NASA Night

Join us tomorrow at 5:15pm for our NASA Family Night.  You can buy a Hot Dog Supper before you enjoy the various activities.

Also, there will be an AVID meeting tomorrow night for parents interested in learning more about AVID from 5:15-6:00.

The book-fair will also be open late until 7:00pm.

Homework Packets 11/16/15

I have sent Homework Packets for your child to complete.  They are ONLY supposed to complete the circled problems.  I stress ONLY because they will do other problems in class as well.

Students are to complete their Cloud Journal.  This is Week 3 we are working on.

Rescheduled Field Trip

Dear Parents,

Due to the recent events in our area and the current schedule in place for Richland 2 schools, the fourth grade teachers have decided to postpone the October 20 State Museum field trip. Ms. Duke will work with the Museum to schedule a new date and as soon as we have one in place, we will let you know. If you have turned in your permission slips and money, it will stay in the field trip account and you will be marked off as paid. If you have not sent in your slip or money, we are asking that you go ahead and do that because part of the funds we are collecting will help us pay for our in school field experience with Dr. Doug on November 10. Thank you to those of you who have already turned in your slips and money. We are looking forward to Dr. Doug and rescheduling the trip to the Museum. 

Sincerely,

The Fourth Grade Teachers

Missing Forms

Good afternoon, 

I sent home two forms in family folders that need to come back asap.  One form is the field trip permission form.  Our field trip is scheduled for next Tuesday provided we do not have a 2 hour delay.  I still need to have that form in or your child will not be allowed to go on the field trip.

I also need the form that indicates if you would prefer your child start homework at school during dismissal or at home.  This is important as some students are not completing homework at all.

I have a no excuse policy for homework unless there is a parent note.  Students have the opportunity to complete homework during class, during dismissal, at home, and in the morning when they arrive.  Please encourage students to be responsible.

Remember "Success comes in CANS not CAN'TS."

Homework 10/13

Please refer to the Homework Tab to get the assignment information.

Thoughts about today...

I missed my students over the week!!! It was so good to see them again.  They are still in great spirits and we will continue to support and uplift each other during this time!!!

Homework

Please check the Homework tab for tonight's homework, math video, and science information!!!

Water Cycle Song

Students loved listening to this song about the Water Cycle! Enjoy

Family Folder Contents

Good Afternoon Parents,

Today your child should have come home with their Family Folder.  Here is what is inside the Family Folder:

-Interim

-Animal Permission Slip

-Graded Papers

The interim must be signed and returned by Monday but no later than Wednesday.

The Permission Slip is for you to give permission for your child to go to the Exotic Animal Show on Thursday.  You do not have to pay unless you want your child to take a picture with an animal.  

Graded papers are for you to see the assignments your child completed.

FYI: If you have not had a chance to turn in conference forms, please get them in ASAP as spots are filling up quickly.  We would love to complete the conference face-to-face but we do have other options including a phone conference.

Curriculum Update 9/16/15

Hello Parents,

You may have notice that your child has a different form of math homework this week.  This is because I have decided to change the curriculum to better serve the needs of my students.  The original curriculum I was following was called Engage New York.  I have decided to change to a new curriculum called Envisions.  This is a curriculum that teaches the same content, but it allows me to differentiate (level) homework and math games better.  We started with Place Value this year but we will be going back to it later this 9 weeks.  

The Envisions curriculum begins with multiplication.  Every night your child will have a worksheet to complete unless I have decided not to.  This allows students to practice the skills with a guide on the "Reteaching" side.  It keeps the child from having to bring their math notebook home because it has notes on the paper.  If you have any questions about this change please feel free to call or email me so I can better explain my reasoning.

Tonight's homework is for students to complete both sides of the sheet but only the even number problems.

Tonight's Homework Help Video 9/9/15

Here is a homework help video.  This is the same homework sheet given today for homework.  This video only goes from 1-3.  There are some differences however.

Differences in what I asked for and what the video says: 

Problem 2 asks for the answer in the largest Unit Form.  I only want them to write the answer in unit form.

Problem 3: The video uses disks.  I have students using numbers so that they dont get bogged down with drawing the "perfect circle"

This Week's College Corner 9/9/15

Our Leader of the Pack has chosen to highlight Hampton University.  What an amazing job! We will begin to learn from Eden about her college choice. 

