Friday's Poetry Reading

We are so excited for our upcoming poetry reading!  We've spent the month learning poetry elements and how to use them while reading and writing poems.  We'll be sharing a poem we wrote and one that we've read and especially loved.

If you are planning on joining us please make sure to return the form sent home today.  The office needs specific information on who will be coming into the building.  If you do not let us know, we can't let the office know and you will not be allowed to come to the classroom.  Please help us make this a fun day for everyone and return the form by December 20th. 

Thanks for you help in advance!!

Thank you PTA

A big thank you to the PTA who will supply us with an ice cream party tomorrow afternoon.  As one of the top collectors of box tops we were entitled to an ice cream party.  It's nice to see good deeds go rewarded.  Thank you PTA!!!!!

Mrs. Cushman’s Classroom News

ELA

Reading:

Ø  This month we’ll continue our literature groups and look specifically at poetry. The students are really enjoying reading good fit books and having some great discussions!

Writing:

Ø  We’ll have the pleasure of working with poet Jackie Sweeney and working through the writing process to create a winter poem.  These will be published in the computer lab.

Grammar:

Ø  Finish commas and learn parts of a sentence (subject and predicate)

Spelling Patterns: All tests are Thursdays!!!

Ø  List 11 – words with the /oi/ sound

Ø  List  12 – plurals

Ø  List 13 – possessive nouns using apostrophes

Math

Concepts:

o   Wrap up algebra  and assess – 12/5/12

o   Begin fractions – an in-depth study that will last through January

o   Equivalent and Ordering

o   Add, Subtract, Multiple, Divide, Decompose

 Vocabulary:

o   See notebook for important vocab

Assessments:

o   Each unit of study will have a pre and posttest.  You will see how much your child has grown with each concept!

o   Math fact tests will be 12/5 and 12/19: these tests are graded and are so important to your students math understanding.

Science

Concepts:

We’ll be continuing our study on Simple Machines.  We’ll use experiments and labs for a hand on approach to learning! 

We already know that to do work (effort / force) you need an object, force, and motion.

 Now we’ll see how simple machines make work easier.

Our next study will be a social studies topic   ~European Explorers in NYS~ 

There will be homework, quizzes and tests along with this unit so make sure to check your student’s agenda each day.

Reminders

ü 12-3 to 12-5  poet Jackie Sweeney will kick off our poetry unit

ü 12-10 Last day to check out library books ~ we will get more books right before break

ü 12-20 Orchestra and Chorus concert 7:00pm in the library ~ there will be an in school performance that day

ü 12-21 1:15 School sing along

ü 12/21 11:30 – 12:15 Poetry Reading

Please mark your calendars and join us in class as we share our poetry books

 

Giving Thanks

I just wanted to tell each of your how thankful I am for my wonderful class! My students are so wonderful together, showing kindness, respect and caring for each other.  Parents are wonderfully supportive and generous with their time and resources.  I hope each of you have a happy and healthy vacation and enjoy it with your family. : )

New Essay Contest!

Here is a great way to show your thanks over the long weekend!  The Sons of The American Legion Detachment of New York are hosting a contest titled:

What American Means to Me

 

The winner gets $50 and a party for the class. It is open to grades 1-5 so it could be fun for the whole family!

 

Here is the information:

 

Topic: "What American Means to me"

Participants: All students in 1-5 attending a NYS school are eligible.

Length: The student may write an essay of any length

Forms: The student may type or hand write the essay. All entries must include the students name, grade, school name, address, phone number and teachers name.

Judging and Awards: The Sons of The American Legion Detachment of New York will conduct the judging and choose one essay from each grade level.

Deadline: Entries must be post-marked by January 19, 2013. 

 

Send all entries to

Sons of The American Legion

Detachment of New York

Essay Contest

Robert Myrtle

225 Miller Road

Castleton, NY 12033



November Newsletter

ELA

Reading:

Ø  This month we’ll begin literature groups.  Students will work independently and in small groups in the areas of vocabulary, comprehension and fluency.

Writing:

Ø  We’ll complete two major pieces of writing:

o   A research paper on a specific role in the Haudenosaunee Nation

o   An informational report on either Crayfish or Native Americans

Grammar:

Ø  Capitalization and Commas

Spelling Patterns: All tests are Thursdays!!!

Ø  List 8 – words with the /ar/ air sound

Ø  List 9 – words with the /ur/ er sound

Ø  There will be no spelling the weeks of 11/12/12 and 11/19/12

Math

Concepts:

o   Wrap up division and assess – 11/14/12

o   Begin chapter 5 – algebraic patterns

o   Learn how to use factors, multiples and patterns to explain number sentences and logical thinking

o   Use variables to create expressions and rules

Vocabulary:

o   See notebook for important vocab

Assessments:

o   Each unit of study will have a pre and posttest.  You will see how much your child has grown with each concept!

o   Math fact tests will be 11-7 and 11/21: these tests are graded and are so important to your students math understanding

Social Studies

Concepts:

We’ll be wrapping up our study on Native Americans and assessing on 11-8-12.  The test will cover chapter 2 lessons 1-4. 

