11:25-12:05 PE

What are we learning?

This section will contain weekly topics of study, not weekly or nightly homework.  I am trying to encourage development of your child's responsibility and independence by holding them accountable for writing down daily assignments.   I do draw attention to where it is written each day on the board and will initial filled out homework agendas for parents if the child asks.  Your child's time in my class will not only include 4th grade learning, but preparation and training for 5th grade and middle school requirements.   My class will be an environment where your child can feel safe to learn and can blossom into successful young ladies and gentlemen.

Reading:  The read aloud book is called Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.    

The students are using their reading books for weekly stories and comprehension tests. Students will read the stories on their own each week, and we will discuss the concepts, vocabulary, and skills in class.  Please make sure your child is reading the story at home.  The story this week is No Story this week due to ITBS Testing.

Students are also responsible for two independent reading grades this year.  Students have a reading log that needs to stay in their binder.  I will check this weekly, and check for parents initials.  Students are responsible for reading 2 hours at home each week.  This can be done all in one day or broken up over the course of the week.  At the end of the nine weeks, their reading log will serve as one of their independent reading grades.  The other independent reading grade will come for AR tests.  The students will need to pass 3 AR tests over the course of the nine weeks.  The books they read and take tests on have to be chapter books or non-fiction books on their level.  The students know their levels, and they are written on the back of their library cards.  Visit www.arbookfind.com to search for titles at the appropriate level that your child will find interesting and enjoyable.                   

Spelling: The students have a list of 12 spelling words this week.  Please make sure you child is studying the spelling words at home. 

Language:  We are discussing types of sentences and subject/predicate.  Students will begin having a weekly assessment of language skills they should have mastered. 

Writing:  We will be working on various writing assignments with a focus on ideas.

Social Studies: We will be starting a new unit on explorers.