News from Mrs. Horst
2015-16
Summer Book Recommendations
Do not let the “summer slide” happen to your child! You can combat it by reading six or more “just right” books this summer. Following are some nonfiction, fiction, and other websites recommendations so you can help your child choose books that fit their interests and reading level.
Nonfiction Book Recommendations
Vikki Cobb:
http://www.vickicobb.com/
- We Dare You!: Hundred of Science Bets, |
Challenges, and Experiments You Can Do at Home.
Julie Cummins:
- Women Daredevils: Thrills, Chills, and Frills
Dennis B. Fradin:
- Duel: Burr and Hamilton's Deadly War of Words.
Susan E. Goodman:
http://www.susangoodmanbooks.com/
- See How They Run: Campaign Dreams, Election Chemes and the Race to the White House.
Sandra Markle
- Animal Heroes: True Rescue Stories
Megan McCarthy:
http://www.meghan-mccarthy.com/
- Aliens Are Cming!: The True Account of
the 1938 War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast.
Jon Scieszka:
http://www.jsworldwide.com/
- Knucklehead: Tall Tales & Mostly True
Stories About Growing Up.
George Sullivan:
- Built to Last: Building America's Amazing
Bridges. Dams, Tunnels, and Skyscrapers.
Greg Tang:
- The Best of Times
- Math Fables
- Math Appeal: Mind Stretching Math Riddles
Pamela Turner:
http://www.pamelasturner.com/index.htm
- Life on Earth and Beyond. An Astrobiologist's Quest
Dan Yaccarino:
http://www.danyaccarino.com/dy/
- Go Go America
Fiction Book Recommendations
Avi:
http://www.avi-writer.com/
- The Good Dog
- Crispin: The Cross Of Lead
- Iron Thunder
Rob Buyea:
http://robbuyea.com/books/because_of_mr_terupt
- This is a sequel to our read aloud Because of Mr. Terrupt
Andrew Clements:
http://www.andrewclements.com/
- Lunch Money
- No Talking!
- The School Story
Lynda Mullaly Hunt:
http://www.lyndamullalyhunt.com/
- We read Fish in a Tree as a read aloud
Roald Dahl:
http://www.roalddahl.com/
- The BFG
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- The Twits
Kate DiCamillo:
http://www.katedicamillo.com/
- Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
- The Magician's Elephant
- Because of Winn-Dixie
Cornelia Funke:
http://www.corneliafunke.de/en/index.html
- Inkspell
- The Thief Lord
- The Dragon Rider
Dan Gutman:
http://www.dangutman.com/
- The Homework Machine
- Back in Time with Benjamin Franklin
- Nightmare at the Bookfair
Louis Sachar:
http://www.louissachar.com/
- Small Steps
- There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom
- Dogs Don't Tell Jokes
Jerry Spinelli:
http://www.jerryspinelli.com/newbery_002.htm
- Crash
- Loser
- Eggs
Matt Christopher:
http://www.mattchristopher.com/
- Sports Books
- Stealing Home
- Skateboard Tough
- Lacrosse Firestorm
Erin Colfer:
http://www.eoincolfer.com/
- Artemis Fowl Books
The Artic Incident
The Eternity Code
The Opal Deception
Suzanne Collins:
- Underland Chronicles Books
- Curse of the Bane
- Curse of the Warm Bloods
- Marks of Secret
Jack Gantos:
- Joey Pigza Books
- Joey Pigza loses control
- What would Joey do?
- I am not Joey Pigza
Margaret Peterson Haddix:
- The Shadow Children Sequence
- We read Among the Hidden in class
Jenny Nimmo:
http://www.jennynimmo.me.uk/
- Children of the Red King Books
- The Snow Spider Books
- Griffin's Castle
Rick Riordan:
http://www.rickriordan.com/index.php/books-for-children/
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians Books
- The Sea of Monsters
- The Titan's Curse
Louis Sachar:
http://www.louissachar.com/
- Marvin Redpost Series
- Stories from Wayside School Series
Lemony Snicket:
http://www.lemonysnicket.com/
- A Series of Unfortunate Events Books
Website Recommendations
Book Spot:
www.bookspot.com/readinglists/
Links to dozens of other sites.
Guys Read:
http://guysread.com
A website collection of titles that appeal to young guys, middle guys, and older guys (and perhaps some girls) to encourage their interests and reading.
Genesee County Library:
https://www.thegdl.org/
Genesee County library home page. There is a great incentive reading program available for the summer.
Kids Reads
http://kidsreads.com/reviews/index.asp
Lists of book reviews from A-Z and more for kids of all ages|
Side Kicks
http://www.noflyingnotights.com
A lot of students this year enjoyed graphic novels!
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
What's Happening
Writing - Narrative Writing
Grammar - Drops in a Bucket (in class). No grammar worksheet will come home on Mondays for the 2nd semester! Some students, on some weeks, have a "Fix and Return" on the worksheets in the take-home folder. Please have them correct their work.
