Christmas Party

Social Studies Fair Winners in Fourth Grade

Congratulations to Jackson, Auna, Elijah, Colin, Joseph, Ryan, Cooper, Charles, and Christopher on advancing to the county level! I am so very proud of your hard work! 

I'm proud of every single fourth grade student for completing their project. You should all be as proud of yourselves as I am of you! ❤️️

Christmas Party

Christmas  Party

The Christmas party for Mrs. Casto’s 4^th grade class will be held on Wednesday, December 21^st, 9:30 am.  This is a half day of school, so we elected to have a brunch/party.  Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.  If you wish to send something in, below are student suggested party items, but feel free to bring in anything you would like.    

We will have a gift exchange. They need to look for the most interesting/ fun item they can find at the Dollar Tree or store.  Please limit the amount you spend on the gift to 1.00 plus tax.  Gifts need to be wrapped, but you don’t need to sign your name to it.  Make sure it is non-gender specific

If you would like to provide a game or craft instead of food, please let us know.

Christmas cookies

Donuts

Breakfast meats

Cheese

Fruit

Yogurt parfait

Small bottles of water

Clear Juice

Hot cocoa

Christmas napkins, cups

Plastic bowls & utensils

Spelling Words

We will do the vocabulary list and two activities at school. There will not be a test since we are having our Social Studies Fair on Friday and you need as much time as possible to put on the finishing touches.
petition
olive branch
delegate
treason
repeal
alliance
reinforcements
earthworks
proclamation
mercenary

We will not have a spelling/vocab. test this week.

Social Studies Fair Info.

Just in case you cant find the original email from Carol Gale, I wanted to send the website that has everything you need to help you complete your Social Studies Fair project.
You do not need to turn in your abstract since it will be on your project.
This site has the rules, what the judges use to score the project, copies of the abstract, etc...
Make sure to click on all areas to be fully aware of what you need to do.
http://wvssfair.com/students.html

The fair takes place on the 16th, but you will set up your project the day before when you come to school.

Spelling/Vocab. Words Test Friday 12-2

Define words with parts of speech by Wednesday, the 30th.

1. representation
2. protest
3. Parliament
4. Sons of Liberty
5. boycotting
6. revolution
7. Quartering Act
8. blockade
9. loyalist
10. Intolerable Acts

Revolutionary War Sites

Interactive Timeline
http://www.pbs.org/ktca/liberty/chronicle.html
Liberty Kids on youtube; Make sure to ask your parents
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt8MmmLLHJY

Mock Election

Tomorrow you will participate in a mock election. Plus, you get to dress down in red, white, and blue, Yay!
To evaluate who you want to vote for tomorrow, take a closer look at the candidates on this link;
http://election.scholastic.com/election-central/meet-the-candidates/

UNICEF Funds Raised

Congratulations Fourth Graders! You raised 309.00 when you trick or treated for UNICEF!! I am so proud of your efforts for such a great cause! Everyone that participated will get participate in a celebration activity to be announced.
Thank you again for thinking of others. The money you raised will go to help so many. Our floor raised over 1,247.55!!
Here is the link to find out how the money you raised will go to help others in need. http://www.unicef.org/

No Spelling Test This Week Nov. 7-10

King George What Was His Problem

If you want your own copy of this book please bring $8.00 by Monday, so I can order all of them at once.

I.X.L Lessons

Students will need to complete IXL lessons J1-J4 by Thursday. You need a smart score of 80 on each lesson.

Upcoming Tests

We will not have a spelling test this week due to the S.S test on colonies. Be sure to study from the links and videos, as well as your text. It may be a good idea to write down all the study questions I put on here on here under study questions for colonization test posted in September before you start to study in randomness.

Field Trip

We have a field trip scheduled for Monday the 24th to Heritage Farm for Revolutionary War Days. Permission slips will go home today.
Please have the $15.00 and the signed permission slip in by Friday.

Colonial Life Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc7yE7QYl0Y

As always, please do not click on any other videos or external links. I only approve this link to youtube. If you want to learn more, please have your parents help you find appropriate videos.

Here is one more...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuCoSjqQK34

TRADES

Here are the sites that will let you know more about your trade. Remember this is just for fun. It is not a real homework assignment. If you do not research it tonight, we can just look it up on one of these sites. It is just going to be a fun discussion starter for tomorrow.
https://www.history.org/Almanack/life/trades/tradepri.cfm

http://mrnussbaum.com/13trades/

If you really get into it then ask your parents to go to youtube to look up your trade.
This site is great for all things colony related.
http://www.kidinfo.com/american_history/colonization_colonial_life.html

House Cup Winners!

