Band Concert

We enjoyed a performance this afternoon by the Rio Vista Elementary School Band.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  no homework.
              Miss W:  p. 309-310.
              Mrs. Thompson:  worksheet.
2.  Study Science.
3.  In what ways are the books  Island of the Blue Dolphins and Wringer similar?
4.  Read for half an hour.
5.  Get parent initials.

Multiplying Two Digit Numbers

It is a fourth grade standard to be able to multiply two two-digit numbers.

Today's homework:

1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  practice test.
               Miss W: worksheet.
               Mrs. Thompson: practice test.
2.  Why didn't Karana kill the leader dog?  Would you have killed it?  Why or why not?
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Study Science.
5.  Get parent initials.

Karana Tries to Leave the Island

In Island of the Blue Dolphins Karana tries to escape by paddling a canoe, but the canoe starts to leak and she has to return to the island.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 317-318.
              Miss W:  Worksheet
               Mrs. Thompson:  no homework.
2.  Design a house for Karana.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

The Death of Ramo

Today's homework:
1.  Math  Mr. Spaulding:  p. 303-304.
               Miss W:  p. 289-290.
               Mrs. Thompson:  p. 265-266.
2.   How does Ramo die and what does Karana vow to do someday?
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Across the Sea

Homework for today.
1.  Math  Mr. Spaulding:  p. 291-292
               Miss W:  p. 283-284.
               Mrs. Thompson:  p. 251-252.
2.  Island of the Blue Dolphins:  Should the tribe go on the sailboat?
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Sea Otters

In our new reading book, Island of the Blue Dolphins, hunters come to the Island of the Blue Dolphins to hunt sea otters.  The scientific name for sea otters is Enhydra Lutris.  The are found in shallow waters in the North Pacific Ocean.  Sea otters like to hang out in kelp beds.  They wrap themselves in the the kelp when they are resting.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p.291-292.
               Miss W:  no homework.
               Mrs. Thompson:  p. 251-252.
2.  Finish science work from class.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Island of the Blue Dolphins

We have started our new book, Island of the Blue Dolphins.  It is a classic story of California history.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr.Spaulding: p. 289-290
              Miss W:  Practice test.
              Mrs. Thompson:  p251-252.
2.  Simile or Metaphor.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Welcome Back

Today's homework:
1.  Math  Mr. Spaulding:  p. 283-284.
                Miss W:  p. 265-266.
                Mrs. Thompson:  p. 245-246.
2.  Write a description of what you did during the break.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Thank You Parents!

Thank you parents for coming in for parent conferences.  I know it can be inconvenient to find time in your busy days to come to school, but it is an important form of communication between parents and teachers, and it shows support for your children.  I really enjoyed talking to all of the parents.

Today's homework:

1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  Practice Test.
              Miss W:  p. 251-252.
              Mrs. Thompson:  p. 233-234.
2.  Read for half an hour.
3.  Get parent initials.

Compare and Contrast

In fourth grade we have read three stories so far this year with heroic characters:  Wringer, Mrs. Frisby and the Crow, and Toto.  As a culminating activity for this unit, students will be writing essays comparing the three main characters from the stories.  Students must state an opinion about which character they think is most heroic, and they must support their opinions with specific information from the texts.

Homework for today.

1.  No math homework.
2.  Is Suku a Hero worksheet.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Toto in Pictures

Today's homework:
1.  Math: Mr. Spaulding:  p. 265-266.
                Miss W:  multiplication worksheet.
                Mrs. Thompson:  finish started in class.
2.  Tell the story of Toto in four pictures.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

The Structure of a Story

Most stories follow a basic structure of exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.  Fourth graders are learning how to analyze stories.

Today's homework.
1.  Math: Mr. Spaulding: p. 253-254.
                Miss W:  p. 249.
                Mrs. Thompson:  p. 219-220.
2.  Plot Map for Toto.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Parent is spelled p-a-r-e-n-t.  Initials is spelled i-n-i-t-i-a-l-s.   Please spell this right!

