Weekly Update

Writing

This past week we started our first writing unit, Realistic Fiction!  So far, we gathered many "seed story" ideas by prewriting and drafting in our writer's notebooks.  We learned that we can use our memories and stories from our own lives in creating realistic fiction stories.  This week we will continue prewriting and drafting, focusing on creating believable characters in our stories.  

Reading

This past week we started our read aloud book, "TheTiger Rising!"  Students seem to really like the book so far, as they beg for me to read more chapters!  I am amazed at the "intense" thoughts they are having while reading.  As we read, students are writing their thoughts and ideas on sticky notes and keeping those in their reader's notebooks.  Instead of writing an important event, naming a new character, or making a connection, students are digging deep!  They are asking questions and wondering why the author would include certain details in the text.  They are giving character traits to our characters and using evidence and clues from the text to support their ideas.  And this is week one!  While we familiarized ourselves with the classroom library and discussed ways to read intensely this past week, we will really study characters this week.  

Math

This week we started our first chapter on place value- identifying place value, writing numbers in expanded and word form, and comparing numbers.  

Earlier this week, students brought home a "Math At Home" letter that describes what they will learn in the current chapter and details extra activities for further practice.  Students also bring home their practice pages done in class on a daily basis.  A check mark means the student got the entire worksheet correct the first time.  If it says "Fix #" and those numbers are checked, the student worked on these problems with me.  If there are no checks on the "Fix #," then the student needs to correct them at home.  

                                      

 

Also this past week, we practiced all of our math rotations.  We took a pre-assessment on ALEKS, a program that tailors math topics to your child's needs.  Students can work on ALEKS at home!  We also completed two place value activities and one is shown below.  

Students made their own place value charts!

We do move quickly in Math. This coming Friday, September 1st, we will have our first math test over Chapter 1.   Students will be working on a study guide in class.  

Social Studies

This past week we reviewed cardinal directions.  Those will help us this week as we begin our study of the US regions!  

Eclipse

WOW!  What an amazing experience!  A big thank you to parents who came and enjoyed totality with us!  We enjoyed having you a part of our exciting day. 

Other Important Info.

• Thank you to all parents who made Curriculum Night!  An electronic copy of our class handbook can be found  here. 
• LEAP begins this Tuesday, 8/29.
• Students did well in filling out their Reading Logs in the Assignment Book and getting it signed every night this past week! 
• All notes and graded work going home can be found in the very front pocket of your child's accordion file! 

Our First Week!

We had a FABULOUS first couple of days in 4th Grade!  

It was a ton of fun getting to know our classmates and building community!  First, we acted as journalists by interviewing our classmates.  After students interviewed a partner, they introduced him or her to the rest of the class.  They did an awesome job in taking notes and presenting!  

A favorite working space! :) 

In addition to class procedures, we also learned a lot about staying positive and keeping a growth mindset this year.  Look at some of our beginning of the year goals!  #goalgetters 

Students also applied for leadership positions in our classroom, and they will start their leadership job on Monday!  Every student will be a leader, which includes a class secretary leader, technology leaders, messenger leaders, and a celebration leader.

On Friday afternoon, we had our first Responsibility Recess.  This extra recess will be held at the end of the day (2:50-3:10) on Wednesdays and Fridays for students who have turned in all homework and had great behavior! 

Finally, we set up our accordion files.  The file contains 6-7 tabs depending on the file, and the assignment book in the front pocket.  The assignment book includes a reading log and parent signature box to verify your child's reading minutes and check for any homework or upcoming due dates.  In the very front pocket, or "home" tab, students will take home any notes or graded work.  Please check the front section of your child's file on a regular basis.  

On Monday, we are decorating our writing notebooks.  Students were told that they can bring in pictures and magazine cut-outs.  

Other Important Info.

• Weekly Updates will continue throughout the school year to help in keeping you informed. I will hold most blog posts and updates until Friday or sometime over the weekend to recap the week as well as preview the upcoming week. 
• Many students need to return forms passed out on Ice Cream Social night- an early release note and Crestwood Park/Gempp and movie permission note.  Please turn those in on Monday. 
• Please remember all fourth grade students need a sack lunch on Monday as we are eating lunch at the same time as another grade level in order to watch the Solar Eclipse!  You are welcome to come and eat with us at 12:10 and stay through the totality around 1:18.  We have multiple safety videos and discussions planned for Monday, and students will be provided protective glasses.  Monday is a "no letter" (no block) day.  Please let me know if you have any questions about this day.  
• Curriculum Night is this coming Wednesday, August 23rd from 7:00-7:45pm in our classroom (Room 34).  You will find out more about our classroom and the fourth grade curriculum.  I hope to see you there! 
• If at any time you have a question or concern or need to contact me, you can do so by emailing me at kleighton@lindberghschools.ws or calling 729-2450, ext. 5034.  Email is the best way to reach me.  

Meet Your Classmates!

Henry B. 

Alexis B.

Molly C.

Ethan C.

