Mystery Reader

Merry & Bright Students!

With the holidays upon us, students are doing surprisingly well with staying focused and working hard in school!  We have been making a lot of strides in thinking about theme, writing about theme and discussing theme during literacy.  During math we have been dividing larger numbers and using our knowledge of place value to help us do so.  Our multiplication quizzes were great and I can see that our studying during MAH has been really helpful as we do this more complicated division.  We are asking questions, and forming more detailed hypothesis during science.  I really could not be happier with our progress at this point in the year!  Thank you for always supporting us, even when things get hectic!

Mystery Reader

Next Wednesday, December 23rd is a full day of school.  To kick start our winter vacation, we are going to be participating in a fun reading activity called, "Booked In."  We are going to spend a large part of that day reading some great books.  To add to the fun, I thought it would be great if we could host some MYSTERY READERS. 

We are looking for parents, grandparents, or siblings to volunteer to read a favorite picture book or poem to our class on that afternoon.  Please let me know (secretly!) if you are available and I will give you some open times to choose from.

Reader's Notebooks

Students have been learning that they can jot down their thinking about what they are reading in many different ways.  Here are a few examples of what students are doing in their notebooks as they think about their reading.

Science, Reading, Math & Writing OH MY!

Full Steam Ahead!

We are learning so much in our classroom right now!  Students are eager to get into the classroom each day to be scientists, explorers, mathematicians, authors and discussers of literature.  It has been fun to watch them grow and mature over the past few months.  I hope that you are starting to see growth in your child because I am certainly seeing it!

RAH Expectations

Students are expected to be reading the same book at home and at school.  This allows us to focus on one set of characters, one plot, one problem and one setting.  Having one book at school to read and one at home can create confusion.  Sometimes, families want to share special books at home that deviate from what their children are reading in school.  This is fine!  It just shouldn't be happening all of the time.

Reader's Notebook

Students have been learning to read and notice points in the book that require them to stop and read with more intensity.  The stopping points they have learned so far are included in a picture below.  We are also learning that we can jot down our thinking so that we can reflect on it, share it with others, and grow new ideas.  Tonight, students will be bringing home their Reader's Notebooks to share with you and to continue to jot their thinking as they read.  Students shouldn't be writing the entire time, but should stop at least twice to jot down their thinking as they are reading.  This is new so please feel free to email me with any questions! 

Math

We are well into multiplication and division and studying those multiplication facts at home are really helping students be more successful in school with these concepts.  Please don't forget that your child will be quizzed on December 15th on 1-6's.  Also, if you are in need of the math websites that include videos and examples of what we are learning in school, please let me know and I can email them to you.

Writing

We are currently wrapping up our literary essay unit and will be making portions of our literary essays into iMovies.  Stay tuned for these thought provoking premiers!

Science

We are learning about weathering and erosion and will become engineers in the near future.  We are in need of some recyclables for an upcoming project.  Here are some things we are looking for....
1. egg cartons
2. bottle caps
3. random pieces of plastic
4. plastic lids & containers
5. toilet paper & paper towel tubes
6. anything you think a child may use to invent something!

Any help you could I give us in collecting these items would be greatly appreciated!

Here are some pictures of students utilizing erosion tables and observing the process of weathering and erosion.  They were trying to figure out what may have caused the massive weathering and erosion of the Grand Canyon and apply this learning to their own weathered and eroded play dough sculptures.

Where is November Going?!

Field Trip!

Our field trip is next Tuesday!  We will leave the school around 9 and be back for a late lunch in our own cafeteria.  Students can still order hot lunch or bring their lunch from home.  There is no need for students to bring any money, we will not be going to a gift shop.  If you are still interested in chaperoning, let me know.  Also, feel free to let me know if you have any questions.

Math Vocabulary Quiz

The math vocabulary quiz that students have been asked to study for during MAH is next Wednesday.  I can tell that students have been studying at home as it is making our problem solving much easier at school.  Today students were asked to find the area of two different rectangles and then find the sum of the two different areas.  Nearly all students did this with ease because they have been studying the words area and sum.  Thank you for your support with this! 