Toto the Elephant

Homework for today:

1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 259-260.
              Miss W:  p. 245-246.
              Mrs. Thompson:  213-214.
2.  How are the stories Toto and Mrs. Frisby similar?
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Minimum Day Tomorrow

Tomorrow we have a minimum day schedule for the end of the trimester.  Next week we will have minimum days all week for parent conferences.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 251-252.
              Miss W:  p. 243.
              Mrs. Thompson:  no homework.
2.  Story Elements.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Veterans Day

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 245-246.
              Miss W:  p. 239-240.
              Mrs. Thompson:  p. 207-208.
2.  Is Mrs. Frisby a hero?
3.  Read for half and hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

The Distributive Property

Fourth graders are learning about a very useful concept:  the distributive property.   The distributive property lets you multiply a sum by multiplying each addend separately and then adding the products.

Homework today:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 239-240.
              Miss W:  p. 223-224
              Mrs. Thompson: p.201-202
2.  Is Palmer a hero?  Explain and give evidence.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Singing Is Good For Students

Students who sing at school have better listening skills.

Homework for today:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 233-234.
              Miss W:  p. 219-220.
              Mrs. Thompson:  Flaschcards.
2.  Similes and Metaphors worksheet.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Making Predictions

Fourth graders are expected to be able to make reasonable predictions based on clues from a text.

Homework today:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 227-228.
              Miss W:  p. 211.
              Mrs. Thompson:  p. 183-184.
2.  Predict how the book will turn out (or if you have finished the book, describe how the book turns out.)
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Dia de los Muertos

This last weekend was the Day of the Dead.  It is a traditional holiday in Latin America, especially Mexico.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 219-220.
              Miss W: p. 207-208.
              Mrs. Thompson:  no homework.
2.  Finish Science if you are not done.
3.  Write three explanations of where the golden trophy went.
4.  Read for half an hour.
5.  Get parent initials.

Red Ribbon Week

This is our school's Red Ribbon Week.  Today was wear red to support healthy lifestyles day.

Homework for today:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 205-206.
              Miss W:  p.191.
              Mrs. Thompson: p. 171-172.
2.  Halloween worksheet.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Illustrating a Book

Homework for today:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 207-208.
              Miss W:  practice test.
              Mrs. Thompson:  p. 165-166.
2.  Illustrate a sentence from Wringer.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Nipper the Pigeon

Homework for today:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 201-202.
              Miss W:  p. 177-178.
              Mrs. Thompson:  p. 157-158.
2.  Why did Palmer decide to let Nipper go?  How do you think he will get rid of him?
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Yo-yos

People have been playing with yo-yos for thousands of years.  The picture above comes from ancient Greece over 2,000 years ago.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  Practice test.
              Miss W:  worksheet.
              Mrs. Thompson:  p. 145-146.
2.  Read for half an hour.
3.  Get parent initials.

Ned Assembly

Today we had a Ned Assembly.

Today's homework:

1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 183-184.
              Miss W:  p. 172-173.
              Mrs. Thompson:  p. 151-152.
2.  Wringer question:  Should Palmer tell everybody?
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Welcome Back

This is where I spent my vacation!  But we are back to school now, refreshed and ready to learn.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 177-178.
              Miss W:  p.  164-166.
              Mrs. Thompson:  p. 139-140.
2.  Wringer question.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Associative Property of Multiplication

The Associative Property of Multiplications states that the grouping of factors does not change the product.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 171-172.
              Miss W:  p. 151-152.
              Mrs. Thompson: no homework.
2.  Metaphor worksheet.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Similes and Metaphors: Similar But Different

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 165-166.
              Miss W: p. 139-140.
              Mrs. Thompson: no homework.
2.  Metaphor worksheet.
3.  Read for half an hour

Speech!

Today we heard speeches from students running for student council.  They did an excellent job!

