Hour of Code

Hour of Code
This week our class, along with other A2 STEAM classrooms, will participate in a world-wide event called, "The Hour of Code."  The Hour of Code is an initiative to get students to spend an hour of time learning to program, as part of national CS Education Week (December 7-13, 2015).  Students will participate in coding activities using their iPads as well as "unplugged" activities. 

The B Hive News

The “B” Hive News December 7, 2015

Accountable Talk We are working hard to make sure that we are engaged and focused during group discussions.  The components we are working on are: Explain Restate Agree Disagree Build on Go Beyond	Check out Our Blog!  It will be updated at least once a week.   http://bertelsonsteam.blogspot.com/ Check us out on Twitter!  We’re always sharing our learning!         Follow me @ bertelson2!
Lunch Recess Discussion We had the opportunity to speak with Ms. Fitz this week about some challenges that are happening during lunch recess.  The students are going to work this week to offer some creative solutions to the problems they’ve noted.  Please talk with them about this.	Hour of Code this Week! We will spend Friday on an ENTIRE hour of coding.  Look for more information on this.
We’ve started a new PBL Unit and we’re having a lot of fun.   Have you checked us out on Twitter?   Our unit is called Energy Conversions and it’s a fantastic exploration into types of energy and problem solving.   Our new driving question is:  How can we design and model a system to unload boxes at a food pantry? The students will get to create a system to unload boxes of food with their PLTW partner.	Weekly Focus Reading - accountable talk using The One and Only Ivan Writing -Persuasive letters to Ms. Fitz, google slides showing our learning, realistic fiction Math - Fraction fun (it really is) PBL - PLTW Energy Conversions Word Work - We will talk our test on Monday and get new words for the week.
Huge thank you! To those who purchased books for our classroom and those who sent in tissues. We are now looking for gently used board games that you could share with us.  If you could send in cards, Skipbo, Yatzi, Scrabble, etc that would very much be appreciated.  Thanks in advance!	If you have any questions or concerns, never hesitate to email me.  I read often and respond quickly.   Regards, Mrs. Bertelson

Accountable Talk

Last week, we spent considerable time on the concept of accountable talk.  This means that we are depending on each other to add to the conversation and that its not just back and forth between the teacher and a student.  We are getting much better this.  Here is the language that the students see and hear.

New Homework Log

Here is our homework log for this week.  Please note that a spelling column has been added.

Name:

4th Grade Homework Log

Week of 12/7-12/13

Goal (circle one):

Addition      Subtraction           Multiplication       Division

Exploration choice:

_______________________________________________

Day	Read 20 min.	Practice spelling words	I worked toward my goal by….
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Weekend

Turn this log in on Monday, December 14

Exploration Choices:

Choose at least one, DUE 12/14

1)   Use your visualization skills: draw or paint a picture of one of the characters from our new read aloud, “The One and Only Ivan”.

2)   Compose a 3 paragraph essay about a book that you got at the book fair, or is at your house, community center, or class library. Do research on the author.

a)    In the first paragraph, tell us the title of the book, the author and the genre. Tell us what you learned about the author through your research.

b)   In the second paragraph, provide a plot summary (without giving away too many details).

c)   In the third paragraph, tell us whether you would recommend this book and why or why not.

3)   Create a Realistic Fiction comic or story to contribute to our class library.

4)   We have been working on Explaining our Thinking when we read. Read 10 pages of a book you are reading. After each page, write at least 2 sentences to explain what you were thinking about while you were reading that page.

5)   You choose a topic! Come propose it to me for approval.

Like to Ski?

4th and 5th graders get to ski free this winter.  Check it out!

http://www.goskimichigan.com/michigan-ski-programs/michigan-ski-cold-is-cool

In case you missed it...

Here is the link to listen to Mrs. Haddas talked about our Code Talkers project.  If you are short on time, her interview takes place within the last 15 minutes.

SciFri

Got Talent?

2^nd Annual

A2STEAM Variety Show

Who and When?

On December 18, 2015, A2STEAM students in 2^nd through 7^th grade have the chance to perform in the 2^nd annual variety show.  There will be two performances.  Look for more details about times soon!

All grade levels will attend a variety show! (There will be two) 

How do I sign up?

Each act must audition to participate in the show.   Auditions will take place the week of December 7-11 during lunch recess.

Audition Schedule:

Monday – 4^th-7^th grade during their lunch recess

Wednesday – 2^nd- 7^th grade during their lunch recess

Friday – 2^nd- 7^th grade during their lunch recess

What will the auditions be like?

Each act will fill out a form before their audition.  The acts are expected to be performance ready at the audition.  That means the students should be prepared to do their full act on stage when they audition for Ms. Huckabone and other teachers.  Auditions will take place in the music room.

What do I need to prepare for my audition?

If your act has words (like a song or poem) you must bring a lyric sheet to your audition. 

Your act should be completely performance ready for your audition.  If you need background music or props they need to be present at the audition.  Talk to Ms. Huckabone BEFORE your audition if you need help.

Do I have to be in the Variety show?

No, it is your choice if you would like to prepare an act for the show!

What should I do for my act?

Something you love to do and want to share with the school.  Be creative!

*Do not forget, your act has to be appropriate for school. 

*Each act must be 2 minutes or less. 

I have some questions.

Talk to Ms. Huckabone

The “B” Hive News #11 November 16, 2015

Scholastic Book Fair

Preview Day - Tuesday, December 1 at 2:30

Purchase Day - Thursday,  December 3rd at 8:30

Support our school by purchasing a book or two or ten.  :)  

Students will have an opportunity to preview the books before they bring money to purchase.  

Expo is THIS Wednesday!

4th grade will be presenting from 4:30 to 5:30.  Dress is “business casual.”

We’ve started a new PBL Unit and we’re having a lot of fun.  

Have you checked us out on Twitter?  Our unit is called Energy Collisions and it’s a fantastic exploration into types of energy and problem solving.  Our new driving question is:  How can we create a transportation system that will transfer a passenger safely? The students will get to create a safety restraint system while learning about specific forces.  

Weekly Focus

Reading - Reading and responding to fiction texts (Read aloud The Tiger Rising)

Next book will be The One and Only Ivan

Writing -Revising and reflecting on our Expo presentations

Math - Fraction fun (it really is)

PBL - PLTW Energy Collisions

Word Work - No spelling this week!

We filmed two of our presentations on Friday.  The rest will be filmed this week.

Questions to ask…@ EXPO

What constraint did you team have to work with?

What is the science behind your system?

What was the hardest/easiest thing about working in a team?

What would you do differently next time?

Why does your system work better than other systems?