AVL - Vocab quiz on May 27th
Social Studies - Now: Government - Three Branches of Government
Next: Bill of Rights
Math -Now: Geometry - Quadrilaterals
Next: Review of Fractions
Science - Now: STEM activities
Upcoming Events and Dates
Wednesday, May 25th - Permission slips for last two field trips due
Thursday, May 26th - Grandparents' Day (1:00-3:00)
Social Studies Quiz (study lesson 4 packet)
Friday, May 27th - Vocab QA
Honor's Choir and Mimes Field trip
Chaperone information for Lansing goes home
Monday, May 30th - No School Memorial Day
Wednesday, June 1st - Field Trip to Lansing (7:45-3:15)
Friday, June 3rd - No School - Teacher Professional Development
Tuesday, June 7th - Marking Period 4 Spelling Word Test
Thursday, June 9th - Social Studies Government Test
Friday, June 10th - Community Picnic and Donuts With Dad
Tuesday, June 14th - Splash Village Field Trip (9:00-3:15)
Wednesday, June 15th - Last Day of School (1/2 Day)
Grandparents' Day
Monday, May 9, 2016
What's Happening
Writing - Narrative Writing
Grammar - Drops in a Bucket (in class). No grammar worksheet will come home on Mondays for the 2nd semester! Some students, on some weeks, have a "Fix and Return" on the worksheets in the take-home folder. Please have them correct their work.
AVL - Vocab quiz on May 27th
Social Studies - Now: Government - Powers of the state and local governent
Next: Government - Three Branches of Government
Math -Now: Geometry - Lines and Points
Next: Geometry - Triangles
Science - Now: Space
Next: STEM activities
Upcoming Events and Tests
Monday, May 9th - Wednesday, May 11th - No math homework!! (Due to M-STEP testing)
Tuesday, May 10th - Morrish Night at Feather N Fin (5:00-8:00)
Wednesday, May 11th - Math M-Step Testing (8:50-11:55)
Thursday, May 12th - Social Studies QA - Powers of the state and federal government
Monday, May 16th - Thursday, May 19th - No Math Homework!! (Due to M-Step testing)
Tuesday, May 17th - Math M-Step Testing (AM)
Wednesday, May 18th - Science M-Step Testing (AM)
Thursday, May 19th - M-Step Testing (AM)
Charity Basketball Game (6-8 @ The Cage)
Wednesday, May 25th - Permission slips for last two field trips due
Thursday, May 26th - Grandparents' Day (1:00-3:00)
Friday, May 27th - Vocab QA
Honor's Choir and Mimes Field trip (9:30-2:00)
Wednesday, June 1st - Field Trip to Lansing (7:45-3:15)
Wednesday, June 11th - Community Picnic
Tuesday, June 14th - Splash Village Field Trip (9:00-3:15)
STEM activities
We have some engaging end of the year STEM activities planned in science with Mrs. Hunault. Please click below to sign up to help, send in donations and read more about STEM. We could definitely use some help and you're welcome to stop into our classroom earlier to see what we're doing!
Thank you so much!!
Volunteer:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0c4fada92da7fa7-endofthe
Donate Supplies:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0c4fada92da7fa7-stem
Learn more about STEM:
http://www.livescience.com/43296-what-is-stem-education.html
Alphabet Count Down
Monday, April 18, 2016
What's Happening
Writing - Poetry
Grammar - Drops in a Bucket (in class). No grammar worksheet will come home on Mondays for the 2nd semester! Some students, on some weeks, have a "Fix and Return" on the worksheets in the take-home folder. Please have them correct their work.
AVL - Vocab quiz on April 29th
Social Studies - Now: Government
Math -Now: Compare Fractions
Next: Decimal Numbers
Science - Electricity and Magnetism
Next: Space
Upcoming Events and Due Dates
Thursday, April 21st - Early Release (2:30)
Friday, April 22nd - Jump Rope for Heart (1:15-3:00)
Monday, May 9th - ELA M-Step Testing (8:50-11:55)
Wednesday, May 11th - Math M-Step Testing (8:50-11:55)
Tuesday, May 17th - Math M-Step Testing AM)
Wednesday, May 18th - Science M-Step Testing (AM)
Thursday, May 19th - M-Step Testing (AM)
Charity Basketball Game (6-8 @ The Cage)
Wednesday, June 1st - Field Trip to Lansing (7:45-3:15)
Wednesday, June 11th - Community Picnic
Tuesday, June 14th - Splash Village Field Trip (9:00-3:15)
Teacher Requests for Next Year
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
What's Happening
Writing - Informational Writing - Students will be sharing their completed books with our 2nd grade reading buddies on March 29th.