Today's homework:

1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 157-158.

              Miss W: no homework.

              Mrs. Thompson: worksheet

2.  Similes worksheet.

3.  Read for half an hour.

4.  Get parent initials.

Learning to Draw

Our fourth and fifth graders are getting regular instruction in the fine arts, including how to draw.  Drawing encourages the imagination and helps kids understand and remember information better.  Drawing also improves fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.  Practicing and studying drawing also improves visual analysis skills.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 151-152.
              Miss W:  p. 105-106.
              Mrs. Thompson:  no homework.
2.  What should  you do if you are being bullied?
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.
           

Bullies

The novel Wringer, the book we have been reading in fourth grade, examines the topic of bullying.  This is an important issue in schools.

Homework for today:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 145-146
              Miss W:  Practice Test
              Mrs. Thompson: no homework
2.  Write about a time when you were bullied.
3.  Read for half and hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Similes

Homework for today:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 139-140.
               Miss W: p. 119-120.
               Mrs. Thompson:  p. 95-96.
2.  Create a simile for one of the characters.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Properties of Addition

Knowing the properties of addition will help you in mathematics!

Today's homework:

1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  Practice test.
              Miss W: p. 85-86.
              Mrs. Thompson:  Worksheet
2.  What did Dorothy do?  Did she do the right thing?
3.  Read for half an hour.

ASB (Associated Student Body) Elections

Fourth and fifth grade students at Rio Vista can run for ASB offices.

Today's homework:

1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 121-122
               Miss W: p. 103-104
               Mrs. Thompson:  Adding Worksheet
2.  If you were Nipper, where would you go every day?
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Dragon the Cat

Fourth graders are learning to compare and contrast.  Today they are contrasting two different cats from two different stories.

Today's homework:

1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 117-118

              Miss W:  p. 101.

              Mrs. Thompson:  p. 91-92

2.  Write about how Dragon and Panther are the same and different.

3.  Read for half an hour.

4.  Get parent initials.

Writing Well

Fourth graders are learning to be more effective writers.  The best ways to become a good writer are:

1.  Read a lot!
2.  Write a lot!
3.  Revise, edit and rewrite a lot!

Today's homework:
1.  Math Miss W:  p. 97-98
              Mr. Spaulding:  p. 111-112.
              Mrs. Thompson:  Reteach page
2.  Draw four of the ways the boys in Wringer bully Dorothy.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Jerry Spinelli

Jerry Spinelli is an award winning author of children's books.  He wrote the novel we have been reading in fourth grade, Wringer.  It is about a boy growing up in a small town, and the moral choices he has to make.  It deals with themes of peer pressure and bullying.  It was a Newbery Honor Book in 1998.

Today's homework:

1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p.103-104.
              Miss W: p. 92.
              Mrs. Thompson:  p. 82-83.
2.  Draw four things the bird does in Wringer.
3.  Read for half an hour.

Organization: The Key to Good Writing

Fourth graders are learning to organize their writing.  For essays we expect clear topic sentences supported by relevant details and examples, wrapped up with a conclusion.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Miss W:  p. 83-84
              Mr. Spaulding: p. 83-84.
              Mrs. Thompson: p. 77.
2.  Writing:  In Wringer, where did the pigeon come from?
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Close Reading

Fourth graders are learning to read texts carefully.  We do that through close reading of a text or portion of a text multiple times for different purposes.  Above is an example of a typical way to do close reading.

Homework for today.
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 77-78.
              Miss W:  p. 69-70.
              Mrs. Thompson:  p. 65-66.
2.  Who do you think was at the door when the doorbell rang?  (Wringer p. 64)
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Producers, Consumers and Decomposers

Fourth graders are learning about the science concepts of producers, consumers and decomposers

Today's homework:

1.  Math Miss W: p. 65-66.
              Mr. Spaulding:  p. 71-72.
              Mrs. Thompson:  no homework.
2.  Consumers worksheet.
3.  Read for half and hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Class Dojo

Dojo is a Japanese word meaning a room or hall in which judo and other martial arts are practiced.  But Class Dojo is different.  Class Dojo is a way for teachers, students, and parents to communicate, and to reinforce appropriate classroom behavior.  Please look for the Class Dojo information you child should be bringing home today, showing you how to access your account.