Jeff D. 

Nathan E.

Hannah F. 

Matthew G. 

Cecelia H. 

Jessie H. 

Emma J. 

Vivian J. 

Samantha P. 

Jacob P. 

Asahi P. 

Krystal S.

Emma S. 

Beatrice S. 

James T. 

Xavier T. 

Mia V. 

Wyatt W. 

Brianna W. 

Morgan W. 

Welcome!

Congratulations!  You have found Mrs. Leighton's class blog!  

I am very excited to be your teacher this year!  Fourth grade is an awesome year of learning, and there are many fun things planned.  We will have a fantastic year together!  

To learn more about your new teacher, visit my school website here: Meet the Teacher!

Weekly Update

Important Info.  

• Tomorrow is the rescheduled Field Day.  Wear something blue if you can.  If your child chose a sack lunch, it will be ready for them.  Otherwise, they should pack their own sack lunch.  
• The Talent Show for 3rd-5th graders is Tuesday afternoon in the gym.  
• This Friday, 5/26, is the end of 4th Quarter and the last day of school!  It is a half day!  Please make sure your child knows how they are going home. 
• Cardinal's game night is May 31st. 

Writing/Spelling

Students are publishing their poetry anthologies.  On their theme, they have written 4 poems and have collected 3 poems.  They are turning out great!   If students did not yet take the last Spelling test, they will take it on Tuesday 5/23.

Reading

In Reading we are continuing in Matilda!  

Math

We are reviewing all big topics learned this year.  

Social Studies 

Our government mobiles look great!  

Bonne Terre Mines Field Trip 

Take a look at some of the neat things we saw on our field trip!  A big THANK YOU to all parent volunteers! 

Weekly Update

Important Info.  

• This past week we got to break into our MAP effort box!  So far, we had a "gum day!"  Wednesday is our "Tech. Break" day, so students can bring in their technology!  
• Students enjoyed the Bubble Bus and Ice Cream Truck on Thursday!  Take a look at the fun we had! 

• Tomorrow (May 15th) is our field trip to the lead mines in Bonne Terre, Missouri! Everyone needs to make sure that they arrive to school on time, pack a sack lunch, and bring a jacket.  I can't wait for our trip!
• The 4th grade all-district Strings rehearsal is now scheduled from 9:15-11:00am this Thursday, 5/18 in the district auditorium. 
• Field Day is this Friday, May 19th.  We still need parent volunteers!  Please use this link to sign up: SignUpGenius

• Long's Grant's Farm Night is this Friday, May 19th. Our Cardinal's game night is May 31st!  

Writing/Spelling

We started our poetry unit last week by learning all about the different types of poetry and the figurative language found in poems!  Students also chose their poetry anthology theme, such as friendship, family, teamwork, nature, etc.   Our last Spelling test of the year is Thursday, May 18th!

Reading

In Reading we continue to meet in reading groups.  We also started our last read aloud, Matilda!  

Math

We are now reviewing all big topics learned this year.  This includes long multiplication and division, fractions, solving multi-step word problems, geometry, etc. 

Science/S.S. 

Students had a blast with our Hot Wheels distance labs last week!  The open-book/note Forces and Motion Test is this Tuesday, 5/16.  After this unit, we will begin our last unit, a Government mini-unit.  

Weekly Update

Important Info.  

• We are done with MAP Testing, as we decided to combine two sessions last Tuesday!  That means students get to figure out what is in the MAP effort box!
• To also celebrate students' efforts on MAP testing, this Thursday, 5/11, the Bubble Bus and Ice Cream Truck are coming to Long!  Students need to bring $1 for ice cream!  
• There is No School this Friday, May 12th! 
• On Monday, May 15th, we will head to the lead mines in Bonne Terre, Missouri for our final field trip!  Please make sure to turn in permission clips and money.  
• The 4th grade all-district Strings rehearsal is now scheduled from 9:15-11:00am on Thursday, 5/18 in the district auditorium. 
• Field Day is Friday, May 19th.  This year we will have the parents lead the students from station to station and the teachers will be running the stations.  We still need parent volunteers.  There will be 3 time slots to choose from: morning (8:30am-12pm), afternoon (12:30-3pm), or all day (8:30am-3pm).  Please use this link to sign up: SignUpGenius

• Long's Grant's Farm Night is Friday, May 19th. Our Cardinal's game night is May 31st!  

Writing/Spelling

We start our poetry unit this week!  We will learn all about different types of poetry and we'll review figurative language!   Our last Spelling test of the year is Thursday, May 18th!

Reading

In Reading we continue to meet in book clubs and reading groups.  We also continue to close read texts, looking for theme, author's craft, mood, vocabulary, figurative language, character traits, and more.  

Math

We are now reviewing all big topics learned this year.  This includes long multiplication and division, fractions, solving multi-step word problems, geometry, etc. 

Science/Social Studies 

The Forces and Motion Test will be next Tuesday, 5/16.  After this unit, we will begin our last unit, a Government mini-unit.