texts. Words like "after", "next", "then", "before", and "finally" are clue words to help us understand the sequence of events in a story.
In math, we had our division test, and now we are starting multiplying greater numbers. (Like 67 x 8)
In social studies, we are jumping into Native Americans, and this week we learned about the theories that scientists have come up with about how the first people came to the Americas.
The students wrote business letters to their state's tourism departments. They addressed the envelopes, wrote the appropriate business letter format, and even proofread their peers letters before they went out in the mail yesterday. We also learned about how the mail works!
We learned about becoming better writers by varying our sentence types. Now, we can correctly write compound sentences and simple sentences!
We practiced the reading comprehension skill, Understanding Sequence, and we recognized word that are often found in "time order" reading texts. Words like "after", "next", "then", "before", and "finally" are clue words to help us understand the sequence of events in a story.
In math, we had our division test, and now we are starting multiplying greater numbers. (Like 67 x 8)
In social studies, we are jumping into Native Americans, and this week we learned about the theories that scientists have come up with about how the first people came to the Americas.
What were those three theories that scientists have about how the first people came to the Americas? Reply to this message with your answer. Try to write your answer in a compound sentence!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Fan Boys and Coordinating Conjunctions
Homework for tonight! (Thursday, October 7)Find your "FANBOYS" Poster on this post. Take a close look at your sentences. Correct those sentences that you think might be wrong (make sure they have the formula: sentence comma conjunction sentence).
In a comment, explain which sentence you think is wrong, and how it can be corrected. Write your new sentence in the blog post as well. If you think all of your sentences are correct, write one excellent example of a compound sentence using a comma and coordinating conjunction.
(You can click on your picture to make it larger)
In a comment, explain which sentence you think is wrong, and how it can be corrected. Write your new sentence in the blog post as well. If you think all of your sentences are correct, write one excellent example of a compound sentence using a comma and coordinating conjunction.
(You can click on your picture to make it larger)
Good luck!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Scholastic Book Club
Scholastic Book Club (remember the paper book orders?) is now online! The books are less expensive than book stores, and when you place an order online, the classroom gets an additional free book for our classroom library. More details (along with the old paper book order) will come in the Friday Folder, but if you want to check it out now, here is the link. The class activation code is HB2G3. The due date for book orders (both online and on paper) is October 28.
Friday, October 1, 2010
October 4- October 8
Get ready for a full week!
Social Studies: We are starting to learn about Native Americans: how they got to the Americas, what they did when they got here, and how their arrival has impacted the world.
Language Arts: Our grammar focus this week will be on compound sentences, and our reading focus will be on the "Understanding Sequence" strategy. We will be reading and discussing the fourth section of Rules and we will begin our first book report (completely in class assignment).
Math: Division is our huge focus this week, and we will have a quick quiz over division facts on Friday. Some great websites for at-home practice are Soft Schools, AAA Math, and Gamequarium.
Next week there will be a vocabulary quiz on Wednesday, a grammar quiz on Thursday, and a math test on Friday. The States Project is due October 18th.
Enjoy the rest of the long weekend! See you on Monday!
Social Studies: We are starting to learn about Native Americans: how they got to the Americas, what they did when they got here, and how their arrival has impacted the world.
Language Arts: Our grammar focus this week will be on compound sentences, and our reading focus will be on the "Understanding Sequence" strategy. We will be reading and discussing the fourth section of Rules and we will begin our first book report (completely in class assignment).
Math: Division is our huge focus this week, and we will have a quick quiz over division facts on Friday. Some great websites for at-home practice are Soft Schools, AAA Math, and Gamequarium.
Next week there will be a vocabulary quiz on Wednesday, a grammar quiz on Thursday, and a math test on Friday. The States Project is due October 18th.
Enjoy the rest of the long weekend! See you on Monday!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Lunch in the Sukkah
We had a great time in the Sukkah this afternoon for lunch. We couldn't have asked for a better day to spend outdoors. Special thanks to all of the parents who came for lunch and to Rabbi Micah for creating an awesome opportunity for our students and their parents!
