In LA Today...

Hi 4th Grade,

Today, let's spend our time this morning working on Reading A-Z:

http://www.raz-kids.com

remember, the login is: jdelaneyo
and the password is: torni245

Remember to read carefully so you can answer the questions!


If you need to finish your Glog, please login here:

http://edu.glogster.com

Have fun,

Mrs. Morell

Maryland Explorers Power Point

Hello 4th Graders,

Today we will explore the use of Power Point to create a simple presentation about the explorers of Maryland.

You will be given a fact sheet with a few key points in Maryland history, and I will show you a bank of images to use.

I would like you to create a presentation using the facts and the images, and have fun exploring the graphic possibilities of this program.

Mrs. Morell

Blogging and Mathletics Today

Today,  you may continue commenting on your  Amazing 4th Grade Readers Blog:

http://amazing4thgradereaders.blogspot.com/

A reminder: when you answer a prompt, please be sure to ALWAYS use complete sentences and proper grammar!

Let's spend at least 20 or 25 minutes working on the blog, then you should switch over to Mathletics:

http://www.mathletics.com/

Have fun!

Mrs. Morell

Today, we blog...

Today,  we will begin to write on your new Amazing 4th Grade Readers Blog:

http://amazing4thgradereaders.blogspot.com/

This blog will be a place for Mr. Delaney's 4th Grade class to share amazing thoughts about their readings with classmates and teachers.

When you answer a prompt, please be sure to ALWAYS use complete sentences and proper grammar!

We can't wait to be amazed by your deep thoughts, colorful commentary, and wonderful ideas about your reading...

But first, you will need an Email address.

This Email is only to be used for class!!

Mrs. Morell will walk you through the process...

Type Your Essay, or...

Do BBC Dancemat Typing:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/

Thanksgiving Webquest

Dear Fourth Graders,

I LOVE Thanksgiving, and I love the story of the first Thanksgiving.  I would like you to spend today's class working on a Webquest from Scholastic about the first Thanksgiving.  I think you will enjoy it :)

If you have any extra time, be sure to check out the amazing resources on the Scholastic Thanksgiving website:

http://www.scholastic.com/scholastic_thanksgiving/voyage/

 

 

If you finish the Webquest, I'd like you to watch this video from the History Channel:

 

Link to History Channel Facts:

http://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving-facts

 

Starting a Glog for SERC

A Glog is like a posterboard - you may upload pictures, write interesting facts and thoughts, and insert cool graphics...

Today, we will create a Glog using pictures from your adventure to SERC yesterday!

I'm going to show you a quick video about Glogster, which explains Glogster in 90 seconds (I'll review it more slowly):

You'll all login to Glogster using this link:

http://edu.glogster.com/

Your login will be your lastname, first initial: (GrangerH)
and the password for everyone will be htsglog

You will select the template I have created from the projects tab, and we will get started! :)

Happy Glogging,

Mrs. Morell

In the Lab today...

Hello Dear 4th graders,

I will be out on Thursday, so Mrs. Miller will be your sub.

I would like you to practice your keyboarding using BBC Dancemat Typing for the first 20 minutes of class.  Remember to keep your keyboard covers on, and your fingers on the homekeys!

Then, you may make a choice from the following menu:

RAZ-com to practice your reading. (remember, you login will be jdelaneyo)

Mathletics to work on your math skills... or

FreeRice to practice your vocabulary.

Be excellent for Mrs. Miller!  I will miss you, but will see you next week,

Mrs. Morell

Today during Technology Class

Today, we will try some of the very cool (and spooky-themed) games on the BBC Bitesize website.  Click on this link to reach the games:  BBC Bitesize

When you finish the games, I would like you continue working out your amazing keyboarding skills with BBC Dancemat Typing:

Language Arts - RAZ Kids and a Language Arts Game

Today, we will introduce Reading A-Z Kids:

The teacher username is jdelaneyo

and you will have time to play a game from your textbook website on Eduplace:

 

We will have a great time!

 

Mrs. Morell

Typing and Mathletics Combo today!

Happy Thursday 4th Grade!

Today, we'll spend some time working on BBC Dancemat Typing. Be sure to keep your keyboard covers on, and your fingers on the home keys!

The link is here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/

After you about 25 minutes of keyboarding, we'11 then spend some time with Mathletics this afternoon...

http://www.mathletics.com/

Let's finish those Journey stories today... then do some typing!

Happy Wednesday 4th Grade!