Grammar - Drops in a Bucket (in class). No grammar worksheet will come home on Monday and for the 2nd semester! Some students have a "Fix and Return" on the worksheet that will be in next week's take-home folder. Please have them correct their work.
AVL - Vocab quiz on March 31st
Social Studies - Now: West Region - Map QA on March 23rd (tomorrow)
Next: Economics
Math -Now: Add and Subtract Fractions
Next: Comparing Fractions
Science - Electricity and Magnetism
Next: Space
Genius Hour - Students are doing research on a topic of their own choice. They will present to small groups on Wednesday, March 30th
Upcoming Events and Due Dates
Wednesday, March 23rd - West Region Map QA
Thursday, March 24th - March is Reading Month PJ Party and Read in (Blankets, Pillows, and Snacks/Drinks welcome)
Friday, March 25th - No School (Good Friday)
Monday, March 28th - Final Draft of informational Book Due
Wednesday 3/30 - Genius Hours Presentations
Thursday, March 31st - Vocab Quiz
Friday, April 1st - End of 3rd Marking Period and 1/2 Day (11:55)
PAC School Field Trip to see Jack and the Bean Stalk (9:15-11:30)
Friday, April 15th - Coffee Beanery Fundraiser Due (for funding our last 2 field trips)
March is Reading Month Activities
Thursday, March 24th
For this Friday's PJ Read In, students are welcome to bring in blankets and pillows. We have a fun Easter treat being prepared for us - thanks holiday snack moms! We have a full day planned, but all students will be reading comfortably around the room from 2:30-3:30 on Thursday. Those that have their Informational books for writing done early will have additional time in the morning to read!
Tuesday, March 29th
We'll be sharing our informational books with 2nd graders next Tuesday. If you'd like, please send in pretzels, cereal, or crackers to add to our trail mix for students to eat when we meet for Tasty Tuesday. So far, we have partially filled 58 small snack bags with marshmallows, Combos, and chocolate chips. Thanks.School Field Trip
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
What's Happening
Writing - Informational Writing (A book on an expert topic - Chapters should be drafted by Thursday) They will be sharing their completed books with our 2nd grade reading buddies on March 29th.
Grammar - Drops in a Bucket (in class). No grammar worksheet will come home on Monday and for the 2nd semester! Some students have a "Fix and Return" on the worksheet that will be in next week's take-home folder. Please have them correct their work.
AVL - Vocab quiz on March 31st
Social Studies - Now: West Region - Map QA on March 23rd
Next: Economics
Math -Now: Understand improper/mixed numbers and how to convert back and forth
Next: Equivalent Fractions
Science - Electricity and Magnetism
Genius Hour - Students are doing research on a topic of their own choice. Some are working alone, while others are working with a partner or small group. They will present their learning at the end of the month in a presentation. Many are making PowerPoints to share. Topics include: MineCraft EDU, Dirt Bikes, Optic Gaming, Apps, Violin, California, Big Foot, Science Project, Arizona, Origami Star Wars, Japan, Frankenmuth, Michigan, and Ducks.
Upcoming Events and Due Dates
Tuesday, March 15th - Early Release Day (1:30) and Sagelink's Financial Literary Program (10:20-11:10)
Wednesday, March 23rd - West Region Map QA
Thursday, March 24th - March is Reading Month PJ Party and Read in (Blankets, Pillows, and Snacks/Drinks welcome)
Friday, March 25th - No School (Good Friday)
Monday, March 28th - Final Draft of informational Book Due
Wednesday 3/30 and Thursday 3/31 - Genius Hours Presentations
Thursday, March 31st - AVL QA
Friday, April 1st - End of 3rd Marking Period and 1/2 Day (11:55)
Friday, April 15th - Coffee Beanery Fundraiser Due (for funding our last 2 field trips)
March is Reading Month
Pillowcase Drive
TROOP 75722
NEEDS YOUR HELP
Starting on Wednesday, March 9th, we will be collecting pillowcases for two weeks. Our Troop will sew (along with some help) pillowcases collected into dresses and shorts to send to children that live in Haiti.
**Please drop off your pillowcases in the box by the teachers’ lounge. Thank you for supporting us in receiving our compassion make the world a better place badge.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Field Trip
Pizza Party
What's Happening
Writing - Informational Writing (A book on an expert topic - Chapters should be drafted by next Friday)
Grammar - Drops in a Bucket (in class). No grammar worksheet will come home on Monday and for the 2nd semester!
