Friday, December 14, 2012
We Are Authors!!!
This past couple of weeks, the kiddos have been super busy creating books using the laptops and iPads! They are loving it!!!! You can access the books at www.storybird.com and by using your child's personal log in information. The site is private to our class! Mr. Pinney, Mrs. Callahan, and our technology director, Mrs. Uptegrove, also have access. Once published, books are posted in our classroom library and can be read only by members in our class. Students can read and comment to one another's writing! It is super exciting! If you are interested in ordering books, you can do this as well! We are still experimenting, but there are many books already published. Please take a minute and check it out with your child!
Friday, December 7, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
Friday, November 2, 2012
Great Educational Apps for 4th Grade
I had a great question during conferences about recommended iPad apps to support our learning in fourth grade. I have several that I have loaded onto our class iPad that the kids are exploring and are developing a list of our favorites. For a small fee, you can download some games that are designed by Everyday Math, but there are other games that will give them the same speed and accuracy practice.
I would encourage any game/activity that promotes basic math fact practice as well as developing their skills in the area of multiplication and division. We will be starting decimals next week and support in this area would be helpful as well as plain and simple place value.
There are LOTS of apps for interactive books. Many students are really into reading chapter books, but short text is always a great practice for developing a good reading rate. Many apps have the ability to read the words to the students. This gives an excellent opportunity for students to pay close attention of how readers adjust the speed, tone, and volume based upon what is happening within the text.
If you have a favorite educational app you and your child enjoy, please add it to the comment list! We can create a list together!
Friday, October 19, 2012
Our Book Fair is OPEN!
Don't forget to swing by our media center next week when you come to your parent-teacher conference! Mrs. Callahan has once again done an outstanding job getting it all set up and ready to go. There are so many GREAT books and simply too LITTLE time! :)
Monday, October 15, 2012
McTeacher Night was a SUCCESS!!!
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| Mrs. Twiehaus & Mrs. Callahan posed for a picture with Ronald right outside of the kidzone. |
Friday, October 5, 2012
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Email Communication
Over the course of the last week or so, our district server has been delaying and failing to deliver some of my emails. Unfortunately, I was not always aware of which emails were delivered successfully. If you have attempted to email me over the last two weeks and I have not responded, I do apologize and please attempt to contact me again! I believe the issues have been fixed and we are good to go! :)
Friday, September 28, 2012
Twiehaus' Title Toppers! ~ September
Each month, students will nominate and award favorite books, authors, and genres based on different categories. This month's category was "Favorite Outstanding Author". We had several worthy nominations and many students spoke vividly as to why they thought their author was most outstanding. It was a close call, but our winning author was....
JEFF KINNEY!!!!
For more information about Mr. Kinney and his books, feel free to clink the following link.
http://www.wimpykid.com/
JEFF KINNEY!!!!
For more information about Mr. Kinney and his books, feel free to clink the following link.
http://www.wimpykid.com/
Stay tuned for next month's category!
Friday, September 21, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
Friday, September 7, 2012
Entertainment Books
We would like to apologize for the delay in the distribution of the Entertainment Books. Orders will be filled as soon as possible. Thank you for supporting our school!
Friday, August 31, 2012
Last Call for Scholastic Books
Tonight is the last chance to order from Scholastic for the September order. If you would like to order online, please see the link on the right hand side of the blog. Several parents have already ordered and I am very appreciative of you support. Each order earns free books for our classroom! Thank you!
Friday, August 24, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
Scholastic Book Orders
This afternoon, I will sending home a Scholastic Book order. If you decdie to order books, you have the benefit of doing so online. On our classroom blog, I have added a link to the Scholastic website. You can click the link and it will take you directly to our classroom's page. The online ordering code for our classroom is Gw264. This month, orders will be closed on Friday, August 31st.
Books will be delivered to school and sent home with your child. If for any reason you ever want to surprise your child, please let me know and I can make other arrangements for pick up. Thank you in advance for your support as we earn new books for our classroom whenever you make a classroom order! Thank you, thank you!!!
Books will be delivered to school and sent home with your child. If for any reason you ever want to surprise your child, please let me know and I can make other arrangements for pick up. Thank you in advance for your support as we earn new books for our classroom whenever you make a classroom order! Thank you, thank you!!!
