Greetings Parents!
We had an awesome week back in action! Here's the scoop on our week...
Writing: we worked in our daily writing journals! It was fun to read and hear about everyone's Thanksgiving break. We are working on a surprise writing project for you all!
Language Arts: we wrapped up our book clubs this week. We took our strategy assessment on Thursday. Look for graded assessments to come home next week. We will begin a combined language arts and social studies unit on Colonial American next week. This will include lots of non-fiction reading and annotating as well as an interactive simulation.
Math: the fourth graders finished unit 5 this week and are taking their unit test today. Look for graded tests to come home with your child on Monday.
Science: we wrapped up our Motion and Design unit this week.
A HUGE thank you to everyone who has donated cans for our annual canned food drive! We have 191 cans as of this morning! What an impressive start!
We will be having a class AUCTION the last week of school so if you are out running around and see a few items that you could donate that would be fantastic!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Friday, December 4, 2015
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Science Fair Scoop...
Calling all Scientists...
Kickoff
Event:
Science Fair 101 with
Rick Crosslin
of WFYI’s Indiana
Expeditions
Monday December 14,
6:30 PM
Carmel Elementary
School Gym
Carmel Elementary is
honored to host Rick Crosslin, TV personality and Science Teacher
extraordinaire, who will teach us how to do a Science Fair Project. This free
event is open to Carmel Elementary 4th & 5th grade
students and their families. Students will conduct a mini-experiment, and
parents will learn how to help. If you plan to participate in the Science Fair,
this event is for you! Attendance highly recommended, not required.
The Carmel Elementary
Science Fair will be held on:
Tuesday, February 16,
6:30 PM
Registration Open: Dec.
14 through Jan. 8
Science Fair projects are conducted at
home with parent supervision over the course of 6 weeks, starting after Winter
Break. If desired, a student may choose to complete the entire project
during the 2 week Winter Break. Watch for more info coming soon from: Jennifer
Alcantara, CES Science Fair Director.
Friday, November 6, 2015
Busy Week Ahead...
We had a terrific learning week in room 21! Here's what was going on...
* In writing we wrapped up our Narrative writing pieces, wrote a Veteran's Day Essay and created an Explorer Epitaph!
* In reading we selected new book club books and worked on understanding vocabulary words we didn't know by using context clues. We also used our Making Connections strategy while reading.
* During social studies we finished writing our Explorer speeches and have been working on memorizing them for our museum.
* Fourth graders took their unit 4 math test this week. Graded tests should have come home with your child on Thursday. We started unit 5 on Thursday which focuses on fractions.
We have a few exciting events next week:
Tuesday: Choir students go to the Booth Tarkington Theatre at the Palladium to perform. I will be attending this with our choir students and Mrs. Baney.
Wednesday: Veteran's Day Performance at 9:00AM and 7:00PM. All are welcome to attend both performances.
Thursday: Please send in explorer costume in a bag with your child's name. (Would like all costumes on Thursday to ensure that every student has a costume and will be ready for tomorrow)
Friday: Explorer Parade and Living Wax Museum
11:30 Parade with museum to follow until 12:15
Have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to seeing everyone next Friday, November 13th!
* In writing we wrapped up our Narrative writing pieces, wrote a Veteran's Day Essay and created an Explorer Epitaph!
* In reading we selected new book club books and worked on understanding vocabulary words we didn't know by using context clues. We also used our Making Connections strategy while reading.
* During social studies we finished writing our Explorer speeches and have been working on memorizing them for our museum.
* Fourth graders took their unit 4 math test this week. Graded tests should have come home with your child on Thursday. We started unit 5 on Thursday which focuses on fractions.
We have a few exciting events next week:
Tuesday: Choir students go to the Booth Tarkington Theatre at the Palladium to perform. I will be attending this with our choir students and Mrs. Baney.
Wednesday: Veteran's Day Performance at 9:00AM and 7:00PM. All are welcome to attend both performances.
