Hello Parents,
I use signup genius for conferences. I will be releasing the link this coming weekend so that you can sign up for a conference slot.
ELA: we are reading/analyzing our literature books: The Tiger Rising and Wringer. In addition, we continue to honor our VIP each week and listen to presentations by students and practice active listening skills.
DRA2: we have completed the DRA2 testing--reading and writing comprehension assessments. This is a new version of the DRA that has been used in past years. It is aligned to the common core, thus making the assessment rubric very rigorous. Please remember that our students have not changed rather the measure that is being used has taken a steep climb upwards. That said, you may find that your student is reading at a lower grade level than before. This assessment weights reading fluency/rate heavily. It also puts an emphasis on comprehension--and the writing portion of the assessment. Example: if your student is a slower reader, we drop them down to a "good fit" book where they can read smoothly with 97% or higher accuracy. If your student is a smooth reader but struggles with written expression, that will also effect their score. We are doing a lot of reading and writing this year so students are getting instruction to boost them in proficiency, practice and skill. This is one measure of a student and works in part with all the other assessments we do to determine where they are. My advice, relax, we will look at the data together and discuss things to support your little doodle at conferences if that is necessary. All students in this class are intelligent, competent and working hard toward real attainable goals.
SC Symphony: daily musical compositions are introduced and enjoyed every morning along with active listening skills.
Harmony: best practices school-wide curriculum for building a strong social-emotional community within our classrooms.
AR Reading: Accelerated Reader continues to be an important part of our reading program. Students are reading appropriate AR books found through the AR book find link and then quizzing on them within 24 hours of finishing their book. It is critical to support your child in book selection (most books are in our school and classroom libraries) and to remind them to read, read, read whenever the opportunity arises--in the car, while waiting for an appt., to and from school, before bed time, on a Sunday in your jammies, etc. These books should travel to and from the classroom in a daily fashion for classroom DEAR (drop everything and read) sessions as well as nightly reading homework and beyond. Students have a goal of 14.5 points for this first trimester. Each book has a certain amount of points it is worth. This information is listed with reading level and appropriateness (grade school, middle school, high school, for example). Points per book range from 3 to 5, generally, with longer books being worth more points. On an average this is going to mean your child is reading anywhere from 3-5 books by November 1. That said, help your child select books that are on their reading level, and have high interest for them. This will allow them to accomplish reading books from start to finish successfully.
Math: we have been practicing mental math strategies on classwork and homework. This week we begin word problems and the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Please check your child's planner for specific page numbers. We will continue to review these concepts. We have started a new POM (problem of the month).
In addition, students are expected to have their times tables memorized by Nov. 4. If your child isn't saying times tables in the car on the way to and from school and every night for a 5 minute run through (and driving you a bit crazy), something is amiss. These are goals that were set in early September. In order for your child to be successful with the math in this grade level, it is important to have these skills down. Please have some fun with these and have your child rehearse daily so that they can test on these math facts by the end of the month. The blue binder has a checklist sheet to help you test your child on each 1 of the times tables (2's-12's) this week. As your child tests on each one, please check off and return this sheet by Nov. 4th. Thank you.
Science: experiments with electricity, circuits.
Social Studies: Colonies, slavery.
Writing and Grammar: we will work on summary writing this week and next.
Upcoming Announcements/Events:
Oct. 31--Halloween Parade 8:45 a.m.
and 4th Grade Halloween Celebration at 12:45
Nov. 1--staff development day, no school
Nov. 8--board meeting
Nov. 10--Veteran's Day, no school
Nov. 13--report cards
Nov. 13-17--parent Teacher conferences
Nov. 22-24--Thanksgiving break
Thank you for supporting me and the growth of your child in every way.
Warmly,
Mrs. Young
Monday, October 30, 2017
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Hello Parents,
Please see the detailed list below of important dates to have on your calendar for October and November. Our make up Back to School Night is scheduled for Wednesday October 25 at 5:30.
ELA: Lucy Calkin's reader's workshop on a daily basis. It is important to be sure your child is reading 40 minutes nightly and applying the strategies taught in class. We are focusing on theories about our characters.