Friday, August 17, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
2012-2013 is Off and Running!
Good evening! We have two days of fourth grade under our belts and it has been so much fun getting to know each one of the kiddos! I was SO excited to have so many parents and students attend Meet the Teacher Night on Monday evening. I truly believe that a child's education is a dual partnership between home and school. It is my pleasure to be working with you and your child this school year.
This week, along with getting to know one another, we also have worked to set the tone for the year. There are several procedures we have put into place to help keep your child organized this school year. Each night, your child will bring home their D.O.T Binder and agenda. Their D.O.T. Binder, or Daily Organizational Tool will help ensure all important papers get home to you each evening and you can use it to stay current on what your child is doing in each class. Every day, students record the learning objectives in their agendas along with noting any assigned homework. They have been asked to bring their agenda home and share with you what we have learned using the agenda to assist them. Please initial or sign each evening under the daily objectives. You may also choose to use this portion of the agenda to write notes back to me.
Today was the first day to rotate between science and social studies. Students will enjoy exploring these content areas with Mr. Bonnel and Mrs. Wilson this year. If you have any questions regarding these subject areas as well as the rest of the curriculum, I encourage you to attend Curriculum Night on Tuesday, August 28th. We will have 3 - 30 minute rotations begining at 6:00 pm and ending at 7:30 pm. I will present to you more detailed information regarding our year together.
I plan to keep you posted regarding our daily school events using this blog. Please select to "Follow by Email" by scrolling down.
Thank you advance for a great year!!! :)
Have a great evening!
This week, along with getting to know one another, we also have worked to set the tone for the year. There are several procedures we have put into place to help keep your child organized this school year. Each night, your child will bring home their D.O.T Binder and agenda. Their D.O.T. Binder, or Daily Organizational Tool will help ensure all important papers get home to you each evening and you can use it to stay current on what your child is doing in each class. Every day, students record the learning objectives in their agendas along with noting any assigned homework. They have been asked to bring their agenda home and share with you what we have learned using the agenda to assist them. Please initial or sign each evening under the daily objectives. You may also choose to use this portion of the agenda to write notes back to me.
Today was the first day to rotate between science and social studies. Students will enjoy exploring these content areas with Mr. Bonnel and Mrs. Wilson this year. If you have any questions regarding these subject areas as well as the rest of the curriculum, I encourage you to attend Curriculum Night on Tuesday, August 28th. We will have 3 - 30 minute rotations begining at 6:00 pm and ending at 7:30 pm. I will present to you more detailed information regarding our year together.
I plan to keep you posted regarding our daily school events using this blog. Please select to "Follow by Email" by scrolling down.
Thank you advance for a great year!!! :)
Have a great evening!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Maternity Leave
Just a reminder, I will be on maternity leave starting Monday, March 26th until Monday, May 14th. Please contact my substitute Mrs. Werges at ewerges@grainvalley.k12.mo.us or Mrs. Hicks in the office shicks@grainvalley.k12.mo.us with any questions and or concerns during this time.
I am looking forward to visiting the classroom periodically during my leave as well seeing the students off to fifth grade by returning the last few days of school! :)
Take care for now!
Mrs. Twiehaus
I am looking forward to visiting the classroom periodically during my leave as well seeing the students off to fifth grade by returning the last few days of school! :)
Take care for now!
Mrs. Twiehaus
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
How to Prepare Your Child for Standardized Testing
MAP testing is not meant to cause stress for students and parents, but meant to monitor the learning in Missouri schools. It is a time to let our students shine and show off what they know! :) As the MAP testing dates are approaching, student anxiety can be a concern. To help prepare your child for the assessment, check out tips found at the link below.
http://www.parentfurther.com/resources/enewsletter/archive/standardized-tests
http://www.parentfurther.com/resources/enewsletter/archive/standardized-tests
Weekly Spotlight 3/6/12
A Week in Review
Students will demonstrate their comprehension of the fiction and nonfiction text by answering multiple choice and short answer questions.
Students are exploring the genre of memoirs and have begun to compose their own. Memoirs will be organized into a five to six paragraphs including and introduction and conclusion.