AVL - Vocab quiz on February 26th will have math and science words - students can go to www.spellingcity.com to practice the words
Social Studies - Now: South Region - Essay on Thursday
Next: West Region - Map QA on March 23rd
Math - Now: Factor and Multiple Packet (yellow) due on Friday with 100% completion
Now: Simplifying Fractions
Next: Understand improper/mixed numbers and how to convert back and forth
Science - Electricity and Magnetism
Upcoming Events and QA
Friday, February 26th - Vocab Quiz (www.spellingcity.com)
Tuesday, March 1st - Financial Literacy (Parent help appreciated 10:15-11:15)
Wednesday, March 2nd - Field Trip Permission Slip to Planetarium due
Friday, March 11th - Planetarium Field Trip (10:30-3:30)
Sunday, February 7, 2016
What's Happening
Next: Structure of newspaper articles
Writing - Informational Writing (A book on an expert topic and also report writing for a state in the South region)
Grammar - Drops in a Bucket (in class). No grammar worksheet will come home on Monday and for the 2nd semester!
AVL - Next vocab quiz on February 26th will have math and science words
Social Studies - Now: South Region and State Reports
Next: West Region
Math - Now: Factors and Multiples
Next: Improper and Mixed numbers
Science - Electricity and Magnetism
Thursday's Travel Agency and Valentine's Party
For those bringing in food, please have the food portioned ahead of time and send in serving utensils. I'll provide a plate, napkin, and fork for each student.
At 9:15, we'll have a short "party" in which students will enjoy a Valentine's treat.
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, February 10th - Our class visits the book fair 9:00 AM
Thursday, February 11th - Parent Conferences 5-8
Valentine's Day Party and State Report Celebration (8:45-9:15 - Travel Agency, 9:15-9:30 Valentine Snacks. We'll open Valentine's Cards later in the day)
Friday, February 12th and Monday, February 15th - No School for President's Day
Tuesday, February 16th - Financial Literacy (Parent help appreciated 10:15-11:15)
Wednesday, February 17th - Early Release (1:30)
Tuesday, February 23rd - Financial Literary (Parent help appreciated 10:15-11:15)
Thursday, February 25th - South Region Essay (rescheduled)
Friday, February 26th - Vocab Quiz (www.spellingcity.com)
Tuesday, March 1st - Financial Literacy (Parent help appreciated 10:15-11:15)
Wednesday, March 2nd - Field Trip Permission Slip to Planetarium due
Friday, March 11th - Planetarium Field Trip (10:30-3:30)
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Upcoming Events and Assessments
Wednesday, January 27th - South Region Map QA
Thursday, January 28th - SageLink Credit Union (Parent help appreciated 10:15-11:15)
Friday, January 29th - End of 1st MP - 1/2 Day (11:55 Dismissal)
Academic Vocabulary QA (math words)
Tuesday, February 2nd - Sagelink 10:15-11:15 (Parent help appreciated)
Wednesday, February 3rd - Global Play Day - Students may bring in board/card games
Please read more about this day at http://www.globalschoolplayday.com/
Thursday, February 4th - Math Unit 5 Assessment
Tuesday, February 9th - Parent Conferences 1-3:30 and 5-7 (1/2 Day with 11:55 Dismissal)
South Region Essay for Social Studies
Thursday, February 11th - Parent Conferences 5-8
Valentine's Day Party and State Report Celebration (8:45-9:15 - Travel Agency, 9:15-9:30 Valentine Snacks)
Friday, February 12th and Monday, February 15th - No School for President's Day
Tuesday, February 16th - SageLink (Parent help appreciated 10:15-11:15)
Sagelink Credit Union - Financial Literacy
In addition to the following Tuesdays: 2/2, 2/16, 2/23, 3/1, and 3/8 from 10:15-11:15, we have added an additional day - this Thursday from 10:15-11:15. We could use some parent help! We have answer keys for us to use, and Brenda and Judy from the Credit Union will explain the games.
What's Happening
Writing - Informational Writing (A book on an expert topic and also report writing for a state in the South region)
Grammar - Drops in a Bucket (in class). No grammar worksheet will come home on Monday and for the 2nd semester!
AVL - Math vocabulary words (inch, foot, yard, mile, ounce, pound, ton, fluid ounce, cup, pint, quart, and gallon)
Social Studies - South Region and State Reports
Science - Stem activities
Monday, January 4, 2016
Happy New Year!
For the new year, please encourage your child to read every night! My husband and I still read with our 4th graders at least 5 nights a week. With Garrett, I read a page and he reads a page. Nicole prefers to read aloud the whole time. Please try to make it a part of your nightly routine.
What's Happening
Writing - Informational Writing (A book on an expert topic and also report writing for a state in the South region)
Spelling - 2nd Marking Period words
Grammar - Action Verbs
AVL - Math and Social Studies vocabulary words
Science - Food Chains and Food Webs
Social Studies - South Region
Summary Writing
State Report (also a Genius Hour project)
Upcoming Assessments and Events
Friday, January 15th - Academic Vocabulary QA (math and social studies words)
Tuesday, January 26th - Mrs. Picken's Bowling Field Trip (9:15-11:45) - Watch for the permission slip to come home soon.