Read Aloud books: Wringer, The Tiger Rising, Indian in the Cupboard
SC Symphony: daily musical compositions are introduced and enjoyed every morning.
Harmony: best practices school-wide curriculum for building a strong social-emotional community within our classroom.
AR Reading: Accelerated Reader continues to be an important part of our reading program. Students are reading appropriate AR books found through the AR book find link and then quizzing on them within 24 hours of finishing their book. It is critical to support your child in book selection (most books are in our school and classroom libraries) and to remind them to read, read, read whenever the opportunity arises--in the car, while waiting for an appt., to and from school, before bed time, on a Sunday in your jammies, etc. These books should travel to and from the classroom in a daily fashion for classroom DEAR (drop everything and read) sessions as well as nightly reading homework and beyond. Students have a goal of 14 points for this first trimester. Each book has a certain amount of points it is worth. This information is listed with reading level and appropriateness (grade school, middle school, high school, for example). Points per book range from 3 to 5, generally, with longer books being worth more points. On an average this is going to mean your child is reading anywhere from 3-5 books by November 1. That said, help your child select books that are on their reading level, and have high interest for them. This will allow them to accomplish reading books from start to finish successfully.
Math: 4th the 4 operations; 5th the order of operations
In addition, students are expected to have their times tables memorized by the end of October (2's through 12's). If your child isn't saying times tables in the car on the way to and from school and every night for a 5 minute run through (and driving you a bit crazy), something is amiss. These are goals that were set in early September. In order for your child to be successful with the math in this grade level, it is important to have these skills down. Please have some fun with these and have your child rehearse daily so that they can test on these math facts by the end of the month. multiplication music
Science: Experiments with magnets and electricity.
Social Studies: Early colonial settlements
Writing and Grammar and Spelling: Weekly lessons, word work and quizzes
Upcoming Announcements:
Oct. 17--Picture Day
Oct. 20--Movie Night 6 p.m.
Oct. 25--4/5 Back to School Night 5:30
Oct. 31--Halloween Parade 8:45
Nov. 1--Staff Development Day, no school
Nov. 8--Board Meeting
Nov. 10--Veteran's Day, no school
Nov. 13--Report Cards
Nov. 13 - 17-- 12:35 early dismissal for Parent Teacher conferences
Nov. 17 Turkey Trot 8:30
Nov. 22-24--Thanksgiving Break
Thank you in advance for supporting me and the growth of your child in every way.
Warmly,
Mrs. Young
Please see the detailed list below of important dates to have on your calendar for October and November. Our make up Back to School Night is scheduled for Wednesday October 25 at 5:30.
ELA: Lucy Calkin's reader's workshop on a daily basis. It is important to be sure your child is reading 40 minutes nightly and applying the strategies taught in class. We are focusing on theories about our characters.
Read Aloud books: Wringer, The Tiger Rising, Indian in the Cupboard
SC Symphony: daily musical compositions are introduced and enjoyed every morning.
Harmony: best practices school-wide curriculum for building a strong social-emotional community within our classroom.
AR Reading: Accelerated Reader continues to be an important part of our reading program. Students are reading appropriate AR books found through the AR book find link and then quizzing on them within 24 hours of finishing their book. It is critical to support your child in book selection (most books are in our school and classroom libraries) and to remind them to read, read, read whenever the opportunity arises--in the car, while waiting for an appt., to and from school, before bed time, on a Sunday in your jammies, etc. These books should travel to and from the classroom in a daily fashion for classroom DEAR (drop everything and read) sessions as well as nightly reading homework and beyond. Students have a goal of 14 points for this first trimester. Each book has a certain amount of points it is worth. This information is listed with reading level and appropriateness (grade school, middle school, high school, for example). Points per book range from 3 to 5, generally, with longer books being worth more points. On an average this is going to mean your child is reading anywhere from 3-5 books by November 1. That said, help your child select books that are on their reading level, and have high interest for them. This will allow them to accomplish reading books from start to finish successfully.
