4th and 5th Grade Arts Block (Winter Term)

Arts Block has Arrived!

The 4th/5th grade team is excited to announce, during the week of February 22nd, 4th & 5th grade students selected their winter Art Project. Here is an overview of our Arts choices. It is very exciting to see the rich variety of Arts being offered to the 4th and 5th grade students. If you have expertise in any of these areas we would love to hear from you! :-) The choices include art through dance, theater, sculpture, film, and visual art. Here are detailed descriptions of each class.

"Large Scale Papier Mache"
In this art project students will learn about the history of papier mache as
well as develop methods for building large scale papier mache art pieces.
Students will learn about the origins of papier mache and some of the many
incarnations around the globe. As the students learn about the long
history of this curious craft, they will have the opportunity to create
original pieces using the methods they see and learn about. Students will
work with various materials to build frames for the papier mache pieces.

"Visualization & Design"
Join us as we draw and sketch perspective art using multiple medians. We will visually look at art pieces and their focal points, Learn how to draw block letters, learn focal points, see perspective and use color!!! DRAW, SEE, DESIGN!!!

"Theater using Puppetry"
Participants will explore the theater using the art of puppetry. In this project you will be introduced to puppetry around the world. You will work collaboratively with a team of other students to write an original script. Together you will learn about blocking, sound effects, props, voice projection, in relation to the art of puppetry as you rehearse your puppet show. The culmination of this project will be multiple puppet show performances for our Camas Ridge Community.

"Dance Around the World"
Explore dances around the world through Africa, India, Brazil, Mexico, Trinidad, Europe and the United States. Highlights include Samba and Capoeira (martial dance) from Brazil, stick dances from Mexico and India, pole dancing from the Philippines, and an English sword dance. We will also work with Musekiwa Chingodza, a special guest from Zimbabwe Africa and watch videos of world dance as seeds for discussion, reflection and writing. Students will have the option of presenting a group dance at an all-school assembly on March 19th, the Friday before spring break.

"Something to Talk About" continues allowing students to complete anchor spots, interviews, and filming of this 'real life' TV series.

What would you like to see this spring?

Parents and Students,

Spring marks the "beginning of the end" of 4th grade. Is there a research topic or special assignment idea you have for your child and/or our class? Do you have a special talent or some specific knowledge you would like to share with the class? Please leave me a note here on the blog, or send me an email and I will see if it is possible to accommodate/incorporate your ideas in final part of our year together. I love to hear from you and your ideas are amazing. :-)

Cheers!
Ms. D

Native Culture Projects are FANTASTIC!!

Wow!! I am impressed with the quality of work the children are turning in. They are truly 4th grade writers now, and some are producing well above 4th grade level work. Many people have visited our Native Nations Museum. If you have a few minutes before or after school please stop in and have a look!! Enjoy your upcoming weekend. :-)

~Ms. D

Looking Ahead to the month of March

Hello Again!

Here is a look ahead to what is coming up:

March 2nd ~ HOMEWORK DUE
*Math Week 10
*Reading Log
*Science/Writing Assignment ~ Looking Closely without a Microscope (see below) If students are doing the MEETS assignment.

March 2nd ~ Read across America Day!! All students are invited to dress up like a book character to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss.

March 9th- *Science/Writing Assignment ~ Looking Closely without a Microscope (see below) If students are doing the EXCEEDS assignment.

March 12th ~ No School (professional development/planning day)

March 15th-18th ~ 4th Grade Statewide Reading Testing

March 18th ~ Arts Night

March 22nd - 26th ~ NO SCHOOL, Spring Break

March 29th ~ NO SCHOOL (professional development/planning day)

March 30th ~ School Resumes


LOOKING CLOSELY WITHOUT A MICROSCOPE:


Name________________________________________ Number________

Science is about testing, and looking closely. This month in science we have used microscopes to take a close look. This week you are going to use a simple piece of paper. Here is what to do:

1. Cut off the bottom of this page.
2. Cut out the one inch square to make a “window”. (It is easiest if you fold the page in half before you cut)
3. Choose something interesting, a tree trunk, a leaf, a flower, the soil surface under a rock, or a slice of soil from a shovel.
4. Put your window over the item and look at it closely. Take your time. This is not a race.
5. To help you see more details, draw an enlarged picture of what’s inside your window, in the square below.
6. Complete the attached questions to help you further think about what you have found.





