Sunday, August 29, 2010

True North

Last week in class we were learning about directions. We made Compass Roses in Art/Social Studies, and then created our own compasses with magnets in Science!


To Create Your Own Compass
First, rub a needle on a magnet 20 times, in the same direction to magnetize the needle.


Then, float the magnet on a piece of foam in a bowl of water.
It should turn and point North!
(It worked for all but one of our groups, because I think their foam got too wet.)


Bailey, ready to magnetize!

Brett & Katarina, watching their compass point North!



Here are a few of the compass roses we created!







Wednesday, August 25, 2010

MATH LINES GAME

Here's a link to that MATH LINES GAME we played in class today!

For a challenge try the Math Lines 20 Game! It's harder!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Paper Polyhedrons

Hello Parents, This week in geometry we're learning about polyhedrons, 3-dimensional shapes. Ask your child if they can name or draw some polyhedrons for you, then check out this cool link to a site with polyhedron printable patterns! We're making some of the more simple ones in class today, but if your child likes a challenge, then have them try some of the more complex one, like this Star shaped pyramid!



Students: If you do any of these at home (that we didn't do in class) and bring them in you'll get some math extra credit!!


POLYHEDRONS TO PRINT!

I've also added the link to the sidebar link list, so you can find it anytime you want! :)
Happy folding!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

BOOK REPORTS

At the beginning of every month each student is responsible for turning in a book report on a chapter book of 40 pages or more that is read AT HOME. Here are some ideas for more creative book reports. The first book report is due the Wednesday after Labor Day weekend, September 8th.

1.Book Report Poster: Draw your favorite scene from the book, write a paragraph telling what is happening in that scene. Your poster should also include: Setting, Characters, and a plot summary (You can do this on the back of the poster if you need more space).

2.Book Report Box: Get an old cereal box or other box. Cover it with paper. On the front illustrate a scene from the book, or draw the cover (Include the title & author). On one side list the “ingredients” (the characters & setting). On the other side write a review of the book (Tell other people why they should read it and what you thought of it.) On the back write a summary of the story.

3.Book Trading Cards: Get some large index cards. The front of each should have an illustration that goes with the writing on the back. You need cards for the following things: 2-3 Character cards, 1 setting card, 3 cards for the plot (beginning middle & end), 1 card for the title & author (draw the book cover on the front), and a card with a book review on it. After you finish your cards bind them together with a ring or some string.

4. Book Report Sandwich: You can draw your own pieces or get them from me.
On the top slice of bread, write the title and the author of .
On the lettuce, the student write a brief summary of the book.
On the tomato slice write about the main character
On the mayonnaise, describe the book's setting.
On the Swiss cheese, share the book's climax (most exciting part).
On the ham slice, describe the plot.
On the bottom piece of bread,draw a favorite scene from the story.

*Scholastic.com has this cool tool you can use to type 7 print a report in this style. It won't be in the shape of a sandwich, but it's really easy to use!

5. Book Report in a Bag: Get a paper bag. On the front of the bag write the title & Author of the book, along with your name. On the back of the bag write a summary of the book. Inside the bag put 3-7 objects that represent characters or places in the story. On a sheet of paper explain what each of these things represent.

Of course traditional book reports are welcome too. They must be a page long and include the following: Title, Author, Characters, Setting, & a Plot Summary.


The option to share any book report with the class is available for extra points!

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Box Tops Links

Earn 100 EXTRA box tops for our school!

Click here to see how!

Offer Expires 8/22

PARENTS: Check out the Boxtops Website....you can enter a daily sweepstakes to earn box tops for our school!

Don't forget to bring your box tops to school!Every single one counts!! They earn money for library books, new computers, & other school supplies!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Zombie Poetry

Monday we worked on writing with details, prompted with this picture of some silly people Miss Jaster saw while on vacation in Seattle...



One of your classmates wrote this really cool poem.

Seven Freakish Zombies
Eating Brains
Having a Birthday Party
Red & Blue Mohawks in the Air

~Arianna

Monday, August 9, 2010

Book Orders

I sent two Scholastic book orders home today. If you want to order, they're due August, 17th, but earlier than that is okay too! You can do them the old fashioned way (send the money to school in an envelope with the order form) or try this NEW, ONLINE FAST & EASY ORDERING method!

It's so simple! Here's how it works:
  • SIGN UP at www.Scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, click the "Don't have a User Name and Password?" link, then register for your own username and password. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code (GKMRN) . This code ensures that your order is sent to me. **If you don't have a student in my class, this code is of no use to you, if you order with it the books get sent to my classroom.**

  • SELECT the books you'd like to order from over 500 titles available online...and take advantage of online-only specials and discounts.

  • SEND your order to me online by the due date. Books will be delivered directly to our classroom, as always

Ordering online is fast, easy, and secure. Plus our whole class benefits thanks to the FREE books we'll earn with every parent online order.

Thanks!
~Miss Jaster

Monday, August 2, 2010

WELCOME TO FOURTH GRADE

I am so excited to be your teacher this year!

On this blog you will find: helpful links, weekly homework assignments, upcoming events, information related to study, and student work.

I can't wait to get to know you all! See you on Wednesday!

~ Miss Jaster