Come One, Come All!
05/01/2012
We have spent a long time preparing, and the big day is almost here! Biography Fair will be held on May 10th. Our schedule for the morning is as follows:
8:00 - 8:40 - Get dressed in costumes
9:00 - 10:00 - Biography Fair held in SDC cafeteria
10:00 - 10:15 - 4th grade students browse Biography Fair boards
10:15 - 11:00 - Celebration in the classrooms
We have spent a long time preparing, and the big day is almost here! Biography Fair will be held on May 10th. Our schedule for the morning is as follows:
8:00 - 8:40 - Get dressed in costumes
9:00 - 10:00 - Biography Fair held in SDC cafeteria
10:00 - 10:15 - 4th grade students browse Biography Fair boards
10:15 - 11:00 - Celebration in the classrooms
Biography Fair, Novels, Tests, and More!
03/12/2012
Today, our Biography Fair project was assigned! We will be talking more in detail about this project in the coming weeks, but as a first step, students need to select a famous individual who they want to read about, research, and eventually, pretend to be during our Biography Fair!
On or before this Friday, March 16th, each student must select an famous individual, find a biography about that individual that is on the student's reading level, and fill out the paperwork (with a parent signature) to have their Biography Fair choice approved by the 4th grade teachers.
Some great places to look for biographies include the SDC Media Center, the Sandy Springs Public Library, a bookstore, Amazon.com, or even check with me! I own several biography books about famous individuals that students may be interested in reading!
We are also continuing our work on novel studies. Students should be working on this reading daily, both in class and at home. The upcoming test schedule is as follows:
Today, our Biography Fair project was assigned! We will be talking more in detail about this project in the coming weeks, but as a first step, students need to select a famous individual who they want to read about, research, and eventually, pretend to be during our Biography Fair!
On or before this Friday, March 16th, each student must select an famous individual, find a biography about that individual that is on the student's reading level, and fill out the paperwork (with a parent signature) to have their Biography Fair choice approved by the 4th grade teachers.
Some great places to look for biographies include the SDC Media Center, the Sandy Springs Public Library, a bookstore, Amazon.com, or even check with me! I own several biography books about famous individuals that students may be interested in reading!
We are also continuing our work on novel studies. Students should be working on this reading daily, both in class and at home. The upcoming test schedule is as follows:
Friday, March 16th
Sadako - Entire book Freckle Juice - Entire book Red Writing Hood - Entire book |
Monday, March 19th
Frindle - Entire book Mixed-Up Files - Chapters 1 - 5 Running Out of Time - Chapters 1 - 11 The Borrowers - Chapters 1 - 11 |
4th Grade Updates
We are finishing up our LAST Social Studies unit of the year! The Westward Expansion test will be on Wednesday, March 7th. Study guides went home on Friday and can also be downloaded below. As you prepare for the test, you can also click the link to interactive PowerPoint presentation that we used in class.
Westward Expansion
Our next (and final) Science unit is about ecosystems, survival, and extinction. We hope to do a hands-on Science experiment in which students make their own terrariums. To do this, we will need about 70, 2-liter clear plastic bottles. Please send any bottles you have laying around the house to school by Wednesday, March 7th.
Finally, our Reading classes began new Novel Studies today! Students selected novels to read and will be responsible for creating and sticking to a plan to complete weekly tasks. (Tasks include reading selected chapters, answering comprehension questions, completing self-selected vocabulary work, and writing reflections in Reading Journals). Novel study work will be completed both in class and at home.
As students complete their novel studies, I will of course provide support with creating weekly work schedules, but please note that Reading homework will differ for each student as we complete our novels over the next 4 weeks, depending on the plan that student created and the amount of work that was completed in class. If you would like to see your child's reading plan, you can check out their Reading calendar, which can be found in the Reading section of their binder. As always, please let me know if you have any questions!
Westward Expansion
Our next (and final) Science unit is about ecosystems, survival, and extinction. We hope to do a hands-on Science experiment in which students make their own terrariums. To do this, we will need about 70, 2-liter clear plastic bottles. Please send any bottles you have laying around the house to school by Wednesday, March 7th.
Finally, our Reading classes began new Novel Studies today! Students selected novels to read and will be responsible for creating and sticking to a plan to complete weekly tasks. (Tasks include reading selected chapters, answering comprehension questions, completing self-selected vocabulary work, and writing reflections in Reading Journals). Novel study work will be completed both in class and at home.
As students complete their novel studies, I will of course provide support with creating weekly work schedules, but please note that Reading homework will differ for each student as we complete our novels over the next 4 weeks, depending on the plan that student created and the amount of work that was completed in class. If you would like to see your child's reading plan, you can check out their Reading calendar, which can be found in the Reading section of their binder. As always, please let me know if you have any questions!
The New Nation
01/25/2012
Yesterday, we began our next Social Studies unit on The New Nation. You can download class notes below to keep track of what we are learning in class.
Today for homework, students will create a comic strip that describes at least one major compromise that was made during the Constitutional Convention. Students can draw this comic by hand on the back of the class notes, or can use online comic tools found at:
http://www.makebeliefscomix.com or http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/comic
Don't forget to print your comic out and bring it to call tomorrow!