If you haven't already, don't forget to bring in the form so that I know what colleges or universities students are choosing.  I am working on a letter to colleges and universities to send some items on behalf of your child.  We have already received forms for USC Columbia, Clemson, South University, and University of Central Florida.  This project is fun for students and its never too early to start your child thinking about colleges and careers.  Remember, your child can do local colleges and universities such as Benedict College, Allen University, Midlands Tech, and Columbia College.  Surrounding in state colleges/universities are options as well. 

This Week

Good evening parents and students!!

I hope everyone had a restful and relaxing Labor Day Weekend.  Here are a few reminders that you need to be aware of for the school:



Some things you may have seen in Family Folders:

The district is participating in a BIG partnership with the Richland Library.  You will be receiving a library card application today.  You are encouraged to go to their nearest branch and activate the card or if they already have a card, pass it onto a friend.

Just a reminder - all public library card applications have to be taken to the Richland Library to be activated and processed.

I have given some graded papers so you can see your child's grades.  Grades will be updated soon as well for you to view at home.

TOMORROW and WEDNESDAY WE WILL BE DOING MAP TESTING.  Please allow your child to get a good night's rest and eat a breakfast.  My Block 1 students will be Math MAP tested and Block 2 will be Reading MAP tested on Wednesday.  We will switch this on Thursday, so Block 1 will have Reading MAP and Block 2 will have Math MAP.

Tonight's Homework 8/31/15

Good afternoon students and parents,

I hope you had a wonderful and relaxing weekend.  We started the week off great today.  Students in Block 1 got a chance to use the scientific method through watching a science experiment.  I can't say what just yet since Block 2 did not get a chance to do so.  It was really cool to watch the student's reactions.  We (both blocks) also got a chance to do workshop time.  Math Workshop is where students are given a certain task to complete in their groups.  While the rest  of the students met with me in small group. Students also were tested on their 2's or 3's multiplication.  Those letters should be coming home tomorrow.

Warning:  The math homework may look foreign to you.  Let your child answer what they can and I will meet again in small groups to clarify.  I have attached a HOMEWORK VIDEO to help you and your child understand the concept of this lesson.  

Homework:

Math: -Complete sheet (front of CLASSWORK side, back of                      CLASSWORK side, and back of HOMEWORK side)
            -Study for Place Value test (test tomorrow)
            -Study multiplication

Science: Study Scientific Method (this is in Math/Science journal) [test Thursday]

Math Test 

Students need to be able to identify place values and the value of the digits.  
Example: What is the value of the 3 in the number 78,438? Answer: 30
What is the place value name for the underlined digit? 78,438
Answer: tens

A word of advice, if your child doesn't fully understand their homework, it is okay.  We will address any confusion or concerns tomorrow.

Today in Math and Science 8/25/15

Good evening parents and students,

We are having a blast back in school.  Students are getting adjusted to procedures and I am having the pleasure of learning every student.  This is a blog for parents to have insight into the classroom.

First things first....TONIGHT'S HOMEWORK:
MATH: Students are to complete the "Math It Up" Worksheet.  Students chose numbers from my bulletin board and are to add the numbers in the rectangle provided.

Students also are to practice multiplication EVERYDAY.  Everyone was quizzed on their 2's multiplication (not for a grade).  Some had a little difficulty passing and received an "Oops" note home.  They have 2 minutes to answer 26 multiplication problems with 80% accuracy. They will have another chance to take the same quiz.

SCIENCE: You child should have brought home their Math and Science notebook.  The also have a small sheet named "What is a Scientist?"  They were to answer and brainstorm the questions on the sheet.  Their homework was to draw a picture in their science notebook of their scientist.  Make sure they have corresponding facts and pictures aligning with the questions on the sheet.

I hope we will get to see you all Thursday night from 5-6 pm at our Parent Info Night.  This is a very important meeting so that parents are on the same page as the teachers and get to have any questions they may have answered. 

If you have any further questions, email or call me. 
Have a great evening!!!

Homework On The First Day? 8/19/15

Good evening students and parents!!!

I am your child's teacher Ms. Jacobs.  Your child should have come home with a yellow folder today.  This is our Family Folder.  Typically this will go out every Tuesday; instead, we have sent them today in hopes that they will return tomorrow but no later than Friday.  Please review the papers in the folder and return the signed papers as soon as possible.

