Newsletter

December 14-18, 2009  

2nd TRIMESTER 
NO HOMEWORK packet goes out today (Please check Homework)

BIRTHDAYS: Hannah Sm. – December 1; Maddy – December 22

Week’s HELPERS: Jacob, Ryan N., Tommy, Charlotte 
______________________________

LANGUAGE ARTS (Spelling, Writing/Grammar-Conventions, Reading)

READING –
The students are continuing the Newbery Award winning novel, Island of the 
Blue Dolphins, by Scott O’Dell. “The girl Robinson Crusoe whose story I, (the 
author), have attempted to re-create actually lived alone upon this island 
from 1835-1853, and is known to history as The Lost Woman of San Nicolas.” 
The students are listening to an audio tape as they follow along in their 
books. Various worksheets and activities will accompany this unit. 

SPELLING/VOCABULARY –
The students will work on Unit 17 [Final ē]. We will focus on analogies and 
syllables, along with dictionary/thesaurus, and proofreading/editing drills. 
Our REAL WORLD Connection will be Language Arts: Fairy Tales. Write a Story 
Ending (Spelling text pg. 111)

MATH       Chapter 6 TEST TOMORROW, TUESDAY, December 15, 2009
This week we finish Chapter 6, DIVIDING by ONE-Digit Divisors, and take the 
TEST. We will not begin Chapter 7 until we return from Christmas Vacation. 


SOCIAL STUDIES    Chapter 4 TEST THIS THURSDAY, December 17, 2009 
Today we continued prepping for the UNIT 2, Chapter 3, MEXICAN CALIFORNIA 
TEST. The students should use their workbooks to help them study.. (Please 
check HOMEWORK)
The main focus includes: 
* People in New Spain fought to change they way they were governed.
* The Mexican government changed the laws that governed Alta California
* Cattle ranching made some Californio families very wealthy.
* In the 1820s, people from the United States explored the mountains and 
valleys of Alta 
	California.

BIBLE 
(LACS SCHOOL VERSE– Matthew 28: 19 & 20)    (Class Verse – Psalm 119:105) 
 (Week’s Verse – MEMORIZE CHRISTMAS SONG
This week we will continue to focus on the Christmas season.  Activity - 
Nativity Video... and accompanying packet. 

      ******************************
December 7-11, 2009  

2nd TRIMESTER 
New HOMEWORK packet goes out today (Please check Homework)

BIRTHDAYS: Hannah Sm. – December 1; Maddy – December 22

Week’s HELPERS: Peter, Mitchell, Anna, Joseph 
______________________________

LANGUAGE ARTS (Spelling, Writing/Grammar-Conventions, Reading)

READING –
The students are continuing the Newbery Award winning novel, Island of the 
Blue Dolphins, by Scott O’Dell. “The girl Robinson Crusoe whose story I, (the 
author), have attempted to re-create actually lived alone upon this island 
from 1835-1853, and is known to history as The Lost Woman of San Nicolas.” 
The students are listening to an audio tape as they follow along in their 
books. Various worksheets and activities will accompany this unit. 

SPELLING/VOCABULARY –
The students will work on Unit 16 [-ed & -ing endings]. We will focus on word 
clues and entry words as base words, along with dictionary/thesaurus, and 
proofreading/editing drills. Our REAL WORLD Connection will be Health: 
Exercise.

WRITING –
   The students will continue their new extended writing assignment “Write a 
Description” (Reading text pgs. 183-184) FOCUS: “expensive” descriptive 
detail; clear, 3 paragraph organization. THIS WEEK they are to observe their 
pet and take SHORT notes/Jots – NO SENTENCES! They are to carefully observe 
the appearance and behavior of their pet. For those who do NOT have a pet, 
they are to decide on one that they would like to get someday. They may use 
the WEB or animal books to research what their pet might look like and how it 
might behave. We will be putting everything together in class.
WRITING drills include:  
*	Write a Description –An EXTENDED assignment
        Model: Mrs. Bryant’s “Li’l Buddy” 
*	MODEL: “Tabby the Tabby Cat” - using a 4th grade model from the 
        reading text, Traditions  
*	The students are to create 3 SETS of 2-Column notes for their 3 
        paragraph description. (ALL WRITING MUST BE DONE IN CLASS)
*	This week the students will set up their 2-COLUMN notes making sure 
        they include $$ Expensive detail – sensory/picture words. 
*	The students should have spent approximately ½ hour observing their 
        pet or investigating their ‘dream pet’ 
        [Please read details above in paragraph.]
*	Possible weekly WRITING PROMPT [15-20 minutes]

MATH             Chapter 6 TEST next TUESDAY, December 15, 2009
This week we are continuing Chapter 6, DIVIDING by ONE-Digit Divisors. The 
students should drill their multiplication facts in order to improve their 
skills.

SOCIAL STUDIES      Chapter 4 TEST next THURSDAY, December 17, 2009 
Today we began prepping for UNIT 2, Exploration and Colonization, Chapter 3, 
MEXICAN CALIFORNIA. The students began their vocabulary flashcards and looked 
for JUMP OUT pages. (Please check HOMEWORK)
The main focus includes: 
* People in New Spain fought to change they way they were governed.
* The Mexican government changed the laws that governed Alta California
* Cattle ranching made some Californio families very wealthy.
* In the 1820s, people from the United States explored the mountains and  
  valleys of Alta California.

SCIENCE 
We are continuing Chapter 2 -Rocks and Minerals
This is one of my favorite chapters and over the next couple of weeks we will 
be investigating Mineral Properties, Identifying Rocks (this week), and The 
Rock Cycle. Our study will culminate with a ROCK & MINERAL viewing day 
(teacher and student samples).
We are continuing to investigate and collect data for our class SCIENCE 
PROJECT.
We will be studying the text in class for now, and participating in group 
INVESTIGATIONS.  Chapter tests will be open-book, in-class LABS (2 lab grades 
for now.)

