Here's What's Happening in Mrs. McBrady's Classroom

December 21, 2018

December Birthdays

Dec. 12 - Arewen
Dec. 22 - Jordan

Book Mobile

January 9, 23


Targeted Services

January 15, 22, 29

Dates to Remember

Jan. 3 - Return to School!
Jan. 10 - Art with Grandma Cookie
Jan. 18 - End Quarter 2
Jan 21 - No School - Teacher Workshop

Here's What's Happening in Mrs. McBrady's Classroom

December 10, 2018

Literacy
Interactive Reading –  We are completing an author study of Chris Van Allsburg.  Our next book is Soft Rain, A Story of the Cherokee Trail of Tears.

Writing - Students are writing a story  based on a picture from The Mysteries of Harris Burdick.

Independent Reading 
AR goal for December
5 points to meet their goal


Fourth graders should read at least 20 minutes per evening.

Spelling


Pretest on Monday
Final test on Friday

Math
.
Unit 4: Multi-digit Multiplication
I can solve multi-step number stories involving money
I can use partial products to multiply 2 digits by 2 digits
I can play Multiplication Wrestling to practice the basic principles of multiplication of multi-digit numbers
I can find the area of rectangles and rectilinear figures using multi-digit multiplication
I can solve multi-step problems and use estimates to assess the reasonableness of answers
Review and Test Unit 4 before Christmas break!!

Social Studies

Next region is the Southeast.  Once again, students will label the states on a template of the region, be asked to complete a puzzle in less than 2 minutes, and match the capital to the correct state.  Students will learn about the Cherokee Trail of Tears and other history of the region.

Science

The Tower Garden is amazing!  The vegetables are growing and we have been tasting greens and are hand pollinating tomatoes and cucumbers.

Bookmobile

December 12, 26
January 9, 23

Dates to Remember

Dec. 11 - Targeted Services
Dec. 14 - Christmas Music Program 1:00
Dec. 20 - Bonus Point Store
Dec. 21 - Classroom Party

Here's What's Happening in Mrs. McBrady's Classroom

November 12, 2018

I appreciated the opportunity to visit with you about your child's learning.  Thank you for coming and working together.

Literacy
Interactive Reading –  Chris Van Allsburg author study

Reading - First and third person point of view

Independent Reading 
AR goal for November
5 points to meet their goal

Please remind your child to read at home. 4th graders should read at least 20 minutes per evening.

Spelling


Pretest on Monday
Final test on Friday

Math
.
Unit 3 - Fractions and Decimals
I can compare fractions in number stories
I can use strategies to order fractions and place them accurately on a number line
I can understand the relationship between fractions and decimals
I can model decimals with base 10 blocks
I can read and write decimals to hundredths

Social Studies

Students have directions for a project the book, Eating the Plates:  A Pilgrim Book of Food and Manners.  I read the book to the students and students took notes on main ideas and details.  The final project is due on Friday, November 16.  Projects will be presented to the class.

Bookmobile

November 14 and 28

Dates to Remember

Nov, 12, 13, 14, 15 - Book Fair in Library
Nov. 16 - Muffins and Moms
Nov. 20 Targeted Services Begins
Nov. 22 and 23 - No School - Thanksgiving
Nov. 27 - Targeted Services
Nov. 29 - Art with Grandma Cookie

Here's What's Happening in Mrs. McBrady's Classroom

November 5, 2018

Conference Week!  Please plan on attending your child's conference.  Your child is welcome to come.  I look forward to visiting with you about your child's progress!  If you cannot make the scheduled time, please call the office.

Literacy
Interactive Reading –  Eating the Plates

Reading - adjectives, adverbs, pronouns

Writing Workshop – Note taking - Eating the Plates

Independent Reading –

AR goal for November
5 points to meet their goal

Please remind your child to read at home. 4th graders should read at least 20 minutes per evening.

Spelling


No spelling during this 3 day week.

Math
.
Unit 3 - Fractions and Decimals
I can develop a rule for finding equivalent fractions
I can use the rule for finding equivalent fractions

Bookmobile

November 14 and 28

Dates to Remember

Nov. 5 - No School - Teacher Workshop
Nov. 7 - Conferences from 3:30 - 7:30
Nov. 8 - Conferences from 12:30 - 7:30
Nov. 8 - Art with Grandma Cookie (rescheduled)
Nov. 9 - No School
Nov. 16 - Muffins and Moms
Nov. 20 Targeted Services Begins
Nov. 27 - Targeted Services
Nov. 29 - Art with Grandma Cookie

Science

One weeks growth in our Tower Garden.

Here's What's Happening in Mrs. McBrady's Classroom

October 29, 2018

We will have our fall party Wednesday,Oct. 31.  Students are welcome to bring a treat to share with classmates.  Any treats need to be store bought and individually wrapped or bakery made. We have 23 students in the classroom.