Yesterday, we began our next Social Studies unit on The New Nation. You can download class notes below to keep track of what we are learning in class.
Today for homework, students will create a comic strip that describes at least one major compromise that was made during the Constitutional Convention. Students can draw this comic by hand on the back of the class notes, or can use online comic tools found at:
http://www.makebeliefscomix.com or http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/comic
Don't forget to print your comic out and bring it to call tomorrow!
westward_expansion_study_guide.docx | |
File Size: | 18 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Force and Motion Test
02/13/2012
Our Force and Motion test will be on Thursday. Study guides went home today. Click below to download a copy of the study guide! You can also click below to download a copy of our class notes about simple machines.
Don't forget about our Amusement Park Ride project! It is due on Wednesday. We will be presenting these projects during class. We are so excited to see all the great projects our 4th graders put together.
Our Force and Motion test will be on Thursday. Study guides went home today. Click below to download a copy of the study guide! You can also click below to download a copy of our class notes about simple machines.
Don't forget about our Amusement Park Ride project! It is due on Wednesday. We will be presenting these projects during class. We are so excited to see all the great projects our 4th graders put together.
forces_and_motion_study_guide.docx | |
File Size: | 17 kb |
File Type: | docx |
simple_machine_class_notes.docx | |
File Size: | 69 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Force and Motion
02/07/2012
We have begun our next Science unit - Forces and Motion! This is an exciting unit, with many hands on activities to help us learn some important Science concepts.
During this unit, students will complete a take-home project. For this project, they will design their own amusement park ride! As we prepare to become fifth graders in just a few short months, this project requires more writing than some of our take-home projects in the past.
To support our fourth graders as they work on this project, several of the homework assignments during this unit will require students to think about and answer questions that are required for the amusement park ride project. Students should keep these homework assignments to make their final writing easier!
Click below to download a copy of the project requirements and rubric.
We have begun our next Science unit - Forces and Motion! This is an exciting unit, with many hands on activities to help us learn some important Science concepts.
During this unit, students will complete a take-home project. For this project, they will design their own amusement park ride! As we prepare to become fifth graders in just a few short months, this project requires more writing than some of our take-home projects in the past.
To support our fourth graders as they work on this project, several of the homework assignments during this unit will require students to think about and answer questions that are required for the amusement park ride project. Students should keep these homework assignments to make their final writing easier!
Click below to download a copy of the project requirements and rubric.
amusement_park_project.doc | |
File Size: | 38 kb |
File Type: | doc |
New Nation Study Guide
01/27/2012
New Nation study guides went home today in preparation for the end of unit test, which will be on Wednesday, February 1st. You can download a copy of the study guide below. The study guide has a lot of details on it, but students should make sure they have an especially strong grasp on the basic cause and effect key understandings outlined below:
New Nation study guides went home today in preparation for the end of unit test, which will be on Wednesday, February 1st. You can download a copy of the study guide below. The study guide has a lot of details on it, but students should make sure they have an especially strong grasp on the basic cause and effect key understandings outlined below:
CauseThe United States won freedom from Britain in The American Revolution
After their experiences with the British King, Americans did not want a strong central government The Articles of Confederation was so weak, the national government could not make states work together Delegates had difficult agreeing on important issues, like slavery and representation in Congress |
EffectEach colony became a separate state with its own constitution and laws
Americans created the Articles of Confederation - a weak national government Delegates met at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia to discuss how to change the Articles of Confederation Many compromises were made when writing the Constitution, including the Three-Fifths Rule and The Great Compromise |
new_nation_study_guide.doc | |
File Size: | 19 kb |
File Type: | doc |
compromise_class_notes.docx | |
File Size: | 99 kb |
File Type: | docx |
the_articles_of_confederation_class_notes.docx | |
File Size: | 14 kb |
File Type: | docx |
American Revolution Test
1/18/2012
Study guides for our American Revolution test will be going home tomorrow (Thursday). If you would like a sneak peak of the study guide, download a copy below! Our test will be on Monday, January 23rd!
Study guides for our American Revolution test will be going home tomorrow (Thursday). If you would like a sneak peak of the study guide, download a copy below! Our test will be on Monday, January 23rd!
american_revolution_study_guide_2012.docx | |
File Size: | 19 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Weekend Updates
1/13/2012
Welcome back! I hope everyone had a wonderful Winter Break. I am excited to be back at school with my favorite 4th graders. This week we welcomed our new 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Amy Sheridan. If you need to reach her, her email address is [email protected].
You may have noticed that a new copy of your child's report card went home today. Due to a bug in the grading system that was not fixed before Mr. Burns input his Language Arts grades, some students' Language Arts Semester 1 grades did not average correctly. In order to make sure all students had correct report card scores, we reprinted all report cards and sent them home today. A big "Thank You!" to Ms. Fakas in the front office for manually computing and inputting all the averages for us, and then reprinting report cards so quickly!
Last week, we began our study of the American Revolution in Social Studies. Below, you can download a copy of the notes we have taken in class. This weekend would be a great time to review what we have studied so far!