BIBLE 
(LACS SCHOOL VERSE– Matthew 28: 19 & 20)(Class Verse – Psalm 119:105) 
 (Week’s Verse – MEMORIZE CHRISTMAS SONG
Work on Christmas Song and *ADVENT DOOR     
This week we will continue to focus on the Christmas season. Buddy Activity, 
*ADVENT DOORS, Nativity Video...
*The students’ project is to create their own Advent door that opens to show 
something about Christmas that is meaningful to them. The students have Lab 
time to work on these but may also take them home to embellish if they wish. 

     *****************************
November 30-December 4, 2009      

2nd TRIMESTER
New HOMEWORK packet goes out today (Please check Homework)

BIRTHDAYS: Hannah Sm. – December 1; Maddy – December 22

Week’s HELPERS: Maddy, Priscilla, Hannah Sm., Ryan S. 
_____________________

LANGUAGE ARTS (Spelling, Writing/Grammar-Conventions, Reading)

READING –
The students will begin the Newbery Award winning novel, Island of the Blue 
Dolphins, by Scott O’Dell. “The girl Robinson Crusoe whose story I, (the 
author), have attempted to re-create actually lived alone upon this island 
from 1835-1853, and is known to history as The Lost Woman of San Nicolas.” 
The students will listen to an audio tape as they follow along in the books. 
Various worksheets and activities will accompany this unit. 
SPELLING/VOCABULARY –
The students will work on Unit 15 [Final l or el]. We will focus on analogies 
and the  Schwa sound along with dictionary/thesaurus, and 
proofreading/editing drills. Our REAL WORLD Connection will be Math: Money
WRITING –
   The students will continue their new extended writing assignment “Write a 
Description” (Reading text pgs. 183-184) FOCUS: “expensive” descriptive 
detail; clear, 3 paragraph organization. THIS WEEK they are to observe their 
pet and take SHORT notes/Jots – NO SENTENCES! They are to carefully observe 
the appearance and behavior of their pet. For those who do NOT have a pet, 
they are to decide on one that they would like to get someday. They may use 
the WEB or animal books to research what their pet might look like and how it 
might behave. We will be putting everything together in class.
WRITING drills include:  
* Write a Description –An EXTENDED assignment
  Model: Mrs. Bryant’s “Li’l Buddy” 
* MODEL: “Tabby the Tabby Cat” - using a 4th grade model from the 
  reading text, Traditions  
* The students are to create 3 SETS of 2-Column notes for their 3 
  paragraph description. (ALL WRITING MUST BE DONE IN CLASS)
* This week the students will set up their 2-COLUMN notes making sure 
  they include $$ Expensive detail – sensory/picture words. 
* The students should have spent approximately ½ hour observing their 
  pet or investigating their ‘dream pet’ 
  [Please read details above in paragraph.]
* Possible weekly WRITING PROMPT [15-20 minutes]

MATH             Chapter 6 TEST planned for TUESDAY, December 15, 2009
This week we are continuing Chapter 6, DIVIDING by ONE-Digit Divisors. The 
students should drill their multiplication facts in order to improve their 
skills.

SOCIAL STUDIES             Chapter 4 TEST THURSDAY, December 17, 2009 
Today we began prepping for UNIT 2, Exploration and Colonization, Chapter 3, 
MEXICAN CALIFORNIA. The students began their vocabulary flashcards and looked 
for JUMP OUT pages. (Please check HOMEWORK)
The main focus includes: 
* People in New Spain fought to change they way they were governed.
* The Mexican government changed the laws that governed Alta California
* Cattle ranching made some Californio families very wealthy.
* In the 1820s, people from the United States explored the mountains and
  valleys of Alta California.

SCIENCE 
We are continuing Chapter 2 -Rocks and Minerals
This is one of my favorite chapters and over the next couple of weeks we will 
be investigating Mineral Properties, Identifying Rocks (this week), and The 
Rock Cycle. Our study will culminate with a ROCK & MINERAL viewing day 
(teacher and student samples).
We will be studying the text in class for now, and participating in group 
INVESTIGATIONS.  Chapter tests will be open-book, in-class LABS (2 lab grades 
for now.)

BIBLE 
(LACS SCHOOL VERSE– Matthew 28: 19 & 20)    (Class Verse – Psalm 119:105) 
 (Week’s Verse – MEMORIZE CHRISTMAS SONG
                Work on Christmas Song and *ADVENT DOOR     
This week we will be focusing on the Christmas season. Buddy Activity, 
Nativity Video...
* Year’s ago, I found a book at Costco that caught my attention. The title 
was The ADVENT Book. Opening it up, I found 25 beautiful and ornate doors 
that opened to different parts of the Christmas Story. I had never seen 
anything but Advent posters of various types and I couldn’t resist picking 
this book up for my classes. Each student opens one of the doors and shares 
what is written inside. The students’ project is to create their own Advent 
door that opens to show something about Christmas that is meaningful to them. 
The students have Lab time to work on these but may also take them home to 
embellish if they wish. 

   ***************************************
NOVEMBER 16-20, 2009

2nd TRIMESTER BEGINS TODAY
NO HOMEWORK packet (Please check Homework)

BIRTHDAYS: Mitchell – November 27

Week’s HELPERS: Drake, Joony, Zachary, Natalie
_____________________________________

LANGUAGE ARTS (Spelling, Writing/Grammar-Conventions, Reading)

READING –
The students will experience a HEAT WAVE that strikes a Kansas farm. As I 
read this orally, they are to evaluate how the author and the illustrator 
make this story funny and incredible! 

