Nine Man Morris

Nine Man Morris is an ancient board game.  The rules are simple, but there is a lot of strategy involved.  We are learning about it in conjunction with our study of colonial America.  The Pilgrims played this game.

Today's homework:
     1.  Math Miss W:  p. 635-636.
                   Mr. Spaulding: p. 681-682.
     2.  Bill of Rights
     3.  Read half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

New State Test

Our students have started taking the new state academic test.  For the first time, state testing is being done via computers.

Today's homework:
     1.  Math Miss:  no homework.
                   Mr. Spaulding:  p. 679-680.
     2.  Fluency "A Child's Life in Colonial Days."
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

The Mayflower

This week we are learning about the Mayflower, and the crowded uncomfortable trip made by its passengers to the New World in 1620.  This is the opening of our final English language arts unit for the year:  A Changing America.  Here is a link to a fascinating site about the Mayflower: http://www.scholastic.com/scholastic_thanksgiving/webcast.htm#

Today's homework:
     1.  Math Miss W:  practice test.
                   Mr. Spaulding; p. 673-674.
     2.  Spelling p. 144-145.
     3.  Read half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Decimals

Fourth graders are learning how decimal numbers work.

Today's homework:
     1.  Math Miss W:  p. 617-618
                   Mr. Spaulding: p. 667-668.
     2.  Spelling Practice Test.
     3.  Read for half an hour
     4.  Get parent initials.

Fish Versus Reptiles

Fourth graders are learning to categorize different types of animals, and are learning the skill of comparing and contrasting.  In particular, they are writing opinion pieces about which are more interesting, fish or reptiles.  They must clearly state their preference, then lay out convincing supporting arguments to support their thesis.

Today's homework:
     1.  Math Miss W:  p. 605-606.
                   Mr. Spaulding:  p. 661-662.
     2.  Fluency "The Shepherd Girl and the Frog."
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Spirit Cup Fundraiser Orders Due!

Spirit Cup fundraiser orders are due.  Please send in the money and orders tomorrow (Wednesday, 4/23.)  Late orders will not be accepted!  Remember, this is an excellent way to pay your way to Fort Tejon.

Today's homework:
     1.  Math Miss W:  p. 603-604.
                   Mr. Spaulding: p,655-656.
     2.  Spelling p.  140-141.
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Planning: the Secret to Success

I've been out of the classroom for the last two days, working with other fourth grade teachers creating English Language Arts plans for the last six weeks of school.

Today's homework:
      1.  Math Miss W:  p. 597-598,
                    Mr. Spaulding:  p. 647-648.
     2.  Spanish Missions
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Fort Tejon Toolbox Project

We still need wood for our Fort Tejon toolbox project, and someone with a saw willing to cut the wood into the right shapes for the project.  Please contact Mr. Spaulding if you can help.  We need to get all the wood prepared before our trip on May 8th and 9th.

Today's homework:
     1.  Math Miss W:  p. 578.
                   Mr. Spaulding:  p. 635-636.
     2.  Spelling p. 128-129.
     3.  Social Studies Review page.
     4.  Read for half an hour.
     5.  Get parent initials.

Spirit Cup Fundraiser

Our Fort Tejon fundraiser is underway.  We are selling 3-D holographic drinking cups, travel cups, and popcorn buckets with the logos of all your favorite pro football and baseball teams as well as many popular colleges!

All products (sets of 4 drinking cups, sets of 2 travel cups, and combo packs of one popcorn bucket with 10 microwave popcorn bags) are available for $18.  Students make a $6 profit on each item they sell.  Since we are asking for $35 from each student going, that means that all your child has to do is sell 6 items and their entire trip is paid for.  Yay!  Students are expected to turn in their order forms and money on April 22^nd.  Products should be delivered by May 22^nd. 

Happy selling!

Today's homework:

     1.  Math Miss W:  p. 541-542.

                    Mr. Spaulding:  p. 619-620.

     2.  Transcontinental Railroad.

     3.  Read for half an hour.

     4.  Get parent initials.

What to Wear to Fort Tejon

It's not to early to start thinking about your costume for Fort Tejon (coming up soon - May 8th and 9th!)  You don't have to wear a special costume (just make sure your clothes are comfortable.)  But, it is more fun if you get into the 1850's spirit and wear old-fashioned clothes.

For boys: roomy comfortable shirts, buckled leather belts, blue pants (not denim), felted wool or straw hats.

For girls:  ankle length skirts, blouses (white, blue, brown, green, or red are best), shawl or apron, bonnet.

Today's homework:
     1.  Math Miss W:  Chapter 8 practice test.
                   Mr. Spaulding:  p. 611-612.
     2.  Spelling p. 124.
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Cats or Dogs?

Cats and dogs are the most popular pets in the United States.  More than half of families have a dog or cat - and sometimes both!  Fourth graders are writing persuasive essays explaining which makes the best pet.

Today's homework:
     1.  Math Miss W: p. 547-548.
                   Mr. Spaulding: p. 605-606.
     2.  Practice spelling test.
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Fort Tejon Trip Coming Soon

Our Fort Tejon trip is rapidly approaching.  Don't forget the training day for parent volunteers Saturday May 3rd.  We will meet at Rio Vista at 8 A.M  that Saturday morning and carpool up to the fort.  The training starts at 9:00 and usually lasts to about noon.

****  Parent volunteers:  Please make sure to get your LiveScan fingerprints done as soon as possible.  You must also get a record of a clean TB test, fill out the volunteer form, and leave a copy of your driver's license with the Rio Vista office.

Our class trip is scheduled for May 8th and 9th.

Today's homework:
     1.  Math Miss W: p. 529-530.
                   Mr. Spaulding: p. 595-596.
     2.  Biggest Land Animal.
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.