Team Mindcrafters Daily Update 11-26-13

Parents,

Unfortunately, there wasn't a good way to record audio, but the tall-tale plays are now available for viewing.

Mr. Pransky's Paul Bunyan and John Henry
Mr. Pransky's Pecos Bill and Johnny Appleseed
Mrs. Dressel's Paul Bunyan
Mrs. Dressel's John Henry and Johnny Appleseed

Treat Shop information is coming home today!  Enjoy your Thanksgiving.

Have a great weekend,

Mrs. Dressel and Mr. Pransky

Reading/Language:  

Students are expected to have 55% to play battleball on Monday, and 60% by Friday, December 6.

Social Studies:

None.

Science: 

None. (May work on animal adaptation research at home)

http://www.infohio.org/

UN:aw

PW:generals

Math:  

Those with fact packets are expected to complete them by Monday and turn in.

Spelling:  

Spelling pretest Monday - Lesson 11

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update 11-25-13

Reading/Language:  

Comma review worksheet - practice side only
Students will need 60% by Friday, December 6.

Social Studies:

None.

Science: 

None. (May work on animal adaptation research at home)

http://www.infohio.org/

UN:aw

PW:generals

Math:  

Practice facts.  Second quarter goal is to master multiplication.

Spelling:  

No spelling this week

Pretest next Monday will be on Lesson 11

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update 11-22-13

Parents,

The tall-tale plays were a huge success, and our third-grade audience enjoyed watching the students perform them.  Mrs. Johnston and I plan to try to get them uploaded so that you can see them too!  Depending on whether or not I need to report for jury duty next week, we will get them up either next week, or after Thanksgiving.  Of course, I'll email you as soon as they are ready!

Have a great weekend,

Mrs. Dressel and Mr. Pransky

Reading/Language:  

Students are expected to have 44% to play battleball on Monday.  With only 2 days next week, there will not be an end-of-the-week expectation.  Students will need 60% by Friday, December 6.

Social Studies:

None.

Science: 

None. (May work on animal adaptation research at home)

http://www.infohio.org/

UN:aw

PW:generals

Math:  

Test over Topic 3 (Multiplication Properties) on Monday. 
Practice facts.  Second quarter goal is to master multiplication.

Spelling:  

No spelling list next week.

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update 11-21-13

Parents,

Science.  Students have been working on an independent research project in science.  Students were asked to research a living thing (most chose animals) and create a google presentation about its adaptations.  Students are expected to use at least 2 different resources for their information.  Two of them we began using were World Book for Kids and World Book Student online encyclopedias.  These are both available for free on a site called:

http://www.infohio.org/

UN:aw

PW:generals

Students will primarily work on this at school but can research and work on the slides how at home if they would like.

Math.  Students are doing a great job learning concepts from Topic 3 (Properties of Multiplication).  We are reviewing these concepts today and tomorrow and will test over this unit on Monday.

Have a great night,

Mrs. Dressel and Mr. Pransky

Reading/Language:  

Practice lines in assigned part in tall-tale play.  The students are really doing a great job working together on these plays.  They are welcome to bring in items/clothes for their performance, but there is no expectation for anyone to do this.

AR goal for  Friday - 44%

Social Studies:

None.

Science: 

None. (May work on animal adaptation research at home)

Math:  

Watch videos 10 & 11 on LearnZillion and complete packet pages.

Video #9 can either be skipped or done for extra credit.  Videos #7 & #8 should be completed if they were not finished in class.

Practice facts.  Second quarter goal is to master multiplication.

Spelling:  

Spelling - Unit 2 review (study words from lists 6-10)

Dressel test - Thursday

Pransky test - Friday 

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.

Factor Samurai game

Parents,

Students have asked me to share a great free iOS/Android game for practicing factors, primes, composites, and prime factorization that we've been using at school.  It is similar in style to the popular game "Fruit Ninja." 

Factor Samurai 

iOS game

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/factor-samurai/id441919897?mt=8

Android

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jgundersen.android.factorsamurai&hl=en

For fun, we have been keeping high scores.  Parents can play and post high scores, too.  :)

High scores can be submitted here:

https://docs.google.com/a/anthonywayneschools.org/forms/d/1dDhtudCf89L4qsRIe-i96ZScMQPhqn6oTGyT5Q5Mh4A/viewform

Factor Samurai high scores are posted here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0Ar6A88zHEgW1dFNGNk9zMG00N0ZWSEg0VWQxRTZIWVE

All-time high scores are also on the class blog:

http://teammindcraft.blogspot.com/2013/11/factor-samurai-high-scores.html

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

Factor Samurai High Scores

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update 11-20-13

Parents,

Social Studies.  Students did very well on the economics quiz today.  The second part of our Unit will involve looking at the factors of production, and relating it to Ohio.  This will lead up to the annual tradition of 4th Grade Treat Shop!  More details about this will be coming home very soon.

