Mrs. Sands - Homework Helpline

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade

2010-06-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

Well, this is it - the last week of this school year!!!
There are several activities that we will be working on in class which will not involve any homework.
I would like to take this time to wish you and your family a happy, healthy, and safe summer!

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (5/25-5/28)

2010-05-25T05:10:00.000-07:00

We really enjoyed our carnival day. Now we are ready to get down to some school business working toward the end of the year!
This week's plans include:
Reading/Social Studies - We will be incorporating reading skills such as: understanding vocabulary, comprehension, sequence, cause and effect, and compare/contrast while reading and discussing our PA Weekly newspapers. There are activities included which may be completed as homework assignments.
Grammar - We will be reviewing the lessons we've discussed this year. We will be using the Grammar Handbook and review worksheets.
Math - Our Math lessons will be Metric Measurement.
Science - We are continuing our investigation of "Mock Rocks". Notes on the lessons will be in your child's Science notebook. We will also start investigating "Minerals".
Please check your child's homework book nightly for specific assignments. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (5/10 - 5/14)

2010-05-10T07:15:00.000-07:00

Plans for this week are:

Spelling - Spell words with syllable patterns. Complete practice worksheets, study list, and write sentences including spelling list words.

Reading - Identify and interpret vocabulary words found on Family Times worksheet 212. Copy definitions, study, and use the words correctly in sentences. Read, discuss, and comprehend the short story Let's Get to Know the Incas. We will be working on the skills: sequencing and compare/contrast. Several practice worksheets will be completed in class and for homework.

Grammar - Define, identify, form and use comparative and superlative adjectives. There are practice worksheets for homework. Students will write sentences using both adjectives and spelling list words.

Math - Add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers. We will complete highlighted study worksheets in class. Workbook pages will be completed for homework.

Social Studies - We will be completing lessons that apply to our field trip to the State Museum and Capitol next Monday. These lessons include completing outlines after we've read and discussed the lesson. Please ask your child what he/she learned each day and what to "look for" on our field trip.

Please check your child's homework book nightly for specific assignments. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (4/26 - 4/30)

2010-04-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

This week's plans are as follows:

Spelling - Spell words with the prefixes dis, un, and in. The Super Speller pledge money needs to be returned by Fri., May 7. Students should have my name written with a $1.00 pledge. I will give it to them when they bring the envelope in. Thank you so much for being a part of this important fundraiser for the Lung Association.

Reading - Identify the elements of plot in a story. After reading Encyclopedia Brown, we will work on vocabulary skills, compare and contrast, and identifying the literary elements.

Grammar - Define, identify, and use contractions and negatives correctly. We are also practicing writing complete sentences correctly. Please proofread your child's writing and remind them to correct errors.

Math - We are working with fractions: equivalent, ordering, comparing, and writing mixed numbers.

Social Studies - Chapter 5 includes the French and Indian War, problems with Great Britain, and fighting the Revolutionary War. We will be reading and discussing the events.

The Science PSSAs will be given on Tues., April 27.

Please check your child's homework book nightly for specific assignments. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (4/19 - 4/23)

2010-04-19T09:51:00.000-07:00

This week's plans are as follows:

Spelling - We are finishing the lesson on spelling words with the consonant sounds of j, ks, and kw. Students will be completing WS 75-76, and taking the final test on Wed. At that time we will go over our new list of words: Words with Prefixes un-, dis-, and in-.
We are also preparing for our Super Spellers test which will be on Thurs. and Fri. of this week. After the test is marked, it will be returned to your child on Mon., April 16, at which time they can start collecting their pledge money. All money needs to be in by Fri., May 7. Thank you in advance for your cooperation with this cause.

Reading - The selection test for the story Seekers of Knowledge will be on Tues. after we further discuss it as a class. We will be starting the story of Encyclopedia Brown with the introduction on Wed.

Grammar - Students are writing sentences that include both spelling list words and possessive pronouns. Please edit the sentences with your child as part of their homework assignment.

Math - We will be reviewing Chapter 18: Geometry - Plane Figures on Mon. The practice test will be Mon. night's homework. The Chapter test will be Tues. We will be going forward to Chapt. 21: Understanding Fractions.

Science - The 3rd investigation of circuits will conclude on Tues. when students will complete a take home quiz on series and parallel circuits.
Social Studies - We will be starting in Chapt. 5: The Birthplace of Independence. We will be reading and discussing the lessons in class, and homework will be to complete the outlines of the lessons which will help with studying and reviewing.

Please check your child's homework book nightly for specific assignments. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (4/12-4/16)

2010-04-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

Now that PSSA testing is over, we can get back to a normal routine! This week's plans are as follows:
Spelling - Spell words with the consonant sounds of j, ks, and kw. Homework assignments will be to study the new list, practice using the words in sentences, and completing worksheets. Your child should also be studying the "Super Speller" list for our fundraiser project.

Reading - Our new story is titled Seekers of Knowledge. We will be learning new vocabulary, how to use graphic sources, and writing in heiroglyphics! Please read with your child to model fluent reading and have them read to you. Homework will include studying vocabulary, reading the story, and completing practice worksheets of the skills.

Grammar - We will define, identify, and use possessive pronouns correctly. Please read over your child's sentences for editing when assigned. The sentence should include a spelling word and correct usage of a possessive pronoun.

Math - Our new Chapter (18) identifies and classifies plane figures. The lessons will have us working with polygons, triangles, quadrilaterals, and circles. To understand this chapter, it is important to know geometric terms which will be highlighted on your child's study sheets.

Science - Investigation 3 (of our Magnetism and Electricity Module) includes building, comparing, and identifying series and parallel circuits. As we take notes during class, your child can review what they learned with you as homework and review.