Like the title of this blog says, your child should have told you that they have homework today.  If you check their agenda, it should say under science:

Write a few sentences about "What Is Science?'

This assignment is like a quick write to jog your child's mind into a discussion we will be having tomorrow. They are to write what they think SCIENCE is.  What does it look like? What do they know about it?

Please check back tomorrow and Friday for more updates on what is going on in the classroom and some school news.

Thanks for subscribing,
Ms. J

This Week in Math

Good afternoon parents,

I hope you all have had a restful weekend.  Aspire testing is over and now we are gearing up for our final test SCPASS.  PASS testing is happening Thursday and Friday. Please make sure your child gets enough sleep and eats a healthy breakfast.

This week in math...
We are working on a cool project.  Please sign and return the form on the bottom of the description of the project.  We are focusing on lines and angles.  This is not the full focus of our math week.  We are still learning about fractions.  I plan to be finished with fractions this week so that we can move on to a cool decimal project.

Also we are bringing back MULTIPLICATION MASTERS.  Please have your child studying their multiplication facts so they can be ready for the timed test.

If you have any other questions or concerns please email me and I will respond ASAP.

Thanks again
Ms. J

Tonight's Homework 4/20

I have asked students to create practice test for the fractions unit.  They should be using their study guides and any practice problems to help them.  Here are some guidelines to help them if they are creating the test tonight.

Your Practice Test Should Have...

Different Formats (not all): Multiple Choice, Constructed Response, Short Answer, Fill in the Blank

A minimum of 20 questions

Different Sections of your test:

- Parts of a Fraction/ Writing Fractions (3 questions)

- Fraction and Division (2 questions)

- Equivalent Fractions (3 questions)

- Simplest Form (3 questions)

- Converting Fractions (4 questions)

- Comparing Fractions (Like and Unlike Denominators)

- Adding Fractions (Like and Unlike Denominators)

-Subtracting Fractions (Like and Unlike Denominators)

- Multiplying Fractions (Whole number times a unit fraction)

- Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers- Like Denominators (2 questions)

*Please have an answer key because you will grade someone else's responses.

If a test has already been created students should either be working on someone else's test (on a separate sheet of paper) or grading someone else's test.  They are the teacher.

This needs to be done by tomorrow.

This Week in Math

Good morning parents,

Last week was a little crazy with all the testing.  However, we have overcome.  I have been conferencing with your child about their MAP scores and have indicated the math strand that needs to be practiced on Front Row for them.  Remember that Front Row is used as a differentiation tool so that all students are practicing math skills on their specific levels.  Again, the class code is 4y23j6.  

If there are any questions about your child's classroom grade, please email me or call to set up a conference.  I will be happy to help in any way possible.  Extra credit will not be given for the remainder of this 9 weeks.  Students who completed the Spring Break packet has received 10 extra points.  This is the only extra credit I am giving due to the large amount of students.

I will be sending home a study guide sometime this week for your child to complete on Fractions.  My plan is to get through all the fractions information this week and start decimals next week.  I also plan to post help videos on all these concepts.  Please give me time as I will not be here tomorrow morning. 

It is always a pleasure to have great and trusting parents like you.  You have been so supportive.  I hope to continue a great rest of the year.

Tonight's Homework 4/6

Good afternoon parents,

This week we are doing MAP testing.  Tuesday (tomorrow) is reading and Thursday will be math.  If you look in your child's agenda, they will have a goal that they are trying to get for their Math MAP.  I do want you to encourage your child to try their best but not to panic.  We will be reviewing a lot of content for the week as well as for the rest of this month since state testing is at the end of this month.

Your child should have came home with a math packet.  They need to complete as much as they can. I do not want them spending more than 20 minutes on the packet.  I do want them getting proper sleep.  If you feel your child needs extra practice, they can always go on Front Row and complete the math strands.  The class code is 4y23j6.

Again please make sure your child gets enough sleep and eat a good breakfast so that they are fully engaged and committed to do their best on the MAP test.  There are incentives for students who meet their goals.

Have a great evening and look for more math practice homework in the following weeks.

Tonight's Homework 3/17/15

Here is a description of tonight's homework for each block.

Block 1 Homework:
Finish your Movie Marathon reflection.  It was shared through google drive.  This is due Friday. Also finish the fraction buckets document also shared through google drive.

