Simply Shocking

We have started our unit on Electricity. Look at what we will learn:

Students Will Know:

· Similarities and differences between static and current electricity.

· The flow of electricity requires a closed circuit (complete loop).

· Some materials conduct electricity and some do not.

· Similarities and differences between series and parallel circuits.

· Alternative ways to produce electricity.

Students Will Be Able To:

· Identify current electricity and static electricity as forms of energy.

· Compare and contrast static electricity and current electricity.

· Construct a simple circuit using insulated wire, a battery, and a miniature light bulb and trace the flow of electricity.

· Construct and diagram a simple series circuit.

· Construct and diagram a simple parallel circuit.

• Explain that there are a variety of sources for electricity (for example, steam power, windmills, hydroelectric, geothermal).

Check out this web site for an introduction to Static Electricity. Click on view to see the demonstration and read the information below as well.

http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/phy03.sci.phys.mfe.zsnap/

Earth's Seasons

Here is another great site.

What Causes Earth's Seasons?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuiQvPLWziQ

This link may not work, so just type this address in your browser and see if it will come up.

Can Someone please explain Read, Think, and Explains!

Read, Think, and Expain questions give your child the opportunity to show their deep understanding of the question. The read, think, and explain questions are written at a higher order thinking level than the multiple choice questions, and should take more time to answer because of the thinking that is involved.
In class, we have worked on two point read, think, and explains, as well as, four point read, think, and explains. Your child should know the following about answering read, think, and explain questions:
1. Always restate the question stem as the first sentence in the answer. For example, if the question is how are Robert and James both alike in the story, their answer should begin with Robert and James are both alike in the story in these ___ ways. (Depending if it is a two point or four point problem.)
2. They must write proper nouns and not use pronouns unless it doesn't make sense to use the proper noun.
3. The question must be answered and then supported with proof from the text. Many times a student will answer the question, but then they won't supply the exact proof or detail from the text. To get full credit they must answer the question and supply proof.
4. When answering a question the student must be confident of their answer. The student can't write, "I think the answer is..."
5. Sentence structure, punctuation and spelling count. The answer must be written in a logical format, in complete sentences with proper spelling and correct punctuation.
6. If it is a two point question your child should answer the question using two specific details from the text. If it is a four point question, then four details are needed. Don't add extra details to fill up the lines. Just answer the question succinctly.
7. Close by restating the question. For example, "These are the two ways that Robert and James are alike in the story.

We will continue to practice these in class, and if you can review these questions on reading assessments, that would be appreciated. I am writing specific tips on how your child can improve their read, think, and explain answers and I can see such improvements!

Scarecrow Pete

On Friday we read a wonderful story written in rhyme called Scarecrow Pete written by Mark Kimball Moulton. The story tells of a budding friendship between a young boy and a scarecrow. The scarecrow helps the young boy discover the world of reading. Over the summer months they spend time reading all the classics. Ask your child about some of the classic books the Scarecrow and the boy read together. Hopefully they will mention Moby Dick, Alice and Wonderland, and Peter Pan- just to name a few!

Earth in Motion

Check out the web site on Earth in Motion. Just click on view and enjoy.

http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/ess05.sci.ess.eiu.seasonsgame/

Cafe of Learning Newsletter

OCTOBER 13 The Learning Cafe Newsletter.doc

Spelling Counts

Our goal is for your child to develop as a speller through spelling practice in class, spelling practice at home, writing words daily in Reader's and Writer's Workshop, utilizing our word wall, and using their individual word books. The words that are studied for a test on Friday, should then be applied as they write. For many, this isn't happening. Below is one a website that you may find helpful. If your child is writing a word that is in front of them, they need to practice spelling it correctly. We are not expecting them to spell rich, delicious words correctly,unless they are in their word books, but are expecting them to have a grasp on basic sight words at this point.
J. Richard Gentry has written a book that is available at Barnes and Noble called My Child Can't Spell that is a good resource. Also, check out the following site:
www.spellingcity.com

Mrs. Constande

Planet Fun

We are so proud of our fourth graders' Planet Brochures. Take a look and a listen to our Voicethread. The students told us at least one fact about the planet of their choice and one reason why we would want to travel to their planet as a tourist. Interesting ideas!! We can't wait to hear what you think. Leave us a comment!!