Please check your child's homework book nightly for specific assignments. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (3/29 - 4/1)

2010-03-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

It is nice to have a short week this week, but we still have lots to do to finish before the holiday. We are especially concentrating on reviewing those skills that will most likely be tested on the PSSA tests which are coming up on April 7, 8, and 9. In Math, we are working on the prep tests at the end of the chapters. Your child will have practice papers to do each night. In Reading , we are working on the skills defined on the Family Times WS, which also includes the appropriate spelling and grammar lessons. Please check your child's homework book nightly for particular assignments. Thank you, and happy Easter!

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade ( 3/22 - 3/26 )

2010-03-23T06:35:00.000-07:00

Spring has finally sprung! I hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful weekend we had.
This week's plans are as follows:

Reading - We will be working on the new story: Encantado: Pink Dolphin of the Amazon. Besides comprehension, the skills included are identifying and interpretting vocabulary, listening for comparisons, reviewing generalization, and compare/contrast.

Grammar - We are continuing to work on pronouns. This week's lesson deals with defining, identifying, and using subject and object pronouns correctly.

Spelling - We will be spelling words with final endings le, al, and en. These endings are different spellings of the schwa sound.

Math - This week's lessons are from Chapter 17: Lines, Rays, and Angles from the Geometry unit. Knowing the vocabulary for these lessons is very important in being able to identify and label the appropriate geometric terms.

Science - Our Science lessons continue with the 2nd investigation of the module. That is Making Connections. Students will be exploring simple circuits and making a motor run.

Please check your child's homework book nightly for specific assignments. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (3/15 - 3/19)

2010-03-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

There are some special events coming up this week. Our last 4 Sights Test before PSSA Tests will be Tues. and Wed. morning. It's important for you to encourage your child to do his/her best on these tests. A good night's sleep and a nutritious breakfast are also beneficial. We will have our first DARE class on Tues. afternoon with Major Kane. This will continue for 4 weeks. On Thurs., Spring pictures will be taken.

Our class goals for the week are as follows:
Reading - Reviewing the skills of compare/contrast and identifying plot and character that were discussed last week; Our new story: Encantado will be introduced midweek which includes interpreting vocabulary and identifying comparisons.

Spelling - Finishing the lessons on spelling contractions; The final test will be on Tuesday. Our next lesson includes spelling words with le, al, and en endings.

Grammar - Continuing work with pronouns: Using singular and plural pronouns correctly; defining, identifying, and using subject/object pronouns.

Math - Dividing, using division procedures and problem solving strategies. The practice test for Chapter 13: Understanding Division will come home on Thurs. and the final test will be Friday. Some students have still not mastered multiplication tables which is hindering success in division.

Science - Investigation 1 continues with discovering and determining the force of magnets; Your child will be keeping a notebook with vocabulary and content material. A nightly review will be helpful. A quiz on highlighted material will be Friday.

Please check your child's homework book nightly for specific assignments. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (3/8 - 3/12)

2010-03-08T10:10:00.000-08:00

Our goals for this week are as follows:

Reading -The new story for this week is The Houdini Box. The skills we will be working on are: to identify and interpret vocabulary, listen for comparisons and contrasts, and answer comprehension questions in complete sentences.

Spelling - Spell words with contractions. Skills include: define, identify, and spell contractions correctly. The practice test will be on Thursday.

Grammar - Define, identify, and use singular and plural pronouns correctly in writing.

Math - We will continue to practice multiplying by 2 digit numbers. The practice test will come home on Tuesday, and the final test will be on Wednesday. We will start Chapter 13: Understanding Division.

Science - Our new module is Magnetism and Electricity. Investigation 1 deals with magnetic properties. Your child will be completing pages in the notebook that he/she can (and should) share with you.

Please check your child's homework book nightly for specific assignments. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (3/2 - 3/5)

2010-03-02T06:24:00.000-08:00

This week we will continue to work on what was interrupted by last week's storm!
Reading - reading and discussing the story: The Great Kapok Tree, and working on skills such as inference, generalizing, author's purpose, and understanding vocabulary; Please review vocabulary and read over the story with your child.
Grammar - identifying and using irregular verbs correctly; Students should be studying the lists they have and practicing using the irregular verbs correctly.
Spelling - spelling possessives and using them correctly in sentence writing; Your child will be writing sentences with the possessives. We have discussed how a possessive needs to own something (a noun). He/she will be asking you to check the sentences.
Math - multiplying two, three, and four digit numbers by two digits including money; Memorizing and knowing multiplication tables is essential to doing well.
Social Studies - finishing Chapt. 4: Colonial Pennsylvania, which includes reviewing all the lessons and taking the test on Thursday; Homework will include completing worksheets, reviewing and studying the highlighted study guide and outlines to prepare for the test. We will be working on a project dealing with the nationalities of our ancestors, whether they came with the original settlers or later. Your child will be asking you for a list of those nationalities.
Please check your child's homework book nightly for specific assignments. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (2/22 - 2/26)

2010-02-22T08:14:00.000-08:00

This week's plans are as follows:
Reading - working on our new story: The Great Kapok Tree which includes new vocabulary, reviewing skills such as generalizing and author's purpose, and comprehension (Please look over the Family Times worksheet 141 with your child. It gives great suggestions for parent involvement.)
Spelling - spell possessives, there will be a practice test on Wednesday
Grammar - working with irregular verbs which includes identifying and using them correctly
Math - multiplying by 2 digit numbers (Besides practicing the steps, it is most important for students to know their multiplication facts.)
Social Studies - finishing the lessons in Chapter 4: Colonial Pennsylvania, reviewing and preparing for the test (Reading over the outlines and reviewing the highlighted studysheets with your child would be very helpful.)
Please check your child's homework book nightly for specific assignments. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (2/1 - 2/5)

