Friday, September 27, 2013

Weekly memo for 9/23 - 9/27

Overview of what we did the week of 9/23 - 9/27 

Math:  
  • Used the Hundreds chart to identify patterns for multiples of 2,5,9
  • Practiced using arrays as visual models to solve multiplication problems
  • Used repeat subtraction to represent the meaning of division
  • Essential understanding:  Multiplication and division have an inverse relationship
  • Vocabulary learned:  dividend, divisor, quotient, inverse operation


Language Arts:
  • Essay writing in progress - My goals in fourth grade
  • Edited paragraphs for run on sentences and proper application of punctuation.
  • Introduction to writing summary paragraph


Wordly Wise:
  • Completed comprehension questions lesson 3 


Social Studies:
  • Used "Tree thinking map" to present the lesson - "How earth is divided" in a visual format


Science:
  • Discussed and gathered information on Lesson 1 - ecosystems, parts of the ecosystem, comparison between Polar ecosystem and desert ecosystem
Art:
  • Work in progress - theme "California's Forest Giants"

 Homework

Language Arts: Finish essay 

Wordly wise: Practice spellings and vocabulary meanings for lesson 3

Purple sheet: Please sign and turn in on Monday

Test

Tuesday 10/1: Test on Wordly Wise, lesson 3

Thursday 10/3: Test on Math multiplication concept, problem solving


Important Reminders

Wednesday 10/9: Picture day.
                                     Students must have envelopes and payments on that day.
                                     Fall pictures are pre-pay.



Saturday, September 21, 2013

Weekly memo for 9/16 - 9/20

Overview of what we did the week of 9/16 - 9/20 

Math:  

  • Introduced multiplication vocabulary 
    • Array, product, factors, multiple, commutative property of multiplication, zero property of multiplication, identity property of multiplication, inverse operations
  • Interactive learning on using repeated addition and creating arrays with equal groups
  • Reviewed place value concepts from previous chapters
Language Arts:
  • Read the passage "Goals and Dreams"
  • Used circle, bubble and double bubble maps to brainstorm, describe, and compare and contrast between Goals and Dreams
  • Grammar:  Proofread a social studies article for run-on sentences
  • Practiced editing sentences for punctuations, tenses, and correct word form
Wordly Wise:
  • Learned vocabulary and meanings for lesson 3
  • Practiced using the vocabulary words as synonyms, in place of, and applied meaning to complete sentences
Social Studies:
  • Used maps to locate places in California using latitude and longitude
Art:
  • Work in progress - an artwork for the theme "California's Forest Giants"

 Homework

Math:  Finish the worksheet given - Quick check, review multiplication facts, and multiplication vocabulary

Language Arts: Come prepared to share at least 2 Dreams and Goals for this academic year

Wordly wise: Complete section 3D, read 3E and come prepared to answer comprehension questions

Purple sheet: Please sign and turn in on Monday

Test
Friday: Spelling test on Wordly Wise, lesson 3 vocabulary words






Thursday, September 19, 2013

Curriculum Night

Welcome to Mrs. Sundaram’s 4th Grade

My Philosophy:
The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step

Agenda for today
  • ·         Healthy snacks
  • ·         School rules
  • ·         My expectations
  • ·         Curriculum
  • ·         Grading

Zero Tolerance for
  Violence
  Bad language
  Internet misconduct
  Weapons of any kind for ANY reason
  Bullying

School Rules                
  Punctual
  Regular attendance
 Respectful towards others

My Expectations
  Honesty
  Homework due next day, unless specified
  Writing should be legible
  Come to class prepared
  Maintain a positive attitude
  Sign all test papers

Curriculum
     Read and Respond, Literature and Novel Studies
     Wordly Wise 3000
     Envision Math-Scott Foresman & STMath (Jiji)
     Houghton Mifflin-Science
     Scott Foresman-Social studies (2 research papers) 
     Music/Physical Education

Grading
  Tests and quizzes                                 40%
  Projects                                                20%
  Homework                                           20%
  Participation                                         10%
  Citizenship and effort                           10%

Communicating student progress
  Students will receive progress reports prior to each reporting period
  If your student is absent all assignments will be placed in their desk file (please check with them)
  Parent teacher conferences will be held November 18th through November  22nd 
  You are not limited to this particular week

Donations

  Copy paper (always a need)
  Lined paper, tissues, disinfecting wipes, pencils
  Expo dry erase markers, color pencils, paints
  Art supplies - yarn, glitter, tissue papers, stencils
  Two pocket folders (preferably orange and purple)
  All donations will go directly to classroom business & activities (donations can be made in the office to room 504 See’s account)
  Books class sets (please discuss this with me)

Snacks and Birthdays
  Please try and pack your child a healthy snack daily
  Birthdays are celebrated the last Friday of the month.  You are welcome to send a treat on that last Friday.

Common Dress
  Solid black, navy/dark blue, or khaki pants; khaki or navy/dark blue shorts, skirts, skorts, or jumpers (knee high)
  Black or blue jeans
  Solid light blue, navy/dark blue, grey, or white polo shirts and turtlenecks (short or long-sleeve)
  Solid black, navy/dark blue, grey, or white sweaters, sweatshirts, hoodies, and outerwear
  Solid black, navy/dark blue, grey, or white socks, tights or leggings
   Northwood spirit school logo t-shirts, sweatshirts, or hoodie
  Students may not bring any article of clothing that has logos, images, stripes, patterns, athletic gear, or sweat pants to school. 

Thank you all for coming!

Contact information:
msundaram@busd.net
(408) 923-1940 3504




    Tuesday, September 3, 2013

    Successful First Week of School


    Welcome to Mrs. Sundaram's Fourth Grade!



    Thank you to all my colleagues, students, and parents who supported me during the first week at the Northwood campus. I no longer feel like a new teacher.

      
    The first week ended with a great sense of accomplishment for my students and I.  We are now well settled into the established procedures and routines of our class. The students brainstormed and listed our classroom rules that I have proudly displayed as a permanent feature of our bulletin board.

    This year, in addition to our California fourth grade standards, we will be working toward our transition to Common Core with emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving skills.




    I look forward to an exciting and fulfilling year with many academic milestones and achieved goals!   

    We will be working on Math, Wordly Wise, writing, and Science or S.Studies on a daily basis.
      
    Spelling pre-test for the vocabulary words in Worldly Wise will be given every Monday and spelling test on Friday.  Throughout the week we will practice spellings in class.  The students will be allowed to take their Worldly Wise books home and are strongly encouraged to review what we learn in class.

    All unfinished classwork is considered homework due the next day.

    In Math, students will be given practice page from their math workbook as homework.  Additional practice problems may also be given on some days.  Math quiz and test will be given at the end of every chapter.

    Writing is a big part of the fourth grade curriculum.  Students will learn to write five paragraph essays, summarize the main idea of the readings, develop comprehension skills, and conduct research on given topics. 

    Students will write their homework on a daily basis in their planner.

    Every Friday, your child will bring home a purple REFLECTION sheet.  Please review and sign. Reflection sheet is due on Monday morning. 

    Please feel free to send me an email at msundaram@busd.net or send me a note with your child to communicate with me.  Emails are the best way to reach me.  You may also make an appointment by checking with me in the morning before the school starts.

    Looking forward to a great year.

    Best,

    Mrs. Lakshmi Sundaram