Literacy
Interactive Reading –  Eating the Plates

Reading - nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns

Writing Workshop – Note taking - Eating the Plates

Independent Reading – All students are expected to achieve the AR goal. Every student should have a minimum of 5 AR points by October 31. I send an AR report home every week (usually Thursday or Friday) for you to monitor your child’s reading progress. I look for 80% or above in comprehension, how many AR points have been earned, and the reading level of books.  I ask that students do not take more than 2 AR tests in 1 day.

AR goal for October
5 points to meet their goal

Please remind your child to read at home. 4th graders should read at least 20 minutes per evening.

Spelling


This week is a review week.  Twenty five words will be selected from Lessons 1, 2, and 3. Twenty five words will be selected from Lessons 4, 5, and 6.   All the lists are open that have been tested. Here is the testing schedule:
Lessons 1, 2, 3 will be tested Tuesday

Lessons 4, 5, 6 will be tested Thursday

Math
.
Unit 3 - Fractions and Decimals
I can explore equivalent fractions through equal sharing
I can use an area model to recognize and generate equivalent fractions
I can use a length or number line model to recognize and generate equivalent fractions
I can develop a rule for finding equivalent fractions

Science

Our Tower Garden is planted and doing well.  Ask your child to tell you about it.  

The LED lights are on 14 hours and off 10 hours.  The water circulates 15 minutes of every hour.

Friday, Oct, 26 we had a program on energy from the Science Museum of Minnesota.  

Bookmobile

October  31
November 14 and 28

Dates to Remember

Oct. 31 - Classroom Fall Parties
Nov. 1 - Art with Grandma Cookie
Nov. 2 - Last day of Quarter 1 (Wow!!)
Nov. 5 - No School - Teacher Workshop
Nov. 7 - Conferences from 3:30 - 7:30
Nov. 8 - Conferences from 12:30 - 7:30
Nov. 8 - Art with Grandma Cookie (rescheduled)

Nov. 9 - No School

Here's What's Happening in Mrs. McBrady's Classroom

October 22, 2018

Literacy
Interactive Reading –  Eating the Plates

Reading - Similes and metaphors

Writing Workshop – Letter Writing - We will write thank you letters to the Scholastic book sponsors who donated to our classroom.

Independent Reading – All students are expected to achieve the AR goal. Every student should have a minimum of 5 AR points by October 31. I send an AR report home every week (usually Thursday or Friday) for you to monitor your child’s reading progress. I look for 80% or above in comprehension, how many AR points have been earned, and the reading level of books.  I ask that students do not take more than 2 AR tests in 1 day.

AR goal for October
5 points to meet their goal

Please remind your child to read at home. 4th graders should read at least 20 minutes per evening.

Spelling

Pretest on Monday and final test on Friday

Math
.
Unit 2: Multiplication and Geometry
I can explore symmetry in nature, objects, and shapes.
I can apply rules to complete What's My Rule tables
Review
Test Unit 2

Science

Seeds have been germinated and we will plant our Tower Garden this next week.  The Tower Garden is an aeroponic growing system.  We will keep you updated!

Ask your child what he or she has learned about bacteria and germs.  Also ask what places in the school have the most germs and bacteria.  

Bookmobile

The Bookmobile was unable to come to the elementary on Wednesday, October 17 because of mechanical trouble.  If your child's book was due, you can renew online with your library card.

October  31
November 14 and 28

Dates to Remember

Oct. 25 - Art with Grandma Cookie
Oct. 31 - Classroom Fall Parties
Nov. 1 - Art with Grandma Cookie
Nov. 2 - Last day of Quarter 1 (Wow!!)
Nov. 5 - No School - Teacher Workshop
Nov. 7 - Conferences from 3:30 - 7:30
Nov. 8 - Conferences from 12:30 - 7:30
Nov. 9 - No School

Here's What's Happening in Mrs. McBrady's Classroom

October 15, 2018

Great News!  All students will be performing in a Christmas program this year!

Literacy
Interactive Reading –  Shiloh

Reading - Theme

Writing Workshop – Personal Narrative - We will continue with the writing process with revising, editing, and final copies. Will move into letter writing.

Independent Reading – All students are expected to achieve the AR goal. Every student should have a minimum of 5 AR points by October 31. I send an AR report home every week (usually Thursday or Friday) for you to monitor your child’s reading progress. I look for 80% or above in comprehension, how many AR points have been earned, and the reading level of books.  I ask that students do not take more than 2 AR tests in 1 day.

AR goal for October
5 points to meet their goal

Please remind your child to read at home. 4th graders should read at least 20 minutes per evening.

If you want to check if a book you have at home has a test or see the reading level or point value, you can visit this web site: 

                                            http://www.renlearn.com/store/quiz_home.asp

Spelling

No spelling this week because of the 3 day week.

Math
.
Unit 2: Multiplication and Geometry
I can classify triangles by angle properties.
I can classify quadrangles by their properties.
I can explore symmetry in nature, objects, and shapes.

Personal Sharing

The first Friday of each month your child will have an opportunity to share something with the class that is of interest to him or her.  It can be a verbal sharing or your child may bring in an item with parent approval.  