2010-02-01T05:21:00.000-08:00

The plans for the week are as follows:
Spelling - Working on words with the vowel sound in "shout" which includes completing worksheets and a final test on Tues. ; Spelling compound words which will be introduced on Thurs.
Reading - Reviewing vocabulary, generalizing, and comprehension strategies, the selection test for How Night Came will be on Wed. ; Our new story, Eye of the Storm, will be introduced on Thurs. which includes building vocabulary and background, and identifying and interpreting graphic sources (This information is also included on the Family Times worksheet that your child has in his/her red Reading folder along with some suggested family activities.)
Grammar - Using subject/verb agreement in writing (we are also working on cursive writing); Defining and identifying past, present, and future tense verbs
Math - Multiplying 2, 3, and 4 digit numbers by 1 digit (Memorizing multiplication facts is most important.) This will be reviewed and tested by the end of the week.
Social Studies - We will be reviewing The First Pennsylvanians on Mon. followed by the test on Tues. Please review the highlighted study guides with your child. Chapter 4 will be introduced on Wed. which identifies the early European explorers and settlers of Pennsylvania.
Please check your child's homework book nightly for specific assignments. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (1/25 - 1/29)

2010-01-25T07:43:00.000-08:00

The beginning of the week is a continuation of many of the lessons we started last week. By Wednesday, we will be starting new lessons in Reading, Grammar, and Spelling. Plans for the week are as follows:
Reading - completing the selection test for Adelina's Whales which includes vocabulary, cause/effect, fact/opinion, and generalizing; introducing the story How Night Came from the Sea which includes the skills: generalizing, visualizing, and using context clues
Grammar - reviewing the use of and identifying helping/main verbs; defining, identifying, and using subject/verb agreement correctly
Spelling - finishing the lesson on homophones; spelling the vowel sound in "shout"
Math - completing Chapt. 9 lessons - balancing equations and completing input/output tables using multiplication and division; the test will be on Thurs.
Social Studies - continuing our lessons on The First Pennsylvanians; the test on Chapter 3 will be on Friday
Please check your child's homework book nightly for specific assignments. Thank yoy.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (1/19 - 1/22)

2010-01-19T10:07:00.000-08:00

We are starting several new topics in our subjects this week. They are as follows:
Spelling - Spelling, identifying, and using homophones correctly
Reading - Identifying purpose of text - working on the photo essay story: Adelina's Whales ; identify and interpret vocabulary; make inferences and draw conclusions; recognize statements as fact or opinion
Grammar - Identify and use main and helping verbs correctly
Math - Solve expressions and equations using multiplication and division (study times tables)
Social Studies - Understanding and describing the way of life of Native Americans (The First Pennsylvanians)
Please check your child's homework book nightly for specific assignments. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (1/11 - 1/15)

2010-01-11T05:01:00.000-08:00

We will be continuing most of the lessons we started last week in the new year.
Spelling - using words that end with -ed and -ing
Grammar - identifying and using action and linking verbs
Reading - working on the skills: summarizing, cause/effect, compare/contrast, and building vocabulary
Math - defining and identifying multiplication properties and reviewing basic multiplication and division facts
Science - building models of arm, thumb, and leg muscles, and reviewing how they work
Please check your child's homework book nightly for specific assignments. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (Wk. 1/4 - 1/8)

2010-01-04T06:09:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I hope you and your family had a happy and healthy holiday vacation.
Just like the new year beginning, we are beginning new chapters in all of our subjects. Our plans for this week are:

Spelling -Spell words that end with -ed and -ing. Besides working on the worksheets, the practice test will be on Wed. and the final test will be Friday.

Reading -Our new story is called The Stranger. It is part of our new unit: Patterns in Nature.
As always, vocabulary will be introduced and used throughout the week. We will be reading and discussing the story and its genre. The skills we will be working on are cause/effect, using context clues, and asking questions. Please listen to your child practice oral reading. Some helpful activities are also found on the Family Times worksheet.

Grammar -This week's lesson is defining, identifying, and using action and linking verbs. There are several practice worksheets that you can check with your child.

Math -We are starting the chapter on multiplication and division. Needless to say, memorizing the facts is the most important part of mastering the skills. Your child has several practice aids that are helpful in this process, and they will be coming home nightly for practice.

Science -Our next investigation of the human body deals with muscles. We will be discussing how muscles work and building models of arm, thumb, and leg muscles. Please review the notes your child will be taking.

The specific assignments will be written in your child's homework book. Please review the assignments nightly. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (Wk. of 12/21 - 12/23)

2009-12-21T09:56:00.000-08:00

This is a short week, but there's lots planned! The only subjects that we need to finish before the holiday are Math and Science. On Mon. we will review Chapter 7 in Math: Analyze and Graph Data. For homework your child will complete the practice test. We will go over that on Tues. before the test. We will review Identifying and Locating Joints in the Body in Science. The test will also be on Tues.
We will also be completing some holiday crafts. We have made a book for our Kindergarten Reading Buddies, gift bags for our reindeer food, and a decorated picture frame. We will also work on activity worksheets. Our party and movie will be Wed. afternoon.
I would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (12/14 - 12/18)

2009-12-11T12:51:00.000-08:00

The excitement and activities for the upcoming holiday continue, but so does our effort to finish our lessons! Our "goals" for this week are as follows:
Reading - Orally read and discuss the story Want to be President? Complete the selection test. Review skills for main idea/details and identifying and interpretting the meaning of vocabulary.
Grammar - Identify, form, and use plural possessive nouns correctly.
Spelling - Spell words with ear, ir, our, ur.
Math - Read and make bar, double-bar, line and circle graphs. Choose the appropriate use of graphs.
Science - Continue investigation 2 of the Human Body: Joints - locating, naming, and comparing.
Please check your child's homework book nightly for specific assignments. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (Wk. 12/7 - 12/11)