3 inch box







CUT HERE


1 inch box


Record what you observed by answering these questions.

1. hot or cold ___________________________

2. wet or dry ___________________________

3. hard or soft __________________________

4. bright or dark ________________________

5. smooth or rough ______________________

6. alive or not ___________________________

7. Changing while you watched? ________________________________________________________

8. How many colors did you see? ____________________________

9. Name the colors _________________________________________

10. How many shapes did you see? __________________________

11. Name the shapes _______________________________________

12. Was anything moving? __________________________________

13. What and Why? _______________________________________
__________________________________________________________

14. What surprised you? ___________________________________
__________________________________________________________

15. Why did you choose this object? ________________________
__________________________________________________________



16. What questions do you have? ___________________________
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17. Where could you get more information? _________________
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18. MEETS ~ Write a summary of your observations.
EXCEEDS ~ Look up information about your specimen. Write a summary below describing what you learned from your research. Include specific examples describing how your observations are supported by the research you gather. (Continue on the back if necessary & list your sources)
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February 23rd Classroom News

Happy Tuesday! We have a lot going on this week. First, we are completing our State Writing Test this week. Most students are finished, and the others will complete the test today. I am very proud of all the students. Everyone tried very hard, and put their all into this assessment. :-)

On Wednesday 4th and 5th grade students will make art class selections. Arts block will begin the first week of March and continue until spring break. March 18th will be our second arts night and all of you are invited to come and view our amazing artwork! :-)

HOMEWORK DUE TODAY
Math ~ Week 9 practice problems and problem solving worksheet
Reading ~ Reading Log
Social Studies/Writing ~ Native Culture Project (This project is in place of a Feb. book report)

Our Native Culture Project is due Today! Here is a reminder of the project choices and the scoring guide. I can't wait to see all the projects!

Here are project ideas grouped by learning preference:

Mathematical / Logical –
Create a graph of a particular tribe illustrating:
• fluctuations in population over the years.
• land area owned by the tribe over the years.
• any statistics that are of interest to you.
• Classify and/or Categorize information comparing/contrasting two tribes/nations.

Tactile / Creative

• Create a small model of a housing structure used by a particular tribe/nation before European settlement.
• Craft a representation of a toy or game used by the children.
• Create a weaving representative of a particular tribe/nation.
• Create a collage representative of a particular tribe/nation.
• Create a piece of artwork representative of a particular tribe/nation.

Verbal / Linguistic

• Write a poem.
• Create a poster board themed around your selected tribe/nation.
• Create a timeline of historical events occurring within a particular tribe/nation.


THESE ARE JUST A FEW IDEAS! I AM SURE YOU HAVE MANY, MANY, MANY, MORE!!! BE CREATIVE AND HAVE FUN EXPLORING THE RICH CULTURE OF THESE UNIQUE CULTURES.

SCORING GUIDE:

This assignment is worth a total of 100 points.
RESEARCH PAPER:

Introduction 5 points
Paragraph 1 10 points
Paragraph 2 10 points
Conclusion 5 points

Organization of information 15 points
(The report follows a clear pattern of organization)

Ideas/Content 15 points
(The report includes interesting and engaging information.)

Neatly Written or Typed 10 points
My report was turned in on time. 10 points
PROJECT/Visual Aid 20 points

To earn extra credit points and exceed my report can include any of these additional items:

Cover page including the title of your report, and your name, and a picture (5pts)
Extra paragraphs describing other significant factors about your tribe (10pts)
A bibliography listing the sources you used to find your information(10pts)

QUICK WRITE & READING LOG SCORES ONLINE

Click on the links below to see homework scores for your child. :-)

QUICK WRITE SCORES

READING LOG SCORES

Week of February 8th, 2010

Greetings! Report cards came home today. If your child did not give you one, be sure to ask him/her where it is!!! We are looking forward to our Valentine Celebration this Friday. If you would like to help with this, let me know. A class list will come home on Tuesday, February 9th.