Have a great night,

Mrs. Dressel and Mr. Pransky

Reading/Language:  

Practice lines in assigned part in tall-tale play.  The students are really doing a great job working together on these plays.  They are welcome to bring in items/clothes for their performance, but there is no expectation for anyone to do this.

AR goal for  Friday - 44%

Social Studies:

Ohio's Economy worksheet.

Science: 

none

Math:  

Practice facts.  Second quarter goal is to master multiplication.

Spelling:  

Spelling - Unit 2 review (study words from lists 6-10)

Dressel test - Thursday

Pransky test - Friday 

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update 11-19-13

Parents,

Science.  Students have been learning about mimicry and camouflage as we have studied animal adaptations.  In learning about the peppered moth and how its camouflage changed after the industrial revolution, the students were challenged to design their own moth camouflage and hide it on a wall in the room.  We then acted as predators and "hunted" for them in the classroom.  We graphed how many we found versus how many were hidden.  The ones that were not found would represent the "survivors" which tended to have the best camouflage.  Next we moved the moths out of their natural environment (a new wall) to see how well they now blended in.  We predict there will be fewer "survivors" this time.  Can you find some of the hidden moths in the attached picture?  

Have a great night,

Mrs. Dressel and Mr. Pransky

Reading/Language:  

Practice lines in assigned part in tall-tale play.
AR goal for  Friday - 44%

Social Studies:

Social Studies quiz tomorrow.  Students took a practice on Moodle today.  Flashcards or Moodle may be used to study.  Students who got a 92% or higher do not need to take the quiz tomorrow, but may try for a better grade (highest score will be kept!).

Science: 

none

Math:  

AM Practice

Practice facts.  Second quarter goal is to master multiplication.

Spelling:  

Spelling - Unit 2 review (study words from lists 6-10)

Dressel test - Thursday

Pransky test - Friday 

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update 11-18-13

Parents,

Reading - We are combining learning about folktales, with learning the structural elements of drama, by performing tall-tale plays!  Students were assigned their parts today, and will perform these plays for third-graders on Friday.

Social Studies - Students will have a quiz on Wednesday.  They were given vocabulary flash cards on Friday to begin studying.  Tomorrow they will take a practice quiz on Moodle.  After the test on Wednesday, I am reading a book to them with facts about the U.S. dollar.  Students may wish to have a dollar with them that day to look at, as I read the book.

Have a great night,

Mrs. Dressel and Mr. Pransky

Reading/Language:  

Practice lines in assigned part in tall-tale play.
AR goal for  Friday - 44%

Social Studies:

study vocabulary flash cards

Science: 

none

Math:  

Practice facts.  Second quarter goal is to master multiplication.

Spelling:  

Spelling - Unit 2 review (study words from lists 6-10)

Dressel test - Thursday

Pransky test - Friday 

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update 11-15-13

Parents,

The week went very quickly - this is a sign that the students were engaged and having fun.  

Have a great weekend!

Reminders:

• Movie night is 11/22.  Turn in $ and form as soon as possible.

Have a great night,

Mrs. Dressel and Mr. Pransky

Reading/Language:  

AR goal for  Friday - 43%

Social Studies:

none

Science: 

none

Math:  

Practice facts.  Second quarter goal is to master multiplication.

Spelling:  

Spelling - Unit 2 Review

Dressel test - Thursday

Pransky test - Friday 

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update 11-14-13

Parents,

Math.  Students have been practicing multiples of various numbers all week.  Today we practiced multiples of 7's in a unique way.  See attached pictures or talk to your child for more about this.

Reminders:

• Spirit Day tomorrow - wear your favorite team colors!
• Please return grade card envelopes if you haven't already.
• Last day for book fair is tomorrow.
  

Have a great night,

Mrs. Dressel and Mr. Pransky

Reading/Language:  

AR goal for  Friday - 33%

Social Studies:

none

Science: 

none

Math:  

Student should watch Video 5 & 6 on Learn Zillion and complete the packet pages that go with them.

Click here for the link.

Practice facts.  Second quarter goal is to master multiplication.

Spelling:  

Spelling - lesson 10

Dressel test - Thursday

Pransky test - Friday 

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

Half chicken story

Parents,

As I was putting some pencils in desks, I noticed quite a few of my homeroom students who had left school without their Scott Foresman Reading books.  Of course, this means they will not be able to complete tonight's Reading homework.  I won't probably do this again, but I am attaching a pdf file of the story to this e-mail so students can do their assignment.  Students in my room who forgot their book will be losing a Class Dojo point for "unprepared."