2009-12-07T11:16:00.000-08:00

As the Christmas holiday season approaches, we are working very hard to be finished with the work that should be accomplished by the break.
This week's plans are as follows:
Reading - working on the skills: identifying main idea and details, and fact/opinion; the new story: So You Want to be President? will be introduced
Grammar - identifying, forming, and using singular possessive nouns; introducing plural possessive nouns
Spelling - spelling words with consonent blends and introducing words with ear, ir, our, and ur
Math - collecting and organizing data on graphs and plots found in chapt. 6, including a review and test; introducing Chapt. 7: Analyze and Graph Data
Science - a continuation of our Joints investigation including lessons on the opposable thumb, and identifying different kinds of joints
Besides learning these lessons, students will be practicing for their upcoming Christmas concert, shopping at Santa's workshop, and anticipating snow days or delays!
Please check your child's homework book nightly for specific assignments. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (12/1 - 12/4)

2009-12-01T10:14:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.
This week is short, but it will be busy. Classes are practicing for the upcoming Christmas Concert. We will be doing some holiday writing and decorating, and Santa Workshop shopping is on Friday. Our scheduled classwork is as follows:
Reading - Our new story is Marven and the Great North Woods. We will be working on skills such as building vocabulary, determining main idea and details, and fact/opinion. Students should be practicing oral reading at home.
Spelling - The new list includes words with consonant pairs. Printing carefully and neatly is also part of the assignment.
Grammar - We will be working on identifying and using singular possessive nouns.
Math - We will be continuing Chapter 6: Collect and Organize Data.
Science - Our study of the human body will continue with identifying joints.
Please check your child's homework book nightly for specific assignments. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (Wk. 11/23-11/25)

2009-11-23T05:38:00.000-08:00

Needless to say, this is a short holiday week. For our classes, we will be finishing work that we started and continued through last week.
Reading - We will be listening to the story (play), Grace and the Time Machine, as presented on a CD, and we will complete the selection test. We will be working on the skills: drawing conclusions, identifying and applying word and vocabulary word recocnition, and compare/ contrast.
Spelling - The lesson includes spelling words with ar, or. We will be practicing worksheets, taking a practice test, and then a final (graded) test.
Grammar - We are defining, identifying and using irregular plural nouns correctly in writing.
Math - We have concluded Telling Time. Please review the test with your child on Monday night and return it signed. The new chapter in Math includes collecting and organizing data (Chapter 6). We will start the chapter which will then continue into next week.
Social Studies - We are continuing our discussion on and recognition of the regions of Pennsylvania.
Please check your child's homework book nightly for specific assignments.
Have a great Thanksgiving!

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (Wk. 11/16-11/20)

2009-11-16T05:09:00.000-08:00

This week the students will be taking the 2nd round of 4-Sight Tests. The Reading section is scheduled for Tuesday morning, and the Math section will be given on Wednesday morning. As with all tests, we encourage the students to get a good night's sleep and have a nutritious breakfast in the morning.
Our regular schedule of classes will continue as follows:
Reading- reading, practicing, and understanding the story: Grace and the Time Machine including the vocabulary
Spelling- spelling words with ar, or
Grammar- defining, identifying and using irregular plural nouns
Math- reviewing Using Time, which includes reading time, elapsed time, and problem solving; The test on Chapter 5 will be on Friday.
Social Studies- discussing and identifying Our State's Resources, reviewing Major River Systems and Landforms, and Our State's Climate; The test on Chapter 1: A Place Called Pennsylvania will be on Wednesday.
Please check your child's homework book nightly for specific assignments during the week. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (11/9-11/13)

2009-11-09T05:27:00.000-08:00

This week's lessons are a continuation of last week's lessons.
In reading, we will conclude the story of Coyote School News. We will be working on the skills: interpreting the meaning of vocabulary, drawing conclusions, identifying literary elements, and understanding newsletter/newspaper articles. Midweek we will be looking at the new story: Grace and the Time Machine. As always, the story will be introduced using content vocabulary. Please encourage your child to review this vocabulary, vocabulary olympics, and spelling words nightly.
After the spelling test on irregular plurals, we will work on our new list: Words with ar, or.
Our grammar lessons are on identifying plural nouns, regular and irregular.
We will be working with elapsed time in Math class. This includes problem solving.
"Our State's Climate" and "Our State's Resources" will be discussed in Social Studies. We will also have a "special lesson" on Veterans' Day on Wednesday.
Please check your child's homework book nightly for specific assignments. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (Wk. 11/2 - 11/6)

2009-11-02T08:12:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a happy and safe Halloween! This week not only starts a new marking period (Wed. 11/4), but also new material in several subjects.
In Reading our new story is called: Coyote School News. The skills included with this story are building vocabulary, drawing conclusions, and comprehension. Studying the story vocabulary and practicing oral reading of the story nightly is always beneficial.
The Spelling lesson is to spell irregular plurals. Last week we practiced the rules for adding -s and -es and what nouns are. This week's lesson will be more memorizing the spelling than practicing the rules. We are also including a practice printing worksheet to improve handwriting (printing).
This week's Grammar lessons are actually building on last week's spelling: defining, identifying, and using regular plural nouns correctly.
We are starting a new unit in Math: Time, Data, and Graphing. Chapter 5 deals with understanding time. The skills include telling time, elapsed time, problem solving using sequence skills, and elapsed time on a calendar.
In Social Studies, we are continuing our study of A Place Called Pennsylvania. We will be discussing the variety of elevations in Pennsylvania and comparing local elevations via Google Earth. We will also be discussing Pennsylvania's climate.
Please check your child's homework books nightly for specific assignments to review and practice these lessons. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (Wk. 10/26 - 10/30)

2009-10-26T05:15:00.000-07:00

The last week of October is already here! We are celebrating Red Ribbon Week and Halloween. There will be a special program presented by Schuylkill County Drug and Alcohol on Thursday afternoon. On Friday afternoon we will have our Halloween party with the parade starting at 2:00.
In Reading, we are continuing our study of the skills included with the story What Jo Did. These skills include cause - effect relationships, accessing prior knowledge, understanding vocabulary, and comprehension.
The Spelling lesson also continues on spelling plural words by adding -s or -es.
Identifying common and proper nouns and using them in writing will continue in Grammar. We will also be discussing figurative language and using it in writing a poem by the end of the week.
Chapter 4 in Math will be concluded this week. The review of expressions and equations (Chapter 4- Algebra: Using Addition and Subtraction) will be Wednesaday and Thursday, test Thursday.
We have finished our first investigation in Science on Bones and will be starting our next lesson in Social Studies: Pennsylvania's land and water.
Please check your child's homework book nightly for specific assignments. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (Wk. of 10/19 - 10/23)

