Weekly Update 2/23

Wow, there’s only a week left in February.  Where does all that time go??

Math

I was very pleased with how well everyone performed on their post-test for Unit 5.  Geometry is so much, I’m a little sad we have to move on.  We’re going back to multiplication and division and go over, in both deep and robust ways, the many connections between them.  We already took the pre-test to see what our baseline is.  On Friday, we will reflect on this.

This week we will be reviewing some of the division strategies we developed earlier in the year.  As a class we will then solve and discuss a set of division problems that move beyond the basic facts.  Towards the end of the week we will be doing the same with multiplication strategies.  On Thursday there will be a work sample collected on the multiplication strategies.

Science
This week we start our second investigation into water, the focus being hot and cold water.  Students will build a thermometer and conduct investigations to find out what happens when the thermometer is place first in hot water and the in cold water.  Later we will observe objects placed in water.  Some sink and some float.  Students next will observe what happens when they lower first a small vial of hot water and later a vial of cold water into cups of room temperature water. 

ReadingPlease see the "Reading" tab for more information

Other Notes
Just a reminder that spelling is now an at home enrichment activity.  You will be able to find the lessons posted at www.spellingcity.com/tbraford. 

Tuesday morning we will be having a special assembly with Rick Hartman.  He is a master toymaker, storyteller and author of “The Making of Superpin: Wonder and Joy in a Homemade Toy”.  Packed with scientific surprises, visual comedy, playful poetry and a motivational message, The Steps to Imagine is a celebration of science, creativity and the writing process.  He will also be in the Hansen cafeteria for a Family Night presentation from 6:30 – 7:45 pm.  For more information, you can visit Rick’s website at www.schooloftoy.com.

Excelsior!
~Ms. B

Weekly Update 2/2

Happy Groundhog’s Day!  Sadly Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning, meaning another six weeks of winter.  Course if the past couple months have been any indication, I’m perfectly okay with it.  We’ve past our halfway mark; it’s all downhill from this point!

Math
This week, we will be introduced to lines of symmetry and working to define and create examples of polygons with one or more lines of symmetry.  We will review different types of triangles, quadrilaterals, and other polygons as we create a set of polygon cards.  These cards will help your child solve a collection of riddles and polygon bingo.  We’ll round out the week by reviewing how we measure area. 

Social Studies

This week we will be wrapping up our discussions about Washington State and start transitioning into our Science units.

ReadingPlease see the reading tab for details.

There is a spelling test on Wednesday.

Other Notes
Please remember to turn in the Jumba Gram forms by Tuesday, February 10^th, so your child can enjoy a smoothie on Friday, February 13^th.  We’re also having a class party that afternoon, if you would like to donate treats, please let me know by Wednesday, February 11^th.

On Thursday, February 5^th, there is an orchestra concert.  

Excelsior!
~Ms. B

Weekly Update 1/26

Just some friendly reminders as we finish up January.  Olympia Junior Program permission slips are still being collected.  If you need another one or are unsure if your child turned theirs in, let me know.  Pennies for Pasta is still going on, please remember to bring in those boxes filled with loose change!  The last day to turn in collections is Thursday, January 29^th!

Math

We continue our journey into geometry this week.  We’ll review how to use pattern blocks as a tool to measure interior angles and then have them become a checking tool as we move into measuring and sketching angles with a 180° protractor.  We’ll also do an examination of circles in which your child will identify parts of a circle, learn that there are 360° in a full turn, and discover that angles, rather than being static, are measures of rotation.  Next we will extend our work with angles and explore attributes of polygons.  Your child will identify and draw parallel and perpendicular lines.  They will also practice drawing a variety of angles and lines and complete a work sample drawing lines and measuring angles.  We will end the week by introducing lines of symmetry, and how they work to define and create examples of polygons with one or more lines of symmetry. 

Social Studies
Last week we focused on the elements that make up the economy of Washington State.  This week we will look more in-depth at the industries that build Washington, including timber, agriculture, technology and fishing.

ReadingPlease see the "Reading" Tab for information

Other Notes
Again, just a reminder to return the OJP permission forms as soon as your are able.  Even if you can’t pay, please turn in the signed envelope so your child can still attend.  On Friday there will be a PBIS assembly.

Excelsior!
~Ms. B

Weekly Update 1/20

I hope y’all had an enjoyable long weekend and remember to take a day on Monday instead of a day off.  Just a few reminders, book orders are due this Friday!  Please be sure to turn them in or fill them out online.  Also, Olympia Junior Program permission slips need to be return ASAP!   Pennies for Pasta is still going on, please remember to bring in those boxes filled with loose change!

Math
I am extremely pleased with how well everyone did on the Post Test for Unit 4, especially considering we had winter break right in the middle of it!

This week we move onto Geometry & Measurement.  Your child will identify, draw, compare, analyze and classify angles.  They will study angles in isolation as well as those in two-dimensional figures.  They will use two very basic benchmarks – the 90° right angle and the 180° straight angle – to determine the measure of the interior angles in each of the pattern blocks.  

Social Studies
We are skipping chapter 7 on government, but will return to it later.  We will be finishing up Social Studies by discussing working in Washington.  This week we will focus on the elements of the economy.

ReadingPlease see the "Reading" tab for more info.

Other Notes
Again, just a reminder that book orders are due Friday, January 23 and to return the OJP permission forms as soon as your are able.  Even if you can’t pay, please turn in the signed envelope so your child can still attend.  If you need another one, please let me know and I’ll be happy to send one home.