Wednesday, January 27th - South Region Map QA
Friday, January 29th - End of 1st MP - 1/2 Day (11:55 Dismissal)
Math Unit 5 Assessment
Academic Vocabulary QA (math words)
Tuesday, February 2nd - Sagelink 10:20-11:10 (Parents needed to help)
Wednesday, February 3rd - Global Play Day - Students may bring in board/card games
Friday, February 5th - South Region Essay for Social Studies
Tuesday, February 9th - Parent Conferences 1-3:30 and 5-7 (1/2 Day with 11:55 Dismissal)
Thursday, February 11th - Parent Conferences 5-8
Valentine's Day Party
State Report Celebration
Friday, February 12th and Monday, February 15th - No School for President's Day
Sagelink Credit Union
We could use help on the following Tuesdays: 2/2, 2/16, 2/23, 3/1, and 3/8 from 10:15-11:15. We have answer keys for us to use and Brenda and Judy from the Credit Union will explain the games. Please let me know if you can help.
State Project for the South Region
Week 1 - Project Begins. Begin taking notes.
File Folder Left Inside Page: “Come Visit My State”
Section 2: Agriculture and Industry
Week 2 - Section 3: Geography
Section 4: Things to See and Do
Section 5: Famous People from Your State
Week 3 - Section 6: Interesting Information
Section 7: History Timeline
Section 8: Colleges and Universities
Week 4 - Back Cover Page: State Symbols Page
Project Front Cover: Map of State
State Stamp Final Copy
Week 5 - Section 9: State Quiz
Bibliography of Sources
Section 1: Introduction
Week 6 - Final Copy of Project
Passport to the South Celebration Event – 2/11/16
Monday, December 7, 2015
Wax Museum Thank You!
Mystery Skype
Thanks!
Upcoming tests and Events
Wednesday, December 9th - Math Unit 3 - Division Assessment
Friday, December 11th - Last Vocab QA of 2015 and Miss Delaney's last day
Wednesday, December 16th - Northeast Region Map QA
Friday, December 18th - Japan Day (1:30-3:30) - Parents are welcome to attend.
Monday, December 21st - Movie Field Trip (Movie starts at 9:30 AM)
Tuesday, December 22nd - Last day before Winter Break - PJs can be worn to school!
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Wax Museum - Wednesday
Students will present from 5:30 to approximately 6:00 on Wednesday. We'll have cookies and punch afterwards.
We have parents coming in Monday morning at 10:15 and Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 to help. We will also have a 2:00-2:30 speech practice time on Monday. If you have any free time, please join us to help students practice their speeches!
The link to our Wax Museum Smore: www.smore.com%2fdx33f-4th-grade-wax-museum
Students unable to attend Wednesday night, will present the following week during school to our 3rd graders. PLEASE let us know if you are unable to attend so we can set up our backgrounds on Wednesday and print our program accordingly.
Upcoming Tests and Events
Tuesday, December 1st - Literary Log in class - key words: theme, conflict, and lead in a fiction book
Friday, December 4th - Social Studies Northeast Travel Brochure due at end of class
Tuesday, December 8th - Northeast Essay in class
Wednesday, December 9th - Math Unit 3 - Division Assessment
Friday, December 11th - Last Vocab QA of 2015 and Miss Delaney's last day
Wednesday, December 16th - Northeast Region Map QA
Friday, December 18th - Japan Day (1:30-3:30) - Parents are welcome to attend.
Monday, December 21st - Movie Field Trip (Permission slip is due by Friday 12/4)
Tuesday, December 22nd - Last day before Winter Break - PJs can be worn to school!
What's Happening
Next: Idioms
Grammar: Now: Pronouns
Next: Confused Words = to, two, too
Reading: Now: Story Elements
Next: Book Recommendations
Math: Now: Division of mult-digit numbers
Next: Graphing
Science: Now: Three States of Matter
Next: Electricity and Magnetism (in January)
Social Studies: Now: Northeast Region
Next: Mystery Skypes and Japan Day
Spelling: Now: Marking Period 2 words (from 100 Most Commonly Misspelled Words).
Genius Hour: Now: Rehearse for Wax Museum
Field Trips
Movie in December
Bowling with Mrs. Pickens in January/February
Longway Planetarium in March
Lansing and Splash Village in June
We want all students to attend, so if cost is a problem, please let us know. We'll use PTO funds to help students to go to the movie and Planetarium. Mrs. Pickens has funds for bowling. We also do fundraising for our June field trips. Traditionally, some students are able to fundraise additional amounts to help others who are unable to pay.
Keep Updated
Facebook page -search "News from Mrs. Horst and Miss Delaney"
Remind text - text @87c65 to 81010 to sign up.
Planbook - View weekly lesson plans by going to www.planbook.com. Be sure to click on "Student View" and then enter email: khorst@swcrk.org and password: Morrish.