And last but not least... remember that there is NO SCHOOL on Monday!
Welcome back! I hope everyone had a wonderful Winter Break. I am excited to be back at school with my favorite 4th graders. This week we welcomed our new 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Amy Sheridan. If you need to reach her, her email address is [email protected].
You may have noticed that a new copy of your child's report card went home today. Due to a bug in the grading system that was not fixed before Mr. Burns input his Language Arts grades, some students' Language Arts Semester 1 grades did not average correctly. In order to make sure all students had correct report card scores, we reprinted all report cards and sent them home today. A big "Thank You!" to Ms. Fakas in the front office for manually computing and inputting all the averages for us, and then reprinting report cards so quickly!
Last week, we began our study of the American Revolution in Social Studies. Below, you can download a copy of the notes we have taken in class. This weekend would be a great time to review what we have studied so far!
And last but not least... remember that there is NO SCHOOL on Monday!
class_notes.docx | |
File Size: | 13 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Solar System Test
12/18/2011
The Solar System test will be on Tuesday, December 20th. Study guides went home on Friday, and you can also download the study guide below.
The Solar System test will be on Tuesday, December 20th. Study guides went home on Friday, and you can also download the study guide below.
solar_system_test_study_guide.docx | |
File Size: | 17 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Solar System Unit!
Today we began our next Science unit - Our Solar System! We started by discussing the two ways Earth moves - rotating and revolving. We took notes together in class. Students have these notes in their Science journal, but you can also keep track of our notes by checking out the file below. I will upload an updated copy as we add to our class notes!
class_notes.docx | |
File Size: | 12 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Colonial America Test
12/01/2011
The end of unit test for Colonial America will be on Monday, December 5th. Click below to download the study guide. Students should be able to describe the geography, climate, natural resources, and economy of each colonial region. You can also download copies of the worksheets for each colonial region that we completed together in class as we reviewed homework each day. These summarize the most important ideas related to each region.
The end of unit test for Colonial America will be on Monday, December 5th. Click below to download the study guide. Students should be able to describe the geography, climate, natural resources, and economy of each colonial region. You can also download copies of the worksheets for each colonial region that we completed together in class as we reviewed homework each day. These summarize the most important ideas related to each region.
13_colonies_study_guide_2011.doc | |
File Size: | 211 kb |
File Type: | doc |
colonial_regions_worksheets_-_completed.doc | |
File Size: | 621 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Light and Sound Test and Field Trip
11/10/2011
Light and Sound study guides will be going home tomorrow. Click below to download a copy of the study guide. The unit test will be on Wednesday, November 16th. Don't forget that the Instrument Project is due on Monday, November 14th! Presenting our intruments to the class will be a GREAT way to review for the test!
We will also be going on a field trip to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra on Tuesday, November 15th. Don't forget that permission slips are due by tomorrow!
Light and Sound study guides will be going home tomorrow. Click below to download a copy of the study guide. The unit test will be on Wednesday, November 16th. Don't forget that the Instrument Project is due on Monday, November 14th! Presenting our intruments to the class will be a GREAT way to review for the test!
We will also be going on a field trip to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra on Tuesday, November 15th. Don't forget that permission slips are due by tomorrow!
light_and_sound_study_guide_2011.docx | |
File Size: | 18 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Make an Instrument Project
11/1/2011
As we begin our sound unit, another exciting take home project was assigned today! You can download a copy of the project description below. It will be due on November 14th. Feel free to use the following links to find a musical instrument to make for this project:
http://familycrafts.about.com/od/musicalcrafts/Musical_Craft_Projects.htm
http://www.dsokids.com/athome/makeinstrument.aspx
http://www.makingfriends.com/musical_instruments.htm
http://library.thinkquest.org/04apr/00275/create.htm
As we begin our sound unit, another exciting take home project was assigned today! You can download a copy of the project description below. It will be due on November 14th. Feel free to use the following links to find a musical instrument to make for this project:
http://familycrafts.about.com/od/musicalcrafts/Musical_Craft_Projects.htm
http://www.dsokids.com/athome/makeinstrument.aspx
http://www.makingfriends.com/musical_instruments.htm
http://library.thinkquest.org/04apr/00275/create.htm
instrument_project.docx | |
File Size: | 16 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Resources for Studying
10/28/2011
Check out these great websites to review for the Exploration unit test!
Videos and summaries about important explorers and a fun review game! http://europeanexplorers.weebly.com/index.html
Practice with latitude and longitude
http://olc.spsd.sk.ca/DE/k9mod/Mapskill/mod3fl5.swf
http://www.kidsgeo.com/geography-games/latitude-longitude-map-game.php
Check out these great websites to review for the Exploration unit test!
Videos and summaries about important explorers and a fun review game! http://europeanexplorers.weebly.com/index.html
Practice with latitude and longitude
http://olc.spsd.sk.ca/DE/k9mod/Mapskill/mod3fl5.swf
http://www.kidsgeo.com/geography-games/latitude-longitude-map-game.php
Exploration Study Guide
10/26/2011
Our Exploration unit test will be on Monday, October 31st. Study guides went home today. Click below to download a copy of the study guide.