To help your student study please re-read their purple packet and play Native American Jeopardy with them.

Our next study will be a science topic

-Simple Machines!!!- 

There will be homework, quizzes and tests along with this unit so make sure to check your student’s agenda each day.

Reminders

ü 11-6 Election Day – We’ll have a mock election in class

ü 11-8 Haudenosaunee Day – We need more volunteers please

ü 11-12 No school – Veterans Day

ü 11-15 & 11-16 – Student Teacher Parent Conferences

ü 11-22 & 11-23 – No school – Thanksgiving

ü 11-28 – Book orders due

We are in need of post-it notes J

 

Haudenosaunee Nyews

We have officially begun preparations for Haudenosaunee Day!  Today your student selected a way of life or tradition to research in class.  Their role is to research the topic and create a poster to present on Haudenosaunee Day.  This project will be done in class only. : )

To make this special day a success students have been asked to bring in a few items to prepare. If this is too much of a hardship please let me know as soon as possible.  We are also looking for as many adult volunteers as possible for that day.  If you could return the slip indicating what times you're free, if at all, it would be appreciated.  Thanks so much for your continued support.

Haudenosaunee Day

We have a very exciting celebration scheduled for November 8th.  We will be replicating the Haudenosaunee way of life and taking most of the day to re-create a longhouse, food eaten, clothes, etc. More information to follow! :)

Rewrite History Contest

James Dashner, the creator of the 39 Clues series, has a new novel out titled Infinity Ring.  As a role out there is a writing contest with a grand prize of an author visit from Mr. Dashner himself!!  The rules are as follows:

Imagine you could go back in time and change history, When and where would you go? What would you change? How would you do it?
Write a one- to two- page short story that describes the moment you'd take action to change history.

Send your entry by November 26, 2012 to

 

Infinity Ring Rewrite History Contest 2012

P.O. Box 714

New York, NY 10013-0714

 

Good luck!!

Fire Prevention Posters

The due date for the fire prevention poster is tomorrow morning.  First prize...a ride to school in a fire truck!!!

Fire Prevention Poster Contest

Today local fire fighters came and discussed fire prevention with our class.  Part of the presentation was a kick off to a poster contest.  I've sent each student home with white paper and directions on how to participate.  I'm asking that all students try their best.  One lucky winner from our class will be picked up in a fire truck and brought to school with the other 4th grade winners!!! 

Check out our pictures

I updated my blog to show some really great class pictures! 

The crayfish are leaving

We are sad to say our crayfish are leaving today. :(  We had a wonderful time learning all about these crustaceans!!

Wrapping Up Crayfish

Our crayfish unit of study is wrapping up!  We'll all be sad to see them go.  To keep with our study of humane treatment, I'll be releasing the crayfish into their natural habitat; a local pond.  Maybe you'll see them around on a nature walk!!

October Newsletter

ELA

Reading:

Ø  This month we’ll kick off our first book project on fiction books with setting in NYS. Please be prepared to help your student keep on track with the assignment timeline provided.

Writing:

Ø  We will be publishing our picture books full of narrative elements.

Ø  We’ll take an in-depth look at how authors use narrative elements to tell a story

Grammar:

Ø  How to use verbs and adverbs effectively to make writing better.

Spelling Patterns: All tests are Thursdays!!!

Ø  List 3 – long and short i

Ø  List 4 – long and short o and u

Ø  List 5 – words with the /oo/ sound

Ø  List 6 & 7 - r controlled vowels

Math

Concepts:

o   Multiply up to 4 digits by 1 digit

o   Multiply 2 numbers using place value and properties of addition

o   Algebraic Patterns – using patterns

o   Estimate reasonable answers

o   Introduction to division

Vocabulary:

o   See notebook for important vocab

 

Assessments:

o   Each unit of study will have a pre and posttest.  You will see how much your child has grown with each concept!

o   Math fact tests will be 10/3/12, 10/17/12, 10/31/12

 

Social Studies

Concepts:

We will be learning about NYS early people.  This study will lead into an in-depth look into NY Native Americans. 

Our field trip to Brookside Manor will be October 9^th.  Please make sure to send your student on time with a packed lunch and snack. This trip is a great kick off to our study and students will remember the hands on experience for years to come.

There will be homework, quizzes and tests along with this unit so make sure to check your student’s agenda each day.

 

Reminders

ü Oct. 2^nd – Class Pictures

ü Oct. 3^rd. – fact test

ü Oct. 5^th – Early Release

ü Oct. 8^th – No school – Columbus Day

ü Oct. 9^th – Brookside Manor

ü Oct. 17^th- Fact test

ü Oct. 26th –Monster Mash

ü Oct. 31^st – Halloween Party

We are in need of hand sanitizer please! J

First Picture Day

Our first picture day of this school year will be October 2nd at 11:20.  : )

Book Orders Due

I will be inputing the September book order tomorrow afternoon.  Remember you can send in one check to Scholastic or go online!

Thank you!

Thank you so much for coming to open house last night!  I was truly happy to meet with all of you and set us all up for a successful year!