Art To Remeber Projects

Art To Remember Project on the Way HOME!!!!

cceart.blogspot.com


We have completed the Art To Remember Artwork and have them all stuffed in the envelopes, ready to head home. Included on the envelope, should be instructions on how to fill out the order forms so that you can receive all those fabulous items with YOUR child's artwork on them. This is really one of the greatest projects that we do because nothing is better than getting the artwork of a child, as it is fresh and honest. The following are answers to many questions you might have. If your answer is not there, my number appears on the sheet that is attached to your envelope. Give me a call.

What if my child did not finish their artwork? Well, that is not a problem. They are welcome to finish at home with whatever art medium you have available. Many were completed with crayon or markers, or a combination of both, so either of these would be fine.

What if my child did not do a piece of artwork? There were some students who were absent during several art classes or did not enter the school until after we were finished. They are welcome to do a piece of artwork. You can use a piece of copy paper but you must cut it down to 8' x 10 1/2". If you forget this step, I can cut it down when I get it. Make sure they put their first and last name, their teachers name, and Chets Creek, on the back. Have your child come to the Art Lab and get an extra envelope, which contains all the things you need to order.

What if my child does not like their artwork OR what if I would like them to draw something different? When we introduce this project to the students, we normally allow them (at least the older ones) to pick their own subject matter. We do stress the importance of choosing something that would be nice printed on one of these items. However, sometimes, the subject matter of the work is not necessarily something you would like to see on a coffee mug or a T-shirt. You are welcome to have your child draw another picture on a piece of copy paper (see above instructions) and send the new picture in the same envelope you received.

If I have another child that does not attend Chets Creek, can I have them do artwork and include it in the order? Absolutely! Again, just cut a piece of copy paper down to the size mentioned above and have them include their name on the back, their sibling's teachers name, and Chets Creek. You will have to get a seperate order form so that the company is not confused as to what artwork to print on what object. I should have extras in the Art Lab. You can put the artwork in the siblings envelope when your order is complete.

What do I need to return with my order? The order must have the original piece of artwork, the order form, and the payment.

How do I pay? A district change has stated that Duval Schools can no longer recieve checks for under $25 or over $250. So between those two amounts, you can write a check made out to Chets Creek Elementary. Under $25 must be cash.

Will I get my child's artwork back? Yes. If you make an order, the artwork will be returned with the items purchased.

When is my order due? Orders are due back to school by October 10th. Should you find that you did not get it turned in on time, please send it in anyway. If possible, I will make a late order. If I can't, then you can deal directly with ART TO REMEMBER and make arrangements.

When are we expecting the orders to arrive? This year, we are looking to receive them before the Thanksgiving break. If not then, then right after we return. They will be here in plenty of time for the holidays, especially, if your gifts are being sent out of town.

What if an item I have purchased comes damanged? Not a problem. Send the damanged piece in to the Art Lab. ATR keeps student artwork, digitally, until June. We can contact ATR and they will replace it and send it directly to you.

What if I want to order more items at a later date? Again, if you have put in a previous order, the artwork is stored digitally with ATR and they can simply pull it up and print it on whatever you like. You can work directly with ATR at that point.

What does the ATR fundraiser support? All funds raised by this project go to support the Cultural Arts at Chets Creek by bringing in quality presentations and performances for all our students. It also supports our annual Cultural Arts Week, which is a week long celebration of guest artists and family workshops that allow students and families to enjoy different aspects of the arts. The Arts Extravaganza evening event is also supported so that families can come enjoy and participate in the arts together. Finally, these funds help support the resources at Chets, allowing them to purchase special equipment and/or supplies for our students to enjoy.

Let me THANK YOU for your support of and through this project. I KNOW you will be WOWed by these objects with your child's original art. It make the item that much more special.