Animals Foldable

We learned about herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores. We created a Pyramid Foldable. Students learned about each type of animal and used their informative writing skills to write about each type. We labeled our Foldable and researched animals that fit into each category.

Frog Life Cycle- Informative Writing

We are learning about the life cycle of a frog. Students differentiated which stage lives in the water and which stage lives on land. We viewed Powerpoint shows and took notes. Students used their writing skills to write about each stage using a Shutter Fold Foldable.

Butterfly Life Cycle- Informative Writing

We learned about the life cycle of a butterfly. Students viewed Powerpoints showing the life cycle. We then took notes about each stage. Students placed the notes in the correct stage using a Four Door Foldable with illustrations.

Invertebrates- Informatative Writing

We learned about invertebrates this month. Students researched all about animals. We categorized the animals by which ones live on land and which ones live in the water. Students made Shutter Fold Foldables.

Florida Flip Book Foldables

We studied different cities around Florida. Students used a Content Enhancement Frame to take notes while they researched. We then transferred our notes to our Foldable and added illustrations.

The Last Dragon

We read a story called The Last Dragon. In the story the main character fixes an old dragon. He ends up learning about the Chinese New Year and gets to know his heritage. To extend our knowledge we made our own toy dragons.

Comp. Book Slide Show

Free picture slideshow made with Smilebox

Congratulations 4th Grade Writers!!!

Congratulations 4th Grade Writers! Our FCAT Writing scores were "over the moon!" I am proud of all of you.

-Mrs. Downey

Florida Milk Jug Project

We studied 42 different Florida cities. Students researched their city, created a Foldable Flip Book with facts and wrote and informative essay. The upper school students mentored us through the art process of designing a milk jug art project to visually represent our city. We loved working with our upper school mentors. Our milk jugs can be seen on display in the case in the lower school K-4 building.

Vocabulary LINCs-May 30-June 3 (Due Friday)

1. Nadir- Whenever someone or something reaches the lowest point.
2. Optimum- Whenever something is the best that it can be.
3. Querist- Whenever someone asks question after question.
4. Rusticate- Whenever someone lives or stays in the country.

Vocabulary LINCs- May 23-27 (Due Friday)

1. Geniality-whenever someone shows cheerfulness and kindness.
2. Hibernate-whenever animals sleep through the winter.
3. Jeremiad-whenever someone tells a tearful tale or makes a sad complaint.
4. Mystify- whenever someone cofuses or puzzels another person.

Vocabulary LINCs- May 16- 20 (Due Friday)

1. Criterion- whenever a standard or rule or test is used to judge something.
2. Destination- whenever someone arrives at the place that he/she set out to find.
3. Exonerate- whenever someone is accused of a crime and then shown to be innocent.
4. Furbelow- whenever you see a frill or a ruffle or any other decoration or a person's clothing.

Book Talk Projects/Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdEASelry2E&feature=email

Vocabulary LINCs-May 9-12 (Due Friday)

Yammer-whenever you hear loud, nonstop talking, careless complaining, and chattering

Zealot-whenever a person believes that a product (or idea) is the best in the world

Aggrandizements- whenever someone gains (or seeks) power and wealth

 Burdensome- whenever a load is very hard or even impossible to carry

Thank You!

It is so nice to be appreciated! I love all of the gifts I have been given this week. The kids each wrote a note to me, I was given flowers and many thoughtful gifts. The best gift has been a class that has worked hard all year long! I appreciate each of you and all you do. You have made my first year at Cornerstone AMAZING!

FAIR Results AP 3 Mrs. Downey's Class

62% Green (85% and above)
38% Yellow (below 85%)
0% Red

Class Photos - Thursday May 5

Class pictures are Thursday May 5th!

Florida Milk Jug Project-Cities Picked Today

Dear Parents,

 

All students picked their Florida city from a cup today at random. The cities are taped or glued into their planners. The Florida Milk Jug Project is being done at school but students may want to also start some research at home and learn as much about their city as possible. They could research their city at home and take some notes to bring in to class so they have a head start. This is an exciting project!