2009-10-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

This week we will be starting a new unit in Reading called Work and Play. Our first story is fiction: What Jo Did. Besides reading the story for comprehension, some other skills we will be working with are cause/effect and prior knowledge.
In Grammar, we will be defining and identifying common and proper nouns and using them correctly in writing.
Our Spelling list includes words that form plurals by adding s or es.
We will also be starting a new chapter in Math: Chapter 4 - Algebra: Use Addition and Subtraction. Students should have their basic addition and subtraction facts memorized.
We are finishing up our first Science investigation with a quiz on Bones by midweek. We will then go back to Social Studies starting with Chapter 1: A Place Called Pennsylvania.
Please check your child's homework book nightly for particular assignments. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade ( Wk. of 10/12 - 10/16)

2009-10-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

Needless to say, this is a very short week! Besides the 2 days of teachers' in-service, we will be spending most of Thursday (10/15) with our Kindergaten reading buddies at their outdoor Octoberfest activities. (Appropriate dress for that day would include gym clothes/ jeans.) We also have a scheduled program called Brainshowmania which we will be attending on Friday afternoon.
This is a review week in Reading, Grammar, and Spelling since we have concluded our first unit in the new Reading series. As part of the review, we will be going over the combined vocabulary for the selected stories. Students have those words and highlighted definitions in their vocabulary composition books. There will be a test on those words on Friday. Please encourage your child to review those words nightly. We will also be concentrating on better sentence writing including compound and complex sentences.
Our Math classes will be practicing addition and subtraction of whole numbers concluding the week with the Chapter 3 test.
In Science, we will be identifying particular bones of the body with the aid of their "Mr. Bones" skeleton projects which were to be done at home in preparation for class starting Wednesday.
As always, please check your child's homework book nightly for particular assignments. Encourage him/her to include "studying" as part of the homework routine. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade ( Wk. 10/5 - 10/9)

2009-10-05T04:54:00.000-07:00

This week in Reading, we will be working with the narrative nonfiction story: Letters Home from Yosemite. The skills that we will be working on are: building vocabulary, word structure, main idea and supporting details, and fact and opinion.
The objective of our spelling list for the week is to spell words with the long u sound. The practice test is on Wednesday, and the final test is on Friday.
Our Grammar lessons for the week include identifying clauses and complex sentences. This also includes writing them correctly and incorperating spelling list words.
We will be starting Chapter 3 in Math: Add and Subtract Whole Numbers. Please practice "basic facts" with your child, it will make the lessons a lot easier.
In Science, we will be continuing our lessons on The Human Body, in particular: Bones. We will be making skeletons, naming, and locating specific bones in the body.
Please check your child's homework book nightly for specific assignments. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade ( Wk. 9/28 - 10/2 )

2009-09-28T07:03:00.000-07:00

This week we will be working with the story: The Horned Toad Prince, a modern fairy tale. Skills for this story include: building vocabulary, author's purpose, story structure, context clues, and comprehension.
Our spelling list includes words with the long e sound.
Grammar lessons for the week will deal with compound sentences.
In Math class, we will be finishing Chapter 2: Compare and Order Whole Numbers. The test will be on Friday.
We will be starting our first investigation in Science, The Human Body: Bones.
Please check your child's assignment book nightly for specific assignments. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (Wk. 9/21 - 9/25)

2009-09-22T05:18:00.000-07:00

This week in Reading we will be working on the story: Grandfather's Journey. Skills included will be identifying vocabulary, genre, main idea/detail, and sequence.
Spelling words for the week are "Long e and o".
In grammar we will be working on identifying subject and predicate parts of sentences.
We will be starting Chapter 2 in Math: Compare and Order Whole Numbers.
In Social Studies class, we will be finishing our map skills unit by locating and identifying cities, rivers, and states that border Pennsylvania.
Please check your child's assignment books nightly for specific homework during the week. Thank you.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (Wk. of 9/14)

2009-09-14T05:04:00.000-07:00

This week's theme in Reading deals with the story: Lewis and Clark and Me. It includes the skills of author's purpose, cause/effect, and word structure. We will also be discussing the genre of historical fantasy.
The grammar included in this theme is recognizing and using imperative and exclamatory sentences.
The spelling list for this week is: Spell words with long a and i.
We will be finishing the first chapter in Math on place value.
In Social Studies, we will continue with map skills and identifying large cities and physcal features in Pennsylvania.
Please encourage your child to share information from the day with you. You can also check the assignment book nightly.
Have a good week!

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade (Wk. 9/8 - 9/11)

2009-09-08T05:33:00.000-07:00

Welcome to 4th grade. I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday weekend! We have already been working hard, but have been easing our way into a routine. I hope you had a chance to read the introductory information given to you on "Meet the Teacher" night. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call.
This week we will be finishing the work involved with our first story: Winn-Dixie. This includes the spelling list and declarative and interrogative sentences. We are also working on map skills in Social Studies and place value in Math.
The 4 Sight Tests will be given on Thurs. and Fri. mornings.
Please check your child's assignment book nightly for the evening's homework. We do take time at the end of the day to copy all assignments and communications. Thanks!

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade Science Wk. 5/26-5/29 (7288)

2009-05-26T08:54:00.000-07:00

This week we will be finishing our study of the module: The Human Body. Investigation 3 deals with the muscular system. We will be discussing how muscles work, where they are, and building some models. Ask your child what he/she has learned each day. We will also have our outdoor wellness activity day that was postponed because of the weather. That day will be announced when the weather does cooperate!