Gryffindor Wins 

I.X.L Confusion

I should have let you know on here that I only expected the 1s in each of the highlighted sections completed by tomorrow. I did let you know in class, and in the computer lab, but for clarification I should have put exactly what was expected. I am sorry some of you spent so much extra time on this when you could have been working on something else. The confusing part I think, was some of the lessons were highlighted beyond the 1s, but that was for the kids that wanted extra practice in that same lesson, or the lesson was too easy for them, and they needed a challenge.
Parents,
I am learning with the kids on I.X.L this year. Please be patient with me as I learn to adjust to the assigning/ grading process. The total for I.X.L lessons for the entire nine weeks is 85 points, 5 points each on the following lessons: A.1, B1, E1, F1, H1, I1, J1, K1, N1, O1, T1, U1, Y1, Z1, AA1, BB1, DD1. I just decided  to only do the lessons most all the kids had finished. Today most everyone was able to get what they did not already have. They will still be able to work on it through tomorrow.

Facts about the 13 Colonies

https://www.landofthebrave.info/facts-about-13-colonies.htm

Treat Ideas for Halloween

http://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1194/halloween-treats/

Halloween Party

This is a copy of the letter I sent home today. It did not copy and paste completely.
Also, we have 15 students in our class.

Our Halloween party is upon us!  This is the party I have the most fun doing, however we do not have a classroom parent this year for all the other parties, so that is up for grabs. ;) Please let me know on the fill out portion if you are interested in being our homeroom parent, or drop me an email.

            I have asked the kids what they would like at their party, and they came up with the following, however we are happy with anything!

q  Unfrosted cupcakes and items to decorate them.

q  popcorn hands (clear plastic gloves filled with candy corn and popcorn)

q  “finger cookies”

q  Mouth/Vampire Cookies

q  pigs in the blanket that look like toes

q  Oreo spiders

q  Skeleton pretzel treat

q  Chocolate covered bacon

q  Chocolate covered strawberries

q  Cat litter cake, or dirt cake with gummy worms

q  Fruit and Veggie Tray

q  Pizza

q  Creepy punch

I have posted some links to ideas for Halloween treats on my blog if you want to send something else.  We love anything Halloween themed!  Please make sure all items are at school by 12:30.

Don’t forget we do our annual costume parade in the gym typically around 2:00.

Please return this paper with whatever you would like to send in a.s.a.p, but please do not feel like you must send something!  We normally have more than we can eat!

P.S For costumes, Please keep in mind that we are not to wear blood/ gore, and no fake weapons are allowed.

~M.C

TRADES in Colonial Times

https://www.history.org/Almanack/life/trades/tradehdr.cfm

This is just one side to find information do not forget other sites I have posted such as Mr. Nussbaum. You may also do research on your own as long as the site is credible.
Your research is to be done primarily at school.

Southern Colonies Podcast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3KAOWye1AM&list=PLt2mkO6s-j3cukVgP765V0kFWDAe65vOQ&index=4

Spelling List: Quiz Friday 10-14

1. parlor
2. specifically
3. misconduct
4. cauldron
5. hysterical
6. Pilgrim
7. Indentured Servant
8. persecuted
9. bewildered
10. charter
11. conscience

Middle Colonies Pod Cast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yw9pw8rIDlU&index=3&list=PLt2mkO6s-j3cukVgP765V0kFWDAe65vOQ

The Best Halloween Ever Quiz

Chapters 1-3
These are the questions for the quiz given in class today.
1. What is the Herman reputation? Why? Give examples.
2. What is the main conflict? What type of conflict is it?
3. Is Imogene upset when Alice blames her and her siblings for no Halloween? What do you think Imogene felt?
4. List three main characters, and give one character trait for each.
5. Why do the Herman kids behave the way they do?

New England Colonies Podcast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ScZh2-QLOE&list=PLt2mkO6s-j3cukVgP765V0kFWDAe65vOQ

Book Orders!

Parents and Students,
If we can make an order of $300 dollars this month through Schoastic we will get 30 free books for our classroom library and Lit. group library!
There are lots of flyers in your take home folder. Please take a look, and send in your order form, or order on line.
Here is our classroom ordering information if you want to place your order on line.