SPELLING/VOCABULARY –
The students will work on Unit 14 [Final Ər]. We will learn to make 
inferences and word comparisons along with dictionary/thesaurus, and 
proofreading/editing drills. Our REAL WORLD Connection will be Recreation: 
Sailing

WRITING –
   The students will continue their new extended writing assignment “Write a 
Description” (Reading text pgs. 183-184) FOCUS: “expensive” descriptive 
detail; clear, 3 paragraph organization. THIS WEEK they are to observe their 
pet and take SHORT notes/Jots – NO SENTENCES! They are to carefully observe 
the appearance and behavior of their pet. For those who do NOT have a pet, 
they are to decide on one that they would like to get someday. They may use 
the WEB or animal books to research what their pet might look like and how it 
might behave. We will be putting everything together in class.
WRITING drills include:  
	Write a Description –An EXTENDED assignment
Model: Mrs. Bryant’s “Li’l Buddy” 
	MODEL: “Tabby the Tabby Cat” - using a 4th grade model from the 
reading text, Traditions  
	The students are to create 3 SETS of 2-Column notes for their 3 
paragraph description. (ALL WRITING MUST BE DONE IN CLASS)
	This week the students will set up their 2-COLUMN notes making sure 
they include $$ Expensive detail – sensory/picture words. 
	By this Wednesday,they should have spent approximately ½ hour 
observing their pet or investigating their ‘dream pet’ [Please read details 
above in paragraph.]
	Possible weekly WRITING PROMPT [15-20 minutes]

MATH Chapter 5 test THIS Wednesday, November 18, 2009
This week we are finishing Chapter 5, Multiplying by TWO-Digit Numbers, and 
taking a test.  The students should drill their multiplication facts in order 
to improve their skills.

SOCIAL STUDIES 
Today we began prepping for UNIT 2, Exploration and Colonization, Chapter 3, 
MEXICAN CALIFORNIA. The students began their vocabulary flashcards and looked 
for JUMP OUT pages. (Please check HOMEWORK)
The main focus includes: 
* People in New Spain fought to change they way they were governed.
* The Mexican government changed the laws that governed Alta California
* Cattle ranching made some Californio families very wealthy.
* In the 1820s, people from the United States explored the mountains and 
valleys of Alta 
	California.

SCIENCE 
We are continuing Chapter 2 -Rocks and Minerals
This is one of my favorite chapters and over the next couple of weeks we will 
be investigating Mineral Properties, Identifying Rocks (this week), and The 
Rock Cycle. Our study will culminate with a ROCK & MINERAL viewing day 
(teacher and student samples).
We will be studying the text in class for now, and participating in group 
INVESTIGATIONS.  Chapter tests will be open-book, in-class LABS (2 lab grades 
for now.)

BIBLE 
(LACS SCHOOL VERSE– Matthew 28: 19 & 20)    (Class Verse – Psalm 119:105) 
 (Week’s Verse – NO VERSE this week
This week we will continue to spend time with the prophets, Joel & Obediah. 
We will “focus on how Israel and Judah were conquered by their enemies, the 
Assyrians and the Babylonians. The vital role the prophets played in warning 
the nations to honor God will be stressed, beginning with Joel, who preached 
to God’s people, and Obadiah, who preached to the enemies of God’s people. 
The class will be participating in a CHORAL READING to review the material. 


   ***************************
November 9-13, 2009  

11th HOMEWORK packet goes out today – Due back next MONDAY, November 16, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: Mitchell – November 27

Week’s HELPERS: Peter, Mitchell, Charlotte, Hannah St.
______________________________

LANGUAGE ARTS (Spelling, Writing/Grammar-Conventions, Reading)

READING –
This week will meet a young lady from Martinique and read her version of the 
Cinderella story in “CENDRILLON”. As the students read, they are to think of 
questions to ask about how the setting affects the story.
SPELLING/VOCABULARY –
The students will work on Unit 13 [Compound Words]. We will learn about 
context sentences and syllables along with dictionary/thesaurus, and 
proofreading/editing drills. Our REAL WORLD Connection will be Social 
Studies: Travel
Our writing drill –Write a List of Tips (Spelling-Vocabulary Text)
WRITING –
   The students will begin their next extended writing assignment “Write a 
Description” (Reading text pgs. 183-184) FOCUS: “expensive” descriptive 
detail; clear, 3 paragraph organization. THIS WEEK they are to observe their 
pet and take SHORT notes/Jots – NO SENTENCES! They are to carefully observe 
the appearance and behavior of their pet. For those who do NOT have a pet, 
they are to decide on one that they would like to get someday. They may use 
the WEB or animal books to research what their pet might look like and how it 
might behave. We will be putting everything together in class.
WRITING drills include:  
Write a Description –An EXTENDED assignment
*     Model: Mrs. Bryant’s “Li’l Buddy” 
*     MODEL: “Tabby the Tabby Cat” - using a 4th grade model from the 
          reading text, Traditions  
*     The students are to create 3 SETS of 2-Column notes for their 3 
          paragraph description. (ALL WRITING MUST BE DONE IN CLASS)
*     This week the students will copy my descriptive model and the text 
          model using the overhead to identify our STEP-UP-to-WRITING 
          procedures using the colors GREEN (Topics sentences/Main Ideas) 
          Yellow (Details/Explanations) RED ($$ Expensive detail – 
          sensory/picture words). 
*     They are to spend approximately ½ hour observing their pet or [Please 
          read details above in paragraph.]
*     Possible weekly WRITING PROMPT [15-20 minutes]

MATH Chapter 5 test planned for Wednesday, November 18, 2009
This week we are continuing Chapter 5, Multiplying by TWO-Digit Numbers.  The 
students should drill their multiplication facts in order to improve their 
skills.

SOCIAL STUDIES Chapter 3 Test THIS Friday, November 13, 2009
We are continuing UNIT 2, Exploration and Colonization, Chapter 3, SPANISH 
CALIFORNIA. The students will be finishing up their vocabulary flashcards and 
drilling. They have already been assigned several pages in their workbooks. 
The main focus includes: 
* European explorers looking for Asia and finding California
* The Spanish race to start colonies when Russia starts exploring the 
      northern 
  Pacific Ocean
* The mission system bringing the power of Spain and the Catholic Church to 
      California
* Spain sending soldiers to Alta California to build forts and guard the 
      colony

SCIENCE 
We have BEGUN Chapter 2 -Rocks and Minerals
This is one of my favorite chapters and over the next couple of weeks we will 
be investigating Mineral Properties, Identifying Rocks, and The Rock Cycle. 
Our study will culminate with a ROCK & MINERAL viewing day (teacher and 
student samples).
We will be studying the text in class for now, and participating in group 
INVESTIGATIONS.  Chapter tests will be open-book, in-class LABS (2 lab grades 
for now.)