Vocabulary LINCs- May 2-6 (Due Friday)

Katzenjammer- when something is confusing and funny and noisy

Lackadaisical- lacking in energy or interest

Improbable- when something highly unlikely happens

Partisan- when someone takes another's part or side

All about Plant and Animal Cells

 Mrs. Reedy and I co-taught a lesson on plant and animal cells. We learned to compare and contrast using a Double Bubble Map. We also learned about whole to part relationships using a Brace Map. Check out our Thinking Maps!

Vocabulary LINCs- April 25-29 (Due Friday)

Ubiquitous- whenever you want to describe a person who appears to be everywhere at once.

Vacillate- whenever a person can't make a decision and wavers from side to side.

Winsome- when anyone is charming, attractive, cheerful, and bright.

Xenophobia- when people hate or fear foreigners or strangers.

Poetry

We have had a great week learning more about poetry. The students learned about poetic devices, learned to brainstorm poetic ideas, reflect on poetry, and of course write a few poems. Be sure to ask your child about the Earth Day poem we shared.

Supplies, Supplies, Supplies

Some students are still not coming to school with basic supplies. I do lots of Foldables in class weekly which require glue sticks and scissors. When students do not have these supplies other students are put in the situation to loan their supplies out which then causes them to run out of their supplies. If your child is out of supplies please purchase more or let me know if this is creating a hardship for your family and I will see what I can do. Coming to class unprepared is NOT an excuse to sit out and not do an activity, all student are required to participate daily.

Thanks!
Mrs. Downey

Online Book Quiz and Book Talk

The next online book quiz and Book Talk Project is due May 6th. Students must take the online quiz in class using bookadventure.com or allquizzes.net. Students were to be sure there was a quiz before selecting their book. A chapter book must always be on hand. We have a built in DEAR time daily and independent reading time is assigned nightly. A grade of zero is given when a student is not prepared to take an online quiz every three weeks, this shows that they are not reading independently.

Vocabulary LINCs- April 18-21 (Due Friday)

1. Quixotic- whenever a person dreams an impossible dream or has an idea that cannot come true because it is not possible or practical.

2. Raucous- whenever someone is loud and noisy and harsh-sounding.

3. Scintillate- whenever a person (or thing) sparkles, or twinkles, or gives off light.

4. Truculent- whenever you want to describe someone who is fierce, cruel, or savage.

Last Minute Tips

Below are a few last minutes tips that I have after making some final adjustments and observations this week.

1. Get a good nights sleep on Sunday night.

2. Eat right on test days.

3. Wake up early, take a quick walk or do a few jumping jacks to get the blood flowing.

4. Think and or say positive thoughts out loud or silently.

5. Feel confident!

6. Study the prefixes and suffixes that I posted on the website (they are likely to show up on the test, they have been on EVERY practice test so far)

7. YES, YES, YES .... the kids must use the strategies they have learned this year including but not limited to SMART 7 and PIP. This is like asking "do I have to use my brain at school, Mrs. Downey?"


We will do great, I just KNOW it!!!

Mrs. Downey

Practice Math Test

Parents,

 

We took an Envision practice math test today, it was the exact same test that we took the first week of school. Most of the kids did awesome. I showed the kids their old test scores in relation to their new scores and they were amazed. Many kids went from a score of 30% to a 90%. Way to go students! We will do awesome next week, I'm sure of it!

Practice Reading Test Today

Parents,

 

Today we took another practice reading FCAT test that is aligned to FCAT 2.0 next generation questions. Some students did extremely well others didn't do so well. I have recorded the test in Progressbook but will not count it as credit. Before the test some students asked me if they had to use the strategies I have been teaching them such as SMART 7 and PIP. I told the kids that on the day of the test I can not make them use a specific strategy, however, I highly recommend using both strategies because they have proven to be successful in the past.

 

If I knew that a strategy was almost guaranteed to work, I know I would use it for sure, it wouldn't hurt. The FCAT allows plenty of time for kids to use strategies beyond just reading the passages and answering questions. I also asked the kids if they were aware of the fact that our brain remembers information better when we write it down, almost 40% better in fact, if I knew that statistic I know I would be writing down notes in the margin as I tested. However, many students today decided to not use the strategies that I have been teaching and sure enough it backfired on them, they didn't score well at all. After the test I asked volunteers that scored high to share what they did to score high and you can guess that they all said they used SMART 7, PIP, double checked their work, looked for clues, and took their time.