Class Code - GRY7J

Order Due Date -  10-28-2016

Dear Families,

This month’s Scholastic Reading Club flyers are now available! Please take a few moments to explore the selection together and let your child help choose books he or she is excited to read.

You can order online at scholastic.com/readingclub, where you’ll find a wide selection of quality children’s books that are just right for your child’s reading level and interests. Or return your paper order form to me with a check made out to “Scholastic Reading Club."

Remember, you help our class earn FREE Books and supplies with every order. Thank you for supporting your child’s reading both at home and in the classroom!

Mrs. Casto

PS: Please let me know if your order includes a gift for your child, and I will contact you when it arrives!

First Time Ordering Online?

• Go to scholastic.com/readingclub
• Enter our one-time Class Activation Code.
• Shop and submit your child's book order.
• Your books will be delivered directly to the classroom. 

Types of Conflict

These are the types of conflicts we went over in class. Use it for review.
http://www.storyboardthat.com/articles/e/types-of-literary-conflict

Parts of Speech Video Game

http://www.abcya.com/parts_of_speech.htm

Study Questions for Colonization Test REVISED 10-5, Revised again 10-18

I will keep updating this post as we continue to learn about the colonies. The test is currently set for Fri, October 21.   These questions, or some like it will be on your quiz.

Where did the Spanish settle?
What did the Spanish do to the culture in those areas?
Where did the French settle?
How were the French successful?
Why didn't Roanoke survive as the first English settlement?
Compare and contrast Jamestown to Plymouth.
What were the living conditions like on the Mayflower?
What were conditions like in the early colonies?
How did Jamestown survive?
How did Plymouth survive?
You will need to know the location of each of the 13 colonies.
What were three reasons for settlement of the colonies?
How did people make money in the colonies?
Why did the slave population increase more in the South?
Why did Native Americans and Colonists both feel they had a right to the land?
How was the founding of Georgia unique to all other colonies?
Who was your favorite founder and why?
Know the difference between royal, proprietary, and self governing colonies.
Know the differences in lifestyle between the gentry, middling, and poor.
Why did people settle near water?
What were the positive outcomes of The Great Awakening?

Plymouth Colony

http://www.scholastic.com/scholastic_thanksgiving/daily_life/


Virtual Field Trip to Plymouth Colony on YouTube
Please ask your parent's permission before watching anything on youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5qi3Meqy24

Plymouth Colony

I'm hitting the blog hard with 13 colony information as a heads up. We have now covered Ronoake, and Jamestown. Monday we will cover Plymouth Colony, then we will cover the different regions.
Here is the link to inform you prior to Monday on the Plymouth Colony. http://mrnussbaum.com/history-2-2/plymouth/

Jamestown Map and Game

You must have flash for this link to work. Go ahead and try it.
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/05/jamestown/jamestown-standalone

Other Jamestown links:
Game
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/games/interactiveadventures/john-smith/

http://www.virtualjamestown.org/interactive.html

13 Colonies: Profiles on each colony

http://mrnussbaum.com/13profiles/

Spelling/Vocab Quiz 9-23

1. synonym

2. plot

3. characters

4. conflict

5. theme

6. setting

7. conclude

8. infer

9. characterize

10. generalize

I want to remind you that www.spellingcity.com is a great site to help you study your words.

Make a Map of the 13 Colonies

http://mrnussbaum.com/mapmaker2/

13 Colonies

This site is one of my favorites! It not only has the 13 Colonies, but most all things history related. This site also covers many other subjects; you just need to hit the home button. Have fun exploring!
http://mrnussbaum.com/13-colonies/

Columbian Exchange

https://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/worldhistory/columbianexchange/

The user name to log into Brainpop is sjwv. You need to remember the password: irish

Here is an overview on Scholastic of the items exchanged.
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/columbian-exchange-overview

Spelling/Vocab. Quiz 9-16

We are trying to get back on schedule to have our quizzes on Friday. I am giving you a bit of a break by only having 7 words this week.

1. genius
2. peasant
3. noble
4. furiously
5. exiled
6. inferior
7. colossal

New Vocab./ Spelling Words Quiz 9-9

1. machine
2. mechanical
3. vehicle
4. atlas
5. capable
6. awkward
7. identification
8. justice
9. Beatitudes
10. Geography

Fairy Tales

Here is a link to some fairy tales in case you have not chosen one to modernize yet. http://www.eastoftheweb.com/short-stories/Collections/ClasFair.shtml

Story Elements Song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6I24S72Jps
Do not click on any other links without your parent's permission.

