Rice/Chascin’s Classroom Blog

Everyone learns differently; everyone studies differently.  So, when we come across a free resource that may fit the needs of our students, we like to share.  Here is a free, downloadable program for you to use to make flashcards.

Use it to study science terms or concepts, fact families in math, vocabulary words, antonyms, synonyms, etc.  Please add your comment below if you use this program and let us know your opinion.

There are just six teaching days left before the Florida Writes!  We have been preparing for this since the first week of school.  We studied and wrote poetry, exploring a variety of  author’s craft and playing with words.  We then moved on to narrative writing– the craft of telling a story.  We applied all of the author’s craft we had learned and added elements like: plot, setting, characters, outer conflict, inner conflict, inner story, dialogue, etc. 

When we returned from the winter break, we began a unit of study on expository writing– writing to explain.  Expository writing includes strong author’s craft and adds elements such as: an introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs, a concluding paragraph, anecdotes, and specific examples. 

During these last few days we will focus on prompt writing.  We will use the “Do What?” strategy to determine what the prompt is instructing us to write.  Does it say EXPLAIN (expository) or does it say TELL A STORY (narrative)?  What is the topic?  Have I carefully read the prompt several times to be sure that I am writing to the prompt?  We will plan for 5-10 minutes, write for 30 minutes, and reread and check our work for 5 minutes. 

How can you help support your child?  Read good quality literature to and/or with your child.  Stop to notice how a good writer uses words.  Have conversations about writing with your child.  What do they think they do best?  What are they most worried about?  Be positive.  Make sure your child eats well and gets plenty of rest.  Breathe in, breathe out.  We are ready!

Studies show that students “lose” learning or regress during prolonged absences.  We are about to begin a rather long holiday break from school and we would like to provide you with some suggestions for maintaining math and reading skills during this time.

For both math and reading, check out the resources available from the Duval County website.  They have created special “Winter Packets” for maintaining skills.  Also available (and mentioned in the winter packets), is Riverdeep.  Students have their log in information inside their planners.

For reading, don’t forget about FCAT Explorer.  Beginning in January, Mrs. Chascin is going to pull weekly reports (usually on Mondays) and will award one success ticket for each question correctly answered on the first attempt.  With about 300 questions, the potential is incredible!

Please find time to read and write.  Students will receive a gift book and may take home classroom books to read.  They also have their “Dear Dizzy” journals (you may use your own) for writing stories about their adventures during the break.

We would like to thank everyone for their support so far this year.  You all have been extremely generous with your time, talent, and treasure.  Thank you for sharing your children with us!  Have a safe and joyful break!

Of concern to most parents this year is the Florida Writes!  In September, we hosted a “Write Night” to address some of the questions and present information regarding this 4th grade state assessment.

A writing standard snapshot will be going home this week.  Please take a few moments to review your child’s writing sample and compare it to the student writing analyzed in the snapshot.

At this point in our study of narrative writing, all of the elements of the standard have been addressed and should be firmly in place.  We have learned how to engage (or interest) the reader, organize our writing, use specific author’s craft to make our writing strong, include the inner story (the thoughts and feelings of our characters), create a lively lead, choose the proper ending, add suspense, highlight the most important event, and create complex characters.  Our writing should be focused on the prompt and complete in the 45 minutes alloted.

Mrs. Chascin has been providing individual feedback to each student on their writing through writing conferences.  Students are aware of the strengths and weaknesses of their writing and have been provided with “next steps” (ways to improve their writing in the future).

Student handwriting and spelling continue to be of concern as both (if chronically bad) get in the way of the reader understanding the story.  The best way that you can support your child at home is to provide the opportunity to practice proper handwriting (students are not forming their letters properly) and correct spelling.  There are many resources on line for you to print off practice sheets for handwriting that include the proper way to form letters.  There are also many spelling games that can be played at Spelling City.

Thank you for your support.

Most of us are familiar with Powerpoint.  We’ve watched presentations presented in a slide format.  But a slideshow is not always the best way to present information.  Enter “Prezi,” a different format for creating and delivering presentations.

Mrs. Chascin created a presentation, using Prezi, to review all of the mini-lessons we have had and strategies we have learned during our study of narrative writing.  Check it out! 

Better yet, create a presentation of your own to share with the class.  Your topic doesn’t have to be writing.

There are some changes in the Holiday Auction tradition at Chets Creek.  This year, classes have the option of creating a holiday decoration for the silent auction or participating in a service project.  Proceeds from each class’ auction item will be donated to a designated charity. 

We will be doing a combination of both.  We will create an item (or items) for the silent auction, choosing a charity to which the proceeds will be donated.  We will also select a service project in which to participate.  

If you have any suggestions, please submit your comments here for consideration.  We will have to make our decision quickly as time is short.

October is quickly coming to an end…and with the end of October comes a little holiday fun. On October 30th we are planning a few activities that we need parent help with to make successful. Our day will start with assessments (work before play), a snack and craft, the fieldtrip to the Symphony, lunch, and then another snack and craft.

This is what we need help with…

cupcakes
doughnuts decorated for the holiday
milk (gallon containers)
individual juice containers
napkins
cups
glitter glue (green and gold)

If you can help out please write a note in the planner… See you tomorrow night for the Fall Festival.

Our entries for the Literary Pumpkin Display have been placed in the lobby of the school.  Check them out!

Have you heard the buzz about Riverdeep? 

During our math and reading work periods, students have been taking turns using the computer to access this great resource.  However, with only two computer stations in each of our classrooms, students will only have a turn at the computers once a month. 

The good news is that you can get to this site at home!  Click here to visit the site.  Students have their own username (firstnamelastname264) and password (4 digit number, birthmonthbirthday).  Check it out and let us know what you think!

The nine weeks is quickly coming to an end. There are a couple of reminders that I want to share with parents. Make sure that your child has turned in all math revisions since they (and homework) will count as 10% of the math grade. The Florida SS project is due on Monday. The ones that have been brought in early have been WONDERFUL. The extra credit in science is due by the 23rd.