Recycling

Our community service learning project has been going very well.  Students have been learning responsibility as they assist in the recycling for the entire building.  I thought you would enjoy some pictures of our students hard at work!

 

 

Upcoming Events



11/20 - Farley Family Movie Night 6PM
11/24 - Field trip!
11/25 - Math Vocabulary Quiz
11/25 - 1/2 Day - Happy Thanksgiving!
12/4 - 12/5 - Family Holiday Shoppe

Field Trip Information!

Have You Passed In Your Permission Slip Yet?

Our class will be going to the Action Science Discovery Museum on November 24th.  If you are interested in chaperoning please let me know.  We would love to have you but you may need to follow the bus in your car or meet us there.  The cost for this trip is $16.50 for both students and chaperones.  There are a large number of students who have not turned in their permission slips yet, please let me know if you need another copy!  We are excited and can't wait for an exciting day!

MAH - Studying Math Vocabulary

Next week a study guide will be sent home asking students to study math vocabulary that we have been learning in class.  We will then be tested on this vocabulary on Wednesday, November 25.  Students have already made flashcards for these words.  We will continue to add to our math vocabulary list over the year and assess as we go.  If you are looking for ways to help your child study or have any questions, please let me know. 

Thursday Folders
Please don't forget to sign and send your child's Thursday folder back to school each week!

Thank You!
Thank you so much for donating supplies that were requested during parent teacher conferences.  We will be doing a science experiment with them very soon.  We are still in need of some more cans of play dough.  If you have any that you are willing to donate, we would really appreciate it!


Upcoming Dates
11/11 - No School, Veterans Day
11/19 - Pizza with the Principal, "Volunteerism" 6-7PM
11/20 - Family Movie Night 6-8PM
11/24 - Field Trip to the Acton Science Discovery Museum
11/26 - 1/2 day of school

Math and More!

Helpful Math Websites

During conferences math was a common topic for discussion.  I am including several websites that you may find helpful when working with your child at home.  Many of them include videos that align with what we are doing in the classroom.  If your child is struggling with a concept on the homework and you are unsure of how to help them, videos are a great resource.  You can have them watch the video and the pressure is off of you! 

Helpful hint - look at the bottom of the homework sheet and you will see the concept that students are working on.  This will help you search for the concept on websites.

www.khanacademy.org

 

http://www.oakdale.k12.ca.us/cms/page_view?d=x&piid=&vpid=1391596408603

 

http://greatminds.net/support/parents

 

http://www.ojusd.org/cms/page_view?d=x&piid=&vpid=1391596408603

 

Homework Helper

 

Last week a homework helper was sent home that shows the math that students are learning in class and the strategies they are using.  This is a new district-wide support that will be sent out at the start of each new module.  Please look for this resource in your child's homework folder.  A new one is being sent home on Thursday.

 

Thank You!

 

It was wonderful meeting with all of you last week during conferences.  I always feel as though I have a more complete picture with your child after meeting.  If you ever have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.  I also wanted to thank you for your willingness to donate supplies to our classroom!  They are beginning to come in and will certainly make science more exciting.

 

Glow in the Dark Party

 

Last week our paw print reward for being respectful, responsible and ready was a glow in the dark party!  The class had a blast outfitting themselves in glow in the dark necklaces, bracelets and crowns and boogied in the dark.  Here is a picture from our silliness!

 

 

 

 

How Effective is Our Effort?

Effective Effort

We have been learning about effective effort and how putting forth the right kind of effort will result in more confidence and success in school.  Below is a picture of some definition posters we have in our classroom.

After discussing these definitions and referring to them throughout our day, this past Friday students reflected on aspects of their effort.  Here are a couple of reflections.  (More are posted in the fourth grade hallway on our Celebrations board...feel free to take a look during conferences!)

 

You Can Help!