BIBLE 
(LACS SCHOOL VERSE– Matthew 28: 19 & 20)    (Class Verse – Psalm 119:105) 
 (Week’s Verse – NO VERSE this week
This week we will meet the prophets, Joel & Obediah. We will “focus on how 
Israel and Judah were conquered by their enemies, the Assyrians and the 
Babylonians. The vital role the prophets played in warning the nations to 
honor God will be stressed, beginning with Joel, who preached to God’s 
people, and Obadiah, who preached to the enemies of God’s people. The class 
will be participating in a CHORAL READING to review the material. 

    **************************************
NOVEMBER 2-6, 2009  

10th   HOMEWORK packet goes out today – Due back next MONDAY, November 9, 2009
GRADED HOMEWORK PACKET also sent home today

BIRTHDAYS: Mitchell – November 27

Week’s HELPERS: Peter, Mitchell, Charlotte, Hannah St.
___________________________________

LANGUAGE ARTS (Spelling, Writing/Grammar-Conventions, Reading)

READING –
This week the students are beginning a new unit, THAT’S AMAZING. When a 
mysterious stranger – “THE STRANGER” – arrives at the Baileys’ house, unusual 
things begin to happen.  As they read, they are to monitor their reading. If 
something doesn’t make sense, they are to reread to clarify. 
SPELLING/VOCABULARY –
The students will work on Unit 11 [ôr, ûr, yŏŏr]. We will learn about 
synonyms along with dictionary/thesaurus, and proofreading/editing drills. 
Our REAL WORLD Connection will be Science: Horses
WRITING –
Our writing drill –Write a Personal Story (Spelling Text)
WRITING drills include:  
*	Writing a Personal Narrative – Wrapping up -  An EXTENDED assignment
        Model: Mrs. Bryant’s embarrassing experience—The Giant “Cow Pie,” 
*	The students HAVE created 3 Story Webs and Sensory Charts using my 
        board sample.   (ALL WRITING WILL BE DONE IN CLASS)
*	MODEL: Writing a Personal Narrative, using a 4th grade model from the 
        reading text, Traditions  
*	This week the students should have FINISHED their  2-Column notes 
        format, be checked off. and begin their FIRST DRAFT. 
*	Weekly WRITING PROMPT [15-20 minutes]

MATH Chapter 4 test planned for Wednesday, November 4, 2009
This week we will finish Chapter 4, Multiplying by One-Digit Numbers. We will 
Monday and Tuesday, and take the test Wednesday. The students should drill 
their multiplication facts in order to improve their skills.

SOCIAL STUDIES Chapter 3 test planned for Friday, November 13, 2009
We are continuing UNIT 2, Exploration and Colonization, Chapter 3, SPANISH 
CALIFORNIA. The students will be finishing up their vocabulary flashcards and 
drilling. They have already been assigned several pages in their workbooks. 
The main focus includes: 
* European explorers looking for Asia and finding California
* The Spanish race to start colonies when Russia starts exploring the 
  northern 
  Pacific Ocean
* The mission system bringing the power of Spain and the Catholic Church to 
  California
* Spain sending soldiers to Alta California to build forts and guard the 
  colony

SCIENCE 
We have BEGUN Chapter 2 -ROCKS and MINERALS
This is one of my favorite chapters and over the next couple of weeks we will 
be investigating Mineral Properties, Identifying Rocks, and The Rock Cycle. 
Our study will culminate with a ROCK & MINERAL viewing day (teacher and 
student samples).
We will be studying the text in class for now, and participating in group 
INVESTIGATIONS.  Chapter tests will be open-book, in-class LABS (2 lab grades 
for now.)

BIBLE 
(LACS SCHOOL VERSE– Matthew 28: 19 & 20)    (Class Verse – Psalm 119:105) 
 (Week’s Verse – JOEL 2: 13b
The students will meet the prophets HOSEA and AMOS and review Hosea 14:9. The 
students will meet a member of the police and a pastor (student actors). They 
will be learning about road signs to help them visually as they learn how 
important a covenant is and the possible consequences that will follow if it 
is broken. We’ll find that God used Hosea to share messages that appealed to 
the hearts of the Israelite people while Amos, a brilliant preacher, appealed 
to their minds.

      ************************************
October 26-30, 2009  

9th   HOMEWORK packet goes out today – Due back next MONDAY, November 2, 2009
GRADED HOMEWORK PACKET also sent home today

BIRTHDAYS: Priscilla – October 28

Week’s HELPERS: Maddy, Priscilla, Anna, Joseph
  __________________________________
                                             
LANGUAGE ARTS (Spelling, Writing/Grammar-Conventions, Reading)

READING –
This week the students will continue working with their seating partners to 
catch up on their workbook pages for our stories Akiak, the Titanic, Tomás 
and the Library Lady, and Boss of the Plains. We will be correcting various 
pages orally.
SPELLING –
The students will work on Unit 10 [ îr, är, âr]. We will learn about Idioms 
along with dictionary/thesaurus, and proofreading/editing drills. Our REAL 
WORLD Connection will be Recreation: Scuba Diving. The unit writing 
assignment is one of the students’ favorites each year. They are to write a 
paragraph describing an imaginary underwater creature.
WRITING –
Our writing drill –Write a Personal Story (Spelling Text)
WRITING drills include:  
*	Writing a Personal Narrative – Continuing -  An EXTENDED assignment
            Model: Mrs. Bryant’s embarrassing experience—The Giant “Cow Pie,” 
*	The students HAVE created 3 Story Webs and Sensory Charts using my 
            board sample.   (ALL WRITING WILL BE DONE IN CLASS)
*	MODEL: Writing a Personal Narrative, using a 4th grade model from the 
            reading text, Traditions  
*	This week the students have FINISH their chosen topic by editing and 
            polishing their Web Story and Sensory Chart. They are FINISHING 
            their  2-Column notes format and begin their FIRST DRAFT. 
                     (Teacher models on board)
*	Weekly WRITING PROMPT (None this week)

MATH Chapter 4 test planned for Wednesday, November 4, 2009
This week we will finish Chapter 4, Multiplying by One-Digit Numbers. We will 
review next Monday and Tuesday, and take the test next Wednesday. The 
students should drill their multiplication facts in order to improve their 
skills.