Math: 4th the 4 operations; 5th the order of operations
In addition, students are expected to have their times tables memorized by the end of October (2's through 12's). If your child isn't saying times tables in the car on the way to and from school and every night for a 5 minute run through (and driving you a bit crazy), something is amiss. These are goals that were set in early September. In order for your child to be successful with the math in this grade level, it is important to have these skills down. Please have some fun with these and have your child rehearse daily so that they can test on these math facts by the end of the month. multiplication music
Science: Experiments with magnets and electricity.
Social Studies: Early colonial settlements
Writing and Grammar and Spelling: Weekly lessons, word work and quizzes
Upcoming Announcements:
Oct. 17--Picture Day
Oct. 20--Movie Night 6 p.m.
Oct. 25--4/5 Back to School Night 5:30
Oct. 31--Halloween Parade 8:45
Nov. 1--Staff Development Day, no school
Nov. 8--Board Meeting
Nov. 10--Veteran's Day, no school
Nov. 13--Report Cards
Nov. 13 - 17-- 12:35 early dismissal for Parent Teacher conferences
Nov. 17 Turkey Trot 8:30
Nov. 22-24--Thanksgiving Break
Thank you in advance for supporting me and the growth of your child in every way.
Warmly,
Mrs. Young
Sunday, October 8, 2017
Hello Everyone,
I hope you enjoyed this beautiful weekend and our Indian summer weather.
ELA: We are continuing our Lucy Calkin's reader's workshop on a daily basis. It is important to be sure your child is reading 40 minutes nightly and applying the strategies taught in class. We are focusing on a main character's: traits, desires, and motivations. The story arc is being discussed and studied.
Read Aloud books: Wringer and The Tiger Rising
AR Reading: Accelerated Reader continues to be an important part of our reading program. Students are reading appropriate AR books found through the AR book find link and then quizzing on them within 24 hours of finishing their book. It is critical to support your child in book selection (most books are in our school and classroom libraries) and to remind them to read, read, read whenever the opportunity arises--in the car, while waiting for an appt., to and from school, before bed time, on a Sunday in your jammies, etc. These books should travel to and from the classroom in a daily fashion for classroom DEAR (drop everything and read) sessions as well as nightly reading homework and beyond. Students have a goal of 14.5 points for this first trimester. Each book has a certain amount of points it is worth. This information is listed with reading level and appropriateness (grade school, middle school, high school, for example). Points per book range from 3 to 5, generally, with longer books being worth more points. On an average, this is going to mean your child is reading anywhere from 3-5 books by November 1. That said, help your child select books that are on their reading level, and have high interest for them. This will allow them to accomplish reading books from start to finish successfully.
4th Math: factors, multiples and divisibility. Please check your child's planner for specific page numbers for homework.
5th Math: We will continue to review mental math multiplication strategies with 10's, 100's and 1000's as well as exponents. Division will be started this week.
In addition, students are expected to have their times tables memorized by the end of October (2's through 12's). If your child isn't saying times tables in the car on the way to and from school and every night for a 5 minute run through (and driving you a bit crazy), something is amiss. These are goals that were set in early September. In order for your child to be successful with the math in this grade level, it is important to have these skills down. Please have some fun with these and have your child rehearse daily so that they can test on these math facts by the end of the month. multiplication music
4th Science: Experiments with magnets and electricity continue.
Social Studies: Early colonies are studied in depth through History Alive text book.
Writing and Grammar: FANBOYS, interjections, personal narratives
Spelling and Vocabulary: weekly review and unit tests.
Thank you in advance for supporting me and the growth of your child in every way.
Have a stellar week!
Warmly,
Mrs. Young
I hope you enjoyed this beautiful weekend and our Indian summer weather.
ELA: We are continuing our Lucy Calkin's reader's workshop on a daily basis. It is important to be sure your child is reading 40 minutes nightly and applying the strategies taught in class. We are focusing on a main character's: traits, desires, and motivations. The story arc is being discussed and studied.