Our Exploration unit test will be on Monday, October 31st. Study guides went home today. Click below to download a copy of the study guide.
exploration_study_guide_2011.docx | |
File Size: | 64 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Mad about Math
10/26/2011
Dear 4th grade parents,
I can't believe how fast October is flying by. 4th grade Mad About Math will be here on Monday, October 31st from 12 - 2pm. We will be doing a math scavenger hunt where the children will solve math problems to lead them to different parts of the school. As they solve clues they will receive prizes and candy. The scavenger hunt will finish up with a snack of juice and cookies. As always, we will need parent donations sent in by Friday, October 29th. Here is what we need according to homeroom class.
If your child is in Ms. Bilyeu's home room: Please send in either bags of individually wrapped fun sized candy or prizes (spider rings, rubber bracelets, Halloween erasers or pencils, bouncy balls, eraser tops etc.)
If your child is in Mr. Burns' homeroom: If your last name begins with A-J, please send in a package of Halloween Cookies - Halloween Bakery Cookies, Halloween Oreos, Halloween Chips A Hoy etc. (If you are a Costco member, you can find them there.) If you last name begins with K-Z, please send in 1-2 boxes of Caprisun fruit punch.
If you child is in Ms. Causey's homeroom: Please send in Halloween stickers or foam shapes for students to decorate their bags.
The 4th grade room moms will be providing bags for the students to collect their prizes & candy. Please be aware of the fact we have students with nut allergies when making your purchases.
We also need 7 volunteers (or more) to help with the students. Please e-mail [email protected] directly if you can volunteer.
Thank you so much. This should be a fun event!
Cheryl Barlow, Linda Trickey, Betty Klein, and Tobi Moore
4th grade room parents
Dear 4th grade parents,
I can't believe how fast October is flying by. 4th grade Mad About Math will be here on Monday, October 31st from 12 - 2pm. We will be doing a math scavenger hunt where the children will solve math problems to lead them to different parts of the school. As they solve clues they will receive prizes and candy. The scavenger hunt will finish up with a snack of juice and cookies. As always, we will need parent donations sent in by Friday, October 29th. Here is what we need according to homeroom class.
If your child is in Ms. Bilyeu's home room: Please send in either bags of individually wrapped fun sized candy or prizes (spider rings, rubber bracelets, Halloween erasers or pencils, bouncy balls, eraser tops etc.)
If your child is in Mr. Burns' homeroom: If your last name begins with A-J, please send in a package of Halloween Cookies - Halloween Bakery Cookies, Halloween Oreos, Halloween Chips A Hoy etc. (If you are a Costco member, you can find them there.) If you last name begins with K-Z, please send in 1-2 boxes of Caprisun fruit punch.
If you child is in Ms. Causey's homeroom: Please send in Halloween stickers or foam shapes for students to decorate their bags.
The 4th grade room moms will be providing bags for the students to collect their prizes & candy. Please be aware of the fact we have students with nut allergies when making your purchases.
We also need 7 volunteers (or more) to help with the students. Please e-mail [email protected] directly if you can volunteer.
Thank you so much. This should be a fun event!
Cheryl Barlow, Linda Trickey, Betty Klein, and Tobi Moore
4th grade room parents
Bert's Big Thank You Project
10/25/2011
In 4th grade, we study positive character traits like courage and patriotism. We can see real life examples of these traits in our soldiers who are stationed overseas. For homework, I have asked all my Reading students to write at least one thank you letter to a military person who is stationed overseas. These letters will be delivered on Thanksgiving Day as a part of Bert's Big Thank You project. I have encouraged students to write more than just one letter, and to get their friends and family involved! If you want to take part in this project, the guidelines are listed below:
"Each letter should be heartfelt, handwritten, original, and free of any political statements. The purpose of the letter is to express thanks to the military personnel currently deployed outside the United States. We reserve the right to eliminate those messages that are political in nature and do not reflect a positive message in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Those letters will be destroyed.
All letters must be on 8.5” x 11” paper or smaller. Do not use glue, tape, staples, cardboard, glitter or otherwise attach anything to the paper. Decorate using crayons, pencil, etc. Use both sides if you like, but use one page per letter only. Do not send cards or photographs. Feel free to include your mailing and email address, and you may get a response. Individual letters should not be sealed in envelopes.
Do not send anything except letters. We cannot accept donations of any kind, and they should not be included or attached to letters."
Please note that I have asked students who choose to include their email or mailing address in their letter to also bring a note from a parent or guardian that shows they have permission to share that information in their letter.
In 4th grade, we study positive character traits like courage and patriotism. We can see real life examples of these traits in our soldiers who are stationed overseas. For homework, I have asked all my Reading students to write at least one thank you letter to a military person who is stationed overseas. These letters will be delivered on Thanksgiving Day as a part of Bert's Big Thank You project. I have encouraged students to write more than just one letter, and to get their friends and family involved! If you want to take part in this project, the guidelines are listed below:
"Each letter should be heartfelt, handwritten, original, and free of any political statements. The purpose of the letter is to express thanks to the military personnel currently deployed outside the United States. We reserve the right to eliminate those messages that are political in nature and do not reflect a positive message in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Those letters will be destroyed.