SOCIAL STUDIES Chapter 3 test planned for Friday, November 13, 2009
We are continuing UNIT 2, Exploration and Colonization, Chapter 3, SPANISH 
CALIFORNIA. The students will be finishing up their vocabulary flashcards and 
drilling. They have already been assigned several pages in their workbooks. 
The main focus includes: 
* European explorers looking for Asia and finding California
* The Spanish race to start colonies when Russia starts exploring the 
northern 
  Pacific Ocean
* The mission system bringing the power of Spain and the Catholic Church to 
California
* Spain sending soldiers to Alta California to build forts and guard the 
colony

SCIENCE 
The students took their first Chapter TEST [Unit B, Chapter 1, The Changing 
Earth]. This was an open-book/workbook/note -- The students were able to use 
their texts, workbooks and flash cards. 
We will be studying the text in class for now, and participating in group 
INVESTIGATIONS.  Chapter tests will be open-book, in-class LABS (2 lab grades 
for now.)

BIBLE 
(LACS SCHOOL VERSE– Matthew 28: 19 & 20)    (Class Verse – Psalm 119:105) 
 (Week’s Verse – NONE this week
The students will continue getting to know more about the prophet, JONAH as 
they travel with him to the Assyrian Empire and the main city-state Nineveh. 
They will hopefully also meet the prophets HOSEA and AMOS. We’ll find that 
God used Hosea to share messages that appealed to the hearts of the Israelite 
people while Amos, a brilliant preacher, appealed to their minds.

         ***************************
October 19-23, 2009  

8th   HOMEWORK packet goes out today – Due back next MONDAY, October 26, 2009
         GRADED HOMEWORK PACKET and TESTS PACKET also sent home today

BIRTHDAYS: Priscilla – October 28

Week’s HELPERS: Drake, Joony, Hannah Sm., Ryan S.
    _________________________________

LANGUAGE ARTS (Spelling, Writing/Grammar-Conventions, Reading)

READING –
This week the students will be working with their seating partners to catch 
up on their workbook pages for our stories Akiak, the Titanic, Tomás and the 
Library Lady, and Boss of the Plains. We will be correcting various pages 
orally.
SPELLING –
The students will work on Unit 9 [ ou and ô ]. We will practice Word Clues & 
Entry Words and their Meanings, along with dictionary/thesaurus, and 
proofreading/editing drills. Our REAL WORLD Connection will be Science: Dogs.

WRITING –
Our writing drill –Write a Personal Story (Spelling Text)
WRITING drills include:  
*  Writing a Personal Narrative – Continuing -  An EXTENDED assignment
   Model: Mrs. Bryant’s embarrassing experience—The Giant “Cow Pie,” 
*  The students HAVE created 3 Story Webs and Sensory Charts using  my board  
   sample.   (ALL WRITING WILL BE DONE IN CLASS)
*  MODEL: Writing a Personal Narrative, using a 4th grade model from the 
   reading text, Traditions  
*  This week the students have FINISH their chosen topic by editing and 
   polishing their Web Story and Sensory Chart. They will start putting 
   events into order using a 2-Column format. (Teacher models on board)
*  Weekly WRITING PROMPT (approximately 15-20 minutes)

MATH Chapter 4 test planned for Wednesday, November 4, 2009
We began Chapter 4, Multiplying by One-Digit Numbers, today. The students 
should drill their multiplication facts in order to improve their skills.

SOCIAL STUDIES Chapter 3 test planned for Friday, November 13, 2009
We are beginning a NEW UNIT, Exploration and Colonization, Chapter 3, SPANISH 
CALIFORNIA. 
The main focus includes: 
* European explorers looking for Asia and finding California
* The Spanish race to start colonies when Russia starts exploring the 
  northern Pacific Ocean
* The mission system bringing the power of Spain and the Catholic Church to 
  California
* Spain sending soldiers to Alta California to build forts and guard the 
  colony

SCIENCE 
The students are continuing their tour of Unit B, The Changing Earth -- 
Chapter 1, Changes to Earth’s Surface. This week we are finishing this 
chapter and taking an IN-CLASS Test. The students will be able to use their 
texts, workbooks and flash cards. 
We will be studying the text in class for now, and participating in group 
INVESTIGATIONS.  Chapter tests will be open-book, in-class LABS (2 lab grades 
for now.)

BIBLE 
(LACS SCHOOL VERSE– Matthew 28: 19 & 20)    (Class Verse – Psalm 119:105) 
 (Week’s Verse – HOSEA 14: 9b) see homework
The students will continue getting to know more about the prophet, JONAH as 
they travel with him to the Assyrian Empire and the main city-state Nineveh. 
They will also meet the prophets HOSEA and AMOS. God used Hosea to share 
messages that appealed to the hearts of the Israelite people while Amos, a 
brilliant preacher, appealed to their minds.