 

The BIG day is next week so all I'm saying is that I highly suggest the students use the strategies that I've been teaching them all year and not decide on the day of the test that they will use some other strategy or no strategy at all with the hopes that they will do well by chance. Maybe the kids are just getting  "burnt" out on testing and test taking skills or maybe they are becoming over confident but I think you may be able to have an important conversation with your child this week about their goals for the assessment and what their strategy will be on test day. A conversation coming from you at this point may be helpful. I know they can do it, we are so close!!!

We learned about literary analysis today.

We learned all about using text features today. Check out our Frames!

Materials Needed

Parents,

If your child is out of the following supplies please send them in after spring break.

Glue sticks
Pre-sharpened #2 pencils


Thanks!
Mrs. Downey

Vocabulary LINCs- April 4-8

1. Misdemeanor
2. Nonconformity
3. Ostracize
4. Paradox

Foresight Testing Math Results-Test 2 Mrs. Downey-Homeroom (no level 1's)

Foresight Testing Reading Results-Test 2 Mrs. Downey-Homeroom

New Homework and Classwork Policy

Parents,

I am very concerned about some of the students not turning in the work in a timely manner. Mrs. Reedy and I have been very generous in accepting late work and giving full credit even for late assignments.

Starting the 4th nine weeks, I am changing my policy for late or missing classwork and homework.

If the student does not have an excused absence, he/she will have until the end of the week that the work was due to get the work in. All work is due on Friday unless I have made an exception because of unforseen events where the students did not have time to do the work in a timely manner. The child may need to miss out on recess because of missing work or need to take it home to finish it.



If the child has an excused absence, they will have the number of days they missed to make up the work without penalty.

Part of your child's responsibility is to budget their time wisely and to be responsible for taking work home to finish if they do not complete it in class.

Thank you for your help in this ongoing process.
Mrs. Downey

In reading and writing we are learning to take notes using a Frame, a Content Enhancement Routine. This week we have learned about using context clues and author's purpose.

FCAT Practice Test This Week

Dear Parents,
 
We will be taking both Reading Comprehension and Math tests this coming week on Wed. and Thursday. These are FCAT Practice Tests and our very similiar to FCAT tests that will be given the week of April 11th.
 
It is important that the children get plenty of sleep, and have nutritious breakfasts. Also, please talk with them about the importance of taking their time and using the strategies they have been taught including using understanding author's purpose, cause and effect, and selective underlining.
 
 
http://fcit.usf.edu/fcat/strategies/default.htm lists a complete list of teaching strategies and has student practice opportunities that you may want to visit.
 
A couple more helpful sites that we recommend are:
 
http://fcit.usf.edu/fcat/references/print.htm which include practice tests and student worksheets for reading comprehension.
 
 
http://www.fcatexplorer.com/ (You will need to sign in using First initial + last name, Password: 8 digit birthdate no slashes.
 
http://easycbm.com/ (both Reading and Math)
 
Thank you for your continued help and support.



Paula Downey M.S.
Cornerstone Academy Charter School
4th Grade (check out our new class website)
http://paula-downey.blogspot.com/

________________________________________

Vocabulary LINCS March 21-24

Ingratiate- whenever a person tries very hard to please someone, or tries to bring himself into favor with that person

Juxtapose- to place side by side

Kleptomaniac- whenever a person has an uncontrollable urge to steal, especially to steal things that he can afford to buy

Laxity- when people are careless and forgetful

http://fcat.fldoe.org/pdf/specifications/ReadingGrades3-5.pdf


Please see Appendix E in the following document. Students MUST know the words in the glossary in order to be successful on the FCAT. The words are being used in the classroom and you can support us by practicing the words at home.

Thank you!
Mrs. Downey

Prefixes and Suffixes on the FCAT

Dear Parents,

The following is a list of prefixes and suffixes that will be used on the FCAT.

re, un, pre, dis, mis, in, non

er, est, ful, less, able, ly, or ness


Please help your child at home learn the prefixes and suffixes. http://teacher.scholastic.com/reading/bestpractices/vocabulary/pdf/prefixes_suffixes.pdf

Thank you!
Mrs. Downey

March 14-18 High Level Vocabulary

Expedient- When a person takes the easy way out, or does the practical or convenient thing.