All letters must be on 8.5” x 11” paper or smaller. Do not use glue, tape, staples, cardboard, glitter or otherwise attach anything to the paper. Decorate using crayons, pencil, etc. Use both sides if you like, but use one page per letter only. Do not send cards or photographs. Feel free to include your mailing and email address, and you may get a response. Individual letters should not be sealed in envelopes.
Do not send anything except letters. We cannot accept donations of any kind, and they should not be included or attached to letters."
Please note that I have asked students who choose to include their email or mailing address in their letter to also bring a note from a parent or guardian that shows they have permission to share that information in their letter.
Explorers Update
10/25/2011
There will be a quiz on explorers on Thursday, October 27th. Information on the quiz includes:
Accomplishments of key explorers (Marco Polo, Columbus, Balboa, Hudson, Magellan, Ponce de Leon)
Technology that helped with navigation
European explorers' treatment of the Native Americans
Geography (continents, oceans, latitude and longitude)
The unit test will be on Monday, October 31st. Study guides will go home tomorrow!
There will be a quiz on explorers on Thursday, October 27th. Information on the quiz includes:
Accomplishments of key explorers (Marco Polo, Columbus, Balboa, Hudson, Magellan, Ponce de Leon)
Technology that helped with navigation
European explorers' treatment of the Native Americans
Geography (continents, oceans, latitude and longitude)
The unit test will be on Monday, October 31st. Study guides will go home tomorrow!
Red Ribbon Week and Book Character Dress-up Day
10/21/2011
Next week is Red Ribbon Week! Here is the schedule of special events:
Monday: “Red Ribbon Day”- Students are encouraged to wear a red shirt to school.
Tuesday: “Hugs not Drugs” - Students are encouraged to bring a stuffed animal to school.
Wednesday: “Shade Out Drugs” - Students are encouraged to wear sunglasses to school.
Thursday: “Put a Cap on Drugs” - Students are encouraged to wear a baseball hat to school.
Friday: “Team Up Against Drugs” - Students are encouraged to wear team jerseys to school.
Monday, October 31st will be Book Character Dress-up Day. The following letter went home today with students:
Dear Students,
Want to dress up as one of your favorite BOOK CHARACTERS on Mad about Math Day, Monday, October 31st? Just follow these steps and you will be on your way to dressing up! You must bring this back to school for approval by Friday, October 28th or you will not be allowed to dress up!
Pick a book for book character day. You can find one at the school library or the public library. Your book must be approved by the teacher before dressing up. You can also read a biography and dress up like a famous person you find interesting.
Please choose age appropriate books. For example, if you have never actually read a Harry Potter book and you’ve only seen the movies, Harry Potter wouldn’t be the best choice. Characters from graphic novels such as Captain Underpants, Spiderman, Star Wars characters and Batman are NOT acceptable book characters to dress up as. If you dress up as an unapproved character, your parents will be called to bring you a change of clothes.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please fill out this section, and give it to your homeroom teacher.
Name:_________________________________________________
Book:_________________________________________________
Character:_____________________________________________
Parent Signature:________________________________________
Next week is Red Ribbon Week! Here is the schedule of special events:
Monday: “Red Ribbon Day”- Students are encouraged to wear a red shirt to school.
Tuesday: “Hugs not Drugs” - Students are encouraged to bring a stuffed animal to school.
Wednesday: “Shade Out Drugs” - Students are encouraged to wear sunglasses to school.
Thursday: “Put a Cap on Drugs” - Students are encouraged to wear a baseball hat to school.
Friday: “Team Up Against Drugs” - Students are encouraged to wear team jerseys to school.
Monday, October 31st will be Book Character Dress-up Day. The following letter went home today with students:
Dear Students,
Want to dress up as one of your favorite BOOK CHARACTERS on Mad about Math Day, Monday, October 31st? Just follow these steps and you will be on your way to dressing up! You must bring this back to school for approval by Friday, October 28th or you will not be allowed to dress up!
Pick a book for book character day. You can find one at the school library or the public library. Your book must be approved by the teacher before dressing up. You can also read a biography and dress up like a famous person you find interesting.
Please choose age appropriate books. For example, if you have never actually read a Harry Potter book and you’ve only seen the movies, Harry Potter wouldn’t be the best choice. Characters from graphic novels such as Captain Underpants, Spiderman, Star Wars characters and Batman are NOT acceptable book characters to dress up as. If you dress up as an unapproved character, your parents will be called to bring you a change of clothes.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please fill out this section, and give it to your homeroom teacher.
Name:_________________________________________________
Book:_________________________________________________
Character:_____________________________________________
Parent Signature:________________________________________
Fall Conferences
10/10/2011
Fall conferences are just around the corner! In 4th grade, conferences will be held with students' Social Studies/Science teacher (Please note that Ms. Jones' Social Studies/Science students will be scheduling conferences with Ms. Rowley and Ms. Jones, as needed).