    **********************************
October 12-16, 2009  


7th HOMEWORK packet goes out today – Due back next MONDAY, October 19, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: Priscilla – October 28

Week’s HELPERS: Jacob, Ryan, Zachary, Natalie

   ------------------------------                                             
LANGUAGE ARTS (Spelling, Writing/Grammar-Conventions, Reading)

READING --
This week we will “Go West” as we read the biography, BOSS OF THE PLAINS. The 
students will discover how the cowboy hat, a one-of-a-kind hat won the hearts—
and heads—of the American West. The students are to stop at different points 
in the story to summarize key events. 
SPELLING –
The students will work on Unit 8 [ōō, & ŏŏ]. We will practice Making 
Inferences along with dictionary/thesaurus, and proofreading/editing drills. 
Our REAL WORLD Connection will be Recreation: Camping. The writing 
assignment – A Friendly Letter
WRITING –
Our writing drill –Write a Personal Story (Spelling Text)
WRITING drills include:  
*       Writing a Personal Narrative – Continuing -  An EXTENDED assignment
        Model: Mrs. Bryant’s embarrassing experience—The Giant “Cow Pie,” 
*       the students HAVE created 3 Story Webs and Sensory Charts using  my  
        board sample.   (ALL WRITING WILL BE DONE IN CLASS)
*       MODEL: Writing a Personal Narrative, using a 4th grade model from the
        reading text, Traditions  
*       This week the students will FINISH their chosen topic by editing and
        polishing their Web Story and Sensory Chart. They will also start
        putting events into order using a 2-Column format.
*       Weekly WRITING PROMPT (approximately 15-20 minutes)

MATH Chapter 3 test THIS Friday, October 16, 2009
We will FINISH Chapter 3, Multiplication and Division Facts, and take the 
test on Friday. We will be taking the test in the morning due to our 
afternoon WALK-THROUGH-CALIFORNIA. Please refer to HOMEWORK to check out 
important review pages.

SOCIAL STUDIES Chapter 2 THIS Wednesday, October 14, 2009
We are REVIEWING UNIT 1, Chapter 2 for Wednesday’s test. The students should 
be reviewing their workbook pages and the Chapter Review pages in the text. 
Please refer to HOMEWORK

SCIENCE 
The students are continuing their tour of Unit B, The Changing Earth -- 
Chapter 1, Changes to Earth’s Surface. They have finished their FLASHCARDS 
and will continue to practice with POP UPS. We are nearing the end of our 
chapter. We will be studying the text in class for now, and participating in 
group INVESTIGATIONS.  Chapter tests will be open-book, in-class LABS (2 lab 
grades for now.)

BIBLE 
(LACS SCHOOL VERSE– Matthew 28: 19 & 20)    (Class Verse – Psalm 119:105) 
 (Week’s Verse – LUKE 6:37) see homework
The students will meet the prophet, JONAH and review LUKE 6:37. The 
students “will focus on the fact that God’s message (and His compassion) is 
for all people; we are not to judge who is worthy of His salvation. This was 
the lesson that Jonah begrudgingly acknowledged after his preaching brought 
the people of Nineveh to repentance, and God (held back) His judgment on 
them.”

         *********************************

October 5-9, 2009  

6th   HOMEWORK packet goes out today – Due back next MONDAY, October 12, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: Priscilla – October 28

Week’s HELPERS: Peter, Mitchell, Tommy, Isabel
________________________

 6th    HOMEWORK packet goes out today - Due back Monday, October 12, 2009
                                             
LANGUAGE ARTS (Spelling, Writing/Grammar-Conventions, Reading)
READING --
This week the students will be working with their seating partners to catch 
up on their workbook pages for our stories Akiak, the Titanic, and Tomás and 
the Library Lady. We will be correcting various pages orally.
SPELLING –
The students will work on Unit 7, the [short u, long yoo, long oo]. We will 
practice using Word Clues and a Spelling Table, along with 
dictionary/thesaurus, and proofreading/editing drills. Our REAL WORLD 
Connection will be – 
Health: Morning Activities.
WRITING –
Our writing drill –Write a Personal Story (Spelling Text)
WRITING drills include:  
	Writing a Personal Narrative – Continuing -  An EXTENDED assignment
Model: Mrs. Bryant’s embarrassing experience—The Giant “Cow Pie,” 
	the students are creating 3 Story Webs and Sensory Charts using  my 
board sample.   (ALL WRITING WILL BE DONE IN CLASS)
	MODEL: Writing a Personal Narrative, using a 4th grade model from the 
reading text, Traditions  
	This week the students will perfect their chosen topic by editing and 
polishing their Web Story and Sensory Chart. They will also start putting 
events into order using a 2-Column format.
	Weekly WRITING PROMPT (approximately 15-20 minutes)

MATH Chapter 3 test planned for Friday, October 16, 2009
We are continuing Chapter 3, Multiplication and Division Facts.  Beginning 
last week, I began leading oral multiplication drilling to build skills. I 
will continue this drilling this week. It is very important that students who 
are week in this area, also practice at home. 

SOCIAL STUDIES Chapter 2 test planned for Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The students are continuing UNIT 1, Chapter 2 and should have finished their 
careful reading of the text at home. The students are working on their 
workbook pages followed by oral discussion and correcting. As they finish 
corrected pages, they should be taking the workbooks home to study and review.

SCIENCE 
The students are continuing their tour of Unit B, The Changing Earth -- 
Chapter 1, Changes to Earth’s Surface. They have finished their FLASHCARDS 
and will continue to practice with POP UPS. We will be studying the text in 
class for now, and participating in group INVESTIGATIONS.  Chapter tests will 
be open-book, in-class LABS (2 lab grades for now.)

BIBLE 
(LACS SCHOOL VERSE– Matthew 28: 19 & 20)    (Class Verse – Psalm 119:105) 
 (Week’s Verse – NONE) see homework
We will be remembering our visits to King SOLOMON of Israel, and the prophet 
ELIJAH and his successor ELISHA. The students will be working on various 
workbook activities together and alone.


                  ***************************
September 28-October 2, 2009  

5th HOMEWORK packet goes out today – Due back next MONDAY, October 5, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: None!

Week’s HELPERS: Maddy, Priscilla, Charlotte, Hannah St.
        