 

When you're at home with your child, look for opportunities to praise your child's effort.  Breaking effort down into the six different elements helps children to see what effort looks like and it gives parents ways to be specific with their praise.  Don't just say, "Great job!  You worked hard."  Try saying something like, "I noticed that you put a lot of time into your homework and you didn't give up."  or "Great job using the help sheet Mrs. Leger sent home to help you finish your homework."  This will give students a clearer understanding of what effort really is.

 

 

I look forward to seeing you all at conferences tomorrow.  Let me know if you need help signing up.  There is still time!

Struggles & Battles

Conferences

Conferences are next Wednesday and Thursday October 21 & 22 with evening conferences on the 22nd.  I am really looking forward to speaking with all of you about your child's progress and goals. If you haven't already, please go online to sign up for a conference.  If you don't have internet access or are experiencing difficulties, please feel free to send me a note with some times that work for you and I can sign you up myself.

Battle of the Books

Our class has been participating in a book competition where everyone reads the same 16 picture books and then votes, bracket style, for their favorite books.  The books are narrowed down until only two remain and then after a final vote, a champion is crowned!  It is the March Madness of the reading world!  While reading these books students have been learning how good readers jot down their thinking in ways that make sense for them in their reader's notebook.  They are learning how to grow ideas about their reading and how to write about their thinking.  They have learned to push their thinking deeper and how to determine a character's traits by looking at what a character says, thinks, or does.  To say the least, the learning experiences coming out of these 16 books are amazing!  When talking with your child over the next few days, ask them which book they like the best so far and why.  Stay tuned for the winning book!

Struggles

Recently, we began talking about how struggle is part of being successful.  No athlete, successful business person, or adult has made it to where they are today without struggle.  Oftentimes, we do not see the struggle of a successful person, and children often think that people easily glide into these positions of success.  For example, many children think Tom Brady was born good at football and that becoming the quarterback of the Patriots came easily to him.  

It is important for us to teach children that sometimes it is okay to struggle and that we should persevere through these struggles.  I have shared stories of my own struggles as a learner and have also invited other administrators from the district into our morning meetings to share their struggles. I am now inviting families to join us for a ten minute morning meeting to share their own struggles as well.  Feel free to contact me a set up a time to join us for a morning meeting.

Upcoming Events

10/16 - Family Fitness Night
10/21 - Half Day - conferences
10/21 - Ice Cream Social 6 - 8PM
10/22 - Half Day - conference & evening conferences

Google Docs

Today in school we went to the computer lab together and learned how to use Google Docs.  Google Docs is how we will do some of our homework this year.  It allows students to work on a document at school and then pull up the same document at home and continue working on it.  Students will also be able to share these documents with me electronically and I will be able to give feedback immediately.  A letter is going home tomorrow explaining what this is.  Each student has a unique username and password.  This username/password information is also included in the letter coming home tomorrow.  Please put these in a place where they won't be lost.  We are also attaching a copy in our homework planners.  

Tomorrow night, students will be asked to try to sign in to Google Docs and continue typing up a final draft of a narrative they worked on in school.  I will be eager to see how this goes, as it will be our first try.  As with any technology, there can be issues to work out so please let me know if there are any issues.

Updates!

One Month Down....

This month has flown by!  Our class has really grown in the past few weeks.  We feel more comfortable working with each other and sharing our ideas.  We are learning to challenge ourselves and to not give up when things get tricky.  To keep things running smoothly I have some updates and reminders for everyone!

Thursday Folder

Our Thursday folders will be sent home each Thursday afternoon full of notices and work that we have completed in class.  Please make sure that you sign your child's folder on the sheet in the front cover and send it back to school on Friday.  Please take the notices and school-work out unless it is in the return to school pocket.\

New Project - Character Trait Book

A new project was sent home today that we will work on in school and at home.  Students will often be introduced to a new character trait in school and we will have discussions about what this trait means.  At home, students will be required to complete a book page about that trait.  An explanation sheet was sent home today along with the booklet.  There was also a parent signature page that I am asking families to send back in.  This will help me to make sure that everyone is on the same page.  We may not send this project home each day depending on our schedule and ability to introduce a new word in school.  I will be checking in with students frequently on how it is going to see if there is any further support that students need.  Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions.