If your child ever forgets to bring his/her math homework home, he/she can go to ThinkCentral.com. The user name and password is the same as his/her login (students use this login almost everyday at school). You can find the homework under "Library". Please note that students have math homework Monday-Thursday. On Tuesday, December 22nd, students will not have math homework - Merry Christmas!
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Wax Museum
Please see the Smore that Mrs. Hunault created for guidelines and timelines:
www.smore.com%2fdx33f-4th-grade-wax-museum
This Friday, 2:00-3:00 is the first day students will work on their 9-foot backgrounds. I only have one parent signed up to help, and could definitely use more help! Miss Delaney will not be here on Friday and we need to spread out to the art room, library, and hallways so that everyone has room to work. We need an adult in each room.
Please note: Students must have their speeches written in order to start on the background.
Thanks in advance for your help!!
Student Teacher
I am still very active in the class during our wax museum times, making math groupings, and trouble-shooting. Please feel free to contact either Miss Delaney (adelaney@swcrk.org) or I (khorst@swcrk.org) if you have any concerns.
Mrs. Vozar continues to work with students in math. She helps students who receive 1s or 2s on assessments and has also started working with our above grade-level students with some 5th grade place value concepts.
I have been lucky enough to work individually with your child to prepare data notebooks with goals that you'll see during conferences and make independent reading goals. I also have been able to pull some small groups for students to work on special projects. If you feel your child needs to be pushed or encouraged in a certain subject, please let me know. We have some students currently working on a collaborative writing project, a reading project that culminates in March Book Madness , social studies projects for the Northeast Region, math leaders, and a math Thanksgiving Dinner unit that helps reinforce multiplication concepts.
Mrs. Hunault, who also has a student teacher, and I have also spent the time preparing upcoming lessons. We have used the time to revise past year's units to make them even better and prepare interesting new lessons.
Homework
We check math homework first thing in the morning. If the homework is not in class or work is not attached (for problems like 24 x 56 in which students cannot easily do the work in his/her head), he/she stays in for recess to complete the assignment. Grammar worksheets go home in the take-home folder each Monday and is due by the following Monday. Students who do not turn in the grammar worksheet stay inside for recess on Monday to complete it.
Please know, that we encourage students to use many different methods to solve math problems. Common core does not require a certain method. When working with your child at home, you can help them in any way you wish. As long as students show their work, we are happy. During the multiplication unit, we strongly encouraged students who weren't getting correct answers with their method to use the area method because I found over the past few years that this method is beneficial for students who tend to struggle.
We had 7 students who completed all their math homework during Unit 2 math. As a surprise reward, they each received a Free Homework Pass to use for one math homework assignment to use during Unit 3! As an incentive for 100% completion of math homework, we're offering a Free Homework Pass for students who have all their math homework in class on time for Unit 3. We started Unit 3 division last Thursday.
If your child ever forgets to bring his/her math homework home, he/she can go to ThinkCentral.com. The user name and password is the same as his/her login (students use this login almost everyday at school). You can find the homework under "Library". Please note that students have math homework Monday-Thursday.
On Wednesday, November 25th, students will not have math homework - Happy Thanksgiving! This is only the second Monday-Thursday that students didn't have a math worksheet for homework. The next time will be the Tuesday before Winter Break. As you can see, I try to be really consistent so your child isn't able to say, "We don't have math homework".
Please let me know of any questions or concerns about homework.
Upcoming Dates and Events
Week of November 16th - Revise Wax Museum Speech and Begin to Memorize
Monday, November 16th - Fossil QA and Parent Conferences (5-8)
Wednesday, November 18th - Parent Conferences (1-3:30 and 5-7)
Friday, November 20th - Vocabulary QA
Parent Help Appreciated 2:00-3:00 for wax museum background help
Week of November 23rd - Create background and memorize speech/movements
Wednesday, November 25th - Thanksgiving Feast and Tree Trim Party (12:00-2:30 to 3:00ish)
Week of November 30th - Rehearse for wax museum presentation
Tuesday, December 1st - Literary Log in class - key words: theme, conflict, and lead in a fiction book
Friday, December 4th - Social Studies Northeast Travel Brochure due at end of class
Tuesday, December 8th - Northeast Essay in class and tentative date for Math Unit 3 assessment
Friday, December 11th - Last Vocab QA of 2015 and Miss Delaney's last day
Wednesday, December 16th - Northeast Region Map QA
Friday, December 18th - Japan Day (1:30-3:30) - Parents are welcome to attend.
Monday, December 21st - Movie Field Trip (Please see permission slip in Monday's take-home folder)
Tuesday, December 22nd - Last day before Winter Break
What's Happening
Next: Idioms
Grammar: Now: Dialogue writing
Next: Pronouns
Reading: Now: Story Elements
Next: Book Recommendations
Math: Now: Division of mult-digit numbers
Next: Graphing
Science: Now: Food Chain/Web
Next: Electricity and Magnetism (in January)
Social Studies: Now: Northeast Region
Next: Mystery Skypes and Japan Day
Spelling: Now: Marking Period 2 words (from the list of 100 Most Commonly Misspelled Words). Pretest will be in Conference folder so you know what words to focus on during November-January.