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update 11-13-13

Parents,

Helpers Wanted!  I am looking for help in assembling, laminating, and cutting out pieces to be used in activities for our Monday flex time.  Please let me know if you are interested in helping out.  Thanks!  Mrs. Dressel

Student Council News:  This Friday is Spirit Day, wear the colors of your favorite team.  Student Council is also sponsoring a food drive.  Students can bring in canned (or other non perishable) goods.  This goes through November 22nd.

Reminders:

• Please return grade card envelopes if you haven't already.
• Book Fair this week.  Come check it out!
  

Have a great night,

Mrs. Dressel and Mr. Pransky

Reading/Language:  

Read the story Half-Chicken and complete a summary worksheet.
AR goal for  Friday - 33%

Social Studies:

none

Science: 

none

Math:  

Practice facts.  Second quarter goal is to master multiplication.

Spelling:  

Spelling - lesson 10

Dressel test - Thursday

Pransky test - Friday 

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update 11-12-13

Parents,

Winter clothing.  As I'm sure you know, the temperature has really dropped this week and is expected to stay that way for a few days at least.  Be sure your child has appropriate clothing each day so they can play outside comfortably. My grandpa used to always tell me, "It's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it."   A winter hat and coat as well as gloves would fall in this category.  

Birthday Treats.  Just a reminder that you are welcome to send in birthday treats for your child on or near his/her birthday.  We would ask that you please send in napkins or plates as well.  Simple treats are always best.  Finally, Mr. Pransky's homeroom has two students with nut allergies and one that cannot eat gluten so please take that into consideration when you decide what to bring in.

Reminders:

• Please return grade card envelopes if you haven't already.
• Book Fair starts today after school.  Come check it out!
  

Have a great night,

Mrs. Dressel and Mr. Pransky

Reading/Language:  

AR goal for next  Friday - 33%

Social Studies:

none

Science: 

none

Math:  

AM Practice.

Practice facts.  Second quarter goal is to master multiplication.

Spelling:  

Spelling - lesson 10

Dressel test - Thursday

Pransky test - Friday 

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update 11-11-13

Parents,

We would like to take the opportunity to recognize several of our parents who serve, or have served, in the armed forces.  We truly appreciate all you have done for the benefit of us all!

Last week a paper went home about Honor Flight.  We are encouraging students to donate to this cause sometime this month.

Reminders:

• Please return grade card envelopes if you haven't already.
• Book Fair starts tomorrow after school.
  

Have a great weekend,

Mrs. Dressel and Mr. Pransky

Reading/Language:  

Comparing themes worksheet (1, 2, and 3 only)
AR goal for next  Friday - 33%

Social Studies:

none

Science: 

none

Math:  

Practice facts.  Second quarter goal is to master multiplication.

Spelling:  

Spelling - lesson 10

Dressel test - Thursday

Pransky test - Friday

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update 11-8-13

Parents,

Although they went quickly, we felt that our conference times were very productive.  Part of our conversations with many of you entailed expecting students to always give their best efforts.  Some students frequently are spending recess minutes making corrections on assignments in study hall. This often can be avoided if they slowed down, read directions carefully, or gave their best effort in their answers.  We will now be taking a Dojo point when they turn in work that does not reflect their best ability, which will show up as "unacceptable work".  Most of you are now checking Dojo, so you will be able to see this in the reports.  Again, we are not punishing students for missing problems, but for not following directions or giving effort on their work.  The goal is to learn, and students need to reflect their learning in their assignments.  Thanks for all of your support during conferences.  The students greatly benefit through our partnership in their education!

For Mrs. Dressel's students, our room has been consistently WARM all week!  Throughout my 15 years at Whitehouse, I've been in 5 different rooms, and they all have had unpredictable temperatures throughout the school year.  Next week it might be cooler than normal, I find it's best to dress in layers.  I guess it's just part of the "charm" of our 80+ year-old building. 

Reminders:

• Please return grade card envelopes if you haven't already.
• Book Fair starts Tuesday.
  

Have a great weekend,

Mrs. Dressel and Mr. Pransky

Reading/Language:  

AR goal for next  Friday - 33%

Social Studies:

none

Science: 

none

Math:  

Practice facts.  Second quarter goal is to master multiplication.

Spelling:  

Spelling - lesson 10 - pretest Monday

Dressel test - Thursday

Pransky test - Friday

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.