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade Science Wk. 5/18 - 5/22 (7288)

2009-05-18T05:28:00.000-07:00

This week we will be continuing our study of the human body. Investigation 2 will deal with joints. We will be exploring the different kinds of joints and what they do in the body. The assignment for the week is to review the information that we have talked about. There will be a quiz on Friday.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade Science Wk. 5/11-5/15 (7288)

2009-05-11T08:40:00.000-07:00

We will be reviewing "bones" as part of the human body and continuing on with joints. This week also includes a lot of activities. Assignments for the week are as follows:
Monday & Tuesday - do WSs 13-14, and 26; Review for quiz Wed. on "Bones"
Thursday- return signed quiz and review "joints"
Friday- look over "reminders" for the field trip on Monday 5/18

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade Soc. Studies/Science Wk. 5/4-5/8 (7288)

2009-05-04T07:53:00.000-07:00

This week we will be finishing our Social Studies unit on Government, and starting our new Science Module on the Human Body. The assignments for the week are as follows:
Mon. - Complete WS 57, study for the test on Chapter 10 tomorrow
Wed. - Return signed Social Studies test, review information on investigation 1 (Science)
Thurs. - Review information on Investigation 1-Bones in the Body

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade Social Studies Wk. 4/27-5/1 (7288)

2009-04-27T12:35:00.000-07:00

This week we will be working on Chapter 10: Government. On Monday will be the PSSA Science test. The assignments for the week are as follows:
Tues. - Complete Lesson 1 outline and WS 53
Wed. - Complete Lesson 2 outline, review Les. 1&2 highlighted study sheet
Thurs. - Complete WS 54, continue reviewing study sheets, the test will be on Tues. 5/5
Fri. - Complete Lesson 3 outline and WS 56, study highlighted sheets for test on Tuesday

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade Social Studies/Science Wk. 4/20-4/24 (7288)

2009-04-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

This week we will be preparing to take the PSSA test in Science which will be next Monday, April 27. We will be completing activities in our coach books, therefore there will be no homework assignments for the week except for returning the Social Studies Chapter 9 test which should go home on Monday to be signed.
We will also be discussing Earth Day which is Wed. April 22. Some of the included activities will be outdoors on Thurs., weather permitting.
Our week ends with us attending the Youth Symphony in Pottsville on Fri. morning, and visiting Pennsbury Manor via distance learning on Fri. afternoon.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade Social Studies Wk. 4/14-4/17 (7288)

2009-04-14T05:28:00.000-07:00

This week we will be finishing Chapter 9: Economic Growth. There will be a test on Friday, April 17. The assignments for the week are as follows:
Tues. - Complete Lesson 1 & 2 outlines and WS 49, review the highlighted study guide
Wed. - Complete Lesson 3 outline and WS 51, review the highlighted study guide
Thurs.- Complete WS 52, review and study highlighted outline and study guide - test Friday

Mrs. Sands' 4th grade Social Studies Wk. 3/30-4/3 (7288)

2009-03-30T06:59:00.000-07:00

This week we are continuing to work on Chapter 8: A New Century. The test on this chapter will be on Friday 4/3. Assignments for the week are as follows:
Mon. - Review highlighted study guide and Outline Lesson 1
Tues. - Complete WS 44 and Outline Lesson 2, Review highlighted study guide
Wed. - Complete WS 46 and Outline Lesson 3, Review highlighted study guide
Thurs. - Complete WS 47, Study highlighted outlines and study guide, test Friday

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade Science/ Social Sudies Wk. 3/23-3/27 (7288)

2009-03-23T08:35:00.000-07:00

We are concluding our unit on nutrition this week, and starting our next round of Social Studies. Monday and Tuesday will be spent reviewing the Food Pyramid and all the activities we've worked on. Please check your child's assignment book and orange folder for the information needed for the rest of the week. For instance, the "take home" test needs to be finished by Friday. We will also have our "food fair" that day. Meanwhile, we will be starting our next chapter in Social Studies: A New Century. There will be a study guide and WS to accompany Lessons 1&2 on Wednesday and Thursday. Please keep working on "Keep a Clear Mind" with your child. #2 is due this Friday 3/27. There will be 2 more activities, each being due on the following 2 Fridays.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade Wk. 3/16 - 3/20 (7288)

2009-03-17T09:08:00.000-07:00

Due to P.S.S.A. testing this week, there will not be regularly scheduled Science/ Health classes. Please remember the importance of getting a good night sleep, and a nutritious breakfast for your child to perform at his/her best. Tests will be on Tues., Wed., and Thurs. both A.M. and P.M. Friday will be a special activity day. The students will need to return "Keep a Clear Head #1" on Fri., and will also receive #2. The only assignment for the week is to work on those activities.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade Science/Health Wk. 3/9 - 3/13 (7288)

2009-03-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

We are continuing with the Nutrition Expedition this week. So far we've discussed the food groups, examples of those foods, the nutrients in the foods, and the benefits of eating them. On Tuesday there will be a quiz on those facts. The assignment for Monday is to review Activities 1, 2, and 3. Nutrition Journals should also be checked (and corrected). Asignments for the rest of the week will be listed in your child's assignment book.