Genius Hour: Now: Revise speech for Wax Museum
Next: Memorize speech and create a background
Keep Updated with Twitter, Facebook, Remind, Planbook
You can also view our weekly lesson plans by going to www.planbook.com. Be sure to click on "Student View" and then enter my email khorst@swcrk.org and the password is Morrish. If you look at this Wednesday's plans, you can click on a PowerPoint we use to teach one way to do multi-digit division.
If your child ever forgets to bring his/her math homework home, he/she can go to ThinkCentral.com. The user name and password is the same as his/her login (students use this login almost everyday at school). You can find the homework under "Library". Please note that students have math homework Monday-Thursday. Wednesday, November 25th, students will not have math homework - Happy Thanksgiving.
Monday, November 2nd
Upcoming Dates and Events
Wednesday, November 4th - Midwest Map QA
Friday, November 6th - Vocab QA
Wednesday, November 11th - Midwest Region Essay
Friday, November 13th - Wax Museum speech draft due at end of day (We'll start this speech on Thursday)
Monday, November 16th - Fossil QA and Parent Conferences (5-8)
Wednesday, November 18th - Parent Conferences (1-3:30 and 5-7)
Friday, November 20th - Vocabulary QA
Wednesday, November 25th - Thanksgiving Feast and Tree Trim Party (12:15-3:00)
Wednesday, December 2nd - Wax Museum (5:30-6:00) - See note in take-home folder
Wax Museum
The second item in the take-home folder is a rubric for the research of the positive leader. I circled a 1, 2, or 3 based on where they are with their research as of last Friday. Students should do more research if they received a 1 or 2 and should turn it in to me for an accurate score.
We will start writing the speeches on Thursday. I'll take a score on the speech on Friday the 13th.
We're excited to see how hard the students are working on their presentation!
Social Studies
The Midwest Essay is on the 11th. Here's the essay question: The Midwest is considered a region. What three characteristics make it a region? Students should use their blue region chart to pick out three characteristics (like landforms, natural resources, economic activities, etc). They will then study those three characteristics in order to write a paragraph about each characteristic. We'll practice in class on Friday.
What's Happening
Reading: Now: Story Elements
Math: Now: Multiplication of multi-digit numbers
Next: Division of multi-digit numbers
Science: Now: Fossils
Next: Food Chain/Web
Social Studies: Now: Midwest Region
Next: Northeast Region
Spelling: Now: Marking Period 1 words (from the list of 100 Most Commonly Misspelled Words) is in today's take-home folder
Next: Marking Period 2 words
Genius Hour: Now: Finish up research of positive leader
Next: Write speech for Wax Museum
Thanksgiving Feast and Tree Trim Party
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Class PopCorn Sale - Volunteers Needed
I'd like to start popping popcorn next Thursday afternoon 1:00-3:30. We'll get a big start on bagging popcorn for Friday. I'd love 2-3 volunteers to help! Then on Friday morning 8:30-11:00ish, I'd appreciate another 2-3 volunteers to help make popcorn and deliver it to classrooms. If you could help either day next week, please let me know. khorst@swcrk.org.
Thanks!
Halloween Treat Bags
Upcoming Events
Friday, October 23rd - Vocabulary QA
Friday, October 30th - Fall Festival in PM
Monday, November 2nd - Literary Log (student write in class)
Wednesday, November 4th - Midwest Map QA
Wednesday, November 25th - Thanksgiving Feast and Tree Trim Party (12:15-3:00)
Wednesday, December 2nd - Wax Museum (5:30)
What's Happening
Next: Personal Narrative
Reading: Now: Point of View
Next: Next literary log is November 2nd - key words: Point of View, Theme, and Major Character
Math: Now: Multiplication of multi-digit numbers
Science: Now: Habitats
Next: Fossils
Social Studies: Now: Immigration and Country research for poster
Next: Midwest Region
Spelling: Now: Marking Period 1 words (from the list of 100 Most Commonly Misspelled Words)
Genius Hour: Now:We are doing some brainstorming and research about positive leaders.
Next: Students will choose a person to portray at our Wax Museum on December 2nd. Look for information to go home soon in the take-home folder.
Monday, September 21, 2015
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, September 22nd - Our class visits the book fair (3:00)
Thursday, September 24th - Picture Day and Retake on World Map (Retakes are for those students earning a 1 or 2 on last week's quiz. Maps are in today's take-home folder.)
Friday, September 25th - First vocabulary quiz. Remind your child he/she can use www.spellingcity to study. Binders will also go home on Thursday.