Short Answer Rubric
For our short answer questions, the fourth grade teachers all use the following rubric to grade the answers. We use this rubric in Social Studies and Language Arts.
| 3 points | Answer is written in complete sentences. All sentences have a subject and a predicate. There are no run-ons. |
| 3 points | The student answers the question and uses examples from the text to justify his or her answer. |
| 2 points | The sentences begin with a capital letter. |
| 2 points | The sentences have end punctuation. |
Leading the pledge and Hatikvah
 |
| These students pose for a picture in Mr. Weismark's office right before they go live on the intercom. |
Here are the lyrics in English
As long as deep in the heart,
The soul of a Jew yearns,And forward to the East
To Zion, an eye looks
Our hope will not be lost,
The hope of two thousand years,
To be a free nation in our land,
The land of Zion and Jerusalem.
When in doubt, act it out!
Today the students each took a part of the novel Rules and adapted their scene to the stage. We had actors and actresses really get in touch with the characters in the book. We have a class full of future thespians! Sunday, September 26, 2010
Sukkah Lunch rescheduled
Due to the rain, lunch in the Sukkah is rescheduled for Tuesday. | ||||
| Lunch in Sukkah | Recess | |||
| Start | End | Start | End | |
| First | 11:15 | 11:45 | 11:00 | 11:15 |
| Third | 12:10 | 12:40 | 11:55 | 12:10 |
| Fourth | 12:45 | 1:15 | 1:15 | 1:30 |
| | ||||
Who built this?
NYC - Metropolitan Museum of Art - Maya Monumental Figure
Originally uploaded by wallyg
Check out this figure that is now housed in the NYC Metropolitan Museum of Art. Who built it? Where did it come from? Why is this in a museum?
Post your comments. Remember to use complete sentences!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Internet Safety and Technology
This week, Mrs. Rosenkoff began discussing internet safety in our technology class. The purpose of the lesson is to have the students become aware of their actions online. Please visit netsmartz.org or cybersmartcurriculum.org for more information.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Week in Review
WELCOME VISITORS
We started our week with tefillah with our book buddies. We also started our reading groups. In social studies, we went over lessons 4/5. On Tuesday, we played jeopardy reviewing lessons 4/5. In technology we continued presenting our power points. We had a choice of subjects for our power point. We could do our favorite sports, places we’ve been, The Davis Academy (our school) and our favorite foods. In Hebrew this week we are focusing mainly on Sukkot, a Jewish holiday. On Wednesda,y we will have our Social Studies Test on lessons 4/5. This week our class is leading the Pledge of Allegiance and Ha Tikvah. (The Jewish Pledge). HOPE YOU HAVE A GOOD SHORT WEEK!
By Taylor And Joelle
Multiplication Rap
You have all been waiting for it. Here it is! The Multiplication Rap!
Download Multiplication Rap - Multiplication Rap
Why you should read and follow our blog...
We are participating in the Blogging Challenge. The first assignment is to write a post about why people should visit our blog. Our blog is about the things we are learning about. We would like if you would comment on our blog. We will be posting things to help us study and many more. We will be posting about our projects too! You kids can learn a lot by reading our blog... Like what projects we do, what we are learning, and much more. Our blog is interesting because we will be posting projects and other . We hope you read our blog.
By Guest Blogger, Mason.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
How is this desk like Yom Kippur?
It is super clean! (Get it? White/pure/clean?)Guess whose desk this is! What a neat area! Keep trying to see whose desk gets displayed next!
Tashlich by the Hooch
Reflection was the key word in our Tashlich service this morning down by the Hooch. Rabbi Micah led us in wonderful prayer and song as we threw pebbles into the water to represent starting the new year with a new clean slate. Here are a few thought on the custom of Tashlich from the URJ.Have a safe and easy fast.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
A Long Term (ish) Plan for Studying Social Studies
We will be having a Social Studies Quiz over Lessons 4 and 5 next Wednesday before Sukkot. Here is a daily plan you keep you on the right track! Just a few minutes everyday will help avoid that last minute crashing!