Today, any of you who haven't had a chance to finish your Journey story can do so during the LA/Tech block.

If you have finished your story, please spend some time working on BBC Dancemat Typing.  Be sure to keep your keyboard covers on, and your fingers on the home keys!

The link is here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/

If you finish your Journey Story today...

We would like you to play the games on this website:

http://www.eduplace.com/kids/sv/books/gr4/

 

And then, spend some time on Ticket to Read:

 

http://www.tickettoread.com/

 

Happy Wednesday!

 

Mrs. Morell

Today, We Type!

Hello all,

Today we will spend class time working on typing your language arts papers.  I would like to see you keep your fingers on the home keys as you type... that is the best way to make sure you become a faster typist.

If you finish typing your paper, you may work on Type to Learn, or you may try one of the fun typing websites located in the following blog posting.

Happy Typing,

Mrs. Morell

Ideas for Keyboarding Practice

Now that we have finished Scantron testing, it is time to start typing!

We use Type to Learn during technology class. I spend a lot of time saying: "Just Keep Typing" to the tune of "Just Keep Swimming" from Finding Nemo :) The goal is that our students should be typing at least 20 words per minute by the end of 4th grade. We do alot of keyboarding at HTS in the Upper School!

I know many of my students are eager to meet the 20 words per minute goal, so I offer a menu of web-based games for fun to practice at home - or work on during class-time. Be sure to always sit up straight, keep your feet on the ground, and keep your fingers on the home keys when you practice keyboarding! I promise - you'll be a faster typist if you follow those tips.

1. Typing Games at ABCya

These games are great for our younger students. Be sure to try Alpha Munchies, Cup Stacking and Keyboard Challenge:

2. BBC Dance Mat Typing

This is a very methodical approach to typing - carefully structured lessons are offered in a colorful, fun format. I like it because the lessons constantly prompt the kids to keep their hands on the home keys. I have to report that various critters with the Scottish accent who direct the efforts seems to get quite a few giggles in class.

3. Keyboarding Games at LearningGames for Kids:

This site offers a comprehensive menu of games.

Try them out, and let me know which ones you like best!

4. Free Typing Games:

I have to admit, I find the advertising a bit distracting on this site, but the games are very fun... especially "Desert Typing Racer."

5. Typer Shark on AOL Kids

This is always a favorite among our students - but beware... it gets hard very quickly!!

Happy Typing!

Mrs. Morell

Scantron Testing Today!

Today, we will begin two to three weeks of standardized testing in the subjects reading and math.  This test helps your teachers understand what you have learned so far and how they can best help you learn more.

The Scantron test will be administered during technology classes. A few things you should know about this test:

• The test will be slightly different for each of you.  If you correctly answer a problem, it gives you a more difficult problems, and if you incorrectly answer a problem, it gives you easier problems.  The length of the test may be very different for each of you as well.

• You must answer every problem. 

• It is very important to do your best and answer all items carefully, because the test will stop if you are guessing.  You will have to start over from the beginning if this happens. 

• Parts of this test will be very difficult, and likely cover topics you have never seen before.  Please don't worry!  Make your best guess, then move on.

• When you finish, raise your hand and I will come over to help you.  

Any questions?  

Three Choices in the Lab this Afternoon

Hello 4th Grade.

Today, you may have three choices during your Lab time.

You may work on the Mathletics website:  http://www.mathletics.com/

Or the Ticket to Read website: http://www.tickettoread.com/

Or Type to Learn (which is on your desktop).

Enjoy!

Mrs. Morell

Passwords, Ticket to Read and Mathletics!

Today, we will review how to log into the HTS network, and find our way to this blog.

You will have a number of passwords to remember this year, so you will fill out this sheet to help you keep them straight:

Once you finish the sheet, you can try to login to both Ticket to Read and Mathletics:

www.tickettoread.com

http://www.mathletics.com/

Welcome to 4th Grade

Hello 4th Graders, and welcome to Technology Class!

This blog will be your go-to resource for everything techie this year.

We will use this as a launching pad for your technology class on Thursdays, and during your combined Language Arts/Technology time on Wednesdays.

Today, we will spend a few minutes talking about what you can expect in technology class this year, and talk a bit about some class rules.

I'm looking forward to a great year!!

Mrs. Morell

Summer Reading Assignments now posted on the Summer Learning Blog

Hi 4th Graders!