We are determining area and perimeter of geometric shapes.
The classes will be studying European influences in Missouri.
Students are working cooperatively in groups to complete a webquest exploring the forces of motion.
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MAP Testing
The testing dates have been set for this year’s MAP testing. Fourth graders will be assessed in communication arts on April 11, 12, and 13. The following week, the math portion of the assessment will be administered on April 20, 24, and 25. Attendance during testing is very important to student success.
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MAP Letters Reminder
A simple note of encouragement can go a long way towards boosting students’ confidence. We are asking parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, coaches, and any other important person in your child’s life to write a total of three letters or notes (the letters can be from different people) to encourage your child to do their best on the test.
Please enclose the three letters individually in envelopes, with your student’s name printed on the outside of each and return to your child’s teacher by Friday, March 16th.
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McTeacher Night
We will collect cookie presales up until March 13th so please make sure all orders make it up to the office so McDonalds will have our orders prepared. Please remind students we must collect cash only and the cookies will be available for pick up during McTeacher Night.
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Don’t Forget
March9-12 – No school: Spring Break
15 – McTeacher Night 4-8 pm
16 – Grade Cards Go Home
16 – Grade Cards Go Home
27 – Spring Pictures
29 – Kindergarten Registration
29 – Kindergarten Registration
Friday, February 17, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Weekly Spotlight 2/14/12
A Week in Review
Students will use fiction and nonfiction text to preview, predict, draw conclusions, create a summary, and identify the main idea.
We are composing essays explaining their thoughts and feelings about the world around them.
We adding and subtracting decimals and identifying equivalent fractions.
The classes will be studying European influences in Missouri.
Students are studying density and mass through interactive class labs and activities.
MAP Testing
The testing dates have been set for this year’s MAP testing. Fourth graders will be assessed in communication arts on April 11, 12, and 13. The following week, the math portion of the assessment will be administered on April 20, 24, and 25. Attendance during testing is very important to student success.
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Snow Day Make Up
Yesterday’s snow day will be made up at the end of the school year. As of now, the last day of school will be May 16th. Please note this may change if we have any additional snow days to reschedule.
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Valentine’s Day Party
Thank you in for all the time and preparation that goes in to planning and hosting our room parties. The students and I enjoy them very much and are very appreciative of your efforts!
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Don’t Forget
February
16 – Two Hour Late Start
20– No School
16 – Two Hour Late Start
20– No School
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Fraction Help
As we begin to work on fractions in class, here are some on-line games that your student can play to sharpen up their skills!
http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/games/fractionflags/fractionflags.html
http://pbskids.org/cyberchase/math-games/melvins-make-match/
http://www.fractionmonkeys.co.uk/
http://www.harcourtschool.com/search/search.html
Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can help in any way!
http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/games/fractionflags/fractionflags.html
http://pbskids.org/cyberchase/math-games/melvins-make-match/
http://www.fractionmonkeys.co.uk/
http://www.harcourtschool.com/search/search.html
Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can help in any way!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Spotlight 2/6/12
A Week in Review
Students will use fiction and nonfiction text to preview, predict, draw conclusions, create a summary, and identify the main idea.
We are composing essays explaining their thoughts and feelings about the world around them.
We adding and subtracting decimals and identifying equivalent fractions.
Students are studying the first Missourians and studying timelines.
Students are studying the different types of matter.
Author’s Visit
Lisa Campbell Ernst will be visiting Grain Valley this Wednesday, January 8th. Students will be bussed over to the high school for a short presentation and return to school before lunch. Permission slips are not necessary as it is an in district event.
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Bond Issue
Don’t forget to check out the district’s homepage to review the proposed plans for the north middle school. The bond issue up for election on Tuesday, February 7th, will allow for additional classrooms and needed updates. Please vote on February 7th!
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February
7 – Election Day
8 – Author Visit at High School
14 – Valentine’s Day Part 2-3 pm
16 – Two Hour Late Start
20– No School
7 – Election Day
8 – Author Visit at High School
14 – Valentine’s Day Part 2-3 pm
16 – Two Hour Late Start
20– No School
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
MAP Letters
Dear Parents,
Thank you for your support!
