First Full Week

Well, the first full week is under our belt, and I think it went pretty well. We began Just Read, which is a 20 minute nightly reading assignment. So far, everyone is keeping up with it. In class, we've been working on getting ready for the ISTEP test by reviewing. We also started to think about Indiana and what the land looks like. Next week, we'll start to get into what the land is made of and how it is formed. That includes a lot of hands-on experiences. It should be a lot of fun.

I'm also really looking forward to meeting everyone at Back to School Night. This year's format is a little different. I will have some time to talk with you about the expectations in our classroom and some of the specific events that will take place this year. There will also be some time for students to show off what they've done so far.

Please have a safe holiday weekend! See you soon.

Welcome to the Team!

It is time to get geared up for a new year of fun and learning! 4th grade promises to be a journey of adventure and excitement. We will read some fantastic books. You will improve your writing skills. In math, you'll be multiplying and dividing with ease. We also get to learn about the great state of Indiana and explore the world around us through social studies and science.

This blog will be important in our journey. It is the way that I will communicate about upcoming events and share what is taking place in the classroom. I invite both parents and students to check frequently for new posts. While you're reading, please ask questions or make comments by clicking on the comment button at the bottom of the post. If you do not have a Google ID, you can click on Name/URL. Then type in your name (no URL needed) and post your comment. Comments are sent to my e-mail before being shown on the blog. Therefore, I can timely answer any questions about information I have posted. If you have a question or concern that more individually relates to your child, please e-mail (there is a link in "My Profile") or call me.

I'm looking forward to the new school year. I hope you are, too. See you soon!

Happy Spring Break

I'd like to say that everyone did a great job of making it through today, even though they were ready for vacation. I postponed our book tournament, so we will be starting on Monday when we return from Spring Break. Be ready to tell everyone why the book you chose is the best. We'll also finish our Roald Dahl books and begin a unit on poetry. Remember that we have our field trip to the Dunes on Wednesday, April 2. If you haven't already turned in your permission slip and money, please do so on Monday when return. You'll also need to bring a sack lunch and dress for the weather. I hope you all have a restful break and come back ready to finish this year strong!

Science Fair

Just a reminder that science fair projects are due April 3. Please make sure to leave plenty of time to complete your project and your board. Remember, this is will be taken for science grades, even if you do not usually attend science class. If you have questions, please let me know. Presentation boards are available at the Kyle bookstore or anywhere that you can get office supplies. Good luck and have fun!

March Madness Comes to Mrs. Cannon's class

Ever year, I host a "March Madness" of sorts in my room. Instead of using a basketball, though, we use books. Each student chooses a book to "defend." I then randomly draw brackets, and students face-off against each other to defend her/his book. The class takes a secret vote and the winner advances. By the end of the tournament, students have learned a little more about the power of persuasion, and we have a championship book. Past classes have really enjoyed this opportunity, and many students have found books that they would not have normally read. I expect that this year will be no different. The tournament is set to begin on Thursday, March 13.