The letter below was sent home with my Social Studies/Science students today. Feel free to respond with your top three choices for conference time via email, if you prefer!
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I would like to schedule a 15 minute parent–teacher conference with you to discuss your child’s progress at school. Please look at the available times listed below, rank your top three choices, and return this form to school by Wednesday, October 13th. After you reply with your availability, I will schedule your conference and send a notice home with your child alerting you of the scheduled time for your conference. Please return this form promptly, as I will be scheduling conferences in the order I receive the forms. I look forward to meeting with you!
Sincerely,
Ms. Anna Bilyeu
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(Please rank your top three choices and return to Ms. Bilyeu by Wednesday, October 13th.)
Wednesday, October 12th
______ Between 6:45 and 7:15 am
Thursday, October 13th
______ Between 6:45 and 7:15 am ______ Between 2:15 and 3:15 pm
Friday, October 14th
______ Between 6:45 and 7:15 am ______ Between 2:15 and 3:15 pm
Tuesday, October 18th
______ Between 6:45 and 7:15 am
Wednesday, October 19th
______ Between 6:45 and 7:15 am
Thursday, October 20th
______ Between 6:45 and 7:15 am ______ Between 2:15 and 3:15 pm
Friday, October 20th
______ Between 6:45 and 7:15 am ______ Between 2:15 and 3:15 pm
Fall conferences are just around the corner! In 4th grade, conferences will be held with students' Social Studies/Science teacher (Please note that Ms. Jones' Social Studies/Science students will be scheduling conferences with Ms. Rowley and Ms. Jones, as needed).
The letter below was sent home with my Social Studies/Science students today. Feel free to respond with your top three choices for conference time via email, if you prefer!
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I would like to schedule a 15 minute parent–teacher conference with you to discuss your child’s progress at school. Please look at the available times listed below, rank your top three choices, and return this form to school by Wednesday, October 13th. After you reply with your availability, I will schedule your conference and send a notice home with your child alerting you of the scheduled time for your conference. Please return this form promptly, as I will be scheduling conferences in the order I receive the forms. I look forward to meeting with you!
Sincerely,
Ms. Anna Bilyeu
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(Please rank your top three choices and return to Ms. Bilyeu by Wednesday, October 13th.)
Wednesday, October 12th
______ Between 6:45 and 7:15 am
Thursday, October 13th
______ Between 6:45 and 7:15 am ______ Between 2:15 and 3:15 pm
Friday, October 14th
______ Between 6:45 and 7:15 am ______ Between 2:15 and 3:15 pm
Tuesday, October 18th
______ Between 6:45 and 7:15 am
Wednesday, October 19th
______ Between 6:45 and 7:15 am
Thursday, October 20th
______ Between 6:45 and 7:15 am ______ Between 2:15 and 3:15 pm
Friday, October 20th
______ Between 6:45 and 7:15 am ______ Between 2:15 and 3:15 pm
Water Cycle and Weather Test
10/06/2011
Our Water Cycle and Weather test will be on Wednesday, October 12th. Study guides went home today. Click below to download a copy of the study guide. Remember to keep reviewing material from our Native American unit, as this information will be included in the 30% review section of the test.
Our Water Cycle and Weather test will be on Wednesday, October 12th. Study guides went home today. Click below to download a copy of the study guide. Remember to keep reviewing material from our Native American unit, as this information will be included in the 30% review section of the test.
weather_study_guide_2011.docx | |
File Size: | 17 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Our Class Blog
10/06/2011
Check out the newest link at the top of our page - Our class blog! Click on the link to read our great ideas about the books we are enjoying in Reading class.
Check out the newest link at the top of our page - Our class blog! Click on the link to read our great ideas about the books we are enjoying in Reading class.
States of Matter Jello
09/21/2011
Today we made Jello as we discussed changing states of matter. We started with ice, and added heat to turn it into water. We continued heating the water until the water started boiling. As the water boiled, we learned that the bubbles in the pot were caused by the creation of water vapor as the water heated!
Today we made Jello as we discussed changing states of matter. We started with ice, and added heat to turn it into water. We continued heating the water until the water started boiling. As the water boiled, we learned that the bubbles in the pot were caused by the creation of water vapor as the water heated!
Students - can you remember the name for each of these changes? Where did we see evaporation today? Condensation? Get ready to enjoy our Jello tomorrow morning!
New Science Unit Starts TOMORROW!
09/20/2011
We took our Native American test today, which means tomorrow we start our first Science unit - States of Water and the Water Cycle! This is a quick unit (just 6 days), and it will be followed by our Weather unit. We are going to be doing several hands-on experiments during this unit, which requires some supplies. If you have any of the following items at home and would be willing to donate them to our classroom, please send me an email. We will be using them for experiments next week:
eight 2-liter soda bottles
one bottle of red punch
9-ounce plastic drinking glasses
As always, thank you for your support!
