Book-It

It's that time of year ... Book-it!

If you're not familiar with Book-It, I'll explain a little what it is but first let me tell you the reasoning of why we participate in it.

Each night we require that the students read 20 minutes outside of school.  We don't do this to take up their time and make your life miserable (as we know it can be a battle for some kids to read at home!).  It's those 20 minutes that make the different in your child's reading ability.  Trust me, we can tell if your child reads at home or not.

Here are some interesting statistics regarding reading ....

1.  80% of U.S. Families did not BUY or READ a book last year (source:  www.Jenkinsgroupinc.com)

2.  Each year a child spends 900 hours in school and 7,800 hours outside of school!  Wow ... that number amazes me!  We will do all we can here at school but it's crucial that they also do some work at home.  (source Jim Trelease Read-Aloud Handbook)

We're both passionate about reading and want to encourage you and your child to develop this life-long habit of reading.

Now, how does Book-it work.  Your child will be coming home with a calendar.  Each day that they read 20 minutes, they color in one of the pictures.  At the end of the month, they'll turn the calendar (with your signature) in to their classroom teacher and we'll write them a slip for a free personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut.  We understand that there are some days when the 20 minutes just doesn't get done ... if that's the case, they can read extra on another day.  Our goal is to have 100% class participation for this but also that the students will start doing their reading because they WANT to, and not because they have to.

Happy Reading!!!!!

Book Reports due Friday

Just a reminder that book reports are due on Friday, October 4.  Many of the students are sharing that they have already completed their reports.  I love the enthuasium that they're showing for the project! 

ixl.com

Coming home today is a username and password for your child to use on the ixl.com website.  Blue Star has been lucky enough to have the subscription to use ixl.com (Thanks PTO!) for the last few years.  We often use it when we do our Math RtI groups but it's something that your child can be working on at home as well.  The site is organized in a pretty logical manner and if your child is struggling with a concept, it's easy to go to the site and find the area where they should be working (for example ... subtraction, fractions, geometry, etc). 

We'll be working on the 4th grade concepts this year but we encourage your child to practice some of the 3rd grade concepts before the MEAP test in 2 weeks (YIKES!).  On the MEAP, they will be tested on the 3rd grade concepts. 

Please let us know if you have any questions or if your child forgets to take the paper with their username and password home.  

Scholastic Book Orders

Both classes have now received the September book orders.  Please don't feel like you have to purchase books but if you want to, this is a great place to get books for decent prices.  Most of the books are great reads for 4th graders and are also high interest reads. 

If you would like to place the order online, go to www.scholastic.com.  You'll then go to the Parent tab and click on Order from Reading Club Flyer.  If you've ordered online before, use your same login just switch the class code.  If you are new to this, you will create a username and password to use. 

Class code for
Szczerowski H34Z6
Hansen DZT24

One thing to note, if you want to see if a book that's not in the flier is available, just type in the name of the book or author in the search box and this will search other fliers for the book.  This just gives you more of an option if you're looking for a book for your child and it's not found in it.  


As always ... questions ... Just ask :) 

Fun Social Studies site for Chapter 1

Here are some interactive sites that relate to our study of social scientists in Chapter 1. 

You be the Historian - studying artifacts through the Smithsonian Institute
http://americanhistory.si.edu/springer/

More information about Cahokia Mounds
http://www.cahokiamounds.com/

PBS Kids: The Artifact Challenge
http://www.pbs.org/beringlandbridge/explorations/artifact/index.html 


Just a reminder that the test is on Wednesday.

September Book Report

Our first book report was discussed today.  The students have several weeks to complete the book and the project.  Throughout the month, I'll be checking in with them and talking with them during class about where they should be or how their report is going.  Next week I will check in their books during our reading class time.  Throughout the year please let me know if you have questions about the reports or if your child is struggling to find a book. 

That being said, just to reiterate why we do book reports.

1.  It helps the students to develop speaking skills in front of their peers.  You'd be amazed at how comfortable they get by the end of the year and how they begin to really give solid presentations. 

2.  It allows the students to show their creativity.  I realize that no every student is super creative and this is not their forte ... they will not be penalized for that.  I grade them on their comprehension of the book and effort. 

3.  It encourages the students to be reading at home.  I understand that life is busy and sometimes reading gets pushed to the side but honestly, it's so important for them to be reading at home on a regular basis.  The book should be at their reading level and be a manageable length. 

4.  It encourages students to read different genres.  I remember as a elementary student only reading one series throughout my entire time there.  Did it help me become a better reader .... not really.  It's great to see when students find a different genre that they enjoy and then take off in their reading! 

5.  It helps us to discover new books that we may want to read.  I love the discussions during the presentations when kids comment ..."I can't wait to read that one!" ... "I want to do that book for my next report!" 

Here is the assignment for September if you do not receive the paper home today.  I will always have it posted in my classroom for kids to reference as well.

September Project

“Make a Map”

Type of book:  Book of your choice (must be at least 70 pages and at your reading level)

Directions:

         *Select a book from a series that appeals to you.  Maybe you already have a favorite series or perhaps you would like to try out a new series.  Get the book “okayed” with your teacher during the second week of September.

         *Well written books help us see pictures in our minds.  Think of an important setting in your book and use your imagination to draw a map of what you think it looks like.

         *Include labels, a compass (north, south, east and west) and a map key.

         *Somewhere on your map include the title, author and copyright date of your book.

         *Have quality work.  Check your spelling and grammar.  Work neatly.

Materials Needed:  fiction book, paper for the map (Mrs. Hansen will hand this out on 10/7), markers, crayons and anything else to make your project outstanding.

DUE DATE:  Friday, October 4

Make an awesome map that will make your friends want to read your book!  Use lots of color!  Get reading!  Do your best work!