Thursday: Please send in explorer costume in a bag with your child's name. (Would like all costumes on Thursday to ensure that every student has a costume and will be ready for tomorrow)
Friday: Explorer Parade and Living Wax Museum
11:30 Parade with museum to follow until 12:15
Have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to seeing everyone next Friday, November 13th!
Friday, October 30, 2015
What a great week...
It's been a fun-filled week in Challenge Class! Here's what's been going on...
This morning our school had the distinct privilege of having Thaddeus Rex...otherwise known as Gavin H's dad...perform for our school! This was a HUGE treat for our entire student body. He shared his songwriting skills, tips and talents with us. His highly motivating and entertaining show shared the importance of reading and using our writing skills. Please be sure to ask your son or daughter about this incredible performance!!
* We completed our narrative writing papers this week! We will be working on Veteran's Day essays and poetry for Veteran's day next week.
* Author study groups collaborated this week on a group project. They synthesized information from their choice author book and the autobiography book they read a few weeks ago. Be sure to ask your child what group project they completed and how their performance went!
* We are at different points in our Explorer projects. We have a few still gathering research, some students are writing their speeches and some are in the editing stage of speech writing.
* Mark your calendars for the following dates:
~ Wednesday, November 11th: Veteran's Day Performance at CE: 9:00AM & 7:00PM
~ Tuesday, November 17th: Carmel Symphony Orchestra field trip (permission slips coming home with your child today)
~ Friday, November 13th: Explorer Wax Museum at CE
Parade begins at 11:30 with museum to follow until 12:15
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
This morning our school had the distinct privilege of having Thaddeus Rex...otherwise known as Gavin H's dad...perform for our school! This was a HUGE treat for our entire student body. He shared his songwriting skills, tips and talents with us. His highly motivating and entertaining show shared the importance of reading and using our writing skills. Please be sure to ask your son or daughter about this incredible performance!!
* We completed our narrative writing papers this week! We will be working on Veteran's Day essays and poetry for Veteran's day next week.
* Author study groups collaborated this week on a group project. They synthesized information from their choice author book and the autobiography book they read a few weeks ago. Be sure to ask your child what group project they completed and how their performance went!
* We are at different points in our Explorer projects. We have a few still gathering research, some students are writing their speeches and some are in the editing stage of speech writing.
* Mark your calendars for the following dates:
~ Wednesday, November 11th: Veteran's Day Performance at CE: 9:00AM & 7:00PM
~ Tuesday, November 17th: Carmel Symphony Orchestra field trip (permission slips coming home with your child today)
~ Friday, November 13th: Explorer Wax Museum at CE
Parade begins at 11:30 with museum to follow until 12:15
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
Friday, October 23, 2015
Greetings Parents!
We had a great week back in action after fall break! It sounds like everyone had exciting and restful breaks with their families. Here's what's been going on in room 21...
* We wrapped up the writing and editing of our narrative rough drafts this week. We will begin writing or typing their final piece on Monday. We focused on adding excellent words to create an awesome image for the reader. We also focused on adding descriptive transition words.
* In reading we are going to wrap up our author study choice book early next week. In lieu of a written assessment for this book the class is going to put their creative side to work. They will work within their author groups to create a presentation of one of the skills we focused on while reading the book. Be sure to ask them about their group collaboration projects next week!
* We embarked on our first research project of the year in social studies. As you know, we wrapped up our study of Native Americans which naturally leads us to the study of Explorers. This week each student chose an explorer to become an 'expert' on . Each student will be one of the great explorers and present to 'tourists' in a living wax museum. We will go through the research process, construct a speech, create a simple costume and finally present their speech during the living wax museum. We will do ALL of this at school except the creation of the simple costume. We are asking that they find things they have at home to use for their costume. We will talk about costume ideas at school over the course of this project. Please plan to join us on Friday, November 13th. We will have a Explorer's Parade beginning at 11:30 followed by the living wax museum. The museum will conclude at 12:15. (The parade and museum will include all of fifth grade)
** Please note that next week is Red Ribbon Week. We will have the following spirit days:
Wednesday: 'Staying Drug Free is no Sweat'
Wear physical fitness clothes or sweats
Thursday: 'Give Drugs the Boot"
Wear boots to school
Friday: Wear Red Day!