Congratulations to Henry and Emily. These students won our school healthy recipe contest. They will compete in the district finals Monday, February 15th.

We are nearing our testing season. This year as a fourth grader, you child will participate in state writing, reading, and math tests. On February 16th we will begin the first stage of the writing test. It will take most of the week to complete. To help your child do his/her best, please be sure your child gets a good night sleep, and a nutritious breakfast.

Homework will come home on Tuesday, February 9th.

Literacy ~ Students are reviewing their editing and revising skills this week. We are also continuing our literature studies of 'Sing Down the Moon' and 'Jesse Smoke'.

Math ~ Students are building on their knowledge of area this week. Perimeter is the art of knowing 'how much fence' we need. Thanks to Wendy for volunteering Monday morning as we explored perimeter measurements around the room.

Social Studies ~ United States Geography continues to be our focus this week.

Science ~ We learned about 'field of view' last week. On Wednesday we will continue to learn how to manipulate our microscopes, and we will learn about different kinds of slides.

Project ~ We are learning how settlers arrived in Oregon, via the Oregon Trail.

Community ~ We are making aliens!!

See below for important dates to record in your calendar. Have a wonderful week! :-)


Tuesday February 9th
* Reading Log Due
* Pay it Forward Writing Assignment Due
* No math homework

Friday February 12th
* Valentine Celebration with Core Class

Monday February 15th
* NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, February 16th
* Writing Test Begins

Tuesday, March 2nd
* ALL SCHOOL Book Character Dress Up Day

Friday, March 12th
* NO SCHOOL

February 4th & 5th Grade Project Descriptions

Welcome to another week of school! Today most 4th and 5th grade students started a new project cycle. Some of you asked for project descriptions, so here they are! :-)

"Something to Talk About" ~ (Continues from last project cycle)
Students will write, interview, anchor, and edit stories for a television program airing on Comcast and possibly on Fox TV.

"Eco Systems"
Students will investigate what makes up an ecosystem, how organisms within and ecosystem depend upon each other, and what destroys an ecosystem. Students will have the opportunity to create their own ecosystem, and investigate an ecosystem of their choice.

"Heroes, Icons, and Legends: A Living Museum Exhibit!"
Come and explore those individuals who have changed the shape of the world forever! Here is your opportunity to learn about, and embody, a person who you feel has played an invaluable role in shaping history. Bring your creativity, passion, and performance skills along as this project will culminate in a real, wax museum exhibit which we will create for the entire school!

"Artistic Expressions of Oregon"
Express your artistic side as we explore the geography, history, and government of the great state of Oregon. Find out how Oregon came to be! You will create a salt dough map representing the geography of Oregon. You will recreate the diverse landscapes/habitats found in our beautiful state, and you will create a memory book. We will use the memory books to teach a partner class about the great state of Oregon!

Home From Dallas!

Greetings! Welcome to another week of school. I am so happy to be home. Dallas was a wonderful conference, but I know you will all agree when I say there is no place like home!
Please enjoy the summary of subjects below...

MATH ~ Students are participating in a study of area and dimensions. We have created a farm layout and an "areabot" on graph paper. This week we will use our measurement skills to enlarge our "areabot" from square centimeters to square inches.

LITERACY ~ Students are studying author's purpose this week. We will also continue our literature circles based on the Navajo Long Walk, and the Cherokee Trail of Tears.

SOCIAL STUDIES ~ We will continue our study of United States Geography.

SCIENCE ~ We will continue our microworlds unit by observing various objects using a microscope.

PROJECT CLASS ~ This week we will complete our State Ball Projects and we will have our States Parade on Thursday at 1:00pm.

Tomorrow is homework Tuesday...

Math ~
No homework due

Language Arts ~
Reading Log Due
January Book Report Project Due


Important Dates:

Thursday, February 4th, 2010 ~ 1st Annual States Parade!! 1:00pm