NO Spelling Quiz This Week

There is a vocabulary section in your Reading Quiz on The Horned Toad Prince. The words are on page 91.

Quizzes

Don't forget to study for the continents and oceans quiz tomorrow, and for the spelling vocab test on Friday.
The vocab./spelling quiz will be fill in the blank. I will say each word so you can create the word bank with the words from this week, then you will use your words to fill in the blanks. You will need to know the part of speech as well.
As stated in your syllabus, we will have a spelling/vocab quiz each week, but if we have a shortened week or a super busy week, I will cancel it.  Quizzes are only worth between 25-30 points.

Explorers of The New World UPDATED

Just look though the explorers, and find at least three that interest you.  Later Ill help you choose an explorer to create a mock interview slide show on.
https://www.landofthebrave.info/american-history-of-early-explorers.htm

Updated 8/24:  Now that you have chosen your explorer, you need to choose at least 3 reliable sources to  research him. You need to think of and write down at least 10 questions to "ask" your explorer, then answer the questions as if you were him, also written down. You need to make sure you write the sites you got your information from at the top of the "interview". How you choose to present your interview is completely up to you. You can do any of the ideas that we shared in class, or come up with your own idea. How you share is not as important as the written part which is the questions and answers you wrote based on your research.

Vocabulary/Spelling Quiz 8/26

1. continents
2. Europe
3. hemisphere 
4. proactive 
5. reactive
6. equator
7. Prime Meridian
8. compromise
9. Pacific Ocean
10. Atlantic Ocean
11. Pentecost
12. 
    

Continent Quiz Updated 8/22

This video will help you study for your quiz next week. I think we should probably make it Thursday for both classes.
https://youtu.be/gdl1qVTKQkU
This site will help too.
http://www.whatarethe7continents.com
This is a game, but you need flash to play it.
http://world-geography-games.com/continents.html

Continents Via Video

Stay on this video only, please. For your quiz next week, you will only need to know the location of each continent and the major oceans
Very simply explained in this video: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=continents&&view=detail&mid=DCBDBC71F4A6E53ECCABDCBDBC71F4A6E53ECCAB&rvsmid=615ACB2D202D3BCD8F65615ACB2D202D3BCD8F65&fsscr=0&FORM=VDFSRV
A more involved explanation can be found on this video link:
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=continents&&view=detail&mid=615ACB2D202D3BCD8F65615ACB2D202D3BCD8F65&FORM=VRDGAR

IXL Login

https://www.ixl.com/signin/sjgs

I can't put your user name and password on here. It is in your planner.

Proactive Slide Show: Please review the slide show with your family.

http://www.slideshare.net/danielleisathome/be-proactive-1?qid=e706ac46-212e-4f33-85d5-2754176e2a83&v=&b=&from_search=3

Recap of Proactive Choices

If you shake (agitate) a bottle of coke, pressure starts to build up, and eventually it will”explode”. The surroundings affect the coke bottle, eventually causing a mess.

If you shake (agitate) a bottle of water, it remains as it is. There will be no fizzing, and it remains calm and unaffected. The surroundings will not affect the water.

Let us strive to be like the water! When people around us, or circumstances around us are negative, we can choose to not be affected. We make all the choices for our own behavior. We can choose to be reactive (angry) and react impulsively, OR we can choose to be proactive (calm) and react in a manner that would be beneficial to us. 

Mystery Site to Move Up MONDAY!

http://www.theleaderinme.org/the-7-habits-for-kids

Go to this site, then on Monday you can tell me what you found to move up. :)

You found our blog site!

Now that you found our site, please save it in bookmarks, or favorites. You can also save it to your homepage on your tablet or phone.
Check every day for new information, vocabulary lists, events in school, great links to sites relating to what we are learning, etc.
Since you have a gmail account, you should be able to follow this blog, and make direct comments as well as email me.
It is important to remember to be safe on line. If I ever post a site with advertisements  or links,  stay ONLY where I have linked you.
When I link a YouTube video, you need to ensure you stay only on the video I link. It is what I have pre-approved. I do not approve all videos on YouTube.
I may remind you of homework, projects, or tests on here, but you are in charge of writing all information in your planner to know what is due, and when it is due.
If you can keep up with the blog, and your planner you are on your way to S-U-C-C-E-S-S!!