Felicity- Whenever a person has great happiness.

Geriatrics-The branch of medicine that involves the care of elderly people.

Heresy-Whenever you want to describe the beliefs of someone who has gone against the religion of her people.

*Note* our new words are coming from a great book called The Weighty Word Book. Last week the kids were so excited about the new words that most students finished LINCs in two days. Be sure to ask your child about the funny stories that go with the new words. Thank you to the Gopaul family for helping me make the new word wall.

Our Classroom

Our new word wall is coming together!

                                                                 Dr. Seuss Thinking Maps

                                                  We set high learning objectives in our class.

March 7-11 High-Level Vocabulary

Abasement-whenever a person has been lowered in position or rank or office
Bifurcate-whenever something or someone divides or separates into two parts
Coruscate- to glitter or gleam, to sparkle or flash
Dogmatic-when people will not change their opinions because they are stubborn

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

We celebrated Dr. Seuss this week by reading a few of his books and doing several Thinking Maps! Daisy-Head Mayzie is one of my favorites!

Surprise! The whole elementary school cheered us on as we proudly walked the halls. We love our school and thank them for the support on FCAT Writes! We WILL make you proud.

FCAT Fear chains being burned

Vocabulary LINCs- Feb. 28-March 4

Exasperating
Scrumptious
Intriguing
Enormous

FCAT Fear Fire- today we burned our FCAT fears away, never to be seen again!

Book Talk-extended

Dear parents,

 I have decided to extend the Book Talk project for this nine weeks until Friday, March 4th instead of Monday, February 28 th. I really want the kids to be focused on writing next week and after thinking about it I feel that having the project the day before the big test would be a distraction. Students need to be prepared to present on March 4th during reading block.
(Mrs. Downey's homeroom only)


Ps. Many parents have emailed me to get the weekly vocabulary words from weeks and weeks ago. The words are on our website as far back as January 13th.


Don't forget: Saturday is Pioneer Days. If your child is walking in the parade with us please meet at Belle Isle city hall between 8:15-8:30. Students should have their poster ready. It would be nice to wear CCA spirit shirts or uniform shirts under the poster. The writing workshop is from 10-12:30. Right now I only have 5 rsvps from our class.

Thanks.
Mrs. Downey

Vocabulary LINCs- February 21-24

Superlative
Notable
Exquisite
Admirable

*NOTE* if your child falls behind in station work they may always complete the Vocabulary LINCs at home.

Comp. Book and a Message

This is the last week that students will have a Comp. Book due for a couple of weeks. Next week is a short week due to a holiday and the week after is FCAT Writes. There will be a two week break for Comp. Books.

 Students in my homeroom only have their Book Talk Project on February 28th. Some students have asked to do a Powerpoint for this project and that is fine. Please email me the Powerpoint or send it in on a key chain so we can show it on the projector. I have Keynote on my ipad but not Powerpoint, however, I think it will still play just fine. You may also want to check out this site: http://udltechtoolkit.wikispaces.com/ for other ideas for digital projects. I would love to see the students use more technology in their presentations. There are really some cool things students can do using digital media, cameras, etc.

Thanks!

ps. We are in the final count down for FCAT Writes, please keep supporting your children at home with positive feedback! I honestly think we will do fantastic. Please use high level vocabulary in conversations at home.

Pioneer Day Posters for Parade

Thanks!

Thank you all for sending in all the Valentine goodies for the kids today. I also appreciate all of the cards, candy and gifts. We had a great day!

Love,

Mrs. Downey

Pioneer Day's Parade Figurative Language Poster Examples

February 14, 2011 - Weekly Vocabulary Words (LINCs)

Revolting
Inedible
Putrid
Wretched

Next Week- February 14, 2011

Reminders:

 

Monday is Valentine's Day. Please be sure to include a card for each child if you want to pass out cards. Snacks are welcome on Valentine's Day but they must be store bought.  Pioneer Days is coming up and we plan to walk in the parade and then meet back at CCA for a Writing Workshop and Pizza. Please RSVP if your child is participating in our parade and the Writing Workshop by Wednesday.

