Revolting Rhymes

A few students have asked for me to post the Revolting Rhymes competition information, so here it is. Please have a read through and see what we’re working on tomorrow.

http://camanabay.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Revolting-Rhymes-Guidelines-V2.pdf

An Alternative Ending

An Alternative Ending: Asking students to create an alternative ending to a book — one that makes sense — pushes them to really demonstrate an understanding of characters and plot. What makes a gripping novel is often that you don’t know what’s going to happen in the end. Asking students to diverge from but build on a writer’s style is very hard — and an exciting challenge for skilled readers.

 

Create an alternate ending for your book. Have you ever read a book and wished the ending turned out differently? This is your chance to create your own ending for the book!

  • As an introduction, summarize the original ending of the story.       You may then continue to write your own ending.
  • Your alternate ending must be at least 1 full page.
  • If you choose to type this, it must be in size 12 font and double- spaced. Include at least one picture to illustrate your alternate ending.

 

Alternate Ending Book Report Rubric

Excellent    4 pts Good      3 pts Fair        2 pts Poor        1 pt
Organization The story is very well organized. One idea or scene follows another in a logical sequence with clear transitions. The story is pretty well organized. One idea or scene may seem out of place. Clear transitions are used. The story is a little hard to follow. The transitions are sometimes not clear. Ideas and scenes seem to be randomly arranged.
Creativity The story contains many creative details and/or descriptions that contribute to the reader’s enjoyment.  The author has really used his/her imagination. The story contains a few creative details and/or descriptions that contribute to the reader’s enjoyment. The author has used his/her imagination. The story contains a few creative details and/or descriptions, but they distract from the story. The author has tried to use his/her imagination. There is little evidence of creativity in the story. The author does not seem to have used much imagination.
Solution/Resolution The solution to the character’s problem is easy to understand, and is logical. There are no loose ends. The solution to the character’s problem is easy to understand, and is somewhat logical. The solution to the character’s problem is a little hard to understand. No solution is attempted or it is impossible to understand.
Conventions

 

(spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar)

a. Few, if any, errors in usage and sentence formation.

b. Effective and consistent use of punctuation and capitalization.

c. Any spelling errors do not interfere with the reading of the story.

a. Few errors in usage and sentence formation.

b. Consistent use of punctuation and capitalization.

c. Any spelling errors do not interfere with the reading of the story.

a. Errors in usage and sentence formation.

b. Inconsistently uses punctuation and capitalization.

c. Spelling errors may interfere with the reading of the story.

a. Many errors in usage and sentence formation.

b. Punctuation and capitalization, if present, is used inconsistently or incorrectly.

c. Spelling errors interfere with the reading of the story.

 

Arawaks and Caribs Project

Dear Parents,

Fourth grade has been learning about the Caribs and the Arawaks for Social Studies. We have been learning about how they lived, how they built their huts, what they used for transportation, what tools they used to hunt with and
so forth.

Our project now is to build a diorama or a model on some aspect of their life. This will be due on January 27, 2016. The word diorama refers to a three-dimensional model. One of the great things about a diorama is the variety of ways to display it. The Display is part of the fun and appeal of a diorama. Here are some ideas for making your diorama or model:

Ideas on the Subject of your diorama:

  • A Carib or Arawak hunting or fishing
  • A village
  • A scene with a Carib or Arawak lady cooking
  • A sea scene with Carib canoes or boats

Ideas on the Subject of your model:

  • A canoe
  • A hut
  • Pottery
  • A tool used to hunt or farm with (please note that your tool is not to include any sharp materials that can actually be used to hunt – we will use our imagination for this one)

Remember; do not feel limited to this list of idea. Encourage your children to get creative and have fun! I’m excited to see what they come up with.

 

Fish in a Tree Book Report

Dear Students,

For Fish in a Tree’s book report, you will think about the main characters. Which one is the most interesting to you? On Friday, December 4, 2015, you will come to class dressed as the character of your choice from this book!

You will give a presentation to your classmates in which you introduce yourself and describe the main events of the book from your character’s point of view.

Example: “Hello! My name is Mrs. Nickerson. I am going to tell you about a few of the highlights that happened to me in the book, Fish in a Tree….”

In addition to your presentation,

  1. You will write (or type) a three-paragraph summary on a piece of lined paper. The paragraphs should be written from the point of view of your character! The first paragraph will tell a summary of the book. Remember, a summary tells about the main idea of the story but does not give away the ending!
  1. The second paragraph should tell about your favorite part of the book.
  1. The third paragraph should include the most important lesson/lessons that you learned while reading Fish in a Tree.
  1. You may use this paper to help you during your presentation.
  1. I will be grading you on your written summary of the book as well as your presentation.

It is NOT necessary to purchase any items for your costume. You may bring in small props from home, use old clothing, make homemade props, etc, (Props such as toy knives, swords, or guns are not allowed.)

Be creative in your choice of character, your clothing, and the way you present yourself to your class. Have fun!

Objectives and Homework for November 17 – 21, 2014

English: – Form contractions using verbs and the word not.

– UNIT 3 Check-Up

– Read a published model of a persuasive essay.

Because of Winn-Dixie: – On November 27 (Thanksgiving Day), we will be having a little party (similar to the one in Because of Winn-Dixie) where we will dine on treats and watch the movie that’s based off of the book)! Please be sure to check your child’s school bag for your very own invitation and to see what treats they are to bring.

The Tale of Despereaux:  We are continuing our new class novel and enjoying it immensely. We will continue to read at least 5 chapters per week, as well as complete various activities and writing assignments associated with the book. As usual, we will have spelling words every week from our reading, as well as weekly comprehension quizzes. Be sure to remind your child to read over the chapters that we’ve covered each week, to ensure that they remember the important points. If it is okay with you, I have also allowed for students to bring in their electronic reading devices to use during our Class Novel times (see my previous blog post with a few photos).

