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

March 11, 2019

Literacy

Interactive Reading –  Beardance by Will Hobbs - A story about the Rocky Mountains, grizzly bears, and the Ute Indians.

Writing  

Students finished their research reports and will work on a book commercial and following directions


Independent Reading 

AR goal for March
We are celebrating "I Love to Read" in March and students set an individual reading goal for March Madness.  As students achieve the reading goal, they will post a basketball on a hall poster and will receive the Book-It certificate.  Any portion of February goals not obtained and added to the March goals.  Reading is not optional, but a necessary part of 4th grade.

Spelling


Pretest on Monday
Final test on Friday

The week of March 18th we will have our 3rd quarter maintenance test with test 3A on Tuesday and 3B on Thursday.

Math
.
Unit 7:  Multiplication of a Fraction by a Whole Number, Measurement
I can convert between cups, pints, quarts, and gallons
I can multiply unit and non-unit fractions by whole numbers
I can represent fractions as multiples of a unit fraction
I can explore multiplying fractions by whole numbers
I can multiply mixed numbers by whole numbers

Social Studies

This week we will be testing The Southwest.

Science

Students will study how engineering design is the process of identifying problems, developing solutions, and seeking the best possible solution and building (engineering) the project.  Students will also understand the needs of society influence the technology (inventions) that are developed, how they are used, and how they change.

Directions will be sent home in the near future for a project that will be developed as homework after instruction and classroom activities.

March Book Order

The free book this month is From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.  Additional book orders are due Thursday, March 14th.

Book Mobile

March, 20
April 3, 17
May 1, 15, 29

Targeted Services

March 12, 19
April 2, 9

February and August Birthdays

Feb. 6 - Peyton
Feb. 9 - Austin
Aug. 17 -Shyanne
Aug. 18 - Aaryanna
Feb. 20 - Liza

March Birthdays

March 12 - Emma
March 17 - Faith

Dates to Remember

March 22 - Children's Theater presentation
March 25, 26, 27 - Reading MCA assessment
March 27 - Last day for March Madness reading goal
March 27 - Last day of Quarter 3
March 28 - No School - Unless the school board moves to make up a snow day
March 29 - No School

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

January 28, 2019

Literacy
Interactive Reading –  Jaguar by Roland Smith

Writing - Students are researching and writing a nonfiction report on a rainforest animal. Students will also follow directions to draw the animal.  Students will find a picture of the animal online to be printed.

Students will be working on a book commercial.

Independent Reading 
AR goal for January
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 5:  Fractions and Mixed Number Computation/Measurement
I can measure angles in degrees
I can review line symmetry and explore properties of symmetric shapes
I can solve multi-step word problems
Unit 5 review
Test on Friday

Social Studies

Next region is the Middle West.  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. 

Science
Research a rainforest animal.

February Book Order

Friends, relatives, and community members have sponsored 4th graders to receive the $1.00 book each month from Scholastic.  So far, they have received Chocolate Touch, Riding Freedom, Old Yeller, and either The Dog Who Saved Christmas, Secret Garden, or 101 Ho-Ho-Holiday Jokes.  They will soon receive Frindle.

I will be sending a February Book Order home with students in the near future.  Because I actually had more sponsors than students, each 4th grader will have a budget of $6.00 to purchase a book or books of his or her own choice.  Hopefully we will have these before "I Love To Read Month" in March.

Just in case you are wondering where these books are coming from, now you know.  The books are your child's to keep.

Book Mobile

February 6, 20
March 6, 20
April 3, 17
May 1, 15, 29

Targeted Services

January 29
February 5, 12
March 5, 12, 19
April 2, 9

Dates to Remember

Feb. 7 - Art with Grandma Cookie
Feb. 15, 18, 19 - No School
Feb. 25 - 28 - Book Fair
Feb. 26 - NAEP Assessment

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

January 18, 2019

Literacy
Interactive Reading –  Jaguar by Roland Smith

Writing - Students are researching and writing a nonfiction report on a rainforest animal. Students will also follow directions to draw the animal.  Students will find a picture of the animal online to be printed.

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


Fourth graders should read at least 20 minutes per evening.

Spelling


Pretest on Tuesday
Final test on Friday

Math
.
Unit 5:  Fractions and Mixed Number Computation/Measurement
I can subtract mixed numbers
I can record data on a line plot and answer questions regarding the data
I can explore angle size and rotation
I can measure angles in degrees
I can review line symmetry and explore properties of symmetric shapes

Social Studies

Next region is the Middle West.  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. 

Science
Topics are the rainforest and electricity

January Birthdays

Jan. 3 - Sam
Jan. 6 - Anna
Jan.13 - Zack
Jan. 22 -Raegan

July Birthdays

July 14 - Breanna
July 21  - Donavin

Book Mobile

January 9, 23
February 6, 20

Targeted Services

January  22, 29

Dates to Remember

Jan 21 - No School - Teacher Workshop
Jan. 25 - Report cards will be sent home

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