Today's homework:

1.  Math Miss W:  Practice test
               Mr. Spaulding: Practice test
               Mrs. Thomspon:  p. 50-51
2.  Similes.  Make up at least five new similes.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Sensory Details

Fourth graders are learning to recognize and use sensory details.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Miss W: worksheet.
              Mrs. Thompson:  no homework
              Mr. Spaulding:  p. 65-66.
2.  Write a description of some event in your life.  Use lots of sensory details.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Similes

It is a fourth grade standard for students to be able to recognize and use similes.  A simile is a figure of speech comparing one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more interesting or memorable.

Today's homework:

1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 47-48
              Miss W: worksheet
              Mrs. Thompson: p. 47-48.
2.  Write about your group of friends.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

The Treatment

Fourth graders are reading the book "Wringer" by Jerry Spinelli.  In the book, Palmer gets The Treatment when he turns nine years old.  One of the older boys in the neighborhood hits him on the arm nine times, once for each year of his birthday.  This is a local tradition.  Palmer's mother doesn't approve, but Palmer is happy to be one of the guys.


1.  Math:  Mr. Spaulding p. 35-36.
                Miss W: p. 31-32.
                Mrs. Thompson:  p. 31
2.  Writing:  What do you think of the The Treatment?
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Feel the Rhythm!

All fourth and fifth grade students at Rio Vista are getting regular instruction in art and music.  This week students are learning to count and clap some fancy rhythms.


Today's homework:
     1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p.33-34.
                    Miss W: p. 28
                    Mrs. Thompson p. 27-28.
     2.  Draw a literal and a figurative picture of "He flew down the stairs."
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

What Makes a Coward?

Today's homework:
     1.  Ask five people "What makes a coward?"  Write down their responses.
     2.  Math:  Mr. Spaulding p. 27-28.
                    Ms W p. 27
                    Mrs. Thompson: p. 21 (at least one problem.)
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

What Makes a Hero?

Today's homework:
     1.  Ask five people "What makes a hero?"  Write down their responses.
     2.  Math:  Mr. Spaulding:  p. 21-22
                    Ms W: p. 21-22.
                    Mrs. Thompson: p. 15-16.
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.
             

Come to Back-to-School Night

Don't forget to come to Back-to-School Night from 5:30 to 7:00.

Today's homework:
     1.  Come to Back-to-School Night.
     2.  Colors worksheet.
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Study world map.
     5. Get parent initials.

Color

Fourth graders are learning about how white light divides into the different colors of the rainbow.

Homework for today:
     1.  Read for half an hour.
     2.  Study world map.
     3.  Math:  Mr. Spaulding 13-14.
                     Ms W p. 16.
                     Mrs.  Thompson:  no homework/
     4.  Memorize poem (optional)
     5.  Get parent initials.

Welcome Back to School

Today's homework:

1.  Read for half an hour.
2.  Math:  Mr. Spaulding: p. 15-16
                Miss W: p. 13-14
                Mrs. Thompson: no homework
3.  Study world map.
4.  Memorize color poem (optional.)
5. Get parent initials.

Professional Learning Communities

Well, I'm back.  I've been at a conference with the rest of Rio Vista's Leadership Team.  We learned a great deal about how to set up Professional Learning Communities.  This is a fancy term for simply organizing schools to more effectively use our resources and help students learn.  We are looking forward to putting many of these ideas into practice next year to better serve your children.

Homework today:
    1.  Math Miss W:  no homework.
                  Mr. Spaulding:  p. 923-924.
    2.  Black Bart.
    3.  Read for half an hour.
    4.  Get parent initials.