Mrs. Sands' 4th grade Science/Health Wk. 3/2-3/6 (7288)

2009-03-02T08:35:00.000-08:00

We have started our Nutrition unit. The students have worked on an activity using characters to discuss the food groups and their importance. Please check your child's assignment book for particular assignments during the week. The general nightly assignments are to complete journal writing for the activity and to review the highlighted material.
This week is "Newspaper in Education Week", so please stress the importance of reading and initial your child's paper to give him/her credit.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade Social Studies Wk. 2/23 - 2/27 (7288)

2009-02-23T08:44:00.000-08:00

We are finishing Chapter 7 this week on the Civil War Era. By the end of the week we will be starting a new unit which will be included as Science, having to do with nutrition. There will be an introductory letter coming home on Thursday. Assignments for the week are as follows:
Mon. - Complete review WS 42, study for test Wed.
Tues. - Study all highlighted material on Chapter 7: " The Civil War Era" for test Wed.
Thurs.- Return signed test

Mrs. Sands' Social Studies Wk. 2/17-2/20 (7288)

2009-02-17T05:18:00.000-08:00

This week we will be continuing the Civil War Era. The expected assignments for the week are as follows:
Tues. - start memorizing the 1st paragraph of the Gettysburg Address, complete WS 39 and
WS "The War Is Fought", review study guide
Wed. - continue memorizing the 1st paragraph and reviewing study sheets; complete map WS
Thurs.- Continue memorizing and reviewing, complete WS 40
Fri. - Complete the lesson outlines and continue studying; the review will be on Monday and
test is on Tues.

Mrs. Sands' 4th grade Social Studies Wk. 2/9-2/13 (7288)

2009-02-09T07:48:00.000-08:00

We are reviewing and taking the test on Chapter 6: PA and the New Country in the beginning of the week. We will then start Chapter 7: The Civil War Era. The assignments for the week are as follows:
Mon. - Review all highlighted study sheets for the test Tues.
Wed. - Return signed test, complete WS 37-38
Thurs.- complete WS 39, review study sheets
Fri. - continue to review study sheets

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade Social Studies Wk. 2/2-2/6 (7288)

2009-02-02T04:57:00.000-08:00

We have finished the Revolutionary War. Please look for your child's test to review and sign. Chapter 6 includes a lot of information about our new country starting with writing the Constitution. We will then continue discussing the growth of Pennsylvania's transportation, industry, and farming. The assignments for the week are as follows:
Mon. - Complete WS 31-32, return signed test
Tues. - Review study sheet for Lesson 1, complete outline
Wed. - Review study sheet for Lesson 2, complete outline and WS 33
Thurs.- Review study sheet for Lesson 3, complete WS 34-35
Fri. - Review study sheet for Lesson 4, complete outline and WS 35
Study for test on Chapter 6 on Tuesday, Feb. 10.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade Social Studies Wk. 2/2-2/6 (7288)

2009-02-02T04:56:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade Social Studies - Wk. 1/26 - 1/30 (7288)

2009-01-26T08:36:00.000-08:00

This week we are continuing with Chapter 5: The Birthplace of Independence. Your child's study sheets are highlighted and should be reviewed nightly. There will be a test on Friday.
During the week we will be viewing some videos, reading our PA Weekly newspapers, and completing worksheets and outlines which go with the lessons. Please check your child's assignment book to see what the particular assignment is each night.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade Social Studies Wk. 1/20-1/23 (7288)

2009-01-19T07:41:00.000-08:00

We have concluded our Earth Materials Module in Science. Please look for and at your child's test which should be signed and returned. Your child will also be bringing home all the activity sheets we worked on.
Our new unit in Social Studies, which begins with Chapter 5: Birthplace of Independence, will be starting on Wednesday. On Tuesday we will be spending our time discussing, completing activities, and viewing coverage of the Inauguration.
Assignments for the week:
Tues. - Return signed Science test
Wed. - Review study sheet for Lesson 1 and complete WS 27
Thurs. - Review study sheet for Lesson 2 and complete WS 29

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade Science Wk. 1/12-1/16 (7288)

2009-01-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

We will be finishing our unit on Earth Materials this week. Please look for homework sheets every night. Also, encourage your child to discuss what we did in class each day. Study sheets, including vocabulary and facts, will be discussed, highlighted, and tested by the end of the week.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade Science Wk. 1/5-1/9 (7288)

2009-01-05T07:49:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!
This week we will be starting Investigation 2 of our Earth Materials Module. It will include identifying different minerals by their properties. Since most of the work is done in class, assignments for the week would be to review classwork with you and vocabulary from the study guide.
Please look for the vocabulary quiz and Investigation 1 Test which need to be signed and returned. They should be at home Monday.

Mrs.Sands' 4th grade Science: Wk. of 12/15-19 (7288)

2008-12-15T08:43:00.000-08:00

We are continuing our investigation of "mock rocks" this week. Your child should be studying vocabulary and measurement notes. There will be a quiz on those on Tuesday. By Friday we will be testing Investigation 1. You can help your child by reviewing what was done in class each day. There will also be some worksheets to be completed that your child can share with you.

Let me take this time to wish you and your family a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade Science Wk. of 12/8 (7288)

2008-12-08T08:48:00.000-08:00

This week we will be starting our new Science module: Earth Materials. You will receive a letter on Mon. describing this unit. Please feel free to comment and look for some upcoming Home/School Connections sheets.
Monday's assignment: Return signed Social Studies test
Tuesday - Friday: Review all classwork worksheets and notebook nightly

Mrs. Sands' Social Studies Dec. 2-5 (7288)

2008-12-02T07:33:00.000-08:00

We will be concluding our studies of Colonial Pennsylvania this week, ending with the test on Chapter 4 on Friday. Please have your child review all study sheets nightly in preparation for the test. Other than studying, the following assignments will also help:
Tuesday - Complete Outline worksheets for lesson 3
Wednesday - Complete Outline worksheets for lesson 4
Thursday - Complete worksheet 26, review all outlines, worksheets, and study guides for test on Friday

Mrs. Sands' 4th grade Social Studies - Wk. 11/24 - 26 (7288)

2008-11-24T05:27:00.000-08:00

This week we are continuing our study of Colonial Pennsylvania. This Chapter will conclude next week with the test on Friday, Dec. 5. Therefore, it is important that your child review the study guides nightly. Assignments for the week are as follows:
Monday: Discuss with you the student's ancestor nationalities and make a list of them. This will be due next Tues. from which we will make tally sheets and bar graphs depicting the different nationalities from which we all come.
Tuesday: Complete WS 25
Wednesday: Continue to review study sheets and have a happy Thanksgiving!