It's almost summer vacation... but we want to be sure you know where to find your summer reading assignment, so you'll be ready for 5th grade!   Please be sure to have your parents sign up to follow the Summer Learning Blog... the link follows:
http://htssummerlearningblog.blogspot.com/

Today, we will have some fun exploring the blog.

Enjoy your summer vacation!

Mrs. Morell

State Project Research

Today we will begin research for our state projects!

Here are a few of my favorite websites to get you started:

http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/state/index.html

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/

http://www.census.gov/schools/facts/

And another one - World Atlas:

http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/us.htm

Poetry!

The plan for today is to finish typing and printing your poetry for your poetry project.

If you have finished with your poetry, you are welcome to explore the following websites:

Shel Silverstein for Kids:

http://www.shelsilverstein.com/indexSite.html


http://www.jackprelutsky.com/

http://www.rif.org/kids/readingplanet/gamestation/poetrysplatter.htm

http://www.tagxedo.com/

Diamante Poem Builder Link

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/diamante/

Let's finish out China Glogs today!

Hi 4th Graders,

Today we will finish our China glogs.  I know many of you are close, but have a few missing elements.  Be sure to take a close look at the checklist before you decide you are finished.  Be sure you have captions, and at least seven facts about China.

I wanted to share an example of a finished glog - amazing job, Rose!

When you are finished, you may make a choice to do Ticket to Read, Type to Learn, or Dreambox.



Where in the World was Mrs. Morell?

Last week, I had the opportunity to travel to West Africa for a bit of an adventure.  Can anyone figure out where I was?

China Glogs!

Today, we will be creating an online posterboard about China using a new program called Glogster.

The link to the program can be found here:

http://edu.glogster.com/

Please include the following information in your Glog:

Glog Checklist:

Please include:

A title that says: China
Your name
At least five photos of China, including two landmarks such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terra Cotta Warriors or Olympic buildings.
A map of China
A picture of the Chinese flag
At least seven facts about China, including two on aspects of culture such as songs, dress, food, dress, and religion.
A text box with a few sentences about why you might like to visit China someday.

A file of photographs has been tucked in the Y: drive for you, and you will be able to work from some fact sheets:

http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/china_for_kids.htm

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/places/find/china/

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/asia/china/


The password for everyone in the class is: htsglog

and the logins are:

ABayz

AbGallagher

ABurney1

AgHunter

AVolkman

calyons

CBayz

CBecker1

CGammon

ClBailey

CTartaglino

EConner

ESmulson

JackJones12

JLococo      

JuJackson1

KaGoddard

kamoran1

KayVaughn

LexStone

LiMulvihill

LuBryant

MaMorrell

MicReyes

PiAnthony

PRosenberg

RoNorton

SeamusCG

TCasasola

WiMartinez

Dreambox!

On Tuesday, while I'm on the Field Trip to Gettysburg, you will try the new interactive math game Dreambox designed for 4th graders:

https://play.dreambox.com/login/rgsc/holyts

Just click on 4th Grade, and then your name to get started.  It should be great fun - can't wait to hear how you like it! 

Happy Math Day...

Mrs. Morell



Sign of the Beaver - letter writing

During the combined Language Arts/Technology block this afternoon, we will use the Letter Generator from the ReadWriteThink website to guide us in properly formatting a letter.

In a previous class, you will have drafted a letter from the perspective of Matt to his family.  Spend this class entering it into this website to create your final, typed version.  Happy letter writing!

http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/letter-generator-30005.html

Just Keep Typing...

This week, we'll continue to practice our keyboarding using Type to Learn.  We'll be doing this for the next several weeks.  Always remember to keep your keyboard covers on, and those fingers on the home keys!

Mrs. Morell

Scantron Testing in Technology Class

Over the next week or two in Technology class, we will be taking an online test called the Scantron Performance Series. You will be taking tests in reading and math.  You can work at your own pace, and there are no time limits.

These tests are like the Terra Nova tests, but taken online.  The results will not appear on your report cards or affect your group placements... they are simply to help your teachers identify what skills you have mastered, and what you still need to work on.

We'll talk about the tests in class before you take them for the first time on Tuesday.

Mrs. Morell

Type to Learn, and some new typing games to mix things up

We will continue to work on Type to Learn this week, but will also have time to try a few online keyboarding games at the end of class.