Block 2 Homework:
Finish Kahoot project.  Check the rubric before sharing it with me.  Share the kahoot by searching me on Kahoot (carjacobs).  Also, complete fractions on a number line sheet.  There are 5 number lines and 4 fractions that need to be placed on the number line.  The fractions may not have the same denominator so you have to figure out the equivalent fraction.

Block 3 Homework:
Complete fractions on a number line sheet.  There are 5 number lines and 4 fractions that need to be placed on the number line.  The fractions may not have the same denominator so you have to figure out the equivalent fraction.

NASA Night

Please don't forget to come out tomorrow night for NASA Night. The theme is Math and Literacy.  4th grade will be hosting the Cake Walk.

PS: It is also my birthday tomorrow!!! 

State Testing

Blurb for elementary/middle parents

New laws passed by the South Carolina General Assembly have resulted in new tests that will be
administered during the spring of 2015 throughout our state. Students in Grades 3-8 will take a new,
timed test this school year called ACT Aspire. In Richland Two, our students will take the paper and
pencil ACT Aspire tests for writing, English, reading and mathematics. They will not take the optional
ACT Aspire test for science that some districts may use. This new test will help teachers understand
where their students are succeeding and where extra help or academic focus is needed. By having a
better understanding of a student’s skills, abilities, and knowledge, parents and teachers can determine
what students need to know to be successful in school in the future.

Students in Grades 4-8 will continue to take SCPASS for science and social studies. Schools have
the option of administering SCPASS as an online test or a paper and pencil test. Third-graders will
not take any state tests for science and social studies.

For more information on ACT Aspire, visit the Richland Two Assessment Web page or
the S.C. Department of Education’s ACT Web page.

This Week In Math...

Good afternoon students and parents,

I've been having issues with my blog this past week.  I do apologize for the inconvenience.  Well, for the most part we are finished with division.  There are a few students who need an alternate assessment for various reasons.  Hopefully by Friday everyone will have been assessed on division.  We are moving forward with fractions.  Here is information specifically for each math block:

Block 1 Math:

We will work more with fraction games and using manipulatives for fractions.  Homework incorporating what was learned in math will be sent home nightly. (However, not tonight)

Block 2 Math:

Today we focused on prime and composite numbers.  We have one more lesson before we dive into fractions specifically.  By Wednesday you should see fraction homework sent home.

Block 3 Math:

We focused on factors.  Keep practicing multiplication fluency as this will help with listing factors.  By Thursday we should have fraction homework being sent home.

Multiplication Masters:

Continue to study multiplication.  Every Tuesday and Thursday, I give multiplication fact timed drills.  Students know what facts have been passed.  We have tested on 2 through 5.  Tomorrow we will start with 6's and Thursday will be 7's.  Make up drills are to be done on Fridays.

 Here are some links to online resources that we use in class to study:

 Flash Cards

Math Trainer

Math Magician 1

Math Magician 2

Front Row (click here for the log in page)

Front Row is a resource that I have been using in math for students.  It is very similar to Moby Max and Khan Academy.  If you saw your child's graded papers, you would have noticed a paper that had your child's name an a standard.  This is a weekly grade.  It is differentiated meaning every student working on this math strand are practicing skills on their individual level.  The level is set once the student takes the pre-test.  Your child can practice at home.  Last week students worked on Numbers and Operations in Base Ten.  This week students will be practicing with Numbers and Operations- Fractions.  The class code is 4y23j6. If you have any more questions about this please feel free to email me.

Math Projects

Block 1: Movie Marathon Division Project- due date is Friday (This is to be done entirely by the student.  Adults may guide students if necessary.  The goal is to have the student utilize the various strategies we learned in class since the 4th grade standard does not teach students to divide by 2 digit numbers.)  I know some students have been stressing about this so I am trying to meet with groups every day to guide them in using the strategies as well.  

Block 2: Division Kahoot- due date was last Friday.  Some students have not submitted this project.  The assignment is for students to create a Kahoot game including 10 questions.  I will extend this project to Wednesday for certain students.

My goal for every student to be independent and successful.  I set high but attainable standards and I believe every student can meet and/or exceed them.  Please continue to motivate your child and stay positive in these last few weeks before Spring Break.

Tonight's Homework

Good afternoon,

Here are some upcoming dates to remember for this month:
Feb. 17- CiCi's Spirit Night
Feb. 20- Interim Reports Go Home
Feb. 27- Dear Edwina Jr and Silent Auction 

Tonight's homework is for students to complete a sheet. They also must create 2 extra problems on their own. 