_______________________                                                      
                                                        
LANGUAGE ARTS (Spelling, Writing/Grammar-Conventions, Reading)

READING --
This week, we will travel with Tomás and his family from Texas to Iowa in, 
Tomás and the Library Lady. His parents were farm workers heading to their 
summer job picking fruit and vegetables.  We experienced Tomas’ first visit 
to a library and the wonderful adventures he discovered in books. He became 
the family storyteller and brought much pleasure to his family. The students 
are to PREDICT what this story will tell them about Tomás.
SPELLING –
The students will work on Unit 5 HOMOPHONES. The focus will include context 
sentences, challenge words, spelling-meaning connections, proofreading and 
writing,. The week’s Real-World Connection is Science – Metals.
Our writing drill --Write Instructions (Spelling Text)
WRITING drills include:  
	Writing a Personal Narrative – Continuing -  An EXTENDED assignment
Model: Mrs. Bryant’s embarrassing experience—The Giant “Cow Pie,” 
	the students are creating 3 Story Webs and Sensory Charts using  my 
board sample.   (ALL WRITING WILL BE DONE IN CLASS)
	MODEL: Writing a Personal Narrative, using a 4th grade model from the 
reading text, Traditions  
	Weekly WRITING PROMPT (approximately 15-20 minutes)

MATH Chapter 2 TEST Planned for Wednesday, SEPTEMBER 30  
We will finish Chapter 2, Adding & Subtracting Whole Numbers & Money. The 
students will be taking their test this Wednesday. The best way to study is 
to review PAGE 69 in the text. I will give this test to the students on 
Tuesday and then we will go over the answers orally. They should review their 
work carefully because the test I give them is very close to the test in the 
text. Other review pages -- 70-79 We will begin Chapter 3, Multiplication and 
Division Facts.  

SOCIAL STUDIES 1st TEST – Unit 1, Chapter 1, this Wednesday, OCTOBER 14
The students are continuing UNIT 1, Chapter 2 and should wrap up their 
careful reading of the text at home. We will begin individually and orally 
working on sections in the workbooks. We will correct pages as we finish 
them. 

SCIENCE 
The students are continuing their tour of Unit B, The Changing Earth -- 
Chapter 1, Changes to Earth’s Surface. They are working on FLASHCARDS and 
will practice with POP UPS. We will be studying the text in class for now, 
and participating in group INVESTIGATIONS.  Chapter tests will be open-book, 
in-class LABS (2 lab grades for now.)

BIBLE (LACS SCHOOL VERSE– Matthew 28: 19 & 20) (Class Verse – Psalm 119:105) 
 (Week’s Verse – ISAIAH 52: 7) see homework
We will be going back in time to revisit the prophet ELIJAH and meet his 
successor ELISHA. Our lesson will focus on the fact that God is powerful and 
holy and calls for His people to take a stand for Him in obedience to His 
commands. The students will see that obeying God won’t always meet with 
universal approval. Holding fast to God may be an unpopular choice, but God 
will honor it.

          ______________________________________________
September 21-25, 2009  

E-mail:   Marilyn.Bryant@lacs.com      
Web Page: http://teacherweb.com/CA/LosAltosChristianSchool/MrsBryant/
Phone: 650-948-5698 Room 220


4th HOMEWORK packet goes out today – Due back next  MONDAY, September 28, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: None!

Week’s HELPERS: Drake, Joony, Anna, Joseph 
      ________________________

	         GRADED TEST PACKET WENT HOME TODAY
                                                      
                                            
LANGUAGE ARTS (Spelling, Writing/Grammar-Conventions, Reading)

This week, the students are ENDING their adventures in the land of giants as 
we finish reading the last chapter along with and AUDIO TAPE, The BFG, by 
Roald Dahl. Their DREAM JAR Project is due NEXT MONDAY. (The instructions 
were included in their HOMEWORK PACKETS a few weeks ago.)

This week, our writing drills include:  
	Writing a Personal Narrative – Continuing -  An EXTENDED assignment
        Model: Mrs. Bryant’s embarrassing experience—The Giant “Cow Pie,” 
        followed by the students creating a Story Web from my board sample. 
             (ALL WRITING WILL BE DONE IN CLASS)
	MODEL: Writing a Personal Narrative, using a 4th grade model from the 
        reading text, Traditions  
	Weekly WRITING PROMPT (approximately 15-20 minutes)

MATH Chapter 2 TEST Planned for Wednesday, September 30  
We are continuing Chapter 2, Adding & Subtracting Whole Numbers & Money. The 
students have math folders where they are to keep all their class labs, and 
OPTIONAL assignments. There progress will be checked at various times. The 
BEST way for students to study for tests is the use the TEXT Chapter tests 
are very close to the ones I administer. I always have them take this 
practice test in class and orally go over the answers with them. Many will 
need more study at home.

SOCIAL STUDIES 1st TEST – Unit 1, Chapter 1, this Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The students are beginning UNIT 1, Chapter 2 and should begin reading 
carefully reading the material at home. We will skim the chapter with our 
JUMP OUT DRILLS, finish FLASHCARDS, and practice with our POP UPS. We will 
also begin sections in the workbooks 

SCIENCE 
The students are continuing their tour of Unit B, The Changing Earth -- 
Chapter 1, Changes to Earth’s Surface. They are working on FLASHCARDS and 
will practice with POP UPS. We will be studying the text in class for now, 
and participating in group INVESTIGATIONS.  Chapter tests will be open-book, 
in-class LABS (2 lab grades for now.)

BIBLE (LACS SCHOOL VERSE– Matthew 28: 19 & 20)  (Class Verse – Psalm 
119:105)  (Week’s Verse – Deuteronomy 13:4) see homework
We will be going back in time to meet the prophet ELIJAH. Our lesson will 
focus on the fact that God is powerful and holy and calls for His people to 
take a stand for Him in obedience to His commands. The students will see that 
obeying God won’t always meet with universal approval. Holding fast to God 
may be an unpopular choice, but God will honor it.