We took our Native American test today, which means tomorrow we start our first Science unit - States of Water and the Water Cycle! This is a quick unit (just 6 days), and it will be followed by our Weather unit. We are going to be doing several hands-on experiments during this unit, which requires some supplies. If you have any of the following items at home and would be willing to donate them to our classroom, please send me an email. We will be using them for experiments next week:
eight 2-liter soda bottles
one bottle of red punch
9-ounce plastic drinking glasses
As always, thank you for your support!
Happy Friday!
09/16/2011
We are wrapping up our Native American unit! Don't forget that the Native American artifact project is due Monday. We will be presenting these in class. Also, the Native American test will be on Tuesday. Use your study guide and the chart below to review the most important facts about each Native American culture. I used the highlight tool to highlight the most important ideas and vocabulary!
We are wrapping up our Native American unit! Don't forget that the Native American artifact project is due Monday. We will be presenting these in class. Also, the Native American test will be on Tuesday. Use your study guide and the chart below to review the most important facts about each Native American culture. I used the highlight tool to highlight the most important ideas and vocabulary!
native_americans_chart.docx | |
File Size: | 13 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Enjoy these pictures of our buffalo hide paintings! Each buffalo hide painting tells a story of how the Plains Native Americans used buffalo to survive.
Southwestern Pottery
09/13/2011
I am so impressed with the Southwestern pottery our 4th graders made in class today! The Hopi Native Americans used pottery to store water. This made it easier to live in a dry, desert climate. What else did Southwestern Native Americans do to survive in the desert?
I am so impressed with the Southwestern pottery our 4th graders made in class today! The Hopi Native Americans used pottery to store water. This made it easier to live in a dry, desert climate. What else did Southwestern Native Americans do to survive in the desert?
Study guides for the Native American cultures test went home today. Click below to download a copy.
native_american_study_guide.doc | |
File Size: | 113 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Use Google Maps to Review the Regions
09/12/2011
As you prepare for our upcoming landform quiz on Wednesday, September 14th and our Native American cultures test on Tuesday, September 20th, try using Google Maps to review the location of each region and the natural resources that are available there.
For example, using satellite view, zoom in on the Northwest region. How does it differ from the Southwest region?
Choose the "photos" option from the dropdown menu in the upper right hand corner to see pictures of the region. Some pictures even let you take a virtual tour of the landmark!
As you prepare for our upcoming landform quiz on Wednesday, September 14th and our Native American cultures test on Tuesday, September 20th, try using Google Maps to review the location of each region and the natural resources that are available there.
For example, using satellite view, zoom in on the Northwest region. How does it differ from the Southwest region?
Choose the "photos" option from the dropdown menu in the upper right hand corner to see pictures of the region. Some pictures even let you take a virtual tour of the landmark!
End of the Week Update
09/09/2011
We had a great week, filled with lots of learning! There are three important end-of-week updates:
Our totem poles are complete! We put them outside our classroom door, just like the Kwakiutl put them outside the door to their home.
We had a great week, filled with lots of learning! There are three important end-of-week updates:
Our totem poles are complete! We put them outside our classroom door, just like the Kwakiutl put them outside the door to their home.
The Native American artifact project was assigned today. Students always have a great time with this project! It will be due September 19th. Please open the attachment below for a description of the project and a grading rubric.
artifact_project.pdf | |
File Size: | 266 kb |
File Type: |
Morning remediation starts on Monday morning at 7:15. This is a great time to review and retest without missing out on instructional time during the day. Today, letters went home with students who need to meet with their teachers. Students who need to meet with their teachers in the morning also have a small sticker in their agenda or on their SBR. The sticker looks like this:
Check Out Our Blog!
09/08/2011
Today we worked together to write our first blog entries. Blogs are a great way to share our ideas with others. Check out what we learned about the saguaro cactus by reading our entries at:
http://kidblog.org/MrsBilyeusBlog/author/MrsBilyeu
Parents - feel free to leave comments on our work. We'd love to see what you think! Students - if you leave comments, don't forget to sign them with your initials, not your full name. I will not publish any comments that have your name in them!
Today we worked together to write our first blog entries. Blogs are a great way to share our ideas with others. Check out what we learned about the saguaro cactus by reading our entries at:
http://kidblog.org/MrsBilyeusBlog/author/MrsBilyeu
Parents - feel free to leave comments on our work. We'd love to see what you think! Students - if you leave comments, don't forget to sign them with your initials, not your full name. I will not publish any comments that have your name in them!
Totem Poles
09/08/2011
Today we made totem poles like the Kwakiutl! Our totem poles were made from construction paper and aluminum cans, but real totem poles were carved from trees because they are an abundant natural resource in the Northwest region. Our totem poles represent the natural resources that the Kwakiutl and Nez Perce used to meet their needs. Check out these pictures of us at work. What natural resources can you spot? How did Native Americans use those resources to meet their needs?
Today we made totem poles like the Kwakiutl! Our totem poles were made from construction paper and aluminum cans, but real totem poles were carved from trees because they are an abundant natural resource in the Northwest region. Our totem poles represent the natural resources that the Kwakiutl and Nez Perce used to meet their needs. Check out these pictures of us at work. What natural resources can you spot? How did Native Americans use those resources to meet their needs?
