Hi there.

What a great day in the 4th grade!

We started the day with a little video about perseverance. It was pretty funny, but sad at the same time. I am sure hoping that it was staged. The poor soccer goalie in the shoot off just got nailed in the face by the soccer ball over and over again, but he just kept on going back out there to defend the next shooter. It was a painful yet powerful lesson for kids to see one never ever quit! Ouch!

Krissy was our star of the week last week. She was able to share today. She loves to bake with her mom. They just baked a fun cake for her brother's "golden" birthday. She also collects bracelets and charms to put on them. Krissy loves her stuffed animals. So cute! Thanks for sharing with us Miss. Krissy!


Homework tonight is to study states and capitals. They may play a game online, use their flashcards, or build a new puzzle using a printed out copy of the SE region. Remember that they need to know both the location and the matching capital for each state.

This is the last week to read the December book report. We will begin to construct those next Monday. Students that will be gone that week will just be excused from the assignment. If you want them to write a report on their own, please feel free. They may share it in class as well. You can also check the blog from home to see what we are doing if you really want your child to do the same project as we are. Your choice.

At the end of the day we did a Christmas Listening activity. Students had to divide their paper into 16 congruent figures and then listen to oral instructions as to what to draw in each box. They only heard the directions once. We have been working on visualization in reading class so I had them close their eyes and visualize the directions before each one. They also had to put their drawing in the correct square. This was tough for some kids. Listening seems to be a challenge for some kiddos in here.

Tomorrow, midterms are scheduled to go home. Once again I find myself frustrated with this and the waste of paper (especially after our going green unit in Lead 21). So, I am going to ask you to do me a favor. If you want a hard copy of your child's grades at this point write COPY in the planner. If you can see their grades online and don't need a print out please write NO COPY in the planner. If you request a copy I will include it in the Tuesday folder tomorrow. If not, then I will not print it out. Clear as mud? Thanks! Those that write in the planner will earn $10 tomorrow.

Ok, the spoiling needs to stop! Three more gracious gifts for Mrs. Grewell today at Fly time. Josh found the PERFECT Mrs. Grewell shirt in Denver this weekend! Boy, I wonder if I will love wearing that one…YEP! So much so, that I went right into the restroom and put it on! Comfy and fashionable! Love it!!! Thanks Josh! Carl surprised me with a nutcracker. It is the first one I have ever owned. I have always wanted one! I am going to use it to open sunflower seeds, which I enjoy very much!!! Thanks Carl! Finally, since Espen is traveling to Africa for the holiday season he gave me an early Christmas present. I will very much enjoy doing some shopping at the new Scheels for MRS. GREWELL stuff. He said that it was to be spent on ME!!! That is a super fun one. Yay! Thanks Espen!



I leave you with some fun pictures of kids decorating and doing some fun Christmas activities. We saw the beginning of Reece's annual sugar cookie making. But, WOWZERS, look at the end the result!! Holy smokes Batman! Yummy! Morgan also got in on the cookie action. She looks like she is having a great time making some very yummy treats! Miss. Laney is having a grand time decorating her beautiful tree with dad. I LOVE the picture of her on top of his shoulders. She is all smiles!!!! What do all of these pictures have in common? They are all of kids loving every single second making memories with their families at Christmas! Love!!!


Have a great night!
Mrs. Grewell