Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Science!
We used the scientific method to test how to make a floating container heavy enough to sink. Our hypothesis was 10 marbles. Imagine our surprise when it took over 30!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Spelling Words Aug 30-Sep 2
We will start with five words this week and add five every week until we have twenty. Then we will rotate out the oldest words so that we always have twenty words, but only five new ones. In that way, students will have a month to learn words.
Phonics Idea: /K/ sound in the beginning, middle, and end of a word.
Phonics Idea: /K/ sound in the beginning, middle, and end of a word.
- conquer
- stomach
- picnic
- antique
- kilogram
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Snacks
Many students are up very early for chores and/or their bus ride. Fourth grade has lunch at noon, which can be a long time from breakfast. With the earlier schedule, it's very important that students get a good breakfast. However, students are much better able to concentrate the hour before lunch if they have a small snack. I will provide snacks on Thursdays, but if parents would like to occasionally donate store-bought snacks that can be shared, the students would appreciate it. Something non-messy, non-sugary, and non-perishable (unless it's for same-day consumption) is preferred.
Halloween Party Sign Up
Our Halloween Party will be October 28th, usually the last hour of the day. Sign up here to be in charge or help.
Christmas Party Sign Up
The Christmas Party is December 22nd. This party for this is usually first thing in the morning, so keep that in mind when planning snacks. Sign up here to be in charge or to help out.
Valentine Sign Up
Valentine's Day is Monday, Feb 14 th. The party is usually the last hour of the day. Sign up here to either be in charge or help.
Easter Party Sign Up
Our Easter party will be April 21st. We will need one parent to be in charge as well as about two others to help. Comment and include your email and/or phone to sign up.
Reading Groups and Rotations
Reading Groups
Fourth grade does split up for leveled reading groups. Tier One focuses on literature, Tier Two works on Reading Mastry and some literature, Tier Three uses the Wilson reading program. Students are placed based on fluency scores and PAWS scores. Please let me know if you have any concerns about your child's placement or needs.
Rotations
In fourth grade, we rotate once a week as follows:
Mrs. Carter: Spanish
Mr. Sandlian: Health
Mrs. McConkey: Art
Fourth grade does split up for leveled reading groups. Tier One focuses on literature, Tier Two works on Reading Mastry and some literature, Tier Three uses the Wilson reading program. Students are placed based on fluency scores and PAWS scores. Please let me know if you have any concerns about your child's placement or needs.
Rotations
In fourth grade, we rotate once a week as follows:
Mrs. Carter: Spanish
Mr. Sandlian: Health
Mrs. McConkey: Art
Homework
Homework
I do assign homework every day, but it's work that should take a minimum amount of time. My homework is as much for communication with the parents as review and practice for the student. Please be involved in your child's homework. It's a quick an easy way to know what goes on in the class and to have an opportunity to work one-on-one as needed.
1. Math: we have one sheet of math homework every day. Parents can see which lesson we studied that day and whether or not their child is having difficulty with the concept. Students should typically have 5-10 problems. Math sheets should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete. If the concept is confusing, bring your attempts and your questions the next day.
2. Spelling: write the words once.
We have a spelling test each week on 20 words, but only 5 of them are new. The rest cycle through so students will see each set of words for a whole month before they are rotated out. Each set of 5 words is based on the same spelling concept.
3. Reading: Students should be reading a minimum of 120 minutes per week. That is only two hours a week. With the shortened week schedule, it is more important than ever for children to read fun books at home. We do have a grade on whether or not the AR goal is met, but if a student is interested in a non-AR book, just let me know, and we can make arrangements.
I do assign homework every day, but it's work that should take a minimum amount of time. My homework is as much for communication with the parents as review and practice for the student. Please be involved in your child's homework. It's a quick an easy way to know what goes on in the class and to have an opportunity to work one-on-one as needed.
1. Math: we have one sheet of math homework every day. Parents can see which lesson we studied that day and whether or not their child is having difficulty with the concept. Students should typically have 5-10 problems. Math sheets should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete. If the concept is confusing, bring your attempts and your questions the next day.
2. Spelling: write the words once.
We have a spelling test each week on 20 words, but only 5 of them are new. The rest cycle through so students will see each set of words for a whole month before they are rotated out. Each set of 5 words is based on the same spelling concept.
3. Reading: Students should be reading a minimum of 120 minutes per week. That is only two hours a week. With the shortened week schedule, it is more important than ever for children to read fun books at home. We do have a grade on whether or not the AR goal is met, but if a student is interested in a non-AR book, just let me know, and we can make arrangements.
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