Thursday Night (15 minutes total): Use Quizlet to review vocabulary words
Friday Night (None): Kol Nidre
Saturday Night (None): Break the Fast (yum!)
Sunday Day/Night (20 minutes total): Spend 10 minutes on Quizlet practicing vocabulary words, and spend the other 10 minutes re-reading Lessons 4 and 5 in SS text book
Monday Night (25 minutes total): Make a fake test (with a key) using your study guide and vocabulary.
Tuesday Night (45 minutes total): Take your fake test that you made yesterday and then check it with the key, re-read Lessons 4 and 5 in your textbook, have someone else quiz you over your study guide and vocabulary, play Quizlet
Comment to this post with any other ideas of how to study for Social Studies!
Thursday Night (15 minutes total): Use Quizlet to review vocabulary words
Friday Night (None): Kol Nidre
Saturday Night (None): Break the Fast (yum!)
Sunday Day/Night (20 minutes total): Spend 10 minutes on Quizlet practicing vocabulary words, and spend the other 10 minutes re-reading Lessons 4 and 5 in SS text book
Monday Night (25 minutes total): Make a fake test (with a key) using your study guide and vocabulary.
Tuesday Night (45 minutes total): Take your fake test that you made yesterday and then check it with the key, re-read Lessons 4 and 5 in your textbook, have someone else quiz you over your study guide and vocabulary, play Quizlet
Comment to this post with any other ideas of how to study for Social Studies!
A Little Bit O' Grammar Practice
The is a really neat game for predicate review. Tomorrow, we are going to begin reviewing predicates.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Say Cheese!
The kids took a great class picture today! The photographer thought they were so cute; he is coming back tomorrow to take individual shots. The kids needs to wear teal and navy. Brushing hair is optional. :)
Science and vocabulary quizzes are tomorrow! To help study vocabulary, visit the Sadlier-Oxford site. Make sure you click on the orange level.
Science and vocabulary quizzes are tomorrow! To help study vocabulary, visit the Sadlier-Oxford site. Make sure you click on the orange level.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Back to the Weekday Grind
This week, the students are still learning about complete and simple subjects. We have started reading groups, and the students have a new appetite for learning. Ask your child about the new menus they have for the reading block of language arts. In reading groups, we are focusing on the skill of "Finding Facts and Supporting Details" using a variety of different texts. We will introduce spelling words on Wednesday, and on that very same day, we will have a vocabulary test on Unit 2 words.
In social studies, we are beginning to work on Lesson 4 in the Social Studies text. It is called "Vegetation and Climate". We are learning about different climate regions and vegetation regions in the United States. By the end of the week, we will also have started Lesson 5, "People and the Environment".
In math, we are working on subraction with regouping.
The kids have a science quiz on Wednesday the 15th, and class pictures are on Tuesday (wear teal and navy). Wednesday is individual pictures (wear teal and navy), and Thursday we are going on our Tashlich field trip (wear teal and navy). Friday is a half day.
Hope this helps with planning for the week!
In social studies, we are beginning to work on Lesson 4 in the Social Studies text. It is called "Vegetation and Climate". We are learning about different climate regions and vegetation regions in the United States. By the end of the week, we will also have started Lesson 5, "People and the Environment".
In math, we are working on subraction with regouping.
The kids have a science quiz on Wednesday the 15th, and class pictures are on Tuesday (wear teal and navy). Wednesday is individual pictures (wear teal and navy), and Thursday we are going on our Tashlich field trip (wear teal and navy). Friday is a half day.
Hope this helps with planning for the week!
Gonna Party Like it is 5771!
Right before we left for Rosh Hashana break, we had a special surprise! Rabbi Micah brought a Klezmer band to entertain us! The students enjoyed about 20 minutes of dancing and listening to the unique musical selections.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
What kind of student are you?
It is really important to make sure that when we do our assignments, we do our best work. Especially in math and spelling, it is so easy to make a simple mistake (if we are rushing through our work) that we wouldn't normally make.Just a quick thought for the day!
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