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade Social Studies (7288) 11/17-21

2008-11-17T05:06:00.000-08:00

This week we will be discussing European Exploration and Settlement in Pennsylvania. Assignments for the week are as follows:
Monday - complete worksheet 19 - 20
Tuesday - complete worksheet 21, return signed test on Chapter 3
Wednesday - do worksheet 22 and start personal time line which will be due next Monday Thursday - complete worksheet 23, work on time line
Friday - personal time line is due on Monday
Please make sure your child is reviewing highlighted study sheets each night.

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade Social Studies (7288)

2008-11-10T05:15:00.000-08:00

This week we are continuing our study of Native Americans in Pennsylvania ending on Friday with a test on Chapter 3.
Assignments for the week are as follows:
Mon. - Review highlighted vocabulary, complete WS 18
Tues. - Review highlighted vocabulary, study map, complete WS 19, reflect on today being Veterans' Day and their importance in our lives
Wed. - Review highlighted vocabulary, map, and complete outline for Chapter 3
Thurs. - Study all highlighted study sheets in preparation for Friday's test

Mrs. Sands' 4th Grade Social Studies (7288)

2008-11-03T07:54:00.000-08:00

For the month of November we are back to Social Studies.

On Monday and Tuesday we will be discussing the presidential election including a mock election.

Wednesday: Chapter 3 includes The First Pennsylvanians. After discussing Hunters and Gatherers in class, students need to complete WS 16 for homework.

Thursday: Complete WS 17 - Cause/Effect

Friday: Study highlighted vocabulary and study guides for Chapter 3. There will be an upcoming quiz next week.

Wk. of 10/27 Mrs. Sands' Science Class

2008-10-27T05:43:00.000-07:00

This week we will be finishing our studies and investigations of Magnetism and Electricity.

Monday's assignment will be to review notes for Investigation 3 (Advanced Connections). Students are to work on Notebook p.38 and with parent permission- p.40.

Tuesday's assignment is to again study for a quiz on Wednesday to finish our discussion on series and parallel circuits.

During classes on Thurs. and Fri. we will be constucting electromagnets.

Wk. of 10/13: 4th Grade Science

2008-10-13T11:15:00.000-07:00

We are finishing our investigation of magnets with the test on Tuesday. For the remainder of the week we will be investigating circuits. The work we do in class should be reviewed nightly. Since our progress is determined by the students' understanding of the subject matter, recording and reporting (retelling) should be part of reviewing. Please ask your child to explain what he/she learned in class. You can also check the nightly assignment book for updates. The graded test will need to be signed by Friday. Have a good week.

Wk. of 10/6 4th Grade Science (7288)

2008-10-06T07:36:00.000-07:00

I hope you have noticed the excitement of your child's experience with our new Science series. I have! We will be continuing our investigations of magnets this week. Our goal by Friday is to quiz their knowledge on the subject. You can help your child prepare by going over the Science notes and vocabulary he/she has in the Science folder. You can also check your child's daily assignment book for any updates.

4th Grade Social Studies/Science (7288) Wk. of 9/29

2008-09-29T07:41:00.000-07:00

We are finishing our Social Studies block for this marking period with a test on Tuesday. Your child should have been studying their highlighted information on the Regions of the United States. Monday's assignment (9/29) is to continue to study and to complete WS 11-12. You will also be receiving a letter explaining our new Science series that we will be starting on Wednesday. Please look for the letter and Social Studies test to be signed as Wednesday's assignment (10/1). For the rest of the week your child can review vocabulary and WSs included in their Science folder.

4th Grade Social Studies/Science (7288)

2008-09-29T07:40:00.000-07:00

4th Grade Social Studies - 7288

2008-09-22T05:08:00.000-07:00

This week we will be studying and "visiting" via the internet the regions of the United States. This is included in Chapt. 2, Lesson 1 of our textbooks. Since most of the information will be discussed as we "visit" through programs on the internet, written homework will be limited, however, studying highlighted vocabulary, facts, and the colored labeled map will be very important. The review and test will be the beginning of next week as we conclude our block of Social Studies for this marking period and start our new Science series.
Monday's assignment: Return signed Chapt. 1 Test
Tuesday through Friday's assignment: Review and study facts on the regions of the U.S. including the map

SOCIAL STUDIES - #7288 (Wk. of Sept. 15)

2008-09-15T05:02:00.000-07:00

Our goal this week is to finish, review, and test Chapter 1: A Place Called Pennsylvania
Assignments for the week are as follows:
Mon.- study highlighted study sheets
Tues.- complete WS 9, study highlighted study sheets
Wed.- complete WS 11, study highlighted study sheets
Thurs.- complete Review WSs which include the outline of the chapter and Writing WS 4,
study for test Friday
The test will be on Friday after which we enjoy going over Pennsylvania Weekly newspapers

Social Studies - Week of Sept. 8

2008-09-08T04:58:00.000-07:00

Students have successfully completed the first theme of Pennsylvania Map Skills. The test they took on Friday will be corrected in class and sent home for your signature. Please go over it with them so they understand any mistakes they made.
Monday's assignment: Complete WS 1-2. It is a review of what we will have covered in class.
Sign and return test.
Tues. - Complete WS 6 which is also a review of classwork.
Wed. - Complete WS 7, also a review.
Thursday's classtime will be spent shopping at the book fair.
Friday's work will hopefully be completed in class.
These plans are subject to change, so please check your child's assignment book daily. Thanks.

Social Studies - Week of 9/2/08 - 9/5/08

2008-08-31T14:57:00.000-07:00

I hope you had a great holiday weekend!
This week's goal is to complete worksheets dealing with Pennsylvania map skills and prepare for a test on Friday. The information that will be tested will be written and highlighted on those worksheets. Therefore, this week's assignment is to study those worksheets by reviewing them every night.
Have a good week.

Week of Sept. 1

2008-08-21T07:03:00.000-07:00