I wanted to give an additional shout out to ALL of you who made our auction prior to break a success! The kids had an absolute blast spending their hard earned money!
Have a wonderful weekend!
* We wrapped up the writing and editing of our narrative rough drafts this week. We will begin writing or typing their final piece on Monday. We focused on adding excellent words to create an awesome image for the reader. We also focused on adding descriptive transition words.
* In reading we are going to wrap up our author study choice book early next week. In lieu of a written assessment for this book the class is going to put their creative side to work. They will work within their author groups to create a presentation of one of the skills we focused on while reading the book. Be sure to ask them about their group collaboration projects next week!
* We embarked on our first research project of the year in social studies. As you know, we wrapped up our study of Native Americans which naturally leads us to the study of Explorers. This week each student chose an explorer to become an 'expert' on . Each student will be one of the great explorers and present to 'tourists' in a living wax museum. We will go through the research process, construct a speech, create a simple costume and finally present their speech during the living wax museum. We will do ALL of this at school except the creation of the simple costume. We are asking that they find things they have at home to use for their costume. We will talk about costume ideas at school over the course of this project. Please plan to join us on Friday, November 13th. We will have a Explorer's Parade beginning at 11:30 followed by the living wax museum. The museum will conclude at 12:15. (The parade and museum will include all of fifth grade)
** Please note that next week is Red Ribbon Week. We will have the following spirit days:
Wednesday: 'Staying Drug Free is no Sweat'
Wear physical fitness clothes or sweats
Thursday: 'Give Drugs the Boot"
Wear boots to school
Friday: Wear Red Day!
I wanted to give an additional shout out to ALL of you who made our auction prior to break a success! The kids had an absolute blast spending their hard earned money!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Friday, September 25, 2015
Oh! What a busy week...
It's been a busy week with lots of special events and activities. Here's what happened at CE this week...
* We enjoyed Homecoming spirit days on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Thanks to all of those who participated! We are looking forward to the Homecoming parade this afternoon!
* On Wednesday, we had the pleasure of learning from author, Tyler Whiteside. Barnes and Noble sponsored him to come speak to our fourth and fifth grades. Be sure to ask you son or daughter about his visit.
* In language arts we took our assessment over Small Steps. Graded assessments came home with your child yesterday. We started a new autobiography by an author of their choice. We are analyzing how the author's life experiences impacted their writing.
* We continued several mini-lessons in writing on creating a dynamic narrative piece. We focused on emotions in our writing as well as turning points in our lives. Ask your child what emotion and event they wrote about this week.
* Our Native American collaboration projects are coming along nicely. They are working together so well to use their research knowledge to create teaching dioramas.
* The habit we focused on this week was Habit # 5 which is seek first to understand, then to be understood. We have been able to put this habit into action during social studies collaboration time.
Have a wonderful weekend!
* We enjoyed Homecoming spirit days on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Thanks to all of those who participated! We are looking forward to the Homecoming parade this afternoon!
* On Wednesday, we had the pleasure of learning from author, Tyler Whiteside. Barnes and Noble sponsored him to come speak to our fourth and fifth grades. Be sure to ask you son or daughter about his visit.
* In language arts we took our assessment over Small Steps. Graded assessments came home with your child yesterday. We started a new autobiography by an author of their choice. We are analyzing how the author's life experiences impacted their writing.
* We continued several mini-lessons in writing on creating a dynamic narrative piece. We focused on emotions in our writing as well as turning points in our lives. Ask your child what emotion and event they wrote about this week.
* Our Native American collaboration projects are coming along nicely. They are working together so well to use their research knowledge to create teaching dioramas.