Tuesday, September 29th - Field Trip to Ligon Nature Center (9:00-3:15) A reminder will go home next Monday. Chaperone packets will go home this week! We have 14 adults going for our class! I'm very excited!
Thursday, October 1st - Literary Log - Students will write in class about their independent reading book. Preparation: Have a novel in class that's been read this school year.
What's Happening
Next: Personal Narrative
Reading: Now: Finding Good Fit Books and Literary terms of major character, minor character, and setting. Students will be writing about their independent reading book using these terms on October 1st.
Next: Point of View
Math: Now: Place value with addition and subtraction
Next: Multiplication of multi-digit numbers
Science: Now: Habitats
Social Studies: Now: Immigration and Country Reports
Next: Midwest Region
Spelling: Now: Marking Period 1 words (from the list of 100 Most Commonly Misspelled Words)
Fresh Food Friday
Thanks in advance to the Piwowars on September 25th and Dikos family on October 2nd!
Spirit Week is Next Week
Monday, 9/28: Hat Day!
Tuesday, 9/29: Silly Sock Day!
Wednesday, 9/30: Red and White Day!
Thursday, 10/1: Dress Like a Hero/Leader/SuperHero
Friday, 10/2: Morrish T-shirt!
Fall Festival
September 9, 2015
Welcome!
I just want to make sure you have all the communication devices that Miss Delaney and I will use this year:
Facebook - You can search News from Mrs. Horst and Miss Delaney. Today we posted 2 videos from part of our math lesson about Place Value.
Twitter - Follow MrsHorst4th for updates.
REMIND - You can receive messages via text by entering 81010 and then texting the message @87c65. I can also add you if you get me your cell phone number.
Smore - You can always get to this newsletter by going to https://www.smore.com/x4g7p. I will also email you the newsletter whenever I update it.
Planbook.com - See the button below. All our lesson plans are posted. Parents and students can preview upcoming lessons and see what we did during the day!
Later, you receive information about how you can access Google Classroom and SeeSaw (a digital portfolio) to see what your child is doing in class.
We will try to do anything we can to keep you connected with what we're doing in class. Please always feel free to email or use the chat function on the REMIND text to ask any questions or share any concerns.
If anyone (parent or grandparent) would like to volunteer in the classroom on a regular basis, please just email me at khorst@swcrk.org. I always welcome volunteers to help with paperwork-type stuff or help students with their math facts, reading, or a variety of other things. Let me know your preference of days/times.
Dot Day - Tuesday, September 15th
Next Tuesday, we will be doing many activities for International Dot Day 2015. Please click the button below to read more about what Dot Day is all about or read more at http://www.thedotclub.org/dotday/get-started. The main gist:
1: We encourage students to wear orange or wear clothing with dots on it to celebrate.
2. Our goal for the day is to help students realize they can make a difference at school, at home, and for the world.
3. We could use some parent help starting at 1:30.
4. If you'd be able to donate some fun dot snacks, please let us know.
Forms
Registration form (was in teacher placement letter you received in August)
Volunteer Profile Form - If there's any chance you (mom or dad) or a grandparent might attend a field trip this year or volunteer in the classroom, PLEASE fill out a form now! We have to email a list of chaperones to Central Office before every field trip and it is so helpful to not have to track someone down at the last minute!
Weekly Homework
Math worksheet - Remembering Side. The last question on the Remembering side is challenging. If your child is totally at a loss for how to "attack" this problem, he/she may do the Homework side of the page. Many days, students will have time in class to start the homework. He/She should bring this home, though, each night to show you that it's completed!
Read!!!!!!
In addition, each Monday in the take-home folder, students will have a grammar worksheet. It is due back the following Monday, but can be turned in any day during the week. The first one will come home on Monday 9/14. Please look for the goldenrod worksheet about nouns.
Upcoming Dates
Wednesday, September 16th - Social Studies QA (Students need to memorize the placement of the 7 continents, 4 oceans, Equator, and Prime Meridian).
Wednesday, September 23rd - Early Release (1:30)
Tuesday, September 29th - Field Trip to Ligon Nature Center. Parents are welcome and needed! Look for a permission slip and Sign Up Genius email to come home soon.
Links to Websites and Documents
Planbook.com
Our Math Series
Login
Homework
SpellingCity.com
Specials Schedule
Specials Schedule (Daily 9:35-10:20)
Red – Technology (1st or 3rd MP) or Art (2nd and 4th MP) with Mrs. Lang
White – Gym with Mrs. Pickens
Blue – Music with Mrs. Pobocik (M, W, or F) or Math with Mrs. Granger (T or Th)
Contact Information
Email: khorst@swcrk.org
Location: 5055 West Maple Avenue, Swartz Creek, MI, United States
Phone: (810) 591-3725
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NewsfromMrs.HorstandMissDelaney/
Twitter: @MrsHorst4th