Open House Night

I'm really looking forward to meeting all of you at Open House.  4th grade will begin in the gym at 6:00 followed by a brief meeting in room 348.  See you then!!

Our first field trip!

Our first field trip is upon us!  Please make sure to return the signed permission slip as soon as possible.  The cost is $10.  If you are interested in chaperoning there are forms that MUST be filled out before the five parents can be selected.  Remember we will be having other field trips so if you don't come along this time, maybe next time! : )

Are crayfish are hungry!!

Help us experiment with our crayfish by sending in SMALL amounts of cooked corn or other vegetables, live earthworms or fish food.  :) Thanks for your continued support!

September Newsletter

Reminders

ü Sept. 12^th – bus drill

ü Sept. 13^th – first day of orchestra practice ( Mon. and Thurs. depending on instrument)

ü Sept. 24^th – Open House 6-8

o   We will begin in the gym

ü Sept. 26^th – NO SCHOOL

ü Sept. 28^th – Book orders due

ELA

Reading:

Ø  Students will learn about narrative elements. Setting, characters, plot, theme, point of view

Ø  We will be taking an in depth look into each element and using the information as we read throughout the year. We will also begin learning reading strategies from our reading CAFÉ !

 

Writing:

Ø  We’ll review the writing process and the 6 traits of good writing.

 

Grammar:

Ø  How to use nouns and pronouns effectively to make writing better.

Spelling Patterns: All tests are Thursdays!!!

Ø  Sight word list

Ø  List 1 – long and short a

Ø  List 2 – long and short e

Math

Third Grade review and Chapter 1

Concepts:

o   Place value, expanded, written and standard form in number writing, comparing, ordering and rounding numbers. We’ll also begin word problem strategies and skills.

Vocabulary:

o   Place value, standard form, expanded form, greater than, less than

Assessments:

o   Each unit of study will have a pre and posttest.  You will see how much your child has grown with each concept!

o   Math fact tests will be every other week.  All students will begin with additions facts.

Social Studies

Concepts:

v  Geography of NYS

v  Various maps

o   How to use legends

o   How to use a compass rose

o   What type of map is this?

Vocabulary:

v  Physical map

v  Political map

v  Labels

v  Compass rose

v  Latitude

v  Longitude

v  Continent

**We are awaiting live crayfish!  When they come we’ll begin our first animal unit!

 

Important Classroom Info

In Case You Were Wondering…

Contact Information

Classroom Teacher:  Mrs. Cushman

Grade Level Aide:  Mrs. Michelle Garabedian

Shatekon: 881-0580 ext. 48348

E-mail: cushkati@shenet.org

Blog: http://mrscushmansclass.blogspot.com/

Birthday Treats

We have 23 students in our classroom.  For this occasion sweet or healthy treats are welcome.  Please be sure to send in napkins.  Please do not send in any items that need to be cut.

Book Orders

I will send home book and software orders every month.  If you decide to order please either order online at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs, using activation code: J2LVC or write a check payable to Scholastic.  Please do not send cash.

Physical Education

Please have you child wear sneakers and comfortable clothes to school on Monday and Tuesday.

Newsletters

Expect to find a classroom newsletter in your child’s take-home folder every month.  The newsletter will also be posted on our class blog.

Daily Routines

Your child should bring his/her agenda and silver take home folder home each night and back to school each morning.  All assignments will be recorded in agenda book. 

 

Regular Assignments

You can expect nightly homework for spelling, math, and reading.  Please make sure students are working independently but an adult is checking that work is completed and correct.  You are invaluable to your student’s academic success!

 

J Mrs. Cushman

June Newsletter

Reminders

6/7 – Albany Field Trip

6/8 – Half day of school 11:00 dismissal

6/11 – Public Librarian presentation

6/13 - Mabee Farms Trip

6/14 – Fourth Grade Class picnic

6/15 – Flag Day assembly

6/15 – Half day of school 11:00 dismissal

6/21 – Last day of school ~ 11:00 dismissal

ELA

Reading:

Ø  Students are finishing novels begun and completing a comprehension check.

Ø  Our last TFK is here as well as another conservationist magazine!

Writing:

Ø  All students are working on their autobiographies. Please make sure to help find pictures of family to include.

Grammar:

Ø  We are wrapping up all parts of speech using MADLIBS!

Spelling Patterns:

Ø  List 28 -Vowel consonant, consonant, vowel

Ø  List 29 - Vowel consonant, vowel

Ø  List 29 is the last list!

Math

Chapter 3 Collect and Organize Data

Concepts:

ü Students will interpret data after displaying information in different ways.

ü Students will  use pictures to find possible outcomes

ü Students will describe probability with words and numbers

Vocabulary:

ü Median, mode, outlier, tree diagram, outcome, probability

Assessments:

ü June 6, 2012

Social Studies

Chapter 6 NYS Government

Concepts:

v Students will find out how New Yorkers take part in their local and state government

v Students will find out what it means to be a US citizen

Vocabulary:

v  Democracy, budget, bill, veto, appeal, justice, county seat, board of supervisors, trustee, borough, special district, immigrant, naturalized citizen, register, patriotism