10 + 2 Update

9-2-16

Mark Your Calendar

9-5-16 No School - Enjoy!

9-15-16 Picture Day (Forms included in this week's folder)

9-23-16 Stallion Stampede 5:00-7:30PM

9-30-16 Leadership Assembly 10:10AM

10-27-16 Jefferson City Field Trip

I have included a background check in the Friday folder for those who had shared they might be able to attend the Jefferson City field trip. This form must be completed each year and returned in a timely manner in order to allow time for the state of Missouri to process each request. If you did not receive one, but wish to join us please let me know.

More details will be coming soon about my homework philosophy and plan. As of the moment, the best thing you can do for your child is to ensure they are reading and practicing math facts at home. Research has proven these two things can have a dramatic impact on academic achievement.

zoom_out_map

The Amazing Brain!

We are busy learning about the amazing human brain. This week we discussed the anatomy of the human brain. We labeled various parts and discussed some functions of the lower brain. Next week we will delve deeper into the frontal lobe/thinking portion of the brain. Our goal is to develop deeper understanding of how our brain learns and grows.

zoom_out_map

Growth Mindset

Scientists now know mindset has a huge impact on the brains ability to process, store, and react to information. Due to this, we will work to develop growth mindsets in our classroom. Our goal is to see problems as opportunities and embrace chances to challenge ourselves as learners and people.

zoom_out_map

September 23, 2016

Please join us at the Stallion Stampede for food, games, silent auction items, raffle prizes and more.

zoom_out_map

Student Blogs

This week we worked to setup our student blogs. These blogs will be where students can share their learning and write their own weekly updates. They can be found under the Student Blogs tab on our classroom blog.

zoom_out_map

High Number Toss

We are exploring our understanding of place value and ability to work with large numbers. We practiced ways to expand, make, and read numbers into the millions. We also played High Number Toss and Rockin' Roll (included in your Friday folder) to reinforce appropriate comma placement and strategy skills. Challenge your child to a quick math game at home!

zoom_out_map

Technology in Action

We spent time this week discussing our digital footprint, setting up our iPads, and exploring a few classroom technology tools. We will use these devices to support and share our learning in a variety of ways.

Genius Hour

This week we introduced genius hour. Genius hour will be a time when students can select a topic of interest to research, create, and explore. We will work on non-fiction reading skills, procedural writing, and more. Below is a video that gives a quick explanation. We will spend next week brainstorming and discussing possibilities. It should be an enjoyable learning adventure.

Welcome to the 4th Grade

This week we watched the above video and discussed ways to welcome and greet others. We practiced making eye contact and smiling while we shook hands, waved, and greeted each other with simple hello and how are you phrases. We also read The Invisible Boy and discussed ways to ensure others feel welcomed, recognized and appreciated in our classroom, school, and community.