Excelsior!
~Ms. B

Weekly Update 1/12

The new year is under way!  Here’s what we’re learning about this week…

Math
This week we will have the opportunity to explore benchmarks and relative sizes for length, time, liquid volume, mass and weight.  Your child will use ratio tables to convert units within the same measuring system (grams to kilograms, for example), and apply some of the place value and multi-digit computation skills they’ve been practicing to solve story problems related to measurement.

We are going to end the week with a two day project that gives your child an opportunity to apply some of their measuring skills in a new context – data analysis.  On Friday there will be the post test for Unit 4.

Social Studies

We are continuing our discussion about the events that led up to Washington gaining statehood.  Our focus is the differing points of view the U.S. government and Native Americans had about the land, the creation of the reservations and some of the wars that were a result.  We’ll also look at the new industries brought into the territory and how that led to the growth and develop of new towns and cities and eventually to statehood.

ReadingPlease visiting the "Reading" page for details.

Other Notes
We will have our spelling test this week!  Don’t forget to check out www.spellingcity.com/tbraford for fun games to help study!

We are starting up our Winter Benchmark testing this month.  We will be taking our Winter MAP tests next week on the 12^th and 15^th.  Please make sure your child comes to school on time and well rested so they can perform at their best.

Olympia Junior Programs (OJP) is back!  Students will soon be attending live, professional performances at the Washington Center for Performing Arts.  A packet with more information and the permission slip will be sent home on Tuesday.  Please return these ASAP!  Our class will attending “Laura Ingalls Wilder” on March 3^rd and “Schoolhouse Rock. Live!” on March 16^th.  Envelopes need to be returned, even if you can’t pay.

Also, don’t forget book orders are due Friday, January 23^rd!!!

Excelsior!
~Ms. B

Welcome Back!

Happy New Year and welcome back!  I hope y’all had a relaxing and enjoyable break.  I know I did!  However, I am super excited to get back to work!

Math
We are picking up where we left off with multi-digit subtraction.  We will review the other strategies we discussed before break and compare them to the standard algorithm.  I will collect a work sample which will provide information about your child’s proficiency with methods for solving multi-digit subtraction combinations.  They will also have a chance to show what they have learned in a brief checkpoint on Wednesday

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Then we will have the opportunity to explore benchmarks and relative sizes for length, time, liquid volume, mass and weight.

Social Studies
This week we start looking at the events that led up to Washington becoming a state in 1889.  We will be studying the treaties and scrimmages that dotted our history as we work out compromises with the Native Americans and Great Britain.

ReadingSee the Reading tab for more information

Other Notes
There will not be a spelling test this week, but a new list of words will be going home on Wednesday.  Also, if you visit www.spellingcity.com/tbraford you will find the current list of words as well as a variety of games you can play to practice, even take practice tests!

We are starting up our Winter Benchmark testing this month.  On Friday, we will be having our DIEBELS benchmark.  We will be taking our Winter MAP tests next week on the 12^th and 15^th.  Please make sure your child comes to school on time and well rested so they can perform at their best.

Excelsior!
~Ms. B

Weekly Update 12/15

Last week of school in 2014!  Whoo-hoo!  We made it!  There is a lot of fun things planned this week, for starters it is Spirit Week here at Hansen:

Monday ~ Crazy Hair Day
Tuesday ~ Dress As Your Favorite Character
Wednesday ~ Wacky Sweater Day
Thursday ~ Favorite Sports Team Day
Friday ~ Hansen Spirit Day, wear your green and gold!

Math

Last week we finished up with learning the standard algorithm for multi-digit addition.  Now we are comparing it to other strategies we have learned.  I will collect a work sample this week that tells me what strategies they prefer when it comes to addition.  On Tuesday there will be a checkpoint that will go over place value and multi-digit addition.

On Wednesday we will shift our focus to subtraction.  Problem strings and story problems will help students deeper their understanding of and flexibility with subtraction strategies, including difference versus removal and constant difference.  We’ll end the week by going over the standard algorithm for subtraction so that after break we can compare it to the other strategies we have discussed.

Social Studies
We start chapter 5 this week in Washington History.  We will discuss the coming of Protestant and Catholic missionaries to the area and what effect they had on the Native Americans.  The bulk of the week will be spent discussing the Oregon Trail and its importance to Washington.  There will be a quiz on Friday.

Reading
Your child is reading “How to Babysit an Orangutan” by Kathy and Tara Darling.  look at the Reading tab for vocabulary and activities to do with your child.

On Friday there will be a short comprehension and vocabulary quiz.

Homework
Due to break, homework will be slightly different this week.  Math will be sent home as a packet on Monday and is not due until Friday.  Your child may turn it in a page at a time or all at once, as long as their name is on it.  Some students have earned ‘no homework’ passes.  They may only use it for one page of the packet.

On Friday, a ‘Winter Break’ Journal will be sent home for your child to complete over the break.  Instructions will go home with the journal.

There is a spelling test on Wednesday, and we will be doing it on the computer again.  This gives the students more practice on their typing skills as well as being able to finish at their own pace.  A new list of spelling words will not be released until the Wednesday after we return from break.

Other Notes
On Wednesday, we will be having our Winter Assembly.  The Fourth Grade will be performing!  

Have a great week and a fantastic break!

Excelsior!
~Ms. B