Often students want to bring a pet.  Our family handbook says the following:

Animals - Due to health and safety concerns, students cannot bring pets/animals from home without advance permission from the principal. Any approved animal visits will likely take place outdoors.

If your child wants to share a pet, a picture is a great way to share without an extra trip to school.


October Bookmobile

October 17, and 31

Dates to Remember

Oct. 16 - Picture Retakes
Oct. 18 & 19 - No School
Oct. 25 - Art with Grandma Cookie
Oct. 31 - Classroom Fall Parties

Here's What's Happening in Mrs. McBrady's Classroom

October 1, 2018

Literacy
Interactive Reading –  Shiloh

Reading - Theme

Writing Workshop – Personal Narrative, brainstorming, organizing ideas, and writing an essay. We will continue with the writing process with revising, editing, and final copies. 

Independent Reading – All students are expected to achieve the AR goal. Every student should have a minimum of 5 AR points by October 31. I send an AR report home every week (usually Thursday or Friday) for you to monitor your child’s reading progress. I look for 80% or above in comprehension, how many AR points have been earned, and the reading level of books.  I ask that students do not take more than 2 AR tests in 1 day.

AR goal for October
5 points to meet their goal

Please remind your child to read at home. 4th graders should read at least 20 minutes per evening.

If you want to check if a book you have at home has a test or see the reading level or point value, you can visit this web site: 

                                            http://www.renlearn.com/store/quiz_home.asp

FREE!!!

You are invited to download 3 eBooks, sponsored by Pizza Hut and the Book-

It Program. Did I say they are free?  See more information about downloading here:

Free Books Link

Spelling

Pretest – Monday
Final Test – Friday

Math
.
Unit 2: Multiplication and Geometry
I can review rectangular arrays and explore patterns in square numbers
I can develop and use a formula for figuring the area of a rectangle
I can work with factor pairs, arrays, and corresponding equations
I can learn that a whole number is a multiple of each of its factors
I can classify numbers as prime or composite

October Birthday

October 7 - Elora


October Bookmobile

October 3, 17, and 31

Dates to Remember

Oct. 16 - Picture Retakes
Oct. 18 & 19 - No School
Oct. 31 - Classroom Fall Parties

Here's What's Happening in Mrs. McBrady's Classroom

September 24, 2018

Snacks!  I encourage your child to bring a healthy snack to tide him or her over until lunch time.  I would like to ask that you send snacks in plastic bags that can easily be sealed, plastic containers that can easily be opened and closed, or individual packaging.  While it may be convenient to purchase a box of crackers and eat  them all week, an open package of food is an invitation to pests. Thanks!!

Literacy

Interactive Reading – Bullying Curriculum Books and discussion.

Reading Workshop - Genre study

Writing Workshop – Personal Narrative, brainstorming, organizing ideas, and writing an essay.  We will continue with the writing process with revising, editing, and final copies. 

Students brought their writing journal home to personalize.  Students may be creative and express themselves by decorating the cover of the journal.  If pictures are used, consider covering them with a clear contact paper or other protective material.  Journals are due back on Monday as we will be using them.

Independent Reading – All students are expected to achieve the AR goal. Every student should have a minimum of 5 AR points by Friday, September 28. I send an AR report home every week (usually Thursday or Friday) for you to monitor your child’s reading progress. Students have also been introduced to the 40 Book Requirement. Please see the Independent Reading tab on my blog for more information.

AR goal for September 
5 points to meet their goal

Please remind your child to read at home. 4th graders should read at least 20 minutes per evening.

If you want to check if a book you have at home has a test or see the reading level or point value, you can visit this web site: 

                                            http://www.renlearn.com/store/quiz_home.asp

FREE!!!


You are invited to download 3 eBooks, sponsored by Pizza Hut and the Book-

It Program. Did I say they are free?  See more information about downloading here:

Free Books Link

Spelling

Pretest – Monday
Final Test – Friday

Students who score 100% on their pretest will not need to take the final test on Friday. Students should score 80% or higher on the final tests to master their spelling words. You can check your child’s progress on Spelling City. Your child has practiced going to “my records” to see a copy of their test and the record of their activity.

Math
.
Unit 1: Place Value, Multi-digit Addition, and Multi-digit Subtraction
I can explain properties of angles, triangles, and quadrilaterals.
I can develop and use a formula for finding the perimeter of a rectangle.
Review Unit 1
Test Unit 1

Social Studies

For your information, students watch a 10 minute news program designed for students called CNN10.  It is nonpartisan and often features heroes or other positive news.  In the event of a tragedy, such as a school shooting or similar event, I will preview the news program and determine if it is appropriate.  We do discuss events that are reported.Those discussions can provide valuable insight to our world.

Homecoming Week

Students are welcome to participate in Homecoming Dress Up Days this week.

Monday - Wear Pajamas
Tuesday - Hat Day
Wednesday - Wear Red, White, and Blue
Thursday - Wear Tropical Colors
Friday - Spirit Day - Wear Maroon and Gold

We Went Fishing on September 19, 2018