 

 

It's been a BUSY week. FCAT Writes is right around the corner. Please help your child by using high level vocabulary words at home in conversation. Many students are missing assignments, please check Progressbook every couple of days.

 

Thanks!

Vocabulary Words-Feb. 7-11

Appalling
Embarrassed
Rejected
Dreadful

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is Monday, February 14th. Students may bring in Valentine cards for each other on this day. If your child would like to distribute Valentine cards please be sure to include a card for each child in our homeroom class, a class list is attached.
We will NOT have a big celebration but if you would like to send in a snack to share please be sure it is store bought and sealed.
Thank You!
Mrs. Downey

THANK YOU FOR THE SNACKS!

Thank you all so much for the awesome snacks and goodies you sent in for teachers this week. You would be amazed at how much a granola bar, a bottle of water, or a piece of fruit means to us as teachers. We run, run, run all day and often do not have time to stop and take care of ourselves. Seeing a basket full of snacks in the lounge really makes our day special. We so apprectiate the thought!

-Mrs. Downey

High Level Vocabulary Words- Feb.1-5 and a message

This weeks high level vocabulary words are: blissful, delighted, elated, exhilarated. Vocabulary LINCs is due on Friday.

I purchased a new pack of Expo Neon dry erase markers on Sunday and opened the pack today and placed them on my white board. Four of the markers are already missing from the white board. I'm so disappointed that students in my class would take the markers and not return them. Students are not allowed to take materials from the board without permission. The students were asked if they had the markers to please return them, not one student spoke up to say they have the markers. It is my hope that the markers return tomorrow. It makes me sad to know that someone in our class is not being honest. If you notice that your child has one of the new markers please have them return it to the board. Thanks!

Be sure to check Progressbook many students are already missing assignments.

We "Rocked" on our Friday writing prompt...again!!

I couldn't be prouder of my students than I am today. The kids had an independent writing prompt, it was a challenging one, and they did fantastic! Some of the prompts made me laugh out loud, which shows that their writer's voice is really amazing! Ask your child what they wrote about. I will not send the prompts home just yet becuase we are using them all next week during editing conferences. Thank you for your support at home. Their vocabulary is amazing!

-Mrs. Downey

Technology is Alive in our Classroom!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOlpcJhNyDI&NR=1

Dear Parents,

Today we really took advantage of technology at Cornerstone. In reading we are reading a selection about the famous Duke Ellington. We watched an online video of Duke and his band. Ask your child about Duke's music. You may want to watch the video at home with your child. We also introduced a new reading station using digital storytelling and a site where students can type their own story and actually listen to it read aloud online. During writing the students used the iphone as a microphone to read their expository essays out loud. Try out the following sites: storybird.com, naturalreaders.com, carnegieligrary.org/kids/storymaker/storymaker.swf

Somerset Writes Practice FCAT Test- February 9, 2011

Parents,

On February 9, 2011 your child will participate in the Somerset Writes Practice FCAT Test. This writing assessment will be similar to the FCAT Writes assessment that we will take in March. Please see the rubric below which outlines the score details.

Rubric Criterion to Obtain a Writing Score of 6

□        Stays focus on the topic

□        Organizational pattern provides a logical progression of ideas – a sense of wholeness – beginning, middle and end

□        Use of transitional words

□        Ample development of supporting ideas/details

□        Precise word choice

□        Various sentence structure is used

□        Sentences are complete – no fragments

□        Subject/verb alignment

□        Verb/noun forms are correct

□        Capitalization – punctuation – spelling

□        Restate the prompt

□        Paragraph indent

Today's Independent Writing Prompt

Parents,
Students were put to the test today and given 50 minutes to respond to the following prompt. Ask your child what they wrote about. I will score the prompts today. Tomorrow students will have writing conferences with a peer buddy and on Wednesday they will have individual writing conferences with me.

Many of the prompts are fantastic but some students were nervous and had a bit of "writer's block." Please discuss with your child the importance of always doing their very best and showing what they know.

Expository Prompt: Families spend a lot of time together and create many lasting memories. Think about the best time you and your family spent together! Where did this happen? What did you do together that made it special? Write to explain why this was the best time you and your family spent together.