MAH

Last week's MAH looked great!  Many students studied their math facts for longer than required!  Please help your child remember to get it signed and brought back to school on Friday.  There will be weeks where students will be asked to study math vocabulary instead of multiplication facts for MAH.  We are working on vocabulary flash cards this week and will switch to studying math vocabulary for MAH next week.

Thank You!

I cannot thank families enough for donating supplies to our classroom during Open House.  They were very much needed and appreciated!  I am still in dire need of 5-subject notebooks.  If anyone has any we could really use them!

Upcoming Events

10/1 Elementary Math Night at Forest Ave - 6 PM
10/7 International Walk To School Day
10/12 No School - Columbus Day
10/13 No School - Teacher Professional Day

Growing Brain

I cannot thank everyone enough for joining me for Open House last week.  It was so nice to meet so many of you and to begin our journey working together to help your child succeed in fourth grade.

Growth Mindset

In my last blog I mentioned Growth Mindset.  If your child shuts down or frustrates easily after making a mistake or chooses the easier option then this could be the gentle push your child needs.  In a nutshell, research shows that there are two types of learners.  The first has a growth mindset and believes that with practice and determination, they can get better at anything.  The second learner believes that they are only born with certain talents or smarts and there is nothing they can do to change it.  Research also shows that learners with a growth mindset are more successful than those who aren't.  Here are two videos that can help you understand it further.  The first was shown at Open House and the second is a little longer but worth the time if you have it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh0OS4MrN3E&feature=share

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN34FNbOKXc


Other News

• Please send a water bottle in with your child.  It will keep them in the classroom learning and not at the water fountain!
• Students did great on their RAH last week and most read more than the required amount.  Thank you so much for helping them remember to get their RAH signed and for pushing them that extra mile!
• MAH (Math at Home) was assigned for the first time this week and is due on Friday.  This week we are focusing on studying our multiplication facts.  We discussed different ways to study in school today, but let me know if you need some other ideas!

Upcoming Events

9/23 - Ice Cream Social 6-8 PM

9/25 - School Pictures

Welcome Back!

Welcome Back!

A new year is underway and its shaping up to be a great one!  I am hoping to use this blog to communicate to everyone what we are up to and what you can do at home to support your child.  

For the past two weeks we have been busy getting to know each other and learning the routines and expectations of fourth grade.  We have also been setting the tone by learning about Growth Mindset and how our brains work.  Students have been learning that it will be okay to make mistakes this year because our brains learn and grow better when we learn from our mistakes.  We have also chosen mottos that we would like to live by and are currently creating posters to be hung around the school showcasing our mottos.

I hope that you are all able to join me at Open House on Wednesday night from 6:30 - 8:00.  I look forward to meeting you all!

If you haven't sent in a letter telling me about your child, please feel free to do so.  I'd still love to read it!

Important Dates

Open House - September 16th  6:30 - 8:30  
Book Orders Due - September 17th
School Pictures - September 25th
1/2 Day - September 30th 

More Journeys

More Journeys...

I've been writing about the journeys I have taken this summer through the books I have been reading.  I can't wait to tell you all about the journey I took the other day to a magical land.....



Twelve-year-old Rump is used to being made fun by everyone in his kingdom.  His name is supposed to be his destiny but he doesn't even know his entire name.  In addition, what he does know of his name is pretty embarrassing!  Even so, his luck seems to change when he discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold.  Many warn him that this is not a gift but a curse but Rump doesn't listen and as he weaves, trouble begins to brew.  Is this a gift or is it a curse?  Will Rump ever find out his entire name? 

I could not put this book down and really had fun journeying to this fantasy world.  I really liked how I already had background knowledge about the fairy tale Rumpelstiltskin and how this book made me think about the characters and the story in an entirely new way.  It went much deeper into why Rumpelstiltskin behaved the way he did and why it was so important for him to learn his name.  I also really liked this book because it was full of quests, captures, escapes, mysterious creatures and magic.  What more could you want? 


