Setting The Stage For Science

Mystery Bag Observations

In Science, it is important to be observant and use our senses to notice and record details. Using the lesson, Mystery Bags to Develop Observation and Inference Skills, we learned that scientists must always investigate further to check their findings and that inferences and predictions are not the same. Ask us. Photos from the Mystery Bag Observation Experiment are also on the PHOTO page, but below are a few, and also two short videos explaining some findings.

Recipe For A Successful Year!

Today we had a wonderful day. We had so many things to organize and set up. 

We learned that we are a team and we all have qualities in common, as well as characteristics that make us unique!

We discussed what it takes to have a successful year and are brainstorming ideas tonight, as we fuel our brains with a little "food for thought!"

Text Message Reminders

This year I'm using Remind to send updates about important class information. 

We will also have a class Twitter account, which I will share information about at Back to School Night on August 26, 2014

To sign up for Room 20 REMIND notifications, please follow the instructions below

2014 2015 Supply List

In 4th grade we stress preparation and organization. In order to start the school year off right, we are asking you to donate the following supplemental items for your child. Please provide quality items as they need to last all year. Label your child’s name on his/her items and bring them to school during the first week! Thank you!

For the Student:

Pencil Pouch with a zipper (no pencil boxes)

Colored Pencils (Crayola© is a great choice - at least 24 count)

Colored Thin markers (at least a 10 count)

Highlighter

White eraser (Staedtler© is the best!)
White board markers and an eraser (an old sock will do)

2 Single Subject Spiral Notebooks (wide ruled - at least 100 pages each)

3 Composition Notebooks

Kid-friendly Scissors

Ruler

Pencil sharpener (one that holds its shavings)

1 pack of pencils (please NO mechanical pencils)

2 ultra thin fine BLACK Sharpies

2 fine BLACK Sharpies

Glue sticks (at least 6)

Flash Drive

1 Pocket Folder for Homework (The design and color can be your choice,

but make it extra sturdy and please NO Binders!)

Backpack (Please do not bring rolling backpacks as we have very limited

closet space to accommodate them.)

5 plastic or heavy duty (not paper) pocket folders (no prongs) in the

following colors: yellow, purple, red, blue, and green

Optional: 4 large book covers - students will be asked to cover their

textbooks during the first weeks of school

For the Class:

1 box of tissues

1 container or package of baby wipes

1 packet or ream of white printer/copy paper

Although the school district will provide us with some basic supplies, it is simply not enough to get through the year. These items are for the classroom and will be shared by all students. DO NOT label your child’s name on these items. Thank you so much!

Want Photos?

I hope you had a great summer!

Here are a few reminders and information regarding the classroom website...

• If you wish to download or print any photographs from this school year, please do so as soon as possible.  They will be up for a limited time.  If you wish to download photos, please visit my Picasa Web Album site.  Once there, you can click on any photograph, find the "MORE" menu bar and click DOWNLOAD PHOTO.  You are welcome to download any images you want to keep from any of the events.

• If you have trouble opening the photo web albums, simply copy and paste this web address to your browser...https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/myphotos

• I will unsubscribe all email addresses from our classroom website at the end of the month.  You will no longer receive any emails or RSS feeds after that.  You are welcome to visit the website at any time, of course.  If for any reason, you wish to stay subscribed to SlezingerWorld, please let me know and I will keep you on the list!  Thank you for taking the time to read the updates and messages each week.

Perimeter and Area Video

Click HERE to watch video for AT YOUR SEAT Math Rotation

Watch the video in teams. When the video stops for talking points, take that time to REALLY discuss the question with your partner.

If you need a password, ask an adult in class!

Esperanza Rising Vocabulary Cards Set 4

Click here for Vocabulary for Las Cebollas-Las Almendras

Games To Play For Improper Fractions and Mixed Numbers

Mixed Number and Improper Fraction Game

Play Mathman

Ecosystems Webquest

Students! 

I have a challenge for you! It's so exciting!

CLICK HERE for Amazing Ecosystems Webquest

We will discuss this project in class tomorrow! 

Get ready to pick an ecosystem, do some research USING THE WEBSITES FROM THE WEBQUEST LIST ONLY!

While researching, you will be filling out your travel guide.

You will be responsible for, and graded on the travel list and writing the two paragraph narrative, however the PowerPoint, brochure (using Microsoft Word template), or VoiceThread (not available through me at this time) are optional and extra credit!

What's Going On!

• Curriculum News:  This week, we will continue to read Esperanza Rising, focusing on comprehension, group discussions, vocabulary, and depth and complexity.  In math, we are wrapping up fractions, and will be starting area and perimeter by the end of the week.  We will be writing an informational article on how to save water.  We will continue to learn about the Gold Rush!    
• A GIANT thank you to all the parents and volunteers who helped make Gold Rush Day a success.  Even with the unexpected high winds, the kids had a wonderful time.  We couldn't have done it without you.  Thanks again!  Check out pictures on the PHOTOS page.