Visit our website tomorrow to see pictures of the finished totem pole. A big "THANK YOU" goes out to everyone who is sending in supplies for our Native American projects! We are having tons of fun and learning a lot!
Native American Artifacts - Donations Needed!
09/06/2011
As we dive into our study of Native American cultures, we will be making crafts and artifacts that different Native American groups would have used. We will be talking about how each of these crafts and artifacts represent what was important to that culture, and how they were made using the natural resources that were available to each Native American group!
If you have any of the following materials available to donate to our 4th grade Social Studies classes (approximately 70 students total), please send me an email to let me know!
Aluminum soda cans (No need to email, feel free to send in as many as possible by Thursday!)
Five-pound bags of flour (by Thursday, if possible!)
Box of salt (by Thursday, if possible!)
Large brown paper grocery bags
Our 4th grade historians are thankful for your support!
As we dive into our study of Native American cultures, we will be making crafts and artifacts that different Native American groups would have used. We will be talking about how each of these crafts and artifacts represent what was important to that culture, and how they were made using the natural resources that were available to each Native American group!
If you have any of the following materials available to donate to our 4th grade Social Studies classes (approximately 70 students total), please send me an email to let me know!
Aluminum soda cans (No need to email, feel free to send in as many as possible by Thursday!)
Five-pound bags of flour (by Thursday, if possible!)
Box of salt (by Thursday, if possible!)
Large brown paper grocery bags
Our 4th grade historians are thankful for your support!
Curriculum Night
08/31/2011
The PowerPoint from 4th grade Curriculum Night is attached below. Please let us know if you have any questions!
The PowerPoint from 4th grade Curriculum Night is attached below. Please let us know if you have any questions!
fourth_grade_curriculum_night.pptx | |
File Size: | 1079 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
Edible Landform Maps
08/31/2011
Check out the edible landforms we made in Social Studies today! Each food represents a major landform in the United States. By the end of this unit, all 4th graders will be able to identify the location of the Rocky Mountains, the Appalachian Mountains, the Continental Divide, the Atlantic Coastal Plain, the Great Plains, the Great Basin, Death Valley, the Gulf of Mexico, the St. Lawrence River, the Mississippi River, and the Great Lakes.
Check out the edible landforms we made in Social Studies today! Each food represents a major landform in the United States. By the end of this unit, all 4th graders will be able to identify the location of the Rocky Mountains, the Appalachian Mountains, the Continental Divide, the Atlantic Coastal Plain, the Great Plains, the Great Basin, Death Valley, the Gulf of Mexico, the St. Lawrence River, the Mississippi River, and the Great Lakes.
Practice with Budgets
08/24/2011
If you're looking for a fun way to practice budgeting, try this!
Print the budget worksheet below. Visit Toys 'R' Us website and go shopping! Check out the sales ad for this week, too. How much will you spend? How much will you save? Make sure you have a balanced budget and you don't go into debt!
If you're looking for a fun way to practice budgeting, try this!
Print the budget worksheet below. Visit Toys 'R' Us website and go shopping! Check out the sales ad for this week, too. How much will you spend? How much will you save? Make sure you have a balanced budget and you don't go into debt!
blank_budget.doc | |
File Size: | 34 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Personal Finance
08/23/2011
We are well into our Personal Finance unit! There will be a vocabulary quiz tomorrow, Wednesday, August 24th. It will be eight questions, all multiple choice. Our end of unit test will be Monday, August 29th. Be sure to review your vocabulary! You can review what we learned about costs, benefits and trade-offs using the websites from class today:
Jelly Belly Problem (Part 1) - The big spending decision
Jelly Belly Problem (Part 2) - Comparing costs and benefits
Costs and Benefits T-Chart
We are well into our Personal Finance unit! There will be a vocabulary quiz tomorrow, Wednesday, August 24th. It will be eight questions, all multiple choice. Our end of unit test will be Monday, August 29th. Be sure to review your vocabulary! You can review what we learned about costs, benefits and trade-offs using the websites from class today:
Jelly Belly Problem (Part 1) - The big spending decision
Jelly Belly Problem (Part 2) - Comparing costs and benefits
Costs and Benefits T-Chart
Welcome Back!
08/17/2011
It's been an exciting first week of school! The 4th grade teachers are so excited to work with such a FUN group of students, and we can already tell that this is going to be a great year.
If you have not yet brought in your school supplies, please send the following items as soon as possible. We work hard to develop strong organization skills in 4th grade, and these supplies really help!
It's been an exciting first week of school! The 4th grade teachers are so excited to work with such a FUN group of students, and we can already tell that this is going to be a great year.
If you have not yet brought in your school supplies, please send the following items as soon as possible. We work hard to develop strong organization skills in 4th grade, and these supplies really help!
- 6 - Black and white composition books
- 2 - three-ring binders (1 ½ inch) – One binder needs to be WHITE with a clear plastic front for inserting a piece of paper for the cover
- 1 set of 5-tab subject dividers for binder
- 5 folders - (two pockets with prongs) - Solid colors only, no pictures on folders, please!