I also got to meet a really great girl, superhero in fact, in another journey I took a couple of weeks ago in a book called El Deafo.  Don't worry boys, she's is in no way a girly girl.  She could definitely hang with the guys...




Cece is a normal kid until one day she gets a mysterious illness that ultimately causes her to go deaf.  She now has to wear a large hearing aid strapped to her chest each day as she tries to fit in at school.  At first she is horrified and does everything she can to hide it from her classmates, but then she realizes that she can hear things that other kids can't!  It is like having super powers!  Even with super powers Cece still feels alone.  Can she use her super powers to find the one thing she truly wants...a friend?

CALLING ALL LOVERS OF GRAPHIC NOVELS!!!  If you loved Diary of a Wimpy Kid you will be sure to love this book.  The entire book is one long comic strip.  This made it very entertaining and easy to understand.  While I was tempted to fly through this book because of the comic strip set-up, there is really a lot to think about so it is useful to take some time and think like a good reader does.  That is actually what I liked about this book, it made me think sometimes.  Sometimes it had me giggling, other times I was cheering, and still others I was full of sympathy for lonely Cece.  I can't wait to share this book with you this year! 

Summer Journeys

Where Have You Gone This Summer?

Summer vacation can be full of excitement and traveling and I have done my fair share of it this summer.  Some of the best journeys I have taken this summer however, have been through the books I have been reading.  Before the end of the school year, our class thought back over the many books we have read this year and came up with some that we truly loved.  We then wrote book recommendations to help each other choose books to read over the summer.  I loaded up on books that I had not yet read and have been reading non-stop ever since!  I thought you might like to see what I read this summer.

Please note:  All of these books will be available to you in my classroom at some point during the school year.  There is no need to run out and grab one of these books unless you JUST CAN'T WAIT!  (Which I totally understand!)



Rhino is a young baseball player who gets a new bat that is perfect for him and really helps him increase his hitting.  One day the bat goes missing though and someone is leaving him clues!  There is a big game coming up and Rhino really needs to find his bat. Can he figure out the clues and find his bat in time?

This was an awesome read especially since my favorite team (The Red Sox) hasn't always been living up to their potential this summer.  I especially liked it because it was written by All-Star first baseman Ryan Howard who was able to give a very realistic edge to the story.  I love sports and follow many different teams so this was very interesting and fun.  If you like sports then I'm pretty sure you will feel the same way.  The mystery of the missing bat also kept me guessing and turning pages until I was finished!


 

 Leo is a newsboy in San Francisco in 1906 and nothing is going right in his life right now.  Leo's problems suddenly don't seem very important however when he is faced with having to survive a devastating earthquake.  If this isn't enough, the city he loves is now burning to the ground!  Can he get out alive and solve his problems?

If you like edge of your seat, then this is the book for you!  I loved how the author made Leo seem so realistic and included details that came straight from history.  It amazed me that this earthquake really took place and that kids just like Leo had to survive it.  This is a great series and I can't wait to read more myself!


That's just a taste of what I have been reading this summer.  I will post more soon.  I would love to hear about what you have been reading.  Feel free to email me at jleger@hudson.k12.ma.us and tell me about it!  I'm nearly finished my own list and need some more ideas!

Home Stretch!

Preparing!

Preparations are underway for the end of fourth grade!  Projects are being wrapped up, plans are being made for celebrations, and memories are being gathered for our time capsules.  There is some really important information below for the end of fourth grade so please keep reading!

Summer Reading



We have begun talking about summer reading this week.  A flyer will be going home explaining the expectations but I also thought I would take a moment and explain them here as well.... 