Some of the learning objectives (or WALT as we refer to them in Grade 4; We Are Learning To) that we will cover while reading are:

    • Describe the characters’ traits, feelings, and motivations in The Tale of Despereaux.
    • Refer to the text for evidence to support answers.
    • Form an opinion about a character’s trait based on the character’s actions, feelings and motivation.
    • Explain how the characters’ actions contribute to the sequence of events.
    • Engage in discussions sharing their ideas and listening to others.
    • Use context clues to determine the meaning of unknown words or phrases in The Tale of Despereaux.
    • Distinguish literal and non-literal language and determine its meaning.

Spelling: – There will be NO spelling test this week, as we prepare for International Night on Friday.

Math: – Estimate and measure lengths within the metric system.

– Find the perimeter of a figure.

– Lengths and Perimeter review on Thursday.

Science: – We will be continuing our Trinidadian research and focusing our efforts on preparing for International Night this week. Our Science will resume next week.

However, they should be finishing up their Adaptations Project, which is due on November 18th.

Social Studies: – We are continuing our research and planning for International Night, where Grade 4’s focus will be on Trinidad and Tobago. International Night will be held in the FBCS Gym on November 21, 2014 from 5:30 – 8:00. Please be sure to check your emails, so that you can assist in the planning and volunteer to bring a dish from TnT. If you have any input of ideas, please see or email me for a chat. Thanks!

Also, be sure to ask your child what they have learned so far about this amazing country!

Bible: – Study Bible verse for Friday. Parents, please encourage your child to study their Bible verse every week. These do impact their Bible grades.

– Identify descriptions for the categories of the books of the Bible.

– Express several purposes of the Bible.

– Evaluate times of thankfulness through prayer and appreciating others.

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  Ephesians 2:10

 

HOMEWORK:

Monday

MATH: Jaguars and Eagles – page 205-206

Black Hawks – To Be Announced

ENGLISH: page 56

Tuesday:

MATH: Draw your dream house. Write down the perimeter for each room. (Directions will be handed out on Tuesday.) This will be due the following Monday.

Friday:

International Night: Please be in the gym with your food donations between 5:00 – 5:15 on Friday, November 21. Please remember to wear a red shirt and black bottoms. We will also be adding some face paint to really make Trinidad and Tobago (and Grade 4) stand out! 🙂

Objectives and Homework for November 11 – 14, 2014

English: – Write past tense forms of irregular verbs.

– Recognize different forms of the verb ‘be’.

Because of Winn-Dixie: – On November 27 (Thanksgiving), we will be having a little party (similar to the one in Because of Winn-Dixie) where we will dine on treats and watch the movie that’s based off of the book)! Please be sure to check your child’s school bag for your very own invitation and to see what treats they are to bring.

The Tale of Despereaux:  We started our new class novel this week and are enjoying it immensely. We will continue to read at least 5 chapters per week, as well as complete various activities and writing assignments associated with the book. As usual, we will have spelling words every week from our reading, as well as weekly comprehension quizzes. Some of the learning objectives (or WALT as we refer to them in Grade 4; We Are Learning To) that we will cover while reading are:

 

    • Describe the characters’ traits, feelings, and motivations in The Tale of Despereaux.
    • Refer to the text for evidence to support answers.
    • Form an opinion about a character’s trait based on the character’s actions, feelings and motivation.
    • Explain how the characters’ actions contribute to the sequence of events.
    • Engage in discussions sharing their ideas and listening to others.
    • Use context clues to determine the meaning of unknown words or phrases in The Tale of Despereaux.
    • Distinguish literal and non-literal language and determine its meaning.

Spelling: – Study for Spelling Test on Friday.

Math: – Chapter 4 Test on Tuesday.

– Estimate and measure customary lengths.

 

Science: – Describe how instinctive behaviors help animals survive and meet their needs.

– Science Adaptations Project – DUE November 18.

 

Social Studies: – We are in the process of researching and planning for our International Night, where Grade 4’s focus will be on Trinidad and Tobago. International Night will be held in the FBCS Gym on November 21, 2014. Please be sure to check your emails, so that you can assist in the planning and volunteer to bring a dish from TnT. If you have any input of ideas, please see or email me for a chat. Thanks!

 

Bible: – Study Bible verse for Friday. Parents, please encourage your child to study their Bible verse every week. These do impact their Bible grades.

– Examine Scriptures describing God’s involvement as Creator.

– Identify what God knows about us personally.

Does God give you His Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law of because you believe? Galatians 3:5

 

HOMEWORK:

Tuesday:

SPELLING: Jaguars and Eagles: Choose 1 activity to complete from their Spelling Folder.

Keron: To be announced

Shimarc: To be announced

 

 

Wednesday:

ENGLISH: page 52

 

Thursday:

SPELLING: Jaguars and Eagles: Choose 1 activity to complete from their Spelling Folder.

Keron: To be announced

Shimarc: To be announced

 

 

Adaptations Project

camouflaging animal pictures

ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS – Project Based Learning

I assigned a really fun project this week that goes along with our Science theme! 🙂 I sent home a copy of this assignment yesterday (Wednesday) and it will be due on November 18.

They have to apply their knowledge of animal adaptations and habitats to create a completely new animal. I’m very excited to see what they come up with!

I found these fun links, that might help them with their project:

http://www.ecokids.ca/PUB/eco_info/topics/climate/adaptations/index.cfm

http://www.tburg.k12.ny.us/mcdonald/ANIMAL%20ADAPTATIONS/AADAPT.htm

http://interactivesites.weebly.com/animal-adaptations.html