*********************
SEPTEMBER 14-18, 2009	

     FIRST GRADED HOMEWORK PACKET WILL GO HOME THIS THURSDAY

BIRTHDAYS: None!

Week’s HELPERS: Jacob, Natalie, Hannah Sm, Ryan S.   
                                                      
     ***********                                       
LANGUAGE ARTS (Spelling, Writing/Grammar-Conventions, Reading)
This week, the students will journey with Bob Ballard on his “high tech’ ship 
to search for the wreck of the Titanic. He will tell a story of the disaster, 
focusing on the experience of a young girl who survived the dreadful night. 
They will learn that the literary genre for this story is Narrative 
Nonfiction. They will work silently in their reading/writing workbooks. 
Exercises which we will correct orally include: vocabulary drills –Seaworthy 
Words, Time Goes On (timeline), Syllabication, spelling strategies, 
proofreading, reading for comprehension. We will focus on the reading 
strategy – to MONITOR/CLARIFY
SEPTEMBER 14-18, 2009

3rd HOMEWORK packet goes out today –
Due back next MONDAY, September 21, 2009


This week, the students are continuing their adventures in the land of giants 
as we continue reading along with and AUDIO TAPE, The BFG, by Roald Dahl. 
They will have a handout and examples from the book to help them with a 
PROJECT that I assigned today. (The instructions were included in last week’s 
HOMEWORK PACKET.)

This week, our writing drills include:  
*	Writing a Personal Narrative – Continuing -  An EXTENDED assignment
Model: Mrs. Bryant’s embarrassing experience—The Giant “Cow Pie,” followed by 
the students creating a Story Web from my board sample.   (ALL WRITING WILL 
BE DONE IN CLASS)
*	MODEL: Writing a Personal Narrative, using a 4th grade model from the 
reading text, Traditions  
*	Weekly WRITING PROMPT, (approximately 15-20 minutes)

MATH Chapter 2 TEST Planned for Wednesday, September 30  
We have begun Chapter 2, Adding & Subtracting Whole Numbers & Money. The 
students have math folders where they are to keep all their class labs, and 
OPTIONAL assignments. There progress will be checked at various times. The 
BEST way for students to study for tests is the use the TEXT Chapter tests 
are very close to the ones I administer. I always have them take this 
practice test in class and orally go over the answers with them. Many will 
need more study at home.

SOCIAL STUDIES 1st TEST – Unit 1, Chapter 1, this Wednesday, September 16
The students should have finished reading UNIT 1, Chapter 1. We will finish 
correcting and reviewing the workbook pages and the vocabulary. The students 
should also be studying their TEXT review [pages 36-37]; and their completed 
workbook pages at home – especially LS-1, LS-2, LS-3, LS-4

SCIENCE 
The students are continuing their toured of Unit B, The Changing Earth -- 
Chapter 1, Changes to Earth’s Surface. We will be studying the text in class 
for now and participating in group INVESTIGATIONS.  Chapter tests will be 
open-book, in-class LABS (2 lab grades for now.)

BIBLE (LACS SCHOOL VERSE– Matthew 28: 19 & 20)  (Class Verse – Psalm 
119:105)  (Week’s Verse – Ecclesiastes 12:13) see homework
We are still back in time with KING SOLOMON. We will observe the demise of 
Solomon’s reign as king of Israel. Solomon’s choice to become selfish, 
greedy, and to worship idols destroyed his relationships with God, his 
family, and his kingdom. We will learn how important it is to value our 
relationships with God, family, and friends above material things.

   _________________________________

SEPTEMBER 7-11, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: None!

Week’s HELPERS: Peter, Mitchell, Ryan N., Zachary  
     ___________________                                                     
                                            
LANGUAGE ARTS (Spelling, Writing/Grammar-Conventions, Reading)
This week, the students are continuing their adventures in the land of giants 
as we continue reading along with and AUDIO TAPE, The BFG, by Roald Dahl. 
They will have a handout and examples from the book to help them with a 
PROJECT that I assigned today. (The instructions were included in today’s 
HOMEWORK PACKET.)
This week, our WRITING drills include:  
*	Writing a Personal Narrative – An EXTENDED assignment
Model: Mrs. Bryant’s embarrassing experience—The Giant “Cow Pie,” followed by 
the students creating a Story Web from my board sample.   (ALL WRITING WILL 
BE DONE IN CLASS)
*	MODEL: Writing a Personal Narrative, using a 4th grade model from the 
reading text, Traditions  
*	Various weekly WRITING PROMPTS, (approximately 15-20 minutes)
MATH Chapter 1 Test planned for this THURSDAY, September 11
We will be reviewing Chapter 1, Place Value. The students have math folders 
where they are to keep all their class labs, and OPTIONAL assignments. There 
progress will be checked at various times. The BEST way for students to study 
for tests is the use the TEXT Chapter test on page 23. It is very close to 
the one I administer. I always have them take this practice test in class and 
orally go over the answers with them. Some will need more study.
SOCIAL STUDIES 1st TEST – Unit 1, Chapter 1, planned for Tuesday, September 16
We are continuing our tour of UNIT 1, Chapter 1. This week we will continue 
working on the workbook pages and the vocabulary—drilling and correcting. The 
students are to be carefully reading their Chapter at home.
SCIENCE 
The students have toured our current chapter and shared “jump out” pages for 
Unit B, The Changing Earth -- Chapter 1, Changes to Earth’s Surface. We will 
be studying the text in class for now and participating in group 
INVESTIGATIONS.  Chapter tests will be open-book, in-class LABS (2 lab grades 
for now.)
BIBLE   (LACS SCHOOL VERSE– Matthew 28: 19-20)(Class Verse – Psalm 119:105)   
(Week’s Verse – PROVERS 1:7)   see homework
This week we will be going back in time and meeting KING SOLOMON. We will 
focus on trying to follow Solomon’s example and asking God for wisdom. He 
will give us the guidance we need to solve our problems and to help others.