Example problem:(there is no division sign on the keyboard so I will say "divided be")

 9,000 divided by 3 

1. Underline the basic fact and rewrite the division problem using the basic fact.

9,000 divided by 3

9 divided by 3

2. If they cannot give the correct answer, write the problem as a related fact.

3 x ____=9 

Well 3 times 3 equals 9 so...

9 divided by 3 is 3

3. Go to original problem and solve the underlined basic fact.

9,000 divided by 3 = 3

4. Count the number of zeros not underlined in the problem and add to the quotient.

9,000 divided by 3= 3,000

I hope this helps anyone tonight with homework!

Division Anchor Chart

Here is the anchor chart that we use in the classroom to help with division.  I hope this helps you...

Tomorrow

Parents please remember that tomorrow is no school.  I do want students to finish up their blogs (mainly my homeroom students).  To get to the blog have them go through their Edmodo accounts.  If there are any questions, feel free to email me.

Thank you and have a restful long weekend.  See you on Tuesday (yes, Tuesday because their is no school on Monday either)!!!

This Week & Homework 2/9

Good afternoon,

This is going to be a busy week for us.  We can do this if we stay focused!

Dates to Remember:
Feb. 9th- Field Trip to State Museum
Feb. 12- Half Day
Feb 13- No School

Field Trip:
Please bring lunch if you checked on the permission slip that you are bring your own personal lunch and not buying one from the cafeteria.

Wear ORANGE field trip shirts.  If you cant find it wear something that is Forest Lake.

We are not bringing in treats for Valentines Day since Valentines Day is on Saturday. Sorry :(

Tonight's Homework
Block 1 Math: Create and solve 5 division problems.  They must be 3 digit dividend by 1 digit divisor.  Use the area model strategy.

Block 2 and 3 Math: Create and solve 5 division problems.  They must be 2 digit dividend by 1 digit divisor.  Use the area model strategy.

I need to make a correction.  The multiplication bowl was actually won by Aidan Canzater.  Congrats Aidan!!! Parents please help your child learn multiplication facts.  This is one of the set backs we are having with learning division.

Horrible Division 2/5

Yes parents, we are well into division.  I know together we can get over the DIVISION DEMON! Fret not, there will be ample practice for students before I give a test on this.  Here is a VIDEO to help both you and your child for using the area model for division.

Parents, I'm not crazy.  I know you want your child to learn long division.  But I promise this will help them understand.  If your child has a difficult time with this, I will give them another strategy to help them through this trying time.  

Tonight's homework

Block 1 Math: Create 5 division problems (can be up to 4-digit dividends) and solve using the area model.

Block 2 and 3 Math: Complete AT LEAST 3 division problems using the area model strategy.

I will upload pictures of our anchor charts for you to reinforce at home.

Again, parents, TOGETHER WE CAN!

Math Update 1/26

Good evening students and parents,

Before I go into math updates I just want to remind you all of some important dates.

Jan 25- Fundraiser packets are due

Jan 26- Class Picture Day (unfortunately I will not be here)

Jan 29- NASA Night

Feb 10- Field Trip (please have forms and money turned in by Feb. 2)

Congrats to all the GeoBee finalists especially the ones from the 4th grade Triad (Kristin Barr, Jackson Betette, and Sam Helman).  Congrats to Jackson for being the 2014-2015 GeoBee Champion.

Congrats to our Multiplication Bowl finalists for Block 1 Math (Jackson Betette, Aidan Canzater, and Jeremiah Pettis).  Jeremiah Pettis was the overall winner.   We will be doing another round of Multiplication Bowl so make sure students are diligently studying their multiplication.

Homework: My homework policy is that students take homework as practice time. This will help both student and teacher the following day if students have questions about their homework or need me to address any misunderstandings.  Please make sure students are doing their homework every night.

Students went home tonight with a study guide.  I strongly encourage for a parent signature so that parents are aware of upcoming tests and what is required for students to learn.  Here are some Youtube videos on the types of strategies students are learning for multiplication.  I cannot stress enough that we are not testing students on the standard algorithm.  Students just need to use a strategy.

Area Model Multiplication

Partial Product Multiplication (2 Digit)

Partial Product Multiplication (3 digit by 1 digit)