* The habit we focused on this week was Habit # 5 which is seek first to understand, then to be understood. We have been able to put this habit into action during social studies collaboration time.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Monday, September 14, 2015
Take a Peek At Our Dynamic Week...
If you had been in the 4/5 challenge room this week here's what you have done:
* Reviewed our first three habits of happy kids and leaders! We discussed and shared ways we have been proactive, thought about the ending first and put first things first.
* We worked on our narrative writing skills with several mini writing pieces. Be sure to ask you son or daughter about a person that is important to them that they wrote about and a place that has significant meaning to them. In our journal writing we continued focusing on the different parts of speech while writing.
* We continued reading the autobiography Small Steps by Peg Kehret. This books has leant itself to many great discussions. They have worked on answering questions in complete paragraphs while providing textual evidence to support their answers.
* In social studies we divided into Native American tribes based on their interests. In groups, they researched using books and websites to gather information about their tribe and region. When they finished researching, their group started creating a very large diorama depicting the information they researched.
* Reviewed our first three habits of happy kids and leaders! We discussed and shared ways we have been proactive, thought about the ending first and put first things first.
* We worked on our narrative writing skills with several mini writing pieces. Be sure to ask you son or daughter about a person that is important to them that they wrote about and a place that has significant meaning to them. In our journal writing we continued focusing on the different parts of speech while writing.
* We continued reading the autobiography Small Steps by Peg Kehret. This books has leant itself to many great discussions. They have worked on answering questions in complete paragraphs while providing textual evidence to support their answers.
* In social studies we divided into Native American tribes based on their interests. In groups, they researched using books and websites to gather information about their tribe and region. When they finished researching, their group started creating a very large diorama depicting the information they researched.
Friday, September 4, 2015
Oh What A Spectacular Learning Week...
If you were in room 21 this week here's what you experienced...
* Learning about the 3rd habit of highly effective and happy kids! The third habit is Put First Things First. We watched a fun video clip about this as well as talked about times and places this could apply. Specifically, doing your homework when you get home and then going to play or participate in an activity.
* Book Club groups presented their culminating projects we started last week. Be sure to ask your son or daughter about their presentation.
* Our first novel of the year everyone read a different book by author Peg Kehret. This week our entire class started an autobiography by Peg Kehret. (This is a 4/5 district wide book being read) The book is entitled Small Steps and it is Peg Kehret's experience with Polio. We worked on close reading strategies and responding to discussion questions using textual evidence.
* We started a new unit in social studies. We went over non-fiction text features. We are learning about Native Americans and how our country first formed.
* As you may know, on Tuesday we enjoyed our first class reward! We are now working toward "Hepp Lunch". This means we get to enjoy lunch and cartoons in the classroom.
Enjoy the 3 day weekend!
* Learning about the 3rd habit of highly effective and happy kids! The third habit is Put First Things First. We watched a fun video clip about this as well as talked about times and places this could apply. Specifically, doing your homework when you get home and then going to play or participate in an activity.
* Book Club groups presented their culminating projects we started last week. Be sure to ask your son or daughter about their presentation.
* Our first novel of the year everyone read a different book by author Peg Kehret. This week our entire class started an autobiography by Peg Kehret. (This is a 4/5 district wide book being read) The book is entitled Small Steps and it is Peg Kehret's experience with Polio. We worked on close reading strategies and responding to discussion questions using textual evidence.
* We started a new unit in social studies. We went over non-fiction text features. We are learning about Native Americans and how our country first formed.
* As you may know, on Tuesday we enjoyed our first class reward! We are now working toward "Hepp Lunch". This means we get to enjoy lunch and cartoons in the classroom.
Enjoy the 3 day weekend!
Friday, August 28, 2015
Another Awesome Week for the Challenge Team
Thanks for checking in to see what we've been up to this week. Here's the scoop on our week in room 21...
* We finished our first book club books of the year! We are collaborating on group culminating projects. Be sure to ask your child what their group is working on!