Quinn Middle School will be sending a large selection of books over to our classroom for students to look at along with a movie trailer of each book for students to view.  Once we have looked at all of the books and trailers, students will each choose a book that they would like to read over the summer.  They will bring their reader's notebook home so they can read their book and keep track of their thinking.  When they go to Quinn in the fall, they will take part in a book club with other students who have read the same book and use their reader's notebook to help them talk about their thinking. 

The idea behind this assignment is that it is much more authentic to what students did in school each day this year.  We want to mirror the work students did in school each day as closely as possible and make it more motivating.  We will be spending time in school coming up with reading plans, and making lists of other books that students would like to read over the summer.  Students should read more than just their book club book if they want to keep moving forward as a reader. 

Library Walk

Our walking field trip to the Hudson Public Library and then on to Wood Park for a picnic is next Wednesday, June 10th.  While at the library, students will be able to jump start their summer reading and get a library card if they do not already have one.  Please make sure your child packs a bag lunch, wears sneakers, and dresses in layers.  Sunscreen should be applied before coming to school.  We are still looking for a couple of volunteers so please let me know if you are looking for a good workout next Wednesday!

Success Day

Success Day is on June 17th from 1- 2 PM and is a day where we invite families and special people in each year to see the hard work we have been doing.  Our focus will be on the research projects students have been doing about the different regions in the United States.  This is a wonderful opportunity for grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other special people in your child's life to join us!

Time Capsule Closing Ceremony

This is the final culmination of your child's Farley experience.  It will be the last day of school at 9:00 AM.  If you have not already, please find a smaller plastic or cardboard container for your child to begin putting items into.  Lists of ideas were sent home, if you need another list, please let me know.  The week leading up to the Closing Ceremony, we will ask that the capsules be sent to school where we will add to the items in it.  On the day of the Ceremony, we will close the capsules and students will put them someplace safe at home and will not open them until they graduate from High School.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

Trips & Celebrations!

Time Is Running Short!

The end of the year and all of the fun that goes with it has snuck up very quickly on us!  In this post you will find a lot of the information you will need to make sure your fourth grader closes out his or her Farley experience with a bang!


Math MCAS

We begin the second round of MCAS testing this Friday and finish it up next Wednesday.  Please help your child by enabling them to get a good night's rest and a good breakfast.  Students brought home a list of strategies that they have been working with most of the year to discuss with families tonight.  With our Growth Mindset philosophy this year, students have learned that success comes when our effort is effective.  This includes using strategies we have learned.  Thank you for your support!

Ecotarium Field Trip

We are headed to the Ecotarium on May 22nd.  Please make sure that all permission slips and money are sent in to school this week.  On the day of the field trip, please have your child bring a bag lunch, dress in layers, wear sneakers, and sunscreen.  Students do not need to bring money or electronics.  We are still in need of chaperones, the more the merrier.  Chaperones may have to drive themselves and are responsible for the $12.00 admission fee.  Please let me know if you are able to join us!


Library Walk

We are planning a walking field trip to the Hudson Public Library and then on to Wood Park for a picnic on June 10th.  While at the library, students will be able to jump start their summer reading and get a library card if they do not already have one.  We will be looking for chaperones for this field trip as well.  Stay tuned for more information!

Success Day

Success Day is on June 17th from 1- 2 PM and is a day where we invite families and special people in each year to see the hard work we have been doing.  Our focus will be on the research projects students have been doing about the different regions in the United States.  This is a wonderful opportunity for grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other special people in your child's life to join us!

Time Capsule Closing Ceremony

This is the final culmination of your child's Farley experience.  It will be the last day of school at 9:00 AM.  If you have not already, please find a smaller plastic or cardboard container for your child to begin putting items into.  Lists of ideas were sent home, if you need another list, please let me know.  The week leading up to the Closing Ceremony, we will ask that the capsules be sent to school where we will add to the items in it.  On the day of the Ceremony, we will close the capsules and students will put them someplace safe at home and will not open them until they graduate from High School.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

Technology

We began using a cart of laptops in our class today to do some research.  The pictures show some very engaged students, don't you think?  We are so lucky to have so many wonderful resources at our school!