I think you should all start with the ABCya! Keyboard Challenge:

http://www.abcya.com/keyboard.htm

I also think you will also have fun with Cup Stacking and Alpha Munchies:

http://www.abcya.com/cup_stack_typing_game.htm

http://www.abcya.com/kids_typing_game.htm

Next, try BBC's Dance Mat Typing:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/flash/stage1.shtml

And if you are ready for a huge challenge,  you can also try Typer Shark:

http://kids.aol.com/games/typer-shark/

Enjoy!

Mrs. Morell

Computer Viruses - and back to keyboarding for a while...

This week, we learned about computer viruses from our friends Tim and Moby at BrainPop:

We then spent the rest of class working on our keyboarding skills using Type to Learn.  We'll be spending the next few weeks keyboarding dear 4th graders ... as it is an increasingly important skill for your language arts classes.

Enjoy,

Mrs. Morell

Using PowerPoint to define and illustrate landforms

Learning about landforms is an important element of the 4th grade Social Studies class this month.  So, in technology class this week and next, we will work on a PowerPoint slide show of selected landforms.  The students were given a comprehensive list of landforms (see below), and were asked to decide which ones they would like to define and illustrate - using the ClipArt function of the program. The students worked from a template, but were welcomed to change the design, color and fonts.   Below are a few of the first results - looking forward to seeing many more next week!

Landform list for PowerPoint project
Archipelago	An archipelago is a group or chain of islands clustered together in a sea or ocean.
Atoll	An atoll is a ring (or partial ring) of coral that forms an island in an ocean or sea.  The coral sits stop a submerged volcanic cone.
Bay	A bay is a body of water that is partially enclosed by land.
Canyon	A canyon is a deep valley with very steep sides often carved from the earth by a river.
Cape	A cape is a pointed piece of land that sticks out into a sea, ocean, lake or river.
Cave	An underground enclosure accessed from the surface of the ground or from the sea.
Channel	A channel is a body of water that connects two larger bodies of water.  A channel is also a part of a river or harbor that is deep enough to let ships sail through.
Cliff	A cliff is a steep face of rock and soil.
Cove	A cove is a small, horseshoe shaped body of water along the coast; the water is surrounded by land formed of soft rock.
Delta	A delta is a low, watery land formed at the mouth of a river.  It is formed from the silt, sand and small rocks that flow downstream in the river and are deposited in the delta.
Desert	A desert is a very dry area.
Dune	A dune is a hill or ridge made of sand.  Dunes are shaped by the wind and change all the time.
Estuary	An estuary is where a river meets the sea or ocean.
Fjord	A fjord is a long, narrow sea inlet that is bordered by steep cliffs.
Glacier	A glacier is a long-lasting, slowly moving river or ice on land.
Gulf	A gulf is a part of the ocean (or sea) that is partly surrounded by land (it is usually larger than a bay.)
Hill	A hill is a raised area or mound of land.
Island	An island is a piece of land that is surrounded by water.
Isthmus	An isthmus is a narrow strip of land connecting two larger landmasses.
Lake	A lake is a large body of water surrounded by land on all sides.  Really huge lakes are often called seas.
Mountain	A mountain is a very tall high, natural place on Earth – higher than a hill.
Ocean	An ocean is a large body of salt water that surrounds a continent.  Oceans cover more than two-thirds of the Earth’s surface.
Peninsula	A peninsula is a body of land that is surrounded by water on three sides.
Plain	Plains are flat lands that only have small changes in elevation.
Plateau	A plateau is a large, flat area of land that is higher than the surrounding land.
Pond	A pond is a small body of water surrounded by land.  A pond is smaller than a lake.
Prairie	A prairie is a wide, relatively flat area of land that has grasses and only a few trees.
Rainforest	A forest that receives more than 8 feet of rain each year.
Reef	A submerged ridge of rock or coral near the surface of the water.
River	A river is a large, flowing body of water that usually empties into a sea or ocean.
Savanna	A savanna is a flat grassland in a tropical or subtropical region.
Sea	A sea is a large body of salty water that is often connected to an ocean.  A sea may be partly or completely surrounded by land.
Strait	A strait is a narrow body of water that connects two larger bodies of water.
Swamp	A swamp is a type of freshwater wetland that has spongy, muddy land and a lot of water.  Many trees and shrubs grow in swamps.
Valley	A valley is a low place between mountains.
Volcano	A volcano is a mountainous vent in the earth’s crust.  When a volcano erupts, it spews out lava, ashes, and hot gases from deep inside the Earth.
Waterfall	When a river falls off steeply, there is a waterfall.