** We have covered 7 of the 8 parts of speech this week. We have been learning the 'job' of each part of speech, sharing examples and using them in our daily journal writing. We also enjoyed a schoolhouse rock clip about each part of speech. Ask your son or daughter what their favorite clip is!
* We wrapped up our first unit in social studies. Graded tests will come home with your child on Monday.
* We honored Brooks today by wearing our Super Hero attire. Thanks to everyone that participated.
* We enjoyed Payday today...ask your child how much money they earned this week.
* We finished our first book club books of the year! We are collaborating on group culminating projects. Be sure to ask your child what their group is working on!
** We have covered 7 of the 8 parts of speech this week. We have been learning the 'job' of each part of speech, sharing examples and using them in our daily journal writing. We also enjoyed a schoolhouse rock clip about each part of speech. Ask your son or daughter what their favorite clip is!
* We wrapped up our first unit in social studies. Graded tests will come home with your child on Monday.
* We honored Brooks today by wearing our Super Hero attire. Thanks to everyone that participated.
* We enjoyed Payday today...ask your child how much money they earned this week.
Friday, August 21, 2015
THANK YOU...for coming to learn about our room and your child's year on Wednesday evening. It was nice to meet all of you and share about our exciting year!
We had an awesome learning week in room 21!
Here are a few highlights of our week...
* Introduced Habit #1 of Happy Kids! Be sure to ask your child about being Proactive and an example of how they might have been Proactive this week.
* Took our first Caesar's English Test of the year! Look for graded tests to come home with your child on Monday.
* We are about half way through our first Book Club book of the year. Ask your son or daughter what book by author, Peg Kehret, they are reading.
* In our reading response journal we focused on basic story elements which included identifying characters and their traits, using the author's words to visualize the setting, identifying the problem in our story, and details that support the problem.
* Our social studies focused on basic geographic vocab words and being able to recall and locate the continents and oceans of the world.
* In grammar we reviewed nouns, verbs and adjectives. We will continue with the other five parts of speech next week.
We had an awesome learning week in room 21!
Here are a few highlights of our week...
* Introduced Habit #1 of Happy Kids! Be sure to ask your child about being Proactive and an example of how they might have been Proactive this week.
* Took our first Caesar's English Test of the year! Look for graded tests to come home with your child on Monday.
* We are about half way through our first Book Club book of the year. Ask your son or daughter what book by author, Peg Kehret, they are reading.
* In our reading response journal we focused on basic story elements which included identifying characters and their traits, using the author's words to visualize the setting, identifying the problem in our story, and details that support the problem.
* Our social studies focused on basic geographic vocab words and being able to recall and locate the continents and oceans of the world.
* In grammar we reviewed nouns, verbs and adjectives. We will continue with the other five parts of speech next week.
Monday, August 17, 2015
OUr first week in room 21...
What an impressive first week we had in room 21! I'm truly excited about this year and the wonderful students that make up the Challenge Team this year. We had a week full of reviewing old procedures and learning many new and exciting ones. Here's a peek at some of the things that we discussed last week...
- assistance letters going home to parents from Mrs. Douce in each student's V.I.P. (Very Important Papers) pocket in the 8-pocket organizer.
- a reminder going home from Mrs. Klinginsmith about Meet-the-Teacher night next Wednesday evening, August 19th 6:00-7:00 pm for Kindergarten - 2nd Grade and 2/3 GT and 7:00-8:00 pm for 3rd Grade-5th Grade and 4/5 GT. This year, child care will be provided here at CE!
The link for student care is https://carmelelementarypto.formstack.com/forms/meet_the_teacher. - students talking about Paw Pride and what it takes to be respectful, responsible, and ready to learn.
- an all-school assembly introducing CE's "Follow Me, I'll Lead" initiative. More information to follow at Meet the Teacher Night
- Students receiving their first job assignments
- Students decorating their writing journals for the year with their own pictures!
I'm looking forward to meeting a few new faces and seeing familiar ones at Meet the Teacher on Wednesday night at 7:00PM.
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