Read Aloud books: Wringer and The Tiger Rising
AR Reading: Accelerated Reader continues to be an important part of our reading program. Students are reading appropriate AR books found through the AR book find link and then quizzing on them within 24 hours of finishing their book. It is critical to support your child in book selection (most books are in our school and classroom libraries) and to remind them to read, read, read whenever the opportunity arises--in the car, while waiting for an appt., to and from school, before bed time, on a Sunday in your jammies, etc. These books should travel to and from the classroom in a daily fashion for classroom DEAR (drop everything and read) sessions as well as nightly reading homework and beyond. Students have a goal of 14.5 points for this first trimester. Each book has a certain amount of points it is worth. This information is listed with reading level and appropriateness (grade school, middle school, high school, for example). Points per book range from 3 to 5, generally, with longer books being worth more points. On an average, this is going to mean your child is reading anywhere from 3-5 books by November 1. That said, help your child select books that are on their reading level, and have high interest for them. This will allow them to accomplish reading books from start to finish successfully.
4th Math: factors, multiples and divisibility. Please check your child's planner for specific page numbers for homework.
5th Math: We will continue to review mental math multiplication strategies with 10's, 100's and 1000's as well as exponents. Division will be started this week.
In addition, students are expected to have their times tables memorized by the end of October (2's through 12's). If your child isn't saying times tables in the car on the way to and from school and every night for a 5 minute run through (and driving you a bit crazy), something is amiss. These are goals that were set in early September. In order for your child to be successful with the math in this grade level, it is important to have these skills down. Please have some fun with these and have your child rehearse daily so that they can test on these math facts by the end of the month. multiplication music
4th Science: Experiments with magnets and electricity continue.
Social Studies: Early colonies are studied in depth through History Alive text book.
Writing and Grammar: FANBOYS, interjections, personal narratives
Spelling and Vocabulary: weekly review and unit tests.
Thank you in advance for supporting me and the growth of your child in every way.
Have a stellar week!
Warmly,
Mrs. Young
Sunday, October 1, 2017
Hello Everyone,
I wanted to thank all of you for your understanding with my absence last week due to a family emergency. I will confirm our October date for the 4/5 Back to School Night in the next few days. Although I missed the play, I know the kids did such a nice job with it--good news travels fast. Thank you to all the parents and staff members who contributed to this wonderful event and the cast party. We are so fortunate to have the arts so visibly supported here at Mountain. The kids really shine with these opportunities.
ELA: We will continue to build a reading life with good-fit books of high interest and appropriate reading levels. 30-40 minutes of nightly reading is recommended. Reader's Workshop: Lucy Calkin's curriculum with Read Aloud books: The Tiger Rising and Wringer.
Math: homework on factors, multiples and divisibility will continue each night this week as we prepare for our test on this unit this Friday. Please check your child's planner for specific page numbers. We will continue to review our concepts. 5 minutes of math facts practice each night. Multiplication Music
Science: Experiments with magnets and electricity continue.
Social Studies: We will continue our study of the American Revolution and the events that lead up to it and beyond.
Writing and Grammar: weekly vocabulary/spelling word work, grammar (FANBOYS) and editing. Narrative essay.
Have a great week!
Warmly,
Mrs. Young
I wanted to thank all of you for your understanding with my absence last week due to a family emergency. I will confirm our October date for the 4/5 Back to School Night in the next few days. Although I missed the play, I know the kids did such a nice job with it--good news travels fast. Thank you to all the parents and staff members who contributed to this wonderful event and the cast party. We are so fortunate to have the arts so visibly supported here at Mountain. The kids really shine with these opportunities.
ELA: We will continue to build a reading life with good-fit books of high interest and appropriate reading levels. 30-40 minutes of nightly reading is recommended. Reader's Workshop: Lucy Calkin's curriculum with Read Aloud books: The Tiger Rising and Wringer.
Math: homework on factors, multiples and divisibility will continue each night this week as we prepare for our test on this unit this Friday. Please check your child's planner for specific page numbers. We will continue to review our concepts. 5 minutes of math facts practice each night. Multiplication Music
Science: Experiments with magnets and electricity continue.
Social Studies: We will continue our study of the American Revolution and the events that lead up to it and beyond.
Writing and Grammar: weekly vocabulary/spelling word work, grammar (FANBOYS) and editing. Narrative essay.
Have a great week!
Warmly,
Mrs. Young
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)