Use S.A.L.T when you write!

Strategies that Work

All students in my classes need post-it notes daily. We take interactive notes during reading block. I often use strategies from a book called Strategies that Work. If your child is out of post-it notes please try to pick some up. Thanks!

Easycbm.com (extra reading and math support)

Parents,

I have added access to additional tests on the easycbm.com website that we use in our classroom. I have allowed access to many reading and math online tests. Most of the new tests are at the 3rd grade level, but that is okay. I would like the students to practice using a few new reading strategies that I taught this week. At school I usually print the test first so the kids can write on the test, then I allow them to enter their answers into the website. They should know if their anwers are right or wrong when they are finished testing. You may want to review the tests with your children when they are finished. I will be able to see your child's results but this will not count towards their grades, it is just meant to be extra practice and enrichment. The kids seem to like taking the tests on the computer and I love the data that the site provides. Your child should know the password for the website, they need to be sure type my name correctly (Mrs. Downey) and then find their homeroom class and their own name. Let me know if you have questions.

This weeks vocabulary words-January 24-28

license, elevations, solo,cockpit

Writing Enrichment-Home Learning

Parents,

We are very close to FCAT Writes! time (March 1-3) and to better prepare our learners I would like your support at home. On the right side of this web site is a link to FCAT practice writing prompts. Most of the prompts listed were actual prompts used in the past. I would like for you to start working with your child on one prompt at a time until the FCAT Writes! test is given. Please do not assign your child an entire prompt to do in one night-they will get "burned out!" Here's what to do:

Day 1: Pick one narrative or one expository prompt and have your child plan for the writing-please use a Tree Map for an expository and a Flow Map for a narrative.
Day 2: Write just the introduction to the chosen prompt, they must have a "grabber."
Day 3: Write the second paragraph, they must have a transition word in each paragraph.
Day 4: Write the third paragraph
Day 5: Write the fourth paragraph
Day 6: Write the fifth paragraph
Day 7: Edit and revise. Please highlight the positives (the kids know what I want them to highlight)
Day 8: Turn in the final copy to Mrs. Downey for approval-it may be typed or emailed.

***EXTRA CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN FOR COMPLETED PROMPTS***
Please encourage the use of the Writing Binder, it has all the great tips in it! This should take just 10 minutes each night. This is an enrichment assignment and not mandatory, however I highly suggest doing this assignment at home to better prepare for FCAT Writes! We are so close and we CAN do this. Imagine if we were the first school to get all 6's. Let's aim high DUCKS!

Happy Friday!

We had a Fantastic Friday! Today was a phenomenal day in our classroom. In reading we learned four new words that we can now use in our writing prompts. We learned the words: humdrum, captivating, repulsive, and succulent. Can you imagine if we would use these new words in our writing? 

In writing we learned a strategy called the "I Do-We Do-You Do" strategy. To start with I wrote and planned the first paragraph of an expository prompt, then we responded to a different prompt as a whole class, finally the students responded to a prompt on their own. The writing was amazing. I am so proud of the students, I hope you are too!

Enjoy your long weekend, I know I will!
Mrs. Downey

We enhanced our vocabulary further today!

Ask your child the meaning of the following words:

Mesmerized
Ecstatic
Melancholy
Lackluster

Vocabulary LINCing Video Featuring Mrs. Downey

Wow!!!

I've never said this before....but, I wish that Monday was the FCAT Writes! test. Our class writing prompts this week were out if this world! I just want to share with you a few of the high level vocabulary words the students used correctly: admire, stupendous, loyal, extraordinary, idolize, superb,phenomenal, cherished, marvelous, wonderful,hallucinating, aspect, adore.

Let's keep it up and go for a 6! We CAN do it!!!!

Did you know???

Did you know that YELLOW is the color the brain remembers best? Try using a yellow highlighter or yellow post-it notes with your children.

Our first day of partner teaching was a success!

Today we learned the Vocabulary LINCing Routine. Ask your child the meaning of the words: charitable, mortified, tirade, and perpetual. These are pretty advanced words and the kids did an awesome job learning the routine. Starting tomorrow the students will construct their own LINCS Table using our six new vocabulary words.