Aloha!!! Prairie Branch is preparing to ride the waves into MAP success! The teachers are busy making all sorts of plans to get students prepared for the state assessments in April. We would like to invite you to be part of this effort.
A simple note of encouragement can go a long way towards boosting students’ confidence. We are asking parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, coaches, and any other important person in your child’s life to write a total of three letters or notes (the letters can be from different people) to encourage your child to do their best on the test.
Please enclose the three letters individually in envelopes, with your student’s name printed on the outside of each and return to your child’s teacher by Friday, March 16th.
Thank you for your support and joining the team effort to help all students be the best they can be.
Weekly Spotlight 1/27/12
A Week in Review
Students will draw conclusions from non-fiction text.
We are beginning to brainstorm ideas for essays and learn about the new genre.
We are reviewing fractions and probability this week.
Students are studying the first Missourians and studying timelines.
Science Students are studying the different types of matter.
Author’s Visit
Lisa Campbell Ernst will be visiting Grain Valley on Wednesday, January 8th. Students will be bussed over to the high school for a short presentation and return to school before lunch. Permission slips are not necessary as it is an in district event.
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Bond Issue
Don’t forget to check out the district’s homepage to review the proposed plans for the north middle school. The bond issue up for election on Tuesday, February 7th, will allow for additional classrooms and needed updates. Please vote on February 7th!
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February
7 – Election Day
8 – Author Visit at High School
16 – Two Hour Late Start
20– No School
7 – Election Day
8 – Author Visit at High School
16 – Two Hour Late Start
20– No School
Monday, January 23, 2012
Pastries with Parents
Don't forget to make plans to attend Pastries with Parents on Thursday, January 26th from 7:45-8:30 at Prairie Branch. Dr. Moss will also be present to share some information regarding our upcoming no tax increase bond issue. Come enjoy the company of your child, visit with other parents and teachers, and enjoy some donuts or muffins! Hope to see you there!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Spirit Week ~ 1/23-1/27
23rd...Monday~ Get Up and Go Day
24th...Tuesday~ Hat Day
24th...Tuesday~ Hat Day
25th...Wednesday~ Twin Day
26th...Thursday~ Class Colors Day
27th...Friday~ Spirit Day
We are also collecting gently used books to be donated to students in need throughout our school community! Thanks for your continued support!!!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Two Digit Long Division
Today we started two digit long division and used this online tutorial to assist our learning. The kids really enjoyed it and thought it might be helpful to have on hand at home! This is a complicated skill that we will continue to work on and it is not a skill they should have mastered at this point.
http://www.neok12.com/php/watch.php?v=zX5570627d01627350457a51&t=Division
http://www.neok12.com/php/watch.php?v=zX5570627d01627350457a51&t=Division
Scholastic Book Orders
I am sending home two book orders tonight. If you would like to place an order, please do so by next Friday, January 27th. You can also order online using the following url and class activation code.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Weekly Spotlight - 1/6/12
A Week in Review
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Pastries with Parents
Students will be working to determine the importance of fiction and non-fiction texts.
Next week, students will be researching electricity in a collaborative project with science and will create a brochure teaching others about the uses and safety of electricity.
Students will continue working on long division and practicing their multiplication and division skills through the use of number problems.
Students are studying Missouri today.
Students are learning about electrical circuits and performing labs.
Pastries with Parents
You are invited to bring your child to breakfast on Thursday, January 26th at 7:45 am. Dr. Moss will also be present to share some information regarding our upcoming no tax increase bond election on Tuesday, February 7th. More information regarding the breakfast will come home soon!
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Grade CardsYour child will bring home their second quarter grade cards today. Please keep their grade card for your records and return the signed envelope to school.
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Papa John's NightMonday, January 9th is Papa John’s night! Please help support our school’s PTO by ordering dinner from the Blue Spring’s Papa John’s and a portion of your order will benefit our school!
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January
9 – Papa John’s Night
12 – Grade Card Envelopes Due
24 – PTO Skate Night
26 – Pastries with Parents
9 – Papa John’s Night
12 – Grade Card Envelopes Due
24 – PTO Skate Night
26 – Pastries with Parents
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